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Dunkirk Aug. 2 1851 Dunkirk Aug.2d/51 Dear Mother, Sister, brothers I am homeward bound; i.e. on my way to Westfield my temporary home, though fifteen miles east of it, at the terminus of the N York & E. Railroad, I must wait half a day for a boat, so will improve the time writing to you. I went to Zanesville three weeks ago, left that place on my return, night before last, in company with the Principal of the Seminary there, and his wife with whom I got acquainted there, - that has made the journey very pleasant - the first night the stage house was so crowded that I had to occupy the same chamber with them - two beds: it was new experience for me though they seemed to think nothing of it. I enjoyed my visit to Zanesville very much; The people are Southern in their cordiality and ready warmth of manners to strangers, very social and pleasant, unlike the stiff and stately reserve of most New Englanders, though most I saw there were originally from Yankee land. The city is on the east side of Muskingum, about ten thousand inhabitants, compactly built, looking timeworn, not so much from the effect of age, as dingy with coal smoke and dust and soot, which penetrates every where, blackening paint, paper, clothes, complexions; the little particles of soot falling upon every thing, when windows are open. Bituminous coal abounds in the vicinity and is the sole article of fuel. I ceased to feel this annoyance after a day or two, the people were so agreable (sic) and I passed my time so pleasantly. the view of the country around in every direction is delightfull, little