Took it down to him. In the evening called on Rev.
Mr. Simonds.

"_Tuesday, 28_.--Got down late. No work. In afternoon wrote article
about laws relating to sailors. In evening went down to Dull's shop
while he was engaged on model.

"_Wednesday, 29_.--Went to work about 10:30. In evening corrected
proof for _Journal of the Trades and Workingmen_.

"_Thursday, 30_.--At work.

"_Tuesday, April 4_.--Despatch received stating that Richmond and
Petersburgh are both in our possession.

"_Wednesday, 5_.--Took model of wagon brake to several carriage shops;
also to _Alta_ office. In evening signed agreement with Dull.

"_Saturday, 8_.--Not working; bill for week, $23. Paid Frank Mahon the
$5 I have been owing for some time. Met Harrison, who had just come
down from up the country. He has a good thing up there. Talked with
Dull and drew up advertisement. In evening, nothing."

Thus while he was doing haphazard type-setting, and trying to interest
carriage builders in a new wagon brake, he was also beginning to write.
The first and most important of these pieces of writing mentioned in
the diary notes--on "The Use of Time"--was sent by Mr. George to his
mother, as an indication of his intention to improve himself.
Commencing with boyhood, Henry George, as has been seen, had the power
of simple and clear statement, and if this essay served no other
purpose than to show the development of that natural power, it would be
of value. But as a matter of fact, it has a far greater value; for
while repeating his purpose to practise writing--"to acquire facility
and elegance in the expression" of his thought--it gives an
introspective glimpse into the naturally secretive mind, revealing an
intense desire, if not for the "flesh pots of Egypt," at least for such
creature and intellectual comforts as would enable him and those close
to him "to bask themselves in the warm sunshine of the brief day."
This paper is presented in full:

_Essay, Saturday Afternoon, March 25, 1865_.

"ON THE PROFITABLE EMPLOYMENT OF TIME."

"Most of us have some principal object of desire at any given time of
our lives; something which we wish more than anything else, either
because its want is more felt, or that it includes other desirable
things, and we are conscious that in gaining it we obtain the means of
gratifying other of our wishes.

"With most of us this power, in one shape or the other--is money, or
that which is its equivale