Tuesday 4th (February)
Today I expected a letter but did not get one and therefore was
much disappointed. I went into the Rhetoric for the first time but did not recite
and think it is a very dry study. I am expecting to draw something at the prize
concert this evening but am very much afraid that I shall be disappointed, however
“hope on hope ever” is the motto. I was in hopes that we were going to have some
sleighing but as the snow has melted I suppose we will not and how sorry I am for
I expected to have so much pleasure. This day has been very pleasant and as I retire
to night I hope to thank God for having spared me to see its close.
Writing in 1830, Richard Whately described Rhetoric: “In the
present day . . . the province of Rhetoric, in the widest acceptation that
would be deemed admissible, comprehends all ‘Composition in Prose;’ in the
narrowest sense, it would be limited to ‘Persuasive Speaking.’” (Whately 6)
Rhetoric includes grammar, but adds discussions of taste, genius and the
sublime. Whately’s text is popular at this time (Farnham 75).
“Prize concerts” are lotteries. Holders of some of the
tickets will be awarded gifts or cash prizes. The possibility of winning such a
prize seems to be Serena’s main interest in the concert. It seems strange that
our good Methodist, Serena, happily participates in this form of gambling. Two such events are scheduled for this
evening, a Mammoth Prize Concert and a Monster Prize Ball (The Cincinnati Enquirer, February 2, 1851).
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