Got up 1/4 before 5. Left Washington at 1/4 before 6. Arrived at
Alexandria at 7; ran into the Museum till breakfast. The bridge across
the Potomack more than a mile long. Got to Mount Vernon at eleven. Very
well received by means of a letter brought by R. C. from a Miss Adams
of Philadelphia. Shown through the house, saw the key of the Bastille
presented to Washington by T. Paine, also the Library as left by W. Then
visited the Tomb, a very plain brick front with an iron door more like
an oven. Walked through the garden back to the house; partook of some
cake and wine.
Some parts of the road very rough; lost our track for some time; very
few people, only now and then a negro to ask. Got back just in time to
dinner and escaped the rain and thunder being the 4th successive night.
Learned that something interesting was going on at the Capitol, as
several members were hastening to it. Found the Senate closed against
the public. The Representatives' Hall very full and some interesting
debates, particularly the notice respecting Lafayette's death, and also
remuneration to the families of the French sufferers at Toulon.
R. C. is considered very fond of show--prefers very tight boots, yet has
four or five corns on each foot. Thinks we could not do without wigs and
gowns in our English Courts of Justice. Wrote to C. D. by R. Crook who
will put it into the office at N.Y. Paid for the gig to Mount Vernon, 4
dollars, though the usual charge for a day is only 3. Mentioned writing
home to Mr. B. from Boston. R. C. mentioned his uncle Tipping[14]
getting £5000 and not spending £500.