Baskett_William_Taylor_Diary_3

Diary of William T. Baskett. 1903–1904 Volume – III

December 23 to January 18 – 1904 Inclusive.

December 23 — The eventful day — contract examination. Up at 7:30. Took a walk for a bracer before breakfast. Received a letter from Grace. Neal sore & cussing. Swears everyone studies more than he does. After breakfast lined up against exam — looked pretty easy

and continued the same. Laid off for dinner; at work again. Rushing to beat everything. Trying to finish in time for 6–PM train. I washed up at 5:30, had my ticket restamped rushed home & chased for depot. Hope I pass the exam.

Saw [William Henry] White (class of 1905) & [Neill Wilson] Funk (class of 1905) & talked awhile. Tram half hour late. [superscript] late. Boys at depot sang good old Virginia songs. On train — pretty little girl near — wished I could talk to her. Sat with Senator [J. C. S.] Blackburn's nephew & talked a little law. {I was} Traveling

became very tiresome, and was sleepy & the mental strain of the examination was [tiring]. Mr Blackburn wanted me to take coffee with him at Clifton Forge & of course I was willing. Changed my seat with the next car, and slept a little