A Journal of
the most remarkable
Procedings, Studies
& Observations.
Kept
By Erastus Root.
"Tempus est breve, et brevis hominum
vita,
dum memoria artium thesauros."
"Virtus auro est melius, et mors
finis miseriae."
"Sed fugit, interea, fugit irreparible tempus."
1t. October A.D. 1815
& 40th Of the Independence
of the U.S.A.
Journal &c.
It was the sayings of a wise man,
that, "there is not one hour in the life
of man that is exactly the same with
another during the whole course of his
life from the cradle to the grave".
New objects, circumstnaces and sit-
uations; new passions, ideas emotions
and passions blended together ac-
cording to their different shades and
order of succession and producing fan-
cies hopes and fears in endless variety,
render human life the most variegated
as well as the most fleeting scene
with which we are acquainted in the
whole circle of nature. As the power
of language is unable to arrest &
describe the mixed emotions of the
mind at the moment they pass;
so it if [is] far less fitted to recall them
at pleasure, but if we cannot cloth [clothe] in
language; and mark down the va-
rious sentiments and feelings, that
occupy our minds in different times
2.
and situations, it is our power,
in some measure to make up for
this deficiency, by recording the objects
that occasioned them; and the diaries
in which these are comprehended, afford,
at least, to him who takes the troub-
le of making them, a very curious
and interesting subject of both enter-
tainment and improvement.
Being over twenty five years
of age, and altho' no occurrence of a
singular nature has marked my
life with any achievement that my
name should be enroled on the list
of fame, yet it is necessary to give
somethin of my history as an in-
troduction to this journal, that
those of my friends who may happen
to peruse it, may have some knowledge
of my progress in the world, and some
of the incidents that have marked
my existenc[e]. For this purpose I must
have recourse to a treacherous memory,
and, therefore, there cannot be any
thing more expected than the bare
outlines of the most remarkable
events, which have, of course, made
the most lasting impressions upon my
mind.
It is a tradition in our family,
that our ancestors came from England,
and setled in the State of Connecticut;
at a time when a spirit of emigration
to America ran high in Europe.
My Father Timothy Root
was the eldest son of Samuel Root
and born at Fort Dummer now
Brattleborough 27 July 1743 at
the time when the Indians were
committing depredations on the
inhabitants of Deerfield and
its vicinity. He was brout [brought] up
and educated at Northfield Mass.
At the age of 25 years he removed
accross Connecticut River 12 miles
[illegible] west of Northfield, and setled
in the town of Guilford in Vermont,
which town was then
principo
a wilderness,
there being at that time, but three
or four families, inhabitants of
the town.
4
When my father was thirty years
old, being in tolerable good circum-
stances in the world he was married
to my Mary Stebbins daughter of
Capt. Joseph Stebbins of Hinsdale,
since called Vernon, in the state
of Vermont, with whom he lived
but a short time, for she being
taken ill, died without issue.
He now lived some time a
widower and wandered about like
a lost sheep upon his own mountains
still atlength, he married the widow
of John Barber* her name when
a girl was Patience Gleason, She
had five sons by her first husband,
one of whom died in his infancy.
She had but three children by
my father. Timothy Root jnr. my
brother, the eldest was born 11 June
AD. 1780. Mary Stebbins Root my
sister was born 13 December AD. 1781.
By this account it will be per-
ceived that the families of the Barbers
and Roots, are relatives.
*Married his second wife 11 June 1779
5
We have hitherto lived in the bonds
of fraternal friendship ; Being the children
of one mother and chiefly educated in
the same family our manners and
customs, must, of course be something
similar, and, therefore, wish for each
others welfare. It frequently happens
in such cases, where two families are
united in such a manner that broils
and contioons arise and cause much
disturbance; but in this, matters were
arranged by the parties in such a
manner, as left no room for any dis-
pute about the property or estates,
my father being administrator to
the estate of the deceased, all things
were adjusted as soon as each of the sons
became twenty one years of age.
I was born at Guilford in the state
of vermont 9th January 1789 the
youngest child of the family, having
one brother and one sister.
Possessing kind and indulgent
parents, I had all the reason to love
them, that ever a person had, with the
most filial affection, whilst my puerile
6
days glided on serenely. It is my
duty then to take every opportunity
to make them ample amends for
their care and protection over me
in my infancy. When about five
years of age my mother discovered
a small tumor on the finger next
my little one of my left hand,
but as I had been playing very
violently with a young dog, it was
supposed I had, by that means, received
a small contusion there, and therefore
did not excite much alarm, but the
tumor continuing to increase it was
recollected that a short time previous
to my sport with the dog, my fin-
ger was pinched between the door
and and [sic] the post to which it was
hung; the door standing open I ran
my fingers thro' in the space, and
some person in attempting to close
the door cought [caught] my fingers and pinched
them severely. It was shown to a surgeon
but to no purpose, it still continued
7
to grow moderately larger notwihstand
all the medical aid that was afforded.
I mention these particulars because they
mak a considerable article in my
history; and the effects of influenc over
the youthful mind is made evident, as
will be seen in the sequel.
I was caresed by my friends and
pitied by many, merely becaus I
had an increasing tumour upon
my finger, and probably lose it,
while every quack in the country
was consulted and his prescriptions
followed to a nicety. Every old
woman in the neighborhood had
hopes that her medicine might cure.
But every well bred surgeon was somehow
rejected, or at least their counsels were
somhow rejected for a time because they
said in plain terms, "there is no other
remedy for a cure but amputation;
because it is a bony tumour and all
the medicine in the world will have
no effect."
Among the numerous trials I made to get
rid of this ugly thing, one I remember
very well, because it made a lasting
solemn
8
impression upon my mind.
A superstitious farrier declared
if I would rub this tumour with the
hand of a person who died of the
consumption, it would certainly
receive a cure, as he had known
several cured in that manner.
Accordingly the trial was made
as soon as a convenient opportunity
afforded, without any effect than
what fricktion produced.
But the time was near
when it was to receive its final
cure, and my finger was am-
putated neatly, just above the
second joint of the metacarpal
row, on the Sixth Dec. AD. 1800.
After it had been completely
healed I began to work on the
farm, and was desired by my
father to be a farmer; but the
impression mad upon my mind
in the earlier part of my life
and the indulgencies of my
youth designed me for some other
employ, at least for a time.
9
My friends and relations when
visiting at my fathers would often
call me to them to examine the
tumour upon my finger, they
would caress and pity me and
tell me that I could not work, that
I make a pries [priest], a lawyer or a
doctor or some great character.
By these insinuations I was in-
fluenced to pursue a course that
was to give shape and direction
to my future direction in life.
Reading scarce ever fails to
produce in the human mind
a love of knowledge, and in the
pious breast a sincere regard for
truth. Being blessed with a tol-
erably good scociety library in
town, I employed every opportunity
in reading, until I had acquired
such a taste for knowledge I was
quite uneasy in any other employ
than reading. I now began to solicit
my father to send me to school; but
he thought my scheme "wild and
foolish", that I had learning suffi-
cient to transact business in
common life, that I had better
10
lay aside my books principally
and pursue the business of farm-
ing. As time passed away my
desire for study increased; 'till at-
length I told my father I could
neither be contented to become a
farmer nor live a happy life
without I could follow some of the
learned professions for a live-
lihood. But he most ardently
wished me to live with him and
be my parents support in their
old age. I did not then concent
but went away grieved to the
heart, because I could not yield
to the good old man's desires and
reward his paternal love.
Ambition for fame and literary
glory reigned predominant, and
finally prevailed over opposition.
I now received the assureance of
assistance from my friends; and father
said he would aid me as far as he
could. Accordingly I put myself
immediately under the instruction
of the Reve. Jason Chamberlain then
Pastor of the Congregtional Church
in Guilford AD. 1807.
11
With Mr. Chamberlain I studied
the prerequisites for admission to the
freshman Class of Williams' College. In
1809 I passed examination and was
admitted there; but soon after this Mr
Chamberlain was elected Professor
of the Learned Languages in the
University of Vermont. In order
to go with him I resolved to dissolve
my connexion with Williams' College
and join the University, in which
I succeeded, and then studied with Mr
Chamberlain the remainder of the
freshman year, at the close of which
my Instructor went to Burlington
and was inaugurated Profess. I soon
followed him and entered the sophomor
class of the University July 1811 where
I resided almost three years, until
the College edefice was rented to the
army of the U.S. at the time when
the divission of our army under Gen.
Wilkinson removed from the French-
Mills to Plattsburgh and Burlington.
Consequently, all the members of that
institution relinquished their relation-
ship with her, and were provided by
the Corporation with honourable
dismissions, and recommendations to
other seminaries, excepting the
12
Senior class to which I then belonged.
This class re had the Bachellor's degree
confered upon them and were fur-
nished with diplomas; it being three
months preceding the annual com-
mencement.
After this I returned to Guilford
and consulted with my friends upon
what profession to follow for a live-
lihood in the world.
At length I concluded to apply
myself to the study of the healing
art an[d] accordingly a put myself
under the instruction of Doctor
Willard Arms of Brattleborough
Vt. Under his guidance read the
various branches of Medicine; but
made Anatomy and Chemistry my
chief study. For this Gentleman I
have a great regard. His library
is furnished with the most excellent
collection of books of any in the
country, his mode of practice in
physick is according to the most
approved authors and practitiones [practitioners],
and his surgery is very good. In this
worthy family I lived one year and
five months, in a very agreeable
and happy manner.
13
Here it may not be improper
to mention, that during classickal
studies, I taught school in the winter
season, to obtain money to defray the
expences of my education. From the
commencement of my studies to the
present year 1815 I have taught
school seven winters; Yet the money
obtained in this manner was not
sufficient to support me at College
and father made up the rest.
About the close of the year
1814 and the commencement of 1815,
affairs appeared doubtful, for I was
out of money and no other way to get
any but by teaching school, and that
did not appear sufficient to pay
the cost of my professional studies,
my father was considerably advanced
in years and not great probability
of assistance from him could be ex-
pected, my brothers had large families
to support and therefore could not lend
me any great assistance without an
immediate equivalent. As I was anx-
ious to pursue and accomplish my
professional studies, such circumstances
looked dubious. Finally, at this critical
juncture my father to divide and
settle his interest among his children,
14
and I received my patrimony, which
I sold to my brother inlaw for
1200 dollars, and received his notes
becoming due as I thought needful.
Affairs now looked more favourable,
and an opportunity of accomplishing
a popular education I am now deter-
minid to go immediately to Burling-
-ton and attend the medical lectures
in the University of Vermont, and
accomplish my studies under the
private instruction of John Pomeroy MD
Profess. of Anat. & Surgery, and of the
theory and practice of physick in the
U.V.M. and this journal commen-
-ces with the ride to Burlington.
My brother Timothy and Joseph
Giles my sisters husband are now
setled in the world in prosperous
circumstances, surrounded by
large families, Timothy has
six children all sons and my
sister Mary has eight all
daughters.
As for myself, should God
15
be pleased to spare my life, I have
yet a character to establish. I have
an unforseen part to act in lifes
great drama, a but may her series
of actions be haven aspiring, and
may she present such actions as
are worthy to be recorded in a
journal of one's own procedings,
where [u]navoidable egotism must
be frequently used, and may it
be worthy of being perused by
myself, and those who may chance
to come upon the stage of life
after I shall have mad my final
exit.
Ride to Burlington.
Tuesday October 10 AD 1815
Started this morning from Brattle-
-borough at 3 o'clock and arrived at
Walpole half past seven, passing over a
rough road, thro' the towns of Dummers
-town, Putney Westminster & Walpole.
Breakfasted at Walpole, and charged the
exorbitant price of fifty cents, for barely
a little fresh meat and potatoes.
16
Wm. Bradley jnr. Esq took stage
at westminster, whose company and
conversation entertained us as far
as Rutland. Not many passengers
to day, pleasant and agreeable weather
but a very rough road accross the Green
Mountains.
Wednes. 11 Oct.
Started at 1/2 past 2 o'clock this
morning from Rutland, prospects faiv-
ourable, breakfasted at Brandon 7
o'clock then proceeded to Middlebury
where we arived at 12 o'clock and
dined, at 1 started for Burlington.
I fell in company to day with 3
merchants two of whom lived in
Montreal; the other, Mr. Haswell of
Burlington. Mr Mix of South-
Hero, Grand Isle, with whom I had
been formerly partially acquainted,
was also a stage companion to day.
He is a man of Jocularity and very
good company. These men had been
to attend the Destrict court at
Rutland on a cause [case], (as near as I could
judge) concerning smuggling, in
which I supposed they might be con-
cerned. They were in high spirits
17
so it is probable they were well
pleased with the decision of the court.
We arived at Burlington this evening
at 8 o'clock.
Thurs. 12 October
This morning I went to see
Doctor Pomeroy, but did not find
him at home, he went to Mont-
pelier yesterday to attend the Med-
ical society, and is not expected to
be at home before saturday; but
Doct. Atwater gave me liberty to
take quarters with him until Dr.
Pomeroy returns. Today I visited friend
Stearns and Perrigo, once colleg mates
with me, in company with Albert
Barney a collegcompanion and now
a medical student with Pomeroy.
While we four were conversing, Mr Zenas
Fletcher came in. Flecher, a respetable
young gentleman, was a member of the
sophomore class of the University of
Vermont in the last year of the Rev.
Doctor Saunderss [Sanders'] Presidency.
18
After conversing a while, we went to
visit the College. This was the first
time I had seen it since I left the
town in 1814. There is a great alter-
ation in the building. The Soldiers
damaged it considerable. The damage
was prized by Cornelius P Van Ness
to be 6000 dollars, tho' the cost of rep-
pairing and even making it greatly
better and much more elegant, did
not excede 3000. Several new halls
have been established. Two study rooms
in the upper story have been converted
into a medical hall, a Chemical
hall, museum &c. The Presidents house
is finished and painted in a com-
plete manner. The College edifice and
the Presidents house are enclosed by
a handsome fence, and the whole
completed in an elegant stile [style]
Friday 13 Oct.
Nothing material worthy of observ-
ation to day, read some for the instruction
Saturday 14th October
Visited Mr Chamberlain, his
appearance and manners are the
same as formerly; he appeared to be
19
pleased to see me, and said 'it
looks natural to see you here Root."
We hear various, and therefore, uncer-
tain reports concerning the election.
Sunday 15 Oct.
Attended Mr. Clarks meeting at
the Court house. His discourse ran
upon the virtue, Charity & usefulness
to society an excellent subject.
His text is recorded in the latter part
of the 6 verse of the 3 Chapt. of Acts. "In
the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazreth,
rise up and walk."
The steamboat arived in the bay
11 o'clock A. M. from St Johns, in which
was a Roman Catholick Priest, on his
way from Canada to Boston. As the
steam boat waited here till the nest [next]
morning, the Preast [Priest] took quarters
at the publick house where I take
lodgings. The French Canadians soon
began to assemble with their Children
thirteen of whom wer baptised. The
ceremony appeared odd and simple
to me, probably because I was un-
acquainted with such customs.
20
The Priest wore a long white robe, a
sash hung accross his shoulders ex-
tending almost to his feet, on the
ends of which were crosses. He began
with the first subject of baptism by
laying on hands upon the childs
head, and repeating a prayer in
the Canadian language, in this
manner he went round. Com-
mencing the second time where
he began the first and gave
each a wafer repeating another
form of words, Commencing the
the [sic] third time and praying -
while the child held a candle.
in one hand In these ceremonies
the three prayers were not re-
peated to the children collectively
but to each individual, repeating
each prayer as many times as
there were children baptised.
Monday 16th Oct.
Introduced to Doctor Pomeroy
this morning, and agreed to put
myself under his instruction.
He is a man of much vivacity,
21
his appearance manifests a strong
mind and penetrating genius.
Tues 17 Oct
This morning Profess. Pomeroy
gave an lectur anatomical lecture on
teeth, in which he advanced a new
idea to me viz that "the teeth are
supported in their sockets in a great
measure by the gums.
Wednesday 18 October
The world is always in commo-
tion; like the troubled ocean it is
never still, tho' the winds be
calm, yet the light breezes agi-
tate it; So mankind, if not driven
by weighty matters, will be troubled
by something of minor importance.
Burlington, last year, was all
confusion, with the sound of arms and
men; the roar of cannon and the
groans of the wounded and dying
greated [greeted] the ears of the inhabitants.
This year, it is true, no such horrors
terrify the people. The return of
22
peace has brought with it a
calm; but yet there is not silence
here, the pursuits of the enterpri-
sing, and the business of the indus-
trious, and the bustle of busy bodies
still heave the waves of passion, of
pleasure, and of pain.
Thurs. 19th Oct.
Attended the reduction of a
fractured thigh bone by Dr. Pomeroy.
The subject was a boy about 12
years of age, who had falen from
his a horse and fractured his
thigh. It was very handsomely
reduced according to Benj. Bell's
principles. Five splints and the
nine tailed bandage were
used
Friday 20th October
I now lodge and have lodged
at the Widow Shandonettss, I
sleep in an roo upper room,
23
where Gen. Othniel Taylor sleeps
& occupies. This gentleman has
had considerable to do in the
late war with England. He is
very sociable and pleasant. He
is now emploied in manufact-
uring a large Net. to fish at
the sand bar Colchester. He says,
if he completes the net according
to his present calculations, it
will contain 2420 square yards
and cost 400 dollars.
Saturday 21 October
Nothing this day but the
common pursuits. and Study
of my profession.
Sunday 22 Oct.
I attended Mr. Hasket's meeting
at the Meeting house. Text 2 chapt.
of St. Paul's epistle to the Ephesians
8th verse. "For by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves; it is
the gift of God.
24
This after noon I attended Mr. Clarks
meeting at the Court house. Text, 20th
Chapt. Luke from the 9 to the 16th verse,
the parable of the vineyard. His com-
parisons were just and his observa-
tions true. He compared the vineyard
to to [sic] this world; the man, or lord of
the vineyard to God; the husbandmen
to the world of mankind; the servants
that were sent, to the ministers of the
Gospel; the Son, or heir, to Christ.
In this discourse the speeker urged
the necessity of every person's doing
their duty, of treatind [treating] ministers
circumspectly by attending the preachd
word. & laying up their instructions
in their hearts; and of studying
the scriptures as necessary for
salvation.
This afternoon a row gally
satout [set out] to come across the lake
and was upset in a gale off
Burlington. she was loaded with
2000, no one lost.
25
Mond. 23 Oct
This morning we received news
by the new steam boat, that the old
steam boat was sunk in the river
Sorell near St. Johns. She had several
passengers and considerable property
on board; but not any thing of con-
sequence lost, it being shallow water
and the river not exceeding wide where
she sunk.
Tues 24 Oct.
This evening I held conversation with
Gen. Taylor. He gave me a short descrip-
tion of his tour thro' Virginia. His
journey ran thro' Alexandria, Richmond,
Bladensburgh, Mount Vernon and
to the west parts of Virginia. Gen.
Taylor say the people for the most
part in this state except in the
large towns are an indolent race of
beings, destitute of schools and religious
worship. Can this be the case with any
section of this enlightned country?
Indeed it is possible.
26
Wednesday 25 Oct.
Doct. Pomeroy gave us a lecture on
the analysis, physiology of the blood,
and pathology of the blood. It is
the Doctors opinion that there
are diseases of the blood and other
fluids as well as of the solids, and
advises an attention to the pa-
thology of the blood. He believes
there is an acrimony of this
fluid, tho' modern physitions [physicians] say
but very little concerning the
subject. His opinion, respecting
fevers, is something like that
of Dr. Rush viz. that there is
but one fever. Profess. Pomeroy's
theory in one respects is, that fever
and local inflamation take on for
the most part the same disease
action, tho' perhaps in different degegris [degrees]
and the same cold applications
and antiphlogistic regimen are
required in the treatment of both.
27
Snow fell to day in Williston,
Jherico, and in this town, and the
the [sic] mountains of Peru, across the
lake in the state of New York,
look white.
Thurs 26 Oct.
Mr Mc, Cradie arrived a
medical student arrived in
the steam boat, this morning,
from Saratoga N.Y. in order
to put himself under the tuition
of Profess. P. and to attend the
medical lectures here. He is
a young man of fine talents, and
probably descended from respectable
parents, and is undoubtedly rich,
which possessions will of course carry
him along.
Friday 27 Oct.
Nothing special, only finished the
reading of Dobsons Edingburgh system
28
of Anatomy, and commensed
with Buchan's Domestic medicine.
Satur. 28 Oct.
Nothing special.
Sund. 29 Oct.
Attended meeting at the
Court house. Text 126' psalm
"They that sow in tears shall
reap in joy."
Monday 30 Oct.
Cold and stormy with rain &
snow. I perused Cooper on the
joints. Also a Metaphysical work
Reid on the mind, and Buchan,
The metaphysical work of Reid
is the most extraordinary production
of the kind perhaps of any yet
published, and is to be recommendd
as the best introduction to the
metaphysical science.
29
Tuesday 31 Oct.
Very fine and pleasant weather
this morning. The beauty of the
morning is hightned by its being
contrasted with the storm and
darkness of yesterday. The full
orbed sun shines with the purest
lusture, displays his Maker's glo-
ry and shows the infinite benevolence
of the Deity, and also tells us how
we ought to adore and worship the
Great Author of Nature. I cannot,
but express my gratitude to the
Giver of ever good gift for the ben-
efits of instruction, and opportuni-
ties of improvement in my intended
profession. I think it a duty to my-
self to improve every mental faculty
within me, and especially the memory.
For this purpose I have began a
journal of my procedings and obser-
vations.
Profess Pomeroy gave us a very
eloquent and reasonable lecture on
the diseases of the joints; and his
remarks were demonstrated by
practical observations. His pa-
thology of those parts does not dif-
fer materially from Authors on
the subject, but his method of
treatment may be said to differ
from the practice of surgeons of
the present day. After pursuing
the discutient plan with the utmost
vigor to-gether with blistering withous [without]
success, and perceiving matter to have
collected in the joint, he then
procedes to foment, and never
fails to make an incision thro' the
capsular ligament, and cleanse the
whole joint from noxious matter
and even raising the patella and
with the finger probe under it and
inject tepid water. Dr. Pomeroy de-
clares positively from experience in
these cases that he is in no fear of
31
an inflamation of the ligament from
the incision, and different from most
surgeons, he fears not the admission
of air to this nor any other wound,
as a promoter of inflamation; but con-
siders it rather as an healthy medicine,
tho' he neither endeavours to admit
nor prevent the access of air to wounds
and ulcers.
His reasons, for supposing the
ligaments of joints are not more
easily inflamed than other parts,
are, 1.tly from observation. The Doctor
say, that in his practice, he has
never seen but few instances of in-
flamation in the ligaments from
incision, where the treatment was
good and carefully attended to, tho'
his cases in the diseases of the knee
have been numerous. 2.ly The lig-
aments are not more highly or-
ganized, than or vascular than other
organs, viz. the brain, eyes, lungs, heart
&c, and every one knows these are
32
the organs most subject to in-
flamation, yet wounds in
these parts recover from infla-
mation.
The medical Schollars received
Miss Brenton's polite invitation to
attend the Exhibition of the young
ladies Academy to morrow evening
at the Courthouse. Miss Brenton
has about sixty Schollars under her
care.
Wednesday 1 November 1815
Clouday this morning; but fair
and pleasant in the afternoon, I was
introduced to Lieut. Dean Custom hous
officer at the bay. He was retained
in the service at the late peace es-
-tablishment. Lieut. Dean's conversation
principally upon natural history esp-
cially upon Mansfield mountain a
cliff of the green mountain about 20.
miles north east of Burlington.
This mountain is a great part of the
year covered with snow. He visited, he
says this a natural cave out sackets
Harbour, in which he discovered petre-
factions of fisses [fishes] and other marine
33
productions. As he was walking on the
shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington
bay he discovered a military officers
epaulette of gold, with spangles, petrefied,
yet the spangles were plainly to be seen.
On looking around the spot where he
picked up the epaulette he found a cox
coller with buttons petrefied, on cutting
in upon the buttons the metal had not
become corroded. I attended the exhibition
at the court house it was very splendid
and did honour both to the Instructress
and the pupils. The scene which repre-
sented the Infant Patriarch Moses
as being taken from the ark of bull
rushes in the Nile, was the most
solemn and affecting. The schollars,
after speaking, received their medals, wh
closed the exhibition.
Thurs. 2 Nov.
Fair and pleasant to day, a light
wind sprang up from the south about
11 o'clock and increased. I walked down
to the wharf and found the schooner
Lady Washington ready to sail for St Johns
and in her I took passage to the Grand Isle.
Here a singular circumstance hapned. I found
a young gentleman on board, whou was
going to Cumberland Head, a stranger
34
to me, but in the course of our passage
we mad ourselves acquainted. In our
conversation I found him to be a mem-
ber of Middlebury college and had been
a member of the U.V.M. in the last
year, of the Rev. D. C. Saunders' presidency
According to this gentleman's story I
found him to be a Mr Russel, of whom
I had often heard, and who was suspected
to have written an infamous letter
to his friend in Windsor, concerning
the Corporation of the U.V.M in which
he stated falshoods about their bodys
renting the college edifice to the army
of the U.S. This letter was published
in the Washingtonian printed at
Windsor, and copied from that into
the Brattleborough Reporter. At the
fallacy and impudence of this letter
I was somewhat disturbed and therefore
endeavoured to confute it in the Report-
-er; little thinking ever to meet with
the author, but we met as strangers
and parted as friends, and as I was
going to the Grand isle where he was
known he requested me not to mention
his name. In about two hours from the
time we started from Burlington, we [illegible]
35
in sight of Cumberland head. Presently
the ferry boat belonging to the Isleand
appeared in view, and in a few minutes
spoke with us. She had on board a passen-
ger bound for St Johns. The Shooner hove
about and exchanged me for the passen-
ger. I was shortly landed on the Island
about sun set. I had then about, 4
miles to go to reach a tavern at a
place called the four corners, where I
arrived at 7 o'clock and put up for
the night.
Friday 3 Nov.
Weather dull and clouday. I arose
very early this morning and went to
Mr. Asahel Landon's a former acquaintance
and employer in school teaching, here
I found them as hospitable as ever. I found
young Landon, a son of Mr. Landon, who
has become very religious; but was once
very rude. Before breakfast, the old
gentleman being gone. Seymour red a chapt.
in the Bible and gave me an invitation
to pray, with which I did not comply;
but joined with him, he mad a very good
prayer, tho' somewhat enthusiastic. I tar-
ried at this house 'till one o'clock P.M. During
my stay here I was introduced to Mr. McDaniel,
the methodist Priest, a young man of tol-
erable abilities.
36
Our conversation ran upon religion and
the scriptures untill noon, when we
dined; the priest asked a blessing
at table, and of course I evited to return
thanks; This I could not refuse to do
as I has discoursed so freely on Divine
subjects, I succeded be-yond my highest
expectations, as it was the first time
I had ever attempted any such
thing.
This afternoo I visited at Mr. -
Thaddeus Landons, a highly respect.
able family. During my stay here
I was treated with the greatest
respect. I was soon solicited to teach
school by several gentleman, who came in,
but I did not give many encouragem.
There was a school meeting this evening,
in which they agreed to hire me
Sat 4 Nov
Windy and rough weather to day
the school committee Mr Landon &
Mr Reynolds prevailed upon me to
teach school for four of five months at
18 dollars per month.
Sund. 5 Nov.
Wind continues from the south
37
and therefore no crossing the lake from
the north. Attended a methodist meeting at
the schoolhouse, when Mr. McDaniel preachd
Monday 6 Nov.
Wind still continues in the south
which prevents me from returning to
Burlington.
Tues 7 Nov.
A heavy wind with some rain this
morning, from the north which permit-
ted me to re-turn to Burlington
Wensd. 8 Nov.
Weather cloudy and windy from
the northward. Dr Pomeroy returned
from a patient in Westford who had
falen from her hors and fractured
badly both the tibia and fibula of
her ancle leg just above the ancle.
It is both a compound and com-
minuted faracture, and several
ulcers have formed. Dr Pomeroy says
he shall amputate the leg tomorrow
or next day.
Thurs 9 Nov.
Cloudy & some rain. We do not go
to amputate to day, but expect to go
to morrow.
38
Frid. 10 Nov.
Fine & pleasant morning. The med-
ical Students with Dr. Pomeroy started by
6 o'clock this morning to perform the
afore said operation. Our journey 18
miles in length lay thro' a rocky
rough country. Mud and water were
not all the difficulties we had to encoun-
tre, stones and sticks, & roots of trees
were passed over, and tho' four of us had
a waggon and driver & gave Ond [one] dollar
each, we had to walk half the way.
we did not arrive there until 2 o'cloc.
All thing were ready for the opera-
tion in a few minutes. Doct. Pomeroy
then performed, & in less that 3 min.
the limb was off, and neatly dressd
in 5 minutes more. We returned to
Burlington the same evening where
we arrived about half past eleven.
Sat. 11 Nov.
Pleasant weather. I satout [set out] this morn
for the Grand Isle & had a very pleasant
journey.
Sunday 12 Nov.
Attended meeting where the Rev. Mr
Asa Lyon preached. It was the last sabbath
that he preached on the Isleand precedind [preceding]
39
his going to national legislature,
His text is recorded in
Mond. 13 Nov.
Fair with a strong breeze from the south.
Began school this morning, twenty scholars
attended to day, the most part of whom
I recollect, having been to school to me
before.
Tues. 14 Nov. 1815
Pleasant morning. Nothing of im-
portance to day. My journal will
for some time to come undoubtedly
be uninteresting, as I shall be confined
to a destrict school, not much worthy
of note cannot be expected; but we know
not what a day or an hour may bring
forth. It was not my intention, a
short time ago, to have taught a
school this winter, but as it has
hapned I have been called upon to
officiate in the capacity of a school
master and I have accepted.
40
This shows me that all things
are futile & uncertain, that relate
to futurity; and that it is not
of much use to form plans of life.
Wednes. 15, Nov.
A very pleasant and agreeable
day, and I have spent my time
very satisfactorily. A party of vis-
itors attended at Mr Landon's this
evening, where I board. Here I was
introduced to Mr. Blodget an
Attorney, Mr Hains a medical
student, and Miss Grant.
Thurs. 16 Nove,
Cloudy and a little snow, and
some appearances of an approach-
ing storm.
Friday. 17 Nov.
Cloudy, wind from the N. and
N.W. but not much storm. I have
35 Scholars to day. Seymour Landon
recites the latin grammer, he is
a tolerable good scholar.
41
saturday 18 Nov.
Cloudy and unpleasant. Nothing but
the common occurrences of life and
the swift & rapid movement of time
occurs this day, but there are enough
to convine and show me that I & all
the earth are hastning to that
bourn whence no travellor returns.
Sund 19 Nov.
Cloudy, but a temterate atmos-
phere. Attend the Methodist meeting
at the schoolhouse where I teach school
Mr. McDaniel preached from these
words, "unto the judgement of the great
day" sixth verse of the general epistle of
Jude. A very full congregation attend-
ded & the house was very much crowded.
There is now in this place a revival
of religion especially amond [among] the Methodis[t]
order 7 or 8 I understand joined their
church to day. A general attendance
to meeting among all denominations
prevails.
I received a letter this morning per
post from Dr. John W. Scott a student
of the medical class in medical institu-
tion of Dartmouth. N. H. and whth [with] whom
I have ben acquainte at Dr Arms's, & whom
I respect highly as a scholar & a friend.
42
Mond. 20 Nov.
Cloudy and a light breeze from the
south. Nothing of importance worthy
of note.
Tues. 21 Nov.
Some cloudy this morning and a
stronger breeze from the south than
yesterday. School increases as to numb-
ers.
Wednes. 22
Wind still continues from the
south, light flying clouds, not very
cold. Visited this evening at Mr.
Benj. Landon's where Miss Grant
lives.
Thursday 23 Nov.
Wind changed into the west this
morning, and north west this after
noon. Answer the letter of Dr. Scott
and dispach it per post.
Frid. 24 Nov. 1815
A light wind from the north, not
very cold. + Murray's English Grammar
has been my chief study for several days
past in my leisure hours. It is justly
allowed that this is the best author on
the subject that has yet written. He is
very accurate and explanatory in many
difficult points. On the pronoun he is very
plain. On the difficuld subject of the verb
it must be allowed to be by far the most
preferable.
43
It is presumed that every lover of true
science will use his exertions to introduce
this book into our common schools in every
section of our country, that it may be
studied by our youth, as it will ultimately
improve their advantages.
Sat. 25 Nov.
Wind from the W. pleasant and
agreeable weather for the season.
Today being saturday, and having taugh[t]
school last saturday; I am at leisure to
employ my time as I please, which I spend
in reading, a great and good employ to
pass away the time agreeable
"A book the leisure hours employs,
And sits it down to wisdom."
Sunday 26 Nov.
Wind from S. W. light and soft & some
lite clowds. Attended meeting at
school house - Brother Asahel Landon
preached, the text I do not recollect
his sermon not very orthodox.
After meeting Mr C. McCrady visited
me with his brother, who lives upon
the Island. With Mr. McC. I went to
the prayer meeting in the evening
but soon retired.
Mon. 27 Nov.
Fair weather. The moon & the
planet venus were in conjunction
44
Tues. 28 Nov.
Good weather. Nothing of impor-
tance occured to day.
Wedn. 29 Nov.
Light breezes from the south. Visit-
ed at Mr Porters this noon time.
Miss Sally was at home etc. I went
to get some Greek books that belong
to Mr. Whittlesey but could not
ob-tain the Testament there-fore
I chose not to take any. I however
took Euclid's elements. As Miss sally
has to the Young Ladies a Academy
at Middlebery & has studied the art
of drawing, she wishes to obtain a
knowledge of geometry, & at her
request I engaged to instruct her in
that branch.
Thurs 30 Nov.
Wind from the N.W. cold & some
snow. Nothing extraordinary this
day only demonstrate a few geo-
-metrical problems.
Friday 1 December 1815
This month has commenced cold
very cold indeed; The weather preceding
yesterday and to day has been so
mild, that now it has become cold, it
to effects the animal system, which has
45
been habituated to the warmth,
in a very striking manner.
saturd. 2 Dec.
Weather continues cold, the not very
heavy from the south.
Sund. 3 Dec.
Weather continues cold, and the
wind very blustering from the south
Attended meeting to day and sing-
ing school this evening.
Mond Dec 4
Weather more mild, Wind from West
with snow squalls. School still contin.
to increase in numbers.
Tuesd 5 Dec.
Cold & airy, wind from W. & N.W.
The life of man is perpetually fluctuating
between hope & fear, pleasure and pain &
between joy & grief. Tho' I am placed in
a situation not altogether agreeable
yet there are many agreeables in my
present employ. To see the powers of the
youthful mind unfolding is truly pleas-
-ing. This evening I demonstrated the reason
why the occasional borrowing from ten does
in simple subtraction, does not effect
the given numbers, to a yound [young] scholar by
the name of Buel Landon. He received my
explanation with the greatest ease, appeared
sensible of the curiosity, and satisfied with
the instruction
Wedn. 6 Dec.
Very cold and blustering, wind
from S. Nothing worthy of re-
mark.
Thurs. 7 Dec.
More pleasant than yesterday
wind from S. It would be an agre
-able exercis to mark the degrees
of temperature of the atmosphere
by the thermometer, but I have none
therefore, I must do without, poor
men must do as they can is an old
saying, and by experiment it is
true with respect to myself.
Today is the Annual Thanks-
-giving of this state. I have endeavourd
to observe it according to my abillities
No meeting to attend
Frid. 8 Dec.
Wind froom the W. Very cold and
sudden changes. Nothing of imp
portance worthy of remark.
47
Sat 9 Dec. 1815
Cold, but not so much wind as
yester day. This evening I went
to board with Mr Henry Boardman.
Sund 10 Dec.
Cold, S. wind. No meeting to day
The bible is an unexhaustable
source of information to a contem-
plative mind and of consolation
to the afflicted soul. The bible has
much matter of contemplation
this day.
Mond. 11 Decembr.
Cold this morning, wind from the
S. More mild this after noon.
This morning I commensed reading
the Conversations on Chemistry, &
if I am favoured by Providence I in-
-tend to make it my chief employ in
my leisure hours, until I read it
through, as I am now tolerably
well established in my school.
Tuesd. 12 Dec.
Pleasant & agreeable weather.
I am resolved to habituate myself to
earlyer rising in the morning, than
I have been accustomed.
48
Wednesd. 13 Dec.
I arose this morning at 5 o'clock
Found the wind southerly, pleasant.
read the 2d Conversation on Chem.
concerning the simple substan
light & caloric. I now pass my very
agreeable,
Thursd 14 Dec.
Southerly winds, but not very cold.
Left my bed at five, and took up
my Chemistry 3d conversation continu-
ation of the former pleasing & interest-
ing subject.
Friday 15 Dec.
Not very cold wind in the S.
Arose at the usual hour & before
nine in the I read 4 & 5 conversations
on the various modifications of heat
viz. specific heat, latent heat, chemical
heat; and on oxygen & nitrogen.
I am rather out of health to day
and the school is rather unruly; I
do not teach school tomorrow; but
next monday if I have my health I am
determined to establish stricter order.
Sat 16 Dec.
Arose half past 5 o'clock read 6 Chem.
conver. on hydrogen.
49
I then walked abroad after breakfast,
went to Mr Salmon Phelpses
little girl Age three years, who had
by accident got a buck shot into
the trachea or wind pipe & had
sank down as far as the Bronchia
The patient's breath appeared
some obstructed, considerable cough
and an evacuation of blood from
the nose. Mr Phelps engaged me
to go to Burlington and advise
with Doct Pomeroy. About 5 o.c.
I lande at Porters an [on] Colchester
Point snow fell considerable fast.
Arived at Burlington a 7
o'clock, where I found all things
agreeable
Sunday 17 December
Arose at Six this morning,
sun arose pleasantly, wind in
the after noon from the N. took
breakfast at nine, called on Dr
Pomeroy & advised with him after
having stated the case of the
patient.
50
He concluded that there was
no other way to give relief than
by suspending the patient by the
feet with the head downwards, [illegible]
pressing the thorax & and exciting
a cough; as the shot being of great
specific gravity and very globular
body, might probably roll out
and relieve her of this did not
succeed the last resort must be
bronchotomy, but this might
fail. If the shot remains in the
neighborhood of the lungs, it
will probably bring on the con-
sumption.
About ten this morning I
started for the Island, and at
half past one I was lande at
Allen's ferry, thence I went di-
-rect to Mrs. Phelpses, and gave the
directions delivered to me, but
whether they have been followed or
not I am not at present able
to say.
51
Mond. 18 Dec. 1815
Rather cool this morning, wind
light in the S. Arose at the usu-
-al time and read my usual
lesson. Nothing of consequence this
day. I however fulfilled the de-
termination of friday, and make
the little truants tremble.
Tuesday 19th Dec.
Weather temperate, not much
wind. No occurrances worthy of
note.
Wednsd 20 Dec.
Mild weather, not much wind,
and no remarkable occurrance.
Thursd. 21 Dec.
Mild weather for the season, wind
light from the S. My school is now
very numerous consisting of 75
scholars. This employ of school teach-
ing is an increasing burden. A stove in
the school-house is truely injurious to
my health, and as quick as I can free
myself handsomly from my present
occupation I shall do it. Commensed
boarding with Mr. Joseph Boardman.
52
Friday 22 Dec. 1815
Wind from S. mild. Snow falls
considerable this evening. It is now
tolerable good slaying [sleighing].
Just as my school was dismissed
this evening, I news came to the school
that Mr Phelps's child was dieying [dying]
I learned this evening that the
experiment of suspending the child
by the feet to extricate the buck
shot without effect.
Saturday 23 Dec.
Good weather for the season, wind
from S. This evening I called to
Mr Phelps' little girl and found
her much releived, for this after-
-noon, in a violent fit of coughing
she had thrown out the shot from
the trachea.
Sund. 24 Dec
A considerable fall of rain last
night and this morning, Wind
changed from the S. to the W. this
after noon. Attende the Methodist
meeting at the schoolhouse to
53
Mond 25 Dec.
Good weather for Christmas. Wind
from W. froze considerable last night
Wind this afternoon changed to
N. Snow falls this evening. The
Lake Champlain not frozen over
yet, only at the Sand Bar and
that not passable.
Tues. 26 Dec.
Some wind from W. rather cold
the Lake freezes considerable fast. Nothing
particular.
Wednes. 27 Dec.
Continues cold not much wind.
I had 75 scholars in school to day
Not very healthy about there, troub-
led with a very oppressive cough.
Thurs 28 Dec
Still, cold weather, people now cross
the sand bar upon the ice with
teams.
Friday 29 Dec.
Cold weather continues. My cough is
still oppressive
54
Sat 30 Dec.
A storm of snow. Went to advise
with Dr Barns for medical assistance
to relieve my cough. He gave me 15 grs.
of Calomel, which I took at 2 o'clock P.M.
Also some antimonial wine to be taken
in nauseating doses, and the Brunon-
-ian pill for a tonic. The calomel
operated powerfully, then took pill Br.
and rested comfortably thro' the night.
Sund 31 Dec.
Snow fell about three inches
deep last night, and snows some
this morning. The celebrated
Mr - - - - Ross preached at the
school house to day but being
unwell I did not go to hear him.
55
Monday 1, January 1816
Very pleasant for new years, but
being very weak from the operation
of medicine I cannot enjoy it so
well as if I were in good health,
yet I have reason to thank the
Almighty that I am so well as I am
and that I am this side the grave
and a miserable eternity. Time is
still passing away with its accustoned
rapidity and is annually covering
thousands in the grave. This morning
we hear of the death of Mrs. Hale,
who has for some time been sick
with the palsey. She died this morning
at two o'clock and the funeral
obsequies are to commence at ten
o'clock, wednesday morning. She
was a very respectable lady and
is very much lamented.
Tues. 2 Jan. 1816
Cold, Wind from W. My health appes
to be on the mending hand, tho I am
yet weak, cough still oppressive. School
adjournd 'till thurs, calculating to
go to the funeral.
56
Wednes. 3d Jan. 1816
Clear and cold, wind E.N.E. Lake
shuts over with Ice very fast A span
of horses fell thro' the ice last eve-
-ning and drowned, north of the
sand-bar. Went to the funeral,
a great concourse attended. Rev.
Mr. Ross preached.
Thurs 4 Jan.
Cold this morning, wind E.N.E. The
Lake is not shut over with ice west
of the island. The water there be-
ing exposed to the atmosphere, wh
which always has the power of
holding a certain portion of it in
the state of vapour, at any known
temperature, and
which
at this time is
very low, the vapour is con-
densed into a fog or spray, that
is wafted over to the Island,
where it falls in the form of sleet
commonly called a great white
frost. It adheres in larg quantities
to the boughs of the trees
57
wood &c. and forms a very curious
appearance, especially to the natural-
-ist. The inhabitants say, the never
saw so great white frost as this.
Friday 5 Jan.
Cold, Wind North N.E. Sleet still contin-
to fall remarkably fast, cough continues
but not quite so oppressive and spasmodic.
Sat. 6 Jan.
Snow falls, Wind N.N.E. Nothing
remarkable to-day.
Sund 7 Jan
Snow fell about 4 inch deep and yester
and last night, clear and cold. Wind
from N. Attended meeting at Mr
Fletcher, Rev. Mr Parmele of Westford
preached. He expects to preach eight
sabbaths during the abscence of Mr.
Lyon. His text 7 Chapt. of I Corinth.
29th verse, "say unto you breathren
time is short."
Mond. 8th Jan.
Very cold, wind in W. Nothing
worthy of remark.
Tues 9th Jan.
Tues Continues cold, severe cold south
wind.
58
This day completes 27 years, the
whole of my life, I implore the
Almighty to for give the offenses
of the past year and my past life,
committed against his holy law
and that he would lead me in the
path of duty during my future
existence.
Wednes. 10, Jan 1816
Cold north wind not very lofty.
I am now boarding at Col. Allen's
there is a fellow here, who calls him-
self an Englishman. He says he has
followed the British army and navy
from his early youth, He says he
was in the naval engagement of the
Nile, and also that of Trafalgar.
where Lord Nelson was killed. He says
too that he was in Wellington's army
in Spain and helped fight many
battles against Marshal Soult. This
is undoubtedly true, as he deserted from
the British at Isle Aux Noix last sprn [spring]
and is now at work for Colo. Allen.
His name is Christopher.
59
He was in the action at Plattsburg
in 1814. Col. Allen was also in this
battle, a volunteer; and a greater part
of the time at fort Brown, which is
the western most fort at Plattsburg,
and opposite where the British had
erected a battery during the night
preceding the general engagement both
by land and water. The battery was
erected by a company of British Artillery
consisting of 30 persons, among whom was
Christopher. But the battery was enti-
rely destroyed by the guns of our fort,
and the enemy's pieces, four in number,
consisting of twenty fours, were all
dismounted and the gun carriages
to pieces. Christopher says, two per-
sons only of this company escaped
alive, of whom he is one; the other
that escaped, and deserted with him,
now lives at Judge Adams, So. Hero.
The rest of the company were killed
upon the spot. Col. Allen says Christo.
relates so many particulars relating
to this affair and with such precision
that he undoubtedly tells the truth.
Col. Allen relates many other anecdotes
respecting the battle at Plattsburgh.
60
One I think is quite singular.
Capt. Dickson, neighbour to Col. Allen,
was a soldier in the revolution,
and when he heard the report of
the enemy's guns at Champlain, tho
a federal, he became animated, and
could no longer content himself at
home. Col. Allen and Capt. Dickson
went to Plattsburg on friday.
Capt. D. fought bravely. But what
is very singular, is, he had fourteen
bullet holes made in his cloths by
three musket balls from the enemy.
One ball passed thro' the seat of
his pantaloons, and flaps of his
shirt cutting very close without
wounding the skin; another passed
thro' the skirts of his coat, and the
third passed thro' his coat and
shirt unde the arm as his hand
was raised to ram down th a
carteridge.
Thurs, 11 Jan.
Cold north wind.
Frid. 12 Jan.
Very cold storm of snow. Went to
mr. Campbell's to board; but not
61
finding them ready for me I shall
seek another place to morrow.
Sat. 13 Jan
Clear but cold, This day completes
nine weeks of the time of my school
engagement, I have only seven more
to accomplish.
Sund. 14 Jan. 1816
Sun obscured by clouds, cold, a
little breeze from the N. attended M.
McDaniel's meeting to day at the
school house.
Mond. 15 Jan.
Clear and cold, wind N. The same
old round of business, destrict school-
-teaching, a dry and dull task, not
affording much, but vexation of
spirit.
Tues. 16 Jan.
A very cold high south wind, which
began last evening about 9 o'clock
last evening and continues to very
severe, and blows the snow in to heaps
we have been highly favoured here
this season thus far with mild North
winds. The wind, say the inhabitants,
has blown from a northern direction longer
than they ever before knew it without
changeing. South,
winds
here are very cold & piercing.
62
Wednes. 17 Jan.
The air grows milder, very rainy
to day, the ground is bare in many
places.
Thurs. 18 Jan.
Thaw continues. The ice upon
the lake grows tender: A span of
horses, crossing from Cuberland-
head to the Island, this evening,
fell thro' the ice and were drownd.
Friday 19 Jan.
Pleasant weather. A full school.
This after noon a gentleman
called into the School house, and
enquired, if Dr. Root keept a
school about here. I readily
told me, my name was Root.
He said his wife wished to speak
with me. I went to the door &
behold! it was she, who was former
called the widow Whitney, neigh
bour to my father's & lately from
Guilford, this gentleman was her
new husband.
63
She brought letters from my
friends; but left them at
Burlington, They were return-
-ning from a visit to their friends
at Plattsburgh.
saturday 20th Jan.
Cold, Wind from W. Made a
visit to Mr. Thaddeus Landons
last evening by a particular
request of the family. Mr. L.
is a very rich man and one
of the first characters in the
town. Returned this morning.
Sunday, 21 Jan.
High S. wind, not cold. Attended
Mr. Parmele's meeting, a great
assembly convened. Text in A.M.
Matth. XXII. 42 "What think ye of
Christ"? In P.M. Gal. IV. 18 "But
it is good to be zealously affected always
in a good thing. Heared of the death
of the much respected Profess. Kennon [Kennan]
of the U.V.M.
64
Monday 22 Jan.
Very pleasant day, light breeze
from S.
Tues 23 Jan. 1816
High wind from S. not very cold.
Nothing to day worthy of note.
Wednesday 24 Jan.
Warm weather for the season; a thaw
ensues; sun obscured by clouds. Mr.
Parmele delivered a sermon at the
schoolhouse this afternoon a large
number of people attended.
Thurs. 25 Jan.
Clear, wind W. grows cold
A considerable number of
neighbours attended visited
at Mr. D. Landon's last
evening to see Mr. Parmele
who stayed here.
Friday 26 Jan.
Clear, very cold, wind from
N. Attended meeting at
sand bar schoolhouse this
evening.
65
Mr. Parmele discoursed from
these words -
"To day if ye will hear his voice
harden not your hearts."
Sat 27 Jan. 1816
clear; cold N wind. Received two
letters this evening, one from
brother Timothy, the other from
brother in law Joseph Giles.
sund 28 Jan
Sun rose clear, very cold. Afer [After]
the sun had been above the horizon
half an hour, frost began to
fall and fell during an hour
Snow fell this evening. Attended
Mr Parmele's Meeting text on
A.M. Luke XV - 10 "There is joy in
heaven. In P.M. Isaiah IX - 6 "And
his name shall be called wonderful!"
Attended conference this evening
at Mr. Hales. Mr. Parmele descante
largely on the doctrine of Election.
66
Mond 29 Jan
Cloudy, rather cold, wind South
some snow.
Tues 30 & Wednes. 31
Nothing special.
Wednes. 31t Jan
Nothing worthy of remark
Thurs 1 Feb 1816
This journal for several
days has not afforded any
thing of consequence. Friday
2d dismissed my school
on account of the Metho-
-dist quarterly meeting
Saturday 3 Went to
Burlington with Mr Salmon
Phelps & returned the same
day. Sundy 4 Attended the
quarterly meeting
67
Mond. 5 February.
Cold wind from west, towards
evening changed to the south.
Tues 6 Febru
Pleasant in the fore noon, wind
blows strong from S. this evening
Demmonstrated the nature and
reason of the various steps of
extracting the Square root of
numbers to Jesse Landon one
of my schollars, this evening.
Wednesday 7 Feb.
Cold, wind N.
Thursd. 8 Feb.
Extreme cold violent wind from
north, considered as the coldest
day we have yet had this
winter.
68
I shall not pretend to keep
pace with the rapidity of the
days in this journal at pres-
ent, because the occurrences are
unimportan & very near the same
from day to day, therefore, the
most extraordinary only will be
noticed.
Sat. 10. Feb, 1816
Visited Plattsburgh, crossed the
lake upn the ice, and over the very
spot where our brave Comodore -
McDonough gained the noble victory
over the British flotilla, on the mem-
orable 11th Sept. 1814. This was the
first time I ever stood on battle
ground, which, indeed, produced a
solomn reflection. For some distance
I was in sight of Cumberland head,
around which the British sailed
in their attack upon McDonough,
but it may with propriety be said
that Mc D. attacked them, for no
sooner had they made their appear-
[ance
69
go with him to which propo
sal I complyed. Accordingly
after arranging my domestic
concerns I set out for Boston
Saturday 26th Sept 1818, Clark
having gone a few days before
previous
Saturday).
26 Sept
1818)
Started at 2 o'clock
in the morning in
the Stage had a pleas-
ant ride for the most of the
way; for more than half the
journey there was but one
passenger excepting myself,
This passenger was a young
Lady, to appearance, of con
siderable rank; She was return-
ing from her friends in Albany
to her Parents in Stow near
the town of Boston. She was
easy in her conversation and
agreeable in her manners, and
possessed a good education. She ad-
mired the poetical writings of
Lord Byron, and in particular
70
"The Farewell," written on the
circumstance of Boyron's parting
with his wife, which poem she
carried with her. ---- As
we came within the site
of Boston it was dark so
that it could not be
viewed in its natural state
but the lights gave it a
most beautiful appearance
Arrived at the stage
houe [house] half past ten -
Sunday
27th
1818)
Arose at the
useual time, &
soon Mr. Clark
came to see if I had ar-
rived - I went with him
to his lodgings and found
Armes Dirkerman; intro-
duced to their Landlady
Mrs. Andrews & engaged
lodgings of her for myself
71
prived of the Chemical Lec-
tures. After this I returned
to my friends in Guilford
where I stayed a few days
and then resumed my stud-
ies with my old Tutor
Dr. Arms.
October
1s
1816)
Went to Hanover
N.H. and attended
on
each of a full course of Lectures
the various branches of the
Healing art. Then returned
to Guilford; make prepara-
tions to take a Tour to the
western States; of this how-
ever I was disappointed; for
being requested and urged &
advised to settle in the
Guilford East Parish. I would
not however forget to men-
tion that in January I was
72
I became a Licentiate in
Medicine & was admitted
of fellow of the Vermont
Second Medical Society
And in the month of
August following the Degrees
of A.M. and M.D. were
conferred upon me at by
Dartmouth College:
I have now been in
the practice of Phisick
about eighteen months
(Sept 1818) and have now
resolved to break up my
residence at Guilford and
commence a Southern tour
Mr. Rufus Clark of
Brattleborough proposed to go
to the State of Georgia to im-
prove his health being Consump
tive & proposed that I should
73
having just turned the point of
Cumberland head when our Comodore
poured in the mighty contents of
his guns, which proved fatal to
his antagonist Comm. Downie.
on the left I saw Crab Island where
our men had placed [illegible] two six
pounder, and in this naval action
schooner of the enemy ran down
towards this island and was sunk
by these two pieces of cannon.
Arived at Plattsburgh about
12 o'clock, called for Jonathan K.
Woods; but he was gone from home.
called upon Dr. Charles McCrady, of
whom I have before made mention in
this journal, with him I dined & took
a glass of wine. He is studying with
Dr. Bemott of the army and has
the privilege of attending upon the
hospital. McCrady promisid to
conduct me to the forts at this place
which withstood the assault of the
mighty British force 11 Sept. 1814:
but the fast falling snow prevented
74
this excursion. We, however, walked
about the village, saw many new
buildings erected where old ones were
burnt during the battle. Crossed a bridge
where over the Saranac, in the railing of
which I discovered many bullet
holes. Returned to the Grand
Isle this evening.
Finished my Sch
I shall here cease to
keep a daily journal
and only record the out-
lines of my proceedings &c
After completing my
school I returned to Burl-
lington where I stayed six
weeks and attended a course
of Lectures on anatomy and
Physiology by John Le Conte
Cosier. By the Death of Dr.
Jairus Kennon [Kennan] I was de-
76
Walked about the town
some, at in the after noon
attended Mr Hosea Baleu's
meeting.
Monday)
28 Sept
1818)
Met with the
other passengers
on board the Brigg
Almira, the vessel, in which
we expect to sail for Savan-
nah. The object of this
meeting was for the purpose
of making arrangements
for procuring our provision
for the passage. Walked
about the town some.
Tuesday)
29th Sept.
1818)
By indisposition
I am prevented
walking abroad. - Made
acquainted with A Mr Pickens
a young gentleman from the
southward, Educated in South
Carolina, now reading law at
76
Walpole (N.H.) He is a per-
son of much self consequ-
ence, and great pomp. .
full of the bon ton, tho I
believe of a good disposition
30 Sept.)
1818)
Visited Boston
Market where every-
thing eatable is to be pro-
cured, that the country af-
fords, yet I do not envy
the most successful of the
sellers. Visited the New-
England Museum, this is
the most curious & attracting
of any thing I have yet seen
in Boston. Altho' I suspect
it does not excede; perhaps
not equal the Museums in
many other places; yet there
are here many rare ar-
ticles in the Natural world.
The three Kingdoms are
77
here exhibited in their
most singular and curious
forms. I hardly know, which
attracted my attention the
most. The animal produc-
tions perhaps was the most
extensive, and the miner-
al the least. It may be
supposed that I more par-
ticularly examined the
minerals, It's being more
nearly allied to my taste
and study. - The vegetable
kingdom cannot be exhib-
ited in a museum to so good
an advantage as articles
of the other departments.
Here may be seen the works
of an Almighty hand (I
might
may
say) in a rare scale, and
no rational person can view
this collection of natural his
(tory
78
without astonishment. -
Here are also a curious va-
riety of paintings, particu-
larly, of
American
portraiture. Am-
ong them I saw the likenes,
of the American Hippocra-
tes, the venerable Dr. Rush
at the presence of this
august countenance, it must
be expected that I bowed with
reverence; wishing to improve
by his
wise
instructions.
1 October 1818
Oct)
1)
All hands upon
deck by 9 o'clock this
morning, ready to sail, but
the wind Southerly, not fa-
vourable; therefore no
clearing the port of Boston
this day. Slept on board
for the first time, did not
sleep very comfortable, being
79
a new and strange situation
We have a very pleasant
cabin; but ship's births
are in general to narrow
to afford room for resting
with ease.
3 Oct.)
1818
Friday)
Arose early this
morning after a
poor nits rest, with
an expectation of sailing;
but to our disappointment
we fail, the wind continues
southerly; and we pass away
the time with great anxi-
ety; - Thus we learn that
not our will; but the will
of God is to be done, and we
ought to learn als to be
submissive to His Divine dis-
pensations; & know that it is
for the best that things are
ordered by Him; - the the [sic] wind
is unfavourable for our Crew
yet it is favourable for others
80
who need it as much &
perhaps deserve it more
than we. -
Saturday
3 Oct 1818
Arose early
this morning
with hopes and great
anxiety to leave the Port
but no more prospect than
yesterday. All the people
passengers have been on
board and at present (2. o',clk) [2 o'clock]
nothing favourable. 10, o'cl.
rainy go to bed
Sunday
4th oct.
1818
Arose at the
accustomed hour
this morning, and
find the wind favourable
Hoist sail about 9 o'clock, with
a four wind. Soon passed castle
Island & Boston Light House,
by 4, o'clock in P.M. Cape Cod
Some of the passengers begin
81
to be sea sick particularly Mrs.
Parkman & her waiting maid
a girl of colour. We have twen-
ty one passengers on board, & one
child. Mrs. Parkman's. Capt.
Atwood, Two mates, Cook, Stew-
ard, boy & four sailors, making
in the whole 32 souls. Passed a
verry disagreeable night, the
motion of the vessel occasio-
ned by the sudden rise of
the wind kept many of
us awake.
Monday
5 Oct
1818
Wind from the
west. Not exactly
in our favour, blew
strong and increasing, a
very rough sea, stromy and
flows of wind; - To an unac-
customed passenger the rolls
and tosses the vessel frightfully
I cannot convey any sensations
in words. Sunset the wind
abates but the vessel totters
from side so that it is im-
possible to stand
82
At about 12 o'clock the changed
and is N.E. put up more
sail.
Tuesday
6th oct
1818
Wind favour-
able make all
sail possible, Seasick
passengers begin to be
recover
a little
of their sickness. Smoother
sea. by observation of the
sun and calculation there-
from find our selves in lat-
itue 40°, 59' off Nantucket
Discover two sail a head.
Wednesday
7th Oct 1818
Slept tolerably
confortable last
night over a very rough
sea. Wind N.W. by obs-
ervation at noon found
ourselves in about 39° lat.
puffing at the rate of 6
an hour. Saw a rainbow
this morning, which cir-
cumstance gave me some
83
alarm; from the old prov-
erb, "a rainbow in the morn-
ing, Sailors take warning".
The sky this evening is very
clear, and we are sailing
with a find pleasant breeze
the passengers have general-
ly recovered of their Sea-sicknes
& are taking a game or two
of whist for amusement; but
I believe no money at stake
As fortune will have it
I cast a look behind upon
my friends and relatives
who are dear to me; and
say thus to myself can I
leave them fore & never
return? the answer is
instantly no I am not
able to endure the idea,
so if I am favoured by for-
tune I shall revisit them
after a doublful period of
time
84
Thursday
8th Oct 1818
We Now witness
one of the pleas-
antest mornings I ever
experienced; wind N.E. a
gentle breeze sail at the
rate of 4 miles an hour
We evidently feel ourselves
approaching a warmer
climate. Thermometer stands
at precisely 64° - the Ther-
mometer has been gently
rising from below 50° ever
since we left Boston.
Latitude 37,°. 33' N. Long 73,°. 56'
opposite Chesepeak Bay.
The [illegible] Scenery now presen-
ted by nature is grand &
beautiful. The Horison
forming a perfect circle,
the atmosphere exhibiting
not a cloud; the Suns rising
in
their mornin
from
and setting in
this evening in the water; &
the vessel gently gliding alon
-g
85
the surface of the ocean, pre-
sent to me grand & sublime
ideas, & I hope they [illegible]
they direct the eye of the
mind of every beholder to
that Suprem Jehovah, who
is the Author & Finisher
of every visible object, while
they are objects of univer-
sal admiration, direct our
thoughts to Him, who has
stored the Elements with
every thing for the conven-
ient as necessary. & con-
venient for the use of man
But alas! are ther not
thousands insensible of
of [sic] these gifts of Providence
who pass on from day to
day without the reflection
that they are indebted to
Him for all their enjoymen
ts
86
O! may I never be forgetful
of his mercies; but daily
thank him for the benefits
I daily receive at his hand.
Friday 9th Oct. 1818
We awake and find our-
selves sailing with a fine
breeze from the N.E. at the
rate of 8 miles an hour.
By observation found our-
selves in latitude 36° off
Cape Hatterass, Pamlico
sound N. Carolina; - The
thermometer stands at
72° - A Shark the first
I ever saw passed our
brigg about 10, o'clock, This
afternoon a number of
Porpois came about our
vessel Capt. Atwood endeav-
87
oured to harpoon some of
them but did not succeed. It
is singular how these fish
whose natural shape and
form is so clumsy and illy
adapted to motion should
leap from the
surface of
the water with
such velocity and to such
a distance as they actually
do. - - My time now
passes on very agreeably
in the society of many of
the passengers, who are all
young men, and principally
all of us on adventurous
enterprises; seeking what
fortune may afford us. We have
left our relatives and friends
to seek in a distant region
the 'goods' of life and the
riches of the wind. O that
we might be as anxious
to seek the riches of the
Kingdom of Heaven, as we
and
88
worship the Supreme as we
are to serve Mammon.
There is one Gentleman
with us by the name of
Hamilton an Englishman
of full blood, he is a re in
my view a real gentleman
possessing a good disposition
a fine education, easy and
familiar in his manners;
free and sociable with all;
possessing good information
not extravaigant in dress
nor profuse in
his
mode of
living: He has traveled thor [thro]
England and a part of
France, Not long since he
sailed from Bordoux [Bordeaux] in
France to Boston, and is
now on his way with us
to Georgia. He states that he
is on a commercial enter-
prize, the particulars of which
he does not state, He how-
ever possesses a degree of nation-
al pride, which is natural
89
to all people; but perhaps it
is more conspicuous in & pe-
culiar to the English. I always
had a kind of predjudice
against that people owing
undoubtedly from political
notions which have arisen
with respect to the wars whi-
ch
have been carried on by
them with us. These ideas
may be just so far as they
relate to national affairs
but should not Sour us our
affections with towards indi-
viduals & and [sic] as man with
man. Nor from being ac-
quainted with one individ-
ual can one judg correctly
as to the nation in general.
There is also an Irishman
on board with us Steward to
our table; but we cannot
judg the characteristics of
the Irish people from him
becaus he is very illiterate
and disagreeable person, so from
90
him merely we should form
very disagreeable unfavour-
able & perhaps erroneous
opinions of his nation.
Saturday 10th Oct. 1818
Passed the shoals of Cape
Hatteras about 1 o'clock this
morning, which are consider-
ed dangerous to navigation of
this coast. We have a very
favourable breeze, which sppee-
dily wafts us on towards our
destined port; just as the
tide of life is wafting us
along the stream of time
to that final
destined
port that
final bourn to which we are
passing travellers & must
finally arrive, & may each
of us find it a Haven of an
eternal & happy and an eternal
rest, after having
been agitated by the storms
been & passed
91
thro' all the different bearings
and various latitudes and lon-
gitudes of our mortal existen-
ce - Latitude at 12 AM 34°, 30
Sunday 11th Oct 1818
Nothing extraordinary
to day, as to but the same
things are presented as for-
merly and generally when
people are at sea; - The
crew, hewever, anxious to
reach land, or rather to
discover it, frequently go
to the mast head
mount the shrouds,
for [illegible]
as
it is highly expected that
we shall soon arrive in
sight of it, and we are evi-
dently approaching the shore
as we feel the land breeze and
the smoke. I am not now
well able to keep my journal
as Sea sickness just begins to
approach me.
92
took an emetic, operated
well.
Monday 12th Oct 1818
Feel much refreshed from
my nights sleep. think the
emetic has done me much
benefit. It is curious to see
the anxiety of the passengers
to reach Savannah, H Many
of us do not lie in our
births [berths] more than th two
hours before we get up to
ascertain whether it is not
day light and whether we
cannot discover Tibee
light House. The Tibee
light house is situated
on the Island Tibee, which
lies at the mouth of the Savan-
nah river 18 miles from the
city of Savannah. - A little after
sun rise, we discovered the Pilot
boat, and in less than one hour
93
the pilot came on board. There
are a number of sail around
but we have the fortune to lead
the re others. About 9 A.M.
we discovered Tibee. Last
evening we could plainly smell
the smoke of burning com-
bustibles. - This morning we
see the smoke upon the Caroli-
na shore. The shore of South
Carolina presents a white
sandy beech and lofly [lofty] pine
to white pines upon a level
Champaign country. - The
Passengers begin to wash & shave
dress themselves to go on shore;
but they enjoy not that priv-
ilege: The wind dies away and
we procede by tacks & Sheets
as the sailors term it. In the
after noon, we enter fully into
the mouth of the Savannah.
The entrance of this river is
thickly interspersed with little
Islands, so thickly that a
vessel can with difficulty
94
find its way along, we came
very neare, yes within 10
rods of some of them, therefore,
their shores must be bold
These little bog islands are
uninhabitable, and in the
time of extraordinary high
winds are covered with water
They are covered with a long
rank species of grass, - the
name of which I am unacq-
uainted; the there is another
also
species of shrub growing on
these marshes, which very
much resembles the alder of
New England. I had the cu-
riosity to go in a boat and
visit and examine the some of
those marshes; but there was no
one to go with me, and if I
had gone I should not have
been able to give an accurate
botanical description of them,
being but partially acquainted
with this science. Towards
evening, the pilot boat
95
come along side again and
four of our passenger, inclu-
ding the woman and her
maid (waiter)
Tuesday Oct. 13th 1818
Arose early, and put the
vessel under weigh; - About
daylight we saw a planter's
Boat, manned with negroes,
bare headed, and some of them
almost naked, they were un-
doubtedly from some of the rice
plantations as they were going
to town for some loading - They
rowed with great acuracy
lying with force all at once
upon their Oars. At sun rise
we had a full view of the
City; but it does not make
a very conspicuous appearance
she has but few holy spires
and her buildings are inelegant
and old - Numerous flocks of
blackbirds inhabit the marshes
96
These spots see peculiar to
their nature, and conjenial
to their increase. Now and
then a fish hawk may be
seen, as well as several other
species of water fowl the name
of which I can not ascertain
The Turkey Buzzard is very
plenty & are very tame
flying about the houses -
they are useful in destroy-
int the filth and putrifying
flesh about the city - so useful
are they considered; that the
city authority have made its
the person liable to 20, dollars
fine, who shall kill one of them
We passed this morning, an
old building,
situated on a marsh
of considerable
bigness - It ws intended for
a kind of custom; but now
deserted by reason of the marsh
being sometimes overflowed
at high water, and the un-
pleasantness of its situation.
97
As we ascended the rivers - (if it
may be called ascending, f as the
current of the river is hardly
perceptible) the rice plantations
became more & more numer-
ous - The river is very
shallow in many spots and
the navigation obstructed, so
that it requires an experi-
enced pilot to guide in
a vessel
into
the harbour; - Just as the
tide was going out our vessel
run aground, and obliged us to
wait till the next tide before
she could be gotten off
Wednesday 14 Oct, 1818
After being detained some-
time by running upon shoals
at ebb tide and waiting for its
flow, we at last arrived to town
and brought the brig to the wharf
The City of Savannah is sit-
uated at the mouth of the river
by that name, in a low sunken
marshy flat; or more properly
on a sand bluff surrounded
98
by a swamp. It is very
meanly built and the
houses are old, poorly built
and in many instances shut-
tered; tho' in a very few others
they are however they are
building up. It is principally
built of wood; There are
however some buildings of
brick, and a few of stone.
There are now two new stores
going up; the frames of which
are made of wood and then
filled in with oister shells
mixed with cement, that
causes them to adhere very
strongly. There are five pla
ces of publick worship one
for Congregationalists, one for
Sandemanians, one for Meth-
odists, one for Baptists and
a Synagogue for Jews. But
the Sabbath is very little re-
garded by the people in gen-
99
eral in this place - Some are
seen strolling about the stre [streets]
or hunting in the buck
groungs [grounds] - Here are so man [many]
negroes and dogs, that to a yan-
kee the place is almost intol-
erable: I counded no less than
a dozen dogs in one
a
short
avenue one morning. -
When we consider the local
situation of this City, we cannot
be surprised that it is so un-
healthy, for it is so thickly be-
set with swamps & marsh isl-
ands, at the retiring of the
water at the commencement
of the summer months; after
the rains and high water in
the spring, there must of course
arise very noxious miasma to
causing
epidem [epidemic]
febrile diseases - This is
actually found to be the cause of
the fevers a prety generally of the
bileous type, and often prove
very malignant; the symptoms
of putrifaction arising soon destroy
100
the patient. - This was the case
last autumn (1817) when hundreds
died and as nearly as I can infer
it was very similar to the yell-
ow fever of Philadelphia, as de
scribed by Dr. Rush. The upper
country is stated to be healthy.
It is I am told, very healthy
here and thro' the state; yet
I evry-day joiners at work
making coffins: They donot
say however, they are making
them for any particular
person, but to have them
ready when wanted. Some
die at the Poor-house: & I learn
there have been a few cases of
fevers within a few days past.
I do not know as the number
of inhabitants can readily be
ascertained; - but there are only
a few whites, who are permanent
residents. There are many who
come here from the Northward
& in particular from New-Eng
land
100
on plans of enterprise, Merchants
& mechanics Speculators. These ar-
rive about the last of October
or the beginning of November, and
return to the Northward at the
commencement of the sickly season
which begin about the first of July
sometimes later. The summers are
extremely hot. - From the above
circumstances, it will appear that
Savannah is merely a place for
trade and not for a permanent
residence of but few - Young men
come here merely to acquire a
property and then retire to some
other more agreeable parts. Savannah
is the greatest mart of Georgia, where
the Georgions sell their cotton, which
is raised in abundance in the
upper country. Darien, at the
mouth of the river Altamaha
is another port, some say
of
nearly
as much business as Savannah.
Note. I might have mentioned
the Building for the Bank of
Georgia is an elegant building
and far excedes any other in the
city. It is built of Brick