driver, but was deterred by
being told of Kennedy's brother, who had the year before fallen from the
same stage and been killed on the spot, supposed to have been asleep.

Got to Meadville situated on the rising part of an extended vale. Here I
parted with Mr. K. and his sick companion who is a paper maker. An old
intelligent Irishman who had come out thirty years ago, and had done
very well, was one of the passengers; he spoke of his domestic
afflictions and particularly the death of his wife. Very warm but
luckily only 4 passengers. The last drive of 15 miles has been very warm
and a rough road, yet the horses do not appear much distressed; got a
glass of buttermilk. Dined at Waterford; paid 25 cents. The stage
filled; the sun had got to my side of the coach; a slow drive and choked
with dust, by far the most disagreeable ride I have had. Got to Erie at
half past four, told there was no boat to Buffalo till morning. I went
upstairs to wash and put on a clean shirt, and was then informed of a
boat, but I could not get ready in time; though perhaps it was only a
trick of the innkeeper, it may be as well to get a good night's repose;
without now and then a check I should in uninteresting places be
hurrying on too fast and knock myself up. Fell in with a pleasing
intelligent young man; now that they were out of debt I said they might
improve the public roads--he said grants were occasionally made, but
were objected to as unconstitutional.

TUESDAY, JULY 15TH.

Got up at half past six, felt restored and now think it better than
pushing on in the steamboat last night. The young man confirmed the old
Irishman's account of the student at Meadville, viz. that the young one
we had seen would be at his studies in the morning, and in the afternoon
discharge his board by working as a blacksmith. Accompanied on board the
steamer by the innkeeper; found the wind favourable; sailed soon after 8
A.M. not a nice boat and the engine out of order, so that we shall be
late before we get into Buffalo. Read in a periodical belonging to one
of the passengers a terrible story written by Lord Morpeth. A most
delightful breeze on the lake; how different to yesterday when stewed on
the coach and covered with dust. Had some good singing on board by
Methodists; got out at Portland and had a most delicious bath before
dinner. Called at Dunkirk, also at Silver Creek; prevailed upon the
ladies (Methodists) to sing again; paid for passage two doll