Location: Library of Congress

Trip 1997/09/18

Yesterday, I went to the Library of Congress to read Anna Maria Thornton's Diary running from 1793 to 1835. This diary is on microfilm and I am going to try to attempt to interlibrary loan it from Hopkins so I can make copies here at the archives. I did not finish reading the diaries because I ran out of time. I will need to examine them more closely, but at this time I still have interpretive questions about how to handle the materials. I will record in this space my first impressions of the diary.

The diary is written on old almanac papers. The first section from 1793-1803 contained a variety of topics. The structure of the diary in this section is not so much a narrative format but rather a log of activities, recipies, record of financial expenses of the household, lists of visistors, a catalogue of all the books the family owns, and it also contains expercpts of short histories. Occassionally Mrs. Thornton writes in French. She is clearly an educated women. Histories include a sketch of John Brodeau (this could be her fatther for this is her maiden name) and ancient histories including the death of Cleaopatra. The lists of books are divided into several categories: history, travels, & voyages, philosophy, mediacal works, politics, Agriculture, and catalogue of books in Lancaster England. The Political citations include: The Federalist, Montesquie's Spirit of the Laws, Smith's Wealth of Nations, Jurius' Letters, Blackstone's Commentary, and the Independent Whig. Recipes include pond cake, how to wash clothes, white varnish, medecines, etc. Other pages of interest include a page where Anna Maria practices writing Mrs. William Thornton repeatedly and in different styles on a journal page.

The Second section of the first reel of microfilm contains Journal Entries from 1800-18?? (I haven't gotten to the end of the section as of this time). This section is much more orderly. Mrs. Thornton keeps a meticulous daily log of events, visitors, the weather, and household expenditures. Visitors to the house include Mr & Mrs. Deblois, the Laws, Mr and Mrs Washington, The blodgets, Mr and Mrs, Nicholson, Mr and Mrs Morris and Harbough. Occassinally Anna Thornton describes the conditions of the city. For example in one entry she writes: went to shop on NJ avenue to look for some black chintz a poor store- there are too few inhabitants for any business to be carried on extensively.

After reading the diary I am under the impression the Thornton's moved to Washington from Philadelphia in1797. Unfortunately, I had to catch the shuttle back to Hopkins before I could read any more of the diary. I think this will prove useful but the diary raises some questions to my thesis. What parameters am I keeping the diary within. Am I focused simply on 1790-1800? I need to start limiting myself and narrowing my focus with Dr Papenfuse. I also need to contact the Columbian Historical Society in reference to these materials.