LOCUST GROVE

Got in at sunset on friday.

Visited with Sgt Cushing and his lady-friend. The Sergeant discussed with me the idea of my joining his newly forming military unit in which I would act as the surgeon. He informed me that it would involve a change of wardrobe and I would be an OFFICER! Can you imagine it fair reader? The Doctor as an officer? Fantastic! It would be a most interesting and welcome change for certain. I already have my stylish black suit of new clothes all picked out.

Stopped by the tavern called "His Lordship's Beef", where I had taken a majority of my meals at the trade fair past and encountered a large group gathered around the cook fire. Among them was the Widow C. Black of Black's Coffeehouse. I was pleased to finally be able to make a face-to-face meeting with her.

The Widow Black and the Doctor outside mr. Boone's tent.
Image by Kathy Cummings. See additional images from the fair at Graphic Enterprises.

Afterward, I went next door to the large tent of mr. D. Boone of Kentucky.

He invited me in for a drink and discussion. I took a chair as mr. Boone lit some candles, feeling quite merry, I inform'd him that if he were to light any more candles, I would feel obliged to hold his hand and give him a kiss. mr. Boone and I laughed about this and he repeated the jest to other visitors that came and went.

I spent a rather cool evening sleeping in the wagon, wool blankets wrapped around me in the manner of a caterpillar in his cocoon. My feet were cold, but my dreams were warm.