John Milton Binckley, June 1859 Travel Diary, Page 53

[John Milton Binckley, June 1859 Travel Diary, page 53. 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.]

situated on the Whitewater river, & has a tremendous trade. Head of navigation of the Whitewater & Cincinnati canal. This city is only five miles from New Paris  . A railroad supersedes the canal to Cin[cinatti]. comes in from the left as we pass. before getting in town.

Town just now in sight, pretty through a thin grove near by, here a mill in the ravine.

In town now. Out at depot for refreshments. Mother won't come, bring her piece of pie. Help myself with coffee, plus a sandwich. It is twilight. I get on tender & stand to look up in town, not high Enough to see, though high Enough to excite, popular notice and surprise at my curiosity. Generous lady got off here.

Oh, Lost my check, conductor politely waives it. Every conductor but one since we left Washington gentlemanly. The exception was between Belleair [Bellaire] and Zanesville.

Now in Indiana, sorry it is dark. Forgot to supply myself at Richmond with cigars and tobacco. Passengers Ever since betw Henia O. have been mostly local travel. 

In our car now observe women, whole number five. Band boxes, do do, nine. One large as a [to be continued.]

[John Milton Binckley (1831-1878).]