Had a very restless night, not expecting to go to sleep and then heated
and feverish, got up soon after five. This hotel six storeys high, a
square of nine windows besides outbuildings, above 170 bedrooms, ours
No. 76. Called with Miss Crosdale's letter to Mr. Grundy. This hotel
more extensive than any. The road to Washington very hilly. Buzzards, a
species of eagle soaring high in the air. Some disturbance by Indians,
muskets placed in threes and fours. The soldiers and officers in curious
working dress, the land generally very poor. Two other buzzards hovering
over some carrion that they could smell. Arrived at Washington at two
o'clock; passed the Capitol which is a splendid building. After dinner a
very heavy close shower of rain with thunder; cleared up soon and the
evening proved delightful. Called upon Francis Taylor who keeps an
extensive book store and has also a circulating library. He seems a
little, shrewd intelligent young man about 22, has been nearly seven
years from home. Speaking of this country he said how a man may get on
to a certainty if he exerts himself, more a matter of chance in the old
country. Gadsby's Hotel very large but not so neat as Bunker's, or
Head's, particularly the former; the provisions not nearly so good.
Learned there were upwards of 250 rooms, our key being 102. Not feeling
very well, partly occasioned by too much exertion in Philadelphia.