canoe, their tent on shore a mile or so on, and their stakes.
Mist and then pouring rain.     We are nearing the Saut.
I can�t describe how I won old Swan�s heart by talk, and
certain out�o the way quotations he wanted to hammer out. He
himself, is a vigorous, honest, thinker inclining to conservatism &
a greater liking for Britain than ever yet I encountered in an Am-
erican.    Wheeler imbibeth pretty freely, without perceptible effect.
Noble drinketh not, nor plays.     By an hour or twain after noon
we reached Saut St Marie.     The oldest settled spot in Mi-
chigan.       It rained pitifully, and most folks went ashore, and
had to tramp for a dreary 3/4 of a mile to where the Sam
Ward lay. the portage.   Shallows and rapids prohibiting ascent
in the same boat.   We of the press-gang, with other favored mor-
tals stand aboard to a notable dinner, in great glory with Captain
and officers.     Then into the village, or city. with Swan. Big
lumps of copper lay on the dock not far off.     At a Tavern.  Snow,
shoes and minerals & metals in the bar.      Imbibition with Wheeler,
who had dined at tavern.   Thence to the Newspaper Office &
a chat with its Editor & proprietor.     A well printed monthly in winter weekly, deno-
ted to the Mining interests of the great lake.       Ten pin alley op-
posite, fellows rolling, I dreary, dozing &c.   Pitiful rain,
and mud throughout.     To the �Pacific� again, and I sat talking
with Miss Compson, who was alone in the Ladies cabin, Swan
with us.   7 o clock or nearly so,   Noble saw to our baggage follow-
ing us, and we to the tavern, awaiting the �train� for the
Sam Ward.      �Twas only a platform, or two platforms on
wheels, running-horse impelled over rail-track.   More tedious