Mr. V. and his
old acquaintance Mr. De Pontean. I said to the old gentleman they seemed
to know each other, he replied, "We have been 50 years trying to find
out each other." Walked to see Dr. Franklin's grave; by means of a chair
I scrambled up the wall and read as follows:

Benjamin and }
Deborah } Franklin.

Found a blind school to be a favourite object with Mr. V., presented ten
dollars. Found Mr. Scholfield at the hotel with several pamphlets. He
and his son-in-law Patten, and young Moss accompanied me to the steamer.
Old Mr. V. met me there and also young Hodkinson. Found it necessary to
tear myself away from Philadelphia as the longer I stayed the more
difficulty in getting away. Left at 10-1/2, got to Trenton about two,
rained most of the way. Finding no stage to Laurenceville engaged a
dearborn[32] or covered gig for another 1/4 dollar. Learned on my way
that John was gone from home. Found Mr. and Mrs. Bowker, also a young
Rollanson nephew of Mr. J. R. at Philadelphia with W. B. to learn
farming. Immediately had coffee, then peaches and melons most of the
afternoon, then tea and more fruit. A chat and to bed at half past nine.
Slept with young Rollanson.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH.

Got up soon after six; rested pretty well. Set off to Trenton to
market, purchased a basket of peaches for 20 cents. Had some
conversation with a lusty ironmonger, etc., then purchased a little
gingerbread and two pair neck laces 3/4 dollars. Drove back another way,
part of the road through the forest. Ate some more most delicious
melons, set off to Laurenceville Post Office, got the American Farmers'
monthly publication; then called upon Mr. Phillips, a very sensible
pleasant gentleman; also Mrs. P. from Philadelphia. After dinner sat
under the shade of the trees near the house chatting about home, then
walked into the cornfields. Some corn ten to twenty feet high, with ears
12 to 16 inches, then through the orchard, many of the Newtown Pippins
and others equally large, the ground covered with fine apples. Mr. B.
plucking one off the trees biting a piece throwing it to the ground. The
quantity, size, and quality truly surprising; more like a dream than a
reality. Then went to see some plowing, met with a serpent about two
feet long that jumped into some water. Mr. B. got a large stick and at
length poked it out, the sting quite visible, it coiled itself up for a
spring; he struck it and a whole frog was found in its be