Saturday 25th October 1808

Dear Diary,
Start spreading the news!
I'm arriving today!
Such excitement aboard 'The Titan Nick' as we sailed up the Hudson and berthed on the Lower East Side around noon. I have seen 'bustle' but nought to match this. A great deal of building is going on and this appears, very much, to be an up and coming place. We thanked the Captain but he thought we wanted to 'spank' him, which perked him up no end, but we hurried down the gangplank and set foot in the Colonies for the first time.
My conversations with Ivor Biggen were most enlightening and I was made aware of areas of the city we should avoid, as well as knowing the best place to find ladies who welcome those who have been at sea for many a lonely night or, if utterly desperate, sheep who offer the similar comfort.
I made enquiries at the harbourmaster's office and discovered that Willow's ship had arrived two days earlier but he was unable to give me any further assistance in my search.
As we wandered the streets I became more and more apprehensive of ever being able to find him in such a vast and growing city as this.
We found lodging in Midtown, which is close to the most populated and frequented haunts and a good place to begin a search as any. Miss Dixon does not appear to be in any hurry to find the fellow who wants her so and when I broach the subject quickly changes it. I am glad of her company however and am grateful for her friendship. We spent the evening acquainting ourselves with the area hereabouts and found a place for an adequate meal but retired early to our beds.
I am overcome with a fatigue yet how nice it is to feel solid ground beneath our feet once more.
I grew tired of the constant tossing. One can you know.