by water. From this place [now Colliers] to Onohoghwage is three days'
journey; and how bad the traveling is we cannot tell.

"May 31st, [1753.] We met with difficulty about getting a canoe, and
sent an Indian into the woods to get ready a bark, but he made small
progress.

"In the afternoon came from Otsego lake, which is the source of this
stream, George Windecker and another, in a small batteau, with goods
and rum, going down to Onohoghwage upon a trading voyage. We agreed
with them to carry the interpreter and Mr. Woodbridge in their
batteau; and bought a wooden canoe to carry our flour and baggage.

"We soon saw the ill effects of Windecker's rum. The Indians began to
drink and some of our party were the worse for it. We perceived what
was coming.

"June 1st, 1753, is with me a memorable day, and for forty years and
more has not passed unnoticed. We got off as silently as we could with
ourselves and effects. Some went by water and others by land, with the
horses. I was with the land party. The Indians, half intoxicated, were
outrageous, and pursued both the party by water, in which was Mr.
Woodbridge, and the party by land. One came so near us as with his
club to strike at us, and he hit one of our horses. We hastened.
Neither party met till we arrived at Wauteghe [the name of the Indian
village at the mouth of the Otego creek] at which had been an Indian
village, where were a few fruit trees and considerable cleared land,
but no inhabitants. Here, being unmolested and secure, we all
refreshed ourselves. But Pallas was the worse for his rum; was so
refractory that Mr. Ashley's hired man, who had been in the canoe with