Madame finally decided to go up the North River. We left New York in the morning, were all day getting to Newburgh, and after a dull passage, although much delighted by the scenery up the river, I was glad to reach Mr. De Wint’s.

It is needless to go over a regular history of the five following days. Mr. De W.’s is a country residence prettily situated at Fishkill but subject like all other country residences to much dullness.1 Madame was very unwell during her whole stay and I was in constant terror. Rides, Writing letters home and a visit to West Point constituted all our entertainment. This last happened on Saturday, we dined there, saw Robert Buchanan and the spot which is admirably adapted for the purpose to which it is put. I dined at Mr. Christie’s, a country neighbor of Mr. De W.’s. To say that it was stupid would not express my idea of it at all. I am spoiled by our luxury here at home.

I believe every individual of the party was glad when on the afternoon of the seventh we found ourselves on board of the Safety Barge Lady Clinton1 winding up the river. I was much relieved, although I felt as if I was going farther and farther from rest, comfort and health. For I began to experience another attack of my old complaint. My spirits were somewhat relieved however by finding the Otis family on board and particularly Allyne, whom I had very little expectation of meeting. Although he never was one of my very cordial and intimate friends, it was owing to unfortunate traits of his character which for the sake of the rest I would gladly have expunged from it. And this rest was sufficiently good always to make him an agreeable acquaintance. I was more glad to see him than I had thought would be possible. We spent the rest of the evening in conversation. The boat was excessively crowded and I had a bed on the table, downstairs. Much sleep was out of the question.

We were glad when Albany presented itself to our view on Tuesday Morning.

My mother determined at Albany, upon the pressing solicitations of the Otis family, to join them at Ballstown Springs on the succeeding day. Dr. Huntt again found us, and brought a letter from my father which had but little ambiguity in it as to the propriety of this journey and which explained very fully the reasons of the preceding ones. But many of these last did not reach us until long after the proper time owing to the folly of Charles King at New York.1 Albany is an excessively dull place and combines filth and heat to a great degree. But it seems to be thriving and prosperous. As a situation for commercial advantages, it may be good, but nobody would ever wish to pass a whole day there a second time, when travelling merely for pleasure.2