Rose at half past five, having slept better than I expected; all the
three beds were occupied, and mine was not only small, but resting upon
four sticks, and was so built that my head could touch the sloping
ceiling from one part. A delightful morning; no letter at the Post
Office. Three spitting boxes in the bar 16" × 24". Set off to visit Dr.
Channing[27] at Gibson by the Boston stage; surprised to drive up to the
house and greatly disappointed to find the Doctor leaving home by the
same stage. I had only just time to give him the letter from Mr. Lee and
shake hands with him. I took a walk into the garden then stepped into
the house, introduced myself to the lady who proved to be Mrs. Channing
and sat some time. Then took a walk into the adjoining wood; met with a
stout good-looking youth, asked what relation the doctor was to him, and
was told his father, and that he had a sister older, who had gone with
his father; expected them to stay a fortnight. Saw a curious bee-hive,
and walked again into the house; learned that the Dr. was generally in
better health, that he had purposed preaching every other Sunday at
Portsmouth, but yesterday had found himself unable, which I had seen
noted in the Newport paper; he was engaged about six hours daily at his
studies and often a good deal tired. Paid to Dr. C. and back, 75 cents.
Left Newport at half past two, fare 5 dollars; at six a dense fog, so
that they had to keep sounding and frequently stopped the engines. Took
coffee and fish, etc., with about 200 people; walked again some time on
deck, still very hazy, so that I might as well go to bed. A gentleman
told me of a decent berth at the extreme stern and I soon took
possession. In some parts the sea was smooth, then boiling, also large
waves.