This journal describes Robert Hare's "Tour through a part of North America in company with Mr. William Allen." May 3, 1774-July 22, 1774. Upon leaving Philadelphia, Hare and Allen stopped in Princeton before making their way up the Hudson River to Albany, where they stayed a few days and then wound their way up the Mohawk River, and then down the Onondaga River. Much of the journal is Hare's observations on the landscape and terrain. Hare also described the friends and companions he met along the way, often including descriptions of local natives and their relations with white settlers, and even described one sleepless night spent at the home of a "Dutch peasant." A visit to Lake Ontario prompted a description of all the Great Lakes, and a good portion of the journal describes other waterways, including Lake George, Lake Champlain, the Niagara River, and the Falls. Various forts and garrisons are also described; Hare spent some time with a regiment of soldiers in the area. Hare was unimpressed with Montreal, although he did admire the work of the Soeurs de Congregation, who assisted poor children in the city. He was struck by the number of convents and seminaries in the area, and a number of comments pertain to the status of the church, including the "power which romish priests have over their flock," as well as observations on the Jesuits. Upon leaving Canada, Hare made his way toward Boston. The final entry, recorded in eastern Massachusetts, ends abruptly mid-sentence. Hare very rarely mentioned William Allen, his traveling companion, and he seems to have journeyed to Boston alone. Although the journal is unfinished, It appears that Hare returned to it after the trip; many entries are edited.
