We left Louisa court House soon this morning and took breakfast in Yanceville, nine miles from L.C. House at one Hayden's, a most miserable place. Landlady and Lord, Parlor, Dining room and furniture, Kitchen and victuals, servants and children, things of every name and description, from, color, or size both in, out, around about the whole establishment was poor, mean, low, and dirty. Indeed I concluded this one house must have attracted all the smoke and dust from not only the village but the surrounding country to considerable extent. But when the reconing was served up it was so elevated that it must have been clean. But our stay was short and if I ever retrace my steps I will make sure this man will not have the satisfaction of changing my money.
From here we proceeded on for Goochland, a distance of eleven miles and situated in the west part of the country. Just before sundown we crossed James River just below the junction of the River at Cartersville in Cumberland County and then drove nine miles from Cartersville to Woodson's Inn and put up for the night. The roads today were the best we have seen since we entered Virginia. There was some satisfaction in riding once more over roads more level and through a part of the country with a more fertile soil. After the morning cloud had been swept away by the mild Zephyrs of May and the sun shone in his full splendor, though his rays produced a little more than a comfortable heat, yet the effect was much counteracted by the tall forest trees that stood on both sides of the road, now in full bloom with beautiful green. Along the road a great portion of the land is covered with timber. We passed today some of the most extensive wheatfields I ever witnessed, and the same may be said of the fields planted in corn. And today was the first time I ever saw fields prepared for the planting of the Tobacco plant. I could not at first imagine for what purpose there were so many little mounds raised in the field, as it was full of cones raised about ten or twelve inches high and at the base about fourteen inches in diameter. The Saw Mills here stand on dry land and are propelled by slave power. We saw several of this description. It appears a low way to make plank.
Jame River at Cartersville where we crossed is said to be three hundred and sixty yards wide. Cartersville is quite a pleasantly situated place containing about two hundred inhabitants and among the number are four Doctors and one Preacher of the Presbyterian order, and what is singular, there are no lawyers. And what makes it appear strange: the characters of these Professions are so similar that when you hear of one, the idea of deficiency is immediately created. And in almost all cases when you find one you will find the others two.
From this place we proceeded on toward Cumberland Court House, over as pleasant a road as heart could wish or traveler expect. Woods on either side of the road the greater part of the distance from Cartersville to Cumberland C. House. We were, however, overtaken by night before we could get to a place of entertainment and owing to the thickness of the forest on each side of the road, it was very dark, and the wet places in the road and the hollows on each side presented the same appearance, and by this we were so much deceived that our carriage got upset and overselves and trunks spilt on the wet ground, and in almost Egyptian darkness. For a moment it produced a little state of derangement and a very peculiar sensation when we found we were turning, where we could not tell. Those who wish for a description of the feeling must try it and it will be perfect. But after the first moment of surprise was over, we found we were yet on the earth and though we could not see, yet we knew we had hands and feet and could feel, by the use of which we found our situation to be easily remedied, which was soon done. Our trunks were reloaded and we as well, seated in the carriage as ever, but we were a little more cautious of the same deception and in a few moments we emerged from the woods ino the open field where we could see much better, and in the course of fifteen minutes we arrived at Fulton Wood', a tavern, and tarried until daylight gave us a better opportunity of finding our way. Ourselves and our trunks were not injured. Here again my motto occurred to me, "Don't give up the ship." to sit down and cry under difficulties will never answer. You must set your mind at work instantly to see how you are to get ought of it and as soon as you are satisfied of this fact, go immediately tat work to put your plans in execution. Do not wait for others. if you have matured your ideas, communicate them and have them acted on, as quick as the nature of the case will admit.