Called at four. Took up a gentleman who proved to be an English Catholic
priest, very intelligent and pleasant. Soon got on the railway, a
pleasant ride through the forest, got a glass of milk; breakfasted at
Tuscarora, 25 cents. Passed Tamaqua, where a Catholic chapel had lately
been erected; my companion the minister. Travelled through a narrow path
covered with brushwood; came to the summit where an immense mass of coal
is worked like an open stone quarry; the coal is taken away on rails to
Mauch Chunk and then by canal to Philadelphia, etc., etc. The waggon and
cars are let down by one man who can move a drag upon each by means of a
connecting rope, and the mules also ride down to draw up the empty
waggons. Descended in 45 minutes 40 miles. Mauch Chunk most romantically
situated at the foot of the mountains almost overhanging the town. Left
my friend the priest. Arrived at Lehigh Gap 1/4 past 2, an interesting
drive, changing sides with the canal and river. One of the old greys
like that yesterday, made a few false steps. We now left the canal and
river; a surly driver, near losing my coat; some walnuts; a good deal of
Dutch spoken in this neighbourhood. Arrived at Easton 1/4 past seven.
Finding no direct conveyance to Trenton and that the fare to
Philadelphia is only one dollar, I have agreed to go to Philadelphia.
Paid for supper and bed 50 cents. Got to bed at 8.