Awoke several times, and got up at half past five. Found all my clothes
quite damp, excepting my trousers which I had placed in my berth, and
gave coat, waistcoat and shirt to be dried. Got down my portmanteau and
put on other things. Went on deck at six, found we were nearly 30 miles
from New York; after some time I went down and found my clothes dry and
put on the shirt. On coming up we were passing Hell Gate[28], a very
narrow and rocky passage. Some good country houses: a large new jail. A
fine view of the city and shipping; every now and then a jutting wharf
about the length of a ship. Arrived at New York at eight; in walking to
the Post Office with Mrs. Channing's letter, I met with Thomas Dean, and
got my two letters from Mr. Baker and C. D. Found J. Dean looking
thinner. We walked through some auction stores to J. Hulme's son-in-law;
he keeps a very large Book-Stall; hence I entered an auction of watches,
afterwards of wine, etc.; then to the Exchange, but soon got tired of
standing to read the papers. Read over again my letters; devoured two
peaches; was charged 3_d._ T. D. kindly invited me to his house; had
purchased one for 11,000 dollars; would have given 12 as he considered
it worth 13 or 14 thousand dollars. Found a splendid house; a black
waiter; dined in the basement storey; silver forks. James drove me out
in a phaeton; called for my portmanteau, and then took me to another
part of the city; returned to tea, afterwards went to Niblos Gardens.
Had dinner and soon after getting home there was thunder and some rain.
Mrs. D. much as when in England, their little girl much indulged; did
not see the infant.