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quick and easy communication between the Canadas and the United States.’
At this point, the plan of the travellers was to take the steamer for Ticonderoga.
The next morning (24th), as the steamer Congress was not to leave till one in the afternoon, they indulged in a sleep longer than usual; ‘it being the first time that we have not risen before, or at least with, the sun since we started.’
‘Our pedestrian journey, most probably, with the exception of some few miles, ends at this place.
It is now nine days since we left home, and in that time we have travelled between two and three hundred miles on foot.’
Arriving by the steamer at a landing on the Vermont side of the lake, and being ferried across to a place a mile above Fort Ticonderoga, they inspected the remains of the fortifications.
‘Ticonderoga is now in ruins; but there are still sufficient remains to convince us of its former strength.
Situated as it is on a promontory, it has complete command over that part of the lake; and, were it not for Mt. Defiance, which overlooks it, would rightly be deemed impregnable.
The sides toward the water are of massive rock, partly the work of Nature and partly of art. In fact, the whole fortress is built upon a rock.
The walls of the buildings connected with the fort still remain, and present quite a castellated appearance.
There are also several cellars and magazines under ground.
The form of the fort we could not distinctly discern, as several parts of it were entirely wanting.
Its great extent, however, was very evident.’
Thence they walked about three miles to the hotel at the foot of Lake George, and visited both the Lower and the Greater Falls.
The last ‘were a most splendid sight.
The water came dashing over the rocks in a complete foam, and making a roaring noise.
From this I can have a pretty good idea of a cataract.’
The next day (25th), Sumner alone ascended Mt. Defiance, to obtain a view of the fortress beneath.
The adventure cost him a severe effort.
He wondered how field-pieces were ever carried up its sides to surprise General St. Clair.
He was unable to trace the British works on the summit; but enjoyed the fine view.
The two classmates embarked at one in the afternoon.
‘The scenery all the way through Lake George was most beautiful, and the number of islands with which the water was interspersed very much heightened it.’
Arriving at Caldwell at six in the evening, they at once walked to Glen's Falls, seeing, on their way, the remains of the forts William Henry and George; ‘passing ’
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