This
diary consists simply of two half-sheets of white note paper, folded
twice and pinned in the middle, forming two small neat books of eight
pages each of about the size of a visiting card. The writing is very
small, but clear.
"_February 17, 1865 (Friday)_ 10:40 P.M.--Gave I. Trump this day bill
of sale for my interest in office, with the understanding that if he
got any money by selling, I am to get some. I am now afloat again,
with the world before me. I have commenced this little book as an
experiment--to aid me in acquiring habits of regularity, punctuality,
and purpose. I will enter in it each evening the principal events of
the day, with notes, if they occur, errors committed or the reverse,
and plans for the morrow and future. I will make a practice of looking
at it on rising in the morning.
"I am starting out afresh, very much crippled and embarrassed, owing
over $200. I have been unsuccessful in everything. I wish to profit
by my experience and to cultivate those qualities necessary to success
in which I have been lacking. I have not saved as much as I ought, and
am resolved to practice a rigid economy until I have something ahead.
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