Tioga Point

We arose early and found that Sleep had much relieved our anxiety and acted as a balmy restorer. Morning somewhat cloudy and we were much perplexed for a short time in consequence of one of our horses refusing to go; however, after some time spent in mild measures, off they went in fine style. The road for some distance was excellent, but after crossing the inlet to Seneca Lake it became very bad as it rained for some time in the forenoon. And all the way to Newtown, situated on the Susquehannah, we had disagreeable traveling. The distance from the head of Seneca Lake to Newtown is twenty-six miles. In this distance I saw some of the most elevated Pine Trees that imagination could reach, and it was almost literally true, as my companion said, it required two looks to see the tops. We arrived at Newtown about two o'clock P.M., when we took some refreshment.

A circumstance occurred which afforded me some amusement as well as taught me never to place much reliance on acquaintance. Tyler had told me before we arrived that he had some friend, a mechanic in the place, whom he wished to call on. And, accordingly, as soon as our horses were disposed of we went in search of him, and soon had the fortune to discover his residence. We knocked on the door and were admitted, passed the ordinary compliments of strangers. The man did not seem to act as though he had ever seen Tyler before - when Tyler says, Mr. ___ , you appear not to know me. - No, Sir, I do not recollect as having seen you before. - Did you not come from ___? - Yes. - Did you not marry ___ ? - Yes. - And don't know me? - Most certainly I do not. - My name is Tyler and I married a Mrs. ___. I know the family very well but have no recollection of you. - It is very singular said my companion that you should not recollect me. And we left the house in some disgust. Here we see how far the former acquaintance of some individuals reach. There can be no doubt but that this man knew Tyler, yet from some cause would not acknowledge it. From this one circumstance I have come to the conclusion that dependence placed on former acquaintance is likely not to meet with a good reception, though in this case there was no expectation of favor or none was wanted. But it may be probable that the man thought some expectation had induced Tyler to call on him, and in order at once to put a stop to any solicitation, would not recognize him. There are many ways to refuse without saying no.

From Newtown we started down the Susquehannah, and after driving some ten or fifteen miles we came across Aaron D. Gage who was to accompany us. He had left a day or two sooner than we did. We found the roads in a bad situation to Chimney Point, a distance of seventeen miles. The road ran close to the bank of the River and so narrow was the excavation that it was very difficult for wagons going in different directions to pass. An immense steep elevation of land is on the left as you descend the River. Along this road we traveled some distance in the night and arrived at Tioga Point at about nine o'clock, making the whole distance of day's ride Forty-seven miles. Here we took supper of good wholesome bread and milk and soon retired for the night which the fatigues of the day made very agreeable.