Transcription
Saratoga Aug 2d. 1853.
My dear Sarah,
I arrived here safe about eight oclock last evening, after what would have been an astonishingly〈qu〉rapid journey in former times; but which I found rather tedious from interruptions and delays, waiting at certain places on the single track for down trains to arrive and pass and above all, being detained between three and four mortal hours in Troy; one of the most noisy, racket-y places in the whole world; especially in front of the hotel where I stopped and where all the rail road trains and onmibusses in the world seemed
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to have a rendezvous–and all the porters, hack men, loafers, and rowdies conspired to make a clamor; the only thing that quieted them for a time was a storm of rain that came on of a sudden and threatened to produce a second deluge–It lasted until late in the evening and at intervals in the night–but has ended by allaying the sultry heat and producing bright temperate weather.
At Tarrytown I found young Mr McVickar about to take a seat in the cars on his way to the mountains and lakes of Hamilton County. He was equipped as an angler, and was to be joined at Saratoga by Robert Minturn. We kept together all day, and I found him a most
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agreeable companion. No one could be more kind, obliging and attentive; more thoroughly the amiable gentleman. This morning as I sallied out to take the waters at the Spring I found him, Robert Minturn and Willy Constant just about setting off on their excursion, all equipped in angler style, with their potent rods neatly bound up to the dimensions of walking staffs. Three nicer or better suited companions I have never seen; I gave them my parting wishes for plenty of sport and a pleasant excursion. The latter they are sure to have, from the stock of good spirits and right feelings that they carry with them.
I found an excellent room ready for me, which Mr Frank Granger had vacated in the morning–though I deeply regretted
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his departure, having calculated much on his society. I was recieved with a hearty welcome by the Kennedys, and by several of my acquaintances of last year. 〈and〉Old Mr Gray is in full force; his little favorite Louisa Andrews is here, and he has had a piano brought up from Albany that she may perform at the cottage which he and the Kennedys occupy. So we shall have a relish of the life we led at Ellicotts Mills; and some what of the same set gathered together.
Last night I slept soundly and sweetly after the days journey. This morning I have commenced taking the waters–And feel that the change of scene–and the meeting with friends have already had an inspiring effect upon me–
My paper is full–I have barely room to send love to all the families at the two houses
Your affectionate uncle,
W.I.
[LEFT SIDE] P.S. See that Mr Grinnell gets the half barrel of fish passed through the custom house.
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Marisa CalderioLanguage
EnglishNotes
Washington Irving. Letters. Volume IV, 1846-1859. Aderman, Ralph M., Kleinfield, Herbert L. and Jenifer S. Banks. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1982, pp. 423-424.
