medicine) and wrote to Thos. L. Ashton, his brother at Warrenton, to come for him, informing of his condition, and requesting him to come for him.  Richard has been written to.  I promised to call at Greenupsburg and see him, if possible; also to write to J. Metcalfe, Fredericksburg.  Poor fellow rejoiced to see me, and very grateful for the powders.

Saturday, Octo. 10, 1835

Left Deem's at -----.  Breakfast at McVey's or New Haven, 50 cts.  Passed Hawksnest; the driver stopt for us to get out and see it.  The road passes within 100 yds. of the cliff which overhangs New River, perpendicular 860 feet.  Scenery, grand, sublime, awful.  Crossed Gouley Branch just at the junction of Gouley and New River.  Dined at Falls of Kenawha (river formed by New and Gouley), 50 cts. very good.  At the Kenawha Salines, the Scot left us, intending to get work there.  Stopt to see the Burning Spring -- a great curiosity.  Puddle about 12 feet diameter, continually boiling from the escape of gas, which ignites on the application of flame.  It was night, and seen to great advantage.  Our New Orleans fellow-traveler was unwell and would not leave the stage.  At his request, I escorted his fair wife, with whom I have become much interested.  She is beautiful, well-bred and intelligent, but mischievous and daring, would go to the brink of the cliff, at Hawksnest, in spite of her husband's remonstrances, and my intreaties.  I like her -- but fear for her.

Road today descending all day; mountain left behind.  Approaching Great Valley, temperature milder.  My cap and thick stockings no longer wanted.  Arrived at Charleston about 9 o'clock.  Supper and lodging at Wilson's 75 cents.  Poor accommodations, a bad attendance and plenty of dirt.  Our New Orleans friend, Wharton, quite sick; has taken cold, lost rest; has high fever and pains in his limbs.  I insisted on his having a doctor, which he at last consented to.  Sent for Dr. Spicer Patrick, who immediately bled him and prescribed medicine.  He suffers much pain, and his mind wanders.  His lovely wife is now the "Ministering Angel."  I was desirous of sitting up with him, as she had lost much rest on the journey; this she would not permit.  We must now certainly leave them here.  I was half inclined to stop a day with them, and try to be serviceable.  But it is very doubtful, if I stop one day, whether I can get on the next.  This would throw me back, and be very inconvenient; besides; I am a stranger, of only 4 days stage acquaintance.  Would they not consider me obtrusive?  His wife is with him -- they have the means of commanding and rewarding services -- their carriage and two servants are coming on, and will be with them in a few days.  On the whole I must go on, against my inclinations.

One of our Englishmen also is sick, and the whole three stop here for a day.  Our party will be sadly diminished.  It has hitherto been very agreeable.  The dry