y road, that
is logs of wood laid across the road. Nearly upset into the river by
running against a tree. Arrived at Lebanon 1/4 before 7. This last stage
to Wainville, the driver drove most furiously and the horses went like
mad. Why should tin drop-spouts be used instead of wood or lead? Almost
everywhere the footpaths in the streets are paved with bricks.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9TH.

Got to Springfield at half past five, a restless trembling night; such
roads and such furious driving as enough to break arms and legs, through
pits of water after the logs failed. Pretty good land divided into small
farms, woods rather than forests; rather flat and the road bad and
muddy, still worse, exceeding any I ever saw and yet this is called a
national road. Well there were no other passengers or we should have
been hauled out. Got to Columbus, it was the last twenty miles, all mud,
so that we could only walk most of the way. Coming into Columbus such a
flood that fields of corn are spoiled, and the road, half a yard of
granite washed away; the old bridge also washed away so that we had to
be ferried. Paid to Wheeling 6-1/2 dollars. At the next stage I was
informed my name was not entered as having paid my fare. During the
night the coach stopt and I and the other passengers were desired to get
out, the horses were completely set fast in the mud; after resting some
time they made a further effort; we scrambled through the mud and got
in; very surprising that the roads are not better protected by railing
or walls, not even over the mountains or ridges.

THURSDAY, JULY 10TH.

Passed a nicely situated little town called Rushott at five. Only two
passengers, therefore able to sleep pretty well. Arrived at Zanesville
half past six, the last stage beautifully macadamised. Sour bread and
poor coffee. Got them to allow my name to be entered for Wheeling as
paid for. Arrived at Cambridge at twelve. The driver managed the drag
chain by treading upon an iron lever. The last 20 miles very hilly. A
large waggon drawn by horses with sets of bells. After walking I found
the coach nearly filled so that I got on with the driver. Observed some
coal breaking out on the top of one of the high hills; this is generally
the case so that they tunnel out from the valleys and are not troubled
with water. Arrived at this side of the Ohio 1/4 past nine P.M., too
late to be ferried across, so that after taking the mail at Cincinnati
at one o'clock to arriv