Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-12-28
(which way to 60
And whether to retreat"
he question that perplexed me.

was the question that perplexed me-
AT length discovered a narrow woodroad and fol-
lowing it cheering sign presented itself in the shape
Of log and brush fence indicating that something
better was to be found onward if proceeded. soon
after passed the stumps of small clearing and found
myself in front of log hut, the only one to be seen
in any direction. There were two small children here
who told me that their father and mother had not yet
returned om the field where they were at work get
ting in wheat and as they appeared timid, request
ed the boy to show the road to the next clearing,
At the next house they could not las they informed
mel possibly afford accommodations for the night,
but if would pass three miles through the woods,
should find house where they in the business
of entertaining people. Following their direction |
took the wrong road-ost some two miles travel
which carried me to the wrong settlement. Return
ing part way found road which led to the clearing
and house designated. But here another obstacle
oroeo Tho cold ho could not kooP me because
his son was dangerously sick with chill fever but
thought they could at the next house a mile or two
distant. 1t had now been quite dark for some time
my horse jaded out and myself nearly exhausted AS
there was however, no other alternative, rode on
through a wood and uneven rough road in the midst
of Egyptian darkness The clouds threatenend rain
and it was impossible to tell whether I was on the
right hack as the whole country entirely new to
me- l had been travelling three or four hours without
guide or compass, or light, and almost without the
semblance Of a road But | felt my way in the best
manner could My horse in descending slope sud
denly plunged up to his belly in mud hole. I 90
off whom no O1troOtOd himself by main strength, il
pulling one foot out while the other was sinking.
was now about eleven o'clock, when espied through
the trees faint glimmer of light from house il
the distance, To me this was as pleasing sight al
light house to the p-tossed mariner in the storm
approached the house, when | met at the door goot
Samaritan woman who was up thus late expecting he
husband home from Transport that night.
The woman Mrs. Fish by nancy had son with he
81 years of age sick and cripple. The house wa
small yet she granted my request to spend the nigh
under her roof-furnished me an excellent supper an
breakfast. slept as soundy in my comfortable lodg
ngs as my fatigue would permit and for these acts
kindness shall ever feel grateful, though an oppoI
tunty may never present itself to repay them. learn
ed from her that the turnpike" so called though ne
deserving the name, being very poor road was ye
much better than the county road, which latter roaC
people who knew ii did not pretend to travel. TIL
inhabitants on the county road opposed to the turr
pike las was inforned) constantly made use of mis-
representation to induce the traveller to take their roa
This is no new thing under the sun altho shall NJ
vouch for it farther than my knowledge extends.
had pleasant journey the rest of the distance
way Of Swanton, Monclova and Maumeeto Toled
where arrived on the 3Oth having been absent jul
ten days in exploring this new country, an account
which will be found In my five last letters includin
this R.V. nj.