Monday, August 4th, 1823 [his first proper day in the USA] - This day presented nothing but
bustle; every person seemed anxious to get on shore. I was permitted to go on
shore at midday for two hours, and returned to the vessel again.
August 5th, 1823 - On application to the Medical Officer at quarantine ground
as to my going to the city, I was informed that I could not possibly go with
any of my clothing which was on board the vessel, which induced me to purchase
clothing and go up, but had to return down in the evening. I called on Dr
Hosack but unfortunately I did not see him. I then made my way through the town
again and by steamboat got to Staten Island. I felt the heat very oppressive.
Thermometer in the shade 96 deg Fahrenheit.
These two Journal entries show Douglas bursting
with impatience to get on with the task, frustrated at only having limited
freedom to escape the ship on which he has already spent 58 days on the
Atlantic. He can't take the clothes he has so he buys more. He is anxious to make
early contact with Hosack, founder of the Elgin Botanical Garden and someone
who would be DD's mentor on this trip. Who gave him the introduction to Hosack?
Almost certainly we can see the hand of Hooker here as Hosack had studied
botany in Edinburgh. And how did Douglas get about in New York? On foot, I
guess. Were there street maps? Unlikely perhaps. Certainly he was able to get
across the harbour on a steamboat.
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