Travel diary: D. Stabler, 1823

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minutes which it took to walk the water, we found ourselves on Terra firma, and rode on toward Martinsburg. When we arrivd in sight of Town, T Leach went into it to look for letters and we went alone, to Aaron Hibberds, where we arriv'd about dusk, and found our letters were in his hands waiting a week for us. Truly glad and thankful we were to hear from our dear families and friends; and very particularly so to hear that my dear Caleb was safely reposing in the bosom of his family and friends, a mercy which I desire never to forget. We had a comfortable night, at A Hibberds. In the morning of the 22 a thunder storm cool'd the air, and was at meeting at Middle Creek, where James Mendenall livd and died, had a good meeting, the word I trust was divided right, then came on with some friends of the name of Lee, 2 batchelors and 3 single sisters, none of them young, met with clean good entertainment, after dinner came 6 miles more to Thomas Rights to lodge, accompanied by Anthony Lee. _ on the 23^d of the M^o, Thomas Right, son of the late Johnathan Right conducted us to his Fatherinlaws Isaac & Sarah Browns, comfortable habitation, here we are resting having given notice that we are disposed to meet the members of the Ridge meeting tomorrow at 11 oclock. the 3^d of the week, we call'd in our way here this morning to see our Ancient friends in their own house, Abraham and Sarah Bransen

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sat half an hour, and a little farther on our way livd dear old Abel Walker. We call'd to see him also, he is in his 89th year, and tho in a very enfeebled state thro bodily infirmity, our meeting with him was peculiarly gratifiying to us, and he express'd with many tears, the satisfaction he had in our visit; the savour of his life and the greenness of his advanced years; had an animating effect on our minds. _

24^th of the M^o We were at the Ridge meeting, a small meeting but very satisfactory. In this meeting we had evidence that the onointing oye had bee pour'd upon two of Isaac & S Browns daughters, life attended their offerings. I consider them rightly call'd, having on the Priestly garment, in the true orders of the gospel dispensation _ the general prospect thro out our visit has been gloomy, as to a succession in the ministerial office _ In the afternoon, accompanied by Isaac B and wife, we went to Winchester, lodged at Charles Litles, were receiv'd with more than common kindness but like too many who have chosen their own way, I fear the avantages of his pious Mothers care will be lost in the

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Spirit of the world, and its indulgences. -

25^th Attended their week day meeting call'd Centra, a very small meeting of friends, some other People came in, we conclude there was no cause to regret being there, visited John Swains wife, apparently near her close, dined at Samuel Browns, and came to Lewis Neals to lodge. It was a pleasant Place, to me when first here with my dear Husband 33 years ago, and it is still so. He is as a Prince among the Tribes _

26^th, Went from L Neals to Hopewell 5^th day meeting. It was small compar'd with what it was, when I was a member of this Quarter, yet the meeting was own'd by his presence, that gives light and life. I do not remember in all the exercises of this kind within my limited Sphere of action, that the divine sufficiency was more fully manifested. _ Rode 4 miles to Isaac Browns to dine. After dinner we proceeded upward; cross'd the Pye ridge accompanied by

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Cassandra Brown, and Richard Ridgeway call'd a few minutes to speak to Nancy Lupton and her brotherinlaw, arrivd in Pew Town, in good time lodgd at the house of W^m Wood formerly of Alexandria, who is now married to David Ridgways daughter, sister to our young guide and Grandchildren to the late Richard Ridgway, so generally known among friends _

27^th of the M^o 6 of the week Attended Back Creek meeting, felt well satisfied in having given up to go back instead of forward, came 4 miles, dined and rested at B Fentons, kind clever friends, and lodged at Hannah Wrights, widow of Johnathan, here was much to interest our feelings, Affluence, humility, and heart felt kindness. She still has with her, 3 single daughters one of them a widow, with 3 Children, two with her and the other with his G Father Smith. H Wright has also living with her her youngest son, a Man in size. We left him sick in Bed. I left with him two doses of Cal^e & Jallap, being then

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far favor'd to do pretty will, with but little recourse to our dear James Stabler's fortification of medecine, I gave certain directions; after the art of the Apothecary, and left this dear family with feelings of sympathy, except the widow daughter, who mounted her Horse and rode 8 miles to shew us the road, where W^m Jollifffe met us, and releas'd her to go home alone.

This was the 28^th of the M^o, and 7^th of the week, W^m Jolliffe Conducted us a few miles to the House of Moses Coats, who married a sister of D^r John Moore, of Phila^a here too we had something to feel, she appears to be be a precious friend her husband clever tho not a member of our society, laboring under an affliction, which if not soon reliev'd appears likely to end as Jesse Tysons did, we had a nice repast, Cousin H said, it was like good Sandy Spring fare and came on, thro extreme hot weather to Nathan Hainses, near Berkley meeting, The House