To us, who had been used to the strictness of a New-England sabbath, it appeared very profane. But custom will make any thing fimiliar.

Monday, 28th. To-day we were very busy in collecting stores and necessaries for our journey, designing the next day to plunge into that immense wilderness that lies to the southward and westward of us, and inhabited only by savages. We provided two sacks of flour, which we bought at '^'ery moderate rates, and hired a man and horse to carry it over laud to the Susquehanna. Our company from Stockbridge was Mr. Woodbridge, Mr. Ashley and wife, and myself, and three or four blacks. Here we had volunteers, and particularly one fellow named Pallas, a vagrant Indian , whose company we had reason to regret, but could not refuse upon our mission.

Tuesday, 29th. Having assembled our company, we ascend a steep mountain, directing our course almost west. Our way was generally obstructed by fallen trees, old logs, miry places, pointed rocks, and entangling roots, which were not to be avoided. We \\'ere alternately on the ridge of a lofty mountain, and in the depths of a valley. At best, our path was obscure, and we needed guides to go before us. Our interpreter was on

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1043 REV. GIDEON HAWLEY S JOURNEY

a single horse, which was very sure footed, but she needed every attention. She passed this wilderness for the last time. In the afternoon we came to rivulets which empty their waters into tlie Susquehanna, and the land becomes more level, and the travelhng not so dangerous and difficult. Night approaches; we halt by one of these streams; a fire is kindled; the kettles are filled; we refresh ourselves; and we adore Divine Providence, returning thanks for the salvations of the day, and committing ourselves to God for the night, whose presence is equally in the recesses of the sohtary wilderness, and the social walks of the populous city.