Through Lake Sanford, however, the Hudson takes a direct course, and there is nothing to impede the passage of a small boat to within a mile of the Iron Works, which are situated in a valley between the two lakes. The fact is, during the summer, there is an extensive business done on Lake Sanford, in the way of “bringing in” merchandize, and “carrying out” the produce of the Forge. It was my misfortune to make the inward passage of the Lake in company with two ignorant Irishmen. Their boat was small, heavily laden, very old and leaky. This was my only chance, and on taking my seat with a palpitating heart, I made an express bargain with the men that they should keep along the shore on their way up. They assented to my wishes, but immediately pulled for the very centre of the lake. I remonstrated, but they told me there was no danger. The boat was now rapidly filling with water, and though one was bailing with all his might, the rascals were determined not to accede to my wishes. The conclusion of the matter was, that our shallop became water-logged; and on finally going ashore, the merchandize was greatly damaged, and I was just about as wet as I was angry at the miserable creatures, whose obstinacy had not only greatly injured their employers, but also endangered my own plunder as well as my life.
The Iron Works alluded to above are located in a narrow valley, and in the immediate vicinity of Lake Henderson at a place called McIntyre. Sometime in the year 1830, a couple of Scotch gentlemen, named Henderson and McIntyre, purchased a large tract of wild land lying in this portion of New York. In the summer following, they passed through this wilderness on an exploring expedition, and, with the assistance of their Indian guide, discovered that the bed of the valley in question was literally blocked up with iron ore. On making farther investigations, they found that the whole rocky region about them was composed of valuable mineral, and they subsequently established a regular built Iron Establishment, which has been in operation ever since. A gentleman named Robinson afterwards purchased an interest in the concern, and it is now carried on by him and Mr. McIntyre, though the principal stock-holders are the wife and son of Mr. Henderson, deceased.