Rose at half past three. Found my companion to be a member of Congress.
There were two others in the stage, also a pleasing lady, wife to one of
the members, also a young man, H. C. Hart, a midshipman, who was
returning from a sail round the world, also a lively Frenchman.
Breakfasted at Kamley. Dined at Deak.
The road as usual very hilly, covered with oak, pines, etc., also a
curious honeysuckle and rhododendrons; the Hawk's Nest a jutting rock,
1100 feet high and a magnificent view of the river which does not appear
20 yards wide and is more than 200. Also the hills covered with trees,
those below looking mere shrubs.
As we came near the Falls of Kanawha the bridge had been washed down,
therefore we were ferried over; the road for some time carried alongside
the rocks overhanging the river. Arrived 1/4 before ten at Kanawha, got
supper and to bed at 1/4 past ten, to be called up at half past three.
Eight beds in a large room; the window wide open, but I selected one of
the beds the farthest off and secured my trousers under my pillow. The
names of the two M.P.'s were Mr. Doon and Marshall McLatcher. Here I had
the first introduction to mosquitoes, but they behaved rather
mercifully, or perhaps my blood was not to their taste.