La Salle and the discovery of the great West - North Central ...

.1679.] THE NIAGARA PORTAGE. 145lashed fast to his back. They came at last to themouth of a stream which entered the Niagara twoleagues above the cataract, and which was undoubtedlythat now called Cayuga Creek. 1i It has been a matter of debate on which side of the Niagarathe first vessel on the Upper Lakes was built. A close study ofHennepin, and a careful examination of the localities, have convincedme that the spot was that indicated above. Hennepinrepeatedly alludes to a large detached rock, rising out of the waterat the foot of the rapids above Lewiston, on the west side of theriver. This rock may still be seen immediately under the westernend of the Lewiston suspension-bridge. Persons living in the neighborhoodremember that a ferry-boat used to pass between it andthe cliffs of the western shore ; but it has since been undermined bythe current and has inclined in that direction, so that a considerablepart of it is submerged, while the gravel and earth thrown downfrom the cliff during the building of the bridge has filled the interveningchannel. Opposite to this rock, and on the east side of theriver, says Hennepin, are three mountains, about two leagues belowthe cataract. (Nouveau Voyage (1704), 462, 466.) To these " threemountains," as well as to the rock, he frequently alludes. Theyare also spoken of by La Hontan, who clearly indicatestheir position.They consist in the three successive grades of the acclivityfirst, that which rises from the level of the water, forming the steepand lofty river-bank ; next, an intermediate ascent, crowned by asort of terrace, where the tired men could find a second resting-placeand lay down their burdens, whence a third effort carried them withdifficulty to the level top of the plateau. That this was the actual" portage," or carrying place of the travellers, is shown by Hennepin(1704), 114, who describes the carrying of anchors and other heavyarticles up these heights in August, 1679. La Hontan also passedthe Falls by way of the " three mountains " eight years later. LaHontan (1703), 106. It is clear, then, that the portage was on theeast side, whence it would be safe to conclude that the vessel wasbuilt on the same side. Hennepin says that she was built at themouth of a stream (riviere) entering the Niagara two leagues abovethe Falls. Excepting one or two small brooks, there is no streamon the west side but Chippewa Creek, which Hennepin had visitedand correctly placed at about a league from the cataract. His di*10