Sketches Of The Northwest: Travels and Adventures in Michigan During the 1840s and Beyond (The Memo Book Series) (Volume 2)

From Sketches Of The Northwest: “I secured my wife and two children in their state room and, as I was not seasick, climbed on deck to see what could be seen. Barrels of corn had been broken open and scattered all over the deck, and so much had been driven into the cuddy as to entirely cover the cook stove from sight. The dishes had not been made fast in the cupboard and fell to the floor at every roll of the vessel. But, clinging to the rigging, the grandest sight I ever saw was presented to view. The waves seemed like mountains and came dashing toward the vessel as if to swallow it up; but, as if struggling for life, she would climb to the top of the wave and pitch into the trough of the sea and seem hopelessly engulfed. Though the wind blew a perfect hurricane, yet the sun would break through the clouds. A scene of wild beauty was presented. The wind, catching the crest of the waves, filled the air with spray, forming thousands of rainbows, almost dazzling the eye. I never expect, on earth, to see a grander, wilder scene of beauty.” During the 19th Century the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was largely a raw and rough frontier, known well only the the Native Americans of that land. This book contains the later-life recollections of someone who came to Michigan and experience something few men or women today could imagine. Originally published in the Michigan Pioneer Collections, Calumet History and Hobby is proud to be able to bring this story to a 21st Century audience.