1848 was a very good year to commence writing a journal:

adderbolt said:

Our journal scribbler is James Welch of Lowell, Massachusetts. He is a 22 years old Vermont expatriate. He is married to Sarah (nee Crum), age 19. As his journal begins they have been married for seven months, having tied the knot in April. James has signed a contract to work a year in a Lowell dry goods store where he sells cloth and fashionable material to ladies, tailors and seamstresses.

Friday, November 24, 1848:

It is General Taylor's 58th birthday "He whom the people just elected President of the United States. A dull day for trade --- storms so that the evening trade will be ruined. John Whitaker one of the Green Mountain Boys called to see me today. A perfect specimen of a "greeny" --- has been in these diggings for some time but evidently never saw the Elephant (?)."

Saturday, November 25, 1848:

Warm -- snow melting. "Not much trade in the forenoon. In the afternoon and evening considerable doing. It is the opinion of most men that business will be very dull here this winter in consequence of the reduction of wages [in the Lowell mills]. A large number of operators have left this week and many more will probably go."

Sunday, November 26, 1848:

"In the morning the prophet (?) was good for a fine day but this afternoon is cold and cloudy. Wife and I attended church all day -- in the afternoon cousin Lurenela went with us. In the evening we attended the Third Fundamentalist to hear the Rev. Mr. Fletcher -- the man who was suspended from the order for being engaged to 2 women at the same time!"

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adderbolt said:

Wed. 17 - We have had quite a warm day. This evening as we were about to close the store we heard an alarm of "fire". Some one said it was on Stackpole St. where Brown lives. On hearing its "whereabouts" he took leave of us quite sudden and went to Belividere a trifle quicker then he ever did before "I guess". Woodward and I "blew out" & "put" for Stackpole St. We soon discovered it was not Br. house but one owned by Goodspeed. Went to the Lodge in the eve.

Thurs. 18 - Another of those cold days. Cousin Lurenda called on me to day requesting an explanation of matters relating to the inattention she had received at our hands. She got a few hints -- Vermont boys are plenty these nowadays. Norman Moore & Wash. Seaver called on me today and this evening Wm. Labarn -- went to the Museum with him -- he is the "same old coon".

Fri. 19 - I should think this is the coldest day we have had. It is so cold that words freeze as soon as they are spoken. I suppose as soon as we have a thaw that they will make a terrible uproar in the street.

Sat. 20 - I saw a man who is bound for California. The gold fever runs high -- thousands are going to the gold region. I am inclined to think this is the golden age we have "heard tell on".

Sun. 21 - I did not attend church today. In the evening I set out with wife & Julia & Mahalu to go to Mr. Townes lecture at the City Hall but there was such a crowd we could not get in so I came home with them and went back and managed to work myself in.

Mon. 22 - Woodward has gone to New Market consequently I have as much as I can attend to. Julia is sick and the doc says she has the "busy old boy" [flu?].

Tues. 23 - I have one of Jobs comforters in my nose which makes me feel rather down -- good trade to day -- Woodward gone -- I am tired.

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adderbolt said:

Wed. 24 - A first rate day for trade but not much appears to be doing. Closed up in good season -- went to the Lodge in the evening -- Lizzy watched with Geo. Nettleton.

Thurs. 25 - Lizzy came home about 2ock sick -- Geo. is very sick. Woodward came from Newmarket. It rained this afternoon. This evening I disguised myself and distributed a few hand-bills on the McK. It was funny to hear the girls talk to me as though I was a new boy.

Fri. 26 - I read a letter from Geo. [brother] this morning. He has got the gold fever -- is bound for California in the Spring. I dont know as I blame him any -- I would go myself if my situation was such that I could leave.

Sat. 27 - We had quite a fire this morning. The Bolling alley and part of a dwelling house were burned. Geo. Nettleton died this morning.

Sun. 28 - Attended the funeral of Geo. Nettleton this forenoon did not go to church. The disclosures made by the recent fire produces quite a sensation -- there appears to be a private communication under ground with the dwelling house adjoining. It was a notorious rum hole and it is well that it is destroyed.

Mon. 29 - A little snow last night but not enough to make the sleighing good -- warm this afternoon and walking bad -- no trade. Chas. gave notice of leaving on Wednesday next. JP. spoke to me about opening shop shop.

Tues. 30 - Chas. is packing up and Woodward has gone to Concord. J. and I have had quite a time this evening -- did not get through until 11ock.

Wed. 31 - I had the pleasure of opening the store this morning. J. gives me 1/- pr. day extra for it. Chas has gone home - Woodward is off & J. & I are alone but it is to cold for much trade. Lizzy and I went to see the Panorama of the Ohio & Miss. rivers -- think it a very good painting.

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adderbolt said:

Mon, Mar. 5 - This is "old Zachs" inauguration day -- great doings all around tonight. Congress broke up Sunday morn -- fight in both houses. Woodward is better.

Tues, Mar.6 - I have been "round town" in search of a house to live in but have found none yet.

Wed, Mar. 7 - Been after a house again -- found one in Dracutt that I like very much & think I shall have it. Went to the Lodge.

Thurs, Mar. 8 - Wife and I went over to Dracutt to see the house and have enjoyed it. It is pleasantly situated -- rent $66. [year/$5.50 month] & I think we shall like it there much although Lizzy does not seem much in favor of going there.

Fri, Mar. 9 - I see by the papers that Judge Collamer of Vt. is appointed P.M. Gen. [Postmaster General] -- good -- he is one of the "Green Mountain boys". Cold & windy -- business dull.

Sat, Mar. 10 - We have done a fair business today -- much better than we have for a long time. Cold, windy & muddy.

Sun, Mar 11 - Have concluded to move tomorrow & have been getting things in readiness -- Bill was here this eve.

Mon, Mar. 12 - Moved this forenoon & have been in the shop this afternoon. Wife and I going tomorrow.

Tues, Mar. 13 - Have been putting things in order at our new home in the town of Dracutt -- think we may enjoy ourselves if we are well for it is a pleasant place. Trade is good today as it is warm & spring like.

Wed, Mar. 14 - I made a purchase of some furniture today. We had company this evening. Mahalu, Mary Buffington & Lewman were at our house -- staid until 9ock. Had a good time. Lew is going home in a few days.

Thurs, Mar. 15 - We expected Mary Buffington would board with us but it will not be convenient for her so to do at present. It storms this afternoon & the walking is very bad -- no trade. Rec. a letter from Cous. Ann.

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adderbolt said:

Thursday, March 29, 1849 - Brother George arrives in Lowell from Vermont looking for employment.

Tuesday, April 3 - Mahula and Julia Off to Nashua for a visit.

Wednesday, April 4 - Brother George thinks he might find work on the Middlesex Canal. James and George visit the Lowell Museum.

Thursday, April 5 - Burney the "box man" has been sued for libel by Dr. Kimball of the Lowell Hospital. Burney has "the sympathy of the people".

Friday, April 6 - James is looking at lots to rent to make a garden. Peckham's wife has died.

Saturday, April 7 - Mahalu back from Nashua with big gob of molasses candy which "tickled" James.

Sunday, April 8 - James and Lizzy attended Universalist Church services. Mr. Clarke preached. Later they visited Lizzy's folks, the Crum's.

Tuesday, April 10 - James cleans out the store cellar - "good job done".

Wednesday, April 11 - Brown hires a Mr. Emerson from Newport to work in the store.

Friday, April 13 - Emerson given James' job of opening the store. James rents a garden lot from a Mr. Adams for $2.00 "provided he does not sell it before the crops are harvested".

Sunday, April 15 - Mr. Robinson and Julia visit James and Lizzy.

Tuesday, April 17 - Brown goes to Boston and buys "about a thousand".

Thursday, April 19 - 2 inches of snow fell overnight.

Saturday, April 21 - Slow day at the store. "a few Tom Cats out and a moderate sprinkling of pats"

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adderbolt said:

Monday, April 23 - Busy day for James: Got his "washing utensils in order"; worked on his garden fence and had the garden plowed.

Wednesday, April 25 - "Commenced operations on my garden ... sowed some peas"

Thursday, April 26 - "Sowed some beets ... Mr Bullard & wife came to the house today & spent the night ... they were married the past day ... cousin to Elizabeth"

Friday, April 27 - "The neighbors hens scratched up my peas yesterday and I planted some more ... if they don't take care of the hens I shall "give them fits""

Sunday, April 29 - George and Bill came for tea -- "went on to the Lights. I am inclined to match with George Hunt"

Monday, April 30 - "I did not match much last night".He (James) took a nap before he went and slept all the way through the match.

Tuesday, May 1 - Gun firing early in the morning. "Boys and girls are bound to have a time. Planted some potatoes"

Friday, May 4 - "saw quite a curiosity -- a large fish weighing 1100 & strange to say it had not a bone in its body. It is called the Nurse fish"

Saturday, May 5 - Planted potatoes ... Ed Colston, a tailor and old school mate, called on James.

Sunday, May 6 - James showed Ed Colston the town. There was a house fire in Lowell.

Tuesday, May 8 - Finished planting potatoes ... some other crops coming up.

Wednesday, May 9 - Lizzy sick. The City Watchman joined the Lodge.

Friday, May 11 - Peach trees in bloom. Cholera in Cincinnati, Ohio. "Mr. McReady was driven from the stage in N.Y. He is to play again tonight at the Astor place Theater -- a riot is expected." Lizzy has seen the doctor and is some better.

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