Jane, Mr. A. and myself, they took a walk, and sat awhile with
my Mother. She did not discover the metamorphosis, nor had the least suspicion
of the disguised couple who were introduced under fictitious names, ‘till
after they were gone.
26th. I prepar’d a piece of Box-wood, and began to engrave
a device after one of Bewick’s.
27th. I finish’d engraving the cut and got an impression
of it at Sword’s. C. Tiebout, who was examining it in the evening, complimented
me on the neatness of the work.
29th. I have now but little business of the medical kind
to attend to, and have therefore devoted some of my time to engraving.—This
latter kind of employment has not as yet yielded any profit, for I have
only been making experiments and practicing.—The beautiful specimens of
Bewick’s work have been the means of stimulating me to improve in the art
of engraving wood.—
30th. Sunday. It seems that my Brother, conceiving that
he had a real affection for J. V. V., had engaged himself to her, provided
she would wait a year or two.—For some time past his conduct towards her
has been much altered, & the following seems to be the cause. He had
been drawing my Father’s will, and discover’d that such an union as he
intended
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would be the means of cutting him off penniless. What adds
to the absurdity of his conduct is that he desired my wife to acquaint
Miss J. with the latter circumstance.
31st. This day I paid 22 dollars 4 cents for real and
personal taxes. The dreadful period call’d Quarter day approaches. I have
been drawing on the Bank, but the tax gatherer has made too great a hole
in the sum I had allotted for rent.—
I have been planning a scheme for the publication of children’s
books. Had some conversation with M. McFarlane on that subject.
August 4th. I hired a room in Fair Street,* of Nath. Kimberly,
for £14, for the remainder of the year—(‘till next May.) In this
room I propose to open a Liliputian Bookstore, under the care of
some honest young lad.—McFarlane is to print the books, and I shall engrave
the cuts.—I have already finish’d several, having spent the chief part
of the afternoon at them.—
This project may be reckon’d rather out of my line. I
confess it is, but the leisure time which this healthy season allows me
may as well be spent at an Art which I have taken some pains to learn.
* Now Fulton.
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