During the night the boat pitched and rolled more than I expected. Got
up at half past five, found some difficulty in shaving and a little
qualmish. Passed two islands covered with wood. Made a poor breakfast,
the milk had turned sour and I did not like the egg substitute. Went on
shore at Kingston; entered a Sunday School but heard only some noisy
instruction; then entered the English Church but service not commenced;
then a Catholic Church, had some drops sprinkled upon me by the priest.
Looked through a new steamer which was being built, a double wheel and
the paddles alternately. A great quantity of wheat swept off the deck in
our steamer. A great deal of money squandered here in barracks, forts,
etc.; two ships rotting upon the stocks. The Rideau Canal[18] comes to
this place, only good as furnishing employment, but what becomes of old
England? Passed the 1000 islands, rocky and covered with wood. An old
Canadian with an elegant bag for tobacco studded with beads. Very sleepy
and dull most of this afternoon. At seven came to Brockville a pretty
little town situated on rising ground. Arrived at Prescott soon after
nine. Cholera reported to be very bad at Quebec, ninety a day dying;
still I shall go on, hoping for the best.