The 1815 Diary of a Nova Scotia
Farm Girl,
Louisa Collins, of Colin Grove,
Dartmouth
As Edited By Dale McClare
[August the 14th?, 1815]
. .
. and sewing . The afternoon, Mama and
me picked some black currants, and Mr. Beamish
came
up to tea. We took a walk to the orchard and picked some currants. --
Mr. Allen called in, a little while, in the afternoon. The weather
was quite unpleasant this morning, but the afternoon has been rather pleasant
[Tuesday] August the 15 [1815]
The dairy, as usual, takes up
most of my morning on Tuesdays, and after finishing there I picked a basket
of black currants for Miss Beamish . --
In the afternoon I sewed a little while and then went out and raked hay.
I wrote a note to my friend Harriet this
evening. -- And Aunt Clifford's girl and her
sister have been over all day picking currants. -- Mama is now tying
up her radishes and turnips  for
market
tomorrow morning . As that don't belong to my part of the work, I have
left her to herself. -- We have had a fine day today. I shall retire early
tonight, for I feel quite tired after my days work, and call for nature's
sweet restorer, balmly sleep --how refreshing are thy downy pinions
to the toiling labourer who lays him down in peace, where no grisly phantom
haunts his brain of some black and guilty deeds.
[Wednesday] August the 16 [1815]
I have been all the morning making
hay. -- In the afternoon, Mrs. Beamish came
up with Papa and brought her
black girl . -- I have been out walking with Mrs. Beamish. It is a
long time since she was here and everything
is much altered . -- She is now sitting talking with Mama about old
affairs. I received a note from Harriet by Papa. -- I have been [a] little
disappointed today, for I expected a friend
this
afternoon. -- We have had a beautiful day.
[Thursday] August the 17 [1815]
I was very busy all the morning
with house work. -- In the afternoon I went with Mrs. Beamish and picked
some berries. -- When we returned home, we found Mrs.
Allen here. After tea the evening  was
so beautiful I walked home with her. We met Mrs.
Brinley . We all went up there with
her and g__________ts and cream . We then
went and took a walk as far as the ber_______________
As
we returned, we stopped in at Mrs. Potts's
and
rapped at her window, which gave her a little alarm. We had a good romp
with her and then left her. Mrs. Brinley and Sally
came
part the way home with C. and me as we
had no beau. We were to give the signal to each other, when out of danger,
by a loud scream--which we did. It has been very warm today but not very
clear. The evening is remarkable pleasant with a beautiful full moon.
Friday] August the 25 [1815]
I have returned from town today
with Mr. Beamish. I have been spending a week with his mother and sisters
.
Never did I spend a pleasanter week, although the weather was so unpleasant
as to prevent me from going out; but mirth and good humour reigned within,
which made up for every other deficiency. It never was known to rain harder
than it did for two days; and since, we have never been free from fog.
It is soon a week since we have had a fine day. I am afraid there will
be much hay spoilt. Papa has got a great deal down. -- Since I have come
home, I have been picking peas with Mama. -- There is nothing new in town.
At present, everything is very dull.
[Saturday] August the 26 [1815]
I have been carding and spinning
this morning, and in the afternoon I went with the
girls and picked some bayberries. -- Papa has been to town today but
has brought no news. -- I stopped at my little
bower this afternoon, but it looked so dull I could not stay long--and
the weather, being very dull, hurried me from the spot where I have spent
many happy moments. -- I have not seen anyone since I came home, and time
passes heavily on. -- Night has thrown on her
sable mantle , and I now prepare for bed.
[Sunday] August the 27 [1815]
My morning was nearly taken up
in the kitchen getting dinner. -- Betsy and
Jane went to Dartmouth in the morning. -- After dinner, Mama and Phebe
went to Mrs. Prescott's and Charlotte to
Mrs. Allen's. I was quite alone, till Mr. Beamish came. We went to the
orchard and picked some currants and then we took a walk to Mr.
Russell's lake . When we returned, tea was ready. The fog came in very
thick, and Mr. Beamish stayed all night. -- George
came
up with Betsy, and Mr. B. and he has taken my bed. -- I hear them snoring
famously, and I shall follow their example.
[Monday] August the 28 [1815]
 I
have been picking currants from nine this morning till four this afternoon.
We have got a large washing-tub full for wine. -- Since, I have been raking
hay till nearly night. -- Mr. Beamish and George left here very early this
morning. I did not see them. -- While I was picking currants, my thoughts
were employed with where I should be and what I should be doing this
day twelve months.
[Wednesday] August the 30 [1815]
As it was quite late last night
when I came home, I had not time to write down yesterday's work. -- I was
very busy making wine near all day--and butter. -- In the afternoon, I
picked some berries and then went to Mrs. Allen's to tea. -- I met Mrs.
Brinley coming over to see me, but she insisted on my going with her. --
In the evening we went over to Mrs. Potts's and had a
__________ romp . Sally was dressed as a little Dutchman and introduced
as Mrs. P's beau.
Today I have been busy making hay till I was very tired. After dinner,
Aunt
Elizabeth came up, and Mr. Beamish. -- Mama and Aunt were picking currants
all the afternoon, and Mr. B. and me took care of Joanna
.
-- I have worked a small piece of trimming today besides making hay. --
Mr. Beamish brought me a note from Harriet. -- And I wrote a short one
to her. -- I hope my friend Thomas is near his journey's end, for the night
looks very dark. How often do I wish there was a bridge across the harbour
that I might see my friends without any danger. -- Papa has been to town
today. It grows late and I feel more inclined to sleep than write. --
I now hear the ferry horn blowing and the night is very dark, which
makes it sound quite melancholy. -- Heaven grant that my friend may get
over safe.
[Thursday] August the 31 [1815]
This morning I was sewing, as
it was so unpleasant I could not go out. -- I worked a piece of trimming
and altered two frocks. -- This afternoon, the
Miss Prescotts and Aunt Sally came and
spent the evening--and their brother . --
I was very busy sewing when they came, for we did not expect company--the
weather was so unpleasant. They have just gone and I think they will have
a muddy walk, and the night is very dark. -- I hope that loving brother
of theirs will not leave them in the mud.
[Friday] September the 1 [1815]
This has been a very rainy day,
and I have been sewing all day till about five o'clock when it left off
raining and Mama and me went and picked some peas and beans. -- I have
been altering a frock and working some trimming. -- It has rained very
hard today and I fear much of our hay is spoilt. I sincerely hope tomorrow
may be fine. -- It is so cold this evening that I have been sitting by
the fire. --Winter approaches fast and we have had very little warm weather.
[Saturday] September the 2 [1815]
 This
has been a very busy day with me and all--we had our house to clean all
over after the rain, and since ten o'clock I have been making hay till
quite dark. -- Papa has been to town today. He brought me a note from Harriet,
and the muslin I sent for. -- I am too tired to write; and bed, I think,
will be the best place. -- The weather has been very fine today.
[Sunday] September the 3 [1815]
 Today
has been a dull day. -- In the morning I took a walk to my bower and picked
some bayberries on my way. -- The afternoon, it rained hard; I wrote a
note to Harriet. --There has been no one here today. -- Our
old man has gone to take a walk and has not returned. -- I went out
to milk. -- It is a stormy night; it thunders and lightens. --
Our milk boy will have a bad time home .
-- I have sent my note by him.
[Monday] September the 4 [1815]
I have not done much of anything
today. In the morning I made hay a little while. And since, I have been
sewing. -- Charlotte came home from Dartmouth
this morning. -- Mrs. Macy and her daughter have
come from Nantucket. They arrived on Sunday last
.
-- There is news of Bonaparte's being taken
.
-- I hope it is true. There is no punishment too great for such a wretch.
-- How many lives has been sacrificed for his ambition.
[Tuesday] September the 5 [1815]
After I had finished making butter
this morning, I went to spinning. Mrs. Brinley sent for some of us to go
to Miss Farquharson . I declined going and
none went but Betsy. In the afternoon, Mama and the girls went to pick
berries and I was left alone, except little Joanna who was asleep. -- Last
night the frost was so great as to kill all the cucumber, and it has been
very cold all day.
[Wednesday] September the 6 [1815]
I have been carding and spinning
all day. It has been an unpleasant day and rained so as to prevent Papa
from going to town. -- I have been sewing a little this evening, on a cap
which bothers me to make it fit. -- Nothing has happened today worthy of
notice. -- It now rains very hard and I shall retire early.
[Thursday] September the 7 [1815]
We have had a very large wash
today--which kept me very busy. -- In the afternoon Mrs. Brinley came over
to tea. We went and took a walk and got some berries. We did not get home
till tea-time; we got in deep conversation about old times. Edward
came
for her in the evening. They have just gone and it is quite late and very
cold.
[Friday] September the 8 [1815]
After my usual work in my dairy,
I went to haymaking and worked nearly all day. I took a walk to
D'anseville grove and passed a solitary hour in my favourite spot.
The beauty of Nature are beginning to fade, and chill winter will soon
spread his heavy mantle. -- Then farewell, you
rural walks and shady groves . -- I received a note from my
friend this evening, and I have just answered it. -- It grows late
and I feel very fatigued after my day's work.
[Saturday] September the 9 [1815]
After my usual Saturday's work,
I went out and made hay till night. Papa was in town this morning; he brought
me a note from Harriet. She has not been very well. Captain
Osburn has returned from New York.
While we were all out making hay this afternoon, Uncle
Coleman and Eliza came. They came out
and worked with us till we finished--when it began to rain. We have been
sitting by the kitchen fire warming ourselves--the weather is so cold.
[Sunday] September the 10 [1815]
We were sitting in the hay cart
in the barn all the morning, Eliza and Charlotte
and me. -- After dinner, George Coleman, and
Edward and John Allen came over for
the girls to go over there . E. and C. went
to tea. Mr. Beamish came up in the afternoon. We went to the orchard to
pick some currants. We then returned to the barn and sit in the hay till
tea. After tea, Betsy and Mary Ann went
over to join the party. -- I expect Eliza will
return with them. -- I think we shall have a
real Yankee bundle , for Mr. B. does not go home tonight. I now hear
him and the two old people talking about
old times. And I must now join them.
[Monday] September the 11 [1815]
Mr. Beamish did not go home till
after breakfast this morning, as it was a rainy morning. -- Eliza and me
sit down to sewing all the morning. In the afternoon, we took a
walk round the road to Mrs. E. Allen's .
Eliza and Charlotte got measured for a pair of boots. On our way we went
to Mrs. Frost's but did not go in. When
we got home, tea was ready. -- After tea we walked to our barn. We sit
there and sung a song or two and danced a jig. The evening was very pleasant.
We returned home and retired early, as it was twelve o'clock last night
when we went to bed. -- Going to the well this
morning I fell down and hurt myself very much.
[Tuesday] September the 12 [1815]
 I
was carding and spinning all the morning by myself. --And Eliza has had
a
large wash of two pair of stockings . In the afternoon Mama and the
girls came up in the spinning room with me. Eliza and Charlotte sewed and
Mama helped me spin. -- After our work was over, we went to the barn and
had a swing and a romp in the hay. -- Mama was to go to town today, but
the rain prevented her. -- There was to be
some
fireworks performed tonight ; but the rain, I suppose, will put a stop
to it.
[Wednesday] September the 13 [1815]
This morning was spent very busy
in the spinning room, and part the afternoon. -- Eliza took a nap this
afternoon. --Papa has been to town too this
afternoon and Aunt sent for Eliza to come home
.
-- I went as far as Nan's Hill with her.
-- We met Frederick and I bid her good-bye
and walked home. -- Papa brought me a note from Harriet;
she is well . -- She sent me the muslin I sent for. -- Eliza and me
has been romping today in the spinning room. We found time for that although
we were very busy. -- I shall feel quite lonesome now she is gone. -- But
I live in hopes.
[Thursday] September the 14 [1815]
This morning I was very busy washing.
-- In the afternoon, Mr. Beamish came up and brought his horse. -- He spent
his afternoon mending his gun and making me wait on him with the tools.
-- Poor Phebe has met with a sad misfortune.
A crow has taken away one of her chickens and it was one of her favourites.
-- Mr. Beamish rode after it with his gun, but could not git it. -- The
weather has been disagreeable all day.
[Friday] September the 15 [1815]
In the morning I was making butter,
and ironing and spinning. -- This afternoon I have been sewing. I have
been making a spencer for my frock. -- This
evening I wrote a note to Harriet and one to Maria. -- Nothing of any consequence
has happened today and I do not feel very well and shall retire early.
-- The weather has been the same as usual--disagreeable and wet. I am afraid
much of our hay will spoil.
[Saturday] September the 16 [1815]
It is Saturday today and as usual
cleaning house. -- After that was over, I went to spinning and spun a large
ball. --Papa has been to town today. He brought me a note from Harriet.
She promises to come over tomorrow if fine. -- I took a run before night
and got a few blackberries. I got my feet very wet, for it has rained every
day this week. Mr. Farquharson came here
this evening; he did not stop long. Papa went with him
to Mr. Allen's . I have been sitting by the kitchen fire knitting,
this evening. I am preparing for winter. -- For he approaches very fast,
which prospect then how hopeless. -- We find the
fireside the only cheerful companion when keen blows the north blast
and heavy drives the snow.
[Sunday] September the 17 [1815]
I spent my morning in reading.
-- For it was so disagreeable I did not expect my
friend . -- After dinner I made a cake. -- About four o'clock Mr. Beamish
came up. -- I was quite surprised when I heard him below, for I was sitting
upstairs reading-- not expecting to see anyone.
He
has not gone home this evening and takes my bed tonight. -- I shall be
perforced to seek a lodgement elsewhere. --
Mr. William Allen came in, a little while, this afternoon for the newspaper.
-- I believe all the fates are against my friend's
coming over , for this is the second Sunday appointed.
[Monday] September the 18 [1815]
 I
have spent the most of my day in spinning. -- Papa, Mama, and Phebe went
to Mrs. Stuart's this afternoon. Papa has
just returned without Mama and Phebe. It rained so hard they could not
come home. -- And I shall have to sleep without my bedfellow tonight. --
Mr. Beamish left here very early this morning, before I was up. No doubt
he arrived time enough for breakfast. -- This afternoon I went to the orchard
and got some currants, and took a walk and got some blackberries before
the rain come on.
[Tuesday] September the 19 [1815]
This has been another spinning
day with me. -- Mama and Phebe came home this morning. They got very wet.
I have just wrote a note to Harriet. It has been a very disagreeable day.
-- And I have been up in my spinning room all day by myself. -- My spirits
do not feel good for writing tonight; and as there is nothing new, I must
wait till tomorrow.
[Wednesday] September the 20 [1815]
 I
have been spinning again all day. I expect I shall grow like a weed in
the shade, for I go no farther than my dairy and from there to my spinning
room. -- Papa has been to town today. He brought me a note from Harriet
and a box of wafers . -- I am sorry to hear
that Mrs. Beamish and Miss Beamish are not very well. -- Charlotte has
gone to drink tea with Sarah Ann Allen ,
and Papa has gone to Mr. Allen's
this evening.
I have been sitting by the fire knitting. -- It is a fine evening and I
sincerely hope it will be fine tomorrow.
[Thursday] September the 21 [1815]
Today I have been very busy. I
have been washing all the morning. Betsy and Mary Ann went to town this
morning; they did not git home till late this evening. -- All the afternoon,
I have been making hay, and so has Mama. George came home with the girls
and returned home again.
 I
had a tedious time making butter this morning--the weather is so cold.
-- After dinner, Mama and me walked to Dartmouth. Mama went to
town to spend a day or two. --In the evening, Papa came down on horseback
and I rode home behind him. It was late when we arrived. -- I called at
Mr.
Coleman's to see Mrs. Macy. Her daughter was not home.
[Saturday] September the 23 [1815]
I have not done much today except
house work. Papa has been in town today. Mama has not come home--the weather
is so unpleasant. The house feels quite lost without her. Phebe and me
have been sitting alone this some time, for the girls are all in bed and
Papa has been in the parlour reading.
[Sunday] September the 24 [1815]
 Sunday
morning. First went to my dairy and did my usual work. Secondly, prepared
dinner. Thirdly, read a little. Fourthly, dressed myself. Fifthly, saw
company. Mr. Beamish came up and dined with us. Papa went to town and took
Georgiana
.
After dinner, George Coleman came up. Mr. Allen came over a little while.
Mr. Beamish and me took a little walk to our little bower. -- George and
Charlotte milked the cows, for old Skinner
went
off and left us. -- It was late when Papa got
home . And the two gentlemen have taken possession of my room tonight.
[Monday] September the 25 [1815]
 The
most of this morning was taken up with house work; and since, I have been
spinning. -- I wrote a note this evening to
my friend and sent it by the milk boy. -- Mr. Beamish and George left
here very early this morning, before we were up. -- Nothing worthy of notice
has happened today; we git on as well as can be expected without Mama.
-- Mrs. Brinley has gone to town to spend some time with Miss
Mansfield
. My candle is most out and I must give up writing for tonight.
[Tuesday] September the 26 [1815]
I have not done much today. Spun
a little in the morning. In the afternoon, saw company. -- Miss
Macy , Mary , and Eliza
came
up; and Eliza Allen and Sally
came
over to tea. -- Mary and me went and picked some blackberries, while the
other girls got radishes. -- I think Miss Macy a nice little girl. -- James
come
up for them, and they have just gone. They will have a dark walk. -- We
have had a very fine day.
[Wednesday] September the 27 [1815]
 I
have been spinning a little today. Mama come home today and Georgiana
and
Ann
Coleman came up with her. She has been
two
days in Dartmouth . Yesterday she drank tea at Mrs.
Albro's . -- It has been very cold today and we have been all seated
round the fire like a winter's night.
[Thursday] September the 28 [1815]
 I
have been very busy washing today. We had a large wash and [did) not finish
till afternoon. -- Papa was in town this morning. He brought me a note
from Harriet. -- Miss Beamish has been very
sick, but is getting better. --Mama has gone to Mrs. Allen's to tea. --
Papa has just gone over. -- I hear Mr. Osterman
was married last night to Miss Etter. I do not know how true the report
is. -- It has been a fine day, but very cold. I hear the children making
a famous noise below; I must go see what is the matter.
This morning, I was very busy
churning and making butter. -- And the remainder of the day I spent in
the spinning room. -- Phebe went down with Ann
this
afternoon. I do not know what I shall do without her for a bedfellow. --
I have just wrote a note to Harriet to send
by in the morning. -- It has been a very fine day and Papa has been
improving it getting in grain. -- There is nothing new at Colin Grove today.
[Saturday] September the 30 [1815]
Today I have been busy with our
usual Saturday's work--house work. -- Mrs. Thompson
and
Mrs. Allen took tea here this evening. -- Papa has been in town twice today.
He brought me a note from Harriet; I expect her over tomorrow if fine.
-- It has been a beautiful, fine day--and very warm. The ladies have just
gone. Charlotte is over to Mr. Allen's. She is going to stay all night.
Sunday morning the girls came
up and dined with us--Harriet and Maria, Mr. Beamish and Salter
.
We spent our day sewing and walking. I went home with the girls. We had
a very disagreeable time over; the boat was crowded with blacks
and
the wind blew very hard. When we arrived, we found Mr.
and Mrs. Osburn . -- Mrs. Beamish gave us a
dish of hot coffee, which was very acceptable after our long walk.
We retired early. -- Monday morning and we spent the most of our day walking.
-- Tuesday we went but to Shefrow's to tea.
-- Wednesday, came home; Harriet and Mr. B. came with me. Harriet and myself
have been out with Thomas gunning. -- We have been sitting by the kitchen
fire all the evening. -- Harriet is now sitting by me while I write. --
I feel my eyes drawing together, and I think it is time to retire. So adieu
to writing.
[Thursday] October the 5 [1815]
We spent the morning in running
about picking blackberries. -- And after dinner Harriet, Betsy, Charlotte,
and myself walked to Dartmouth to tea at Aunt's
.
-- We took a walk up the road a little way before tea. -- The
two boys came home with us in the evening. Charlotte has stayed all
night. -- We all feel fatigued after our walk and shall retire early.
[Friday] October the 6 [1815]
 This
morning I was very busy in my dairy, churning and making butter; Harriet
was helping me churn. The remainder of the day we sit upstairs reading
and knitting. Patience and Perseverance is
the title of the book we are perusing; I think it a very good thing. The
weather has been rather dull today--which prevented us from taking a walk.
I have left them all seated round the table at their domestic employments,
some sewing and others knitting and Papa at the
head reading . -- I must hurry to return to my work or I shall be in
disgrace. -- All's well!
[Saturday] October the 7 [1815]
This morning has been spent very
busy cleaning house. --In the afternoon, Betsy, Harriet, and myself walked
up to Mr. Prescott's to tea. We spent a very
pleasant afternoon. In the evening, Papa came up on horseback. --Harriet
rode home behind him. Charlotte, Patty, Betsy,
and Lydia came part the way home with us, escorted by their
brother Jonathan .
[Sunday] October the 8 [1815]
 Sunday.
As soon as we done breakfast, Harriet and me walked out to old
Colly
to git a horse to make up a riding party to go to Mrs. Stuart's
at Cole Harbour. -- But we soon returned, disappointed in our expectations
of riding single-horse . We sit down and
read a little and then dressed ourselves. -- Mr. Beamish came up and dined
with us. -- After dinner we got the chaise and
went to Cole Harbour. Harriet and Betsy rode, and Mr. Beamish and me walked.
The lady of the mansion was from home, but we stopped to tea with the
gentleman . We returned home early, as the evening was disagreeable.
Mr. Beamish has not gone home tonight.
[Monday] October the 9 [1815]
This morning Harriet and me has
spent in the spinning room. She read to me while I prepared for cold winter's
want. In the afternoon, Harriet, Charlotte, and me went out to Mr.
Farquharson's to tea. C. came home last
night. -- We had a very disagreeable walk home; the night was dark and
very foggy. -- Mr. A. F. came home with us.
I am afraid he will git a compleat soaking, for it has come on to rain
very hard. -- We have had potatoes and milk for our supper and shall retire
early, compleatly tired with our jaunt.
[Tuesday] October the 10 [1815]
 I
have spent nearly all my day in spinning, and my book was all my companion
today. -- This morning,
Harriet went home ,
and Betsy went with her to spend a few days. -- Uncle
Brown called here this afternoon but did not stop long. -- Mama is
not well this evening; she did not take tea with us. -- I feel quite lonely
now Harriet is gone. I shall retire early tonight; I do not feel well.
[Wednesday] October the 11 [1815]
I have spent my day nearly all
in my spinning room with a book. Mama came to see me and told me I had
better go and see Mrs. Allen--which I did. -- After tea, Sally
and
me took a run over to Mrs. Pott's. She was a little alarmed, when coming
downstairs, to find us sitting in her room. --When I 'rived home, I found
a note from Harriet, by which I learn Mr. B. has gone to the
fair in Windsor . -- It is now quite late and I must prepare for bed
with the sincere prayer for my distant Friend
.
[Thursday] October the 12 [1815]
I have been very busy, nearly
all day, washing till my fingers are all sore. This afternoon I read a
little and wrote a note to Harriet and sent it by the milk boy. --They
have finished mowing the meadow today. It has blown a gale all day, and
it seems to continue this evening. -- I have just left Mama and Papa sitting
reading--one, the newspaper; and the other, a novel. When mothers lead
the way, it is no wonder if daughters goes astray.
[Friday] October the 13 [1815]
After various employments of the
day, I am once more seated at my nightly task. -- The first of my morning
was taken up making butter; and secondly, ironing. -- And thirdly, spent
the evening at Mrs. Allen's at Mount Edward
.
Sally A., Charlotte, and myself formed the party. -- William
came
home with us, and Sally. -- It is a beautiful evening. I should like to
walk two or three miles with an agreeable companion
.
The moon is in her full splendour and sheds her silver beams on all around.
How delightful to walk now [that) we can view from
Nature up to Nature's God .
[Saturday] October the 14 [1815]
 Today
has been mostly spent cleaning house. I have twisted a little yarn. --
And wrote some poetry, and mended old stockings. -- Papa has been to town.
He brought me a note from Harriet, and my cloth for my pelisse
.
Grandmama
come
up this afternoon to spend some time. Cousin
George has gone to Chester on a short voyage. --This evening is not
so pleasant as last; the moon is clouded over and seems to threaten an
approaching storm. I think we shall drink October's chilling tear ere Aurora
with her rosy fingers opens the golden gates of the east.
[Sunday] October the 15 [1815]
 This
has been rather a cheerless day with me. -- My morning was spent sitting
at my window watching the
passengers travel
up and down. In the afternoon, I wrote a little poetry and took a little
walk to my bower, but it only reminded me of happy moments past, which
the cold weather will now deprive me of. -- Mrs. Allen and her lord spent
the evening here. Charlotte spent the afternoon with Sally. Papa has just
gone over for her. It is a lovely evening, but the weather is too cold
to sit to my window long. -- So good night.
[Monday] October the 16 [1815]
This morning I spent, much after
the old fashion, in my spinning room. -- After dinner, Mr. Beamish came
up. He had his gun and we went up to the lake
.
We sit down to view the beauty of the scene around. All was still save
the gentle breeze that curled the lake.
Not a bird was heard through all the wood. We were the only ones that intruded
on Nature's dead repose. -- How fast fly the hours when in the society
of those we esteem. The sun had sunk behind
the hill ere we thought of home . Papa has been to
the militia the day. Mr. B. left here after tea; he will have a beautiful
evening to cross. I hope he is nearly home by this.
[Tuesday] October the 17 [1815]
I have been spinning all day,
as usual. -- Charlotte has gone to Mrs. Albro's. I declined going, as I
did not feel very well. Betsy came over to Dartmouth
and
went up with her. -- Papa has been to the militia again today. He has gone
down this evening for the girls. -- I wrote a note to Harriet this afternoon
and sent it by the milk boy. --Nothing worthy of notice has happened today.
I feel quite indisposed this evening and must refer writing till tomorrow
evening.
[Thursday] October the 19 [1815]
 Yesterday,
nothing happened worthy of notice. I was spinning all day. -- Today I have
been spinning nearly all day. -- Mama and Grandmama drank tea at Mrs. Allen's.
The
two Miss Farquharsons spent the evening here. After tea, Sally and
Edward and his cousin
came over, and young
Mr. F. Mr. Allen brought his tambourine
and we had quite a rural hop. -- It is now quite late and I have to rise
early tomorrow. So away with me.
[Friday] October the 20 [1815]
This morning, after I churned
my butter, Betsy and me went to town on business. -- Betsy went out while
I sat by a cheerful fire. We dined at Mrs. B. -- Mr. Beamish was called
away on business at this side and lost his
dinner with us. -- When we came over, Papa was waiting for us. It was quite
late when we got home.
[Saturday] October the 21 [1815]
 This
morning being Saturday, we had our quota of house work. -- It is a beautiful
day. I went out and picked a few blackberries. -- Papa has been to town
today. He did not get home till night. He brought me a note from Harriet.
[Sunday] October the 22 [1815]
This has been a gloomy day; no
person has been here. -- It rained in the morning, and the afternoon was
very dull. -- Charlotte has gone to Dartmouth with Sally Allen and Sarah
Ann . -- I wrote a note to Harriet and sent it by the milk boy. --
I have had nothing to read today but the newspaper, which is very dry.
-- I have spent all my day in my own room at my window, except going down
to dinner. I shall retire early tonight to kill time.
[Monday] October the 23 [1815]
I have been washing nearly all
day. We have had a very large wash. -- It has been a very disagreeable
day. We could not dry our clothes. -- It is a rainy evening and we have
all been sitting round the fire knitting. -- Miss
Sarah Grassie was married on Saturday evening last to Mr. James Creighton
Jun. -- The evenings grow too cold to sit up here to write long, and nothing
worthy of notice has happened today, and [I] quit my pen till a future
time.
[Tuesday] October the 24 [1815]
I don't think I shall git the
rheumatism in my fingers for want of exercise, for I have been in my spinning
room all day. No one intrudes on my solitude; my mind has free scope for
thinking. -- If it were not for hope and anticipation
,
time indeed would pass heavily on. -- It has been very unpleasant all day;
no one has been here.
This has been another solitary
day in my spinning room. --Papa has been in town today. He brought me a
note from Harriet. Mr. Akins is up from
Liverpool. -- It has been disagreeable weather all day. Nothing extraordinary
hashappened at the Grove today. There is to be a large ball on board the
Acbar this evening.
[Thursday] October the 26 [1815]
This morning, as usual, was spent
in my spinning room. About one o'clock Mr. Beamish came up. After he had
taken something to eat, he took his gun and went out to shoot a partridge.
I went to git some evergreen and we met
in our little bower, where we have passed many happy hours--and today has
added another to the number. Mr. B. did not stop to tea, as the evening
was disagreeable. -- It grows late and I shall make preparations for bed.
[Friday] October the 27 [1815]
 I
had a sad time making butter this morning. It took me nearly till dinner
time. -- I have been spinning a little since, and wrote two notes--one
to Harriet and one to Maria--and sent them by the
post boy . It blows very hard this evening to the S.W. It has much
the appearance of a heavy gale.
[Saturday] October the 28 [1815]
Today has been a busy day cleaning
house. I have spent but a short time in my spinning room today. Papa went
to Dartmouth but did not go over--the wind blew so fresh. Grandmama
went home too this afternoon . It is very cold this evening and freezes
hard. The wind still continues to blow hard.
[Sunday] October the 29 [1815]
This is Sunday. -- Mr. Beamish
came up to dinner. He brought me a note from Maria, an apology for not
coming over. -- In the afternoon, Eliza, George, and James Coleman came
up. -- John Allen and his cousin William came
over. They all spent the evening here, except J. Allen. -- Mr. B. has not
gone over this evening. -- Nor Eliza . --
Mama and Papa spent the evening at Mrs. Allen's.
[Monday] October the 30 [1815]
Mr. Beamish did not go home till
after breakfast this morning. Papa went with him. -- We all sit down this
morning to make our blue frocks--Eliza, Charlotte, and myself. -- Papa
did not git home till night. He brought me a note from Harriet and set
of Books. The title is Read and Give It a Name
.
[Tuesday] October the 31 [1815]
This morning, I have not done
much but sew. I read a little this afternoon. Betsy and Eliza has gone
up
to Mrs. W. Allen's to tea. And I have finished my frock this evening.
-- Mrs. Brinley has come home from her long
visit to the city . -- We have had a little snow today.
After I came from my friend's
Mrs. Allen's last night, it was too late to write the accounts of the day.
-- It was spent much after the old fashion--spinning and reading a little.
-- Spent the evening, Charlotte and me, at Mrs.
Allen's with Miss Farquharson . -- Sally
and myself played backgammon. Mrs. Brinley has undertaken to teach me.
[Thursday] November the 2 [1815]
I have been very busy washing
all the morning. -- In the afternoon Papa, Mama, and Mrs. Allen went to
Dartmouth. --I read a little and wrote a note to Harriet--and forgot to
send it. -- It is quite late and the good people are not come home.
[Friday] November the 3 [1815]
Friday morning is always taken
up making butter. -- In the afternoon Mrs. Brinley came over to tea. Mr.
Allen come over in the evening. -- I sent my note by the milk boy.
[Saturday] November the 4 [1815]
As Saturday is generally a busy
day, I had not much time to spare in the morning. -- My afternoon I spent
reading. Papa has been in town today. He got home to dinner. He brought
me a small note from Harriet. -- Maria has promised to come over tomorrow
to spend some time with us. I hope it may be a fine day. -- Mary
Ann went to Dartmouth this morning.
This is Sunday. After I had dressed
myself, I wrapped a large flannel shawl round me and my book and sat myself
down by my window. After I sat some time with my eyes oftener cast to the
road than on my book, I beheld my friends coming up
the avenue --Mr. and Miss Beamish . --
After we had dined, Maria, Charlotte, and myself, with Mr. B., took a walk
to Mrs. Potts. We found Mrs. Brinley there. I requested the pleasure of
her company to tea at the Grove, but she declined the invitation. We sit
some time and then took our leave of the two
widows . We came home through the walk of
the castle . When we arrived, we found Mr. and Mrs. Allen here. They
spent the evening with us. --Mr. B. has taken my bed tonight.
[Monday] November the 6 [1815]
Mr. B. left us very early this
morning. -- After breakfast I sent for Mrs. Brinley's pelisse for Betsy
to cut mine by. Maria and me have been sitting sewing all day. We have
nearly finished it. -- After the girls were all gone to bed, Mama, Maria,
and myself sit over the fire ember till quite late, talking of old family
affairs.
[Tuesday] November the 7 [1815]
We have spent our day sewing.
No person has been in, nor we have not been out. -- We heard from town
this evening by the milk boy. Maria received some work and me some silk
to finish my pelisse.
[Wednesday] November the 8 [1815]
 Maria
and me spent most of our morning upstairs, looking over some old poetry
and letters till we were almost froze. -- Papa went to town this morning.
-- Mary Ann came from Dartmouth today . --
In the afternoon, Maria, Betsy, and myself walked down to drink tea with
Eliza. -- We met a drunken Indian --which
alarmed us a little. -- George and James came home with us and stopped
to supper with us. -- I think it will be late before they get home.
[Thursday] November the 9 [1815]
Mr. Beamish came over this morning
to go a-riding with us, but the weather is so disagreeable we gave up all
though t of it. -- Mr. B. took his gun and went out till dinner, but met
with no sport. Maria went home with him this
afternoon. -- I walked to the gate with them.
-- On my way home, I stopped at my little bower
.
-- It is now bereft of all its beauty.
[Friday] November the 10 [1815]
This has been rather a busy day
with me--churning and washing all the morning. -- This afternoon I wrote
a note to Harriet, sent it by the milk boy. -- This has been a rainy day,
and everything is very dull this time of the year. -- The evenings now
seem longer than the days. I have been sitting knitting and watching the
time for nine o'clock to retire for the night.
[Sunday] November the 12 [1815]
Sunday morning. I have just returned
from a visit to Mrs. Allen's , where I spent
last evening and night with Mrs. Brinley. -- Papa came for me, but Sally
and myself were so engaged at backgammon that we could not part till she
beat me. But she had to give up, and I came
off conqueror .
I have spent my day reading Self-Control .
-- In the afternoon, Betsy and Charlotte went to Mrs. Allen's. -- Mr. A.
came over here in the afternoon. He wished me to join the party, but I
declined going till after tea. -- Papa went
to the door with me . -- I found quite a party seated round the tea
table-- Eliza and her two brothers , Miss
S. Allen and her brother . -- We amused ourselves in the evening playing
"Cat
Catch the Rat." Mr. Allen came home
with us.
[Monday] November the 13 [1815]
Today I have been busy carding
wool to spin a piece of cloth. -- Mama and Papa went to Mrs. Allen's in
the evening. -- And Mrs. Brinley, Sally, and Edward came over and spent
the evening with us. -- Mrs. B. brought her backgammon board and we played
all the evening.
[Tuesday] November the 14 [1815]
 I
have begun my piece of cloth. -- I spun till three o'clock and then dressed
to go out. Charlotte and myself spent the evening at Mrs. Eben Allen's
with Mrs. Brinley and Sally, Miss Macy, Miss
Coleman , and Miss Foster , and Miss
E. Allen , and all the young gentlemen. -- We spent a very pleasant
evening dancing and singing and playing "Blindman's
Buff." -- I received a letter from Harriet today.
[Wednesday] November the 15 [1815]
I have spent my day spinning and
carding. Nothing worthy of notice has happened today. -- Aunt Clifford
has got letters by the packet from Herbert .
He is in England. He expects to spend his winter there and come on here
in the spring. -- Papa has gone to Dartmouth this evening; he has not yet
returned. It has been a fine day today.
[Thursday] November the 16 [1815]
This morning I have been washing.
-- After dinner, Mr. Beamish came up. He helped Papa kill the cow. After
they finished, Mr. B. and me went to Mrs. Allen's and spent the evening.
Betsy and Charlotte came over after tea. -- Sally and me played backgammon,
while the rest of the party amused themselves talking politics. -- We had
to come home in the rain. Mr. B. has taken my bed tonight.
[Friday] November the 17 [1815]
Mr. Beamish did not go home this
morning till quite late, on account of the rain. -- I have been making
butter this morning; and since, I have been spinning till night. -- I have
wrote a note to Harriet this evening. -- I think I shan't sit up till twelve
o'clock tonight, for my eyes will not keep open another hour.
[Saturday] November the 18 [1815]
 As
Saturday is a busy day, my morning has been taken up cleaning house and
the afternoon I spent in carding. Charlotte went to town this morning with
Papa. She has not come home and is going to stay at Aunt Coleman's till
tomorrow. I am [a] little disappointed at not receiving a note from Harriet
by Papa, but I suppose she has been busy.
[Sunday] November the 19 [1815]
Sunday. Papa went to church in
the morning-- Mr. Ingles preached in Dartmouth.
Mr. Beamish came up and dined with us. Mr. B. and myself took a walk round
the road to Mrs. Allen's to ask her to come
over to tea, but she declined the invitation. -- When we got home, we found
George Coleman and Charlotte. Mr. B. went home early for fear of a storm.
Sally Allen and John came over. Sally stayed
to tea and John went home. George and Sally has stayed all night.
[Monday] November the 20 [1815]
This morning, before breakfast,
I wrote a note to Harriet. --- I have been spinning all day. Mr.
Stuart called here this morning. Sally and George both went home early
this morning. I have been reading and knitting this evening. It is now
nearly time to retire for the night. The weather has been unpleasant all
day.
[Tuesday] November the 21 [1815]
This has been another busy spinning
day with me. I have been carding a little this evening. -- Nothing of any
consequence has happened today. I am [a) little disappointed at not receiving
a note from my friend this week. -- I feel rather tired after my day's
work and shall retire early.
[Wednesday] November the 22 [1815]
I have been spinning all day.
Papa has been to town today. I got a note and a set of books from my friend.
The title is A Father as He Should Be, by Mrs.
Hofland .
[Friday] November the 24 [1815]
Nothing of any consequence has
happened this two days, and I have spent them spinning. I finished my piece
of cloth today. The rest have been busy making sausages and suchlike things.
I have just wrote a note to Harriet, and my fingers are very cold. -- George
and James spent the evening here.
[Saturday] November the 25 [1815]
As this is Saturday, my morning
was very busy. -- Papa has been to town today. He brought me The
Pleasures of Memory to read. There has been a
violent gale in Quebec --ships driven on shore and many lives lost.
-- It is very cold this evening.
[Sunday] November the 26 [1815]
Sunday. George Coleman came up
to breakfast with us. After, Betsy went down with him to spend some time.
Papa went down to church in the morning.
Mr. Beamish came up to dinner. We went and took a walk up Cole Harbour
Road and returned to dinner. Mr. B. went home before tea. Charlotte went
to Mrs. Allen's, and came back for me to go over to tea--which I did. Mrs.
Potts and Mr. Albro and Mr.
W. Coleman spent the evening there.
[Monday] November the 27 [1815]
 I
have been sitting knitting near all day. Mr.
and Mrs. Stuart spent the evening here. I think they will have a cold
ride home.
[Tuesday] November the 28 [1815]
House work and knitting has been
most of my employment today. I have been making a cake this afternoon.
Papa has been in town today. He has gone to Mr. Allen's this evening. George
Coleman, E. Coleman, and E. Allen spent
the evening here.
[Wednesday] November the 29 [1815]
Nothing worthy of notice has happened
today. My day has been spent much after the old fashion--house work and
knitting. It has been a very unpleasant day or we should [have] had some
visitors.
I have spent my day as usual.
We met with a sad accident last night in the poultry way. A mink killed
five turkeys, three ducks, and two hens. -- It has been foggy all day,
with some rain. The evening is dark and rainy. St. Andrew, I think, is
a dirty fellow.
[Friday] December the 1 [1815]
This month has come very cold.
It has blown very hard all day, with some snow. This morning I have been
out to see an old black man, our old neighbour
Colly . He is very sick. I administered some mint tea, and a warm
bath .
[Saturday] December the 2 [1815]
This morning I have been very
busy preparing for company. I went to Mrs. Allen's to invite the
girls . Betsy came home this morning.
After dinner, Papa came home and brought
Harriet and Maria to be godmothers to Georgiana
and Joanna . Before we got dressed, the parson came--
Mr. Ingles from Chester performed the ceremony. Mr. Beamish did not
arrive till the ceremony was over. Papa stood proxy for him to Georgiana.
-- The evening we spent in dancing.
[Sunday] December the 3 [1815]
Sunday. Harriet,
Mr. Beamish, and myself walked down to church this morning and returned
to dinner. Mr. B. left here very early; the girls did not go with him.
-- Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Potts, and Miss Sarah Ann Allen drank tea here.
[Monday] December the 4 [1815]
Monday. Rose with the expectation
of crossing the water today, but it came on to rain and continued all day.
We spent our day sewing and knitting; and the evening, romping
.
[Tuesday] December the 19 [1815]
 Went
to town the 5 with the girls and returned home today, the 19. I spent my
time very pleasantly. The stillness of Colin Grove seems quite strange
to me after the noise and bustle of Halifax. -- Mr.
Akins still remains in town. I have brought a set of books home with
me to pass away a tedious hour of a winter's evening. It is Conviction,
by Miss Swansea .
[Sunday] December the 24 [1815]
Nothing of any consequence has
happened since I came home. This is Sunday. It has been rather a cheerless
day with me. John Allen and James Coleman came here this afternoon. I wrote
a note to my friend, but John has not gone over--on account of the rain.
I give up my bed to James and him. -- I heard from Harriet yesterday--Papa
was in town.
Eliza Coleman came up this morning
and spent Christmas with us. John and James stopped to breakfast with us
this morning. -- Charlotte spent the day at
Mrs. Allen's., and the night .
This morning has been taken up
preparing for the ball given by the young gentleman
at Mount Edward . Mr. Beamish came up this afternoon to join the party.
 We
all spent a very pleasant evening with plenty of dancing. We kept it up
till four o'clock this morning. --Mama and Mrs. Allen came up to see us
in the evening. --Our dancing affected us so little that Eliza and me and
Mr. Beamish have been on our lake sliding
all
the morning, and now Eliza and myself, with Mr. Beamish, is going to walk
down to Aunt's.
[Saturday) December the 30 [1815]
Saturday. I came home this afternoon
with Aunt Elizabeth and her little one .
I was out very little while I was in Dartmouth, for I
was so very lame . I heard from Harriet once and wrote once since I've
been away.
[Sunday] December the 31 [1815]
This is a very unpleasant day.
Uncle
Brown came up to dinner with us. In the afternoon, we had lots
of young beaus to see us . Allens, Stayners
,
and Colemans
came to inquire after the ladies'
health. Sally came over for all of us to go over there. Betsy and Charlotte
went but I declined going. Mr. Allen came over to tea with us. The girls
has not been able to git home tonight--it is so bad a storm. Uncle has
not been able to get home.
Mama, Papa, Aunt, and Uncle Brown
has gone to dine with Mr. Allen and left us home alone. In the afternoon,
William
Coleman , George, and James came up and spent the evening with us.
I have begin the year making corsets.
[Tuesday] January the 2 [1816]
Uncle
and Aunt went home this morning . I have been knitting all day. Mrs.
Brinley and Sally came over to tea. Edward came in the evening and wore
his frightful mask and the miter of Patrick from Ireland.
[Thursday] January the 4 [1816]
It has been a beautiful day. I
expected company; but, as no one came, I went to Mrs. Allen's to tea. Betsy
and E. Farquharson was there. Mrs. Brinley and myself played backgammon
a game or two __________t to playing "Blindman's
Buff." Edward and
lady and gentleman with
to my friend today, nothing
yesterday.
.
[Friday] January the 5 [1816]
and Papa to town, Mama
she has taken Georgiana
all day. I got a note
[Sunday] January the 7 [1816]
Sunday morning, George Coleman
came up and spent the day with us. Papa went to Dartmouth. Mama
came home in the evening . George stayed all night.
[Monday] January the 8 [1816]
 Today
I have done but little. In the afternoon, I walked to
Preston, to Mrs. Hughes' to git her to weave some cloth. --
The Miss Prescotts spent this evening here, and Mrs. Brinley. We all
went out sliding in the evening.
[Friday] January the 12 [1816]
 Papa
went to town this morning. -- In the afternoon, Mr. Beamish came up. In
the evening, Betsy, Charlotte, Mr. Beamish, and myself went out to Mr.
Farquharson's in the sleigh. It was a very fine, moonlight evening. Mr.
B. stayed all night.
[Friday] January the 19 [1816]
This is a very stormy day. It
has snowed all day so, that Mr. B. has not been able to git home. We have
had hard work to keep ourselves warm. I wrote a few lines to Harriet today
and sent it by the milk boy. -- Saturday. Mr. Beamish went home this morning
before breakfast. -- Mrs. Brinley has gone to town to spend some time.
Sally spent the evening here. Mama and Papa were at Mr. Allen's. |