that of others. Getting about the middle of the plain, the water
about mid-deep, I found myself sensibly failing; and, as there were no
trees nor bushes for the men to support themselves by, I feared that
many of the most weak would be drowned.

I ordered the canoes to make the land, discharge their loading, and play
backward and forward with all diligence, and pick up the men; and, to
encourage the party, sent some of the strongest men forward, with
orders, when they got to a certain distance, to pass the word back that
the water was getting shallow, and when getting near the woods to cry
out, 'Land!' This stratagem had its desired effect. The men, encouraged
by it, exerted themselves almost beyond their abilities; the weak
holding by the stronger.

The water never got shallower, but continued deepening. Getting to the
woods, where the men expected land, the water was up to my shoulders;
but gaining the woods was of great consequence. All the low men and the
weakly hung to the trees, and floated on the old logs until they were
taken off by the canoes. The strong and tall got ashore and built
fires. Many would reach the shore, and fall with their bodies half in
the water, not being able to support themselves without it.

This was a delightful dry spot of ground of about ten acres. We soon
found that the fires answered no purpose, but that two strong men taking
a weaker one by the arms was the only way to recover him; and, being a
delightful day, it soon did. But, fortunately, as if designed by
Providence, a canoe of Indian squaws and children was coming up to town,
and took through part of this plain as a nigh way. It was discovered by
our canoes as they were out after the men. They gave chase, and took the
Indian canoe, on board of which was near half a quarter of a buffalo,
some corn, tallow, kettles, and other provisions. This was a grand
prize, and was invaluable. Broth was immediately made, and served out to
the most weakly with great care. Most of the whole got a little; but a
great many gave their part to the weakly, jocosely saying something
cheering to their comrades. This little refreshment and fine weather by
the afternoon gave new life to the whole.

Crossing a narrow deep lake in the canoes, and marching some distance,
we came to a copse of timber called the Warrior's Island. We were now in
full view of the fort and town, not a shrub between us, at about two
miles distance. Every man now feasted his eyes