We went with the stream, till we came to slack water, when Pallas, took his gun, to aim at fowl ahead of us. I was apprehensive of his gun ; for I perceived him to be in liquor. I took a paddle, and was tui-ning the canoe, when the ducks rose, and took wing. The Indian was taking in his piece, which at that instant was discharged, and had it not been for the turn of my body, and particularly my head, the charge must have been mortal. Mr. Woodbridge who had liis eye upon me, looked to see my drop ; and was surprised, when he saw me unhurt. I had no certainty, but always suspected that Pallas designed to have murdered me.

This unexpected event filled us with amazement, and with

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such feelings and affections, that we immediately landed on tlie west bank of tlie river ; and passed the day in pensive and silent recollection, and such meditations as were natural to men in our situation. I retired from company. Here a small stream empties into the river, and our horses were turned out to graze on its margin ; but in the night three or foui' of them returned to Wauteghe, which is twelve miles back.

June 2d. Our Indians did not recover the horses till late in the morning ; and to-day we fall down the river only six or eight miles, and lodge by the Kaghneantasis or whirlpool, because there was herbage for our horses at that place. Mr. Woodbridge made many observations concerning the consequences which would have followed, in case I had been killed.