A II U N T F R ' 8 LIFE. 103 



In those days, there being but few roads suitable for 

 wagons, and only narrow paths leading from one settle- 

 ment to another, and this being especially the case where 

 we had to travel, pack-horses were the only mode of con- 

 veying goods from one place to another. 



Our goods being all packed up, Mary and our little 

 daughter were placed on uncle's horse, and we took the 

 path for Bear Creek Glades. As we were late in starting, 

 we did not reach our destined home that day, but stopped 

 at Mr. William Hoy's farm, within three miles of our des- 

 tination. He and his lady were not only exceedingly kind 

 to us, but rejoiced at having a neighbor so near to them. 

 In the morning, after eating a late breakfast, Mr. and 

 Mrs. Hoy saddled their horses, and accompanied us to our 

 new home, which I will here describe. 



It consisted of the remains of an old cabin, which had 

 been torn down to the joists by hunters, and burnt for fire- 

 wood. I had it again raised to its former height, and 

 covered with clapboards ; but it had neither floor, chim- 

 ney, nor door — a hole cut through the wall being the only 

 way of getting in and out. After we arrived at our house, 

 the first thing which greeted us was a very large rattle- 

 snake, which lay coiled up in the house, but which we soon 

 despatched. We commenced stowing our bed and clothing 

 on the ground in one corner of the house, while the horses 

 were nipping the grass outside. Another rattlesnake was 

 discovered outside of the house, but was soon killed. The 

 loading being all laid in the house, the two pretty women 

 (for Mrs. Hoy was also a very pretty lady) seated them- 

 selves on the clothes, to rest a little. 



In a short time, it being proposed to take a cold dinner 

 of meat, bread, and butter, Mary took her bucket, and 

 asked me where the spring was. This was situated on 

 the edge of a large swamp, matted with high weeds, 

 twisted ^ith wild hops in all directions, making the worst 



