November 30 - December 10, 1853

Transcribed by Graham Rockwell, '07

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The Glossary

Wednesday November 30th

Some what nice today ~ ~ ~
Bought ¼ ~ ~ ~
I do not feel well - so good ~ ~ ~
Society - D.D. 5.Books ~ ~ ~

Thursday December 1st 1853

Cold and cloudy. Was also ~ ~ ~
Up early. Prof. Johnson absent ~ ~ ~
So much taken also with my ~ ~ ~
Else I have been studying very ~ ~ ~
Well stilo continues to apply my ~ ~ ~
mind. Combo and speed I ~ ~ ~
friends to be present to accompany ~ ~ ~
desire to go myself, and knowing that I would be quite unhappy under the present state of affairs and circumstances. I am content to labor in my room1 and shall continue to remain in my room and study so long as I am in the studying mood. I'll try and have some pleasure with the ladies, when I feel like being in company. Perhaps I may be the means of affording some pleasure, yet, for another concert may beheld once the year's out. I'll not remain in this gloomy mood. This thirsting after knowledge a great length of time. But to lose a few hours time now would be an impossibility. It would do no one good to take one certain friend tonight for its my desire to add to their happiness.

Article Glued over Upper Portion of Text

1. FRIENDSHIP2 - The union of ( ) and affection existing between two generous and magnamious minds. It fears no storm and grows stronger by age, grows and thrives in the rich soil of a refined and cultivated heart, and is the bond and cement of society and associations.
2. LOVE - A fiercer flame then friendship, and according to condition acceptation, more fickle and less discriminating. But a true friend must love us, and if the friendship may be called more constant, they are both lights in a dark wicked world.
3. TRUTH - That which abominates and shuns a lie. "Above all things (says Sir Henry Sydney) tell no untruths, no, not even of trifles" Love the truth, speak the truth: let "the truth make us free".
4. HOPE - The compound of expectation and desire. "A bright star on life's tempestuous ocean." The enchanted ground of the young; the staff of the old; our solace in adversity; the light that gleams above the storms of affliction and sorrow, the comforter that goes with us down "the dark valley." It is forcibly described by the figure of an anchor; as that is the means for securing the ship, and holding it in a safe place, so HOPE is the security and refuge of the soul.
5. FAITH - The corner stone on which the… (article cuts off here)


Friday December the 2nd 1853

Cloudy, appearance of snow. Got my match friend again. But the ladies will come for her brown.

Constancy2

Constancy, show gem so bright;
Although, but seldom seen,
When seen, too, but a fleeing light,
A future much dreamed.

Constancy, show brightest gem,
Which lies concealed so deep,
Tis mingled in our greatest dreams,
When in profound sleep.

Constancy, show brightest gem;
Which nature has possessed,
Oh! may it grow and linger long,
Within thy youthful breast. Liphen

Time3
Footnote: Letitia Elizabeth Landon, The Gazette Poetry, 1823

The ring you gave, the kiss you gave
The curl of raven hair -
Pledges of truth and gifts of love
Where are they now - oh where

The ring is broken, and by whom
The kiss has been profaned-
And many, many bitter tears
That shining curl have stained.

Yes each and all are wholly changed.
More changed they could not be.
But the worst change is that which time
False one has wrought in this.

I will now move my
Evening this evening but no go to easing melted. It's near 12 and I think its raining raining nice. I am tired and do not fell well - my chum pretends to be sick - and grunts as much as a sick frog - when I really believe theirs nothing wrong with him. I dislike to hear any one complain when nothing much is the matter. I never complain unless I am so sick I can't walk.


Saturday December 3rd 1853

This has been a very cold day - very windy tonight. It was one of those delightful mornings in the month of June that as I was returning from my morning ride I beheld in the road which connects the main road and my country retreat - impressions in the dust as if some aged person had passed from where the stage stopped at the gate - down toward my domical4, also small impressions which I imagine to be shoes of some fair ( ) -after a few pleasant moments had passed in reflection I found myself at the door of my father's ( ). I soon enquired as to who the visitors were and found to my utter surprise and gratification that and Uncle and two cousins5 had arrived and the name of one caused a considerable emotion within. I not only loved the name but the lovely creature herself and to such a degree that to pass through life without one that for her heart and hand would be strange and singled indeed. I soon entered and bid them the time of day in as affectionate language as possible. But at once I sundered to wonder in argument for I thought perhaps my sight in eyes deceived me. But now the object I so much loved was constantly before me I felt encouraged and soon found the flame which I often endeavor to qwell busting forth from within, with an increased vigor and vivacity. I gased with thoughtful admiration at the being of uncontrollable love. I have been engaged this evening in writing an account of my life to the ( ). More news, grand indeed, a pre concested plan. ( ) don't she feel sorry. Be ( ) in future if she can get one of this differently. As it's now 12 o'clock I would retire.


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Tuesday December the 6th 1853

Arose at six, a cloud day, felt rather unwell for want of sleep - slept from ½ past 3 to ½ past 4. Did not go to prayers. Effenger requested one to accompany him in the country. I walked out to Miss Neal's and left him. I then proceeded to the farm house. I had Miss Maggie's company and the 2 hours passed by very agreeably - quite a delightful visit - no sleep visited my eyes. I would have spent some two hours more with her. But I had promised to return at 8. Certain and it was quite difficult to make my departure. I returned to room ½ past 8. Dave Hunter, my companion. As I am somewhat inclined to sleep - ( ) may go to the _ the. It's now eleven.

Wednesday December 7th 1853 "R.L"

A beautiful day. Prof. Johnson not at home yet. Visit of the society "Room L" from Rob J Hicherson. 4 of us intend boarding at ( ). Promissed 5.6. Prof Marshall and Dr. Collins called and I about 9 o'clock - found us in - and when I am out they can mark to their hearts content for I can sue for marks. Now as it's after eleven I shall retire and hope to dream.

Original Poem(?)8

Friendship above all ties does bind the heart
And faith in friendship is the noblest part
Acquaintances I would have but when depends
Not in numbers but in choice of friends


Thursday December the 8th 1853

A lovely day overhead. Johnson no come. Ben Asbogas discontinued his boarding at Wineks Home to Miss Egulfs. Saw Meiss ( ) and Nealie as I was on my way to tea at ( ). Dave and I walked out as far as Mr. Stayman's. I stopped at Nealie's on my return. Mr Boones and Monroe were anxiously waiting at the door for an entrance very soon. S. and Annie arrived - I was dispatched for Mollie and Maggie and met them about 50 yards from the gate. Mr. ( ) came in during the earl part of the evening spent an hour and left. The town clock has just struck 12 o'clock. Our intention was to visit Mr. Slayman's tonight but no go. The evening was spent in quite agreeable awareness to all very lively - many played. Got my hair pulled awfully - struck my head against Miss Maggies accidently. At 10 the performance closed. I had the exquisite pleasure of walking (crossed out section). Me + Maggie spent a few moments in the cold room at ( ) then departed. Our walk was a delightful one. The moon shine down in its gorgeous kinde and the air seemed to coincide, not to cold. I found Effenger in his room, he had just arrived from Rev Wicks party. Now my days remarks over - 1 o'clock is just approaching then I bid all and affectionate farewell until tomorrow.
I must make out a Bill tomorrow of $260.00 and send to my Father as I desire more money. Money goes here like …. (cross-hatched, illegible).


Friday December 9th 1853

This has been a beautiful day - although a little cold. Books - 4"Shwoors cousin Dave, and myself walked out by Mr. Linis to the Garrisons. The place is ( ). Did not study any this afternoon or at night. Prof. Wentworths lecture consisted of experiments entirely. Electricity - received a shock. Shaved off all the hair on my face. Did not go to prayers. After tea walked out to see Miss Mollie. Yorbest came very soon after my arrival. Collins just soon went in his room. Almost 12 oclock. He certainly keeps late hours. Mrs Pifer was at (several inked out words). But in other words just even the fiend. Quite a lively night. S.(smoked) Segar. But the difficulty was to Rufich a few would go out. I left about 11 o. My thoughts were many whilst walking home I was delighted with my walk so pleasure. I ask no company nor do I desire to manifest that ( ) spent. That reigns supreme in the winds of some of my fellow students. The wealth I possess shall never be made known. Let others do as they please. For me, I will act and do as my feelings and will never strive to make a show of wealth as some do when they really do no possess much. Honesty the best of policy. My father has much still its not mine, yet and no one knows my thoughts. L.S. 12 oclock. Retired at ½ past 1 oclock to night.


Saturday December 10th 1853

A beautiful day, arose at a late hour - ½ past 7. I have quite a severe cold.

The sun shine bright in my old Kentucky home10,
'Tis summer the dankis(people) are gay;
The corn top's ripe and the meadows are in bloom,
While the birds make music all the day;
The young folks roll on the little cabin flow,
All merry, all happy, and bright;
By'n by hard times comes a knocking at the door
Then my old Kentucky home good night.
Weep no more my lady, oh not no more to day
We will sing one song for my old Kentucky home,
For my old Kentucky Home far away.

2"

They hunt no more for the possum and the coon,
On meadow, the hill and the shore;
They sing no more by the glimmer of the moon,
On the bench by that old cabin door;
The day go by a shadow o'er the heart,
With sorrow where all was delight;
The time has come when the people have to part,
Then my old Kentucky home, good night.

3"

The head must bow and the back will have to bend,
Wherever the people may go;
A few more days and the trouble all will end
In the field where sugar-canes may grow;
A few more days for to tote the weary load,
No matter, 'twill never be light,
A few more days till we totter on the road,
Then my old Kentucky home, good night!
Bought 5 segars 3 cents. Paid W.M. 25 cents a 3 1/2 paid. Have not studies any to day. It being a day of great turmoil - excitement.


A Life on the Ocean Wave11

(by Epes Sergent 1813-1880)

Footnote: The words of 'A Life on the Ocean Wave!' were presented to the composer, Henry Russell, by Epes Sergent after they had been rejected by a publisher. Russell, an Englishman by birth, was seeking his fortune in America and took the manuscript of the poem into a Broadway music store where, in his own words: "I was invited into a back room where there was a capital piano. I hummed an air or two, ran my fingers over the keys, then stopped, feeling baffled; suddenly an idea struck me and presently touching the keys with a confident exclamation, that bright little air rang out which is now so well known."

A life on the ocean wave!
A home on the rolling deep!
Where the scatter'd waters rave,
And the winds their revels keep!
Like an eagle cag'd I pine,
On this dull unchanging shore,
Oh! give me the flashing brine,
The spray and the tempest's roar,

Once more on the deck I stand
Of my own swift gliding craft,
Set sail! farewell to the land,
The gale follows fair abaft
We shoot through the sparkling foam,
Like an ocean bird set free,
Like the ocean bird, our home
We'll find far out on the sea!
A life on the ocean wave

The land is no longer in view,
The clouds have begun to frown,
But with a stout vessel and crew
We'll say, let the storm come down!
And the song of our hearts shall be
While the winds and the waters rave,
A life on the heaving sea!
A home on the bounding wave!
A life on the ocean wave!

Oft in the Stilly Night

Footnote: (by Sarah Brightman)12

Oft in the stilly night
Ere slumber's chain has bound me,
Fond mem'ry brings the light
Of other days around me:
The smiles, the tears of boyhood's years,
The words of love then spoken,
The eyes that shone, now dimm'd and gone,
The cheerful hearts now broken.
Thus in the stilly night
Ere slumber's chain has bound me,
Sad mem'ry brings the light
Of other days around me.

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1 Located 24 East College

2 Unidentified

3 Unidentified poem. Possibly self-written?

4 Letitia Elizabeth Landon (1802-1838), aka, Mrs. Maclean, poetess published in the Literary Gazettewhile still a youth. This excerpt which Allen labels "Time" was part of the Gazette Poetry, listed under "Songs" in 1823. (http://www.shu.ac.uk/schools/cs/landon/index.html)

5 Lat. jus domicilii, right of habitation, residence

6 Unknown

7 Gallipolis was a established as a French town in Ohio in 1790. Page from an known book. http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/ohc/history/path/places/gallipolis.shtml

8 Subsequent page from the same unknown book as on page 17.

9 Lord Orrery quotation

10 "My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!" was adopted by Kentucky as its state song in 1928. It was written by Stephen Foster in 1853 and is said to have been inspired by a visit to Federal Hill, the Bardstown home of his Rowan cousins.

11 by Epes Sergent (1813-1880)

12 Unknown

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