25th.—Partridges, or quails, are here so tame, that, at noon-day, a man may kill them by throwing a stick into the covey; or, by staking a large net, coveys are drawn into it with great ease.
Met a Mr. Gordon, from the Isle of Ely, who {325} states that the English at, and near Cincinnati, are much dissatisfied, and wish themselves back again. Many have purchased land at thirty to sixty dollars an acre.
John Pedley bargained to-day with Mr. Ingle for one year, to receive thirteen dollars a month, and to have a house, and four acres of cleared land, for his use, while he continues in his service.
Sunday, 26th.—At noon, this day, Colonel M'Greary called at Mr. Canson's with Major Hooker, and others, and demanded whiskey, either to be given or sold to them. They were quite drunk, and armed with rifles from their camp, in which they had lain all night. Mr. C. refused them; when they attempted to force the door, threatening to kick Mrs. C. out, and whip and shoot Mr. C. who had treated them rather coarsely, and with great impolicy. Hooker wished to shake hands and forget it. Mr. C. refused. They then became more furious. These Rowdies do not always mean violence. They only want whiskey; and there is little to fear from them, if properly treated. Mr. Canson applied to Squire Russel for a warrant against the Rowdies for the outrage.
Visited the Chatteris Pecks. Twelve of us sat down to tea and coffee without milk, sugar, or butter. The females and the son think of Chatteris with regret, and would not have come, if they could have known what they now know. The father is an exception to this, but he regrets {326} that so much untruth, in favour of America, should have been said.
