Although the convulsion which agitates bankers in the western country, is but of recent date, their money is in various instances thirty per cent. under par in the eastern states. Tavern keepers, grocers, and others, receive the money of the banks nearest to them, although they know that these banks will not pay specie for them. They see that, without the rags now in circulation, they could have very little money. Every one is afraid of bursting the bubble. How the country is to be delivered from this dilemma, bankers have not yet shewn. They are still strongly inclined to continue the traffic; but they cannot be expected to support organized establishments of directors, presidents, cashiers, clerks, offices, and empty coffers, without committing farther spoliations on the people. When the sick system dies, the public will see the full amount of the penance they have to suffer {112} for their credulity. A smaller, but a more substantial capital, will be resorted to, one better calculated to “place the manufacturer beside the farmer.” _December 5._ To-day a shower of rain fell, and was followed by snow. The part that lies unmelted is about an inch thick. Among the succession of people at the tavern, many are polite and obliging in their behaviour. Some are interesting in their conversation, and some talk of horses and horse-racing. The latter kind of discourse is mixed with swearing. Lexington is still considered the capital of fashion in Kentucky. There are here many genteel families, a few of which keep coaches. The town, on a whole, exhibits a well-dressed population. The menials are nearly all slaves. Free blacks detest every thing that they think resembling their former condition. White people are still more averse to live as hired people in families. Females, however idle, and however great their difficulties may be, remain with their parents, till removed by that great change that all hope for. In many cases, it is said that their repugnance to support themselves, by the earnings of hired labour, induces them here, as in other places, to lead a life of profligacy and ruin. _December 9._ For several days past the temperature has remained steadily a few degrees below the freezing point. This morning the snow disappeared, and through the day, the heat seemed to be much greater than ever I felt at this season of the year.