forfeited his lands in the American War. We found
great part of this road level, but of Cause-way
formed of Logs laid across, & the logs, of which it was composed, (coarse enough to
shake even an American Carriage – which has no
Springs, to pecies.) – were the identical ones
placed by Bourgoinne’s unfortunate Army when
by the advice of this very Mr. Skeen, the General
marched his Troops by this road into the state of
Newyork, & which circumstance caused their ruin.
Near the high road the Country appeared
newly, but thickly settled; almost a continued Village
from Sandy Hill to St Anns-fort. – ten miles. – &
here is a considerable Town; the remaining ten
miles of this road was less populous, – some of it over
Rockey Hills, – We then descended to the level of Wood-
Creek, & two or three miles rode pleasantly along
its banks, – changing frequently from one side to
the other, by means of Bridges clumsily made
of Logs. We were overtaken by night, & drove the
last three miles in the dark; Our driver was so
timid that he chose to let our own footman
drive me, while he walked with Mr. Liston,
to pick our road, a preoccupation very necessary
from the number of wretched long Bridges.
At last, & near eleven o Clock at night, We reached
Skeensborough, & found the Tavern situated
at the edge of the Water, kept by a Mr. & Mrs. Fairfield,
who were extremely civil, & most
willing to do every thing for our accommodation.
A Sloop, – which Mr. Liston had engaged for
crossing the Lake Champlain, was waiting us –
On Wednesday the 27.th of August – We embarked