Copied and edited by William W. Brewer, Jr.
wwb@ix.netcom.com
John Lyle King was born in Madison, Jefferson County, Indiana on 20 Jan 1823. He was the son of Victor King and the former Eliza R. Lyle. John Lyle King graduated from Hanover College in the Class of 1841. When he began his diary, in 1842, he was studying law in Madison, and after passing the bar was a practicing attorney there until 1856. As a Whig, he was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 1851-1852. In 1856 he moved to Chicago, where he was City Attorney in 1860. He died in Chicago on 16 Apr 1892.My connection with John Lyle King is that we share a common ancestor. Victor King, the father of John Lyle King, was the brother of my great-great-great-grandfather, John King, sons of William King, who was a prominent citizen of Dayton, Ohio. John and Victor King came to Madison from Dayton in 1817. John King's daughter, Margaret Jane King married Josiah Weyer. Both are mentioned in the diaries, and they were my great-great-grandparents. So, if I am counting correctly, John Lyle King was my first cousin, four times removed. For anyone interested in a more detailed genealogy, I have an entry on Rootsweb's World Connections, under "wwbrewer."
In the following pages I have sometimes copied John Lyle King's words exactly as he wrote them in his diary. At other times, trying to save my limited time at the Indiana Historical Society Library, I have summarized his entries. Where ever I have summarized, I have clearly indicated that I have done so. Bear in mind, however, that John Lyle King himself, in 1881, edited these diaries. He crossed out lines that he had written, and tore out entire pages. Still, he left the vast majority of his thoughts and observations as a young man in Madison, and I think that we, as genealogists, will find his diaries valuable. I have, as you can see, copied only a small portion of two volumes. Someday I hope that I, or some other Jefferson County researcher, can add to this beginning.
In places, I have inserted my own comments. Where this occurs, I have encased my comments, following standard notation, in brackets, as: [my comments].
I would like to thank the staff of the Indiana Historical Society, who have always been extremely patient, helpful, and considerate during my visits to their splendid library. I guess, since I have been a member of the Society for many years, I should say, our library. Special thanks go to Mr. Eric Mundell, Director of the Library.
William W. Brewer, Jr.
Redondo Beach, California
6 April 2000CREDITS: King, John Lyle. Diaries, 1842-1879. Collection #BV 745-755, Indiana Historical Society.
John Lyle King Diary
SECOND FRONTISPIECE"Nothing but the greatest exactness in the details, and an infinity of shades and salient peculiarities, can endow a character with motion and life, and present it as a whole. It is in the stupendn. depths of the recesses of the human heart that the moral portrait of an individual is to be sought. The source can only be well conceived by observation of the waters that flow from it."
Goethe's "Memoirs"
THIRD FRONTISPIECE
FOURTH FRONTISPIECE
We converse with absent others by letters; with the public by the Press, with ourselves by our diaries. Borrowed.[There are several pages ripped out. One can see, from the ragged edges left in the book, that these pages had been written on. John Lyle King re-read his diary sometime in 1881, and it is believed that at that time he tore out some pages, and heavily crossed out some lines on other pages. I also believe that he numbered the pages at that time, since there are no gaps in the page numbers where he tore out pages. I have noted where this occurred, when I could identify it.]
[For some reason, he started his diary, that is, the earliest date, on page 10 of this volume. Then, on December 21, 1843 he ran out of pages, and had evidently not yet purchased a new volume, so he went back and used pages 2 through 9. I have elected, therefore, to put pages 2-9 at the end, where they belong according to dates; that is, following page 345, even though I had not copied all the pages up to that point. Where I have done this, I will clearly identify each of those pages as: Page 2 of the diary, Page 346, chronologically," "Page 3 of the diary, Page 347, chronologically," and so on.]
Page 10:
Madison January 29 1842.
We have lately had some of the most delightful weather that ever shone on Earth or brightened the depths of heaven. Yesterday was a most beautiful day- as warm an air and bright a sky as ever shone in Italy on a May Morning. It has not been the only day in this month of storm & snow of unsurpassing beauty. Every person seems much to enjoy such weather- and are out basking in sunshine, like hybernating [sic] animals, stealing from their wintry abodes.
I have just returned (on Thursday Evening) from an excursion to Cincinnati, with a bridal party- On Tuesday at 3 oclock Cons. [cousin?] Saml. C [?-may be E?] King, Consented with Matrimonial rite sanctioned, to walk "through the fiery furnace of domestic tribulation" with Miss Harriet G Woodburn. Berryhill & Wm King were the attendants of Sam & Melinda Woodburn & Margaret King of Miss Harriet Woodburn. [William King and Margaret King were brother and sister]
[page 11]
Mo Wiley the Methodist Minister performed the espousal ceremonies- The Company was quite large & some quite handsome ladies, a few old Maids, Saints, the pious & the wicked and some other Miscellaneous Specimens of human nature- Made up a grotesque appearance- While wine & cake, and the other delicacies of the table were being served around, and while all were interchanging greetings with bride & groom, I was forming a resolution to go with the party to Cin. I went & solicited the Company of Miss Amanda Woodburn, and after some parley with her mother she concluded to--My sister Susan being solicited also by Wm Robinson Consented to go & Amanda & Susan got in a carriage which was in readiness & each was driven to their home, where some hasty preparations were made- By the time they were ready the boat hove in sight & we got to the wharf just in time for her. We all embarked, our long train, no doubt, astonishing all the passengers.
Page 12:
We started off in fine style- And going up we had the Ladie's Cabin to ourselves- We went up on the Pike, the officers of which & Crew are gentlemanly & accommodating. Capt. Bacon one of the owners of the boat & clerk, came into the Ladie's Cabin several times- conversed & played cards- We, soon after supper got a card table in operation- & played, different games, & after short "restup spells," commenced again--
When we left the Ladie's Cabin, it was after 10 oclock- Berryhill, Col King [John Lyle King often refers to his cousin, William King, as "Col King." I do not know why as, to the best of my knowledge, William King had no military connections], Billy Robinson & myself then Smoked & loafed about the Cabin till sleep wearied down our eyelids in slumber- But I did not get to sleep till daylight nearly- The Boat shot through the streams like some fiery monster of the deep, whose throbbing veins pulsated quick & loud- [the next two lines have been heavily crossed out]
[page 13]
[Eight lines on this page, which as much as I can read seem to be continuing the thoughts of page 12, have been crossed out]
Page 14:
[This page is blank]
[page 15]
[written up the side margin of this page]
Thompson Glass Esq
October 22 1845
[Other than this, the page is blank]
Page 16:
Sunday Feb. 27 '42
Got up this morning, as usual at breakfasttime - Mark Tilton slept with me-
Wrote some before church- then attended meeting in our Church [John Lyle King and his family were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Madison. Both his father, Victor, and his uncle, John, were deacons]- when Pres MacMaster preached-
In the afternoon I went to Second Church where a Mr Walker from Cin. preached. I neither likedhis manner of speaking or his matter- & of course was not much edified in a Spiritual view-
To night was the grandest climax of preachments I have lately seen- Rev. Wm M Daily the new preacher of the New Methodist Church was the grand attraction of a full house when there was a "Mighty Many" slewers & rather 'ornery' women-characters
I had a pretty considerable curiosity to hear him as I have at various times heard of the man. He commenced his pious harangue from the text, where it is asserted the Lamb shall war with the powers of darkness & shall
[page 17]
overcome them because he is Lord of Lords & King of Kings. Of course from the text it might be expected, the reverend Man of God, would deal in battalions, armies, armor, ammunition, as tho commodities, wherewith he described the spiritual warfare-- Towards the end of his preachment he became perfectly blazing, zealous, warmed up & right rampant. He made many ridiculous allusions & introduced into his sermon, remarks calculated to excite merriment- For instance, one christian, though a small man might- in a religious view- put to rout a thousand wicked men He said "little men are always the men for fire" and in substance he remarked that if he had the disposal and arrangements of the troops that were to wage spiritual warfare, he would in the first place put the Bible Society and its auxiliarie, together with its spiritual ammunition, as frontier outposts- The Sunday School would be made the Military Academy which would train Cadets & army men for service.
Page 18:
The Methodists, he said from their peculiar organization, he would make the Cavalry- The Presbyterians would be drawn up in solid columns- The Episcopalians, were to store the arsenals prepared for the battle- The Baptists would do the lake service- (Here the audience manifested considerable merriment & well they might) Who were to contribute the Artillery of the Christian Army? He didn't know any person who could better do it than the German Reformers- God grant that they might conquer as in the days of their ancestors, when --here I did not understand what he said through some warrior mynheer of redoubtable valor was spoken of---& "tho common of Von Limp shook the seas"!! (Here too was some laughing) He laid out his schemes, devised his plans & made of warfare, as regularly as a Major Genl. would devise ______ of operation, and make arrangements for the battle--
[page 19]
When he mentioned the "Egyptian Sea," from a want of more extensive knowledge, I could not understand him, in as much as unfortunately the geography & atlas which I used, made no mention of such a place- doubtless through the ignorance of the Geographer.
I left him at about the close of his harangue- when I inferred he'd been immensed in piety in as much as perspirations poured down his cheeks from the violent distention of his lungs & his vocal efforts- He is to me quite an unpleasant speaker- He seems to articulate with great difficulty, and hence to its rather painful than otherwise or at least costs an effort to listen to him-
In fine he's [a Greek quotation here "Kat' EEoXnv"], a real Methodist Preacher, of the boisterous bombastic order
Page 20
Monday 28 Feb- '42
Last day of the month- If according to Locke, time be a inception of ideas, I have not passed ten hours since this time last month- I've studied scarcely a bit- the weather has been glorious, and like a hybernating animal stealing from its wintry abode, I've gone abroad from my room to bask in Sunshine- have read but very little-
my mind perfectly released- an inordinate propensity to perissatount [?--or peripatount] the street, and glance love-looks at lovely women [three words heavily crossed out here] visited many ladies attended some parties- Read a little in Homer- Some in Grobious- read "here a little & there a little"-
When I awoke this morning it was rainning [sic]- went to breakfast- came back to my room- Smoked- Sauntered about- wrote a little on Nepheleg Erterition- Discussed the dinner & smoked again- walked up to the upper end of the City with Sumner- Went down to the river- Miss Judith Rogers spent the evening at our house & in her agreeable lively company I spent the night till bedtime-
[page 21]
Tuesday 1st March 42
First day of Spring- and rainy [sic]. I did not study any today- but read some Don Quixote- As soon as I get through with it, I shall resume my course of reading Grecian history, in the classics & my studies in Moral Philosophy, which, I am determined, I will then pursue continuously- Grobiias for the last few days has not been looked into, and the dust has gathered upon the leaves of Homer- I am well pleased with Grotius. His 'De June Belli ac Pacis' is a splendid work, combining within its pages the charms of the most exalted genius & profoundest erudition of scholarship. His Discussion of the question Are unquam bellore justum est? is a masterly defence [sic] of the customs of warfare as practised [sic]by nations defensively & contains a most signal refutation of Quaker doctrines & members of the Peace Society sentiments.
Loafed about some today. Tonight Berryhill & I went up on Main Street to Wm Woodburns to play Eucre- When we got there we found Ben Taylor & Billy Robinson there.
Before long, Miss Lon. Woodburn came in accompanied by Mrs. Lawrence.
Page 22
Friday 11th March --
Nothing particular happened in the interval of the present & last date- Except that I waited on Miss Letilia Sering home, on Tuesday night from the Singing School
By the way- I have had quite a compliment paid me-
I have been invited not less than 4 times to address the Ladies Temperance Society. Mrs McKee spoke to me 3 times about it and Mrs Moderwek [Moderweh?] left word at home for me, that I had been selected by the Ladies for that purpose- I shall of course decline- As I don't admire much such 'palefaced honor'
Wm King was taken sick this morning- Tonight I am to stay all night with him.
[page 23]
Sat 12th Went to Singing School & waited on Lise Sering home- In the Morning read Plutarch's Life of Lysander
Sunday 13 March '42
Went to hear Mr Daily this morning- The man practises much buffonery- & is at times a complete Bombuster-Furioso.
He is very funny sometimes- In a very paroszem [sic] of eloquence, in speaking of the diffusive nature of Christianity, that its progress could not be arrested, he said "zon might as well try to put out Etna with a dew drop, or quench Vesuvius with a lady's smelling bottle, to shake the Alleghanies with your tread or roll back Niagara [sic] with zon's hand, as to try & check Christianity" Something similar to this is Dawson's saying to a jury in Louisville- "Gentlemen of the Jury you might as well expect an eruption of Mount Vesuvius from a potato hill or the roar of a twenty four pounder from a pop gun as truth from this
[page 24]
witness" that idea of the smelling bottle is certainly the most ordorific thought, that has penetrated the moral ignorance & illuminated the darkness of Madisons benighted citizens.
[page 25]
"The great thing to be recorded is the state of your own mind: and you should write down everything that you remember, for you cannot judge at first what is good or bad: and write immediately, while the impression is fresh, for it will not be the same a week afterward."
Boswells Johnson
[The previous three pages are not numbered in the diary. When numbering resumes, with the following page, it is numbered 24]
Page 24
Thursday Nov. 17 1842
Anything again to make a commencement in journalising. If I were not too lazy to keep a daily record, I might scrawl many a blank page with recorded nonsense- If one would do nothing at all, he ought to keep Journal, daily too, regularly, & punctually. If for nothing else, it would serve the purpose of epitaph to wasted hours- Certainly as interesting as the sculptured inscriptions of Mortality on the tombstone.
I wrote a letter to Geo Lyen today- the first I have written to him for several months. Reason- not received any from him- But I got one on Monday. He is pedagorquering in Kentucky. I copied the Prolegmena of my dissertations on Nephellgerterition [?] into legible character today for the press-the Banner, the organ of publicity to there incubrations. Was down at the Factory sometime this forenoon. Did nothing today.
[page 25]
[this page is blank]
Page 26
Saunders, in the ULSoc., in a speech on the question of the pulpit & the bar argued that the Preacher had the advantage, "What Sir, could be more eloquent than to describe the devil? He is a perfect monster. He appears on the earth, Sir with ears like tobacco leaves, and a forked tail- his nostrils breathing smoke, and his mouth fire, like lightening over the western sky."
Brother Daily, while in one of his exhortatory efforts, from a front bench, his arms reaching over the women, and brandishing his ___?___ [unreadable word] with a peculiar energy, was about being greeted with a hug, apparently- A rather youngish lady jumped up at him, as quick as an antelope on the leap, apparently to hug him, at the same time shouting glory glory glory, whereupon Bro. Daily found it necessary to force her back into her seat.
[page 27]
[A note on this page]
Nothing from Nov 42 to March 20-43
Page 28
MARCH 1843
Madison I'll try once again to journalise- Sometimes
March 20 its pleasant-sometimes the contrary- When
1843 you are rather lazy, its hard as sudying mathematics in Summer heat, though the latter science in all its branches from the simplest innumerations of Arithmetic through all the formula, diagrams, and dull corollarys of its highest gradations- Astronomy were sublime if calculations were not in it, like the last celestial phenomenon, to baffle human inquiry (so far as mine is human) By the way, that celestial streak of light- what is it? Is it a comet? Where's its nucleus? Is it the Zodiacal light? By no means. If my beard was large enough to swear by, I'd swear it- Scott Thompson, the mercantile philosopher, says its the reflection of the moon from the top of Lanier's new house. At any rate, it is a large brilliant, beautiful streak of celestial light- It makes its appearance shortly after twilight in the eve, and fades into the expanse around it, in an hour or less afterwards- It's been seen for two weeks in the shadowy twilight- It's not a very portentous looking stranger- and is quite unerratic- More anon.
Court commenced its Spring Session this morning (Monday) Old Durmont charged the Grand Jury, which infliction, I had
[page 29]
the fortitude to partly bear. In the afternoon, Scott Thompson's indictment was called up. A motion to quash it was made and prevailed-so it was not tried- It charged him with obtaining money by false pretences-his offence, being the propensity to trick his customers by the very ingenious petty fraud of mixing corn-meal with sugar- It was very properly dismissed- It was merely a "trick of trade"- too small to come within the notice of court. All admit it all practice, none scorn, none discredit it, among merchants-
Tuesday Wandering and sauntering about last
Mar. 21 43 night, till late. When I went up to the hardware store and
domistated with Dav. Davidson. Read some in the Smiths's ingenius "Refected Addresses" Very much delighted of course. To court this morning- and think very probable will go to court tonight- Purchased, after dinner some of Shannons best Regalios and regaled myself most regally- Went into court came out- went down Home, read some- and dozed in a rocking chair- went to my room and made a fire.
Page 30
Wednesday Visited Ellen Carl last night- sat there till 11 oclk
22 Mar. Came home- smoked- adjourned to bed.
43 Up at the Court house this morning a while- A jury returned into Court this morning, which retired into their room yesterday afternoon, where they continued all night, unable to pronounce a verdict- and were this morning adjourned- One poor devil was in this case sufficient to keep a jury of starving men nearly 24 hours without eating or drinking (water excepted) How absurd to attempt to coerce men into a verdict, by reaching the mind through the bowels. As if the doctrine were true, that the belly is the seat of the mind. What strange weather for this time of the year! No indication whatever of old Terras Vernal rejuvenescence- Hoary frosts are yet on its frozen brow. Not a bud has been put forth from sapless stems. Keen blows today a chilling gale. Quite a furious snow-storm driving its gelid flakes upon the breath of the wintry wind- Snowflakes are scattering down like flower-leaves from some celestial garden. Its a fact- This morning the snow fell fast and is beating about, like white-winged birds--so thick- the wind whistling- Its almost an anachronism to talk about snow this time of the year-
Borrowed "Borrows Bible in Spain" of Davidson to glance over, today- the celestial Visitor was out again last night. Not so brilliant as on Friday night when it looked like
[page 31]
a flame of blood- What is it? Its rather a mystic mover in the sky, for "thereby hangeth a tail, and a more magnificent one than pertaineth to a ___?___ [unreadable]" Went up to Court this evening-- Came back and read till supper time- And after dark read one hour or two, went to Bro. Daily's- Went up to Wells & chatted till 11 o clock- Then came home and off to bed- Extremely cold tonight--as much so as any weather we've had this winter (I think) Comet out faintly tonight. I think its disappearing.
Borrow hittish off the Yankees in this style "....no multitude of insolent Yankees lounging through the streets or at the Havana, with an air which seems to say, the land is our own whenever we choose to take it"---quite as veritable as Diednich Knickerbocker's caricature of the mosstrooping Yanokies- D Knickerbockers Multims in G Borrows Parvum.
Thursday Got up after breakfast this morning- Fine looking weather out, 23 March but when I went into it, found it cold- like a winter morning. Ice
running and forming on the river. At the Court House awhile. Nothing of importance doing there this morning. Read some before dinner- Went back after dinner to C. H. Geo Shaw was out today- having been sick for nearly a week. Him self and Guilf [?] Eggleston came down to my room and sat awhile. Wandered about before supper- Read an hour- Went over to the house & got the telescope to make sidereal, celestial or cosmetic explorations- But could see nothing of the Comet though visible and beautiful to the eye- Then went up about 8 o clock to the Economy Temperance
Page 32
Society. The house was pretty well filled. Brother Daily is himself the orator and Society- His priestly dominion is well nigh as absolutely swayed over the reformed Bacchants as it is over his Church. The reason perhaps is that most of the members of the one are members of the other. His ___?___ [unreadable] lungs are in constant motion--his throat expectorating nothing but wind-Vox et puteraea nihil- pumping up every five minutes- attitudinizing, grimacing, distorting, yawning exculating, invoking, aprostiaphissing [?], all in a vastly undignified and unclerical manner. Came away before it was dark. Went up to Davy Davison's- Talked- Met MacGood here- Came home- Good night---
Friday 24 March 1843
MacGoode came down and domistated with me- Got up in time for breakfast this morning- Rather fine looking weather out- Not quite as cold as it has been- Perhaps its changing- God grant- Went to Court House both before and after dinner- Heard that a Millerite preacher was to perform at the Campbellite church- Went there- but he didn't lecture on the Second Coming. After stopping at Bro Daily's, came down to Davidsons- read papers, and played Eucre-
Saturday Dormistated with D Davidson- When I got up was surprised to
25 Mar. find snow on the ground of considerable depth- Will the warm
.43 sunshine of Spring never be flung around the globe? Up at Court
again Wm Amor tried for perjury- Case submitted to jury with charge of Judge -acquitted- Our Court House looks more like a dilapidated, weather-worn dingy alms-house in a miserable County Township, than a temple where Justice has a shrine. Its altogether unsuited to a County where Civilization is at least 30 or 40 years old, and where stands amidst
[page 33]
disforested and cultivated hills a thriving City- a "Queen City" where at least, public taste might be suspected to have undergone such a process of refinement as could not tolerate its obsolete style of architecture- And what kind of a scene does the Court present this term? The most uncourteous. The wind and cold come in such chilling profusion, that Nebudchednezza's heated furnace would scarce be sufficient to make it comfortable. It is so cold, that the judges have left the bench and come down to hug around the stove on chairs- Well then, there are no accomodations for setting down with any kind of comfort, and the consequence is a constant tread of feet and moving about & of course noise enough to deafen the auricles of Justice herself, be she never so omnipotent.
At 12 o ck, the Judge adjourned Court over to Monday to give possession of the house to the Whig County Convention which is to assemble this afternoon--
6 o ck. The Convention met. It was a large. The bar was perfectly crowded and nearly so without the bar. It seemed like the re-generation of the Tippecanoe spirit of 1840. The County was well represented. Chairmen and Secretary were appointed- Some resolutions offered & carried- The various Township delegations repaired to different places- as at the Clerk & Recorders office, &c- to appoint nominating Committees to represent them. when they should retire to make a selection of candidates. When these delegations had all gone up to stairs to proceed to the choice of nominees McKee Dunn was called on for a speech and responded- then Traxell made a speech- Various other persons were then clammered for- among others myself- Nobody got up- After attempting awhile to get a speaker, Jo [?] White was again called on, and for an hour eloquently responded to the meetings call, in that effective style of oratory for which he is remarkable. Just before supper the nominating Com. reported. Judge Dunn as cand. for Senate- C Woodard--Tevis, Stephen Lee for Rep's- C. B. Lewis for Sheriff [sic]
Page 34
_______ [this blank is in the text] for assessor. The Whigs if they will suppport their nomminees can certainly carry the election.
The Whigs have experienced sufficiently the disasters of discord and disunion- They will repair their fatal mistakes of disunited and divided interests by a system of efficient organization and co-operation. Which, combining their strength and dispelling the lethargic spell which has replaced and weakened their energies will achieve the triumph of their principles and repel the aggressions of Locofocoism.
Locofocoism, skulking with most glaring and palpable absurdity under the mark of Democracy with an awkardness [sic] and impropriety which the speciousness of its apparent orthodogy cannot conceal, cannot when the Whigs are united and vigilant ever grasp, in Whig State, a secptre or usurp a sway, which of right belongs to its more decent rival. The word Democracy as appropriated by Locofocoism to dignify its new appellation, is a plagairism of terms as inappropriatge to its own deformities and obliquities, as the title of Divine bestowed by Roman Senators upon a debauched and profligate Roman Emperor- - - - - - - - -
Locofocoism attains its "bad preeminence" by its minute and perfect organization. It out-manuvers the phalxed soldiery of Macedon, out watches all the hundred eyes of Argus, and out-works all the hundred hands of Briauns- - - - - - - - - - - -
Its most Norweigianly cold this evening- I'm surprised so many attended the Convention.
Sunday After dark last night went round to Brother Daily's and met some
25 Mar fellows there--all went to the Hardware Store & played Eucre till
12 o clock- Mark Tilton came home with me and slept here- Got up in time for breakfast. Read a little- Went to Daily's to Church as it is too cold in our own.
[page 35]
Cold weather again to day- Confound it, when will we have done with such chilling days & freezing nights? I am tired of carrying wood from the house to my room to keep from freezing--If i could hybernate (like a dormice) the rest of this weather I would do so, and wake up from the stupor of the sleep, thankful for my powers of somnolency-
Geo Cayen [?] my old classmate fellow-graduate and co-sinner is in Hanover. I will be glad to see him & will try & make him spend a few days in Madison with me after the Exhibition at Hanover.
Monday After our own church was out last night went over to Brother
27th Daily's--from there, waited on Ellen Carl home- then went back- & Charley Wells came home and staid with me. This morning a sort of half drizzly, damp one, with a thin sleet on the ground. Went up to Consellors ___?___ [unreadable] office & smoked a pipe,. Court didn't meet till 11. A motion for a new trial was argued and granted. After dinner read in the New York Herald the report of B F Butler's speech on the jurisdiction that the Circuit Court had over Rom. [?] McKenzie & Gansevoort in the case of the Somers. Its raining hard this afternoon. Of course we may anticipate a change of weather. It has been raining considerably tonight--not withstanding which I ventured to Brother Daily's though the foggy dense darkness- They took sacrament there, and seemed to enjoy great spiritual beatitude, for such a confusion of noise, harsh and dissonant as they were, has seldom
Page 36
been equalled even if Brother Daily's Menagerie- I was at the Court House this evening & got there just in time to hear Consellor Lyle make a speech, which I thought was a good one.
Tuesday Although yesterday afternoon, and last evening until bedtime at
28 Mar. least, it was at times raining hard and again raining moderately,
although you might almost swear to wake up, with the morning sun shining down after the rain, warm sunshine and glorious days. Yet such a morning! Just look out of my window! There is a gloomy frown upon the sky of forgathering clouds- Not a ray of sunshine straggling through the interstitial openings of the clouds- A cold wind blowing its blustry breath, just gelid and froary from the Northern Sky- A disagreeable, gloomy, damp, snowy (yes, its snowing again) day as an almanac ever computated or predicted. When will we see the Sun & feel its genial warmth? At the Court House- The indicment against Indian [?] Blanding (negro) for the murder of Park Bell [?] came on this morning. The testimony was given by only one white (Mr Thomas) and several negroes. Though the Physicians were examined as to the fatality & mortality of such a wound. Court adjourned for dinner- After dinner continued the ___?___ [unreadable] for the defence as to Blanding's general character &c. The Prosecutor addressed the Jury for more than a half hour- McKee Dunn then deferred the prisoner at great length having spoken more than two hours- quoting law & reading cases.
[page 37]
When I went to my supper he was still arguing the case- When I got back, Lvs [?] G Marshall was speaking for the defence, and made an ingenious, able and eloquent effort, which no doubt will have great influence on the Jury. Dummont closed- The Judge charged- the Jury retired--
Some curious things occur occasionally in these trials - There was a 'scene' yesterday, when Lyle, in order to get at the defendants character, inquired of witnesses whether they ever heard that Blanding had run off from New Jersey- Marshall stopped the witnesses--& would not permit insinuations to thrust at the Jury --
Marshall "You've put these falsehoods in circulation yourself, if there are any"
Lyle - "I hurl that back as false and rascally--none but a scoundrel would say it"
Wednesday Staid with Davy Davidson last night. Something like a Spring
29 March morning when I got up- To day, I have fully determined to be a candidate for City Clerk, for which dignity there are several aspirants. I have made application to two or three persons who will probably be chosen Councilmen on next Monday- Its extremely doubtful whether I can have success, most probably not--though nothing ventured, nothing won.
The Comet was out again last night, though it is now in its aphelion flight, flaming onward through far distant space, till it will soon look but a tinge of flame, fringing only a distant part of the heavens obscurely- Perhaps one more brilliant has never flashed its light over the wide and infinite expanse of space.
Page 38
What is its destiny--whither is it going? Gleams its silver light through the unfathomable night, portentions of coming wo or desolation? For what purpose hath the Almighty hurled it into our system? What sublime conjectures can Astronomic Science and telescopic observation form! Does it visit us illustratious of some new physical law of the universe, hither to undiscovered, and unsearched by scientific scutiny? At any rate it is of a mystical sublimity. [following two lines are heavily crossed out]
"A beautiful and mighty Thing of Light,
Radiant with glory, like a banner streaming
Victorious from some world-o'er the rowing fight"
It is an unknown celestial stranger- Though it throws light upon the world, the whole philosophic world has been unable to throw light upon it.
The Jury in the case of the State v. Blanding (supiacited [?]) returned a verdict of guilty of manslaughter-and assessed a punishment of two years imprisonment in States Prison. A motion was made by the prisoners counsel for a new trial this morning. It didn't prevail. As it looks something like a spring day, I am off to Hanover tonight to the Union Lit exhibition. I apprehended some difficulty in getting a beast, but an application to Uncle Wilberforce Lyle, got his horse. But when I sent for him, he wasn't there- He had been turned out on the Commons- So down to Hiccox's School for John Lyle to go with me to hunt him- over the commons I went tramping through the mud, until we found him-- I started down a little before four o clock & was overtaken
[page 39]
by Dr Dimwiddie, whose company I had the rest of the way.
Thursday 30 Mar
Got to Hanover about 5. Took supper at Welsh's. After supper went over to the Chapel, where the crowd had begun to collect. Met Geo. Lyen [?] my old classmate, whom I had not seen since we graduated (thank God for graduating i.e. getting through) He looked something natural- Was very glad to see him- He will be with me several days in Madison. [three words crossed out here] How time, when two old friends have met once again after parted years--
"They see, they recognise, yet almost seem
The present dubious, or the past a dream"
Of course our [word crossed out..loving?..] hearts were all warm- our tongues all loudness and our eyes all mirth. The Exhibition went off well. It was a good one. It sustained the reputation of the Society. It was much better than I expected- It was hard to tell which was the best speech, where all were good. After it was over, I went to Dr Blythe's house where Lenour had given a supper to the speakers, which though it was no very splendid collation [more crossed out, and "not like those of" has been written in in obviously different ink] not like those of in a Persian monarch's halls, did as well to satiate hungry appetites.
Cumming Robinson & myself rode up together & got home about Twelve. I brought a little fellow (John Kent) on the horse behind me & Billy Robinson brought little Bushrod Taylor ditto, both of whom (the little fellows) I brought
Page 40
to my rooms, where they slept till morning.
Loafed about this forenoon- Read Cons. McKenzies defence (in New York tribune).
Able, eloquent and completely triumphant.
Up at the Temperance Meeting to night- Large audience. Ellen Carl's father joined. Bother Daily spoke as usual, though a number of young fellows in the back part of the house, tried to clamor him down by stomping, which the hypocrite mistook for applause and said he had rather one person would come up & sign the pledge than to hear all their stomping.
___?____ [unreadable] [Lowell?] made a tolerable speech before Daily spoke. Some of the Hanover boys came up as far as Madison on the Mail Boat, and left on the boat down soon after supper for Louisville. They were Treadway, Pas. Chambers, Bob Ewing
Friday 31 March Slept with Davy Davidson last night and as I was up late the night before went to bed earlier some than usual. Rather a cloudy damp
day, though not very cool. Heard Jo Marshall argue a motion for a new trial at court. Have done nothing today. Bob Mathews called on me this afternoon. This forenoon loafed round town with Non. [?] Sullivan. At the C.H. after dinner, awhile. Called by Brother Daily's- Stopped at the Hardware Store awhile tonight-
Rained some this afternoon.
The last few days have been dry diarial details- but in after time, they all however unimportant now, may be golden threads in memorys woof (thats put in to fill up this page)
APRIL
Saturday Rather a fine spring looking morning without any indications of
April 1st of vernal vegetation. The roads now are most horrible in all
directions. Summer birds have not migrated hither from their warm southern retreats. no if that conflagration of which Parson Millers preaching was prophetic, is going to happen during this blessed All Fools month, it's quite certain that it will not be for solar beams. Perhaps Father Miller means (by a special grant of supernatural power) to attach our earth to that wild colt of a Comet's tail which is snorting through the sky upon its pinions of flame. Old Whinton [?], too, supposed that comets were to be the abodes of the sinful damned, alternating between intense heat and intense cold. But ___?___ [unreadable] not get into raptures about the Comet--let that pass--its a distant wail-- The "fiery monster of the Upper sky" has to move on, and there's no danger of its swishing us sub-humanians with its long tail- Theres just as much danger of a whale annihilating the Bunker Hill Monument with its tail- Loafing about all day after "Vision of Judgement" A splendid day--
Much talk about the elections on Monday- Never heard so much said about these petty elections as about this. The question in some of the wards is, young men or old men. Which ought to get the office.
Page 42
In this ward-the 4th- Scott Thompson is a candidate- [someone] Hughes in 3 & Wm Robinson in 5. Who will be elected? Don't know. I think my prospects are pretty fair for the office of City Clerk- It depends on the persons elected as Councilmen. I shall not be grievously disappointed if I am beaten- There are 7 or 8 candidates for the same; and it will be a sort of Olympic race all kicking up such a devil of a dust over the arena that we cannot see who comes out first--each in a cloud of ignorance on the matter ___?___ [unreadable] King he's as near the goal as any are. At any rate, or for any office, the political game is a disgusting one. A man must first make an ass of himself, or rather One chances to me that your popular favorite is not from egregiously asinsine than otherwise. [the last part of this sentence doesn't seem to make sense, and I think JLK thought so too, because there are several signs, i.e. scratchings out, write overs, etc, that he tried to tidy it up, but didn't succeed] He must court with smiles and blandishments a wanton people like a gay gallant does a capricious beauty who is rather sparing of caresses and a bestowal of favors. Washington Irving has hit off the whole system in his character of Timmothy [sic] Dabble Vide Timotheum Dabble. As he says, a man in this country must first descend to rise. What Spenser has said of the fawning courtier is true of the demagogue candidate in this Country. What a hell it is
"To speed to day, to be put back to morrow,
To feed on hope to pine with fear and Sorrow:
To fawn to crouch, to wait, to ride, to run,
To spend, to give to want, to be---undone"
[page 43]
Its just as repulsive a business whether you achieve success or--damnation. However if you are beaten you can enjoy the somewhat comforting consolation not only that "Sparta hath many a worthier son than thee" but that you have the pleasure of being damned in company with many excellent men--in good company- An illiterate Athenian scrawled the ostracising shell of Aristide the Just. If good men do get their reward in this way it is consolation that bad men suffer the same- If Aristide is banished by the shell, Hyperbolus fares no better. However I am not a candidate in any sense above referred to-
Aon [?] "mutato nomine de te fabula narratur"
First day of April- All fools day. I was fooled in divers and sundr ways. And fooled others divers and sundry ways.
Sunday Slept with Davy Davidson last night. Rather a misty, dark, coolish April 2nd day At our own church this morning. Brevity is the soul of a sermon as well as of wit- I had one of that kind. In the afternoon went to the Wesley Chapel where a Rev'd Mr Barrett preached on Lunacy, which said preachment had nothing either profound or smart in it consisting of detached ideas & anecdotes of the actions, bad treatment &c of the unfortunate lunatics. Not relishing the Reverend travelling Philanthropist's
Page 44
style and matter, I very unceremoniously withdrew before the somnolent spells of his spiritual memerism could operate upon me. Upon going home to supper I was quite much astonished to find the same gentleman in Company with Mrs Owen, there for tea. This Rev'd Mr. Barrett performed again to night in our Church- His subject Prisons & Criminals--dull, stupid & piously prolise- uninteresting- a bore.
Went round to Brother Daily's. Geo Dutton once made the remark that though he had never been relifious, he had smelt it, when he was standing near the altar. Odors, stenches and effluvia of divers degrees of stimulating powers are sometimes formed there, shed profusely around from various objects. Brother D. scolded those who are in the habit of coming in his Church when the services are nearly over. He said it was an annoyance, and in Justice to the Congregation, he would request them if they could not find it convenient to come at the Commencement of the meeting, to stay away altogether. He thought it was enough for one night, if they had been at some other Church. It was an annoyance. If they'd come at the beginning, they would do all they could to accomodate them by furnishing them seats &c. Father Cotton used the phrase "Savior of life unto life, and Savior of death unto death."
[page 45]
Monday This is the election day. There has been considerable excitement
3rd April about it- more so than usual among the good citizens on such
paltry occasions. The great point of excitement is the Young men, ticket- Jno R Cravens was out in his ward--beaten by Dr wates. Billy Robinson out in 5th beaten by Payne: Scott Thompson 4th beaten by Devenish: W McHuges 3rd beaten by Col Arione [?] by only one vote. The young men, as it happens, are all Locofocos except Cravens; and I have always suspected that it was a contrived and manoeuvied [sic] pretext to place Locofocos in the Council Chambers and thus elect Loco officers, and in consequence, it was expected, had it succeeded, to have an influence on the August election. It was to place the city under Locofoco management and mismanagement, Locofoco rule and misrule. But it was a failure. Every exertion was made however, to secure success by all parties. Voters were drummed up like recruits by candidates & their friends. Between Devenish and Scott in this ward, it was closely contested though the latter was beaten 6 votes. There was a considerable ruse de guerre played off. A Figilistic encounter occurred between Scott Thompson & Henry Lawrence. Blows passed- but neither was hurt. they were parted then and perhaps the end has not yet been seen of it. After that, Jack Page got after another dog and that created a vast deal of sport- There were two or three dog fights, between the aforesaid Jack Page & other dogs that passed along the street. A great crowd was assembled around the dogs & men
"Slowly they meet, their threatening teeth they show,
With vivid fire their gleaming eye-balls glow:
Page 46
At last with snarls the bitter fray they wage
And bite and tear in mutual blood and rage"
My prospects are some what onubiliated by this result of the election. I would have gotten Scott Thompsons vote & perhaps others. I expected Scott would be elected certainly, so did all his friends. His prospects were very good, and if the naturalized but uncivilized Irishmen whom he at various times drenched with liquor and escorted to the polls, could have elected him he would have been Councilman "What shadows we are! What shadows we pursue!" Scott before the close of the polls thought he would be elected but --
"Found in few minutes, to his Cost,
He did but count without his host!
And that a turnstile is more certain
Than, in events of war, dame Fortune"
The whole scene, the hurrying steps and anxious looks of candidates and their friends, the business-like animation humming through the streets, the squads of men and crowds of boys, the occasional shout of some crowd who vociferated their acclamations and merry huzzas, above all the fights, canine and human, attracting each their little mobs around them & all made an election scene something like those of by-gone years, when liquors were the inflammatory stimulants of patriotismo and uncivil dudgeion [sic] first grew high. After supper Henry Lawrence came up & stood before Scotts door bragging and vowing Scott a licking. Scott hadn't come from supper, and Lawrence went into Eaton & Carletons, sat down to wait till he would come, I presume. I found Bill King & told him there was to be a fisticuff fancy affair between them. He came down, and brought several fellows with him. But
[page 47]
But Lawrence didn't afterwards make his appearance. So there was no "vain untriumphable fray" and we all missed the sport.
Tuesday Loafed about last night- then went up to the Hardware Store-
4th April staid all night with Davy D. Got up- The Sun rose and I rose, and
I walked about before breakfast. Came to my room- I smoked & read some. Since Court I have neither studied or recited Law. Will commence again, soon as it's over. Geo Shaw is indisposed- has an ulcer in his throat. Poor fellow he is sick a great deal! I have been some little anxious about the "otium cum dignitate" of the City Clerk-ship. I have, it is true, no very sanquine expectations of getting what would be to me a sinecure, furnishing with little employment, the means of regaling on Choice brand of the Sephelegeitenitic weed, and purchasing the current literature of the day; but then theres nothing like trying, all experience & observation admonish me. to day I addressed to two or three of the gentlemen elected to the Council Chamber a note to the following purport.
"Sir. I beg leave to announce to you, my name as candidate for City
Clerk, for the Council just elected. Should it not be inconsistent with
any previous pledges or preferences, I would respectfully solicit the
favor of your support."
This is my first solicitation of public benefices. The result, I don't yet know- nor don't much care. These petty lawmakers assume a dignity and enoble themselves with a majesty and responsibility against which no yelping dogs mouth must bark- They are distracted!! ___?___ [unreadable] in their little brief authority, no wonder Angels weep for frail humanity and the 'fantastic tricks' of petty plotting partisans.
Page 48
Was down at Mon Sullivan's room this afternoon- Sat awhile by a fire, burning from green wood which is the most provoking kind of situation to be placed in. Borrowed Hooles Translation of Ariostus Orlando Iurvso- Am just about to enter the threshold of Chivalry, of magic and of enchantment- all as surprising and wonderous, as the potent sorcery and wild strange enchantments of the White Lady of Avenel fairy cave into which Halbert Glendiuning penetrated (Guy Mannering)
Read Borrows Bible in Spain nearly through- finish it in an hour. A glorious book. Full of strange adventure, of hairbreadth escapes, and novel narration- a romantic courageous wonderful man that Geo. Borrow. Got two papers from Elish. Hunter this evening. Blackwoods Mag. for March has not yet come.
John Hughes has been round electioneering for City Clerk to day, like a scout on a reconoisance [sic] tour. Hope he won't succeed.
How credulous is mankind. If faith did cause the walls of Jericho to topple down at the sound of the rams horns, it has done more than that. It has made the fanciful Greek and enthursiastic believer in his absurd but poetic mythology. It made the Roman tremble at what he considered precursory portents sent by the Gods, and made him invest mortal man with all the grandeur of apotheosis and honor him with the solemnity of the Pantheon. It caused the Egyptians to bend the knee to insensate herbs and an ___?___ ___?___ [unreadable].
[At this point, on this visit, I was running out of time at the Library, so I began to pick selections that I thought were of particular interest. I was learning that copying, ever using a laptop computer, is not an easy or quick task.]
V. 1, p 52
Thursday, 6th April [1843]
............Loafed about and basked in the sunshine- In the afternoon read a canto in Orlando. At night waited on Leline Lodge [,] Mag. King, Susan McKee & Susan King down to Aunt McClures, where we had quite a pleasant time, chatting &c. Got acquainted there with Mr Owens brother, an under-graduate of Jefferson College at Cannonsburgh, who happened in about 8 o clock with Dave McClure. When Glass came in, I eloped & left the girls there. Came home - went to bed."
page 59
Monday, April 10 [1843]
Got up after breakfast- Fine morning- Called down to see Mr Owens brother- Read two cantos in Orlando Fuvivs- After dinner loafed--met Owen & Dave McClure, and loafed till Mail Boat came up. Got and read Weyer's Louisville Journal. The Spring is certainly coming. It has been warm to day.
page 64
Friday, 14 April '43
......Dave McClure & Dav. Davidson [and Tom Dunn] & myself came to my room where we played several games of Eucre. Before we were through, Charly Wells and Dick King came in. When D Mc went away, Dick took his place- played some more- sent up to Schmiolapps for refletion [?] , and after munching crackers & cheese, eating crackers and cracking jokes D. & King retired and Tom and I retired to bed.
[page 73]
Friday, 21 April
Got up nearly in time for breakfast. Ed Lodge & I started to Clifty [Clifty Falls] about 9 o ck. I rode W Kings pony which I had to get out of his stabular apartments in rather a clandestine manner as he did not loan him to me, nor did I ask the loan of him......[the purpose was fishing, but they didn't "get a nibble"]
Page 81
Friday 28 April ['43]
...[preparing to go fishing with Dave McClure] He borrowed a horse- I got our old bones out, and having provided my basket with certain indispensibles to stomachic welfare- With an old coat on, and a glazed hat, which belonged to Wm King when member of the "United" Fire Company, and which I now appropiate to such purposes..........
[page 85] [verbatim]
Monday, 1st May
A rather handsome day has this been for the first of the queen month, though quite cool in the morning. And by the way, I have lately become somewhat famous in practicing one of lifes greatest and most unalluring virtures--Early rising. I was up before the sun today and saw the first streaks of morning glimpsing over the hills--And for a description of its first flushings o'er the skies, vide Milton, Shakespeare and the innumerabiles alii who have taken the trouble to depict the advent of morning, scattering its 'orient pearls' &c &c.- The undistinguished [a Greek quotation] who "look green in Long"
I visited Dominic Delaune, [Catholic priest, who is turtoring John in French] but as he was engaged, I did not trouble him with a recitation. I borrowed today of Shannon, the Cigarmaker, a number of the London 'Morning Herald' wherefrom I read peels and Palmerstons speeches on the Ashburton treaty. The first I think to be able and spirited--there's something of the orator displayed. But Palmerston I would take to be a duplicate of our Tom Benton--and in fact Peel pronounced Tom Benton to be the American Palmerston--a rather equivocal compliment.
Not see Fitch since he was married to know how "the gracious state of matrimony stands with him." Bob McClure and lady are in town. Bob looks well--never saw him look better. He made a proposition to me to visit Columbus for the purpose of taking Bass from the streams thereabouts.
page 86
Perhaps I will. "Thats left to argue on" It would be fine sport, and just to my liking.
Scott Thompson is getting from his chamber again [sometime in April, JLK had commented that Scott was confined to his rooms, suffering from a venereal disease, which one, not stated] He's been paid severely for his cutaneous manifestatiojs and won't perhaps be hereafter too indiscriminate in his gallantories with every wanton wench that bids him welcome to her embraces. If it don't do anything else, that disorder, it makes a poor devil limp like a wounded soldier.
"Dost see how thou pullest thy legs after thee
As if they hung by points"
I heard a story this evening about our Kitchen-servant. She is a lusty wench, of somewhat Amazonian proportions, and but a short time previous to her coming to our house, had finished her probationary period and became a member of the Methodist Church. Religion puts new impulses into the heart, and hers are of a pious kind. She is wonderfully addicted to doing things "Dei gratia" and when Ma remonstrated [sic] with her for not washing the clothes better, she replied "By the Grace of God I'll do it well this time" The ordinary in Jonathan Wild abstained from wine because it was forbidden in the Scripture, but had no objections to punch which was not forbidden there. But she is more conscientious--she washes clothes "Dei gratia" tho it is not enjoined in the Bible.
I may as well relate one of Scott Thompsons puns here while I remember it. Doc. Luire was observing that he thought it strange men were frighted at the approach of death, and thought he could die cool "Then you'll be hung in mid-winter" quoth the wit. That is quite a repartee, and deserves a Huroclean [sic] immortality--
[page 87]
Someone inquired of S. if he were married "No--I prize celibacy as the jewels spoken of on high" was the singular reply. Scott has a great deal of humour. When he gets garrulous 'midst much nonsense he utters an occasional good one. He strings words together when he gets in a conversation strain, without regard to meaning and without connection, which is indierous [?] "in isctoreruis' He has a grotesqueness about him that would tickle a dervise or Capuchin friar. He has an astonishing talent for trading, and generally contrives to make customers of his visitors and bargains of his transactions, and has certain processes by which, like an alchymish [sic], he transforms in the alembic of his ingenuity, articles just the reverse of what they are. Like Donnybrook Irishmen he is 'ready for anybody'.
I had another application from Hanover to day, for some of my books. A fellow wished to borrow my Hallams Middle Ages to study in this session--and that too, when he might buy one in town. I sent him word I was using it. I do not know why these Hanover fellows should consider me under any obligations to furnish them with books for their use, edification and instruction, which they seem to do, when I have any which can suit their purposes. I am always willing to loan books, when there is any reasonable time of return promised: And have been in the continuous habit of so doing, ever since I was owner of books--and have loaned out at this time a dozen of my best. But then, these fellows to send for them to Hanover, to be thumbed over in daily use, and knocked about, and rough used, and kicked about like a beggars brat in tattered rags, is an ill-usage which I do not wish my books to suffer, and those that have been there have returned (if return they did at all) in the same rueful plight which befell sometimes the Knight of the Rueful Contentenance [sic]--or like
Page 88
a plundered Traveller from whom thieveing [sic] footpads have stripped all takeable booty, and left in sorry nakedness. I would as soon dishonor the shades of the dead as let his works which 'yet speaketh' be dishonored.
I saw Heady on the Mailboat down, this evening. Joshua Owen left for Cannonsbrugh this afternoon. After tea, I went with Susan to McMillans, and called by Lodges for Seline where we met Martha Lering & Mag. King--and at Mc. gate left them. They are trying to organize another choir for the church.
[end of entry for May 1, 1843]
[page 91]
Wednesday, 3 May [1843]
........[after some discussion of having a toothache, and having corns, "Large pains, like tall oaks, 'from little ache-corns' grow"] I formed the determination to go to Hanover to day. As soon as I got dinner, I borrowed Uncle Johns 'pony' for that purpose. When I went to get him, he and 'Prince' rushed out of the stable and plunged through the yard, demolishing utterly five or six of Margarets flower pots, which I regret exceedingly--being the unforturnate cause of the accident, for if I hadn't gone to get the horse, they wouldn't have broken out of the stable. Jo White was to speak at three o clock in the College Chapel to his "Fellow Citizens" and thinking that a good opportunity to hear him, to make Hanover a visit, and see some of the boys were my inducements to go. I got there just as the Three o clock bell was ringing, and after hutching my horse, fell in with Troscell who had gone down and proceeded to the Chapel, where Jo made one of his eloquent haranques on the politidal questions of the day. While in H. Treadway delivered me a letter, which he had brought for me from Simenton, nearly a month before but had neglected to hand to me. After hearing a fellow by the name of Horniker (Phoebus!) get up on a block to make a
Page 92
speech, whereto he had been urged by the wags as Geo Johnston used to be, in town here, I started off, and soon fell in company with Charles Woodard Esq with whom I rode up to town. 'Pony' is a great horse to ride. Got back about dark. Smoked, loafed--awhile--went to Brother Dailys and remained till close of the meeting, ogling the girls--came home--commenced a reply to Siminton's letter--but didn't finish it.
[in the next day's entry, he finishes the letter, now spelling the name as Syminton]
[page 93]
Friday, 5 May 1843
.........Did not attend the Twinings May party at his schoolroom to night to which I was billeted. It will be large, and will no doubt be an assemblage of fair faces and young hearts beating happily. In reference to parties, I am of a strange disposition. Its all impulse with me. Sometimes, when in the humor, I attend all to which I am invited; others for several times in succession, I eschew as Job did evil, or as a Muasulman would a heaten porkhouse. The fact is I am not now nor ever was predestinated to be a frequenter of thronged assemblies of the festive kind. Not because I dislike female Society, for that I am passionately fond of, when it doesn't get gregariously plenty in one room--and at one time.
Page 94
What is termed a ladies-man I will never be. I despair of ever attaining the colloquial small-talk which so often charm a ladys ear and win a ladys heart, in the degree to which some more fortunate than I have arrived. In such a crowd--admidst such a buzz of tongues and flash of eyes--such a moving about and shifting hither, thither--a few words of small talk to one, and tall talk to another, and no talk to a third, I get confoundedly bewildered--performing a sort of waking somnambulisms, as if the fantasies of dreams were dizzying my brain; that is (all of it) I don't feel at home among these (too often) flummeries of fashion: and feel at such a place a sort of awkard [sic] uneasiness as if, like the Copper Captain I were "a fellow of no reckoning, not worthy a ladys eye"
I have been anxiously looking for a letter from Ellen [Ellen Carl, a girl of a family of 'insufficent means' whom JLK had been visiting earlier. She has since moved, with her father, to Kentucky. The girl's mother refused to move] She promised to write. Have heard nothing of her since she left. Passed her mother one morning on the street and interchanged salutations. Give wings ye winds of speed to the post that brings me a letter!
At Dailys tonight just as they closed. And as I'm getting drowsy, while James is in bed, I'll get to sleep as fast as Morpheus can obliviate my optics and sensonials.
Page 98
Monday May 8th
I hadn't been up an hour before an applicaton was made to me from Hanover for the loan of another book, and if it hadn't been that the borrower was a relation (F P Monfort) I wouldn't loan the book--Olmsteds Astronomy--[following sentence has been struck out...then the rest of the page, and the following two pages, expound again on his feelings about being asked to loan out his books...he doesn't like it. The harangue ends on Page 100, with "All these relections have been suggested by the loan of a book to one of your most insatiate of all borrowers--a Hanover student." One wonders if JLK, when he was a Hanover student just a couple of years before was an "insatiate" borrower?]
[page 101] [still May 8th]
........Was at the river when the mailBoat went up. Mrs McKee and her two daughters have gone on a visit to Pennsylvania. Saw a man--an exquistite [?]--on the boat, who had one of the most hirsute appendages on his face, it was ever my hap to see. It would have stirred up the ire of old Anselm to have witnessed such a godless profanation and scandal as this [Greek word] exhibited in a Christian and democratic land. And would have provoked [sic] him to brandish the armoury of the Vatican. It looked as though the tonsors lather and razor hadn't touched it since 'lang syne' John De Castro the old Portuguese Viceroy of Goa could not more have honOred his beard when he pledge it for his dead somebody than this whiskered gent. did his barbarous ornament, which was of so appoling [sic] a
Page 102
magnitude the fellow stood out upon the guards and stroked his beard as complacently and Sang froid as a turbaned Turk.........
Received a paper from E.P.W. [?] Received an invitation to a wedding--of Jno. Mitchell and Miss Crawford which is to take place on Wednesday night. Perhaps I will--Peradventure I won't.
P.S. I met on the street to day, Miss Julia Maxwell and her sister, who live near Hanover. This Julia (Cousin Julia as she was called) when I could "see Helens beauty in a brow of Egypt" was a 'flame' of mine, once in Hanover. I had a few words with her only. Not yet heard from Ellen Carl. God bless that girl.
Bro. Dailys congregation had a "Love Feast" tonight. I did not have the curiosity to obtain a note of admission; so of course I do not know what they did, but presume, from all the vocal demonstrations which stirred the inhabitants round, that it
[page 103]
was fully as rich as usual. I do not [know?] what they were doing within doors: but I do know there was a motley mob of young fellows around the doors, who, while their brethren were praying within, were cursing without. I was there towards the close of the meeting, but not gain an entrance. I felt as the fellow did, who have gone up to the closed door, knocked, without being admitted, exclamated, while the Congregation were in full chorus, "Let me in here--I'll be d---d if I ain't a member of the Church" That is to day I felt as if I had as much right, on Christian principals, to be there as any of the people within. One fellow at the front door, upon attempting to get in, and not succeeding, swore that he had been in Cities, and it was the first time he had ever been refused admission to a theatre or w----house. Such remarks though extravagant and indecent, at least, manifests the respect which some people cherish for such exhibitions as those of the Third Street Charge.
Tuesday 7th
When I got up about breakfast time it was raining. Visited the Frenchman.
About 11 o clock I went up into Uncle Wilberforces office, where upon his advice, I have determined to read my law lessons for a while at least. As I think I can study with more advantage there than in my own quiet den. [he goes on for most of the next two pages bemoaning his "laziness" and bad habits of studying acquired at Hanover...despairs of ever becoming a lawyer]
Page 106 [bottom of the page, still the 7th]
Cousin Wm King, the Dr, from Monongahela City, Penn. came down on the mail Boat this evening. He was at my room awhile tonight. He will go away to night again on the Manhattan, of which craft his brother is
[page 107]
commander. He will probably pay us a more protracted visit, than this hasty run among his friends, upon the boat returns up from St Louis, whither he is bound. [This William King was probably the son of JLK's Uncle, Samuel Moffet King. Samuel Moffet King lived in Dayton, but he did have a son named William, who would have been about JLK's age.] It is now nearly midnight--and probably I'll have to get a French lesson yet.
Wednesday, May 10 1843
...................I determined to go to the wedding to night, as an escort for my sister. Margaret King called in at our house to go with us. I came to my room, and got in my best Sundays and we started down to Hendricks, which is at the west edge of town. Fortunately the walking was good. While we were walking down, a carriage rattled past us
Page 108
stowed with girls for the party. I thought of the time prophesied in the Scripture when beggars shall go on horseback (subanditun vehiculum) and Kings on foot [oh GOD!]. The ceremony took place shortly after we got there--but it was confoundedly far from being shortly performed. Rev. Mr. Hiccok (or Hicco as the elegant and fastidious Mrs L. calls him) did the matrimony according to the custom of his (Episcopalian Church) He blundered through, commencing with "Mr John Mitchell do you take Miss Martha Jane Crawford for your lawful husband" &c. It was quite formal--and when through, the congratulatory process commenced, all the ladies greeting the blushing bride with a kiss, however strong the temptation, the gents. of course stood by quiet spectators, without tasting a kiss from her inviting lips. A shiverseing band came down to batten our ears with their howling discord and all the time I was there, our aricles were being assaulted b y the most villainous combinations of sound, oral and instrumental, that mouths could make and wind could blow. After I came away, an hour afterwards, I could hear them still making their boisterous sounds. They thought it would disturb the company, and our host would buy them away with whiskey, which they demanded as the condition of their stopping. That was refused and they swore they would stay all night. After I had been there more than an hour, I came away--and called in at Dailys as usual where they were as happy as usual. I used to visit the bride occasionally
[Page 109]
and thought her handsome and sensible. And I wish her well and the bridegroom well-- May they always be happy as on their wedding night, and she as lovely.
Thursday 11th May
............-glorious evening and night--Just after dark, while the moon was shinning brightly there was a beautiful luminous appearance stretched from horizon to horizon--an arch of faint luminous appearance, which I took
Page 110
to be a lunar rainbow, though I never saw one of them, but presume from the similarity of this to a Solar bow in form, that it must have been one of the lunar bows which appear in the heavens. (Northern Lights? Seems strange that he wouldn't know what the Northern Lights were ]
[page 111]
Saturday 13 May
......Read a little while at the office, and upon Dr Rogers proposition, we went angling--Rode in his buggy. Found all the water out of the creek. Nothing propitious to the sport. Came away about 4 o clock.
I got somewhat acquainted with one of Brother Dailys members, who lives at the mouth of the creek. Talked with her a good deal. [the following sentence has been crossed out, but can still be read: "Will see that girl again." The word "again" is on page 112.]
[page 115]
Tuesday 16 May 1843
.....[relation of a day fishing..."I, however, had the satisfaction of taking a respectable salmon [salmon, in Indiana?]".....Rather a singular circumstance occurred this evening. Aunt Sarah Reid was at our house, and while preparing to go home, her son, John, mysteriously disappeared, and wandered nobody knew where. When Mrs Reid discovered his absence she was alarmed for his safety, of course, not
Page 116
having the most remote idea where he could go at such a time--it being after dark. We all were on the search. he was found at Wash. Thomas's, where, having been found leisurely strolling the streets with the unconsciousness of a gipsy brat, as if having an instinct for vagrancy, he had been taken. As he had got among sweetmeats, he was perfectly content to loaf with them and said they could take him home in the morning. He was however found--and returned to his mother, who was in great suspense and uneasiness about the precocious loafer.
Wednesday 17 May
Nothing special to day. In the office greater part of the forenoon. Rode down to Clifty in the afternoon more for something else, than fishing. I did not return till after dark. Saw what I wanted to see down there. [following words were unsuccessfully crossed out] But no more than that--didn't succeed.
[page 125]
Sunday, 20 May
Did not rise till breakfast was over. Went to the Catholic Church with Dick and some others. When we went to the house to dinner, we recieived [sic] some very just reproofs and scolding for it--and I felt as we deserved it, if for nothing else, than because we failed in showing respect to the religion of our parents, by visiting a Church which is regarded as heretical. [Please remember, this is 1843. No flames, please. These are John Lyle King's words, not mine]
...........................
[page 127]
Tuesday 22 May
..............................Got Blackwood for May this mail. Thanks to the genius of Fulton, and the facilities for mail-travelling, a Magazine can be issued in Edinburgh at the first of the month,--traverse the ocean--be reprinted in New York, and recieved [sic] here at a distance of four thousand miles within twenty two days. An achievement of modern enterprise, which though not novel to us, would have astonished our ancestors as a triumph over the elements perfectly miraculous and incredible [and how astonished he would be in his turn today].
Page 132
Saturday 26 May [the day began on page 131]
........When I called at the Post Office tonight I found a letter from Ellen Carl addressed to me. I shall answer it immediately. She had written a "few lines to let me know she had not forgotten me" God bless that girl. And will I forget her? Sooner shall my right hand forget its ___?___ [cunning?]
I did not attend Miss Stevens May Party and Susan told me, she (Miss S) told her that she would not invite me again. Thank Heavens for that.
[page 133]
Sunday 27
........Went up to the office awhile before Church--then to Uncle Daniels [no idea who this was]--then to Church--then to dinner--then to the office again. I saw in the window of the jail, a girls contenance peering through the grated opening. Perfectly familiar. It was Martha Hardick's. Her mother has been in prison for several days for disturbing the peace at Hanover, in connection with some others, who have all been living rather too promiscuously and miscelleaneously together, objuring all the proprieties of marriage and morals by there intercourse. This girl came up to visit her mother, who seems inconsolable at her confinement. As soon as she saw me she recognized me, and we commenced a conversation, I in one of the windows of Lawyers block and she in the jail.
[page 139]
June 3 Saturday
Up at D.D. [David Davidson's] and played Eucre awhile last night and when insisted upon, I went to stay all night with Mac Goode. He having to go to market, we rose pretty early. Feeling unusually drowsy I napped couple of hours this morning.
page 140
Read some law after dinner. Rode around town on Josiah Weyers horse and after tea went to the office and smoked till dark--then down to D.D. where we spent most of the night till bedtime in trying to raise a game of Eucre--but could not get the four together to play the hand. Most a splendid night--just the kind of an evening to romance on or promenade with a lady. But alas! I have not galantry to do it.
[This is the first clear reference to Josiah Weyer in these pages. Earlier, JLK did mention that he "read Weyer's Louisville Journal, but it isn't clear if this refers to Josiah Weyer.]
Page 146
Thursday 8 May [NOTE: while JLK has written May, I am sure he meant June, the following day is entered as 9 May, but the next following is 10 June, and the entry previous to this is 7 June, besides, there are already entries for 8 May and 9 May in their proper places]
Nothing worthy of being scratched for to day I believe. to night Aline Lodge, Mag. King, Harriet King [I believe the reference here is to Harriet King, JLK's cousin, not Harriet King, his aunt and Margaret's mother], Jane King, Col King, Jos. Weyer were at our house. We walked to the Post Office--Sat out by the door, and passed a pleasant time. It has been extremely hot to day.
Page 150
Sunday 11 June '43 [day begins on page 149]
.....Met Uncle Wilberforce Lyle, who communicated a very bad piece of news, namely, that a will of Uncle Jos. Lyle had been found among his papers devising his whole personal and real property to his wife. this will be bad news to his brother and sisters, as a thousand dollars or more, would have come to them each had there been no will.
Monday June 12 1843
......At the office awhile. M [?] Glass is now in town--a person with whom I have not spoken for more than three months--I am not so much at the office--as he
[page 151]
is always there. Came down town--wandered about--at Charly Hays--he came to my room to write--took him over to dinner with me. Met Tom Dunn and all came back to the room and smoked. As Lodge and Corte and some others had gone to Clifty, I got the Col's pony and rode down awhile to see them fish. Though I had never seen the water look better in my life and though everything seemed just as prefectious [?] as an reasonable expectation could hope for, the whole company was disappointed and two or three miserable little bass were all the fish taken. Though it was hard as usual to get minnows for bait. At the Wharf when the Mail Boat came up, and met Tim Mathews, who had just come up from Albany. Walked up to Lyles office with him. While we [were] there a good looking gentleman came, and in conversation with glass, that sage lawyer made such a blunder in calling a mans name, I involuntarily found my[self?] in a horselaugh at the mistake. I regretted it extremely as the stranger might think I was laughing at him. After supper I went down to Brother Dailys room
Page 152
and got a ticket for myself and one for D.D. to go to class meeting. Coming away I met T Matthews again, and proposed to him to attend. He agreed to do so, and I took him to Brother Dailys to get a ticket. Brother D. was well acquainted with Tims wife, as he told Tim "long before he was" In the meantime just before supper, coming down street I met Sam Cowden pretty well slew'd. He walked down street with me, and on intimating that he would like to lay down, I got him to come to my room, and he laid down. When I got home from class meeting he was snoozing as profoundly as a drunken person would. So we all went to class meeting. Although I had been to one once before, I did not stay till it was through, but left as soon as possible. This time I stuck it out very willingly as I wanted to "go home" with a young lady who was there. When it was over I did
[page 153]
wait on Miss Wyatt home--and a long & pleasant walk & talk we had to the lower end of town where she lives. When I came back, Tim, D.D. & Cowden were here. Sam woke up--and after a little talk went home.
[page 155]
[In entry for Thursday June 15, 1843]
[mentions that he has heard that Ellen Carl, "poor girl" is quite ill.
[page 165]
Wednesday 22 [June--day began on page 164]
........At suppertime, I was surprised to find Grandpa King, [William King of Dayton, Ohio] who had unexpectedly come down on the Mail Boat this evening. In conversation he told us that he didn't recollect of ever having been confined a whole day by sickness in his life--and he is about 75 years old [actually, he would have been 79. William King died in 1863, just a few months short of one hundred years old]]. This is remarkable health.
[There are no entries from those of Saturday 24 June until Sunday August 13, 1843. When he resumes on August 13, JLK states that "I have been sick, had the influenza, had an inflammation of the lungs (inside) and cuppings and blister-cautharides (outside) Was compelled to stay in the house at night--had entitely evacuated my room. But I think I am now well; and am back at my old quarters, and am at this moment bivonacked [sic] in that huge armchair of mine, with a suspicious looking quilt, and an odoriferous cigar..............
Just now, I went into the Church, where a Bible Class is to be organized. It is intended to admit all the members of the Church--gender no differences. We will commence reciting Romans next Sunday. I may as well mention now, that I have got two next-door neighbors. Finley and Daily, whom I knew at Hanover. They are studying Law with Judge Stevens and are occupying next room to mine, where I lived the first winter, after I came to town from Hanover. They are quite agreeable folk.
page 175
Obiter dictum: I am no longer connected with the Daily news--as I left it on Friday. My reason for so doing was, I thought my labor was worth something, and got nearly nothing, and there's no fairness in that.
[page 177] [entry for this day began on page 176]
Monday, Aug 14, 1843
There is a Miss Fitch from New Albany on a visit to town and stopping at judge Sullivans. As Susan & Margaret were to call on her this morning, I determined to accompany them--did some toilettering, such as adjusting the gloss of my morocco's and the tie of my neckcloth, and smoothing down my graceful locks, and we walked down. When we got there, the girls were up stairs "fixing" to go to Mrs Flints in a carriage which was then waiting at the door. Presently Miss Charlotte Sullivan & Mrs Tom Sullivan, a Miss Montgomery and the Misses F came in-- Was introduced--liked the looks of Miss Fitch and of Mrs Tom Sullivan, with whom I never had even an acquaintance of introduction before. We sat a few minutes--and left, I coming to my room.
I believe I recollect nothing else to record for to-day.
Page 178
Tuesday Aug 15 1843
Read some Law today, and smoked like Tophet. Read "Julius Caesar" of Shakespeare this afternoon. Ye Gods! it doth amaze me, what a Bard the Swan of Avon was!
To night I met Josiah Weyer at the Post Office and through his persuasion I consented to attend Mr Twinings "Soiree" at his school-house. He (J.S. Weyer) came to my room with me, till I could attend to some little preliminaries, and then we started down. The room was perfectly jammed up, crowded like a Roman Amphitheatre to witness the spectacles of the arena, with women, new children, girls and boys. Of course there was no getting a seat, and of course tho I "had the floor" elbowing and nudging through the impenetrability (almost) of the mass as best I could, carried about by the flux and refuse of the tide. Three or four Colloquies composed for the occasion, with an interlude of music (vocal) by way of chorus, after
page 179
the manner of the Greek Drama, were performed by the girls, and was done well enough for these but lately ___?___ [unreadable] juveniles. Mr Twinning--by the way, an old teacher of mine, one among the very few for whom I formed an attachment in my school-days, which has proved durable--Mr Twinning delivered a sort of a Valedictory. It was amusing to see the little-folk grieving their blessed little souls in an attempt to cry--and especially when he was closing with prayer, a general sniffling and sobbing, as of those disconsolate and broken-hearted, commenced, which appeared to have been preconcerted, and all at once their hearts gushed forth in the accents of sorrow, or at least their mouths made certain vocal phenomena, somewhat kindred to crying. However it was plain to see that they made desperate efforts, and handkerchiefs waving about their physiognomies, but ill-concealed the tear of the eye, but the smile of the lips. I saw Miss Fitch (not Hannah our mummy-looking piece of painting and
Page 180
bandages) was there, and offered my services, and waited on her to Judge Sullivans.
I think Miss F will prove on acquaintance to be an amiable girl, and I intend to call on her, before she leaves town.
Walked about a little and stopped in at Donohues, where I talked awhile with Langdon, Crumbaugh, and Mo Donohue--came to my roms and smoked.
[page 181]
Wednesday August 16th [day began on page 180]
..........I went to prayer-meeting to night- walked home with Marg. King- Then went to Daily's where I saw a girl with whom I had been acquainted at Jacksons, just before, they left for St Louis, but did not go home with her. .......
[page 189]
Tuesday August 22 [day began on page 185..JLK was doing some catch-up, as he hadn't written anything since the 17th]
.........After coming from Mr Boyds [where he had attended the funeral of Mr Boyds 10-year old son, John] Margaret King & I got horses and started on a riding excursion. We made for Mrs Flints, but as we met Mrs F. on the road, and would not allow her to go back just for us, we went on out, on the Michigan road. We stopped out at Hares, and met there a large party of folks, Mr Leonard & wife, Judge Cummins & lady & daughters, Mrs Teresa Fitch, Mrs Gidson Fitch, Oliver & John Donohue &c who had stopped on their return from a jaunt to Clifty. We wandered about in
Page 190
Mrs Hares garden, among the flowers, of which she has large and beautiful varieties, till at length we started, and all the horses, and carriage, with boquets [sic] in the ladie's hands, the number of the Company and its gayety constituted quite an imposing spectacle to the county folks, as we went dashing and prancing along and covering ourselves with clouds of dust, laughing and chatting all the while. It was to me quite a pleasant time- the like of which I hope soon again to see. Margaret and I intended to stop at Mrs Flint's, as I had suggested to her. My real object was to see Miss Maria Fitch, whom, by the bye, we met going out as we returned to town, in a buggy with Mr Flint. I have a liking for the girl. She converses pretty well--and she is pretty. She plays the piano most magnificently and at our house last night she performed " Victoria's Gallopade," "Isabel" & other tunes, in such a manner, as certainly charmed and fascinated some of the gentlemen. I noticed how soon she became a favorite, by singing and playing, though before she had been comparatively neglected- then, she was the ___?___ [Ualibrau?] of the circle.
[page 191]
She likes Lucian James of Rising Sun [Indiana] very well, I take it, from her conversation. I became acquainted with him through Shaw at Hanover, where he stopped only a few hours. I afterwards saw him on the Mail boat. he & I, while he was at Oxford, exchanged pamphlets &c.
To night after supper I called in to see Marg -out- met Weyer & McMillan there--and left in a few moments. I had a notion to see Celine [at various time, when he writes this girl's name, it looks like Leline, then sometimes like Seline, but I think it truly is Celine] Lodge, but thought, at the time I left Uncle John's it was too late to make a call, and did not go. I have not had much intercourse with my old friend D.D. for two or three days. On Saturday night, I went to his back-door where they were playing Eucre within, and Knocked, and called Davy by name. He did not open, and as I supposed he Knew my voice, I turned short around, and left. I hope however when I see him, he will be able to explain the matter to my satisfaction.
Page 192
Wednesday 23 [day started on page 191]
............Grandpa King started home on the Mail Boat this evening. Ma, Aunt Harriet [John King's wife], Mrs McKee and the girls went to the river. Before the boat came we had peaches and watermelons at Woodburns Warehouse , in abundance. I got out Weyers horse this evening and had quite a glorious ride about town Josiah & I are so intimate, I feel no hesitancy or delicacy in borrowing his
page 193
horse whenever I want him- I requested Celine to ride out to Mr Hillis's to-morrow--but she said she could not go this week. So there is another excursion, indefinitely postponed (I hope). She had before promised to go out. There is a small party at Laniers tonight I am not invited. It is somewhat singular that I have never been invited there. It is about the only family into which I have not been invited--that is any family which is in the habit of giving parties.
Josiah Weyer took tea with me this evening. I was at the Campbellite church awhile with the expectation of hearing a Millerite--but did not, and after calling at Daily's came to my room.
My article on 'legislators' will appear on Friday. There is to be another company, at Uncle John's tomorrow night. I will be there, of course.
Page 194
Thursday 24
......Uncle Wilberforce was in my room awhile, and be-smoked himself with my Kuastger most befoggishly. I have just returned from Uncle John's and at this late hour am scrawling, when I should be asleep. At my urgent solicitation, Josiah S Weyer came home with me and I smoked him to bed, and then read him to sleep, with extracts from my Journal, which I acknowledge to be rather Morphean and sofeorific [?]. It was at his request though. Hear him! Ye Gods--it doth amaze me how he snores. What a bethundering of respiration is there issuing from those nostrils of Josiah, on the bed! [Ummm, perhaps these things do run in families. My wife would describe my snoring in somewhat the same terms]
[page 195]
If the scratching of my pen, and the chirps of the cricket do not disturb, why let him sleep--requas cat in pace. We had just come from the party. I waited on Miss Howes home, and he on Miss Mitchell, so in that way we met. I came by for Ma & took her home. As we came to the room, met Langdon & Chas. Hays who gave me a glowing description of the new Meerscharm which Karl, has just brought him from Germany.
I had a good deal of fun to night- felt quite at ease. Weyer & Crumbaugh performed mesmerism experiments, but did not succeed as well as at our house, sometime since. Mrs Tom Sullivan presented me with a boquet, [sic] which I promised to keep till it faded and its fragrance had gone: but I had given away all the posies before the evening was spent. I have promised her the loan of Lady Morgan's "Woman & Her Master" to read, a book which is gallantly warm in defence of her sex. It's strange that ladies do not read such books. I question if there's a woman in Madison, who knows any more Lady Morgan's book than about a Jewish Talmud or Brahmain's Veda.
[page 199]
Saturday 26
When I came up from the river last night I went over to the Third Street Charge, where there was a great gathering to hear Temperance speeches. Daily was boring the house when I got there, and I was glad to see the immense crowd began to disperse while he was speaking--he got down from the bench on which he was haranguing the audience, with a a great deal of apparent chagrin and mortification. I was truly glad to see it, because when anybody collects a large crowd at a Temperance meeting, he is sure to get up and bore away as though it came to hear him. He cannot get the respectable folk, especially ladies, to visit his church. The evening before, a great many persons had gone there to hear Tiswell, Wells, Daily, as usual in such cases, got up, and I suppose because he saw some very respectable girls there (Miss Lanier & Hays) commenced blackguarding ladies for wearing bustles &c, in a most indecent and brutal style. Las night the audience dispersed while he was speaking. I met Fred Craumbaugh at Donohues: and he came to my room with me. We smoked and chatted and cachinnated till late John Donohue afterwards came in. I was so develishly drowsy, I could scarely
Page 200
hold my eyes open. It was 12 when they left. I tossed in bed as quick as possible. This morning breakfast had been over more than an hour before I rose. I did not read any law to day--nor do anything else that I know of, except to assist in the annihilation of watermelon and other fruits of the season. Rob. Cravens, upon inquiry, being informed as to the authorship of the article of 'Legislators' in the the News of yesterday, complimented me quite handsomely and said it was one [of] the best articles ever produced in Madison. How far he was sincere, I don't know, nor care. But that was not the first time I have been complimented, by any means. From these friendly notices, and from articles being copied, I am compelled to believe that I must have added some additional interest to the paper. (It, however did not materially add to my interest, in pecunies) Cravens told me, he thought he would reply to Dailys blackguard invectives of last Thursday night, on the next night of the Society. He told me he had remarked to Daily himself, in presence of Northcraft, "Mr Daily I heard you unequivocally pronounced a black guard last night, and I was compelled to acquiesce in the decision" The Arch-demagogue replied, it was not the first time he had been
[page 201]
pronounced a blackguard. I think that quite likely. Daily will, by the retributive power of public sentiment, one day, get his dues. Intrenched [sic] within the walls of a mob-house, where no respectable persons, except members of his own church, and some of the young men [such as JLK] will ever venture, and backed by a pack of flattered shouters, who are ready to open their vociferous mouths to clap and cry him on, he is insensible to anything like shame, unawed by public opinion (though he meanly fawns upon it, that thrift may follow) and unrestrained in the use of his licentious tongue by any of the decencies of life. In point of character, he is contemptible and despicable--in intellect, he is only ordinary: yet he has a power about him, of some kind, which is hard to define, and of which no two two [sic] persons would give similar notions, but which is efficient enough, to keep and cohere together his heterogeneous and discordant materials. It is an unexplicalbe [sic] phenomenon to me, and I believe to all others.
"Preacheer at once and zany of the age!
O worthy thou of Egypts will abodes
A decent priest, where monkeys were the gods
Still break the benches, Daily! with hysteria
While Curtis and our Owen preach in Vain"
Page 202
Sunday 27
Fred Crumbaugh was up here last night. We had both been at Mrs McKees at the Rehearsal of the singing class- Clark was there with his flute, and made some most delectable music. I waited on Martha Loring home. Wrote some this morning. Attned Bible class. At church to night. Walked home with Grandma Lyle. Frank Monfort with me. Fred Crumbaugh was here to night.
Monday 28 Aug.
Nothing noteworthy to write to day. Did not study much--in fact, none. Sent to Cincinnati by Josiah Weyer for some Turkish Smoking tobacco. At a party at Mrs McKee's to night. About a dozen of each sex there. Wasn't much entertained and didn't much entertain either. Dispersed after eleven o ck. Walked home with Miss Drasilla Anderson. Fred Crumbaugh & John Donohue came over, sat, smoked, talked, laughed, whistled, joked &c for an hour. Now I'm to bed.
Page 204
Thursday 31 Aug 1843
.......This afternoon met with Geo Shaw who informed me that as there was a difference between us he had something to say. I walked along up street with him, in perfect astonishment. He had imagined himself insulted at not being invited to our house the evening there was singing there, when I left him at my room, and again at not being invited there when we had the Company there (party it was not) He thought if he wasn't good enough for me in Society, he wasn't quite good enough for a street acquaintance. he didn't care a damn he said, about coming, but he thought it strange that his most intimate associate would treat him with such disrespect. We had a good deal of friendly talk about the matter, and I explained to his entire satisfaction, at least so he said.---
Celine Lodge, Margaret, Col. & C Davenport were at our house to night. I was in awhile, but not long.......
Page 205
Friday September 1st 1843
Last night I met J S weyer, who came to my room and shortly after we started up to Crumbaugh, and met Clark Donohue & the Dr coming down street. We all went down to 'Joes' where we convivialized for nearly an hour. W & Dr C. came to my room, talked and smoked, smoked and talked. Dr C. made a couple of passable comnundrums "Why am I " said he "like a captivated partridge?" W. gave in--because said I, you have been taken by An Net (Annette) referring to his affection for Miss Annette Howes. Again. "Why is Schecks Brewery like a well in Jerusalem?" We gave in. Because said C. He brews (Hebrews) drink there, which was a passable one, at least. Josiah would have slept with me, but just as he was getting in bed, he recollected that his horse had been borrowed, and was returned since dark, and was not fed................
As Judge Hendricks could not be at his office tonight, where the Debating Club was to organize he gave me a key and I intended to go up and open the doors and light up. But as I did not feel much like doing it, and as I, according to agreement previously made, rode out, around town, with Marg. King, and till after dark, there was no meeting. This is a glorious night--and I have been enjoying it. When I put Weyers horse away, on my ramble down home, I happened upon Annette Howes & Miss Mitchell at the corner by Mrs Howes enjoying the moonlight, stopped and
page 207
and talked with them awhile. Met Geo. Shaw, and came up as far as Norwoods shop with him, where we stopped in and conversed with Schieder [?] than in at Crumbaughs until late.
Page 228
Saturday & Sunday [Oct 21-22]
Sat. When I went down to uncle Dan's this morning after breakfast, I met Isaac Monfort there, whom I have not seen for many years. He is to become a student at Hanover. He went down today in company with Dave McClure. I had some thoughts of going with them. But it was so gloomy, cloudy and dreary, that I abandoned the intention. They however were down- Came up in the evening. It rained to day pretty hard. The frequent rains this past season, however they may have fetilized the earth, and fructified it, have been of considerable advantage to me, inasmuch as they have supplied
[page 229]
me with the water, with which I perform my morning ablutions, without the necessity of carrying it from a distance. I have only to hang my bucket on the sprout, & the pure and refreshing showers from the cloud above, fill it with the best of water.
Sun. Isaac Monfort took tea at our house, and came then to my room, and staid with me last night- We smoked and chatted till late & then retired--I find him to be a sprightly fellow enough--quite lively, and waggish in his conversation.
page 231
Monday Oct 23rd [day began on page 232]
.............[JLK is going over in his mind his failures to progress in his studies, whether or not he should perhaps leave Madison and his many acquaintances so as to reduce the distractions he feels, as part of this, he starts thinking of his old desire to "run my fortunes on the sea"]
.......Mr Weyer has told me of a young Lieutenant of the U. S. Ship Savannah, with whom he recently became acquainted. This officer proposed to him, the situation of Captain's Clerk on that vessel. She is soon to cruise the pacific, and her ultimate destination is China. Now, if I could obtain that situation, it would be the consummation of oft cherished, but never abandoned, anticipations. And why might I not, if the requisite efforts were made? [in the ensuing days he does have Mr. Cushing, the District Attorney, write a letter to the government, but finds the ship has sailed. Later, he sees a notice of a frigate's sailing, and writes a letter to her commander]
[In his entry for Sat October 28, JLK mentions that he went to Hanover and went to "Aunt Jane's" to warm himself at the fire. Who is this aunt, a real aunt, or what?]
[page 271]
Wednesday, Nov. 8
Not a solitary single thing I've done to-day. Have just returned (10 ck PM) from Mr. McIntire's where I went to call on the Miss Joselyns, the Jamaica girls [sisters visiting the McIntires from the Island of Jamaica]. The girl who opened the door when I knocked and asked for the Miss Joselyns answered me not at home--But determined
Page 272
not to be thwarted in that way, I inquired for Mrs. McIntire, and was shown into the setting-room. I sat an hour or two very pleasantly conversing with Mrs. Joseyn & with Mrs. McIntire about divers matters & when I suggested that as the young ladies were not in, I would retire, they informed me they would come home with Mr McI. from Meeting, and insisted on my staying. I consented--put down my hat (which, by the way, I had held on my lap all that time!) and sat down again. They soon came and after an introduction, and some very general conversation with one occasional 'speech' addressed to the girls, I soon felt easy and tried to make them so. I am afraid that in my fluency of gab I inadvertently made a remark, which might have been construed in an offensive sense--but God knows I didn't so intend it, though it had been better unsaid. They did not seem to notice it though. Whenever my tongue gets garrulous and like a race-horse goes fastest with the lighter load upon it, it seldom occurs to me how many necks I may be breaking, how many bones crushing, so it goes the
[page 273]
faster. In that way, I feel very ridiculous sometimes, but can't help it. I was much pleased with the young folk, and must confess the younger one, who is not handsome but lively and intelligent, made some sensation in the affections, and came very near making a breach in the "palpitating ramparts of the heart" As there was no time-piece visible, I felt continually uneasy lest I should trespass upon the retiring hour, by a too protracted visit, and making my paltry devoir I retired with great reluctance I confess. Before they return to Jamaica I expect to consummate a friendship which I have done something on my part to begin. It is probable they will start in a couple of weeks, or so soon as the "Yellow-Tyrant of the Tropics" abates his epidemic ravages in the South, so that they can embark at New Orleans. God grant them a speedy and a safe voyage when they do start. Sometime ago when this lady and her daughter landed on the wharf, in charge of Mr McIntire, I was favorably impressed with their appearance, and I got a satisfactory glance from the eyes of both, as I thought. It was but an instant, But
"Oh there are times and looks that dost
An instant sunshine to the heart"
The girls have been for the four years or more past, in Dayton, Ohio, going to
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school--and I hope are accomplished girls.
"Oh Love! Thou art the very God of Evil,
But, after all we cannot call thee Devil"
[Through-out this period, Margaret King and JLK's sister Susan often accompany him to call on the "Jamaicas," as he often refers to them]
[a description of the girls is on page 280]
..Miss Sophy Josselyn is the older of the two. She is tall and rather good looking. Her features are regular. Her nose is quite a prominent point in her countenance. She does not talk much, and without other assistance I suppose it would be hard to manage an agreeable evening's call with her--just because she is destitute of woman's chief talent--loquacity. The younger one, Miss Helen, is rather good looking than otherwise. Her forehead is not so broad & high as her sisters--and right in the middle of it, her hair comes down--grows to a point. But withal she might pass for handsome, and for a girl of 14 [!] which is about her age, she has an excellent mind. She is very lively, and of a gay disposition.
pp 293-296
Wednesday 22 Nov, 1843
A description of a fire and the subsequent fighting of it. The fire began in "Mr Paine's warehouse on West Street." Several houses, Barbers, Paines and Washer's were burned or damaged, but the railroad depot and Woodburns Warehouse were saved. JLK described it as "...the largest & most destructive fire we ever had here." He also describes a great scene of confusion and contradictory orders, with no one in charge, and the "uselessness" of the engines. Fire lines were formed, but many men stood around watching rather than joining the lines. JLK was not happy.]
[The Jamaica girls are staying at the McIntire's...and on Friday, Dec. 1, JLK mentions walking Miss Helen home, and stopping in the house, "...as during Mr McI's absence at Indianapolis, Weyer is staying there to sleep, and I went in on his account."]
[It is in the entry for December 13, Wednesday, that Josiah Weyer announces to JLK that he is "engaged" to JLK's cousin, Margaret Jane King. The day previous to this, JLK mentions that a cousin Jo Monfort is staying "at the house" and that he preaches at the church one Sunday.]
[It is after page 345 in his diary that John Lyle King runs out of space, and goes back to use pages 2 through 9]
Page 2 of the diary, page 346 chronologically:
December 21. 1843
The Misses Josselyns were to go away tonight. When I went in the house about eleven o clock this morning, they were there, with Miss Croft, making a call. I walked up with them to Mr McMillan's where they are going to dine. I certainly shall never forget Miss Helen.
"Tis said that absence conquers love
But I believe it not"
As her name is so often on these pages that it would be impossible that it could be forgotten--like an echo from the heart, the page will answer, "it is here."
This afternoon I made an arrangement with Scott Thompson to get some money. And intended to go to Louisville with them on the Mail Boat. When I had finished supper, on going out of the gate, I saw that the Mail Boat was then at the Wharf and knew it from her sky-lights. I came to my room as hurriedly as possible, put on my coat, and dashed through mud and dock to the wharf. I met some Hanover students who informed me it was the boat, and that she was just putting off. But on I sphurged [?] through the slop and mire, which always irrigate the streets about the wharf in the pork-packing season. When I got there, their luggage was being put aboard of the boat from the dray, which had just reached the river. I inquired of everybody I could meet--of the hands
[page 3 of the diary, page 347 chronologically]
on the boat, whether any ladies had gone aboard. They replied to each interrogation that they had not seen them. I was on the point of going into the cabin to ascertain whether the company was aboard- but the boat was just pushing off. And as I was in the aggravating dilemma of not knowing whether to go or to stay, a mere impulse, and nothing else, determined me, without any perceptible volition on my part, to stay. I knew it was their baggage, For I saw, by the fire, the name on the cards. But whether they had gone aboard or not, I could not possibly divine. They seemed to be the stupidest men I ever saw- as if each one I interrogated had had a sudden amnesia, or had been divested of the power of perception. They could not have known less than they did. They didn't know, they said was the perplexing and unsatisfactory answer. However to ascertain, I went down to Mr McIntires and upon inquiring whether they had had time to get to the boat since they started, and being informed they had not, I was satisfied they could not be on board. But thinking they might choose, as they were on the wharf, since I left, and follow their baggage, to wait there for the first boat and take passage, I started back again- not however till I had taken breath, During which process of inhalation, Mr McI's little boy informed me H had cried about me a half an hour. When near the New Market House I met some ladies, but as it was dark could not tell who they were. I did not like to accost ladies
[Page 4 of the diary, page 348 chronologically]
in the night on the street. But one of them looked around and I would have been certain she recognized me, and that they were the ladies I was in search of, but then there was no man along, and I again hesitated about their identity and passed on without speaking. I went down to the wharves, and learned there that they did not get off.
So I went back to Mr McIntire's. Mrs McI, who had gone as far as our corner with them, went thence to Singing School, and I was glad she was not there. I sat till late- had a glorious time. The girls sang for me. After we had ale [?] got thoroughly dried and warmed by the Fire, they sang "Twilight Dews" "What Fairy like Music" "Fanny May" and some other songs sentimental, which did me good and which convinced me they know how to sing. Mc & his wife came in. I had some sport with the girls afterward, and then left. When I came to the room, I found Jop [?] was not here, and upon going over to the house to get some candles, found Monfort there whom I brought to the rooms and who is now sleeping soundly as a sluggard by my side, as I write. This day has been uncomfortable. It commenced raining about three o clock and has continued since. It is fully entitled to Sam Hick's
[Page 5 of the diary, page 349 chronologically]
description of a "juicy day". x x x
I bought a ring, which I intend presenting to H. tomorrow night if they shall start. If nothing intervenes and prevents, I shall go with them to Louisville. x x x. Glass was here this evening to get his books, which have been in the rooms since he left it last winter. Glass and I have not interchanged Con. teie [?] since last February, now, nearly a year ago. The occasion of our difference was this. Among others I had asked him to name the seeds of my apple [???]. He said, the girl whom I took to Daily's Church. I thought this tantamount to declaring to the girls at ________ [unreadable] that I was in the habit of taking slewers [?] there, which they well knew was done somewhat extensively at this church. It offended me. It was very imprudent at any rate. We were then rooming together. When he came home (I got there first) I told him he had been guilty of a mean thing. This roused him and what he said in reply stirred me up. I then alluded to his having had an encounter with Langdon, which, by my method of using, I made appear to his disadvantage, and told him I did not wonder he had been thrashed for his imprudence. This was an unpardonable allusion. He threatened to thrash me & got into bed, and got up in the morning without speaking, sent for his clothes afterwards, and has not spoken since,
[Page 6 of the diary, page 350 chronologically]
except this evening when he came in and merely said "John I want my books" I told him I would get them ready for him tomorrow. This alienation is ridiculous. We must make it up--we must speak. I have entertained not a particle of animosity and resentment towards him since, and would long since have comprised [?] what little of pride had been expundered [?] in my bosom when the occurrence was fresh, by speaking to him, had I not thought and known he would, from his intolerable pride and vanity, have considered it an advance occasioned by my humility and a sense of his vast importance, -an acknowledgement of submission and dependency and the admission that I had been in the wrong, and was desirous to _______[?] myself from what he thinks his very important adium.
Sunday 24 Dec. This morning I arrived from Louisville, about 9 o clock. I went down on the Pike Friday night. The Jamaicas made their parting adieu to Madison and to Indiana, and embarked for their island. Mr McIntire & myself accompanied them. I did not tell any of our folks that I was going. I did not want it known to any person. Several other Madison people were on the boat. I had a glorious time going down- was with the girls
[Page 7 of the diary, page 351 chronologically]
most of the time, in the Ladie's cabin. Helen & I took a glass of wine together, and I drank to a prosperous voyage, keen breezes and a happy recognition of Friends. Helen sang several songs and did it beautifully. When I thought it was so late that Mr McIntire would not venture in the cabin, I procured a pack of cards and Mr Clark & myself played whist and Eucre and had our fortunes told with them, until two o' clock. The occasion of my introducing Clark was to play the flute, while Helen would sing. They did this. Helen never sang so beautifully and charmingly. Of course I was charmed entirely. After the singing, we commenced cards and played them till two o' clock--Though I would willingly have continued it longer, but not wishing to intrude upon their hours, we left the girls- went to our Stateroom- but I did not get to sleep till late in the morning. The bed, I fancied, was alive with vermin of some kind, which compelled me to scratch myself, till I was at last fatigued and wearied into sleep. We took breakfast on the boat and after seeing the girls a few moments, Clark & I pesest [?]
[Page 8 of the diary, page 352 chronologically]
=nauated [?] some of the streets of the city-and called at one or two places. When we went back to the boat, we found they had gone over to the Empress, on which steamer, they took passage for New Orleans. We got over on the boat, and played cards again for an hour or more- when Clark left and merged into the city. I staid however- escorted them to the table and dined on the Empress. The boat got steam up and was ready to start at one o clock- but was detained an hour longer. Helen promised to send me a paper, when they should arrive at New Orleans- and when they get home she will write me a letter. But the boat started at 2- and I bade them farewell, very sorrowfully I must confess. God knows, I would willingly have gone to Orleans or rather to Jamaica had I been prepared for such a voyage. I never more disliked to part with a girl- and my feelings were entirely otherwise than cheerful when as the boat rounded out they waved their parting signals. My whole soul fluttered. God bless them and may their destinies now and hereafter be happy and blessed. I love Helen most passionately- and know that the feeling was reciprocated
[Page 9 of the diary, page 353 chronologically]
I took passage home on the Paul Jones, which started about four o'clock in the afternoon. When it grew dark, from the great quantity of driftwood which swept along on the current, and which every few moments struck the boat and convulsed her and shook her whole timbers, as if we were on floating earthquakes, it was necessary to run slow. I met with Mr Stentz on the boat- a gentleman who has been engaged in business transactions with Mr Wm Woodburn, at whose house, I first became acquainted with him. He was going on to Washington City. He had a large bundle of news to give me about Shoal Creek and the girls. He and I, together with Nels. [?] Carl and a cute clever fellow whom we called Doctor, played cards till late. By eleven o'clock the fog had gathered densely over the waters, and rendered it almost impossible to proceed. While we were sitting around the card table, we heard something heavy strike the decks, and we all started. We found that we had run ashore among the trees, and its limbs were crashing above our heads.
[Several pages are again ripped out, and the next numbered page, which is numbered "10," reverts back to 1842]
Page 17
Saturday, 11 Oct 1844
[Day began on page 15. This is during a description of a sermon preached by a Prof. Tefft?, a Methodist, who JLK thinks is excellent]
........Uncle John King whose Presbyterian orthodoxy and blue-stockingness, like that of his sect, is of the most remarkable unimpressibility and unperterbability, told me, he could hardly restrain himself from shouting, several times during Jeff's discourse. The eloquence that can impel a Presbyterian whose stern creed of Calvinism is hostile to impassioned action, to shout or stamp must be peculiarly vivid and stirring. The man Tefft is a greater preacher than Moffit.
Page 26
Saturday 19th Oct [1844]
..........I met Wm King in the Barber's Shop, whitter I had gone to have my hair shorn, and he inviting me thence to take a glass with him at "Nicks's" and after repairing thittier and indulging, I had already acquired a state of mind, a condition of Soul--elasticity, buoyancy, vividness and sensation enough to exhilirate me to a degree of glorinousness and festal feelings to enjoy the company......[and so he went on to a party at Liter's room, which he had previously decided not to go to]
page 27
Saturday 19 Oct [1844]
[day began on page 26]
.....I had an engagement with Mag. Lanier [to dance a set at a party] for a particular set- John A. Hendricks, between whom & myself there is no very
page 28
entente cordiale claimed her company for the same set. neither of us was willing to yield- & Miss Lanier decided in my favor. I am in the habit of yielding in such cirs.-for I dislike placing a lady in the position where she will be compelled to to [sic] show a preference and make a refection, But I felt no indelicacy in maintaining my claim in opposition to that of a person to whom, in our relations of Ishmailites, my concession would not be esteemed an act of courtesy...............
In coming home to dinner yesterday found Thompson Glass, a brother of James D. my cousin [probably on the Lyle side of the family] & old room-mate here for dinner. He had come to town the evening before. His sister Davidella came with him, but she was at Aunt McClure's at dinner. I did not see her till night. After dinner Susan went up with Thompson to see her, and [I] came to my room, and had a sleep.
After supper, I went to Aunt McClure's to see Davidella. Found to her to be handsome, but as James & I got into a dispute about Native Americanism which we protracted till late, I could scarcely say I had become acquainted with her. She agreed to come down with Susan & I walked with her.
From her manner of walking, by just placing her hand lightly within my arm & distancing herself, I concluded either that she was not in the habit
page 29
of walking with gentlemen much, or that there was a different style of "doing it up" in Kentucky. She is pretty--quite fleshy though--is young--say, 11, --and intelligent as girls generally are.
Thompson is a "first rate fellow" He is sociable and agreeable as company, and is pretty bright. he is a stout fine-looking farmer, younger than his brother James.
We came into my room--smoked and gossiped about John Haggin & Jo Patterson, two of my old Hanover associates. ___?___ [unreadable], & went to bed
This day spent idly & loafingly as I have all the week. In the afternoon, Thompson & I, with Dave McClure, went to Clifty fishing. I had been told that the back-water was in a fine stage, and I anticipated some sport. We rode in Thompson's buggy. We were disappointed in our expectations at once. The water was low--but little in the creek. We had Dr Roger's net to catch minnows with--caught many. But the large bass were not there--the smaller ones bit and nibbled well, but we didn't succeed in catching any on our lines.
Came away at Sun-down. Susan & Davidella had gone to Mrs. Reid's for tea--We went there also when we returned. Mary Ely was there, & part of the time, Mag. Weyer, Celine Lodge & Nanny King [Margaret Jane's sister, Nancy]. Davidella went to Aunt McClure's with her brother James. Thompson came down with me and is in bed while I am writing this.
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