d and shaved by borrowed tackle. A
delightful drive down the mountain; many turns in the road diversifying
the view; many pines dying, large tanneries. Morrisville, the last four
miles rough road; got to Hobart 10 minutes after 2, most of the last 12
miles rough road; a good many saw mills on the way; the turnpike gates,
a ladder let down from the house hardly sufficiently to leave head room.
Not much regularity in conveying the mail owing to uncertain state of
the roads. Further delay caused by not always dining at the same place.
At Bloomville at 1/4 past 4; the last seven miles the valley has been
widening. Arrived at Delhi 1/4 before 6. Took my place on to Green; paid
2 dollars 38 cents. Immediately passed over a considerable mountain; a
very rough road and a lame horse. Got a basin of milk and a slice of
bread which proved a good supper. On setting out I took my seat on the
top, but was told by the driver that he had another going with him, but
I did not yield, and he put a negro to drive both me and the horses, but
it did not do. I was glad to have an opportunity of showing the
Americans that I made no distinction.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19TH.

Passed a very restless night in the coach. At Bainbridge made to wait
nearly an hour, then to collect 4 ladies and two men, so that the stage
was considered quite full. After breakfast paid 30 cents, also 75 cents
for Binghampton on my way to Montrose; could not have a seat by the
driver. Found a very intelligent American, he depicts divisions amongst
themselves chiefly caused by the ignorant and immoral, especially the
Irish; arrived at half past eleven. Paid a dollar to Montrose and set
off at once; the morning and scenery delightful, and the company made me
not think of sleeping. Left Binghampton at one. Crickets chirping almost
at the top of the Catskill Mountains. The vehicle from Binghampton a
clumsy concern, but as there was only a boy besides myself I had control
over it, as if it were my own though carrying the mail. I walked up the
steepest parts and now and then had a chat with the settlers. Partook of
some nice blackberries, got to Montrose at 8; very fair travelling
considering the mountainous paths we had come over. Find Pike 20 miles
off and no stage till the day after to-morrow, so that I might as well
have remained at Binghampton another day, but unless there be something
interesting, I always find myself most happy when on the wing bringing
me nearer home; go