Ann West • 2 januari 1832

• Ann West (1801/2-1842) was een Britse huismoeder die in 1831 met haar gezin naar de Verenigde Staten emigreerde. Ze hield een dagboek bij over de bootreis. Hieronder het laatste fragment hieruit, over het eind van de reis.

1832 January 1st
To the Baptist Church. Got all ready for starting Monday. Two sleighs took in our baggage at half past five, to the steamboat office. Starting in a beautiful steamboat. At seven, breakfast on board. A great many passengers. Reached Amboy half past ten. Stage to Kingston. Sleigh to Trenton. Stage to Philadelphia. Arrived about ten. Took tea at Inn, where coach stopped. Put the children to bed with their clothes on, as we had to start at four next morn.

2
Up at half past twelve. Started in a vehicle which they call a sleigh, like a long showcase. We are knocked and jolted fifty miles. Gave the children some hot bread and milk. Then got in a stage. Ten passengers more outside. Obliged to get out to get coach and sleigh over river. Went to good fires, then another coach a few miles, then a sleigh. A few more gentlemen obliged to turn out, and push behind, to get the horses over the bridge. The coachman found they could not get on. He said, "Gentlemen we must have wheels again. This shall be the last changing." It was getting dark, a barren place. We went in an ordinary tavern. A good fire. Four or five women quite enraptured with the children. "Never saw such dears --- so much alike – such rosy cheeks --- so near of a size." They asked numberless questions. Started again in a coach. Arrived in Baltimore at eleven. They could not take us in, where the coach stopped, as the box man said. The housekeeper and son were gone to bed. We sat down by a hot stove, in the coach office. A gentleman gave the children and me a glass of lemonade. Thomas went to look for night lodgings. He was gone a long time, as most of the boarding houses and taverns were shut. The road being so bad made the coach late. At last Thomas returned. Found a Mr. Baker, in South St. We took our night clothes and children’s and off we set. Thomas carried Emma, and I trudged on with the rest. It was very cold and slippery. We passed the house. Could not find it. Poor children cried with cold. They saw a light. They said, "Perhaps they will let us stay here." The watchman heard us trying to comfort them, and directed us to Mr. Baker’s. It was passed twelve. We found him and two black servants waiting for us. They paid us every attention. Had some cold roast beef. Some gin and water, and went to bed, tired enough. Next morn, the breakfast bell rang before we were out of bed. The children had been awake some time, as merry as possible. I opened my eyes and saw a great black servant going across the room. We were quickly set down to an excellent breakfast. So many things, I cannot remember. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are very kind people. Mr. Baker was delighted with the children. Sent for a merchant to look at them. Amelia recited her pieces. He was much pleased with them. Mr. Baker went to the coach office with Thomas. The landlord at the Inn was Mr. Baker’s father. We told them, we should like a snack at twelve, as we should leave at one. We had roast duck, boiled fowl, sausages, mince pie, boiled Indian corn, etc. At one the coach called for us, and we reached Georgetown very comfortably, a little after six, at Mr. and Mrs. Claxton’s. They had been looking for us many weeks. Received us very kindly. We have been to a party at Mr. Wright’s. Spent a day at Washington. Had many invitations. The inhabitants appear very kind. Think we shall like the country very well. Have seen the Capital Washington. A most delightful place.