08 September 1853
Thurs. 8th . Warm—down town A.M. Parsloe showed me a letter just received from Bates in which he stated that "Mr Watkins could not possibly know anything about stage management"—Wise old man he regards me as the same young man who, six six years before, played "walking gentlemen" in his company Time, he thinks, has not improved me, or, else, that I have not improved time. Bates' s remark letter did not set well on my feelings and so I took a walk down Broadway to ruminate upon what was best to be done about it. I havelf resolved to start off west and convince Bates that I was somebody or, at least, more than he expected—On my way home I stopped in at Parsloe's office to get his advice upon the subject, when he handed me a telegraphic message just received from Bates, which was brought to him shortly after I went out, saying "engage Watkins as low as you can and send him immediately on"—Of course I could not be had any lower than was telegraphed yesterday. Parsloe drew up the engagement, which I signed, and then—went home to inform Mother of, my good news. She was glad to hear it but could not bear the idea of being left all alone by herself. 'Tis hard but Fate wills it and we must bow to its decree—Packed up
