Travels Through North America 



in it; and such as, if not speedily rectified, will be 

 productive of bad consequences. 



The difference of exchange between bills and the 

 currency of Pennsylvania, is about 75 per cent. 



An occurrence happened to me at Philadelphia, 

 which, though in itself of a trifling nature, I cannot 

 but take notice of, as a singular instance of the 

 strong possession which an idea will sometimes take 

 of the mind; so as totally to derange it. A lady from 

 Rhode Island, who lodged in the same house with 

 myself, had an unfortunate brother in the infirmary, 

 a lunatic. He was supposed to be nearly well, and 

 was permitted occasionally to see company. A few 

 days before I was to leave Philadelphia, this lady 

 invited me to accompany her in one of her visits to 

 him; adding, that on her inadvertently mentioning 

 to him some circumstances relating to me, he had 

 expressed a most earnest desire to see me. I strongly 

 objected to the proposal, urging the impropriety of 

 introducing a stranger, or, indeed, company of any 

 sort, to a person in that unhappy situation; as it 

 might possibly agitate his mind, and retard his re- 

 covery. I advised her therefore not to take any 

 further notice of it; hoping he might forget, or not 

 mention it any more. The next day she renewed 

 her application, adding, that her brother was ex- 

 ceedingly disappointed; and entreated me to attend 

 her, in so pressing a manner, that I could not with 

 civility refuse it. On entering the cell, a beam of 



