The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

And thronging visions come” I feel myself a girl again A girl at home— Yes, here I sit at home waiting for his coming—yes waiting! But, Alas, he has come— yes, come a year ago to night— he’s here. One year of married life has gone forever, gone beyond the grasp of mortals, indelibly mantled in heaven’s book, penciled by angels there to wait our coming. [Wagner: quoted above: epigraph from the essay “Home” by Fanny R.] February 8 February Saturday. 1868. Bright and clear. [here, the next two lines are either faded or erased] I was quite sick all of last night—sat up from about half past one till daylight, at which time I went back to bed with James and remained till James ? up the front room and removed me there— Mrs. Galbreath here quite early— she and James took breakfast together— Mother, Mrs. Galbreath, Mrs. Little, Mrs. Cristie, Dr. D.K. Caldwell and James here for dinner. Lila? came with mother and remained for dinner, after which he went back to C- to attend the singing class. Afternoon cloudy and stormy. Between four and five O’clock, just as the dreary afternoon was sinking away ‘mid storm and cloud, Our Little daughter Fannie entered our home to fill its lonely rooms with light and song and gladden the coming years with her love and smiles. But then— “who may read the future? For our darling we crave all blessings sweet-- And pray that he who feeds the crying ravens-- Will guide our daughter’s feet.” Yes, guide them safely through the pearly gates into the beautiful city of God. In the evening, very stormy. Wind and snow. Mrs. Galbreath with us till near nine, at which time James took her home. Mother and Jennie Caldwell with us tonight. Mother sleeping in the back sitting room while Jennie slept with me and took care of the babie [sic]. James slept upstairs in his old room where he used to sleep in the years of the past—in days gone by. [Wagner: poem quoted above: “Little Feet.” by Elizabeth Akers Allen (1832-1911).] 23 Feb. Sab. Cold and clear. James dressed for church but loitered around until it was too late to go. I sat up the greater part of the day. James read to the “baby” and me the most of the day. Eve. Fast John came back. James brought him in to see the baby and me. 36