Untitled oil sketch by Gina G. Morrison

Monday 15^th February

I was in the Fiscal’s office settling with James Stewart for the stock. In the evening I took a walk up the hill and saw Christina.

Tuesday 16^th February

I came to F Stewart’s shop and commenced to sell. I drew £4-10.

Wednesday 17^th February

I was very busy all day. I sold near £13 worth.

Thursday 18^th February

I was pretty busy today. At night there was a meeting in the U.P. vestry to see about getting up a soiree and I was appointed one of the committee for getting it up. I had a letter from Robt and John one from Kate both saying that Kate had an offer to go to Australia and that she accepted it. Poor Kate I feel very sorry for her she was a nice lassie she is the first of our family that has gone abroad. I had a letter from the insurance companies in answer to my inquiry about lending money.

[The U.P. Soiree was held in the Mason Hall on 18 March]

Friday 19^th February

I was kept pretty busy. A beautiful day.

Saturday 20^th February

Not very busy today. A fine day. Mr Peter Miller came back from Glasgow to go with the ship Doon to Port Natal. Geo Phillips was much better and is recovering fast.

Sunday 21^st February

In the morning the Revd Mr Adam preached from the 11^th chapter of Luke from the 5^th to the 9^th verse. In the evening he preached from the 21^st chapter of Acts 16^th verse There went with us also certain of the disciples of Ceserea and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus and old disciple with whom we should lodge. In the afternoon Mr Miller and I had a walk down to the bank and up by Goathill and went in there and had tea before we left.

Monday 22^nd February

This is Christina’s birthday. I wrote father and sent a valentine to Johnnie McKay.

Tuesday 23^rd February

Not extra busy today. I was with Wm McLeod looking out for singers and succeeded and at night went up to Mr Caunters to practice.

Wednesday 24^th February

I had a letter from Kate and she says she is to sail for Australia on the 20^th April from Liverpool. I have resolved to go and see her before she leaves. I wrote her and Lexy after shutting. I had a walk up the hill and I met Christina and Mr Miller and we went the length of the well.

Thursday 25^th February

Not very busy. At night I was up at Mr Caunter’s practicing some pieces of music for the soiree.

[Note: Henry Caunter (1808-81) was closely associated with Sir James Matheson and lived at Millburn Cottage (otherwise known as Mill Glen Cottage or Caunter’s House, at Willowglen). As Manager of the Lewis Chemical Works he was involved in a scheme to produce paraffin from peat. On 29 December 1863 he applied for a patent involving ‘improvements in the manufacture of lubricating matter or compound’ (Glasgow Herald, 16 January 1864, 6). Caunter was also known as an artist and musician.]

Friday 26^th February

Very slack today. I was copying some pieces of music.

Saturday 27^th February

I had a letter from Lexy about Kate leaving. The Revd A Adam Portree and Mr Allan of Glasgow arrived today.

Sunday 28^th February

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was dispensed in the U.P.Church Mr Adam Portree preached in the morning from the 15^th chapter of 1^st Corinthians 3^rd verse For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. In the afternoon the sacrament was dispensed. In the evening Mr J Adam preached from the 11^th chapter of Romans 4^th verse I have received to myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

Monday 29^th February

I expected to go to Arnish with Mr Miller &c but the day turned out wet and postponed till tomorrow. At night the company was practising music at my lodgings. We met at ½ past 8 and dismissed at ½ past 10. I went home with Miss Cockburn and Miss McLeod. Mr Adam was lecturing in the U.P.Church subject Band of Brothers. Our drawings for the past month amounts to £197-7-“.