that the Batteaux should ever have passed round it, which however they
used to until a Canal was hewn through a Rock across the point. Capt.
Harkimer came hither from the German Flats on Mohawk River, and has a
decent House in this Fort. The River rushes down at this place with the
most amazing rapidity, and roars over a declivity of Rocks with the noise
of a dozen Mills. When my Husband came we repaired to the House of
Major Ross (the Commanding Officer) who had been so polite as to offer me
a room while we dined together. From there I walked a couple of miles
while the Boats were drawing up, as it was much more agreeable than remain-
ing in them, while the poor Canadians were to their middle in water at this
rigid season. No one is exempted but the Captain of Militia. The most
wealthy Farmer must undertake this severe task, as it goes in rotation
through the country. We again embarked and continued our way till night.

I am happy to inform you that Capt. Gommershall bears a very
respectable character, is spoken well of by all the Officer's and has
given them a favorable opinion of the religion to which we were both
bred. The sight of a fire in the wilderness drew us to it in the
evening, and I was a little surprised to find it surrounded by Indians.
Under the shelter of an inverted canoe were seated two warriors with
their wives and children. They made room for me between them with the
greatest civility, and perceiving I was a little frighted, by the haste
with which I seated myself and knocked my head in the flurry, they desired
me in their language to take courage. Their head's were shaved and painted,
and their appearance altogether savage, but their manners not at all so. I
was shocked to see a scalp dangling by my side from one of their ears. It
was the size of a Dollar, and fixed in a wooden Ring, while a lock of
beautiful dark hair hung on his horrid shoulder. On my observing it he
pointed to his head and pronounced the word Yanky. We slept soundly till
morning in our own Tent, and then pursued our course. Near Oswegatihie
after three or four days we were overtaken by Captain Butler, son to the
Colonel of that name, a genteel young man who is to spend the winter near
us with his Parents. He went ashore, while we passed on to our encampment.
When we had pitched our Tent, and seated ourselves by a good fire as we
found no want of wood in these quarters, he joined us bringing with him
the famous Molly formerly favorite Sultana to Sir W. Johnson. I had the
honour to sup with her in Capt. Butler's Tent, on a haunch of venison.
She has a sensible countenance much whiter than the generality of Indians,
but her Father was white. She understands English, but speaks only the
Mohawk which has something extremely soft and musical in it spoken by a
woman. This Squaw is an expense of three or four thousand a year to the
British Government, and - I am informed - she has a fine house building at
Carleton Island where several of her Daughters live with her and a great
number of dependants. She was in her travelling dress a Calico Bed gown,
fastened with silver brooches, and a worsted mantle. We parted in the
morning and on the 22nd reached Carleton Island -- this Fort - I am informed -
is very strong but a dirty disagreeable place. I was under the most terrible
apprehension of passing the Winter there. Capt. Frazer prepared a room for
us but we embarked in two days on board the Mohawk for Niagara. Every body
had been lately shocked with the loss of the Ontario and Capt. Andrews, which
departed from Niagara for Carleton Island and was lost the same night with
all the crew and a number of passengers. The Boats which went in search of

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her returned without discovering anything but the hats and cloathing which floated ashore. This gentleman bore a distinguished character, as a good seaman and an honest man and his loss is greatly regretted. We were near sharing the same fate. A violent storm arose, by which we were tossed about for two days, and drove back from within 20 miles of our intended harbour. I suffered from extreme sickness but none from fear -- though we were welcomed in as from very eminent danger. We again essayed to make good our passage, and again returned. I was so disgusted with the place that I resolved against going ashore, and remained on board several days part of which I passed on board the Seneca, at the invitation of Capt. Bouchet, and at length departed in company with the Caldwell, under Capt. Baker, a genteel, clever fellow and native of N.Y. from which place he has been eight years.

On the 2nd we joyfully landed at Niagara. I had here an additional obligation to the family of McNeills of Quebec who wrote to Bliss the Barrack Master in our favour. This gentleman took us to his house, where I had the pleasure to see his wife and Daughters in whose society I promise myself much happiness during the winter. General Powell ordered us rooms in the Barrack, but I had the better fortune to receive the same offer from the widow of the Unfortunate Captain Andrews, she is a worthy woman. We have good apartments, and I am delighted at having so well concluded my adventures for this year, and hope the next, or the succeeding will terminate them happily under the roof of my much honoured Parents. In the meantime you will be pleased to learn that my Husband has every claim to my gratitude, duty and affection - that he is even more worthy than I thought him, and I have no reason to style myself other than your happy as well as affectionate and dutiful Daughter

Hannah S

I take it for granted you will present my Love and respects to all that are entitled to them.

I add a few lines to request my dear Father will please to assist me in endeavoring to repay some part of the many obligations I am under to the worthy family of McNeill. A son of theirs is now in New York, and it was owing to his recommendation that we received every civility. We lodged while we were there at the Widow Wilsons. I am ignorant of his character tho' I believe it to be good. I know you will not be willing to introduce an Officer to the acquaintance of my Sister yet, I wish if any service can be rendered to him you will not withhold it.

His Mother desired I would mention this to my parents and my own inclination leads me to be of some advantage to him if possible. Capt. G. informed me that my Cousin Lidia Doty is at Montreal. I regret not having known it sooner that I might have seen her but if I return I promise myself the pleasure. Adieu my dearest Father.

Hannah

Be pleased to forward to me all letters you may have to my address with the papers I left with you by the first conveyance. News Papers will be acceptable with any New publications. Excuse the trouble and believe to be with attachment and esteem.

Jacob

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