Page:Historic highways of America (Volume 2).djvu/59

Rh of the most vivid pictures remaining to us of an old-time journey is that left by George Croghan, who was taken prisoner on the Ohio and taken to Detroit. His description of the route, and especially the portages, is realistic:

"8th [June, 1765]—After dividing the plunder, (they left great part of the heaviest effects behind, not being able to carry them), they set off with us to their village at Ouitacanon, in a great hurry, being in dread of a pursuit from a large party of Indians they suspected were coming after me. Our course was through a thick woody country, crossing a great many swamps, morasses, and beaver ponds. We traveled this day about forty-two miles.

"9th—An hour before day we set out on our march; passed through thick woods, some highlands, and small savannahs, badly watered. Traveled this day about thirty miles.

"10th—We set out very early in the morning, and marched through a high country, extremely well timbered, for three hours; then came to a branch of the Oua-