186 GENERAL AND MRS. MACOMB. The élite at the baths left cards for us. I had a most agreeable chat with Mrs. Macomb, who knows every body and every thing. The General is kindness itself. We have had many military conversations together; and he has presented me with his work, containing "Manœuvres for, and Instructions to, the Militia Force." Mr. Bedish and his amiable family I have already made mention of: he is President of the Council and of the Court of Errors, at present sitting at Saratoga; has seen much of the world, and is a most polished and well-informed gentleman. Within about two miles of this place are congregated about 4000 mountebank Methodists, commonly called Campers; but, as I have fed you, ad nauseam, with Shaking Quakers, I will not inflict this sauntering sect upon you. They have been often described. MUSICAL PERFORMANCES. 187 We had in the saloon this evening some excellent music; among the rest, the performance of a young man on two different instruments of his own invention, was truly admirable. Their names have already escaped my memory; but the skill and enthusiasm of their inventor excited the admiration of every one. It is Saturday night-sacred every where to wives and sweethearts, and doubly sacred when the Atlantic separates you from them. Adieu. LETTER XVI. Mineral Waters-Delights of Saratoga-Revolutionary Presbyterians Universalists Reminiscences General Macomb Mr. Davies- Reception of British Officers in America - Frequency of Desertion among the Soldiers-General Scott. MY DEAR S United States Hotel, Saratoga, I like variety so much, that this morning I sipped at ten different springs; and went to listen to the doctrines of two distinct persuasions: that done, I paid particular attention to the batterie de cuisine, so ably directed in this establishment by the celebrated French artist, Mons. Blanchard; and have concluded the day by taking a charming warm bath at the Putnam Spring. The healing qualities of these waters, of SARATOGA WATERS. 189 which I believe there are nineteen or twenty varieties in all, were first shewn by the aborigines to their protector and friend, Sir W. Johnson, who was carried there on a litter in 1767, and was restored to health. At that time, it is said, bears, wolves, and mouse-deer abounded; and that beavers and salmon-trout were to be found in plenty in the stream, which was then lined with Indian huts. General Putnam was the first that became a permanent settler at this place. You may like to know what the water is composed of. I copied the following from a board stuck up at the Congress Spring: 190 INTERESTING EXCURSIONS. This I believe is the analysis of one quart of water and to the good that all this will do you are added a fine air, bubbling waters, a healthful situation, agreeable company, good dinners, nice drives, constant concerts and balls, with splendid fishing and admirable shooting in the immediate vicinity. Besides, the whole élite of the Union is here assembled in the season, men the most distinguished, and women the most beautiful; and you can make most interesting excursions in all directions - to Saratoga Lake, to Lake George, to Fish Creek, Schuylerville, Still Water, and Bemus Heights; where it may be said the fate of America was settled, when `Burgoyne, after carrying the strong works at Crown Point and Ticonderoga, advanced down the valley of the Hudson, driving all before him, to Still Water, where the sanguinary action of the 19th September, 1777, |