February 21 Tuesday – From Sam’s notebook:
On Jackass Hill again. The exciting topic of conversation in this sparse community just at present …is Mrs. Carrington’s baby, which was born a week ago, on the 14 th . There was nothing remarkable about the baby, but if Mrs C had given birth to an ornamental cast-iron dog big enough for an embellishment for the State-House steps I don’t believe the event would have created more intense interest in the community….Had to remain at Jackass all day 21 st , on account of heavy snow storm—inch deep, but all gone, sun out & grass green again before night [MTNJ 1: 81].