184 MEADVILLE.
the Cucumber trees loaded with brilliant fruits, and the Spruces throwing
a shade over the land in good keeping for a mellow picture. The lateness
of the crops was the only disagreeable circumstance that struck us ;
hay was yet standing, probably, however, a second crop; the peaches
were quite small and green, and a few persons here and there, as we passed
the different farms, were reaping oats. At length we came in sight
of French Creek, and soon after reached Meadville. Here we paid the
five dollars promised to our conductor, who instantly faced about, and
applying the whip to his nags, bade us adieu, and set off.
AVe had now only a hundred and fifty cents. No time was to be lost.
We put our baggage and ourselves under the roof of a tavern-keeper
known by the name of J. E . SMITH, at the sign of the Traveller's Rest, and
soon after took a walk to survey the little village that was to be laid under
contribution for our further support. Its appearance was rather
dull; but, thanks to GOD, I have never despaired while rambling thus
for the sole purpose of admiring his grand and beautiful works. I had
opened the case that contained my drawings, and putting my portfolio
under my arm, and a few good credentials in my pocket, walked up
Main Street, looking to the right and left, examining the different heads
which occurred, until I fixed my eyes on a gentleman in a store who
looked as if he might want a sketch. I begged him to allow me to sit
down. This granted, I remained purposely silent until he very soon
asked me what was " in that portfolio" These three words sounded
well, and without waiting another instant, I opened it to his view. This
was a Hollander, who complimented me much on the execution of the
drawings of birds and flowers in my portfolio. Shewing him a sketch of
the best friend I have in the world at present, I asked him if he would
like one in the same style of himself. He not only answered in the affirmative,
but assured me that he would exert himself in procuring as
many more customers as he could. I thanked him, be assured, kind
reader; and having fixed upon the next morning for drawing the sketch,
I returned to the Traveller's Rest, with a hope that to-morrow might
prove propitious. Supper was ready, and as in America we have generally
but one sort of Table d'hote, we sat down, when, every individual
looking upon me as a Missionary priest, on account of my hair, which in
fiose days flowed loosely on my shoulders, I was asked to say grace,
which I did with a fervent spirit.
Davlight returned. I visited the groves and woods around, with my
MEADVILLE. 185
companion, returned, breakfasted, and went to the store, where, notwithstanding
my ardent desire to begin my task, it was ten o'clock before the
sitter was ready. But, reader, allow me to describe the artist's room.
See me ascending a crazy flight of steps, from the back part of a store-room
into a large garret extending over the store and counting room, and
mark me looking round to see how the light could be stopped from obtruding
on me through no less than four windows facing each other at
right angles. Then follow me scrutinizing the corners, and finding in
one a cat nursing her young, among a heap of rags intended for the
paper-mill. Two hogsheads filled with oats, a parcel of Dutch toys carelessly
thrown on the floor, a large drum and a bassoon in another part,
fur caps hanging along the wall, and the portable bed of the merchant's
clerk swinging like a hammock near the centre, together with some rolls
of sole leather, made up the picture. I saw all this at a glance, and
closing the extra windows with blankets, I soon procured a painter's light.
A young gentleman sat, to try my skill. I finished his phiz, which
was approved of. The merchant then took the chair, and I had the good
fortune to please him also. The room became crowded with the gentry
of the village. Some laughed, while others expressed their wonder ; but
my work went on notwithstanding the observations that were made. M v
sitter invited me to spend the evening with him, which I did, and joined
him in some music on the flute and violin. I returned to my companion
with great pleasure; and you may judge how much that pleasure was increased,
when I found that he also had made two sketches. Having
written a page or two of our journals, we retired to rest.
The following day was spent much in the same manner. I felt highly
gratified that from under my grey coat my talents had made their way
and I was pleased to discover that industry and moderate abilities prove
at least as valuable as first-rate talents without the former of these qualities.
We left Meadville on foot, having forwarded our baggage by
waggon. Our hearts were light, our pockets replenished, and we walked
in two days to Pittsburg, as happy as circumstances permitted us to be.