File:Thomas Butler Gunn Diaries- Volume 8, page 216, August 12-21, 1857.jpg

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which it appeared that he, Russell, had almost entirely kept [Hugh] Forbes during his residence in this country, paying his board, debts &c. Forbes demanded (and obtained) pay for something like a couple of months after the death of the European, and, in fact, according to Russell’s account, used him as a milch-cow; finally breaking with him because he wouldn’t advance money to reprint the Colonel’s book in Kansas!! He’s supposed to be there now.) On Mondays and Thursday everybody goes over to Fort Adams to hear the band play. I went in a sail boat in company with Helmsmьller and the Germanians — a very jolly party. Newport looked pretty in the bright summer’s afternoon. Arriving we found a picnic party from the “Fillmore” house. They were dancing in one of the crypts of the fortifications, a band playing in the next, and very merrily the daintily shod feet of the ladies tripped over the iron curves of the floor, which whilome supported the grim gun carriages. In another crypt was a goodly display of champagne and edibles. Our band played on a platform in the centre of the esplanade (Helmsmьller doing drum and cymbals!) and kept at it till sunset; during which time I strolled round the ramparts, or watched the dancers or equestrians. A splendid green turf accommodated the latter, around which the numerous carriages drove slowly. Finally when they began to file off, our band, after serenading Col. [John B.] Magruder outside his quarters were for doing the same. But no — the ladies wanted one more dance — the