Fort Augustus is the thirteenth chapter of Samuel Johnson's book Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland, about a trip he took in 1773. The previous chapter was Fall of Fiers and the next is Anoch.
In the
morning we viewed the
fort, which is much less than that of
St George, and is said to be
commanded by the
neighbouring hills.
It was not long ago taken by the
Highlanders. But its
situation
seems
well chosen for
pleasure, if not for
strength; it stands at
the
head of the
lake, and, by a
sloop of sixty
tuns, is supplied
from
Inverness with great
convenience.
We were now to cross the Highlands towards the western coast, and
to content ourselves with such accommodations, as a way so little
frequented could afford. The journey was not formidable, for it
was but of two days, very unequally divided, because the only
house, where we could be entertained, was not further off than a
third of the way. We soon came to a high hill, which we mounted by
a military road, cut in traverses, so that as we went upon a higher
stage, we saw the baggage following us below in a contrary
direction. To make this way, the rock has been hewn to a level
with labour that might have broken the perseverance of a Roman
legion.
The country is totally denuded of its wood, but the stumps both of
oaks and firs, which are still found, show that it has been once a
forest of large timber. I do not remember that we saw any animals,
but we were told that, in the mountains, there are stags, roebucks,
goats and rabbits.
We did not perceive that this tract was possessed by human beings,
except that once we saw a corn field, in which a lady was walking
with some gentlemen. Their house was certainly at no great
distance, but so situated that we could not descry it.
Passing on through the dreariness of solitude, we found a party of
soldiers from the fort, working on the road, under the
superintendence of a serjeant. We told them how kindly we had been
treated at the garrison, and as we were enjoying the benefit of
their labours, begged leave to show our gratitude by a small
present.