Found another person in R. C.'s bed which made a little more precaution
necessary. Rose half past four, a very pleasant morning. Tasted the
second piece of pineapple last night; very cheap, not more than 8 or 10
cents.
Taken to the boat in an omnibus an hour too soon, this a pretty general
practice. Sailed 1/4 past seven, observed some boats not more than one
yard across and about 5 yds. long like small canoes. Saw two turtles
opposite to Washington Fort; they dived instantly; saw a good deal of
grass on the Potomack, which is supposed to be carried off the land by
the hurricanes. Thunder and lightning every evening but the last whilst
at Washington. Dined at Fredricksburgh; paid 50 cents, and 5 dollars to
Charlottesville, the road so far splendid, through woody country. Two
intelligent persons in the stage, one addicted to chewing much tobacco
and spitting; the matter was argued. Saw the first snake lying dead on
the road side, about one yard long. The worm fence generally used. The
trees generally ringed, an easy way of clearing the wood. The roads
paved in some places by logs of wood thrown across. Stopped at Chestnut
Hill for supper nearly half past eleven; had coffee, chickens, honey,
and was charged 50 cents; on being complained of they said great
uncertainty as to number; had to provide for 10 or 12 and sometimes only
two or three came. The driver did not whip much, but spoke to his horses
kindly, as Punch, Sammy, Phoebe, etc.
Got to Orange Court 1/4 past one, told we should be called at three;
objected to a double-bedded room, afterwards shown another to myself,
found the charge only 25 cents. The greater part of the negroes are
slaves; one 40 years of age, worth 400 or 450 dollars; not allowed to
remain here when freed; frequently bought by dealers who chain them
together; the worst are generally disposed of first.