John William Sterling Journal: July-October 1864

Continued from:

John William Sterling Journal: January-June 1864

Sept. 16, 1864 Nearly 4 months have elapsed since I have written in this journal, during which time much has transpired of importance and interest to me. I was obliged to put off my Biennial in Logic until just before going into the Pres. Examination. I could not cram much of course, but got along passably. I really succeeded in taking a Townsend! The circumstances were these: I was sitting in my room along with my chum when Prof. Northrop appeared at the door, much out of breath, with several Townsends in his hand. He of course interrupted our cramming for the President. Said he, “Sterling, is that your piece?” I replied, “Yes sir.” Internally I was very angry for I said to myself, Well, I had told you that I had written and you knew very well that you had promised not to say anything in reference to it. How did you know but there might have been a dozen fellows up here. [There are a great man[y] then to incur the risk of copsing me?] It did not take me nearly as long to think of these things as it has to write them. However, he then said, “Well, that piece has taken a Townsend.” I was completely thunderstruck. It seemed to me as if I should faint away into the spittoon at my feet. After congratulating Clint upon not having taken one, he left and I was about half crazy. I did not feel so happy as surprised. I went down to see Cordelia and she would not at first believe me. I went home on Saturday and had a general rejoicing. The mumps had left me so weak that I did not feel able to cut my piece down to 15 minutes in length, while originally it was 31 minutes long. I was obliged to do it however. I employed Prof. Bailey in Acclamation[?] as the other 5 men did and drew for places, obtained the 8th place, spoke my piece, and went down to Jarvis[?] Rock to a supper to which we had been invited by Mat. H.P. Boyden took the De Forest Gold Medal. But I came so close that it took the Faculty about an hour to decide. This was quite gratifying to me. My highest ambition had been to take a Townsend and then after I was forced to speak, all I cared for was to come out superior to the 6th man. There was a good deal of betting on me I understand. If I had had more time to cut my piece down and had felt better or had commenced at the first part of the term to rewrite it as H.P. did, I possibly might have come out better. After all the laborious work of the term, I was but little prepared to speak Commencement. I tried in every possible manner to get clear of it, but was unable, so I wrote on “Struggle.” The President of Wabash College told Callie Wilmot that “it was the piece of the day.” He didn’t at that time know that she knew me. Covered with honor, I then left New Haven and returned home, spent a most pleasant vacation. Enjoyed myself in the company which was at the house, spent a delightful time at the Sheltons, spent a pleasant time in New York at Thomas’, with whom I went to New York and bought myself a suit of clothes at wholesle, also pants for Jim Mitchell. I busied myself in making an easy chair which I declare is about as comfortable an arrangement as I ever sat in. They are perfectly delighted with it at home. Today Chester brought it together with an old Franklyn Stove I have engaged from Uncle David.

Sept 26, 1864 I am at present nearly in working order. There is a young sub. freshman who studies under me in Homer. He was conditioned in this. He will try to pass before Prof. Hadly on Saturday. I am instructing him 2 hrs per day/1.00 per hour. He really knows nothing about it. His name is Gerard[?]. McLean is staying with me at present. He is getting out the banner. In one of my bedrooms which I do not occupy I have an extra bed, which I keep for my company. [Transcriber Note: This perhaps suggests that male guests do not sleep with JWS.] My Franklyn stove burns so pleasantly. I have to turn around and look at it continually. The vile Copperheads are looking somewhat despondently at the state of affairs. Gold fell Saturday from 224 to 200, today from 200 to 170, afterward recovering to _______. Uncle Henry has finally decided to go out West and live in Minnesota. His lungs are too sensitive for this climate. Now I am comparatively alone. I go frequently down to see Cordelia. How splendidly my fire burns! I have been reading tonight the Story of Henry the Eighth. I have seen it acted. Dan Holden went to [illegible] Saturday on his way to New York from New Haven. He is undecided in his future.

Oct 4, 1864 Today I have been reading Bowin’s Logic, principally on Fallacies. I also have been studying out some fallacies from a list prepared and given me by Tutor Nolen. I spent an hour quite pleasantly with Dexter[?]](Tutor). Last night I helped McLean, who has been staying with me while getting out the banner, carry his valise--about as large as a trunk it was--down to the boat. He will return Thanksgiving. The Banner is selling well. I shall finish the work upon the Supplement. I am very much interested in Lord Chesterfield’s Letters to His Son. This is my reading while I attend to my duties in the [?]. I have written a letter to Tom Boltwood, exercised in the gymnasium, run a little more than a mile, and feel quite well. I am delighted with my manner of spending my time. I met Louis Holebrook on the street this morning, had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. and Miss Sophie Phelphs at tea. Prof. McWhorter has been around to see me twice. The new Dictionary is being sold rapidly. Mr. Cirkuff [?], who rooms opposite, has just brought me a couple bunches of grapes. My prejudice against him is wearing away.

Oct 10, 1864 Tonight I returned from a visit home. I reached there Saturday afternoon the 8th inst. and spent the evening very pleasantly. Uncle Henry and family have started for the extreme N.W. I suppose they will live around St. Anthony somewhere. The air passages of Uncle are tender [?] still. This morning in company with Jim I went to Bridgeport in the lumber wagon and bought some boards and in the afternoon relaid with the assistance of Chester the stable floor. I also inspected the fences. Father seemed very bright and encouraged with the daily advance of our armies.

Oct 14, 1864 Night before last there was to be a grand illumination of the Colleges in honor of the victorious elections in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. But the Pres. being appraised of it soon put [illegible] upon the whole procedure. Tonight I went to the lecture or rather the Friday evening prayer meeting of the Chapel Church.

See also: <comments />