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5th page

 I dreaded this part of the journey much expected to be very sick, and have a tedious time, but it was not so;  the boat was as handsomely fitted and furnished as the "State of Maine'; a long ladies saloon with a piano in one end, and state rooms opening out of it all along my chum and I had a nice large clean state room to which we had the key; the water was very smooth I read and two books through enjoyed myself did not lose a meal till the last day-  the tables took up both saloons, and excellent fare we had, nuts, apples as large as my two hands, ice cream &c.  after dinner every day some one would play the piano, the two last evenings a German emigrant was found, deck passenger, who drew forth fine tones from the piano, and there was dancing till quite late;  there were five or six whole families removing to Wisconsin, besides many foreign emigrants, we were five days on the passage, kept the same boat, Captain very kind and attentive, stopped in St. Clair river to take in coal, and I went on shore in Michigan walked to a house- had a bouquet of flowers given me-- we were at Detroit at night only so I did not see it but the fort at the Straits of Mackinaw I had opportunity to see which was a great gratification.  It is built on an island on a very street high bluff; the boat stopped on hour & most of the passengers were up into the fort; it is in complete repair occupied by a small garrison, & overlook