IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 1.25 III 1.4 m. 111^ 1^ ; 1^ mil-- |Z0 1.8 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^V "9> V o x; <> /. o V » s t-^- <./- ^; ^(? y. ^ "> v.. V) ^^,. v^ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibllographlques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographlcally unique, which may alter any of the Images In the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. L'Instltut a microfilm* le mellleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les ddtails de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Stre uniques du point de vue bibllographlque, qui peuvent modifier une Image reprodulte. ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mdthode nOrmale de filmage sont Indiqu6s ci-dessous. □ Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur □ Covers damaged/ Couverture endommagde □ Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurie et/ou pelliculde rrpf Cover title missing/ jy I Le titre de couverture manque □ Coloured maps/ Cartes gdographlques en couleur □ Coloured Ink (I.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (I.e. autre que bleue ou noire) I — I Coloured plates and/or Illustrations/ D D D Planches et/ou Illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Rell6 avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along Interior margin/ La re llure serr6e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intdrleure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutees lors d'une restauratlon apparaissent dans le texte, male, lorsque cela 6talt possible, ces pages n'ont pas dt6 fllmdes. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppldmentaires: □ Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur □ Pages damaged/ Pages endommagdes □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaurdes et/ou pelliculdes Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Page?* ddcolor^es, tachet6es ou plqu6es Pages detached/ Pages ddtachdes □ Showthrough/ Transparence □ Quality of print varies/ Quality in6gale de I'Impression □ Includes supplementary material/ Comprend du materiel supplimentaire D D Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been ref limed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure. etc., ont 6t6 filmies d nouveau de fa9on d obtenir la meilleure image possible. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked belovv/ Ce document est film* au taux de reduction indiquA ci-dessous 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X 12X 16X 20X 28X 32X ire details les du modifier ler une filmage i6es The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: Library of Congress Photoduplication Service The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — ^> (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. L'exemplaire film6 fut reproduit grdce h la gdndrositd de: Library of Congress Photoduplication Service Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettetd de l'exemplaire film^, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture un papier est imprim6e sont film^s en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmds en commenqant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole —► signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN". lire Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmds d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est filmd d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n6cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. by errata ned to lent une pelure, fa9on d 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 32X ! •, ,.l^-. ,,^j|Sid»wsS^«ife6M*»few^»sw«s*-**« ' -- w' . A U ACCOUNT I' 0 U I s I A'N A, EXHIBITING A COMPENDIOUS SKETCH OF ITS •'OLitlCAL AND NATURAL HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHY, WITH A. COPIOUS APPENDIX CONTAINING AVfiRll, IMPORTANT DOCUMIiNTI. / V. Franklin & Garroit. ^' 1604. I- -a, ', 1 '- ^ ■Of^'n •K'O )'"■•. l..i -i}-: , r 57^ 'off »*tc. 'K*'i )*■*': ■» . 1 ' , ■ * These fhfefs contain acom* pendious account of thepolificnl and natural hiftory, as well as the tope graphy of Louifiana. The preatf r part of it is extracJ^ed from the moft valuahle work of the 'kind, wntten in iyp,g, by Dupratz, and thtf compiler of this has foufxht information, in regard to poftrrior tranfaftiens, in the writings of the - AHbe Raynal, and the Anuncan gazettes. He has added copies of the treaty of ceffion to the United States, the docur^ents lately laid by the Exmu- tivr before Congrefs, and other im- portant papers. Newbern, March 15^ 1804. illPi T}^s c-trt ■■<■■ vv« Cfi^AMA L n-'tr U )-,v ■..gu.^.rr^^J Cl^-^l^y^^^' '[ :-,/V 'c" vi *■■■,■' ^% r. * i^.^.«j,,. t ■ *.. X ^ ^-y-l An account 01 LOUISIANA. Pa]rt I. Political Ifi^tory. THE iSpanifli and the French arc tho only European nations who ever made any fettlement on the northern coafl: of the gulf of Mexico. Don J uan Ponce de Leon difcovercd it in 1512. Don Lucas V.tfquez dc Aillon, who limJod on it in 1 520, wns hofpita- bly received by the natives, who made him prefents in gold, pearls and pitted filver; induced by this friendly treatmenr he returned thither in IS'Jt, but the In- dians, he this time met with, manifelled quite contrary fentiments, they fell on him, killed two hundred of his men and obliged him to retreat. In 1 528 Don Pampilo Nefunez land- ed alfo on that coaft, receiving from the firft nations he met in his way, prefents 1} I ( ) jia.io ill gold ; wliich hy figns tlicy g;>vt; him to umlevlhuid, cam': from tlic- Ap.i';i- chian moimtaiiis, in tlic country wlii^Ii :'t thl'i day j^oo ; uiulcr the name ot Flori- .id.i ; And thillar iio attempted to go, un- vt; L-anr: trom tlie Ap.i'it-. 1 tlio country wliiJi Icr ihe iii\nie of Flori- .' iittcmpti.'(l to go, itn- lus journey ot twenty narch lie w.io fo often .V people he continu- il lod lb many of Ins link of re- embarking at were left, happy ."leaped the dangers, rudence had cxpofecl have of ihcexpcditiou Soto, who in IjIJS if St. Elprit, is fo ro- nltintly tontra^ niird 1 (y^^o time after attacked them, ;m'1 foiv'tu^T th?n to capiialato, craolly nurdcro 1 tiicm, wit'iout any rojj.iv.l ha 1 It the tiv.ty conclulcJ betwe.vi thoni. As Franco wa^ at t'nt tlai^ iiu'olved hi t'le calamiti'.s of a rjllgioui w.'.r, this x''i tf bar'jar'.ty had r?ir. 'i;i';.l U'iv?rontcJ, had no": a li.i,:;le m.iii of Mont Mirfo.i, namjd Dj.Tiiniquo d..- Gju-'';e3, attjmpt- c;l, iu t'lo name o'" tlie lution, to take vej'.^'cr.ico of it. la l.>0"7, hav;.i;T ji - ted oat a velTel ar.d faibd for Fiovldi, he took tiivc.- Forts'rj'.kby theSo r.iiardsj a'.id afLcr klUiaj^ iiimy ofth.-m i'l the i'l. vera] attacks he made, hanged the reft : And having fettled there a new port, re- turned to France. But the difordors of the State having prevented tiic maintain- ing thjt pod •, the Spaniards foon aftjr retook poiTelhon of the country. From that time the French Icjmcd to have dropped all thoughts of that coait, or of attempting any difcoveries therein •, when the wars in Canada with llie natives, afforded them the knowledge of the vaft country they are pofleflcd of at this day. ( I' ) 111 fitvt of thclc \vu9 ii Recollot, or Fr.iiv- (•110,111 l'"ii;ir, ii,uiicdF.II.'iii:?piii, was t:i- k(.'n :uiitoches; whereby they confine them on the weft within the neighbourhood of the river St. Louis: And from that time It was not their fault, that they had not cramped them to the Nortlr: As I IhaU. mention in its place. To this anecdote of their hiftory I fhall, ma word or two, add that of their fet, C ( H. ) tlemcnt nt Pcnf..coVa, on the ccwft of Florida, three months after M. a Hiber- viUe had carried the fira inhabitants to Louifiani, tliat country having conti- nued to be inhabited by Europeans, ever r.nce the g .rrifon left thefc by Dominique de Gourgcs •, which either periflied or tlefcited, for want of being lupported. To return to M. de la Motte and M. St. Denis: The former, ever attentive to the projea of having a treaty of com- merce concluded with the Spaniards, and pleafed with the fuccefs of M. de bt. Denis's journey to Mexico, propofed his return thither again, not doubting but the Duke of Linarez would be as good as his word, as the French had already been. M. de St. Denis, ever ready to obey, accepted the commiffion of his General. But this journey was not to be undarta- kenasthefirfti it was proper to car- ry fome goods, in order to execute that treaty, as foon as it fliould be conclud- ed and to indemnify himfelf for the cx- pences he was to be at. Though the itore-houfes of M. Crozat were fulU it was no eafy matter to get goods. 1 he faaors refufed to give any on credit : «ay, refufed M. d^la Motte's fecuntyj H) ola, on the coaft of ths after M. a'Hlber- Ac firft inhabitants to ountry having conti- ed by Europeans, ever ;ft there by Dominique ich either periflied or : of being fupported. . de la Mottc and M. former, ever attentive laying a treaty of com- with the Spaniards, and fuccefs of M. de St. ) Mexico, propofed his in, not doubting but the would be as good as his ench had already been. , ever ready to obey, imiflion of his General, was not to be undarta- it was proper to car- n order to execute that s it fliould be conclud- mify himfelf for the cx- to be at. Though the M. Crozat were full, it tter to get goods. The to give any on credit : . d^la Motte's fecurityj t i- ) and there was no money to hi had to pay them. The Governor was there- tore obl!j.'ed to form a company of the moil reiponlible men of the colony : And to this company only the facloi'. deter- mined to advance the goods. This ex- pe.lient was far froin being agreeable to M. dc St. D^nis, who opened his miml to M. de la Motte on that htsid, ar.d told Irl.n, that Ibme or all of his partners would accompany the floods tliey had Ciifjaged to be fccurity fur: anJ that, al- though it was abfolutoly nocodary theef- it:€t$ flwuld appear to be his property a- lone, they would not fail to difcover, tJiey themfolves were the proprietors ; which wculii be fuilicient to caufe their confifcationj the commerce between the two nations not being open. M. de la Motte faw the folidity of thefe realonsj but the Impoflibility of a£ling otherwife, conftrained him to fuperfede them : And, as M. de St. Denis had forefeeu, it ac- cordingly happened. He fet out from Mobile, Auguft 1 3, 1716, efcorted, as he all long apprehend- ed, by fome of thofe concerned i and being come to the Aflinais, he there paf- fed the winter. On the 19th of March, I ( i<> ) I! ; .VI the year fdllowinp-, fcuing out on jornicy, lie foon arrived at the Prcfi.lio of St. John liaptHl. JM. dc St. Denis de- i'!:ired tl:de ^"ocds tote his own proper- ty, in order to obviate their confifcuiou, which was others ifc unavoidable; ami wanted to iliev/ ionic ads of bounty and f cnerofity, in order to pain the friend- ffii[> ol till' Sp.\niardy. But the nntr.;(.'li'- hlcnefs, t}ic avarice, and indifcrction^f the parties concenied, brolie througli .-.ll hit, nicafures : and to prevent the entire tiifcoiicerting of tbein,hc haflencd his de- parture for Mexico, where he arrived May i'l, 1717. The Duke of Linarc7 was yet there, but fick, and en his death-bed, M. de St. Denis had, however, time to lee him, who knew him again : And that Nobleman took care to have him recom- mended to the Viceroy his fuccedbr ; namely, the Marquis of Bolero, a man as much againlt the French, as the Duke was for them. M. de St. Denis did not long foHcit the Marquis of Balero for concluding the treaty of commerce } he foon had other bufinefs to mind. F. Olivarez, who, on the reprefentation of F. Ydalgo, as a per- fon of a jealous, turbulent, and danger- ous difpofition, had been excluded from ■, ftulng out on rrivcd at the Prcfiilio M. (!c iSt. Denis de- o be his own propcr- atc their confifciiion, ifc unnvoit!;ib!c; ami ic ads of bounty and • to pain the iViend- \s. iJut the uiitr.a'li'- , and ir.difcrction^f •d, brolio througli i.Il to prevent the entire in,hchaflencdhisdc- wherc he arrived May ukc of Linarez was ;ind en his death-bed, u<1, however, time to him again : And that ? to have him rccom- icetoy his fucccflbr ; is of Bolero, a man as ;nch, as the Duke was did not long foHcit ;ro for concluding the } he foon had other F. Olivarez, who, on F F. Ydalgo, as a per- rbulent, and danger- been excluded from venged on him for the vpv,^;^^ , r . by .ha, diftppoi,,™.;,", H 'Sto:' ci, he found h inlilf arreft,.,! ,„ iV ■n a.lu„go„n , fr„,„ wh hhe I '™ df/ fcco trV'f I"'™*' """^^°f b5r--d:«'Ts """' PU'A'fa the peimUIim. to fcll C 2 C Ih ) their cooas. M. de St. Denis couM niAc only onough of Ins p.Uagcd an^ " nugea dVcd. juil to defray ccrta.n ex- .cncc.oKuit, vvhidwnaa.un.ry.tha aboundbN^ith nothing cUc but goM ana filver, arc enormous. .\.rth« Our prifoncr having nothui,T turth«r to engroiH hi attention in Mexico, l.- he lafety of his ^^criou. ferux-Uy b ■• tcu,hthU-lfhov tof^u^c^.^ had ever ull groui.J - ■' ''fV'f^^r , bad treatment at the handH of no three avovved enemies. Having U^erefovc plan- ned the means of his a.ght, on bep- Jcmber'25. 1718. .^ the night came on, he uittca Mexico, nnd plac.ng h.m eif Vn Luihataccrtanidiltancetromthc tUn, waited till hi. good ortune (hould IfiUd the means of travelling otW.fe tl,an on foot. About mne at n.ght. a horfeman, >.ell.mounted, caft up. To nsZ\ fudden upon l>i->f --"i^.'S mount his horfe, turn ^be br.dle. and fe un 1 c3llop, M.aa tiie work of a moment ^1 L 2 Denis. He rode on at a good :" iSl day. t1-^ quitted the common ?on, ore.pofel.imfcit;a5vecaut.onhe terhocontinuccM-.j'-un-yonfoot-, lie St. Denis couM of Ins pillaged iirnl to ilcfray certain ex- ch in 11 ti'untry, that iig cite but gol'l ana 18. . ,ving nothiniT turtncr ition in Mexico, but ncrfon, ferlo.'lly be- V. to fecure i> ; a» »« hds lo apprehend «"ome he handH of hit three Having tliercfovcplan- )f his aight, on bcp- , asthenight camcoii, t), ;ind placin^^ himfcW ■tain diltancc trom the his good tortune (hould of travelling otherwife ^bout nine at night, a counted, caft up. }o aponhim,difmounthira, turn the bridle, and fet ti>e work of a moment s. He rode on at a good lien tiuitted the common I.imftit: a precaution he nc, till he c.nie near to k John ii-^ptiil. Trom ( t9) and at length, on April ^d. 1719, h< ar* rived at tlw French culuny, where h* found conliderable alterations. From the departure ofM, dcHt. Denis from Mexico, to his return again, alnioll three years had eUfpcd. In that long time, trie urant of lx>uiliam '.v is tr.msfer* ed froirt M. Crozat to the Well India com- pany 1 M. de la Motte Cadillac vt^.H dead, and M. de Biiinville, brother toM. d' Hi- bervjUe, fucceeded as Governor General. The capital place of the colony wati no longer at Mobile, nor even at Old Biloxi, whither it had been removcat timethepeo- ple muft live^ and the Company was well apprifed of this, as they had fent, with the eight hundred men they had tranfported to Louifiana, provifions for three years. The Grantees and Planters, obliged to treatjor truck for prov ifions with the Natch- ez, in confequence of that, faw their funds wafted, and themfelves incapable of for- ming fo confiderable a fettlement, with- out this trucking, as neceflliry, as it was frequent. However, feme benefit refulted from this i namely tliat the Natchez, enticed (20) ear, towards the end 6i le fir ft war with the Nat- ch had fettled at the Nat- any oppofition from far from oppofing them, great deal of fervice,and material afliftance in pro- s } for thofe, who were (l-India Company with id been detained atNew- it not been for the Na- ! muft have periflied by efs : For, how excellent ntry may be, it muft be 1 up and fown, and then :o wait the firft harveft, iring all tl>at timethepeo- d the Company was well as they had fent, with the len they had tranfported avifions for three years, md Planters, obliged to provifions with the Natch- e of that, faw their funds ifelves incapable of for- able a fettlement, with- , as neceflliry, as it was le benefit refulted from it the Natchez, enticed ( '^1 ) p the facility o; trucking for goods, he- fore unkrow., arr.ong thei;,, as fulils, Iml r;^dcr leu-, brandy, linen, cloths ^nd other hke dungs j by means of a„ ex- f ha.^ge cf v.-h.t they .bounded vith,came to be mere and more attached to the French ;;ud would have continued very uM fricn.!., had rot the litdo l^S ^.dt.cn, wL:J, tUo Commandant of Fort Rcfahe hnd given tlicm. for the mifbe! |av!curo one of his foldiers, alienated he.rm„Ks This Fort covered the fct l.at of Sf Ca harme, which was on the banks of the nvulet of the Natchez ; but bull the defence and proteaion it afford- ed were very inconfiderable j for this 1 ort was only palifadocd, open at Hx breaches, wuhout a ditch, and with a very weakgarnfon On the other hand, the houfes of the mhabitants, the' confidera! biy numerous, were of thcmfclves of no nerfe! • ' .?"'' '^'" '^' inhabitants, d^f! pe fed ni the country, each amidft his held, far from afiording mutual affiftnnce as they would had they been i„ TS: itood each of them, upon any accidem iii "eed of the affiftance of others ' given fome credit to an old warrior of » I I m ( 22 ) Village of the Nachez ; which was tlut Of the White Apple, each village havmg its peculiar name:' The warrior, m ro^ turn, was to give him (ome corn. To- wards the beginning of the winter 172., this foiaier lodging near the Fort, the old warrior camo to Ice him | the foldit inf.ftcd on his corn -, the native anfwered calmly, that the corn was not yet dry c- nough to {l.ake out the gram ; that be- fides, his Wife had bee., ill, and that Ik would pay him as foon as poffljle. 1 he young man, little fatisfied at this anfwei , Leadened to cudgel the old man : U_pon which, this laft, who was m the foldier s hut, affronted at his threat, told him, he lliould turn out, and try who was the beft man. On this challenge, the fold.er, cal- ling out Murder, brings the guard tohi. aff^lance. The guard bemg come, the young fellow preffed them to fire upon ihe warrior, who was returning to hi* viUageathis ufual pace •, a foldier ww imprudent enough to fire , The old man droptdown. The Commandant was foon apprifedof what happened, and came to th? fpot, where the witneffes,bodiFrend. and Natchez, informed him of the fa«. Both iuftice and prudence demanded to tale an exemplary puniaiment of the lol- ( 22 ) sJachez ; which was that pple, each village hr.vlng le : The warrior, in ro- ve him (ome corn. To- mingof the winter 1723, Iging near the Fort, the .0 to fee him ; the foldicr ortt -, the native anfwered e corn was not yet dry e- . out the grain ; that bo- udbee.i ill, mA that he lasfoonas poffljle. Ihc tie fatisfied at this anfwer, udgel the old man : Upon t, who was in the foldier's at hirt threat, told him, he It, and try who was the beft challenge, the foldier, cal- ler, brings the guard tohis he guard being come, the prefled them to fire upon who was returning to his ufual pace •, a foldier was oughtofirej The old man The Commandant was loon hat happened, and came to ;re the witneflcs,botliFrench .informed him of the faft. and prudence demanded to plavy punifliment of tbefol- ( 23 ) dior ; but he got cfT with a reprimand. After this the natives made a litter, and carried off their warrior, who died the folIf)wing night of his wounds, tho' the fufil was only charged with great (hot. Revenge is the predominant paflion of the people in America : So we ought not to be furprifed, if the death of this old warrior raifed his whole village againft the French. The reft of the nation took no part at firft in tlie quarrel. The firft effe£i of the refentment of the Natchez fell upon a Frenchman named M. Guenot, whom they furprifed retur- ning from the Fort to St. Catharine, and upon another inhabitant, whom they killed in his bed. Soon after they attacked, all in »body, the fettlement of St. Catharine, and the other below Fort Rofalie. However, the Commandant of Fort Rofalie fent to treat with the Stung Ser- pent; in order to prevail with him to ap- peafe that part of his nation, and procure a peace. As that great warrior was our friend, he effedually laboured for it and hoftilities ceafed. The commerce, or truck, was fet a- gain on the fame footing it had been be- fore •, and thofc who had fuffered any damage, now thought only how tlicy (24 ) might bed repair it. Some time after, the Miijor General arrived from New Orleans, being l>nt by the Governor of Louifiiina to ratify the peace ; which he did, and mutual fincerity was rellorcd, and became as perfedt, as if there haJ never been any rupture between us. Tlio Winter, whicli fucceedcd this war, was fo fcvere, that a colder was never re- membeved. The rain tell in icicles in fOch quantities as to aftonllh thooldefl: Natch- ez, to whom this great cold appeared iiew and uncommon. M. de Biainville, at the beginning of the Winter arrived very privately at our quarter of the Natchez, his march having been communicated to none but the Commandant of this Poll ; who had or- ders to feize all the Natchez, that fhould come to the Fort that day, to prevent the news of his arrival being carried to their countrymen. He brought with him, in regular troops, inhabitants, and natives, who were our allies, to the number offe- ven hundred men. He demanded the head of an old mutinous Chief of this village ; and the natives, in order to obtain a peace, delivered him up. The Padoucas, who lie Weft by North- weft of the Mifiburis, happened at that 2i ) it. Some time after, ral arrived from Nc^v nt by the Governor of jr the peace ; which he fincerity was rellorcd, icrfedt, us if there haJ iptiire bct'.vccn us. hicli fucceedcd this war, It a colder wus never re- i:iin tell in icicles in fOch [lonHhthooldeft Natch- is great cold appeared ion. lie, at the beginning of sd very privately at our itchez, his march having atcd to none but the this Poft ; who had or- lie Natchez, that fhould that day, to prevent the /al being carried to their [e brought with him, in ihabitants, and natives, lies, to the number of fe- en. He demanded the mutinous Chief of this latives, in order to obtain d him up. , who lie Weft by North- fouris, happened at that •( 2.5 ) timo to bo at war with the JUM-hhourin-^ nations, tlic Can/as, Otlioi-.c/, Alaeuiy" Oia^TCSjMiir.Hiris, and Par.imalns, :,II ui iiniity w;:!i th,. IVonrli. Vu cc:xir.uc ;' rc.ico bctv.-foii all ihcfc r.itioiis and tl'o i\uIouc:v^, M. (icl](nii;:mr!:t f..-n to cn- -ago tjuni, as bcniir our allies, to accor.v pany him on a iounu-y to the I'adoiicas Ml order to l.rin^' about a j;cncv„l pacifica- tion and by tliat nx-an:j to i'aciiitato the traflic, or truck h;:t\vccii tl;cm and us, ;ind conclude a!i alliance VvUh the Padou- cas. For tills nurpofe M. de Boi!r:'-n-.ont .1-t out on the ;Jd of July, 17'JI, from Tori- Orleans, Avhichlics near tlie Miilburis, a nation dwclliiiiv on the bai-.ks of tlio river of that name, in order to join ijuu people, and then to proceed tothc Conzas,\vhcre the general rendezvous of the feveral na- tionr. was appointed. M. de 13ourgmont was accompanied bv nn hundred MKlburis, commav.dedhytliefr Grand Chief, and eight other Chiefs of war, and by (ixty-four Ofages, comman- ded by four Chiefs of war, bcfides a few Frenchmen. On the (kh Jie joi!ied the Grand Chief, (ix other ( b.iefs of war, and feveral Warriors of tiio Cai.zas, who prefentcd hinj the Pipe of Pcac, anj I ( 20 ) performed the honours, cuftomary ou luch occafion?, to tliJ Millburis :.nd Ofa- gos. On the 7th they paflod thro' cxtenfive meadows and woods, and arrived on the banks of the river Mia'ouri, over againll the vilhi^e of theCanzas. On the 8th thcFrciich crolledlhc \.\i- fouri in a pettvauger, thcliidianson floats cf cane, and the horfci were fwum over, 'ihey hiulcd within a gun-niot of the Canzas, who ilccked to receive them witli thePipo -, their GrandChief, in the natio;;, alluring M. de Bo.urgmori!, that all tl'.en- Warriors would accompany him iii his journey tothel'adoucas, withprotellations of friend ihip and lidcliiy, conlirnied by fmoUing the Pipe 'i'he fame afinranccs were made liim by the other Chiefs, who entertained him in their huts, and* rub- bed him over and his companions, On the 9th M. de Bouvgmont dUpatch- ed five Midburis to acquaint the Othouaz who promifedtohuntforliimand his Wav- riors, and to caufe provlilons to be dr.- (>d for the iourney jth^.i; theii Chief would fet out dnoaiy, in order to wait on M. de liourgn-.ont.and carry him the woid of the whole nation. + I ;•; t'.ii- ili-ve.-.-pvcis'hfi'-i 'v^ and ciresscwj at t\.i. f)'i\'i: jl a ;iei-.,ii il.-; r^^ij-iJ.'t. 2G ) mours, cuflomary on th2 Miflburis -.'.nd Ola- f palTocl thro' eytenHve )ds, and arrived on the Vlilluuri, over ag.iinft the MS. iFroiich crcfllHlllic Mif- o-cr, thclndianson floats horfc-'i v>-cvc fwum over. tliiii a [ijun-fliot of the v:;d to receive them witli ramlChicf, inthcnatio;;, o.urgmorii, that all tl'.eh- accompany him in his lovicas, v.ith protcllatlons I iidcliiy, contu-med by ;. The fame afiur.mccs jy the other Chiefs, who in their huts, and* rut- d his companions, . de Bouvgmont dlfpatch- 1 to acquaint the Othoua/ huntforliimand his Wai- ufe provlilons lo be dr.- ;y -jth.-.t theii Chief v.ould , in order to wait on it,an-.l carry him the woid :ion. jN-p-.Tis'lici' i 'V and citsssctj (17 ) Tiic Congas contitmcd to rop;.i1o tlie French ; mid brouglit tiieni alio ere iir quantities of grapes, of whiclithe Frencli nuulc a ii:ood wino. Onthe2kh,ofJu!y,atfixinihemor- n.np, this ]:ttle iu-my fet out, coi.fiflin-. of throe hundred Warriors, including the Ch-.cfr, of the Conzas, t!n-ce hundred wo- men, about f.ve hun:!rcd younL' people, anrl .t Icalt three hundred do^^s! Tl e women carried confulcrablc lo.ids to th- ru.^aiilurient of the French, unaccu{loml cd to fucli a fight. The younr women al- fo were well lo;a!ed for their' years ; and the dogs were made to trail a part of the '^••'gg^K''. and that in the following man- ner ; The back of the dog was cohered with a lk,n, with its pile on, then the doa v/as girthed round, and his brcafl-Je.'thcf put on; and taking two poles of the thick- nels of one s arm, and twelve feet lon-r, they faftened their two ends half a foot a- fundev, laying in the dog'sfaddlethethonrj tnat falloncd the two poles ; and to the poles they alfo faftened, behind tlie dog, a rmg, or hoop lengthwife, on which thcv laid the load. On the 28th and 29th the army crofll-d fevcral brooks and fmall rivers, pafled thro' icveral meadows and thickets, meeting e- i: ( 2S ) very where on their way n grc.U clcnl ot ^"^'ai'^ho :iSdi 1*1. dc rciircircnt, find- in.^ himielfvery ill, %VaS oLligcl to have n UttT r.'.ulc, ill ovacr to he c.nrwA b.\ck to Fort: 0;!e,uis ciil he IhouKl recover. Before hi. clrp;iviure he -.wo onlers ..bout twor-uloiiea a.ives \vhom he h.d ran- fcmccl, ^.n^y:^^ to faul belore h.m to that tual.ui, In cr.lcv to ii,gv^.t,..te U/.nle 1 by thia aa of y.-nerofny. Thofe he caul- c'\ tobol'-Hby end Caillard, vho Vw:s to It'll tliclriK'.tion.thulM. iltBourgmont, Wmr fallen ill on his int-^iided jouuiey to their\ountry,w.soblig'--d toretnvn home; but tlii.t as foon as ho i;ot well again, he wouhl rcfunie hi;; journey to their coun- try, in order to procure a general peace between th.cm and other nations. On the evening of the fame (\:\y arriv- ed at the camp the Grand Chief of the Othouex ', who acquainted M. dc Bourg- mont, that a great part of his Warriors waited for him on the road to the 1 adou- cas, and that he came torecei\e hisordersi but w^as forry to find him ill. At length, on the 'Ith of Augull, M. d? Courgmont fct out from the Canzas in a pettyauger, and arrived the 5th at Fort Orleans. 28 ) Ir wr.y n grc.it dcnl ot . do rcv.vcircnt, fimi- il, WMS ol.hgcil to have \icr to be cirrk'.l b.uk il he ihoultl recover, re lie L^.ive onlers ;.bout B3 whom he Iv^d ran- to feiul belure hiinjo ,cv to iiigv-ui.ite Ulmlelf :i-oriiy. Thofe he caul- >r.d Caill.ird, v-'ho w.is 1, that M. lit IJourgmoiU, his iut-Jiuieil journey to .obliged toretuni home; ;is he got well again, he ; jouvncy to iheir coun- procure a general peace d other nations, ijr of the fame day aniv- the Grand Chiei of the acquainted M. dc Bourg- eat part of his Warriors jnthe road to the PaJou- :amc to recei\ e hisordersj lind him ill. ithe4thofAugull, M. d? out from the Canzas in a 1 arrived the 5th at Fort ( 29 ) 0)1 tlioClli cf September M. deEoiirc- inont, who v.T.s Hill at J'on Orle.Mis, um,, mformcf war, and three Warriors of .hePad.)Ucas,whowere received by M. de liuurKt^.iont with a il.ig d.lpl.yed, and other teilimonics of eivility, and had prc- fems made them of fjveral goouu, prop^^ On the 4.ih of Oflober nvnved at the C;.n/..i„ the Grand Claei, :md leven o- th r Chiefs of war of tuo Otnoiicz-, and next d...y, very early, 1'.:. Clnefs ot war ^'S!df;^.-ta"omUedaUthe Chiefs prelu.u, and icuing them round n hrge lire n;a.!«beior^ his tent, roU:n- :ndad..lre;:\ng liindelf to t:^e..i, f^id he v-a. tome to decl.ro to them, in the rameefhisSovcr.^iin, ;;:.d uuhe Grand 30 ) ^- the VreiKh, bvouglii: U;in/..is, nml three ot ) in iluirtuni, wciv doucas with all polliblc Hivgmoiit \v;'.s Init j'.ill illiels •, lie, however, acp.ivture, and on the r aclually let cut from ater, and arrived at the \ on tlie 'id of Oaohcr hic Conzas, withtliree and three Warriors of :, Nvcre received by M. ith a II ig d:lVl.iyed, and of civility, and had prc- jf fjveral guuu;,, proper Oaober r.viived at the ml Claci, :ind feveii o- .ir of tne Ol;'.ouo/-, and larly, ir.. Ch.eis of war c.Mt aO-^^mbled all the iuul fitting them round . bei.orc his tent, role v; itn-.felf touic..-., f.'.id he Icclviro to them, in the cr-:i;n, ;'.udufthe Grand (31) French Chief in the country, that it way the will of his iSineri'iun, they tliould all live in peace fur the future, like bre- thren and friendb, if tliey expe^id to en- joy his love and pretedioi\ : And iincc fays he, you arc liere all afienibled this ilav, it is good you conclude apcacc, and .ill'lmoke in t!>e lame pipe. 'I'he Chiefs of tliefe dillercnt nations rofe up to a man, and faid with one con- lent, they were well fuisfied to comply with his requeit \ and inllantly gave each other their Pipes of Peace. After an enicrtainment prepared for them the Padoacas fung tlie Suiigs, and danced the Dances of Peace ; a kmd of pa-uomimes, reprcfeiiting the iiuiocent pic.ilures of peace. On the lith of Odobcr M. dc Bourg- mom caiifed three lots of goods to be made out -, one for the OthcHirz, one for tl-.e Aiaoucz, and one for the Panimahas, which iall arrived in the me.n time; and n.ade them all fmoke in the fame Pipe of Pi„ce. Oi'. the 8tli T>I. de Boiirgmont fet out fui.i iheCan/;-witli alUhe baggage, and the llagdli■pl.'^ .v',al-the licad ohhei'Vench -.iud Inch Lidians as he I'.ad pitched on to uccompany h.'.m, ia all forty pcrfons. f he> * 1 ; I f i . jlil' il'l 11' I i Villi' ( ^2 ) jj[OoJs intendcil for profcnts were Io;ulcJ on liorles. Astlicy Hit out late, tlieytr.i- vfllctl but five UMguos, iti which thoy rroHcil a fin, ill rivor ami two brooks, iiia fim- country, with little wood. The fame day Ciaillanl, QucncI, ami two Padoucas were difpatcliedto acquaint their nation withthcmarch of therrencli- That day they travelled ton Ieagues,crof- fed one river ami two brooks. The Hull they niadeci^ht leagucs,crof~ fed two fniall rivers andtliree brooks. To tlieirright and left they had feveral fniall' hills, on which one could obferve pieces t>f rock, even with the ground. Along the rivers there is found a Hate, and in the meadows, ? rcddilh marble, Ibnuling out of til..' earth one, two, and three feet j fomejiieces of it upwards of fix feet in di- ameter. The 11th thoy pafTed over feveral b:ooks and a fmall river, and then the ri- vor of the Canzas, which h.ul only throe feet water. Further en, they found feve- ral br()i)l:s, ifiunig from the nei>;]il)ouring Hitle hills. The river of tlie Canzas ru.is dircaiy from Well to Eift, and falls into the IMilTouri ; is very gre it in llooils, be- oaufe, according to llie report ofthePa- doucai^,< it ccinos a great way oiK The ( ^2 ) ir prefi-nts were lo;uleiT icy fill out latf, tlieytr.i- o.ijjuus, iti which thoy viT.uul two brooks, iua I little wood. Ci.iill.iril, QucncI, ;iinl re (iifpitclieJto •.K(]ii;iiiit the march of the Trench, ivcllcd ton Ie.igues,crof- two brooks, niadeci^ht ItMgucs,crof~ rs and three brooks. To t they had feveral final!' lie could obferve pieces 1 the ground. Along the lid a Hate, and in the 111 marble, Ibnuling out two, and tliree feet ; pwards of fix feet in di- ?y pafled over feveral I river, and then the ri- i, which h.ul only three her en, they found feve- from the nei^libouring vcr of tlie Canzas ru.is II to Eilt, and falls into LM-y gre it in Hoods, be- > ilie report of thePa- a great way oil". The ( 33 ) oods, which border thi* river, afford a ictrcit to numbers of bulV.does and other j^.une. Onthelet't were feen great enii- iiences, with hanging rock"*. The J'2i!i of Odobcr, the journey, as the preceiling duy, wasextremely diverli- lied by the variety of ol-jeds. They crof- icd ( iglit brooks, beaut'.lul meadows, co- vered with herd! ofcll. ■• and buflalocii. To the light the view was unbounded, but to the left i'lnall hilbi wer^" feen at a dilU atico, wliicli Ironi time to time prefcnted the appearance of ancient c.ilUos, The 1 3th, on their march they law tho meadows covered almolt entirely with buflaloe.-i, elk3,and Jeer ! h thatone could fcarce diilinguifli the ditlerent herds, fo niimeroui and lb intermixed were they. The fame day they palled thro' a woodal- moil two leagues long,and a pretty rough afcent ; ■^ thing which fecmed Extraordi- nary, as till then they only met with lit- tle groves, the largeit of which fcarce containei an hundreil trees, but llraight as a cane ; groves too fmall to aiforil a re- treat to a quarter of the buffaloes andclks feen there. The liththc march was retarded by afcents and defcents } from which iflue many Iprings of an extreme pure water,' I m. 1 Hi' i ( 31 ) forming fcvcral brooks, whofe waters ii- niting, make little rivers tliat fall into the liver of tlieCanzas :. And doiibtlefs it is this nniltiiude of brooks, which traverfe and water tliefe meadows, extending a great way out of fight, that invite tliofe numerous herds of buffaloes. Th.e 15th lliey croflcd fevcrnl brooks and two little rivers. It is cliielly on the banks of the waters, that we find ihofe enclianting groves, adorned with grafs underneath, and fo clear of underwood, that we may there hunt down a Hag with cafe. The 16th they continued to pafs overrt fimilar landfcape, the beauties of which were never cloying. Befides the larger game, thefe groves afford alfo a retreat to flocks of turkeys. The 17th they made very little way, becaufe they wanted to get into the right road, from which they had ftrayed the two preceding days ; which they at length recovered ; and at a fmall diftancc from their camp, faw an encampment of the Padoucas, which appeared to have been quittedonly about eight days before. This yielded them fo much the more pleafure, as it fliewed the nearnefs of that nationj which inade them encamp^ after liaving I ( 31' ) arooks, whofe waters U" e rivers tliat fall into the as :. And doiibtlefs it is )f brooks, which traverfe meadows, extending a fight, that invite thofe sf buffaloes. y croflcd fevcral brooks crs. It is cliie'ly on the ;ers, that we find ihofc ■es, adorned with graf3 fo clear of underwood, e hunt down a Hag with r continued to pafs over rt , the beauties of which ng. Befides the larger ^es afford alfo a retreatto ■ made very little way, ited to get into the right li they had ftraycd the lys ; which they at length It a fmall diftance from an encampment of the appeared to have been t eight days before. Th;s nuch the more pleafure, nearnefs of that nationi nencamp^ after having (3.V ) travelledonly fix leagues, in ordertomake fign.ils from that place, by fetting fire to the parts of the meadows, whichthe gen- eral fire had fpared. In a little time after, the fignal was anfwered in the fame man- ner ; and confirmed by the arrival of the two Frenchmen, who had orders given llicm to make the fignals. On the 18th they met a little river of •hnckifli water ; on the banks of which they found another encampment of the -I'aiioucas, which appeared to hav'e been abandoned but four days before : At halt a league further on, a great fmoke was I'een to the weft, at no great diftance oft', which was anfwered by fetting fire to the parts of the meadows, untouched by the general fire. About half an hour after, the Padou- c.is were obferved coming at full gallop withthc flag, which Gaillard had left with thenion his firft journey to their country, M. de IJourgmont initatitly ordered the French under arms •, and at the head ot ■h:-i people thrice faUited thefo ftrangers \vith his 11 ig •, wliicli tiiey alio returned thrice, by railing their mantles as many times over their heads. After this firft ceremony, M. de Bourg- mont made tlicm all fit down, and frnt-Le i!' ill 1 ii ( 36 ) in the Pipe of Peace. This action, beinpr the fe.il of the peace, diilufc\l a goivjijl joy, accompanied . v/ith Ijiul accLuna- tions 'The Pailo'.icas, after mounting th- French ami the liuiiaus who accompanied them, on tlicir horfes, fet out for their camp : and afterajourneyofthrceleagues, arrived at their encampment ; but left a diltancc of a gun-iiiot between the two camps. The day after their arrival at the Pa- doucas, M. dc Bourgmont caufed tjie goods, allotted for this nation, to be un- packed, and the difievent fpecies parccl- jed out, which he made them all prefents of!. After which IVI. de Bourgmont fentfor the Grand Chief and other Chiefs of the Padoucas, who came to the camp to the number of two hundred : And placing himfelfbetwecn them andthe goodii,thus parcelled and laid out to view, told tliem, he was fent by hisSovereign tocarry them the word of Peace, this flag, and tliefe I Red ;ind b'u: Li,ri'iViir,:;s, s'urts, fiisU,;, filiris, p;'.m-powd'.;r, lijill, mnskcr-iliiits, gunscrews, hatc'i- c;b, lockin,;-ai.isht;-^ Flemii'.i knives, wood-cunora knives, clasji-knivos, sc.sfavs, comics, utll'., awls, needles, dniikiji^-.^'rists, bra.s-vsirs bixTii, r.n^Sj ( 36 ) ?ace. This action, being cicc, diilufcvl a goivjial ed . v/ith hud accLuna- as, after mounting tiv iulians who acconinanicd horfos, fet out for their •ajourney of three leagues, cneanipnieiit ; but left a n-iiiot between the two : their arrival at tlie Pa- Bourgmont caufed the 3r this nation, to be un- ; different fpecies parccU le made them all prefents 1\I. de Bourgmont fent for f and other Chiefs of the came to the camp to the 3 hundred : And placing 1 them and the goods, thus id out to view, told tliem, lisSovereign tocarry them Mce, this flag, and tliefe Li.ribiir,?;^, s'urts, fii.iUo, TilirLS, m!iskcr-il;ius, gunscrews, hatc'i- \ Flemii'.i knives, wooJ-ciuiors ci, scisiiirs, comics, i.tll'j, awls, ( 3n goods, and to exhort them to live as bre- thren wth their neighbours, the Panima- has, Aiaouez, Othouez, Canzas, Mif- fouris, Ofages, and Illinois, to traffic and truckfreely together; and with the French. He at the fame time gave theflag to the Grand Chief of the P.idoucas, who re- ceived it with demonltrations of refpe^t, and told him : I accept this flag, which you prefent to me on the part of your Sovereign: We rejoice at our having peace with all nations you have mention- ed ; and promife in the name of our na- tion never to make war on any of youral* lies ; but receive them, when they come among us, as our brethren ; as we fhall in like manner, the French and condudl them, when they want to go to the Spa- niards, who are but twelve days journey from our village, and who truck with us in horfes, of which they have fuch num- bers, they know not what to do with them J alfoin bad h.»tchet8 of a foft iron, and fome knives, whofe points they break ofl^, left wefhould ufe them one day a- gainft themfelves. You may command all my Warriors} I can furnifli you with upwards of two thoufand. In my own, and in the name of my whole nation, I en- treat you would fend fome Frenchmen ta £ >' r ' t ^ t V I. ( 38 ) trade with us-.wc can fupply them vlth horfes which M'e truck with the bpan- i.mU, for buffalo-mantjes, and with grc.it quantities of furs. About the fame time the Negroes for- med a dcfigu to rid themfeU'cs of all the French at once, and to fettle in then_ room, by making themfelves mailers ot the Capital, and of all the property of the French. It was difcovercd m the fol- lowing manner. , A female Negro receiving a violent blow from a French foldier, for rcfufing to obey him, faid in her paffion, that the French Hiould not long infult Negroes. Some Frenchmen, overhearing thele threats, brought her before the Governor, whofent her to prifon : and in two days after, eight negroes, who were at tlie head of the confpiracy, were feparately arrffted, unknown to each other, and clapt into irons without the leafl tumult. The day after, they were put to the torture of burning matches > which, the feveral times repeated, could not bring them to make any confeffion. Atlaft one of them owned all the circuir.ftanccs of the tonfpivacy ; and the reft, being confront- ed with him,confefled alfo : Atterwhich, ;Jie eight Negroes were condemned to be 38 ) can fupply them with truck with the Span- lantles, and with gic.it time the Negroes for- d themfelves of all the ind to fettle in their g themfelves mailers of of all the property of IS difcovercd in the fol- ro receiving a violent ch foldier, for rcfufing in her pafRon, that the It long infult Negroes. Ml, overhearing thefe ler before the Governor, irifon : and in two days )cs, who were at the jiracy, were feparately vn to each other, and without the leaft tumult. , they were put to the g matches > which, tho' eated, could not bring confeflion. At Lift one of he circuir.ftanccs of the the reft, being confront- feffed alfo : Afterwhich, s were condemned to be ( 39 ) broke alive on the wheel, and the wnmni: to be hanged before their eyes ; wliich was accordingly done, and prevented the coiifpiracy from taking effecl:. In the beginning of the month of De- cember IT"?*, the French at the poft of Niitchez wore all maflacrccd, we fliall lie re relate the particulars of this iad c- vent. The Sieur de Chopart hpd been Com- mandant of the poft of the Natchez, from which he was removed on account of feme acts of injiilHce. M. Perior, Ct^m- mandant Gener.il, but lately arrived, fuf- fered himfelf to be pre-poflcfled in his favour, on his telling him that he h;:d commanded that Poft withapplaufe : And thus he optaihed the command from M. Pcrier, who was unacquainted with his character. This now Corhmandant, ontakingpof- feffion of his Poft, projefted the form- ing one of the moft eminent fettlements ofthe whole Colony. For this purpofe he examined all the grounds, unoccupied by the French : But could not find any thing that came up to the grandeur of his views. Nothing but the village of the White apple, a fquare league at leaft in extent, couldgivehim fatisf action; where ( *o ) he immediately refolved to fettle. Thie i;round was distant from the Fort about two leagues. Conceited with the beauty of his projeft, the Commandant fent for the Sua of that village to come to the Fort. The Commandant upon his arrival at the Fort, told him, without further cere- mony, that he m lit look out for another ground to build his village on, as hehim- felf refolved, as foon as polhble, to build on the village of the Apple-, that he muft dire£lly clear the huts, aiid retire fome- where elfe. The better to cover his dc- fjgn, he gave out, that it was neceflary for the French to fottle on the banks of the rivulet, where flood the Great Vil- lage, and the abode of the Grand Sun. The Commandant, doubtlefs, fuppofed that he was fpeaking to a flave, whom we may command in a tone of abfolute au- thority. But he knew not, that the na- tives of Louifian a are fuch enemies tea ftate of flavery, that they prefer death it- lelf thereto ; above all, the Suns accus- tomed to govern defpotically, have ftill a greater averfion to it. The Sun of the Apple thought, that if he was talked to in a reafonable manner, he mightUften to him : la this he had { *o ) ( 41 ) jolved to fettle. Thie : from the Fort about :eited with the beauty > Commandant fent for illage to come to the ant upon his arrival at 1, without further cere- \{\ look out for another is village* on, as hehim- on as poIFible, to build lie Apple-, th:it he mull liuts, aiid retire fome- better to cover his dc- that it was neceflary fottle on the banks of • flood the Great Vil- de of the Grand Sun. t» doubtlefs, fuppofed ing to a flave, whom we a tone of abfolute au- mew not, that the na- are fuch enemies to a at they prefer death it- ve all, the Suns accus- defpotically, have (till 9i sit. ! Apple thought, that if in a reafonable manner, him: la this he bad been right, had he to deal with a reaibn- ablc pcrfon. He therefove ni;uk> .mlwer, tluit his anceftors had lived ia tliiU vil- lage for as many years as there werehaiis in his doub'.' cue, and thcrerore it was good, thai they Ihould coatiiiue there ItiU. Scarce had the interpreter explained this anfwer to the Commandant, but he fell into a paflion, and threatened the Sun, if he did not quit his village in a few days, he might repent it. The Sun re- pliod ; when the French came to alk us for lands to fettle on, they told us, thevn ■ as land enough dill unoccupied, whicli they might take-, the fame fun would en- lighten them all, and all would walk in the fame path. He wanted to proceed f rther in juftificatiun of what he alleg- ed j but the commandant, vi^o was in a paifion, told him, he was refolved to be obeyed, without any further reply. The Sun, without difcovering any emotion or paihon, withdrew, only faying, he was going to aflemble the old men of his vil- lage, to hold a Council on this affair. He aftually alTemblcd them : And in this Council it was refolved to repvefent to the Commandant, that the ccvn of all the people of their village was iilready E2 Ill: ' (4^ ) ftiot a little out of the earth, and that all the hciis were layuig their egg8 ; that if they quitted their village at prefent, the chickens and corn would be loll both to the French and to themfelves -, as the French were not numerous enough to ■w eed all the corn, they had Ibwn hi their fields. This refolution taken, they fent topro- pofe it to the Commandant, whorejei-led it with a menace to chaftife t^^em, ifthe'^ did not obey in a very fliort t .e, whicU he prefixed. The Sun reported this anfwer to hi» Council, who debated the queftion, which v/as knotty. But the policy of the old' wenwas, that they (liould propofe to tlic Commandant, to be allowed to flay iiv thciv village till harveft, and till they had time to dry their corn, and fliakeoutthe grain ; on condition each hut of the vil- lage iliould pay him in fo many moons (montlis,) which they agreed on, a balk- ct of corn and a fowl -, that this Com- mandant appeared to be a man highly felf-intcrclled, and that this propofiiion would be a means of gaining time, t-U they Ihould take proper means to witJi- fUaw themfelves from the tyranny of «!>« French, ; 4^ ) F the earth, and that all ing their eggs ; that if village at prefent, the 1 would be loll both to to themfelves •, as the i numerous enough to , they had Ibwn in their I taken, they fent topro- nmandant, whorejedled to chaftife &''m, ifthc' , very (liort t > .e, whicl** rted this anfwer to hi» •ated the queftion, which t the policy of the old y (liould propofe to tlie be allowed to ftay iiv larveft, and till they had corn, and fliake outthe ion each hut of the vil- him in fo many moons . they agreed on, a batk- fowl ; that this Corn- ed to be a man highly nd that this propofiiion ns of gaining time, t'U ■ proper means to witli- 1 from the tyranny of «!>« The Sun returi ed to the commandani^ and propofed to pay him the till ute J- juil mentioned, if he waited till die in It colds, ( winter ; ) that flien the com would be gatliered in, and dry enough to fliake out the grain } that Uius,thcy wtiuld not be expofed to lofe their corn, .iiid die of hunger : That the Commandant him- felf would find his account in it, and thut as loon as tlie corn was {l\.>t tuc Nit- Cliez ougljt to rcKMilKT the w.r, m.ule upo » tlu'm,i.. v.oUtio.i of th pe.»cc con- cluaea iK'twecn then, : That tins war h.i- vi„« been made upon their village .Uoae. thev ought to conr.aerofthcfu>-elt means totakeajuil and a bloody vengemce: That this cnterprize being of the utmolt CO ifequcncc, it called for nuiel» locrecy, for lolid nieafures, and for much pohcv : Tliai thus it was proper to cajole the Fien'-h Chief more ihiii ever : Taat this jitTair required fomc days to rcHea on, before they came to a rcfoUition therein, and before it Ihould be propofed to the Grind San and his Council: 1 hat at prelcnt they had only to retire i and m a few days he would aflemble them again, that they might then determine the part they were to adt. In ftve or fix days he brought togethef the old men, who in that interval were confulting witli each other : which was the reafon, tliat all the fuUVages were u- naaimous in the fame and only mcau;. ol ^mU 4V ) nccelViry, wifoly to ^- ths taiK', uionier to ives' from the pri)i)oL'i.l link do nin..tu).i ot the r ,\Mhr>'TM^ iupv.j.ior- il)lieiL 'ViiM tucNit- .KMilKT the w.\r, nv.ule l»tio.\ott'i iJ.MCC con- lieni : Th.it tins war h.\- ipon their vill.igc .Uoiie, ifiilor of the fui-clt means I a oloinly veHtjemce: rize being of the utmolt mUciI for mueli focrecy, -s, aiul for much policv : as proper to cijole the )re ih lii ever : Taat this jmc days to rcHea on, Btoa rcfoUition therein, luUl be propofed to the 1 his Council : Tliat at I only to retire \ and in rould aflemblc them again, then determine the part days he brought togethef ho in that interval were each other : which wa,i t all the fullVages were u- (j fame and only mcaus of ( *s oVitaining the end, they propofed to then*-' felvc3, which was the entire dcllru(flion of the French in this province. TheSun, feeing them all afiemblcdfaid- « You have had time to reflect on the " projpontion I made you : and fo I im- «« a^,'i:ie, yoii will foon fot forth the bed «« means, how to get rid of your bad »« neighbours without haz-ard." TheSun having done fpe iking, the oldeft rofe up, ialuted his Chief after his manner, and fiiitl to him : «' We have a long time been fenfible, " that the neighbourhood of the French " is a greater prejudice than beneiit to •• us : we, who are old men, fee this ,- " the young fee it not. The wares of " the Firench yield pieafure to the youth;. ** but inefFe£l to what purpofe is all this, *< but to debauch the young women, and « taint the blood of the nation, and make " tliem vain and idle ? The young men " are in the fame cafe ; and the married « mult work themfelves to death to « maintain their families, and to pleafe ** their children^ Before the French «« came amongft us^ we were men, eon- " tent with what we had, and that was « fuflicient : we walked with boldnefs ** every road, b«€iMfe we wece owe awm* If 1 ( 16 ) /«' mfters: butwc now go groping, a frant «« of mcettniT thorns, we w.illc like ll.ivc, M whidi we il.all fooii be, lintc the I' lenc !v «« already treat u» as if we were t.idi. » When they are fulncieiitly rtroni^.thcv « will nolon^^er aifiomblo. For ihcloatt .« fault of our youii;? people, thoy will «« tie thein to a poll, and whip them, a* a they do tlieir black ilavcs. Have they «. not alreatly done fo to one ot our a young men ; and is not death prelcr- " able to flavery ?" Here he paulod a while, and after lalc- iniT breath, proceedeil ihui : u What wail we for r Siiall we furttr «c the French to niukiply, till we are «• no longer in a condition to oppofe their .« efforts ? What will the otlier nations «« fay of us, who pafs for the molt mgen- « iousofall thcRed-men? They wdl « then fay, we have lefs underftandmg « than other people. Why then wait we «« any longer ? Let us fet ourfelves at h- " berty, and lliow we are really men, « who can be {\uis6ed with what we *i have. From this very day let us begin « to ft I about it, order our women toget a provilions ready, without telling them « the reafon ; go and carry the Pipe ot « Peace to all tlie iwtionsot tliiscouutry ; ( 16 ) wc now go gropinp.nfniil \orns, we wall*, like ll.ivc., ill fooiibc, linccthel'ioncli : u» i»'^ il we were tncli. irefuriicieiitly llront^.thcv sx aifll'inble. For iIkUmU r yoiiiij? people, they will 1 poll, and whip thein, a* r black il.ivcs. Have they iloiie l"o to one of our . ami is not death prefer- leil a while, and after lak- )ceeiled ihui •■ lit we lor r Shall we fufTtr to imiliiply, till wc are a condition to oppofethcir hat will the otlrer nations ho pafs for the moll ingen- thc Red-men? They will e have lefs underftaiuling leople. Whytlicnwait we ? Let us fet ourfelves at li- Ihow wc arc real^y men, 2 fatisficd with what we n this very day let us begin ; it, order our women toget eady, without telling them i go and carry the Pipe of i tlxe iwtionsot tliiscouutry „ ( 47 ) « make tlicm fenfibie, that the French, •' Ih'Iii^ ilrongu in our iieighliourlidoil «' tli.iii eHewhi re, make us, luoie tiiaii «' others, feel tliat tlioy want to enllavc «' us; and hocoining fiillicientiy llrong, <« will, ill lilvc manner, treat all the nati- «» oni of the country; that it is their wilh «< to prevent i">» j^cat a miiifortune ; an»l '« for this purpofe they have only tojoiii •' us, and cut oil' the I rench to a man, <' in one d-yand one hour; and the time •' to be that, on v^hich the term prelix- " ed and obtained of tlie French Com- " mandant, to carry him tlie contribution " agreed on, is expired ; the hour to be " the quarter of tlie d; y ( nine in the " morning ;)and then Icveral warriors " to go and carry him the corn, as the <' beginning of their fevcral payments, «< alfo carry with them their arms, as if " Rf^ing out to hunt : ami that to every *« Frenchman in a French houfe, there «< fliall be two or three Natchez ; to aik " to borrow arms and ammunition, for a « general hunting-match, an nrmunt of " a great feall, and ♦o promife to bring « them meat ; the report of the firing at «' the Commandants, to be the fignal to •< fall at once upon, ind kill the French: ' That then we fliall Iq able to prevent ( 4-8 «( «< thofe, who may come from the olc! « French vi'bge, (Now Orleans) by the *' great water (Milhlijipi) ever to ietlle «« here." He added, that after apprifing the o- ther nations of the nccclTity of taking that violent ftep, a bundle of rods, in num- ber equal to that they ihould referve for themfelves, fliould be left with each na- tion, expreifive of the number of days that were to precede that on which they weretoftrike the blow at one and the fame time. And to avoid miilakes, and to be exadt in pulling ou:: a rod everyday, and breaking and throwing it away, it ■was neceflary to give this in charge to a perfon of prudence. Here he ceafedand and fat down : They all approved his counfel, and were to a man of liis mind. The projeft was in a like manner ap- proved of by the Sun of the Apple : The bufinefs was to bring over the Grand Sun, with the other Petty Suns, to their opinion ; becauie all the Princes being agreed as to that point, the nation would all to a man implicitly obey. They how- ever took the precaution to forbid ap- prizing the women thereof, not except- ing the female Suns, (Princcfles,) or||iv- ( 48 / 0 may come from the olJ age, (Now Orleans) by the ir (Millilijipi) ever to ietlle that after apprifing the o- f the nccenity of taking that a bundle of rods, in num- hat they ihould referve for lould be left with each na- e of the number of days irecedc that on which they the blow at one and the \nd to avoid miilakes, and pullingou:: a rod everyday, and throwing it away, it to give this in charge to a lence. Here he cea^dand 1 ; They all approved his were to a man of liis t was in a like manner ap- he Sun of the Apple : The to bring over the Grand other Petty Suns, to their luie all the Princes being lat point, the nation would nplicitly obey. They how- precaution to forbid ap- omen thereof, not except- buns, (Princcfles,) orgiv- l 4.0 ) •i!ig them tlio le.id fufpicion of tlicir ds- figiis agiiiiid t!ie French. The Sun of tlic Apple was a man of good abilities ; by wliic'i means ho c.Ui- iy brought over the Grand Sun to favour Ms (clicr.ic, ho being a young man of no cwpcvience in the world ; and having no great corrcfpondcncc with the Ficncli : He was the more eafily gained over, asiiil the Suns were agreed, that the Sun oftlio Apple was a man of folidity and penetra- tion ; who having repaired to the Sover- eign of tlie nation, apprifcd him of the neccfTity of taking that ftep, as in time Iiimfelf w«uld be forced to quit his own village; alfo of the wisdom of the mea- fures concerted, fuch as even afcertained fuccefs j and of the danger to wliich his youth was expofed, with neighbours fo entcrprifing ; above all, with the prelent French Commandant, of whom the inha- bitants, and even the foldiers complained : That as long as the Grand Sun, his fa- ther, and his uncle, the Stung Scrpc , lived, the Commandant of the Fort durit never undertake any thing to their detri- ment i becaufe the Grand Chief of the French, who refulcs at their great village (New Orleans) had a love for them : But that he, tlie Grand Sun, being unknown F (50) to the French, and but a youth, woulJ be ilefpifcd. In line, that tlie only means to pvefcrvc his authority, m as to rid liimfelf of tlic Frc'uli, by the method, and with the precautions, projod'ted by the old men. Therefult of this convcrfation was, tliat on the day following, when the Suns would in the morning coimc to faiute the Grand Sun, lie waste order thcni to re- pair to the Su.iof the Apple, witliout ta- king notice of it to any one. This was accordingly executed, and tl;c Icuucing abilities of the Sun of the Apple drew all the Suns into his fcheme. , In confe- quence cf which they formed a Couii-il of Suns ai;d aged Nobles, who nii proved of tlic defign : And then : agedNobkc were nominated Her • EmbafRes tobefont tothe feveral Nations; had a guard of Warriors to accompany them, and, on pain of death, were char- ged from iy.ei;tIo;iing it to any one what- ever. This rffoiuiion taken, thev fet out fevcraily at the fame time, unknown to the iVench. Notv\iL!i!ianuing the profound fecrecy cbfcrvcd by thy Natchez, tlic Council lield by the Suns aiul aged Nobles gave the peopio u!!ea!]nefl, ^anable as tno) (SO ) ind but a youth, would be le, that the only means to unity, \\ as to rid liimfelf by the method, and with s, projeded by the old F this convcvfation was, following, when the Suns loming to'Mc to fiihitc- the was to order them to rc- of the Apple, \vithout ta- t to any one, ThLs was cutcd, and tl;c Icuucing Sun of the Apple drew D his fchenie. , In confe- h they formed a Couii -il :'d Nobles, who nii efign : And then : 2re nominated Her ent to the feveral Nations; Warriors to accompany pain of deatli, were char- oning it to any o!:c what- foiunon taken, they fet the i'ainc time, unknown »mg the profound fecrecy ic Natchez, tlic Council IS ami aged N^ibks gave Kiiincft. unable a'i thev ( 51 ) were lO penetrate into the matter. The fem.i'.'j .Suuo (i^■incell05) had alone in thi'i K.-.t!ci;i a right to demand, why they were kept in th--) dark of this ali'iir. 'ilw. young Gi-.uid Kinalo Sua was a Pri-icefs k'ir.:e ci^-htecn- And none but the Sui:ig A\.v, a wcMnan of gvc it wit, atid no It-io f.-..!iljIo of it, could be oilendcd, t!;;,t notliingwas (Ufclox'd to Iter. In c'i:'C>, In; 'oii;;aod he; ulip!c..l"i!Vi;at ihiti r;;i-.vo vv'i rcf^^ecl: t.:) herieif, to her fj.u ; wwo rop!;cd, that Ji'e fevov.ii DopuCaiio-i-; ••. .n-e ni.'.dc, in order to renew their good ir.- tdii'^ence with tlieoth.cr natioiv,, towlxora t'.:.'y liid not for a lonj tv.^yi fvr.t an Er. - bally, :in '. who might imagine tliemfdves flighted at fueh a ncgiefl. This feigne.l oxcufo fcemcd to appeafe the Prlnccr-, bat nui q;;ii:e to rid her of all her uneaii- nefs; wliich, on the contravy, v/ashc;g!it- ened, when, on the return of the Embaf- fies, Ihe faw the Suns afTemblc in fecrct Council togetlicr with the Deputies, to learn what receplioiithey met with ; ivhere- as ordinarily they aflembled in public. At this the female Sun was filled with rage, which would have openly broken out, had not her prudence fet bounds tr> it. Happy it was for the French, fhe im- agined herfelf negledcd i for I am per- I C2 \ fiLuU'il t!iC! Colo'iy owe* it-i ptc!crvatl. ikjv/ 'cai'.t, aiul her gaibiit !m bottom of tlicfccrct, icr ibu to acoomparr/ ■(.■lutioii, tl^:!t lay fic!v;.r, Vlc;il '■, ;v.ul IckUii^; hiin (Out, and molt retired, 'cproach h'v.w with the le otlicr Suns obic-rvc 1 r, "uifilUng with Inm on thcr, ami her privilege Uliiig, that tho' all th ;• f too, had told liim ho rcnchman, yet her own [carer to her than that t he need r.ot apprc- vor betiMy him to the horn, faid Ihc, you arc with thcfe reproaches, nufualtorcveal what tho •uncil had once refolved he himi'clf, as being !t to fet a good example rhat tlie all'air wascon- i'rinccfs his confort as well as from her; and that tho' he wnstlio fonof aFrenchnianjthisgavenoniiilrullof him to th.e other Suns. But feeing, favs he, you have guelled the whole aiKiir, I need not inform you finiicr ; yDu know as much as I do niylelf, only hold yonr tongue. She was in no pain, flie replied, to know againlt whom he had taken this precaution : But as it was againll tlic Frei-"-!;, this was the very thing thatiiiade hor apjirchenfivc he had not taken his mcafurcs aright in order to furprifctJicni ; ns they wore a poople of great pciietva- tion, tho' their Commandant had none : That they were brave, and could hriiig over by their prcfent;;, all the Warrit)r5of the other nations ; a-id had rcfourcos, A'hich the Rod-men were without. Hor fon told her, flie had nothing to r.pprelicnd as to tlvj mealures taken : That all rho Nations had heard and ap- proved the'r projecl:, and promiu\l to^id I pon tlie French in theirncighlxurlu'od, en the fame day with the Natclie-/ : That theCnr.ctuWs tookup^n thcni to dcltroy :'.!! the French lower down and aloi'.g tlie IMilTiiFippi, up ao far a-; tho Tonicas ; to v/hich Lift people, ho f.;!,!, we did not fcndj as :';ev.'..iid tlicOa.rias arc toomuch F2 iij I'liii' ! i m > lii' ( -t ) wciKkil to tlie French ; niul that it wafl better to involve both iliclo nations in tlio fime general liollrncliou witiitlie French. lie at lait tokl her, the biuulle of roils lay in the temple, on the flat timber. The Stung Arm being informed of tlic M'holc (lelign, pretemleil to approve ofit, and leaving her fon at cafe, henccfor- viarcl was only folicitous how Ihe might defeat this barbarous dolign : The term prefixed for the execution was almoil ex- pired. This •woman, unable to bear to fee the French cut oiF t- a man in one day by the confpiracy of the natives, fought how to fave the greatefl part of tlien) : For thia purpofclhclx-'ihoujiht herfelf of acquaint- ing fome young women tlierewith, who loved the French, enjoining tl'.em never to tell, from whom they hul their infor- nia'ion. Sl'chcrfelf dcfired a foldicr flie met, to j;o arv! tell the C imniaih'ant, that the Natcliex liad loll tiicir ieiifcSj and to ilc- lirc IiliP. to Lo upon liis guarvl : 'Ihat he n'.'cd only ni^ke tlio fmalieii: repairs 'poir:- ble on the Fori, i:i profcnce of fonic of them, in order to ilunvhis inillrnd ; when all tlicir '•efoluticiis and bad i!ollgi\s would V .in' Ih iv;ul fall to ll'c ground. t ) ■ncli ; and that it was t!i ilielc nations in tlic clioii witiitlie French, the biuuUo of roils lay lie flat timber, being informed of tlio ended to approve oiit, on at cafe, lienccfor- icitous how Ihe might )us dellgn : The term ccution was almodex- lable to bc.ir to fee tlic man in one day by the ativcs, fought how to irt of tlien) : For thi3 ;ht herfeif of ncquaint- Dincn therewith, who enjoining them never I they hul their infor- ed a foldicr flic met, []! >mnianuant, that the iv,'ir leiileHj and to ilc- n Ills guard : That he ! fmalieit repairs 'poir:- 1 pvcfence of fonie of hew his nililndl; when ma and ba ) riic foldicr faithfully pcrfomied hiv romniiHion : But the Commandant, far from giving credit to liie niformation, o^' availing liimfelf thereof ; or diving in- to, anil informing himfelf of the ground i ot it, treated the foldier as a coward and I vilionary, caufed him to be clapt in i- vons, and faid, he would never take any ftep towards repairing tlie Fort, or put- ting himfelf on his guard, as the Natchez, would then imagine he was a man of no refolution, and was Ibuck with a mere panick. The Stung Arm fearing a difcovery, iiotwithihniding her utmoft precauti n, and the fecrecy liie enjoined, repaired to_ tlie temple, and pulled fome rods out of thi.' fatal bundle .■ llerdei'ignwastohaltcn, or forward the term prefixed, to tlie end th>t fuch Frenchmen, as efcaped the ni,ul';tre, might apprize their country- nien, many of whom had inlormcd the Commandant ; who clapt fevea of tlicni in irons, treating thorn as cowards on that account. Tl-o female Sun, feeing the term ap-' proaclun'Z, and many of thofe puniHied, whom ihe had charged to acquaint the (Jovcrnor, rcfolved to fpeak to the U:> d.r l.i.jtoaant jbultonj L.itov pur^'-'i, i.'f- ( 56 ) the Commaiulant paying no grcaler ro gard to hini than to tl»e common TjI. dicrs. Notvvithltanclingall thefo informations, tlic Commainlant went out the night be- fore on a party of pleal'ure, with fonie other Frenchmen, to the Grand Village of the Natchez, without returning to tiie Fort till break of day ; where he was no fooner come, but he had preiling advice to be upon his guard. The Comnvindant, dill fluflered with his laft night's debauch, added impru- dence to his negled of thefc'lalt advices; and ordered hh Interpreter inllantly tore- pair to tlie Grand Village, and demand of the Grand 8un whether he intendeJ, at the head of his warriors, to come and kill tlic French, and to bring him word direaiy. TJic Grand Sun, tho' but u young man, knew how to difl'emble, and fpoke in fucli a manner to the Interpre- ter, as to give full fatisfadion to tlie Com- mandant, who valued hnnfdf on hiscon- ternpt of former advices; He then re- paired to his lioufe, fituute below the Foit. The Natchez had too well t;!ken their ■nenfures, to bciiifippoiiued in the fuc- ccfs thereof. The lutal moment v.-as at ( 56 ) ( lilt paying no greater ro an to tlie common ful- lingall thefe informations, nt went out the night hc- of pleal'ure, with ionie }n, to the Grand Village without returning to the )f day ; where lie was no It he had preihng advice juard. idant, dill fluflered with debauch, added impru- ;led of thefc'lalt advices; Interpreter inllantly tore- id Village, and demand n whether he intendeJ, is warriors, to come and and to bring him word Grand Sim, tho* but a w how to vliflembie, and nanner to the Intcrpre- I fatisfadion to theCom- luod hnnfdf on hiscon- adviccs ; lie then re- 3ufe, fitu.ite below the !iad too well t;!kcn their ifippoiutcd in the fuc- le htal moment v.-as at mil i.'i)(M:?. TIio Nattlio/ tet oui. otuho" £;j of Ht. Anilrow, IV'JU, t.ikln;,' care in- briny: •v'.r'i thoiu ono of th.o lov\',.'r (orr, avn J ! '.vith a woodc i li«;c'ijt, ia order t >■ I..1 ; Jalow.i tlieCoMViU.ind.int *: They In wlio cntcrod i'l at tlie gate ami bro.ichcs Joprlvod tlio fohli.TS, witliDut olilc-jri, ot' cv^n a fcrjeant attheir hjad,of th; nv.'.rn of fjlf-.lneacc. In tl-.e mean tirac I'vi Gr.niil tSun arrived, with fone Warria i louled Willi corn, in appearance ast'vj iiril payment of the contributioa -, wlveii ii'veial Ihot were ilrcd. As this firinj was the lignnl, ioveral ihot were heard at the lame inllant. Then at lc!<.rth tliJ Commandant faw, but too late, )-.l.i folly : He ran into his g'.rdoii, whither he was purfued and killed. This maiiacre wu e" ) he N atclie? to dcrtroy all the French, .iiul th It it was only lo he avenged of tho N'.itcheZjwIu) h ul talvLni tliellart of them, iiul not given them a fullkient lliarc of the booty. M. de Louboi^, Klng'ii Lieutenant, wasnomin'/ed to be at the head of this expedition ; H'-' went up th j river with a final! army, and arrived at the 'ronica;i. riieChacl iws at length .urived in the p.ijnth of February near the Natchez, to tlio luimb^r of fifteen or flxte^Ml hundred HUM, with M. le iSueur at their head j v. hither M. de Lonbois caaie the March following. The army encan. )ed near the ruins of the oil French fcttiement ; and after reiU ing five days there, they inarched to the enemy's Fort which was a league from thence. After opening the trenches and firing for fevcral days upon tire fort without any (;reat effect, the French at lailmatle their np;M-oach fo near as to fri/liicn the ene- mv, who Tent to oiler to releafc all the French wonsn and children, on condi- tion of obtaining a lailing peace, and of being fuffered to Ii\ -' peaceably on their groundjwithout being ilrivcn fromthonce .;• molclled for the future. I lit m III m ( '-^^ ) M. (U- Loulioi:^ uiVurcd (licm of pence on tlicirowii u-rms, if tlu"y iilUiL';.ue up ilio Fii'ikli, who wclo in the furt, ami nil the Nigioi's tlu'v li.ulti\ken bolon;:ir.; lotiic I'Veiuh i aiul if tlicy ;igvecil to di. ilroy tlie fort liy fire, 'riie (iiv;ul Si;; accc'j'tctl tlicfe Knulitioiis, proviilcil tl . Freiu-h Geiicnl (lioulil pi;iiv.iri', liowcnilii iK'itlicr entvr tlie fort with the rrc';irl;, nor fulTcr their aiisili.irios to enter; wliic!; Wi'S accepted by the CJcneral iwhofunt die allies to receive ail the (laves. The Natchez, highly pleafcil to havo gained time, availed tlienifeives of tlie JbllowiiifT nijiht, and went out of tli- fort, uitli their v^'ives and children, lo.ul- c'd wiili theii bjyrga^e mid the French plunder, le;.viiig nothing but the cannon •and ballheliind. M. de Loubois was (truck witli amazi- nient at this efcape, and only thouglit nf retreating to the landing-place, in orderio build r. fort there : lUit lirll it was nc- cediiry to receiver the French out of the hands, of the Chiidlaws, who infilled on ;i veryliigh ranfoni. 'Iheinatter wasconi- promifed by means of the Grand Chief of theToii'c.s, who prevailed on them to ncccpt \ ed to ofl'or ihcm, to r«tisfy their avarict ; ilV '.liVurcil llicm of pp-c(« ns, if tlu"y alio i;.uc \\\i wci'o in the ffirt, iunl lii'v li.iil taken bo!on;:ir;' ml it' tlioy ;>};vecil to dt. fire. 'The (iiv;ul .'n;;: mditioiis, proviilcd tl..' lioiilii pv;iiv.ire, liewoiiiii fort with tlic Fre;icl:, ixili.nies to enter; \vl)ic!: the flenernl ; wholli:; ve ;ill tlic (laves. higMy pleafcil to hav.' likd themfelvcs of tin and went out of tl.v 'ives and ihildren, lo.ul- y.^:\'^c iuul the French nothing but the cannon s was {truck witli amazu- le, and only thouglit of Jinding-place, in ordeno : IWit lirll it was nc- r the French out of the cl.iws, who infilled on ;i . 'I he matter was coni- ns of the Grand Chief of I prevailed on thcni to !e JxJiibois was conllr.iin- to l"..tisfy their avarict ( 61 ) '.viiich they accordingly accepted, an,I pveup the Frendi (laves, on promife of ben.g paul a^ loon as jwllible : Uut tliey kept .Kslivuiity a young Frenchman an.l fonie Negro (laves, whom they woul.l ne- ver part with, till payment was made. M. de Louboii gave orders to build x torrace-fort, tar jircferable lo a ftoccado ; there he left M. du Crenet, with anhun. d apphed for that pur- rt ; and fuccours were him. me the Company, who ;ed of the misfortune at ?Jatchcz, and the lofles : war, gave up that Colo- with t!v; privileges an- The Company at the ;l to the King all tint be- in that Colony, as for- , ammunition, wareliouf- 3I1S, with the Negroes be- I. In coriiequeaccoiwliiciii ( 63 ) ii:> Majcfty fent one, of his fin'ps, coni- ;nanded by M. dc Forant, who brought .vithhim J^/I. de Salmont, Commiflary- Gciieral of tlie Marine, and Iiifpeclor of Louifian-, in_ order to take pofll-llion of th:it Colony \x\ the King's name. M.Porier, who till then had beenCom- mandant General of Louifiana for t!ie WeflLu'ia Company, was now made Governor for tlie King ; and had tlie f.;- tiiailion to fee his brother arrive in one of the King's flilps, commanded by M. Perlcr de Salvert, with the fuccours he demanded, which were an hundred and 'ifty foldiers of th? marine. . This Officer liad the title of Lieutenant General of the Colony confL-rred upon him. The Mcflis. Perierfjtout with their army, in very favourable weather 5 -and arrived at laft, witliout obftrudion, near to the retreat of the Natchez. To get to that place, they went up the Red River, then the Black River, and from thence up the Silver Creek, which communi- cates with a fmall Lake at no great dis- tance from the fort, which the Natchez liad built, in order to maintain their ground againft the French. The Natchez, ftruck with terror at die fight of a vigilant enemy, Ihut them- ( 64 ) fclves up in their fort, Dcfoair afliitnect the place cf prudcnc, r.nd they were nt their wits ciul, on iccing the trenches gain jrrour.d on the fort : They equipped them- i'eives hke Warriovf, ;'.:-.d llaincd their be- dies with dificrent coU,urs, in order to maiic their LtR efforts by a faily, which ref iibled a tianfport of rage more than the cahnncfs of valour, to the terror, at l'ni\, of the foldiers. The rcci^ption they met from ourmen, taught thcni, however, to keep themfelvcs Ihut up in their fort ; and tho' the trench v/.:s almofl finiflied, our Generals were impatient to have the mortars put in a condition to play on the place. At laft they arc fet in battery ; when the third tomb liappened to fall in the middle of the fort, the ufual place of refidence of the women and children, they fet up a horrible fcreaming ; and the men, feiz- cd with grief at the cries of their wives and children, made the fignal to capitu- late. I'he Natchez, after having demanded to capitulate, ftarted difhculties, which occafioned mefTages to and fro till night, which they waited to avail themfelvesof, demanding till next day to fettle the arti- ( 6't ) fort, Dcfoair aiTuiriGd Icnc, r.nd they were nt 1 iccing the trenches gain rt : They equipped them- 3rf , ;rr.d llained their be- nt colours, in orik-r to ffbrts by a faily, which fport of rage mi)re than valour, to the terror, at crs. 1 tliey met from ourmen, vevcr, to keep themfelvcs fort ; and tho' the trench lied, our Generals were ■e the mortars put in a ly on the place. At laft juttcry ; when the third to fall in the middle of al place of refidence of 1 children, they fet up a ling ; and the men, feiz- the cries of their wives lade the fignal to capitu- , after having demanded arted difficulties, which ages to and fro till night, ted to avail themfelvesof, acxt day to fettle the arti- ( 65 ) cles of capitulation. The night was graHt- 0(1 them, but being narrowly watclicd on the fide next the gate, they could not ex- ecute the lame projetl of efcape, as in the war with M.de Loubois. However, •hey attempted it, by taking advantage of the obfcurity of the night, and of the ap- parent ftillnefs of the French : But they were difcovered in time, tljc greateit part l-v lug conilrauied to retire into the fort. Sonie of them only liappened to efcape, -.vho joined thofe that were out a hun- ting, and all together retired to the Chic- ;faw8. The reft furrendered at difcre- t-on, among whom was the Grand Sun, s.itli feveral Warriors, many women, I ourg people, and children. The French army re-embarked, and tarried the Natchez ae flavos to New- Orleans, where they were put in prilbn j but afterwards, to avoid an infeclion, tlie 'vomen and children were difpufcd of in the King's plantation, and elfewhere } a-. moiig thef(! womeii was the female Sun, called the Stung-Arm, who tlien related . "11 'he had done, in order to fave the French. >Sonie time after, thefe flaves were em- barked for St. Domingu, in order to root out that nation in the Colony ; whichwa« G2 ( G6 ) the only method of efFe£luig it, as tlxe few that cfcapcd had not a tenth of the women nccelTary to recruit the nation. And thus that natioif, the moll confpicu- ous in the Colony, and moft ufeful to the French, was deftroycd. The War with the Chicafaws wasow- ingto their having received and adopted theNatche?: : Tho' in this refpedl; they atted only according to an inviolable u- fage and facred cuitom, eftablKhed a- mong all the nations of North America j th.Jt when a nation weakened by war re- tires for (helter to another, who arc wil- ling to adopt them, and is purfued thith- er by their enemies, this is in effedt to declare war againfl: the nation adopt- ing. But M. de Biainville, whether displeaf- cd with this aft of hofpitality, or lofing fight of this unalterable law, conftantly prevailing among thofe nations, fent word to the Chicadiws, togiveup the Natchez. in ;iruwer to his demand they alledged, that the Natchez having demanded to be incorporated witli them, were according- ly received and adopted ; fo as now to conilitute but one nation, or people, un- der the name of Chicafaws, that of the Natchez being entirely aboliihed.Bcfuk;;, [66) of efFedtiiig it, as the had not a tenth of the to recruit the nation. :ioiT, the moll confpicu- , and moft ufeful to the oyed. the Chicafaws wasow- ; received and adopted 3* in this refpedl; they ing to an inviolable u- cuitom, eftabliHied a- jns of North America*, w weakened by war re- another, who are wil- n, and is purfued thith- 2S, this is in effedt to inft the nation adopt- iville, whether displeaf- if hofpitality, or lofing erable law, conftantly thofe nations, fent word togiveiip the Natchez, demand they alledged, having demanded to be them, were according- lopted ; fo as now to ; nation, or people, un- Chicafaws, that of the tirely aboliilied.Bcruk', ( fi7 ) nddcd they, had Biainville received ony enemies, Ihould we go to demand them? or, if we did, would they be given up ? Notwithflanding this anlwer, M. de Biainville made warlike preparations a- gainlt the Chicafaws, fent off Captain le Blanc, with fix armed boats under his command ; one laden with gun-powder, the reft with goods, the whole allotted for the war againft the Chicafaws; the Captain at tlie fame time carrying orders to M. d' Artaguctte, Commandant of the Port of the Illinois, to prepare to fet out nt the head of all the troops, inhabitants and Indians, he could march from the Il- linois, in order to be at the Cliicafaws the 10th of May following, as the Go- vernor himfelf was to be there at the ■ fame time. The Chicafaws, apprized of tlie war- like preparations of the French, refolved to guard the MifliHippi, imagining they would be attacked on that fide. In vain they attemptej to furprizc M. le Blanc's convoy, which got fafe to the Arkanfas, where the gun-powder was left, for rea- fons no one can furmife. From thence he had ):o crofs accident to the Illinois, at which piacche deliver- 'd the orderstJie Governor liad difpatch- . fl"'" / 68 ) sdfcrM, d Arta^'iette; who finding a boat huicnv'ith giiti-) owder, dcfigned for hii> Poft, and for i!i'. i rvice of the war inicriflvcl a^;.'.i\il ii'e Jhicafaws, left at the Arkanlas, feii o.f the fame day :. J /at to fetch it up j which on its return was attacked and taken by a parry of Chicafaws ; who Uiilud all but M. du 'riiioriet, innioi and , ac Rofalie, whom they made tlavcs. In the mean time, M. de Biainvillc wont by ; .1 to Fort Mobile, where the Grand Chief of the Chatlaws waited for him, in corvfequence of his engaging tc join his Warriors with oars, in order to make war upon the Chicafaws, in confi- deration of a certain quantity of goods, part to be paid down diretlly, the reft at a certain time prefixed. The Governor, af- ter this, returned to New Orleans, there to Wait the opening of the campaign. M. de Diainville, on his return, made preparations againit his own departure, md that of the army, confuting of regu- lar troops,- fome inhabitants and frceNe- ^roea, and fome flaves, all which fct out from New Orleans for Mobile ; where on the 10th of March, 1736, the army, together with the Chadaws, was aflcni- blid i and where they relied till the 2d 68 ) aguette } wiio finding.! lui-j owder, dcfigned for the I rvice of the war ibc Jhicafaws, left at ■li o.f the fame day :; p ; wliich on its return d taken by a parry of 3 Uillc'd all butM. du jnd lie Rofalie, whom ime, M. de Biainvillc brt Mobile, where the he Chatlaws waited for ice of his engaging tc with oars, in order to lie Chicafaws, in confi- :ain quantity of goods, j^n directly, the reft at n ted. The Governor, af- to New Orleans, there ng of the campaign. ie, on his return, made lit his own departure, my, confuting of regu- nhabitarrts and frceNe- aves, all which fet out ns for Mobile ; where irch, 1736, the army, Chadaws, was aflcm- thcy refted till the 2d ( CO ) of April, when they bcgrn their march , thofe from New Orleans taking their route by the river Mobile, in thirty large boats Ti.nd as many pcttyaugers ; the Indians by l;iiiil, marcliipg along tlie eaft bank of that river ; and snaking but fiiort marchcs,they arrived at Tombecbec on tl:c -JOth of April, whoVL- M. I'.c Biamvillc caufed a fort to be built ; Here he gav..* tlic Chac- tavvs tlie reft of the goods due to them, ;i!id did not fet out from thence till the 4rli of May. All this time was taken up with a Council of War, held on four i'ul- (liers, French and Swifs, who had laid a fcheme to kill the Commandant and gar- rifon, to carry off M. Tiflenet and Rofa- lie, who had happily made their eicapo from the Chicafaws, and taken refuge in the fort, and to put them again into the hands of the enemy, in order to be bet- ter received by them ; and to aftift, and flicw them how to make a proper defence againft the French, and from thence to go over to the Englifli of Carolina. From the 4th of May, on which the army fet out from Tombecbcc, they took twenty days to come to the landing-place. After landing, they built a very extenfive inclofure of palifadoes, with a flied, as * \ to; cov^er for the goods ami ammutiitioii. There the army pafleil tlie night. 0:i tl,e '2'nh powder and ball were given oat to the Ibldiers, niv.l inhabitants, the fick wli!, lonie raw fohlicrs being left to guardtliii old fort of fort. l-rom this place to the fort of the Cliic- afawsare fevcii leagues: Tins day tluv marched five le.igues and a half nit-.Mi columns and in iile, acrofs woods. On the wings marched the Chadlaw:;, to thj number of twelve hundred at leait, coin- manded by their Grind Chief. In the evening they encamped in a meadow vviili wood. On the 2fith of May tlicy marched to the enemy's fort, acrofs thin woods ; and with water up to the wailt, paifed over a rivulet, which traverfes a fniall wood ; cu coming out of which, they entered a tine plain : In this plain Hood the fort of the Chicafaws, with a village defended by it. This fort is fituate on an eminence, with an eafy afcent ^ around it flood fevcra! huts, and at a greater diftance towards the bottom, other huts, which appeared to have been put in a Itate of defence . Quite clofe to the fort ran a little brook, which watered a part of die plain. I ) \ TO ) goods ami nmmiuiitiori. pailed tlie night. On tl,e 1(1 ball were given oat to inhabitants, the fick will, rs being left to guanltlv., cctothefort of the Cliic- lciiguc3 : Tins y rout the -ii with their death-c5 iv.'S, and inlbintly flew to the tort : liut tlieir aiJour H,n?,LH'.i at ,". i\MMl)iii-(hot (Vom the place. TiU French ni.irehcd in good order, and j^n; l.cyond a fiD.ill wood, whicli they left in their rear, v.thin Ciinnon-rnot of the enemy's fort, whore an nnglilh fia'jr was feen (lying. At the fame time four F.ngliflnnen, ci)..i- Mi(; fioin the liuts, were I'ecn lo go up 'lo alcent, and enf r the fort, wherctheir ni\' was fct up. Upon this, ii. was imagined, they 'voiild be fi'mmoned to quit tlie enemy's fort, and to furrender, as would m like ni;unicr the Chicafaws ; But nothing of this was once propofcd. The General gave orders to the Majors to form large detachments of each of their corps, in or- der to go and tako the enemy's fort. Thefc orders were in part executed : Tliree large detachments were made; namely, one of grenadiers, oneof foUliers, and another of miliiin, or trainbands ; who, to the number ol' twelve hundred men advanced with ardour to%vards the enemy's fort, crying out aloud feve.al times, Vive lo Roi, as if already niafters of the place ; winch, doubtlefs, they im- ( 72 ) P :i>rJii{ tliat ni;;Iu to ilomolilh li.mc huts, whtM-o tl.e l-'.ciicli, duuiyr tlic at- tack, lr.i(! juit tlicmlolvos iiihlcr cover, in oilier fi-oin tliviicc to letter t!io fort. Oiilho '27t!i, thoilay aUor tlie attack, the army bc^Mii its niarcb, and lay at .i lea^^uc from the enemy, 'ihe tl .y fuU lowMiji, ;-t alea^uo from'the !anaiii,rpl.i(x., wIulli.T tlieyayrived iievr.i.iy. TlioVreiich Ciiibirkcd lor I'ort W. mk', and from thence for the CapicJ, from which cacli K'turneii to Jiis own home. A little time after, a fcjeant of the parrlfon nTthe Ili.iois arrlvedar IVew Or- le.ins, wiio reporcvd, tiiat, in confetpuaco of t'ae CJener.il's orders, I\J. d' Arta-uette had i.)ken Ills me.ifures lo woll, that on 0 thc> inhof M,iy he arrived with his nun ne.ir the Ciiicafiws, font outlcouts todil- COv-tT tise arrival of the Frencli ar-ry; v/iich he co,it!im,>d tot';) ilil t ,e 2!)ia ; li.a.l th"I;-.diaiis i.\ .d.ianco, h^ariii^T ko rinoiintfi of the French, wanted cither lo retnri horn", or to .iti..ck ihr Cliic .faw.; V,; ich I \h iM', -r Ait.i^'-.ieuerefoivediinoi!, t»n tJtc 2111, witli preity good fucceis .it 'M 1- to pifs the i-i^rht (ecmt ts ot tlio enemy, by bom,; lioir puanl. Nvw tl.iy it lu'Piiomy li;uI,iv:iilL'iltiijm. nijjit to ilomolilh limic ■e i''.ciicli, iluring the .it- tlicmlolvos lUhliT cover, in net' to li.itter t!io tort. I, the' day aUor tlie attack, > its niareli, tuitl luy at a !ic' oiiciny. 'i'lie il.y ioU ^'110 from tlic? !aiuliii;,rp|.icx>, rived iiovr.l.iy. TlioVreneli l''ort y, ,bile, and tVom L-'.ipic.J, from wliieh cadi own honu'. s ;.fter, a fcrjcant of the Ilii.iois arrived .It I>Jesv Or- Di'c^d, tliat, in eonfctpuaco 'fi orders, M. d' Arta^^iiette r.iL'.dures lo woll, that oii lie arrived witii his men fiws, font outlcouts todif- al of the Fre.ieh ar-ry; imied to do tiil t ic 2!)ui : IS in ..Inanco, h'.'arin-^ i;o Fn-HL-h, w.intc'd either ta :• tj.tt.ijlv th.'Chictfaws; Ai c.!^r\ieuerei()lvc'd upon, it!i preity good fucceis at firn, having fcrcul tlic» en'-"iy to quit their villayic and fort : 'I'liat he then .it- taded an'iher vlll.iu;'' 'Ait!i the fame fur. cci ; !nit that, nurfiiin;'; the nmav/ay ;, M. u .;;ta]^uerte li.ul roe ived two wounds, wh;. Ii the Indians findinjr, refolved to a- Kinion thtiC'-mmandant, witli forty-lix f M 'IS and two f, ijcaiUs, who tierj;'.d:(l t' ■ r Co; /ii.mdav.t all th.it d. y, 'out were •■It ! il olihj.r-d to fr.vrcndcr ; th;.t tliey v.'ve well uf'dhy th' o'lcmy, •wlio unikr- n.i .(iiii^ til It th>' l''r(':ich M-ere in their ceiintry, prevail.' I onM.d' Arta,7uctte to wri'e totlif? O.-'neral ; hut that tliii depii- t,.ti.';i havin^T h ul no fuee;l'-i, and leirn- ii),; that t'u.* Ficneh wen? retired, and licfi-airmj:; t-f any ranfom foi ihoir llavos, put them to death by a How fire. The fc-jyant ad 1? 1, !io had t'-.eh ;rphi.".:f tofall into the hands of a i.tood mailer, who fa- voured hi'^ efeap-; to Mobile. M. de Hiainvill", defirous to take von- poanee of tlie CI ic ir\ws, wrot:' to hVance tor fuecour;;, which iheCourt fent, ov.'.er- i; ^-alfotho Colony of Canada lo f.-n 1 fuccours. In the mean time IM. de Biain- ville fent off a large detachment for the river St. Francis, in order to build a fovt tJiere, called alfo St- Francis. )i >■ . J)t, ( '6 ) TJie fquadron, vvhicJi brought thefiic- cours from France beuig arrived, they let out, by going up the Miilillippi, fo/ tlie lort that h.d been jull built. This armr conhlted ot Marines, of the troops of the Colony, of feveral Inhabitants, many Ne- groes, ami fome Indians, our allies j and beinj. aileniblod in this pbce, took water :'gain, and iliJinroceedcd up t'- Miniilin. r. to a htjlemcr allied JVIn-got, near the ChfT. died Prud'J:o.-n.ne, and there the vhole army landed. They e.:campcd on a me plain, at the foot of a hill, about fif. teen leagues from the enemy; fortifiet p the Miilillippi, for tlie t'njuil built. This army innes, ofthe troops of the ral Inhabitants, many Ne- ; Indians, our allies j and 1 "1 thispince, took water roceedcd up t'- Miniilip. r called JVIirgot, near the id i:oni.iie, and there the ied. They encamped on a e foot of a hill, about fif- -^m the enemy; fortified way of precaution, and a houfe for t]-e Comman- rr.s, and a warehoufe for t was called Aflumption, which they landed. ggons and fledges made, aredfortranrportinpcan- 'n, and oilier necefim-ies egularfiege. There and uccours from Canada ar- ofFrench, Iroquois, Hu- Algonquins, and other >Oii after arrived the new the Ilhnois, with thegar- ■s, and neighbouring In- le could bring together, iber of horfes. ( 77 ) Tais fbrmid.iblo army, confuling of so rmvf dMk-rcnt n .clous, tlio grcateli; ever leen, and perhaps that ever will be fecn, in tnofe parts, remained in tliis camp wich:Hit unlertaking any thin-, from the month of Augufl J 739, to ^l,e March foiloxvmg. Provifions, which at fira were in great plenty, came at lull to be loicirce, that they were obliged to eat the horfes whicii were to draw the artil- lery, ammunition, and provifions . After- wards ficknefs raged in the army. M. da Biainvilie, who hitherto had attempted iiothng againlt the Chicafaws, refolved to have recourfo to mild methods. He t'..'refore det.-.ched, about th.j IJth of J'i a-c;., the company of Cul ot^ widuheir taptatn, M.de Uelaron, theivLieutctant, W. do He. Laurent, and the [ndian=!,who cimewith tiiem from Canada, againll tue Chicafaws, with orders to oiierpeare fo them in his name, if they fue 1 for it. V/hatthe General had forcfl^en, failed <.^'t toh,-i>n-,i. Ac; iLon as the Chicafiws ■I A' the French, followed Iv t'lj Lulians olCun.id:!, they doubted /:jt t]ic lea ft, but ■an reft of th.;t mmurousarmy woul 1 lo'in fplhv.v .- And tliey no fooi.er i'^w tiie.ii approach, bu? tliey m-.do li^^aaU of 112 *= ill If! If (IS ) peace, and came. out of their fort in -.n,. mod humble manner,expofingthemfeh'es to all the confequencesthat might enfue, in order to obtain poacc. They folemnlv protefl:ed that they adually were, and ■would continue to be inviolable friends of the French; that it was the Englifli, who prevailed upon them to aft in this manner ; but that they had fallen out with them on this account, and at that very time had t\vo of that nation whom they made Haves ; and that the French might go and fee whetJier th^ f; oko the truth. M. de St. Laurent afked to go, and accordingly went with a young flave: But he might have had reafon to have lepent- ^ ed it, had not the men been more prudent than the women, who demanded the head of the Frenchman : But tlie men, af- ter ronfulting together, were relblved to fave him, in order to obtain peace of the French, on giving up the two Engli{hmen. The women riik fcarce any thing near (o much as tiie men ; thefe' laft are either ilain in battle, or put to death by their en- emies j whereas the women at woril are but ilaves ; and they -.ill perfc^ly well know, thr.t the Indian women are far bet- ter- oifwhcn flaves lo ilv: Frencli, than ii ( 'S ) le.out of their fort In ui,, ianner,expofingthemfelves equencesthat might enfuc, tain poacc. Tliey folemnly they adlually were, and e to be inviolable friends that it was the Englifli, upon them to aft in this that they had fallen out this account, and at that of that nation whom and that the French whetJier th^ f; oko two I'es i 1 fee Laurent afked to go, and ent with a young flave: But had reafon to have lepent- :he men been more prudent nen, who demanded the ;nchman : But tlie i-nen,af- 1 together, were refolved to rder to obtain peace of the ingup the two Englilhmen. ilk fcarce any thing near fo men ; thefe' laft are either or put to death by their er.- as the women at woril are id they :ill perfe-^ly well 2 Indian women are far bot- aves 10 th/: Frencli, than if I married at home. M. de St. Laurenf.. highly pleafed with this difcovery, 2- rrnied them peace in the name of M de Biamville and of all the French : After thefe affurances, they went all In a body out of the fort, to prefent tlie Pipe to M. de Celaron, who accepted it, and repeat- ed the fame promife. In a few days after, he fet out with a great company of Chic*aws deputed to carrytheP.petothe French Genera^ and dehverup thetwoEngliihmen. When they came before M. de Biainville, they fell proftrate at h.s feet, and made him thefameproteaationsoffidelityandfrlend- JInp, as they had already made to M. de Ldaroni threw tlie blame on theEnglifli; fud they were entirely fallen out wilh hem and had taken, thefe two, and put them ni his hands, as enemies. Thev protefted, in the moft folemn manner,, they would for ever be friends of the French and of their friends, and encmi<..s oftlieir enemies ; in fine, that tlieywould rnake war on the Engliih, if it ... v thought proper, in order to (hev^, th t they renounced them as traitors. Thus ended the war with the Chioa- i-Tn ^'I'l"^*^?,. K'inning of April i'iO. M. de B.ainvillc difo.Jed the n J' .-* ( SO ) auxllinries, after making them pvefcnts , razed the Fort AHlnption, thought to be no longer necefliivy, and i*mbavked with his whole army ; and in pafTing down, caufed the Fort St. Francis to he demol- ilhed, as it was now become ufelefs; and ho repaired to the Capital, after an ab- fence of more than ten months. Some years aft^er, the French had dif- putes with a part of the Chaftaws, who followed the interefts of the Red-Shoe, a Prince of that nation, who in the full ex- pedition againft the Chicafaws, hadfome difputes with the French. This Indian, moi'o infolent than any one of his nation, took a pretext- to break out, and commit feveral holUlltics againft tlie Frencli. M. de Vandrcuil, then Governor of Louifu- na, being apprized of this, and of the oc- calion thereof, llri£liy forbad the French, to frequent that nation, and to truck with them any arms or ammunition, in order to put a flop to t!v..t difordtr in a fliort time, anil without cu';i\,'i;ig the fwovd. M . de Vaudreuil, after taking tLefe precautions, fertt to demand of the Grand Chief of the whole nation, whether, lika the Red-Shoe, hewas alfo difpleafcdwlth the Fre;icii. He made anfwer, ho was their friend : But that the Red-Shoe, ( so ) making them pvefcnts , .n'lnptioii, thought to be ivy, and i*mbavked with and in pafTing down, ^t. Francis to be demol- low become ufelefs; and he Capital, after an ab- an ten months, it^er, the French had dif- of the Chaftaws, who reds of the Red-Shoe, a lion, who in the firll ex- hc Chicafaws, hadfonte > French. This Indian, n any one of his nation, ) bre.ik out, and commit aganifl: the Frencli. M. ?n Governor of Louifia- ;d of this, and of the oc- ri6lly fovbad the Fr(Mich nation, and to truck with f ammunition, in order that difordcr in a fliort It i!r;i\,'i;isj the fwovd. reuii, after taking thefo to dom?,nd of the Grand jle nation, whether, Hk3 ewas alfo difplcafcdwith ; made aiifwer, he was at that the Red-Shoe, ( 81 ) '»»" a prcfcm • pJ\ '^"'^er, they font proceeding, joined'; J'"^ "'=!""^-r of "'ade of tulckin^titrthem ^'"""^^'^'"'^ -uhCi^^i^::^^-^^'^- French, they ""is threatninl J ^^^'^ "Pon diea,. -^rpSS';:f,fS-:j,";;f^^-- "ot ni a condifin,. f • •' " "^ '^ "-'re I iance nn,1 tj ^ ■ ""^^^s" the Crowns of ( 82 ) fecrct one, and- the inhabitants of thii Colony were not .ip;)n-izcd of it till the 211V. of April iTet, uml it wis not till the 28 of February 17GG that Dan Ulloa arrived at N-jw Orlcins, with only eighty men to tike pon'^ihoi of t]\enew territo- ry of his Catholic Mijclly. It hud been expefted that the con.itry would be fur- rcndcvc'd on his hndin^i;. Tlv: contrary however happened. Order:i continued to be given in the French King's n.ime; jus- tice was adminilleredbyhis olliccrsiand the troopr, remained in the fort on which the white il.'g was kept wavin;;; ; the F;ench Gover.iorprjfervedthe coinnvind. The mlubitants v/cre e.^prefsly averfe to the cclliun, they could not brook tiio i- dca of palling unlcr the Spaniih yoke, and they faw with pleafure that DonUl- loa'd an-'v'.l !iad pro.'.ucod no chan;?ei!i the adnnniiiration of government. 'Iney were induced to bcl! ive that Charles III. had not finally determined to accept ih celhon and ihat hi:, caiiflary had cone only to view the country and found th: difpolition of its inhabitants. They were under thi^j ileafmg illufion when an or- der from the King of Spain arrived for- bidding any intercourfo between Louifi;'.- na and the countries that oftered a mar ket for its produce. ( 82 ) nil- the inh;ibitants of that not .ip;)rr.zeil of it till the ! iTet, mill it WIS not till runry 17G6 that Dan Ulloa \v Oilcins, with only eighty )on":Hioi of tJie new tevrito- liolic Mijcily. It h;ul been t the con.itry woixKl be fur- his hiiiiinj!;. 'i'h- contrary pencil. Ortlerj continued to ic French King's n,ime-,jus- linilleretl by his olliccrsi .v.ul niuined in the fort on which l.ig was kept waviivi; ; the !r.iorpvjfervei.lt]i.cco:nm.\nl nts v/cro cnprefsly averfe to tr.cy could not brook the !• g under the Spaniih yoke, r witli ple;»fure that DouUl- ]\m\ pro.lucod no chaniJein ration of govennAiont. They d to bcl! ive that Charles III. \\y determined to accept the hat hi:, caiiilary had cone the country and found the if its inhabitants. They were] ileafing illufion when an o.-- 3 King of Spain arrived for- intercourfo between Louifi>| countries that oftered a mar roducc. ( 83 ) 'i;— nopd;:« t ;a:sri "• ''■ I'd ucHs of n-hitnrJ It ^^'' ''^rcat- The people fc I ' ""'''"'■"y i^iioived. theciL.^ hm coSr from their f^r^'''^^''''''-^^^V'occ,d ^bfolute cn'pir . 1)<:;^'^.^="'"' '^^^. "'oft fi'c MifTiiiippi 'iL .?; ''"P^'-'' ^" f>:ofs .,^''cEngHfi/i:;,;t"So:^,;'^^^ «™>ng to fettle an.ong C A t"" I Siul (acre ''' '^ -'^'''cit a c<;orififn^:i f '-"f^ petition of thl> , 2a ' aober I Tcrthn ^ ''"^.'^"■'•^•'' "n the |ln-e. / "'•^^ io :ii:.x:oui,to 1,^ i'i'' -^ '■" i'; : r . t- : 'r' ^ii' ( «M They wcro difuppolnted; their dupulles did not rc.ich Euvope, till fix wetks af- ter Don Ulloa. They found the cabinet of Vcrf.'.'.llc'' either appjrently or really difliitisueci A'ith what luu happened. The nation, however, nianifefled an intercll for the fate of thofe men who had difo- beyed through the cxccfs of their attach- ment for their mother country. The court was induced tofhare this fentiment ; but this tardy compiirion was of noavail. The court of Madrid on the arrival of Don Ulloa, h\d difpatched GeneralO'- Reilli forthciiland of Cuba, where iietook 8000 tj^en and arrived in the MifliiTjrpi in tW latter part of July 1766. An inexpreffible rage prevailed anong ^ffie inhabitants ; tliey deprecated th* ven- geance ofhcavenona country vho had fold part of its members to a Prince, who had meanly accepted the ceflion of a co- lony, the people of which were fo unwil- ling to bear his yoke. Tliey talked of oppofing the landing of the Spaniards, of burning their (hips. Nothing would have been eafier, and the confequences of the attempt would not, in cafe of its failure have been very dangerous. They might have hoped to keep themfelves into an in- dependain republic. Had France and ( 6*) fiippointed ; their duputles luvope, till fix weeks af- They found the cabinet ther apparently or really what hau happened. The r, nianifefled an intcrcft hofe njen who had difo- the cxccfs of their attach- motlier country. The ed tofhare this fentiment ; onipiihon was of noavail. lladrid on the arrival of d dil'patched GeneralO'- nd of Cuba, where lie took arrived in riie Mifliflif^i rtof July 1766. ible rage prevailed anong ', tliey deprecated th* ven- en on a country vho had members to a Prince, who epted the ceflion of a co- e of which we?e fo unwil- i yoke. Tliey talked of nding of the Spaniards, of lips. Nothing would have id the confequences of the not, in cafe of its failure dangerous. They might jcep themfelves into an in- iiblic. Had France and ( S.-) ) Spain united their forces againft them, ';," y ,7.'^^' ^'"'^ f°»gl>t protccUon fronl (.:cat h.itain ; :f ih.iv.xd wanted either the 1 owtr or the mciin-ation to yioid it, they ;n.Rht.rthc..r laltrefourceluvo gone, an ..e eult.rn ihore of the r.vcT. with their luves, their cattle, their moveable. Dunns tius lufj^nfe tl.e ,nomVe,s of ^le Sp.. nih General, the lupplications ot Aubry 1.1, weakFrench Governor, wJiofe want of firmnels had occafioned the n^fl «ptecncs of an eloquent and beloved nia- g.jtnue caufedtl.efennentatiou to f„ t rhe approach of ti:e fleet w.. not oppo-' fed, u reached the fort of xV.w OricC onthe iTthofAuguiL 0,/thcIJxt dj the iiihi,uit*nts were r-leafe! W?,?^* f l^giance. to their fo;;,Ie;'i^^^^ iive in W 1! "" "^^^^ were wilJing to j;mu.aer.h,s law. took ;ui o^tJi to obey -t^rSS'^"*^^^«^-r^» '■'r. rw$!,ve wprp faU^x j «uuivBa> 4'1 t. 'i. ( ^« ) jiy perljapH, went to laii^uifli in the c!uu- gf(Jiw of the H;»vannah, ov the mines ot Souui- America. Terrified by t Ik- fad conclufionoftliis tra- gedy, moll ot , lie merchants of Nl«w Or- Jeans carried cllcwherc their induftry niu! tlieir funds. Dcfjiair drove m my oi thu planters from tl.eir fetilcmcnts. The re- mainder itaid to pine in opprelfion and mi- fery. V. retcheswho could pity you? You l by (tern boundary of theit ter- Geparates them from Loufi- Idle of the channel, or bed ipiyfromthe Northern boun* ; ( 87 ) .iary cf the faui States, to the completion of iJu, thir^v fii-ft degree of latitude nortii ■ «; IheLqaator : and Jiis catholic majedy ikewilt agreed 'hat the navitM( ion ofth" <,ud nv.^r tn it*, whole breadth from it; lourcc to th" Ocean jbouli' to his fuSjeds, and tiie ( ■ iiited htati'S, unlofs he fh priviledge to the lub^ea trs by .Spanii,, Conveati< It was further (tipulatc '^'■ee only '.eU- the .'tja- ^ r itipi'.l je'ty v.ould permit the citizens of the Ijl mted States, for the fpace of three year.. to depofit their merchandizes and etteds, ^Jt r*''^^'^ 0>"'<^''n», andtoexport tlem from thence without paying any o her duty than a fair pricefSr the hire ofd^eftoresinndthe king further pro, mifec. either to continue that permiffion. or affipn to them, on anothJr part of :ar;tiettrmt.'^''^''"p^^>--^'-'i"i th/lnr^^'*'^ l.;ttcrpart of the yearl802 •tnf K '"'. °^ ><^««'-Orleans,' thought Inmfelf bound to forbear aUowingX citizens of the Uniit^d States the^p,,;! ledge of a depofit i„ th.t city, which tW hadunt,! then enjoved, the time which hU >nftrua,on. mer.t.oned being expired A general da.m w^ foon fp,^ ^glK h r^ ' I * II (88) •ut th? ITiiItcvl Stares. Congtela wore then iit feliijn, and pvuitenco did4tc«l tu tUoiii the projivioty oi" averting a ftniiUr incoii- VLMUcncy for thefuturei l>y obtriuin;!; the fovereigiJty and territory of Loutfutu. The Prt'tulcnt coincided in th'.8 opinion. Thc^«icn»ieHof the admini(tral1ijnthou((ht they forjlaw in this incident a rock on which itn populanty wai to be vrfeclced, they highly blameil the meafiiro and -ehargcd tlic favourer!* of it vAth raeanncl'a ' tnd puriUauiniity. They vrifhcd the lu- tion would launch into a war: atid adii- fed the intmediate capture of New Oi:- Icnns. The people, iKxwtVert did notfide > with theni,- and confiding in the wifdoiu ■ and int^^icy of thofe thify had lately pb- . -c^d^it the helm ofpubUcafEiirs,; patiently ■ waited the-iniioof this important tvenf. Congrcfs in purfuance ofthe advice of t committee, tt-ho fat rtnd made their nv porta in fecret, voted tvro milliom ofidol* ■ 'l»rs to enable the Prefidcnt to enter intoit . treaty for tlxe COHtdmjilated aci^uifitioii, . tuid adjourned. ThcPrefident «iriployed for thia^r- " pofe RobertR. Livingllon,of Newiort, the Minillerof tl'.c United States at Paris, and fcnt Jamea Monroe, of Virginia, it ' an envoy extraordinary on the lame bu- iinefg. ■ - ■ r •■;. - . ^ i ( 88 ) Stores. Congtela wore then pvuitenco didt^tcil to thoiii )t' averting a ftmiUr incoii- \\e futurei by obt-aiun;i; the iJ territory of Louifutu. coincided ill th'rs opinion, f the adminiltrauSjtithou^^ht n this incident a rock on ilanty vrai to be wreclced, bianieil the (iieaftiro and tourers of it v/ith meannefa lity. They vrifhed the ju- inch into a war: atid adii> diate capture of New Oi:- sople, iKxwtVer, did notfide d confiding in the wifdoiu )f thdfe thify had lately pla^ m of public ai&irs,: patiently lo of this « important tvenf. >urfuance ofthe advice of t ho fiitrtnd made their m- , voted two miUions ofidoU the Prefidcnt to enter intoa COHtdinjilated act. '■a tv il. 3)1 ir- *i is, at lU- n :i e 1. \. It n > c ters in France foon re^- ."j""/ '"^"'^- The acquifition of W' "''^'^ A>"="^-^' propriety of the m^.r J^"]^ evinced the pmiued. -"'^®* ^'^^ had been ™tdun?^ ^';*'t^ ''^.'' '-^^^ people were ofth*-^ ,' °\^'^*^""-"g^«and the friends \ ' afm'niftratioa were almoll ever/ where chofen. ' The Prefuient iflbeJ a proclamation for a maetrngof Congrefs on the 17th of (X- tober. f hey mot on that day and tlie Sena e onthe 2ia advifeda /atiiicatba I", pared aeoi Loiufiana, 12 . ■' 'I- I, r i -r i c i' t H- ^?f •1 '!'• -.J^ ( 90 ) The Prefident loft no time, the coft- vcntion was ratified, and an exchange of the ratifications accordingly took place a fewdiys after: Citizen Pichon the charge dcs affairs of the Fiench Govern- nienti near that of the United States, hav- ing received in(lr«6tioiis for the purpofe. ^ proclamation was iinmediateJy iflucd announcing to the people of the United States that their title to a territory of fo much importance was at laft completed. TJie rtiemies of the Adminiftration, vex- ed by feeing an event, which they had foretold and which they fondI» hoped» would be the means of depriving the penon, who had lately been called to the chief mngiftracy of the union, of the «»nfidence of the people, fpread a report wlMth was calculated to allay the public joy. They gave out tliat tha American negociato/s had been the dupe of the jn- tfigues of the French cabinet, that the French could not convey, for ^hcy had not thcmfclvcs, any right to the country they had difnofed of— that the Sjani/h '^ '^<'ers in Louifiana would not ftifllr the »r.;mst6 enter that provinc;^^ jngrels nafl'-d an aft, nuthorifing the iTiefiaentoi: tlie United States to take ^^r.is^asjieKftso,: mtmrmmm |i«wpii ( 00 ) efident loft no time, the con- as ratified, and an exchange of ationa accordingly took place 's after: Citizen Pichon the I affairs of the Fiench Govern- ■ that of tliQ United States, hav- I'd in|lr«6tions for the purpofe. amation was iinniediately iflucd g to the people of the United t tJieir title to a territory of fo ortance was at laft completed. ei of the Adminiftration, vex- ing an event, which they had id which they fondly hoped» the means of depriving the «J had lately been called to ingiftracy of the union, of the of the people, fpread a report calculated to allay the public |r gave out tliat th» American I had been the du^ of the in- he French cabinet, that the lid not convey, for ^hcy had Ivcs, any right to the country rlifnofed of— that the Spani/h Louifiana would not fu/lfer the t.> Thefe apprehenfions, however, were ibon ^ifGpated j accounts, reached the feat ofgoyernmait of the United States early in January 1804, of the funenoer of the city of New-Orleans and the province ofLquifiana, by die; officer* of the Span- ifli King to Citizen L*uffat, the French Coauraifiary*. , Governor Claiborne ondGen. Wilkii*- fon tookpoff«(IioHcr,i th« I9jth of De- cembet ; when the former immeddately ifliit'd ajproclamatioa, announcing flie^ei tinrovii»ce, and .ertv.* -^ On the 28th of January, the acquifi. tion ofLouifiana was celebrated in Walh. ington City, by a numerous company. A moft fuperb .linner was given by the Mem&ers of Congrefs to the Prefidem of the Umted States, the ViccPrefident, the heads of Departments, and the other Officers of Governnr.ent. Th« Prefident was efcorted from his own houfe to the LTh r*T'r*"*''y Members of both Houfes, the Brigadier General, and !5hS n^^*"^ the W.fliington Militia, and the Officers of Government generall^ «is approach was announced by a Ait' charge of artillery from the m; ^nd £ Jeff$!)n tn tt.v apptr.ditc^ * ^•' p2 ) be incorporated in the Union, and d to all tlie rights, &c, of citizens, umng all-gimce to the United nd obedience to the laws and au- 8 of the fame. General Wilkin, iflued orders t > his army, requj. oroite fulxjrdinarion and difciplinc, hcondua as would infpire die of Louifiana with confidenco" in w relations ; and that they might LiU Security in their perfon;. and • le 28th of Januaty, the acqulfi. jouifiana was celebrated in Walh. City, by a numerous company. fuperb «linner was given by the i 8 of Congrefs to the Prefident of ted States, the Vice-Prefident, 8 of Departments, and the other of Governnr.ent. Th« Prefident >rted from his own houfe to the entertainment by Members of ifes, the Brigadier General, and lel of the Wafliington Militia, ►fficers of Government generally, oach was announced by a a\f artillery from the Hili; „nd he' f' />«^'>;'/-7;v c/ihnr tciing p^f. •■v apptr.dix, * ^•' ( 9S f •wras received nt tfio doOr by the "Pi-c^Wttit atid Vice-Prefidcnts of the driy, and Wd- tomedby a full band of Mbflc ttWyirt^ r«« Jefferibn's March." The coninany", confining of Ab^bt one hundred fat doiirtj to dihT'er at .Wdocfc } Gen. Smith prefi- (led, and Mr. Nicholfon and Mr. Var- num a^ed as Vice-Prefidents. On no occafion liavc the fame number of countenances exhibited more real fa- tisfadl ion, as none ever offered itfelf upon which mutual congratulation could be more fiiicere, or mutual good will more generally felt. An aflemblage fo numer- ous, to celebrate an event, at onoe fo giprious and fo happy, may not occur again for centuries to come. The te- dudiion of a fortrefs which has coft the lives of thoufands, the conqueft of a town,iB which the widow, the orphan^ and the helplefs virgin have had ample caufe to heap curfes on the hends of the conquerors, have too often furnilhed oo- cafion for joy and feliivity. But what muft.have been the fenfationd of thpfe who were now aflembled, when they re- fle£led, that without exciting the an- guifti .)+" one heart, they had extended tlie bleflings of liberty to an hundred \ V I 1 1 J * " { 1 r f-'j, '1.1 ■ir * (94) thoufand beings who were added lo tJiel population of their country ; and by mcam unftained with the blood of a fmgle vi{. till), they had acquired almoll a new world, and had hid the foundation fori the happinels of millions yet uaboi n ! • ■ ' 'i ' • t J c' ^> ^; .iirt:^;.;,^ ■ - ' Ciuf Jo •.%?;■;►;; .^J} - . ' . ', ' r^-y':-ff ■■';.-«« (94) 1 beings who were added lo tlieL ■; • on of their country ; and by means F d with the blood of a frnglevic-B .'i;.-») ey had acquired almoft a new[ ind had hid the foundation fori linefu of millions yet unborn! ■ -.f.J jr;' ' I ■t' Wl! ',1 . '. . i- i<*. ■""'. < . I * t\ • ?»' i 3. „. ;i.:tt^ li ^'^. * ■^' i »• - li-VU / " ' . ■■/.-.■ - , *^- An a c c o u n r •'I? 01 I^ O U I S 1 A N A. Part II. Topography. LOUISIANA, fays Diipratz, who wrote in I T.'Jy, is that part of Nortli Ainerica, which is boutnleil on theSouth by the Gulf of Mexico ; on the Iu(l by Carolina, anEnglilh Colonvjuml by ,i part of Caiiaib J on the Weil, by New Mexi- co ; and on the North, in part by Cana- i!>sl|.i)i to the Atlantic O- ctun about s^x hiinj cd; rcckunli,; iJtty iu.,cato a degree, and ia a strait lire. K 'rf M ■■1 ( &8 ) ht-twccn ;Ir' Spnnini nnd r,K;;Iin> fettle, nciit;* i iu.li't'-ili uMilctt'i-niitsc.', asbciii' ultcvctliiTUMluKuvii. However, th.-fom.' "Itiu- MiinH'ippi will ;iliunt us rojuel^Ll.t on this licitl. 'I liL- Climate of I.ouiri.iiia vr.rics inpro- portion ;is itcxtciids tUMtliw.srd : All ih ,t c.iti'jff.iiilof itinpcti.-r.il is, that Its foiii''. era p:irt,-, arc not I'd I'cfircliing !s 'liule . f Africa in tlio fame l::titiuie } ami tiint t!i3 iio'.'Jicni pan;, ijrc col Icr :lia;i the corvfl'^ roiwlhip parts of Europe. NVw Orlean.,, wh;ch lies in L.it. [50 o , :,,s do the mor.- iioi-thorlv coalts of B.ubary and Egypt, enjoys the fame temperature of climate;)} L;5n,.'i!t\!oc. Two dogrees higher up, ;it theNilchcz the climate isfar milder than at New Orleans, the country lying high- cr : And at the Illinois, which is between 4.> o and AG ° , the funimer i» in no rcf- l)ca hotter tlian at RochcIIc ; but vefn.d tlio frofls harder, and a more plentii'ulfall ofdiow. This diflln-ence of climate frnm that ol Africa and Europe, I aicribe to iwocaufes: The fultis, the number of v'oods, whieli.tho'fcattered upanc! down, rover the face of tliis country : TJio f(v < ond, tlie great number of rivers. 'J'hc former prevent the fun from warming tlic .«"2iih ; and tliclattcr difTufe a great degree ViS' t s«_. ( fts ) v Spniiidi :\nil r.v.-'\\[]\ fL'ttlc. .I>M-;ih uiii!( tfrniii'.t 'jiisbi'ii.; rikiKHvn. llowcwr, th.-ioiu. ■ illippi will ;iliunl us Imnel'^i.t ul. iiatc of Louili.iin V .nei! in pro- itoxtciids tuMtliw.ircl : All ih it of ititipcn i-.il is, that Its foiii''. ro not i'o i'corching js 'liul'e . f l-.c fame l::titiule } ami tiint t!:- 11 1!, ;!rc collcr :lia;i the cond- ivt.s ofEinojie. NVw Orie.n;;,, in hat. 'M) o , as do the moro :oalt,s of Baibary and Egypt, ranic temperature of climate;!* . Two dogvocs higher up, ;it /. tlie climate isfar milder tliMii leans, the country lyiiig high, t the Illinois, which is between (i ° , the funimer is in no rcf- ihan at Roihellc ; but wefji.d .laler, and a more ]ilentiuilfall riiis diflerence of climate from ica and Europe, I afcribe to : TJio full is, the number of cli.tho'fcattered upand down, ICC of tliis country : The fo rcat number of rivers. 'J'hc ent the fun from warming the tliclattcr difTufc a great ilegvce ^ U9 ) ofhumi.lity : Not to m.-^ntioti the coi;- tigii'ty ot this country with tliolo to the n(,rtl,ward ; fVomvhith it follo-.vs that tl e winds blowin^r (V(,in that <|iiarter m\' I .uih a Idtr, than ii' ti.cv traverfed th.e lea in their courfe. For it' is well known, that the air is never f., hot, and never lo C(i!d ::t*ea, a.-! on l-jul. \Veou;,htnot ihcafore to lie furpvi- zed, itiiiiho fouthern part of I.ouiliana, a North wind bli;;e3 poupk- in fummcr to be warmer cloalhcd ; or if in M-inter a .South wind admits of a lijrhter drcfs ; as naturi'.lly owing, at the one time, to the drynefs oftlie wind, at the other, to the proximity of tiic Kijuator. FiAvdays pufs in Louinana without feeing the fun. The riin pours down there in hidden hc;-.vy fh.owers, whicli do rot lafl long, but difapptar in half ;,ii hour, perh.ips. The dews are plentiful, ?d\'antageou/ly iupplying tJie place of rain. We may therefore well imngine: th.-.t |lie air is p-vrfi-aiy good tJ-.orc ,- the blood is pure ; the pccpl.; are healthy ; fubjccl tofewdifeafes in the vigour of life, and without decrepitude in old age, which tliey carry to a f.u' greater length than in Fr-incc. People live to a long and agree- ..Ml m ( 100 ) ablcol.l age in Louifuna, if they are l,u loccr and tomj.erate. This country is extremeFy well water i:d, butnuich more fo in fome nlaccsthai m other. The MiiLffippi divides thl Colony from Nortli to South into t\v( iniit:-, ainoil equal. The firfl difcovcren of inis nver hy the way of Canadj.called u CoJoert, ut lionourof that great Minif. ^""n .?!' fome favapes of the North it is called ISle.a.Chaflipi, which literally de- r.occMie ancient Father of Rivers, of 7 !t-lT'^' J^^'vo, by corrupt on, formed M.ffiffippi. Other Indians, efpe' nally thofe Iovvxt down the river, call it Balbancha ; and at laft the French have givcnit the name of St. Louis. Several travellers have in vain attempt, ed to go up to its fource ; whicli, howev- cr, IS well known, whatever fomeauthors, >^i;!ir.crnHd may alledgeto the contrarv. ^\ 0 here fubjom tlie accounts that tivly be mcll depended upon. ' M. deCharleville, aCanadbn.andare. :V.nn of jMcIe Bininville, Commandant ycneral of tins Colony, told me, that at the time of the fettlement of the French, onnofity alone had ledhimt.>go up this v'ver to Its fources ; that for this end, he -ittcdouta canoe, made of the bark of ( 100 ) e in Louifuna, if they are but em].eratc. intry is extremery wcl! water- :li more fo in ibine placcsthaii The MiiLiFippi divides this n\ Nortli to South into two i equal. The firfl difcovcrers r by the way of Canadj, called .11 Iionourof that great Mmif- me favapes of the North it is i-Chaflipi, which literally de- incient Father of Rivers, of icnch hr.vo, by corruption, jiTippi. Other Indians, efpe- lower down the river, call it andatlaft the French have nan-.eofSt. Louis, avellers have in vain attempt- to its fource ; which, howev- lown, whatever fomeauthors, , may alledgeto the contrary. >Jom tlie accounts that may Glided upon. irleville, a Canadian,, and are. de Biainville, Commandant ■ us Colony, told me, that at lie lettlement of the French, e had led him t.) go up this urces ; that for this em^, he :anoe, made of the bark of ( 101 ) the bircli-trce, in order to bo more port- able in cafe of need. And that havin'» thus fet out with two Canadians and two Indians, with goods, ammunition, and provifions, he went up the river three hundred leagues to the North, above the Illinois : That there he found the Fall, called St. Antony's. This Fall is a ilat rock, which traverfes tlie river, and gives it only between eight or ten feet fall. He caufed his canoe and efFefts to be carrieil over that place ; and then embarking af- terwards above the Fall, lie continued go- ing up the river an hundred leagues more to the North, where he met the Sioux, a people inhabiting that country, at fome diftance from the Miinflippi j fome fay, on each fide of it. The Sioux, little accuftomed to fee Eu- ropeans, were furprized at feeing him, and alked whither he was going. He told ihem, up the MilTiilippi to its fource. They anfwered, that the country whith- er he was going was very bad, and where he would have great dilBculty to find game for fublillence i that it was a great way olli reckoned as far from the fource fo tlie fall, as from this lait to the iea. According to tliis information, the Mif- fiiiippi muil meafure from its louice to &2 lit ij Ipl I -I iill 4 il f ( 100 ) u'oU'oId age In Louifuna, if they are hut loccrand tomj^erate. Tliis country is extremely well water- I '1, but much more fo in ibme placcsthan HI other. The Miil.ihppi divides this C-oIony a-om NortJi to South into two j):;vt -.any.o!! equal. The fird difcovcrers of hns rncr by the way of Canuda.called u LoJbert, ui Iionourof that great Minif- ^""n ,?!' ^"."^'^ '"^^•^^^3 °^ *'^e North it is called I\le.£{-Chaflipi, which literally de- !-oceMhe ancient Father of Rivers, of f Itl'l'"''^' l^^.vo, by corruption, formed M.ffiffippi. Other Indians, efpe' c.ally tliofe lower down the river, call it Balbancha ; and at laft the French have given It the name of St. Louis. Several travellers have in vain attempt- ed to go up to its fourcc ; whicJi, howev- er, is well known, whatever fomeautliors, >.nl.r.ornHd may aJIedgeto the contrarv. ^^ c here fubjoin tlie accounts that may 1)0 molt (lepeiided upon. ^ M. deCharleville, aCanadian.andare. .-.t.-on of j\I cle Biainville, Commandant Yciieral of tins Colony, told me, that at tlie time of the fettlement of the French, cunonty alone had led him to go up this nver to ,ts fources ; that for this end, he luted out a canoe, made of the bark of ( 100 ) age In Louifuna, if they are hut 1 temj^erate. ;ountry is extremely well water- ;uch more fo in fome placcsthan . The MiiLiFippi divides this rom NortJi to South into two io!l equal. Tl>e fird dilcovcrers vcr by the way of Canadj, called t, ui honourof that great Minif- fome fav;if;e3 of the North it is ^--fl-Chaflipi, which literally de- • ancient Father of Rivers, of ;i^^"^l^ ^'-'^''^i by corruption, liffiffipp,. Other Indians, efpe- fe lower down the river, call it 1 ; and at laft the French have le name of St. Louis, travellers have in vain attempt- jp to its fource ; whicli, howev- known, whatever fomeautliors, fd, may alledgeto the contrary, iiibjom the accounts that may epended upon. ;'I)arleville, aCanadian^and are. ^1. c!e Biainville, Commandant i this Colony, told me, that at I the fettlement of the French, one had led him to go up this fources ; that for this end, he I canoe, made of the bark of ( 101 ) the bircli-trce, in order to bo more port- able in cafe of need. And that havin'» thus fet out with two Canadians and two Indians, with goods, ammunition, and provifions, he went up the river three hundred leagues to the North, above the Illinois : That there he found the Fall, called St. Antony's. This Fall is a Hat rock, which traverfes the river, and gives it only between eight or ten feet fall. He caufed his canoe and elFedts tobe carried over that place ; and then embarking at- terwards above the Fall, lie continued go- ing up the river an hundred leagues more to the North, where he met the Sioux, a people inhabiting that country, at fome diftance from the MiiFifllppi ; fome fay, on each fide of it. The Sioux, little accudomed to feeEu- ropeans, were furprized at feeing him, and afked whither he was going. He told ihem, up the Miffiflippi to its fource. They anfwered, that the country whith- er he was going was very bad, and where he would have great diificulty to find game for fubliltence ', that it was a great way off, reckoned as far from the fource to the fall, as from this lalt to the lea. According to tins information, the Mif- fiilippi muil; meafure from its louice to K2 !; M , ■■!» ( 102 ) its month between -It'tconandfixteenhun* « red leagues, as they reckon eight hun- tired leagues from St. Antony's FaU to the fca. This conjetture is the more probable, as that far to the North, feve- 'f ^^'^'i?^^^ P'''^"y '°"g <=o"'-fe fall into the MiirilTippi ; and that even above St. Antony's Fall we find in thirf^river be- tween thirty and.tliirty five fathoms water, and a breadth m proportion ; which can never befrom alource at no great dillance oft. I may add, that all the Indians, in- tormed by thofe nearer the fource, areof tJie fame opinion. Tho'I,!. de CharleviUe did not fee th* fourceof the Miffiffippi, he, however, learned, that a great many rivers empty their waters into it : That even above St. Antony's Fall, lie faw rivers on each fide of the Miffiffippi, having a courfe of up- wards of an hundred leagues. It is proper to obferve, that in goinff down the river from St. Anthony's Fall, *?^ "e'^* hand is the Weft, the left the A.alt. The firft river we meet from the 1*311, and fome leagues lower down, is the ^irJi » ^'"'^'^ """«« f'"^'" the Weft : Lower down to the Eaft, is the nver St. Croix, both of thesn tolerable large rivers. We meet ieveral otlicrs ( 102 ) between .1 ftoen and fi xteen hun* les, as they reckon eight hun- ics from St. Antony's FaU to This conjctture is the more as that tar to the North, feve- )fa pretty long courfe fall into ippi ; and that even above St. Fall we find in thirf^river be- ty and.tliirty five fathoms water, dth in proportion ; which can om alource at no great dillance y add, that all the Indians, in- thofe nearer the fource, are of pinion. de Charleville did not fee th* he Miffiffippi, he, however, lat a great many rivers empty s into it : That even above St. 'all, lie faw rivers on each fide iffippi, having a courfe of up- I hundred leagues, per to obferve, that in goJn^ iver from St. Anthony's Fall, and is the Weft, the left the • firft river we meet from the me leagues lower down, is the ter, wJiich comes from the ver down to the Eaft, is the ■oix, both of thein tolerable i. We meet feveral otlicrs ( 103 ) llill lefs, the names of which are of no confequence. Afterwards we meet with the nver Moingona, which comes from the Weft, about two hundred and fifty leagues below the Fall, and upwards of an hundred and fifty Jeague* in length. Ihis nver is fomewhat brackifh. From that nver to tlie Illinois, feveral rivulets. , or brooks, both to the right and left, fiiU I fV^'^ W'fliflippi. The river of the II- 1 l.no.s comes from the Eaft, and takes its rile on the frontiersof Canada ; its length IS two hundred leagues. The river MifTouri comes from a fource about eight hundred leagues diftant ; and running from North-weft to South-eaft difcharges itfelf uito the MiflifTippi, about four or five leagues below the river of the IJimois. This river receives fereral "o- ther«, in particular the river of the Can- zas, which runs above an hundred and fif- ty league*. From the rivers of the Illi- ! nois and the MifTouri to the fea are reckoned five hundred leagues, and three J""^r€d to St. Antony's Fall .• Fronj the MifTouri to the Wabache, or Ohio, an hundred leagues. By this laft river is the I r'-»?g« from Louifiana to Canada. This v^^age is performed from New Orleans by going up the MifEfTippi to the Waba- : 1^: ,1 > f . ''lip • 1 ■1 ¥^i ( 10* ) che ; wliich tliey go up in the fame man- ner quite, to die river of the Miamis ; in which they proceed as far as the c.irrying place } fiuai wliich therenre two leagues to a httle river which fails into LalccEri:. Here they change their veilels } they come in pettyaugers, and go down tlie river St. Laurence to Quebec in birch canoes. On the river St. Laurence are feveral car- rying places, on account of its many falls or catara£ls. Thofe who have performed this voyage, have told me, they reckoned nine Imn- drcd leagues from New Orleans to Que- bec. Tho'the Wabache is confuier- ed in Louifiana, as the moft confiderable of the rivers which come from Canada, and which, uniting m one bed form the river, commonly called by that name, yet all the Canadian travellers aflure me, that the river called Ohio, and which falls in- to the Wabache, comes a much longer way than this lad } which fhould be a Teafon for giving it the name Ohio ; but cuilom has prevailed in this refped. From the Wabache, and on tlie fame fi ;o, to Mnnchac, we fee but very few riviers, ind thofe very fmall ones, which fall into the Miiriifippi, though' there are nearly three hundred and ^ufty leagues ( 10* ) lich tliey go up in the fame man- . to die river of the Miamis ; in ey proceed as tar as the carrying u.n wiiicli thereare two leagues river which fails into LalccEri.-. ir change their veilels } they come Jgers, and go down tlie river nee to Quebec in birch canoes, ver St. Laurence are feveral car- res, on account of its many falis is. ' ivhohave performed this voyage, nie, they reckoned nine Iiun- Lies from New Orleans to Que- lo'the Wabache is confider- lifiana, as the mofl: confiderable ers which come from Canada, I, uniting in one bed form the imonly called by that name, yet nadiaii travellers aflure me,tnat ailed Ohio, and which falls in- abache, comes a much longer this lafl: } which fhould be a giving it the name Ohio ; but s prevailed in this refpeftoftneM.(r.frippi, the lands are so high in th« neighbourhood of the river that m many places the rain-water mm off from the banks of the Miffifllppi, and difcharges itfelf into rivers, which fall ei- [therdireaiy into thefeaor into lakes. An- ot.iar very probable reafon is, that from t.10 Wabache to thefea, no rain falls but in fuddeu gufts ; which defed is comperw Mated by the abundant devi's, fo that the plants lofe nothing by that means. TJie Avabachehas a courfeof three hundred leagues, and the Ohio has its fource aluiiv cirrd leagues fliil farther off. In continuing to go down the MiffifTn). pi,from the Wabache to the river of the ArKanfas, we obferve but few rivers.and tnofe pretty fmall. The moft confidera- "ie is that of St. Frand!., which is d if- tint tlnrty and add leagues from that of tile Arkanfas. It is on this river of St. ^rancis, that the hunters of New Or- leans go every winter to make (alt prp- •1! ( 10^ ) Tifion.q, till'- w and bear's oil, for tlic Cup- ply of tiieCpital. The river of the Arkanfas, \v!iich is tliirty live league,', lower down, and t.vj hundred Icajjucs from New-Orleans, is fo denominated from the Indians of that name, wlio dwell on its banks, a little a- bovc it?, confluence with the Miifiilippi. It runs throe hundred leagues, and its fource is in th.e fame l.ititude with Saiiti- Fe, in New Mexico, in the mountainsof which it rifes. It runs up a little to the North for a hundred leagues, by form- ing a flat elbow, or winding, and returin from tlience to tlie South-eaft, quite to the ISliffiflippi. It has a cataradl, or fall, about the middle of its courfo. Somecall it the White River, bccaufe in its coiirle it receives a river of that name. The Great Cut-point is about forty leagues below thQ river of tlie Arkanfas : Thij was a long circuit which the Miffiffippi formerly tookj and which it has abridg- ed, by making its way thro' this point of land. Below this river, ftill going towards the fea, we obferve fcarce any thing but brooks or rivulets, except the river cfthe ifaibus, fixty leagues lower down. This river runs but about fifty leagues, and ( 10^ ) IV w and bear's oil, for the (up- J.ipital. •1- of the Arkanfas, \v!iich is league,', lower clown, and t,vj agues from New-Orleans, is iitcd from the Indians of that dwell on its banks, a little a- nfluence with the Miifidippi. •oe hundred leagues, and itj ! th.e fame l.ititude with Sauti- > Mexico, in the mountainsof ifes. It runs up a little to the \ hundred leagues, by form- bow, or winding, and returin 2 to the South-eaft, quite to >pi. It has a catarafb, or fall, iiiddio of its couifo. Somccall te River, bccaui'c in its coiirle a river of that name. The point is about forty leagues ircr of tlie Arkanfas : Thij circuit which the Miffilfippi okj and which it has abridg- :ing its way thro' this point of lis river, ftill going towards ; obferve fcarce any thing but ivulets, except the river ofthe ty leagues lower down. This but about fifty leagues^ and ( 107 ) V !ll hardly admit of a boat for a jneat " -^r ■• It lu.. taken its name from th^a' '""Of the Yaso,..s, and fo.nc. o 'e -cl.ng on .ts banks. Twenty-e.I Ifa^u.-s below the river of the- ^LJl ii,reatchffofareddiihfree.(l„.,e O v'-r u^ramft this did" are the great aad^it" tiJ whirlpools. ^ ''ia.ia.it- From tins little river, we meet but "'■.J» very finall ones, till we come to ^e Rod River called at fira the Marne° be! ..ufe near y as big as that river, wS ails into the Seine Tiie NachitocK "fliedbythenameofthat nation; but t. common name, and which it fhj o..rs, IS tliat of the Red River. It takes . s nle in New Mexico, forms an e bow 0 the North, in the fame manner as t°ie 'ver ofthe Arkanfas, falls down after! oout.i.oa(t. rhey generally allow it a ourfeof two hundred leagues. At^bout t'le lilack R.ver, or the river of th» Wa ^" as which takes its rife pretty „etr ^;itofthe Arkanfas. This\ivultror omce,for„s,asisfaid,aforkpretty^ear ^nre, one arm of which falli into the ^'^er ofthe Arkanfas, the largeft VZ k U r m ( 108 ) ■■ r the Black Hivcr. Twenty leaguesbe!o\T the Vt\\ River is the Little Cut-poiiit, aiul I league below that Point are the 1;l- tle Cliffs. r:o'n the Red River to the fea we obierve nothing but fome fmall brooks: But on t'le E.ilt fiile, twenty-hve leagues above Kew Orleans, we fuid a channel, which is dry at !ow water. The inun- dation i of the Miinirippi formed this channel (whieh is called Manchac) below fo:ne iiigh lands, which terminate near that place. It difcharges itfelf into the L;ikc Maurepas, and tVom thence into th.itof Si. Louis, of which I gave an ac- couiit before. The channel runs Eaft, South-eaft ; formerly there was a paflage thro it ; but as prefent it is fo choaked up with dead wood, that It begins to have no water* but at tlie place where it receives the ri- ver A nite, w!iich is pretty large, and wliich runs fevcnty leagues in a very fine country. • Mancliic is almost dry fur three quarters of the vciir : Butuuri.iij tiie iiiii.iclatioii, the wateri ti! t;if r vcrhave .ivent rhro' u into ihe Lakes I'oiit- chartiv'ii ail St I.oui , Uumont. II. '297. Ill's is t'.ie vivir lijerviil', w:iich u to be tht bouitUvy bt'ciii.' iinculi doiniiitong. ( 108 ) Hivcr. Twenty leaguesbelcnr River is the Little Cut-poiiit, ^uc below that Point are the liL- the Red River to the fea we othing but fome fmall brooks: e E.ilt fiile, twenty-live league w Orleans, we find a channel, dry at !ow water. The iiiuii- ■)i the MuFiirippi formed this whiL'h is called M.mchac) below h lands, which terminate near 2. It difcharges itfelf into the nrepas, and tVom thence into . Louib> of which I gave an ac* Fore. :!nnnel runs Eaft, South-eaft ; there was a paflage thro it ; but t it is fo choaked up with dead at It begins to have no water* e place where it receives the ri- te, wliicli is pretty large, and ns fevcnty leagues in a very fine lie is almost dry for three quarters of Biituurl.ii^ tl'.e luu.idatioii, the waters have , I vent thro' u into iho Lakes i'oiit- 1 I St liOUi , Dumnnt. II. •297. lie tivir lijcrviil", w:iich u to bo tht fctw iin:uh doiniiitoug. ( 109 ) A very fmall river falls into LakeMau- repus, to the Eaft of Manchac. In pro- ceeding Eallward, we may pafs Irom this lake into tliat of St. Louis, by a riv- er formed by the waters of the Amite. In going to the North of this lake, we meet to the Eaft the little river Tandgi- pao. From thence proceeding always Eaft, we come to tJie river Quefonde, which is long and beautiful, and comes from the Chaftaws. Proceeding in the fame route, we meet the river C.-iflin- B.1V0UC : We may afterwards quit the Lake by the Channel, which borders the fame country, and proceeding Eaftward we meet the Pearl River, wliich falls in- to this channel. Farther up the coift, which lies from Weft to Eaft, we meet St. Louis's Bay, ' into which a little rivei of that name ilif- charges itfelf : Farther on, we meet the river of the Palk.i.Ogoulas : And at length we arrive at the Biy of Motile, which runs upwards of thirty leagues in- to the country, where it receives the ri- ver of the fame name, which runs for about a hundred and fifty leagues from North to fouth. All the rivers I have jiift nicntioned, and wlich fall not into the MiiTiffippi, doin like manner runfrom ^orth to South. ii •t ' 1 1 , f r I if 1 u I i-otiirn to Mmcbic, where I quittcjl tlio RIiin/Tippi. At a little .lillmco fio,„ M.uicli.ic wc meet the river of the I'la. qiiemincs ; it lies to the Weft, au Wvtl, and is ra- tliaii a rivvT. Tlnvo or fo-ir er down is the Fork, wliich is inniiijr to the Well of the thro' \v!iich a part of the i>i. >f that river ni i o.}". Thf-ll' thro' feverni 1 ik.-s, aij.) fro .i -•'01, by Aricnflri Biy. As rivers to th- W (t ol t.i:» imcft are uiiktiow'i. rs whi. h fall into thofe Lakes iilyoffuch IS p-fs thro' fhij alfo of thofe tliat cuiue out "Pl>i, when overflowing its h fi.lc : Ft;r, of all ihiMvitcr s out of the Mifriifippi ever 't a drop ever returns imo this is only to be undcrflood ioruon as tley are diflant from tl'.e Mi-liflippi, tan rflain a much lefs quantity vji th." mud. In this manner the land rllkijj higher along tii« ny^r, in pro- -A ■I :.1. m ( 112 ) ce(s of rime., tlic binks of ttic J^V,irir the bedrf t £■" Tf'",' 'T" '"'O l»to,l land, be . "uft dlT ""''«"""'- N^ Jung away the earth, and cnhLnl^ ''til, as all otlier known rivers do Vf confi.Ier thefe fails, thcrS/^c oIT.: cf tt'^M-/5'V'-' '"'^"i^^^'' that the wt left .L^l '?PP'' ^''"" °"« tl'ey have =g^in "■ ^''' "" "^^^'- '«t"rn t^hithi; New oi";^^''='' happened nea cauL?we7tnK r"%°^ *''^ '"''^''"^"ts from J' M LS- •""'' '* '"^ ""''^ ^•*t«"ce ™ til. Miffiilipp,, in order to procure 'm ( H2 ) jlKT.Iun .1.0 Ian.Is .hour i,.'/,; e of the r.ver. are romtin, cf 'th.renof yet filled up. O. '. vc firm banks, fo.mod | , 5f Nature, a laml of the { mi ' ^'^ continent, and aJway icreto : Thcfe forfs of banks. •^menfng.dod.ly..i.nin.n; •^'np, or tumbling down into he nvor. TJ>e I^anks of Z >"thecomrary,i„crcafe.and n.n. .n the low and accuniu' beniufe the ooze alone, dc>. Its banks, increafos them j les,.9 the roafon, that the comes narrower, in place of nheemh,andenlarKinKits ler known rivers do. lAve 'tails, therefore, wcoi.d.t Jofurprized, that the waters Ppi> when once they have can never return thither prove this augmintation of Jlate what happened iiear \ r,°^ t''c inhabitants >befunkatalittlediftance I'ppi, in order to procure ( 113 ) n dearer wati.T, At twenty feet c!eep tlKT" was found a tree laid flat, three feet ; ; diameter : The height of the earth was ihercforfc augiViented twenty feet /ince the fan or lodging of that tree, as well by the accumulated mud, as by llic rot- ting of the leaves, which fall every win- ter, and which the Miffifllppi carricsdown in vaft quantities. Ineftc£i it f weeps down a great deal of mud, becaufe it runs for twelve hundrc«l leagues at Icaft acrofs a country, which is nothing elfe but earthy which the depth of the river fulBcicntly proves. It carries down vaft quantities of leaves, canes, and frccvS, upon its wa- ters, the breadth of which is always a- bcvc half a league, and fomctiniesalciiguc, and fometimes a league and a quarter. It» banks are covered with much wood fomc- tinies for the breadth of a league on each fule, from its (ource to its mouth. There is nothing therefore more eafy to be con- ceived, than that this river carries down witli its waters a prodigious quantity of ooze, leaves, canes, and trees, which it continually tears up by the roots, and that the fca throwing back ,\y.nn all tlefe things, they fliould neccii'arily proiluce the lands in queftion, and M'hich are lon- libly encrcaCng. At the eutr-.iuce of Ui(j T 9 I mi ii ( 116 ) irtg, in order to be fure of the pafs .• This channel is, at low water, between feven- teen and eighteen feet deep». Thisdelcription may foJfice to fhew, that tlie falhng in with the land from fea IS bad} till? landfcarce ajjpenrs two league* off} which doubtlefs made the Spaniards call the Miihirippi Rio Efcondido, the h)d River. This nver is generally mud- dy, owing to tlie waters of the Miflburif for before this junftion, the water of the Milfiffippi IS very clear. J mull not omit mentioning, that no Ihip can either enter, or continue in the river, when the wa* ters are high, on account of the prodi- gious numbers of tre-S, andvaft qnanti^ ties of dead wood, which it carries down; and whiA, together with the canes, leaves, mud, and fand, which the fea throws back upon the coaft, are continu- aNy augmenting the land, and make itpro- jecl into the Gulf of Mexico, like the bill ot a bird. I fhould be naturally led to divide Louihana into the Higher and Lower, oh account of the great difference there i» ^ I—.. 1, , 1^ ♦ I slia:imike no meiin,, of the islands, which »r..f,-eq„.ar ,n tl,e,M,.,>„,.,,i, as being. ,Uer^y ( 116 ) be Aire of the pafs .- This ow water, between feven- ?en feet deep*, ion may fttJfice to fhew, in with the land from tea fcarce appears twn leagues ibtlefs made tlie Spaniards )pi Rio Efcondido, the lis nver is generally mud- « waters of the Miflburi f unaion, the water of the y clear. J mull not omit t no Ihip can either enter, he river, when the wa* 1 account of the prodi- f tre-S, and vaft qoanti- i, which it carries dovrti; jether with the canes, i fand, which the fea nthecoaft, arecontinu- the land, and make itpro- If of Mexico, like the laturally led to divide 2 Higher and Lower, oh reat difference there i» ne'i i'lii of the islands, w!ii«-h isj'^sii-pi, as being, properiy : litile iblcs, jjrodiiced by some uo'.hinj; jut a saad bottom ( 117 > i^twcen the two principal parts of thi," vaacoutitry. The Higherl would call tha part, ni which we find ftonc, which we Mt meet with between the river of the Natchez and that of the Yafous, between vh.chisacliffofafinefree-ftone;and5 would termmate that part at Manchac, wliere the high lands end. I would ex- tend the Lower Louifiana from thence down to the fea. The bottom of the lands on the hills is a red clay, and fo compaa, as might afford a folid founda- tion fur any building whatever. This clav IS covered by alight earth, which is almoft biack, and very fertile. The graft grows there knee deep ; and i„ thl bottoms, which feparate tliefe fmall eminences, it ishigher than the talleft man. Towards the end of September both are fucceffive- Jyfeton fire; and in eight or ten days young grafs flioots up hall a foot hiJi. One will eafily judge, that in fuch paf- tiires herds of allcreatures fatten extraor- dinarily. The flat country is watery, and appears to have been formed by eve- ry t ung that comes down to the fea. I Ihalladd, that pretty near the Nachito- ches we find banks of mufcle-fliells, fuch as thofe of whichCockle-Ifland isformed,. ifte neighbouring nation affirms, that ao*- (: . h- i\ ill I' ■'■'\ ( 11* ) Pafs or Channel to the SoutJi Eaft, thert was built a fmall Fort, (till called Balife. This Fort was built on a little ifland, without the mouth of the river. In 1731 It fto'od on the fame fpot, and I havebeen told that at prefeut it is half a league within the river ; The land therefore hath in twenty years gained this fpace on the fea. Let us now refume the fequel of the Geographical Defcriptlon of Lou- ifiana. The coaft is bounded to tlie Weft by St. Bernard's Bay, where M. de la Salle landed ; into this bay a (mall river falls, and there are (bme others, which difcharge their waters between this bay and Afcen- fion Bay } the Planters feldom fre(]uent that coaft. On the Eaft the coaft is bound- ed by Rio Perdido, which the French corruptedly called aux Perdrix ; Rio Per- dido fignifyingLoft River, aptly fo called by the Spaniards, becaufe it lofes itfeif under ground, and afterwards appears a- gain, and difchargcs itfeif into the fea, a little to the Eift of Mobile, on which tlie firll French Planters fettled. From the Forii down to the Sea, there is no river ;, nor is it pofTible there fiiouUl be any, afcr what I have rclateJ : Oatiie contrary, wo find at a iinall diftancefrom ( 11* ) Ihannel to the SoutJi Eaft, thert a fmall Fort, aill called Balife. t was built on a little ifland, :he mouth of the river. In 1731 n the fame fpot, and I havebeen at prefeiit it is half a league le river .- The land therefore BV'enty years gained this fpace on Let us now refume the fequel aographical Def criptlon of Lou- >aft is bounded to tlie Weft by rd's Bay, where M. de la Salle nto this bav a (mall river falls, arefome others, which difcharge ?rs between this bay and Afcen- ,the Planters feldom frequent . On the Eaft the coaftisbouu'.!- 0 Perdido, which the French ly called aux Perdrix ; Rio Per- fyingLoft River, aptly fo called aniards, becaufe it lofes itfeif and, and afterwards appears a- difchargcs itfeif into the fea, a le E ift of Mobile, on which tlie ch Planters fettled, he Forii down to the Sea, there • ; nor is it polTible there ftiouUl "cr what I have related : Oatiie wo find at a iinall diftancefrom ( "5 ) the Fork another channel to the! Eaft, cal- led B.iyouc of le Sueur .• It is full of foft ooze or mu 1, and communicates witli the lakes, which lie to the Eaft. On coming nearer to the fea, we meet, at about eight leagues from the principal mouth ot the Miininppi, tu.j in'.\ Pafs ;. and a league lower down, the OtttvPafs. Tliefe two pafle), or chaniaLs are only fi>r pcttyaug»;rs. From this place there is no i.:nd fit to tread on, it being all a quag;nire down to the fea. There alfo we find a Point, which parts the mouths ofti.e MiffifTippi : That to the right is called the South Pafs, or channel ; tl.e Weft Point of which runs two leap,uos farther into the fea tlvan the Point of the South-eaft-P.ifs, which is to the leitof that of the South Pafs. At firft, voifels entered by the South-eaft Pals, but before we go down to it, we find to tlie left the Eait-Pafs, which is tliat by which (hips enter at prefent. At each of thefe three Paffjs, or Chan- nels, there is a Bar, as in all other rivers : Thefe bars are tliree quarters of league broad, with only eight or nine feet Water: But there is a channel through this bar, wliich being often fubje£t to Ihift, the coaltingpiiot is obliged tobealwayslound- ' t m > '■'■ ( lie ) Jng, in order to be fure of the pafs .• This channel is, at low water, between feven- teen and eighteen feet deep*. This del cription may falfice to (hew, that the falhng in with the land from fea 18 bad; thi? landfcarce appears two leagues off; which doubtlefs made the Spaniards call the Miihlfipp, Rio Efcondido, the hid River. This nver is generally mud- dy, owing to tlte waters of the Miflburi j for before this junftion, the water of tke Miinffippi IS very clear, f mult not omit mentionmg, that no Ihip can either enter, or continue in the river, when the wa* ters are high, on account of the prodi- gious numbers of tre-S, and vaft quanti^ ties of dead wood, which it carries down; and whi.-h, together with the canes, leaves, mud, and fand, which the fea throws back upon the coaft, are continu- ariy augmenting the land, and make itpro- jecl into the Gulf of Mexico, like the bill ot a bird. I fhould be naturally led to divide Ix)ui(iana into the H^g!l^r and Lower, on account of the great difference there ii ♦ I Oia:! make no mei ,»„ of the islands, whioh »ref.eq...,„ ,n the.M..,>si;.,.i, as being. , rooer^y sp.ikm^ .oramg bu: l.tUe'il.s, produced by so^e ( lie ) to be fure of the pafs .• This It low water, between feven- hteen feet deep*, iption may falfice to fhew, ig in with the land from fea ndfcarce appears two leagues ioubtlefs made the Spaniards Ifippi Rio Efcondido, the This nver is generally mud- tlte waters of the Miflburi j s junftion, the water of the very clear. I mull not omit hat no Ihip can either enter, n the river, when the wa* on account of the prodi- s of tre-S, and vaft quanti- ood, wiiich it carries down; together with the canes, and fand, which the fea ponthecoaft, arecontinu- Ig the land, arid make itpro- Julf of Mexico, like the ! naturally led to diride the Hig!i2r and Lower, on great difference there h 10 me-i I'lii of the islands, w!ii«,h ,Mii,,>si:^I)i, as being, properly bu: litUe iiLs, jjroduced by some OS ao'.lung- jut « saaa bouoin ( 117 > i^ctwecn the two principal parts of thi." vaftcouutry. The Higherl would call th part, m which we find ftone, which we iirlt meet with between tiie river of the Natchez and that of the Yafous, between vh.ch ,s a cliff of a fine free-ftone ; and? would termmate that part at Man-hac where the high lands end. I would ex! tend the Lower Louifiana from thence down to the fea. The bottom of the lands on the hills is a red clay, and fo conipaa, as might afford a folid founda- tion fcr any building whatever. This clay IS covered by alight earth, which is almoft biack, and very fertile. The grais grows there knee deep ; and i„ the bottoms, vvhich feparate thefe fmall eminences, it as higher than the talleft man. Towards the end of September both are fucceffive- lyfeton fire; and in eight or ten days young grafsllioots up half a foot hi J,. One will eafily judge, that in fuch paf- tures herds of allcreatures fatten extraor- dmanly. The flat country is watery, and appears to have been formed by eve- ry t nng that comes down to the fea. I lliall add, that pretty near the Nachito- ches we find banks of mufcle-fliells, fuch - as thofe of whichCockle-Ifland isformed, iiie neighbouring nation affirm8,^that ac^ hi .K *",. 'f 1 ) I I $ ( 118) conling to their old tradition,the fea for. nioriy came up to this place. The women of this riiUion go and gather thefe fliclls and make a powder of them, of which they make their pottery, or e.irthon ware. However, I would not advife the ufc of thefe fhells indifferently for this purpofe, becaufe they are naturally apt to crack iii tlie frc : I have therefore reafon to think, tliat thofe found at iha Nachitoches have acquired their good qnality only by the difcliarge of their falts, from continuing for fo many ages out of the fea. If we mi;y give credit to the tradition of thefe ppopie, and if we would reafon en the fudtsl iuae advanced, we (liall be naturally led to believe, and indeed evcvy thing in this country fhews it, that the jtovver Louifiana is a country gained da the fea, whofe bottom is a cryftal fand, white as fnow, fine as flour, and fuch as is found botli to the Eaft and Wefc cf •tlie Miilinippi ; and we may expeft, tli:'t in future ages, the fea and the river m^ form another land like th^it of the Lower ILouifiana. The Fort Balife flicws, tl.;,t a -Century is fufhcient to extend Louifiana .fwo leagues towards the fea. The coaft, which was the firft inhabi- •wd,*extends from Rio Perdido to the lak« ( 118) ) their old tradition, the leafor- iie up to this place. The women :!on go and gatlier thefe fliclls a powder of them, of which ; their pottery, or e.irthen ware. , I would not advife the ufc of Is indifferently for this purpofe, ley are naturally apt to crnck in [ have therefore reafon to think, found at llie Nachitoches have :heir good qnality only by the of their falts, from continuing iiy ages out of the fea. iii.y give credit to the tradition wpie, and if we would reafon -tsl i..,vo advanced, we (liall hi led to believe, and indeed evcvy lis country fhews it, that the ouifiana is a country gained dii fho^c bottom is a cryiflal fand, now, fine as flour, and fuch zs oth to tho Eaft Hud Wcfc cf ippi ; and we may oxpe£V, tlrt ages, the fea and the river m^ her land like th^it of the Lower The Fort Balife flicws, th,;;t a fudicient to extend Louifiana es towards the fea. »ft, which was the firft inhabi- Is frem Rb Perdido to the lab ( 119) 6' St. Louis . This ground k a very fine .., wUensf.ow, and fo .Iry, as not, ..-L ht to produre anything but pi,,., cc.hr, and io.n. .,vrr.,-refn oilcs. I he nver MSnlo h the moil ronfi-t... al'J.-c. tli..tcn..u.<,t;ieiiaa . It rolls ^s « t'^overH|„ire fa„d, which ca.n.ot rj-^.^u ..u'.iy. But if thi, w.,rer,3 cl'r, itiMr, a,,.softheaeri^tyofi,soot- l" ^,'Ota:'^ H !s /,,r frornai,oundi,.r fo '.•c.iuf...nstheM„Iiir.ppi. Its banks .i iieig :oourh,,oa .le not very ferti'e •'■ ^ 't:, )„urce down to the fea. T ,e gr ";'!'S'lonny,andfcnrceanythinpbut P ;>' , 'ni.-vt wit), a litile earth. Ti,o' 1 '■'.«-• I"i"-s arc net quite barren, there is a wuie ciiiJcnce between tbeir produc '.^ns and thofo of the landsin the neigh- lvMr.',oodoU'oM.ffiin-,pi Mountains ['■'e arc, but whether ftone fit for build- i;ig i Know n;;t. I'! the confines of the river of the Ali- buious (Cee-ks.) the lands arc better • tliebay of the fame name. This bay may be about thirty leagu.-s in length, afr>r ,:...A":"* '" S''.m-er, e,,)ecialiy toivlm. ch "te. IJumnji, 11. 2^ , peciaiiy toivaius its w )'': U :IM 1 .-■ ^;, 0. ( 120 ) fhivinp rcrclvcn! the Mobile, which mm Sunn North to South for ahout om hun- dred and fifty leagues. On the bank"! of thi i river was the firll fcctlement of the Fiviich in Louifl'na, which flood till New-Orleans w.is founded, which is at this day the capital of the colony. The lands and water of the Mobile are not only unfruitful in all kinds of vegeta- bbs, and fifh, but the nature of the waters and of the foil, contributes alfo to pre- vent the multiplication of animals } even women have experienced this. I under- ftood by Madam Hubert, whofe husband was at my arrival CommiiTary Direftor of t!ae colony, that in the time the French were in that poft, there were feven or eight barren women, who all became fruitful, after fettling with their husbands ©n the banks of the Miffiflippi, where t!ie capital was built, and whither the fettle- ment wa? removed. Fort St. Louis of Mobile was the French pod. This fort (lands on the banks of that river, near another river, called Dog River, which falls into the bay to the South of the fort. Tho' thcfe countries are not fo fertile, as thofe in the neighoourhood of thcMif- fiffippi ; we are, however, to obferve, flSl"'!! ( 120 ) cheii the Mobile, which mm li to South for ahout one hun- fty leagues. On the banksof tns the firll fcctlement of the Louitl'na, which ftood till jns wjs founded, which is ut jcnpitui of the colony. ;is and water of the Mobile are nfruitful in all kinds of vegeta- fh, but the nature of the waterj foil, contributes alfo to pre- lultiplication of animals ; even vs experienced this. I under- [udam Hubert, whofe husband arrival Commiflary Direiftor ny, that in the time the French it port, there were feven or en women, who all became ter fettling with their husbands ks of the Miffiflippi, where t!ie 3 built, and whither the fettle^ removed. Louis of Mobilewas theFrench is fort (lands on the banks of near another river, called Dog ich falls into the bay to the le fort. ;fe countries are not fo fertile, the neighoourhood of thcMif- e are, however, to obferve, 121 ) that the intevlor parts of this country ar« m uoh better tlurx tliofe net.- tlie ftM. 0.» th'j coalt to the Well of Mohiic, wehnd iflands^not worth mentioning. From the fources of the river of the Paijri-OgouJas, quite to thofe of the river of Quet«3nae, whicl; falls into the Like St. Ljais, tlie lamb arc liglit and fortll", but fometbing gravelly, on account ohh.' neighbourhood of the muuiuains, t'ut he lo the North. This country is iater- mixi withcxtenfive hills, fjae meadows, numbers of thickets, and fumetiaies witli vrooJs, thickly fet with cane, particuLiriy on the banks of rivers aad brooks ; audi;. e.\tvomely proper for agriculture. The mountains which Iiaid thcfocoiri- trics have to the North, form nearly t ;e figure of a chaplet, with one end prertr ^ear the Miflillippi, the otJicr on the banks of the Mobile. The inier part of this chaplet or chain is filled with hiils ; whicl; are pretty fertile in grals, fimpiej, fruits of thecou:Ury, horfe-cheln uts, and wild chefnuts, as large and at Icalt as good as thofe of Lyon s. To the Nortel of this chain of moun- tains lies the country of the Caicafaws, very fine and fr-e of rnoUntains : it has only very extenfiv« and gentle emmenses, M i \ u ■' i 4 :h^. I' 111' I ■ ! ,(12C' ) or nfmg grounds, fertile groves and mca- (iows, which in fpring-timc arc all over tod, from the jficat plenty of wood-l>raw. bcnics : In Summer, the plains exhibit the molt beautiful enamel, by the quanti- ty :ind variety of the flov err,. In Autumn, •.liter fctting lire to tlic grafs, they arc «overed with muflu-oons. All the countries Ih.ivejufl mention- ed-.uc ftorf^d with ga-r:e of every kind. The bufialo is found on the moit rifing grounds .• the partridge in thick open woods, fucli as the groves in meadows; the ciks delight in large forefts, as alfo ihe plic-ifant ; thf deer, which is a rovinjr I'.ninial, is every wlicrc to ha met witli, bcc-.uiff in whatever place it may hap- pen to be, it always has fomething to hrowie on. Tlie ring-dove here flies in winter witlifuch rapidity, as to ppfs over a great deal of country in a few hours ; ducks and other aquatic g^mc are in Inch numben, that wherever tliere i-; water, we are furo to find m;r.iy more than it is poflible for us to flioot, very wc to do notliing elfe; and thus we iiiid pane in every place, and fiih in plenty in th.c rivers. Let us refume the coaft ; whicb,thoiigh ••flat and. dry, on .iccount of its f.md, V- (122 ) oiinds, fertile groves and mca- :h in fpriiig-timc arc al! over le ji^cat plenty of wood-l>raw» I Summer, the plains exhibit .■autiful enamel, by the quanti- ty of the flov err.. In Autuirm, 1^ fire to tlic grafs, they arc ih muflu'oons. countries Ilr.ivc jufl mcntion- •d with ga-re of every kind. ) is found on tlie moic rifing the partridge in thick open h as the groves in meadows; light in large forcfts, as alfi) It i thf deer, which is a rovinj; every wlicrc to hu met with, whatever place it may hap- it always has fomething to Tlie ring-dove here flies in hfuch rapidity, as to prfs over al of country in a few hours ; other aquatic game are in )en, that wherever tliere i-; are furo to find m;r,iy more iollible for us to flioot, v.-eri; lotliing clfe; and thus we iiiid .ery place, and fiih in pl-jiity rs. ?fumc the coaft; whichjthough ■y, on account of its fand, n- bounds with delicious fifli, and cxccilpnc (lielJ.fini. Cut the cryftal find v.-h^ch 15 pernicious to the fight by its w:.ItL:lcf^, >n:glit It not be- adapted for m:ikin;,r ronr-; bciutiiul conipofition or mnniif.uluro > Here I leave lijo loarncd to find out/.vhut ul'etliis fand may bo of. If t'.iis coaft is flat, it has in this re'"- pedc :in advantage ; as v.e mi-l.t f.-y, haturc wanted to m.u.c it Cn, in order to jainfl l' c dcfccnt of be lelf tlefendcd nj. an enemy. Crniinp out of i1k< bay of Paflca Oi;ou- las, if wc Ihii proceed \VlI>, m'c meet in (urv/ay with the bay cl ()!d Ijiloxi, v/iierc a fcrt was built, ar- have been built at ail. Thofe, who fettled Old Biloxi, could not, doubt'efs, think of quitting the foa- coaft. They fettled to the AVeft, clofe to New Biloxi, on a fand equally dry ?nd pcinicious to the fight. In this place, the large grants happened to be laid oft", whicli were extremely ijiconvenient to have been made on fo barren a foil ; Wi -re it was impoflible to find the Icaft jilant or greens for anyinon^,and where I ' ■ ! ■'■' I' ^1 ■.!i If! s (12t) \he Iiivcil ftfrv.mti dicil with Lunger in t'lO nu/il fcitile colony in tlic wl...;«} VOr'ci In puvfuinc; tlin f.-.ir.o route at;il {[^ funic ijo.ift Wc'ihvatd, thf l.md* ; vo (liil tl.o IV.mc, quite to the Ur.ali b;'y of St. Lcuis, und lo tlii' Clunnds, vnich lead t.) the lake cftJut r,r;:v.c. At a tiiilurce Jicir. tlic {c.\ tho c..rt': is of a gcod qiia- Tty, fit ft tlip North of : c bay of Sf. Louis is of .1 •liflerv:'nt natuio, and much more fertile. Tlio l-aiuls at .1 greater diftance to t' e North of this hill cos'ft, are not very dn- taiit from the Miffinippi j they are alio much more fruitful tliaii thofe to tlie Eart of this bay in the fame latitude. In order to tollow the fea-coail down to the mouth of the Miffiflippi, we mull . ^cced almoft South, quitting the chan- r.cls. I have elfewhere mentioned, that we have to pafs betwr Cat-Ifland, n hich we leave to tl»e left, and Cockle- Ifland, which we leave to the right. In making tliis ideal route, we pafs over banks, almoft level witli the water, cover- ed with n vaft nunihcr of iflcts ; we leave to the left the Candlemas-Iflts, which are only htaps of fanJ, having the form ( J2}.) «rv;.nt« dinl with lurg/^r in fcitile coloi'y ill tj'.c m! ritf .line; the f.-.nio route aiul tl.'e Wt'iUvard, the l.in dF t ;.c bay of St. Louis is of a tUiO, and much more fertile. at .1 greater diftance to t' e Liij hill corft, are not very du- the MiffifTippi j they are alio c fruitful tiiaii thole to tiic bay in the fame latitude, to follow the fea-coafl down th of the Miffiflippi, we mull: left South, quitting the than- ve elfewhere mentioned, that o pafs betwf Cat-Ifland, ?ave to tire left, and Cockle- :h we leave to the right. In ; ideai route, we pafs over ift level witli the water, covcr- ^ii nunihcr of iflcts ; we leave the Candlemas-Iflts, which If s of fanJ, having the form m ( J2S ) t/a gut, cut in pieces ; they rife hut lit- tic above the I'd, and fcarccly yield a do- zen of plants, juil as in the nci^rhlKu.r- iiij,' jliets, I have now nieiition(.d Wo leave to the rigl.t lake Borgne, which i,, another outlet of the lake St. Uuis, and contMiunig the f..me route, by (evcral ill- fts, for a confi,!crabIe way, we find a lit- tle, open, clear (ca, and the toaft to the right, which is hut a i.uagnurc, gradually formed by a very foft ooze, on which fome reeds grow. Tiiis coall lends fcon to the Eaft pafs or channel, which iu one of the moutJis of the Miihliippi, and this we hnd bordered with a like foil, if in- (.ced itdtlcrves the nameof foil. There is, moreovw, the South-eai'} pa s, where Hands Balife, and the South pnfs, which projeds farther into the fea. B.iiife js a fort built on nn ..land of fand, fccured by agre.t number cf piles bound witngood tijiiber-work. Ti.ere are k^lc- ing.-. in it for the o.'Hcrs and tlio f,a:r?- fon J and a fuificicnt nunbor of 'Viana for defending the cptr.,iiceof the ISli'ifil- lippi. It is there they take the bar-ji- lotoii board, in order to bring the (t.ips ii.to the river. A'\ the padcs ;>nd cii- lunces ot the Miflilfippi, are :"■ fr". ht*"!-! to the i ye, s the interior j e: t of iLc cc - l^:i)' IS ui..,jj.,t.uJ iu It. U 2 I / hi 4 is' ( 128 ) Tlie qiin^'^mlres fontiniir dill fof nhout (even leigup'j going uptlic MifTilTippijat the cntrr.ncc ol which wc meet -,> bar, three fonrihs of a longuc broail : which wc cannot piils wilhour a bar-pilot, who alone is acquainteil with the channel. All ihc Wo II coall rcfcn bics tliat which I mentioned, from Mobile to the bay of Sf Louis} it is ((lualiy flat, form- ed of a Hke fand, and a barol ifles, which lcnji,thon out the coall, and hinder a dc- fccnt } tlic coaU contiirtics thus, going Wellwavd, <|uite to AfccTisicn h-y, and even a little farther. Its liil alfo ishar- icn, andin cvcVjT rcfitd like to that I liave juft mentior.td. I a^;ain enter tl.e MifTifl'ippi, and p;;fs with Ipced over ^licfe qn; f'nfires, jnc; ) '- bic to bc.-.r up llic tr.iVollcr, r.rd vhi wat^ fome-fowi, vlich, doiiutlcf;, lir.d food to live on, and that in fccurity. O'tcosnii.go'it of thcfc mar/hes, we find a neclv of land on each fide of the niffilTippi i thi.j ituiicd is fun land, but l!::cd v. it'v in.nrfh cs, re (cfTiHing thcfc :it the nUrar.cc of the yivcr. For the fpacc of tl;rec or fjur Ilr? of ti-:cs, but ccuncs after r«27 ) tab(? covered w'th them, fo as to intcN (opt tho wind*, wliich the thips require, i'lorder tn go mithc river to t!;ecayiial. This I iiid, tho' very narrow, is continu. eil,tr>;ct!ier witii tlic trees it bears, tivtite to the EaglHh Reach, wliich is defeiidft by two forts \ one to tlie right, the other to t!io left of the MiiTillippi. Thcorigin of thename, Englifti Reach, (D-^tour aux Aiiglois is dilT-Tcntly af- figiied. I made enquiry of the olifcll of the country, to what circumllance this Reach might owe its name. And they told me, tliat bcforo flie firll fettlcTicnt of the French in this colony, theEnglifh, having he»rd of tHe beauty of the coun- try, which riiey had, doubtlcfs, vilited' btlore, iit goin;; thither fmm Cnrolinaby laml, attenipted to make themfclv.'smaf- tois of the entrance of the MillHrippi, and to go up the river, in order to forti- fy t'lcmlelvcs on the; firft firm ground tlh'y cotild met. Evcited by that joai- o'.ify, which is natural to them, they touk fuch precautions, as they im,j;;'iied to be proiier, in nrde» to fucceed. 'Die Indians 0:1 tlicir pnrt, w'lo lind all c.uly (o:a or '•■e.ird of ll'vr d p -j^ile (Fivii^Iil having gone up a'.il dow 1 t!io Wi!ri;"u^;pi at ditlcrcnt times ; the Indians \ 1 H ^ ( wa ) man, and very flendev and fine ) where^is ti.e gral's of the fame meadow on die high lands rifos fcarce knee ^eep ; as it does on the higheR eminences, unlefs there is found fomething underncuth, wliich not only renders tlio gr;ifs flicrter, but even prevents its growth by t!w eiE- cacy of feme exhalations } which is ret ordinarily the cafe on hills, tl;o* ntnig high, but only on the mountauis proper. ly fo Ci;llcd. My experience in / rchkeclure having taught n'.e, tliat fevcial quiaries have been found under a clay like this, I ^va 'iv^zys of opinion, there n^uft be funieii) tliofc hill^. Since I made tlicfercflc£lions, I havf liad occafion in m) journey to the coun- try, to confirm theie coiijedlures. We had let itp cur hut at the foot of an ciiii- nence, which was flecp towards us, aiid near a fountain, whole water was luke- warm arid pure. This fountain appeared to me to iiluj outofahcK which was formed by tlie finking of the caith. I Hooped, in crdu' to take a better view of it, and I obft-rr- cd ilone, which to the eye appeared ji;o per i'or building, and the upper part w::J this clay, which is peculiar to ihe coun- < w« ) reryflendev ami fine ) whereas •f the faine meadow on tlie rifos I'carce knee ^eep j as it he higheR eminences, unlefs ound Ibmething underncutli, only renders tlio gr;ifs flicrter, revents its growth by the eifi. K' exlialitions ; which is rot the cafe on hills, tho* nliiig inly on the mountains piojiur. d. .•rience in / rchiteclure having ;, tliat fevcial quiaries have under a clay like this, I ^vai jpinion, there n:uft be foniein nade tlicfercflcdions, I have in in mj journey to the cour^ irm tliele coiijedures. We cur hut at the loot of an eiiii- ch was ftocp towards us, ai.d tain, whole water was iuke- purc. ntain appeared to me to iiluj ^, which was formed by tlie hecauh. I Hooped, in crdir !ttcr view of it, and I obft-rv- Iiich to the eye appeared pro Iding, and the upper part w:;s Lich is peculiar to the couii- (lf)3) try. I wns higlily plenfcd tlius to af- certain, that then; was (lone l.t for building in this colony, where it was iniigincd there is noiic, bee ,ulo it dv es ret come out of the c.irth to Ihew ii- lelf. It is not to be wondered, that ihcrc is none to be found in Lower Louiii..n.i, whicJi is only an earth accumulated by ooze i but it is far more extraordinary not to fee a flint, nor even a pebble on the hills, for upwards of an hundred ic;};ues fomctinies; however this is a thing com- mon in this province. I imagine- 1 ought to affign a reafon for it, \i Inch feems pretty probable to mc. This land has never been turned, or t!u^^, ::>id is very clofe above the clay, wiiich is extremely hard, and covers the ftcne, which cannot fhew itfelf throu;.;h fuch a coverirg : It is therefore no luch furprize, that we obferve no (lone out of the earth in thcfe plains and on thefe eminences. All thele high lands are generally meadows and forefts of tall trees, witli grafs up to the knee. Along gullies they prove t© be thickets, in which wood of every kind is found, and alfo the fruita ' ot the country. N ^ h ^v. v^ It § (128/ Ifay, wJro, perhaps, were not (o w-li pleafc*! with liich neighbours, were flill niore/rightcnccl ;it feeing a (hip enter the rivir, which tieJcrmmeti them to flop its paflage ; but this was impoffible, asl-ng r.s the Engiiili had any wind, ot which Ihey availed tliemfelvcs quite to tj.:3 Reach. Thefc Indians were flic Oua- chas and Chaouichas, who dwelt to tl.c Weft of the Rlifliirippi, and beiow this Re.ich. Tliere were of them on era/i fide of the river, anired f.f iue- nd V, ,;ritcd to nicor in ti;ir. fj ot, puipolo they mail bring a rope But the Indians ftiot a peat at rows at tlieni, tiii the report ti, hrcd at random, fcattereil f^;ive the fij;nal to ih.eEiijinh beard, for fear the I,-.ii...r.3 re in greater number, ami tut •CCS. tl.o crJ^in of ihe name of this ( 130 )■ Kcr.ch. T;iMlf]i!rippi. A league benind the town, dirediy b:ck iTMa the river, we inect with a Bayouc orcredt, «'hich can bear hirgc boats wit!i oars. In following this Ruyouc for the Ipaceof a league, we goto ilie lake St, Louis, and after traverfing obIic|ucly this l.iit, we meet the Chanticls, which lead to Mobile, where I began my defcription ofthe nature of the foil of Louifiana. The ground on which New Orleans is fitu.ited, being an earth accumulated bjr tiie ooze, in the fame manner as is that -both below and above, a good wxj from the capital, is of a good qudity for agriculture, only that it is ihong, and 4 U ,[• ? \k < fihi I i!)' .■'i (130) ralher too fat. This land being flat, an,' drowned by the inuiidatiuiis tor Lvcral ngib, cannot fail to be kept in moif. ture, tliero being, moreover, only a :r.ol; of b;,nk to I'levent the rivi,r from over- flowing it; .'.Jiiiwouki be even toou;oill, and incapable of cultivation, had not this mole been made, and ditches, clofe to each other, to facilitate the drninii!|; off the waters: J3y this means it Ls been put in a cuiiOiiion to be cuhivatcJ witli uiccefs. From New Orleans to Manc*hac en tSie call: of the Miliiirippi, twenty live league's aboveithe capital, and cjuuo in the toik to tlie well, ainiolt ovcr-agr.inil, Manchac, and a little way off, the 1^- are of the fame kind and au;^j^:'\v4 thofe of New (>.=eans. -* To the well, above the Fork, tlie I«rids are pretty flat, but e«mpt from in- uhdations. The part beft known of thefelands iscalledB;iya-Ogoula, a name framed of liayouc antl Ogoula, which Cgnifies the nation dwelling near the Bayouc ; tlicre having been a nation of that name in that place, when tlie firft FrcncShmen came down the Miiliirippi ; it lies twenty-live leagues from the capi- tal. 50 flit. This land being flaf, ap>i I by the inuiidaliuns tor fcvcnl iVAot fail to bo kept in moif. Tc being, moreover, only a :r.ol; to pi event the rivv.r from over- it; .w.iiwoulu be even loon;oill, pabie of cultivation, had not s been made, and ditches, ciofe Dther, to facilitate the drnininu i'.Uers : 13y this means it lus in a cuuOiilon to be cuIiiv.itcJ :ofs, New Orleans to Manchac en of the Miiiilhppi, twenty live aboveithe capital, and cjuito in to t!ie wcil, alniolt over-agr.inil , an. I a little way offi the l^«ji»- ; fame kind and au;i}j^ywit^ Mew Ovl-inns. le viell, above the Fork, the pretty Hat, but exempt from in- i. The part beft known of Is IscalledBaya-Ogoula, a name iBayouc and Ogoula, which the nation dwelling near the tlicre having been a nation of (in that place, when tlie firft ;n came down the MiiliiFippi ; lUy-Iive leagues from the capi- (131 Cut to tlie eaft, the lands are a good (leal higher, feeing from Manchac to the river Wabache they are between an hun- dred and two hundred feet higher than the MiiniTippi in its greateft floods. The Hope of thcfe lands goes off perpendi-u- lr.rly from the MiiTifTippi, which on that (ide receives but few livers, and thufe very fmall, if we except the river of the Yafous, whofe courfe is not above fifty leagues. All thcfe high lands, are, befides, fur- mounted, in a good many j)laces, by little eminences, or fmall hills, and rifing grounds running off lengthwife, with gciuic Hopes. It is only when we go a little way from tlie Milfiffippi, that we find thefe high- lands are over-topped by little mountains, which appear to be all emh, tho' fteep, without the leall grav- d or pebble being perceived on them. The foil on thefe hi-h lands is very good ; it is black, light mold, about three feet deep on the hills or rifing grounds. This upper earth lies upon a'veddifhclay, very arong and ft iff $ the lower places between thefe hills are of the fame na- tuie, but there the black earth is between nvc and fix feet deep. The grafs grow- H'-g in the hollows is of the height oi a ■f A -it- H At m i If 1 ( w« ) man, and very flendev and fine ) wherets tliC grais of the faine meadow on tin high lands rifcs fcarce knee deep ; as it does on the higheft eminences, unlcfs there is found fomething undcrncith, which not only renders tlio grufs fliorter, but even prevents its growth by tho eifi- cacy of fcmi the eaith. I llooptd, in crdtr better view of it, and I obfcrv. , which to the eye appeared pro- (uilding, and tlie upper part w:;J , which IS peculiar to ihe couu- try. I wns highly pleafcd tlius to af- tertain, that then.- was Hone i.- for building in this inloiiy, wlscre it waa inngincil there is noiic, bcc ;uie it tUes wt come out of the earth to Ihew ;L- felt. It is not to be wondered, that ihcrc is none to be found in Lower Louiii.,!: i, M'hicJi is only an earth accumulated ly ooze } but it is far more extraordinary not to fee a flint, nor even a pebble on the Liis, for upwards of an hundred ic;j;iies fomctinies; however this is a thing com- mon in this province. I imagine- 1 ought to aflign a reafon for it, M uich feems pretiy probable to mc. This land has never been turned, or '!ug, and is very clofe above the clay, wliich is extremely hard, and covers the ftone, whic'i cannot (hew itfelf tIirou;.;h fuch a coverirg : It is therefore no luch furprize, that we obferve no flonc out of the earth in thcfe plains and on thefe eminences. All thele high lands are generally meadows and foreAs of tall trees, with grafs up to the knee. Along gullies they prove t© be thickets, in which wood of every kind is found, and alfo the fruits ■ vi tlie country. N ( i^'^ ) /^Imofl ;illthcfc liiiids on tlic cai\ of th-- 1 ivcr ;irc lutii as I liave , bJt pndi.ce (/a.intitiL's oi wood- flrawhcr lies in tlie ir.oni h of April ; for the fo'lowinr nionths the profpecl is dnrminij, v.c frarcc ob/me a f,h of grafs, n:,brs Wiiat we t.cad under loot , tlie f.o-.\-tis, ;ill tiicfc liinds on the caft of re liitJi as I liave tlofcviloil ; iiKMtlows arc on tlioCo lu-h liiofe Hope is very gentle ; we tre tall loreds, and tliicketi; bottoms. In the meadows ,\e e anil there jjrovcs of very t,. 11 t oaks, to tJie number of iour- liundred at molt : There are )out forty or fifty, which fcein -r planted by men's hands in ows, for a retreat to the buf- r, and otiier animals, and a lift itorms, and the lUng of forefls arc all hiccory, or iill fc laft we find a great mr.!,y it thvn tlicre grows a Cpocics nsatths feet of felled walnnt- !i tlie Indians caiefuily pi- ed of tl^e-ii, and found tJicm ('ows are not only covered 't fn- jaihiro, hut pndiice dI wod-flrawbcrrics in tlie April ; for the fo'.'owin^f ■ Iiroipecl is dnrmiiiij, v.c "0 a pile of prafs, jril^fs ;ad under loot, tli;; Hq-axis, ( 1.5 ) •!)l'^•.ch are then in all their !)enuty, ex- hibit to the view the molt ravi'hing fi'ht, being d'.vcrfiiijd withi.ut end : oae ia par i>uhir I ha'', remarked, \vl\;ch wivuld adorn the moll beautiful parterre j I mean tht ; kn s mouth fgtiifL' tie Lion.) T.'hcre meadows alvord ncit only a charming prolpc(ft to the eye, thoy, ni'jreovor, plentifully produce excolleiit fir.iplcs (eqna.ly with tall v.'oo.ln; iis veil for the pnrpofcs of med'ciucs r ; of dvi-ng. When all tiiefi plants are burr.r, and a fmall rain comes nn, muthrooms of an ex dent fiuvour fu^ceed to thcr.;, And whiten the furldce of the mcad,.v,3 all ovlV. Thofe rifing meadows and tall forcfls abound with buiTaiojs, c!k, and .leer, \\'n\\ turkeys, partrido,cs, and all kinds of game-, confjqucnily wolvcr,, cati- niounts and olh-rs carnivorous animals are found there; v.liich iii follow -i^tha other animals, dcftroy and dcvoin- lach as are too old or too fat •, and when th2 Indians go a hunting, thefe animals ars fure to have the ofl'al, or hound's foe, wliich make them follow the hunters. Thcfe high lands naturally produce mulberry trees, tlie ^caves of which are vcrv [^ratcf ul to the filk-worm. Indij^o, r m I- ii ( 136 ). in like mnnner, prow, tlior. aKv,, ,i„ -;-m.iy well K!.,.ed' Couo^";!*,;.;: f-"'tivdfcil to •MA^e : Whtf.it and ;;xtir,ve bettor n-.l more ealily tlu-re M'T ''^'^¥ ^"'^ '■•" i "•hii is '! a,.e..arho,.htu'Kmu the lands J .,„ ,caK,n,,oi; butth. cuttonand tl.e o. Oa ,in excellent u.Uiire. I'lfim- tnufs hig!. lands to the e^i^l c/tJicM :.,fipi,i, frt.,, MaMda to th. r.ver W^b.^cho. ,nny an.l unght to con! ta,n mmos. We find in them. Tu peaiaiue of filver mines; gold there •".ybe, copper allb, and lead. * Let us return to Manchac, where I Su.tted the M./n/r.ppi ; which I ftall • ofs, in order to vi(it tl,e weft fide a« I have already done the eaft. { SlZ '•.'-t 10 the eaft j but isftili more drya«4 "ner, prows tlicre alov-r ,|,e ^■•tlr.ujt a:ltur3. Th -re alio a 'CO IS fouii.l growi m wi!.|. "Iture of wIiichT ,s .voll for es oi ribacc), thefe land* a e well Ki.i|.ted. Cotton is alio to aciv.i.t.^re : Wi.^.a a,,j betfor !,..! more ealily tlu-re. tio.vntovvaraitlv^ capital, the l'Ci:!^r too fat ; which is i'lg . iiii.ee.!, cm's to.ne thorc ■'o'f i''^'" i.i the luiuls ; „,„ i but t]i.« a.uou an«l tlie o. Uions aro ne.iJier fo llron-r aero, amltl.e.ropsofthea MU il.ltillV. •ofltab'p, tiio' the Ijil be '>"f* hii;!. I.uuls to the c^(l ihn->h from Ma.Kl aj to the ^hc mnyan.l ought to con- .We find ,n them, juft at iron and pitcoal, but jio ap- filver miaos ; g^jj j,,^;:^ per alio, and lead. Miiriffij^p, ; which I fliall er to vi(it the weft fide, as ^ done the caft. I (hall be- weft coaft, which refembles "i outisftilinioredryan4 ( 137 ) birren on the fliore. On quitliiip tint rxxilt of white and cryital fand, in or- (Iv-r to go northward, we nuct live or fix lakes, which communicate with one anotiier, and which are, doubtlefs, re- miins of the fca. Between thefc likc.< ami the RliiniFippi, is an earth ac( ubiu- Litcil on tlie fand, and formed by the oo/c of th.it river, as I faid ; between !!'.'(e lakes there is nothm;^- but fand, on >vhich there is fo little cartli, that the tiiid-bottoni appears to view ; fo tint ^v..' lind there but little paftmo, which Idiiv; ftrayed bn Haloes come to cat ; and no trees, if we except a hill on the banks cf one of thcfe lakes, which is all covered with evergreen oaks, fit for liiin-building. This Ipot may be a lengue in length by half a league in breadth ; and was called Barataria, becaufe enclof- ed by thefe lakes and their outlets, to foi-iii alinotl; an ifland on dry land. Tiiefe lakes are ftored with monftrous carp, as well for fize as for length ; wliich flip out of the MiffiiTippi and its •nuddy ftream, whea overflowed, in fearch of clearer water. The quantity of flih in thefe lakes is very furprifing, efpocialljr as they abound with vaft num- bers of allegators. In the neighbour- N2 jlr :*1 I/J ( 188 ) Iioo«l of tbefp lakes arc fome petty m- tioiis of iniliariii, wlio partly live on tliu an^pl ioious animal. liotwtcn ihefe lakes and the hank of tlio MiirHippi, thcio is fonie thin her< bi.j;e, una among others, natural hcn.p, which i:i( \vs !i,.t' trees, and very b'an< li- ed, liiis di«l not furprize us, a^ each fl.^nt Hands very ot fcttletl thvre at nt ; and w'lO coul t hinder us from making advantageous fettlenient in tiuit cou-.-try. I relume the banks of the MiOifTippi, above the lakes, and the lands above th« fori*, which, as I have fu.iiciently ac- •JiUiUcd the reader, are none of the licfl ; and I go up to the siorth, in order to follow tlie fame m«ilio» moil, ulio iifvor friijiuiit llicie u viu. trios 5 nor v ) never frcijiuiit tlicic n vm- rtiliiuictc'd l)y woives or li^: .!>, •p mote to tlif north, inty I li;ivejiill(!ol"i'ril)eH r ■. I "••••.I iiitir or- I Either M > ; ! "'""■■' ■'"'"•»' ■•'■■■11 IJ^o bank, of the Red River, towarcia ^'IJ ( H2 ) »ts conflucncr, are pretty low, and fosr,-. t'nu.-, tirowiR'd by the ir.uiuu.tions oi'thc ^:lll.lnlv,.l ; bm above all, the north i.i\v. V li ih is but a m^irfliy l.iiul ior up- Vk\',ra,5 nf toil lo.ijiiics, in yoing up la the Nachiccclics, ml we cc.uie to iho Bl xk liver, which falls into the Red, 'i his l^ft tukes its nsmc iicm the colcvr of its iiiui, which is reil in le\er:il pincts, It is nifo called the Mun;c, ananu- gi\xn it by l"i;ir,e Gf cgrtiphcrs, but unknown in the country. Hoirie c.ill it the river of the Niicluicche'^, becauic they dv :1 on its banks. But the appellaticn, HA river, has vemaineii to it. Bolweeu the Uiack river and the Red river the foil is but very lii^ht, and even. f.auly, vhere we find more lirs tk;i other trees ; wc obfcrve thcroin"fc:;c ir.arihrs. But thofe land", the* not .':!■ together barren, if cultivated, v.-o-.!l be none of the bod. Th?y_ C(i".r„.r: ifefuch alon.g the bnnVs cf the river, c-J) C to the rapid part of it, thirty Icgu- i from the MilWli]^p;. This rapid [.r; Cannot juflly he called a fall ; hov.'cvc . we can fcarce go up with oars, w!.C!t I laden, but mult land and tow. I inii- gine, if the waterman's pole was ufeci, '.-■ on the Loire and other rivers inFianu, ws ( H2 ) ncr, nre pretty low, and fr.sr,,;^ wui'dby the ir.uiur..tions ol'th 1 •, but above all, the nortli ih is but a m^ivfliy l.iiul ior up- toii lo.ijiiics, in going up to itcclics, nil we cc.uie to iho cr, which falls i))to the Red, tukcri its rismeivcm thccolcir i, which is red in l't\crnl pintcs, called the M:.n:c, atianu- given ne Gfcgrtiphcis, but unknown untry. Soiric c.\ll it the river acliiiechc'?, becauic they dv :1 -.IvG, But the "ppellaticn, llA s i-emained to it. cu the r>i;;ck river and the Red Icil is but very lij^ht, and even. h.erc we fiv.d more nrs tk;! [?s ; wc obfcrve thcTcin"lc:;c But thofe Innd", the' rot n!- barren, if cultivated, vovM of the bod. Th?y co-u;;:;;; v.g the bmiVs cf the river, only ■apid part of it, thirty Icgiv i ; MilWlijp';. This rapid pr; iflly he called a fall ; howcvc , j carce go up with oars, when I ut mult land and tow. I im^- lie waterman's pole was ufeci, ;•■ oire and other rivers in Frantt, ( HS ) t!::s ul-flacle would be caflbly furmount- i -.e South fide cf this river, rupte to r.;p:d part is o-uirdy clidcrent ironi the (ip(.iiie luie. It is fomethii!,. hi-hcr,and r:. -5 1.1 proportion as itapprulc!l^s to the height I luv.^ mentioned ; the iniihty is alK.vory duierent. This land is good •lulhght, appcvirs dilpofed to r.^-^i^e ,|i ■■■^^ culture imaginable, in which v/e* ray ailurtu.'y hope to rucc-ul. It n .- liuallyprodLiccs beautiful fruit trccj; and M'les m plenty ; it was on that (i.i ■ 1..U ca.luie gripes were found. The -c.k parts have neater wood , ?ud t',' nennow,'-. iiiterfcaed with t;dl forcils" 0 ! mat li ic :he fruit trees of the comu ' '■y .-re common, above ail, the hiccory =;'ciwahmt trees, which are fure ii'DiJ- teii, ofagood foih Fiom the rapid part to theNu-M- l"Caes, tiic ];;:uU on both fides oft;, Is ruTi- iulhciently reO^inble tl.!.i\; J l,.ve !''^' me:uio.ed. To the left, J,, .ohrr "i-. t:i|Te ,s petty nation, caOnT the 'V.oyeJes, and known only for the r.r- y^J they h, ve done t!ie colony by t'le ';;'''es oxen and cows they have ■„ .t '-'■' ^v.>v... Mexico for the R-rvice c.f th- ■! i'cv.'-iMexico for the k-r •i-'li in Louiliaiia. 1 aai Ignorant. i 144 ) \i what view the Indians have in that com- nierce ; but I well know, that notwith- llandiiig the fatigues of the journey, thele cattle, one wiih another, did mt come, after decli'cling all expences, and even from the fecoiid hand, but to tvo pilloles a-iiead ; wlientt." I ought to ] re- fume, that they have them cheap in New-Mexico. By n.eiins of this natioii we hav:,' in Louifiana very bcautiftl horfes, of the Ipccits of tliofe of Oid 8, '.'.in, which, if marnged or trr.ined, p :. pie cf the firil rank night ride. As ,to iieoxer. niid ccws, they ;;re the fame as -licfe of France, and both arc at p ro fc.;. ' ery common in Lcuifiana. The 'cutl: lide conveys irto the Red river oi.ly little brc ks. On tie r.crth fde, aid pretty ne;ir the N. ci itcrl.ts, .t'ure 13, as ip ',■.'.(', a fprii\'r of wpior ve. J/ fait, running only four lerguts. This fprin^, a n ^v.ii.c's cut oi the c:irtl), forms 1 ii''' river, which, during the hears, le.vib feme laitcn its banks. Ar.d what m ) render thi: n ore credible is, that Jic ii.lry, whence it takes "ts rife, contains gieat deal of mineral l^!t, vhichd U.I. vers iffeJf by fe\cral fprirt;* of (bit W.V.I, .ird by two fait lakes, of ^'lach I iliali piefently fjeak. In lire, 4:^ - 1 4' i 144 ) the Indians have in that com- t I well know, that notwith- ;ie fatigues of tlie journey, , one wiih another, did mt r tlotli'cliiig all expences, and he fecc'iid hand, but to tvo ead } Wiientt." I ought to ] rc- t they have tlieni cheap in CO. By niciins of this natioii in Louifiana very beautiful the Ipccit s of tlioie of Oid ich, if marpged or trr.ined, he firll rank night ride. As niid cows, they i;re the fame France, and both arc at pre- cmmon in Lcuifidna. tl: lide conveys irto the Red little brr< ks. On tie rcrth ^retty ne;ir the N. a itc.rl.ts, i 'p '-.^f', a (]-rw'T of wpier ve. inirg only four lerguts. This u iv.n.e& cue oi the ciirtli, i''' river, which, during the b fcn-'e lait en its banks. Ard render ihi: n- ore credible is, ■11. try, whence it tr.kcs -ts rife, great deal of n.incral f;:!t, .vers iffelt by fe\cral fprirgs >r, .;rd by two fait lakes, of ali piefently fpeak. lu lire, ( 1*5 ) in going up we come to the French fert of the Nachitoches, built in an ifland, formed by tke Red River, This ifland is nothing but fand, and that fo fine that the wind drives it like dull ; fo that the tobacco attempted to be cultivated there at firft was loac'cd with it. The leaf of the lObacco hav- ing a veiy fine down, eafily retains thia fand, which the leaft breath, of airdif- fufes every where j -which is th« reafoq, that no more tobacco is raifed in tlii's illand, but provtfions only, as maize, potatoe», pompions, &c which cannot t^t damaged by the fands. M ■ de St. Dennis commanded at this , where he infmuated himfelf into lie good graces of the natives in fuch a . manner, that, although theyprefer death' toflavery, of even to the government of it fovereigii, however mild, yet twenty' I or twenty-five nations were fo attached I to his perfon, that, forgetting they were I bom free, they willingly lurrendeted*;* themfelves tQ him ; the people andth«irlA chiefs w^uld all have him for their grand^ chief ?fo that at the leafl fisfnal, he could put himfelf at die head of thirty thoufandmen, drawn out of thofe nat tiomi, which had of their ovm accord' » 1 i i} i ,1 I ( UG ) .■fubmittcd themfelves to liis orders; and that only by lending them a paper on whicli he drew the ufual hieroglyphics that reprefent war among them, with a large leg, which denoted liirnfelf. This was Hill the more furprifing, as the grcateft part of t'lefe people wore on the tipanifli territories, and ought rather to have attached themfelves to them, than to the French, if it had not been for the perfonal merits of the commander. At the diftance of feven leagues from the Freiich port, the Spaniih hive fet- tled one, where they have refidcd ever hnce M. de la Motte governor of Lou- ifiana, agreed to that fettlement. IIuiow not by what fatal piece of policy the Spaniards were allowed to make this fettlement ; but I knov, that, if it had ^pt been for the French, the na- tives would never have fuffercd the Spaniards to fettle in that place. However, fevcral French were allured to this Spanifli fettlement, doubtleffs imagining that the tains which come from Mexico, rolled and brought gold along with them, which would coft no- thing but the trouble of picking up.— But to what purpofe fervcs this beauti- ,fu! metal, but to make thei people vain ( UG ) :hemfelves to liis orders ; and >y lending them a paper on rcw the ufual hieroglyphics cat war among them, with a /hich denoted liinnfelf. This he more furprifin^r, as the t of t'lofe people wore on the ritoricR, and ought rather to fd themfelvcs to them, than :h, if it !iad not been for the rits of the commander, ftance of feven leagues from port, the Spaniih hive fet- here they have refidcd ever la Motte governor of Lou- d to that fettlement. I know t fatal piece of policy the vere allowed to make this but I knov, that, if it had for the French, the na- l never have fuffered the > fettle in that place. fevcral French were allured anifh fettlement, doubtleffs hat the tains which come o, rolled and brought gold hem, which would coft no- e trouble of picking up purpofe fervcs this beauti- Jt to make the people- vain ( ^J■7 ) .nd idle among whom it f,s Co comn.o., ndtom.kethemne«leathecult.„eo ^K. art,. ,,h.ch conit.tutes true riches b the Averts .t procures to man .„,d by the advantages it furninies to com- Above the Nachitochcs dwell the- C:ido.iaqux,u.s wliole fcattered viiJaccs u.umo u.iJ.r.nt nu.nes- Pretty ne oc of the vuia,..s M'as difcovered a f^lver-mme, which was found to be- nch, theaflayof .t,andits ore is very fine. rn.s.finc.r..cs concealed infmull iuvinble ' F t.c!es ,r. a ftoae of a chefnut colour, alcmable : However, it pelds a ^rj Tli T" '??. " P'^°'"'^"'^« ^« the eve. ' li.e afTay of this ore was made by a For- ^"^"f'-.^ho kad worked at the mines of iV-Ti; Mc-xu-o, whence hcmade his efcape. ' e appeared to be mafter of his bufmifs, aiid afterwards vtfitcd other mines farther M, but he ever gave the preference to that of the ;?«'}W| is abnoft quite coyered by- # ( I'is i" aJ falls into the Miffilfippi, * and odd minutes, bovc, that the Black river dif. felf into the Red, ten league* confluence of tins Uft with the . We now proceed to refurac and follow its courfe, after fevved that the li(h of all thole ich communicate ^ith the Mil- e tlio fame as to fpecies, but fit lie Red and lilack rivers, becauf( I or is clearer and bettor titan i.e Miiriffippi which tliey nl- t with pleafure. Their deK- fmcf .flavour may alfo arife frora [linient they take in thefe ri- nds, ol wliich we aio going tc ; lo the North of the Red River. r be diAinguiflicd into two parts; re to the right and left of tk iver, in going up to its fource, ; ..3 far a- the river of the Au It.ia tjlled the Black River, b(N depth givta :t th.it colour, whick I over, heightened by the woods ae it throughout the Colony. All V have tlieir banks covered with but this river, which is yety nar- 1 abnoft quite coyered by-di^j ( 1*9 ) Wauches, and rendered of a dark coio-r o/i the (irlt vic-w. It is fonictimes tulicil the nver of thtf Wachita., becaufe its bankj were occupied by a nation of that name, who arc now extina. I fhall ton- ».iue to call it by its ufu J name. The lands which we diredliy find on both fides, are loxv, and continue thus forihefpace of three or four leacues t'il we come to the river of the Taenfas* tiiui denominated from a nation of rhat name, which dwelt on its banks; This rive- of the Teanfao is properly fijoaking but a 7'"i".^l^r'^*^^ ^y ^^"^ overflowimrs of the M.flilllppi, has its courfe almolt pa- niJel Jiiereto, and feparates the low lands [" M-'^r ^''^^^'- '^'^'^ ^-"^''^ between if.e Milh^p, and river of the Tcanfas aie the fame as in the Lover Louiluvi... I he lands we find in go-n- up ,he «l2c.i river are neiriy the fame, as wclJ for the nature of the foil, as for their good qualities. They are rifing grounds. - Mtenduig in length, and which in sd. neral may be confidered as one very extenfive meadow, diverfified with litMo gtovo?, and cut only by the Black river ;!iul intle Lrooks, bordered with woo.I lip to their fources. Buflaloes and deer Mcfoen in whole herds there. In a>. ' .02 n it*'' } :i1 Jii (lAO) preaching to the river of tlie Arliuiif u, deer and pheafints begin to be very coni- mon } and the fame Ipecics of game it found there, as is to the call of the MilTif- fippi; in like manner vrood-ftr a wher- ries, fiitiples, flowers and mufhroomi. The onlr diffbronci is, that tli'.s fide of the Mifliifippi is more level, there being no lands fo high and fo ver v difterentfrom the reft of the country. The woods are like thofe to the eaft of the MiflifTippi, except that tothe weft there are more wal- nut and hiccory trees. Thefe laft arc ano- ■ tlier fpecics of walnut, the nut (if which arc more tender, and invite to thefe parts a greater number of parrots. What we harejuftfaid, holds in general of this weft lide / let us now confider what is peculiar thereto. After we liave gone up the Black ri- ver about thirty leagues, we find to tlie left a brook of fait water, which conies from the weft. In going up this brook about two leagues, we meet with a lake of fait water, which may be two league. in length, by one in breadth. A jcaguc higher Up to the north, we meet with another late of fait water, almoft as )r^ and broad as the former. '•This water, doubtUfs, paflbs througli. 1 : 1 » I to the river of tlie Arkutif u, ^heafants begin to be very coni- i the fame Ipeclcs of game it re, as is to the call of the MilTif- like manner vrood-ftrawbcr- )lc8, flowers and mufhroomi. diffbroiice is, that tliis Hde of fippi is more level, there being 0 high and fo ver v diflerentfrom F f he country. The woods are ; to the call of the MiflilTippi, it tothe weft there are more wal- iccory trees. Thefe Jaft arc ano- :ics of wahmt, the nut df which tender, and invite to thefe parts number of parrots. What we faid, hold* in generaK of this / let us now coiifider what is hereto. ive liave gone up the Black ri- : thirty leagues, we find to the ok of fait water, which conies weft. In going up this brook 0 leagues, we meet with a lake iter, which may be two league. , by one in breadth. A league ) to the north, we meet with ilce of fait water, almoft as Jmij 1 as the former. water, doubtlefs, paflbs througli. ( 131 ) tome mines of fait i ■ it hM the tuflc of fait, without that bitternels of the fca- watcr. The Indians come a great way oil" to tliis place, to hunt in winter, and make fait. Before the French trucked loppers with thetir, they made upon the fpot pots of earth for this oper.«iun. And they returned home, loaded with fait ■ rnd dry provifion. To the eaft of the Bhck river we ob- - ferve nothing that indicates mines ,- but to the weft one mi^htaiHrm there fliould , b« fome, from certain m.nks, which might well deceive pretended connoif- fcurs. As for my part, I would not war- rant thr.t there were two mines ^a tint part of the country, which foems to pro- miftf them. I lliould rather bo lei! ;a believe, that there are miies of fait, at no great depth from the furl ace, which, by their volatile and acid fpirite prevent the growth of plants in thofe fpots. Tenor twelve leagues above this brook is a creek, mar which thofe Natchez re- treated who efcaped being made flaves with the reft of their nation, when the Meffrs. Perier extirpated them on the eaft fide of the river, by order of the Court. The river takes its rife to the north \YeftQf its coailuence, and pretty nc:\r Nf I ) ^« river of tlio Arki-.fus i.ito \,|,u,!, i-lis .. Ura-if', iron tlus rue or fuurce • by mraHS vf w'-idi v/c h,i»e a con' inu.ucation from tlio oie to the otinr wita a mi Ki;i„^r carriage. Tiua comma. n.Citio 1 MT.th the nvw of Arkimf^s is uiv vr.mI,of an huulreai.M^uc.i fron, tl,. rolk of th.t na.n.. In oti.cr refpcrl,; t.iisliiuck rlrorml^rhf carry .itxut throu rh. ouMt Ic.irod oftlie wood fallf,, if.to Its he.l, wluch genenily traver.'.s it Jt froii OMefi.le to the other. Jt r>. ceiv..» fome bro<.k,, and aboandr. in "cchemfilh and i;i :ilij»ator^ I uke no doujr hut t!i?ie I,,nd-, are v^ry ,u to be,r and produce every thiuff ih It r.vn bj c.Jttvutcd with (u:c,^< on the c«it 01 t!>. MilH/lippi. „p ,.^,e to this n*ic, c^cpt the ;a-uoM or quarter be- iHr" "?'" "''^''cTacni-.s and the M"hfup.M ; that land being fuhjefl t. «>,. ,ulat,uM, mnild bcproperonly '.r rice, i i:nafiine we m;-.y no^ paft oa o the north ot thc.ivcroft!ieArka.U3, w.. :h akc« ,t8 nfe n the r.ouauinu adjoining CO the cafl of Sanfa Fc. ^ *• It aficrv/.,rds goes « litiJe to the north, froni whence it co.-ncs down to the ioutlu a httle lower than its fourcc. In of tlic Ai•!l-^l|^u^, l.ito \f\in^^ ■^'iiron tills me or fourcn J of \v'\icli wc h,ive a co.iu from tijo one to the otiior aiin^r carriage. Tiua comma- til the rivetr ot Arkunfns is an. J huulrcJ l.M^uw from th* : mnf. In otiicr rcfpcrls. •^ermi^'hfcnrry.itjo.itthrou^Th. '?il oftlie waotl fallpi, i;,t(, luch geiit-r-iily traven'.s it e n.le to I he other. It row - bro doiijr hut t!i?ie I.mds nre •^rand produce every thing idnvatcd with fii,TT"i'on the ^Tillinippi, oppo.lte to this tue ;a-iioii or quarter hs- vcr oftheTaciiias and the that Imd being rul>jefl tj ■ould bcproperonly '"it rice. *'ein;iynoA'paft oa othe •vcroftheArkanfas, wi. :h •I the :r.outiuinu adioinini? Sanfa Fc. ** !s goes « little to the north, ir co:r!cs down to the lower tha:j its fourcc. In ( >W ) iliin mailnor it forrni aliuc pirallel ahnofi witli thf ilod river. Tint rivir h.is a cUArifl, or f dl, at a- luut an h'.:»lrea a;id fitty Imbues fr'>m its conllu'incc. Before wc co.wi to tins fill wo find x quarry of red- veined m r- hle, one of Iht..', and one ot plallor.-— Sjine travellers, have there obferved grains of gold in a little brook. But a$ (liey happened to b; goinjj in quell of a rock of emerald i, they deigned not to a- mufc themfelves with picking up parti- cles of gold. r ■ n. I This river of the Arkanf^as u Itor.Hl Nvith fiih i has a great deal of v^'ater •, lu- ring a courfe of two hdmh-ed and Utljr leagues, and can carry brj? boats quitt tothccataraa. Its banks are covered with woods, as arc all the otlier rivers of the country. In its coUrfe it receives fcveral brooks, or riyulots, of little con- fequence, unlefs wc except tliat caded tha White river, and v hich iifolurges llfelf into the curve or elbow of that wc are fpeaking of, and below its fall. In the whole traa nurth of this nvcr, we find plains that extend out of Agli** whicfc ar.; vail meadows, interfered by groves, at no great diftanct .from one another, which are tall woods, where ',4 h 1.^1 t •::(: "-• i>-=.'.o»;cv;;.}i;: ■''om Jlavi:.,; f,„, ,| , ■ . f"Sl>lu.ul .-, ,1,0 l,.„il ,:,:.,' r'":"!"'; -..;.; „«r,.:.o ,■;;„*„■; ';:;::;; ■ii.;-;..rr<,,,,uria™:,::;'-''°^''">' -i-itl :Sr j;;';;:^' s::':i- "- ""-■ top ol the outHdc rn h M,i .• ■ i ^ ' PUtm\. handle ^e^f^n;• ''•''' '° "*«-'r Kdrt,, and aiot precipitate hiivi:ii7 '1 rt tJif Iciiii '"^f'" tlt..c ri.,;n,.j, t'l c •^jec;.,ly nfhof letriiary. ' Hone. ar. l„d veVy che.., in ;j -"Ki )nu,nfui,;ed almoa /W 'neclwnl.acrc-rccntromev.Jut 0 ou,..ero have a uicker, to nd'y nieMammi',crol';,co. ■•^•"••^gomqucft of a herd •»"|i^Kv:|y«..itack them with ."".true, they run awav- ? " ot the horCes they v,^]i irK'drs, and not precipitous . ( M5 ) their fi;-,hf ; whereas the report of i «, « tri„'ht.n.thcmro,,«toinaketht.mrunatfun ir;v-ii'.thHci..cc,thoiighu.ftwou ,t 'ut<-nou^'h;huttheoldc)J, nmU-ven tV yuunirof tvvi.or three, years old, are 1., f u th,tthe.r„-e.gl>tvrouIdn,.,kc thorn hnm mjih.kothcbulFJowithhiscrekent .W each h.m, and cut hi, tendons •'■ '■' ^'">-'i '"^ ■» ♦'•'fily maltoreJ. Such "never faw a bu,T..!o, ^vill hardly bo- liove the qu.uit.ty of fat th.y yl.old. but it -mghtto Ix- conndere.!. that continuiuR .r;>"'l">gl»t ui plentiful pailure, of t.,Mme(t andnioi't delicious grafs.thov mul lo,m fatten, and tlut from thbir ymirh. Of tins we hare an inftance in h u!l at the Nachez, which wa, kep" ll.ll he WIS two years old, and grew fo tit, that we were obhijed to kill him. |K got ni^h anhundretrand fifty pounds >t allow from him. His neck W^s near - I'sbigashis boify. J Frc;) what I hare faid. it may ba |uquarter, and overturns him, the odiers ftrangle him. ^ The wolves being m»ny in a body, kill not what is fufficient for one alone, but as man/ as they can before they be. fiti to eat. For this is the manner of the wolf, to kil) ten times more than he needs, eff^ecially when he can do it with ,?afe, and without interruption. _ Though the country I deTcrihe hM \ 156 ) ( loes being ordinarily the prey of a« betii^ too heavy to be able to heinfelves. ss, the wolves would not find cunt in attacking them i\\ hexis. 'ell known, th-t the buflaloes emfelves in a rii4;, tha ftrongeft , and the weakell within. The ftanding pretty clofe together, their horns to the enenvy, who attack them in this pofition.— ves, like all other animals, hzve rticular inftinfk, in order to pro- rir ncceflary food. They come that the bulTaloes frnell themfome which makes them run for it. The then advance with a pretty equal 11 they obferve the fatteft out of Thefe they attack before and oneof thetn feizes on the buffalo ind<-quarter, and overturns him, rs ftrangle him. wolves being many in a bo^y, what is fufiicient for one alone, lany as they can before they be> t. For this is the manner of the ) kiO ten times more than he r{^ecially when he can do it with d without interruption. ;h the country I defcribe hai ( 157 ) Tfiy extciifivc plains, I pretend net to f,iy, that tlicre are no rifinj grounds or hills 5 but they are n-.ore mre there than elfewhere, sfpecially on the weft fide, 111 approaching to New Mexico, we ob- fiirve great hills and fome mountains, fome of which are pretty high. I ought not to omit mentioning here, that from the low lands of Loui fiana, the MifliiFippi has feveral flioal banks of land in it, which appear very dry upon the falling of the waters, after the inun- dations. Thele banks extend more or lefs in length ; fome of them half a league, and not without a confiderable breadth. I have feen the Natchez, and other Indians, fow a fort of grain, which they called Choupichoul*, on thefe dry fand banks. This fand-received no man- ner of culture } and the women and diildren covered the grain any how with their feet) without takiiig any great pains ibout it. After this fowing, and man- ner of cuUure, they waited till Autumn, when they gathered a great quantity of the grain. It was prepared like millet, and very good to eat. This plant is vhat is called Bei/e Dame Sauvage—" which thrives in all countries, butre- *Ht/'8 'I good foil. And v/haterer good he foil in Europe may have, it at a foot and a half high ; and this find of the Milfufippi, it thout any culture, three feet ilf, and four feet high. Such •-.tuc of thi$ fand all up the pi } or, to fpeak more properly, ivhole length of its couife } if pt the accumulated earth of tlie ^ouifiana, acrofs which it pafles, ire it cannot Jeave any dry faad- Oecaufe it is ftraitened within 5, which as tlie river itfelf raifes, illy augments, I the groves and little forefts I ntioned, and which lie to the r the river of the Arkaafas, phea- i.irtridges, fnipes, and wood- re in fuch great numbers, that lo are moft fond of this game, ifily fatisfy their longing, as alfo her fpecies of game. Small birdi vaftly more numerous. y leagues above the river of the 8, to the north, and on the fame he MilfiiTippi, we find the river icis. lands adjoining to it are always wiih herd^ gf buflaloeS) not- < 159 ) withftnnding they are hunted every win- ter m thofe parts. For, it is this riven-, thst IS, ni Its neighbourhood, that the French and Canadians go and make tlioir filt provifiona for the inhabitants ef the capital, and of the neighbouring planta- tions, m which they are afllfled by the native Arkanfas, whom they hire for that purpofe. When they are upon th« ipot, tJicy cliufe a tree, lit to make a fcttyauger, which fervcs for a faltintr or poMdcring-tub in the middle, and is clol- ed at the two ends, where only is left room for a man at each extremity. The trees they choofe are ordinarilr the poplat, which grew on the bnnks of tfie water It is a white wood, foft and binding. The pettyaugers might be made of other wood, becaufe fuch are to be had pretty large ; but either too he^rvy for pettyauger, or too :.pt to (plit. lire fpecies of wood in this part of Lomfiana is tall oak ; the fields abound *ith four forts of walnut, efpeci...lly the black kind i fo called, becaufe it is a •iark brown colour, bordering on black ; mis fort grows very large. There are, befides, fruit trees in this :ountry, and it is there we begin to find onunonly papaw». W« have jilfo hcr« fcf. •it ,'Jt ( "CO , •ther tri'cs ofevory frfcu-s, more ov ]fU, accordini; :is the fuil is f.«\our.ible. iV»'i'e lands ill generiil are tit (o imKluce c/ • / thitig the lov.' Uml can yieiil, e.Mej.! and indigo. JJiit in roturi, wlwjt tiii;v.s extremely well. 'DiC vine is fini!i(lev> Tj where j the mulberry tre(; is i:i pie;i. fy ; lobacto grows fine, and of a gorj <]iinilty ; a« do cotton and garilen plshts, Hn that lay loading an cM'y ind agrcoable life in that country, wc mayf.i tl.e faint time be fure of a good return to Europe, The land which lies hetween theMiifi- iippi and the r:ver iS;. Francis, is full of rifnip grounds and mountain* of amid- illin^ lifigh.'-. which., according to ik ordinary iiiiications, contain fcveri mines. Some of them have been alfay- fd, among ine red, the rr.inc of Maia- meg, on t'u) little river of that n^ime; the crhcr mines v.pp;-'ar not to l-.c ibridi, nor fo eufy to be v.'o;k'*d. There *n foroe lead min«9, and oiucrs of copjir, »s is pretended. The mine of Ms.r?mep, which is ()':• vrr, is pretty nc^r tiie ccnfluence ol tl;e river which gives it iiame i which is a great advantage to tliofe who would worl it, becaule they might eafily, by that mean*, have their gfX)d$ from En- ( 160 ; ecs ofevuryfr'-'cU's, more nv Iffi, m; as the foil is f.«\a'ar.jblf. T i'iL> II geiieriil are tit (o imxiuce e/ • re i the mulberry tre(; is i:i pieii. oacto grows fine, an.l of ii gorj ; n« do cotton and gari'.en piouts, by loading an cM'y und agreeable that country, wc inayf.l ti.e faint i fure of a good return to Europe, land which lies between theMiifi- and the r:ver Si. Francis, is f'ill | jT i^jrounds and mountain* of amid, i'ifi^;!'.'-. which., ac-cording to il« I ry iiiiications, contain fcve:i Some of them have been alfay- lonp tne reH-, the mine of Maia- an t lie little river of that n.im?; ler mines v.pp-'ar not to !■.-:■ foridi, eafy to be worked. There *«[ ead nfiin«s, and oiucrs of copjicr,! •ctendc-d. ; mine of Mz.r?mep, which is I'l!" pretty ne^r tJie ccniliience oi tlit v'hich gives it iiame ; which is al advantage to tliofe who wouiil t, becaule they might eafily, byl lean*, have their gfX)d$ from Eu-I ( ici ) rope. It is fituate about five hundred leagues from the fea. M^ii^" ''o»»""c on the Weft fide of Milhflipp,, and to the north of the fa- mous river Miflouri, wliicli we are now to crofs. This river takes it* rife at eight hundred leagues diftancc, as is alleged, Irom the place where it difcharges itfelf mto the MiffifFippi. Its waters arcmud- if'r *^"'^'^' ^"^ charged with nitre , and thefe are the waters that make the Mifll.. ffippi muddy down to the fea, its waters bemg txtreoiely clear above the con- iiucncc of the Miffiffippi. The reafon JS, that the former rolls its waters over a land of pretty firm foil ; the latter, oi» tlie contrary, flows acrofs rich and clayey- lands, wheie little ftone is to be feen ; for though the Miflburi comeaout ofa mountain, which lies to the north-weft of New-Mexico, we are told, that ali the lands it pafles through are generally nch, that is, low meadows, and lands without ftone. This great river, which feems ready to difpute the preeminence with the Mifll- flippi, receives in its long courfs many- rivers and brooks, which confiderably- augment its waters. But except thofe, tlwthave received their namea Jt-om V2 iU C i*^2 ) ■♦i '■Vk: d the riven, hoing only known Ibme iiuucn of in»li;;.'s, m'Iio inhobit their ^.;r'».s, *:\^'.^. sre vtrr .'ew of the;' names «c cui be %ViH .iS-iiircd of, each travel! V [riving them (lifTerent appdl'- lutioiis. Ihe iVench Inviiig p^netrRtcd up tl.e Miiib»iri only for pbout thre< hundred »; agues .it ?r wMwh fall into its bill by the imli;vnr,, it is «>/ lir'ic impi.ntante wli.il- n;u2iies t' ;- in.,* bear at p-cfcnt, bwngbei";;'?!? in *roui:'.)y but little frc- qiientc-d. The river, which istl.ebeft known is that of the Ofages, (o c;, Id from a nation of thai name^ d ■ ching on its banks. It falls into the Mifiburi, pretty near its confiuenct. The larpeft known river which falls in- to the Miflburi, is that of tlie Can-zas ; uliich runs for near two hun J -_,.-» Ii ( 164 ) the people and the quality of the foil, ami traced out the route to tlioi* wlio may have a mind a make that journey ; and tvQu this we found neccflary to abridge in this tran ation. Ill this journey of M. de Bourgmcnt, mention is only made of what we meet ivith, from Fort Orleans, from which we fat out, in order to go to the Padcucas. Wherefore I ought to fpeak of a thing curious enough to be related, and which is found on the banks of Miflburi ; and that is, a pretty high cliff, upright from the edge of the water. From the middle cf this cliff juts out a mafs of red (tone with white fpots, like Porpliyry, with this difference, that what we are fpeak- ing of is almoft foft and tender, like (and-flone. It is covered with another fort of ffone of no value ; the bottom is an earth, i'ke that of otlier rifing grounds. This (tone is eafily worked, and bears -the moft violent fire. The Indians of the country have contrived to (trike off pieces thereof with their arrows, and .attcr they fall i^ the wjiter plunge for them. When tUey can procure piecee -thereof large enough to make pipes, they fafliion then' with knives and awls. This .pipe has afocket two or three inches long, ( 164 ) d the quality of the foil, aiul e route to tlioi* who may i a make that journey j and found neccflarjr to abridge in )n. iniey of M. de Bourgmcnt, )uly made of what we meet on Orleans, from which vre dcr to go to the Padcucas. ought to fpeak of a thing ijh to be related, and which le banks of Miflburi ; and tty high cliff, upright from le water. From the middle juts out a mafs of red ftone fpots, like Porpliyry, with s, that what we are fpeak- nolt foft and tender, like It is covered with another of no value ; the bottom is ;hat of other rifing grounds. 1 eafily worked, snd bears lent fire. The Indians of have contrivd to flrike reof with their arrows, and 1 ij> the wjiter plunge for » tKey can procure piecee fnough to make pipes, they vith knives and awls. This et two or three inches long, (-165 ) and o»i the oppofi.; fulc the figure of an hatchet i i'l the middle* ot all if the boot, or howl of the pipe, to put the tchacco in. Tl.-ff lort of pipes ;;re highly eftcem- cd among tl-.rin. All to the North of the MilTouri it en- liiely uiikiiown, unlcfj we will five cre- tlit to the lelutvons of dilFerent tiiivcllcrs.- but to which of them fliall we pvc the prrfertiice j n the frft place, they al- moll all contradid each other. And then, men of the n-'-n. esperience treat them as impoltors. Andtherefcre 1 clioofe to pay no regard to any of them. Let U8 therefore now repafs the Miflif- fippi, in order to refume the defcripticn of the lands to the er.lV, and which wc quitted at the Wabaclie. This river is diftant from the feafour hundred and fiAty (three hundred) leagues : it is rec- koned to have four hundred leagues in lengtli, from its fource to its confluence into the Mifllfflppi. it is called \Ya- bache, though, according to the ufual matliod, it ought to be called the Ohio, 01 beautiful river } feeing the Ohio i» known under that name in Canada, bt- forc its confluence was known. And as the Ohio takes its rife at a greater dif- tan«e»flr than the three others, whicW f.' % I i1 k m ( »«(^ ) mix to;T«thcr, Ivfor* they rmp'y th?m. fH cs into the MiiHirippi, this IhoaM m.'kf th.' otiifrs lole their names .- biit^cuilor. h,is prevailed w.. this occafi- ""• TIic j.. this occafi- 11 riv'''« ( 167 ) •Jify aro obliged to take. I'he river of tjie Miamii is thus tlie hrll to the north, which i.ills into OJ,;o j then X at (if the Chaouanons to the foutii ; tjul laltly, that of the Cherol.ees i all which ti^tther oinpty themlclvcs into Jlie Riliiiiippi. This is what ve call t!ie Wabache, and what in Canada and New-England they call the Ohio, rhig river is beautiful, greatly abounding iu filliand navigable Tmolt up to its fouice. To the north of this river Canada, which mrlines more to the eaft than the fource uf tae Ohio, and extends to the country of the Illinois. It is of Jjtt e un- portjnce to difpute here about the limit* of thcfe two neighbouring colonies, as they both appertain to France. Th* lands of the Illinois are reputed to be a part of Louifiana } we have there a polt near a village of that nation, called Ta. marouai. The country of the Illinois i« extreme- ly good, and abounds with budalo and otiier game. On the north of the Wa- bache we firft begin to fee theOrignaux ; a fpecies of animals which are faid to partake of the buffalo and the ftag ; they have, indeed, been defcribei to me to be "uich more clumly tijan the rtag. Their m 't I ( 168 ) horns luye fomfthing o'' t'ae (l.ij, but are fljDrtcr and nijvc mairy > the mcU of them, as they fiy, w piatty Rcoil — SwaiiH, and ot^ev wAtcr-fowl, ure com- mon in thel'c louiitries. The Frcncli pofl of tlie II iuoi;i is, of all tlie colony, that in \vW\ch, with llii; greatclt cafe, they grow wheat, vyo, and other like grain, fur the fowmg ot which you need only to turn the earth in the llightell manner ; that flight culture it fu.lieicnt to make the earth iiroih;,c as wo can rcafonably deiire. I luvc been afliired, that in the I til war, when the flour fro-n France w.,» fcarcc, tlic Illi- noi» fent down to New .Oilcans upwardi of eight hundred thouf;ind weight thereof in one winter. Tcibacco alfo thrive! there, but comes to maturity with dilfi- culty. All the plants tranfported thither froai France fucceed well, as do alfo the fruits- Ill thofe countricj there is a river, wliicli takes its name fro ii the Illinois. It was by this river that the lirft travellers came from C:innda into the Miinflipp'. - Such .i» co.-ne from Cma^ai and hare hufinef* only on the Illinois, pafs that way yet. Bat fuch is want to go direft- ly to tiie fe», JO tiwwu uw liver of Wc r'n'i'tr^l' ( 16R ) bmr'thing o'' t!ie (l.i;j, but are marc maiFy ; the ine.kt of loy fiy, 111 piatty fjooil.— otScv wAicr-fowl, are com- .' countries. cli pod of the II iuoia i», of y, tli.it in whiclj, with lliu !, they grow wheat, rye, and ■aiii, fur the fowmg ot which ily to turn the earth in the liner ; that flight culture it I make the earth proih^.e us fonably tleiire. I luvc been ,t in the I til war, when the France w.s fc.ircc, tlic Illi- iwn to New .Otloans upwardi idred thouf;ind weight thereof ■inter. Tobacco alfo thrivcj comes to maturity with dilfi- the plants tranfported thither e fucceed well^ as do alfo the countricj there is a river, . it8 name fro n tlie Illinois. It river that the lirft traveller* Canada into tlieMiiriiripp'.— ).-ne from Cma^ai and have ily on the Illinois, pafs that Bat fuch 18 want to go dircft- a, gu liuwu uiu tiver of tUc ( 161) ) Mumi5 into the Wabacho, or Ohio anU f.-n. t ance into the Miilinippj. ** In. this country there are minei «nJ one .n particular called De U MotI ?s nime wh.ch is filver, the aflay of which h'\s been ma, No a- the river Molnle (l.incls the finall a-th;:nent of the Rdoa-O^oulus ; which c^:ifiicso.,!y uP a f^v/ Cm i::i:iiu, lovers 0 traHqj.!;ty, which they prefer to ail a(!v;nitago. Neva- the vivor Mo'nle fcnicls the finall a-.ti.:nent of the Vuicix-Oronh^ ; whirh c^:ifiic^o.,'y «; a f^^v/CuiKliaiu, lovers 0. tram] i.Iity, which they pr.>fer to all a:!v;nitagoivlrc.{ -i B t 5(; ■ m ■ :■»^ ; 1^ "■ ( 1 '2 > tons enter into it. I know not why this entrance is loft fo neglefted, as we are not in wnnt of able Engineers in France, in the Hydraulic branch, a part of the Mathematics, to which I have moft ap- plictl myfeJf. I know it is no eafy matter fo to deepen or hollow the channel of a bar, that it may never after* need clearing, and that the expences run high : But my zeal for promoting the advantage of this colopy having prortipted nae to make re- ile£liohs on uiie panes, or entrances of the Miffiflippi, and being pejrfeftly well acquainted both with the country and th« nature oif the foil, I dare flatter myfelf, I may be able to accomplifli it, to tht grejit benefit of the province, and acquit ihyfelf therein. with honour, at a fmall charge and in a manner not to need re» petition. I fay, Fort Balile isbuilt upon an ifland; a circumftance, 1 imagine, fufEcient to make it underfiood, that tliis Fort is ir- regular; the figure and extent of this fmaU iflniid not admitting it to be othcrwife. In going up the Miffiflippi, we meet with nothing remarkable before we com* to the Detour aun AngUis, the Englifb Reach. In that part the river takes « ( ns > :o it. I know not why this ;ft fo neglefted, as we are if able Engineers in France, lulic branch, a part of the , to which I have moft ap- I know it is no eafy matter or hollow the channel of a lay never after need clearing, expences run high : But my loting the advantage of this j^proibpted nie to make re- lie panes, or entrances of i, and being pejrfeftly well oth with the country and th« ! foil, I dare flatter myfelf, le to accomplifh it, to tht of the province, and acquit n.with honour, at a fmall in a manner not to need re» Bailie isbuilt upon an ifland; ice, 1 imagine, fufficient td ;rftood, that tliis Fort is ir- igure and extent of this fmaU mitting it to be otherwife. up the Miffiflippi, we meet g remarkable before we com* r aux AngloiSi the Englifb ihat part the river takes 9 ( J75 ; ' J!r!;v.fs ; foth.it th- Time w-nd, v.i:c.'i was IyAqto fair, prove-. co.itiMvy in this el'.vjw, or reach. For this reufoii it •KA.', tliought proper to build two forts at t!iu place, oi\a on each fi.lc of the river, tj check any attempts of llvangers. Thefs forts are more than fu!licient to oppof« the pa (Tage of an hundred fail; as ihips cm go up ihe river, •ily one after an- , othfT, and c.4n neither call anchor, nor to:ne 0:1 fhore to moor. It will, perhap>. be thought extraordi- niry, that fhips cannot anchor in tliis ■ piaca. I imagine the reader will bs of my opinion, when I tell hi n, the bottom is on'y a fofc mud, or ooze, almolt entirely ' covered with dead trees, and this for up- wards of an hundred leagues. As to put- . ting on Ihore, it is equally impoffible and needlefs to attempt it i bccaulb the place where thefe forts (land, is but a neck of land between the tiver nnd the marflies. Now it is impofiible for a fliallop, or ca- nne, to come near to moor a veflel, in fig'ht of a foit well guarded or for an enemy to throw up a trench in a neck of l.md fo foft, Befides, the fituation of iiie two forts is fuch, that they may in a .i.fomt odiers. As the principal fcttlemcnt wn» then at Mfobile, it was proper to ln.v« the capitrd fixed at a place from which there cculd be an eafy communication with this poft. And thus a better choice could not h.iv<* been made, as the town being on the banks of the Mifliffippi, veC" fels, though ol a thoufarid tons, may ' ,y their fides clofe to the fliore, even at low, viMtr i or at uicft, need only lay » fnaall i ^1 ft If ft i If 4,: V m,i .-.ll % ■tt * ( ITS ) biiilpie, Willi t^vo of t!icii' yords, in ord>T to louil or ual'i.'d, to roll barrels and hales, ^c. witijout fatiguing tha lliip'i; crew. This town is oiiljr a leiguefroiit St. John's Creek, w]i(jre pani'iigcrs tale water for Mobile, ui going to which they pafs lake St. Louis, aiul irom theiic» all along the co.;ft ; on a comnuinicatiot which w;is necelTiry i.t that time. I Jliould invagiiic, that if a town was at ikii tby to be l)ui t intlieprovidce, a rifiiig ground would be pitched upon, to avoid inundutioi. ; befidcs, the bottom Ihould be fuficiently firm, for bearing gran* ftoiu'-euificcs. Such as have been a good vrxy in the •ouiitry, without feeing Hone, or the leall pcbbla, in upwards of a hundred lea-^ues extent, will doiibtlefa fay, fuch a ptopofiticn is inipoflible, as they never •bt'erved ilune propar for building in the parts they ir-.vci!ed over. I might an- fwer,i ..... i- i '."VrM pit (177) After giving the fituation of the Ca- it is proper I defci ibe the order in which it is built. The p!.;( e of arms is in the middle oF that part of the town which faces th«t river ; in the middle of tlie ground of the place of arms ftands the parifh-church, ailed St. Louis, where tl\e Capuchins oiTiciate, whole houfe is to the left of the church. To the riglit Hand the pri- fon, or jail, and the guard-lioufe : Both lilies of the place of armb arc taken up, by two bodies or rows of barrtcks. Thii place Hands all open to the river. All the Itreets are laid out both in length and breadth by the line, and interfe<5l and crofscach cthev at right angles. Tlvt ftreets divide the tovrn into fixty-fix Ifles, eleven along the river Icngthwife, or in front, and fix in depth : Each of thofe Illes i«. fifty Iquare toifes. 'd each again divi- ded into twelve Emplacements, oi com- partments, for lovlging as many families. The Intendant's houfe ftands behind the barracks on the; left ; and the magazine, or watchoufe-genjjral behind the barracks •n the right, on viewing, tlio lown from the river fide. The Governor's houfe ftauds in the middle of tlwt part of tl» ■■"' ^f^.-i *„ ( I'S ) '"i\l 1 'if. I) u to\v^ from wl-.ich wc go from the nh.e efa-nis to the liabitati.n of tliu Jlm'cis^ Vhkli is near the t»wn. Tke houlc '--i tin' IJiI'Miiii nuns is (uiite nt the e;ul oltlij to\v:i, to the rig-It ; as \% allb the lu.lVi- tal of the fick, of whicli the rums h,'i« tlioMfpeaioii, WhiUl havejiill dciVrru- •d faces the river. On the bjnks of the rivsr rrn-ia c:",. foy or n:ok>, uj well on tlis fido of tiie town ns on the oppofire fi«(e, fron t''.e '/■nglilh Re.'.ch quite to the town, .\:ul a- bnut ten ler.gucs beyond it ; v/hich ni, k,>5 aI->out fifteen or fiMeen lea.-.iies on -.-ii fide_ the river ; and wlji^h rr'niy kc tv/vci. Jed in a cc.ich or o:, hVn-febntk, on a bo:. torn as fmooth as n tnhlf:. Tiie greitf.i; p.;;t o/ tiio lioufc- hoi hvlck ; tiie relb ire of timber nnd i>ric'K. _ T]ioIen{Tth of the caufeys, T jiid nv:> t:oiie(!, is u\f;i..-!e:it to ihew, tij.iton tlu-le two fides of the I>Ii;h;i!pj)i tl:cre nre manv liabit:;tion» fLiuding vluie toj^'-tiier; esdi r.nl-nig a caii'Vy lo fccvire hit: -round from inuufiacionj:, wliic); f lii not zo eoine eve- 1-v year with tl-.e fpring : Am! rst the tiine, it any fj.ipc; ]i;,v-.cu to be in the haibcur rt New Orle.-ny, thoy fpcedily fet iaii ; iocaufe tlie prodijjiuus quantity of dean! =wi^'i;;.j| ( I'S ) m winch wc go fro;n tlie nl:.,j o the liabitati.n of iIk; Jl-u;,;"" icar the t»wn. 'Vke houlc '^f' the nuns is (uiite nt the ciul o;tli.' ft? rig'it ; as is ahb the hijV;. fick, of whicii the rmns l!,!i? :Hoii. Wh.u I have jiill aeicrilj. lie river. bjnks of the rivsr rrnsi en;, ole, ai well on tlis lulc of t.-? m the oppofjfe fi«[e, fron r'e e.'.ch cjuite to the tovni, .\:ul a- er.gucs beyond it ; v/hicJi ni, k,'s ;en or fi.Mren le,V;,ueg on :-.'-]\ ver ; and wliLJi rrrajr lie tr.ivc:- ich or o:, liorfebuck, on a bo:. ooth as n tnhU:. t^tfii: p.;;-!: oi' tiio hou'^c-. ijof ; ri;l'b .iro of ti.-v.iier ni)d i>rioic. gth oi'thecaufi^yH, T juil )iv:n. r.fri..-!!.-:it toihew, tii.itoii tiiole •f t.-if." I>liiliii!ppl tl:cre are maiiv i fLiiuliiig vluic ton;''ther; each :au'c/ K) fccviro his -roum! from ^", wliid! f-iii not to (xmie eve- th thp fpring : Am! ;!t the time, y' li;iv;cu to be in the hnvbcur I'c.tiy, thoy ipceiiily fet iaii ; E proilijjious quantity of deii ( n9 ) wood, or trees torn up by the roots, wliioh t!ie river bring;; down vouhl lodge before tl.c fliip, nnd break the l^;.utell: i.'ubics. At the end of St. John's Crcei>, on tbi? brinks of tlic L;ike St. Louis, there is a ve- it-ubt, andajjnaid to defend it. From the Crc.?k to the town, a par: of itj biinks is inhp.bittd by planters ; in like minnei ;;s iue the ionj; b.uiks of another Cree!'. : The l.nbitations of this bf: j,o un- Ju ihc name of Gentility. Alter thefe li.:bit;!t!on;., which arc up- on the RlinTnTjppi quite beyond the Cm- nos brulees, burnt Cmes, we meet none till we come to the Ouni.;s, a petty nn- tion fo called. This fettlement is incou- liilcrable, tho, one of the oldcft next to tl;c Capital. Jt lies on the eaft of the aiiinaippi. Tiic Baton Rouge is alfc on tlie caffc fide of the Milhllijipi, and diiUnt tv/cn- ty-fix leagues fiom Kow Orleans . It was formerly the Giant of M. Artcig .\ct'.e dT- lon : It is there we fee the famous cypreff*. Use, of which a. fhip-carpenter ofleicd to mnke two pettyaugers, one of fi.\tecn, tlie other of fourteen tons. Some one of ihe hrfl adventurcr,s, who litndcd in this quarter, happened to fay, tliat tree v.-culU 1 1«0 ) .ir\» i ftne walking-flict< ; .md, as cvprpf, j« u red wood, it Witj afterwards c.illcd le Baton Ron;'-. Its Iicl-^ht could never bt njoafured, u .ilcs fo out of ii Tht. Two leagues hij^her up tlnn le D«on Rouge, was the gr.ru of M. Paris (Ir Vernal. This fettlcinent is tailed Bayon Ogoul.is, from a nation of that name which formerly dwelt htre. It is on the welt fide of the Mifhnippi, and twenty eight leagues frori New Orleans. At a leiiguc on ihis fide of Pointe Cqu- pee, are les Petits Ecores. (little Cliffs,) where was the grant of the JVLrqiiis dc Mezicres. At this grant were a Dire('.br and under-diredlor ; but the Surgeon found out the fccrct of remaining foI» mafter. The place is very beautiful, ef- pecially hcliind les Petit? Ecores, where we go up by a gentle afcent. Near thefe .Cliffs, a rivulet falls into the MifTiflippi, into whicli a fpring tlifcharges its waters, which fo attraa the buflalo's, that they are very often found on its banks. Tis a pity this ground was dcferted ; there was enough of it to make a very confiderable grant : A good water-mill alfo might be •built on the brook 1 juft mentioned. At forty leagues from New Orleam !''!!|"^'^i| • t 180 ) ne walking-{lic1< ; .md, as cvprpf, iroud, it w;i.? afterwanis c.illcd It our- Its Iifl.^ht coultl never bt 1, ii .lies fo out of ii^ht. eaguc-s hij^her up tlna le D«oii vras the grant of M. Paris da rhis fettlfinent is called Bayort from a nation of that name, rmerljr dwelt htre. It is on the of the Miffinippi, and twenty ;uesfrori New Orleans. :igue on ihis fide of Pointe Cqu- ^sPetits Ecorcs. (little Cliffs.j IS the grant of the M; rqnis dc At this grant were a Direiibr r-diredlor ; but the Surgeon tthe fccrct of remaining foI« The place is very beautiful, ef- cliind les Petit? Ecores, where by a gentle afcent. Near thefe •ivulet falls into the MifTiflippi, 1 a fpring tlifcharges its waters, attraa the buflalo's, that they ften found on its bants. Tis a round was deferred ; there was it to make a very confiderable good water-mill alfo might be le brook 1 juft mentioned. 7 leagues from New Orleaw (18i) lies \x ' )into C;)iipee, fo called, bccaule 1 1-' MhiiJippi mad. there an elbow.or w uli.j^r, a„d fornuvj the figure of a cir- c!o,«veiionly alKMtan hundred and odd toifes, thro' which it made itfclf a Ihorf.T lyand whore all ita waternins at fciit. This was not the work .>f ' alone : Two travellers comiii^' do Miffiirippi, were forcf I to Ih^p Oi this place } becaufe i.ijy obfervc dilbnce the furf, or waves, to be high.the wind bearing againd the current and the rive? being out, f© that they duril not venture to proceed. Jull by tlic.» pafled a rivulet, caufed by the inun latioa' which might be a foot deop, b;^ four or five feet bryad, nwre oj- lefs. Q.ie of c'ls; travellers, f«cing himfelf without any thing to^o, took his gun and followed the courle of this rivulet, in hopes of killitiij fonie game. H had not gone an hun- dred toifes, before he was put into a v.«, ty great furprize, ou perceivinij, a great opening, as wheij one isjuft getting out of a thicjt fqrelt. He continues to ad- vance, fees 9 large «xtent of wat^r, which he takes for a lake } but turning on his left, ho efpies les Petits Ecorrjs, juil men- tioried, aiid by experience he knew he R 4 I;: ( 18« ) >jruft go ten len^^ues to pet thither ; Up. on this he kH?w, thele were the wuteri wf the river. He runs to acciuaint hi* companion : Thia bft wants to bVfure of it : Certain as they are Both of it, they Tpfolve, that it was neceffary to cut away the roots, which ftood in the paflage and 40 level the more elevated places. They attempted at length to pafs their pettyau- j»er through, by pufhing it before tiieni. They fucccededbeycnd their expectation: the water, which came on, aided them iii much by its weight, as by its depth, which was increafedby the obftacle it met in its way ; And they faw thcmfelvcs in a fhcrt time in the MiflTtUippi, ten leagues lower down than they were an hour before \ or than they would havebeen, if they had followed the bedof therivei, as thty were formerly conftrained to do. This Httle labour of our trarellers mo- red the earth : the roots being cut away in part proved no longer an obftacle to the courfe of the water •, the flope or de- scent in this fmall paflage was equal to that in the river for the ten leagues of the compafs it took ; in fine, Nature, tho' feebly aided, performed the reft. Th* firft time I went up the river, its entirf •' ( lau ) len{;ues to pet thither .■ Up. ,?w, thele were the wuteri He runs to acciuaint \m ThJ3 Iu(t waiiti to bVfure of as they are Both of it, they t was neceffary to cut away lich ftood in the paffage and more elevated places. They length to pafs their pettyan- by pufhing it before them. dedbeycnd their expedtatioii: hich came on, aided them as ireighr, as by its depth, which d by the cbilacle it met in its ley faw thcmfelvcs in a (hort ^ifTiUippi, ten leagues lower hey were an hour before \ would havebeen, if they had bed of therivM, at thty were iftrained to do. labour of our trarellers mo- \ : the roots being cut away ed no longer ait obftacle to the water •, the flope or de- fmall paflage was equal to that r for the ten leagues of the took ; in fine, Nature, tho' 1, performed the reft. Th* inrent up the river, its entirf IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // v.; y ^ 1.0 141 m |2.5 ■^ 1^ 12.2 I.I 1.25 lll'-8 ! '-^ III '•*. ^ ^ 6" V <^ /] Hiotographic Sdences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductlons historiques V'O '% ■■'f^- { 18^ ) bodj of water piflbd thro' this part" ; an* tho' the channel was only nude Ik year« before, tlie old bed was almoit filled with the oo/c, wliich the river had tliere de- pofited ; and I have (een trees j^rowiny thevo of an allonillnng fize, that one migiit \Tondt;r, now they Ihould come to be fo lari!;e in fi» fliort a time. In this fpot, which is c.illed la Pointc Coupee, tlio Cut-point, was the grant of Pil. de Meaufc, at prettnt one ot the moft confiderablc poils of the colony, with a fort, a gmifon, and an olHcer to command there. TJie river is, on each fide, lined witli inhabitants, who make a great deal of tobacco. There an In- fpe£iorrefides,who examines and receiver it, in order to prevent the merchants be- ing defrauded. The inhabitants of the well fide have high lands behind them, which f«rm a veiy tine country, as I have obferved above. Twenty leagues above this Cut-pomt, and fixty leagues from New Orleans, we meet with the Red River. In im ifland, formed by thit river, a^ti U a French polt with a fort, a garrifon, its Commandant andOHicers. i'ix' fnil inhabitanta, who fettled tliere, w«e Wme foldiert of that ( If*) poil, (lirdKirj;?^ p.ftcr their timeoffrr- virg \v5s cxjMrcl, who fct the.iif^lves to make tob,5cco in t!if i.land. But tlv fine finl, c vi-i:c;l by tlic \^•\n^ ontlie Icivet of the tobiicco, ma-.'e it of a bid quality, v.'liic'i ol)'ij,ed tliem to abandon the ifland ■.uid fettle on the continent, wliere liicy found a good foil, on which they m.ide better tobacco. This poll is called Ihc Naclutochcs, from a nation of that nimc, fotiled in the neighbourhood. At this M. de St Denis commanded. Several inhabitants of Louifiana, allu- red thilhcr by the hop«"s of making foon j^rcat fortunes, becaufe diftant only feren leagues from the Spaniards, imagined the abundant treafurcs of New Mexico ■would pour in upon them. But in thi« they happened to be miftaken } for the Spanifli pofl, called the Adaies, has lefa moriey in it than the poorell village in Europe ; tlie Spaniards being ill clad, ill fed and always ready to buy goods of the French on credit : which may be faid m general o*" ' ' he Spaniards of New Mexi- CO, amid. ueir mines of gold and fil- ver. Th; .. 0 arc well informed 6f hj our merchants, who have dealt with the .V)aniard8 of thU Port, and found th«iT r their time of for- o fct thcaif-;lves to .land. IV.it th* fii;e in J on the leivct of it of a bid quality, 0 abandon the ifland continent, where foil, on which they This poll IS called )m a nation of that neighbcurliood. At :ommanded. s of Louifiana, allit- ipcs of making fooh 'e diftant only feren paniards, imagined cs of New Mexico them. But in this ; miftaken ; for the :he Adaies, has lefa c poorert village in ds being ill clad, ill to buy goods of the lich may be faid m liards of New Mexi- ines of gold and fil- fcM informed df by rave dealt with the :, and found their 18,5 ) kabitatloiis mi way of liylnjf to be very mean, and m»re fo than thofe of the French. From the confluence of this Red Tvi* rer, in going up the MilTilfippi, as we have hitherto done, we find, about thir- ty leagues higher up, the Poll of the Natchez Let not the reader be difpleafed, at my faying often, nearly, or about fo many league*: We can afcertain nothing certain as to the diftajices in a country where wo tr.Avel only by water. Thofe who go up the MiflilTippi, haying more trouble, atul taking more time than thofe who go down, reckon the route more or lefa long, according to the time in which they make tkcir voyage; befides, when the wstev is high, it covers palTes, which of? ion fliorten the way a great deal. The Natchez are ftuate in about 32 ^ odd minutes of North Latitude, and 280 '^ of Longitude. The fort at this Poft Itands two hundred feet perpendicular above low-water mark. From this fort tlie point of view extends Weft of the Mif- fiffippi quite to tke horizon, that is, oil the fide oppofite to that whfrc the fort ttjini5,tho' the wea Ode be covered with t , ( 1«6 ) «rrr(!f } becaufe 'be foot of the fott ftindtt. r lich higlier than the trees. On the lame I'dcf ^ith the fort, the country hods at a pretty equal height, and deciincs only by a gentle, and alnioll iinperceptible flope, infenfibly lofing itfclf from one eminence to another. The niition which gave name to this Peft, inhabited this very place, at a league from the landing-place on th« MiflTiinp- pi, and dwelt on the banks of a rivulet, which has only a courfe of four or five leagues to that river. All travellers, wh* pa^ed and ftopped here, went to pay a vjfit to the natives, the Natchez. The ^iftance of the league they went to the » is through fo fine and good a country, the natives themfrfves were fo obliging and familiar, and the women fo amiable, that all travellers failed not to make th« greeted encomiums both on the country,; ai:d on the native inhabitints. The juft commendations beitowed up* on them, drew thither inhabitants in fucit numbers, as to detcrn^ne the company to give orders for building a fort there, as well to fupport the French already fct« tied) and thole who fliould, afterwards coiJie tlathcr ae to be a check on that 0)k- t t li i f V e V T t] « t t: tl V p c 1 ^ n t y t ; ) oot of the fott ftifidifc. e trees. On the lame le country ho ds at a ami deciincsonlyby iiitperceptible flope, F from one eminence gave name to this ery place, at a league ice on th« MinfiiFip- 2 banks of a rivulet^ urfe of four or five All travellers, wh* lere, went to pay a the Natchez. The le they went to the « nd good a country, 'ts were fo obliging le women fo amiable, iled not to m3,kc th« both on the countryji ihabitints. ■: idations beitowed up« er inhabitants in fucit crn'ine the company niilding a fort there, he French already fct- bo fliould, afterwards )t a check on that 0)t- ( 15^7 1 t **!. Tke garrl fo-j con fift tA oiify of V^e-- r^een thirty and furty i!,oii, a captai.:, % lieutenant, uJider-Lieutcnanr, and two St^rjeants. The company Iiad tlicre a wxreliouft* for the fupply of tlie inlvaiit nits, vi.j were daily increafitig, in fp,u of all ihc efforts of one of the principal fupcriori, who put all imaginable obihicles in the way .• And notwithftanding the progrefs tliis fettlement made, and the- encomi- ums beftowed upon it, and which it dc- ferved, God in his providence j^ave it u^ to the rage of its ejifi.ues, in order ta- t;tkc vetijicince of the fins commitieii there; for without mentioning tliofe, who efcaped the general nufl". ore, there periflied of them upv a ds of rive hundred. Forty leagues higher up ilun the Nat- ches ift the rivir Yiifnu. TiiC grant of JA. le Slanc, minifter, ©r fe retary at war, WIS fettled there, four b^gues from tfie MiiriHSppi, asyougoup tliisllitic nvcr. There a fort lUnds., wiih a company cvf men, commanded by a c<^ t:iin, a Li?u- tenant; under-Lieutiii^iu, ind two Ser- jeants. This coir^iany, to^jether wlrH the ferrauts, were tu tke p:.; %4 k>e Mutt-*- iftor. I ' ». ( 1«») Tills poll was very idviiUageoutlf fitu- «tcd, a weil fur the jrooduels of the air, as the quality of the foil, liie to that of tiie Njtchez, - as for th'j Uiuling-pbcc', which vr.xs veiy commoilious, and for the commerce with the natives, if our people b >t tnc'whow to gain, and prcferve their friendfhj). But the neighbourhood of C'licafaws, ever fall friends of the Eiig- Klh, and c'cr inllij^ated by them to give us uneafmefs, almoit cut off any hopes of fucccedin;^. This Poll was, on thefe ac- counts threatei-.ed with utter ruin, foon- er Of lateri as adlually happened in I72'2 by means of thofe wretched Chicafaws ; who came in the ni^ht and murdered the people in the fettlements that were made by two ferjeants out of the fort. But a boy, who was fcalped by them, was cured, and efcaped with lile. Sixty miles higher up than Youfouz^ and at the didance of two hundred leagues from New-OrkMUs, dwell the Arkanfas, to the weft of the Miffiffippi. At the entrance of the river which goes by the name of that nation, there is a fmall fort, which defends that Poll, which is the fe- «oud of tli« calciAj in point of time. C( oi ri; w to fc th nt ai in in of ni: be nc th on Q : to bv ab th a : fo; a ^ idvmtageouflf fitu- gooduels of thf air, le Ibil, Vrkt: to that of ir th'j Uuiling-place, mnoilious, and for the natives, il' our people lin, and prcferve their le neighbourhood of II friends of theEng-. ,ted by them to give us cut off any hopes of Pol); was, on thefe ac- vrith utter ruin, foon- ally happened in 1 722 wretclied Chicafaws ; i^ht and murdered the :inent8 that were made it of the fort. But a :a!ped by them, was A with Hie. MY up than Youfouz^ of two hundred leagues 5, dwell the Arkanfas, ; Miffiflippi. At the er which goes by the n, there i.s a fmall fort, t Poll, which is the fe- f in point of tinae. It Is a grcnt pity, ft) pood a'vl fine's cciiiitvy isdilL'.nt ivii':: t!-.e In uj \v lul of tv-'b luiiidrcf! If ;',j-.ucs. I canuit oirit ri'.cntioriing, i].;il wVcist thrives Oi:tfcn:cly well hero, without our boii-;; obliged ever to manure the hiiid ; and I >mi lo prenof- fcfle^ in itj favour, th it I ptiTuade niyfelf^ the beauty or the clin;atc h;n". a pre.t in- fluence on the charailf r of tic inhabita- nts, who are at the f;ure time very gentle and very brave. They have oer h;.d aa JBViolabie friendflnp fur the FrencJi, un- influenced thereto cither by fear, or vlewB of interiift } and live with the French near thcni ae brethrcfnTatlicr than asneiglw bour*. In going from the Arkanfas to die Illi- nois, we met with the river St. Francis, thirty leagues more to the North, and on the weil fide of tlie Miffiirippi. There a fmall fort has been built fince my return to France. To the Eaft of the Miffiffippi, but more to the North, we alfo meet, at about thirty leagues the river Margot, near the fteep banks of Pruci'hoinnae j Therft a fort was alfo built, called Aflumptionj fcr untierfaking sn expedition againlUh* Ciiickaiaws, who are nearly in the f;me Ijititude. Thefe two ftirlS|. afitr the «»- ( 1!^t liii ii I'ormod. To prevent this niif- lunuiie, which is owing to the too great r'.^hiiL'fs of l!ie foil, or pcrlups a bu^', the bellmethoil is to mix with the whc.it you \v- tciiil to fovv, foine rye ami ilry mould, in futh ;i propartion that tlic nioulil Ihall be •quiil to the rysaiul wh ent together. The rice which is cuUivatocl in thai country WH brDught from Carolina, It fiiccccd* iurprizingly well, ami experi- ence his tlurc proved, coiitnry to the common notion, that itdoL-snot w.mt to liave its loot alwijs in the w.;t."r. It h;ik been fjwn in the flat couitry wilhoui being ihiodcd, and the grVni lliitrt'ii reaped was full grown, and of a very de- licate tallc. The fine relifh need not fur- prifc ui i for it is fo with all plants and fruits tint grow without being watcr(^d and ata dift.ince from watry places. Two crops may be reaped from the fame phht* but t!ie fecund is poor if it be not flood- ed. TJ)? fuftfstUers fottad in ±z cot^atry, t J r/ to ar fn ■J" til In I'll to b« br th fti at cc is vi at c\ f(i i:t ar n re ■2) i( II i' .,>;.' Uii ?r« fi ''cc- li 1 '^1 1, ill il ^ ( 1^'* ) little picce5 with an eye in »ucli, lour oi five of tliofe pieces are planted on the head ef tlie hills. In a fliort time they pufu out (lioots, and thefe ihooti being cut off aboul the middle of Augull: wlih- in feven or eight ii,cht.s of the ground, trc planted double, ciofs-ways, in the crown of other hills. The roots of tliLlc b.Rarc the nioll eileemed, not only on account of their fine relilh, but becaufc « hey are Ciifiev kept during the wir.ter. In firder to preferve tliem during that fcafon, thoy dry them in the Tun as foon as they arc dug up, and then lay them up in 3 clofe and dry plice, coverinj; them iirlt with aflics, over which they lay diy -mould. They boil them, or bake them, *>r roaft them on hot cnals like chehiuts i but they have the fineft relifli when ba- ked or roafted. They are eat dry, or cut into fmall flices in milk without fugar, for they are fwcet of themfelves. Good fweatmeat3 are alfo made of them, fome frenchmen have drawn brandy from them. The Cuftiaws are a kind of pompiou. There are two forts of them, the one round, and the other in the lliape of a hunting hern. Thefe laft are tlie bcft. in eye in »;-cli, Ic.ir ov ;ces are planted ou the III a fliort time they anil thefe (hoots being middle of Augult wlih- X iichts of the ground, ible, clofs-ways, in the; [ills. The roots of tiii'.e cileemcd, not only on fine rolilh, biit becaufc kept during the winter, jferve tliem during that ' them in the r\ni as foon up, and then hiy them [ dry plico, coverinj; them over which they lay diy boil them, or bake tHcm, 1 hot cnalij like chelnuts i he fiiieft relifli when ba- Thcy are eat dry, or cut s in milk without fugar, cet of themfclves. Good alfo made of them, feme ive drawn brandy from V3 are a kind of pompiou. I forts of them, the one e other in the lliape of a . Thefe laft are tlie bed. ( 1 ^5 ) beitij of d more firm fubilnncc, which makes them keep much better than the oth(?rs } their fvv*etn3f3 is not fr) infipii, an 1 theyhnve fewer feed*. They make f'.veetm>ats of thefe l.-'.ft, and ufe both kinds in foitji •, they makf^ fritters of ihem, and roaib tli?.n on tlic co.Js, and in all v.\:ys sf cocking they are good and p;da- , All kinds of melons grow admirably well in Louiliana. Thoie of Spain, of France, of England, which laft .are call-.'d white melons, are tlierc infinitely finer thai in the countries frjni whence they have their nanicj ouitthe bed of ail are tJie water melji'is. Ai! kinds of grcv'ns and roots which I-.Ave been brought from Europe int« that colony fucceed well, provided they be planted in a foil fuited to them •, for it i« certainly abfurd to think that onions and other bulbous plants fhould tlirive thsrcy in a foft and watery foil, when every where clfp, they require a dry and light earth. I fliall now proceed to give an account of the fruit treos of ihis colc-.y, and fhall bcgi I with the Vine, which is fo com- tnnn in I.ouifiani, that whatever way yi. i walk, fi):ti the feacoaft, for £00 leagues A^>^ iJor'Ti-'.M'-ils, vou cannot proceo-.l an luin- w them all ; I fliall oii- ' or four. that I fhall mention Haee ive tlie name of a grape, id its leaf greatly refem- s Ihrub bears no bunch- rdly ever fee upon it 8 together.^ The gr. pc colour is very like avi- m, and its ftone, which ereatly refembles a nut. 4ifliing, it iias not how- Gcable fliarpnofs of the 's in tlie neighbourhood 5. j( the favannilu or mea- (197) dows we meet with a grape, the Pioots of which relemble thofc of the Burgun- dy grape. They make from this a tole- rable gocid wine, if they take care to ox- pofe it to the fun in fummer, and to ihe cold in winter. I have made this experi- ment myfelt, and muft fay tllat I never could turn it into viuCfiar. There is another kind of grape which I make no difficulty in claQing with the grapes of Corinth, commonly called cur- rants. It refembles them in the wood, the leaf, the tree, the fize, and tlic fwoet- nefs. its tartnefs is owing to its be-iig prevented from ripening by the thi.' < ihade ©f the large trees to whic'i it twines. If it were plante; grap-s are ripe, and broke off all the bunches thoy cotiKl find. The fa- nner, .'fter feverely chiditij; the two boys, pruned the twigs that had been broken and bruifcd ; and as fcveral months of iunnner ftill remained, the vine pufh- »d cut new ihootsi, and new bunches, v.liicli ripened and were as good as the former. The Porfimrnon, wluch th« Frenck of the colony c.iil Placminier, very much refi;mbles our medlar tree in its lexf and wood : Its flower, which is about an inch and a half broad, is white, and is compofed of five petals ; its fruit is about iiit iize of a large lica's egg } it i* IS ii n k h ii tl c ti f« n k o f« ft ti o d 1 ¥ k II ¥ tl k ri 198 ) of NewOrlcnns, th* pe whic'i ib.ne of the It city brought from ecded OAtremely weU wine. : fertility of Louifiaii^, •emioning the follow. ntaut of New Orle;iP5 lis garden a few twigi vine, with the view of of them, one of his (negro) boy entered month of June, when le, and broke off ail cohKI iind. The fa- ' chiding the two boys, iiat had been broken as fcveral months of lined, the vuie puih- h, and new bunches, lI were as good as the I, wluch th« Frenck *lacminier, very much lor tree ill its lexf and , which is about an oad, is white, and is etals } its fruit is about rgc Ilea's egg i it is (H'9) ihnped like ■:• ir frioli r, hut !;•; iuSiliice is ''■•'•eeti')-, .iii.l fiifre 'U'iict.re. Tins Iruit ii> ii.L.in^,- If, w'ven it i- mute \\r<' tha n;;!ivo» m-dit; hi.'.id of it, whicii th'iy keep iiui;> yi-ar to y?-ir ; sin.i tlu- bread lixs this rem'.r';,iL»le piopevty tii-nt it Aill ii. ;i liiu moiL v l-jient lotifvueft or dvU'n- toiy •, therefor;* it ought to i)e mod with CiUlion, and oiily after phy.ii. The m- tivea, ill orckr to make this Incad, fquec/.e the fruit over fine ficvea to Icpi- rate the pulp fro n the Ikiii and die kernels. Of this j.ulp, which islik:: ^d\« or thick pap, they make cakes about a foot and a half long, a foot broad, and a finger's breadth in thickrieis : Thcfe tiwy dry in an oven ; upon gridirons^ or elfe in the lun } which Jaft metho<,i of drying gives a grc;Uer rcli'ih to the biesd. This i» one ©f their articles of crafbc wth the Frent-hi Their plum-trees arc of two forts -. The bed is that which bears violet co» loured pluitw, quite like otirs, which nr* not difagreeable, and wJiich certainly would be good if they did not grow ia tlie middle of the woods. Tiie othei! kind-beirs plums of the colour of an ua- ripedicrry, and tltefc arciiD tart that ao. j^ ^ I , (200 ) boily can cxt taem \ HuV I -.ni of opmiou they might be prefcwcd like goofeberries, .efpecially if I'.iins were taken to cultivate them in open grounds. The fmaU cher- rieis» called the Indian cherry, are fre- quent in this country. Their wood is very beautiful, and their leaves diifcr in nothing from thofe of the cherry tree,- The Papuws arc only to be- found fnr up inHiglwr Louifuna. Thefe tress, il would feem, Ao not love heat; tney do not grow lb tall as the plum trees i their wood is very hard and flexible ; for the lower branches are fometimei fo loaded with fruit that they hang perpendicular- ly downwards ; and if you unload th«m of their fruit iw the evening, you will find them next morning in their natural craft pofition. The fruit refembles a middle fixed cucumber •, the pulp is very agreable and very wholefomci but the rini- which i» eafily ftripp;d off, leaves on the fingers fo (harp an acid, that if you touch your eye with them before youwaih them, it will be immediately inflamed, and itch mod infupportably for twenty fo'ir hours after. The natives had doubtlefs got the pcacb trees and fig trees framthc Engliih 200 ) 5 ViUi L ■ni of opinioii rwod 'like goofeberries, were taken to cultivate mdj. The fmaU cher- ndlaii cherry, are fr»- untry. Their wood is il their leaves ililwr in fe of the cherry tree.- c only to be- Found fnr lifuna. Thefe tr«8», li not love heat; tney do a the plum trees; their i and flexible ; for the re fometimei lb loaded ley hang pcrpencHcular- ind if you unload th«m the evening, you will loming in their natural The fruit refembles a umher -, the pulp is very wholefomci but the rini ■ ' ftrippjd oft", leaves (harp an acid, that if you ththem before youwalh immediately inflamed, ifupportably for twenty had doubtlefs got the ig trees from the EnpHih { 201 > c\>!"ny n\ i^-.iio'i'iu, hrforclhc Fr:*:!!'?; cf- i,,')l;l!.c;! tl-.'n.i'i-:-.^.^ in L;iuir,.i:u. Ine pcuchoi. aro ..f ilx^Uad which \'.'0 dll al- bcrjici ; lae oi tiit; Cv/e of the fill, adhere to 'liic (K)nc, ;ind coutuin fo much wntcr tlr.il ihey n ake a kind of wine of it. TJu; figr. are either blue or white ; are larp;< anri viell enough tailed. Our colonills plant the peach (lones about the end of I'Vhniary, and fuifcr the trees to grow eiqwfed to all tiie weathers. In the tliird year tliey wiC gitker fiom one tree at Ifaft two hundred peaches, and double tliat number for fix or feven yesrs more, when the tree dies irrecoverably. As ^new frees are fo cafily produced, the Iof» oi th« old ones ie not in the leaft regrst- tod. The orange trtf*sap.(lcvtfon trees that were brought fiom Cape Francois have . fucccetled extremely wail ; however I h.ive ii'MV fo fevtro a wiiUer that thofe Vmii of trees were entirely frozen to tlxfc very trunk. In that cafe tliey cut the trees *iown to the gr«uud, and the following funurrr they produ::ed Ihoots that were belter than the former. Kthefi; trees have fuccccdcd in the flat and raoift Lil oi New Orleans, what may we out .1; f I '.-- •|< ^.li• ^- (202 ) 'Hi iiji ■'l .1. e-jpeft \i';ien they arc planted in lirN ter foil, ami upon declivities of a pood expofure. The or.u»g.s aiid citrons are as good 33 thofe of other countries ; but the rind of the orange in p.iriicular is ve- ry thick, which nukei it the better tor j fweat-nie:it. There is plenty of wild npplo^ in Loii^ ifiana, lilie thofe in .Europe v and the in- habitints li;>ve got many kinds of fruit- trees from France, fuch aa are apples, pears, plun s, clicrries, &c. which m tho low grounds run more into wood than iruit. The blue wh»rtle berry is a fl\rub fome- whut taller than our largcli: goofeberry buflips, which are left to grow >s they pleafe. Its berries are of a blue colour : they tafte like a fweetifli goofeberry, and when infufed in brandy it makes a good dram. Louifiana produces no black mulber- ries: but froDi the fea to the Ark'anli»s» which is an extent of navigation upon the river of 200 leagues, we meet very frequently with three kinds of mulber- ries ; one a bright red, another perfect- ly white, and a third whicc and fweetilh. T*«o'firit of Uiefe kinds ii very common, i 202 ) ;y are planted in Wt" I declivities of a pood .ir.uig.H iiiid citrons are )f other countries ; but iiige in p.iriicuLir is vr- iiake,{ it the better tor j r of wild nppl'.»^ iti Loin a .EiiTope V and the in - )t many kinds of fruit- ce, fuch aa are apples, Iicrrie-s &c. ■which in run more into wood tie berry is a fl\rub fome- our largcll goofeberry e left to grow as they cs are of a blue colour : I'weetifli goofeberry, and brandy it makes a good luces no black mulber- he fea to the Ark'anfos, >nt of navigation upon leagues, we meet very three kinds of mulber- it red, another perfefl'- tiird whicc and fweetilh. • kindi ii very common, ( ^W ) Wt tilt two liift arc more rare. Of the r-d mulberries they make cxcclleiu vin- vj^ar, which ki cps a long lime, provid- ed they take care m the mailing ol it to keep it in the (hade m ,i vcflbl wcil Itop- prd, coi\tr,iry to the pradlice in FrAuce. 'J'hoy m ,k>! vni'jg.ir .dio of La unblo Icr- vic'S tut t!;r, iji iiot fo good as the for- n:tr. I flo ni.t doul't [>vi the coloiiills at prtlciit apply themlc.vcii icrioully to tlie cultivation of nuilhrrries, to f»*ed flk- wcn.T.ii, elpccially as the countries adjoin- iji[, to France, ^nd which hippjir- ■ us *'»^'» fi'^j have now made tljecx|,oitaiio5 ti itdiliicuit. Fhe olive-trees in thi? colony arc fur- prifiiiijly beautiful. The trunkNa foinc- timei a lw)t and an half diameter, and thirty leethigh before it fprcads out in- to branches. The Provencals fcttl««d iti the colony affirm, tiiat its olives would afibrd as good an oil ar. thole of their country. Some of the olives that wer<; prepareti to be eat green were as good as tljofe of Provence. They have great numbers and a va- riety of kinds of walnut-trees in this country. There is a very large kind, the wood of which is tlnipft as black fi i>* ( 1^1 ) K.r^.^ l>e"'-» fC -' : ''■>' '''"" '^*'* ■lO rfr, U v.n;iT;<'-pi e trees were cnj^r.uted valnut, tliair huit wouki overt. trues have a very whiter i(A. Of tills wood tho clr crooked fpade"? tot olds, 'riie nut is fnul- l the llu'll more teller, bitter tint nsnc but par- up with it. cars a very f.nall kind of ■ll fight oue woul 1 t I'ce' ;y have the fame tti ipe their fhell is a» teiidoT^ are formed liVe wahiuts. I an excellent re'-ifh, th.it e fried cikes of tlieni ii8 f uhuuutit., LoM-fi tna jtroiliiccs but a few fdberti, av t!;o filbrti .>.'i]uiros a poori^nve}!/ foil, which is not to be met witb in this pvc- ^iiiee, except in the neighbourhood of tJie tea, cfpnfnlly near the rivtr Mobile. The hugr chcliiuts are to oe met with but at thediltanco of 108 leagues from t!ie fea, and f.ir from the rivers in the heart of the woods, between the country of theCha£taw8 andthat of the Chic*- laws. The common chelimts fucceed beft upon high declivities, and their fruit is like the cliefimts, which ;;re called ihe acorn chefnuts, as they arc Uiapcd !i!-.e an I corn, and grow-m fiiJi a-cup. But they have the colour and fifte of a cheU nuti and I have often thought, tlut tho e our furj^roris bl, oil their I).'!;n, ;uc;'nli:ig t ^ ''ilt.:, lit t'ol)rifu;^;c ; tlvy tike iliDp". or it i,i pru.'l (ilU their niLMls ; and if tli?y ittlt- more, they have no cheiul any clangor. The iig the natives p»ii.;e tlvir tlu'V give it t' .'in. It in two dijys wli'iout any •is: it is ('(lually I'overcMjjn ■ ulcers after having appli- )r lomc (lays a plafter of -ivy. It cures confump- iltrndions ; it aftbnls re- lic and all internal ilifea- ts the heart ; in Ihort, it my virtues, that they arc jvering fome new propcr- ( - '' ; White ni'd n I ccil.ii* :.i' x"./ di i- nv':i Ufon ihe coaft. I'lie ir.torrui iihi.i- tv i:f the Wi'f'tl, iiiul many otic; c>C'.*iienl jv ;••.''. rif. ^^! it li uie wiilinnv. n, ia'.u- . Li'. tl'O luii. rrene'i feti'fiJ to buiUI ..1 «••? loui'. . of 41 J \\\,'xh \^ . ic but vt ry l>\v.^ Xest to (! I' fcil.r, tie cvnroU ticc U tK' n >-(l >..!i:..liic wunl. S-nio R .Von u in';^ trup.li'e I and If it he i.'^ :, it is ut 1 ,.il a (',to..t rMf.y years in r..itli-:. '1 1 c tri-e tl .,t V. h fo'i'Hl IV. L-niy fici C (.]•■ u\ t' ei^nh ne.'.r New Or'can.i w.;:. a k.y- lire's aiul w.,s ui'coirupted. Now il tlie I, inh or Loi,vpr Loniiiana -.r'' au;;nierit>.'(.l 1-, o Ica;,ues cv( ry cr^'tury, tliis tree imiil h ve lien l-uried .X le;ill tv.-elvc rontu- ries. Tht cy; rciJ grovs v.iy llraij-.tit niid t;'I, with a YMicli fai..;- mcnt twenty !':» K.^iies above !\ew-Or- loan'5, wlieh nicfurc- t>.vc;ve yinls rcund, an^^ ij ol" a fvo.i .^^MVi 1 ■.■(,•'£. f ' y ( G051 ) 1 1 'I'hc cyprcf;-, lus i few Uranc'if^';, a'nl It'. h\i hi long and u ivrow. Tiie uunl dole hy the trroand fo mtimes fends oiT two or three il>--iis, vhi''ii enter Oic earth Mihqucly, uiid f erv( 'ov ttti^ilj". to tlic \ij.\ Its wood is of i\ .•••-utiliii ca' in.-, fomowhat veddilla ; it is ioft, light, and fmooth ; its gr lui is flraighr, and porci very clofe. Itiseafiiy fplit by wedges, aikl tlio' u fed green it nevor warps It renews itfclf in a vtiy e:;tiaonliiiiry maimer : a (hott time after it is cut down, a ihoot is obferved to ;,'row from or.e of its roots exactly in tiie lotm of a i'u;j;,'.;, aiv.l I am jnTfu:'. le I t!iat ui ii\^ mails miiiit b.' in ide of thcM as oi lIu iirs ut All the U)urh piu-tsoi'LouifKina a join 1 with tlie //ild' I aurcl, whicli grows in t'.ie v/c-ods v.'itlicsvit any cuhivicion : iho i' ;..^ ni;.«' bi f.iid of aHc ilcae biuicl ; but if a pevfon is not upon h;;i sjuird Kj m.iv take for the hvarel a tree :i;;tuv.d I > the counti-y, v/hich Woald cu'innuiiicato ilo b.id fmeil to tvjr/- thiiv; it is ;;pp!lcd to, A:no.ig the burels I'le preference ou^dit to be g'ven to the tUi'p-l.iuvol ( ajgnol'A) which is not kno—n ia Eu- rope. This tree h of t'lc lieiglit and bulk of 0,1-' of our cominon walnut tree?. Is he.ul is naturally very round, ;ind fo thick of Ic.-.vcs that njltlier tlie fun nor rain can penetrate it. Its leaves are fidi four inches long, near three inch- es broad, and very thick, of a beautiful fevcreen on the upper-fuie, and refein- bliv.^; v.'liitc velvet on the under-lide : its b.irk is finooth and of a grey colour ; its wood is white, fofr, and ikxible, and the grain intcrwovL-i. It owes its n.une T 2 ( 210 ) K> tlio form ot its great white flowers, which are at leail two inches broad, Thefo appearing in the fprhu^ aniidlt the ♦loffy vertluve ot the leaves, have a inoU beautiful i^ccX. As thj top is natu- rally round and the leaves are cver-greeti, avenues of this tree v.-o-ald doubtlots be worthy of a royal gaulen. Alt.>r u has {bed its leaves, its fruit appears m the iorm of a pine apple, and upon the m!t .approach of the cold its grain turns in- to a lively red. Its kernel i^ very bit- ter and 'tis faid to be a Ipecific againlt fevers. . • , • The Saflafras, the name of which u familiar to botanilh on account of iif ir.cdicinal qualities, is a large and tall . tree. Its bark is thick and cracked here and there i its wood is fornewhat of the colour of cinnamon, and has an agreeable fmell. It will not bum in the fire without the mixture of other wood, and even in the fire, if it IhoUld be feparated from the flaming wood, it is unmediately ex- tinguilhed, as if it Were dipped in wa- ter. ... . The Maple grows upon declivities in cold climates, and is much more plenti- ful m the iiorthetn thaa fouthern parts ( 210 ) x.me place in various ftalks about two inches long : at the end of each of thofe ftalks is a little pea, containing a kennd in a »ut, whicii lad is wholly covered with wax. The fruit, which is very plentiful, is eallly gathered, as the flirub is very flexible. The tree tlirives as well in the (hade of other trees as in the open air, in watry places and cold coun- tries, as well as in dry grounds and hot cUnoatesi for I have beea told tliat forae '!l. il I ?H ( 2)'2 ) of tlicm luv" bcr.A fouiul in C.uvad:i; a C'jnnr/v -..3 cMil -.1:* Dt'nin.ir.v. TMs tvecyieW* twoki.uls of w..>c, one .vvhiuih ydlovv.and the other green It was u L-r ti.nc before thoy lo.n:;4 to fepar.te ihcm, and tley inx-parcu ui. ..vx ::t firil In tho ivl!o-..ng n.anncw Thev threw the gf.>i..S ana the IbuUi.- ,.,,'hrirckculc of bo.hPg ^v.lor, a, d ihcy fcur.v..iea oil- the i;rains. ^Vl.c,> h;^v.ter cooled, the .ax ibatcd^tn a c.l-.c •..t the top, and be,n. cut Im..!, Wcaeh.diaaC.urtcrtf.ieth..u.)oe..^x. Tiioy now prepare it tn this ' -'^ "" ' ,\.e;thro.' boiling .v.,terr^on the fta^ -.d i:r.r.ns till th.ey cnuve.y float, an - ■;; len they have ilood thus a few ir.- '^X thi pour oIV the water. ^^^ • carries the fu.elt wax w.th ,t. 1 h s wax, ^vhen cold, is of a pale yellow coUm.., ami ,T.,-rv be bleaclicd ill fix or fevcn days. Salia^ feparated the bell ^v;>.x, they ■ piddle water again upon the IWKS and U.uns, and boll all together till th.y •fcnkdieyhavelVparated all the wax^ Both kinds are exported to our fug t mands, where the lirll pia or 10. 1 2I'2 ) yA fouiul ill C.'.ivad:i; .1 , DL'iiin.irlv. i lwoki,u!s of w.'.x, o'i<; ■, ami tlvj otliev green, iaic before thoy Icn-r.-i , and tley preparcu t.ic- tl'.c iolkv.v'.n^ manner. af.UlUi .l!Hl ll^"' ^^•'''^'^ '■■' 2 ofbollirg vv^ler, and ras dcf-iched from tp.en, ofr the -rain";. W'ti' •d, the v:ix lloatcd ni a p, and bein- cut Im^d, urter ti-.ne ll-'U bees wax. pure it in this manner ; iiijT ^v.iter upon the Halks tliey cnlively float, nn.,ar ifhauls, whore tl c la'tcr i:. ibf- t«."ned by (he j.reat heats, nnd cowfuncs li!.e tallc'W. I would advifo tliol'e who j)v.'|-,are this wax to feparati.^ the fiy.un iVi ,n the P.icit IlaJk b.-forc they bo.! it, as the ili'.lk is greener than the j. rain, .Tiid I'eems to p:'.rt eafily with its col'.ur. The V ..tcr wliich fervci to melt anr fepar.'te the wax ii far from being ufelefs. The fruit connnunicates to it fueh an advm- gent virtue, as to harden the uliow tJidt lo nicked ill it to ar hrard" a degree, as the randies of Fr.-'. .CO. This alhi-.igent tjua- y.iy likewifb remlcrs it an adiriralile I'pe- cific againil a dylentcry or loofcners. From what I have laid of the myrtle wax tree, it may well be believotl diat the French of Louisiana cultiv-.to it Curefully, and make plantations of it. The Cotton-tree (a pop! ir) is a Iar3;e tree which no wife defcrves the n une it bears, unlcfs for fmie beard > that it throw s out. Its fruit which cont;nns the grain h about the i'm^ of a walnut, and of oo ufc i its wood 1;; yvjllow, finooth, fonie- 1 ■ * ■if H if (■JU) wli.it li.irrl, of ;i fm? gr-uii, and very pro- per tVr ci'jl-iet wci-k. I'hc banc oi us r<>ot is a fovcrd -1 te iie;W tor ciUi, -.uvl {o veil that it mil . even ll-rvo tu dys th.U co'iou',-. Th- Ac^icii (Lo:-u,l)i^ t1i.< l:m- I'l ilAuV,!i.m .11 m ViMn.:e, iihij;i move co;- moil, :uiai?ib ih-aU;at. Tnj n;t;vo3 i;;^ it by a nai;v.' t'vu H;!'!!)"! lavH won.i, nnl tlir-v vnk'^ t'".-'.r i-ows ot it hoc.-.nic ;t is s' ry U:.'. Tliov I'lol; upon it .^'' m i,..-Drvupti!)!o wo>;', "a'IixU iivluvca t^^ Frcnr'; f^:ta.Ts t(.> buii'l theiv Inr.ifos o£ ir. The polls (ivod in l^io cvth r.vait bi eavirolv Hvippfl of tlioii- b.vk, f.rr nit- V,'iti;!Uuai!i:'; tlicir huvibu-rs, it 'b'^ le;''t •bHtk beicic upon tlwm t/.ry -^'l t.-.io . The Hobn-oil: prov.-^ toa finTV!'i";j bulk ami heii;'.it iti this cou:.try i I have fcpii Ibem a foot a ul a half (hanictcr. abo'it ;iO feet rroin the grouiul to thf I'jv.'iMi braiic:;e:-. r;ie Ml > novo i- vory cominon all ovi>r Auv.-ic!. It i^vowrt \i\ liOuiniua, nearthelei, c-i to fh- IrMVvls oHo'r- watcruv.rk. Ir i i m .rj nr:-ja I'umI th.m uf.'Si' isiarnri h iA ir o:cu^. H a (p'at de.. of i;ood huul, pvovcnts f li'orj from (!>!- ) (■JU) n? i;r.iln, and very pvo- vr.vK. I'hc bavk ot its 1 re 110.W fov cu' i, .in'^ evea I'jn'o to '.'vc- tiv.'.t ,o:;u.l) is t'l ! 1^"T»'J i'^ iMiioe, iihij!i rnovc co; - !i,;tU. Til-' •liti/'.'i «.:ul vil frji'hr-i "i-.n-'l woo', i';;roowsot it hocinic It lev look «po;i it .^'' i-i );••', '..vliicU inl'ivocl the 0 buil'l thoiv jit>-.»fes of \\Qi\ ill the p-vthr.vall bi 1 of ihoii- b.vk, f.Vr nnt- clr hiVii.H-fs, il- 'b-' l'-';''t 3l1 tlwm t:;:y -i'l t.-.io nk prov."; to a fuvpviln,'; ; i!i this couiitry ; I bnve foot ;; ui a half (iiamctcr, from the grouiitl to thf JVC i'. vory convnon all It jjrvowrt ia l.ou:ln;ia, " ' 1 to tir^ boivvl-j Oi low- It I i m^rj niviul^jial th.m i.;W lA ir o:cu^ .H a jrvont i'.iil, pvovcnts fu'orj fvomr l.i.nlin-, ana ;ir..nla a ik.Iicr to t' x- i".'. ■(•11. u..,. iii L- ii'fi.iiin ; fc!;;c V, ; ire, ; I '! liiip Lii"(l 1 ot Si. I'.re from tl:j iilliei' 0.;k lrt-,v; ::; . in; l"'inc- ico, L-vcr-;,r;'c:; A ioe; :.r".;e.l r .; mIi..! i' e roil i,-. -s _>;(,. k1 ■IS iiii.' C'v, i-i.!i", . a lo.) w'i'.ch \y ■ (Vt lb Jill.!". 1 \..i;,v.- i,ii.'i-.v (0. 'liie ever- ;ve 'rt" (...k ill n";oll coii;nit..n toxv.irds i!ie i'rr- cc.'.iis, nno ;\;.r;'!j l.'iik!; m vivcrs, con- f^'ciiicnt'y m;iy be trdiilpoitixi with liicit caic, ;;tul b...cv.iiie a gro.it rcfoarce ibr ti:e n;;v}-cf Fr iKV. I uq;ot lo nici'tion a Ibirih kin;l of onk, n,;niely tlie bkick o ■-, lb cali-d from ti;cco!rur of its bark. lt>, wouii is \cTy h.'.vd, ami of ;i deep ral. It giows upoM the (ioclivities of hiiks and ill the favuniialis. M:;ppeninjj atter a fnowcv of niii to exam lue one of tbcfe wiiich I c,,; (lov.-;i, I obfcrvc i 216 ) ,Si 'Ml ,^';t with iwn in a country where there ;ire %r ftoiies nor gravel The Elm, Bee. h, Linv, Ilornbcr'm, arc exaitW the f.mic in Lomfiana as in rnnc; the lait o! thcle trees is very coK.mon here. The bark cf the Lime tree of this country is cii'iaily proper for d lor dymg> ■ ^tUcycJtlt iiito fmaU bits, pound and iV 216 ) intry where there ^re gravel. .h, Linv, Ilornbcnni, unc in l.ouifvdiia as in : oi' th'-le trees is very Tlielviirk cf tlic Lime itry is cij'Mily proper for ^H's, as t)ic bark of the but its leaf is ttvice as I like an oblong Trefoil nt tut off. »c.t'i« .) in -vster. Hi/in;; ilr.il;'i'.l thw v/at^r, th. V dip tlv.' f-Jitii'.-ri an I h.nr i;:- to ir, wlrJ'! if i:;th;ir calV m t ) dy.' Uv.t v..:i>w au.l then rod. Whon they ri- tend to ufe it for the? yellow dye, tix.-y tik- c ire to cut th* wood in th- wintr-r, bat if they want o'lly a fl.jht colo.ir th"y never mind the fi-iron ot Oiittin;^ it. •i';»2 Mi-jUoichi, or Vuu-rir tre?, is a Ihruh with \n\x.'i, f^xiwwaat r:lt a little, for ihey don't love ftrong tobacco for imoaking. The wood is oi an af- trin;-:nt nature, and if put into vinegar inikesitllronger. . The Cair.no, or Yawn, i» ^ fl>r"' which never grows higher thnn »5 h'-'f, its bark is very fmooth, and the wood finiL- ible Its leaf is very much mde ntetl, ana when ufed as itea is reckoned good tor tlv.- ftomach. The natives make an ""o^'"- tin.T liquor from it, by boding it in water tilU great part of the liquor evaporates. The Toothach-tree does not grow high- er than 10 or » 2 feet. The trunk, wluch !!,* very large, i, wholly cov.vcd over . I I i with ITiCrt thick piicklf., whicli .ucpafily rubbrd off. The pith of tliin flirul' i< alninil a» large as that of the clilcr, ;v.iJ the form cjf the leaf is almoft tlie fjmc in hcnh. It has two barks, the outer nlmoll black, .\M the inner white, witli fomcwhat of a pile rcvliiilh hue. This inner btvk has the pro- perty of curing the toolhacli. The patient rolls it up to the O/c of :< bean, j'UMit tipon the aching tooth, anaryiiow you approach it, or cut it. Th«: Elder Tree is cxaftlf like that of Fri^nce, only that its leaf is a little more indented. The juice of its Icares mix«^ h;i of ail Al di< th. n» on Lr wi io vo Sf th an Fi of fo th w 11 J! ithof tliifi (liruli \% alninlt f the clilcr, a-.iJ the form loft tlie fjme in h^th. It \c outer ulnjDll black, luid with fomcwhat of a pile IS inner bper. liorn tlors ii.n lii'c aUove lirurt -• but its trunk is ra- heitrht. 'I'his (hrub is in DUg tlie Natchcs ; but I no- for whit reafou. Its loaf f the Wack thorn ; atxl it« i preen is not vsry hari'i;^h ami knotty tli.m that of the palm trc*. Altho* it is Icfs than that of the EJt la- dies, it mav however fervo for the dnvi p irpofes. Its wood is not harder tha.i t'at of a cabbage, and its trunk is fo fofc tli.ii the lead wind overturni it, fo that I never faw any but what were lyin^ along on the ground. Ic is very common in Lower Ljuifuaaj where there are not wild oxen ; for tfeefe animiU who love it dearly, and are plMy fattened by it, ilc- vour it whereve*? they cm ind it. The Spanifh women make hats of it« Ieavc« tliat do not weigh am ounr-. riding hoodsy and other curious works, TJie Birch tree is the fame with that of France. In the jtorth they make canoes of its bark large enough to hold eight per- fons. When the fap rifes they llrip otF th" bark from the tree in one piece with w-'dges, after which they few up tne t'.v» indsof it to ferve ror ftem and ilcrn, and jno.int the whole with gum. :^!^ ..,' K..l..u...bmo{ nlhcr irrr, m the 'f c'l -^.ca.f.^n..l-.t) (Uy \-\K?i .iro never fo thick, but n:> iohmi, th..t before the avrival of tlie Fr.Micli, the nntivcs iifcd fplitf. of thofe c.ino> to cut thoir visuals with. After ,1 certaui uu.nber of ycii-s the l.irge cui^'S bear a great ;\b-.i!ubnce of grain,-, M-h!cli if, f()ine.vh.it like ovits, but about three tim-s as large Tlie nitives care- fully g;nhev thef? gr;\i'i3 aiul nuke brejJ or gruel of thenv. This flour fwells as much as that of wheat. Wiien tlie reeas . have yi:}Kled the grain they die, ivA none appear for a Iohj; ti'ne after in tlie fame place, efpecially if lire has been fet t©' the old ones. The Fiat-Root receives its narne from the form of its root, which is thin, flat, nrHtf often indented and Ibmetimes cvctj piercoJ thro': it is a lin* or fometimes ' two I'nes in thicknefs, and its breadth is commonly a foot and u half. From this - l-irijc root hatig fc-veral other fmaii itraight roots, which draw the nouriflnnent from ' the earth. This plant, which grows m meadows ll.Jt are not very ncn, fends up from tho fame root fevcral itraiijht llalks about eijihtecn inch;-, high, which I are as harvi as woo.!, ^ntl on the top of the ftallv it beari fmali •vurplUli flowers, ' ■C;^ I! j! :;t \ , ill' ■;ii I I ! u f 226 ) jn tl:f Ir fltriire grenlly refenibling tliofe of. hcJth -, Its feed is contair.eil in a deep cup clofed .It the head, and in a manner en wiicd. Its leaves are about an inch biond, and about two lor;,T, without anv indenting, of a dark preen, inchniny to a brown. It is fo ftrong a fudorific, tJ at the natives never ufe any other for promotinii fwe uing, altho' they are per- foi'>ly acquainted with faflafrus, farfapa- rella, the efiuine and others. The R.ittie-fnake herb, lias a bulbous root, like that of the tuberofe, but twice as large. The leaves of both have the fame (hape and the fame colour, and on the under fide have fome flame-colour- ed fpots ; but thcfe of the rattlefnake plant •re twice as Inrge as the others, end in a very firm point, and are armed with very hard prickles on both fides. Its ftalk grows to the height of about three feet, and from the head rife five or fix fprigr, in different diroflions, e uch, ef which bears a purple flower an incK broad, with five leaves in the form of a cup. After thefe lewes are fhed there feniains a head about the fize of a fnlall nat but Ihaped like the head of a popm'.^ This head is fcparated into four divifi- ' A 226 ) lly refcmbling tliofe of contair.eil in a deep leud, and in a manner es are about an Inch two lor.jr, without I dark preen, inclining fo ftrong a fudorific, ;ver ufe any other for g, altho' they are per- with faflafrus, farfapa- incl other*. te herb, lias a bulbous he tuberofe, but twice jves of both have the he fame colour, and 'lavc fome flame-colour- icfe ol the rattlefnake as Inrge as the others, point, and are armed )rick!es on both fides. 0 the height of about ■om the head rife five iflVrent diroftions,. e ich, purple flower an inch leaves in the form of e!e leaves are fhed there >out the fize of a fnlall ike the head of a poppV-^ jparated into four divm- ( 227 ) «n«, each contains four black feeds, etjually thick throughout, and about the fi/e of Lir^e lentil. When the heaci in ripe, it will, when DuUcn, jfiv(» thefaiv.c- found as the t ul of a rattle-lhake, wliich Teems lo indicate the property of the plant 1 for it is the fpecific remedy agoinft the bite of t]\:it dangerous reptile. Ti>c pcrfon who lias been l):t ought in mediatt'ly to take a root, ;>itc ofF part of it, cliew it for fome time, and apply it to tile wound. In five or fix hour;, it will extravSl thj whole poilon, and no bad conlcquenccs need be apprclicnded. Ground-ivy is f:uJ by the natives to poflefs many more virtues thnn are known to our botanifts. It is faid la eafe women in labour when drank in Oecoc- ion ; to cure ulcvjrs, if bruifed and l.iid upon tlie ulcered part ; to be a foverci^n remedy for the head ach ; a confiderable quantity of its leaves bruifed, and laid a« a cataplafm upon the head, quickly re- moves the pain. As this is an inconveni- ent application to a perfon th«l wears his hair, I thought of taking the fjlts of the plant, and 1 gave fome of ihcm in vul- nerary water to a friend of miivej who was often attacked with the h?ad-ach,4J- * ( 22B ) n, •^ tc noib: he feUU-. iv.aclacd !,u buth^^s'asveIkvoain.t.':vn,.a.c,.rs;,fu>r. V'c Acl.echy is or5y tol.etound.n Sublk, ana iu leaves are not. bove ;\ee lines long. Its root c.r.inl. of a ! minv IvTrlgs a line in tlu.nct^r, j;,rcat m.iny ipyii,^ cl.ii!;^Ms' bloc'.. +,-11 nl veil luice li*.'- Liiii Aj_.i3 ""£ '■„ A'SutiM d.ron colour w,.h '','"' r!r« brown, luch .. bu,lilo>' - qgmMJt"''''''''""""" ^^l\ ( 22B ) feto tlrr.w up Toir.cckopi Kc fel.lo... jv.aaacatl.ii jcl iiv.i t'.":vnio;v.ev>'i ;'"*'''• V is vrhi to'!<* foumlin 'vo my ^at.lc: , I it greaily iivan-uvcil ; uul e an iuch toiler, .luJ its a lirtle bulbier than utu;a. le juice of this phiiU t!r..t e their red coUmr. Ha- eil tV.fir featlierB, or li;i;r, >autiful citron colour with \ they hoil the roots oi the vater, tlicu Iqueeze thtm Lr force, and the ciprefle.! , for the red dye. li"t iturallv white, before ii wa t-^kcs a bciiutitul fcarlei ; '-.18 brown, fuch as bulValo.' in of.acheniut colour, b?- iilb brown. *, ■ . , V,., ■' rr■i^ «-'• I fl.ill not enlarge upon the ii wivr- rics, which '.ivc of an c^ .■client li c.-np-, ond fopleniiftil, that from the beginning of April the fivannahs or meadows ;>i^- pear quite red with them. I Ihall aUo oiily juil mention the tnhicco, whicli thrives here to very great profeHTion ; but I ought not to omit to take notiiv, that hemp grows naturally on the lands adjoining to the lakjs on tlie weft of the Miinifippi. The ilalks are as thick a* one's finger, and about lis feet loii". They aie qvite like ours, both in the wood, tlicle jf, and the rind. The flax which was fown in this country rofo tlvice feet high. Before I fpeak of the animals which the firft fettlers found in Louifiana, it i» proper to obferve, tliat all thote which were brought hither from France, or f>om New Spain and Carolina, fuch as horfes, oxen, fheep, goats, dogs, cats, and others have muhipliel and thriven perfeaiy well. However it ought to be- remarked, that in Lower I^uifiarta, where the ground is moilt and much cove- red with wood, they can neither be fo beautiful as in Higher Louifiana, where ihe foil is dry, where there arc moft ex- •i'i u ( 'JiO ) tciiiive mcailows, ajnl whore the furf warms the earth to a much greater de;»rce. The UuffUlQ i« nboiit the tizc of one of our Isrgeft ©\en, but he appears ratljcr bigger, on account of hi» long curJcd wool, which maltc* him appear to th^ oye much larger than ho really is. This wool is very fine and very thick, and is of a dark chel'nut colour, as arc likewife his briitly hairs, which are alfo curled, and fo long, that the bu(h bctweet) his horns often falls over his eyes and hinders hini from feeing before him •, but his fenfe of iicaring and fmelling is fo exquifite as iu jomo meafure to fupply the want of thc! other. A pretty larg« ounch rifcs on his ilioulders in the place where they join to tlw neck. His noma we thick, (hort, and black i and his hoof is alfo blact, The cows of this fpecies hav« fmaU udders like thofe of a mare. This buffal* i? the chiei food of the jiatlves, and of the French alfo for a long time paft | thft bell piete is the bunch of the (houlder8,.the tafte of which is extrerooly delicate. They hunt this animal in tW winter \ for which puripofe they leave hQwtt J^ouifiaua, and the river Mi|ri0>P>j M he SMxaqt penetrate thithp^* .|\ M } ajnl where the furj » much greater de;»rc'e. (out the tizc of oin! of ut he appears rather t of hit* long curJcd ( him appear to th^ lan ho really is. Thia id very thiclc, and is of our, as arc likewifc his are alfo curled» luVd fq fh bctweei) his horns: eyes and hinders hini « him jbut his fenfe of ng is ib exquifite as in fupply the want of the; large Dunch riles on his ilace where they join to orna «rc thick, Jhort, lis hoof is alfo black*, lis fpecies hav« fmaU of a mare. the cbiei food of the the French alfo for a the bell piete is the ilders, the tafte of which cate. They hunt this Iter i for which purjjofe Louifiaua, a»d tne river eaiuipit penetrate thith^* (4151 ) ttu account of the tliick-ncfs of the wdodi \ mui bcfides loves to feed on lortg grals, which is only to be found in the mc.dows of the high lands, in order to get near enough to fire upon him they go againft the wind, and tliey take aim at the hol- low of the ihoulder, that tliey may bnnj; him to the ground at OUte, for if he w only flightly wounded, lie runs againft hii enemy. The natives when hunting feldom chufe to kill any but the cows, having experienced that the ilefli of the male fmalls rank ; but this they might eafily prevent, if they but cut oft the tefticles from the Uealt as foon as ho is ^ad, as they ik) from ftags and wild boars. By killing the males there is lefi^ hazard of diminiihing the fpecies than by killing the females ; and bafides, th' males have much more tallow, ami thf u Ikiiu are th« largeft and bed. Thefe Ikins are an objea of no fmall confidcration. The natives dref* them M*jth their wool on to fuch great perfec- tion, as to render them more pliable than «ur buff. They dye t'-em diflbrcnt co- lours, and cloath tbemfelves thcrewitli. To the French tliey fupply tne place of the beft blarikets, being at the fanie time very warm and vcrv lijjht. 1^: II { 2-' ) "riu" ft.i;^ i> entirely the f.itnc nith tliat of France, only he i< a little l.ito;t r. Thev are only to be found in Upper Louriaiuj, wiierc the wtKvis are mucii thinner thnn irt Lower Louiliana, and the thel'nuts which the it.'.jj greatly loves ar very con; men. The ilcer is very frequent in thin pro- vince, notwithllaiidinj: the great iiumb*ri of them that are kilie>l by the lutive*. According to the hunter?, he partly ro- feinbles the ftag, the rein deer, and the Toe-buck. They feed in lierds, and are utt in the leaft of a fierce n;.tute. iTiey are excclFively capricious, hardly remain a moment in one place, but arc coming and goiiig continually. The lutives drcJ» the Ikin extremely well, like buff, and afterwards paint it. Thofe lkin& tbat are brought to France arc often called does' Ik ins. The wolf is not kbove fifteen tnclief high, antl of a proportionable length. He is not fo brown ah our wolvts, nor fd htfrce and dangerous i he is thercfote II ore like a dog than a wolf, clpecially she dog of the nativen, who differs from him iit nothing, but that he barks. The wolf 13 very cji.ur.on in the hunting ;fe '\ { 2-' ) ■luirelv the f.itnc with Illy he i% A little l.it;Ti>i'. :o be fouml in Upper e the wtKvis are mucii .owcr Louiliana, and the ho il.'.u 2^*''"'y '****'^ **^ cry ficquenl in thin pro- iidinj! the great iiumb«ri kilie>l by the native*, e hunters, he partly ro- , the rein deer, and the y ieed in lienU, and are )f a fierce n;it 111*. iTiey apricious, hardly remain e place, but arc coming lually. The lutives drci» lely well, like buif, and It ' it. Thole ftjn& tbat Fr.Hicc arc often call^ • lot above fiitecn tncfief I proportionable length. 3WII ah our wolvts, nor fe i^crous ', he is thercfoie og than a wolf, cipecially iialiveR, who difl'ers frotu , but that he barks. The cji«;n;on in the hunting ( 2.» ) ctXJntrie« ; and when the hunter makes a hut for himfelf in the evening upon the bank of a river, if he fees the wolf, h« may be confident that the buffalos are not at a very great diOance. It is laid, th.»t this animat, not daring to attack the l»uf> Salo when in a herd, will tome and give notice to the hunter that he may kill him, in hopes of coming in for the offals. The wolves are actually fo familiar, that they come and go on all fides when look* ing for fome thing to cat, without mind- ing in the lead whether they be near or at a diftance from the habitations of men. The bear appears in Louifiana in win- ter, as the fnows, which then cover the t^othcrn climate, hinder hiin from procu- ring \ fubfiftence there, and force him fouthWards. If fome few are feen in the ftimmer time, they are only the flow young bears, tliat have not been ftrong enough to fulK)w the herd northwards. The bear lives upon roots and fruits, particularly acorns } but his moft delicaie food is honey and milk. When he meets with either pf ^hefe Uft, he will rath.»r fuffer hinxfelf to be killed than quit his prize. OkxT colonifts have fometim'es di-: ferted th6«lfelve5 bjr burying afmall patt \ I ( 2S4 ) uith fcnic milk in it ainioll up to tl)e ed^c in tlie grtninil, and Trtting two jovmn btarsi to it. The tonlcll ilicii was which- pf the two (lioulU hintliT the other from tilling the n)'lk» and boih of them (o tpre- the earth with tlieir paw«, untl pullffti nt tiic pyil thjtithey gencrallf overtumod the m'ik, bcicrc cither of thgm Uud talkti^ vi if. f -'r siT^-A 1 "/ Thu Tiper or Piiiither U rot above k fret ami a hult'high, an«l long in propor- tion ; his hair \% fcmewhat of a bright Iwy n)Ioi.r, aiul lie i* brilk as aJi tiperH nalurnliy iif. llisiliJh, when boilcA f^fti's like Mil, only it i» not io inflpiil. 'lltvt i.ie ^t•ry few of llcni to he fccn. 'Uie Cat-a-inount is a kiutl of wild cat, :i.s hi(:Vi-.ti the tiger, btit not fo thick, and his ikin is extremely beautiful. He is •a j^reat dcftroycr of poukry, but fortu- naf»»lv his fptcics is rare. Foxes arc fo numerous, that upon the wotxly heiphts you frequently fee- nothing, but their holes. As the wooils afford tlicm plenty of panie, they ilo not molcft the poultry* v» hich are always allowed to run at Urge. The foxes are exa^Hy flia- ped like ours, but their (kin is much more beautiful, llieii hair is fnc ami t1 tl h I t\ lU ) ( '^'J-J ) in it ainioll up to tlie , and Trtting two )ovui>* nnttll ilifii »a5 whiciv MiidiT the other from id boih of them (o tcre^ ir pawA, untl pullfftl nt encr.tlif overt urnod the r of thoiu Imd talltd' ;iiither St not above & h, and long in propor- foinewhat of a bright e i» briik ?8 aJJ tigcrn [isililh, when boilcA' Illy it i* not io inflpid. ,w of ihcm to litt fccn. nt is u k,iud of yild cat, r, but not fo thick, and icly beautiful. Uc is of poukry, but fortu- i» rare. unieruufl, that upon the II fiequently fef- nothing. As the wooils afford I me, they do not molcft ■ h are always allowed to ic foxes are exa^Hy flia- }ut thvir (kin is much llieii hair is fno and thick, of id(»ep hrown colour, an.! over this rife feveral Icjn;; tilver-colouved hiiirs, which have a fine effect. The wild cat or Raqkoun his been improperly fo caDcd by the firft Krendi frtflcrd in l.ouiliana ; for it has nothing of thecal hut its nimldo atlivity, and ra- ther rcfemblps a monkey. It is not «bov« c'igh or ten inches hi^'h, ami about fifteen long. Its head is like th;it of a lox } i: has lonp tncn, but very (hort claws, net made for fcizing game j accordingly it Hyes upon fniir, Wad, atid oth'M fuch fhinjjs. This animal may be tamed, ami t'ljcn becomes very frolickfome and full of tricks. The h.iir of tlwfe tl»at art- tame is grey •, but of the wihl is veddifli ; neithtr of them is ii) bcuitiful as that of the fox ; it ^'rows very fat, and its fleUi is good to eat. The Rabbit is extremely common over all Louifiana •, it is paTticnlar in ihi' i that its pile is like that vi vhr hare, ar.d it ucTer burrows. Its fleilj i^ white ami delicate, and has the uftial taile, without any ranknefs. There is uo other kind cf Rabbit or Hare, if ^ou plcafe to .'-all it, in- ali the colon V, than that abvvc dcfcribed. ■■\k< is'* IN! ( '2:j0 ) The Wpod-R^tor Opofllim hastfee head and tail of a CQmmpn xat but the bulk and length of>a cat. Its Ic^s are Ihovt, it& paws Ipii^, ^nd its toes are :ir, mod with claws v its tail h almolt with- out hair, and ferv^s for hpokuig itfeh to •my thing ; for when .you take hold ot it by that part, it immediarely twift* l;tfelf round your finger- lu P«le ifc grey, and tho' very ftec, yet is ncyer fmooth. The women among ihf Mi'-tives fpin : and dye it red. Ithunt% by night, aiyj makes war upon the poultry, onjy iuciUn » their blood and leaving their flelh. It is very rare to fee any creature walk fo fow. When he fees hjmfelf upon the point of being caught, inftina prompts him to counterfeit being dead v and in this h« perfevercs with fuA cohftancy, ti at tho' laid on a hot gridiron he will not :nak? ihe leaft fign of life. He iie.cr m ves ttnlefs the perfon go to a diftance or hide hinifelf, in which cafe h^ tudeaTours at f?.ft as poflible to efcape into fome hole or bufli. When the (he-one is about to littef, fliechufes a place in the thick bulhes =*t the feet of a tree, after \vhich (he aii4 m. ; ijij ) jit or Opofllim has tke a common lat but the I of>a cat. Its Ic^s are iig, synd its toes are nr- •, jtstaij l. almolt witli- {0s for hpoiii'ig itfelf to vhen .you taUe hold of k immediarely twift* finger. lu pile ii. grey, )c, yet Is ncyer fmooth. Hong ihp >i:'-tives fpin ; Ithunt^by iiight» and the poaUry, only luciun^ leaving their flcfh. It fee any creature walk fu 5 hjmfelf upon the point , inftinft prompts him to g dead } and in this h« fuA cohftancy, ti at tho' idiron he will not :nak? ■ life. He iie^cr m ves n go to a diftance or hide ch cafe h^ eudeavours at :o efcape into feme hole he-one is about to litt«f, ce in the thick bulhes =»t ee,' after which flie an4 ( 2;i7 ) the iria'e crcp a groat d«al of fine dry gi,tl>, which is loulfd upon her belly, and then the male drag? her and her bur- den by the tail to the littering place, ^e never quits her young a moment ; but when flie i", obliged to change her lodging carries them with her in a' pouch or double fkin that wraps round her belly, and there; the y may floep or fuck at their cafe. The two fides of this pouch, lap fo cl ofe that the joining can hardly he obferved ; Dor can they be feparated with- out tearing the fltin. If the Ihe one be caught carrying her young thus with her {he will fuffer herfelf to be roafted alive' without thar leaft figu of life, rather than open the pouch and expofe her youn^ ones. The flefli of this anitnal is very good, and tafles fomewhat like that of a fueking pig, when it is firft broiled, and afterwards roafted on the fpit- The Pale-cat or Skuuk is about tlus fize of a kitten 6ight months old. The male is of a beautiful black, but the ft*- male has rings of white iuterniixed with the black. Its ear and its patv are like th^t of a moufe, and it has a very lively eye. I fuppofe it lives upon fruits and feeds. Itismeftjuitly called the ItinJdiig \ 'All (- 98H ) beaft, for it$ odour is fo ftrotig, that ".( may be purfued upon the track twenty- four hours after it has paffed. It goes verv flow, and when the Imnter appjoach- es il, it l"Hui«8 out far and wide luch s ftinking urine that neither man nor bcaU can hardly approach it. The Sqmriels ofLoui(iana are like thole of Jrance. except one kind, which arecallcd Hpnf - Squirrels, bewufe they leap from oae^trec to another, tho'th. dillan^e betweenihem be twei ty-fivc or thirty feet. It is abotit the fize of a rat, and of a dteep »fli-colour. Its two fore-legs are joined to it» t^o hind-l«g» by two meitibranes, w «« when it leaps it feems to fly, tWo Jt 4\w^y% leaps fomewhat downwards. This animal nwy be very eafily tamed ; but wen then it is bell to chain it. There is another foit, not much Wgger than a moufe, and of « bright bty-cclovr. Thefe arc fo fair.iliar that they will cwnc out of the woodii, will enter the houfes, and fit within two yard* of the people of the houfe, if they do not make any motion ; and there they v/ill feed on any maiz .within their reach. 1 never wa^o •wtll diverted in my life M-ith the frolics of any ax^mal, as I bavc been with the vn rcl kit ani riv w» fri W'} w! hrt wi TCl bu Ici li SI -\' • 23H ) [our 18 fo ftroWg, that ".( apon the track twenty- it has paflVd. It goes len the hunter apptoach- ,ut far and wide fueh a at nei<.her man nor bcalt each it. The Squirrels . lite thole of France, 'which arecallcd Flyinf- fe they leap from one tree h« dillance bfetweenihera »r thirty feet. It is about , and oi" a dfcep »fli-colour. ;gs are joined to itt ttro wo mejtibranes, fo that it feems to fly* tho' it fomewhat dawnwatds. ay ^ very eafily tamed ; n it is bell to chain it. er foit, not much Wgger md of » bright bty-ccloOT. imiliar that they will come odiif iriU enter the houfts, . two yards of the people if they do not make any ;here they v/ill feed on any their reach. 1 never wasfa in my life with the frolic* I, IS I have been with the ( ^69 .) viracity and attitudea pf- thin little fqulr* re). The Porcupine ia larg? and fine of hi^ kind I but as he lives only upta fruit, and loves coW, is nvoii cqiT]ji)oi» about tho river Illinois, wher^ t|)«j cUn>ato i» fonie- wh»t coW,an^ ill if fometimc. nbore a foot ^'-ci ;" ''f,^J ';^"f^ .-id .Acnilh rtrangers at full hy tbcir ooaki.-.g, rfrcci-Uly if tlicy ne ,n H liollow ^"^Thc CroecAile is very common in the rivet ^^,^nlr.ppi. Aitlm' this amphibious ^L\ br alninft « w^U known « thofc I have i«lt n-.entioned, I cannot hnwevcr ..mit takin'- iome notice of it. it lays r eecs m Uie month of May, when .. hm is .:'.ioady hot in that country ,„d it aep'.r.ts them in the moft concea ed ..Jnce it can fiml among grafs expo.cd to lie he-ats of the fcuth. The eggs ax. about the lire of thofe of a goofe. but on- cer n. pioportion. Upon brcakmg them vou w.n find hardly any thing but wh.te, he yolk being about the [^\« *^^ *»» °* = you4hen. V.S animal has Ins. body Ilwa?8 covered wichflimc, which »s the cafe with all hlhes that live m muddj vraters. When he comes on (liore his Track is covered wUh that flime, as h» beUy trails on the ground, and this renders the earth very flippery in that p-^«. e pe- cially as he returns by thc-fame path to the i.ter. He never hunts tbe fifh upon which he fubfiftsv but places himfelf m sunbufcade, and catches thexn a« th«y m 'K •2\0 ) I foot and an lialf lonor, iigcrs at full hy tbcir ly iftlicy ..vein aliollow I is very common in the Aitlm' tliis amphibious as well known as ihofc tioncd, I cannot hnwevcr e notice of it. It bys month of May, when Illy hot in that country, lem in the mod concealed t among grafs expolcd to ic fouth. The epgsar^ thofe of a goofe, but lon- )ii. Upon breaking them ardly any thing but white, about the five of that of a 'his animal has liis body \ with flimc, which is the lifhes that live in muddy II he comes on ftiore his id wUh that flime, as his he ground, and this renders flippery in that part, efpe- tiurns by the-fame path to e never hunts the fifh upon ifts v but places himfelf m m\ catches thexn at th«T ( 211 ) amljufcnde, :\m\ citclies them u-j tliuy pals. For th.it purpofe he disc's ;i holj UJ the bank of the river, below'' ciie fu: . face of the water, where tlie cuireii: is -ftrong, having afmall entrance, but large enough within to turn himfelf round in. The fifh which are fatiguoil with the flrong current, are gbd to get into the fir.ooth water in tJrat corner, and thevu they are immediately feized by tlie Cro- codile. The Jargeft of all the reptiles of Loui- fiana is the Rattie-Snake .- fonie of them have been A»n fifteen inches thick, and long in proportion ; but tliis fpecies is naturally fliorter in proportion to their thicknels than the other kinds of fcrpencs. This ferpent g?ts its name from feveral hollow knots at its tail, very thin and dry, which make a rattling noife. Thele knots, ■■tho' inferted into each other, are yet quite detachcdj and only the firft of them is fattened to the une h. lii .aions c^ ma,, and by a ln>gul r povKUuce, -1-veveritretnesto^ll^c IheheibNvhich cures it. Ute, is hU'Nvue to be found. , /•/•„. There are f.vcrd other k.m.o of fe- ncnts tobf feen h.ie, fo.v.e ^'' ;'•";» ^J^" en-.ptto ilip into the h.en-ho,, os to dc- vour the eur> ""^1 new-hatched cluckens. "^JZitU-, abuut two feet lc.,j. vu.d not thicker than .i^oofe-qinl -, t U frequent the meudov.'s, and nu.y be iciu running over the fpircs ol gnds •, lucU u their lightna-!i aud nimblenets. Vipers are very v«'-e u. Lower Lou .- a,ra, a3ti:at reptile lov.3 iloney i^ruundr In the hivhlands they are i.onv ;uui ti.cii to be mctNvlth, and there iluy 4^'t« '^^^ femblc ours. ^ii> i m \ 2V.} ) but the li)W':r [wxi I'i r.l.i(.k and white, lioavs ov fees a man it iliakmg itst;'.'.'., w'l'i^^l' loUo th.t ivay be nr.ml ifnincc, Jitd iMves w.irn- :r to he tipoi* hiH giuivth " dreailcl when it coiis ■al line, for then Jt im) , a nv.ui. It ihune the ,K-n, anil by a l">gul»'- cvfver it rothos to, ih.eu' cures itb bite, is liU-wiU- I'vcrul otiicr kin.'o of fev- ■i hcie, fonie ut wiV.ch \iX- ito the I'.cn-ho'jlo-^ to tlc- nd !ioNV-h;itcheil chickens, t-n, iihuut two feet long, V than a^oofe-ciuili i thty leudows, and nuiy be letn .he fpircs vi griiis J '"cb u Hucl nimblenefs. very v:t!;s like tli.; reit, b;it enciou-s them in a kind of cup covv'.d with its fijk. It lod^;p!i itlcli in w kiuoofniit i. -'.le of th? fanie fill., and bu!'.;^' to i'le brar^chcs of the trees. The weh whicli this infect weaves is fo ll;ro!';T, :hat it no: oidy Hops birils, but cannot ev'"-'! bo biok..! by ir.eii without a toniiiliTabie cirort. I never f,;w any Moles in I.ouifiuai, nor heard of .;ny beiiig Icon V i oihers. Birds are io very luir.ierou-i in Lf.iii.i- ana, that if all the iliiTer.'ot ki'.nl; cf t'''.'in were known, w'licii is I'.ir frci.i he- ir'^ the caic .it p-( fert, the (icf'r'plJo'i of thenr alone wuald rci]u;ie ..n ciitive vc- lun'P. The E:;-;!!'. t^(< kini: of b'r.ls, h fni.i!- Icrui.iU ti.c Lu^Ic oi li.eAijjSj but i.e !{ (24i) i, much move l.cauiiful, bciii? entirely Mliu.. c- (opting only the l.r* of '»» wi^KSV/hkh are .lack. As he is a lo . cry var", this is another rcifon toi 1 -"ijrhtenii,,! his vahicto the n.ifves, ^'lio r.iuchafe at a ^reat price the l.irge lea- ther'; of hn; viiit,-., with winch they or- n..rront the Calumet or fymhol of peace, ns 1 have elfewherc (IcfcribecU When fpeakingof the kina; of binls, I flialltakc notice of the Wren, called by ih« French Roitclet (petty King) which is the l^ime in Louifuna as m France. Th« reafon of its name in France will , BL>inly enough appear from the foUow- bghillciy. A niagiftvatc, no lefs rel- pt^aable for his probity than for the rank he holds in the law, aflured me that, when he was at Sables d'Olonne in Poitou, on account of an eftate which he had in the neighbourhood of that city, he had the cuviolity t3 go andfee a wliite h agio which . was then brought from America. After ^ he had entered the houfe a Wven was In-cught, and let ily in the hall where the Earle was feeding. The Wren pearchcd nPon a beam and was no fooner percei,v.. id by the r.;'j;lc than he left off leedinjr. lifw iuto a c&nicr, and hung down h- .\' ciuliful, bc'mj; entirely J only the lips of 1h» e )lack. As he is ullo i is another icifon foi vahicto the n.it'vcs, *'ho ^reat price the Kirgc IVm- ^;-,, Willi which th.cy or- uniet or fynihol of peace, here dcfcribed. ingof the kins; ofbmh, I c of the Wren, called by .Itclet (petty King) which Louifuna as in France. its name in France will li appear from the foUow- \ niagiftvate, no lefs rel- is probity than lor the rank ; law, aflured me that, when les d'Olonne in Poitou, on eftate which he liad in the d of that city, he had the , and fee a wliite V aglc which ugbt from America. After cd the houfe a Wven was [ let 11) in the hall where the ■ding. The Wren pearchcd and was no fooner percei,v- 'g]s than he left oiF feedinjr. corner, and hung down Ivi- ( ^^'-> ) henil. The little bird, on' th'?nilior hT"1, he^.m to iiiirp anil vtfjvjiv a \^\)', ami a no.nent .ificr fl..'\v "p.)'i :'"■ ; r'.\ • uf tK Ei'^le, and pec ; d ln.ii viil'i t:K' ./tv-tofl fury, thj v. r,\>' -.ill t'lv.' vlilj ii.i'ij'.ii.; h's h-.id in aro^^' iidiy inanvr, b'- uvtii in» f ■ft, liiu' A'r.-ii, iKcr fi'i.ry '_^ tls .i;i- inaliiy, 'ctur le^! to tl'.c liM'.n. The r.lco ;, the flu-,":, ■.\\<.* "he P.if- fel arc tlu' fimc -.'i ii I'-uco- >• i! the F icons arc ir..!L!i m^re i)o,.at.ljl tU.n our-. The CirrtonC.">'<', nrTiu-l;oy-lJu I ■• !, W ol' ''>-• li.'.J alt ti '.,)•.' ol a !'i;. :.■•/••':•'. '■ ; his lK'..d 's c .'vor *1 with rv.l ii ./i, .1.; \ his pliri ; ,.' ii l)!a;:k ; " c h.ii .1 Ii :.kjd b-^'k, ha his ten.-;, av? ■..;•:- •>., '-'t : voiy f , I I c ...■><, a'^ I Uu t'icr?,V. ; V 'ry i .1.. p '"or for i:\ 1; I '^ :r.i '4 '• h ''- dj. il lie il ' ■•• I .i • '•'■ •■• 1 '< W >t O ',',!"'•')' ,' \" ■ *' ■' ■ '. iiii; iijvvi ■'. \\ ., • i •■■ .... I"'; : a T ol pvcy. Ac.orci: ,,.,' i.; i'v • ly, u :- on the de d ••■»"" uui' '' - ■. .■;;■■,*.■ > mc'^t ■,vn;i ..: ■, f i". ^ .vi. i "»''•';, -• thi.i kind "I NmhI ••. V ; m.-. j> .r... •. •> - vorl t)!:.)!)!*; i>iinu'..'/ '^'^i' r •- C.v. m',. C i»v, 01 C:ir iiro, :■. \hi- I'l; .. •••!;; i-' Vilturc- T:^o .. ,r -i^ f' i-^^.' ,.,• .. liii^ 01 it y\\.i^iX pi'i • ^0'\'j..u •■ I,-.. • [If' if; i 't>- ( 24(? ) mcnt V for as thcv Ao not ufe the whole cvcule of tl'.o bulValocs which thuy kill thc.fe bii-as cut wh.»t they le'»?h m the air, that they cannot l»e dilling. thed but by their Ihrill cry. T'htir (lei. i* very good to eat, and their fat is a fpecw fic againft cold humours. The iiatives fct a great value upon tlie feathers o£ the Swan. Of the large ones they make the diadems of their fovercigns, hats, and other ornaments, and they weave the fatall ones as the penakc-makers \jreaTe biir, and make coverings of them .\' 'H'.i ) ilo not ufe the whole lalocs which thuy kill I'h.a they lc'fi;h in ' cannot be tlilUag. "ihed rill cry. Thsir flel. is- , ami their fat is a fpeck- humours. The ijativcs ne upon tlie feathers of the large ones they make f their fovercigns, hats, ments, and they weave i as the peruke-makers I make cov«riug8 of them ( ?i7 ) for thfir noble won.pn. The ycunp; pf»- ple iT hotli fexcs ni.iki- lippcl ^ of the Ikhi^ without (tripping it of its tlown. The Can;,d.>Ck'oftf 19.1 Wiitor-foul, of the Uiapc of a (ioofe-, but twice a^ large and hciivy. Its plumagTarkfy-cr).-k, ai\<< they nre Iw/vl tli^ii.our tau.e I) v ks. Tiu-v ..iv.u t ; na a, t^i )1l' .» KaMpc, \'m\ t:>o;v(L'lh sv:.'! yoiig i* tliMtMto, ami oi" ;i fiivj fl v.Jur. The rca-i»int;-l)u 'l li) chan;"\,)ic t'v .t no piinliHR can imitate it. Ui-oa tU-ir lieail tlu-y have a uoiutiful fulr of the molk lively colours, aiul their leil cy»M a|>,HMr like flames, 'rijen.uivoi Kni.uiij.it their ca- Ui luHsor pi.ica with tl>e iWi ' dF their nock. Thc'r ih'i'ii in very goml j hut when it is too fat it tallea oily, rtiefc Hacks are to bo met witli tiie whole year loinul } they perch upon the branch.';; of tree"., witich the otiiors ilo not, uad it is from tills they have their name. The Teal arc fouivtl in every fiMfon. 'Vhe Divsis of Louiliana arc the fame witli thole of Europe : th^y no fooncr feft tlie (ire m ti\e pan, than they ilive fo fud- denly that the Ihot caim )t touch the ^i, ■.xn.\ they arc therefore calleil Leavl-Eaters. The b.m- )ill h is the infule of its beak indented like the ed^reof a fav/ : it is f lid to I've ^vholly U|ioii Ihrimps, the IhellB of wluch it can cafily Ureak. l\' ( 5n ) :k, aiul ihfv nre lati-^cf lit*, riiey ■tiva'- tniu ;, ,111(1 tlioit ft-Mh \v":'' 1 , and oi" .1 fina fl vjur. lu 'ir rcil oye< ;ip,xMr like tivos i.rii.ufUMt their c.i- 'ithtliolki'oFthcirnock. ry goinl v hut whfti it is oily, rtiofc HLicks are ti\o whole year rouiul } 1 the branch.';; of trees, s do not, a.ul it ia from K'ir name. ^ ■ foumi in every fmifon. if Louitiana arc tlie Time irope : thi.y no fooncr left an, than they dive fo fud- ihot ciitni )t touch the ii, refoie called Loavl-Eaters. h IS the infide of its beak e ed^fc of a fav/ : it is f lid 1,1011 Ihrimps, the IhclU of iily Dreak. The Ci n,> is .; very comn-'on water- fowl i it is ' o^rcr thin a'Purkov, very lean, aul of ail r\celic'it tide. It eats Innio- what lik • ■>;• -f, 1 1 1 mikes v -ry jj;oml foui^. 'Iho I'Li nin;^o has only a little down r.ni;! itd huad j iti jdunugc is grey, and iii Acfli good. The Spatula lias Its name from the form of it^ hill, wh'.cli i< about fcven or ei;:;ht inches lon)j;, an inch broad to"—^ w.irds the Iiff:id, and two inches and a half towards the exticmily •, it is not quite to larj;e as a Wil \ CioolV % its thi>;hs antl l.'i:;s arc about the height of thofc of a 'I'urky. Its plumage ia rofe-coloured, tlie winj',' being brighter than any other part. This' is a watci-fowl, and its flclh is very jjood. . The Heron of Louifiana is not ui the Icjfl different from th.it of Europe. The Egret, or White Heron, is fo cal- led fioni tufts of featJjers upon the win^^s near the hoJy which hinder it from flying hi^h •, it is a water-fowl with wliite phi- mage , but its flefhtaltes very oily. The Bee croche, or Crook-'jill, has in- deed a crooked bill, with which it feize* the cray-fifli upon which it fubfifts. It* flerti has that tulle, and it is about the fuc •f A capon. ( 2.^0 ; i Ki The Indi.ui Watvv-TIen, iuul tlie Cv:!i:ii-Font, are the f;inic' ns ill Europe. The M.i:i:liet-iiill is fo cuHctl on account of ii3 b:!), which is red and formed _ like the e-l;.-:o of y.n ax. Its feet are alfo of a hciutiful r fow peop'^ kn^w th t it prelcrvcs the lame property whr;i it ii (!e ,f1. 5 iuyfc ;f hum; a de.ul one by •a fdl: thread d.rct"!.;y over a re...comp.u"s, zvA Ic.uide'J.u-eit as a tacl th.it the bill was aUrays tur-icd towards the wind, The SiaL.rk and Sea^Snipo never quit t'le foa ; i'lcir llcHi may be e<.t, a* it h.'s very i,ttl(> jf tht oi'y t;!,:e. Tlitf r-iijtt^-r)'.'. \ is a i.tv^T? bird, which ii\ the d;iy-rl;'':e Icrps iilelf in the air above die ihi 1 'of tiie i"- 1. It o''ten rifes ■ ir c v:c\*'c ; for it a tvci-y I'lio it iCtiVes very >, 'y itOviS i.ji.:i u ., Ul. ; 2.'0 ; Watvv-TIen, iiiid tlie ? the f;in'e ns in Europe, liill is fo c;i!lctl on uccouut h is rod ii'.id fovmcd like X. Its feet are alio of ■and it is thercfon^ often :. As it lives upon fhel!- lovos iio!U the ioa-co;t(l, approach of a llorm, fure to follow it 3 retiring p '.ViS. ll.or excels ovn-s in no- iie be;uity of its piumngo, oito as il'.o rain-liow. This .nown, goo;! ahv:iy-i ngainft perh, ps few peop'-' kn^w b tJio lame property wh'-ij ivfi 1; hungade-.icl one i^y ■et\W over a fc.i-comp.ii-i, :e itV.s a facl t!..it tl\c bill 10(1 towards the wind, rlc and iSea-'Snipo never t'leir llelli may be eat, a* ;> 'jf t!i-;oi'y t.\,::\ ■ IV.'.X is a i.'Vij;;' hh\\, whicli ^e i'C;ps itielf in the air ■of tile f'M. It o'"ten rifes ! I-' for c ?vcl*o ; for it ;., ui.a fVci-y iiijj it i'ct.ves (251) to the conft. It appears larger th;.n it really i", ;ib it is covered with a great ma- nvfeatlieis of a r;rcy colour. It.s win s ,.r..' vrvvlnrHT, its tail for!. ed, and it tUi.8 the air vvid. great fwiftnefs. Til? Druig'it-Bird is a large bird, not much urdiko the Trigatc-liird, as li^^lit, bu-: not fo fwift. The under-put ol its p!uma;;e ir, choquevcd brown a.nd white, butt!ie upper p;;ri is tn'grexdli brown. The Fool is of a yei: :v.iih colour, and ab;iut the il:'e of a lien ; it is fo called, be;;\iife it will fuiler a man to approach it ib near as to fcr/e it v.i.li ids liand ; b'lt even tlici it is loo s-)on to eiy vldu.y j fi ! if the peifon ■vviio i'eues it does iu)t lake- the greato'lpiec I'.Miuri^ it will fnap olf his finger at one uiie. When thofe three I.di birds are obf-?r- vcd to hover very lowovjr the Ihoro, we may niolt ccifaiiily c.'.pecT: an approach- ing ilorm. On the other hand, when th'-- f ■.•■I'-r.s f-^o tiie Halcyons behind tiie'.r v;';Tel, they cxpoft and generally meet with fine weather for fome days. Since I have mentioned the Halcyon, I fisall hero defcribe it. It is a fmall bjnl, about the ir/e of a Swallow, bvit its beak is longer, 4nd its |ji'.;ran^e is violetrCQ- ,t \: 1;! 11 1 > ! \ 'Ui ( 252 ) loured. It hns two (Ireaks of a yoUowHh brown at the end of the Icatlicrs or its wing?, which when it fits appear upon its back. When we left Louifiana near an hundred ILdcyons fciliowed our vcf- Icl for near th; edays : tliey kept at the dilbncc of about a (lonc-cad, and feem- ed to fM'im, yet I could never difcover that their llet were webbed, and was therefore greatly furprifed. Tliey proba. bly live upon the fmail irfetls that drop from the out-.ide of the vefiel when fail- ing j for they now and then dived and canne up in the fame place. 1 have fome fufpicion that by keeping ijr the wake of the Ihip, they float alter it without fwinv mingi for when they ha|>pened to b^ out of the wake of the fliip they were obliged to fly in "^'i-*-'!" to come up with the Ihip again. This bird is faid to build its nea of the glutinous frolh of the fea (Clofe upon the (liore, and to launch it when a land breeze arifes, raifing one of its wings in th'> form of a lad, which receiving the wind helps to carry it out to fea. , I (hall now proceed to fpeak ot the fowls which frequent the woods, and &aU begin with the WUd-Turkfcy, wbidi .\' ( 252 ) ( 25S ) two (Ireaks of a yoUowiili !ul of the fccitlicrs of its when it fits appear upon ■n we left Louifiana near cyoHS f(iiio\vcil our vcf- e clays: they kept at the It a (lonc-cail, anJ feem- ;t I could never difcover were webbed, and was y furprlfeil. Tliey proba. le fmail rjfetls that drop ie of the vcfiel when fail- now and then dived and fame place. 1 have fome >y keeping m the wake of lioat alter it without fwinv len they happened to b? ke of the fliip they were 1 order to come up wLtl> , This bird is faid to build glutinous frolh of the fea e ftiore, and to launch it rccze arlfes, raifing one of hf« form of a fall, which vind helps to carry it out V proceed to fpeak of the frequent the woods, and th the WUd-Turkfey, which is very common all over the cobny.' The feathers of the Turkey are of a dufic- itii grey, edged wJtli a ilreak of gold coK)ar, near half an inch broad. In the fiinll feathers the gold-coloured (treak is not above one teiHh of an inch broad. Tlie natives make fans of the tail, and of !our tails joined together the white mak'> an umbrella. The Pheafant is the mod beautiful bird that can be painted, and in every refpetl entirely like that of Europe. Their rarity in my opinion makes tliem more eftcem- cd than ihcy dcfcrve. I would at any time prefer a flicc o:r the fillet of a Bulalo to any Pheafant. The Partridges of I^ouifiana are not lar- ger than a Wood-Pigeon. Their plumage is exaclly the fame with that of our grey Partridges ; they have alio the horfe Ihoe upon the bread ; they perch upon trees, and ate feldom feen in flocks. Their cry confills only of two ftrong notes, fome- w'aat refembling the name given them H )-ouy. Their flefti is white and deli- cate, but, like all the other game in this country, it has no fumet, and only ex- eel i if» the fine talte. The VVo.)>!cuca is very rare, becaufe it ii^ vuily to pe met M,th in inhabited ( •-.'■V } '4', ,.*, b>il .r.itii M llian thu of countiio.-.. U;s flofli i<^ '*'.;• plumper anil more dclicit'- ours, which is oM'inj^ to tlie j^ler.ty and ifoodnets of itsfruii. The Stiipo is much more common tlui) ,1,0 Wooat'ock, and in this country is !.n from bein^Mlvy. Its Ikflns -Ah-to, ana of a much be'tcr rcHHi than that ot ours J am ol opinion thst the Qu.mI is very varc in Lonifiana; I have lomotnnos Heard it, but never faw it, jior K»e\v any Fn-nchman that ever did, ' ' Some of onr coloriifts have thonsh! Mopertocivc the name of Ortolan to n fmAlbirdwhichhasthe fame plumage, but in every other refpea does not lU tao leail refenible it, , -rir j The Coibijeau i$ as lari^c as Uic Wood- ccck. 3nti, ^uh ^ f.a!e rofe-t;oloured fpc- vi . a ihf crovM v . times cload th? fun. One day on tlia h.xnki of the MiiliiRppi I mot with a |\o:k of them wliich was lb large, that bciore theyallpafledl had Icifure to fire with the fame piece four times at them. But tiie npiditv of their flight was fo great, that tiio' I do iiot fire ill, with my foar fliots I brought down but two. riiefe birils come to Louifiana only »i^ tlie winter ^nd reniain in Canada during the fummer, wKeve they devour the corn, as they eat the acorns in Louifiana. The Canad' tlien) iianshaveufqdewry art to hinder from doing fo muph mifchief, but V, ith'oiit fuccefs. But if tlie Inhabitants of thole colonies were to go a fowling for thafo birds in the manner that I have d me, they would infenfibly deftroy them. WIten'they walk arnbn;' the; hij^h foreft trees, they oujjht to remark under what - . ifim m 'I .1''! \) II!' (11 II h ir\' i'i <'4i 1! ''^ ( 'i5G ) hvc;J the Ir^'Zoil il'V'^utl'v f)f iUi;.H is to Icfcen. i'tiofc tie<«! bci.im'Si. I'.iiu;- Vucil, thel.iDtcrsougl't togoout wren it Ic^^irs to ,i;vow ilark, ami carry widi them'aquantuy ct biunilone vlndi il '7 muil fct fire to in fo many eirftlfn iihtcA piuccil ?/. re^ubr din...Mv:c,'- i-iiler t.. trees. In a very fliort tin^.e th-.v a»m11 hear' u ihowoi- of Wtotl-P;. ouns f'^ning to the yunnJ, %vl.iL'., by u ■• iifht c' lomc cln- cu cais<:;, tJ ey n-.ay gatlci nto fads, as fccn as tlebrin.UtiUe is cxtinguill (-'d. I finll here {',ive rm inilance that j^rovcs rtit cnfy the prcdigious nunber of thoie birds, tut alfo their nnp,u!ar inainO. In cnc ( f n y journeys at \aiul, when 1 hap- fevc-'l to be upon the bank of the river, I hceul a confufod noife, which feen.ed to come along the river from a confider- ablo diftance below us. As the found ccntiniud uniformly I enibarkcd, as fal| a I ccuki, on board the pettyauger, wUU four other men and lUercd do*n the ri- ver, and keeping in the nuddie, that I night go to any fide that bell iui ted n\c. Tnt how great was By furpvife when 1 approached the place frcni whence the roife came, and obfcrved it to ptocccd from a thick fhort pillar on tlie bunk of the river. When I drew dill nearer l» i\' i' '256 ] [iff! bc;ilg C! it I'lit'J- :rs oiigl't to go out when w ilark, ami carry w icli cibiuiiilone wliith il'-y in fo many eifilvii iihtcA :din.inv:e>-i; iilcrt..^ irces. it x'ln.e th'.v «ill htar- u ,i4UP:. 'tins failing to the . by u '• iifj't <■'' lomc dri- n-.ay gatler 'iito facU, as -..Utiue is cxtinguifl <-'. la neys at iaiul, when 1 hap- pen the bank of the river, ufcil noife, which fecn.ed the river from a corfuler- bclow us. As the fournl "otinly I enibaTkctl, as h\\. joanl the pettyauger, wilh ?n ami lleercd do-nn the ri- ping in the middle, that I ny fide that bell fuitcd nx*. It was By furpvlfe when 1 le place fn;m whence tie nd obfcrved it to ptocccd fhort pillar on the bank of *'htn I drew ftiil nearer i» it, I perceived that it •was formed by a' legion of wcod-pigeons, wlio kept conti- mially flyingt up ai'ul down fiicceinvcJy a- mong the branches of an evev-gte'en oak^ in ordfr to beat down the acortis with" I heir wings. Every now atid then fbme aiiglued to eat tlie acorns whicli they' thcmfolves or the others had bc^t down j for they all afled in common, and eat in' common •, no avarice nor private interellj' appearing among them, but each labour- ing as much for the rcil as for himfelf. Crovvs are corhmon in Louifjana.' Whatever their appetite may be, they; dare not for the carrion crovv approach any carcafs. I never faw any Ravens in this country^' and if there be' any' they muft be very rare. The Owls are larger and whiter than in France, and their cry is much niorc frightful. The Little Owl is the fame M'ith ours, but much more rare. Thefe two birds are more common in Lowet* Louj'fiana than' in the higher. The Magpyc refembles thbfe of Europfc" in nothifig but its cry ; it is more delicate, is quite black, has a difFeirent miiiinef of tying, and chiefly freqAeiit»'tlve'cbaft$;* Z2 ( 'i5» \ TheB'AcV'.v.iiUare ulac'tall over, no excepiiij; ti.or bills nor then tot.":, .nu nrc;ilii.cfla?largc;)i,; ilioui- dcr is of a bright red. 'llvey are only to be feen in winter •. and then they are io numerous, that upwards c-t 1U)0 of tlicm have been taken at onte in a not. A beaten path is made near a uocd, and •.'.fter it is cleaned and finoorhcd, :t is Itrewcd with rice. On each Ikie of this path is ftretched a long narrow (ilken net, with very fmuH n.elhes, and nude to turn over at once by ftrings fafteneil to the (lick that Ibretches the end of it Ihe darlings no fopner alight to pick up the grain, th.n the fowler, who lies conceal- %\ with the ftrings in his hand, pulls the net over them. Tlie W cod .pecker is much the lame Hs in Europe i but here there are two kinds of ihem j one has grey feathers fpot- tcd with black ; the other has the head and the neck of a bright red, ami the rell t,f the bpt.y as the former. This bud lives upon tlic worms which it finds m roueu wood, aud not upou ants, a**? ijs.s ^ ( ?-"> ) are i)lac^all over, m, sills nor t!ii-ii tot.":, _. nu re in;,;i. ty and fjiottcd, ai)d tlic both the tip oC t!\e ilioul- it ted. 'llvey are only ntcr ; and tlieii tliey are Lat upwartis c-i" 'M)0 of taken at onte in a not. J made near a wood, and jcd and finooihcd, It is e. On each laie of this a long narrow lilWen ner, H n.elhes, and nude to :e by firings faftened to retches the end of it The tier alight to pick up the fowler, who lies conceal- ings ill his hand, pulls the •pecker is much the lame but here there are two ', one has grey feathers fpot- i ; the other has the head f a bright red, ami the roll IS the former. This bird i worms which it finds in aud not upou ants, »«*» modem author wnt.ld h:\\\i us hcl'cvi?, To:- Willi of liaving coMfuicicd the n, t.iro of the thin^;. which he* roi.,tc'S. 'I'iic ;)ird> when looking for its food, examines tlic trunks ot irt-es tluit have loil tl'pir b^.rk j it clafps l>y its feet wich its belly cl )!<« i .) the tree, and hearkens if it can l.ear a worm eating the wood j in this m,in,icr it !; !)3 froiu place to place upon the trr.ii : til! it he irs a worm, tlr \ it pierces th; wo id in that part, pricks tiie won^ wit.'i its hard and pointed tongue, annger. But in t,h\f it fj particular tliut 1 ■M,u. { 26U ) it \i not (l»y, atul finns tliro* lie whole vo.ir, i!..>*rm-'.y. his vi-ry caly to en- tice tlm n to your roof, whciv it :s mipol- fi:>lc tor the cats to rcicU tlicm, by l.iymg lb.Tii>thi:i|? ioT them to c.it upon a lath, M'-th u piece of live ihell of a npurd which Icrvcs to hoU their nell. You may in fhiitcaic ilcpoiul upoiuheir not dunging their h.ihkatlon. Tlic Pope is a hiril that has a red and hhcU phunago. It lus got that name perhaps; becaule its colour malics it look ibm'-wh.it oUl, and none but ohl men are pror.ioted lO that dignity ) or bccaufe it« iiotci are loft, feeble, and rare^ or laltly, 1,ec mfe they wanted a bird of that name in the colony, having two othev kinds i.atiK'd cardinals and bifliops. The Cardinid owca its name to the bri"ht ledofthf fcithera, and to a little c«wl on the hind part of the head, which reletiibles that of the bifliop's ornament, c'lllcd a Camail. It is as large as a black- biid but not fo long. Its bill and toes aVe lav^c, ftrong, and black. Its notes .ue fo llronjT and piercinj^ that they are onlv agreeable in tlie woods. It is re- mafkublc for laying up its winter pro. vlfijn ill the fumnier, and near a Farm bunicl of mai> has been found in its r«- 1\' '♦60 ) fiiiUs thro* ^le wliolp his vt-ry caly to eii- rooi, whoro it is inipof- ) rcicU tiicm, by 1 tying ;iTi to c;it upon a lath, ■ llicll of a npurd wliich jir null. You may in ipoii their iwt changiiHJ jiril that has a red and It lus got that name Its colour m.tlies it look id none but oKl men are dignity j or bccaufe it« >bk', and rare ^ or lallly, ited a bird of that name liaving two other kinds and bifliops. owca its name to the fc ithera, and to a little 1 part of the head, which of the bifliop's ornament. It is as large as a black- loag. Its bill and toes g, and black. Its notes id picrcinj; that they are in Uie woods. It is re* aylng up its wmter pro* imnicr, and near a Paris lias been found in its r«- ( 201 ) treat, artfull/ covered, firfl: win leivcs, ;"i the ni^-htiiig.ite. [ iiad fuch j;rcat plonfiU'c in h Mring this chtrminj: bird, thtt 1 le'"! an oak llaiMling very nc^r my appartment, upon which he uled to come and perch, tlio' I very well knew, that the tree, whicli Uood.lngl?, might be overturncvl by .1 blall of wind, and fall upon my lici'.fe to my ^reat loH). The Humaung hivd is not largir even with its feathers than a lar>;e b^-etle. The colour of its fcathfrs is variaiile acconl- iii .^ to thv' hght they are expofed in } in the fail ilicy appear like enamel upon a jrold ground, which delights the eyes. The Itjugelt feathers of the wings of tliis bird are not much more than half an inch long, its bill is about the fame length, and pointed like an awl ; and its tongue lefcsibkj a fuwin^ needle ; its feet uru- * \\'- A ( ?62 ) nm its little ti/e, its ili?i>t is to r.ipul, tint ir ie alw.iys le.u\l before it is Icon. Altlio' lit;'' the hoe it Tucks the nowcrs, u never rclVs upon them, but luiiports it • U-lf u^(.n its vvinn«, anil p.iires trom on: flower to another with the rapuhty ol )i^;htcning. It i-. a rare thinj; to catch a hummingbird alive; one ot my friends however had tnc hvppuicfj to catch . ne. Hehadoblorvcdit„cmcrthe (lower of a coovolvulous and as it had quite buriect itfelfto^etat the bottom, he ran for- wards, (l;ut the flowtr, cut it from the ftalk, and carried ott the bird a prilon- cr. He could not however prevail upon It to eat, and it died four days after. TheTronion is afmall bird about the fize of a fparrow •, its plumage is hke- wilo the fame .• but its beak is flcnder. Its notes fcem to cxprcls its name The French fettlers raife in this pro- vince turkies, fowls, capons, &c. of an excellent talle. The pidgcons for their fine flavour and delicacy are preferred by Europeiins to thofe of any other coun- try. The Guinea Fowl is here delicious. I'l Lmilliana we have two kinds of Silk Worm?-; v.-ic was brought from France, tUo tithcr i;. natural to the country. ( 2(.-.) ) •J62 ) •^0 nv Notwit'id-in.!- its iiijT'it is to r.ij'i'l, he.\\\\ betorc il is l"»-'oii. •e it liic'ks thf nowors i^ n tliem, but Ivijiports it • |rfl, anil p;ilTcs from one ler witli the rapidity ol T w riire tlunj; to catch a ilive •, one of my friends )Mii|i'nL'f» to catch ^ ne. I It, Ciller tlic flower of a luhis it had quite buricci he bottom, he ran for- e flower, cut it from the cd ott the bird a pnlon^ i!ot however prevail upon died four days after. I is a fmall bird about the row, its plumage is Uko- . but its beak is flcndcr. to cxprels itn name. ^ fettlers raife in this pro- fowls, capons, Sic. of an . Thepidgcons for their ;nd delicacy are preferred to thof*.' of any other coun- inea Fowl is here deliciou''. a we have two kinds of Silk was broupht from France, tiiral to the country. ThcTibacco Wor-n i-i a cauorpill.u of the li/e and ri;;iue of a lii!i wovpu U In of a liiie r.'.i-greeii colour, witii lings (it lllvcr colour V on iti rump it h:is a Itiiii; near a (ju.'.vtcr of an inch long. ThoU" ink I Id tjuickly do a [^rcar ♦leal oi niifchief, iJicrtforc cure lb taken every day while tlie tobacco is riliiij;, to pick them olT"aiul kill them. In fi'.uinK.r Caieq illars rro tomciimcs iound upon llie pl.iiU:*, but tl:eie iiiu'ttK rfrcvLvy r.ire in the colony, (ylow-woini* are here the fan.e as in l:.urupe. IJuticrlli'.'s are not very con.mon; the conlciiuence of therv being lev tr c.ier- nillars-, but they arc of incomp;it.;l'lc ')eauty, and have the moll bvilli,nit co- 'curs. In the meadows arc to be teen bic'.ck gratliopper.i, which ahholl alM-.iyu w^ik, rarely leap, and lit) I leklomer tly,. They are about the li/c ol tlic linger oy thunib, and tlieir lu'ad is Ihapeil fjme- .vhai like that of a liovfe. 'ineir lour t'mall \vii'.;;8 a'.o ol a moll bea^itilul pur,- j:Ie. Cats arc very (oiui ol j^vuihoppcri. Xhu JBecs of LouilKuiii ledge in the i-'arlh to fecivrc their hciiey from tlic y.ivajres ol vho bf..i;.. boii.c »tw iiidoeU la.iiu UiCii coiiUiS m the trunks of tree:, i^ III j.u...^i. •, bol by t"«r i!,;' ^.(...tcii. mav;- ( •-«* ) ■bcT in the f Jvth in the lofty fovcfts, where t> be; rs RMt.n 1^0. 'I'll.' iMies avc ot two kind's, one a ycl- lowi.i; bvcAM-., luul the otla-v black. The Walps in thii countiy take up d civ abode near the houles where they InjcU victuals. Several French fettlers cnileavouicd to root thcni out of their iieiRl I'ourhood ; but f aaed othcrwiie , for reileaing, tl.at no iiics are to be ieen V'hcre the walps fretrucnt, I invited them . by hanging up a piece ot flelh ui the air. The Quick htmger is along and yel- lowifh liy. ;i"fl« receives its name from its fthv'injj the moment it hghts. 1 he „touimo''n files of Fr: uco arc very coiiimoa c\lfn in Louifiaiia. The Cantharidcs, or Spanifli F'ies; are vory numerous, and larger than in Eu- rope: they are of fuch an acid nature, that if chey but iligTuly touch the Ikin as thev pafs a pretty large blilter ^iaftjntly Tiles. Thefe Hies live upon tlie leivci of the oak. • The Green Flies appear only every other year, and the natives fuperltitiouOy Mok upon their appearance as a prefago of a tood crop. Tt is a pity Aut the cat- tle are fo greatly molotted by thcni, that the" cannot romain in t)ie tieldi ; for ( -«* ) n tlie lofty fovcfts, where ot iwo kint's, one a ycl- ml the otlif.-v black. in thii couiUiy take up T t}^e houles where they Several French fettlers root thcnj out of their ; but f a£leJ othcrwife , but no ihcs are to be feen ;s fretfucnt, I invited them a piece ot flelh in the air. Stinger is a long and yel- it receives its name from moment it lights. The •f Fr. uco arc very coinmop iia. rides, or Spanifli F ies," are , and larger than in Eu- e of fuch an acid nature, It ilighily touch the Ikin as retty large bliiter inftinlly ilies live upon tiie leaves n Flies 'appear only every id the natives fuperlHtioufly ir uppcavance as a prefago 1. Tt is a pity tljat the cat- atiy moiotleil by them, that romain in t)»e tieldi ; for ( ^-- ) t!i"y ar? rxtreincly beautiful, and t'.v'ce J. i.Ki'e as bees. ?*';re Flics ..re very common •, w'len the ni ^lit i.) r?rei-.c they .re fo very numerous, til. It if the lit^ht they dart out were c;)a- ihiat, one niijriit fee as clearly as in fine ir.oo.iihine. Tiie i'iy-Ants, which we fee attadi thcmfelves to the flo.ver of the Acacia, uiul whicli difippear when that flower is gone, do not proceed from the common ants. The tiy-ants, tho' ihaped like the other kind, are however longer and l.'.r- j;er. They have a fijuare head -, t'leir co- lour is a browniih red bordered wldi black ; they h 've four red and grey wings, and fly like com.non flies, which the other ants jo not even when they have wings. The Dragon Flies are pretty numerous; they do not w.uit to dellroy V\e-w liecauie tliey feed upon Mufquetns, which is one' of the mo'l trou'olefome kiii.l of inf;;-"ls. Ti e MufTiuetos are famous all over .\- meil'; . for thtir multltu h, the trniMe- fomen., "s of their buz-'/mvj, nil the ve.ii.n of their llin^s, which occalon ni infup- portable itchinj, dud often for ^ fo manf fmiil ulcers, if the perfon ftuig does not ifiniiiediately put fome Ipittle on th« A A A I I I ''^'^ • 1 ,11 "- Ill LI y* w. I ' iH ( 2-.-,y ior levtial ih)?u An hour -.itter ihe bruv.lUne has been burnt, the r.partmtnls may be finely en- tered into by men. , i:.y the fame nicans vc nay nd c)ur_. fe'vca tf the flics and mukiucios, whole liuHr is fo r,air.fi.l and lb Ivequent dunnj. •thv-'i!crttin.e il cy ily r.boui •, tor they ,'0 not rile till abeut lur-fet, atul they vctiveat night. 'Ihis isrot tl e caic vuh the Burninl Ily. Thele, tho' not nnuii Jarger thvm ihe j.oint of -^ pm, are iilup- pcUjetothejceilevholabeUT m the i'clds 'Dt-y j.ylrom iun-lettnig, lu^d ■ the v( un^ls tin y ;jve buju Uke iue. _ • The U.iveit 15 ;ai inua ubcut an inea »nd u i,uu,teT Icrg, a little n ere than a fluaiterbtor.di ^ni' but the unth j-.art et i. inch t)ncl.. It enters M. ouu^ b> the- fnuildt crcv:ces, v^no »n the m|,!H ■ tin * it fnlls urtu dill e» that src even co- vevcc.via'url«tc, V Inch r.r..-er.U very trotlkicn e to thole ^U'k l.euleE are c.v )v UiU (;i >v9ud. .liwt they aic lo ^.ehta- S^sij ( 2-.'.y lor Icvtial tiayr,. [• the bfuvUcne has been Ttincnts jnay be faiely ci> lien, ; nicans vc ir.ay ritl cur- Hks and nnikiuctos, whofe fv.l ami lb hequent (iurinj', ; il.cy fly r.boiilj lor they ! abcut lur.-fet, wd they t. 1 his is rot t) e cafe villi lay. Thelej tho' not nmcli e j.cint oi i* pin, ave ii-lup- e jccjle vho labeui in the y j,y irom iun-rettnig, ai^tl b< y uve buji: like iire. t 15 ;'n init^> "l^c^wt »" '"'^^ 1 Icrg, a little n ere than a ij »m' but the icr.th y-iut of .1., It enters the houitsby ttcvicesj v;f.o in the nii;ht virtu dijles that sre eveJi eo- rlatc, vhich ret £^er^i{ very tc. thole vhoft hi vilef sve cn- vpgd. iiwt they ftic lo ?.e!»th- ( 267 ) in,; to the cats, tliut th'2fe lall qii't ewry t.'i!^- to fill upon them whev'-. vr t'a;;,- jv.rceivp tho.n, Wlieii a ne'V i'cttlci ha s once cleared th;:' ;.rvaund about Iiis houic, and is at fonie dillanco from t!ic wuodb, he is quickly frejd from them. In I.uuifiAn.i theri aru' while ants, which f.'cm to love dend wood. Porfoii.4 who h^vc been in the Eafl: Ttvlie:* !tav« aflured me, that tliey aro quit.' li' ' thole which in that country are called Cancar- 1.1, u!ui that they would eat thro' ghfs, which I never had the experience of. There are in Louifiana, red, black, and flying ants. Tho' tliere is an incredible quantity df fiflies in this country, I ihall however hi very concife in my account of them ; Iwcaufe (luring my abode in th^ country rhcy were not fuiiicie:it!y knj-.vn ; and the people were not ex'pericnced cnougH in the art of catching them. The niplt of tho rivers being very deep, and i!i3 Miffifilppi, as I have mentioned, being be- twesn thil'cy-eight and forty fatht)!n,?, from its mouth to the fall of St. Antho- nv, it may be eafily conceived that the iiiilruments ufed elfe where cannot he oi any ufe in Louifiana, bccaule they can- «ot go to tha bottom of die rivers, or u ( '.( . ' , ' \: k-xf> fn ik'?n as to pt\-vx>nt t'.e Crli froni el\:^pinu. 'ihc l.ne il^cn foro r.,n be on y ulcc(, ^^dltisvitMt they c:;K:h...l tin f-A': tlur ;u-eei>t-n by the io tiers .1^011 tao river. I i..v(.cet.u to an acccual 01 ti.oK^ Tic Barbel or cat uf,! i- of two loris tlcbrgciindlhefm.il. 'li^c firll is a- lout tcur feet loiij;, and the {malldl ot this fcrt that is ever lefii is two ieet long, the young ciks doubticfs keeping at the boitcm of the water. Tius kin^- ha.^ n vcTV hn-ge head, and a round bcnty, v;)iith gradually lefl.-ns towards the tud. Tlic fiih has no fcules, nor any bones, excepting 1 hat of the muldle : Us ilelh is very Rocd and delicate, Lui m a Imall ■ depTee veiy infipid, which is eafdy reme- died ', in other refpeas it eats very mucii like the frefh cod of the country. ^ The fmall is from a foot to two lecl m Icncth. Its head is flvaped hke that o^ tl.e other kind ; but its body is not lo round nor fo poiutod at ihe tail. _ The Carp of the river Miffilipi is men- Ihous. None are feen under iwo feet Jong; and many are met with thrc^ and four feet in length. The c.rps are not fo very cood in the lower part of the n- ver ; Lut the high" cnc ^o« the. iiner I'V ( 2(;9 ) :) pv.v(?nt :;ie {Trli froni me il.r.T(fort'C;!tibe on y •dh It they c:'.k1i .'M tin 1 by t!ic ic tiers iij'on tac J. to an actcual oi t:.i'i.' r catfira i;* o( two ior\^, e fmail. 'live firlt is ;i- aiij;, ami tlie ImalK-fl oi ever leeii is two i'cet long, t'oubticfs kee;?inp at the water. 'Tiua l-'ii'-t^ bas ;i v.l, and a round budy, y leflcns towards the tail, no icules, uor any bones, of tho niubtlf ; its ikih is I delicate, Lui: in a IVnall fipid, which is eafily reme- refpe£ts it eats very much ;o d of the country. i from a foot to two ft-'Cl in ead is fliaped like that o( \; but its body is not lb pointed at the tail. of the river Miihiipi is men- e are fecn undtr two feet any are inet with thrc:: and ^n-Tth. The Cirps are rot in'^thc lower part of the ri- e hightr one goes the. liner :.:,('y arc, on rccou'it of il.J p'e:i!y of fun.n is an excellent (r.n; it if. uiii^iiiy a feci, and a t( ot .uid a iiiit long : ii- iii ron:id, with L;t.!d-co!cHiii(l fcalts. In its thvo.it it h.i.; 'wo bores, v.iiha furfu-cblj that of a ii!e to bvcah the fi.ell- liih la.ned Buriu^ 'i'ho' deij- t'tc It is i.everlhclefs very iirm. It ir, tc!t when not i.uicii boiled. The i^inp-Skate is found in tlie riviiv up as far as iNow Orleans, but no liighcr. It is very i:ood, and no way tough, l^i other relpeds it is ex.\cUy like that of Fiance. Tlie Spatula is fo called, becaufe from its fnout a fubllance extends about a foot in length in tlio fonn of an apothec.vry'R fpatula. This fiih which is about t.vo feet in length, is neither rouiuH or flvif, but fquare, having at its fides and in the inKer part bones that form an anj^le like thofe of the back. No Pikes are caught above a foot and a kalf ion[,. As this is a vovacijus fiiii, !|i \'i ( 'i'O ) rerhar^ the nrmed-nih pur^irs h bot!. hvni jcuU'ufy a.ui ?.',^1^t^ne. The piKt-bt- lules l.ci I"; fm.uisv^iy vare. _ Tiio Choupic or Wclflinum is, a very Ik AUtiUil tith ; m?.m ppoplo miltake it for tl.e trous as it t«k« Aity .nine f;»n.« mavaier. But it i* v.>ry till ere,>t froia tl't trout, '.iH it prefer:^ miuldy and -..cvl vitevtonc^ar Uix-atn, niul Us ilefh u, U) fott that it is ody t'.'ca wher. frieJ. ^ The Sardine or inull I'liohard ot t le liver Millill-.ppi. is ab-.nu, three or tour fingers in breadth, and between fix and ffven incheslong i it is good and deiicate. One ycir I lahed about the qusntity ot fort- Pl-ts of t'ncm, and all the French who eat of them acknowledged them to be fardines from their flefii, their brncs, and their tafte. They appear nuly^ for a lliort feafon, and are cauj^lr. by tne «;-- lives, when rwin-.ming againf ihe lirong- cft cunent, v^ithncts made tor that pur- pofe cnlv. The L'iiiafla, fo called by the natives for its flarnefs, ib iLc roach or fiefti-watcr iuullctfifthii country. Tlie Armed-Fiih or P:*.- hi'.s its namf; from its arms, and it« Icaiy mail. It; anrs arc its very fharp letih about the teci.tii of an inth iiv diameter, aijd as ".■:m ; 'iTo ) ed-nih purriu-3 \t ^ I'O'-li k1 -.Vjipctite. The pi'^f bt- 1 1,-', yfiw rare. ; or W'clflinum is, a very iiir.iiv people miltake it s it takfs a ily in the f-.u.u^ it is v:'ry iUlTerej>t fioni prefers miuldy ami '.'cvl lb earn, aiul its ilefh is io ,ly y.^cA wher- frieil. ov in-.all I'ii.-havd of t\e )i, is ab'jut. three or four idth, and between fix and Tg ; it is good and delicate, red about ihe qusntity of h':m, and all tie French m acknowledged them to m thfiv flefii, their br.nc:;, ;. They appear only for a and are cau};h'; by the wa- ^iir.ming againf ihe llrong- ithncts made for that pur- R, fo called by the natives , ih the roach or fiefh-watci- country. d4-iih or PIk.^ has its Jlarnf: i, and it« Icaly mail. It; very fliarp lee'ih about the 1 inth in diainctev, aijJ- as ( -'1 ) irukh dirtant from each otlior, and near ;.. U ?n inch loUfS The interval of the 1. rger teeth is liikd with Ihovter teeth. 'I'licfe ;ir!r.s are a proof of its voracity, lu m:ul is notliing but its fcale;i, which arc v.hitf, as hard a;', ivory, and about tho i.^nthof.'-n inch in thicknels. Tiiey arc near an inch long, cbout half ai; much in breadtii, end. in a point, and have two cutlinj.;; lideF. There ave two ranges of them down the back, (haped cxaclly like ir.Q head uf a fpontoon, and oppolife to .iie point the fcale ha» a little fliank, a- liout three tenths of an iiicli long which the natives infert into the end of their ;nro\vs, n-.aking the fcaie ferve for * i ead. i'he flelh uf this iiih is hard and not leli^hiiip. There ar(* a jrveat number of 'He's in the rivei Miiliilippi, .\!ui very i.ivi,;e onw are f:)und in id! ' • riveis antl creeks, Tie whole lov^-er part ot the rivor a- bounds in Crayfiih, Upon my hril arri- val in liie colony the ground w.i?) covered wiv'.i little hillocks, iibout iix or ievtu iu« ches high, >viucU the Uraytilh had nwdo for taking the air out of .'.e wau-r ; but fmce dikcH have been railed for keeping oil the river from \he low giounda, thxy }w loiijicr thtv/ flK-mfdvca. Whtiicveir I! < (-72 ) ,1 ey aro vaulted il.cy fAh for tl-,em with ihcy lo< of u iVoir, arul in a ic-,v momciUi 11-4 ^■.^IU.>.v;l>•.ll•ari:el■,l.. oiu^frn. ■ji t.Vniiii'rs"''-^ ainiimuve Crvyiiln; ,l(.v re uUK.liy -about three men. s lop. , ,,„( ot the JV/,e ot the liulo . r.g'.T. Uyl: icvs uiul MullfLsave plenty. The brgclt ot th.' Incl! f'fh en the ccv.lUsti:eliurgo. There is anoti.er Inli n,uch InKillcr ;^nd ot a .•:.l--reat ihupe. I-, hoUow a fit iS ilrong iind beaulilul, o„a the flat oneiii [Tonevuliy blnck ; lome 1 iuc oupsate tound amhtrc much olh;.'ra- cHi. Thclc ihc'lU have bag been m re- i'l iv^:r. UyU L-T'J ) I'.ty HHi ^or tl\em with , arul ill :i *t'.v nioniciUi re cli aiiiur.ive Ci lylirn; •about three iiic'ks Inn » t tljf liulo ave plciUy. A til.' liiine Liiulanchiic mut-h oil«v. r,i- U have lo;ig b..'en in ve- ,().b:;>.e8. A P P E N D I X. Extract from the journal of th« house of rupresuntatives of the VNITED STATES. WEDNESDAY, JAfJUARY 12, ISOS. The Cotnmi/tte, is ivhom was reftrreJ a Rtfolittioii propojtng an appropriation of tivo millions ofdJlarSy in uililition to the (urn tifually qpt>ropriatcd for the pur- poles of intercoiirfe bfliveen the United Staits and foriign nations ^ fubmit the folh^ving —REPORT— THE objci^ ol thisrefolution is to en- able the executiveto comracce, with more efFe6T;,a uegO-iation with the French and Spanifh governments relative to the pHrchafc froin them of the ifland of New- Orleans, and the provinces of E lit and Weil Florida. This objetl is deemed I", f^-?;™j;;it •voXc.■h=p..cc..£ „,a,U .«■-!'*„„.,., lorn,, .1.0 woll- :f;^.„.J' c.^.U-is-.'- ,i,ude, ami ""'i ;; ;';i,„f .„„:. h- Mexico About lh« -'."■1 '■=«' ,i„,„„.l, „Uic'., 'l'^t>r'""7 1 , ICc ucty ..ml ^:\ ,\;,;;:;iu,v•,r,h,,»...".^.I;-;- . . MiiriUinil Tevritory, can uo tr.ml- crcL- of imrth huui.l? w i.c ws tnc { ■'■' ) .,•..-,51 „f ihc CuiMiiHttoe. l\hc t;encval >;ovornmcnt ..,!, ever fmce the pjaceut U c^uv hidopcnclencc as a ,lly ;ickno^vl(-agcd. li>c ot country owivo.l by tho .vhichliosimmciluitolyoii or comminricuc-, with it ,rire luwig vhle rivers nhtv.^ ,,t.l.uies, ...ulov. Its trc. obiccl, not or.ly of ineiU- ,.e,butoithev.Tyhrl.ne. Mini.hppilor.usthewoit- ol- t;,o Unitcci States tro.n he^Utac^rceo, norti^ K> ,.t-esitWnnt..t;ioGui.ot ■the'-^9thc\c^vocofiiorlal,.. nlhestheo;uv.u,U"tthr<.u-;a KluceoftheLull.uKi UMrUo. ,tes ofO.uo, Kouucky aiul Kl„f tl.o vvv-aera parts of , ,,pd VirVi.na. ami . portion hppi Tevritory, ca>i u ' trail - ;J,iign market or to tepo; •hlatuu.l.wh^ch^thcloul- ryofthQUaiwdb.Ucs,tutne f ) r-.-a'li o: t'>aviv;-T.i oac;; {,., ui herstoJji-.- '>2j;1 i.i p-'l'.v- lo i ol tho S laniili p;' ovunvjnt j th-' provi'ic^ of l.ouiiiaivi lyiiii; to the v.'clt, und taut ok ...ilFloriaa, Nvhh chcIllui.lofNevv.- i.ans, to th>; c lil. Akhou^U th« ' State, have iiifiiLnl o;i -.in uticoii, bk" rii^ht to p.il'i u'-i a I ilow.i th'.- from "its loirce to the tea, yctth'u if admittc.l in its mod ainpk- lai , M-iU not focuro to thoui the full adva.it i- .'. , of navl'.nitiou. The llrcngth and la- pidity of the current of the MilTilhppi are known to render its afcvit lo oxtrc.nely diihcult, diat few v.MTels of burthen have attempted to go as far as our boundary. This circumOaiKC obli^',es the citizens ot the wcftern country to carry their pro- duce down t! iver in boats, from which it is put on b.,.rd of '(hijis capable ot inl- taininir a fca voyage. It follovv3, there- fore, that to en]oy the full benefits ot na- vi^ation.fome place (houldb^iixcd.whicU foa veffels can approach without great m- tonvenicnco, were the American produce ,niv be d.' lofitcd until it is again Ihipped lobe carn.^d abroad. This great pomt was fecured to u , in the year 179.' by the Spanini K(A-ern;neiit, wlw agreed in tlvJ ticaty of S.« Lor^r.zo d Rui!, that Ame- ( 'V ) rtcans jlioiild hructl:'^ lijiiht of ilepofit r(: V'ow-Orle.iiis. 'I'lii.i rii^ht h,i'. been ufod from lliat lire till ;i i.ife period ; but t\v. coiiduft of the Intondaiit at that place, llioW) 1m)\v liable tiic .'idvatitaj^?<'U!i I'.avi- pation of the river is to iii'errui'tion, and ftroiigly points out the inipoiic y cfv »lyin,; on a foreign nation for hcnvl'ts which our citizens have a >'i|^ht to cxnc'^ iliould be fecuved to them by their own j^ovcrii- nitnt. It is hoped that the jjorl of Ne-v- Orleans may again be opened, before an/ very material injuries arife; but Ihould this be the cafe, or if as the treaty pro- vide.!, a new place of depofit Ihould be alFigned, the late occurrence fhews th« unceitainty of its cotitinuauce. Experi- «ncc proves that the caprice or the intcr- efled views of a fingleoHicer, may perpe- tually fubjeft us to the alternative of fub-. nitiing to injury, or of reforting to war. 'J'he late violation of our treaty with Spain necefl'arily leads to the enquiry how f..r the wcftcrn country may be aH'e£lecl "1 other point;';, not connected with New- Orleans. The MiinHippi Territory ex- tends from the coniinci. of Cieorgia to th.2 river MilhlHppi, and from the til ft toth**' 3')th degree of mirth i.iritudo. It is edi- ■lated tu cuutitia nwvj Hun iifty miilivni IV ; ('i\'.n light of ilepofit n(: i'ir.3 ri;4ht hi', been uM II ;i late period ; hut th*. iitendant at that place, ■ the :iilvatitaj^?<'U!i p.avi- r is to in'errui'tion, and jt the inipoiic y ctv »lyin|i; ion for bciU'Tts which a ii|^}it to cxpc'^ (lioulil \n by their own jrovcru- hI that the jjorl of N(;v/~ n be opened, before any juries arife; but lliould or if as the treaty pro- ce of dcpofit IhouM be ; occurrence fhews tli« 1 cctitinuanco. Expcri- the caprice or the inter- ingle oihcer, may perpc- to the alternative of fub-. , or of reforting to war. tion of our treaty with eads to the enquiry how ountry may be aii'c£\ed ^t conncclcd with Ncw- liinHippi Territory ex- niinc* of Cioorgia to th" ird from the lilfl: to th*;- >rth l;!ritiulo. It is edi- nwi- Uiun iifty miilivuf IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 UiMll 12.5 ■50 *^^ M^BB m 1.4 III 1.6 ■7 7) i*.»»j Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 (716)872-4503 "ik^ ) <,^^ Ki CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical MIcroreproductlons / instltut Canadian de microreproductions historiques ( ^ ) of acres, and from its mimcrcus adranta- ges mail; one day or other poffeis an im- menf^^ population. The variety, v'.chnels aiul abundance of its produdions, hold ou;; to fettkrs the Itroni^'ell inducements to reforc thither, and the United States may f.^fclv calculate on drav.-ing a confi- djrable revenue from the fale of lands in this, as well as in other quarters of the v/ell:ern country. The value of thefo, hoA-ever, nv.iy be d.imlniaied, a;Kl the fale impeded or advanced by the impreirion made on the public mind, by (liutting tlio port of New-Orleans, and by eventual meafures which may be adopted to guard a"-;iii.il fimilar injuries. 'Weil F: n-ida is boun.led on the North by the Mlirii'fippi Territory, from which it is feparated by no nitur.d bound.iry j on the eaa by the river Apalachlcoi.i v/liich divides it from Rdl Florida ; on tlie well by the river MllT-Tippi, and on thefouthbyll.' Gidph of Mexico. The Miiainnpi Tevritovy is inlerfeaed by ny.> r.v largVand v duuole rivers whicii rile within its own boundaries;, and meander tJirc;;;^:i it in a jfencral direction from nortirto f- 'i'hefe livers pofl'efg gc which is tlenied to I their fcurces are not and th.eir courfe ift untry, their cuirents icic lluws confiderubly . This circumft, nee lepth of water which d, render then accef- ^nd fl'ips of two h^n^ iiay afcend for fevei-srl ( vJ! )- hundred miles into the heart of the Mif- filfippi territory. Tliefe rivers, however^ tvhich run almoft exclufively within our ■own limits, and vt^hich it would feem a* if nature had intended for our own bene- fit, we muft be indebted ta others for the beneficial ufe of, fo long as the province of Weft Forida (hall continue in the pof- fcflion of a foreign nation. If the pro- ▼ince of Well Florida were of itfelf an in- dependent empire, it would be the inter- tft of its government to promote the free- dom of trade, by laying open the mouths of the rivers to all nations, this havinw been the policy of thofe powers who poi- fefs the mouths of the Rhine, the Da- nube, the Po ami the Tagu*, with fome o- thers. But the (yflem of colonization, which h->s always heretofore prevailed* proves, ihat the mother comitry is ever anxious to engrofs to itfelf the trade of iff (colonies, and afFords us every reafon to apprehend that Spam will not readily ad- mit us to pafs throughher territory to can y on a trade either with each other or with foreign nations. This right we may infill on, and perhaps it may ha conceded to us ; bui it is polTiWe that it »ay be denied. At all events it raay prove M' [I U Hi k0 < vUi ) the foutce of enaiels au.i^i perpetual l;"}.^'''^y-^..^t^ t'londa may not- perlups be (o ^^^^P^^t^.^^^^' gia at the r.ver S • M ry ^^^^ ^^^^ ,y our Iu..kU^^^^^ ^;^^;Mi?or! The t.>v^- y^-V dred nvdes ddta. t frma ^^^^^_^^^^.^^^ andth.?one;uo»ofat^^ay ^^.^^^^ ^^^^ to us iu .^-l^"«i\^",,:" a Ikevv^fc make Wdt Ina'-es. It ;^°^^ ^^ would add --^^^ITTI^^^ and by conhderabiy to ou. le^^ f^^^ ^^, giving us the /^"'^ ^^^y ,,,aer us lefs IbutUern boundary, uoui ^^^^^ n.blo to attack. ^-^^^^IZ Union. the mort vuhicrable pait oi u their moll ^-P.^;-^^;^^, ^hh thofe IMUVdr.ppi ^n''- '''I'-, Wo, dram au er tai pu be tic CO an lli< qu po iiei fer the chi by \ti\ par cha itfe' dati and her( rors Un fror is 1 X Ylovida may not iiU, but its acHuiii- acemed ckavable. ththelb^teof Geor- Mivy's it llretciic* miles into the fe3». infuln, and has tome The Vouthei.i pomt> more than one huu- rora tlie llavaimah, fit may be benefice , our trade Nvith the ,vould likewife iraf compaa, wouul add V fea coaft, and by a ot Mexico for our , would render us lels what is now deemea apart of the Union. „i,g vie.'offaas, It .he pofi'el'ion of New- rioridas will not only le convenience oi the , will be demanded by ious nccefl-itier,. I he ; br^inchcs, with thofe ercCctrcdto, dram au act lcs& icvlv^V^ ^han ( ix ) » ene half of our whole territory, con^ taining at this time one eighth of our y>r:L pulation and progrclRng with a rapidity beyond the experience of any other na- tion. The Floridas and New Orleans comniand tlie only outlets to tlic fea, and our beft interefts require that v.fc Ihould giet poOeflion of them. Tliis rc- quifitiou however, ariles not from a dii- podtion to increafe our territory ; fcr neither the Floridas nor New Orleans, of- ferany other inducements than their mere geographical felrttion to thelJnited States. But if we look forWTard to clie free ufe of the Miflillippi, the Mobile, the Apal:;- chicolii ana th« other rivers of the weft-, by ourfelves and our polterity, New Or- leans-and the Floridas mult become a part of the United States either by pur- ' chafe or by conqueil. The great queftion then which prefentl Itfelf is, fhall v/e Ucthls time lay the'founi- datlon for future peace, by c»flering a fair and equivalent confideration ; or fliali we hereaftef mcur the hazards arti -.rv \ ^v^ic government will avoid it, xvhcuhs vic'.v, cuib.^ . lt..m.a hy l-y, ami th. blood ind trcUurc of bcir fjhicas is the price tlK-y i.y.iy. In all n. ^ tio. s, tlic people bear the uurthen of w„., ;Aa the United States, the peoperule Their reprelentalives are the guardi.m. of the rights, amUti. the duty of thole re- preientative. to provide aganU any event, ^ilch n..v, even at a diltantday, nwolve the intercUs and the happinefs ot the na- tion. \Se may indeed have our rights reilored to us by tvcatv. but there is , lant of fortitude in ap.ly.n, temporary remedies to pern.aneat evd. i thorcbv impofing onour pollerlty a burthen v^hich we^urielvesot^ghttobear It the pu - chufc can be made, we ought not to heli- tZ If the attempt fliouW fad, we (hall h ve difcharged an important duty. War ,n,y be the refult i but the /mencan n.u on, fatisfied with our condua, v^H be animated by cue foul, and wdlu.|>e all its energies in the contclt. 1 - eign powers will be convinced it is not a war cfaggrandilcmeiuoaourpavt, aii4 wii.i th to IK tl) \V hi fa Vk fo m oi w w as be nc te P< c.i fo ai m fii h fii of «^) ni ni « ) ij t'.ie j.>;vc3t fcourge ;i!ul ihc-ulJ ncvLV bo U'cs of tho moll irapc- wife government will L.-v,-sc.uib.r-iit;rmcaby )>rir.c(.!i fijht fovp,!-;- ind tvc:'.l'uvc of t'lair ; they ^uy- I" al' ""- >;\r the burthen of \v.,r, i-kates, the people rule, cs are the gu.iraiAUS of isthedutyofthofere- )vide agiiinU any event. It iidiltant day, involve le happinefs ot the na- lidcetl have our rights tvcatv, but there is i in api^lyiiii; temporary iwnoiil evib; •, thr-rebv )llerity a burthen which It to bear. If the pur- ;, we ought not to heii- npt fliouldfail,wcftiall n important duty. War t } but the American i-ith our conduct, will ue foul, and will unite 1 the contcft. Fc-cign onvinced it is not a war It oa our pait, aiui wiil (xi ) therefore feel no uivreafonable jealoufics towards us. \ e i!i ill have pvovcil tint iKir ohjccl was juftico ; it will be feoa that our pronufltions were fair ; and it will be aciviio .\-kdged that Our caufe is honorable. Should alliances bo necef- fary they may be advantagcoufly formed. We fliall have merited and Ihall there- fore pcflcfs general confidence. Our meafurcs will Hand judilicd not only to ourfolvcs .and our country, but to the world. In another point of view perhaps, it would beprefer ible to makethe purchafe, as it is believed that a fmaller fum would be required for this obje£l, than would neccHarily be expended, if we fhould at- tejiipt to take poflefiion by force ; the ex- pences of a war being indeeil almod in- calculable. The committee have no in- formation before them, to afcertain the amount for which the purchafe can ue made, but it is hoped, that with the af- fiitance of two millions of dollars in li ind, this will not be unreafonable. A fiii:ilar courfe was purfued forthepurpofe of iettiint^our dillerences with the regen- cy of Algiers, by an appropriation ofone million of tlollura prior to the commence- ment of the uegociatiun, and we have i r f e^-.f i ( «' ) ftnce wpcricnced its benefriiil elfc«^t. Uiuler thefe imprcirions therefore the committee rccommeiul the adoption oS the rcfulution referred to them in tho following words, viz. -ir^.. Rrfohcd, That a fum of two mdhoni of dollars in addition to the provif.on t,.retofore made be appropriated to de- fr.Y anyexpcnccs which may be mcur- tea 1.1 relation to the intergourfe between the- United States and foreign nations j to be paid out of any moi'.ey that may be h- iheTreafiiry not otherwife appropria- ted, and to be applied under the direcl.on of the Prefident of the UnitedStates . who IfnecelTary is hereby authorifed ta borrow the fame or any part thereof, an account whereof, as foon as may be, IhaU ^c Uid beiorc Congrefs. i. J I C o n 0 r( e: n h o e; S fc tt s F tc J benerri^l eflFifltt. clHons therefore the L'lul the adoption of red to them in tfc» fum of two mUlJoM on to the provifion appvopriated to de- w\nd\ may be incur- B intcTcourfe between nd foreign nations j ly moi'.ey that may be otherwife appropria- ;d under the direction »f the UnitedStates i liereby authorifed t» any part thereof, an s foon as may be, fhall jrefs. ^ 5a?...i.j_! u, Lii-u-ucsaE- o^ TREATY Bettveen tht United States cf Amen, .» ,,iid the Friihh Rifuhlic. ARTICLE I. WHEREAS, by article the third of tlie treaty coi'.cliuicd at fit. Itlcltonfo, the 9th Vemk-uiairc, an.i) (Ut Odobcr, 1800,) between the (irft conrul of the French r>'public, and liis Catliolic majcfty, it was agreed as IdIIows : " liis C.uhoiic majelly piomifcs and cngagci on Ills part, to cede to tlie French rcpubhc, fix months after the fuM and entire cxvcution of the conditions and ftipulatioiis herein relative to his royal higimefs the duke of Panna, the colony or province of Lou. liana, with tiie fame extent that it now has ni tlie h.uids of Spain, and that u h id w lien Fi,. nee pollef- fed it } and luch as it iiiould be after the trc;itiesluoi"equcntly entcied into between Spain and other itates." And whereas, in purfu nice or jhe trea- ty and particularly of the thrdartich-, the French rcpuuic, hasanincontcluDle title to the domain ►lid to the poileiUoa of the A^pen. 2 ( >iv ) fjul territory \ tlic Jka conful of F'^nct il.nrountoi^ivc.holhnt.aSt.tc.sallroug troof of lus fricn.llhip, ilothberohy ccdw L th. laia ITnitca States, in the ...m.'.. the Isench Republic, forever u-u m lu 1 lovcreiutUY,the iM territory Nvnh all u^ iirlus and aprurterjances, as tuly.nuli.i tlfc fame mantitr aa they l.avc been ac- nuKTcdbythc French republic m v.riu? of tbe ibove-incMUionccl treity, coikIh- acil bv his Catholic ni..ielty, ^ '. AV IICI.I' II In the ccfrK.u pva'le by tlie pTCCcdinfi article arc incivulcl the luljacnit illamls •belon-in,' to Louifiana, all pubhc Uns an.! ir,.KU-es, vacant hauls aad al pub- \^r buildings, fortirications, barracks and other caiticcs which are not private nvoreviy. The nrchives, paper* and do- cu-icnts, relative- to the doniani and lovc- roi -ntv of Louili.ma and its dependencies, uili be left in the- pon-eirion of the coni- mith.iles of the United States, and copies will be afterwards j;iven m due form to the nia-iiirates and municipal olhcers ot f.ich of the faid paper* and docunientsas ir. Y b'.' ncceiVavy tothem. ^rtu-.'f. III. 'l'l>e inhabitants of the ce- ded territory fball be incorporattd »n tlie u a c n S 11 J' r >iv ) a conful of France niti-a States.! llroug p, i\othhun'hy ccdt ;;ilos, in the n.im'' "f , fcr ever unci in luH territory Nvith all its mces, as fully .milia thev li.ivc been .«- :h republic in viriu? nnccl treity, toinlu' in..jelty, i,K n i,l(. by the prccc^nifi 1 die luljaciMit iir.uuls rrana, all public Uus t lands anil all pub- "ications, barracks and ich arc not private liives, papers and do- thc domain and fovc- » and its dependencies, polTeirion of the coin- tcd States, and copies 'riven in due form to il municipal ollicers of ipcrs atid docunientsas ithem. .> inhabitants of the ce- be incorporated in tlie ( ''V ) union of ibc- TTnitcd Siatci, and ailn\ittffil as 10)11 ai piinbl.?, ;u'coidi>ij;to t'le prln ^i;)l'S of til' fodetal coMllitntiji, to tin.' ciiji,)'i-ient of all th" rir'it;, a Iv.nn i.j;>s and immunltios of citizeiii of the IJiMteci Stares; .:i;d in tiicnuMii ti.iv* th 7 iln'd bo niuntaliiod and protocl nl i.i tho five en- joyment of tliG liberty, inoijerty, an.l the reli'(inn \v''.ich they prnl^ofj. Jrtkle IV . Thovo fliall bo font by tha govjramont of Franre a comtniirivy to Louilia.i '., to t'lo end that he do every act neceiFary, as we'l to r-icelvc fron» tlie of- ficers "of his Cat'iOltc majjily I'vi I'l'-'l country and its depcndenc-es, intlij n n.ie of the French rc;r.:':Ii;:, if it h;m '.rX boPtl ;drcidj do'i", nstotrA'tfinit i: in then '.me of t!»e Fi-ench r(",r-ib;'." t'7 the coi.Uiiiiriry or agent of the Utiitcd Sr tc-. iirt'ch V. Invn'^diateiy after the rati- Hcui'jn of the prcfent treaty byth^' pre- rulent of the Uiitod State--., ad in cafe tha-.: of the fn-:l conful, llr.U h.\L' b.'JU prcvioudy obtained, th!» comnVuTiry of the I'VfMch republl.: flnll remit all mXYw taryfoiciofNcvv-Orhr.n", h other parts of tho ceded territory, to the conv.nillary 'n- commi'Mries named by the prerulent to t:\ke poficlTioni the troops whether «f ( '^vi ) rrnv.co ov Sj;.;hi, wv.o m.y ho there, VjA{ cc.y.i' to occupy ..I'y riilit.ivy I'oll fi iml '9 time of takirjg poiuiiiion, ..juI iiiiui i-e CMT.binkcci ■i':< i' ''ii as yiciiibie in the cc^uiTe of anee nioiulii after the r.,tificiitioii of th.s treaty. Jrliln- VI. The United States proiv.ife to execute fuch trcaucs .'iicl ,ivticles as ir.:iy h v'C been agreed betuecr. Spain and the tribes and r;itions of I'Klianj, u.itil, by niutual confont of die United States Eiid the faid tribes or nations, other fuit- able articles {hall have been agreed upon. Ai-iiclc VII. Asitisrcciprocallyadvnuta- gcous to the commerce of France and the United States to encourage the communication of both n?Aions for a H- mited time in the country ceded by the prefeut treaty, until generid arrangem^jnts relative to the commerce of both nations may be agreed between the contrail mg parties that the French fliips coming di- reftlyfromFranccor any of her colonies loaded only with the produceand man- ufad Englifli languages ; declaring neverthelefs that the treaty was originally agreed to in the Frt Mch lan- guage and have thereunto adixed their fc.iis. Dmr at P iris, the lOtii .lay of Floreal, in t]\e iii!i y':r or tn-j French Repub- lic, an'j iiie JJtn ot A^jnl- IriJiJ. iJARBE MARliOIS. ROB. R LIVING 3 TON. JAMES MO.NfilOE. CONVEN riON, Between thg Unitvd States of America, and the French Rcput'lic. Article I. The government ofti" U- nited States engages to pay the French government, in tiie manner fpeciiied in the following article, the fui^i of fixty millions of francs, independent of the fum which (haii be fixed by anot-v-T con- vention for the payment of the debts- iir I (« ) 4ue by France to citizens of the UniteA ^'"Tticle II. For the payment of the fumof fixty millions of ^.^f"' "^''J- tioneO in tlie preceding »f '•^' /^vpn nited States {hall create a ilock of eleven Slltns two hundred and nay th-^^^^^^^^ dollars, bearing an mtereil of hx per cent, ier annum, payable half yearly m London. Amfterdam or Paris, amount- i„R by the half year to three hundred and thirty ieven thoufand five hundred dol- lars, according to the proportions which iiall be detefmined by the French go- vernment to be paid at either place : the principal of the faidftock to be reimburf- ed atThe Treafury of the United States in annual payments of not lefs than three millions efdoUars each i 5tw^^c_\»»^« fivft payment Ihall commence fifteen vears after the date of the exchange of Ratifications •. this (lock Ihall be trans- fered to the government of France, or to fuch perfon or perfons as (hall be au- thorized to receive it, in three months at moft after the exchange of the ratih- cationsof this treaty aijd after Louifi- ana fliall be taken pofloffion of in the name of the goveraraent of the Uiuted States. ff^ n;c fo St the lar pre fiv( eig fiec tifi fpa 4ay ; ] tiv( bo\ En| lefs orij Fre her ] itizens of the UmteA die payment of the ons of Francs, men- ecUng article, the U- reate a itock of eleven red and fifty thoufancl in intereil of iix per payable half yearly in am or Paris, amount- ir to three hundred and ind five hundred dol- the proportions which led by the French go- lid at either place : the lidftock to be reimburf- y of the United State* Its of not lefs than three s eachi of. which the lall commence fifteen ite of the exchange of IS (lock Ihall be trans- ernment of France, or r perfons as (hall be au- eive it> in three months ^ exchange of the ratifi- treaty and after Louifi- ken pofloflion of in the ernraentof the United (xxi) It is funlicr agreed, th-it if t!io French' g:nv.;v,a-;ic;u fl;ould 'ie (Icfiruus of difpof- Jii,^ of tiio f.tid itock to receive tJie capi- t.ii In Ea<-op'.>, at (hortoV terms, that its n;cafurcs for that pinpofe fliall be taken fo nr as to favor, in the greateft dc- groe poiTible, ilio credit of the United St t»s .md to raife- to the hiehcfi: price the faid ftock. j4i-ticle III. It is agreed that the dol- ' lar of the United States, fpecificd in the prcfent convention, Oiall be fixed at five francs S:533—100et)di or fivelivres, eight fous tournois. The prefent convention fliall be rati- ' fied in good and due form, and the ra- tifications fiiall be exchanged in the fpace of fix months, to date from this 4ay, or fconrr if pofTibie. In fait.i of which, Jie refpec- tive plenipotentiaries have (igncd the a- bove articles, both in the French and Englifli languages, declaring, neverthe- lefs, that the prefent treaty has been originally agreed on afid written in the French language to which they have hereunto affixed their feals. Done at Paris the tenth of F^loreal, ( xxii ) ,1(>vcrth ywr of the French RepuWiC,, (UOtb April, 1S03.) ROKERT R. LIVINGSTON, BARliE MARbOlS, J AMES MONROl^. CONVENTION, Betivten the United SMcs of America and the French Ripubhc. -^jirihle I. Tlie debts due by France to citizens of the United States, ccntniaci before the 8th Vendeniaire, ninth year cf the French Republic, (30ih bcpt. 1600) Avail be paid according to the tol- lowing ret,uiation8, with interett at 1.x per cent to commence from the period when the account and vouchers weie prcfented to the French government. Jrthle II. The debts provided for by the preceding article are thofe whofe re- fult is comprifed in the conjcaural note annexed to the prefcnt convention, and which, wich the intercft, cahriot exceed the fum of tvi-enty millions of francs.— The claims comprifed in the laid note which fall within the exceptions of the Tollowlng articles, fliall not be admitted $9 the benefit of this provifion. by by trc ih tic h be Pf thr he cit be( fu] at: pel ^% m the ref the the mi| the inf iet xxii ) the French RepuWiCy '•> LIVINGSTON, ARliE MAllbOlS, ROl^. d StaUs cfJmerka and !»ch Ripublk. debts dueby France to nited States, ccntrmitci 'endeniajre, ninth year Republic, (SOih Kept, id according to the fol- ns, with interett at fix mence from the period jnt and vouchers weie French government, le debts provided for by tide are thofe whofe re- in the conjc£lural note prefent convention, and intercfl, cannot exceed ty millions of francs.— iprifed in the laid r.ote in the exceptions of lliC s, flv.dl not be admitte* this provifion. { x.xiii y Aft'ufe III. The principaT and Inte- ffls oJcht," faid debts fhall be difchargcd", l)y the United States, by orders drawn by tlieir minifter plenipotentiar/ on their treafury ; thofe orders fliall be payable, iixty days aft-r the exchange of ratifica- tions of the treaty and the conventions ilgned thidday, and after pollcJfion flnll be given of Louilianaby thecomminaries pf France to thofe of the XJmt^d States. 4rticl( IV. It is exprefily agreed, that the preceding articles fliall compre- hend no debts but fuch as are due to citizens of the United States, wlio Have been and are yet creditors of Franco, for fupplies for embargoes and prizes made at fea, m which the appeal Jias been pro- perly lodged within the time mentioned in the faid convention, 8th Vendemaire. Article V. The precedijig articles fli:dl apply only, firft, to captures of which the council of j tizcs fliall have ordered reflitution, it being well underftood that the claimant cainiot have recourfe to the United States otherwife than h^ niig!)t have had to the government oj the French republic, and only in caf) of infulHci'ency of the captors ; 2d. the debts mcmiuncd in the faid fifth artici* u .1 I ( xxiv ) of the convention contraacd before the 8th Vcmlemairc, ann. 9 (»Oth Scptem- ber, 1800) the payment of which has. been heretofore claimed of tlie adunl government of France, and for which fhe cxeditOTS have a right to the protec- tion of the United States i the faid 5th article does not comprehend prizes whofe condemnation has been or flinll be confirmed j it is the exprels intention of the contrading parties not to extend the benefit of the prefent convention to re- clamations of American citizens, who {hall have ellabliOied houfes of com- merce in France, England or other coun. tries than the United States, m part- nerOiip with foreigners, and who by thatreafon and the nature of their c6m- merce ought to be regarded as domicili- ated in the places where fuch houfes ex- ift. All agreements and bargains con- cerning merchandize, w'.iich fliall not be the property of American citizens, are equally excepted from the benefit of the faid convention, favin^, however, to fuch perfons their claims m like man- ner as if this treatv had not been made. Jriile VI. And that the different qucaions wliicli may arife under the pre- ci ni S w r' r' (ii f.' It til n: Pi IK Ct to ti' V th th m w d( ar tii ui n( LC xxiv ) contraacd before the ann. 9 (»Oth Septem- ayment of which has Jaimed of tlie adual 'ranee, and for which a right to the protcc- ;d States ; the faid 5th t comprehend prizes ion has been or flmll be he exprels intention of irties not to extend the fent convention to rc- merican citizens, who liflied houfes of corn- England or other coun. rnited States, in part- jreigners, and who by lie nature of their cdm- >e regarded as domicih- s where fuch houfes ex- en ts and bargains con- ndize, wliich fliall not of American citizens, pted from the benefit of tition, favin^, however, their claims m like man- atv had not been made. And that the different I may arife under the pre- { XXV ) ceding artlc!;- may be invc(li;j.iteil, tiic miniUera iiltniiiotcnit.iry of thj United Stateti ilv.ill name tliiCL- i-i.rlons, — wb.o (luiil .\ti from the j-nfcnt i.iul provifion;i!ly, and who (liall have full jxAver toe.x.iniinr, without rrnuiviii^ the thicunKiit:;, all tiic accouiitb of the dif- fcroiit claims alrcaily litjuid.itcd by tl'.e LiTcnui cll.ibliilicd for tliis puvpol'c by the I'lcntli republic, and to arcovfim wlictlicr they belong to the daOcs defig- natcd by the jircl'eiU convc ntion and thi; principles eitabliflied in it ; or if they are ;iot in one of its exceptions and on their ccrlificite, declaring that the debt is due to an American citizen or his reprcfenta- tive, and th.it it cxiitcci before the Sth Vendomaire. 9th year ('JOth Sept. IHOO) the debtor fhall be entitled to an order on the treai'ury of the United States in the manner prcfcribed by the third article. At tide VII. The f-ime agents fhall like- wife have power, without removing the documents to examine the claims whiuh are prepared for verification, and to cer- tiiy thofc wliich ought to be admitted by uniting the neccflary qualifications, and not being comprifcd in the exceptions contained in the prefcnt convention. Appen. a { xxvi ) jirticL- VIII. The f.iinc agents fliall likewife examine the claims which ate m)t prtp.ireil for liquidation, ami certify in writing thofe wliich in their judgment ought to be admitted to liquidation. JrliiL' IX. In proportion as the debts montit)ned in thefc articles fhall be ad- mitted, tlicy (hall be difcharged witli in- tereft at fix per cent by the treafury of the Unitf'd States. y^r//V.V X. And tluit no debt which fliall not have the qualifications above mentioned, that no unjull or exorbitant ni t:oiii t-.l ; lOllt vith the I teinb tiiis ( puyrr as li xvi ) i f.iinc agents fliall le claims which ate ruLition, and certify ch In their judgment lI to liquidation, jportion as the debts articles fhall be ad- c difchargcd with in- nt by the treafury of that no debt which qualifications above unjull or exorbitant idmiltcd, the com- ; United States at Pa- gent as the miniiter the United States ) nominate, fliall aflift the bureaus, and co- [nations of tlie claiins : lall be of opinion tliat pletely piovcd, or if he I not coniprifed in the 'th article above nicn- ithftanding his opini- ablilhedby the French think that it ou^ht to (hall tranfmit his ob- )ard eftabliflied by the lo, without renwving ( xxvii ) documents fliall make a complete cx- ammatu.Mof tho debtarid voucher., wl.uli •iipp'-t It, ;Mid re])c.rt tlio refult to the '•';;|i>iler o| the Unite! St,,t«. The n-i- "dler of the I ^.ite.l .States fhall tr.infmit hii oLferv.tion., in ;.]! fuch cJbf, to the miullor of the trcafitry of the French Kr:nublic, on whofc- report tho Fr/tich n"vcrnmcnt fliall djcidc definitively i-i every c.ifo. ' ' 'L'liC ivjM^iion cf any rl.iim fli-II |-.;;vj. no ot ler ciiba than tu excnv.t thcUrl- j'.'d states from the p.ivircnt cf it, t!,e J'lencn j,'overiiment rci -rv:!;" to it^'f'f the right to decide dcfinitelv ou'Vach cl Jm fo f;ir as it concerns itfclf. ' ylrtic/f XI. JIvory necefTury dccifioii l.iall be n).ide it. ihc toiirle of a year, to commence from the exehaiifro <;f r.uifi ,i. t--'nf, and no reclamation llLll be adnilt- I'.vl afterwards. JrtJi/e XII. In cafe of claims for debts 'ontrac'ltd by t!ie governir.ent of France V ith citizens of the United States, flnr- the 8th Vendemaire, 9th year (30ih Sep- tember, 1800) not being comprifed fa tlus convention, may be purfued, and the p.iyment demanded in the fame manner as u' it liad not been an\de. ■ .1." i: I ( xxviii ) A//.A. XUl. The prcfoat cn.ycmlnn fli H l.c xMWi\ in r,"'"! «"^^ ''"^ '^' "I ^ , 0 r;U,hc.uious ihall h^ c:,clu|U^;c.l J;;-. nH.nthsfn.mthca.u.-ort'.c.hKn.- lurool-tl.cminilU.VHp'.^-u.poUMmary, or bn j -utlclcs. hahintheKcach;.ml Irfr tlut the rvefcnt ticaiv h i. tKcn rr.Mch hmnuagc to v uch ihcy luu. hereunto alhxfail.^Mvlcals. none It Paris the t.r.th of Florcal, J:l vear of the French llcpubhc, (■.iOth Apvil, l!'0'.i.) ROIiERT R. LIVINGSTON, KARl!F 3MARBOI5, JAM£S MONROIi. To of Ai pr is an to cl' th ai ai ni bi la ni S IT ixviii ) ,c. prcfoiit convention I .-ooil ami iluc' tu\ 11, ,,;,l,all 1)0 c.M'li.iiini.l L-va pk'inpotiMiiiary, or NVHTCH, thr rcfpcc- .tus b.ivi' Ci;iic'il tlic a- (ill in the ticiuli ;"TuI ;, lic'cV.itmg, m:veTtlu> cfciit ticMiy his bocn on anil wiitton in the \ to vli'ich lliiy luivc tl.cirltMb. the t.r.th ofFlorcal, • the French Republic, LIVINGSTON, WRVL 3MARB013, s'ROIi. AN ACT To enable the firr/itlent of the United Htntit to take ps(ft£l'tfi of the terntoriet inkd hy France lo the Unittil SttUt/, by the trea- ty ctniluti.ll at FariSf on the thivtieth of jlprit lajl ! and for the lemptirar\ govern- ment thereof. Bl> it cnadleil, by the fonate ami lioufe of rcptcfentativcs of the ITnitctl St ites of America in congrcfs afTcniblcd, TliiU tin? prefiJent of the United States be, and he is hereby authori'ed to take pofll-lhoii of, and occupy tlie territory ceiled by France to the United States, by the treaty con- cluded at Paris oti the tliirtieth day of A- pril laft, bctwccii the two nations •, .i'u( that he may for that purpofc, .'nd in or- doi to maintain in the faid tL'rritoiica ilic authority of the United States, employ any partoi the am.y and navy of the U- nlted States, and of the force authovHeil by an a paflcd the tliird day of M.nJi lall, entitled «« an vCt dnedling a detach- ment from the militia it the United S.Mtes, ;ind for credting certain aifenal.^" whlcli he may deem neccil'.'ry, wnA fo much of the fain approprlatod by the faid a€l as n;ay be uccclHiry, ij hereby appro- 1' l» ( XXX ) priated for the purpofeof carrylnj» this aft into effbft ; to be applied urul.'r tlic ^ireclion of the prefident of the United States. Se£t. 2. And be it further enafl'M, that untii the end of tlie prefent feiriun of cou- grefs, or until congrefs fliall have ni.ide provifion for the temporary government of the faid territories, all the military, civil and judicial powers excrcifed by the officers of the cxilting government oi the fame iliall hi vefted in fuch perfon and pcrlons, and {hall be exercifed in fuch manner as the prefulont of tlie United States ihall direft, for maintainin;T and protefting the inhabitants of the laid L'juifiana in the full and free enjoy. neats ©f tiieir liberty, property and religioa. P< h. fc vc to la; CO ap pi, XX ) pofe of carry'inf» this be applied undi'r tlic efidont of the Uiiiced it further enafli'd, that prefent felRun of coa- refs fliull have ni.ide emporary government ies, all the military, awers excrcifed by the ig government oi the d in fuch perfon ind be exercifed in fuch jfulent of tlie United for maintainin;T and labitants of the faid 1 -.ind free enjoy. neats pcrty and religion. *. AN ACCOUNT oi<- L O U I s I A N A. (Commumcatedby thePrcJlUnt to the HouFe of RfpnfeHtutivcsj. Thch^'cyfthefMnoingp.^ Ut, .,,;^ dat.. the nformatnn re/pecflng the pr,f..,n Jtaie ofLoufuna, furniJJj.d /. the K,i cutrve by pya-ul h.Hoiduals a.^on. ' th<. b'Jt inJjrmeduponth.LtfuhjtEi. ' Of the province of Luuifimu no e-- nera map, fulliciently correct to Le %. pended upon, hns been puMiil.rd, „or has any been yet procured ho.n a pnV.^e ''- -^'rce. It ,s nideed probabe, th.it fur- vcy, nave never been made upon iu ex- cni.ve a fcale as to affbrd the means of i.iy'..g down th. variou. ,..,,,;„« Ji;f„Vwhicbru,simo,|,.;ba,ofMcx,, rn euftwurd of the Mobile. . It y be confident, with thev.ewof thcfe notes to rer.ark, that Louifiana, „ 'ucUng the Mobile fettlement^ -as whole monaTchs made feveral grants or Us tnae, in paxticubr to Mr. Crozat m i 2.. ndfomeye.vs afterwards, wuh LU:.u.>ce,ce.rhe.elUnown.orn. nar.v liroiedled by l>i' ^' ^.- > , „, ^ ^ ' ^ ,•,-,> on tl>e 3'.^ ot November, crct toi'v. iit '.n on n s. »'■' , ,. 17(^2 tl- French ^ove nmcnt cccUd io L^:'::iti.eprovl,!^...sHe.bcyo,^t^ { xxxlli ) xii ) ) ARIES idaries of Louifiana, . MilTiffippi. tluugh at prefent involved ni »at;i are equally w.uU- precifion its northern fourceoftheMiinihp- ailwavdly by the nnd- :1 of that river to the itude : thence, it is af- Itrong grounds, that limits., when formerly ice, it ftrctches to the eaft, as the river Per- , into the bay of Mcxi- he Mobile. (lent, with the view ot remark, that Louifiana, lobile fettlements, was peopled by the French, made feveral grants of tk-ubr to Mr. Crozat m . years afterwards, with . to the well known com- bv Mr L-w. By a Ic- on tlieS'.l of November, ich gove nmcut ccdid lo ■ovince .sHes beyond the ,vcllastliciiUmaoiNe>)^- Orlca:-ir,, to Cy^^.un, and, by tl-.c trcnty of peace whi.li folk)\\odiii IToJ, t!'.o whole territory if Frr^ncc and Sp.iin c.iliwavd of the ini lillc of the Miliillippi to thf liicrvilie, tl'.Mice thruu;;h ti-.e niiddie of th.it rive,-, .i!:a i.ik'js M.iurep.i^i .'.lul Pon- cliartraiii to tlit; Sea, was ceded to Groat Britain. S;,Min li.ivinj,' conquered ilie Florid.is fioia Gre .t Britain duririg our rovoliition ii-y war, they wove cov-lirnKd to her by the treaty of peace of I'Hili. By the treaty of St.'lldcfonfo, of the lit of Ocfobcr, 1800, his Catholic I\I..jc;;y promifes and eng;'ges on i)is part to cede back to the French Repualic, fix moiitiis after the full and entire execution of the conditions and ilipulations therein contained, relative to the Duke of Par- ma, "the colony or province of Louifi- ana, with the fame extent that it actually has in the hands of Spain, that it had when France pofleflbd it, and fuch as it ought to be after the treaties fubfequent- ly entered into bc.ween Spain and other ftates. ' Tliis treaty w..s confirmed and enforced by that of Madrid, of the 21ft March, 1801. From France it paffjd to us by the treaty of the 30th of April lait, with a reference to the above cUufe LuL b.i..k, o.i a .011.1 oi uie lvvT, .^j Ci.A..r.O.I.AS, .•I.^'.^'-^ '' *^f^ known by thL I uiOiit ul v, i Pr-micr U SorondCcte stne panrti o. C. ta- hatiofo, ov firft Acadian fettlement, ex- tc:uiing eight league, on the r.ycr. Ad- k.unng it and m afcend.ng .s the fecond ^Acadian lettlcment or par.fli of he Fourche, which cxtcndsabout lu leagues. The paridi of Iberville then commences and ts bounded on the call fide by thfc river of the fame name, which though dry a great part of the year, yet, when the MlJiirippi is raifed,it commun. a es with the lakes M.urepas and Pouchar- train,and through them with the »ea •and thus foxms what is called the ifland of New Orleans. Except on the point iuft below the Iberville, the country from New Orleans is fettled the whole way a- Jong the river, and prefents a fcene of t I c C a V H t< 6 o ti •U is fiuiatcil on tlie 11.1 oi ilie i.»\.'r, ;v.'.y b.,ck on the c;;it fulc ', utul llii,, pariili ii.isiiiat uf Thompfoii's crock and Bayc't.S.;ra inbor- dinatc to it. The ivout'i of tlie liril cf thofe creeks io ahouc *!!) leagues from New -Orleans, and vh-.t of the latter 'J or 3 leagues higi-.cr ii;i. They run from r.orth-Cjll to foutli-vi?ft, and their head waters arc nortli (jf the 'MA df;,iee ot latitude. Tlieir baid.s iiave ih; bed foil, and the grcatclt numbe-r of good cotton plantations of any part of liouiiiani, and are allowed to be the ;;arden of it. POINTE COUPEE AND l-AUSSL^ RIVir.RC. Above Baton Rouge, at the dillance of 50 lea^-^ues from New-Oi leans, and on die well fide of tiic ^LUillippi is Poiu'.e M(f 1 1 ( ^1 ) Coupcc, n populo\H Mu\ rich fcttlemiintr extoiuliii;; ^i le.iRiU's along the river. In produce is cotton. Behiiul it, on an old bed of the river, nov/ .i lake, wliole out- lets are doled up, is the fcttlement of raulle Riviere, which is well cultiva- ted. , , r 1 111 the Tpacc now dcfcribcd from the fea ashi-h ns and including the lall men- tioned kttlement, is contained threc- fourtl'.s ot the population, and fcven- cighths jf the riches of Lonifiana. From tiic fettlemeiit of Pointe Coupee on the Miirilhppi to Cape Girardeau, a- bovc the mouth of the Ohio, there is no land on the well fule, that is not over- flowed in the fpring to tlie dilhnce of 8 or 10 leagues from the river, with from 3 to 12 feet of water, except a fmallfpot near New Madrid •, fo that in the whole extent there is no •-'^flibility of forming a xonfiderable lettlc.nent contiguous to the river on that fide. The eaftern bankhas in this refpea a decided advantage over the weftern, as there are on it many fi- tuations which effcaually command tli« riyer. Red RITER AND ITS SETTLEMENTS. On the weft fide of the Mifliffippi, TO leagues from New-Orleans, is themoutli ) ? Ani\ rich fcttlemiintr s along the rivev. Its liehiiul it, on an oUl iv/ a lake, wliole oiit- 1, is the fcttlement of hich is well cultiva- 7 ilcfcvibcil from the iMcliuling the lall men- t, is contained threc- •puhtion, anil fcven- ,es of Lonifiana. nieiit of Pointe Coupee to Cii\ie Girardeau, a- f the Ohio, there is no Pule, tliat i3 not over- ng to the diltance of 8 1 the river, with from atcr, except a fmallfpot I i fo that in the whole •^'^flibility of forming a .nent contiguous to the The eaftern bank has lecided advantage over lere are on it many fi- Fcdually command tli« ;d its settlements. de of the Mifliffippi* TO MT-Orleans, is the moutli ( s^'i ) t)f the Red river, on wliofe hanKs and vi- cinity arc tile fettleiiu-iits i»f Rapiiie, A- voyclles anil NatcliitDtlics, all il tlieiu thriving and populous. 'I'lu; litter i« fituate".') leagues up the Red River. On the north iide ot tlie Red livir a fiW leagues from its junclinn with il.^' Millil- fippi is the lildLk river, un one ol wliole brandies, a confiderable way up, is ll;e infant fetiieinentof Ouachita, whiclifroin tlie richnefs of the foil may he made .i place of importance. Cotton is the chief produce of thefe fettlenieius, but they have likewifea contiderable Indian trade. The River Rouge, or Red River, is ulcd to tomnnmicate wl'I' the Irciiiiiers of New-Mexico. Concord — Arkansas — St. cnAP.i.r.s, AND ST. ANDRTAV, &C. There is no other fettlemcnt en t'ic Miirillippi except the fmall one c;illeil Concord, oppofitc to the Natchez, till you come to the /Mkanfas river, v, iicie mouth is '250 leagues above Nevv-Or^ leans. Here there arc but n few families, wlo are more attaclied tothe Indian tvailc (oy • va- vvjiich chiefly th.^ live) tlv.n to cu t'.<"':i. There is» lio feltlcment from tins- ;< (.lii) flare to New Madrid, which is itfelf in- coiifidcrabl'.-. AlcendiwR tliu river you come to Cape Girardeau, St. Genevieve and St. Louis, where, thougli the inhabi- tants are numerous, tliey raile little for exportation, and content themfelves with trading with tlie Indians and working a few lead mines. This country is very fertile, efpecially on the banks of tlie iviiflburi, where there have been formed two fettlements, called St. Charles and St. Andrew, mollly by emigrants from Kentucky. The peltry procuretl in tlie Illinois is the bc^ft fcnr to the Atlantic market ; and the qirantity is vcryconfid- erable. Lead ia to be had with eafe, and in fu(. h i|uantitie8 as to fupply all Europn, if ihf populatii)!! were fulhcient to rvork tl:e numerous mines to be found wlihfh two or three teet from the furface in va- riou!i p.:rts of the country, 'ihe fcttle- nients .ibout the Illinois were firft made by tlie Canadians, and their inhabitants Itill r(femble them in their averfion to!aA bor, and love of a wandering Hfe. They contain but few negroes, compared to tht number of the whites ; and it may be ta- ken for a general rule, that in proportion to the dill nice from the capital, thenum- ber of blacks diminilh bcbw that of tht ( 1 f t i n i, a a P ii h o tl d ilii ) rid, which is itfelf in- emWng thu river you irileau, St. Genevieve re, thougli the inhahi- » tijcy raile little for iitent themfelves with idiiuis and working a This country is very on the banlis of tlie ere have been formed ailed St. Charles and ly by emigrants from icltry procuretl in tlie fent to the Atlantic jiwntity is vcryconfid- he had with cafe, and s to fupply all Europrt, i-ere fulhcient to 'vork js to be found wlihm rom the furface in va- country. The fcttle- inois were firfl riade and their inhabitants in their averfion to!a<. vandcring Hfe. They groes, compared to tht :e8 ; and it may be ta- de, that in proportion n the capital, thenum- aiih below that of th« ( ilii» ) whites } the former abounding mofl on Ujc rich plantations in its vicinity. GbNLKAL DESCRIPTION OF UPPER LOUISIANA. When compared with the Indiannt#r- ritory, the face of the country in Upper Louifiana is rather more broken, though the foil i« equally fertile. It is a fact not to be conteiled, that the welt fide of tho river poll'elles fome advantages, not gene- rally incident to thofe regions. It is ele- vated and healthy, and well watered with a variety of large ,r.ipid llreams, calcula- ted for mills and other water works. From Cape Girardeau, above the mouth of the Ohio, to the MKTouri, the land on t\\Q ealt fide of the Millillippi is law and flat, and occafionally expofed to inunda- tions } tliat on the Louifiana fide, conti- guous to the river, isgenenllyniuchhigli. •;r, and in many places very rocky on the Ihore. Some of the heights exhibit a fcene truly pifturefquo. Tliey rife to a height of at Icall 300 feet, faced with perpendicular /i/ne ami fire-ffone, carveil iiuo various ihapes and figures by the hand of nature, and afford theappearancft of a multitude of antique towers. From *ha tops of thefe elevations, the land gra- dually Hopes back ivoa\ the river, witU- -i! ( xllv ) out gravel or rock, and is covered with valuuble timber. It may be faul with truth that, for fertility of foil, "•>?«;;«/ the world exceeds the borders ot theMit- fiinppi i the land yields an abundance ot all the necelHiries of hfe, and almod fpontaiieoully -, very little labor being required in the cultivation of the earth. Ta u part of Upper Louifi.ma, which bor- ders on North Mexico, is one imnienfe ■i,rairie ; it produces nothing but grafs •, it is filled with uuffdo, deer, and other kinds of game •, the land is reprefented as too rich for the growtn of foreit trees* • f" It is pretended that Upper Louifiana contains in its bowels many filver and copper mines, and various ipec.mens of bulhare exhibited. Several trials have been made to afceruin the f aft i but me Want of Ikill in the . rtills has lathertoleft rhe fubieft undecided. The lalt works are alfo pretty nume- rous : Some belong to i.utiyiduals -, o- fhcrs to the public. They already yiud ,n abundant fupplv for the conlump- tlon of the country ; and it properly man- aged, might become an article of more general exportation- The ufual price y^er buihel is 150 cents ni ca.'f} ^t t,ie xliv ) , and is coverctl with It may be faid with tility of foil, no part of the borders ottheMif- i^ieldsan abundance of s of life, and almoll ery little labor being ultivation of the earth, r Louiii.ina, which bor- [oxico, is one imnienfe :es nothing but grafs •, iffilo, deer, and other the land is rcprefented the growth of forell \ that Upper Louifiana jwcls many fdver an(i id various fpccimens of >d. Several trials have •cruin the fafl: ; but the iG.rtiilshashithertoleft cided. '-, are alfo pretty nume- oiig to iiutividuals -, o- lic. They akcady yitld 'iply for the confump- try ; and if properly man- jnie an article of more Xion- The ufual price 150 cents iu caff} ^t the ( "1^ ) worki. Tluj price will be ftill lower as foon as the manufacture of the fait is aflumed by government or patroniied by men who have large capitalj to employ in the bufinefs. One extraordinary fail relative to fait muft not be omitted. There exiils about 1000 mUcs up the Miflburi, and not far from that river, a Salt Mountain ! The exiilence of fuch a mountain might well be cjUQilioned,were it not for the teflimony of feveral refpec- table and enterprifing traders, who have vifited it, and who have exhibited feve- ral bufhels of the fait to the curiofity of the people of St. Louis, where fome of it ftill remains. A fpecimcn cf the ume fait has" been fent to Marietta. Thi» mountain is faid to be 180 miles long, and 45 in width, compofcd of folid rock fait, without any trees, or even flirubs on it. Salt fprings are very numerous beneath the furface of this mountain, and they flow through the fiflurcs and cavities of it. Caves of falt-petre are found in Upper Louifiana, though at fome diilance from the fettlements. Four men on a tr..ding voyage, lately difcov« ered one feveral hundred miles up the Miflburi. They fpent 5 or 6 weeks in Ihc manufacture of diis article, andje* ( xlvi ) turned to St. Lculs ^'.th 400 v'ci-;lit of it. It proved to be good and they lold it tor ,1 hiiih price. ^ - . i ThegcnJ^riphv of the MilTiirippi and Millban, and their contiguity tor a groat length ci" way, are but Uttle known. Ihc trukrs a.r-rt, that 100 miles above their iunaion, a n.an may walk from one to the other in a d.iy -, and it is iho alien- ed, that TOO miles ildl higher up, the nortaee may be crollbd in four or iive llavs. Thir, port igc is frequonted by tra- defs, vvho carry on a cov.iider d^le trade v,ith fcMiie of 'the Muu-Ui-. laduns— Tiich- aner-il route is thv.^n-n Green. i;;,y, ^vhlchiian-^•:l of Lake M:cm. Pan-, they then pals into n f.m.l. la.c connecled with it, and which conrmun.- cites with the I'ox river ; they then crofs over a thovi nortagc into the Ouisconhng river, whieh'unites with the MiHilh.nn fo le d'dlance btlow the falls of St. An- thony. It is aUb faid, that the tra- ders communicate with the Miihihppi a- bove thele falls, through Lake Superior— but their trade in that quarter is much Icfs confidcrablc. Canal of carondelet. Behind New-Orleans is a canal about 1 \ milcslong, which communicates with a ii n ci C( JJ II IV F CI tl b ai f( P ai c: t( c: d tc n tl fi I xlvl ) s T^•ith 400 wcl-^lit of good and they ibkl it of the MilTiirn^pi and I- contigiilcy t'oi- a groat ! but Uttle known. The 100 miles above their liiy walk, from one to V and it is ah'o alVert- i ilill higher up, the crolVjd in four or five re is frequf^ntoil by tra- in a cor.iider.ible trade le MiliLuii Iiidi.nis — iitc is through Green rr-:i of Like Mlchi- t.ifs into a <''^v,>U l.ile , auvl which conimuni- V river ; they then crofd gc into the Ouiscon(ing ?s with the MiHil'.itr^5i nv the falls of St. An- ifo faid, that the tra- e with thp Miihihppl a- irough liake Superior — that quarter is much F CARONDELET. )rleans is a canal about lich communicates with I ( xlvii ) a creek called the Bayou St. Jean, flow- ing into Lake PonchartTain. At tiie mouth of it, .diout L' hagucs from the city is a hnall fort called St. Jean, which conniiands tliL> entrance from that liake. Jiy this creik tiio comnumication is kept up through the lake and the Rigolets to Mobile and the fettlemcnts in Weft- Florida. Craft drawing from G to 8 feet water cin navigate to the mouth of the creek, but except in particular fwells 6f the lake cannot pafsthebar without be- ing lightened. St. Bernardo. On the Eaft fide of the Mi(rifl5ppi, a- bout five leagues below New-Orleans and at the head of the Englirti bend is a fettlenient known by the name of the Poblacion de St. Bernardo or tlie Terra aux Bocufs, extending on both fides of a creek or drain, whofe head is contiguous to the Milhr-ppi, and which flowing eartward, after a courfe of 18 leagues and dividing itfelf into two branches, falls in- to the fea and lake Borgne. This fettle- nient confiits of two parilhes, almoll all the inhabitants of which are Spaniards from the Canaries, who content them- felves with raifing fowls, corn and gar- i ■• r ( xlviii ) den flu d' for tlic market at New-Orleans. The U\mls cannot he ciilliviited to any great dillance Irom the hanks of the creek, on account of the vicinity of the marlh behind them, but the place is fuf- ceptible of great improvement and of affording another communication tofmall craft of from 8 to 10 feet draught, b&. twecn the fea and the MilRffippi. SfiTTLEM.NTS BELOW THE ENGLISH TLRN. At the diftance of 16 leagues below New-Orleans, the fettlements on both banks of the River are of but fmall ac- count. Between 4hefe and the fort of Plaquemines, the country is overflowed in the fpring and in many places incapa- ble of cultivation at any time, being a moraf^almoftimpafiibleby man orbeait. This fmall tongue of land extends confi. derably into tffe fea, which is vifible on both fides of the Miffiflippi Trom a fliip'« mall. Country from plac^jemines to th« SEA and' effect OF THE HURRI- CANES. From Plaquemines to the fea is 12 ov 13 leagues. The country is low, fwanipy, r-.hiefly covered with reeds, having little I Iviii ) rkct at New-Orleans. )e culliviited to any •n the banks of the oftbe vicinity of the I, but the place is fuf- impvovcment and of ammunication tofmall 10 feet draught, her- the Milhirippi. LOW THE ENGLISH fRN. of 16 leagues belovr fettlements on bofh ;r are of but fmall ac- hefe and the fort of country is overflowed n many places incapa- at any time, being a iflible by man or bealt, of land extends confi- ;a, which is vifible on liffiffippi Trom a fliip'f •LAQUEMINES TO THE CT OF THE HURRI- nes to the fea is 12 ov ountry is low, fwampy, th reeds, having Uttle I (xh*) «r no timber and no fettiemciU wl-.ntcv- ei. It may be necefl-iry to ncntion here, that the wh(>'e lower part of the country from tl>c Eiiglifti Turn cio^vttvvard islub- jcft to overflowing in Hurricanes, cither by the recoiling of the river or reflu>; from the fca en eacn fide ; and on mov« than one occahon it h;is been covered fisom tke.dcpUiof 2 to 10 feet, according to the defceut of the river, whereby ma- ny lives were loft, horfes and cattle fv/ept away and a fcene of deftruftion laicl. The laft calr.mity of this kind happened in r794 : but fortunately they are not irctjuent. In the preceding year the en- gineer who fuperintended the ereilion «f the Fort of Plaquemines was drowned in his houie near the fort, and tlje work- men and garvifon efcaped only by taking refuge on an elevated fpot in the fort, on which there were notwithftanding 2 or 3 feet of water. Thefe hurricanes have generally heen felt in the month of Au- guft. Their greateft fury lafts about 12 hours.— They commence in the fouth eaft, veer obout to all points of the com- pafs, are felt moft feverely below and feldom extend more than a few league* above New-Orleans, In tleir whole courlc they are marked with luia and '(I tl ! f: Is If ■r I: ,l)>i k ( » ) tlolbV.ition. Until that vf 1793, there h.id been none fcU fioni tke year 1780. PaSSKS, or mouths of the MISSISSIPPI' / bout 8 leagues bekiw Plaquemines, the MiruFiiipi divides itfelf into three chau.icia, which are called the pafles of tlie river, viz. the Eaft, South andSouth Wort padbs. Their courfe is from 5 to C> le:ij;ues to the fea. Tiie fpace between is a marfli with little or no timber on it ; but from its fituation, it may hereafter be renck'rcd of importance. TheEaft-pafs, which is on the left hand going down the river, is divided into two branches a- bout two leagues below, viz. the Pafs a la L(nitre, and that known to mariners by the name of the Balize, atwhich there is' a fniall block houfe and fome huts of the pilots, who refide only here. Thefirft of thelc fecondary channels contains at jrc'fe.it but 8 feet water ; the lattcrfrom 1 1 to 10 according to the fealons. The Soutli-pafs, wliich is diicftly in front of the MilfiH-ppi, has always boen confidcr- c(' iis entirely choaked up, but has 10 fcjt wi'ter. T'lie South Weft p-,ifs. which iso!i t!i(- light, is the longeii and nar- i'tv/i?fc of all tnc paflls, and a few yoars ;:^-j li-id I'J feet Water, and was that by I t 1 a t a li 1 / P e ri b tl L : 1 ) that nf 1793, there t iiom tlie year 1780. IS or THE MISSISSIPPI- IS bck)w Plaquemines, ides itfelf into three re called the pafles of Eaft, South and South eir courfe is from 5 to L>a. Tiie fpace between ttlc or no timber on it ; ioti, it may hereafter be tance. The Eaft-pafs, left hand going down :d into two branches a- below, viz. the Pafs that known to mariners le lialize, atwhich there oufe and fome huts of ■fide only here. Thefirft ry channels contains at •t water j the latter from iig to the lealons. The h is diicftly in front of as always boen confidcr- Koakc-d up, but has 10 South Weft p,ifs. which s the longeii and nar- pailui, and a few yoars Water, and was that by ( li ) which tic lir^re flips entered and failed fVuin theMiinirijipi. It has now but ?■( ll'ct wytcr, and will probably remain fo for I'on-.e lime. In i'pi,,ikiii;^ of ilie cpKin- tity of water in the pafib'i, it mult l-o un- derltood of wliat is cu iIut bar of oath pal's •, for immediately after pairui;' the bar, which is very narrow, there iiic from 5 to 7 fathom at all feafons. COUNTIIY EA-^T OV LAKE PONCHAV.- TRAIN. The country on the end C.do of I,;il;r Ponchanrain to Mrb-lc, ainl includinj^ the whole extent between tJie Airoric;',!! line, the Pvliiliirippi above Ncv.-.Orler.r.s, and the lakes (with the exception of a tracSt of about 30 miles on the Miinffippi, and as much fquave, contiguous to ilicj line, and comprehending the wpters of Tliompfon's Creek, B.iyou S -a'a and the Amet) is a poor, thin foil, ovcrsrrownwith pine, and cont.iin;; no good land what- ever, unlcff! on the b.uiksof a few fmail rivers. It would however atVord uburd- ;.nt fupplies of pitch, tar and pine lum- ber, and would feed large lierds of cat-- tl<». * ^; 1^ -I i: ( iii ) The ishauitantb akd thuik origin.' The inhabitants of Louifiana are chief- ly the dcfc.n.V.nt9 of the French and inacll,;ns. There are n co:.l-.derab e- number of Englif. and Aner.c..nsm New-Orleans. 'Ihetvi'oGer " coaKS r^ -.copied by the defcendT.t. of fettler* fir Gcrn.anVandafev.FmKhrn.x- cd vith them. Tho tnree fuccecdmg ' fetth-n.cnl3 up to Bacon Rouge contain liUv Acadiins, b.niihe 1 /von. Nova- kcotla by the Er^^liih, und their dcfccnd- ams Tl e government of BntonRouge, efpecidly L eaft f.do. Nvhich include, Zthe cluntry between the I'-rvf ^^^ the Anierican line, is compofed partj of Acadians, a very few French, and of a vrrcat majority of Americans On the well fide they arc moftly Acadians : at Pointe Coupee and Fauffee river they are French and I^ cadians— Of the popu- lation of the Atacapas and Opeloufas, » confiderable part is American— Natchi- toches, on the Red river, contains but a few Americans, and the remainder of the inhabitants are French-But the for- mer are more numerous in other tetUe- ments on that river, viz. Avoyelles, Ra- pidc, audOuacheta. At Arkanfae they [ Hi ) B AND THr.lR ORIGIN. jf Louifiana are cluef- j of the French and re lire n conf-devablc r.i and Americans in he wo Ger n coafts e defcend'i'.t:, of fettlers and a few f rench mix- The three fuccecding I Bvuon Rouge contain b.iniihc.l from Nova- -liih, und their dcfccnd- u-ncnt of Baton Rouge, 11: fide, which includes ;tween ths Iberville and ine, is compofcd partly iry few French, and of a of Americans. On the re moftly Aciidians : at and Fauffee river they /^cadVans— Ofthepopu- tacapas and Opeloufas, » t is American — Natchi- R.ed river, contains but IS, and the remainder of ire French— But the for- amcrous in other fettle- iver, viz. Avoyelles, Ra- heta. At Arkanfas they ( llii ) are moflly French ; and .-.t N.nv M uhiit, A.nencans. At lo dl 'i-fjlln, il no: a greater proportion of ;ili U-tiLns on t'.ie' Sp.inilh lidc of tlie MiUidiiipi, in t.'ie Lli- nois country, are likcwifc lujipoled to be Americans. Below NivvV-(J.io.ui.i the population is altogcfher Freniih, and the derccndant:; of Ficncliinen. New-oulkans. By recurring to the map,^ and examin- ing the pofitlon of Ljuifi 'iii, it will ap- pear, tii.it tho lowor p.irt projcdi into the fe.i. It h IS m all pujbabdity bjen forme^l by the fodiinent biou;TUtdr.',v.i by the curro.U and ciei^oircd on thj flat CO lit. Tni-Te is therijforo on tlij ca;t' fi.ie but a very narrow Hip along thjbanlc CI tiie river, troni tlic '.'ca to the Ibevvilie.^ T-ie lanil is not generally fulco'jV..lj'r.; of cultivation more than a m.le ii depth from thenver, the roll is lowa.iJ fwa.n- py to the taKc-i .mi tUo lea, but in geno- r.d abounds with cyproft tiinb.'r, w'l.jh ia fJA'cd by, mdls, which are worked 'oy avtuiwiai ilieann fro.n the Miin.!i,>pi, in the time of f.elhes. Thoy generally run five months in the year. Wiiat has bcji 1 id of the ei'^ cq- d!y applies to ihc well lide of tlic ri\ ,*. The if- i« ( liv ) foil nnA fituation ar« ncaTlf the fame. ^ftcr leaving the bank of the nver, there is an imnienl'u fwamp, inuileaed bv creeks anillukcs, cxtemling to the high lands of Atacapas, and occupying a fpac« of thirty or fiwty leagues. The city ot New-Orleans, which isre- •rularly laid out on the c.»lt fule of the Mifnlfippi, in lat. 30, N. and long 90, W. exiciuls nearly a mile along the ri- ver, from the gate of France on tne fouth, to that of Chapitoulas above, arid a little more than 1 li of a mile mbreatlth, from the river to the rampart j but it ha» an eMcnfivc fuburb on the upper fide. Tiiehoufesiii front of the town and tor a fquare or two backwards, are moRly of brick, covered with (l.tc or tile, and ma- ny of two (lories. The remainder are oi wood, cov. red with ihlngles. Tht Itreets crofs cacli other at right angles, and are 52 Trench feet wide. Tiic Iquaros l)e- tween the inter ert ions of the Hreets have 1 front of liOO French feet, 'ihere js in th" mlcld.e of the front ot the city :• prar (Cannes, fating which the church •.■id tosvn-houfe are built. There are from 1'-' to HOOhoufcs inthe city and fubiubK. The population ma/ be cltinva- t«d at iO.OOLS iududir.g the leair.eu and llv ) ire ncaTlf the fame. ank of the river, there wamp, inu rle could not h.»vc been defended, and are now in ruiiii. Tlie powder magazine ia (Bt) tlie opjiolitc bank of t!ie river. The pul)lic buildings and other puhlie property in New-Orleatvs, arc a» fol- lows : Two very extenfivc brjck (lores, from IGOto 180 feet in length, and about \iO in breadt!». They arc one ftory high and covered with fhingles. A government hoiife, ilables aiwl garti den, occupying a front of about '120 feet on the river, in the middle of the town, and extending 336 feet back to the next ftreet. A military hofpital. An ill built cudom houfc of wood, at- mod in ruins, in the upper part of the city, near the river. An exlenfive barrack in the lower part of the city, fronting on the river, and calculated to lodge 12 or 14«0men. A large lot adjoining the king s llorea, with a few Iheds in it. It ferv«s as a park Xor artillfry, A priion, town-houfe, market houfe, aflcmbly room, fome ground rents, a«d tlie common about the town. I ( wt ) A pviWic fihool for the ruclunenU of H^c Si..i.ii)l. Lngiuigc. A Cthcdial cluuth unfiinnic(!» an* fomc houles belonging to it. A clunublc l.olpit al. with f"»^c^^""- fcs belonging to it, .un^ a revenue ofl .WO dollars Ainiuully.cmlowca by an indivjdu- al liUcly dctc.ired. The canal de Carondclet has been al- ready dcfcribcd. NUMBF.R OF INirADlTANTS. /According to the .mncxeil ceafus, No- 9, ol Louisuna, inclu rn>g P.:.>l.ia.l.i .uul the N.tche/ras"ude in 17H5. the whole numberofinhiibiwnisum(>untodio.U,00-, ot which l*,'2 15 wore tre. wi.iles, 1 ,J03 free people of color, and HJ.^'IJ" fl'ves- Tiie It.ucment, No. n, f» J." the l.ueit docume.us, nukes the whole nunihc.r A2,M5 tliefroc whites, 'il.'JU the free i.eoide of color, 1,708— und the Apa.lau..ir(larenicnt rrfpcftnig the rr,,>alation, &c, of Upper l.v.uU.au, uid another contai.iig the c-..us '^l ^.w- (J. loans, in this year, aic .iu.uocrca ♦ana r>, in t!>v' apiieii.lix. lliele n.iK'is ccri-ainly exhibit a f.n . !- et number t.iaa the ro .1 po,ui!anon olthe ,^u;.iry. Tiom aa o.u;iai ducumciit. Itt) for the rudimenU ot igc. inch unfiiiiflici!» and jing to it. pit il, with fomc hou- iiiul ;» revenue of 1 .'jOO ilowcdby anindiviiiu- irtMulcIet has been a1- IF INHADITANT8. c Anncxeil ccifus, No- cluliiig l\:iil.ia)lA .uul ule in l7H5,tl>e whole nis umi lunto*! Uj U'2,0()'J, vote Irev wi.ilcs, 1,303 jr, ana HJ,.'>1^ '^■'^'^■'*' No. n, tVj.ntlic Uueil >s tlie whole numb:-! whites, 'il.'JU the ;olor, l,7Ga— una the aremcnt rrf^icaing the )f Upper li)'-iui.aM,.uicl gthc cc ..us ot Nlw- i-iir, uic ikuuiUcrca 4.i;ul ix. .crDinly exhibit .i fm .!!- he ro .1 popiiiiuioii ofthe M\ oiuiiui ilucumciit. ( Ivii ) mnae in July l»ft, ar.a reccivca from Atacapiis liiicc tlie ft,;fe;r.(Mit, No. 3,wji9 forniea, it .ippcars tlut it containca 2,'J70 whites, 210 free people o» color, l,2H6 flavei, ill all fi,7'l« foiils, iiiPiCia of l,!*?, as tliertin ilatcd. It is hi-!:ly pro!i.ibIe that the return for the neighbouring dillri6> of Opcloufa-;, is in the lame pro- ' portion uni!.nratca. A conjediif d elUmation made by a gcntlon- ti (,f great rofp'>'':tab;riry and cojTocl iiiU>riii.ition, rci-.!:njrat NatcIiC'/, raifcn theiuind)cr of wlutcs in the I'.land of Nc\^' Orleanb, on th; well fidc^of the river, and fome fcttlcmcnts on the cr.ft fid«v to 50,1. 50, and the number of blacks to 39,820. His llatemcnt in ulfo fub- joined, No. 6. It is at all times difTicult to obtain the full cenfus of a country, and il.c impedi- ments are cncreafed in this from its Icat- tcreil population. The adual enumera- tion may thcrefcrt iiii fliort of- the tru» numbersi •r I. ( iviii ) Militia. Tliere is a militia in Loulfiana. The foilowiiig is the vcturn of it, m.ulo to the Court ol Spain by the Baron Cuvondelet. Fro.n ii.iiize to tho city — volun- Alilitia. tt'crs oi ti 'C Ml lliiTippi— 4 compa- nies of 100 mea each -com- plete, C;iy — Batallicn of the city 5 com- panies, _ ^ Artillery company, with fu- pernumerarics, Carabineers, or privileged companies of horfe, 2 companies of -70 each — incomplete, Mi'lattoes 2 companies, negroes 1 do. Mixed legion c'^the Miflinippi, com- prehending Galveztown, Baton-Rouge, Poiiite Coupee, Atacapas andOpeloufas, viz. , . J 2 companies of grenadiers,^' 8 do. of fufiieers, - 4 do. of dragoons, 2 do. hitcly added from BayouSara, 16 companies of 100 men each, 1600 Avoyelles, 1 company of infantry, 100 40f SCO 12© 100 sod 1 t( p aJ Ivlii ) LITIA. la in Louifiana. The turn of it, mado to the the Baron Cavondelet. ; city — volun- Militia. iTippi— 4'conipa- ;u each— com- the city 5 com- ipany, with fo- ?iarics, or privileged of horfe, 2 of -70 each — 40f 500 12© 100 scd companies, do. ^ the MinirTippi, com- jztown, Baton-Rouge, .tacapas andOpeloufas, ' grenadiers, ' ' fi leers, - agoons, idded from Bayou Sara, 100 men each, )anyo£iat'antry, 1600 100 Ouacheta, 1 do. of cavalry, Natchitoches, , do. of infantry and 1 of cavalry, Arkanfas, 1 do. of infantry and cavalry, Illinois, 4 do. of cavilry, 7 ^jj^ ♦ do. of infantry, f have the Ti • • , . „ 3 coirp'i.nent, jProvincialrdgimentof Germans ' and Acadialis, from the 1 ft German coaft to Iberville, 10 companies, viz. 2 of ^ grenadiers, 8 of fufileers, \ MoSile luid the country Eaft of Lake Ponchartrain, 2 Companies of horfe and foot, ^nQomplete, 109 200 100 80f 100» 4 >.. 129 The fame gentleman aHudcd to, r -re 18, makes the numberof militia to amLu.jt to 10,340 men within the fame limits to which his eltimate of the population ap- plies. He diftributes them in the fevcr- al fetttemeiits, as faliows : 1. The iflajitl of New-Orleans, with the oppofite margin and the adjacent fctt(e.nent:i, . ^qqq /. Ihe wcfl nrirgin iVomiMm- lac, includiiii^' Poaito Coupee, ch u i:^ I (k) »,dcxtcndb- to the Red River, 3. Awcap.s, alou^thecoaJt, feertwccntae D-.-lf.v ot tl«a Miuf- fi,-,^)! am\ the River babmp, . r- . 4. Opeloufas, " 5RedRiv€r,includingBayou Bo^uf, Avoyc!'.;:s, Rapide, and Matchuochcs, - 6. Ouachita, :).,.? r^*"' ' ,. 7. Concord, , .1 ^uA.'■^ 8. Arkanfas, - '■ 9. New Madrid and tfs vicuii- *^*10,WinoisandMiirouri, 1 1 . The fettkment' on theiialt fule of the MifiiflipPW ^^^m±^ American line to the iWrvdlc, and fome other fettlemenls. 800 i-ii ijOOO m 40 150 ffod < ; ? \ ^ / , ^, 10^*0 It is to be obferved, that npne of theTe ftatements include Ae country h^yond tl\c River Sabine, nor e«n all thofe which Uceaftwardly of it. Data are alio wanting to give tliem. ■FORTITICATIOSS. '^ St. Louis has a lieutenant colonel to comm.ind in it, aiid but few troops. Ba- ton Rouge is an ill conftruacd fc^t, and ;'i 1 [Ix) he Red River, iloag the cojJt, :;v ot tlie Miuf- ;r Sabine^ includingBayou , Rapide, and id and Us vicinU dMiflburi, ment« on theEaft liUppi, from the 0 the ihervUlc, fettlemenls. 800 »50 1,000 aoo 40 150 l.u- coo . / ,, . 1M40 ferved, that npne of thele ide Ae country beyond ine, nor even all thole ardlyof it. Data are alfo tliem. nTlCATIOSS. '^' ' '^ 1 a lieutenant colonel to and but few troops. B.i- n ill conftruacd furt, and ( l^i ) 1ki5 about ,^0 men. Iii dcfcribinj; the Canal of Carondclot, the fmall fort ofSt. Jc;in has bctiiniention(.ri, as has thcblock licufe at the Balize in its proper place. The fortificationo of New Orleans, noti- ced before, coniifts of iivo ill conlludcd redoubtt,, v/ith a covered way, paliuacle and ditch. The whole is going fall to decay, and it is fuppofed they would be cf but little fervice, in cafe ot an attack. Though the powder magazine is on the oppofite fide of the river, there is no .af- ficient provifion made for its removal to the city, in cafe of need. The fort of Plaquemines, which is a- bout twelve or thirteen leagues from the fe'a, is an ill copftruded, irregular brick work, on the eaftern fide of the Mifiiflip- pi, with a ditch in front of the river, and protedlcd on thelower fide by adeep cjeek, flowing from the river to the fea. It is, however, imperfc£lly clofcd behind, and almoft without defence there -, too much rehance having been placed on the fwampiffess of the ground, which har- dens daily. It might be taken, perhaps, by efcalade, without difficulty. It is in a degree ruinous. The principal front is meant to defend the approach frcm the fea, and can oppofe, at molt, but eight 'I. ( ''^ii ) Ijc.ivy g'.iiH. It ii built ;it a turn ;n tiie river, v.!ierc Ihip:; in goner;.i r.iull -.in- chor, a.i the wind wliidi hriiigi; them up fo far is contrary in tiie next roacliwliijli they nioiUy worlc through ; and they uould therefore be expofed to the iireot th.o fcrr. On the oppoilte bank are the ruins of a fnwll clofed redoubt, c.illcd Fort Bourbon, ufuaily garrifoneil by a fcrjeant's command. Its fire was inten- ded to flanic that of tlie I'ort of Placjue- iTiunes, and prevent (liipping and craft from afcending or defceiidiiig on that fide. When a vcfll'l appears, a fignal is made on one fuie, and anfwercd on the ether. ShouUl llic attempt to pafs, with- out fending a boat on ihore, llie would hii immediately fired upon. Indians. The Indian nations within tlie Hmlts of Louifiana, arc, as far as known, as fol- lows, and confiil of the numbers hereaf- ter fpecilied. On the Eaftern bank of the MifTifTippi about '25 leagues above Orleans the re- mains of the nation of Iloutnas or Red Won which do not exceed (50 perfons. There :a,; no olI\:r Indians fettled on thi.^ iide of the riv. r eitlier iii Louif:a;ia g» Wviit rioiidi, thouglithey arc r.t time;) L ■ ) luilt ;U a turn in the in goner;.! r.iull -.xn- liidi hrhigii them up tlie next roachwhijli through ; and they lixpofed to the iireot ippoilte bank are the )lcil redoubt, cillod lly garrifoned by a Its fire was intcn- the Fort of Platjue- fliipping and craft defteiiding on that 1 appears, a fignal is nd anfwercd on the ittempt to pafsjwith- 011 ihore, llie would d upon. IAN3. ns within tlie Hmlts s far as known, as fol- f the numbers hereaf- lank of the MiiTifTippi ibove Orleans the re- of Iloutnas or Red exceed (50 perfons, ;r Indians fettled on r eit!icr iii Louif^ana loughthcy arc r.t tlmeii ( Ix'ni ) frequented by parties of wandering Choc- On the Well fide of t'ne Miiriffippi are the remains of theTounicas fettled near, and above Pointe Coupee on the river confifting of fifty or fixty pevfons. In the atacapas. On the lower parts of the Bayou Te- che at about eleven or twelve leagues, from the fea are two villages of Chitinia- chas confiaing of about one hundred The Atacapas, properly fi called, dif- ricrfed throu'^hout the ai(tria,and chief- ly on the Bayou or creek of Vermillion, r.bout one hundred fouls. V/andercrs of the tribes of Bdexisand Choaaws on Bayou Crocodile, whicli empties into the Ttchc, about futy fouls. In the Opklousas to the N. IV. of lyw- CAPAS, Two villages of Alibamas in the ccr - tre of the diltria near the church, con- fifting of one hundred perfons, Conchates difperfed through the coun- try as far Well as the river Sabinas and its neighbourhood, about three hundred . and fifty perfons. ■1 ( Ixlv ) O^Tii:: Rivi-R Rorcr, At Ay jycllos, iiineteeu leagues from tlic- Miliiainpi, is ;i large vilLij^'c of the B:lo!ii lution, ;r.ul another on the lako cft'ieAvoydles, the whole about fixty At tlic Rapitlo tweiily-fix leagues from the MiiriiTippi is a village of Choftaws of one liuiuired fouls, and another of Bi- loxes, about two leagues from it, of a- bout one hundred luore : About eight or nine leagues lii -her up the Rod River is a vill.ige of about fllty fouls. All thefe are ocpfion,.lly emi,ioy?d by tlie fcttlers m their neighbourhood as boatmen. About clglity lo:;gues on Natehitoches on the Red River is the nation of the C.aioquie?, called by abbreviation Cados; they can raife from three to four hundred warriors, ;>.re tlie friends of the whites •and arc elieemed r'lc bravefl and moll generous of all the nation:; in this vait country ; ti.ey are rapidly decreafmg, ow.ng to intemperance and the num. bcrs annuJIy deftroyed by the Olaires and Choaaws. ^ TI ere are befides the foregoing, at le ift four ot five hundred families of Choc- t.ivvs who arc difperfed on the Weft fide «i Uic Idiiliflippi, on the Ouacheta and i Ixlv ) vv.K Roi cr, ncteeu leagues {\om a large vilLij^'c of the another on the lako le wliole about fixtjr vcnly-fix leagues from village of Choftaws Is, and another ofBi- cagues from it, of a- .lore : About eight or up the Rod River is U'ty fouls. Allthefe jloyod by tlie fcttl'jrs lood ;is bo.itmen. guc-s on Natchitoches is the nation of the ' abbreviation C.idos; t'lrce to four hundred lends of the whites K> bravefl: and molt ; nation:! in this valt rapidly decreaGng, ince and the num- >yed by the Olages IS the foregoing, at Ired families of Choc- fed on the Weft fide 1 the Ou4cheta and I Red RivoVfi, as far Weft as Natchitoches and the whole nation would haveemi' grated rcvols th ■ Milhirippi had it not been for the oppofition of the Spaniards and the Indiana on that fide who had fufrered for their aggvein ins. On the uivur Arkansas, &-' Between the Red River and the Ark- sn/.as tlicrcare but a few Indians, the re- mains of tribes almoft extinct. On this laft river is the nation of the fame nam?, confifting of about two hundred and fix- ty warriors, tliey are lirave ycl peaceable and well dilpofed, and have always been attached to the French and cfpoufed their caufe in their wars with the Chicafaws, whom they have always refifted with fuc- ccfs. Tney live in three villages ; thefirft is at eighteen leagues from the Mifrillip- pi on the Arkanfas river, and the others are at three and iix leagues from the firft. A fcarcitv of game on the Eaftern fide of the Mi'iliinppihas lately indjccd anum- ber of Cherokees, Chociaws, CiiicLafaws, &c. to frequeiuthc neighbourhood of Ai- kanfas, wlicre game is llillin abundance: they have contraQcd marriages with the Arkanfas, and feem inclineil to make a permanent feulc.-noiit and incor^iorate ♦.' ( hvi ) \ i ■I ' ! 41 i; iliomlblvcs with th;it nation. The nuni- licr is unknown, but is confidornble and i;i every il.'.y incr'.'afm:;. On the river St. I'Vuncis, in the ncigh- hourljood of New-Madriti, Cape Cirar- deau, Riviere a la romme, and the envi- rons, are lettied a number of vagabonds, en:ip,vant:>fVom thcDclawarcs, Shawnefc, Mianiis, Chitkai'aws, Cherokccs, Piorias, and fupp()>vd to confdl in all of five hun- dred families \ they are at times troublc- fomc to tlic boats dcfcending the river, and have even plundered fome of tl;em and committed a few mr.rdors. They .irc attached to liquor, feldoni remain \oi\ft in any place, many of tliem fncak Engiilli, all underlland it, and there are ibme who even read and write it. At St. Genevieve in the fettlements a- mong the wliitcs arc ;;bout thirty Piorias, Kaflcaskias, and Illinois, who feldom hunt for fear of the other Indians ; they are the rcmain.s of a nation which fifty years ago could bring into tho field one thou- f.Kui two hundred warriors. Om THr MISfOUR!. On tin, MiiTour: and its waters are ma- ny and numerous n;^tion8, the heft known of which are . The Ofages, f.tuate oatha .vi ) t nation. The nuni- t is confuior.ible ami Fruncis, in the ncigh- Maclriti, C.ipe C'.irar- Vmme, anil the otivi- luimbor of vagabonds, Dclawarcs, Shawm-lc, s, Ciierokccs, Piorias, ifdl in all of five hun- , confUUng cf about two hundrotl w.irriors, among whom arc twenty-five or t;iirty ol the na- tl();i oi MuVoui i, who touk rclugc among tlicni ab' :ut twcnty-liv.' years fmco. I'oity lca^ui\s up the Jiiiicr Platte you coiiK" to tlie nation of the Panis, conipo- I'cd of about fcven hunih-ccl warriors in fuur ncit,l'.boiirinj5 v'.liaj^cs ; lliey hum but little, and arc ill proviilcil with fue- arnis ; thjy often make war on theSpan- ianliinil.c ncighbourhouil of Santa Fc, from which they are no far dillant. At ilacc hundred lea^rues irom the MuhHippi and one hundred from the /?»- vcr P! :itf om\\c fame bank are lituatcd the vi!l i;jos of tlie M..has. They coufifl- cd in ITOiiof five hum 'd wairiors,but arc faid lo liave l»ccn aln. '^ cut off lall yc^.r by tlie fn.ull pox. At l:fiy le..!;UC3 above the Mahas and on tlioK.ft!).'.nk of t)ie MiiTouridwcll the I'oncar,, to the nu:i;!)cr of two hiindred and fifiy warriors, pui1cl]in;r iii common with the Mab.as their language, ferocity, and vices. Their trade has never been of much v.kic, and thofe engaged in it arc cx^-ofcdto pillage r.nd iil-trcatiiicnt. ] \ t t <\ o: g' til ni Li an th \vi xviii ) ar iis co:-.nii:n:.Vvv!i:j tlie n.jiiou of D.lo- mIIoiI Otu,-;, confilling rotl w.irriors, among ivc or t'.iirty ol the na- ho touk )\?iiigc among -liv'> years linco. ) the River Pliilte you of the Panis, conipo- n hunihed warriors in ; Villaj;cs •, tliey Imni ill proviilcil with fne- nake war on theSpaii- lourhooil t>f Santa Fc, re lie far dillant. red kM,:uc'S from the huiuhed from the Ri- ame banl. arc fituatcd M..has. They coufifl- huiu >d wairiorsjbut ca alii. •''^ cut off lall pox. aViovcthe Mahas ar.d ■ t)u> MiiVouridwcil the ■.iihcr of two lii'adred pud'cllin;' ill common ic'ir Lmguagc, ferocity, trade lias never been d thofe engau,':d in it lure r.iid iil-lrc.itincnt. ( Ixi.^ ) Anhc ,!ifln„,.e of 4.-0 Icacuci f.om ,^^J""%l>i,.mdon theriitLnnkof « uiiber ..> ,fo warriors, ;i,ul 60 IcuL'ues "l-"vc. then,. tJieMa,ui.u,e na.ionc.iS! "UIofabout-OOwarriorshkewiKThdl^ t^volart nation, aiv ..oil dilpofcd to the whites, but hnvebeen the Vic Urns o-te S.cux, or Mandowe/nes, who being tfcem fe vesw.ll provided xvuh are n^,^^^^^^^^ t'on of the others, and have on aJI occa- fions murdered then, without mercy No diicoveric.on t.'i.Miflouri. ijyond tJie MimUie nat.on, li.vc been accurate- y detailed, though tJie traders have been nformed. that many largo nav^ hat there are many numerous natioi sfet.' tied on them. The Sioux, or M.indowcffies, ^vho fre- of the Miffoun and the Myiiirinpi, .re a great impcdimait to tir.de and navi.a- tion. Ih- y endeavour Lo prevent ailcuni- «um,catio.i with ii,e nation, dwelling iHgh up the M.iloari, to deprive them of ammunit.on .Kd anv.., ai.d. tl.ns keep them fubr.rvtCAt to theuueives. In t! e V. inter Uiey are chieliy on the bunks cjf uir anam.n-.HrcallvvhofAllin. *° K"e'; number of nations .clif. ti om the banks ultI..Minoun. to tic north a.Kl lou.h, conccrntng «vhon» ut lit c information hns been received. Ret nl.v to the MifTilV.ppi and afccn- ;iovc t^^e mouth of the latter, the Rwcr Mo bKona or Riviere de Mome enters the Milhtr.nri on the well fule, and on it are ^uatcdfhe Ayoas =^ -'-" S^. from the MiHouri, lF^'^>"»[ ^^/'^^f'^^o of the Otataclras : it confilled ot 2 0 ' IrrTor,, before the fmall pox lately ra- red amony; them. . , ^ The Sacs and Ronardi d^^cll ontuc MilhlTunVw about .00 leagues abovSt^ Louis, and frequent y ^-^f,^^ ^'^ VqC -£!!s:i^h^i.-^f^^^ Si.nac. and they have always been peaceable and friendly. ^iQ-.n" pj • The other nations on the """'",U7 pcdt to them. r F r b n P b P a V ti ri d tt u iii ( l^x ) i.iflAcrc all who f.xll in- mbcr of nations a clif- „k8 ul tl.u Minbuvi, to ,ili, concerning whon^ tion Isns been received. MifTitlippi and afccn- liflburi, aboutT.-Jlc^Aguca of the l.ittcr, the Rwcr rierc dc Momc enters the . well fide, and on it are j.,s, a nation originally ri, Ipcukingthclaiigiui^e ;;.. it confilled of '200 the fmall pox lately ra- r'Ronardj dwell on the ut 300 leagues above St. ^quently trade ;'-o.Hics with the cuouci;";: U, 'I-'^t 'J'-^jower of the 27tli Ocl ■> 1T'J,5. LANDS AND in I.ES. nr/'r'""'''' ;''■'>'''' "'^""'«"'f^^"'Coshy fi. Its mm the Crown, but niolHy f,o , fl'c Co!,>,„,I government. IVrhips „ ;ne c,i,arter p:>rt of the lands grated Louifianaaroheldbyconipletei^i.Icaiul Z \ •^'■'"■""^'^''•^ confiderable part de- ulupcu written permilTion oL Com- nu, dant. Not a fmall proportion .s he d by occupancy with a fimpJc verbal per n.mc,nc^theonicerla,l, Mention edl'K Iv th i •n'''''^' ^'''" countenanced I'y the Span.fl, government, in orderthat f ''«'e ='t cafe, might at tlieir own con- ntency apply for and obtain compSo t|fics. In the mean time fuch impcrfea d^^cnrr '"/'"'^'' ^y R«vernn!out defccnd by mheritance. and even to be ransferred by private contract, -^/hon rcciuiHto they have been feized b- n /: ( IxxU ) clal nuthorlty and fold for the pnyment "^ U.ml within a fewycavs.the govei^or of Upper Louifiana was authon cd to make fun^ey^ of any extent. In the e.- crcife of this difcretionavy power, fome abufes were committed •, a few mud monopolies were created. ^ About three years ago, he was -cllriaedm this breach of his duty -, fince which he has beenoii- Iv aathorifcd to make furveys to em- irrrants in the following manner : Iwo bundred acres for each man and wite, fifty acres for each child, and twenty a- cres for each flave. Hence the quantity of land allowed to fettlers depended on the number in each family; and forthis quantity of land they paid no more thtn thecxpenceof furvey. Thefe furveys were neccflarv to entitle the fetUers to crants i and the governor, and after him the Interidantof New-Orleans, was a- lone authorifed to execute grants on tlie receipt of th6 furveys from the fettlers. The adminiftration of the land-oftice is at prefent under the care of the Inten- dant oi the province. There ate no feudal rights nor no- lleffe. U ) id for the payment V years, the governor was authorilctl to extent. In the ex- ionary power, fome ittcd i a few ImuU ;ated. About three Ilri£tedinthii. breach ^hich he has beenou- lake furveys to era- >wing manner : 1 wo each man and wife, child, and twenty a- Hcnce the quantity fettlers depended on I family, and for this ey paid no more th«n rvey. Thefe furveyj entitle the fettlers to vernor, and after him New-Orleans, was a- execute grants on tlie eysfrom the fettlers. :ion of the land-office r the care of the Inten- ice. feudal rights nor no- ( Ixxiii ) tie Intendantof New-Orleans, was a- lone authorifed to execute grants on the receipt of the furveys from the fettlers. The adniinillration of the land-office is at prefent under the care of ihe Inten- dant cf tlie province. Tliere are no feudal rights nor no- blcffe. It is impoffible to ?fcertain the quanti- ty of lands granted, without calling ou the claimants to exhibit their titles ; the regiitry being incomplete and the maps made by the different furveyors general having been burnt in the fires at New- Orleans of 1788 and 1794. No eltimate has been obtained. /^ 11 the lands on both fides of the Mif- fiffippi, from the diltance of fixteen leagues below New-OiHans to Baton Rouge, are grante"iken, inundated, and at prefent unfit tor cultivation ; but may, in part, bo reclaimed at a future day by eiForts of the rich and enterprizing. Cultivation of sugar. The fugar-cane may be cultivated be- twec I the river Iberville andtlie city, on both fides of the river and as far back as the fwamps. Belovir the city, hovirever, the lands decline fo rapidly that beyond .fifteen miles the foil is not well adapted to it. Above the Iberville the cane would be alFeded by the cclil, and its produce , would therefore be uncertain. Within 'thefe limits tJ^-beil planters admit that one quarter ofthe cultivated lands ot any confiderable plantation may be planted in cane, one quarter left m pafture, and the remaining half employed for provi- fions, &c. and a refcrve for a change of crops. One Parifian Arpent of one hundred and eighty feet fquare may be ,pxpe£led to produce on an average twelve "hundred weight of fugar, and fifty gallon* of runi. , xiv ) I invariably cxprefles s. All the lands uh- of New-Orleans or k of the Mifriflippi, .iteil, and at prel'ent 1 ; but may, in part, turc day by elTorts of rizing. ON OF SUGAR. nay be cultivated be- rville and tlie city, on vcr and as far back as wthe city, however, » rapidly that beyond 111 is not well adapted erville the cane would colli, and its produce e uncertain. Within ill planters admit that cultivated lands ot any ation may be planted ;cr left in pafture, and employed for provi- refcrve for a change irifiun Arpent of one :v feet ftjuare may be ce on an average twelve F fugar, and fifty gallon* ( Ixxv ) From the above data, admitting t^nt both fides of the river are planted for ninety miles in extent and about threo- foartis of a mile in depth, it will refu.lt that the annual produ£t may amount V round numbers to twenty-five thoufand hogfheads of fugar, with twelve thoufand puncheons of rum. Enterprizing young planters fay thut onC-third, or even one- half of the arable lan"d might be planted in cane. It mr/ aUbbe rcm;v.!;ed that a regular fupply of provifions from above at a mc '.erate price, would enable the planter to give his attention to a greater body of land cultivated with cane. Th« whole of tliefe lands, as may bo fuppofed, are granted ; but in the Atacapas coun- try, there is undoubtedly a portion, pa- rallel to the feacoaft, fitfbr t!ie cultureof fugar-cane. There vacant lauds are to be found, but the proportion is at prefent unknown. In the above remarks the lands at Terre aux boeuf, on the Fourche, Bayou St. Jean and otlier inlets of the Mifliffippi, fouth cf the latitude fuppofed to divide thofe which are fit, from thofe which are unfit, for the cultivation of the cane, have been entirely kept out of view. Including thefe andtakinii one-third inftead of one- fourth J, ! I ji, t Is J i ( hxvi ) ef tlichn's fit fur Ir.gar, the prnducc of the whole vvoaia b.' ivtty thuu' uul iii- ftculof twenty. five thtuf-i.-idhogihe^ds of The fcllowing riuantif.es of lugar, browP, clayed ami relined, Iv.ivc 'oeenim- povtetl into the United States from Lou- iiwMVA and the Floiidas, viz. In 17J^9 - 77;?,542 IL 1800 - l,5GO;«65 IbOl - i}67,619 : 1802 - i,olii,9i-i ■„ Of the la-\vs. V/hen the country was firft ceded to Spain, Ihe prefervcd many of the French regulations, but by almoll imperceptiblo degrees they have difappearcfirig crimiii. i i. An nuditor ;in.' an aflefTor, who are doOorS of h\\f, an appointed to give counfel to thofe jiul- ges ; but for fome time pad there ha*, been no afleflbr. If th'^ judges do not ronfult thofe oiTic rs o do not follm* thoir opinions, they make themfelves tc>- fponfible f^' their declfions. The conn) .ndants of diftrifls have al- fo a ;pecic9 of judicial powers. Thejr liear and dcternnine all peciuiiary caufei jiot exceeding the value of ore hundred dollars. When the fuit is for a larger fum, -hey commence the proccfs, colJe£t the proofs and remit the vfliole to thfego-' vernor, to be decided by the proper tri- bunal. They can inflift nb corpotal pun- ilhrtlent e*ctpt dpon flaves •,■ but thethave the power of arrefting and iniprifoning when they think it ncccfliary ; advice of w hich arid their reafons muft bft triinf- niitted to the goV^rtior. Smiill fuitsare determined in a futnma^ fy Way by he;iring both parties vivavote^ but in fuits of greater nuignitude the pro- ceedings are carried on by petition and reply, replication and rejoinder, reitera- ted until the auditor thinks they have Tiothing new to fay. Then all the proofs eitlier party chufes to adduce «e taken <'i [Yll' ) niJDi''. An nuHitor are dbftorS of h-vf, ■e counfel to thofe jikl- timc pad there ha*, f tV/" judges do not rs o) do not follow ■■ make tlieinfelvds te- <1eclfions. usof diftriashaveal- tlicial powers. They ; all pectmiary caufeJ value of ore hundred ic fuit is fot a larger ice the proccfs, colfe£t lit the \fliole to thfe go-^ ded by the proper tri- inflift lib corpotalpun- )n flavesi but thet have (ling and iniprifoninfl It ncccflary ; advice of jnfons muft bft tranf- rtior. determined in a fuhima-' ; both parties viva vote} Iter nuignitude the pro- L"d on by petition and and rejoinder, reitera- iitor thinks they have y. Then all tlie proofs s to adduce we taken ( Ixxix ) bfefofc* the l.ijeper of the records oF thrf Court, who is always a notary puijlic. The parties have now an opportii lity of making their remarks upoa tiie evi- dence by way of petifioU, and of bring- in;^ forward oppofmg proofs. WIv.mi the auditor confiders the caufe as mature, h* iflues his decree, which receives its bind- ing force from the g'W.-rnor's ri;^aatuTe,. where the caufe depends before hinv. There is an appeal to Huva.i:»h, if ap* plied for within five d.iys after the date of the decree, in caufcs above a certain value. An ulterior appeal lies to the Audience which f rmerly f^it at St. D>» ftiingo, but which is now removed to fbme part of Cuba, and from fhence to the council of the Indies in Spain. Suits are of various durations. In pe-* cuniary matters the laws encourage fum- mary proceedings. An execution may be had cii a bond in four days, and in the fame fpace on a note of hand after the party acknowledges it, or after his figna- ture is proved. Moveable property is fold after giving nine days Warning, provided it b:» three times publicly cried in that interval. Lmded property mud be like- wife cried three times, with an interval of nine days between eacH, and it may ■k i ( IXXT ) then be fold. All property takeh in et- ecutionmult be appraifed ami fold for at leait half the appraifement. In pecunia- ry matters the governors decide verbally without appeal, when the fum does not exceed one hundred dollars. The Alcal- des have the fame privile but when this is done they are bound to re- rait the proceedings to fome of the other judges, and in all cafes whatever, to give them information when they have com- mitted any perfon to prifon. Moft of the fuits are on pcrfonal con- trads, rights to dower, inheritances, and titles to land. Thcfe atifmg from per- ional quarels are generally decided in a iummary way. The inhabitants are fajd not to be litigious. u ■ti' Ixxx ) property takeh in et- ppraifccl and fold for at lifement. In pccunia- ernors decide verbally ,'hcn the fum does not ed dollars. The Alcal- privile' h ^' ( Ixxxii ) tondaiice o:i any bufmcrj lie i-; allowed orif doll ir ami fifty cents fur the Jj/iJ' fijficf oi uvo aiul a half hours. The nota- ry has fifty cents for each decree or or- der of the judge, twenty-five cents for a notification in his ofTico, and fifty ccnfi for one out of it, but within the city,one dollar ?nd fevei: eighths for every atten- dance of two and a half hours on bufi- nefs, and twrnty-f;ve cents additional for every leaf of paper written hy him. A counf'Jlor or two have fomctimcs roH-lcil at New-Orleans, but, being ge- nerally found obnoxious to the ollicera of the government, they have not continu- ed there. The counfellor values hia own /erviccs and in general exa£ts large funii. Tiio attorney p-.'ncra!ly receives from tlin party who employs him more than ij al- lowed by law. Crimes, criminai, jurisprudence and punishments. In cafes of petty crimes the cognizance of the proper court may be faid to be fi- nal ami without appeal ; and moft com- monly fuch cafes are decided in a fum- mary way. With refpea to crimes of deeper dye more folemnity is ufed. A perfon (killed in the laws is always no- minated by the court to defend the accu- (xxii ) iifincfy he is allowM ! cents for the /^/V" half hours. The nota- >r each decree or or- twcnty-fivc cents for i oiTico, and fifty ccnt'i lit within the city,onc ghths for every atten- ,1 hdf hours on bufi- vc cents -.ulditional for written hy hiin. r two have fomctimcs leans, but, being gc- ixious to the ollicera of hey have not cnntinu- iinfellor values his own eral exafts large fumi. rally receives from tli?> } him more than ij al- [, JURISPRUDENCE AND HMENTS. ' crimes the cognizance t may be faid to be fi- ipeal ; and moft com- re decided in a fum- rcfpeiSt to crimes of olemnity is ufed. A le laws is always no- lurt to defend the accu- ( Ixxxiii ) /ed. The trial is not public ; but exam- inations ami depofitions in writing arc taken privately by the auditor *t any time mo(lconvenienttohimfelf,atwhic!iiK'v»r- I thelcfs the counfol of the accufcd is ad- mitted to bo prefcnt. He has alfo every kind of privilc^re granted to him in mak- ing his defence. Such lults are general- ly very tedious and cxpenfive, when he is wealthy. The condemned is entitled to an appeal as in civil cafes, provided he gives fccurity for the payment of tlie future colls. There appears, however, to be a virtual appeal in every capital condemnation, becaufe a ftay of execu- tion takes place until the confirmation returns from St. Jago de Cuba, where there is a jrrand tribunal cftabliflicd con. filling of hve judges, before whom coun- fellors plead as in our courts. Crimes of great atrocity are rare. Murder by ftabbing fecms to be con'^ned to the Spanilh foldiers and failors. The terror of the migiltrates power reftrains afl'aults, batteries, riots, &c. Puniflmicnts are generally mild. They mollly confifl of imprifonment and pay- ment of cofts, fomctimes the (locks. White men, not military, are rarely. , , I f ii i; ( hxxJv ) Su noofc Ao any l.ocs gomtothe i Ic tro.rury. Mauler, arlon .uA^^f^ ^Jav^toa ro Jty of the > up tve.j ur^ or clVcar.,3ro punHl.ca with death. Rol.- bevy of rnvato pcrfun^ to .ujy amount .; ,.ev;.rrini(hcawhhac.uh,bulbyrcit.- tution imprifoniuetu, and lomotmu.. ill iho enormous coa.. Crime «R«'> !,„,,'« revenue, fuch as comn.b.uuUrade, arcpuniihcd with hard l;.l-our for Me. or a t.rm of years, on board to j-ahie^, i,imuws,«ro"*hc public works. I.ILARNING. >' . Thcr« are no colleges, amV but one rublic fcl.oul, wliich is at New Or- Lai.s. 'l^'-L- mailers of tl is are paid by l&^e ki»K. 'i'i'^'y *<'■'"•■'' '''^' '^P*"'^^ '""' ruajic c..!y. 'I'bere are a few pnvare IclHO.s ior cliildrcn. Not more than half ol the inhabitants are luppo^'ed to be able to rc.vd ard wri e, oi whcm m t iv&rethan iw.- hund.cd perhaps are able to ( o it ivell. In tei.eral the Icrning ct the inhabitants d. Ci not extend be- y•' >;iul tho ,...,.. .. i^fe two arts J though they feem lu be ti.cov.ui with a good natural geni- us, anlaii uncomn.on facility gf Iciim- injj \,»aic\er they uiidcvt^lie. xsxiv ) rra'U-a by whlpr'"l' ' i" any lines go into the Mauler, arlou iuhI ap;- ol' the kin(>'H tre.ilury Uhcil with death. Rolv rfoiis to any amount if. ithiloath, but by rciti- luent, and lonsftinH'M Crime- againlt iho ich as coiilrabaiid trade, th haril lal'our for 'He, :s, on board tl e galiifH, he public works. ARNING. D colleges, amVbut one wluch is at New Or- llers of tl is are paid by ^' teacli the Spaniih lati- here are a few private ildrcn. Not more than bitants are luprofed to be ud wri e, ol whcm w t hundi cd perhaps are able In i^ei.eral the Icrning nts di Ci not extend be- j ttits } though they feem with a good natural geni- comn.on facility gf Ifiiiirii- Ley uiidcvt.;l;e. ( hxxv ) THE CHURCH. The clergy confitls of a biflinp, wli« does notrelido in the provincf, ami wliole lalary of four thouland dollars i» charged on the rcvi'nue of certain biihopricks in Mexico and Cuba •, two canoii.i having each a f.ilary of fix lumdred dollars ; and twenty-iivo cur.itoi, live for the city of Nevv-OrleaiiH, and twenty for as many country parillics, who receive each fron' three hundred amlfixty to four hundred and eighty dollars a year. 'Thule falarics, except that of the bilhop, togeilier with an allowance for facrillans and chapel expences arc paid by the trea- fury at New-Orleans, and amount annu- ally to thirteen thouland dollars. There ia alio at that place a convent of Urfulines, to which is attached about .i tlioufand acres of land, rented out inthree phuitations. The nuns ,\rc now in num- ber not more than ten or twelve, and are all French. Thjre were formerly about the f.nne number of Spanilh ladies be- longing to the order ; butth.-y retired to Havannah during the period when it "/a? expeftcdthat the province would be tranf- ferred to France. The remai.iing nuns vcccive young ladies as boarders and in- ( Ixxxvi ) {[vuO: them in reading, writing, andoec" dl'j- work. They have always afted with great pro- priety, and are generally rcfpedted and be- loved throughout the province. Withthe afliftance of fix hundred dollars from the treafury, they always lupport aiid educate twelve female orphans. ' «F THE OfriCERS OF THE GOVERN- MENT, ' ' The officers who are merely judicial, have been already mentioned, and there- fore fome ©f them will be altogether o- mitted in this place. The executive of- ficers appointed by the governor, for each divifiori of the province, and cal- led COMMANDANTS, are ^,enerally taken from the army, or the militia. When the fettlement i« fmall, fome refpe<9able perfon is appointed to the civil com- mand, and the militia officer has the di- reftion of military matters. Where there is a garrifon, the commandant is fub-delegate of the Intendant, and draws upon him for all expenfts incurred. In that cafe he has the charge of all matters relatiiigtotherevenue, within hisdiftridl. The d' *v of commandants is to fu- perintencl the police, preferve the peace of the diftri£l, examine the paflports pf travellers, and to fufFer ao ftrangers 'f I?' ftr n^e J I e t 'J t *■ e t( a: ti n ci ai vi th ai ec th :vi) g, writing, and nee- idled with great pro- ally rcfpedted and be- province. With the red dollars from the lupport and educate IS. ■ ' • OF THE GOVERN- NT. ' ' are merely judicial, lentioned, and there- will be altogether o- The executive of- ^ the governor, for e province, andcal- , are ^,enerally taken the mi-itia. When ill, fome refpe£lable i to the civil com- itia officer has the di- y matters. Where the commandant is ntendant, and draws Epenft s incurred. In charge of all matters le, within his diftridl. immandants is to fu- ?, prefervo the peace [amine the paflports a fuffer ao uraneers ( Ixxxvii ) to fettle within the limits of thoiv com- mand, without regular leave obtained irom government. They are to prevent fmugghng, to certify tlit all lands, pe- ^noned kv by the inhabitants, are vacant before they are granted, and when re- qijircd, put tJio owner in pofreffion — iacy are befides notaries public, and iM thoir o/hces It is necellary to regilter all . y alfo take inypntories ©f rhe proper- ty of inteilates". By an ordinance of Ba- »on Carondelet, Syndics are eftablifheil every three leagues, who are fubordinate to the commandant, decide fmall caufes, and have tlie police of roads, levies, travellers and negroes. Tiie officers of tiie general govern- ment are the following : Befide his judi- cial powers, the Governor is chief of the army and militin, and the head of t!ie ci- vii government. He is alfo Prefident of the Cabildo, or Provincial Cou.icil. He appoints and removes at pleafure the commandants of diftridls. He appoints the officers of the militia, who are never- r ( Ixxxvlii ) thekl3Commiffionedbythcking,anclhc to .ntl/taxes upon the inh.buants w.tlx- out their confent. Until the year 1 - 9S, he po^Wed the fole power ot granting S,butitthenpafl-.d into the hands of the Imendant. rouncil The Cabildo is ai> hereditary councu of twelve, chofen originally ;rom the moft wealthy and tefpedable l^^^^ The eovenu'r prefides over their meet J^.^ Their iei. very ho:;.raWebu it IS acquired by purchaie. iney i^Ave a .ight'o represent, and even to reman- ftvate to the governor, in -fpc^ to ^ interior Povcrnment of the irovmce. The police of the city is under their con. . troZnd dircaion. In it they regulate . radmiUionof phyficians and furge-;^ lo pracTice. Two members of the C> hildo lerve by tusn mondiiy, and taU ■ tpon 'C.mL the immediate U^^ tendance o2 markets, bakers, It cc, ■ bridges, and the general ponce ot the CUV. This council diitributes among u* menibers fevetat important oUicea, iuoi xxxvlii ) ledby thcAi"g»^"^^^ tirv officers for prefer- porintcndAnt of ItuU^n nulgatcs ordni-nces tor iicnt ai'.d improvement ., but ho has no power lon the inhalMtants with- t. UntiUh'j year 1798, fole power of granting ;n pafled into the hands is ai> hereditary council ofen originally from the id refpeduble lamdic-s — ■ prefides over their meet- ffice is very honorable, but ly nurchafe. They lisve 4ent, and even to romon- overnor, in refpcd to the nment of the Province, the city is under their con- •aion. In it they regulate of pliyficians and furgeons Two members of the Ca- 3y tusn momhiy, and take vcs the immediate fupevm- markets, bakers, ittccts, the general police of the ;ouncirdittributes among iw etat important oilicca, iuc. ( IxxxiJt ) as AlgUT/ll Mayor, or High S'.icriiT; Alcalde Provincial, Procuicur General, &c. Tlio Lift mentioned is a very im- portant chirks. The pevfon who holdi it is not merely the king's attorney, but an oiGcer peculiar to the civil law. He does not always profecute; but after coaviaioii he indicates the punilhment by law to the crime, and wliich may be^ and is mitigated by th? court. Like the chancellor in theEngli(h fyftem, he is the cur itor and protector of orphans, &c. and finally, he is the expounder of the hw, the defender of the privileges belonging to the town, province or colony, and the accufer of every public bfiicer that infringes them. The Cabildo is alfo vefted with a fpe- cies of judicial authority, for which, and for a further elucidation of its conftitu- tion, and the funftions of the officers fpringing from it, fee the Appei>dix No. J. ' The Intendant is chief of the .k'rart- ments of finance and cor.ymerce, ar.Ji ex- ercifes the judicial powers already men- tioned. He is entirely independent of the governor, and no public monies can be iilued without his eXpir "• order. The land oiike is under his direction. ( '^c ) The Coiitador, Trcafurer and Inter- ventor, arc officers fubordinate to the In- tciulant. The Cnll has four clerks un- der him, and keeps all accounts and do- cuments refpefting the receipt and ex- penditure of the revenue, and is there- fore a check upon the Intendant. Tlie treafurer is properly no more than a cr.lhier, and is allowed one clerk. Tlie Interventor fuperintends all public pur- thafes, and bargains. The Adminiltra- tor is alio fubordinate to the Intern' .int. and with a number of inferior ollicers, manages every thing refpe£ling the cuf- tom houle. Eveiy clerk in thele offices receives his commiffion from the king. The Auditor is the king's counfel, who is to furnifli.the governor ^with legal ad- vice in all cafes of judicial proceedings, whether civil or militaty. The Afleflbr's fundions are fimilar to thofe of the Auditor, and are properly spplicable to the Intendant's department. Both, of the oflicers laft mentioned are alfo the cGunfell^rs of fome of the other tribunals, as before intimated. A Secretary of the government and another of the Intendcncy. A .Surveyor General, A H^ibour Mailer. xc ) Treafurer and Intfr- "ubordinate to the In- t has four clerks un- s all accounts and do- ; the receipt and ex- revenue, and is there- the Intendaiit. Tlie rly no more than a wed one clerk. Tlie itends all public pur- ris. The Adniiniitra- iiate to the Intern' .int. it of inferior olhoers, ng refpe£ling the cuf- clerk in thefe offices ifTion from the king, he king's couniel, who [overnor with legal ad- f judicial proceedings, lilitaty. 'unftions are fimilar to itor, and are properly ntendant's department, cers laft mentioned are rs of fome of the other re intimated. >f the goveniment and endcncy. ;neral, iifter. ( "ci ) A Store Kocpcr, who takes charge oi" all public irioveable property. An Luerproier of the French and Spaniih langaaj^res, and a number of other inferior o;iiccrs. All appointments i:i the provitice with' afalary ot more than i;:iirv dollars per month are made by t^e kin^j, ;uu,m-.il of thofe witli a lower Hilary .,y ihe ' Ol Vernor or I.itend -nt as bjioos's tc u.eir refpeclive departmenrs. There are nO officers chole:i i)y the pcopie. The i.ii iries and perquilitesof the prin- cipal oilicers are as follows .• Oiv. rnor annuuK, , o :,,j p. salary 3,000 p. perrj,' Ii 'ciidaat, 4 h'j'J nrinf Auditor, 2.U00 2,0 JO Coii'ac!>r, S.yOO none Assessor, I 203 l,()i>0 Treasiir.r, 1^00 notip. Admniistrailor, ].2'0 nf>iie. SeV. f •jovrin-^oni:. i})j S.ODO The commandants of di{lrI61;s receiv©' each 100 dollars from the kingannu.lly* unlefs thL7 are pof]! iTed of a niilitaryr employment or peniii n,- TAXES AND DUTIES,. Inftead of paying local taxes, each in- habitant is bound to m.ike and repr.ir roads, bridges, and embankments tluough* his own lindi- IH m mi ( «cH ) Atlutyof fix per con., is payable at the cuitum houfe, on the transfer ot dipping. It is ufcertained "pon the fum, the buyer ami feller declare to b.' the real confulerntion. As no oath is re- quirecl from either, they feldom report, nwre than half the price. The following taxes are alio payable in the Province. . Two per cent, on legacies nnd mhen- tances, coming from coUaterala and ex- ceeding 2,000 dollars. Four per cent, on legacies, given to pevfons who are not relatives of the tet tutor. ^1 c A tax on civil employments, the la- laries of which exceed 300 dollars annu- ally- called mdia an:iata amounting to half of the firft years falary. By cer- tain officers, it is to be paid in two annu- al inftalments, and by others in tour. The firft perfon appointed to a newly created office pays nothing, but the tax 19 levied on all who fucceed him. Seven dollars is deduced from the fum of 2Q paid as pilotage by every vel- fel entering or leaving the Miffiihppi ; but the treafury provides the bojits, and pays the falary of the pilots and failors Wployed attlte Bali^ic. The lemainde:? .f21j fcH ) er cen >.. is payable at , on the transfer of fcertaiiiet' upon the id feller declare to b-.- m. As no oath is re- r, they feldom report price, axes are alfo payable m legacies ami inheri- om collateral!) and ex- ars. . on legacies, given to lot relatives of the tet employments, the fa- reed 300 dollars annu- ati:iata amounting to (rears falary. By cer- :o be paid in two annu- id by others in four, appointed to a newly ■s nothing, but the tax 10 fucceed him. is dedutted from the s pilotage by every vef- leaving the MiffiilippI ; provides the bo?ts, and ■ the pilots and failors Jali^e. The remainder? ( xciii ) of the yO dolli-rs is thus diflributed .-- - To the head pilot 4— to the piU.t who is in Lie vcfltl 4; i.nd 5 to tl o crew ot the- row hoia, thai i;ocs cut tu put the puot on board, or t..KC liim aihore. A tvix of 'lO cioliurs per annum lor h- cencoi. to ioU liquors. A t .X on certain places when IcUl, fuch as tliole of Rcgidor, Notary, At- lorney. Sec. c r ^ But the principal tax is that of 6 per cent. kM'ied on all Imvorto and cx'.ortft, according to a low Taviit TUo pvoccona ot %.hlch nett about I'JO.UOO dciiars, whiUt all the other taxes are laid rot to yield moie than 5 or 6 tlioufaud dollars annually. rXfENSES A WD DEBT. 'i'he expenfes of the prefent govern-^ ment, comprehending the pay and fup-^ port of the regiment of Louduma, part ot a battalion of the regiment of Mexico, a company of dragoons,- and one ci artil- lery whiih form the garrifcn of il^e rep nvs of L country,^ including Mobiilc , _ , public buildings and fmtihcatiOKS ; tlie maintenance of a few gallics to convey troops and ftorcs throughout the pto^ vmce y Indian prefents and lalancs ot ". IS jiinuaily feiit from Vera Cruz j but il„s, ..ogetlicr witli the anujunt of duties and t.)>.e8 colleactlin tJie province, Je ivcs u(ual)y a dciicioncy ol" one hiin- df-d or one Inmdrcd and iifty tlioufand dollars, for wJiich ccrti:icate8 arc illiicd totlie |;t>rfoiis who rn.iy hav-' fiimii'lied ripplies, or tboilicurs and svovkmen for their fai.iries. Hence a debt has accu- mulated, which, it is faid, amounts at prefcnt to about 4.'5(?,00O dolUrs, It bears no intereft, an J. is now deprcciatci ^0 per cent. The htter circumftance has taken place not from wint of confi- dence in the eventuai .payment of the. ccrtihcates }' but from the u.icciuinty of the time when, and the gencr.tl want and v^Uie of fpecie. TJie whole of this debt is f.dil to be due to the inliabitants, and to American relidents. It would have been long fiiice p-.;:d off, but for a divcifion of the fuadf, dollin.cd for tli.it purpofe, to' diilcvent and cxteriird obje£ts. IMPOliTS AND EXPORTS. The produftlons of Louifiana are — fii- gar, cotton, indigo, rice, furs and pel- try, lumber, t;.r, pitch, lead, flour, (Cl\' ) is, amount- fo nbont . funi in fjvcie, whicli c> coil 1 00,000 rlo1- lU trom Vera Cruz 5 witli the anicutit of lei'-^cil in t)it> proviiicf, 'iicioiicy ol" one hiin- ;d and lifty tlioufand cc-rtiiicates are ill'iicd rn.iy hav.' iiirnil'Jied if 8 and w'ovkmen for CO a ddn his accu- 13 faid, amounts at i.'O.OOO dolUrs, It 1^! is iiovv doprcciatp'i liitter circumftance from wint of coiifi- i^i .payi-iK-ntof tJie. in die u-icciuiiUy of the general want and whole of this debt is inliabitants, and to It v'ould have been but for a divcifion of lor tliat purpofe, to' il objeils. D EXPORTS. f Louifiana are — fij- rice, furs and pel- pitch, lead, flour, ( .vc/ ) horfes nnd cattle Population alone 'la Mi'amingto multiply them to an aitoniih- jiig degtco. The foil is fertile, the cli« mate falubrious, and the means of com- munication between nioit parts of lh« province certain, anil by water. The following has been received ay a iketch of the prcfcnt export* cf Louifiana, vizi, Dollars. 20,000 bal'sofcotton, i-t2cvvt eiifh.at 20 cents per !b. i 1,344,000 increasing-. 45,000 rasks ofsii^ar,') lOcwt. each, at 6C302>400 cents per lb 3 800 do. jnolasies, 100 ) ,„ ^nn gallons eack, j '^*'^" Indigo, 100,090 ^di-niiushing rapidly ditto, ditto. 1^'' I'ry, 200,000 Lumber, aO.OOO Lead, corn, hordes and cattle, uncer- tain, All2 IHOO - • 9U4,3W Ihjl . - 956.63J 180'J - • lOOb.^H According to the fame authority, \y\\\c\i makes the total of the exports to amount to 2,1^)8,000 dollars, the imports, in merchandize, plantation. utcnfds, ilaver, &c. amount to two and an half millions, the difference being made up by the mo- ney introduced by the government, to pay the expenfes of governing and pro- MtWwg the colony. According to the returns \n the 1 rcn«. fury of the United States, exports have been made to Louiftana and the Floridas, to the following amount in the years pre- iixed : In 1799 to the value of 3,056,2GS ir foreign articles. 44'7,8!iJ* in domeilic (io.. Pillars 3,504,092 C 1,795,127 in foreign artlele,8. In 1800 • ^ 240,662 in dpnjeiUc do. Yi ) FloriJjs, merchan- ng amount:., in tli.< a.- Dollart. r 507,1.'>2 9u4,3^2 9j6.63j iime authority, wliicji lu exports to amount .US, the imports, in ration -utcnfils, Haver, and an half miUions, ; made up by the mo- the government, to )f governing and pro- e returns in the Trcn«> \ Stales, exports have fiana and the Flotidas, nount in the years pre- le value of ,2GH ir foreign articles. ,824 in domeilic do.. 4,092 r95,l27 in fowign articles. 240,662 in donjebUc do. >n 180 J ( xcvii. j X lir. Wl in doniesui do. Dollar* l,v)ij;.9')3 T.. innti ^ l.O.H titJO in fijroli'ii urticlc*. JJo/.'rt/.. I/J:-! It is to b'' obferved tli ^\ of the impoi. > *nd rt' >m thcfe provinces (of vihii. lon« das a e but a very unuupoi; mt part, with refped to both) be as above fuppofed viz. Impor-3, Exports, Matt.ng together 3,500,000 doliais ■.M 33.000 4,&58,0U0 n.Jlars 2,r35,7a9 ■ . T?'"* duty of fi.v per cent, ought alone to produce tJie grofs fum of two hundrtd feventy-nine thoui'ind four hundred und eighty dollars, an I that the difference between that fum. and its aftual nett produce, arifes pr.rtly from the iniperfedl tariff by which the value of merchandizs is afcertained, but principally from the ( icviii ) cil by uaiit vi ll.» revenue clii<.cts. MANL'l'ACTUHlS. Tlicro avo hut fi'W il.»m?illc m;inufuc- luvts. 'I'lic Ac.uli.ms iiKunit.iavux' a lit- tle cotton into quilis iuul culloiuJcs j ;-.iiil ill the iTinote iv.ivtAi;! t!u' province, the nnorev ^Lintei':, spisi .nul weave ibme ne- gro dcth.s of C( tton ami wool nnxed. There ii one macViine for fpiiuunj; cotton in ihL- ivavini of IherviUi', and another m the Onrloiif;.. ; lav tliey i!o Tittle or noth- ii;.'. In the city, bclules the trades winch ave -hlJutelv ncceiV.ivy, there is a con- iLler.'ble nv.'nuifadlure of cordaf^e, antl fonie fnvall onei of Ihot and hair-powder. Tiieve are likewilb in, and within a few K-n-ues of tlio town, twelve diitill.:ric:. for'nr-Ulng talli.i, wliich are laid to dif.- til annually a very conuderable quantity ; nnd one fupar refiitery, faid to make a- bout 20(1,000 lbs. of loif I'uKar. NAVIGATION UMPLOYCl) IN Ttlli. TRADE Of THE I'ROVINCI'.. Ill the year 1802 there entered the MilfnTippi two hundred and lixty ei^^ht via lb of all tlcicrlpvioni;, eighteen . it which were public armed veilels, and the acaiuinder mcrcliaiitmcn, as follows, vi/. J ijunly cuunittunt . L'lnic clii'-crs. •URl.S. i.vi-i?:lic m:i'.iufac- in;\i'.ut.Klvu'o a Ht- ml CUlUlUJilcs i i'.llll i till* proviiico, till! (ul weave Ibine nc- , ami wool ni'iNed. for fpinainj; cotton lie, atul another ia loyilo little or iiotli- los the trades which ly, there is a con- rt- of cordaf^e, and lot and hair-powder. 1, and within a few ,, twelve diitilh:rie:. hich are laid lodif.- nirulerable nuantity i ■ry, faid to make ;i- r io.if I'ugar. VIU) IN rnti TRADE 'ROVlNCr.. yi there entered the Lired and lixty eii',ht rlp'.iom;, eighteen ot umecl veiVels, and the trncn, as follows, vi/. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) / O ^lo 4 i< y. c^ »y ^ s mp w- is 1.0 .^iM|||2 8 ||2 5 • m 2 2 m -- ? ^t^ 2 0 1. 1.8 1.25 .4 1.6 ■^ — — — 6" __ -^ v: (9 /} o c% e. e. ^ • c^; ^i % O ^- ^ A ^. / /A Photographic Sciences Corpordtion 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER N v 14580 ! 716 . 872-4503 ^V '% V ;v c^ \\ O \ % ^^ r^ o ,(P •y- %p 'P- f^/ f/.

. /;vK.-j ;-:ii'nr, ■: i ' M Kri,,-^, c; 17 1 I'oI:.r-c<-, . . 4 • ;-cii(..oi ci.- .'.J £1 tlcc'ji:-, y 1 'i'cf.'.l }■■') !■/ 1 Of the number of Anvericin veiVe's, twenty-three lliipb, twenty-live brig:;, nineteen fchooneir, and five lluops eame ill I'.iUitil, the renuiinuei" were wholly, or in part laden. Five Spanilh ships and ftvcn schoou-, ers came in bnllafl. Tiie unittd tonn-ige of all the {hipping tnat entered the river, cxciufive of tlie public armed vefiels, was 3S,725 regillertoiis. ^ In t!ie f;'me year there failed from the Miniiiippi two hundred and fixty-Iivo fail, viz. Ships, 40 Brigs, 58 Sch'rs, 52 Sloops, 8 Folacres, - C of which 1 7 I in ballalt. 3 i-afs- Ts/if. 8,972 7,54 6 4,H16 5H) 1513 Total 21,:583 1) 1 .( c ] Bpani/h. Ions. Ships, 18 3,714. Brigs, 22 1 in ballaft 1,9U Sch'rs, 56 3,747 Sloops, S 1 in ballaft lor. l'o!;i'.TCs , a 1 104' rinch. in ballaft Total 'JiO 9,75£ F Tons, Schooner!), 3 105 Total. Tons. Am*ij«.:ans 15^ 21,SS5 Spanilh 10* 9,7.53 French 3 105 Graudtotal,2GS fail, tons 31,2*1 The tonnage of the veflels which went away in baHuft, and that of the public ?.rmed lliips, are not included in the fore- going acco' — Thefe latter carried away mafts, y: '^AXi, pitch, tar, &c. at lead l.OpC ..i. In the firll fix months of the prefent ye^.r, there entered the MilRflippi 173 fai';, «f all nations, four of which were Ions. 3,7 H [aft 1,94'4. 3,747 laft lOfi Haft 'J40 tal 9,75£ Tons. 105 Tons. 2I,SSfl^ 9,753 19» ons 31,241 eflels which went lat of the pubhc luded in the fore- atter carried away itch, tar, &c. at rhs of the prefent e MiiFiffippi 173 r of which were ( ci ) ViuMic armed veffels' viz. two Trench and Two Sp^uilfli, whole tomiage .s not cm- ni«rated. Ships, Brigs, Polacrcs, Schooners Sloops, Ainsr'u-an. 23 44 4 Total, 93 Spanish. SliipSj B'igSj Pol-'.cres, S:hooneis Sloops, Total, 14 '20 3 18 3 58 ShifS, Uri;;s, Pobcres, Schooners, Sloops, Total, French. 5 8 2 7 22 Tons. fj 896 r^j^'Ol 1,899 27 S 13,264 Tens. 3,080 2,173 480 1, 87 167 7,087 Tons. 1,003 878 4;- 3 :r- 4-88 2,80* S ' m !] ', •[ (cii) •Total of ships. Total e/ToHt. American, 05 13,26* Spanifh, 58 7,()H7 French, 22 2,804' Grand Total, 173 23,I55Ton8. In the fame fix months there failed from the MilFiffippi one hundred and iif- ly-fix veflels, viz. American. Upati't/h. Ships, 21 IS 3irigs, '28 SI Polacras, -- 4 Scli'rs, J " 26 Steppe, 2 1 French. % I fell fo.n cigli iiicl g.,!i: Sr. , fma c^p; by A incr give few len icdd 68 80 COASTING TRADE. There is a confiderablecoafting trade from l*enfacola, Mobille, and the Creeks and Rivers falling into and in the neighbour- hood of Lake Pontchartrain, from whence New-Orleans is principally fupplied witk ihip timber, charcoal, lime, pitch, and tar, and partly with cattle, and the pla- ces before named are fupplied with arti- cles of foreign growth and produce in the hmc way from Orl«»ni. The vef- 1 ratal of Tout . ia,264 7,087 2,804' 23,I55Ton8. pnths there failed ; hundred and iif- n'tfh. I French. % rRADE. coaftiiig trade from id the Cree'its and in the neighbour- rain, from whence lally fupplied witk lime, pitch, and ttle, and the pla- uppUed with arti- 1 and produce in >rl«»n>. The vef- ( cili ) fell employ?! are floops and schooners, fo.ne of which are but half dt'cksd. from eight to fifty tons ; five liurulred of which, iucluilint* their repeated voyages, and 13 gillies aiiJ g'.n boars e'.itered the li.i/ou iS:. Jean lalt ynr. Ther- is likewifo a fmall coalling trade between the At i- cipas and Opelousis, and Nf\"-C)i leans by way of the Balize, which wod!J imi 'i incroafe, if there was a'ly encoar/^einent given by government, to clear awiy a few obftru6tions chiefly caufed by fal- len timber, in the fmaii livers and creeks leading to them. • -s - " ■ .\ I 0.1? Proclamation, (^ PIKRRE 'JLt^Ml-^Nr LAUSSAT, ^ Colomalprefecl audcomimjfiwtr ojthi I'nnch To the pcopk of LOUISIANA. rooploof Louifi.mr.— The nViifion whicli has made nic tra- vcrfe the ocean for two thoulanafivcjhun- drcd le.igues and placed me in tht midlt of you, This minion, on which I liave foi fo lonir a time IniiUfo many high hopes a:ul io many wiihcs for your happmefs is now changed : that milFion of w v.ch I am at this moment the mnnller :in.Cv(iniI.'g to tliL' prii\ci[>les of tlio ffilc'i. 1 Loulliiution, to tho eiijry- nieut of all t'>'.' ri iiit'i, uilvjiit.v cs wid imsiu r.i'.rs (if citizens of llu? (Jiilicil Stale; ;in-l in tli>.< ineau liiiic li.:;y (Ir.iil bo mninti'.iiicfl ami protoJ.Uvl in tlu fre'.- t'lmiymeiit of tl'-.lr li'ivrty, pvo[-i v.ty, ur.il t!i? rcHj^ioa v.-liich tlicy pylll-r;." Tlnu you b.'IiolJ yourfoU'CSj people of Louiiiain, fucklciily i:iv;lL'>l wish a vi^'it ;o tlic priv'ilt'gco of u free conUitu- tio;a and g jvcrnin»?iU, ralfod by povv:r, cerioiitod hy treaties, and tcllcd by » loiij; c\p.:rien^'o. You aro about to m'.ike a part of an alvc.uly numerous a;id powerful people, rer.jv.neJ for their enterprize, their iuilultry, their pairiotifm, their know- ledge ; and who, in their rapid career, priiinife foon to ;-.rrive at the liighell a;ul moll brilliar.t rank, ever reached by any nation upon the f.Kc of the globe. Its pufition is at the fame time fo fortunate, as to prf?ve>it its fplcndor and fuccefs jTcmi lellening its hippiuofi. ^' ) .' of i':,; Tjr.ty w'lH :.\ I: ii tli:rj iVi 1 : ■ t!«e cjilo I t.-nliovy d i'l tli: iiniw) oi tlio a liiitted ;. . i'o.rA as to t'lL' prin<:i[iles of ition, to tl;L> (.■aj:~y- liti, aiivjiit.v cs ;.:i'i leiia of lli-J (Jiili'-'il inean ilnio i! :.-y (li lil KotcloJ ill tiu fro'j r li'irrty, proprvity, ich tlicy polll-r;." i yourlolvesj pcplc cp.ly invclLvl wlih a Co of u free conilita- it, r.ilfod by power, L's, ami tcllcd by a o m'.*.ke a part of an r.id pow.-'rful people, ;ir enterprize, their .rii.tifm, their know- in their rapid career, ivc at the iiighell a;ul ever reached by any c of the globe. Its me time fo fortunate, plcndor and fuccefs ippiucf*. ( evil ) However benevolent may be theviewj of ihf mother co-.Mitiy, (of wlilcli you are not ignorant} ti.o inimeute diib.ite of fueh a colony, \i a ranni..rt wliich covers opprefliiuis, c.\ai.t:on and lijule ; ?.;ul tlu; laeil'.iy and certainty of conce:ilnu'.it v/iiich it alTords oft. a cor;iipts tlu t\j.n wlio in oil)er circun'.itanci's would have looked wi'JideteRation on injullice. From this moment you c^.d'c to be cx- pofed to this f^ta! tvil. From tlic nature oi the government oftlie United States, wiiofe pvivi!c^;es you aie immediately to enjoy, you will have even under a piovifionai arrangf?- ment, popular governors, fubjedl to your ccnfuie ai..d rccal, and to whom your pcnuanei.t t'lieem, your fuiVragos and afleclion will be alway:, ncCLllary. The public interc'ilA ard affairs, far from benig intcrditlcd to you, will now be your own intereft and your own bufi- nc:'*, upon which your wife and imparti- al opinions wiil be fure at length of ob- taining a prepondera'.ing inllucncc ; and to which even you cannot remain indit- ferciit without ielf-condciv.nation. Tl e epoch will foou arrive, in which vou will chufe for yourfelves a form of government j which while it will be con- ( CV11I ) formiihlc to the ficrcd principle:? of thr firiJ CDinpaa of tlicioilcrjl union, wiH be .iilaptcil to your nMnncrs, to your iio- ccllitic!!, to your climate, to your cul- tonis, foil and loc;il circuniUaiici'S. liut cfpcci;illy, you will foon be fcnfi- blc of tlic prociouH advantages of an up- rij^ht, incorruptible and inij artial adrt;U niltration of julHce < wluitc forms of . procedure arc inv.irii-.blc. Where limits jrc carefully applied to the arbitrary ap- plication of laws, accordinjr to the na- tural and moral characler of judge} and juries, fo as moit eilkacioully to infurc to the citizens their fafcty and their pro- pcrty : for this is one of the fingular at- • tributes peculiar to the gcn-crnment un- der which you arc to live. Its principles its Icgiflation, its con- dua, its care, its vigilance in regard to the iutercfts of agriculture and com- merce, and the progrefs made m both, ire well known to you, even from the . advantages which you have youv.elves, people of Louifiana, drawn from them. There never has been, nor ever can be a metropolis without a colonial morio- p6!y, more or lefs exclufive ; on the con- trary on the part of the Uuited States, you have a right to expe^ a liberty of exportatioi^ without limits and that the privileges of importatiou wiU acc»rd with cviii ) :rc(l principles of tf.r tliei'.'il(-r.il union, wiH • nMnnLr.s, to yiMir ne- climate, to your cuf- il circunillarai'3. ^ou will loon he Icnfi- i advantages of an up- c and inij artial ailrt;U it? \ wlu)le forms of rii'.blc. Where limits •d to the arbitrary ap- according to the na- aracler of judge j and eiricacioully to infurc ir faftty and their pro- one of tl:o fingular at- to the gcjvcrnmeut un- to live. its Icgiflition, its con- vigilance in regard to agriculture and com- rogrefs made in botli, 1 you, even from the you have youi.elves, a, drawn from them. s been, nor ever can ithout a colonial morio- , exclufive ; on the con- : of the United States, to expe£l a liberty of ut limits and that the rtatiou will ACC»rd with ( «-•«'' ) yrnx public wants, and Internal induflry I'lOin a happy ctincurrenct', you will be abk tj buy vlif-plyand fellathigh rates, »nd will belidtvi re;'p immenro adv.ntaccs fK)m a pl.ice of dt'polit. Tlie Miirilh|v- pi, the Nile ot Amcriija,bordfring not on ticfartj of Imvn.ng fards, but pianis nmre fertile and cxtonlivc than any known in the new world, M'ill, at the quays of this new AlfXJiuirii, be covered with thou* fandsof vefleis from all nations. Among thffe vefleis, I trull, people of Loutfuna, you will always diltinguilh witli com- plaifance the French flag, and its fight will never ceafe to gladden your he irts. iSucli is our firm hope ', I formally avow it in tl--: name of my country, and its go- vernment Bonaparte, in (lipulating by the VII Tticle of the treaty, that the Fr«!nch Hull be admitted during 12 years tocirry on commerce with your (hores on the fame conditions, and without pitying other duties than the citizens of the United Si ates, has wilhcd to renew and perpetuate the tics which unite th* French of L^uiHana, and the Frenchmen of Kurope ; new llrength will be given to the relations already fubfilUngbet««fe«i> thefe iuhiibiunts of t!iu t^vo comments) 10 f y iii-i ( ") the move (atisfuclory and durable, us it will be founded upoii a toAilUut vcci- prccityof tried! y ifiitinu'iits and lev- vices. Tour chUdren will be our chiL- dreR> and our children will become yours. Ainidrt you they will improve in l^nowledge and in talents, while at the fame time jfeoy will increase your ftrcngth, your inltruments of labor and your in- duilry, and wUl reap with you the gift« of unfpanng nature. I have pleafed inyfelf, people of Loui- fiana, with drawing at length this plcal- ing piiHiure, iuul of oppofing it to the reproaches oi .abandonment, and the terir der regrets uticred by many among you, who are attachetl to the country of their anceftbrs. France and its gov.'.-timent will hear of tnefe regrets with gratitude and afivftion. , But ere long, you will by tour own experience, prove the juftite it nas'fliewn you by this eminent and mott memora- ble ot boiicfits. The French government recognizes in this event, the firll example oifered in modern times, of a . colony voluntarily emancipating itfelf, aftct the example of thofe colonies of antiquity, which we fo greatly admire. In the prel'ent time, jry and durable, us ipuii a cojilUiit ic*ci- ieHtijiK'nts anil iei> en will be our chii- iidren will become I they will improve in talents, while at the increase your ftrcngth, Inbor and your in- eap with youtho gift« lyfelf, people of Loui- ig at length this pical- f oppofing it Xo the donnicnt, and the tenr by many among you, :o the country ot their ' and its gov.'."hment regrets with gratitude jTOu will by your own the juftite it has'fliewn int and moil ntemora- v^ernmcnt recognizes in It example oifered in • a . colony voluntarily f, aftct the exattiple of ntiquity, whidi we fo [n the pretent time, ( cxi j rtrt.l in times to come, may nn inhabi- tant of Louifuns, and a Frenchman, never meet upon any fpot of the glblje, witliout feeling as brothsars. MaythU title, for the futsjre, be the only one whi.'h will truly defcribe their eternal en- gtigements, and liberal inde;jendoncc ! ' V At Mew- Orleans, the 8th Krtmairei year' 12 of i.he French Republic— ^November 30, 1803.) f r- t (Signed) LAUSSAT. ' By the Colonial Prcffea, Commiflioncr ofthcFrCiith govcrhlnent.' -' '^igned) Dan'^orot. - <-^* ' 'Secretary to tlie Commiirion. ■'-'"'' j.-iI't-- . ■ ■ ■ \-f>' • ■?";>■ ^■"lljiEW-OllLEANSi Oec. li^'^Z in confequence of diifpatches received ^y tiif( CQloni«tPtefe£l; and Commiffary «£ , the J^xenth government. Citizen JUuiTat, on the eveaing of the 25th uk. a conference took place pn Monday fol- iowiijg, between the PfefeA oxi the part of the French Republic, ami his ^xcellen^cy .Goveriior S^ikeSo and the Jtarquis. de Caf^i Calvo, Brigadiers itt the army of Spaia and Comnjiflaries of th? ^p^nilh Goveriime'nt, on the part I ^i f ■i; ( cx» ) of his Catholic Majefty, at which it was agreed that on the fucteedmg Wednef- day the province of Louifiana fhould be formally delivered to the French Ke- pablic. On Tutlday difpofitions to th^t elFea took place. Early on Wed- Uefday the Spanilh colours were dif- played froir a lofty flag ftafFcreaed for that piirpole in front of the town Jioufe, where at eleven o'clock the Spanifli troops were paraded, having a coajpany of Mexican dragoons on their right, and the Militia of New-Orleans on their leftl The Comniiflaries pf the Spanifli Go- vernment proceeded to the tpwn houfe ai; 12, and fhqrtly after tlie Colonial Pre-' feci repaired to the fame place. The public iquare, the ftreets, the balconicf and even the houfe tgps were crouded with fpeaators anxious to witnels a ?fcene to interefling to the inhabitant*. The prefea prefented to the Conunifta- jties of Spain an order of His CathoUc .Majefty dated Odober 15, 1802, for ithe delivery of the Colony, and likewifv his credentials or powers from the Firft Conful , to receive the fame, bearing date the 6th ©f June 1803. Thefe pa- pers b^ing read--the keys of the towiji were delivered by tl^e Cpvepiflt^ to tlje cxii ) efty, at which it was I'ucceeding VVednef- Louifiana ihould be to the French Ke- Iday difpofitions to ice. Early on Wed- 1 colours were dif- y Sag ftafFeieded for It of the town lioufey o'clock the Spanifli if having a conjpany IS on tbeir right, and Orleans o|v their left, pf the Spanifli Go- to the tQwn houfe all T die Colonial Pte^-' e fame place. Th^ Ireets, the balconicf t^ps were crouded uious to witnel» a ; to the inhabitant!^, ed to the ConuniftaM ler of His CathoUc tober 15, 1802, for uolony, andlikewifv owers from the Firft the fame, bearing : 1803. Thefepa- e keys of the tow^ tl^e Gpve^aq^ to tlje r\\ '■^>t- H.-^: ( cxl'ii ) Prefeft ; and the Mar?;.iti de Cifa CaU vo prortoanced the oath of allegiance of the people ofLouifiana to His Cathohc Maietty to be abfolved. The vecoird of thefe proceedings being read, a fignal was fired for the defcetit of the bpanifli flac, which was directly followed by another for unfurling that of France. The Spanifli' tvoops withdrew i *« *^':<'- fcft rnnounccd to the militia, m a brief addrefs, the change of government— nnd gavethctn a commander. It gi^e u» great pleafure to be able to ftatc that the itmoft harmony and good intelhg^J has prcfirled over the two nations. ITie punauplity and good faith which have been obferved on this occafion by the Saartifli Commiflaries, and :the magna- nimity of their behaviour muft command the efteem and wift' the confidence of all nations. The Prefdt^ having aflam- ed the reins of goVernmertt, coftnttence* and comple:ited the arduous andjn^pcrr- tant duties of organizing the dVdand mifitary departments of the dolomal go. vernment with a celerity which <^xpen- ^nceonly could iiave enabied-fnrii to per- form : the wifdom of his meSfurts may besttefted by the harmony and order that prevails among the vaft vanotyofc M ( «*«▼ } the inhabitant* of this country. On Thurfday a dinner wag given by the Prefca to fcTcnty two French, hpanifli and American gentlemen, in celebration of th; preceding events. After dinuer Ihe following toiafts were drank : The French Republic, and Bonaparte, To Spain, and Charles IV. To the United States and Thoma* ■JefFerfon. • For eachtoaft a treble falate of 21 guns each. The dinner ws* fucceeded by a fplen- did illumination, concert, ball, &c. The affemblage «f nearly one hundred -ladies at the ball was truly beautitu!» brilliant and interefting. On the even- ;i»ig of the 8th inft. a fete perhaps more magnificent than that of the FTcteUt and more numeroufly attended was given by the Marquis de Cnfa Calvo, in com. • phment to the Commiffaryof the French .Government and celebration of the hra- .j>y fuliihnent of their refpeaive com- inillioBt. The American citizens here have .formed therafelves into a corps of yo- -hinteers, f^ered their fervices to die >Prefea, and been received as auxiliaries •• the aiiiitia of the town, in which c*. flit '«J t e t ' V c f lij' WIT 5 if this country. On r was given by the two French, hpanifli tl*men. in cclebrution rvents. After dinner s were drank : iiiblic, and Bonaparte, :harles IV. States and Thoma* i treble falate of 21 fucceeded by a fplen- conca-t, baU, &c. nearly one hundred was truly beautiful, Jfting. On tl>e even- t. a fete perhaps more iatofthePrefe£iand attended was given ^ Cafa Calvo, in com. nmilTaryof the Frei«ch elebration of the h^P- thcir refpe£live cem- citizens here have into a corps of vo- their fervices to die received as auxiliaries \c town, in which £«• ttxr ) paclty, under tlie command of Djniel Clark, Efq. they perform vcgulir duty, puiently waiting tJte arrival of tlie Ame- rican troops> who are fhortly exptfded here in con^pany witli General Wilkin- ion, ComiDander of the Aftierican troops, and His Excellency William C, C. Claiborne, Governor of the Mimflippi TeiTit. ry, who have been appointed by thePrefidctit of the United States, Com- mifhoners t» receive the Govertittieut of Louifutia. ■— — . i#?si,4u ■h^ij Ah account of the taking pofleffidii of Leuifiana in Uie name of the United States of America, and of th«» entrance ©f the American troops in N. Orleans, under the command of Gen. Wilkini. fon. New-Orlbans, December^ 18oi. • At feven o'clock in the morning, citi- ^^J^'Auffatt Colonial prefea, andCdm- miflary of the French government, ordtei - ed, by tlie beating of the d»Um, thirtlhe ftiilitia fhould aflemble at nine o'clock, ' ttp^on the military fquare, in order to te- cerve there tlie American troops, that were theft encamped within half a league from the citjr- This body, drefled iri « ^* unifermi were under arms in a m»- ] i i^ iii'nt. At 9 o'clock th ( cxvi ) -; o'Ticera of th& ilaff. (if both nations h*A contercnco » o »ethcr,.;s cuilom.iry on thefc fv>lemi» cer. cmonlcs. At 20 miniltes atter eleven, the report of a gun fired in the American camp, announced that the troop* were ready to march. At thirty mmiltespaft ekven, anoihev firing of » cannon gave tlie fienal of departure, which took place in goDd order. The troop$ in battle ar- ray, formed thcmfelves into a colunw and marchc^l at the ufual pace w the found of martial mafic, of a band oi twelve muficians, playing the turte known under the name of Marche des Carabmi- crs, and came out of their camp. Hav- ing arrived on the toad that leads to the city, a band of ten drummers and fifets played ♦he favOiite t«rte» of the Moderes ; Feuple Francais, peuple de frcres, iwhich wererc-«choed ty the mufic. Tlritcolunm was preceded by fourteen dragOOtt» well " mounted aud dreffed in a very handfbnw red uniform. Four pieces of artiHery attended by 40 gunners, preceded the firft company of infantry, on whofe blue colours was this motto: E pluribus unum. Another conipany of infantry, with white colours, on which was writ- ten, The Second Rrgiinent^ formed witJ^ 11 ) h-; o'Ticers of the h.iJ contercnccs 1 thefefv>lemi»cer» iltes atter eleven, tl ill the American the troop* wer« hirty minutes paft of H cannon gave ', which took place roop» in battle air- es into a columt* ufual pace w the ific, of a band of ing the turte known arche des Carabini- their camp. Hav- id that leads to the Irummers and fifcis lesoftbe Modem; pie de frcrcs, which mufic. Tins column teen dragootts well Ml a very handfonM pieces of artiHery iners, preceded the mtry, on whofe blue lOtto : E pluribus jnipany of infantry, on which was writ- imetttt formed vntl ( cxvii ) t'lff firft, a body of one hundred and fevenry men, M-Iiofc blue uniform and good order, prefcntijd a fpeftacle truly military. —This column was followed b S twejjtv.ave lifl'^incu in the uniform Kep.ucky chafll-urs. At 45 •nlnutes palt eleven, this column arrived in good order at the gate of the city, where it was received by a detachment of the militia grenadiers dreffed m fine uniform, aud in orderof battle, to the beating of tl^e drums. A^ ten minutes pad twelve, the army arrived on the military fquare, ii^ere, by turning on thj left, they faced the diftiient bodies; of militia that were ranged there in the beft order. At one o'clock the American commilfioners went to the municipality, a body compofed of fole^t citizens, where they where received by the ;Prefe£i in the name of the French gVsyerKimcnt. .They. handed him their powers, which.' were: immediately read. Citizen Lauf- fat thirn in a fhort fpeech, «innounced the objc£l of the meeting, and ordered tl)0 treaty of celhon to the United States to be read, with the powers which the Full Conful had given hi ra. This being done, he rofe aud declured that from tJu4. moment he gave to the commiiTiBn- . 'i ( cxviii ^ ers of tljo Uritocl St;itea, pofTcltioii of the pvovirce of Louifuna and its ilepeiw driicic'S and that accordingly the fover- eignty and property of it pafled to the; United States, under the fame claufes and conditicti* under which it had been tcdcd by Spain to France. He took tlie keys of the forts of New- Orleans a»iU handed them to Mr. Clay. "boriie, and changed feats with Ijirn. An inftrument Was drawn to rccorii what had juft pafled, and was immediate- figned and fealed by the commiflioners of both nations. The Ameilcan Gomminioner*- vrexo then led to the bajcony of the hoteU At their appearance the ilag of the French republic was lowered, and at the iaine titr.c that pf the United States was raifcd, when they met at equal licight, Ui«y re- trained till at a Ciff3ti\ of the nring of (:"an'- iion on tlie fqu:ire, the forts cornmenced a difcharge, which was repeated by. all the batteries, at this moment the Ameri- can colou: swcrc raifuU and the Frcncbflau ^fe^ken down. ,^^ ^^ ^,,. -^.^^.^ ^, ^. H J,rK >ii 1 t;itea, po(r»'ltioii of iana and its ilepeti- OTtHngly the fover- of it pafled to the r the fame claufes r wliicli it had b«eii ance. )f the forts of New- them to Mr. Clay, iats with l)im. IS drawn to record and was immediate- :he cominiHioners of Comminiotverft- were ly of the hoteU At flag of the French ed» and at the iame ted States was raifcd, qual height, U»«y re- 4 of the nriqg of (:"an'- thc forts commeiwed was repeated by. all moment the Ameri'* ud and the French flag !»«•■-,,■'; "fci ii|(i liJj • I. Vsi J .f'.jTT"?;-! 'i^ttiVU' ii'Vif/Ji. 1 21 2J S8 ♦0 75 8J «7 P/liT I. .'OLITICAL IIisTonr. Difjivery and Rtttlcmeiit, Piige lurj] ^vnr ivith t he Natchez. Trnvch to ihc Mifl()uris, Canrats and Pandouc.is. , ,:,v.ii » Jnfumt'tiou of Nc;:rats. ,• • SccnticJ ivar 'wUh <'/f Natchez. IVar 'ti'iih the Chickafiiw s. CeJJhii :,{ Lou'if.iiHa /o Spain. '' the United States Part II. Topoguaput, '■'■■-- Di'fcripticti end Cliviate c/* Lotiifiana. 9g Lvu. Treaty and Conviniiansforthe cff- funojlxtnx^um^' ASl of ongrejs aulhorifing the ta- king pojjejjhn nf it. DocumeiUs laid i>. , jre Congreft /icctunt of the furrendtr to the , French. ^\ to the United States. 175 1^1 198 SO'' 217 241 267 XXUII. xxi'■* 198 20'» tcet. 217 222 ':'20 »■ 241 ttfl/. 2*3 f* 1267 r.NPix, tt^ of i'Migrefi^ :k I. (ionsforihtcef- la- xxiiii. horifiiig the /«- nt. xxit n-e Congreft x\xi. rre/idtr tj ibe cir. tcH Staffs. CTii.