Wednesday, July 14, 1886 My 58th birth-day. I telegraphed to J. S. Bush (I dont know whether it was a Mr or Miss) this morning to say I would come down to H. K. Browns funeral by the 11.55 train from here and received a reply that a carriage would meet me. When I arrived at the house I found Weir, Mr. Huntington and Maynard there, and Mr. Gaylord an old friend of Browns but none of the family. An ample lunch was provided in the dining room which we partook. Avery was also there. Afterwards we went out to the studio which seemed very sad now that he was gone. There were casts from some of his statues and the usual paraphenalia of a sculptors studio. The services were very simple and commenced at 2 o'clock conducted in excellent taste by the Unitarian clergyman. He referred to Mr. Samuel Longfellow whom he hoped might take his place as an old friend of Browns, but who could not be present. He said what he had to say sincerely and well. Weir, myself, Maynard, Mr. Delano and two other gentlemen were selected as bearers. The cemetery was three [?] then up the river and the road was very dusty. The undertaker in charge did his offices quietly and well. The minister rode [?] Weir, Maynard and me and we were most pleasantly impressed [?] him. The few words he said at the grave were serviceable, sincere [?] unhackneyed. Julia Wilkinson and Irene Weir were there and John Weir who was coming home with me went home with them and will come here tomorrow. Avery rode down to the ferry with Maynard and me and talked to me about going to Scribners last year while he was at the Mountain house and finding the house abandoned and going to ruin. I parted with all of them at the ferry and as I still had a half hour went to Washingtons Head Quarters where I had not been since the day it was dedicated when I saw General Scott raise the flag for the first time. The situation is charming and the old house venerable and interesting and contains many relics of the Revolution. The wind blew and it was dry and dusty but [?] have been indications of rain all day which finally came this [?] after I reached home. I received a letter from Mrs. Sawyer. She [?] received the two dresses of dear Gertrude and was very pleased to [?] them.
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