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
November 18, 1832
In the morning, dreary weather and overcast sky. At seven thirty, 5°R [43.3°F, 6.3°C]. Today is Sunday, but here one does not realize it, except that young people go hunting more than usual, contrary to the general custom in the United States. The otherwise reasonable and educated men of Harmony (especially Mr. Say) are enemies of religion, that is, of all sects, and have no regard at all for outward religious practices and churchgoing. Moreover, they have a hatred for the clergy.
At noon, 10°R [54.5°F, 12.5°C]. Our firewood included pieces that are red inside, here called honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). There are three species of locust. The second one is black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and Gleditsia monosperma is called simply locust.
Forenoon visit at the home of Mr. Lesueur, who is still not well. In his room it was almost dark because of the Lonicera sempervirens vines (now with their mature red berries) that were growing at the windows. In America this darkness (it had just rained somewhat and was very warm) is unusual in the winter; on the contrary, there is usually bright, clear, and pleasant weather. During the winter there is sometimes fog and hoarfrost, whereby all trees are encrusted to the outermost twigs, but this is rare. Sun dogs and northern lights are also not unusual. In the afternoon we had heavy rain, and in the evening it was windy and very dark.