Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-04-07
A TRIP DOWN THE sUsQuEHANNA.


less. The entire community, consequently, |
eels deep interest in the prosperity of the |
business, and men of all classes are seen s'go-
ng down the river'' in the spring. The spring |
Freshet usually comes in the latter part OF
March or in the beginning of April.
On Saturday the Goth March, We, the editor.
left this place on a raft, in company with as
good and jovial crew as ever pushed an oar.
The raft was provided with 'sshanty," which
answers the double purpose of kitchen and
and is an arrangement which we re-
gard as essential to pleasant trip, as 1t en-
ables crew to have their meals regular and
to stop where they please. On Saturday al
ternoon we passed through Irwin's schute, the
left guard wall of which was torn out by the
ice, and which made it, as Tom X. would say,
ssrayver ruff sleddin'," though our raft fortu-
nately sustained but very little damage. Mr..
Irwin is now busy repairing the schute.] We
proceeded that evening as far as Plum Island,
where We cited up'' for the night. The after
noon Of the next day was very stormy and we
had good bit OF hard pulling to keep in the
course. Still we managed to reach Moore's
landing about sunset.
After we had disposed Of our supper, in COM
pany with one of our crew, we paid visit to
ssMother Moorc,'' who is a somewhat famous
character. Her appearance is certainly calcu-
lated to make lasting impression on stran-
gers mind. She is large, muscular woman,
weighing, we were told, over 200 pounds, and
is rather abrupt in her address. 1t is said she
| can land raft equal to any man, and asks no
odds in handling rope to ''snub." Be this
as il may, we have no doubt that many hum
CRY and weary riverman has thanked his stars
that he had been able to procure shelter and
food in her house, and there is no telling how
warm heart beats within that herculean
frame, what kindly emotions towards mankind
in general actuate her, or how much of ben
efactress she has proved to be to the rattsmen
.'Long may she wave"
On Monday afternoon about 3 O'Clock, we
reached Lock Haven, and remained there till
| next morning. The number of RATS which
had reached this place was comparatively
| small. Business was dull-no buyerS-no mo-
ney-and no hopes of either coming soon. \
few RATS, we understand, changed hands after
|
called upon Dunham of the Watchman. Dave
is in the full enjoyment of good health and
| fine spirits, as his corporation and actions
clearly indicate. He is death on Locofocos
and - well, it matters not what. Tuesday
morning we left Lock Haven. The day wa:
calm and pleasant, as was also the next. Tues
day night we staid in Muncy Dam, and the
I mil J,a1n Gel
The scenery along the West Branch of the
Susquehanna is varied and attractive. In the
mountain region the hills, in many places, rise
almost perpendicular from the waters edge, tc
| the heighth of several hundred feet, and run
ming along its windings, are abruptly termina
ted by some short bend in the river. In 9th
ers, one hill after another rises in succession
until in the dim distance they fade from sight
Lower down the hills are less rugged, and tht
valley widens out into rich and productiv,
fields. There is no section of our State tha
presents richer more imposing scenery t.
the eye of the artist.
Thursday we experienced high winds, whic
however were rather in our favor. About 1
or l O'Clock We passed through the s'Lazy
mans Gap" and finding We were moving a
long smoothly, all hands but two entered tn
shanty to eat dinner. Whilst thus engaged
the wind gradually rose and beat steadily a
gainst the raft broadside. Directly some on
remarked that we did not seem to be movin
forward. All rushed out, when we found tina
we had been driven ashore, and that our soap
tain'' had cooly tied up, and was lying on tn
beach engaged in conversation with an oil
codger who lived close by. The wind bein
!, too high to admit of pulling out, we RENAME
there till next morning, when we took fres
start and reached Middletown, our destinato OF
, about O'Clock in the afternoon. Every kin
of business was dull there, and poor prospect
of speedy improvement.
After tearing down our shanty and ssbreab
ing up housekeeping we put up at tn
Washington House, kept by Mrs. Catharin
Griffee. Mrs. G. keeps an excellent hote
The accommodations are good and the eatin
excellent. There is comfort and tidiness
bout the house that is calculated to make on
feel quite at home there. The bar-keepel
: Jerry Horner, is clever and attentive, and ha
smile for everybody. This house seems t
be favorite stopping place fo- many of OF
lumbermen.
. Ramona & Kendig, at the Railroad, ais
: keep good hotel.
. We dropped into the Dauphin Journal office
= and found the editor, Mr.. Stofer, pleasar
n and affable gentleman.
d After remaining in Middletown few day
: we proceeded to Marietta. We judge that
: perhaps 200 RATS that passed Lock Haven, lie!
than half that number reached Marietta. A
bout 60, we understand, are tied up in Shame