John Milton Binckley, June 1859 Travel Diary, Page 25

[John Milton Binckley, June 1859 Travel Diary, page 25. Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy, Sally Young and Sue Davis for their ongoing research collaboration; specifically to William for providing scans of the original document, and in turn many thanks to Peter Johnston Binckley and Patricia D'Arcy "Trish" Binckley (1951-2007), at the source. This is my rough transcription. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

[continued] morbid apprehension and initiation.

The morning is beautiful, & the town roofs gleam with almost a splendor in the sun. Beyond this place, the country continues broken and rugged, resembling much the Hocking country.

Feeling that I might be able to do so, I court a small cat nap. Am uncertain whether in an hour's trial, succeeded at all.

Tunnels. They are lighting the Camps. The mile tunnel is therefore near.

Out of tobacco, here behind a plain genteel old man. Take the liberty to ask him for a supply. He furnishes if promptly. Find him Mr. Scott of near Fredericksburg Va on way to Kansas. Knows several I know.

Here we go through a lovely region, all golden with the beauties of morn. Pretty cold. I retire to a corner seat, and looking out, muse. 

Mary's daguerreotype, tunnel now & then casts my [?] and [?] into darkness, only a moment, & I emerge with them, I with the smile of Mary still upon me from the picture. Well, sure Enough, I am a foolish lover. 

[To be continued.]  

[John Milton Binckley (1831-1878).
Mary = Mary Louisa Mitchell/Michel (1838-1930)]