But we were shot along by a strong wind, which was fair when we started, but had insensibly increased to a gale in Lake Erie, when we found it impossible to turn to land without the danger of filling.

The wind, though a gale, was still directly aft.

On one occasion I thought we should have gone to the bottom, the waves breaking in a long series, above our heads, and rolling down our breasts into the canoe.

I looked quietly at General Cass, who sat close on my right, but saw no alarm in his countenance.
"That was a fatherly one," was his calm expression, and whatever was thought, little was said.

We weathered and entered the bay silently, but with feelings such as a man may be supposed to have when there is but a step between him and death.
We ascended the Miami Valley, through scenes renowned by the events of two or three wars.