Travel Log

May 1, 1819

Several years ago, my grandpapa told me, "Tis' a fine journey that brings on a man's fine appetite." Grandpappy was correct: when I arrived at my cousin Nathan's homestead late today, my stomach was dreadfully a-growlin'. Fortunately, my cousin's wife Jo had a bang-up feast in mind for us all: roast chicken, potatoes. carrots...and my favorite, apple pie!

I showed Jo the cooking utensils I had stowed away in my saddlebag, to help with preparation of the pie. She marveled at the sifter that made her flour for the crust as smooth as silk, but in particular she took a liking to the grater, which she used to shred cheese over our warm slices of cinnamon goodness. "By Jove, Jacob, this grater is going to be coveted by everyone from the Atlantic to the Missouri Territory!"

After the meal, I pulled out the popcorn popper and I showed Nathan and Jo's little ones, John and Martha, how the popper works over the fire to turn out fluffy kernels, and we shared the loot while exchanging ghost stories that made the children shriek with glee.

It made me think about how there are few things in life better than gathering with family and loved ones. I long to share mine with a good lady once I settle down in Cincinnati and start my business, but in the meantime I give good grace for having loyal and helpful family members in my life. I think some of my products are going to help bring families together.

April 27, 1819

An old sayeth by the Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu tells us that "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Today I--or rather, my horse, Pioneer and I--took the first step from Baltimore, Maryland to Cincinnati, Ohio. Why the journey to a city with a funny name? I have my reasons. First, I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, which is very close to Cincinnati and where most of my family folk still live. Secondly, I long to see our new nation's land opening up out West and believe it's the perfect place for an entrepreneurial man such as myself to lay down some new roots and make a living.

Among the goods tucked into my saddlebags you'll find a change or two of clothing, enough minted coins to get me to at least halfway across to Ohio, a shaving razor, dried jerky, and a flask of whiskey--standard traveling fare. But my most prized possessions are prototypes of household goods that I believe will make this hard way of living on American land a little easier for most folks: a contraption for making flour fine, another for grinding cheese, and yet another invention that turns corn into tasty popped kernels.

This morning I bade goodbye to friends, neighbors, and Baltimore, the city that was my companion for seven years after the War of 1812 ended. Pioneer and I are on our way to my cousin Nathan's cabin in Hagerstown, Maryland, just near the Pennsylvania line. Here's hoping we'll be both greeted with some good grub, hospitality--and a hot bath!

 

The ma and I really admire the wise ol' sayings of Benjamin Franklin. Here are some of the favorites of the Bromwell household. You can find many more of these here gems on USHistory.org:

Eat to live, and not live to eat.

After three days men grow weary, of a wench, a guest, and rainy weather.

Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

Tis easy to see, hard to foresee.

He that lieth down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.

The worst wheel of a cart makes the most noise.

There are three faithful friends -- an old wife, an old dog, and ready money.

Well done is better than well said.

Love your neighbour, yet don't pull down your hedge.