much more so than could be expected. They only wish a resting spell and then to be led on to execute the business they came upon. I am still mortified by being obliged to keep housed with my leg, the wound is much worse than we at first imagined, however its on the mending hand. I have not mentioned but in every county-town they have a very good market house, and in Reading and Harrisburg quite considerable ones.
28th. This day the Philadelphia horse arrived, about 120 men well mounted and equipped. Many of them are young gentlemen of the first property in the city. The day was not very good, stormed a little. Our troops well encamped.
This day moved my lodgings from the sign of the Indian Queen to Mr. Davis'. At the Indian Queen our landlady was very cross and sulky; very unkind to the unfortunate soldiers and officers who happened to be unwell and sought shelter in her house; inhumanity and ill-nature seemed her chief qualities; they so offended Dr. Smith, my physician, who has been with me since we left Reading, and is surgeon to the Jersey Calvary, that we departed with pleasure from their roof.
29th. Fine day, very hot. This day the Philadelphia horse determined to begin the business of collecting the gentry of sedition, in which some volunteers from our troops joined. They went out in two or three directions and brought in several of the Pole gentry; one of them, after being a prisoner, used very abusive and provoking language, after which he endeavored to make his escape, upon which one of the Philadelphia troops ordered him to stop, which he disregarded, upon which he shot him through with his pistol, of which wound he died next morning. This was rather an unfortunate affair as it doubtless will irritate some as well as intimidate others, but by misrepresentation it may be made very bad use of, and as falsehood seems the forte of the anti-federal gents, there is no doubt but they will embrace this occasion to display their abilities. One of the fellows brought in this day was an Irish schoolmaster, who had been a very busy fellow in the ways of sedition; he was very much frightened when taken; he had repeatedly said, he would himself blow the President's brains out if he attempted to lead the army over the mountains against the insurgents, and much such like talk; he was committed to jail. Our men were all ready to cut him up, but a word to the civil authority prevented any interference. We find a great majority of the people in this county have got the canine madness against government, but our appearance has silenced them, and given the friends of government an opportunity to show themselves.
30th. This day news arrived that the President was on his way to Carlisle, and that Governor Mifflin would be there in two days. Nothing of importance transpired this day.
Oct. 1st. Cavalry busily employed in making provision for the march expected. Foraging parties went out, and also parties for the collection of the pole gentry.
