Four-and-a-Half Months’ Stay in New Harmony
Description of the region – Natural history – Messrs. Say, Lesueur, and Owen – Hunting excursions in Indiana and Illinois – Wabash, Fox River – Illinois prairies – Albion – Black River – Mr. Bodmer’s trip to New Orleans
December 3, 1832
Early in the morning, roofs and surroundings white with hoarfrost. At seven thirty, 2°R [36.5°F, 2.5°C]. Sky bright and clear. We worked at home all forenoon. Our landlord traveled to Albion and hopes to bring back some natural history specimens for us. At twelve o’clock, temperature of 9°R [52.3°F, 11.3°C], but at the same time a brisk, cool wind with bright sunshine. During the afternoon, visit at the home of Mr. Say and then a stroll with him. I saw nothing except a nice, colorful duck, a crow, a bluebird, and a snowbird. Afterward we worked at home. The weather had gotten worse; a raw wind was blowing. The Wabash had risen considerably. In the evening, visit until ten o’clock at the home of Mr. Lesueur, where we saw some interesting copperplates. At night, bright moonlight; strong, harsh wind.