that day kept my room most of the day—Mr. John Chester called to see us—also Eben Baldwin formerly at Litchfield—in the evening went to hear Mr. Chester preach—next morning walked to see the long Pier and Albany bason—went on board the safety barge, Lady Clinton, which we esteemed a great curiosity, the accommodations are superb—at nine took stage for Lebanon—with three or four dashing Philadelphians who were promising themselves much pleasure at the Springs—arrived at Lebanon half past two—called for dinner—our travelling companions came down in their best trim and were sadly disappointed to find no company of any consequence there—we drank of the water, admired the beautiful prospect of the extensive Valley which lies before the public houses visited the baths—and took a carriage for West Stockbridge—our ride led us through the Quaker village we stopped at their store visited their place for making cheese—admired the neatness of the place and passed on—our carriage was easy and comfortable the air cool & bracing the scenery very fine—and we enjoyed our ride highly—at West Stockbridge we were surprised to see how small the rooms of a common sized house looked, we had been so long in such large ones—we were however very comfortably provided for—our fare was good—and our host sociable so we had nothing to complain of—the next morning while waiting for the Litchfield stage we went to see them saw Marble and to the Quarry some distance beyond—at nine an extra drove up we were standing upon the Steps at the door a gentleman got out and said how do you do Doctor Sheldon? We looked up and saw an old friend of ours William Ellsworth of Hartford—there were so many passengers that they took another extra from here, and we had the pleasure of Mr. E——’s company to Norfolk—here he left us and we had a stage to ourselves we were still favored with delightful weather. our driver was anxious to get in before another stage which took a different route—and we came about six miles an hour—at the head of the Street seeing the other stage just entering town he set his horses out upon the full run—and we came home in that style somewhat to our alarm—We found all things had gone on quietly and snugly at home & have great reason to be thankful for the many mercies we have enjoyed during our absence—everything seemed to concur to render the journey a pleasant one it rained just when we wanted a shower to lay the dust—and cleared off when we wished to have it—we were protected by a kind hand from all danger by water and by land—we were treated with the greatest politeness and kindness by our friends and by strangers and had nothing to mar the pleasure of our journey—the thought of my Dear departed Brother would sometimes cause a sigh—and a tear to flow—but the remembrance was usually softened by some pleasant scene before me,