Rose at five, set off for Rockaway bathing place. The horse sadly
infested with flies which made it bleed in many places. Passed a large
swamp, and here first met with that troublesome insect the mosquito.
Arrived at 10; a very large hotel containing 186 rooms. Sat down and
read with much pleasure the remains of a Bolton Chronicle. Set off to
bathe; the sand beautifully white, the breakers very large in
consequence of the thunder and wind last night. Could hardly swim but
amused myself in standing against the breakers. Troubled with mosquitoes
and also a little pain in my ear, which had continued a day or two and
prevented me from going on my journey. At half past two music announced
dinner, the ladies were accompanied by the gentlemen. Found our places
at the entrance into the room being the last comers. A large bill of
fare particularly of wines; we had a bottle of claret and I ate a head
of corn, and relished it better than before. About 160 persons. After
dinner we had a pleasant ramble down the shore talking over old matters
at home. Returned to tea, again serenaded by music; then read from
English papers; walked in to see them dance: went to bed at half past
nine. At noon on the stage coming up one of the horses fell down,
overdone with fatigue and heat; got up and fell down several times and
died in about half an hour. A limit to their sufferings. Our room No.
155.