[At this point Mr Hawley was abandoned by his guide, and obliged to proceed alone.]

I knew not the way to Albany ; and the path I had taken was obscure, and unfrequented by wliite people. I came to an Indian village, took some directions, but lost my Avay . I wandered in blind paths till I found a few white inhabitants in huts, who had lately made Settlements ; but being ignorant of the English language could give me but poor information. To be short, I finally got into the great road, I knew not how, but not until I had been out in a most terrible storm of thunder and lightening. Thunder tempests are very frequent in the interior parts of the country j and I have often met with tliem since in the wilderness, and sometimes when alone. It cleared off, and I travelled ; and all at once, through an opening, appeared tq view the city of Albany; and I soon discovered a fleet of vessels by its side, on tlie adjacent river. Great was my satisfaction. I came down and crossed the ferry ; went into the city, and passed it ; came to the houses between Albany and Schenectady, and lodged. These were only two houses, kept for the entertainment of passengers. They were alone, but did not harmonize. Three houses will agree ; but two in a wilderness will be considered as rivals ; and their interests will clash. Such is human nature, that power and interests must be balanced by a third person or interest.