"It is said, that the passage into Purgatory was first found in [Saints Island] ; but it being near the shore, and a bridge from the main land into it, which gave the people free and ready access..."
"It is almost incredible what crowds visit this island annually, during the months of June, July, and August—it being no unusual thing to see from 900 to 1000 persons of both sexes upon it at one and the same time..."