Western boats at that day did not make regular trips at stated times, but would stop anywhere, and for any length of time, for passengers or freight.

I have myself been detained two or three days at a place after steam was up, the gang planks, all but one, drawn in, and after the time advertised for starting had expired.

On this occasion we had no vexatious delays, and in about three days Pittsburg was reached.

From Pittsburg I chose passage by the canal to Harrisburg, rather than by the more expeditious stage.

This gave a better opportunity of enjoying the fine scenery of Western Pennsylvania, and I had rather a dread of reaching my destination at all.