Branch, to Scoonhaven's plantation, one mile above Wallis's. Here on the 20th the canoes overtook us." Brother Rothe narrates as follows of his journey: "We advanced the first day but eight miles by reason of a heavy rain that fell, which necessitated us to put up huts, which in two hours time were all complete, affording us shelter. The rest refreshed us, and our little Johnny (Rothe) slept soundly. During the 12th, because of the high wind, the canoes rocked roughly on the water. Samuel's daughter was taken ill of the measles. In the evening we had our first meeting, worshipping standing in the woods. It was so cold during the night as to keep us from sleep. On the 13th the wind was still contrary, causing high waves in the river. At noon we passed Lechawachnek. As we passed the Fort we saw it lined with spectators, and a man playing on a violin. We encamped on the stony beach of the river and were disturbed at night by some drunken fellows. "On Sunday, the 14th, after we had passed the falls below Wyomik, I held preaching. We then paddled on, and on the 15th reached Nescopec (the word signifies a nasty deep hole). Here the canoes were worked over the falls, in part by hand, in part by means of ropes, and not without much anxiety, Here the Susquehanna is not wider than the mill-dam at Bethlehem; a mile lower down, however, it grows much broader. "16th. The wind continued contrary. "17th. On account of Anna Elizabeth being ill we had to lay over. Several brethren came from Brother Ettwein's camp on Muncy creek. A number of white settlers also called on us, several of whom attended our evening service. At its close a German, who had years ago frequented the Brethren's meeting in Oley, called on me. I took occasion to address him in reference to his soul's welfare and he was visibly moved. Next morning he came with his family to bid us farewell. "Sunday June 21st. Brother Rothe preached on the words of Scripture,Hold fast that ye have,' concerning continuing with Christ and Him crucified. In the evening service I discoursed on the text of the day: Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty,' treating of the true liberty enjoyed by believers, and the pseudo-liberty of unbelievers, who dread Christ's yoke and yet are in bondage to Satan. At noon I preached at Mr. Samuel Wallis's to from fifty to sixty hearers, all English, some of whom had come from twenty miles distance. I spoke of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Monday, June 22nd. We had a market day in camp. Mr. Wallis bought of us fifteen head of cattle and some canoes. Other persons bought fowls, firkins, buckets, tubs, chains and divers iron-ware. A trader's agent had smuggled some rum into the purlieus of the camp. The transgression was soon discovered, and after threatening him to his great anxiety, we handed the contraband merchandise to Mr. Wallis for safe keeping until the trader should return from the Great Island. Twenty cwt. of flour, which I had purchased with the money presented to our Indians by friends in Philadelphia, were here distributed. "June 23rd and 24th. Broke up camp and moved on. Passed the Loyalsack at the spot where the Sainted Disciple visited thirty years ago, and Lycoming creek, which marks the boundary line of land purchased from the Indians. At both places we found white settlers. Our cattle were driven to grass into the woods, past the site of the old Indian town. One mile above Lycoming stood formerly the town of Quenischaschachki, where our Brother Nathaniel Davis lived for six years, and where Grube and Mack visited. We encamped above Larry's Creek. Here Newhaleeka's wife visited our Brother Joseph. She stated that her husband was ill, otherwise both with their family would have emigrated with us to the West. The old chief told Brother John that as soon as possible he would take the step, as he was in earnest to be converted. Here rat "June 25th. We camped opposite Long Island. tlesnakes seemed to hold undisputed sway and they were killed at all points. Not more than a half hour after our arrival a horse was brought in that had been bitten in the nose. His head swelled up frightfully, and as it rained the remedy failed to take the proper effect, and the poor animal perished the next day as we lay in camp at the lower end of Long Island and halted there on the 26th. Here I assembled all the men, told them that we had progressed but thirty miles during the past week, and that if we failed to make more rapid headway our company would come to serious want; that it would be prudent under these circumstances to leave the sick woman, her husband and their friends on the Island (for we expected her release was near at hand); that when Nathaniel Davis and his party (which had also remained in the rear on account of sickness) would come up they could join him, and that we would send men and fresh horses for them from Chinklacamoose. The next day, 27th, however, on arriving at Mr. Campbell's, at the upper end of the Island (this must be Big Island at mouth of Bald Eagle Creek) where we met Mr. Anderson, they dissuaded us from attempting to embark a canoe, stating the water to be too shallow for navigation. Hereupon the canoe and sundry utensils were sold, viz.: The four windows for our church, one box of glass, one keg of nails and another filled with iron we left here in trust, as it was impossible to transport them, and yet everyone was loath to part with what was his. It having rained incessantly for several days our effects were wet through, and Roth's had their clothes and bedding seriously damaged. 66 Sunday, June 28th. Yesterday I promised, at their request, to preach to the white settlers. Accordingly a goodly audience assembled, English settlers from the Bald Eagle Creek and the south shore of the West Branch, to whom I proclaimed the counsels of God respecting their salvation. As no ordained minister of the Gospel was as yet settled in the neighborhood, I was requested to baptize, and accordingly I administered the sacraments to the new born daughter of a Frenchman, Fournay by name, calling her Conogunda, and to the son of a Catholic, Antoine White, whom I named John. "Joshua convoked the men and persuaded them, despite their yesterday's deliberation to the contrary, to carry along Elizabeth, who was sick, and also to send lame Jonathan with a string of wampum ahead to Langundoutenink, Koskas Kink and Gekeldnekpeekink. As they consulted neither me or Rothe in this business, we took no further notice of it. It proved, however, the beginning of diverse perplexities. 66 Monday, June 29th. out from the Island by land. this day on lead the caravan. Creek on the path agreed upon. Bald Eagle. After encamping here the brethren returned with My fifty-second birthday. We set |