Passed a very restless night, scarcely sleeping at all. One of the
passengers sick and he feared it was the cholera. This made me feel
uncomfortable and I wished to sit with the driver, but was deterred by
being told of Kennedy's brother, who had the year before fallen from the
same stage and been killed on the spot, supposed to have been asleep.
Got to Meadville situated on the rising part of an extended vale. Here I
parted with Mr. K. and his sick companion who is a paper maker. An old
intelligent Irishman who had come out thirty years ago, and had done
very well, was one of the passengers; he spoke of his domestic
afflictions and particularly the death of his wife. Very warm but
luckily only 4 passengers. The last drive of 15 miles has been very warm
and a rough road, yet the horses do not appear much distressed; got a
glass of buttermilk. Dined at Waterford; paid 25 cents. The stage
filled; the sun had got to my side of the coach; a slow drive and choked
with dust, by far the most disagreeable ride I have had. Got to Erie at
half past four, told there was no boat to Buffalo till morning. I went
upstairs to wash and put on a clean shirt, and was then informed of a
boat, but I could not get ready in time; though perhaps it was only a
trick of the innkeeper, it may be as well to get a good night's repose;
without now and then a check I should in uninteresting places be
hurrying on too fast and knock myself up. Fell in with a pleasing
intelligent young man; now that they were out of debt I said they might
improve the public roads--he said grants were occasionally made, but
were objected to as unconstitutional.