This travel journal was kept by 27 year-old Andrew Clark, Jr. (1813-1885) of Methuen, Essex county, Massachusetts. Andrew was the son of Andrew Clark (1786-1858) and Elizabeth Clark (1787-1849).

The reason for the trip is learned from the cover page of his journal wherein he claimed it was for “his health” although it’s curious that he says next to nothing about his health throughout the entire journal which consists of 90 pages. What ailed him is never mentioned. It’s possible that he simply was tired of attending school and needed a break. He matriculated as a Junior in 1837 at Brown University but he did not graduate from there until 1841.

Of the 90 pages in the journal, the first two-thirds of them are devoted to describing the ocean voyage from Boston to Mobile Bay which appears to have been his first experience at sea despite growing up in Essex county, Massachusetts. I can’t be absolutely certain but I believe that Andrew sailed on the schooner Namshong with Capt. Haley at the helm. That is the only schooner arriving in Mobile Bay from Boston at the time of their arrival. For some inexplicable reason, several pages have been excised from the journal that probably captured more of his observations of Mobile. This is unfortunate for what little he gave us included the following:

“I am disappointed in seeing a less number of negroes than I expected & in seeing them looking more neat & well dressed, manifesting more intelligence & activity & appearing more contented & happy that I had any idea. This is my honest impression from what I have seen. The whites appear active & civil to others but, as I learn, are villainous. Gambling & intemperance are very prevalent. There are many thieves. The thieves are the whites. The slaves are noted for their honesty.”

The journal resumes with his arrival in Demopolis after traveling by steamer up the Bigtombee river. From there he made his way to Tuscaloosa (AL), and then purchased a horse a rode overland to Columbia (MS) and up to Memphis (TN), then past Nashville and Somerst (KY) until he reached the Ohio river. He rode a steamer up to Pittsburg and then came across the Keystone State by way of railroad and canal to Philadelphia. He arrived home to Methuen on 7 May 1840 after an absence of four months.

By the time of the 1850 US Census, Andrew had married Mary Theodosia Garrett (1820-1906) and had a daughter named Mary. Andrew was employed as a farmer in New Hartford, Litchfield county, Connecticut, his 61 year-old widower father living in the same household. Andrew appears to have been selected as a representative from New Hartford in April 1861. Beyond that, I could find no other notice for him. Andrew and his wife as well as his parents are all buried in the Nepaug Cemetery in New Hartford.

Transcription

Andrew Clark, Jr.
Account of his journey to Mobile for his health
Also on horseback through Kentucky & Tennessee & up the Mississippi River to Pittsburgh

1840

January 7th—Left home early this morning on a tour to the South. Never before had such feelings and never before gave vent to them in tears, a good opportunity for doing which I had as there was no other person in the stage. I left home for my health & whether I should see it again nor not was uncertain. I moreover was going among strangers, knowing no one & no one knowing me. I composed myself as well as I could & endeavored to trust my self into the hands of God. Was lucky in getting my bills changed into specie. Had peculiar feeling in carrying my money in my shirt. Had rather carry it in my pocket. Found an opportunity of sailing out to Mobile the next day.

January 8th—Am disappointed in sailing out as I expected. The Captain says we shall sail in a few hours but when the hour arrives there is ice clouds, contrary winds, or something else to hinder.

January 9th—One day waiting seems as two or three days. Now feel as anxious to be out as I heretofore dreaded it. 9 a.m. It is now fine weather to be on our voyage but we are now stuck fast in the mud and must wait for high water.

I find on examining my almanac that Friday is the 10th instead of the 9th as I expected. I fear I shall not be able to keep the days of the week distinct from each other. 11 a.m., the owner of the schooner is now on board & making a thorough examination of every part of the vessel—the pumps, the boat rigging, et cetera—that everything may be safe. How much anxiety property produces! Saw just now one of my old classmates. He is studying medicine in Boston. Has not completed his studies. How many begin the college course but fail completing it.

January 10th. 7 p.m. On board schooner in the night. Expect to start at 9. The sailors are all jolly talking about one thing & another or, as the phrase is, “spinning out their long yarns.” I can hardly think that I exist, everything is so strange. 9:30 p.m. Horrors! The captain has come with three other suspicious-looking fellows. All are very merry, drinking spice bitters & smoking. I am in the berth [but] they do not notice me. From respect to me, the captain says, “Let’s go on deck” and away they go. In a few minutes they all leave. The captain saying that he shall set sail at 3 in the morning. After the captain’s exit, the sailors express freely their opinion in regard to him. Some say that he is a little boozy, others they think not. Some have suspicions in regard to the place where he has gone. Judging from their conversation, I expect that captains generally are rather low characters.

January 11th. 8 a.m. I awoke this morning about 3 and awaited with anxiety the approach of the captain till somnia closed my eyes. The sailors have just routed & say [ ] a snow storm & sure enough, a real Northeaster. Sad luck. I shall not start for several days yet & worse than all, I wrote home 2 days previous that I was then going to set sail & now, in their minds I am far away on the sea where I wish I was. 10 a.m. After having bid cousin’s Waitt’s family goodbye twice, my ghost appears to stay again. I never felt much more disappointed in my life. I don’t feel very well. I don’t like to tarry in Boston. Neither do I feel like going home. I can hardly content myself with anything although Cousin Waitt’s are kind and do everything that can be asked to render me contented. I need very much grace to keep me. O Lord, give me a contented spirit and firmness to discharge every duty.

January 12th. Sunday. Feel anxious to be off. Have peculiar feelings spending the Sabbath in such a state of anxiety in regard to setting sail. 2 p.m., the captain has just come on board. He says he shall start tomorrow early in the morning. A dinner is just ready. I accept the invitation to fine now for the first time on board of a vessel. We had boiled beef & potatoes with sea-bread. Those articles constitute the principal food of seamen. Each sailor eats 3 or 4 slices of beef as big as your whole hand. They manifest considerable politeness. The sailors do not regard the Sabbath much, although the mate and cook frequently say they do not know as this or that is right, or if they had some conscience. They have read some today in a religious book which I had & a tract which some friend bestowed. They speak favorably of the regulations of vessels which [ ] captain of the Seaman’s Home Society & other means used for their benefit which show their value. They speak in terms of the greatest misappropriation of most places which are kept for the accommodation of seamen as places where the hard earnings of the sailor are taken from him by fraud. There is one on board of our vessel now—a Spaniard—who has been cheated out of every cent in this way—nay, more as the villain of a housekeeper pretends that the Spaniard is owing him and is trying to get some of his advance money. The officers are now searching for him. The rest of our sailors sympathize with him & are continuing to rescue him. The sailors have noble hearts. They need the prayers of every benevolent person. May I exert a good influence on them.

January 13th. 8 a.m. The captain has not come yet. I do not know but we may stay here a week longer. The secret of the whole delay is, I suppose, a new married wife. He hates to leave home at the present time and especially till there are very good indications of fair weather that his voyage may be good. I pity his wife if she has any love to him. The wife of a seaman must be in constant misery. Every storm and every accident are feared for them when they are away and they can enjoy their presence only for a short time & then far between. 12 noon. We set sail at 10:30 and we are now about 5 miles from Boston in a snowstorm from the S. E. We could not have a worse wind. The Spaniard of whom I spoke has now made his appearance. Last night he absconded. All thought he had gone ashore. When he was enquired for by those making search, all said he had gone. But to the great joy of the sailors, when we were a short distance from the wharf, he made his appearance. Instead of going ashore, he had without saying a word to anyone, crawled under the yardboat turned bottom-side up upon the deck were he hid for 9 or 10 hours. 2:30 p.m. We have ben floating about in Boston Harbor ever since we set sail in a great snowstorm except a short time aground. Just as we were on the point of casting anchor, the wind shifted and the weather cleared up and we are now dashing through the waves on our way just passing Castle Island. The sun looked splendid tonight when setting. We sail very fast to S. E. with a strong wind to the N. W. I begin to feel seasick, there is such a tremendous rolling of the sea.

January 15th. 2 p.m. I have been very seasick. Could not eat & was obliged to keep my berth for 2 days. It is a peculiar kind of sickness. Had a very bad headache & so horrid sick I wanted to vomit all the time. I now begin to feel a little better. Should like some of Mamma’s porridge. The sea has been exceedingly rough. We had a strong N W. wind & as soon as we were out of Boston Harbor, the vessel was nothing but roll & toss. After we got around Cape Cod, we sailed 30 or 40 miles in full sight of the coast. The beach broke the [ ] and the strong fair wind set us forward at the rate of 8 or 9 miles to the hour. We passed the cape about 10 p.m. For 30 or 40 miles it is a high, bleak-looking beach. The next day we sailed forward with a strong N. wind but had a rough sea. In the following night we were overtaken by a violent N. E. storm, accompanied with numerous squalls of sleet & snow. In the morn the storm had in a measure ceased but the sea was awfully high. The wind at one time seemed to mount to the skies. At another to plunge into the deep & at the same time such a rolling & pitching as passed all my expectations.

January 16th. We had a tremendous storm last night—more severe than the preceding. The wind was tempestuous and what a thrashing about of the vessel. I really thought the vessel had upset many times in the night. Every few minutes a mountain wave would dash over the deck & set all afloat. The ocean appears like a mighty boiling caldron & the waves like numerous hills or mountains, each in motion & striving for the mastery. My previous idea of them very erroneous. Instead of being a continued range, they are broken up having no regular size or shape. The ocean and the waves at such a time appear grand & awful & remind us of the power of Him who put them in motion & has them perfectly at his command.

January 17th. Friday. Stormy sea and rough. Cannot sleep night. Have not scarcely had a nap since we have set sail. (The captain taunts too much to his sailors and manifests no concern when it blows a gale.) We have not hardly seen the sun or the stars. The vessel rocks & tosses so much that I am obliged to lay in my berth most of the time. My bones ache and though I am not seasick, I am sick of sea. As the storms have shaken to pieces our stove, we now have no fire which would be very agreeable this cold, snowy weather. But we are going fast to where it is warm. 4 p.m. Just spied a ship. It gives a peculiar pleasure to find that we are not alone in the boundless ocean. Finding that it was an American [vessel], we bore up towards it. When we passed they enquired for provisions. We hove to and they came out to us in a boat. We let them have all that we could spare. It was a whale ship by the name of Awashanks—had been out 47 months. I had the privilege of sending a short letter home by this ship from latitude 25, longitude 71 or 72. Our captain sent two letters & my friend Clark one, making four in all. What a pleasure thus to meet other human beings so far from land. There were 31 in number, each man on a small allowance. [They will] eat supper tonight with a merry heart. 7 p.m. Fine on deck this evening. The moon looked splendid as it was setting but nothing could exceed the beauty of the clouds ad their numerous variegated colors.

January 18th. Saturday, 8 a.m. Pleasant & warm though appearance of rain. the sea is quite tranquil. 2 p.m. Squally but not cold. The sea water feels quite warm. 4 p.m. A violent storm of wind and rain begins. There has been no opportunity of making observations of the sun since we started.

January 19th. Sunday. The storm continued all night very severe. I thought many times the schooner had gone for it. The waves run terribly high & frequently dashed over our tossing vessel. I could not sleep as has been the case every night but one. 10 a.m. The sun has made his appearance but the weather appears squally. Saw a bright rainbow between 8 and 9. The sailors cried out, “Squalls! Squalls!” There is no prospect of this day being kept as a Sabbath. All hands are on deck. Some engaged in one thing, some in another. What to do. Whether to endeavor to exert a direct religious influence or not. I can hardly decide. If the sailors are unoccupied, I think of distributing tracts. I have a few if the captain permits. Oh Lord, direct me in the right discharge of my duties. 3 p.m. We were able to take the altitude of the sun today and find that we are in latitude 32^o 25′ It has been very pleasant and comfortable sitting on deck today—the first we have had. This day has not been kept as I anticipated. I had some conversation with the captain upon the subject of religion. He talked very candidly though he esteems it rather lightly. There is one trait in sailor’s that I admire. They are frank-hearted. They let you know the worst of themselves, not like those rouds upon the land who conceal their real character.

January 20th. Monday. Last night was the first we have had on our voyage which was not stormy. This morning we are in latitude of Savannah. The weather is now delightful. The sea is comparatively tranquil. We have also a good breeze. We eat breakfast this morning with some comfort. Generally when we eat there is such a tremendous ricking and pitching of the vessel that each one of us has to hold on to his plate & tumbler and eat at the same time. To form a faint conception of us at our meals, just imagine a table for four fastened to the floor so that it cannot move if the vessel should upset. Seats also immovable. The platter with meat is placed in the centre. The potatoes and sea-bread near. At each side of the table one of us sits with legs spread out so as to brace ourselves in every direction. We continue with one hand to keep our dishes in place and with the other to eat. If at any time we need the use of both hands to cut our meat or the like, we watch the favorable moment when our vessel lies the stillest and then work with dispatch. we frequently have what may be called changing work. Sometimes the vessel is in such commotion that both hands are required to secure our dishes, nay more, when we ourselves are thrown from our seats & then away goes our plates. At other times we may catch a few moments when both hands are at liberty. And the style is routine eating at such times can better be imagined than described. In regard to our cooking, there is something a little novel. One instance will answer for many. A day ot two ago the captain ordered the cook to make flapjacks for supper. Accordingly the cook (who by the way is a novice at cooking) prepared the materials. About the time he began to fry his flapjacks a heavy squall of wind arose and the poor cook had no occasion of turning over his cakes. The trouble over, as soon as they were put in to fry, they were turned out of the frying pan. They looked as if they had been turned over the whole stove and galley. 10 p.m. Very pleasant and mild now. A little south of Savannah. Nothing can surpass the beauty of the silvery appearance of the ocean at a distance, now gilded by the waves.

January 21st. Tuesday. 6 a.m. The weather today has been delightful, like May or June in New England. One disadvantage arises from it. When we have so very pleasant weather, we don’t have much wind. But I care not so much for that—if it only blows out. All the others are impatient. They care not if it storms provided the wind is favorable. Nothing can exceed the beauty of the scenery at this time. The sun is now dipping himself in the ocean’s waves & the clouds present a beautifully variegated appearance. It must be seen—not described. It baffles description.

January 22nd. Wednesday 2:30 p.m. We have not had favorable winds for several days. Either they have been very faint or against us. Now it is blowing a gale against us. We are beating against it. For half an hour I have been in constant fear of upsetting. Strange to say, the sailors are occupied about various things as if nothing was the matter. The captain, while he expresses fear she may upset, is so accustomed to danger that it makes no impression upon his mind. He has been talking about gambling and other trifling matters. There need be no danger if we had not so much sail, but for the sake of making the voyage as quickly as possible, they keep under all the sail that they dare. For the last 24 hours we have not gone more than 30 miles where for 6 or 7 of the first days of our voyage we went from 150 to 200. As the vessel plunges over the waves & meets the approaching, the salt spray dashes fiercely over the deck. A strong wind in a short times raises a tremendous sea.

January 24th. Friday. The gale continued with little variation till midnight accompanied with heavy showers of rain. Once or twice it seemed as if the ocean had been transferred over our heads & at once allowed to descend in one mighty flood upon us. It did not sound like dropping or pouring down but a splash as if all descended in a mass at once. The sea was awfully high, foaming and tossing as if eager to find some victim upon which to spend its wrath. Our frail vessel seemed as nothing before its fury. It would tumble first on one side and then the other as if possessing no strength of its own but depending entirely upon the will of the elements. At such a time, there is something dreadful as well as grand. You hear the fierce howling of the winds through the rigging—the creaking of the vessel strained to its utmost—and the fearful roaring of the ocean. You feel the rocking of the vessel, every roll of which seems as if she had capsized. You behold the mountain waves far elevated above foaming and tossing, threatening to engulf you, or if the vessel heads the wind, you see her now rising upon some vast billow where her masts seem to pierce the clouds and now plunging into the deep gulf ahead and burying her bow in the approaching wave & flooding the deck with the briny ocean. In a moment she recovers the shock [and] again mounts high in air, but it is only to be followed by another plunge more deep and awful. Such a scene makes one fear—especially one not accustomed to the dangers of the deep. The fear, the uncertainty of life—he sees death in full view before him. I never had my faith put to a severer trial & felt the need of the support of the gospel. I endeavored to commit my unworthy self into the hands of God but Oh! how wicked and undeserving of His favor did I appear. (What aggravated my fears was the fact that I was not merely exposed to the dangers of the sea which I could bear with considerable fortitude, but I was exposed to the mercy or caprice of the captain.) So anxious was he of making a quick voyage, that he would keep the vessel under all the sail that his daring heart would allow. Thus, when we might have been comparatively safe, we were greatly exposed. If the wind was fair, no matter how violent, he would spread sail because it would carry us ahead fast. If it was against us, he would be anxious of not only keeping his own but of making way against it. 10 a.m. There is now but little breeze. This is, however, in our favor. We have made but little progress for several days. I am heartily sick of sea. This constant rolling of the vessel, the food salt pork, salt beef, salt fish & salt water all salt, salt. salt as it seems to me, I cannot endure. My mouth is salt all the time. The phlegm which I spit is salt. I am sick of salt.

We are now in latitude 27 or 28. Our winter clothes feel quite burdensome. Have not had a fire nor needed one for nearly a week. The weather produces a languid feeling. 5 p.m. We are now near Abaco—a very dangerous island for vessels. It rains hard and a strong wind is driving us directly towards her. we cannot see half a mile ahead in day time. Great is the anxiety of the captain and mate and the dark night renders it yet more dangerous.

January 25th. Saturday. 8 a.m. Last night was thick and stormy and as we are near the dangerous coast of Abaco, the captain ordered to lay to & let the wind drift. The prospect of being so near a dangerous coast in a dark night produced peculiar sensations in myself and in all the others as I could tell from their appearance. This morning we felt the joy of finding that we were not along in peril. We spied a vessel near which probably felt equally with us the same danger. 1 p.m. till 3 there was almost a perfect calm. Since we had an excellent breeze & are sailing off finely before it, but as we have not been able to make any observations for two days, we hardly know where we are driving to. we expect that we are a little to the eastward of Bahama isles & are watching for the lighthouse upon the southeastern extremity of Abaco—the point called “Hole in the Wall.” The weather is mild although there is a clear, fresh breeze after a storm such as in New England at this season freezes everything all up. We need no extra clothing to sit or stand on deck even in the evening. Another week has gone and my past religion, life, how unprofitable it appears! Accidentally, I had some conversations with the captain and the other passenger in regard to the Bible & its truths. They are disposed to make but little account of religion. I feel anxious that I may exert a proper influence & spend the coming day as its sacredness requires.

January 26th. Sunday 6 a.m. Laid to again last night till 3 this morning. We are now sailing at the rate of 8 or 9 miles to the hour west, directly towards land. As our latitude and longitude are not known definitely, we are all filled with anxiety, particularly the captain. Unless we soon discover land and in this way or some other find where we are, I expect the Sabbath will be spent in this way. The day, however, as it reminds us of our religious duties appropriate to the occasion, should also remind us that in our danger we are in the hands of God & that He can direct the winds and other circumstances to our good or hurt. I feel much more composed now that I seem to be entirely at the disposal of Providence than in the storm when owing to the captain’s desire to gain ahead, I seem to be exposed not only to the mercy of the winds but the caprice of the captain. May the Lord grant to us a favorable voyage. 9 a.m. Contrary to my expectation, we had religious services on deck this morning. At the request of the captain, I made prayer, read a chapter & made a few remarks. What the motives of the captain were I cannot tell—whether to try me or because such services were appropriate especially at this time of fearful anxiety. I think the latter was the main reason. I first made a prayer, then read the 3rd chapter of John, after which I made a few remarks first upon the importance of all having the Bible and reading it carefully—especially on the Sabbath. Next I dwelt a few moments upon the doctrine contained in the chapter—viz: regeneration. After continuing the services about an hour, I closed by another short prayer. All were attentive. I endeavored to be faithful to truth & their real good. Hope the occasion may not be lost. After service I asked the captain if I might distribute a few tracts among the sailors. He without the least hesitation gave his consent. Previous to doing it. I laid them upon the table in the cabin where they were perused by the captain and the other psasenger.

January 27th. Monday, 9 a.m. Yesterday at about 2 p.m. a heavy gale commenced and lasted nearly all night. As we had not yet ascertained where we were, we felt in a very perilous situation. We laid to the afternoon and night. The storm was very severe and the sea high. We could scarcely keep in our berths. Early in the morning although the sea was yet very high, we hoisted sail & steered west for land. It is strange to me that we should be so far out of our way and the captain not know it. It is now three days since we expected that we were near the Bahama islands and have been steering west towards them except when the darkness of the night or storms prevents. We are now dashing with tremendous speed through the mountainous waves towards the west. We shall fetch land, rocks, shoals, or something soon. The vessel cracks, groans, and leaps from wave to wave—now dashing one side of her bow in the raging billows, now the other. It is hardly possible to walk the deck. The ocean is foaming and spraying all around us now, tossing us heaven ward now, about to engulf us now, with deadening crash, dashing against our vessel, flooding all on deck. Description fails. There is something terrible and grand. The present exceeds anything I have witnessed yet, although not nearly a day has passed without a storm or a gale of wind. The captain & all say they never in their life had so much stormy weather or so high a sea. I hope that hereafter we may have more pleasant weather. I always thought I should like to witness a storm at sea, but do not care about seeing another. I this morning saw a school of flying fish and some very large birds which indicate that land is near. During the violence of the storm the ocean presented a beautifully sparking appearance, as if full of stars. 12 noon. We had an opportunity of taking an observation & find that we are in latitude 26 ^o 44′ one degree further north than we expected & from observing the course of a brig just in sight which we suppose has a chronometer, we find that we have been mistaken in regard being near land & that we from some course, have been out of our way far to the east.

January 28th. Having yesterday found our latitude, we took a southern course till, as near as we could calculate, we were far enough south & then west. We had a strong breeze & went fast. About 3 this morning the watch cried out, “A light! A light!” The captain then in his berth, in an instant, roused & up on deck found sure enough that there was a light at a distance & that we were running at a rapid rate upon the dangerous shore of Abaco. In a moment he ordered all on deck, shifted sails, and course & though the wind was blowing us upon the rocky shore, we just in time escaped. The captain said we were within half a mile of the shore when he was called upon deck. After daylight appeared we had a fine view of the desolate & rocky shore of Abaco & of the southeast projection called “Hole in the Wall”—a real hole through the extremity of the projecting rock. Not a solitary human being dwells upon this island save those who take care of the lighthouse. But notwithstanding the dreariness of the island, it seemed really good to see land—the first we have seen since we left Cape Cod. This morning we had for breakfast a flying fish which flew on board last night. I wish some more would fly on board. Now, although there is a strong breeze, the sea is smooth, being shielded by the projecting point of Abaco. But I fear a rough sea soon. 7 p.m. About noon we beheld a brilliant rainbow in the North. Its highest altitude was not more than half an hour of the sun. It was a rare sight and I never saw before. We expected to have come in sight of Berry Islands a little after noon but have not. We took a direct course for them but the captain says there must have been some current which carried us to the north. There are many currents in the ocean & probably this accounts for our having been carried so far to the east previous to maing Abaco. The seas has been calm all day. Now we have just entered Bahama banks. The water looks quite white owing to the shallow water & the white bottom.

January 29th. Wednesday 6 a.m. We have just crossed the banks. There was a strong breeze & smooth water so our vessel glided along fast. We went clear of all reefs of which there are very many. Sometimes, however, we had barely enough water to float our vessel. In one place the mate found only 12 feet by sounding when his hair stood up I guess. But I was asleep and knew nothing of the danger till all was over. 8 p.m. The day has been pleasant with now and then a gentle shower. This evening it lightened to the N. as if there was there a thunder shower. Two vessels have just passed us at some distance off bound I suppose to the Northern States. We are now in the Gulf stream in almost a perfect [ ]. Unless some precipitous breeze helps us out, we shall be borne back to the North. The current here, I believe, is 2 or 3 miles to the hour. Our vessel lays still. I think I shall sleep tonight.

January 30th. Thursday, 9 a.m. Last night the captain finding that we were near Florida reef and had good anchorage & as there was not breeze enough to stem the current, cast anchor & furled sails. In the morning we beheld to the west the coast of Florida & within sight 5 or 6 vessels which anchored during the night. Saw a [ ] fish. There is now almost a perfect calm. The captain has thrown out the boat & now we are engaged in working, shoving, & [ ] after which if we do not have a good breeze, we shall take an excursion gunning. It would be delightful to go ashore and view the new land but the captain says it is dangerous as the Indians would take our scalps the instant they saw us. It is impossible to keep a lighthouse near here as the Indians will immediately burn it down & kill those who have the charge of it. Saw a monstrous horrendium [squid]. He emitted an ink colored substance when touched. 4 p.m. There has not been breeze enough to enable us to stern the current so we have remained at anchor. About 10 a.m., the captain, friend Clark, and myself with two to row on a boat excursion. We went 5 or 6 miles toward shore. We found a large number of seagulls upon some coral reefs of which we shot two. We saw many specimens of coral of which we took several. We found one starry looking thing all covered with painted black quills. We here met a boat load of men called wreckers who expected we had been cast upon the reefs & were wanting the opportunity of assisting us, not that they had much sympathy for us, but because they received a certain premium for aid rendered to wrecked vessels.

January 31st. Friday 9 p.m. Early this morning having a gentle breeze we weighed anchor and set sail. The first part of the day we did not much more than hold our ground. Afterwards we had a better breeze & made considerable headway. About 10 we passed a ship which during the night had run upon the reef & we suppose much damaged as there were around her 5 sloops of the wreckers to carry off her cargo. Vessels so frequently are cast upon these reefs that a large number of light vessels are kept constantly in employ in thus saving stranded vessels. They receive a certain fee according to the damage done to the vessel. There are very many of these wreckers. Yesterday we saw 5 or 6 sloops. Today as many more, and our captain says they are scattered all along Florida reef, several hundred miles in extent. In the daytime we can see very distantly where the reefs are. I ascended aloft where I could distinctly see the bottom as we moved slowly in, checkered with dark and light colored coral. The distant view was beautiful. As far as the eye could reach, the water was diversified with a dark blue, light blue, crimson, a dark orange color. The deep water a dark blue, next in depth a light blue, where it is quite shallow a crimson, & where there is no depth scarcely an orange color. These reefs are formed by coral. They are several miles wide and hundreds of miles long. Something approaching to the surface of the earth at other places several fathoms under water. In the course of many years, it is not improbable but that these reefs will be [ ] similar to the clusters of islands which line the coast of Florida. Strange what wonders these insignificant animals are doing—animals of so low an order in the scale of beings that maybe the idea of these being living animated creatures is laughed at. These animals [ ] in no very long period to fill up very part of the mighty ocean & make [ ]. How great this work. What man or number of men would think of performing such a task. We passed several islands between us & Florida. We have been in sight of these islands all day. Not able to see main land. Saw during the day many sea turtles. The captain lowered the boat and tried to take one but was unsuccessful. Have seen the latter nearly all day. Have had from 4 to 10 fathoms of water.

February 1st. Saturday 7 a.m. We are now on terra firma. We ran aground about 6. It was dark and the captain could not see the bouys. We are within a mile or two of Key West, an island upon which there is quite a village. We heard the clocks crow this morning. We are now as far south as we shall go this voyage, in latitude 24^o longitude 81. As we have been in nearly this latitude for about a week, I can judge a little of the weather. So far, there has not been so much difference in the temperatures of days and nights as there is in New England. For a week past, we have had fine weather with a few refreshing showers. The temperatures I should think was about 70^o the average warm of New England summers. Cold-blooded as I am, I sit upon the deck in my shirt sleeves, sweat like a beaver drinking my hot tea. I cannot but pity the inhabitants of New England now shivering with the cold over hot fires & swallowing down in haste their food, cooling between their knife and mouth. The appearance of the heavens is somewhat altered also. The North star has lowered very much. The handle of the dipper is almost in the ocean when between the star. I can see several new bright stars to the south. They were often much higher than in New England. 8 p.m. We took pilot and got off about 9. The day has been very warm and pleasant. Have but scarcely no breeze. The surface of the water as far as the eye could reach all around was smooth as glass. Saw hundreds of black ducks in flocks. Saw several porpoises & large fish. We are now moving very slowly towards colder weather & trying the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

February 2. Sunday, 5 p.m. Had religious services this morning. After making prayers, I read the 7th Chapter of Mathew. Attempted to show that the Christian religion is the most consistent of any & then I spoke briefly of several truths contained in the chapter. I endeavored honestly to illustrate the truth. Great attention was paid & I hope some benefit was the result. The calm, warm weather continued till about 4 p.m. At 2 p.m. a thick fog arose. At 4 a squall of wind N. E. & now we are half lifted over & begin to bounce ahead.

February 4th. Tuesday 5 p.m. There was not much rain but a stormy wind which has continued with a little abatement today present from the N, to N. E. The weather has been clear & cool. It appears like the clear N. W. wind in New England after a storm. There has been quite a change in the weather & sea. For a week previous to the last date, we had warm weather & a smooth sea—sometimes so smooth that as far as the eye could reach scarcely a riffle or a swell could be seen. But after the commencement of the wind in less than an hour the sea was all in commotion & our vessel upon the rock & toss. I have been sea sick all the time since & been obliged to keep my berth for the most part. I begin to think that I was not made for a sea animal. Terra firma suits me best. The weather has been quite cool though not freezing. We feel it more because lately had such warm weather. We have for a week past seen one or two vessels nearly every day, some far off, some near. Today we saw two, one of which came very near as it passed. Our captain spoke her. She was bound to Havana. The two captains were acquainted. When they recognized each other, they called each other by name & not being able to great each other with a hearty shake of the hands, they did it by swinging their hat and jumping which they seemed to be in perfect ecstasy. We have now about 300 miles to go in a N. W. course. I hope we shall soon be over with this ricking and pitching. I cannot exercise or take comfort in anything.

February 5th. Wednesday 6 p.m. We have had a strong, favorable wind N. E. & E. the last 24 hours which has borne us on our course rapidly. The only fault I have to find is the rough sea but as we are going with the waves, it is not so bad. At 12 today out latitude by observation was 28^o 30′. Our longitude was about 86^o 30! so that we then had about 150 to reach Mobile. Now we probably have not far from 100 miles. If the wind is as favorable as at present, we shall make land by morning. We are dashig along through the waves at the rate of 8 or 9 miles to the hour. It is now some cloudy and I fear squalls or a storm before morning.

February 6th. Thursday 6:30 a.m. We sped our way at a rapid rate till 10 last night when we furled main sail. We kept under remaining sail till 4 a.m. when by sounding we had 17 fathoms. In a short time we found only 13 fathoms. Knowing by this that land was near, the captain laid to. About 6 we found that our fore-top-mast had given away & the stay of the main mast also. The captain & sailors are busy to work securing them. I dare not go on deck for fear the shaking masts a flying will got my head. What luck we shall have in reaching Mobile I cannot tell. At present, things look rather dubious. The weather is cloudy. There is a strong wind to the shore [and] a tremendous high sea. We are near land and our vessel at present unmanageable. 10 a.m., the captain succeeded in a short time to take down the top-fore mast which is not of much consequence & also in securing the main mast. Then though it was thick & raining, we could see land. We sailed along side of it looking for Mobile lighthouse. We as we thought saw it. No one can tell our feeling of joy at the prospect of soon being within Mobile Bay, out of the reach of the terrible, rough sea.

But to our great disappointment, the captain—who was aloft observing the shore & giving directions how to steer—cried out, “Hard down the helm!” and “Jibe the sails!” He just discovered that the lighthouse instead of being Mobile Point was on Sand Isle and that we were fast approaching the breakers upon the shore. The white foam of rock began to be visible. As he had gone a little too far to the east, we now are beating our way back to make another trial to enter. Generally there are pilot boats out watching for vessels that approach but the sea is so rough that none have ventured out. Hope we shall succeed on this trial to enter. 3:30 p.m. After beating our way for 10 hours against the wind in a sea full as rough as we have had during the voyage, we gained what we lost in a few more minutes, but the captain was obliged to be his own pilot. It was a critical situation. The bar was navigable only at one place and there the depth of water generally did not exceed 3 or 4 fathoms. As the sea was so tremendous high, setting directly over the bar and aking huge breakers both in the channel and out, it was difficult to distinguish it. Indeed, it could not be distinguished. The captain took a range from the lighthouse which he thought would carry him safe. While passing the breakers, peculiar sensations are produced. Just before you enter, you see ahead the dashing waves and the white foam & hear a wild tumultuous roar. You feel as if you were running into awful [ ]. In a moment you are in the midst of breaking & foaming waves. You feel light as air. You dare not move or speak but gaze in awful silence. A moment more and you have passed the danger. You look back and see the angry billows raging and tossing as it were in [ ] because you have escaped their fury. Now and then one huge wave, more furious than the rest, dashes after you threatening to overtake and destroy you but fails. you can hardly believe that you are safe after the danger is over. I now bid farewell to old ocean. The [sea] treated me rather roughly. I think I shall not make acquaintance with her again. We now are in Mobile Bay, have smooth water [and] are abut 20 miles from the city.

February 7th. 8 a.m. Last night a little after 6 p.m. owing to the darkness & the shallow water and narrow channel in the bay, we run into the mud where we have remained till this morning. We can see the city distinctly 2 or 3 miles from us. It looks like a low, sunken place. It seems to be on a level with the water. I felt safe last night. The vessel laid still & I slept soundly from 8 to 8 making up for lost time 3 or 4 days past. Last night about 7 a heavy thunder shower came up from the N. E. which terminated in a violent storm. It now rains fast. I am sorry for this as I should like to be on deck but I am much pleased with our good fortune in being in the bay where we have good anchorage & are safe from being tossed by waves or driven on reefs. I pity the fortunes of one vessel which made the mistake that we did in regard to the bar but too late in the day to mend her mistake. She anchored but high sea and the storm last night I fear has driven her from her anchorage. It happened lucky that we made the mistake in the early part of the day. In fact during the whole voyage we have been fortunate—been highly favored by Providence. When we started from Boston, we had a good breeze to carry us around Cape Cod & afterwards strong northerly winds. When we came near running upon the coast of Abaco, we were fortunate in discovering the lighthouse in season to [ ]. When we approached Florida reefs, the captain, by constantly throwing the lead, discovered that we were approaching them & cast anchor before we were in danger. Then when we were aground at Key West, there was scarcely no breeze & it was low water so that in a short time we were off. And last & most fortunate of all when there was a tremendous high sea so that no pilot ventured out, & just before a heavy storm driving towards shore without the guidance of a pilot, we succeeded in safely passing the bar where we now feel secure. Never before did I realize so much the import of the vessels safety, security and the like.

February 8th. Saturday, 6 p.m. We have just arrived at the wharf. We had to lighter to get afloat. It wants only a day of being 4 weeks since we left the wharf at Boston. The length of the voyage was occasioned principally by the bad weather. Several other vessels which started some days sooner were still longer on their passage. We have just learned that the schooner which we passed when beating the wind & waves at Mobile Bay and which we saw anchored parted her cable during the night and went ashore. Whether any lives were lost or not I have not heard.

February 9th. Sunday. I went to meeting this forenoon to the Baptist meeting. The church is small—have no minister. Have lately been organized. Build a plain house. In the afternoon I attended the Presbyterian Church. There are but few churches in the city. It is the custom here to have a social or conference meeting in the afternoon instead of a discourse & have the discourse in the evening.

“I am disappointed in seeing a less number of negroes than I expected & in seeing them looking more neat & well dressed, manifesting more intelligence & activity & appearing more contented & happy that I had any idea. This is my honest impression from what I have seen.”

—Andrew Clark, Jr., Mobile, Alabama, February 1840

February 10th. Monday. I have been about in the city considerable today. What terrible havoc fires has made. It seems as if half of the city had been burnt. I felt in pain as I saw the piles of brick—the remains of the desolating fires. I am disappointed in seeing a less number of negroes than I expected & in seeing them looking more neat & well dressed, manifesting more intelligence & activity & appearing more contented & happy that I had any idea. This is my honest impression from what I have seen. The whites appear active & civil to others but, as I learn, are villainous. Gambling & intemperance are very prevalent. There are many thieves. The thieves are the whites. The slaves are noted for their honesty. Cents are not passed in Mobile. The smallest piece of money is picayune 5 cents & bits (10 cents or 12.5). To close this part of my journal, a word or two about seamen. I have altogether a different idea of them than formerly. I always thought that they were an open-hearted & generous class of men, but suspected that they were rather rather impudent & not trusty. On the contrary, however, I find that they are as free from the latter fault as other men & more from the former. The principal fault are profanity & neglect of the Sabbath. They commit these violations without thinking. If anything bothers them, it occasions an oath.

[Some pages excised from journal]

February 15th. Arrived at Demopolis at 12 M. Cannot describe my feelings on leaving the boat in a strange land, surrounded by strange objects and a stranger to every individual. Had a pleasant ride [up the Tombigbee River] in the steamer Avalanch—slow on account of the rapid current. The captain was a very fine man who attended faithfully to his appropriate business. Demopolis is a small place of only several hundred inhabitants. Streets laid our parallel and crossing at right angles.

February 17th [16th]. 12 miles from Demopolis. The road was the worst of any that ever I saw—muddy and full of gutters. Nothing but logs and mud as rich as New England manure to make roads. In lowlands, or where cane break grows, the soil is very rich—abound in lime—no rocks to be found save rotten limestone. Put up at a publick house.

Next morning traveled on my journey several miles before I knew that it was Sabbath and then was reminded of it by a negro riding up of whom I enquired the way to Greensboro. He kindly rode on slowly some distance and showed me a near route. Hardly know whether to justify myself in traveling on the Sabbath but there was no place to stop. Endeavored to reach Greensboro in time to attend worship but failed. Greensboro is some larger that Demopolis on elevated red, sandy soil. Should thnk it healthy but was told it is not. Strange kind of roads. No walls nor fence except zig-zag fence to enclose cultivated spots of land. Difficulty to keep correct road, it branches in so many directions to arrive bad places or to lead to come plantation or mill. Trees very large, mostly oak—white and red. Six miles from Greensboro, put up at a publick house. The gentleman, B. L. Mayfield, is of a generous social make. Several gentlemen put up here the same night, most of them from Tennessee, one from the East, 2 from the West. They each speak highly of their country. Saw a gentleman lately from the North now engaged in the multicanlis [silk] business. Says he finds it very profitable. It seemed good to meet a man from so near home although unknown to me. He appears (I fear that is all) to be a real friend to me in my present circumstances. I humbly pray the Lord to direct me in the path of duty and to give me wisdom to see clear of every danger. The gentleman with whom I stopped would take nothing for my lodging &c. The gentleman from the North—Mr. Davis—offered to carry me to Tuscaloosa if I would wait till the next day.

February 22nd. Mr. Davis did not come as I expected. I waited at Esq. Mayfield’s till the 21st when I left supposing Mr. Davis had gone to Tuscaloosa another way. Esq. Mayfield would take nothing for nearly a week’s board and washing all my dirty clothes. Mr. Mayfield is a noble, generous, yet high-spirited [man]. As it looked likely for rain, I hailed the stage as it passed. I was all but jolted to pieces. The road was up hill and down all the way. The stage went through streams 3 and 4 feet deep. Arrived at Tuscaloosa at eve. Mr. Davis arrived at the same time but in a great hurry. Called to see me at my room. Is going to start tomorrow—Sunday. Had been delayed by rain. Very kindly offered me a horse to ride which I might take on Monday and overtake him on his way to Clarendon, Tennessee. Mr. Lovell, the keeper of the [publick] house says he can purchase a tolerably good horse for 15 or 20 dollars. If he can, I shall go to Columbus et cetera. If not, I shall accept the offer [of Mr. Davis].

February 23rd. Sunday. Did not attend worship this morning, desiring to converse with Mr. Davis. Fear I may not be the gainer. Business ill becomes the Sabbath. He finds the silk business very profitable. His income is over a 1,000 dollars per day from which his expenses are to be deducted. He offers to help me into the business. Will sell multicanlis and eggs to me at the lowest price and on 12 months credit, and at the end of that time, will take them back if I am sick of my bargain. He thinks highly of the country in North Mississippi around Holly Springs.

I find on conversation that Mr. Lovell is a regular Baptist. Had considerable conversation with him. The church is this place is small and in doctrine coincides with the Baptists at the North. There is a Methodist, Presbyterian, & Episcopalian Church in this place, but all small. Tuscaloosa, if the academies, college, and state house were removed, would not be much larger than Methuen. Violation of the Sabbath is very common here and in other towns at the South. Gambling and lewdness are very common vices. I went to the Baptist meeting house this afternoon but found none but negroes. It is customary here for the whites to attend in the forenoon, the blacks in the afternoon. I listed to the prayer of one negro, very intelligent and feeling. I did not go in for fear of disturbing though I had a desire of witnessing their services. I attended the Episcopal meeting where whites went. Good sermon.

Now for myself, my life is almost a dream. I do not feel myself. I fail in the discharge of religious duties. Oh! how wicked in the sight of God—so forgetful of Him, of Christ, & the Holy Spirit. I have had the fear of men too much. I have not kept inn mind sufficiently that He controls me—all men and all events.

March 2nd. Reached Columbus [Mississippi] Saturday. It is about the size of Tuscaloosa, not more than 3,000 inhabitants. It is finely laid out for a city—streets run north and south, east and west. Money matters are in a bad fix in Mississippi. They will hardly take their own money. In traveling from Tuscaloosa to Columbus, I passed an abundance of hills and bottom land, overflowed sometimes for 1 or 2 miles up to the horses’ belly and side. Lodged during one night where the man and his wife, 4 children, another traveler and myself, all slept in one room. This is the only one they had.

In Columbus there are many meeting houses in proportion to the population, but few supplied with preaching. The Methodists have a large society, the Baptist a large and expensive host [that] cost $20,000 but they are unable to support a minister and are talking about selling their house.

March 6th. Arrived at the gentleman’s house with whom I rode in company for 3 days past. He lives in Marshall county, 14 miles south of Holly Springs. The first day of the 3 we passed over prairies. The 2nd and 3rd over mountains and valleys, sometimes 6 or 8 miles on a ridge and then that distance in a valley.

March 15th. Sunday. I am still remaining at Mr. Mooring’s. Good kind of people. Both professors. His wife a very good, conscientious, and consistent Christian. Children modest and amiable. Treat their slaves kindly. I went to meeting in a log house—loose oak board floor. We all rode on horseback. The gentleman and lady on one horse. The minister was a loud-speaking Methodist. What he said was very good but little connection. I had an opportunity today of starting with a near neighbor to look out some government land and was almost induced to go although it was Sabbath. I however declined mainly on this account. Well I did not only in a moral point of view, but temporal, as it is now raining fast. We are having a thunder shower or storm as it has continued for hours. We had one last night. Rain here generally comes from the southwest or west. It is a very warm rain as we are comfortable sitting around a fire.

March 18th. Reached Memphis. Saw the Mississippi [river].

March 20th. Passed through Somerville. Land between Memphis and Somerville low and unhealthy.

March 21st. Crossed Wolf river. Rode half a mile in water almost swimming to horse.

March 22nd. Sabbath. Rode all day. Crossed the Hatchie [river] and a flat overflowed 2 or 3 miles wide.

March 23rd. Stopped at a man’s house by the name of Roberson 8 miles from Denmark [Tennessee]. This section of country is hilly and healthy. A family of 11 all healthy. Had very heavy thunder in the evening. Previously we had quite cold weather, almost freezing.

March 24th. Traveled 10 miles in northeast rain over hills. Passed through Jackson and much flat to the west of Jackson [Tennessee]. Called at several places to lodge and be sheltered from the rain but unsuccessful. Almost every night I am obliged to go 4 or 5 miles farther than I wish because I cannot find lodging. Wet my feet almost every day fording creeks.

March 25th. Traveled over a sickly county. Many sick with consumption.

March 26th. Passed Lexington [Tennessee] where was a trial [underway] of a man for shooting his cousin and brother-in-law.

March 27th. Passed over a very hilly country, sometimes miles on ridges. Saw the effects of some terrible tempest in prostrate trees. Went through Perryville [Tennessee]—a small cluster of buildings. Crossed the Tennessee river, large and beautiful.

March 28th. Traveled most of the time in the bottom land of creeks or what may be called valleys Generally level land on one hand and a steep rocky hill of 2 or 3 hundred feet almost perpendicular on the other. Find many sick for 2 or 3 days past with fevers and consumption. Few slaves.

March 29th. Sunday, Now stopping for the day about 20 miles west of Centreville [Tennessee] with a Baptist—a very plain man as most are. All of us slept in one room as has been the case many times. Does not seem like keeping the Sabbath in New England. No meeting today. The people here are very rude in their manners, far more so than Alabama and Mississippi. The gentleman is an Anti-missionary Baptist. Great deal of company on the Sabbath. saw a courtship. 10 of us were sleeping in the room where the courtship was.

March 30th. Passed Centreville. Traveled on ridges and in valleys. Frost two nights past.

March 31st. Traveled on ridges all day. Passed only 2 or 3 houses all day. 36 miles.

April 1st. Passed through Nashville—a very pretty place, high and healthy. Land fertile around.

April 2nd. Passed Gallatin, a small but pretty place. People in this section of country appear more civilized than in other parts of Tennessee.

April 3rd. Traveled but a few miles. Very rocky but land fertile where the soil is of any depth.

April 4th. do. do. do. do.

April 5th. Sunday. Stayed all night with a gentleman, Mr. Carl. Very pretty folks. Methodists. I attended meeting today with them. No baptist meeting near.

April 6th. Crossed the gap of ridge where there is an unknown poison—milk sick supposed to be occasioned by some undiscovered mineral. Traveled on ridges and in valleys. Land poor. People poor.

April 7th. Passed the boundary line of Tennessee and Kentucky and Tomkinsville. Traveled over what may be called mountains and in valleys with perpendicular rocks hundreds of feet high.

April 8th and 9th. Passed through Burksville. saw a natural rock bridge. Had a steep mountain on one side and a steep descent into Cumberland river on the other. Have passed many salt works.

April 10th. Rode through Somerset [Kentucky].

April 11th. I somehow have made a mistake. This is the day in which I passed Somerset. I stopped tonight at a Baptist minister’s home by the name of Warren [who was] in low circumstances.

April 12th. Sunday. Am now remaining at Rev. Mr. Warren’s, a feeble man, has bled at the lungs. A good man. No meeting today near. Went to a marriage. Two simpletons married.

April 13th. Passed London. A great scarcity for 4 or 5 days ride past.

April 14th. Passed Manchester and many salt works.

April 15th. Very rainy. Creeks so high that I am obliged to stop traveling. The mountain torrents rise quick and fall quick.

April 16th. Traveled in valleys by the side of creeks. Am now stopping at a house where the mountains are on each side 1.5 miles high. He has an abundance of deer, bear, and coonskins. Bears, wildcats, panthers, &c. are numerous here. People do not fear them.

April 18th. Raining in morning. Overtaken and stopped by two men (one with rifle) pretending that they thought I was a counterfeiter on Troublesome Creek.

April 19th. Traveled all day Sunday.

April 20th. Passed Prestonsburg [Kentucky].

April 21st. Climbed one of the highest kind of mountains. Had enough of climbing.

April 22nd. Exchanged saddles for 10 dollars to boot. Then sold all out to another for 20 dollars. The man–an old miser—started on foot toward the [ ].

April 23rd. Weary traveling on foot. Tried to purchase a canoe to float down but could find none. Tried to hire a horse but all in use.

April 24th. Reached the Ohio—a noble river.

April 25th. At noon took steamboat Dolphin for Pittsburgh. The Ohio very rocky and fill of drift. Rises sudden.

April 26th. Sunday. From appearance on the boat, not to be distinguished from other days. At 1 p.m. stopped at Marietta, a middling sized village.

April 27th. Reached Wheeling, considerable of a place. Cold weather. At 4 p.m.. stopped at Wellsville. Met with a gentleman formerly at Haverhill. Mr. Ezekiel Gile.

April 28th. At 2 a.m. being in all 25 days reached Pittsburgh. Found an opportunity of starting for Philadelphia by railroad and canal at 4 p.m. I have walked over the town. It is quite large—as large as Providence nearly but awfully smoked up.

April 29th. We started as stated. Very much overcrowded. Move along very quietly except in docks. Went through the tunnel west of the Allegheny. A grand concern—partly natural, partly artificial.

April 30th. This morning saw some beautiful fields of wheat and grass upon the sides and even on the top of mountains. 12 o’clock reached Johnstown where as bad luck will have it, I must wait 18 hours or more for the boat to be repaired—a work of an hour. From this place we took the railroad over the Allegheny Mountains. We have been ascending by the side of a river ever since we started, sometimes in the river in slack water. We have ascended 62 locks.

May 1st. After waiting till 8 a.m. today we started on the railroad. 4 p.m. Reached the top of the Alleghenies having been drawn by steam power up 5 inclined planes of about half mile. We have 5inclined planes to descend immediately and 82 locks and one inclined plane besides before we reach Philadelphia. Quite cold. Have just descended into a coal mine 75 feet perpendicular down to the strata of coal 4.5 in depth, then horizontal hundreds of feet in every direction. I thought of Hades. Many settlements upon the summit of the Alleghenies.

May 2nd. At Hollidaysburg took canal. About 10 a.m. saw a tremendous rocky peak of the mountain projecting over the river from which an Indian chief—the last of his tribe—is said to have leaped. A great contrast between the appearance of the country east and west of the Alleghenies. In the east, more settled and cultivated.

May 3rd. Sunday. Morning [spent] on the canal.

May 4th. 8 a.m. Crossed the Susquehannah. Now the water being high is a grand looking river. 12 noon. Reached Harrisburg, a large and pretty town. 8 p.m. Have just reached Columbia where we take the railroad to Philadelphia 83 miles. Have passed many large and beautiful islands on the Susquehannah occupied as farms.

May 5th. Took railroad 8 a.m. Passed through Lancaster, a very large inland town. Have passed very many excellent farms. 5:30 p.m. Have reached the inclined place five-eighths of a mile long and 4 miles from the city. The city is in full view.

May 6th. Stopped last night in the city—a large and beautiful city. 7 a.m started for New York. 3 p.m. Reached the Imperial City. 5 p.m. Took steam for Boston by way of Norwich, Connecticut & Worcester, Massachusetts. Met with Deacon Moses Merrill. Heard from home of the death of my sister [Lydia F. Clark (1821-1840)]. Cannot describe my feelings for a moment.

May 7th. 10 a.m. arrived at Boston. 7 p.m. at home [Methuen].