Here I sat above an hour, not from choice, for company was
dropping in and I wish’d myself away long before.—The foolish fear of appearing
awkward in taking leave imposed this restraint upon me.
9th. I went & got a ticket for my Brother in the Harvard
College Lottery. This is a present from my Mother; but the matter is to
be conceal’d from him ‘till the drawing. If a prize turns up,* he is to
have it; if a blank, no harm done.—My Mother offer’d me a share in this
ticket, but I refus’d it.
24th. Mrs. Penny display’d herself in a most ridiculous
light, with the aid of her dear liquor.—I met her just by the door, as
I was coming out.—She was staggering and bawling with a voice like a boatswain.
“Dr. Anderson,” says she, “ these are fine doings; all the girls and married
women falling in love with you.”—I made the best of my way out to avoid
the thunder of her eloquence.
October 4th. I got a sawyer to procure me some hickory
wood. He brought me two loads.—I have bespoke two more, and when my chimney
is swept may bid defiance to the cold—at least within my own precincts.
I met Mr. Van Vleck this afternoon. He turn’d about and took me to see
a little boy
* The ticket drew a prize of $16.
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with an abscess on the thigh.—I find something very agreeable
in Mr. V.V. He appears to pass through life with such an easy indifference,
though by no means an inactive member of society. He is entertaining in
conversation, a warm Republican, and fond of relating & hearing the
news; and on such occasions, seems to be much interested in the fate of
nations.
8th. Among the transactions of this day I find none really
worthy of notice.—The fact is, my thoughts have been directed towards a
certain object,* or whether the anxiety which mingles itself with these
reflections denotes some stronger impression, I dare not yet pronounce.—At
present I find it incumbent on me to proceed with cautious steps and to
obviate disappointment by repressing all sanguine hopes of happiness.—
17th. My Father had been invited to Van Vleck’s this evening
to hear the young ladies’ music. –I went there about 7. The room was filled
with company. The time pass’d away very agreeably, and I found it 10 O’clock
before I was ready to start.
* Miss Ann Van Vleck, whom he married on the 16th of
the following April.
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