Very respectfully,
A. Ricketts
CHAPTER IV.
ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS—EASTON—HAMBURG—LANCASTER—TESTIMONIALS—WESTCHESTER—DIPLOMA—PHILADELPHIA—CLASS OF 2,523—CANE.
It was now my purpose to pursue my journey eastward, in order to do which it was necessary for me to cross a wild and mountainous tract of country, fifty miles in extent; but, inspirited by my success and the good fortune which hitherto had attended my way, I entered on the journey with a stout and hopeful heart, attended by my men and horses. Before traveling many miles we reached the foot of Pokeno Mountain, and as I gazed upon the distant heights which stood out against the sky, I could see that the elevation extended a distance of at least ten miles. Up the rough road and along steep acclivities we pressed on until, when the summit was reached, I found a keen appetite had been awakened by the mountain air and exercise, and I sought for some abode of man where we might secure rest and food for man and beast. Keeping up the search, after a few miles, I discovered a rude old log house, quite in keeping with the wild region through which we were passing. Approaching the door, I knocked for admission, when it was opened by an old veteran of seventy winters, who invited us to enter. After making known my wants, he assured me that they should be supplied as best he could, and at once he summoned the hostess who, though like himself, advanced in years, moved across the rustic floor with almost youthful agility, manifesting a disposition to relieve our hunger without delay. We partook of the repast she spread with appetites quickened by the pure mountain air, and, when the meal was over, after rewarding them for the hospitality they had displayed, we resumed our journey through dreary solitudes and along the rough mountain roads until, at length, we reached the city of Easton, in the State of Pennsylvania.
This beautiful little city is situated near the Delaware River, and is an enterprising and flourishing place. The inhabitants are chiefly Germans, or descendants from that stock. Here we pitched our tent and met with good success, my class numbering over one hundred persons.
From Easton we continued our journey, through valleys and over hills, reaching Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, quite late in the evening; the silver moon shedding her light upon us as we moved along, made our journey pleasant and lighted our way to the city. Here again we planted our stakes, pitched our tent and announced our intention of giving a public exhibition and of imparting instruction to those who desired, and once more I met with a hearty response from the public. It was at the time of the annual State Fair, and thousands from all parts of the commonwealth had gathered. Taking advantage of the occasion to display the results of my system of training, I built a platform, elevated about ten feet above the ground, led my horses up a rude stairs, made for the occasion, and exhibited my trained animals to the gaze and admiration of thousands of wondering spectators. Here I formed a class of over one hundred and fifty.
My next effort was made at Lancaster, a city of no small magnitude or interest, as I there formed a class of nearly two hundred, the major portion of whom were Germans, or of German descent. On the last day of my stay in that city I received a testimonial from a leading banker of the place, which I give below: