e top said America was
the place for a poor man; 5 or 6 families came out before him, and only
one had failed; and he had property. In some parts ascending the
mountain the very worst road I have seen, one of the poor horses lost a
shoe, but could have no help till we got to the end, 21 miles: arrived
soon after eight, the horse being much less lame than could have been
expected. At Columbus our crazy coach had to be girded as it had to go
over a very dangerous ridge. We got safe to Berwick at 1/2 past 12, got
coffee 25 cents; passage 1-3/4 dollars.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28TH.

A pleasant ride along the canal and the Susquehanna, free from dust. Got
to Northumberland before 10. Large frogs at one part in the canal.
Called on Mr. Kay, he had had an illness which prostrated him much and
been unable to preach during that time. Had a long and interesting chat
with the family, 4 sons and 4 daughters, the eldest are smart girls, one
about 24, the other 30, the youngest 16. Dined with them in a very
pleasant family way, roasted mutton and Yorkshire pudding. Mrs. K. gave
me a note to Dr. Priestley's[30] grandson at the Bank, and desired me to
ask him to tea. Spent the evening at the Kay's, very nice people, the
second daughter very pleasing and difficult to leave, perhaps would have
been impossible in a short time. Mr. Priestley joined us.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29TH.

Met the gentleman I had seen at Montrose. Paid for bed and breakfast,
good coffee, 37-1/2 cents, and 2-1/2 dollars to Pottsville. Walked with
Mr. Priestley to his grandfather's grave and also to the house where he
died; a beautiful willow planted by the doctor. Spent an hour with Mr.
Kay. Left Northumberland at 10, changed horses after 13-1/2 miles. A
most delightful morning.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH.

Called at four. Took up a gentleman who proved to be an English Catholic
priest, very intelligent and pleasant. Soon got on the railway, a
pleasant ride through the forest, got a glass of milk; breakfasted at
Tuscarora, 25 cents. Passed Tamaqua, where a Catholic chapel had lately
been erected; my companion the minister. Travelled through a narrow path
covered with brushwood; came to the summit where an immense mass of coal
is worked like an open stone quarry; the coal is taken away on rails to
Mauch Chunk and then by canal to Philadelphia, etc., etc. The waggon and
cars are let down by one man who can move a drag upon each by means of a
connecting rope, and the mul