rode to it, the water not being
more than knee keep, we then
went down this island 20 or
more perches to where our guide
made signs for us to cross, the
water ran very swiftly, but
did not appear to be as deep as
he gave us to expect, which
was to come within 6 inches of
the top of our horses backs; we
made signs to our guide to lead
the way, he being well mounted
on Henry Simmons' mare, the
largest beast in company; but
he shewd evident marks of fear;
& the task being likely to fall
on me, I pulled off my great
coat & tyed it up well behind
me, & rais’d my saddle bags, by
putting some luggage under