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June 16, 1852

Today marks the first day of my adventures in the land of America. I’ve decided to wander the markets of NYC, as I plan on staying here for 2 days before heading down South on the Erie Canal.
The market is about 4 miles away, so I am planning to go by horseback. I will update my experiences once I arrive back at this humble abode.
~ Six Hours Later ~
That was the most amazing thing I’ve seen since the Great Exhibition! And that was simply breathtaking. There was a plethora of people and booths at the market, filled with jewelry, food, clothing—anything you can think of. I met a young man—Ethan, was his name. He was kind enough to show me around. I am very lucky to have run into him, as once I got to the market I realized I didn’t have any American money! Praise the lord for Ethan, he brought me to a currency exchange booth and saved me the embarrassment of coming to the market with British money—money of the country they fought so valiantly against! The North used coins for currency.
Ethan took me out for a late lunch around 2 at Pete’s Tavern. He’s really nice. Evidently, he is a regular at the market. He introduced me to the booth-keepers who were very kind to me. Ethan has kindly asked to join me for dinner at Pete’s Tavern. I, of course, accepted his gracious offer, therefore that is where I shall be tonight.
The North is very busy, from what I have glimpsed from the market. Manufacturers and industrialists were among the people at the market as well. I overheard two such buisnessmen speaking about Congress not yet deciding on protective tariffs. I asked Ethan about this later, and he said that manufacturers wanted to place tariffs on imports and exports in order to boost manufacturing in America.
However, these tariffs, while promoting inter-country trade by making the North’s goods cheaper than foreign ones, it limits foreign trading possibilities by increasing reluctance to trade with more expensive items. Alas, I am but an immigrant. Perhaps I shall understand in time.

Tomorrow, we have decided to visit Bridal Veil Falls. You cannot come to New York and not visit it, after all. Oh, I cannot wait! I have heard it’s such a stunning sight to see. The mist glazing across the land, foam bubbling at the mouth, the water rushing—ahh. It shall certainly be a sight to remember.

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