vice held in our church. The choir sang America for the opening
piece. Dr. Daggett read Miriam's song of praise: "The Lord hath
triumphed gloriously, the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the
sea." Then he offered one of his most eloquent and fervent prayers, in
which the returned soldiers, many of whom are in broken health or maimed
for life, in consequence of their devotion and loyalty to their country,
were tenderly remembered. His text was from the 126th Psalm, "The Lord
hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." It was one of his
best sermons. He mentioned three things in particular which the Lord has
done for us, whereof we are glad: First, that the war has closed;
second, that the Union is preserved; third, for the abolition of
slavery. After the sermon, a collection was taken for the poor, and Dr.
A. D. Eddy, who was present, offered prayer. The choir sang an anthem
which they had especially prepared for the occasion, and then all joined
in the doxology. Uncle Thomas Beals' family of four united with our
three at Thanksgiving dinner. Uncle sent to New York for the oysters,
and a famous big turkey, with all the usual accompaniments, made us a
fine repast. Anna and Ritie Tyler are reading together Irving's Life of
Washington, two afternoons each week. I wonder how long they will keep
it up.

_December_ 11.--I have been down town buying material for garments for
our Home Missionary family which we are to make in our society. Anna and
I were cutting them out and basting them ready for sewing, and
grandmother told us to save all the basting threads when we were through
with them and tie them and wind them on a spool for use another time.
Anna, who says she never wants to begin anything that she cannot finish
in 15 minutes, felt rather tired at the prospect of this unexpected task
and asked Grandmother how she happened to contract such economical
ideas. Grandmother told her that if she and Grandfather had been
wasteful in their younger days, we would not have any silk dresses to
wear now. Anna said if that was the case she was glad that Grandmother
saved the basting thread!

1866

_February_ 13.--Our brother James was married to-day to Louise
Livingston James of New York City.

_February_ 20.--Our society is going to hold a fair for the Freedmen, in
the Town Hall. Susie Daggett and I have been there all day to see about
the tables and stoves. We got Mrs. Binks to come and help us.

_Februar