Rose soon after four and ferried across the Ohio in two places in
consequence of an island; the ferry impelled across by means of a
windlass letting down frame work into the water, and altering the
position of the boat. When arrived at Wheeling hotel could hear of no
boat till evening. Went again to bed; got up at nine, felt a little
earache and not much appetite for breakfast, occasioned by
disappointment at the delay. At one dined with improved appetite and
actually eat an apple dumpling. Sat and read several newspapers without
finding much from England; then read some good letters in the "North
American Magazine"; felt in better spirits.
Took my place for Pittsburg, 3 dollars, visited a collection of wild
beasts; amused by a monkey riding a Shetland pony, but most gratified by
seeing a rhinoceros and elephant each four years old; the former had
worn his teeth very much; both feed chiefly upon hay. The keeper puts
his head twice a day into the lion's mouth, dangerous only as far as the
animal being disturbed by some of the spectators. A camel or dromedary
(only one hump) also four years old. Sailed from Wheeling 1/4 past
seven; the evening most delightful, the air warm and fragrant, the sky
remarkably clear; the stars and moon appeared nearer. Found from
conversation with the Captain and others that Tuesday or Wednesday have
been considered very warm, also more thunder and lightning than they had
often seen.