276 GENERAL PORTER. The humble homage that my soul in gratitude would pay To Thee, whose shield has guarded me through all my wandering way." This morning I presented a letter I had brought from General Scott to a fine old veteran, General Porter, who has a splendid house here. He commanded the American army at the battle of Queenston, as well as at Chippawa. He is extremely deaf, but, barring that, is very agreeable; and his daughter was most amiable and polite. Her husband, Captain Grayson, is the General's · aide-de-camp. As I stood on Prospect Tower, close to the Terrapin rocks, which looked as if the tip of a giant's toe could have hurled them into the abyss, I espied the plumed bonnets, belted plaids, and tartan philabegs of old Scotia's warriors moving about on the opposite bank. The sight of them did my heart good, and gave a new current to my RECKLESSNESS OF SOLDIERS. 277 feelings. There was something soul-stirring in the thought, that whilst I stood on American ground, they were proudly treading on that of Britain, and that the two great countries should have so glorious a barrier between them. It is melancholy to reflect on the recklessness of soldiers in all countries and on all occasions. I have already mentioned that very recently three privates lost their lives when attempting to desert their colours; and General Porter informed us of a sad occurrence that took place no longer ago than last Thursday. Four of the 93d Regiment, having gone in to bathe at a mill-dam above the Falls, were swept into the Rapids. It was at first imagined that they had deserted, but some ladies happened to observe three of the bodies as they were hurled over the Falls. Some cruelly disposed persons put a poor fox into a barrel lately to take this appalling 278 ESCAPE FROM THE RAPIDS. leap, and a reward has been offered for reynard dead or alive, but it has not yet been claimed. Much as I abhor cruel sights, I should have liked to have beheld the vessel sent over some years ago filled with beasts of prey; one of which, a bear, jumped out before the ship approached the cataract, and, struggling amidst the Rapids, reached the shore; and they say a cat once made the terrific plunge, and escaped. It is the only instance on record where this has been done without the loss of life. Above the Rapids the river looks calm and tranquil; and below the Falls, and within a very little distance, it glides tranquilly along as far as the eye can reach. The first night I lodged at this splendid inn, I was given, as a compliment, the favourite bed-room of General Scott, whom, by the bye, I have promised to meet at New York; but the din of the mighty waters put sleep out of the question, and I have now been transplanted to the opposite side of the house, where the murmuring noise, loud though it be, will soon serve me as a lullaby. Adieu. LETTER XXIV. Departure of Sunday Visitors-Praise of AmericaExcursion to Louiston-Whirlpool - Dancing Trees Abrupt turns of the River View of Queenston and Brook's Monument Niagara, smooth and tranquil-Zacaressa, the old Indian Chief-Emigration of his Tribe-Ill-timed Boasting of an Indian Bravo- The Ladies of the TribeTheir Coquetry and Cunning-Sulphur SpringsThe finest View of the Falls. MY DEAR S Cataract Hotel, Niagara, This morning, at least fifty worshippers of Niagara sat down together to break their fast; the viands set before them were firstrate, and so in faith were their appetites. They had been flying about in large coveys last night to feed on Nature's works; to-day, after fortifying themselves with a more sub |