July 19th (1848): We passed the house in which Washington made his headquarters while in Cambridge . It was at that time an elegant house and is still in a good state of repair, the chamber where he lodged is now kept vacant and the same furniture which was in it at that time is still in it.

22nd: Went to Charlestown early in the morning visiting on the way a very fine garden, saw many beautiful flowers and rare plants, saw in a hot-house lemons and oranges hanging on the trees. .... the roof of the house was covered on the inside with grapes which hung in beautiful clusters; they are worth a dollar a pound.

25th: Came back by the Washington Elm, which is the tree under which Washington took command of the Continental Army. It is a venerable tree, its branches extend to almost the side of the street each side, it is yet vigorous and thriving, it is surrounded with a railing of iron and preserved with great care. I had the good fortune to fall in with an old man who saw the transaction, he said he was twelve years old at the time, but remembered it perfectly well - he showed with much satisfaction where Washington stood, and where the army was, he said the army was drawn up on parade .... ....