The weather was cold and the
water intensely so. Its source was the Alps, then in plain view and
covered with snow.
He started on a Saturday morning at nine o'clock. The current was
exceedingly strong, rushing over gravel beds on which he frequently
grounded. The country in the vicinity was very beautiful with high
ground on each side. At every little village and hamlet, he was
received with enthusiastic "vivas" and many were the kind invitations
he was tendered to stop and take refreshments. All these he declined as
he had ample provisions in his little boat for a four day's run. This
boat he had attached to his belt by a line about three yards long. She
behaved very well; but when he reached very violent rapids he was
compelled to pick her up and place her on his legs before him. About
nightfall a lady and gentleman came off in a small boat and requested
him to stop for the night assuring him that the danger in the river
below was very great. It contained many mills under which he might be
carried; but his mind was made up and he went steadily along on his
perilous voyage. The night was very cold and the struggling moon
occasionally lit up the valley. He struck many times heavily on the
rocks and frequently entered false channels.
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