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52 Monday Apr 21st

   a very pleasant day - in the morning I went fishing with a class-mate from Keokuk - we had "Fisherman's luck - neither of us caught even so much as a bite this rather lowered my ambitiion for this kind of sort - in the evening took a walk up the river with Prof Dalhoff - this closed the entertainments of the day. -

Tuesday Apr 22d

   Nothing going on to day - - I give below a copy of a letter sent to my good friend Lyman Smith Esq -

Being on the eve of starting from this to native land, (That's the point that I now wish that you should fully understand) I wish to make my promise good to you, and I'm in time. This just makes out my number which you know was Fiftynine. And first I'll treat of health, and strength, and spirits (rather high) All other things of less import. I'll tell you bye and bye. my health is good, and much improved, since the time you saw me last. My strength, I'm getting Samson like, and flesh, I'm gaining fast. My Spirits high, my thoughts just now I think inclined to roam. But the reason I presume to be - because I'm going home - I think of friends, and kindred, - of all those Ladies fair. I feel and trust in Providence that I shall soon be there, Kind friend, since last we parted, and shook each others hand, I've travelled eighteen hundred miles through this great Yankee land. And sights, and wonders, of all kinds have passed before my eyes. Which led me to reflections that I hope may make me wise. I've seen "Niagara Falls [?Mam?]" - and heard the mighty roar of the water s as they rush down where - Sam Patch - in days of yore, "Tis said did take that fatal leap - and ne'er was heard of more. I've seen the great Suspension Bridge - that mighty work of man. Which forms a grand connecting link - "Tween Vic and Uncle Sam. It makes one feel as they ride on - high in the air suspended - That should the smallest wire give out - their days on earth were ended From thence I took the great R.R. that runs through Vic's domain Where her most loyal subjects do her royal state maintain. The cars were filled with Bloody Dutch - and French Cannes by scores. and emigrants from every port - along our eastern shores. The sights and wonders here beheld - seemed not to please my eyes But made more than e'er before - a monarchy despise - The point when next I landed - was a city called Detroit. I know not what 'tis noted for great deed or high exploit