half
price. The distance of the stage about two miles; experienced great
inconvenience from the excessive itching occasioned by the mosquito
bites in the morning. After dinner we set out to see James's horse;
found it not well and no wonder, the stable in a cellar; the stalls
narrow; a suffocating spot; then walked across what is called East River
to see the dry docks; the ships are placed upon a frame, and then by
means of an endless chain wound up on to the shore to be repaired. The
tides here seldom vary more than three or four feet; on our return found
Jackson and his friend Ingham; they stopped two hours laughing and
talking all the time.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15TH.

Got up at half past six; a good night with only one scratch, though a
good deal of inflammation most of the morning. After breakfast played
some of the psalm tunes. At 9 set off with J. D. to the end of the
island, a very pleasant drive and beautiful opening into the Hudson.
Bathed in a rather muddy creek. Pulled an apple on going which we liked,
so on returning got a further supply. Some men fishing and others
gathering oysters. Got a comfortable dinner; then drove on the other
side towards Harlem a fine spacious road.

Many trotters in their sulkies and others driving very fast. Appearance
of a storm. Only charged 2 dollars for the horse. Played several psalm
tunes. Engaged a vehicle to take me to the steam boat in the morning.
Went sadly to bed. Packed up the needful; besides the mosquitoes, there
was a little grey insect like a louse that bit very sharply; still
itching and swelled from the mosquitoes.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16TH.

Rose 1/4 before 5; found breakfast not out; got coffee; the wagon not
coming. James Dean set off to meet the man; the portmanteau was placed
on; drove rapidly down just in time. Got on board the _North America_,
found many hundreds of passengers. Charged to Albany only 50 cents just
what I was to pay for being brought to the steamer; an immense steamer,
the Captain said 400 or 500 passengers; a much smaller number than
usual. A quick way of putting out and taking in passengers: the boat is
lowered, they take a long rope and steer to the landing-place, then haul
in towards the steamer which scarcely stops. The rope is attached to the
end of the helm, which is 4 or 5 yards wide and gives great power, and
the helm is always placed in the fore part of the vessel. Saw some fish
(sturgeons) jump a yard out of the water.

A p