 When Calvin gave his resignation, effective in August 1863, Harriet set to work preparing their first home in Hartford.Fluctuating costs caused by the American Civil War made the project difficult but Harriet enjoyed supervising the work.She wrote to her publisher James Thomas Fields, "I go every day to see it—I am busy with drains sewers sinks digging trenching—& above all with manure!—You should see the joy with which I gaze on manure heaps to which the eye of faith sees Delaware grapes & D'Angouleme pears & all sorts of roses & posies".