and money a few miles behind. We sent men and horses back, and to our surprise found all safe. On leaving Washington, several other gentlemen entered our stage, but would not permit Mr. Morgan and his negroes to enter.—"What?" said they, "ride with negroes?"—Much strife now ensued, and a battle was intended; but to quiet the angry passions of both sides, a stage was provided for the refusing party. Our ride, for the last three hours of our journey, was fearfully romantic, amongst huge rocks which hung over on both sides and seemed ready to fall upon us, the effect of which was greatly heightened by the moon-light.
Between twelve and one o'clock we reached Wheeling, Virginia, on the Ohio, and went supperless to bed. I shared mine with a young student, Mr. Paul, of Washington Academy,[41] now bound to his father's house at Maddison Ville, Indiana, who is there a Banker, or Bank Director.
7th.—We found the Ohio river nearly dry, so droughty has been the summer. It is now fed {166} only by mountain springs. Here I unexpectedly met my friend Mr. Edney and lady from the Isle of Wight, a branch of the Pittiss family of that Isle. I dined with him at his boarding-house, and agreed to visit his recently hired farm. I received an invitation from a learned Doctor to ride 800 miles down the Ohio with him and his Excellency Governor Miller, just chosen king of and going to the Arkansaw territory.[42] I waited five days for his Excellency and his aquatic suite, but lack of water prevented his arrival.
