Out of the Past: Log, timber inspector comments on life in Apalachicola in 1872

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a series of articles from an old Apalachicola diary.
The diary of Samuel A. Floyd, a log and timber inspector of Franklin County, continues:
January 14, 1872 - Went to the Catholic Church this a.m. the singing was very good. The congregation became somewhat confused about the latter part of the service, as whether to kneel or sit, at a certain point to God’s proceedings. Some stood, some knelt, some sat, all looked foolish — and I felt amused.
I am writing this at Hancock’s House. Miss Janie is playing sacred pieces on the piano in the next room, and it sounds very soft and sweet. The last mail brought me four letters. Dr. Black is here from Mason, Ga., acknowledging the receipt of the oysters I had shipped him before Christmas.
15th - Yesterday late in the afternoon when I was sitting before a bright, cozy fire which the sharp atmosphere made decidedly pleasant, I saw numbers of people hurrying past the street corner in the direction of Wise’s Mill. Thinking some unusual attention must account for the evident haste with which they passed, I took my hat and went out.
On reaching Water Street I saw a great crowd gathered at the mill completely lining the lumber piles and roller ways. The attraction proved to be the emersion of two reclaimed sisters from the clutches of the devil. In the midst of the emersion a pack of dogs got fighting — damn their ill manners.
21st - On Wednesday night last while returning from Mrs. Polhman’s met Capt. Ruge who informed me of the arrival of Mr. & Mrs. Richardson and several other passengers. Heard two days since that my appointment as Log & Leather Inspector for this county was published in the Tallahassee Sentinel.
Messina gave an “eggnog” (party) two days since. “Hello, Brown! I called the next morning as his sleepy looking face emerged from a store. What luck had you last night at leg-seeing? “Darned if I got a sight,” he said.
23rd - Spent last evening at the hotel. Misses Hancock and Richardson played euchre against Mrs. Pettinger (the lady of the lumber merchant) and myself. We beat them badly — “Old Maid” was then suggested and everyone in the room took a hand.
25th - A miserably uncomfortable day — rain, wind and cold as Greenland. Mail brought me two letters. Mrs. McAdoo informs me of the publication of her novel “The Nereid” by G.W. Burke & Co. of Mason, Ga.
The other letter from Bourke bore the ominous black border! John Hamilton, my first cousin. This is a striking example of how little, even the purest and best of mankind can hope for reward in this life. With only exception now, she stands alone, the aged survivor of six high toned, honorable and manly sons.
Weather continues cold and cloudy. Played cards at the Hancock House last eve. The brig B. Young with heavy freightage of dry goods is supposed to be lost.
27th - From this date for 12 months I am resolved to discontinue the use of tobacco (chewing, I mean). Have been feeling very unsettled for some weeks past. F.J. Egbert & Co. deals with all kinds of boots and shoes.
31st - On Monday last the new arrangement began and every day since I have been breakfasted on rewarmed food. I gave in this morning and arranged with old Goodlet to bear me at $25. I do not know the arrangements will be mine again, but it is much nearer to work and I think will be decided improvement in all respects.
I have never before been introduced to any of the females in that family, and I dread first encounters with petticoats for my excessive modesty makes me embarrassed too much to enjoyment in their society.
Feb. 2 - I was few moments late yesterday morn and when I arrived at Mr. Goodlet’s the family was at breakfast. G.S met me at the door and conducted me through the sitting room into the dining hall and made introductions.
Miss Mena Petry is a good looking girl with pensive, dreamy grey eyes — every fair skin. She is beautifully formed and very ladylike. She is an orphan girl who I know not but it seemed to me that even when she smiles there is an expression of loneliness about her face.
4th - Cold yesterday. D.R. & Co. kept closed doors. They were arranging their new stock of clothing, shoes, etc. I went down and assisted them about an hour last night.
5th - On Friday evening I was very agreeably surprised to find a very good chess player in Miss Fannie Goodlet. Our game lasted about an hour and although I vanquished her I feel that I will have a more stubborn antagonist to contend with in her than Miss Dibble.
6th - Philip Preston (sawyer at lower mill) struck work his morning for higher wages. He deserves but I fear he has to contend with an old Yank “too-close-fisted” to give in.
7th - Mrs. Goodlet gave me some advice yesterday at breakfast table — “never marry a woman who wears a loose dress at breakfast and although Sarah is my daughter I say it.” I looked up and caught Madam Sarah’s eye, while her mother proceeded.
Next week: The Virginia Reel and the Ne reid