Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 11).djvu/62

 features, pale complexion, white hair, and dressed in an old cloak, and a hat, seemingly 20 years old. Notwithstanding all this, he appeared on change to be an influential object of attraction. He kindly offered me a letter of introduction to his friends and bankers, at Charleston, S. Carolina.

6th.—Seemed pleased with every thing and every body, and every body with me. Visited the State house, where assembles the legislature, and {30} governor at its head. From the top of the dome of this stately structure I surveyed the university of Cambridge and Bunker's Hill, about two miles distant. Boston, from this elevation, appears to be encircled by the sea, and by broad rivers, over which are bridges nearly a mile in length. The beauteous hills and contiguous valleys shine with villas, villages, and towns, which, together, make the perspective rich and inviting to an English stranger. Of churches there are here plenty; but churches create not religion. The new part of the town glitters with elegant mansions, which strike the eye of the stranger with surprise. In these live rich or retired merchants.

7th.—My trunks and person, this day, exposed at the custom-house to a gentle scrutiny only, not a British searching. This establishment is superior and well conducted. At noon very politely introduced by Mr. Jonson to the Reading Rooms, where I found nearly all foreign and domestic newspapers. The morning's first salutation from a gentleman to a young lady is, "Miss Lucy, you look smart," or "you come out bright this morning." Fine man,—smart man, or woman, seems the highest praise amongst the commonalty. Took leave of my friendly guide, Mr. Burnham, who left me for the interior. He presented me, at parting, with a keepsake; an elegant