Thursday 2d. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning—[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
A little Snow fell in the Night. About Sun rise there were some appearances of fair weather but about 8 Oclock it began to Snow fast. By 10 it was intermixed with hail & Rain—which, about Noon, became wholly Rain and towards Sun down all Snow, and storming; indeed the day through it blew hard from the No. East quarter.
Accompanied by Mr. Fairfax I repaired again to the Falls where we arrived about 8 oclock & where we found Colo. Gilpin, who remained there all Night. About two hours afterwards, Govr. Johnson, Colo. Fitzgereld and Mr. Potts arrived but the day was so stormy that we could neither level, nor Survey the different tracks talked of for the Canal—which, & to determine on the most eligable one were the principle objects of the meeting. Unable to do any business without doors, we returned to the Huts—resolved on the next advances—considered some other Matters—dined there as we did yesterday and again seperated for lodgings. Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Potts accompanied Mr. Fairfax & myself to Towlston.
the next advances: Although almost all of the 500 shares had been subscribed, many of the subscribers (including the state of Maryland, which held 50 shares) were delinquent in paying the first two “advances” (which were also called “dividends”) of 5 and 2½ percent. The board resolved to press these delinquents and to call for payment by subscribers of two more dividends of 10 percent each (, 84–87).