The Hudson, from the Wilderness to the Sea
It was a weary journey of almost four miles (notwithstanding it lay along the track of a lane cut through the forest a few years ago for a special purpose, of which we shall presently speak), for in many places the soil was hidden by boulders covered with thick moss, over which we Avere compelled to climb. Towards sunset we reached a ideasant little lake, embosomed in the dense forest, its low wet margin fringed with brilliant yellow tiowers, beautiful in form but Avithout perfume. At the head of that little lake, Avhere the inlet comes flowing
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J ARK CABIN AT C'.U-AM[TY P0>
sluggishly fruni a dark ravine scooped from tlie mountain 4ope, we built a bark cabin, and encamped for the night.
That tiny lake is called Calamity Pond, iu commemoration of a b-ad circumstance that occurred near the spot where we erected our cabin, in September, 1845. Mr. Henderson, of the Adirondack Iron Companj-, already mentioned, was there with his son and other attendants. Kear the margin of the inlet is a flat I'ock. On this, as he landed from a scow, Mr. Henderson attempted to lay his pistol, holding the muzzle in his hand. It discharged, and the contents entering his body, wounded him mortally : he lived only half-an-hour. A rude bier Avas constructed of
THE HUDSON. 31
boughs, on which his body "was carried to Adirondack village. It was taken down Sandford Lake in a boat to Tahawus, and from thence again carried on a bier through the wilderness, fifteen miles to the western termination of the road from Scarron valley, then in process of construction. From thence it was conveyed to his home at Jersey City, and a few years afterward his family erected an elegant monument upon the rock wheio he lost his life.