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Jan. 22-28
Attend service at Grace Church. Mr. Boyden is sick so we have lay readings. Brother Jim reads the sermon, which I think he does well. Emily's Christmas decorations still look very pretty though Cousin Julia's [Julia Lewis] letters are very crooked. Emily remains at Music Hall while we are at church as she is poorly. On our return she lays her plans before brother Jim and he both sympathizes with and aids her by lending her books that treat of the subject and offers to go with her to meet the Bishop in Alexandria as he too has business with him. [James Minor as executor of his uncle James Terrel's estate, had sent eighty-six freed servants to Liberia under the auspices of the American Colonizational Society.] Her mind and spirit both seem more at rest after talking with him and I feel so glad I witnessed it. Sue and I have a plan of going with them but after talking it over and taking a hard look decide it best to remain as we would stay such a short time it would not be worth the trouble and expense. Emily leaves on Sunday evening and Sue and I are alone for the first time since the evening we came down. Have quite an interesting conversation in the School Room with brother Jim and Mr. Coffman on Infant Baptism. Monday we stay very quietly at Music Hall, Sue and I making needlebooks. Tuesday we go over to Uncle Bob's to stay a day and night. Sister Mary comes there with us. We have a pleasant time talking, working etc. Lizzie Dee is engaged in her school all the morning but we have her company after dinner and at night. We get on a very interesting topic after we say goodnight to the old folks which keeps us up very late. Wednesday at Music Hall, again. Attend Prayer meeting at Kinloch in the evening. We are introduced to our new cousin, Charlotte Macon, [baby daughter of Mildred Nelson and George Macon] a very young lady .... Thursday Brother Jim, Sue and I look through an old box of letters that belonged to Uncle Nick Lewis. [Nicholas Lewis of The Farm b. 1728.].... Get some very valuable autographs: one of President Washington, of Meriwether Lewis and Thomas Jefferson. Quite a number of letters from my great Uncles Nicholas and Robert Lewis who went westward and a number of other kinfolks that I know nothing about. Charlotte spends the night with us and we have a cozy time. I call to see Emily. She seems better both in mind and body. Found quite a sick family at the Creek. Emily and I make arrangements for being together at the end of the week ....We spend the night and next day at Uncle Bob's where Lizzie Wood is putting up ....Lizzie is so full of life and spirits I almost envy her. She gives us some very sentlemental songs. Aunt Sally has a nice joke on us about the Custard and Romeo. Saturday morning the two Lizzies, Emily, Sue and I go back to Music Hall to spend the night. Bob is with us, also Mr. Coffman and after supper Jimmy Lewis [of The Creek] drops in so we have quite a company. Emily and I retire early and as brother Jim's says "after the old folks leave the young ones have gay times." I'm willing; enjoy myself much more with my friend all to myself. There is such a feeling of sadness mingled with the pleasure of being with her now for the thought of how soon I may be called upon to give her up, is always present with me. Sad news from town. Our beloved pastor has sent in his resignation and it has been accepted. It will be a hard task for his congregation for I know of no minister who is more beloved than Mr. Meade. There is much to attach him to our family for with the exception of me (I'm not certain about Sue) he has administered the ordinance of baptism to the whole family and has performed the last solemn rites for our beloved church over the graves of two of our loved ones. I will not feel quite satisfied to see anyone in his place but such feelings are wrong and I must call to mind that changes and troubles are our material heritage and sent to remind us that this world is not our home and we must not set our heart upon thoughts below. [Note at bottom of journal page ---"It was a mistake, he did not resign."]
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