 |
| Talking for the school kids. |
-Brian Cushing, Vice President
Falls Landing Foundation
Falls Landing Foundation
 |
Demonstrating amputation with the aid of audience volunteers. |
From 100 Years...
CONGRESS OF VIENNA BALL
I have made arrangements to travel, in a few days time, to the west, where I will, in my guise as the 2nd Doctor, attend the Congress of Vienna Ball.
The advertisement for the event promises:
The ball will take place on Saturday October 9th of this present year.
The ball is the perfect excuse for me to encounter Miss Emily Waterman in a social setting and not in my professional capacity. You, gentle reader, may recall that I met Miss Waterman at the Farnsley-Moremen Estate some two weeks ago now.
The Ball itself is put on by BAERS, and I look forward to seeing how things are done there, AND showing THEM how we do things in this part of the country. I promise to endeavour to do you all proud.
The advertisement for the event promises:
the crowned heads of Europe, ambassadors, military heroes, and the most influential lords and ladies from the allied countries who have just defeated the Vile Corsican. This is the opening celebration for the greatest Peace Conference in history so come partake of a little intrigue, a bit of influence peddling, a dollop of regime change, and perhaps a soupçon of romance…..
Games of chance, lively conversation and the hospitality of the imperial court
The ball will take place on Saturday October 9th of this present year.
The ball is the perfect excuse for me to encounter Miss Emily Waterman in a social setting and not in my professional capacity. You, gentle reader, may recall that I met Miss Waterman at the Farnsley-Moremen Estate some two weeks ago now.
The Ball itself is put on by BAERS, and I look forward to seeing how things are done there, AND showing THEM how we do things in this part of the country. I promise to endeavour to do you all proud.
MEET MISS WATERMAN
I have recently come to the aid of another young lady in the form of creating a journal such as my own for her to make use of. Miss Emily Waterman, whom I met at the recent weekend at the Farnsley-Moremen Estate, was desirous to have a journal of her own.
100 Years on the Ohio part 3
Sunday 19 Sept. 1812
The night was less cool than previously and woke to a warmer morning.
It was decided that perhaps a nature walk in the cool of the morning might be in order, so therefore, we gathered a party and began straight away. Our line slowly passed the Farnsley-Moremen house and wove around through the gardens to the side. On the far edge of the garden there was a break in the fence that lead outward into a grouping of trees with a path down the middle.
The farther we went, the more of the ladies dropped out of the walk and ventured back, stating a bevy of excuses from 'poison ivy' to 'heat'.
Eventually we made our way away from the trees and into a clearing only to discover that there were only five of us left. Mrs. Dubbeld escorted by Capt. Cushing, Mrs. Mudd and Miss Waterman and myself.
"I want to run!" Miss Waterman confided in me as she began to slow and let the others move ahead.
I feel certain that my demeanor begged the question, 'why?'.
"It's so open and beautiful here," says she, "I feel the need to run across the field."
"That would he highly improper." says I with eyebrow cocked, and knowing she was of her own mind on the subject, I continued, "I shall not speak a word of it to anyone if you were to do so."
Miss Waterman smiled and clutched at her blue dress to avoid stepping on it as she set off at a fearful pace. As she ran, one of the feathers fell from her upturned straw hat.
I collected it and held it behind my back as I approached the party. The group seemed none the wiser that she had made such a vigourous run.
Covertly, I handed Miss Waterman the feather, saying, "This seems to have become dislodged from your hat by an errant breeze."
The remainder of our party became quite wilted from the heat and decided to turn back toward the house and the shade. Miss Waterman however wanted to proceed to the small chapel we could see in the distance, so I escorted her to it.
The aged little building had long since been boarded up, its windows and doors all shut up. The grass was quite tall around its exterior and the brambles and thorns clung to my knee breeches and to her blue dress's hem.
Tea at 3pm wherein Lady Rockhold was our hostess again. This time, tea was served under the shade of a convenient grouping of nearby trees. The two teas served were a delightful lemon something-or-other and a vanilla caramel... I tried one of each. Miss Waterman was quite taken with Lady Rockhold's little copy of 'PAMELA or Virtue Rewarded'. She sat and read for quite a while.
The company assembled asked me to read from my copy of Henry V. Below, find an abbreviated version of the speech I read them.
Enter the KING
WESTMORELAND. O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England
That do no work to-day!
KING. What's he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more...
...Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
Shortly after tea was served, at about three of the clock, I went once again to demonstrate the Art & Mystery of Surgery. Every chair was full, and when more people showed up to watch, we brought more chairs down out of the back to accommodate them.
Mr. Mudd was quite desirous to have me join him in some fencing practice, but I was far too exhausted to take him up on his offer after my demonstration.
Being that it was quite late in the day, everyone was beginning to gather up their things and make ready for their individual journeys home. I was no different, gathering up my books, the blue box and such and placed them in the carriage to make the trip south.
It would not be long before I would be putting Miss Waterman on the coach that would take her back to the Hegwood estate to the North.
I find that I have grown quite accustom'd to her company, and will, in my own way, miss her when she is gone.
The night was less cool than previously and woke to a warmer morning.
It was decided that perhaps a nature walk in the cool of the morning might be in order, so therefore, we gathered a party and began straight away. Our line slowly passed the Farnsley-Moremen house and wove around through the gardens to the side. On the far edge of the garden there was a break in the fence that lead outward into a grouping of trees with a path down the middle.
The farther we went, the more of the ladies dropped out of the walk and ventured back, stating a bevy of excuses from 'poison ivy' to 'heat'.
Eventually we made our way away from the trees and into a clearing only to discover that there were only five of us left. Mrs. Dubbeld escorted by Capt. Cushing, Mrs. Mudd and Miss Waterman and myself.
"I want to run!" Miss Waterman confided in me as she began to slow and let the others move ahead.
I feel certain that my demeanor begged the question, 'why?'."It's so open and beautiful here," says she, "I feel the need to run across the field."
"That would he highly improper." says I with eyebrow cocked, and knowing she was of her own mind on the subject, I continued, "I shall not speak a word of it to anyone if you were to do so."
Miss Waterman smiled and clutched at her blue dress to avoid stepping on it as she set off at a fearful pace. As she ran, one of the feathers fell from her upturned straw hat.
I collected it and held it behind my back as I approached the party. The group seemed none the wiser that she had made such a vigourous run.
Covertly, I handed Miss Waterman the feather, saying, "This seems to have become dislodged from your hat by an errant breeze."
The remainder of our party became quite wilted from the heat and decided to turn back toward the house and the shade. Miss Waterman however wanted to proceed to the small chapel we could see in the distance, so I escorted her to it.The aged little building had long since been boarded up, its windows and doors all shut up. The grass was quite tall around its exterior and the brambles and thorns clung to my knee breeches and to her blue dress's hem.
Tea at 3pm wherein Lady Rockhold was our hostess again. This time, tea was served under the shade of a convenient grouping of nearby trees. The two teas served were a delightful lemon something-or-other and a vanilla caramel... I tried one of each. Miss Waterman was quite taken with Lady Rockhold's little copy of 'PAMELA or Virtue Rewarded'. She sat and read for quite a while.
The company assembled asked me to read from my copy of Henry V. Below, find an abbreviated version of the speech I read them.
Enter the KING
WESTMORELAND. O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England
That do no work to-day!
KING. What's he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more...
...Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
Afterward, we sat in a group and played at cards a bit.
Shortly after tea was served, at about three of the clock, I went once again to demonstrate the Art & Mystery of Surgery. Every chair was full, and when more people showed up to watch, we brought more chairs down out of the back to accommodate them.
A helpful woman from the crowd aids me as surgeon's mate during the mock amputation.
Mr. Mudd was quite desirous to have me join him in some fencing practice, but I was far too exhausted to take him up on his offer after my demonstration.
Being that it was quite late in the day, everyone was beginning to gather up their things and make ready for their individual journeys home. I was no different, gathering up my books, the blue box and such and placed them in the carriage to make the trip south.
It would not be long before I would be putting Miss Waterman on the coach that would take her back to the Hegwood estate to the North.
I find that I have grown quite accustom'd to her company, and will, in my own way, miss her when she is gone.
100 Years on the Ohio part 2
Saturday 18 Sept. 1812
Rose after a chilly night, the insides of the tent were damp.
The Archery Competition for Ladies of quality began at 11 in the forenoon, drawing a large crowd of spectators. Mrs Cooper instructed her husband to have the ladies draw straws to determine who would shoot first whilst she read the rules to all present.
Before the competition was completed, I was forced to depart elsewhere to give my midday medical demonstration for the benefit of the publick. There was a goodly number in attendance.
I returned to the front lawn just as the archery competition had ended. Ms Waterman placed 3rd behind Mrs. Martin and Miss Martin, who, as I understand, have been at archery for a long time. One present even said in jest that Miss Martin had been at it since the womb. Miss Waterman wore her participation cockade with pride. First on her little brown spencer, then later transfered it to her beret. But something was amiss! She informed me of Sgt. Williams' vile behavior toward her and the ungentlemanly things he had said to her in my absence.
This would not stand! I communicated with Captain Cushing on the matter and later engaged him to act as my second in a duel to be held on the green at 4 in the afternoon. All the proper arrangements were made.
As I was checking to ensure that my instruments would be safe in the room where I was to demonstrate a gain the following day, Miss Waterman again took note of my personal letters. This time, she said nothing, but her eyes told the tale. I knew she wanted to ask about the letter from her Aunt Elizabeth again. I gathered them and placed them in my vasculum for safe keeping.
At 2pm there was held a most delightful tea by Lady Rockhold. Cookies and little sandwiches were served under the awning of the Rockhold & Dubbeld tents. I drank several glasses of limeade.
Afterward there was instruction giv'n in the latest dances at the pavilion by the Tumbusch's. We danced the Duke of Kent Waltz among others. It was during the dance instruction that I noticed how naturally graceful and elegant Miss Waterman moved herself about...
At 4 pm, I set out to duel with Sgt. Williams. William's pistol fired with success, but his hand was not true and he missed me. MY pistol however, being loaded and ready would not fire, no matter how many times I pulled the trigger!
We ended up settling our differences and going on our way.
After the excitement of the dancing and the dual, Ms. Waterman was quite taken with the heat. Mrs. Cooper tended her at first, making her remove her wig and beret before passing her back into my care. I carried her back to her tent where I bade her to lie down and rest. I fed her spoonfuls of iced cream and sips of water while bathing her brow and neck with a moist handkerchief.
Even in her weaken'd state, she asked again about the letter from her Aunt. After careful consideration, I allowed her to read it:
My Dear Doctor,
I write this letter as an explanation for the sudden arrival of my dear niece, Emily Waterman in your country. I believe that, once explained, you will understand all too well our decision to send her there.
The sincere love and affection which I now have for her indulgent father, and for her virtuous mother, together with the tender regard I have for her future happiness and welfare, have prevailed on me to inform you, rather by letter than by word of mouth, that the town rings of her unguarded conduct, and the too great freedoms she has taken with Mr. B-------, whom we have discussed in letters past.
She has been seen with him (if Fame lies not) in the sideboxes at both theatres; in St. James's Park on Sunday night; and afterwards at a certain tavern not a mile from thence, which is a house (as I have been credibly informed) of no good repute. They have both, more-over, been seen at Ranelagh assembly, Vauxhall gardens, and what is still more flagrant, at Cuper's fireworks.
Don't imagine, Doctor, that I am in the least prejudised, or speak out of any private pique; but let me tell you, her familiarity with him gives me no small concern, as his character is none of the best ; and as he has acted in the most ungenerous manner by two or three very virtuous young ladies of my acquaintance, who entertained too favourable an opinion of his honour.
Tis possible, as she has no great expectancies from their relations, and he has an income, as it is reported, of 200 l. a-year left him by his uncle, that she may be tempted to imagine his address an offer to her advantage. It is much to be questioned, however, whether his intentions are sincere for, notwithstanding all the fair promise he may possibly make her, I have heard it whispered, that he is privately engaged to a rich, old doating lady, not far from Hackney.
Besides, admitting it to be true, that he is really entitled to the annuity above-mentioned yet It is too well known that he is deep in debt; that he lives beyond his income, and has very little, if any, regard for his reputation.
In short, not to mince the matter, he is a perfect libertine, and is ever boasting of favours from our weak sex, whose fondness and frailty are the constant topics of his raillery and ridicule.
All this, therefore, duly considered, let me prevail on you, dear Doctor, to watch after Emily as you would your own daughters, until her ardor for Mr. B------ subsides. It is the sincere wish of her family that she avoid his company; for, notwithstanding we still think her strictly virtuous, yet her good name may be irreparably lost if such open acts of imprudence are allowed to continue.
As I have no other motive but an unaffected zeal for her interest and welfare, I flatter myself you will put a favourable construction on the liberty here taken by
Your sincere friend,
Elizabeth Reeser
220 Baker Street
London
Reading the letter seemed to shed new light on her situation, and I could immediately tell a difference in the way she behaved toward me. She seemed to look at me through eyes renewed.
That afternoon, as the sun had begun to set, we played several enjoyable games of Blind Man's Bluff at the insistence of Miss Waterman. She had brought with her a red taffeta blindfold for just such a purpose.
That evening was topped off by another dance at the pavilion. A smashing time!
Rose after a chilly night, the insides of the tent were damp.
The Archery Competition for Ladies of quality began at 11 in the forenoon, drawing a large crowd of spectators. Mrs Cooper instructed her husband to have the ladies draw straws to determine who would shoot first whilst she read the rules to all present.
The ladies and gentlemen that gather'd together on the front lawn to watch the competition.
I display the hits to the second novelty target I created for the practice that morning.
Mrs Graham drew for first shot.
Mrs. Dubbeld was second
Miss Waterman was third in line to shoot.
Before the competition was completed, I was forced to depart elsewhere to give my midday medical demonstration for the benefit of the publick. There was a goodly number in attendance.
I returned to the front lawn just as the archery competition had ended. Ms Waterman placed 3rd behind Mrs. Martin and Miss Martin, who, as I understand, have been at archery for a long time. One present even said in jest that Miss Martin had been at it since the womb. Miss Waterman wore her participation cockade with pride. First on her little brown spencer, then later transfered it to her beret. But something was amiss! She informed me of Sgt. Williams' vile behavior toward her and the ungentlemanly things he had said to her in my absence.
This would not stand! I communicated with Captain Cushing on the matter and later engaged him to act as my second in a duel to be held on the green at 4 in the afternoon. All the proper arrangements were made.
As I was checking to ensure that my instruments would be safe in the room where I was to demonstrate a gain the following day, Miss Waterman again took note of my personal letters. This time, she said nothing, but her eyes told the tale. I knew she wanted to ask about the letter from her Aunt Elizabeth again. I gathered them and placed them in my vasculum for safe keeping.
At 2pm there was held a most delightful tea by Lady Rockhold. Cookies and little sandwiches were served under the awning of the Rockhold & Dubbeld tents. I drank several glasses of limeade.
Afterward there was instruction giv'n in the latest dances at the pavilion by the Tumbusch's. We danced the Duke of Kent Waltz among others. It was during the dance instruction that I noticed how naturally graceful and elegant Miss Waterman moved herself about...
At 4 pm, I set out to duel with Sgt. Williams. William's pistol fired with success, but his hand was not true and he missed me. MY pistol however, being loaded and ready would not fire, no matter how many times I pulled the trigger!
We ended up settling our differences and going on our way.
Sgt. Williams and I back to back, attended by our seconds.
Pacing off the field.
I turn to fire...
After the excitement of the dancing and the dual, Ms. Waterman was quite taken with the heat. Mrs. Cooper tended her at first, making her remove her wig and beret before passing her back into my care. I carried her back to her tent where I bade her to lie down and rest. I fed her spoonfuls of iced cream and sips of water while bathing her brow and neck with a moist handkerchief.
Even in her weaken'd state, she asked again about the letter from her Aunt. After careful consideration, I allowed her to read it:
My Dear Doctor,
The sincere love and affection which I now have for her indulgent father, and for her virtuous mother, together with the tender regard I have for her future happiness and welfare, have prevailed on me to inform you, rather by letter than by word of mouth, that the town rings of her unguarded conduct, and the too great freedoms she has taken with Mr. B-------, whom we have discussed in letters past.
She has been seen with him (if Fame lies not) in the sideboxes at both theatres; in St. James's Park on Sunday night; and afterwards at a certain tavern not a mile from thence, which is a house (as I have been credibly informed) of no good repute. They have both, more-over, been seen at Ranelagh assembly, Vauxhall gardens, and what is still more flagrant, at Cuper's fireworks.
Don't imagine, Doctor, that I am in the least prejudised, or speak out of any private pique; but let me tell you, her familiarity with him gives me no small concern, as his character is none of the best ; and as he has acted in the most ungenerous manner by two or three very virtuous young ladies of my acquaintance, who entertained too favourable an opinion of his honour.
Tis possible, as she has no great expectancies from their relations, and he has an income, as it is reported, of 200 l. a-year left him by his uncle, that she may be tempted to imagine his address an offer to her advantage. It is much to be questioned, however, whether his intentions are sincere for, notwithstanding all the fair promise he may possibly make her, I have heard it whispered, that he is privately engaged to a rich, old doating lady, not far from Hackney.
Besides, admitting it to be true, that he is really entitled to the annuity above-mentioned yet It is too well known that he is deep in debt; that he lives beyond his income, and has very little, if any, regard for his reputation.
In short, not to mince the matter, he is a perfect libertine, and is ever boasting of favours from our weak sex, whose fondness and frailty are the constant topics of his raillery and ridicule.
All this, therefore, duly considered, let me prevail on you, dear Doctor, to watch after Emily as you would your own daughters, until her ardor for Mr. B------ subsides. It is the sincere wish of her family that she avoid his company; for, notwithstanding we still think her strictly virtuous, yet her good name may be irreparably lost if such open acts of imprudence are allowed to continue.
As I have no other motive but an unaffected zeal for her interest and welfare, I flatter myself you will put a favourable construction on the liberty here taken by
Your sincere friend,
Elizabeth Reeser
220 Baker Street
London
Reading the letter seemed to shed new light on her situation, and I could immediately tell a difference in the way she behaved toward me. She seemed to look at me through eyes renewed.
That afternoon, as the sun had begun to set, we played several enjoyable games of Blind Man's Bluff at the insistence of Miss Waterman. She had brought with her a red taffeta blindfold for just such a purpose.
Ladies playing Blind Man's Bluff, 1803.
Miss Waterman ties the blindfold on Mrs. Houston.
The game is begun.
That evening was topped off by another dance at the pavilion. A smashing time!
100 Years on the Ohio part 1
Friday 17 Sept. 1812
Having collected Miss Waterman from the coach she had been placed upon by the Hegwoods, I transfered her belongings into MY carriage for the trip out to the Farnsley-Moreman Estate along the Ohio River for a relaxing weekend among friends.
In the morning, I demonstrated the Art & Mystery of Surgery to an assemblage of pupils from the local schools. They seemed to be quite taken with my lecture, but I have discover'd that children are usually eager to learn about my 'bloody' profession.
Between groups, Miss Waterman took notice of my things, strewn upon the table, namely, my recent correspondence.
"Is that a letter to you from my Aunt Elizabeth?" she queried, her slender gloved finger extended toward it.
My heart leapt in my chest, "It is." answered I.
"Whyever do you have a letter from my Aunt?" she continued.
I offered her no excuse, choosing instead to distract her and move on to a more agreeable subject.
After my demonstrations, it was requested of me to stay in the pavilion and wait for a reporter who was desirous to speak with me about my profession. I do believe that Miss Waterman had grown weary and asked if she might stretch her legs down by the river's bank.
"And leave you unchaperoned?" asked I.
Says she, "Do you not think Doctor that you will be able to see me plainly from here?"
I could not argue it and released her to go on her way.
Once the reporter had gone, I packed my instruments away in their box, and looked down the hill to espy Miss Waterman seated on a bench along the path that lead down to the water.
Miss Waterman and I took a stroll by the river and made the appropriate comments on the weather, humidity, the unkempt state of the dock and so forth. We also briefly discussed the nature of the local birds and beasts.
In the cooler portion of the afternoon, Mrs. Cooper had planned to have archery practice for any of the ladies that might wish to participate in the competition that was to be held the next day. I escorted Miss Waterman to the front lawn where they took their exercise, taking aim at a target I had painted for the occasion.
Mr. Cooper came down the lawn from the direction of the house and we discussed plans for supper. A number of us gathered to take a meal of various types of fish and potatoes. In the party were Mr & Mrs Cooper, Mr & Mrs Dubbeld and a blacksmith by the name of Mr Aubrey.
A grand time was had by all. We had so much left over by meal's end that we collected it and carried it out to poor Captain Cushing, who seemed not to have a single morsel to eat.
The remainder of the evening was spent in pleasant conversation outside Capt. Cushing's tent where, I also shew'd Miss Waterman how to make use of my mechanical quill'd pen. She took great care in writing her name with it on a scrap of paper, followed by her letters and numbers.
Having collected Miss Waterman from the coach she had been placed upon by the Hegwoods, I transfered her belongings into MY carriage for the trip out to the Farnsley-Moreman Estate along the Ohio River for a relaxing weekend among friends.In the morning, I demonstrated the Art & Mystery of Surgery to an assemblage of pupils from the local schools. They seemed to be quite taken with my lecture, but I have discover'd that children are usually eager to learn about my 'bloody' profession.
Between groups, Miss Waterman took notice of my things, strewn upon the table, namely, my recent correspondence.
"Is that a letter to you from my Aunt Elizabeth?" she queried, her slender gloved finger extended toward it.
My heart leapt in my chest, "It is." answered I.
"Whyever do you have a letter from my Aunt?" she continued.
I offered her no excuse, choosing instead to distract her and move on to a more agreeable subject.
After my demonstrations, it was requested of me to stay in the pavilion and wait for a reporter who was desirous to speak with me about my profession. I do believe that Miss Waterman had grown weary and asked if she might stretch her legs down by the river's bank.
"And leave you unchaperoned?" asked I.
Says she, "Do you not think Doctor that you will be able to see me plainly from here?"
I could not argue it and released her to go on her way.
Once the reporter had gone, I packed my instruments away in their box, and looked down the hill to espy Miss Waterman seated on a bench along the path that lead down to the water.
Miss Waterman and I took a stroll by the river and made the appropriate comments on the weather, humidity, the unkempt state of the dock and so forth. We also briefly discussed the nature of the local birds and beasts.
In the cooler portion of the afternoon, Mrs. Cooper had planned to have archery practice for any of the ladies that might wish to participate in the competition that was to be held the next day. I escorted Miss Waterman to the front lawn where they took their exercise, taking aim at a target I had painted for the occasion.
Mrs Cooper and Miss Waterman prepare for Archery practice on the front lawn.
The novelty target I painted for the ladies to make use of.
Miss Waterman keeps Mrs Cooper from browning in the sun whilst she takes aim.
Taking aim.
Miss Waterman was very pleased that hers was the only
arrow to strike cupid. I was QUITE amused by its placement in
the lower Serratis posticus inferior region.
the lower Serratis posticus inferior region.
A grand time was had by all. We had so much left over by meal's end that we collected it and carried it out to poor Captain Cushing, who seemed not to have a single morsel to eat.
The remainder of the evening was spent in pleasant conversation outside Capt. Cushing's tent where, I also shew'd Miss Waterman how to make use of my mechanical quill'd pen. She took great care in writing her name with it on a scrap of paper, followed by her letters and numbers.
The Long Run Massacre
Upon the past week's end I was retain'd to demonstrate the Art and Mystery of Physick and Surgery to a series of scouts and pupils that assembled near our temporary settlement near the Painted Stone Station.
The groups that passed through were, for the most part, very well behaved and attentive to what I had to tell them.
When the decision was finally made to evacuate the station, and the militia brought in to aid in the process, we formed a long slow line, marching toward Linn's Station, twenty one miles away.
Along the way, we were set upon by a group of indians, they seemed to come out from everywhere! We were hopelessly outnumbered. They slaughtered men, women and children alike without prejudice.
After my pistol misfired, several of them were on me, beating me and causing me to fall to the ground. They were all I could see, silhouetted above me against the sky. I was their prisoner!
All images contain'd herein are by mr. J. Cummings.
For additional images from the carnage by mr J. Cummings,
be sure to have a look in his journal.
Journal UPDATE
I have begun to update the page in this journal that contains my schedule for the present year and the coming year as well. Keep an eye on it, it will undoubtedly change as time passes.
The Fair at NEW BOSTON part 2
ATURDAY evening, quite exhausted from the day's adventures, the girls and I returned to the Inn where we were lodging to take a dip in the large indoor bathing pool and to have a bit of supper.We were in bed early and I did not return the girls to the dance that took place on the Common that evening.
The next morning we rose and dressed and returned to the fair.
About mid day, I took to the coffee house and had a drink with the Parson and Mr. Cooper. While we were talking Mrs. Cooper entered from the fair and scolded her husband about sitting idle in the coffee house, then, with a change of demeanor, requested money. Mr. Cooper took out his wallet and handed her a sum and she, being satisfied, departed.
Shortly thereafter, Jack Salt and the Captain's Daughter came in and took up near us and began to sing and play.
Mrs. Cooper shielded her face from the harsh, mid day sun with her parasol while we stood and talked.
Once we parted, I made for Cheapside, where I watched a show by a fellow who claimed the title of 'Professor', though I suspect it was a title he had giv'n himself. Much of his act was similar to feats performed by the Fakirs in India, he drove a long iron spike into his nasal cavity, spat fire, and laid on a bed of nails while a fellow from the crowd stood on his chest. He also performed a trick with a whip wherein he broke a stick held by a young woman plucked from the audience.
Rosie and Sophia sat on the front row, spellbound by the 'professor's' performance.
After the show, I was determined to finish my shopping, and got right to it...
All four of my girls with the 'junior militia'.
All in all, it was a fantastic weekend, and I look forward to next year's event.
You may peruse other reports from the fair as well as images made there by following the inserts below:
The Fair at NEW BOSTON
E have returned from the fair at New Boston, where we all had a spectacular time of it! The weather was perfectly suited to the occasion of a great outdoor fair, mild temperatures, light breezes and blue skies with a dappling of little white clouds. This would be my first visit to the Fair at New Boston that did not involve my being there in some professional capacity. In years past, I have served as a safety for mr. and mrs. Barker's wagon rides, marching out before the horses and entreating the crowds not to be trodden under hoof. But this year I was in attendance at my leisure. So I packed my specimen cages and decided to make it a proper holiday, one in which I could pursue my love of naturalism.The girls ran and played nearly the entirety of each day. Rose joined up with a large group of boys that were playing at 'militia' with the wooden swords and guns. Molly and Sophia spent a goodly amount of their time in the pursuit of candied treats, and Lucy spent a good deal of her time wandering the streets in search of things to ask me to purchase for her!
Capt. Rosie of the 'junior militia' watches as her troops battle it out.
Oh yes, what is a vasculum you ask? It is a box used by botanists for collecting specimens and keeping them safe until returning from nature to study the items collected. We shall talk more on it later fair reader.
Talking with Sir Terry and others outside the Coffee House.
The remainder of the forenoon was spent in browsing the shops and talking with friends that I have not seen in some time.
Saturday afternoon we assembled a group to set forth on what would become a nature expedition for children. Near four o'clock I set out toward the woods that surround New Boston with my daughters and several children that we had befriended during the course of that day en tow. The further we went, the more children started heading back to the fair until, eventually, only two intrepid young lads remained with us. Eventually our walk lead us deep down a well worn trail where the sunlight only peeked through the canopy of leaves overhead.
The girls aided me in carrying the specimen cages.
Eventually, we came across a scenic little waterfall that trickled down into a shallow, stoney creek. The children were on it in a flash! The boys wasted no time in discovering all manner of crayfish and swarms of glimmering minnows. And I had to remind the girls constantly not to get their dresses wet, because the sun was setting, and it would be cold soon. The falls and the creek were not very active, and there was a good deal of flora grown up in the old creek bed due to generally dry conditions in the area for the past few weeks.
I climbed to the top of the falls while the children explored below.
I encourage the girls to keep their dresses dry, in vain.
Rose makes her way over the rocks, eager to fill her little cages.
Having lost the boys, the girls and I venture across a fallen tree.
Sophia points out a specimen which she deems interesting
enough to collect, but not to touch with her own hands.
Having lost a good deal of our light,
we venture back toward New Boston itself.
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