so thick & dark a nature that no glimpse of the bottom
could be discuss’d, that the moment when our horses
might be tumbling over rocks, or plunging into holes
was to us unknown. And at times strongly painted
in the imagination, but through all our difficul-
ties we were preserved, so as to arrive safe at Buffalo about
Sun set, with wearied horses, but quiet minds.

We crossed Buffalo River in a boat & swam
our horses over; here we met with a company of
Surveyors & their Assistants, encamped on the bank,
amongst whom was J. Tompson from our parts, who
kindly and pressingly invited us to quarter with them
which we accordingly did, & were hospitably & comfort-
ably accommodated, lodging in a Tent erected for the
purpose.

7th day 9th

This morning parted with our pilot,
John, & set out for Canada, having first provided
a pasture for our Mare, till we return’d, crossed
Niagara about 8 OClock, which was one of the most
trying scenes particularly to one of us, that we have
yet met with, this River at the place of crossing is
about ¾ of a Mile in width, & in some parts has a
strong current, our boat was old, & very narrow & one
of our horses unruly, which made our situation
ap-