In tiie afternoon came from Otsego lake, which is the source of this stream, George Winedecker and another, in a small batteau, with goods and rum, going down to Onohoghgwage upoa a trading voyage. We agreed with them to carry the interpreter and Mr. Woodbridge in their batteau ; and bought a wooden canoe to carry our flour and baggage.

We soon saw tlie ill effects of Winedecker's rum. The Indians began to drink, and some of our party were the worse for it. We perceived what was coming.

Our lodgings w^as not in their wigwams ; but in a little storehouse set up on crotches, six feet and more from the ground, into which Mr. Woodbridge, myself, the interpreter, and her husband, could but just enter and lie down. This niglit we

1044 REV. GIDEON hawley's journey

went to sleep with some apprehensions. We were awoke by the howling of the Indians over their dead. The whole village was agitated. We arose very early in the morning. We soon saw the Indian women and their children skulking in the adjacent bushes, for fear of the intoxicated Indians, who were drinking deeper. The women were secreting guns, hatchets, and every deadly or dangerous weapon, that murder or harm might not be the consequence. Poor unhappy mortals ! without law, religion or government ; and therefore without restraint.

June 1st. 1753, is witli me a memorable day, and for forty years and more has not passed unnoticed . We got off as silently as we could, with ourselves and eflfects. Some went by water ; and others by land, with the horses. I was with the land party. The Indians, half intoxicated, were outrageous, and pursued both the party by water, in which was Mr. Woodbridge, and the party by land.