Box 1, Folder 6: Diaries 1828-1830

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Worked in the afternoon on the canal measuring rock above that measured on the 27th - Saw some Martins (a species of swallow) this afternoon for the first time this spring. March 31st This morning I went along the line of the canal as far up as the bridge - saw the red maple in flower. In the afternoon we took the levels on the rock above the turnpike & was drove in by a shower...

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...of rain. Saw while I was at the upper end of the canal the common willow tree with leaves. [See note in this journal for Feb 6th 1828] From these observations on the trees it will appear that the vegetation this spring is about one month later than in 1827 and nearly two months later than the last. In the evening I received a letter from Darius in which he give an article on locks, which he wrote for a book on Civil Engineering.

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...that he is now composing. He writes that Judge Bates has left the service of Ohio as principal engineer. April 1st 1829 Wed. A rainy day, not withstanding which I done some work at the Bridge. After this I wrote a letter to Father, and on the same sheet an answer to Darius' received yesterday. Commenced drawing a plan of the Lock & Bridge for Mr. Kelly. April 2d 1829 This morning after doing some work at the lock I went up the canal to set some...

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...iron stakes in the lock & after this I went up to Louisville. In the afternoon there being no work to be done on the canal I worked a little on the plan of the Locks. April 3 Fryday This morning I done some work at the bridge and then a little at the locks. At noon I copied the reports estimates &c. which Mr. Henry took to Louisville leaving nothing for me to do on the canal; so I finished the plan of the locks and then went over to Rock Island to get some shells for Mr. White. I found specimens of the two genera...

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...Anodonta & Alasmodonta which I had not before seen here. In the evening I got a letter from Prof Silliman which said that my specimens were received and a box was sent in return which came as far as New Orleans and owing to the blunder of a clerk was sent back to New Haven. Saturday April 4th This morning I went to Louisville to see Mr. Butter concerning Silliman's Journal to which he subscribed but has not received the No's regular. I did not find his...

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...however. In the afternoon I graduated a new locking rod. April 5th Went to the Presbyterian church this morning after which I went to Mr. Butter's and dined & spent a few hours with him. Monday April 6th Worked on the canal the greater portion of the time in the A.M. and in the afternoon I went to Louisville to get the figures marked on a new rod which I have been making. While I was there I went to...

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Dr. Fitch who lent me one No. of the Transylvanian Journal of Medisine [sic] containing the first part of Dr. Shorts Florula Lexingtoniensis. This was particularly acceptable as I have no work on botany by me. As I came down I took a rout which I often traveled last spring along the edge of the woods - discovered only one plant in flower besides those already mentioned. The weather is fine though rather windy. The river which has been down tolerably...

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...low is now rising quite rapidly again. April 7th This morning I went to the bridge to do some work there and then went on too Louisville to get the new rod. After this we came down to Shippingsport and there came on a light shower of rain. Mr. Goodwin came down & gave Mr. Henry a letter from Judge Bates who wanted the level we have here which belongs to him. Mr. H. wrote immediately to Mr. White to get him another of superior quality and forwarded...

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...as soon as possible. After copying this letter I went to the post office and got a letter from Judge Bates requesting me to receive the instrument & forward it to father in Ohio where he has made arrangements to have it sent to Rochester N.Y. where he is now. After this I again went to the bridge - A load of express timber from the month of the Ohio arrived today it is intended for the lock gates on this canal and is supposed to be superior to any other wood.

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Wed April 8th A rainy day - I stayed in my room most of the time and of course not much occured [sic] worthy of a remark here - Light thunder & lightning occured [sic] once or twice during the day first time this season. Ap 9th Another rainy day; This morning before breakfast I went to the woods south of this place in search of plants in flower and succeeded in finding one...