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Jacob Lindley's Account, 1793

SW_JL1793_Page_061

been found at any time, north of Canada creek. On the east side of that water, about seven miles distant, they abound to such a degree, that the settlers there are obliged, in their own defence, to keep large herds of swine, of three or four years old — and such is the sagacity of the swine, that they will set their foot on the head of the reptile, and begin at the tail to eat. Below these falls, for three miles, the water is an amazing depth — perhaps eighty feet deep. Here our setting poles were of no account, and our oars and paddles were not sufficient to propel the boat against the wind; so that at one time I did not know but we should here have made our beds. But through the abounding mercy of Him “who holdeth the winds in his fists, and measureth the waters in the hollow of his hand," we got through to comfortable lodgings. The three precedingg nights we lay on our mattresses, except the general, who was accommodated with a bed. 13th. The wagons assembled about sunrise, took our baggage and boats about one mile, to the still water above the falls. We dined at our friend Porteous's — embarked in the afternoon — passed the wolf riffle and one other piece of strong water — about six miles, to the German Flats — on the way, passed several block houses, and one meeting house. Here we were but six miles north of the head wa-ters of the Susquehanna. But it felt to me, a land of darkness, and a land of blood. Many of the peo-ple had had their relations killed and scalped, whose spirits remain rough, and much exasperated against the Indians. 14th.