The Harry Watkins Diary, Volume 11 [July 22, 1853–June 12, 1854]

30 October 1853

Sund. (Sunday) 30th Fine day—Reading & walking A.M. walking P.M. Capt. (Captain) Dillingham, Commander of a snag boat in the employ of government—offered to procure meexpand_less a similar situation at a monthly salary of one hundred and fifty dollars. I told him that if I was ever so much inclined to accept the offer, my entire ignorance of the business totally disqualified me for the position of Captainremoveer of a steamer—Dillingham replied that my face was all the recommendation he wanted, and that he felt satisfied removethat I would soon qualify myself. Not having as great an opinion of my abilities as my phyiognomy [sic physiognomy] seemed to indicate to the Captain, I declined his kind interposition in my favor, believing that I could manage a Theatre better than a steamer. Dillingham removeentered had been inexpand_less the government service many years, and by frugality had made himself quite wealthy—removeBeingowning a great deal of land and several negroes. removeHe Although a bachelor he said he had done his duty to hisexpand_less country removesomethough

not in a legitimate way—being the father of two children, now almost grown to men. He had given them a good education, he said, and expected to leave them well off removeitat his death, thus making all the amends in his power for the wrong he had done them—remove…slipIn the evening invited to an oyster supper