I saw none of the family this morning before I left the City.1 Perhaps this is my last visit, and I look back upon scenes which convey to me the only associations of entire happiness which it has been my lot to meet with as yet in this world. Here my careless days have been passed when I have not felt that I had any cause for exertion and when futurity was not to me as it now is a source of dread. Although this last visit has not been like the former ones, it has still brought up to me many moments of happiness. The kindness of my Mother has compensated to me for many things. In her I have always had a friend, and although she could not feel entirely as I do, she could still produce a strong influence in soothing my moments of gloom.

Our passage to Baltimore was not remarkable for any thing. The day was lovely and the passengers in the Stage pleasant enough excepting that they were a little too much disposed to the discussion of political matter. We arrived at Baltimore in time for the Steam Boat and I launched off immediately to Philadelphia. I met on board Mr. Armstrong with whom I had been slightly acquainted formerly. He is going to Lima as a Commercial Agent.2 He introduced me to Lieut. Macauley of the Marine Corps,3 and we travelled during a rainy night in Company.

The rain ceased before morning and we found ourselves moving rapidly towards Philadelphia in a Cold North Westerly. Having arrived, I decided upon going on by the next boat and therefore only walked up into the City to examine whatever might be new. I walked to the Mansion House, met Quincy and had some conversation with him. Was quite surprised to see him away from the Law. I ordered myself a Coat at Watson’s1 which I thought I might obtain for my Wedding and then returned on board. Found Macauley who was going on. We went in the Trenton and had a tolerably favourable time though excessively jolted and bruised by our land transportation to Brunswick. We arrived in good season and Macauley and I took the same room.

Morning pleasant when we were called up to go on board of the Steam Boat to New York. I had not enjoyed a very good night’s rest but found myself in sufficiently good order to continue without complaint. The prevailing topic of conversation as we approach the City is the election and I was witness to a rather ludicrous scene in the Cabin where our Captain was haranguing for the administration. We arrived before ten and finding that I could go no further today, I was content to put up for twenty four hours at the City Hotel. This time I improved by calling upon Mrs. De Wint who made me visit a Mrs. Willett, a bride, because she did not know what to do with me. I felt awkwardly but it could not be helped. I then dined with Sidney Brooks and his wife, and Chardon. Abby had gone, though quite sick, on Wednesday, and the accounts here made me anxious to hasten. Our dinner was pleasant. I then walked with Sidney to the Store, spent a short time with him and finished the evening at the Bowery Theatre. My purpose was to see Madame Vestris1 dance, for which purpose I was compelled to drag through a very ranting performance of Richard the third. I used to like Booth.2 But either he or my taste [fol. 304] [fol. 304] [fol. 304] [fol. 304] 305has altered. It is long since I felt so thoroughly fatigued as I did this evening.