John William Sterling Journal: October - December 1861
[Front cover of the Journal has a paper label: JWS Jr. Oct 1861 - Oct 186?]
[Page 2: Envelope with notation, Note by J.W. Sterling, Mar, 1909 and the note states “Read through this book in March 1909 – JWS.]
[Page 3: Appearing to be loose inserts into the book Newspaper clippings re: initiation of freshmen at Yale.] Initiation of Freshman – Perhaps by giving the following particulars of the initiation of Freshmen into Yale, I may call down upon my poor head the vengeance of the class of ’66 – but knowing us as I do the curiosity so often manifested by the outside public in these mysterious proceedings, I jot down what I saw, as one of the “favored few” who were admitted to see the fun, on Friday evening, at Union Hall.” To one who has never been “put through” the various exercises and manual of “College routine” it certainly had many features laughable to “lookers-on” but trying to the patience of the subject.
Such of the Freshmen as have been elected members of one of the two secret societies of Yale, (and woe to him if he does not, for if he can be caught, the process is ten times as severe, ) are each given in charge of two “Sophs,” (who the year before went through the same exercises,) who can give him such a course of initiation outside of the Society’s Hall as they may select. Usually the new candidate is taken, when least suspecting the “dreaded ceremony,” by his two temporary guardians, whose costumes are not the most inviting, and often reminds the terrified victim of creatures from “way down below,” rather than human beings. Blindfolded, with his arms securely bound to prevent any unnecessary muscular development, with his articulating organs so hampered as to prevent a “flow of soul” he is marched arm in arm through by-ways and dark streets, to some popular oyster or eating house, where his two companions call loudly for oysters stewed, oysters roast, and oysters fried, and all the innumerable little fixings – generally finishing up with a bottle of wine or so, all around, and then call upon their victim for the necessary funds to answer the “ticket.”
After this they commenced their march to some previously arranged hall, where the fixtures for the grand initiation had been got up – not forgetting to pilot him to deep gutters, and when on the curb stone inform him he must step very high, with which he immediately complies, and finds himself in a filthy gutter, from which he rises with shin bone scraped patent leathers, well covered with “corporation blacking” his best Atwater mutton legs split across the knee, and besmeared with mud, -- he endeavors to break the “fasts that bind him,” but with no success. Finding himself securely bound, he makes several earnest pantomimes that he wants to be free, but to no purpose; for their hearts are hard to his entreaties. Speechless, jaded and bound, the victim give up in despair, and makes up his mind to take the world as it comes. He resigns himself to his fate – and well it is that he does, for the more obstinate the more rigid the ceremonies.
At the hall, he is placed in a mammoth cradle with hands released and voice free --- when he is rocked to and fro with gentle violence, amid the most unearthly noises, -- and if his kind mother was present she would have feared her son would have been rocked into fits –which was only fits No. 1. From thence he is placed in a large wooden chariot made in the fashion of “ye olden times” and drawn around the hall at a most fearful speed, passing over timbers four inches square, which act we suppose as a “settler” to his recent supper. The next operation is to place him in a box, about seven feet long by two feet square, opened at one end, closing with a trap door. At the other end a rope is attached, passing through a pulley or block suspended from the ceiling above, with the end in the hands of his tormentors, who can be numbered by hundreds –dressed in the most frightful manner – whose notes of deviltry are echoed through tin horns from E flat to double bass.
At a given signal, the box is hoisted to within a few inches of the ceiling, with the victim standing on the treacherous trap, when the trip is sprung and the terrified victim gives one scream of horror as he passes out of his narrow prison to the canvas apron or sack below, a distance of twelve or fifteen feet, -- which is supported by as many as are able to cluster around it, who toss him high in the air in every conceivable position, until they become weary with the exercise. Wearied and vexed, they allow him to be seated upon a bench where he hopes his tormentors will let him rest a while, and rub his bruised and sore body; but ere he has got well seated, the bench on which he is sitting is given a gentle push, endway, and it goes with a loud noise to the floor. A hangman’s noose is immediately slipped over his head, which soon brings him into position on tiptoe; thus suspended, expecting every minute to loose all footing, a hook is passed into a belt previously put around his body, with which he is hoisted up to the ceiling, leaving “all fours” dangling in the air, -- Next comes the “board of spikes”; made by driving sharp pointed spikes in a board until they cover a space of about two feet square –having resemblance to a large hetchell for breaking flax –and now for the first time he is allowed to remove the bandage from his eyes to gaze upon this instrument of imaginary torture –over whose sharp points they make him pass his hand, to assure him that many of the points are upright if some are bent. He is then marched upon a platform about three feet high, and told that he must jump down on to the “spike board” –against which he remonstrates, without avail, for there is no escape, and with almost demon yells they push him down upon the spikes, amidst screams of despair –when, as if by magic, the spikes yield under his feat, and on inspection he finds they are of leather! From this last scene, he is placed in a coffin, when the lid is fastened, the coffin lowered down into a deep box, and gravel thrown upon the coffin –to resemble, as near as possible, a burial alive. After remaining in this position a while, he is led to the closing scene; on a platform is fixed a large Gullotine [Guillotine], but before he is placed under the fatal axe, it is raised and let fall, to be sure it is in working order. The axe is then raised to its proper height, the victim’s head placed upon the block, the word is given, the axe descends –but is arrested in its fall by two large springs, leaving it about two inches from the troat. This ends the initiation of a Freshman into Yale College –and the candidate is considered qualified to welcome others, through the same process.
Inside Front Cover: Foil Label: Peck, White & Peck, (successors to Durrie & Peck) Publishers, and wholesale, and retail, Booksellers & Stationers 70 Chapel Street, New-Haven, Ct.
Penciled library notation: J W Sterling B1, F7
October 1861
Oct 5th – A month has elapsed since I made my last entry in my old journal. I have, during this time, been unable to find such a book as I deemed fit, and finally had this made to order. I never saw one ruled at the top like this, and claim it as original and ingenious. This book is rather wider and much longer than my old one. I have written all this, partly because I may want to be reminded of it in years to come, and principally, that I might avoid a usual beginning, which generally consists of a catalogue of sins, intended to be avoided in the future.
I have taken this course then to evade a common exordium. I can say in one word I am sinful enough for all practical purposes as well as for some others at some times. But I may add as an appendix that I hope I’m constantly improving. I certainly try to make progress both in body and mind.
I will really come now to facts by first stating one – I board in Davis’ Club on 85 York St. Though I came to New Haven, this time, with my mind made up to board at Mrs. Woodruff’s on College St. Yet, when I really became hungry and considered the distance and compared the list of names in both (among which, I found Thomas’ name among those of Mrs. Woodruff’s.), I came to the conclusion to take my board at Davis’. A second fact is that I have electioneered in a manner which does credit to my Society and to me-- a hearty worker therein. Last term I introduced the first member of ‘65 as an active member of 65. This room mate had determined to go where Converse did, so I pledged, as it were, two men at once.
The name of the one I have not mentioned is Tainter. This term. I may say in truth, there have been but a few of our members who have really worked. I have reference to Lyman, our President; Holden, Satterthwaite, Vice Secretary; Teal, and myself. Of these, Lyman and I have worked the hardest as all acknowledge. I pledged, and proposed as an active member, another freshman by name of Churchill. These three men, then, are all whom I directly pledged, but I have the satisfaction of convincing a goodly number, among which, we can now register that larger fact in our Catalogue.
I went after one fellow a good deal, and would have pledged him, had it not been for the influence of a Senior. The freshman’s name is Kitridge, – the Senior’s, Eaton. Through the means of this last one, he had come to College and he felt a deep respect for him. However, I got him down to two of our Campaign meetings and kept cramming him full of arguments whenever I saw him, and he said he wanted to join, but he did not see how he could. He wouldn’t do either way, for fear of offending one party. But finally, when I have given up all hope internally of pledging him, he received an elective from ΚΣΕ though he repeatedly had told them he did not desire one, and would not accept of one.
He was told, then, he must join, but he said he wouldn’t. I kept telling him it was an unfair way to getting him in a Society. Well the “Rameses” came out and his name was among those of ΣΕ. Initiation night came around, and he had put out his light so as not to be observed by upper classmen who were stealing Freshmen. However, they found him in the back parlor of 81 Crown Street, and they put him through, although he was not taken up to their Society. Not till two weeks after this, did he join, and it was wholly compulsory.
We have had three or four campaign meetings, and right good ones too. After each of the old officers had retired to give place to the new electives, each was required to make a speech and it did me good, I assure you. I made a pretty good one too, and it did me so much good. I feel it now. On the last Saturday evening, we, as active members, belonged to the Society. Satterthwaite took Lyman, Holden and myself down to Eli’s. It was 25 minutes of 12. At 5 minutes past we reached home. We had a regular supper, consisting of Claret punches, quails, potatoes, oysters, &c. The cost was 2.65 It began to rain when we were about half done and we were obliged to borrow 2 old umbrellas. The next day, Sunday, was very boisterous. I got Dan and that evening after supper we carried it down to Eli’s, having each our hands upon it, i.e., between us. For I was as much ashamed to carry it as he was. The studies this term are not as hard as I expect, although they require some application. I never recited as well, I know, since I have been in college. Why, I can get up now under Packard and Wilder Smith without much fear. Throughout all my Freshman year, every time I use to recite I would be scared out of my wits. When I knew my lesson the best, I would always the worst recitation make. I seldom get really confused now. I make rushes continually in Mathematics. I am well satisfied with my stand. I have taken pains while I have been in college to speak and be friendly with every one of my class whom I knew and I think I can see the rewards of my duty.
Oct 9, 1861 - Father and Mother rode over this morning and returned in the afternoon. They brought me grapes, apples, pies (2) and cake. Such things are very acceptable to a student. They went to see Mr. and Mrs. Roberts in the afternoon. Mother did not feel able to go to Uncle Ogden’s. I should have mentioned that Dan and I went home on Wednesday afternoon and returned the next evening, the 26th of September. The 16th was Fast Day. We saw a schooner launched -- “Josephine B Small” -- the 3rd that Mr. White has built. There was a prayer meeting in the afternoon, but we did not attend. We went riding in the buggy almost everywhere. When I went to bid Julia Talbot farewell, she very cordially invited me to come and make her a visit my next vacation. I told her that I should not have much time, and so, partly refused.
I have had a splendid time there this summer. Charley was there too, on Fast Day, and promised to write to me. I have not heard anything of him as yet. While Dan and I were home, we saw Uncle David and wife and Lizzie and her two brothers, twins which are about two weeks old. We met Bill Austin and Cox, his new chum, at the Depot. Cox had been hunting with Bill, and had his feet so blistered he could not walk a step.
In the cars, we met a very fancy woman dressed elegantly who had been down to New York to procure a handmaid, as we supposed, for she looked rather green. Dan and I followed her for the purpose of seeing where she would go. She went in Union St, in the right hand side of the road, to a very low whitewashed house, where she was met by her employer.
Oct 16th – Today is Clint’s birthday. He is eighteen years old. This afternoon, I wrote a letter home, then took a walk with Dan. He bought himself a hat, rather, a cap. I am taking declamation lessons of Booth. We rehearse in the Brother’s Hall.
Phetteplace is mad at something, and may not come back. There remains Lyman, Teal, and myself. Lyman is practicing “Flogging in the Navy”. Teal and I are practicing “The Raven”. Mark Bailey gave an elocutionary entertainment this evening. Among his pieces, which he declaimed, was “The Raven” and “Maniac.” He read Act IV, Scene 4, from “King John”, scraps from the “Pickwith’s [Pickwick’s] Papers,” and many other things. He is a splendid orator. “The Maniac,” with which he ended, was declaimed in a masterly manner.
Oct 19th – This morning was the regular time for compositions to be handed in, but as we have been allowed to the succeeding Monday to write them, I was very much surprised to learn that we would be obliged to read them at the usual time: half past eleven. I had the commencement of mine finished, but had to work pretty hard to finish it. Thomas had to write nearly the whole of his between quarter of 10 and half past 11.
There was a great joke played on the old lady, Mrs. Leavenworth, last night. It was all agreed upon beforehand. We had a Council Meeting at the girl’s[? illegible] room, in which it was arranged that Thomas should wake up at half past two, and think that he heard a man getting up on the roof just below him, which connects with Stille’s and Page’s rooms. At such a dreadful thought that a man was getting into the house, he involuntarily knocked on the floor to awake these into whose room the thief was climbing. Page immediately was roused, and Tom and he yelled as if the house was in jeopardy. We were roused, of course, and made a belief that we were crying. Mrs. Leavenworth was frightened to pieces, and appeared in white, with a candle in her hand, at the foot of the stairs. Her voice was quite hoarse and a little tremulous. We answered her as she spoke half panting, ostensibly frightened. Finally, we all went to bed, laughing, in our slippers, for these were everything that I had on, my shirt excepted.
I broke off here to write a letter home to Kate. I was on the 6th page, and broke off from it, in turn, to write here. I have given a long description there, of the whole affair, and I would refer myself, if ever I want more light upon the subject, to it, as I am sure it will be saved a few years, judging by those I have already sent home: --They are all put away in a package, awaiting posterity, I fear. I wish I could keep in my mind the thought that I was really composing for those who will probably come after me: Not that I wish such a thing might happen; but perhaps, it might inspire me to more thought and a better style of writing.
October 19 – There was a class meeting today in the Brother’s Hall. I did not go for I wanted to “cram my piece” for my declamation lesson in the afternoon. “The Burial of Euclid” was voted down, 53 against 42. I am glad of it: I disapprove of it. Lyman, Teal, Holden, and myself repaired down to ΓΝ [Gamma Nu] Hall where Booth spent an hour with us.
November 4th – Prof Bailey has given us a few lectures for Monday and Thursday mornings, but this morning, we had our usual half-lesson in Mathematics – Our lecture has been reserved for this noon, which gives me time to write this. During the interval since the last entry was made, I have made the fire several times, and Clint, I imagine, has built it up more times, and I can hardly hold my pen at present, for want of this comfort. He has not come home yet. We each take turns in taking care of it, by keeping the entire charge from noon to noon. For instance, his day ends this noon, when mine will begin and terminate Tuesday noon. I am becoming more industrious every day, read more, study as much, recite letters, and [am] rendered more happy (and lead a more Christian life.) I attend Fletchers I mean Lord’s lectures.
This evening, Dan and I went down to Lord’s lecture, but as we were late, we took a low seat. How glad I am, for I’ve found since that Kate had come to the School, – Mrs Roberts, – the morning before, and had been prevented from coming to my room by some circumstances I’ve forgotten what. Well, it seems that Mrs. Roberts, while the audience was going out, rose several times and surveyed the assembly to find me. She had said she knew she would find me for she had seen me there before. Well, the next morning, she came up to my room and I was studying my Grammer in Alcestis. I was very much surprised to see her, I can assure you.
This is Tuesday. I am now writing at an advanced date, and am unable to give, with precision, any of the occurrences, but I think that this very evening I went down to Wooster Hall. While standing at the door, I could see distinctly, and it was a mutual vision, about twenty of the young ladies who were intently paying me the same complement, which once in a while, I would return. When the girl let me in at last, I could not make her hear for a long time. I was obliged to go through the Hall to get to the East Parlor. I made the young ladies a bow, those of them I knew, and was immediately ushered into the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Miss Calhoun, another lady, and Kate. I spent the evening very pleasantly. I should have stated that Dan was with me.
When we came out, in each of our hats, (by the way each of us had a new one,) we found a paper horse cut out from some magazine. The next time I went there, I took pains to put a humorous picture, which I had cut from a “Vanity Fair.” I believe the load lay in a “fly ball” taking an old woman square in the eye. In return for this, my hat, again, became the receptacle of a Students’ Song, which I will paste on the next page, and will place by its side the poetry I composed in reply. I sent it back by Kate, not allowing her to see it. She was to give it to Amie Clark and Annie Hanly, who showed it to Miss Bull. These three were the ones who had filled my hats. Well, the condition on which they should receive it was that they should return the paper to Kate and take no copies of it. They did all this, but learned it! I don’t care much, but it was poor poetry, having some trochaic instead of iambic lines.
I had written this Saturday morning for the most part. I had attempted to finish it when Kate was in my room jawing with Clint about his carte de visite. This ended Saturday.
Sunday – Ettie Sterling has been staying, for a week or so past, at a Mrs. Fairchilds, this side of Snow’s. Her daughter was at school with her. They had asked me to take them to Chapel, which I did this morning. They are each very pretty. I was invited down there either before or after this, I don’t know which, to a musical party or concert. They had a Glee Club which one would never want to hear after he had listed to the Yale Glee Club. Miss Fairchild played splendidly and Ettie equaled her with her voice.
I forgot. This evening I went down to Mrs. Robert’s after Kate to go to the last one of Lord’s lectures. After we had come from this, then we went down to Mrs. Fairchilds. The only person I knew there was Allen of ’63, whom I introduced with to Kate. While she has been here, there has been an opera in which Miss Hinkly was the favorite. Kate had advised me to take a reserved seat. So Dan and E.M. Williams, and I pested down Chapel St to Skinner and Sperry’s to obtain seats. I asked the clerk where Mrs. Robert’s School were going to sit. I found half of 26, 27, 28 were to be occupied by them. I knew it would not be exactly the thing to sit next to them and so procured for Dan a seat in 27, next but two to the extreme of the right center. I took the next one and E.M, the next. We engaged an opera glass.
I found the girls were in need of programmes and so, having obtained half a dozen, sent them up separately to them, who seemed to be highly delighted with them. Miss Calhoun and Kate and Amie sat in the rear seat. Miss Bull, Hoyt and Amie Hanley almost in front of them. It was Julia Calhoun that sat nearest us but I was not much afraid of her. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were not there. Every little while, no, all the time, I would laugh and smile at them. Having procured the consent of Dan and E.M., I sent the opera glass down to them, who were almost afraid to use it. Miss Hanley used it the most – Miss Hoyt and Bull, a little. After they had used it thus a little while, they passed it back. I asked the man who sat between the girls and Dan to pass it back, but the Americanized Irishman refused –Blast him! I was dressed in a black suit with kids. I never had expected to have such a warm reception. Well! It was the first opera I had ever attended. I was very much pleased with it, but don’t think I will go again.
November 14th – This morning Kate left for home. Dan and I met her at the depot and left the last expression of our love in an impression on her face. Well, since she has been here, I have been down to Mrs. Robert’s nearly every other night. The last night I was there, I carried a programme which Kate had given me before, marked up in a funny way – e.g. – Uncle Robert(i) DC. It was a programme of a play that had been acted in commemoration of Kate’s stay here.
Bailey’s lecture, which was to have taken place this morning will be delivered tomorrow and is the last.
November 16th – This evening I dressed myself all up and at 10 minutes past 7 o’clock, was knocking at the door of Miss Bull’s aunt on Chapel Street. The girl let me in, to whom I gave my card, which brought Miss Bull into the room in a short time. I told her it was but a thing of form that I had sent in my card for I had seen her so often that I considered it that I knew her. I had been sitting there but half an hour when Arthur Robinson came in introducing A.C. Walker. We then had been there but a short time when Miss Hoyt and Hanley came in. We all sat joking and talking till have past eight o’clock.
In a moment, Miss Bull had her things on and we were all standing together at the parlor door when Walker offered his company to Miss Hanley and I immediately followed soliciting Miss Bull’s. Robinson took Miss Hoyt in silence. Walker and I deposited our young ladies at the gate, but Robinson walked on as they would not all three go in together. Walker and I made a bet. I believe I’ve lost it.
November 20 – Wednesday. Our catalogues were given out today. We had spoken for them nearly a week ago. Since I was at the head of my division, I was the first one asked how many I wished. I replied one dozen so as to have a good commencement. But hardly anyone of the Division exceeded the number subscribed by me.
November 22 – I’ve had no catalogues stolen as yet and have not succeeded in stealing any from the Freshman Class. Our feelers have been generally unfortunate in this respect. This morning, I sent to Minnie Shelton, Julia Talbot and Denny Booth each a catalogue.
November 23 – This morning Wilder (Smith) Tudor Hutchison read us the composition subjects for the prize. They are as follows:
1. The Nature And Duty Of Patriotism 2. The Independent Thinker 3. The Connection Between Christianity And True Liberty 4. Paul On Maris Hill
I have chosen the third. As soon as the subjects were given out, Lyman and I looked over all the catalogues and found all the books which in the least manner were on the subject. He searched also the College Library and we procured names by means of which to draw from the Libraries more books than we otherwise could under our own names and by this means we have in his drawer in his room over the Chapel, all the books it will hold. Some of them are good and others not worth a straw. If we do not make use of all of them we shall keep them from others. I wish I had time to write the expedients for taking Prizes. I am going to try pretty hard, I can assure you.
November 24th – Today / Sunday I have changed my class in Sunday School for one with four young girls. My old women were quite reluctant at my leaving to let me go, but Mrs Ives had asked me if I would change and as I was not very particular, I did. By the representations of my young girls, I should think that they have[had] been ill-treated by their teacher, who had driven off, as it seems, three or four more out of the class. However, I mean to make a reformation, if possible. I am going to do my duty at any rate.
November 25th E. M. Williams and I had our hair cut together this noon.
November 27th – This morning, I reached home and was glad to find them all well. I brought several books with me which bore upon my subject, but doubt whether I shall use any of them.
November 28 – Thanksgiving day. Aunt Eudocia and children dined with us, William Plant too, who is studying in the Bellevue Hospital in New York. I had a pleasant Thanksgiving. I heard Mr. Swan preach in the morning, and walked with John Mitchell in the afternoon. Mrs. Mitchell has a set of false teeth, which I believe she bought by means of a present given her by John. They look as if she were trying to spit them out and someone was holding them in.
November 29th – I arrived in New Haven this morning in company with Jim Mitchell and Howard, who I suppose, had been… [Transcriber Note: Here the journal jumps from Sterling’s page number 11 to page number 18. However, going by the dates, it appears that one or two pages may be missing.]
We were all at tea at Aunt Eudocia’s this morning. I have succeeded admirably with my composition. I have been busy most of the time in writing, and Kate has helped me, for whom I have a great regard both as a writer and sister.
December 1st – I was late in church in the afternoon by means of the Sunday School.
December 4th –Stedman is at Strong’s. I have been to see him. He is anything but [the] classmate I left him. He has lost the use of his right hand and arm, his eyes project, his whole body shakes. He is unable to walk straight, his whole right side is kind of rickety, and he is entirely altered. He says he has lost all his mind. His little brother was with him.
December 5th – Stevens and I were read off as being in the 9th Sub of the third Division instead of the 4 10th of the 4th. By this means, we get out last of examination – it is abominable. I have no time to explain the circumstances.
December 7th Today I had my Ambrotype taken for Kate’s locket, which Cordelia and I are going to give her Christmas I went with E.M. Williams downtown [and] passed with him Mrs. Robert’s girls on purpose numerous times. It is as mild as Spring today – very warm. Thomas and McLean are on Thom’s bed and I am writing at his table.
December 16th – Kate came over to New Haven this morning, agreeably to my wish and invitation, to revise my prize composition. I have worked pretty faithfully on it, have corresponded with her, and sent her home the sheets as I wrote them. I invited her up to Aunt Amanda’s but told her I should want her services whenever I came up, for during cramming times, I was not master of my own time. Besides, she had come over to see me, not them.
December 18th - At half past eight, I handed my prize composition in to Mr. Hutchison, at the same time with E. M. Williams and Ralph Wheeler. My composition was 18 3/4 pages long, much longer than I had ever expected to write and also much better. E.M.’s was 8 and Wheeler’s 13. E.M. had sat up all night to write and copy. I did not get to bed till 3 a.m. Kate and David sat up and played chess, of which Kate is always the conqueror. Boyden sat up all night, and twenty others I know. I don’t really expect to take a prize. I don’t care if I don’t. I never felt so entirely satisfied with myself at any time as now. I have written just as good a composition as I can, and I don’t care what becomes of it. Or rather, I am willing to leave it to time and chance.
<comments />
