David Hickox Diary number 1

Written by David Hickox of Connecticut in 1804. A photocopy of this diary is in State Library, Hartford, Connecticut. Diary  is typed  exactly as obtained by James R. Hickox January 1999. 

The diary checks with other known genealogical data in possession of Norman B. Hickox of Evanston, Illinois. The diary covers the occasion of his first trip west from Connecticut over into Western New York state when he was locating land on which to settle. The land is near where the city of Watertown, N.Y. is now located.

 

David Hickox is my 3rd G/Grandfather, Son of John, born 21 April 1772, Died  2 April 1850 at Springfield,Illinois.  Married 13 November 1794 Illinois. Lived to  age 78. Resided in Great Barrington,  Middlebury, New Haven and then in  1803 to Rutland, Jefferson County N.Y. Buried in Springfield, IL. He and his wife Adah (Baldwin) Hickox had eight children:

Horace, Addison, Abiah, Betsey, Homer, Virgil, Manlius, and Franklin

 

 

1804 – May 22

Started for the Black River at ten o’clock – sold several articles – it began to rain             about 4 aft-noon – arrived at Riley’s Tavern about dark, wet as drowned rats

 

May 23d

Set out from Riley’s about seven in the morning – traveled through Canaan and Sheffield , took the road to Albany, through Spencertown, arrived at one pm in a

Place called Green River, where we put up for the night; we met with no material accident today, only the gun caught in the wagonwheel and bent the barrel almost in double.

 

 

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May 24th

Set out from Green R. – about seven in the morning – arrived at Albany Ferry about sundown, where we put up a Torchee???  This man is a Dutchman and remarkable for nothing but a kind of stiffness in his manners – the lot where we turned our horses was almost covered with carcases of other horses and cattle. I think sombody told me that he had lost 8 horse and 6 hd of horn cattle.

 

May 25th

Set out from Storts about 6 o’clock, crossed the ferry, took the old road to Schenectady 16 miles;the Turnpike not being completed, we were not allowed to travel it. One circumstance took place which was somewhat ludicrous. We fell in company with a wagon from Albany to Schenectady with two young men in it. They proposed to us to turn off at a certain crossroad and take the Turnpike. We had just turned the corner when a man from the house called to us and told us we had better keep the old raod, that they were on work on the Turnpike and had stopped it up.  As we were turning our horse, one of their forefeet happen to catch a piece of tackling

that lay on the ground. A young Dutchman stepped up to us in violent passion, swore and damned us for running foul of his takling. I told him we did not wish to injure his tackling, that we thought, however , that if anybody was to blame it might be himself for leaving it on the ground in the street.

 

Dam you said he, this is my yard, and you have no business in it. I observed that if it

was his yard I wished he he would keep it fenced so that people might know it. He swore and cursed and called us a pack of damned rascals; with that those two youn men stepped out of their wagon and told him he had better drop the matter, that nobody meant to injure him. He stepped up to them, stripped off his old greasy frock and swore he would whip every devil of us. I observed that we had better go on, that I did not wish to fight any of the damned Dutchmen. He came up to me, Damn you, do you call me a Dutchman?  Damn you, don’t call me a Dutchman. I did not, said I, but I said I would not fight a Dutchman. I am a Dutchman said he but you are not going to call me a Dutchman, you damned yankee bugger.  We put up our horses and left him cursing and swearing till we were almost out of sight. We came on to Schenectady, crossed the ferry and arrived at one Vennass’s, a Dutchman: about ten miles from the ferry on the Mohawk River, he seemed very sociable.

 

May 26th

It began to rain very hard in the morning and continued to rain the whole day – we traveled about 4 miles to one Degraffe where we put up – this man keeps a tolerable house and is very familiar.

 

May 27th

Sunday morning we started from Degraff’s about sunrise, traveled till about twelve o’clock where we stopped at on De Wandeleer’s, bated and set off, arrived at one Inness where we put up. This man keeps a very good house and is very sociable.

 

May 28th

Started from Inness’ about sunrise, arrived at one Orin Smith’s from Utica; this man appears to be a very likely young man – I exchanged horses with him, gave him one dozen hoes, boot –

 

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May 29th

Started from Smith’s in the morning, came to Utica where we tarried till about noon while Osborn went to New Hartford to cary Liddy Byington. This is a very delightful village, there appears to be considerable business carried on here.  We took the road to Black River through Trenton, commonly called Boons Settlement. Put up at a tavern about nine miles from Utica. It was between this and Utica that I saw the first settlements which were entirely new.

 

May 30th

Set out from Carrets about six in the morning, traveled about twenty miles to one Hall’s, a private house where we put up for the night – the raods very muddy and bad traveling – rain.

 

 

May 31st

Set out from Hall’s early in the morning, arrived at a place called highfalls about eleven o’clock forenoon, took some refreshment and set off down the river, arrived at Winchel’s, here we put up for the night, rain today.

 

June 1st

Started from Winchel’s early in the morning, found the roads very bad; came to one L. Heath’s, where we put up for the night – this man keeps a public house in the town of Rutland No. 3 about eighty rods from Esqr. Rhiel Bronson’s lodgings; we called at said Bronsons, but did not find him at home.

 

June 2nd

Went over to Esqr Bronson’s in the morning , found him at home. He treated us handsomely – went back to Heath’s where we tarried through the day. I let Grant to Reuben Pain of Turer for one month. At the rate of eight dollars on conditions. – Osborn let himself to Heath for three months at the rate of ten dollars per month. We agreed with Mr. Coffin to pasture our horses one week. Rain today.

 

June 3rd

Sunday morning I arose in good health and tolerable spirits;went out and found it rained very hard – beautiful season for grass.

 

June 4th

Set out with Esqr Bronson to look at land. We started about 8 o’clock in the morning, shaped our course toward the south part of the town, fell in company with one Condy of Parie, formerly from Oxford, with two of his sons-in law; they were also going to view land. We traveled out into the woods to view several lotsthat are unsold in Lot No. 55. This land is of generally good quality but it is cut to pieces pretty much with hideous gulfs. Some of these gulfs are, I woul judge, more than a hundred feet deep, the banks are almost perpendicular. At the bottom of the gulf there is a small stream of water, the bottom and sides scarse of anything but a kind of soft slate. We came out to one Kilie’s tavern about dusk where we tarried for a few minutes and Esqr Bronson and I set out for home. We had a piece of woods to cross for about a mile where there

 

 

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was but a blind foot path. Our horses got out,  it being very dark we were lost. We wandered about for some time although Esqr Bronson proposed to me to hold the horses whilst he went on foot to try and find the way to some clearing which he said was not very far distant. He halloed to me repeatedly to know whether he kept his course; I observed he took a proper circuit – at length our noise fortunately awakened an old dog which kept up his barking. He shaped his course toward him till he arrived at the house and found it to be the same we started from – he got a light, came back and we arrived safe at our lodging about twelve o’clock at night.

 

June 5th

            Made a chest for Esqr. Bronson at his lodgings which is at Goldsmith Coffin’s.

 

June 6th

Did some work for Goldsmith Coffin in the morning, then went to work at one Gates; at a cradle.

 

June 7th

            Finished the cradle and began a breadtray.

 

June 8th

Finished the breadtray in the morning; afternoon took my horse and rode out to view the lot of land formally taken by one King. This man took up the lot by a kind of verbal contract with the former agent but has never paid a cent toward it, wishes to sell his improvements. He has got perhaps nearly 20 acres chopped, some of which is under improvement but no house of any consequence. He offers to take thirty acres off for his improvements from the southeast part of the lot,  all new – I made no particular bargain but told him I would call and view it again and if it did not injure the rest of the lot on account of water I thought I should make a bargain. This lot joins No. 4,  it is about four miles from the center of town

 

June 9th

Undertook to cover a barn for Mr. Earls. Began in the morning – covered one gable end.

 

June 10th

            Sunday morning – in good health.

 

June 11th

            Continued to work at the barn – finished the other gable end.

 

June 12th

            Began the roof – laid one thousand shingles.

 

June 13th

Took my horse and rode out with Esqr. Bronson in the morning to view King’s farm again. Bronson made a bargain with King, he is to take thirty acres off the south end for his improvements. The more I see this log, the better I like it. Returned home about noon. Grant returned from Pain’s, arrived about sunset.

 

 

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June 14th

            Continued to work on the roof.

 

June 15th

            Agreed with Esqr. Bronson to take the King lot – finished the roof.

 

June 16th

            Began the other roof – exchanged by dog for a puppy about three months old.

 

June 17th

Sunday morning, in good health.  Took my horse and rode out with Osborn and Mr. Earl’s son to view the Black River. Near the river on each side is the most beautiful grove of pine that ever I saw, some trees are said to measure eleven rods in length or upwards – there is also at this place a beautiful quarry of building stone; it is the most

singular one perhaps in the country.  On the adjoining the river  on the South side it is smooth flat rock containing, I should judge six or eight acres. The rock lies in strata of different thicknesses – generally cut to pieces with seams running diamonding. On this rock we found the carcus of a very large buck – returned home in the afternoon.

 

June 18th

Continued our work at the barn – went to a raising of a barn in the afternoon – The barn belongs to kies and Stebbins.

 

June 19th

            Tuesday continued our work on the barn.

 

June 20

            Finshed the roof – began the doors and c.

 

June 21st

            Finshed the door frames and began the sides.

 

June 22nd

Did some work on the barn in the forenoon, in the afternoon went to Gate and had my Mare shod.

 

June 23rd.

Did some work on the barn in the forenoon. Grant went to work on the highway afternoon, I went to Esqr. Bronson to complete the contract for my farm. Wrote a letter to my wife and one to Mr. Newton Hine & C. Sold our wagon to Capt. White for thirty five dollars.

 

June 24th

Sunday morning, in good health, took my horses and rode out to Abner Osborn to the south part of the town to view a lot of land that is not taken up. We found it to be too much broken with gulfs, otherwise good land.

 

June 25th

I went to work at Mr. Heath’s at a barn frame. Grant wrought for Mr. Karl at the highway.

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June 26th

Continued at Heath’s. Grant did some work for Mr. Karl in the forenoon, afternoon he went to work at the barn floor.

 

June 27th

            I continued at Heath’s, Grant wrought at the barn floor.

 

June 28th

Left Mr. Heath’s in the morning, we cut a tree on Mr. G. Coffin’s land in order to get out some stuff for barn door frames and fork states & C. 

 

June 29th

            We wrought at getting out timber fork states, chair round, & C.

 

June 30th

            Wrough as usual at the timber, began to build a lathe & C.

 

July 1st

Sunday morning, in good health, after breakfast went out to bring in a fine doe which was killed by Gaines Karl, this doe has two young fawns in her.

 

July 2nd

            Went to work at G. Coffin’s at his barn doors.

July 3rd

Finished the doors, made some cartrigging in the forenoon, afternoon there was a  company met to begin the celibration of Independence; we was joined and very agreeably entertained at playing ball.

 

July 4th

Kept up celebratiojn of Independence. It is customary here for all to turn out on this occasion; they met generally at taverns where they were entertained with good good victuals and drink, and at some places, music and dancing. I returned home this evening pretty well entertained with play.

 

July 5th

            Went to Gilm Coffin’s to work at his barn.

 

July 6th

            Continued to work at the barn.

 

July 7th

            We put on some boards in the morning and began a cupboard.

 

July 8th

Sunday morning in good health, afternoon went to hear a sermon delivered by Elder Pool at Mr. Earl’s barn, he took his text from 2nd Corinthians, 5 Chapt 21st verse.

 

July 9th

Continued our work at the barn. Abot 9 o’clock I went to a raising of a barn for Mr. Pierce. Afternoon went to a raising of Do. For Mr. Levi Heath.

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July 10th

                Continued our work at the barn and cupboard.        

 
July 11th 

           Finished our work at Mr. Coffins  

 

July 12th          

We went to work at Mr. Levi Heath’s

 

July 13th

            Continued to work at Mr. Heath’s.

July 14th

            Continued at Heath’s

July 15th

Sunday morning in good health. I set out to go to a Methodist meeting but arrived too late, the meeting being over before I arrived.

July 16th

 Continued at Heath’s

 

July 17th

            We went to Mr. Nath Pierce to cover his barn; I understood to cover this barn by the job for fifteen dollars. I am to receive the pay next spring of Holebert & Lee in Co.

 

July 18th

            Continued at Pierce’s at work at the barn

 

July 19th

            Continued work at the barn.

 

July 20th

            Continued at Pierce’s

 

July 21st

            Still at Pierce’s

 

July 22nd

            Sunday morning in good health.

 

July 23rd

Did some work at Pierce’s in the fornoon; afternoon went with Mr. Elijah Beach to

 

 

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help him frame a barn for Dr. Darrow. We arrived at Dr. Darrow’s about dark

 

We continued at Darrow’s Tuesday Tuesday the 24th, Wednesday the 25th, Thursday the 26th, Friday the 27th, Saturday the 28th, Sunday the 29th, Monday the 30th, and Tuesday the 31st.

 

August the 1st

Wednesday morning Beach and Grant started for No. 3. I took my mare and rode down to the hotel which is building about three miles south of Darrow’s near Winchel’s Tavern. My object was to see Mr. Woolworth who undertook the hotel by the job in Co. with Mr. Lane. I found Missrs Woolworth and Lane and agreed with them to work one month with my apprentice  for twenty-eight dollars. I started from Woolworth’s after dinner and arrived at Mr. Earl’s, in Rutland, about dark.

 

August 2nd

Went over to Mr. Pierce’s, found Grant and went to work at his barn floor and returned to Mr. Earl’s.

 

 

August 3rd.            We went to work at Mr. Earl’s barn at siding and laying the floor.

 

 

 

August 4th

            Continued at Mr. Earl’s

 

August 5th

            Sunday morning in good health

 

August 6th

Did some work at Mr. Earl’s in the forenoon, afternoon we set out for No. 1 in Lowville, we arrived at the hotel about dark.

 

August 7th

            We commenced our month’s labor for Mr. Woolworth. I wrought at a bedsted.

 

August 8th

            Wrought at another Do.

 

August 9th

            Wrought at covering the outside

 

August 12th

Sunday morning in good health. Mr. W. invited me to accompany him over the River in one Capt. Puffers, accordingly went; this man has taken a farm over the River opposite to Lowville, lying in a considerable bend of the river containing about a hundred acres being chiefly entervale. There are a number of very good entervale farms on each side of the River I am told, is not so good, being of a sandy quality chiefly with hemlocks intermixed with pine and spruce.

 

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August 13th, 14th, 15th & 16th

            Continued on the outside to work at clapboarding.

 

August 17th

            I began laying floors in the Chambers.

 

August 18th

Undertook the job of fitting three rooms for plastering estimated at nine days work of me and my apprentice.

 

August 19th

Sunday morning in good health – Walked out with Mr. Gould to see his other farm lying on the East Road. He has got a very beautiful farm which he offers for sale.

 

August 20th

            Continued at our job.

 

August 21st.

The stuff not being prepared I agreed to work for Mr. Gould today for $1-1/2 me  and my apprentice.

 

August 22nd

            We went to work for Mr. Gould on Mr. W’s account.

 

August 23rd

            Went to work at the job again.

 

August 24th

            Do.  (?ditto)

 

August 25th

            Do.

 

August 26th

Sunday in good health, took a walk to the River with Mr. Lane and a number of others, here there is an excellent brick yard and plenty of good clay, but I think they fail in not tempering the mortar.

 

August 27th

            Continued at our job.

 

August 28th, 29th, 30th

            Do.

 

August 31st

Did some work in the forenoon to finish my job – afternoon I went to finish some floors in the barroom.

 

 

 

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September 1st.

            Continued at the floor, Grant wrought at the hotel lathing.

 

September 2nd

            Sunday morning in good health.

 

 

September 3rd.

We went to work at Mr. Gould’s cowhouse which I undertook by the job at five dollars.

 

September 4th

            Continued at the cowhouse

 

September 5th

            Do.

 

 

September 6th

I went to work for Mr. W. in the forenoon; afternoon Grant and I cleared Mr. G’s well, which he gave me a dollar for.

 

September 7th

            Wrought for Mr. W.

 

September 8th

I set out for No. 3 this morning in order to get some cloths and to arrange other matters arrived at Mr. Earl’s sun two hours high; lodged at Heath’s.

 

September 9th

Sunday morning set out to return to No. 11 about ten o’clock. I stopped at a Dutchman’s house in Champion to obtain a drink of water, the man invited me to dine with him, which I thankfully accepted. Arrived at Mr. Gould’s in time for tea.

 

September 10th

            Wrought for Mr. Woolworth.

 

September 11th

            Do.

 

September 12th

            Do.

 

September 13th

Agreed with Mr. Woolworth to do a job of work at Harrisburg enclosing a house 25 feet by 36. Do. For one Mr. Parsons, I am to have $38 paid by the first of April next by Mr. W. and wrote a letter to my wife. I expected to have went to Parson’s this afternoon, but on application of Mr. Gould I agreed to work for him till Saturday night.

 

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September 14th

            Wrought for Mr. G.

 

September 15th

            Do.

 

September 16th

Sunday morning in good health. We set out for Parson’s about three o’clock. Arrived at Mr. P’s about dark.

 

September 17th

            Began Mr. Parson’s house.

 

September 18th

            Continued at Parson’s.

 

September 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd.

            Do.

September 23rd

Sunday in health. Took my horse and rode down to Mr. 3 in order to get some tools. I arrived at Mr. Heath’s afternoon. Saw Mr. Amos Mallory and his son Curtis. They informed me that people were generally well in Middlebury – received a letter from my wife dated 3rd instance brought by Esqr. Bronson. Walked over to Mr. Beech’s – Returned to Mr. Earl’s about dark – walked over to see Esqr  B., spent the evening with himand the two Misrs Ms. And returned to Mr. Earl’s where I slept sound until morning.

 

September 24th

Rode down to Mr. Gates’ to get my mare shod where I tarried till about noon. Took dinner at Mr. Earl’s and set off for No. five.  Arrived at Mr. P’s a little before sunset.

 

September 25th

            At Mr. P’s wrote letter to my wife.

 

September 26th

            Continued at Mr. P’s

 

September 27th, 28th, and 29th

            Do.

 

September 30th

            Sunday in good health; flurries of snow today.

 

October 1st.

            At Mr. P’s

 

October 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th

            Do.

 

 

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October 14th

Sunday in good health. Mr. S. Abbott called to see me at Mr. P’s on his way to Connecticut. I embraced the opportunity to write by him to my wife. I continued at Mr. P’s till Sunday the 4th of November.

 

November 4th

This morning I started for No. 3. Last night I was awaked about midnight by a gang of wolves which set up a most hidious cry not far distant from the house. About break of day I was again awaked by the same cry which appeared to me to be from the same place Mr. P’s sheep lay, I immediately started up and called Mr. P. and told him that the wolves were among his sheep, he got up, but observed that they had killed what they would for they never howled in the set of killing, he however went directly out and in the event found five of his sheep dead and another mortally wounded. We came to Mr. Earl’s where we tarried through the night.

 

November 5th

This morning I walked over to Mr. Chase’s to get a pair of boots. Grant wrought at Mr. Earl’s;  afternoon I rode over to my King farm. I slept at Mr. T. Lee’s this night.

 

November 6th

I returned home to Mr. E’s this morning. Grant went to work for Mr. Heath; afternoon I stocked a gun for Mr. Calvin Heath.

 

November 7th

            I wrought for Mr. Heath at making some doors and casing the same.

 

November 8th

Finished the doors and made an evetrough this fornoon; afternoon went up to Mr. William Coffins

 

November 9th

            I did some work at Mr. Chase’s shop for Mr. Heath.

 

November 10th

This morning I set out with a number of others to hunt a bear, the track of which had been discovered by L. Butterfield. We followed it some time. At length we discovered  there had been two men before us on the track. I and Esqr. B. returned.

 

November 11th

Sunday in health except for a pretty bad swelling upon one of my fingers. I set out from Mr. Heath’s about noon on my return to Connecticut;  soon after I set out it began a very severe snow squall which continued the whole afternoon. I found the road very muddy and with difficulty reached Mr. Parson’s about about 12 M. from No. 3. I arrived there about seven o’clock in the evening.

 

November 12th

Set out from Mr. Parson’s about two o’clock PM, arrived at Mr. Gould’s in Lowville about dark, put my mare out at Winchel’s.

 

 

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November 13th

            It being stormy, I  tarried at Mr. Gould’s.  Cut some glass & C.

 

November 14th

Set out from Mr. Gould’s about ten o’clock AM; arrived at one Talcot’s tavern in Leyden about dark – 18 M. (miles)

 

November 15th

Started from Talcot’s about ten o’clock; arrived at Sheldon’s tavern about 7 o’clock at night. I rode in company with two men;  we found the snow two feet & ˝ deep Through which we had to beat a path the whole of the way. – 16M.

 

November 16th

Started at Sheldon’s in the morning; took the road to Albany through the Royal Grant;  arrived at S. Kinyon’s about 8 o’clock at night – 18 M.

 

November 17th

            Started from Kinyon’s about 10 AM, arrived at Dygent’s about 8 o’clock – 29 M.

 

November 18th

Started from Dygent’s at 8 o’clock; arrived at Inn between Schenectady and Albany. Rode 43 M.

 

November 19th

Started at 8 o’clock AM; arrived at Moory’s in Spencertown about 7 o’clock at night

 

 

November 20th

Started from Moory’s at 8 o’clock; arrived at Beul’s in Goshen about dark – 42 M.

 

November 21st.

            Started from Beul’s at 8 o’clock; arrived home about 2 o’clock PM

 

End

 

David Hickox     Diary number two

 

 

This is another diary written by David A. Hickox in 1838 at the age of 66. It chronicles his 3000 journey to St. Louis and then up to Springfield, Illinois where he visited with Virgil, and others and his return home. Persons mentioned in the diary only  by initial at Springfield may be son Addison or one of his children: Harriet, Horace, Ada or Martin. David lived to age 78 and died and was buried in Springfield in 1850

______________________________________________________

 

 

 Monday, June 4, 1838

 

Started from home for St. Louis via Canada. Arrived at Watertown about noon. Stayed at Mr. John Fays till the next morning.

 

Tuesday, 5th

 

Rainy. Started from Watertown about ten o’clock in the morning for French Creek. Roads very bad. Saw numbers of the Mitilia on the way to keep the fence on the lines. Arrived about 5 o’clock, put up at Mr. Hunts. Found them all well except sister Osborn.

 

Wednesday, 6th

 

Started from French Creek at 4 pm for Kingston in the steamer Queenston. Arrived at 8, put up at Weekes Chickquird Hotel  -  expecting to start for Coburg tomorrow.

 

Thursday, 7th

 

In consequence of news that there had been a riot and robbery 15 or 20 miles above Kingston, the boat that I expected to go in was pressed by Her Majesty to carry troops out. So I must remain where I am until further orders. Governor landed here this evening.

 

Friday, 8th

 

No boats going up the lake. Started at 9 in the morning in the Steamer Hamilton up the bay. Saw the Cobourg and Comidore Barry at Bath; they had been cruising all night. Arrived at Trent at 12 at night. The Government very much alarmed;guards out all night.

Saturday, 9th

 

Started at 3 in the morning in the stage --  arrived at Albert Porter’s in Haldimand at 10, took dinner and started on foor 4 miles to Sister Barn’s; found them all well.

 

Sunday, 10th

 

Went up to Richards and found them well. Stayed at Gary’s till morning.

 

Monday Morning, 11th

 

Started with Gary and Julius for Cobourg. Arrived at Homer’s about noon. Found them well except Charley who had fractured his skull by a fall a few days before. It is thought he is doing well.

 

Tuesday 12th

 

At 8 in the morning in the Comedore Barry for Toronto. Lay to several hours in a fog near Hope. Arrived at T. about sunset.  The Governor was leaving for Kingston. Great Glee. Kingston seems to be filled with troops, so does Toronto but not so many regulars.  The Canadas are in great bustle; everything looks like war.

 

Wednesday, 13th

 

At 7 in the morning took the Transit for Lewiston; arrived at noon. Took the railcars for Niagara Falls.  Visited the Falls and started for Buffalo in the steamcars. Found ourselves at the wharf at sundown. Went on board the General Porter,  expect to put out for Cleveland this evening.

 

Thursday, 14th

 

On some  account we did not start till morning, but had a very pleasant day.

About 9 in the evening had a squall, put into Fairport till daylight.

 

 

Friday, 15th

 

Arrived at Cleveland at 6 in the morning;could not proceed up the canal on account of sandbars formed by the shower. Tarried all day and visited with Mr. F. Tylor’s people.

Saturday, 16th

 

Canal still blocked up, no prospect of getting out. Found T. Brooks and tarried with him – took a tour of the city.

 

Sunday, 17th

 

Went up the canal, found it not likely to be clear today. More excursions round the place; found it very pleasant, especially that part lying  on the hill-the main part lying 75 ft above the lake. Went on Capt. Allen’s canalboat Pilot in the evening.

 

Monday, 18th

 

Canal not open till 9 o’clock in the evening when we set out from Cleveland, the canal being blocked up so long  there had accumulated 40 or 50 boats above laden with pork,flour, and various kinds of produce and we had to jam our way through for more than two miles.

 

Tuesday, 19th

 

Passing up the canal, we had a great rise to encounter toward the headwaters of the Cuyahoga. It seems like rising a great mountain.

 

Wednesday, 20th

 

Morning found us passing through a beautiful lake on the Sumet level from which we are decending toward the Ohio, but still have another rise to make up the Licking River.

 

Thursday, 21st

 

Passed several small villages but as we were running in the valley of the river, could not see much of the country.

 

Friday, 22nd

 

Arrived at Newark about 9 in the morning. This town is beautifully situated on the Licking River. It’s streets are neat and clean. The soil since we came

to Cleveland seems to be composed of a sandy gravel that I find all along the rivers of this country.

 

Saturday, 23rd

 

Found ourselves on the way to Portsmouth in a boat called the Rocky Mountains. Took the side out for Columbus at 4, arrived at Columbus at 10 in the evening. This is 11 miles out of our route to Portsmouth.

 

Sunday, 24th

 

At 5 in the morning I took a stroll up into the city as far as the Statehouse of the Metropolis of Ohio; it is an opulant city about a mile square, the streets are clean being founded on the same sandy gravel that I find all along the rivers of the country.

 

Monday, 25

 

Started at 9 in the morning; passed through circleville about noon and Cholecothe about midnight.

 

Tuesday, 26th

 

Still on our way, arrived at Portsmouth at 9 in the morning. Started at 3 in the evening in the Transit.

 

Wednesday 27th

 

Arrived at Cincinnati at sunrise. Started at noon in the Philadelphia down the river. Passed the house of General Harrison as it was said. It is a small house handsomely situated within a few rods of the bank of the river. There stand several ordinary houses near. Arrived at Louisvill at the break of day on Thursday the 28th; went out in the Vermont at 1 in the afternoon. Saw a man named Porter, 7 ft, 7 inches in height. The wheat is beginning to ripen.

 

 

Fryday, 29th

 

Passed a Shawnee  town Illinois. It is very difficult to get water fit to drink. I went up to town to find a well but could not find one that would go.

 

Saturday, 30th

 

Passed the junction at 1 pm.

 

Sunday, July 1st

 

Winding our way up the Mississippi 180 miles. Arrived at St. Louis.

 

Monday, 2nd

 

At 9 o’clock took stage within 7 miles of Florissant. Arrived at Robbins about sundown.

 

Tuesday, 3rd

 

Walked out with Robbins to view the Florissant Commons. It is the most beautiful land I have ever say. The soil appears to be so rich that it will bear tilling for a hundreds of years without manure.  It is rolling land with beautiful springs of water and sprinkled with shrubs of various kinds. We saw quail, partridges, rabbits, and birds of various kinds -  the weather continues to be very hot.

 

Wednesday, 4th

 

Very warm. Saw nobody engaged in celebrating our national birthday. The people are very busy hoeing their  corn.

 

5th, 6th 7th

 

Still at Florissant. The weather continues to be extremely warm. I have never experienced so hot a sun;  it is almost intolerable.

 

Sunday, 8th

 

I this day for the first time, visited a Roman Catholic meeting. They have a small though somewhat splendid church here, with a great many pictures. The service was performed in French and so was the preaching. The people seemed very devout, but as to their ceremonies, they seem to me like efforts to call spirits from the vastly deep.

 

Monday, 9th

 

Very hot. The thermometor at 104 Farenheight.

 

 

Tuesday, 10th

 

Left Florissant about noon. Arrived at S.H. Robbins at 5 o’clock. I almost suffocated with dust. This is the dustyest road I have ever traveled. Tarried with Mr. Robbins.

 

Wednesday, 11th

 

Took the stage at 11 for Springfield. It had rained the night before so the  roads were muddy. Weather cool. Passed the American Bottom which is eight miles wide and appended the bluff and found a high level country.

 

Thursday, 12th

 

Passed the first prairie of any great extent, the largest that we crossed  was 14 miles and as level as water. Arrived at Springfield at 5.  Virgil had rode out with the ladies so I did not see him till dark.

 

Friday, 13th

 

Rode out with Virgil to H. & A.s, found them well. Their place seems very pleasant after seeing so much flat country.

 

Satturday, 14th

 

Went town with H. A. & M. Took a view of various parts of town and returned about 4 o’clock.

 

Sunday, 15th

 

Wrote a letter to my wife being still at H.

 

Satturday, 21st

 

Went to town and tarried with Virgil over.

 

Sunday, 22nd

 

Attended the Episcopal church. Wrote a letter to Franklin at Louisville in the evening.

 

Monday, 23rd

 

Went up to H’s in the morning and tarried through the day.

 

Tuesday, 24th

 

Started with Virgil to Salt Creek to see the country and visit Parke. Found him well; he is building a house.

 

Wednesday, 25th

 

Started for Springfield and had a view of the country, it being 30 miles through the most beautiful prairies.

 

Thursday, 26th

 

Went out to H. & A.s and tarried till Sunday, 29th. Went to Springfield in the evening.

 

Monday, 30th

 

Started in the stage for Peoria. 70 miles. Arrived at 6 pm.  The prairies are very extensive. On the road we were often out of sight of timber.

 

Tuesday, 31st

 

Took the steamer Fronteer up the Illinois river to Peru, 80 miles; arrived at 6 in the evening. Took stage immediately for Chicago. Came along the line of the canal and arrived at Chicago at 5 o’clock.

 

Wednesday evening , August 1st

Thursday, August 2nd

 

No boat going out until tomorrow. The city lies very low, almost level with the lake, the water being 18 inches higher than ever known.

 

Fryday, August 3rd

 

Went on board the Thomas Jefferson at 9 in the evening for Buffalo; arrived at Milwaukee.

Satturday, 4th

 

In the morning proceeded up the lake. Weather fine.

 

Sunday, 5th

 

Arrived at Makinaw about noon and proceeded down Lake Huron. Landed on Huron river Monday, 6th in the evening. Tarried till morning.

 

Tuesday, 7th

 

Passed through Lake St. Clair and arrived in Detroit at 7 o’clock in the morning.  Tarried an hour and a half. Set off down the river. The river Huron and St. Clair affords the most beautiful scenery perhaps in the world. Farms and villages on both sides. Ten miles below Detroit found Malden – arrived at Cleveland at 12 o’clock at night which completes a circle of 2500 miles. Round three states or to that amount.

 

Wednesday, 8th

 

Going down Lake Erie; touched at Fairport, Erie and Dunkirk and arrived at Buffalo at 11 at night.

 

Thursday , 9th

 

Started at 5 in the morning in a canal boat for Rochester. Passed through several villages and through Lockport.

 

Friday, 10th

 

Found ourselves still on our way to Rochester;  passed a place called Brockport, a very handsome village, and arrived at Rochester at 4 pm. Found a wagon going to Penfield and arrived at A.P. Osborn’s about sundown. Found sister O. there in good health.

 

Satturday, 11th

 

Tarried through O’s through the day. Saw people very busy  haying and harvesting. Crops good, apples in abundance.

 

 

Sunday, 12th

 

Rode over to Mr. Graves in the afternoon with Sister O., and A. P. O.  Found them well, tarried through Monday , 13th and rode with Mr. Graves to the falls and also to Fairport on the canal.

 

Tuesday, 14th

 

Rode out with Mr. Graves and Daniel Barnes to Rochester and returned to A. P. Osborn’s.

 

Wednesday, 15th

 

Started for Rochester with A. P. O. at 5 am. Arrived at half past 6 and took car for the steamboat at the landing. Went on board of the Oneida for Sackets Harbor at 9.  Arrived at 10 at night. Left for Watertown at 11 and arrived at 1 o’clock, Thursday 16th.  Left at 3 and arrived at Rutland at E. Andru’s at daylight. From thence arrived home about noon, thus making a tour of more than 3000 miles chiefly by water, and circumscribing territory equal to 3 of the largest western states.

 

End