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     Made arangements to retire early to make up for the lack of sleep last night. Got my coat off when Cook came down to get some milk said "they had come" Meaning his wife and children I waited for the milk and took it up found them all as natural as could be excep Lib was very thin and poor. Ella knew me and such a hugging and kissing as she gave me I have not head since I left Sophia I think Hatta recollects me but we did not get acquainted so as to talk much. I gave some milk undressed her and got her to sleep. Lib was tired out she was so anxious to get here after she started  She changed conveyance as often as I was obliged to when I cam. At Belleview twelve miles below by land but near thirty by the river she learned the boat would not reach Omaha that night and she could not think of being another night on the boat. So a conveyance was found by one of the passengers a Mr. Barkalow, a brother deacon in the same church with Mr Cook, and they rode up by land taking Cook very much by surprise when he was at supper at his boarding house. Cook having his house all in readiness they drove there at once bought some bread I took up milk and commenced house keeping the first meal. At about ten I returned to the Generals and went to bed

     Four brick columns of the Capitol and the brick work which rested on them fell just at night. the cause I have not yet learned presume however the weight was to great for the columns. It will cost a Number of thousand dollars to repair the damage

     Friday, 14  Dark cloudy and lowry day  Helped Cook put up shelving and regulate  I seemes still more like home to see lib and the children here

     Received letters from Mr. Myers Irwin and my sister Sarah. In Sarah's letter which was written the 5^th in which she says "Frank wrote me last Wednesday that Mate would start for O in ten days" Hear again I heare in a round-about way something which I should have understood fully if the letter Frank wrote me had not been miscarried. I was in hopes it would turn up yet. It is now so late it probably never will and tomorrow or Monday I shall probably receive another as it will then be time to get an answer from one I wrote complaining of delay which has annoyed me for near a month.

     Saturday 15 -- Weather same as yesterday  No mail from the East. Steamers "Watassa" "Hesperian" and "Alonzo Child" in this evening. The Alonzo Child was not expected until tomorrow (Sunday) night in that case she would not have left until Monday noon when Mr Tuttle and a number of others would would be ready to go, together with myself provided the letter I am expecting should arrive  As it is she will go down in the morning and we must await the next chance. The Alonzo Child is a superior boat and Makes good time

     About dark a thunder storm came up and it rained in torrents and when we went to bed the storm seemed at its height. But what is most unusual here during a thunder storm there is no wind the thunder and lightning makes up for that. The storm is becoming to terriffic for me to write and I will turn in and see if I can sleep.

     Sunday Morning Aug 16, 1857  Such a terriffic night as has just passed I never in my life have experienced an hour after going to bed the storm seemed to doubled its violence. The rain did not seeme to come in drops but come down in a body so that the ground looked like a lake. roof siding and brick walls seemed to be of little use as the rain came in until it was near an inch in depth on the floor. The lightning was one continual blaze and the thunder come clapp after clapp seeming to roll across the roof of the house while it shook and trembled in every timber. Every instant I feared the house would tumble as I beleived the lightning was strikeing in every direction around us and the next we all feared would strike the house. The storm continued thus for about an hour when it subsided to a respectable thunder storm such as we have east. the sesation was only to get a fresh start when it come on again and so it continued during the whole of last night and did not cease raining until after daylight.  I cannot conceive where all the watter could have been got that fell last night. The first effect of the lightning discovered this morning was on the Capitol one of the columns and the work it supported had been struck and leveled with earth. There is undoubtedly other serious injuries that we shall see when we go out around. We all thought our chances slim last night, but have come out right. Afternoon find no further damage from lightning walls of buildings have fallen and settled and cellars filled with water causing great destruction of property

     Monday 17  No letters today except one from Cousin Jennie in Indiana. I have decided to wait no longer for the letter than until the first boat when I shall go letter or no letter  I can travail almost as cheap as I can remain here and I have now no business but to wait. Walked up to Saratoga this after noon. Another column of the Capitol fell today weather cool and pleasant

     Tuesday 18  Still no letter or boat and it is the hardest kind of work to wait when one is all ready to go. Yesterday and today people have been very busy in putting up lightning rods I think there has been a hundred put up since the last storm

     Wednesday 19.  Letters from wife and Frank today all satisfactory. Rode up to Saratoga and back with Mr. Tuttle in the forenoon  Afternoon wrote letters. No boat yet in sight we are at this time longer without a boat than we have been since the boats commenced running this season The time seems long and moves slow. One year ago this night I left Buffalo the first time to come Omaha.

     Thursday 20 -- Still no boat up today. The "Dan Converse" running between this point and Sioux City is down to-day and may go on to St. Louis in the moning she is a small cockkle-shell of a stern wheeler I shall however be tempted to take passage on her the fare will be no more and if the time is longer shall get more corn and bacon and bed-bugs and no extra charges.

     Friday 21. -- Nine o'clock this morning rode up with Mr Griffin three miles to his farm had a good supply of mellons. received directions to purchase and forward seeds and trees. After dinner walked back to Omaha. found no boats up. The "Dan Converse" however was just ready to leave would wait

half hour hurried up to F. Gridley & Co's Bank and got a money package I was to take east dodged into Cooks, to say I was off and away I went Tuttle taking my things to the boat. In an hour after my mind was made up I was on board bag and baggage and at quarter after four' we shoved off into the "big Muddy" once more to try the uncertanty of this treacherous river. It was with feelings of deep regret that I saw the city fade in the distance. I have seldom been in a place I have formed such an attachment for as Omaha  The evening was delightful and we sped down with the current rapidly laying up for the night at a wood yard a mile below Plattsmouth on the Iowa side. Our supper was hard and did not tell well for the first meal.

     Saturday 22 -- At daylight got under way and returned to Plattsmouth for passengers remained two hours went three miles and run upon a sand-bar where we remained until after 4 o'clock P. M. when the Packet "Watossa" running between St. Joseph and Omaha came along and was hailed to takon three of our number who were disposed to abandon the "Dan Converse"  We had all of us worked more or less to help get off the boat but seemingly to no effect  The captain of the Watossa came on board and from him we learned what we had previously began to fear that the chances were against our getting of at all as the boat had run into the wrong channel or what seamed to be the channel and passed over barrs which rubed hard with the current to assist the water had fallen and to get back seemed impossible  add to this the Converse had her last stick of wood under the boilers and her miserable fare had almost starved us. As fast as the Watossa's small boat could carry them the passengers left the "Dan Converse" to the number of over forty leaving but about fifteen on board who I think will be obliged to abandon at last. The boat was poorly manned and only wanted to get to St. Louis to be delivered to her creditors. Some of the passengers on the Dan Convers had paid only to St Josephs, ten dollars, while others myself among the number had paid to St. Louis, Twenty dollars. Not one dime would the Captain refund. all plead and expostulated with him but to no effect  It was thought best however to leave and loose what we had paid. I was personally acquainted with the clerk and when he saw me leaving he called me into the office and on his own responsibility paid me back ten dollars with the injunctions of secrecy from the other passengers

     All that were disposed being aboard the Wotossa we left a cord of wood for the "Dan convers" and went on our way like a racer

     The contrast from the Dan Convers to the Watossa was like changing from life on the plains to the Astor or St. Nicholas N. Y. Although smaller than the Dan Convers the Watossa was a perfect palace, and the supper we got, which was ready as we went aboard, had an injurious effect on some of the passengers who pertook too freely trying to make up for their fasting on the Dam Converse

     The Watosa only running to St Joseph we could only pay to that point the price was the same as from Omaha, ten dollars making double fare. We made a fine run the balance of the day. At night we were many of us obliged to

take a matrass on the floor but they were clean and without bugs while on the Dan Converse we found bed bugs on the table cloth at supper even

     Sunday 23 -- Got an early start had a delightfull day being cloudy we could occupy the Hurricane deck and the ever changing views were charming. We laid up within thirty miles of st Joseph. This evening was introduced to Mrs. Bloomer of the Bloomer Costume who resides at Council Bluffs. is on her way to Seneca falls N. Y. on a visit had an interesting conversation of an hour when I took my mattress and straighend out on the Cabin floor

     Monday 24  The fog this morning prevented our getting under way until eight o'clock so that we did not reach St Josephs until eleven o'clock two hours too late for the packet three boats had left this morning had the fog not detained us we would have been in time to have made a good bargain as the three boats were in opposition

     The Captain of the Watossa who is a perfect gentleman, at a very little solicitation, took us to Weston sixty miles further where we found the Cataract of the Lightning line  This line runs boats daily between Weston and Jefferson City and connects with the R. R. to St Louis fare through $13. Some twenty of our number took passage on the Cataract when the Watossa decided to go ten miles further to Leavenworth City the balance continued on to Leavenworth. The Cataract is a mail boat and must leave Weston on time which is tomorrow afternoon half past three. We were Late on the Cataract but they got us up a supper after which I took a stroll up town. This is the place where the little girl was burried this spring on my upward trip. Retired to bead early

     Tuesday 25  Beleive this is wife's birthday. After Breakfast took my cane and note book to reconnoitre between Weston an Leavenworth City distance by land seven and half miles  Crossed the ferry at Weston into Kansas and had a Most delightful walk to Leavenworth City through a delightful region of country stoped at Fort Leavenworth on the route the soldiers were on parade it was a fine sight  Reached Leavenworth City about eleven A. M. rested a short time and then examined the town it is in my opinion one of the best points on the river and must be a great city unless their high prices kill it

     Here I learn the Watossa overtook one of the boats from from St. Joseph. The "D. A. January" who took the Watassas passengers but did not leave until about nine o'clock this morning so we shall be in St Louis probably a day a head of it as It runs through and we cut off 174 miles by R. R. It is now about half past three and it is probable the Catteract will be along soon. I have spent the last hour writing up my Diary, and to Cook in the office of the "Kansas Herald"

     At 5 o'clock the Cataract came along and I was again rushing down the Big Muddy at more than ordinary speed we made Kansas City and laid up for the night.

     Wednesday 26 -- A fine day. we made good time, 190 miles intended to reach Glasgow ten miles farther but at dark we run on a sand bar and was late before we got off. Had a thunder shower this evening

     Thursday 27 -- Another fine day. Made Jifferson City in time for the train with half hour to spare. The cars left at two o'clock P. M. with a full load of passengers mostly like myself eager to join their families. If I ever enjoyed or fully realized a seat in the cars it was on this occassion  The sensation was very much like that felt in coming in sight of the old home one has not seene for years. But as he now beholds it in the distance he almost fancies he sees the smiling faces and grasps the friendly hands he has so long been seperated from. Yes the sensation experienced on taking a seat and getting under motion once more on the Cars was like being within sight of home and friends. true it is a thousand miles yet, but what is a thousand miles by railroad, distance is annihilated and we cannot realize it. I feele I am now almost home  Nine o'clock at night found me comfortable located in that best of homes for the traveler The Barnum House  Its superior cannot be found in the country

     As soon as we got into St Louis I could notice the difference in the air we breathed. to me directly from the praries of nebraska where the air is pure and wholesom, it seemed almost stifling and as the omnibus went around from house to house, delivering passengers, through filthy streets and lanes, I was forsed to hold my handkerchief to my nose, to prevent the stench from sickening me. Undoubtedly I should not have noticed it had I come directly from Buffalo. But I had now got weaned from the delicious odor of a city

     Friday 28 -- The money I brought for Mr Gridley all had to be exchanged at this place which kept me busy until the cars were about to leave. I was in time however to take the morning tran at eleven o'clock, and reached Sandoval quarter before two P. M. Checked my baggage down to Centralia and there being no cars for a number of hours I walked down and reached Hatts at a little before four. Found them all well and pleased as well as surprised to see me. the first question was where is Mate and the children supposing I was from the East and they with me. Before going to Harriets I stoped at the post office and got a letter from Mate under date of the 20th. Harriet and Charlotte have much to say about my rusty appearance. they say I look so black and forlorn they are ashamed of me. I have not worn a cravat for two or three months. I will try and get civilized by the time I reach Cooperstown

     Saturday 29 -- Received a letter from Br. Frank devoted the forenoon to writing. afternoon tended baby while Harriet done me some washing. Bailey and Tom went out last night on the train to return tonight again

     Sunday, 30 --Visited with Bailey and Thomas. have decided to leave here tonight half past nine so as to get into Chicago in the forenoon and leave the same Evening should I wait until tomorrow and go up on the train with Bailey and Thomas it would bring me into Chicago at midnight.

     Had a supper of boiled prarie chickens which was the greatest luxury I have had this season. The conductor on the train I was to go out on called here this evening. Said he would fix me through to Chicago

     Chicago Monday 31 -- Arrived here on time ten minutes before nine A. M. had a pleasant night slept some. Found Mr. Lyman who was pleased to see me took dinner and supper with him. Here I learn that the Reciprocity Bank

of Buffalo closed its doors last Saturday. every dollar I have is on that bank it is not much but sufficient to pay my fair to Buffalo. I must try my chances. A report is in circulation here respecting Mr. Brayman which astonishes me. Mr Lyman thinks I am looking like a pioneer

     Lake Erie on board Steamer Mississippi Tuesday Sept 1, 57  again I am rejoiced at being on the clear waters of this beautiful Lake the contrast from the muddy watters of the Missourie is delightful. I think at this time and for the sake of a little variety I would like to have a little bit of a gale on the lake. There is however no prospects as the air is still and the sky clear

     Last evening the cars left at 8 o'clock When The conductor came along I gave him my check for my baggage and told him how I was situated and I would fix it in Detroit Which I did do on seeing Mr Frazer. On reaching Marshal this morning before daylight we were two hours behind time. Two miles after leaving marshal one of the driving wheels of the Locomotive came off and we were obliged to send back to Marshal for a Locomotive to come and draw us into Marshal then go out again and bring in the crippled engine this detained us four hours so we did not reach Detroit until one o'clock P. M. when we were due seven o'clock A. M. We were however fortunate in having the Captain of the Steamer on the cars so the boat did not leave until our arrival  At 2 o'clock P. M. we were driving down the clear waters of Detroit river and by the time dinner was over we were out into the lake ploughing toward Buffalo

     I learn today on the boat that the Hollister Bank and White's Bank both of Buffalo have failed. Can't tell how true it is I say blessed be nothing

     We have had a delightfull evening which has been enjoyed by large number of passengers who remained out on deck enjoying moonlight on the water. At nine o'clock dancing was commenced and I retired.

     Wednesday -- 2^d  Got up after a good nights sleep at six o'clock found we were still some thirty miles out  A slight fog and the smoke of the city so enveloped it we could not get a vew of the town until we rounded the light house. I remained on the boat until all the passengers had left watching for my cane which had been stolen on the boat  was not successfull in finding it. Took my satchel in hand and walked slowly up the familliar streets to Irwins store found all seemingly pleased to see me. Breakfasted and read letters returned from Omaha and one from Br. Frank and wife received this morning answered letters and made a few calls during the forenoon. Afternoon made some business calls, among which was one on the Turner Brothers passed by our house on Niagara Street. Did it not look familiar? the door stood open and I was almost tempted to go in. I looked in vain for wife and children, they came not to greet me  My friends seeme all rejoiced to see me and overwhelm me with questions. All have their remarks to make one says "you look like a returned Calafornian" another "you are a regular border ruffian in earnest" all agree in saying I look thin. I am afflicted with boils sufficient to make any one look thin

     The city looks close and cluttered to me. I presume that is owing to my having been where they give more scope to the streets and lay out cities on a

more Magnificient scale and dont build their houses so high or close together. I did not think I looked quite so much like a ruffian until I got here to Buffalo where I find every one with their best clothes on and their faces and hands look as though they had been out to bleach

     Lib and Sister Sarah took pity on me soon after I arrived, one mended up my coat while the others took some oil and a comb and tried to limber up and put my hair in shape  Irwin let me wear one of his cast off hats, and thus attired I looked about half civilized I think by the time I get to Cooperstown I shall begin to look natural and become civilized so that my family may not disown me.

     Spent this evening standing in the door of Irwins store watching the people as they pass more particularly the Ladies. they look very interesting. I had almost become so accostomed to being a widower that I saw little or nothing to attract my attention between the sexes I now however, where there are so many facinating creatures pasing every moment, am not quite as insensible to the difference and feele quite an in-clination in favor of the ladies

     Irwin has been so full of his jokes and fun aided by Robert that I am myself again and feele like quite a different man have been so longe alone, no wife children or relation to speak with  I had become so Morose and mopish I was not my natural self  I think I will now fat up if I can get rid of my Boils. I find Irwin looking better than I have ever seen him. his business is good, and he is cherfull, and now knows how to manage the business with ease.

     Thursday 3 -- Did not sleep well last night owing to the pain of a boil which bid fair to be a severe one after breakfast went over to Dr. Grays had him drive a lance into it less than an inch and then burn it with an acostic it felt fine for a short time hope it will kill it with the aid of poltices

     Spent the forenoon in business connected with the house and lot. Afternoon went out to Cold Springs by way of Niagara, Virginia, Ninth and Cottage streets in company with Robert. Met Mrs. Hodge and Mrs House on Delaware St. near the church going a visiting. They were rejoiced to see me passed on to the house wher Joseph met me on the sidewalk and made such a nois Sarah come out to see what was the matter  Had a pleasant hour and as many pears as I could eat. Find their new house up the first story. Great changes are going on  Mr Wackermons house is up as well as Mr Huns the latter is finished. It made me feele lonesome to see the improvements all of which are attributed, and I think justly, to my moveing into the neighborhood.

     They have commenced paving Main st to Cold Spring the tax on the lot my house was on will be about $400. It will be a good investment

     Called on Mrs Halbert. found there a widow of one of Mr. Halberts Brothers or cousins her maiden name was Estabrook a cousin of Gen. Estabrook of 0maha. She was pleased to meet me so recently from where her cousin resided. Returned to Irwin's in time for a supper of broild chicken

     Friday -- 4 -- Found qute a number ready to negotiate for the house and lot on Niagara street. ther terms do not however suit me. Received a letter from the Turner Brothers which was returned to me from Omaha. said letter

contains a proposition which I shall accept if I can do no better. Suffered severely from my boil all day. Received a letter from Frank

     Saturday -- 5 -- Figured considerable about the house and lot but as yet have come to no terms with any one I have a week left still to operate in a few will get disappointed I can assure them.

     Sunday 6 -- Quite cool this morning spent the forenoon in writing afternoon took a stroll with Irwin up Niagara st and across to Mr. Vanduze's where we took tea, per invitation from Mr and Mrs V. extended to me in person this morning by Mr. V. We had a very pleasant walk and chat about old times, present times and the future got home just at dusk when Irwin and his wife, Miss Myers and Myself took a walk down to the steamboat landing. this is the first time I have walked out with the Ladies in Six Months

     I find Buffalo desecrates the Sabath as much as any western town I ever heard of. This noon a fire company come from N. Y. on the Cars. when they were met by one of this city companies and paraded the streets with a band of music, and drawing their Engine. This shocked me, in New orleans it might do. If the papers are not down on it I am mistaken

     Monday 7 -- Have had a busy day in negotiating with parties about the House and lot.  took Mr Hotchkiss up to look at it. It did not look like my home or as my home does when my wife presides. Found the grapevine as full as it could hold  it is a sight worth looking at. Called this afternoon at Mrs. Brown's to see Mrs. Meachem she was on a visit to Albany. Feele rather lonesome this evening but not as much so as I did at times in Omaha  Am still visiting with Irwin will be a boarder as soon as I get employment.

     Tuesday 8 -- Figured up my expencs for traveling the last year and find I must hold up as all is now gone and I have no hopes. Believe it my best plan to take the $15. it would cost me to go to Cooperstown and use it to get to living again. Nothing new today

     Wednesday 9 -- Still figuring about the house and lot but as yet no sale. Got the blues some

     Thursday 10 --Letters from Frank and Mate. Thought I had the bues yesterday but give it up did not know what the blues was.

     Friday 11. -- Sold ten Dollars Reciprocity Money for five dollars currant. My 36^th berthday and the most unpleasant one I ever recollect to have passed.

     Saturday 12 --New costomers for the house and lot no sale however as yet.

     Sunday 13. Received letter from Brother Frank  Heard some unpleasant news

     Monday 14  This day visited the orphan Assylum and County poor house. At quarter past eleven at night took the cars en route to Coperstown

     Tuesday 15 -- Reached Fortplain at 8 o'clock A. M. started immediately on foot towards Cooperstown. Six miles from Fort Plain met Wife and Irwin coming in a buggy after me. Arrived at Cooperstown two o'clock P. M.

     16, 17, 18, & 19  Spent in visiting and figuring up some business for the winter.

     Sunday 20 -- Walked up to the old homestead in company with Br. Frank some of the way rainy. Irwins 10th birth day the first spent in this place where he was born.

     Monday 21 -- Figured with Mr. Bolls about engaging for the winter in selling patent rights for Camera Box. a supposed improvement for the Deguereon operator

     Tuesday 22 -- Started at Seven o'clock A. M. with Br. Frank for Franklin to visit our Mother and Sister. Stoped at a hop yard on the East side of the Susquehanna one or two miles below Milford Village and took in Cornelia Armstrong. Arrived in Franklin village about two o'clock P. M. found our mother quite low but recovering from an attack of dysentery which had come near proving fatal. concidering all things we had a pleasant visit

     Wednesday 23 --Left Franklin village on our return about 10 o'clock A. M. Dined at Oneonta with friend Pick  Left Cornelia where we found her and reached Cooperstown Six in the evening

     Thursday 24 -- Experimented in taking views with the Patent camera box preparatory to going out selling patents

     Friday and Saturday 25 & 26 -- Not important

     Sunday, 27 -- Rode up to Father Penningtons and took dinner took up Mate and Sophia. Irwin remained at home on account of a boil on his face. Evening walked out with Frank and Cockett.

     Monday 28 --Wife and children left in the noon stage for Alden N. Y. en route to Buffalo. Afternoon very lonesome,

     Tuesday, 29 -- Experimented with the Patent Camera Box.

     Wednesday, 30 -- Otsego County Agricultural Fair assisted Brother Frank in his store. Had a very busy day of it and a good trade. received $1.50 for my services, being sufficient to pay stage fare to Railroad.

     Thursday, Oct. 1 -- First frost of the season at this place, ice formed in the washbasin out of doors. Walked out of town at seven o'clock was soon overtaken by the stage. was the only passenger the first ten miles. The sun rose clear and soon dispelled the fog that hung over the Lake. The ride along the west side of the lake was delightfull. Still it reminded me strongly of the time I left Cooperstown ten years previous in the Month of December, with a view -- if the place suited me -- of taking up my residence in Buffalo. At that time I was the only passenger the entire route to Fort Plain  It was in the midst of a thaw and no snow on the ground The roads were in such condition it was not deemed safe to use the Coach, and a lumber waggon was substituted. In the center of this waggon I took my seat the lone passenger, some of the way moving at a snail pace at others going at a breakneck speed. all day through a drizzling rain  At Cooperstown I was leaving Father, Mother, Brothers, sisters wife and baby, the baby not three months old. But young as it was, it was one of the motive powers that indused me to try a new home. And it was with a sad heart that I crossed the susquehanna on that morning (the road on the east side of the lake was not then completed) not knowing when if ever I should recross it to visit my friends and native place. The convenianc of

travel as well as the expence has greatly changed for the benefit of the traveler since that time, and I cannot recollect the number of times I have since visited Cooperstown at all seasons of the year and under varied circumstances sometimes on business of a commercial nature, sometimes to meet with my Brothers and Sisters to gladden the hearts of our parents, sometimes with my family and at one time to follow my Fathers remains to the grave.

     The past ten years has been full of changes with me and I feel very much as I did ten years ago when I left Cooperstown not knowing if I should ever be called on business or by my own inclination again to return.  My friends and relatives have become scattered and I am myself out of business and unsettled and may take up my residence in the far west.  In all the visits I have made to C. during the last ten years, I have never left the place as I did at that time until this day. The only passenger in the Coach. This fact has tended to make me feele sad and gloomy and to ruminate on the past. At about 8 o'clock I bid adieu to Lake Otsego and sooner than I expected we wheeled up to the Hotel at Hallsville there we took in more passengers and my train of thought was changed

End of the Diary    

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