From the broken bridge the bottom seemed to be sand and gravel, and the approaches on each side were not too steep.

There was nothing to do but go through or lose many miles in going round.

Putting on all power we went through with no difficulty whatsoever, the water at the deepest being about eighteen to twenty inches, somewhat over the hubs.

If the bottom of the little stream had been soft and sticky, or filled with boulders, fording would have been out of the question.
Before attempting a stream, one must make sure of the bottom; the depth is of less importance.
We did not run into Elkhart, but passed about two miles south in sight of the town, arriving at Goshen at four fifteen.

The roads all through here seem to be excellent.