CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 105 



The grand event so talked of for many years past, namely Lydia 

 Riddle's Majority party, came off happily last night. There were 

 a great many people there though not so many as had been invited 

 by thirty or forty. The entertainment was excellent, and in quantity, 

 handed round. The waiters were brought in eight times, with Cakes, 

 Preserves, Cake, Jellies & Blanc Mange, Fruits, Chicken Salad, 

 Pickled Oysters &c. Every body looked well & seemed to enjoy 

 themselves. It held on from half past seven, till half past one. Bill 

 Parker was there figuring around with a moustache about a quarter 

 of an inch long on his face, and a little red cap under his arm. 



The good ducks have gone pretty much, as I have been out several 

 times, seeing nothing but Butterballs, Golden Eyes, and Sheldrakes. 

 Mr. Huston wanting some game to take home with him, I shot and 

 gave him five Butterballs, with which he seemed much delighted. 

 I could not detect the sex of the Ruddy duck I shot, I think it was 

 a young bird however. 



The weather is so cold, and raw this month, that I will try to 

 ride to Washington, instead of walking. It would cost me within 

 two or three dollars as much, to walk as to ride, at any rate, Par- 

 ticularly if I go by stage from Baltimore to Washington. I will 

 start about the 21 st of this month, next Tuesday week, if I can get 

 off. If I see Bob Kirkland which I expect to do, and he is very press- 

 ing, as he was last year, I will probably stay a day with him. 



Is there any thing I can bring on for the folks in Washington? 

 Shall I bring any birds with me? I suppose Audubon must be home 

 by this time. He was in Pittsburg last week. I will write to him 

 from Washington and find out what he has got. I believe I forgot 

 to mention that Mother returned safely last Saturday from Phila. 

 Your prediction with regard to (sister) Molly is getting verified. 

 She is growing very pretty with her curly hair. At the party last 

 night she made quite a sensation. Write soon. 



Yours affectionately 



S. F. BAIRD 



Notes from the Journal. 



Thursday, Nov. 21, 1843. Left Carlisle for Washington at 4.30 

 A. M., with a Miss Zollikoffer under my care to Baltimore. Reached 

 Harrisburg at 6.30. Breakfasted at Hughs'. Left in stage at 8 



