Thursday March 2nd - After waiting nearly an hour for the sleds to come, we left at 7 1/2 and arrived at Geneva at 1/2 past 9 P.M. The hotel was good and we were furnished with comfortable rooms and excellent table. Our drivers had fulfilled their engagement, and other sleighs had to be found - this detained us until eleven A.M. the following day. We thought this place the prettiest since we left Utica. It is situated at the head of Seneca Lake, which to my fancy must look very pleasant in the summer season, but it looked very dreary then, covered with thick ice, although many enjoyed crossing it on foot. As soon as the four sleds were loaded we commenced another stage of our journey. We did not succeed so well as we expected, and instead of spending our night at Naples, only ran twenty miles, being detained by one of the sleighs being carelessly overturned.

Saty. March 4th. We were called alittle before 5 and got off at 6. At ten minutes to seven one of the sleds was broken while crossing a cut in the road, and two hours were wasted, as the driver had to return to hire another sled. Another hour had not passed when all the drivers were troubled to assist the sled up a hill, putting other horses to it, and several times the same poor horses needed assistance up hills! About 101/2 A.M. we reached Naples at last, and only stopped long enough to water the horses, hoping to go five miles further before breakfast, but to out great surprise, another man upset his sled and delayed us another hour, and it was 12 before we stopped for breakfast. The teamsters joined us, which seemed strange to me, not being accustomed to it. The slices of fried salt pork swimming in fat was not very tempting, but when we could get a boiled egg we could manage pretty well. We again set out feeling somewhat refreshed, and after proceeding two miles further entered a complete forest. This would have been beautiful in summer but looked dreary, covered with snow. The road was narrow, and we were sometimes troubled by branches coming in our way. After traveling 14 miles very pleasantly we rested for the night at a tolerably comfortable house.

The next morning, Sunday 5th, (of March) we started at six A.M. At 25' to 9 we were delayed some time by a steep hill, when the drivers were obliged to assist each other by lending their horses. Then we entered another wood and I felt quite enchanted - the sun was shining through the trees and the birds singing sweetly, their notes echoing through the wood. It was with difficulty I could trace the road before us, and the boughs frequently beat into our sleighs allowing is to break off beautiful branches of pine. We reached an inn about half past 9 A.M. where we were furnished with a delicious breakfast of fresh veal, a dish we had not tasted since our departure from Utica, for fresh meat is seldom met with traveling through the Western forests. We passed though Angelica at 10:20, and soon after met some light wagons with Indians dressed very gaily, we supposed were going to meeting. At 3 P.M. we stopped again and had some cider. At 4 Ock. one of the sleds broke down and detained us some time, which was very unfortunate as it was a rainy afternoon. We had stopped at Fl Post[?] to water the horses, where we learned it was 55 miles to Olean Pt. We did not travel much farther without meeting more obstacles. The bridge across the Genesee River was in such a dilapidated state that we were obliged to take a private road belonging to Mr. Church, who owns a large farm there. This was attended with difficulties, too, for there were some bogs to cross, which had had logs thrown across them to render them passable. It was so difficult for the horses that the best pair was selected to assist all the others. It was now 6 1/2 P.M. and getting dark. The rain had ceased, but it felt damp and chilly. After traveling another mile we were thankful to take lodgings for the night, although it was the worst accommodations we had met with. We entered a room which appeared to serve as a sleeping room, dining room and kitchen. The lady immediately began sweeping to make the place look neater, not heeding the dust she was throwing, which was not very pleasant. Salt pork (swimming in fat) which seemed the standard dish, poor coffee, bread and butter and some dried apple pie was our supper, all horrid. Our sleeping apartment was an attic large[?] which we divided in two by hanging some sheets and blankets.

The next morning (Monday) 6th, appeared dull and the drivers caused us some alarm by objecting to go any further, as they feared the snow would be gone before they could return home to Geneva. But this was most unreasonable to leave us in the middle of the forest with all of our luggage. However, after some deliberation and argument they concluded to go on and fulfill their contract to leave us at Olean Point, where we arrived without having anything particular to note, excepting the fine appearance of the lofty pines and hemlocks.

Olean is a small village, and our choice of abode was between two hotels, neither very inviting in their appearance, however, we found our landlord very obliging and he endeavored to make us as comfortable as possible. Mr. & Mrs. G's bed room was a small one leading from the dining room. Our bedroom was upstairs and very inconvenient, as we had to pass through a very large one where a number of men slept, obliging us to retire earlier than pleasant. The sitting room was very pleasant and bright, with a table in the centre and large fire of pine wood in the open fire place. The table was miserably supplied and the charge was $20. a week for our family, consisting of three grown persons and 4 children.

Tuesday, March 7th - a cold day but beautifully clear. Got up at 6 1/2, but could not get through the next room until half past 7. Mr. & Mrs. G. went in the morng. to the store house by the riverside to see to the luggage which was placed there. It felt really delightful to be at rest for a day, & indeed there was every prospect of our being detained for weeks on account of the Allegheny River not being in a fit stage for us to float down a boat. On

Wed. 8th Mr. G. took breakfast early with the other boarders, and was truly disgusted to see them put their own knives into the butter after using it to salt fish & pickle cucumbers, etc. He had to go to the storehouse. We breakfasted at 8 ock and then went down, too, as one bureau had been broken and the dresses needed repacking. The sun shone bright and thawed the snow, which made it exceeding dirty to walk.

Thursday 9th. A fine morning. Sister walked down to store after breakfast and returned with Mr. G. to one o'clock dinner which was unusually delicious. A fine joint of veal, potatoes, apple sauce, crackers and cakes, etc. Mr. G. had spoken to the landlord about having fresh meat, and he had been a long ride to procure it. The provisions of the country people generally consisted of salt pork or fish, applesauce, pickled cucumbers, and corn bread and molasses, which was not at all agreeable to us, so Mr. Johnson said he would endeavor to get fresh meat for us.

Friday 10th. Business at the storehouse again, and in the afternoon I was tempted to pay them a visit again - so much repacking.

St 11th - a foggy morning. After dinner I took :Emma and Laura for a walk. Crossed the creek and gathered moss among the stumps of trees - the weather was lovely.

On Monday 13th, the river rose three feet, only one foot lower than the floor of the storehouse, so that Mr. G. was much engaged in having his goods removed farther from the river. Sister laid down for a while, and I sat with her, sewing to keep her company. At half past eleven we had a thunder storm, with two very loud peals of thunder. The state of the atmosphere made us feel bad, and in the afternoon were busy sewing.

Tuesday 14th - A fine morning but extremely cold, that I could hardly dress myself, however, we found a famous large fire in the sitting room. We took breakfast without sister, who was not well, and had it taken to her room. Mr. G. took the three younger children for a walk to the river which had fallen eight inches. Afterwards went to seek for a laundress but were prevented going far on account of the freshet which had slightly removed a wooden bridge over a creek they needed to cross. The men at the saw mills were afraid of losing it altogether. I should have gone with them had I been able to wear my own shoes, which my childblains prevented, and as sister went out, she could not lend me hers. After dinner went for a walk with Isaac and Mr. G. We first tried the road, where the snow had been melted and frozen again, but it was too slippery. We then tried the burying ground, a barren enclosure where the trees had been cut down and stumps left. We then turned into a wood. Mr. G. killed a beautiful bluebird AND WAS CRUEL ENOUGH TO THINK OF SHOOTING ANOTHER, but they looked so beautiful when flying that he left them in peace. We returned home after examining a machine for pulling up the stumps of trees - a man said it cost 500 dollars.

Thursday March 15th - not quite such a cold morning, but as I had procured a few pieces of wood and had covered some ashes over the fire at night, I got up at half past six and kindled it, which made it pretty comfortable. Directly after breakfast, which we took at nine, we took another walk, and passed through a forest of pine trees for a mile or more, when we came to a log house before which three men were making shingles (used here to roof houses with). Here we rested upon some stumps of trees while Mr. G. got some information from the men and I enjoyed the romantic scenery. The river winding beautifully through the forests, was lost to our view, apparently covered by the lofty pines & hemlocks, the clear blue sky above, with not a cloud to be seen, crowned all. After resting awhile, we inquired what other road we could take for variety. They told us by crossing a swamp in view, and keeping in the track made by passengers, we should reach the State road. This we willingly attempted, not wishing to return the same way. The ice appeared strong but I preferred seeing Mr. G. try it first. While hesitating , one of the woodmen came up politely saying he thought we appeared to be afraid, at the same time stamping his foot upon the ice, assuring us it was perfectly safe. So in we went, and in a few minutes reached the other side. We walked on, but saw no game of any kind. At length, after we found the State road (what a place!) I was sadly disappointed, for we had not walked far when we were obliged to turn into the wood again to get round a swamp, and not long after we met with another which appeared to extend some distance into the woods at both sides. I could have shed tears, but that would not have helped me, so on we went picking our way through snow while the ice was breaking and falling off the trees around us in all directions. We soon came to some fallen trees lying lengthwise in the same directions as the road. These we mounted, I slipping off every little while into two or three feet of snow, while the report of ice breaking sounded like so many guns firing, and I had some doubt whether a hunter might not mistake me for some wild animal crawling up the logs. After getting out of this predicament we soon reached our village, and at 2 1/2 found sister waiting dinner. How tired and hungry I was. I enjoyed my meal, but it took some time to get rested.

Friday 17 - A pleasant morning. All but myself went out to hunt for a laundress and also for some apples. After dinner, Mr. G. had to go a short distance to inquire about a raft that was going down the river, one of the children and I accompanied him. After gaining what information we could, we turned into a wood of pine and sumac. We were told there were black squirrels, but we did not see any. I don't think there were less than twenty partridges rose at a distance and flew through the trees, so Mr. G. resolved to have his gun with him the next time. It got very cold during the night, and in the morning I was much disappointed to find it snowing.

Sat. 18th - It continued at intervals all the day with a west wind. Mr. G. walked down to the river to see a raft set off with a doctor & family, also a gentlemen and son, besides the men to guide & manage it. Sister & I were working hard at needle work all day.

Sunday 19th - Arose at 7 1/2 after peeping from under the bedclothes several times, and looking at our frozen breath upon the sheets. We did not breakfast until 10 ¼, when we prepared to go to meeting , as we understood it would begin at eleven, but no one was seen and we heard afterward that the storm had prevented the minister from traveling. We thought we would take a short walk, but the intense cold drove us home and we were contented to read at home.

Monday 20th - rather warm, wind easterly. Mr. G. out all the morng. looking after rafts and boats, and returned at 3 just as we were finishing dinner. In the aftern. we all took a walk to the river but it was very dirty.

Tuesy. 21st - We were working at home all the morng., while Mr. G. went about boats. After dinner he took Isaac to the woods in search of game. I went with them. We met two sportsmen and a third on carrying five partridges. We were not so fortunate, although we made a good circle. It threatened snow or rain, so we returned home with good appetites for our tea. About 8 P.M. it began to rain in torrents, but I suppose did not last long, as when I woke the next morning, 22nd, the ground was covered with snow, and it continued drifting all day, although it did not freeze hard. Mr. G. went to the five mile creek to see about a boat, and we were busy at needle work all the day.

Thursday 23rd - On waking found the sun shining beautifully, but still very cold. Mr. G. went to the store and found it necessary to unpack the piano-forte. So in the afternoon Sister, Emma, and I had to go down to the store and dried the damp clothing by a large fire which Mr. Pemberton the store-keeper had lighted by Mr. G's request. Everything was packed again before we went home to tea. I felt a bad cold in the eveg.

Friday 24th - I did not feel at all well, but roused myself as it was poor sister's wedding day. The weather was mild and clear. Mr. G. was obliged to go down to nail up the piano-ft., hoping to find the harp in good tune on his return to dinner. This had been fetched up to the hotel upon a sleigh, At ¼ past 12, as I expected, Mr. G. home to keep sister company. I took a walk for half an hour in the fields with some of the children, to try and get rid of my cold.