Travels through the states of North America, and the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, during the years 1795, 1796, and 1797 [Vol. 2 of 2]Weld, Isaac
History
Travels through the states of North America, and the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, during the years 1795, 1796, and 1797 [Vol. 2 of 2]
Weld, Isaac
Canada -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800; United States -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800
FORT CHIPPEWAY, from whence my last letter was dated, is a small
stockaded fort, situated on the borders of a creek of the same name,
about two hundred yards distant from Niagara River. Had it been built
immediately on the latter stream, its situation would have been much
more convenient; for the water of the creek is so bad that it cannot be
drank, and the garrison is obliged to draw water daily from the river.
The fort, which occupies about one rood of ground only, consists of a
small block house, inclosed by a stockade of cedar posts about twelve
feet high, which is merely sufficient to defend the garrison against
musquet shot. Adjoining to the fort there are about seven or eight farm
houses, and some large stone houses, where goods are deposited
preparatory to their being conveyed up the river in bateaux, or across
the portage in carts, to Queenstown. It is said that it would be
practicable to cut a canal from hence to Queenstown, by means of which
the troublesome and expensive process of unlading the bateaux and
transporting the goods in carts along the portage would be avoided. Such
a canal will in all probability be undertaken one day or other; but
whenever that shall be the case, there is reason to think that it will
be cut on the New York side of the river for two reasons; first, because
the ground on that side is much more favourable for such an undertaking;
and, secondly, because the state of New York is much more populous, and
far better enabled to advance the large sums of money that would be
requisite for cutting a canal through such rugged ground as borders upon
the river, than the province of Upper Canada either is at present, or
appears likely to be.
[Sidenote: FORT CHIPPEWAY.]
About fifteen men, under the command of a lieutenant, are usually
quartered at Fort Chippeway, who are mostly employed in conducting, in
bateaux from thence to Fort Erie, the stores for the troops in the upper
country, and the presents for the Indians.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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