Page:American Historical Review, Volume 12.djvu/98

88 Doc2iincnts the i8th. I began my rout for Fort Geo: in a Waggon, we set off at noon, and got that night to Saratoga about 2 Miles from the creek where General Burgoyne was encamp'd when he surrenderd and Genl. Schuyler had a house, it is 38 Miles from Albany, we pass'd Troys a small town 6 Miles [from] Albany, and Lansinberg or the New City (rather larger than the first) 9 Miles from Albany. Water town' is on the West side the North River, which at Troys begins to be very shallow and continues with only some intervals of deep water for 15 Miles so, when the still water begins which is deep enough, in time probably channels will be dug through these rapids to admit the passing of sloops, nor wou'd such a cut be attended with much expense, the road is all the way by the river side, (we ferry 'd over it twice) is very good and the country well setled and pleasant, but on account of the highths on each side the river the view both E: and W: is confin'd. I remark'd the 4 mouths of the Mohawk river on the northenmost of which is Water town, I had some thoughts once of going to Schenectade a town laying on the banks of the Mohawk about 8 Miles from the mouth, and thence to see the Springs of Satarago which by the accounts I had of them must be waters of great efficacy, but dreaded the roads and accom- odations. the next day (Sunday) being very rainy I did not stirr out. Monday 20th. about II oClock noon we arriv'd at Fort or Lake Geo: the road good and by the river side till 3 Miles past Fort Edward where we breakfasted, this is a small Town and the country mostly setled. >^ a Mile where the road turns off from the river is a pritty water fall call'd Wings fall, the platform of a solid rock over which the river runs, has a trought or canal worn into it through which the river when it is not expanded by a great quantity of water to cover over its whole bed rushes very impetuously, the fall which is a few feet higher up, is not high, but looks altogether very romantick. the country from hence is but poor and little setled, and the road within the 4 last Miles is very stoney; the lake furnishes a beautifull view, it is near J4 a Mile broad, sur- rounded by hills all cloath'd in wood, and full of Islands, the 2 Forts of Edward, and Wm. Henry are both destroy'd. the lands contiguous to the lake are but poor, in consequence there is but little of it cultivated. next day very early I embark'd in a two oard boat, and about 2 oClock having mostly a fair wind arriv'd on the other side, or North, it is a very pleasant trip, one is amus'd by the view of the lake which is full of little Islands, tho' the surrounding hills which rise pritty steep from the edge of the lake are still in woods, except 2 or 3 small spots, when this lake is intirely cleared, it will become more beauti- full. it is full of fine fish, and generally furnishes plenty to the passers, its length is 36 Miles, extreme bredth 2 Miles. I got with some difficulty a cart to carry my baggage over to Tycondaroga, and walk'd there my- ' Waterford is no doubt meant.