The Isthmus in sight – ridge after ridge of mountains, running from north to south, enveloped in vapor. About two o’clock the ship was secured to the wharf. A Mr. Butler and lady offered us their assistance and company across the Isthmus. A Mr. Peck and Mr. Wilson joined our number, and were very efficient in rendering every possible aid in their power.
The temporary ladder by which we left the ship Ohio, was a plank about a foot wide, with small pieces of lathing nailed across to arrest the foot a little; a rope on one side to hold by; with this ridiculous fixture, as the passengers called it, all had to descend, the baggage had likewise to be lifted down, some of the trunks fell overboard, but were recovered with considerable danger and much trouble.
When we reached Aspinwall, we had we had to walk about three quarters of a mile, through mud and water up to our ankles.
At the Hotel, which was only a small, dirty, uncomfortable place, we had to sit in our wet clothes and shoes, in a bar room for about three hours; during which it was crowded with the passengers taking refreshment
The proprietor of the Hotel was scrubbing the room, which we were to occupy; and which had been used as a stable for the mules. Our dinner was very good, and apparently inviting. It consisted of chicken, fresh and salt beef, with a variety of vegetables, but lo, it was Friday, and we had to remain and look at it in all our exhaustion. Sister Fidelis had permission to eat some chicken, but she told us that it was impossible to chew it, it proved so tough. Potatoes, pickled onions and cheese were the only palatable things. The passengers seemingly sympathized with us.
Our lodging room contained nine cots, our habits being our only covering, some had pillows, others had none, mattresses were a luxury unknown in these parts. The room had been whitewashed that day, and scrubbed a few minutes before we entered the house, and so humid is the atmosphere, that it appeared just as wet next morning upon leaving it, as when we entered. About eight o’clock, we had tea served in our room, fortunately it was very good tea, and refreshed us considerably, but not a bit of bread with it.
