Went to the Library of Congress to look at the diaries of Anna Thornton. Finished reading for the year 1800. The microfilm arrived at Hopkins so tomorrow I should be able to microfilm the papers.

The diary continues to be an important source of info on Washington life during this section of the diary. Mrsx. Thornton records important details about the year: President Adams's arrival in Washington DC, Mrs. Adams, Congress's removal to the city, and details about yellow fever in other cities. I also found that in the year 1805, Mrs. Thornton traveled over 800 miles in the United States. She concludes that no place is as lovely as home when returning across the Eastern Branch. Yet ironically in 1842, Mrs. Thornton publishes a list of the errors of her life. In the list of errors she regrests buying so much Washington property. I need to analyze her level of optimism about the new city. She seems enthralled with both her husband (whom she equates to a magistrate in terms of importance) and her social position.

Mrs. Thornton's work: throughout the diary Mrs. Thornton often makes quick reference to doing work. From what I have been able to discern it appears that Mrs. Thornton considers both her managing of household affairs: ie knitting netting shopping etc and her writing and drawing of ancient histories to be classified as "work". However when she makes copies of letters for her husband or alters his drawing plans for the Capitol she makes clear distinguishment. She is helping her husband rather than doing her own work (NANCY COTT's separate spheres)

How can I incorporate her in with Isabella and mrs Law. How are their lives different. She seems "content" in her diary entries BUT she later terms buying Washington property as an error.