P.M. to Goat Island. Sight of rapids, from the Bridge like sea off Cape Cod. Most imposing sight as yet. The great apparent height of the waves tumbling over the successive ledges at a distance, while the water view is broad & boundless in that direction as if you were looking out to sea, you are so low. Yet the distances are very deceptive. The most distant billow was scarcely more than ¼ mile off, though it appeared 2 miles or more. Many ducks constantly floating a little way down the rapids, then flying back & alighting again.

  Water falling apparently broken into lengths of 4 or 6 or more feet. Masses of ice under edge of cliff . . .

  Horace Mann asked me if I did not hear the sound of the falls as we went—from the Depot to the Hotel last night—but I had not—though certainly it was loud enough. I had probably mistaken it for a train coming or a locomotive letting off steam of which we hear so much at home. It sounds hardly as loud this morning though now only ⅓ of a mile off—As I sit in my chamber is as if I were surrounded by many factories in full steam.

  This is quite a town with numerous hotels & stores, paved streets & &c. I imagine the falls will soon be surrounded by a city. I intend to walk down to the Falls & Goat Island after dinner.

  I pay a dollar a day here & shall certainly stay here till next Monday at least.

  We arrived at the Suspension Bridge last night at about half past eight, and stopped over night at the New York Central House. This morning at ten minutes of eight we came up here, two miles in the cars, and went around to find a boarding place; we went to every house but one in the town I believe and at last took a room at the American house where we are now for one dollar a day. Mr. Thoreau seems to feel better all ready, and I think that he will get better before long. I have seen the falls though I have not been to look at them yet, and I hear them roaring now all the time. I am very well. I do not know of any more to say now but I will write again in a day or two and tell you what I have seen; Good bye

Your Loving son
Horace Mann

P.S. You must direct to Chicago next time and send the letter so directed on Saturday if possible. H.M.