Left Towanda 1/4 before six, a misty morning; the road lined with walnut
and oak trees and the wild vine; only myself in the stage. Enquired if
no mistakes in the charge for bed and tea, said it was the usual charge.
Crossed over the Sugar Mountain so called because of so many maples; one
part of the walk very disagreeable through ferns and over old trees and
all this before breakfast. Arrived at Cherrytown village half past one,
without any food for man or beast since setting out, luckily I got a
draught of milk; the passengers three young people who had been at a
wedding. Had a most excellent breakfast and dinner, good coffee all for
25 cents. This stage 4 horses 21 miles, six times a week, one of the
horses has done it 9 years. Not much of a prospect from the summit on
account of the trees. A Northumbrian living at the top said America was
the place for a poor man; 5 or 6 families came out before him, and only
one had failed; and he had property. In some parts ascending the
mountain the very worst road I have seen, one of the poor horses lost a
shoe, but could have no help till we got to the end, 21 miles: arrived
soon after eight, the horse being much less lame than could have been
expected. At Columbus our crazy coach had to be girded as it had to go
over a very dangerous ridge. We got safe to Berwick at 1/2 past 12, got
coffee 25 cents; passage 1-3/4 dollars.