27th.—Towards noon the general set out; which caused a great joy among the garrison, which had hitherto lain in tents, but now being a smaller company, could be more comfortably lodged. It snowed the whole day. We encamped by a beaver dam, under Laurel Hill.
28th.—We came to Stony Creek, where Mr. Quickfell is stationed. The general sent Mr. Hays, express, to fort Bedford (Rays Town) and commanded him to see, if the place for encampment, under the Allegheny mountain, was prepared; as also to take care that refreshments should be at hand, at his coming. It was stormy and snowed all the day.
29th.—On the road I came up with some waggons; and found my horses with the company; who had taken my horse up, and intended to carry the same away. We encamped on this side, under the Allegheny hill.
30th.—Very early I hunted for my horses, but in vain, and therefore was obliged to carry my saddle bags, and other baggage on my back. The burden was heavy, the roads bad; which made me very tired, and came late to Bedford; where I took my old lodging with Mr. Frazier. They received me kindly, and refreshed me according to their ability.
31st.—This day we rested, and, contrary to expectation, preparation was made for moving further to-morrow. Mr. Hays, who has his lodging with the commander of that place, visited me.
January 1st. 1759.—We set out early. I got my saddle bags upon a waggon; but my bed and covering I carried upon my back; and came that day to the crossing of Juniata: where I had poor lodgings, being obliged to sleep in the open air, the night being very cold.
2d.—We set out early. I wondered very much that the horses, in these slippery roads, came so well with the waggons over these steep hills. We came to fort Littleton; where I drew provisions; but could not find any who had bread, to exchange for flour. I took lodging in a common house. Mr. Hays arrived late.
3d.—We rose early. I thought to travel the nearest road to Shippen’s Town, and therefore desired leave of the general to prosecute my journey to Lancaster, and wait for his excellency there; but he desired me to follow in his company. It snowed, freezed, rained, and was stormy the whole day. All were exceeding glad that the general arrived safe at fort Loudon. There was no room in the fort for such a great company; I, therefore, and some others went two miles further, and got lodgings at a plantation.
4th.—I and my company took the upper road; which is three miles nearer to Shippen’s town, where we arrived this evening. The slippery roads made me, as a traveller, very tired.
5th.—To day I staid here for the general. Mr. Hays went ten miles further, to see some of his relations. In the afternoon Israel Pemberton came from Philadelphia to wait upon the general.[113]