little boys were employ’d in breaking the ore, near one of
the entrances, under the shade of trees with which the whole hill was pretty
well conver’d. We ventur’d in, after taking the precaution to cool ourselves,
and were furnish’d with a candle by one of the Miners, who was very attentive
to lead us thro’ the different avenues. He inform’d us that there were
16 Workmen, mostly Welchmen, in the mine. We put some specimens of the
ore in our pockets. Left this dismal cavern by ascending a perpendicular
ladder about 50 feet long, after giving our guide half a dollar, with which
he appear’d well satisfied. From this we went to the mouth of the old shaft
and view’d the Steam-engine, now out of use. After resting on the grass,
we took the road to New-ark. 2 miles brought us to Second river,* which
we cross’d in a little ferry-boat. The heat became pretty violent and my
companion perspired prodigiously. Between 12 & 1 we arriv’d at New-ark
and went to a public house, where we got a bit of a dinner. Set off with
a fresh strength on the Road for Paules Hook, cross’d the 2 Bridge, and
saw the Draw-bridge of one rais’d to let a sloop pass. A slight fall of
rain overtook us in our journey over
* The Second River is a branch of the Passaic, and is
the northern boundary of Newark.
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the long causeway. We were much diverted with a combat between
a Crow & 7 Black-birds. Got to the Ferry house before 5, not without
having suffer’d some apprehensions from a Man who join’d us on the road.
Arriv’d at home before 6. Mr. Reid had left the book for me to begin the
cuts.
June 24th. At 9 attended at Justice Brasher’s and gave
my evidence in favor of Dr. Young. Much grieved at finding that I had deviated
a little from truth. Before dinner I finished th emap just as Mr. Reid
came in. He took it with him and in the afternoon brought a proof. I drew
a tolerable likeness of Mamma. Walked on the Battery. Saw a ship loaded
with passengers from Ireland, as I was afterward informed. Saw Aug. Bailey.
Stopped at his house and looked at a young bear of his, which he had brought
from ST. Augustine. Received a letter from John Babcock (Hartford), with
orders for engraving cuts for a little book. Got the plate from Myers and
paid him 6 dollars. Wrote an answer to Babcock.
July 4th. Anniversary of American Independence. I was
aroused pretty early by the firing of Cannon and ringing of bells.—I paid
9d. for different medicines at Wainwright’s, made some pills and put up,
with some articles for I. Grozart. Before dinner
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