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the capital of Fayette Co. Rode thirty two miles from Andersons; crossed the Rocky Fork on an old bridge which must soon fall and the Rattlesnake Fork on a good new bridge.
Dec. 16. Rode to Washington (14 miles) over a new road, before breakfast; constant rain; staid at Stagdale's Tavern the remainder of the day.
Dec. 17. The roads are difficult to find for the want of finger boards. Found one marked: A N A B R N ?
Lost my way going to Charleston today, and rode several miles before I got on the right track. Getting colder. Slight rain. (24 miles from Washington).
Dec. 18. Went to Urbana (22 miles) saw Pazzi and his wife Anna Maria. Staid with them; slept on the floor.
Dec. 19. Everything frozen up solid; three inches of snow: Rode up home to the farm on King's Creek, ten miles from Urbana. Upon entering our house mother first caught my eye; she threw her arms around my neck and thanked the Lord for preserving us to see and enjoy this happy meeting. Next Hannah, Lorana, and little Amelia made their appearance and I received from each a kiss.
William soon came in, he has grown more than all the rest. I could hardly realize him, there appeared to be little of William left in him. Next came the little pup and the enormous Random to show their joy. Father returned from West Liberty at night.****
Assisted in laying out the farm into fields and lots; we measured with a clothes line three rods in length; foxed the site for the stone wall in front of the new house (that is to be) using a board level. Suggested the propriety of making it curve linear so as to conform to the shape of the ground.*** Father wants to make most of his fences of hedges of white mulberry that if the silk business should ever be profitable he will be prepared to
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raise it in large quantities.
Dec. 22. Rode with father to visit West Liberty; saw my sister Mary and her husband Dr. Jones and their daughter Little delia, who just begins to talk.***
Made a list of Uncles, Aunts, and cousins. Staid home until the twenty eighth.
Dec. 28. Went to Urbana with father and mother; staid with Pazzi until the 29th.
Dec. 29. Rode to Jefferson (28 miles) a new town on Darby Creek where it is crossed by the National road. Saw Judge Brush.
Dec. 30. Sunday, went to Columbus (14 miles)) on the National road, which is not yet covered with stone, bad riding. Stopped at Nobles.
Dec. 31. Went to see the legislators; bought some books and in the afternoon rode to Bloomfield (16 miles).
