Thursday, Apr 17, 1884 Did not work today much as my picture was not in a proper state still I advanced it somewhat. Mr. Gordon called to get a card for the reception this evening from a friend from Montreal. He spoke pleasantly of Booth and of a pleasant conversation he had once had with him at the Century. His time is all taken with dinners and receptions. I called for him, his son Will and Bob Tinker with a carriage at 8 45 this evening to take them to the reception. Saw his three daughters for a moment. We arrived at the Academy about 9. People began to arrive at once and in a short time, before ten oclock all seemed to have come, and the Council rooms were well filled. At eleven the supper was announced in the South Gallery and Mr. Huntington and Mr Gordon headed the company and we all marched up stairs to the measure of a Scotch Air from Bernsteins band. The supper was ample and the tables looked nicely with the surroundings of pictures. After a while Mr. Huntington made a short address referring to Mr Gordon as the personal and beloved friend of those present and a sincere lover of Art and Artists and expressing our regret at losing him. Mr. Gordons response was capital and full of genuine feeling. He referred to this occasion as the crowning event of his life and showed in his earnest manner how sincerely he appreciated what we had so spontaneously done to honor him. Happily there were no more speeches. All the efforts of Hopkinson Smiths friends to get him to speak were frowned down and for once he was entirely suppressed. Cigars were handed around and about midnight most of the guests had gone. Some however remained an hour longer. The whole affair was well managed, was dignified and graced by the best people of New York and the Artists may well be proud of what they are able to do when they set about expressing themselves.
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