May 14, 1863
Left home this morning with Rev. Bausman and Fisher for Martinsburg in Huntingdon County to attend a meeting of classes. We traversed some beautiful mountain country with stately stands of trees. The vegetation is lush, and as far as eye can see, an unending verdant carpet and canopy of the forest. How simple a life can people live here, free to many city temptations and illnesses.
What a magnificent view we had from the top of the mountain. A great panarama stretched out before us, McConnels Cove, and turning, a view of the Cumberland Valley. Now it impresses the heart and mind, we could scarce tear ourselves away. Descending, we took dinner in McConnellsburg, and made our way to Sideling Hill at McEvanes. A change in the temperature is greatly noticed. People had large fires burning in their hearths, which made it pleasant indoors. Our party consisted of Dr. Schneck, Dr. Fisher, Rev. Bausman, J.J. Brown, John Rebo, H. Detricks, and T.J. Apple, Elder Wm Heyser, Wm. Bopart, Daniel Miller, James Cook, and David Berger, making quite a company. The evening passed pleasantly, before retiring, all assembled in the main room with the landlord and his family, who took devotional services with us.
After an excellent breakfast, we prepared to pursue our journey. I was very much vexed that we did not have morning prayers before departing. We passed Sideling Hill and approached Bloody Run, where we briefly rested. Here the road runs parallel with the Juniata River. The banks are covered with splendid hemlocks and spruce.
Here we take the road to Pattonsville. The Yellow Creek takes its course thru excellent scenery of rocks and trees, whose nature have been unchanged these thousands of years. A most delightful and romantic spot. I could dwell here some time on its beauties. At Pattonsville, we could find no accommodations at the Inn, being a small mean place. A worthy citizen, noting our plight, invited us to dine with him. An enjoyable experience. He was a Mr. Dietrick, a Methodist.
Leaving here, we passed thru Harrisonville, arriving about five o'clock at Martinsburg. This section of Morrison's Cove is a most fertile and beautiful section of the county, Martinsburg occupying the center of it. The people here are very hospitable and intelligent. Their houses are neat and well furnished. Fashion is beginning to make inroads on the backward way of life, among the Dunkard Sect, which is predominant. The younger generation has set in motion ideas that will change these crude notions about peculiar methods of life. Already we see much of this in evidence. We welcomed the rest of our members as they arrived, and started our exercises. Rev. Bausman preached the opening discourse.