Rose a little before 6, took a glass of milk, walked to the bath; found
it a dirty poor concern, not more than half a yard deep as the tide was
out. Called at Mr. Lee's, found his son from England who was kind enough
to walk with me in the town. We went off to the Athenaeum which is well
stored with books. Saw the English Statutes presented by the British
Government; then into the News Room at the Exchange; then to the dry
dock, a substantial handsome dock; then to the machine shop where they
were making blocks, etc. Saw a large ship the _Columbus_ on the stocks,
also the _Constitution_[26] with Jackson's head cut off; then to the
prison where they are occupied in masonry, shoe-making, tailoring,
brush-making and cabinet work; the prisoners are not suffered to speak;
and they eat their food in their cells. Dined with Mr. Lee: delicious
lemonade: several dined within, supposed boarders. Set off to Nahant at
3; a beautiful sail among the numerous islands, saw ten seals on a
sandbank. Arrived at 4-1/2, a bold rocky coast; the water dashing
between the cliffs. A dispute with another steamer, ours turned about to
sternward to get a landing by running between, but the other shied off
and prevented a collision. Got back half past seven; a beautiful vine
(Isabella) only six years planted and many hundred of branches. Also a
Black Hamburgh two years planted and bearing. Took leave of this
interesting family, particularly the old gentleman, 76 years of age and
quite cheerful; the son resides at Birmingham and I may see him again.
On getting to Tremont House I asked for a glass of milk, but was
disappointed, it having been drank up. Got a letter from Mr. Lee to Dr.
Channing; after getting to bed the fire bells began ringing all over the
city.