Edwards, his wife, and others, accompanied us a considerable distance into the woods, toward Kinderhook. They returned after takhig leave of us in tlie most affectionate manner, and we pursued our way having only an Indian track. We arrived at the first liouse, and put up for the night, and the next day came to Albany, where we tarried two nights, making acquaintances, and collecting some necessaries for our journey. We found friends, but the people in general did not much favour our undertaking. Trade with the savages Avas their support. This city is very compact. In time of war it is always picketed, and in the many expeditions against Canada, it has been the rendezvous of soldiers. It is considered as tlie head of navigation, although with small craft the river is navigable to the Half Moon, nine miles above it. The land on the back of the town is poor, but the intervals, up and down the river are fertile, and there are some very considerable and valuable islands not far from the city.
On Friday we left Albany. Mr. Woodbridge and I set out for Mount Johnsoii, about thirty-six miles off, on Mohawk river, to pay our compliments to Colonel Johnson, and obtain his countenance in favour of our mission. At noon we came to Skenectady, a town in some respects similar to Albany, but more
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pleasant. We crossed the ferry and by a letter from Colonel Jacob Wendell of Boston, were introduced to his friend Major Glan, who hospitably received us. Having dined, we proceeded, and had a very pleasant ride up Mohawk river, on the north side. At sun-set we were politely received at Colonel Johnson's gate, by himself in person. Here we lodged. His mansion was stately, and situate a. httle distance from the river, on rising ground, and adjacent to a stream which turned his mill.