Jervis McEntee Diaries

Sunday November 4, 1883

Jervis McEntee Diary Entry, November 4, 1883, from the Jervis McEntee papers, 1850-1905, in the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Sunday, Nov 4, 1883 I did not retire until after midnight sitting in the sitting room alone and often going in to look at my dear Mother who lies so still and peaceful where we laid her the night she died. I slept on the sofa in the sitting room and rested well. This morning I went in again to look at my mother. She looked so young with her pretty brown hair and her placid restful expression that I determined to try to get a sketch of her. I have painted all day but have not succeeded. I had to sit in a dark place and could hardly see what I was doing. How sweetly she looked. An expression on her face that was not of earth. Just so dear Gertrudes face was transfigured after death. My mother did not look to be more than forty five years old. No one would take her for an old lady, but I could not catch that subtle expression. I wish I could there was something so very beautiful in it. It has been a mild beautiful day and I have hardly been out of doors. Calvert and Downing and Grant and Park went to the top of Husseys Hill. A number of people have called. General Smith who was at the wedding of my mother and father walked down from Kingston. Essie and Bridget two of my mothers old servants came to look upon her, Anna Ludlum and John McEntee and Esther Livingston. I sent off all the letters today announcing the funeral for Tuesday at 2 oclock. A telegram came from Bangor saying they could not find Mrs. Tomkins on the St. John train. She must have been there I think.