Tuesday, 18^th. Finished what private business I had to do in the City this forenoon, took my leave of those families in wch. I had been most intimate, dined early [abt. 1 Oclock] at Mr. Morris’s with whom and Gouvr. Morris I parted at Gray’s ferry, and reached Chester (where we lodged) in Company with Mr. Blair, who I invited to a seat in my Carriage ‘till we should reach Mount Vernon.

Wednesday, 19^th. Prevented by Rain (much of which fell in the Night) from setting off till about 8 oclock, when it ceased and promising to be fair, we departed, baited at Wilmington, dined at Christiana [bridge] and lodged at the head of Elk. At the bridge near to which my horses (two of them) and Carriage had a very narrow escape. For the Rain which had fallen the preceding evening having swelled the water considerably, there was no fording it safely, I was reduced to the necessity therefore of remaining on the other side or of attempting to cross on an old, rotten and long disused bridge. Being anxious to get on I preferred the latter, and in the attempt one of my horses fell 15 feet at least, the other very near following, which had (had it happened) would have taken the Carriage with baggage along with him and destroyed the whole effectually. However by prompt assistance of some people at a Mill just by and great exertion, the first horse was disengaged from his harness, the 2^d. prevented from going quite through and drawn off and the Carriage rescued from hurt.

Saturday, 22^d. Breakfasted at Bladensburgh and passing through George Town dined in Alexandria and reached home (with Mr. Blair) about sun set, after an absence of four Months and 14 days.