April 1874 164 1874 Washington D.C. to Petroleum, Md. April 24 With much hindrance but profited a poor collecting ground at Petroleum. After dining with Henry & Ridgway we left W. in the 7.40 train. We passed Harper's Ferry at 10 P.M. & although the night was cloudy we got quite a good view of the bold rugged scenery & then turned in. In Washington we saw members of D. Astor, Mr. Ardon, Hon. Rufus & Mrs. Rhines Carolinensis, April 25 Woke up this morning to find the train just running into Grafton -- a most desolate place where we were obliged to wait half an hour for a freight train, the express not stopping at Petroleum. After a most execrable breakfast which the proprietor considered worth 15c we embarked on our "slow freight" and slow indeed we found it; its running time averaging 6 miles per hour. All day long the rain poured in torrents, and we passed the time in smoking, chatting and reading, especially the forms. The country from Grafton to Petroleum (distance 50 miles) is to the eye of a New Englander most unique. Straight ridges