1822. MARY L. WILBOR (MRS. STONE)—EXTRACTS FROM HER DIARY. _Litchfield May 28^{th} 1822_ Went this morning to visit the remains of the once lovely and interesting Miss Helen Peck who died yesterday after a severe illness of five weeks. Went to her father’s house this P. M. but as I could not get a seat returned home quite disappointed—do not feel in very good spirits. Went down to the Bantam last evening. Misses Austin, Perkins, and myself fell into the water. going to B. met a poor little boy who was an idiot, who was very interesting. I ought to be very thankful my life and reason are spared me! and may I make a good use of these great blessings! ... Mr. Brace read dissertations today, and Miss Austin’s was pronounced the best. I am very glad, for I think she deserves all the praise that is bestowed upon her. She possesses quite a talent for writing; and expresses herself very handsomely. Mr. B. read one of his own compositions, which was elegantly written. Shall be almost ashamed to present mine to him but my turn will not come until week after next, and I will not anticipate evil.... It thunders & lightens very vividly & loudly, but the bell rings and I must go to church, for I expect Dr. Beecher will be very eloquent, for he is very much interested. Half past 8. Was just ready for church when Miss Shelton brought me my letters but was so much overjoyed I could not go. _Wednesday._ Miss Pierce is expected this afternoon and I hope she will come, for the whole household will be very glad to see her. ½ past 6. P. M. An old man is now here with pictures at which we look with a perspective glass, which improves them very much and renders them very interesting but they would be much more so if some of the scenes were from our own country, for he had none of American scenery, but as he is an _Englishman_ it is perfectly natural that he should be fond of showing his country in as favorable a light as possible. I had twelve credit marks for doing one sum in Reduction.... Went upon prospect hill with Misses Averill, Brace, Buell, & Clarke and had a very pleasant walk. There is a most delightful prospect from prospect hill. We went upon echoing rock, it is astonishing how long we can hear the echo—I like Miss Buell very much. She is very polite and obliging. She is from Burlington Vermont, a niece of Mrs. Lynde Catline of New York. I hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing her at our house when she comes to New York to visit her aunt. [Illustration: PL. XL.—FROM A WATER-COLOR BY AMELIA LEWIS ]