8th. Rose before 5. Took a walk to the beach and
enjoyed the grand view of the Ocean. Walked so far along the shore that
it was near 6 o’clock before I returned to the house. A clever old wench
belonging to the family procured me a violin from one of the neighbors.
This afforded a very acceptable amusement. Before dinner I took a walk
down a different road and came near the Narrows. I got Scott’s Elocution.
Reading this, walking and fiddling filled up the remainder of the day.
9th. The violin taken away last night; one source of amusement
withdrawn. I rose early and went to the beach where I bathed. In the afternoon,
having chosen a new path, I followed it till I came near the Narrows. In
returning I lost my self and it was some time before I could find my way
out of the wood. A young fellow who had been waiter to a gentleman from
the Southward came to engage a seat in the stage—an arch chap with his
magic lantern—I have seen him before cutting his capers round my father’s
door. Evening I pad my Landlord 18/.
10th. Went this morning to take leave of the beach. Last
night I had very distressing dreams, occasioned I believe by leaving my
collar buttoned. Before dinner I went and picked blackberries.
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At 1 o’clock, having settled with my landlord, I took a seat
in the stage. With us a neighboring farmer, Mr. Ash from the Southward,
and a young girl. The first and last left us at Jamaica, where we staid
an hour. I walked about the town. A little after 4 we started again and
arrived at Brooklyn about 7. Stopped a few minutes at Aunt Carpender’s.
Crossed the ferry and found all well. Mr. Reid has paid £19 for the
map. I paid 4/ for having my old Hat dressed.
August 11th. After-noon called at Bridsall’s, and at Seaman’s
Cellar, to give advice to this extraordinary family. I cannot help admiring
the phlegmatic, unruffled disposition of one of them. Her Child came tumbling
down the stone steps. “Doctor, can you mend broken heads, too?” says she,
picking him up very leisurely. Evening, I went to Dr. Young’s & saw
Mr. Herttell, who is unwell. A Typhus fever has carried off 7 or 8 in the
neighborhood.
23rd. Sunday Forenoon, heard Mr. Beach, I. Thesalon. iv,
13. Afternoon, Mr. Bisset, John vi, 38. As I was at tea, Dr. Smith call’d
to offer me the care of the Hospital at Bellevue,* in place of P. Anderson,
*Bellevue Hospital was then
a long distance from the city. It does not appear that the present extensive
buildings had been begun in 1795. There could have been little else
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