had measured swords with, at a house where I stopped in my way from Owego to Bethany. In the afternoon Elder Commins preached on the subject of false prophets, to the great satisfaction of his hearers. 5th. Spoke at Quaker Lake at five P. M. 6th. Went on and slept at 'Squire Prices in my way to a Quarterly Meeting where I had appointed to meet Mr. Stocking. I read part of Elder Stern's Treatise on Speculative Freemasonry.-Stern is a Baptist minister who has renounced it. 7th. Went to a village called Vestal, where Mr Stocking's Quarterly meeting was to be held, and a new chapel to be opened. 8th. Quarterly meeting day, at eleven A. M. Mr. Agard, the presiding Elder spoke on Psalm cxxii. 1. I was glad when they said &c. In the afternoon Mr. Shepherd of Chenango point station, spoke on Psalm xxvii. 4. One thing have I desired &c. Mr. Agard Baptized a man and woman by laving water on their heads with his hand; also two children whom he took in his arms, and put water on their heads also. Lord's-day 9th. A love-feast at nine a. M. Afterwards Mr. Agard preached, and administered the Sacrament. Mr. S. published for me at five P. M. 1 spoke on John iv. 24. 11th. As I returned towards Bethany I spoke in the evening at New Millford (or Heydonville) in the School house. 12th. In the evening spoke at Gibson. At Mr. Williams' where 1 lodged, I read part of the publication on Freemasonry, by Elder Bernard, another Baptist Minister who also with hundreds of others hath left it since Morgan's and Allen's publications came out.. It seems strange, that any man professing religion, or having regard for morality, or modesty, should remain among such a fraternity! Freemasonry is no longer a secret, many in America have published an account of the System, and it is reported that the greatest blow of all is now preparing for them who still remain in America, by the late President of the United States. Their murdering Wm Morgan for writing his disclosure, has greatly excited the feelings of the country against them, so that it is become a disgrace to a person to be known to be one of such a base party. The few that remain are something like mice before a cat hiding in holes and corners ashamed to be known as Masons. 13th. As came on, I heard that Mr. Avery's trial was ended, and he acquitted.—This is one of the most mysterious cases, I have heard of for years. It is stated that the trial lasted 20 days,-that there were 146 witnesses on both sides. It has occupied a place in the Newspapers for many months. At first I thought him guilty, but after hearing the witnesses on his side, it appeared in a different light. Mr. Avery was a Methodist preacher travelling in Rhode Island State. A young woman was found hung who had been expelled from Society by him. In her box, it was said, a paper was found, saying if she was missing they should enquire of E. Avery. In her box also was found a letter appointing a meeting that evening, at or near the place where she was found dead,--on being opened she was found to be with child. He was examined and acquitted.-A clamour being raised against him, he was again arrested, -took his long trial-and acquitted again.-There are opposite opinions still but the great day will declare it. Americans, are wisely, and humanely sparing of life.Doubtless the most civilized nation in the world; they are wise and gentle. In some countries persons have been put to death on circumstanstial evidence, and afterwards proved innocent but the judge could not again bring them to life. Americans require positive evidence to kill. I came on part way with a young man, whose father and mother, he told me, were Mormonites.* He said a Mr. Harris of Montrose was a prophet among them,that he was travelling, and before he left his home he divided his substance with his wife whom he had left be * A new religious sect, who profess to have found a new Bible through the revelation of an angel, engraven on gold plates; and when copied they were ordered to bury them again. Joseph Smith of the State of New York, near the great Bend, is their foreman. hind, taking with him 6,000 dollars, and leaving 6,000 with her. Being thirsty I called at a farm house, near MountPleasant, where an Episcopal Methodist lived, and had some milk to drink, for which the woman charged two cents. Night coming on, and an appearance of rain, I stopped short of Bethany five or six miles at a Tavern: soon after I got in it thundered and rained heavily. 14th. After breakfast when I was about to go, the woman refused taking any thing for my entertainment, perhaps considering travelling to do good to others. I do not know that she ever made any profession of religion however I could not help noticing the contrast between the two women. CHAP. XV. From Bethany to New York city, by the canal; rate of travelling, account of some interesting persons. My wife, previous to my leaving Ohio, had arranged with my daughter, who kept school at Bethany, as well as with our other children, to live all together in the city of New York while I went to England; and as there were household goods at Bethany to be taken on, I went that way to see it safe, as well as to make some arrangements with our daughters who were there, concerning our affairs. 17th. Captain Hall's waggon took the goods to Honesdale, gratis ;-he having before the canal broke down, offered to do so. The kindness of the Americans, generally, can scarcely be described, when they have proved persons to be deserving; but they are cautious before. 18th. About three P. M. the boat started. For the information of a traveller who may have to pass this way, it may be of service, to state the rate of carriage. The open coal boats carry west, that is, from Bolton to Honesdale, in their empty boats much cheaper than the Packet boats, that only carry merchandise and passengers. The Packet boats charge five dollars and quarter per ton, inluding toll. The toll is two dollars and sixteen cents per ton, and then there is left 3 dollars and 9 cents for the boat-hire 104 miles. The coal men have one dollar and half per ton for carrying coals from Honesdale to Bolton; and from Bolton back, goods or passengers, as they can make the bargain. Passengers each way by the packet boats, where they have a cabin, fire, &c. a cent a mile. I went on with Captain Bidwell of Honesdale, an acquaintance of mine, a clever man in business. I can recommend him to any traveller. I had a pleasant passage, the weather being fine, I could sit or walk on deck, and sometimes walk on land. About four miles from Honesdale being thirsty, and coming to a lock-house, I went in to get some water. There I found a very interesting woman who had some verses of her own composing, on the cutting of the canal. Also another copy on General Jackson the President. She was a plain woman, of little education, living in a lonely place among the woods: but possessed a poetic gift of no mean stamina, as I think the following sample will witness.-The Americans are keen and witty in general living in a land of liberty, sitting under their own vine and figtree without fear and perplexity how to raise Tythes and Taxes, is it to be thought strange, that their spirits should be more vigorous, than the poor burdened priest-ridden English? : LINES composed concerning the Delaware and Hudson Canal and Rail Road, and benefits arising therefrom to this country at large -May, 1830. Come all you men of wisdom, Beside these lofty Mountains You may behold with pleasure Say is it not a wonder That this has taken place, Commercial navigation Commenced through such a place ; Boats passing and repassing Once we should have thought When monied men are at the helm, Will not this be a blessing And every honest labouring mad The produce of the Farmer For every thing he has to spare And waiting for his money Lumber, for building houses Also, is in demand, And Brick, and Stone, and Morter, And Lime, and Hair, and Sand. And every spoke within it now Neat villages are building And settlements all along the line, Now all of this is owing Are neither few nor su all |