Niagara

TUESDAY JULY 2ND

Had not much view of land on our passage this day up Lake Ontario. This morn very squally. The waves rose very high, but a good passage. A thick fog lay on the land which prevented us seeing Toronto does not look well from the Lake. Landed at 8. Just as we came close to the wharf  Wm. Black came down to it. We went to Mrs. Bucannan's where we were very kindly received. Met with several friends. Spent this eve in receiving our friends. All in good health.

WEDNESDAY JULY 3RD

Went this morn to Rev. Grizzet. Could do nothing for me but would endeavor to get a situation for me at Lord's. At 12. William took it into his head to go on further and after some consultation it was mutually agreed that we would go on with him, as we found we had as much money as would carry us there. So we packed up and big adieu to the few friends that were about us and went off after engaging our passage to Buffalo. Passage 6s, 6d. Went on board the Sovereign to Lewiston,  7 miles from the mouth of the Niagara River. The country from Niagara to Lewiston presented a beautiful scenery. The high banks on either side of the river and covered with wood to the top. The level country above partly cleared and cropped. Left Toronto at 2 and arrived at Lewiston at 4. In taking the luggage off the boat I forgot my hat-box containing hat, satin vest, and silk Kerchief. The boat went to the opposite side of the river to land some of the passengers. The river here is not very wide, so I had to wait till she returned from the American side again, about 15 minutes, and fortunately for me the box was safe. The Clerk noticing  it put it aside not knowing it to be mine, thinking it belonged to some other passenger.  But I had the disappointment of finding the train started before the return of the boat, so I was left to reflect about 9 miles to the Falls where they stopped for the night or to wait for the 4 o'clock morning train on which the clerk said I would get up. The later I chose. Paid a shilling for my bed. Took a walk this eve an little way in the county to look at the crops which promised very fair particularly wheat.

THURSDAY JULY 4TH

Was called this morn at 1/2 past 3 by the waiter. Slept very sound the night through but my sisters did not sleep thinking of me. At 5 the train started which was drawn by horses a good way, 2 to each carriage till we got up on the level ground, then go on the steam train which went to the Falls in a very short time, where I joined my sisters and friends again. Had a beautiful view of the celebrated Falls of Niagara. They reflected the sun's rays which produced an awful and at the same time solemn appearance. Did not examine it as I could desire, we went with such speed and the trees prevented us seeing it in full view. At the Falls met John Quinn. Here another disappointment. William took up but 8 tickets expecting I would get on for myself, but I not knowing what was done went on with out one, thinking I should pay secondly, but when the case was stated to the Clerk he allowed me to pass on.  Arrived in Buffalo at 8, our luggage left on the railway landing and went to settle about a boat, which we found more difficult than we expected, this day being the anniversary of the American Independence, it is a holiday and the people wholly taken up with the pleasure and amusements, the band played through the city which was decorated with green laurel as an emblem of triumph and the American flag flying from the topmast of all the vessels and different places thro' the city, Several of the steamboats went out on a pleasure trip. No boat to start till tonight. Contracted to Detroit as we could not get a boat to touch at Amherst burg. Passage  to sail 10 p.m. The last 4 or 5 days exceedingly hot. The most thriving town I have seen yet on this side of the Atlantic.

FRIDAY JULY 5TH

Last night was an awful night of lightning and thunder. A continual sheet of fire the whole night. Expected a great storm but thanks to a kind Providence it continued pretty calm the whole night. Some heavy rain. The morning clear and the day through fine. Very close on land but cool on water. (Left Buffalo at 10 .00 pm. Arrived in Detroit at 5 this eve. Put our luggage into a store but after further consultation we determined on removing them to Windsor, on the opposite side of the river. Paid 4 shillings warfage and storage -- 3 shillings to a boatman. Got our luggage on a wharf in Windsor about 9. Collected the boxes and remained there for the night, the women sleeping leaned on their beds and the men watching by turns.

SATURDAY JULY 6TH

Remained under the canopy of heaven last night. The air very mild. At 2 this morn William went of to Malden, a distance of 20 miles to his mother's for a wagon, returned about 4 p.m. with John's (John Pettypiece his cousin) his wagon and Anthony( Pettypiece, cousin) came shortly after, with his team and wagon, and buggy. Took supper on our way to my Aunt's (Sarah (Black) Pettypiece) in Sandwich, a nice village 2 miles from Windsor. Arrived at my Aunt's at 10 pm. where we received a very warm reception. The day very hot.

SUNDAY JULY 7TH

Thank God, arrived in good health and spirits at the end of our journey. none of my friends went to church this day, Slept none during last night. The day very fine.