Travel Diaries and Journals

the Refreshment room till the time of starting two others in the [struck through: train] [written above: carriage] with me at starting but at Berwick a number of women Came in with Chil- dren the 2 others went into another Carri age at Newcastle. I remained could get no sleep. Sent out Mrs. Ritchie's parcel for Tope at York & had it booked in York about 4 ocl a.m.

Tuesday. Jany. 22nd. 1861.

Got into London at 10 ocl & went to a coffe house opposite the station & had a wash & Some breakfast. after which took a cab & went to Bethnall House. shewn into a room Dr. Ritchie came in. Sat talking for some time. Cabman wanting too much gave him 3/. Mr. Miller came in was introduced. after a glass of wine went to bed & had a sleep for two hours. at 5 dressed & came down to dinner. Met Mr. Miller

9.15 P.M. 3 Strangers with us in the carriage. one a Mr. Batters of Cornhill who promised to assist us in the (City affair) without being asked. had a pleasant journey down. At the North British Station lost Portobello train by an incivil guard see accompanying letter written to "Scotsman" after my return to London

[newspaper clipping pasted onto page] [Publication title and date pasted vertically] THE SCOTSMAN FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 1863.

NORTH BRITISH RAILWAY SERVANTS. London, August 24, 1863. SIR,- A short time ago I arrived at Edinburgh per Great Northern Railway from London on a Sunday morning; and being anxious to proceed at one to Porto- bello, I inquired of the only guard who was to be seen on the platform, "Whether a train would soon leave for that place?" I received no reply to my query, but the mas busied himself about some baggage. As I was unwilling to harass him by questions, I waited until he appeared to be disengaged before repeating my question. Still I received no answer, but he simply turned his back and went somewhere else. Catching sight of him a third time, I repeated my question somewhat peremp- torily, and had the satisfaction this time at anyrate of getting a reply - that being that there was a train; but as it was just leaving, I could not catch it, and, as he spoke, the puff of an engine on the opposite side, as the train moved slowy out, convinced me that what he said was true. I was naturally indignant, but as I could see no distinguishing mark about the guard, I was unable to report his conduct in the proper quarter. A simple "Ay" from him, when I first or even secondly questioned him, would have enabled me with east to have caught the train. The result was that I had to hire a cab to Portobello which cost me 4s., besides causing me considerable loss of time and annoyance. I am induced to sent this to you as I have heard several complaints of similar incivility on the part of the servants of the North British Railway at Edinburgh, and I consider it ought to be part of their duty to assist by every reasonable means passengers from a distance, who are not to be supposed to know the times of starting of local trains. - I am, &c. A.J.

Tuesday walked by Hill to Edinr. Met Mr. Wilson got Mrs. Ws. address 8 Scotland Street Went & called. Saw Miss W. grown tall had dinner son Bob came in in (Cross) waited tea & left went to Guildfrd has supper (St. David Street) returned by last train, London train late that night. Wednesday 12th Went to p'pans by coach to Musselburgh & walked. had dinner called on Mr. Struthes out. Miss Paterson & Martha came to tea. Scotch music &c. Mrs. A up & dressed. (surprise of Miss P.) left to catch Musselburgh train [struck through: too late had] [struck through: to walk to] a Portobello Station" & walk Martha turned a nice girl.

Thursday 13 Went to Edinr. Met Struthers &ce. returned early to Portobello with Willie by way of Jacks Lodge gate & Duddingstone had a walk in the evening Andw. Anderson & party called Willie & I out (Andrew who has just returned from Australia & his father have previously called upon me in London)

Friday 14 Went to Edinr. Called on Andw. Anderson. (his sister very ill) Went with him to make various calles at Leith St. Terrace. Saw Finlay an Australian lady of Andrews acquaintance. Andrew Paton at the Brewery &ce had lunch at the Rainbow

Andw. left to go to funeral. returned to Portobello about 4. found letter from Miller asking me to be in London tomorrow morning wrote saying I was unable. Andw Anderson Finlay. Paton &ce came to Portobello in the evening & played American bowls.

Saturday 15th. After a dip & short walk breakfast &ce went to p'pans per Coach to Musselburgh. after seeing Mrs. A. called on Miss Turner. spent 3/4 of an hour. Mrs. R. at Mrs. Acheson's. little Katie [?] went with me said good bye called at Miss Paterson's saw Mary & Martha. Mary now talkative & free & easy since she