228 A DANGEROUS ACCIDENT. 



my double shot-gun (one barrel loaded with small shot and 

 the other with a cartridge for turkey or deer), I strolled 

 along the adjacent coyer ; but so great was my lassitude 

 that I felt scarce able to carry my gun. There was 

 not a sign of any sort of game, so I returned to camp, 

 and found that my men had picked some wild grapes. 

 They were black, and not larger than peas, and acid, with 

 very large stones. Mr Canterall, George Bromfield, and 

 the men were better in health ; but my sensations of fever 

 and lassitude seemed to increase, though I never lost my 

 appetite nor felt a chill, and found that the potted apples 

 and cherries obtained in New York at Mr Duncan's, and 

 that were in cans, refreshed me much, as did the melons 

 and water-melons, wherever they could be procured. 

 Brandy I left off, and confined myself to sherry-and- water 

 and tea. Mr Canterall, who really knew nothing of the 

 matter, insisted that the mules would never be able to 

 reach the Fort on that day ; but the only answer he re 

 ceived from me was " that they should try." We then 

 recommenced our march. 



In crossing one of the creeks intersecting the bed of 

 the old river we came to a tremendously steep pitch, 

 which, as I led in my ambulance in order to regulate the 

 pace and avoid the black dust as much as was in my 

 power, I had an opportunity of inspecting. In vain I 

 looked for Mr Canterall as usual, he was nowhere to be 

 found ; so I left my ambulance to see the drags put on, 

 and that the men, when necessary, were at hand to hold 

 on behind. My attention being chiefly addressed to the 

 ambulance and to the pranks of my fiery young mare- 

 mule, as well as to the more ponderous baggage- waggon, 

 having seen them safely over the difficulty, I thought the 

 lighter dog- waggon, and a fine, strong, steady mule in it, 



