SW_GH1804_044

width was about one hundred and fifty feet, it is said to be a very deep river. An old Indian and his squaw reside here, and he undertook to ferry us across in a canoe. Our horses swam the river, and got over well. The old Indian, whose name is Stephen, very unintentionally swam also. This accident was owing to the mis-conduct of some of the packers, who, on their way to Fort Wayne with provisions, gave Stephen too much whisky. Philip Dennis was in the canoe with him when he accidentely fell over-board; we were greatly alarmed for his safety, knowing that he was intoxicated, but after dis-appearing for a few seconds, he rose to the sur-face of the water, and soon convinced us that he could swim. Philip caught him by his blanket, and got him again into the boat. The old man laughed very heartily at the accident, saying to us in broken English, No fear, me ferry you in de canoe yet. Our blacksmith having in-formed Stephen of his expectation of settling in the Indian country for the benefit of the red people, and the old man finding also that our company were all prosecuting their travels for benevolent purposes, exercised his gratitude by telling us You pay one quarter dollar de man; nobody keep canoe here but Stephen; he make the white people pay dollar, I make dem packers pay me de rest. In Stephen's hut we observed several Indians who were asleep. He says they are Indians who have come a great distance and