4:10 P.M. On my way from Philadelphia and stopped in for 15 minutes. W. just up from his bed (resting not sleeping, he said), waiting for his meal from Mrs. Davis. "Tom has been in," he said, "and he tells me there was in yesterday's Ledger an account of the Tribune anniversary Friday"—and he seemed astonished when I told him such an account had also appeared in the Press. "Why, I take the Press—have it here every day—yet missed that," which caused him to remark that "the vigilance" of his vision could "no longer be depended upon." And after a pause, slowly, "Or mentality, either, for that matter"—adding a word about his inability to "either read or write any more in long stretches." He had "wished to see about the Tribune affair." Had he been asked for a message? "No, I should say not!" Said last night had been a close one to him. Today mild, but not uncomfortable. Since four the sun had suddenly burst forth in great splendor. "It lures a fellow out of doors." I put in the hope, "Your days will soon be here," but he only shook his head, looked doubt and question at me, and said slowly, "I wonder? I wonder?"
Harned wants a number of us to dinner there next Friday. W.'s going doubtful. W. gave me proof-sheets for Ferguson. He had written on one, "Put this under the proof-reader and sent to be cast"—strange mixture of tenses. I laughed at the first clause and so did he.
I received fine letters from Johnston (1st), and Wallace (31st) yesterday. Answered J. briefly today.
W. has at last turned up Child's letter introducing O'Donovan. Gave me also Bucke's letter (20th Feb.) which contained references to me. Turns these things up one by one, after a season of loss.