The Life and Adventures of Nat Foster: Trapper and Hunter of the Adirondacks

by Arthur Lester Byron-Curtiss

Overview

This book is a faithful account of the life and adventures of a character familiar to sportsmen and others who frequent the Adirondacks. It has been my endeavor to collect and put in form the numerous stories and anecdotes told by one of the pioneers of New York State; though in my desire to vindicate the qualities of Nat Foster, I have given considerable not actually identified with his adventures, but having a bearing on his life.
The hardy race of men who followed the chase for a livelihood in the wilds of Northern New York, has passed away. With the men has gone the knowledge of many of their exciting adventures. It is not too late, however, to gather from old residents and descendants, many of the experiences connected with their profession. This is what I have endeavored to do in this book; taking pains, as the reader will see, to gather only such notes of Foster's life as the trustworthy sources assured me of their genuineness. The assumption that Foster is the hero of James Fenimore Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales I think is well founded. I believe the reader will agree with me, that the character of Nat Foster as portrayed by the facts here presented, and the character of Natty Bumfo of Cooper, are wonderfully similar; which, taken with the unbiased opinions of men of Foster's time, are weighty arguments in favor of the idea advanced. I am sure my labors will be appreciated by those interested. And as Jerome K. Jerome observed in his "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow," that "some of my relations having promised to buy the book, if it ever came out;" so I would say that many persons interested in the Adirondacks, having expressed a desire to own the book "if it ever came out," I feel justified in inflicting it on the public. I would in conclusion express my thanks to those who have in any way contributed to the material that makes up the book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781542306935
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	01/01/2017
Pages:	140
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.30(d)

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER III. THE American army now went into winter quarters at Valley Forge, where the patriots bravely endured untold sufferings. It has been said of this particular winter that "These were the times which tried men's souls." The Patriot army was a mere handful of men compared to the British. The men were ragged and disheartened; many were barefooted. What American of the present generation is there, who has not seen from childhood illustrations of the pathetic scenes of Valley Forge? The members of the army had received no pay, and poor and scanty fare was their portion. The soldiers were inspired by a love for their country indeed. During this trying winter, Mr. Foster was the life and soul of his section of the camp. He was never idle or despondent. No doubt his being always busy at some kind of employment, was the secret of his cheerfulness. He was always ready for a joke or a word of cheer. The horses of the army were being killed for food. He immediately set about and procured the hides for the purpose of making shoes for the soldiers. He tanned them in a crude manner; and with the assistance of some of his fellow-soldiers, he made a passable moccasin, very acceptable to the barefooted men. It was while engaged in this occupation of cutting up hides and making shoes, that Washington, passing through the camp one day, and observing his industry and cheerful manner, uttered the remark referred to before; viz: "If I had ten thousand such men, I would drive every British soldier from theAmerican shores in short order." One day provisions failed to be issued at all. Some stores had been expected, but were delayed many miles distant, the wagons being stuck fast in the mud.The soldiers were disposed to grumble and swear at the state of affairs. "Well, well boys," exclai...