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HISTORICAL,
GEOGRAPHICAL, COMMERCIAL,

AMD

PHILOSOPHICAL

V I E W

OF THE

UNITED STATES of AMERICA,

AND OF THE

EUROPEAN SETTLEMENTS
AMERICA AND THE WEST-INDIES.

BY

/
W/ W I N T E R B O T II A M.

THE FIRST AMERICAN EDITION, WITH ADDITIONS AND
CORRECTIONS.

IN. FOUR VOLUMES.
VOL. IIL

NEW-YORK:

Printed by TIEBOUT and O'BRIEN,
EoR JOHN R E I D, Bookseller and StatiqneRj

No, loGj Water.-Str.eet,

J 790.

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in 2011 with funding from

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€ O N T E N T S»

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VOL. IIL

SOUTHERN States - - . . i

Maryland ,.,..« 34

City of Wafnington ... . . 67

Yirginia . « • . •• •73

Indiana « , . . . . .124
-Kentucky ... <, . • * , 116

North-Carolina , . . , .192

Territory South of the Ohio, or the Tenne/fee Go-
vernment . . . , , .225
■South-Carolina ..,.'. 23S-

Georgia .... . * 2tj2

Advantages peculiar to the United States , . 2S1
Profpe6ls and Advantages of an European Settler

in tJj€ United States . . , .205

General Information to European Settlers . ,340

PRESENT SITUATION

or THE

UNITED STATES of AMERICA,

S O U T H E R N S T A T E S.

T:

HIS third, which is much the laigcfl dlvifion of the United
Stales, comprehends

MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, KENTUCKY,

NORTK-CAROLINA, TERRITORY S. of the OHIO,

SOUTH-CAROLINA, and GEORGIA.

This extenfive divifion is bounded on thiC north by Pcnnfyl-
vania and the Ohio river; on tlic weft l^y the Mifliflippi ; on the.
fouth by Eafl; and Weft Floridn ; and on the caft by the Allan-,
tic ocean and the Delaware Slitc. 1 1 is interfcfted in a 1\\ E,
and S, W. direftion by the range of AUcgjany mountains, which
give rife to many noble rivers,, which fail cither into the At-
lantic on the cafh, or tlic MilTiirippi oa the wcfl. From the
fca coaft, fixty, eighty, and in lome parts an liundred miles
back towards the mountains, the country^ generally fpeaking,
is nearly a dead level, and a very large proportion of it is Cover-
ed, in its natural {Lite, Vv'ith pilch piiu's. In the rieiyhbourhood
of ffagnant waters, which abtiund in llris level countiy, the in-
habitants arc fickly, but in the bach, billy and mo\mlaiuuLis coun-
ts)', they arc as hea^lhy as in. any put of ?i^r,L^^■\i:d0

Vol. Hi. B

■2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This diftritl of the Unicn contains ahout two jrillicns of ifi-
habitants, of vvh(<m about fix hundred and forty-eight thoufand
are ^-l^'es. The influence of flavery has produced a very dif-
tinguiniing feature in the general charafter of tlie inhabitants,
which, thfuigh now dcicernible to their difadvantage, has been
foftcned and meliorated by the benign effedls of the revolution,
and tiic progrcis of liberty and humanity,

HISTORY OF ITS SETTLEMEAT, ^c.
MARYLAND.

This State was granted by a patent of King Charles th« FiiTc,
June 30, 1632, to George Calvert, Baron of Baltimore, in Ire-
land,* who had been obliged, on account of the French govern-
ment, to abandon the province of Avalon, in Newfoundland^
after having expended twenty-live thoufand pounds in its ad-
vancement.

The government of this province was by charter vefted in
the proprietary ; but it appears, that he either never exerciied
thefe powers alone, or but for a fhort time ; for we find, in
1637, that the freemen rejefted a body of laws drawn up in
England, and tranfmitted by his lordfliip, in order to be paffed
for the government of the province. In the place of thcfe they
propofcd furty-two bills to be cna£lcd into laws, by the confent
of the proprietary ; thefe were, however, never enafted, at lead
they are not on record.

The firft emigration to Maryland confiiled of two hundred
gentlemen of confiderablc fortune and rank, with their adhe-
rents, chiefly Roman Catholics, who hoped to enjoy liberty of
tonfeience under a proprietary of their own profenion. They
failed from England in Noveinber, 1632, and landed in Mary-
land the beginning of 1633. The Honourable Leonard Calvert,
brother to Lord Baltimore, who was the firft governor, very
wiitly and juilly purchalcd, by prefcnts of various goods, the
rights of the Indians, and \vith their free confent took poUef-
fion of their town, which he called St. Mary's. The coui.try
was fettled witii fo much eafe, and furnifhed with fo many con-
veniencies, that emigrants repaired thither in fuch numbers, that
the colony foon became populous and flourifliing.

In 1638 a law was palled, conftituting the firft regular Houfe
of Aflembly, which was to confiit of inch rcprelentatives. cal-

* A Copy of this patent may be Tccn by referring to H^zarcl's Hiftorica
Collections, page 327.

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. j

ietl burgeflTes, as fliould he clcftad purfuant to writs ilTLicd bv
llie governor. Thcfe burgefTes pcflTefired all tin powers of the
ptrfons eleffhig than : but anv other freemen, who did not

AJSEXT TO THE ELECTION', MIGHT TAKK THEIR SEATS I X PER-
SON. Twelve burgefifcs or freemen, with the licutenant-gener.d
and fecretary, conflituted the AiTembly or Lcgifiature, I'his
AlTcmbly fat at St. Mary's.

Slavery fcems to have gained an early cftablifhmcnt in Mary-
land, for an aft of this AlTenbly defcribes " the people" to
confift of all Chriftian inhabitants, " flaves only accepted." The
pcrfecuting laws which were paffed by the Virginians, foon af-
ter this period, againfl: the Puritans, made the latter emigrate
in confidcrable numbers to Maryland, that they might enjoy,
under a Popifh proprietary, that liberty of confcience of which
they were deprived by their fellow ProtePcants.

In 1642 it was enafted, that ten members of the AfTcmbly,
of whom the governor and fix burgelTcs were to be fcven, Uiould
be a Houfe ; and if ficknels fhould prevent that number fiom
attending, the members preient fliould make a Koufe.

In 1644 one Ingle excited a rebellion, forced the governor
to fly to Virginia for aid and proteftion, and ieized the records
and the great feal ; the laft of which, with moft of the records
of the province, were loft or deltroyed. From this period to
the year 1647, when order was reftored, the proceedings of the
province are involved in almoft impenetrable obfcurity.

In July, 1646, the Houfe of Affembly, or more properly the
burgefles, requefted that they might be ieparated into two bran-
ches— tlie burgeffes by themlelves, with a ncgjiivc upon bills.
This was not granted by the lieutenant-general at that time ;
but in 1650, an acl was paffed dividing the Affembly into two
Iloufes ; the governor, -fecretary, and any one or more of the
council, formed the Upper Houfe ; the delegates from the feve-
ral hundreds, who now rcprefentcd the freemen, farmed the
Lower Ploufe, At this time there were in the province but two
counties, St. Mary's and the Ifle of Kent, but another [Ami
Arundcij was added the lame iefuon, Tliis was during the ad-
miniftratioii of Governor Stone.

In this year there was alfo paffed- '• an aft againft raifmg mo-
ney without the ccnfent of the Affembly." It cnafted, " That
'/?,) taxes Jiiall be ajfejfcd or levied on the freemen of the province
Zi'ilhout their own ccnfent, or that of thfir deputies, Jirji declared
'•? a General Affembly,'" Tiie printed words and^iily dute of

B 2

4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

this Maryland rift arc worthy of particular notice. The atls of
the General AiTcmbly and governor were of the lame force in
their own jnovince as afts of parliment in England, and could
not be repealed without the concurring allent of the proprietary
or his deputy, with the other two cftatcs.

In 1654, during Cromwell's nluruat'ion in England, an net
was palTed reflrainin<j the exercile of the Roman Catholic rcii-
gion. This mufhluve been procured by the mere terror of
Cromwell's power, for the fnft and principle inhabitants were,
Catliolics. Indeed tlie power of Cromwell was not eflablifhed
in Maryland without force and bloodlhcd. li?s friends and
foes came to an open rupture, an engagement enlued, Governor
Stone was taken priloner, and condemned to be fliot ; this
lentcncc, however, was not executed, but he was kept a long
time in confinement.

In March, 1658, Jofiah Fcndall, Efq. was appointed lieute-
nant-general of Maryland by commilTion from Oliver Ci'omwell ;
he dilfolved the Upper Houfe, and furrcndcred the powers of
government into the hands of the delegates.

Upon the reRoration in 1660, the Honourable Philip Calvert,

Efq. was appointed governor ; the old form of government was

revived ; Fendall, and one Gcrrard, a councellor, were indiftcd,

found guilty and condemned to banifliment, with the lols of

" their eftateS ; but^ upon petition, they were pardoned.

In 1609; the government was taken out of the hands of Lord
Baltimore by tlic grand convention of England ; and in 1602,
Mr. Copley was appointed governor by commillion from Wil-
liam and Mary.

In 1692, the Proteftani; religion v/as cjlalUfuid by law.

In 1G99, under the adminiflrati>>n of Governor Blackillon,
it was enafted, that Annapolis Ihould be the feat of govern-
ment.

In 17165 the government of this province was reflored to tli<;
proprietary, and continued in his hands till the late revolu-
tion, when, thougli a minor, his propoily in the lands was
confifcated, and tiie govertunent alVumed uy the freemen of the
province, who formed the conflitiition now exifling. At the
clofc of the war, Henry Harford, Efq. the natural fon ai.cLlioif
of Lord Baltimore, petitioned the Icgiilaturc of Marylaiia for
'his eRatc, but his ]>ciilion was not granted. Mr. Harford
Gi'liniatcd his lofs of quit-rents, valued at twenty-five years
purchafc, andtjp-icludinT arrears, at two hundred and fifty-nine
thoufand, four liundicd and cighivci-^ht pounds, live ndllings,

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. -

o

di'lhrs at f/G — .md the value of liis manors^ nnd reforvcd lands
at three hundred and twenty-leven thouiand, four hnudicd and
forty-one pounds of the fame money.

V I R G I N I A.

Wk 'have already, when treating uf the difcovciy of North-
America, jgiven a brief hiflory of llie fctllement of this State to
the year 1610,* when Lord Delaware arrived with fupplies for
the colony (..f iettlers, and provifions. His prefencc had a happy
crteft on the colony, order and confidence being fcon reftored
by him. The flate of his health did not, however, permit liiin
long, to purfiie his plans of improvement, for in the beginning
of 1611 lie vv'as obliged to return to England, leaving about two
luaidretl colonifls, poffcffcd of health, plenty and peace with
their neighbours, After his dcparti;re the colony again declin-
ed : but his fucccffor. Sir Thomas Dale, arriving in May with
more emigrants, cattle and provifion for a year, things were
again reftored to order. This fame year the adventurers t)btain-
cd a new c'laiter, by which the two former v/ere cenfirmcd,
and they had alfo granted to them all the iflands fituated in the
ocean, within three hundred leagues of any part of the Virginia
coaft:. The corporation was now confiderably new- modelled}
and, in order to promof;e the effectual fettlement of the tdanta-
lion, licence was given to open lotteries in any part of England.
The lotteries alone, whic:h were the fir ft ever gi anted in Eng-
land, brought twenty-nine thouiand pounds into the company's
trcafury. At length, bt:ing confidered as a national evil, they
attrafted the notice of Parliament, were prefentcd by the com-
mons as a grievance, ;i;id in March, 1620, fulpended by an
Older of Council.

In April, 1613, Mr. John Rolf, a worthy ycung gcr.tlcman,
v.-as iiiarried to Pocah ontas, the daughter of Pouhaian, the
famous Indian chief. This conneftion, which was very
agreeable both to the Englifli and Indians, was the foiaida-
tion of a friendly and advantageous commerce between
them.

Three years aftcrwa: -ds Mr. Rolf, with his wife Pccahonjps
vifited England, v-hcre fiie was treated with that attention and
rcipeft which flic had merited by her important fervices to the
colony in Virginia. Sh •- died the year fcUowinq at Gravefend,

y o - - ,

:- '.-e twenty-fecond yea x of her age, juft as fl-.c was aDcut to
* 8eo V pi. 1. page 16210 165.

i GENERAL DESCRIPTION

embark for America. She had embraced the Chriflian religion,
and in her life and death e\idenced the finccriiy of her pro-
feflion. She left a ion, 'who, having received liis education in
Engbnd, went over to Virginia, where lie lived and died in
affluence and honour, leaving behind him an only daughter.
Tier dcfrendants are amorg the moft rclpeftabie families in
Virginia,

' Tomocomo, a fenfible Indian, brother-in-law to Pocahontas,
accompanied her to Englrnd, and was direHed by Powhatan
to bring Iiim an exa6l account oF the numbers and flrength of
the Englifii. For this purpole, when he arrived at Plymouth,
he took a long flick, intending to cut a notch in it for every
perfon he fhould fee : this he loon found imprafticable, and
threw aw ay his flick. On his return, being afked by Powhatan,
how many people there were, he is laid to have replied,
" Count the flars in the fkv, tlie leaves on the trees, and the
fands on the fea fnore ; for luch is the number of the people of
Englarid.''

In 1612-13, ^"' Thomas Gates was difpatched with fix
large fliips, carrying three hundred colonifls, one luindred
cattle and ufcful iupplies. He arrived in Augufl, and parties
were fent out from James-town to form didant lettlcments. He
returned the beginning of 1614, and the .adminiflration devolv-
ed once more on Sir Thomas Dale, to whom the \'irginians
owe the introduflion of landed property. In 1615, fifty acres
of land were granted to every emigrant and liis heirs, and the
fame quantity to every pcrion imported by others. Dale failed
for England in the beginning of 1616, giving up the truft to
Sir George Yeardly, as depiuv-govcrnpr, and in this year tlie
cultivation of tobacco was introduced.. Mr. Argal, a new de-
putv-governor, Vv-as feut out, wlio arrived in May 1617. He
pnblifiied a variety of edicts, and was guilty of thole wrongs and
opprcfilons, that the tieaiurer and council appointed Yeardly
captain-general, and empowcrd him to cx^praitic into and redrefs
g.-icvances. Sir George airivcd in April, 1610, witli levcral
inftruftions favourable to freedom, and loon declared liis inten-
tion of calling a General Alfombly, whicli gave the greatefc joy
to men who had been Inlhei to fubjeftcd to the arbitrary orders
of their prince, to the intcreflcd onlinances of an Engliih
corporation, or to the cdit^s of a hau'.'hty governor, and who
enjoyed none of tliofe libcriics v.hich Engli{hnjcn claim as their
birthright. W

In June, Yeardley. piuluant to 1,5s inftruclions from tlic
cumoanvj iuucd writs for the cl'^;t4ion of dclca;atcs, cllcd

Of the southern states. f

burgefTcs. The colony had been divided into feven hundreds
or diftintt lettletnents, which (cemcd to enjoy fome of the pri-
vileges of boroughs , and from this circumflance the democratic
branch of the AlVcmbly has been called to this d;iy, the Houfe
of Burgcffcs, though compofed almoft entirely of the reprefen-
tatives of counties. The Aifembly, formed of the governor
and council of flate, who were appointed by the treafurer and
company,- and of the burgcffcs ciiolcn by the people, met toge_
ther in one apartment, and tranlatlrd affairs hke the parliament
ot Scotland of old, which mode continued till after the reflora-
lion of Chales II. Thus convened, and tlius compoled, the
legillature " debated all matters thought expedient for the good
of the whole," The laws were tranfmitted to England for the
approbation of the treafurer and company, without whofe
confirmation they were of no validity. The introduction of an
Affembly was attended with the happieft effcfts. The emigrants,
for the firft time, refolved to fettle themfclves, and to perpetuate
the plantation. The Affembly thanked the company for their
favour, and begged them " to reduce into a compenduous formj
with his Majefty's approbation, the laws of England proper for
Virginia, with fuitable additions ;" giving as a realon, " that
it was not fit that his lubjefts fhould be governed by any other
rules than fuch as received their influence from him." This
year the treafurer and council received a letter from government,
" commanding them to fend a hundred difolutc perfons (convifts)
to Virginia." They were accordingly tranfported, " and were
at that period, very acceptable to the colonifls." The fuble-
quent year, 1620, muff, on account of the. introduftion of
African flavcs into the colonies, be fligmatifed as a much viler
«cra. The Hollanders were not then precluded by any law
from trading with the colonies. A Dutch veffel carried to
Virginia a cargo of Negroes, and the Virginians, who had
themfelves juft emerged from a flate of flavery, became
chargeable with reducing their fellow men to the condition
of brutes.

In July, the treafurer and company carried into execution
a refolution formerly taken, for eflablifhing a proper conftitution
for the colony. The ordinance they paffed, declared, that
there fliould be tM'o fupreme councils in Virginia, the one to
be called the council of ftate, to be appointed and difplaced by
the treafurer and company, and which was to advife the gover-
nor in governmental affairs ; the other was to be denominated
the General Affembly, and to co-nfifl of the ||overnor aijd

S GENERAL DESCRIPTION

council, and of two burgelTes, to be rhofen for the prefenf, by
the inhabitants of every town, hundred and fettlement in the
coh>ny. The AfTembly was to detcmine by the majority of the
voices then prcfcnt, and to enafl: general laws for the colony,
relcrving to the governor a negative voice. They were to
imitate the laws and cullonis, and judicial proceedings iiied in
England. '• No afts were to be in force till confirmed by the
General Court in England : on the other hand, no order of
the General Court was to bind the colony till afTcntcd to by the
AlTembly." The company having offered territory to ihofc
who fhould either emigrate thcmfelves, or engage to tranfport
people to the colony, found this policy fo fuccefsful, that
upwards of throe ihoufand five hundred pcrfons emigrated to
V'irginia during this and the two preceding years.

This year. 1622, ^vfas remarkable for a maffacre of the colo-
nifts by the Indians, which was executed with the utmoil fub-
tilty, and without any regard to age or fex. A well-concerted
attack on all the fettlemehts, deftroyed, in one hour and almoft
at the fame inftant, three hundred and forty-feven perfons, who
were defencelefs and incapable of making refiflancc. The
emigrants, notwithflanding the orders they had received, had
never been folicitous to cultivate the good-will of the nativ'es,
and had neither afked permiiTion when they occupied their
country, nor given a price for their valuable property, which
was violently taken away. The mifcries of famine were loon
fuperadded to the horrors of malT.icre. Of eighty plantations,
which were filling apace, only eiglit remained ; and of the
numbers which had been tranfported thither, no more than
about one thoufand eight hundred furvived thofe manifold
difafters. ■*•'

Frequent complaints having been made to King James of the
oppreffions of the treafury and company, and the before-men-
tioned calamities being attributed to their mifconduG or neglctl,
It was determined, that a commiflion fhould illuc to inquire
inio the affairs of Virginia and the Somer ifles, from the earhcfl
fettlement of each. Upon the report of the com.miilioners, llie.
King concluded on giving a new charter, and required of the
company the lurrendcr of former grants, which being rofulcJ
a writ of quo zcarranto iffued in November, 1623, againil the
patents of the corporation : and judgment was ^iven by the
Court of King's Bencii againfl the treafurer and company, in
Trinity t:nTwi624. Thefe proceedings " were fo conformable
to the general fliain of the aibitrarv adminiftiation of that icign,

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 9

that tliey made little imprefTion at the time, though the Virgi-
nia company was compofed of perlbns of the firft quality,
wealth and confcqucnce in the nation." The company, probably,
would not have exercifed fo tame and fubmifTive a fpirit, h:id
they not been wholly dilappointed in their viftonary profpcfts,
and met v/ith confiderablc lodes, inflead of acquiring enor-
inous profits. They had obtained from individuals, who fport-
ed in their lotteries from tlichope of fuddcn riches, twenty-nine
thoufaiid pounds : but the trnnfportation of more thnn nire
thoufand Englifh fubjcfts had cofl them one hundred and fifty
thoufand pounds. They did not, however, abandon the colony
in its diftrefs while they continued a cofporation. Timely fup-
plies were fent from England to the Virginia fettlers, which fo
animated them, that they carried on an ofFenfive war againfl the
Indians, putfued them into their faftnefles, and drove them
from the neighbourhood of thofe rivers, where they had fixed
their own plantations.

As to King James, he " afTuredly confidered tlie colonies as
acquired by conqueft ; and that they ought to be holden of his
perfon, independent of his crown or political capacity ; and
micht be ruled according to his good will, by prerogative : and
he endeavoured, agreeably to the flrange economy of his reign,
to convert them into a mere private eftate, delcendible to his
perfonal heirs."*

The Virginia company being diffnlved, James took the colony
under his immediate dependence, which occafioned much con-
fufion. Upon his death, in 1625, King Charles, being of the
fame judgment with his farther as to the government of Virgniis^
determined to tread in the fame fteps. In Mav he named a
new governor and council for Virginia, and invefted them with
an authority fully legiflative and arbitrary. They were em-
powered to make and execute 1-iws, to impofe taxes, and en-
force payment. Neither the commilTion nor inftruftions men-
tioned exprefsly, or even alluded to an AfTen-iblv, to the laws of
England, or to the afts of the provincial Icgifldture, as ^ rule of
government. They wcic renuired to tranlport colonifts into
England, to be puniflied there for crimes committed in Virgi-
nia. This fyftem increafed the colonial dilfatisfatlion, wliich
continued for years, till the Virginians received a letter contain-
ing the royal affurancc, t!iat " all their edatcs, trade, freedom

* See Chalmers's Political Annals under the head of Virginia, for many of
the preceding and fubfequent articles refpefling that colony.

Vol. in. c

lo GENERAL DESCRIPTION

and privileges, fliould be enjoyed by them in as extenfive a
manner, as they enjoyed them before the recalling of the com-
pany's patent." On this they, were reconciled, and began acrain
to exert themfelves in making improvements.*

Being left for fome years in a manner to themfelves, they in-
creafed beyond expcftation. They remained under the admini-
Ihation of their late governors, and other officers, who refpeft-
ed their privileges becaufe they loved the colony. The gover-
nor whom Charles had been anxious to appoint, had no oppor-
tunity of exercifing thofe illegal and extraordinary powers with
which he had been invefled. His death, in 1627, put an end
to his authority, and prevented the colony's feeling its full ex-
tent. His fucccffor, John Harvey, Elq. was nominated in
IVIarch, 1629, and his commiflion and inflruclions were pre-
cifely the lame with thofe of the former. He departed foon af-
ter for Virginia. Tiie fpirit of his adininiftration was an exaft
counterpart of Vv'hat had too long prevailed in England. He
was fevere in his extortions, proud in his councils, unjuft and
arbitrary in every department of his government. The Virgi-
nians, roufed almoft to madnefs by opprefiTion, feized and fent
him priloner to England, accompanied with two deputies, to
reprefent their grievances and his mifconduft. His behaviour
was fo thought of, that he was honoured with a new commif-
lion which confirmed his former powers, and he was lent back
to Virginia in April, i^^"}. After that, his government was fo
exceffivcly oppreHive and cruel, that the complaints of the co-
lonifts became at length too loud to be longer neglefted, and his
commilTion was revoked in January, 1638-9. During his ten
years adminiftration, the \'irginians were ruled rather as the
valfals of an eaflern defpot, than as fubjefts entitled to Englifh
liberties ; but it is to their credit, that, having tafted the fweets
of a fimple government, they oppoled with a firm Ipirit, during
the reign of Charles, the attempts of thole who endeavoured to
revive the patents, and to reftore the corporation.

Sir V/illiam Berkeley was appointed governor the beginning
of 1639. Plis inftru£lions evidenced a prodigious change in
colonial policy, which muft be partly afcribcd to the then flate
of affairs in England. He was dire£led to fummon all the bur-
geffes of the plantations, who, with the governor and council,
were to conllitute the Grand Affcmbly, with power to make
a£ls for tlie government of the colony, as near as might be to

* Bland's Iiu^uiry into the Rights of the Britifli Colonics.

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 21

the laws of England — to caufe fpeedy judicc to be adminifter-
ed to all, according to Englifh forms — and to forbid all trade
with foreign vellels except upon ncccfiity. Thus were the
Virginians reftored to that lyftem of freedom which they
had derived from the Virginia company, and which the writ
of quo zcarranto had involved in the lame ruin with the corpo-
ration itfelf.

Civil dinenfions, however, took place, which were embittered
by religious diflerences, and inflamed by afts made to prohibit
the preaching of the doftrine of the Puritans. The diicontent-
cd party preicnted a petition to the Houfe of Commons, in the
name of the AfiTombly, " praying for the reftoration ot the an-
cient patents and corporation government." But the governor
council and burgeffes, no iooner heard of the tranfaftion, than
they tranfmitted an explicit difavowal of it. They lent alfo an
addrefs to King Charles, acknowledging his bounty and favour
toward them, and earneftly defiring to continue under his im-
mediate protection. In 1642, they declared in the form of an
aft, " that they were born under monarchy, and would never
degenerate from the condition of their births, by being fubject
to any other government." Nothing could be mere accepta-
ble than this aft, which being prefented to the King at York,
drew from him an anfwer, in which he gave them the fulleft
alfurances, that they fhould be always, immediately dependent
upon the crown, and that the form of government fiiould ne-
ver be changed.

They remained unalterably attached to the caufe of their
fovereign. But when the Commons of England had triumphed
over their European opponents, their attention was turned to
the plantations ; and an ordinance was palTed in O&ober, 1650,
" for prohibiting trade with Barbadoes, Virginia, Bermuda and
Antego." It recited, that " in Virginia, and other places in
America, there are colonies, which v.-ere planted at the coir,
and fettled by the people, and by the authority of this nation,
which ought to be fuboidinate to, and dependent upou Eng-
land— that they ever have been, and ought to be, lubject to
luch laws and regulations as are, or fhall be made by the Par-
liament— that divers afts of rebellion have been committed by
many perfons inhabiting Virginia, whereby they have let up
themfelves in oppofition to this commonwealth." It there-
fore declared them '■'■ notorious robhers and traitors." Persons

IN' POWER GENERALLY REASON ALIKE AGAINST THOSE WHO
0??OSE THEIR AUTHORITY, AND DISPUTE THE LEGALITY

C 2

12 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

OR EQUITY OF THEIR MEASURES, wliatevcr miglit be their
lentiments when in a lower ftation, and whil^ aggrieved by fu-
periors. The ordinance authoriied the Council of State to
fend a fleet thithrr, and to grant commilTions to proper perfons
to enforce to obedience all luch as Itood oppoied to the autho-
rity of Parliament. In conlcquence hereof commiflioncrs were
appointed, and a powerful fleet and army detached to reduce
ail thcir enemies to fubmiirion. They were to ufe their endea-
vours, by granting pardons and by other peaceful arts, to induce
the colonifts to obey the eflate of England : but if thefe means
fhould prove inefieftual, then they were to employ every isft
of hoflility ; to free thofe fcrvants and flaves, of maflers op-
pofing the government, that would lerve as foldiers to fubdue
them ; and to caufe the afts of Parliament to be executed, and
juilice to be adminiftered in the name of the Connnon wealth.
After the arrival of the comniifTioners with the naval and military
force, the \'irginians reiufcd to fubmit, till articles of lurrender
h;id been agreed upon, by which it was flipulatcd, " The
plantation of Vii ^inia, and all the inhabitants thereof, fhall en-
joy luch freedoms and privileges as belong to the free people
cf England. The (ieneral Affembly, as formerly, fhall convene
and traniaft the affairs of the colony. The people of Virginia
fliall have a free trade, as ihe people of England, to all places,
and with all nations. Virginia fhall be free from all taxes
cuifoms, and impofitions whatfoever ; and none fliall be impofed
on them without conlent of the General Alfembly ; and neither
forts nor caflles fhall be erefted, nor garrifons maintained with-
out their confent."*

This convention, entered into with arms in their hands, they
fuppoied had lecured the ancient limits of their country ; its
free trade ; its exemption from taxation but by their own
Aflenibly, and excluCon of military force from amo!ig them*
Yet in every of thele points was tiiis convention violated by fu-b-
fequent kings and parliaments, and other infraftions of their con-
ilitution. equally dangerous, committed. The General AlTemblv,
■which was compolcd of the council of f^ateand burgelTcs, htti-ng
together and deciding by plurality of voices, was Iplit into two
houfes, by which the council obtained a leparate negative on
their laws. Appeals from their fupreme court, which tad
been fixed by law in their General Aflembly, were arbitrarily
removed to England, to be there heard before the king and

* Bland's Incjufry ir.'.o ilie R'g'.ls oi' il'C Brilifli Colauies.

OF THE SOUTxHER.Y STATES. 13

council. Inftead of four hundred miles on the fea coafl, they
were reduced in the Ipacc of. thirty years, to ahout one hun-
dred miles. Their trade wiih foreigners was totally fupprelTed
and, when carried to Great-Britain, was there loaded with im-
pofts. It is unnecefTary, however, to glean up the feveral
inllances of injury, as fcattered through American and Britifh
hldory : and the more cfpecially, as, by pafling on to the
accelTion of the preient king, we fhall Bnd fpecimens of them
ail, aggravated, multiplied, and crowded M'ithin a fmall com-
pafs of time, fo as to evince a fixed defign of confidering the
rights of the people, whether natural, conventional, or char-
tered, as mere nullities. The colonies were taxed internally ;
their efTential intereft facrificed to individuals in Great-Britain ;
their legiflatures fulpended ; charters annulled; trials by juries
taken away : their perlons iubjefted to tranfportation acrols the
Atlantic, and to trial before foreign judicatories ; their fuppli-
caiions for redrels thought beneath anfwer ; themlelves pub-
lifhed as cowards in the councils of their mother country and
courts of Europe ; armed troops lent among them to enforce
iubmiirion to thele violences ; and actual hoililities commenced
againll them. No alternative was prefented but refiftance or
unconditional fubmiflion. Between thele there could be no
hefitation. They doled in the appeal to arms. They declared
themlelves Independent States. They confederated together in
one great republic ; thus fecuring to every State the benefit of
an union of their whole force. They fought — they cont^uered
— >-and obtained an honourable and glorious peace,

K E N T U C K Y.

Though the war which took place between England and
Frence in the year 1755, terminated fo glorioufly to Great-
Britain, and fecurely for the then colonies. Hill we remained
jgnorant of the v.hole of the fine country lying between the
high hills, which rile from Great Sandy River, approximate
to the Allegany mountain, and extending down the Ohio to
its confluence with the MifTiiIiDDi, and back to thole ricges of
mountauis which traverfe America in a louth-wefl-by-wefL direc-
tion, until they are loft in the flat lands of Well-Florida.
However, certain men, called Lnag Hunters, from Virginia
and North-Carolina, by penetrating thefe mountains, which
ramify into a country two hundred miles over from eaft to wpft,
called the wilderneis, were fafcinated with the beauty and luxu-
riance of the country on the vvefiern fide.

14 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A grant had been fold by the Six Nations of Indians to fome
Britifh cammiirioners at Fort 5tanvvix, in 1-768. which com-
prehended this country, and which afforded the Americans a
pretext for a riglit to fettle it ; but thofe Indian natives who
•were not concerned in the grant, became dilTatisficd with the
prolpeft of a fettlement which might become lo dangerous a
thorn in their fide, and committed fome maffacres uoon the firft
explorers of the country. However, after the expedition of
Lord Dunmore, in 1774; and the battle at the mouth of the
Great Kanhaway, between the army of Colonel Lewes and the
confederated tribes of Indians, they were in fome raeafure quiet.
The Affcmbly of Virginia began now to encourage the peopling
that diftrift of country called Kentucky, from the name of a
river which runs nearly through the middle of it. This encou-
ragement confifted in offering four hundred acres of land, to
every perfon who engaged to build a cabin, clear a piece of land,
and produce a crop of Indian corn. This was called a fettle-
ment right. Some hundreds of thele fettlements were made; but,
in the mean time, Air. Richard Henderlon, of North-Carolina, a man
of confiderable abilities, and more enterprile, had obtained a grant
from the Cherokee tribe of Indians for this fame traQ; of country ;
and though it was contrary to the laws of the land for any private ci-
tizen to make purchaies of the Indians, flill xvlr. Henderfon perie-
vered in his intention of eftablifliinga colony of his own. He aftu-
aliy took poffeffion of the country, with many of his followers,
where he remained pretty quiet, making very little improve-
ment, Virginia being at that time entirely occupied with the
war, which had commenced between Great-Britain and the
confederated States. Mofc of the young men from the back
iettlements of Virginia and Pennfylvania, who would have
migrated to this country, iiaving engaged in the war, formed
that body of men. called Rille-men ; which not only checked
the growth of the fettlement, but fo dried up the lources of
emigration, tlmt it was near being annihilated by the fury of the
iavages.

The leg.ilitv of Mr. Henderfon's claim was inveiligated by
the State of Virginia in 1701 ; and though, according to ex-
ifling laws, there could b,; no ft)rt of equity in it, he having
atled in contempt of the State, the leg'.il aure, to avoid feuus
or difturbanccs, for Mr. Kcnderfon had confiderable influence,
agreed, as an indemnification for the expenfe and tiouble he
had been at, tiiat he fhould be allowed a traft of country twelve
miles fquare, lying in the forko of the Ohio and Green rivei& :
ii traft of his own chufing.

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 1,5

Virginia gave a farther reward and enconr.igem.ent at this
time to the firfh fettlers, fur the perils they had undergone in
the eftablifhrnent of their feulement, of a trj£l of one thouland
acres, called a pre-emption right, to be laid off adjoining to the
fettlemcnt of four hundred acres, the grantee only paying
ofRce-fees for the fame. After this period (i. e. 1781) a land
office was opened by the State, granting warrants for any quan-
tity of unlocated land, upon condition of certain lums of the
depreciated continental currency being paid into the treafury,
at lo much for one hundred acres. The great plenty and little
value of this money foon cauled the whole country to be locat-
ed, which was one of the material caufes of its rapid popula-
tion.

It was neccifarv, in the management of this bulincfs, that
care (hould be taken to prevent that perplexity and litigation,
which the vague manner in which that bufinefs was executed
in many inftances would neceflarily produce. For this purpole,
three principal furveyors were appointed, who were to lay, or
caufe to be laid oft, by their deputies, the different locations
within the limits of their diftrifts : this being done, and re-
corded in the office, the orignal furvey was fent to the deputy
regifher's office, there to be recorded ; from thence it was fent
to the principal regiller's office at Richmond, the feat of govern-
ment, there to remain twelve months, in order that any perfon
having a claim, by virtue of a prior location, might have an
opportunity to enter a caveat, and prevent a furreptitious grant
from iffuing. Commiffioners were alfo fent to adjuft the claims
of fettlemcnt and pre-emption rights : by which means order
was preferved, and the government fettled, of a diftrift of
country detached and feparated at that time, more than two hun-
dred miles from any other fettled countiy.

The years 17B3 and 1784 brought out vail numbers of emi-
grants from all parts of America, particularly the latter year,
when it v>-as fuppoied that in Kentucky alone, not lefs than
twelve thoufand perfons became fettlers ; feveral Europeans
from France, England, and Ireland, were among the number.
In 1783, 1784, and 1785, great part of the country was
furveyed and patented, and the people in the interior fettle-
ments purfued their bufinefs in as much quiet and iafety as they
could have done in any part of Europe. Court-houfes were
built in the different counties, and roads were opened for car-
riages, which feven years before had not been i'een in the coun-
try. The roads prior to that time being barely fufficiexat for
fingle horfes to travel on.

s6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

In 17S5, ths diftrift had grown fo confiderable from the
great number of emigrants which had arrived, and that refpefta-
bility which it had acquired, that it produced a difpofition in
the inhabtiants to become an independent State, and to be ad-
mitted as another link in the great federal chain. A conven-
tion was immediately formed by lending deputies from the differ-
ent counties, who met at Danville, for the purpofe of taking
the matter into confideration ; when it. was determined, after
fome debating, to petition Virginia for that purpofe. However,
this bufinefs was procraftinated •, for finding, though they might
feparate whenever they chofe, yet that it was optional with the
legiflature of Virginia to recommend them to be taken into the
federal government, which they were not likely to do, and
which it was certain could not be done without, they were
content to remain as they were for that time.

The fedeial government in the courfe of the year 1785, un-
dertook to lay off the country weft of the Ohio, in fuch a man-
ner as would anlwer the purpefe of felling the land, and fettling
the country ; but owing to a variety of caufes, their progrefs
was very flow. However, fome land was furveyed in 1-786 and
1787, and in the latter year a fettlement was formed upon the
Mulkingum, which may be looked upon as the commencement
of American fettlements upon the weftern fide of the Ohio. In
1788 and 1789, fome farther furveying was done; but little
fmce has been traniafted in thofe parts, except wars between
the Indians and fettlers.

NORTH AND SOUTK-CAROLIXA.

V7e give the hiflory of the fettlement of thefe States together,
as for a very confiderable period they formed but one colony.
A few adventurers emigrated from the Maffachuletts, and fet-
tled round Cape Fear, about the time of the reftoration. They
confidered mere occupancy, with a transfer from the natives,
without any grant from tlie king, as a good title to the lands
which they poffeffed. They deemed themfelves entitled to the
fame " civil privileges" as thofe of the country whence they
had emigrated. For years they experienced the complicated
miferies of want. They folicited the aid of their countrymen ;
and the general court, with an attention and humanity which
did it the greateff honour, ordered an extenfive contribution
for tlicir relief. But the final fettlement of the province was
effefted equally through ths rapacity of the courtiers of Charles
II. and his own facility in rewarding thofe, to whom he was

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 17

greatly indebted, with a liberality that cod him little. The
pretence, which had been ufed on former occafions, of a pious
zeal for the propagrition of the gofpel among the Indians, was
fuccefsfully employed to procure a grant of the iminenfe region
lying between the 36^' of north latitude,- and the river St.
Matheo under the 31°. March 24, 1663, this territory was
crefted into a province by the name of Carolina, and conferred
on Lord Clarendon, the Duke of Albemarle, Lord Craven, Lord
Berkley, Lord Afhley, Sir George Carteret, Sir John Colleton*
and Sir William Berkley, as ablolute lords proprietaries for ever,
faving the (overeigu allegiance due to the crown. The charter
leems to have been copied from that of Maryland, fo extenfive
in its powers, and lo noble in its privileges. The noblemen held
their firfb meeting in May; and, at the defire of the New-Eng-
land people above-mentioned, publifhed propofals to all that
would plant in Carolina. They declared, that all perlons fet-
tling on Charles river, to the foulhward of Cape Fear, fliould
have power to fortify its banks, taking the oath of allegiance to
the king, and fubmitling to the government of the proprietaries
— that the emigrants might prefent to them thirteen perfons, in
order that they might appoint a governor and council of fix
for three years — that an affembly, compofed of the governor,
the council, and delegates of the freemen, fhould be called as
foou as circumltances would allow, with power to make laws,
not contrary to thole of England, nor of any validity after the
publication of the dlflfent of the proprietaries — that every one
fhould enjoy the molt perfeft freedom in religion — that during
five years, every freeman fhould be allowed one hundred acres
of land, and fifty for every fervant, paying only an half-penny
an acre — and that the fame freedom from culloms, which had
been confirmed by the royal charter, fhould be allowed to
every one.

The proprietaries appointed Sir William Berkley, then Go-
vernor of Virginia, general fuperintendent of the affairs of the
county of Albermarle, within the boundaries of which, a fmail
plantation, of the Mew-Englanders probably, had been elT;ablifhcd
for fome years, on the north-eaftern fhores of tiie river Chowaui.
Sir William Berkley repaired to the county, confirmed and grant-
ed lands on the conditions before mentioned, appointed Mr.
Druramond, the firft governor, and likewife other officers, rrul
then returned to Virginia.

The affembly being diffatisfied with the i.iiaii jy .>:.•.
they held their lands, petitioned the proprietaries, ihut the pc^

Vol, ill. D

i8 • GENERAL DESCRIPTION

pie of Albemarle might hold their poffeffion on the fame terrr.3>
on which the Virginians enjoyed theirs, which was granted.

In 1665, the proprietaries appointed John Yeamans, a refpec-
table planter of Barbadoes, commander in chief of Clarendon
county, (tretching f^om Cape Fear to the river St. Mathco, and
he was at the iame time created a baronet. To fecure its prof-
perity, the fame powers were conferred, and the fame conflrtution
cftublifhed, as thofe which had made Albemarle happy.

A lettlement was alio projefted to the fouthward of Cape Ro-
miin, which acquired the name of Carteret. Thus a variety of
feparate and independent colonies, each of which had its own
government, its own ailembly, its own cufloms and laws, were
eflablifhed in Carolina.

In Jui.e the proprietaries obtained a fccond charter, which
recited and confirmed the former. They were enabled to ma^ke
laws for the province, with the confent of the freemen of their
delegates ; arid likewife to grant titles of honour by the creation
of a nobility. No one prerogative of the crown was rcferved,
except the iovereign dominion,

Samuel Stephens, Efrj. was appointed governor of Albemarle
in Oftober 1667, and was commanded to aft agreeable to the
ndvicc of a council of twelve, the one half of which he was to
appoint, the other was to be chofeji by the affembly. The Af-
fembly was to be conipofed of the governor, the council, -find
twelve delegates cholen annually by the freeholders. Various
rcaulations provided for the lecurity of property ; and no taxes
were to be impol'cd without the confent of the Affembly. The
proprietaries miglit mean no more, tlian that neither they, nor
the governor and council, Ihould impofe taxes without the
confent of the Affembly ; but the mode of exprefiion tended to
confirm the people at large in the opinion of their being ex-
empted from all taxes which had not the con lent of their own
Affembly. The fettlers had their lands confirmed, and granted
to be now held by the free tenure of foccage, expreffing a cer-
tain rent and independence. All men arc declared entitled to
equal privileges, on taking the oath of allegiance to the king,
and of fidelity to the proprietaries.

It was not till 1669 that an Affembly conflitutcd as above
mentioned was convened ; when it was enafted, " none fliould
be lued during five-years for any caufe of aftion arifin" out of
the country, and none ihall accept a power of attornev, to
receive tlic debts contiatled abroad." Hence this colony

OFT HE -SO U THE R N S TATE S. : .3

was long confidered as the refuge of the criminal, and the
afylum of the fugitive debtor.

The proprietaries at length, diffatisfied v.lth every fyfteni
which they had hitherto deviled for the government of their
province, figned in July a body of fundamental conflitutions
compiled by the celebrated Locke, giving a* a realbn, " That
we may cftablilh a government agreeable to the monarchy o-f
which Carolina is a part, and may avoid making too numerous
a democracy."

By this edift a palatine was to be chufen from among the
proprietaries for life ; who was to aft as prefident of the jialatine
court, compofed of the whole, which was intruilcd with the
execution of the powers of the charter. A body of hereditary
nobility was created, and denominated landgraves and cacia;ics-,
the former were to be invelled with four baronies, each confi fir-
ing of twelve thouland acres, the latter to have two, containing
one half of that quantity; and thefe eftates were to*defcend
with the dignities infeparable. There were to be as many land-
graves as counties, and twice as many caciques, but no more.
Two fifths of the counties, flylcd ilgniorics and baronies, were
to be poffelTcd by the nobility ; the other three fil\hs. called the
colonies, were to be left among the people.

The provincial legiilature, dignified with the nair.c of Parlia-
ment, was to be biennial, and to confifl of the proprietaries or
landgraves, or the deputy of each, of the cacique nobility and.
of the reprefentativcs of the freeholders of every diftrift, who
were to meet in one apartment, and every member to enjoy an
equal vote : but no bufmefs ^vas to be propoied till it had beeu
debated in the grand council, whofe duly it Avas to prepare
bills for parliamentary confideration. The Grand Council was
to be compofed of the governor, the nobility, and the deputies
of the proprietaries [theft beins, ahfcnt.) and was inveflcd with
the executive of the province. The Church of Kngland was
alone to be allowed a public maintenance by Parliament ; but
every congregation might tax its own members for the fup-
port of its own miniftcrs ; and to every one was allowed,
pcrfeft freedom in religion. However the moft; degrading
(liivery was introduced, by invefling in eveiy man the pro-
perty of his negro.*

Lock.e"s Works, vol. iv p. r;o,
D 2

20 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Thcfe cnftitiitions, confi fling of one hundred and twenty
articles, and containing a great variety of perplexing regulations,
were declared to be the lacred and nnaUerable rule of govern-
ment in Carolina for ever : and vet they were never altogether
adopted. The parties engaged in this a6t of legiflation fhould
have reflefted, that the inhabitants had fettled on conditions
which were no longer in their power to abrogate ; and that in
the forms of government which had been actually eftabliflied,
the people had required an intercft whicli could not be taken
away without their conlent.

A number of' emigrants were fent over in January, iS-yo,
under William Sayle, Elq. appointed governor of that part of
the coaft which lies fouth-wefh of Cape Carteret, to form a colo-
ny at Port Royal. They arrived fafe ; and as it was found im-
prafticable to conform to the conftitutions, it was determined to
keep as clofe to them as pofllble. Sayle dying, Sir John Yea-
mans had his command extended to and over this colony, in
Auguft, 1671. This year feveral planters reforted from Cla-
rendon on the north, and Port-Roval on the fouth, to the banks
of Afhley river, for the convenience of pafture and tillage, and
laid on the firfl; high land the foundation of old Charlefton,
The proprietors promulgated temporary laws, till through a
fufEcient number of inhabitants, government could be admi-
niftered according to the fundamental conftitutions. The tem-
porary laws were of no long duration, being derided by a people
without whofe confent they had been eftablifhed.

In May, i6'74, Jofeph Weft, Efq. was appointed governor of
the fouthern colony, in the room of Sir John Yeamans, with
whofe conduft the proprietaries were diffalisiied. But the dif-
ficulty of eftablifhing the colony was not overcome for years ; not
till people repaired to it at their own experife, and men of eftate
ventured thither under the full perluafion of being fairly treated.
In expc6lition of fuch treatment, the Diilenters being harafl'ed by
perfecutions in England, and dreading a Popiih fucceflbr, emi-
grated to Carolina in great numbers, and made a confiderable part
of the inhabitants. They acquired the honour of introducing
religion into the province, while they ftrcngthened it alfo by
their perlonal accelhons. But the promiling appearances of the
country inviting over many of a very diflerent ftamp, after a
while difturbanccs followed.

The planters being informed that the Oyfter-Point, fo deliglU-
fully formed by the confluence of the rivers Afhley and Cooper,
was more convt-nicnt liian what was lixcd upf>n eight years befoVe,

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES, 2;

and the proprietaries encouraging their inclination, they began
to remove, and in the year 1680, laid the' foundation of the pre-
Icnt Charleflon, and built thirty houles. It was inftantly c'c-
clared the port for the purpoles of traffic, and the capiul
for the adiiiinillration of government. It was long unhealtiiy •
but the adjacent country being now cleared and cultivated, it
is allowed to enjoy the moft falubrious air of Carolina.

Though the province had been formed into manors and baro-
nies, it was not till 1682 that it was divided into three counties.
In the autumn of this year, Governor Weft held a Parliament,
and afterward immediately refigned his adminiftration to Mr.
Joleph Morcton. Thence commenced a reiterated change of
governors. Kyrle, Weft, Quarry, and Moreton, were fucccf-
fivcly appointed. There was a fimilar change of every public
officer. Thefe changes produced turbulence and fa£lion, and
the fcenes of anarchy produced by thefe meafures were not
changed, nor the condition of the colony mended, by the arrival
of Governor Seth Sothel, in 1683, wlio was lent in hope of
quieting the dilorders by his autliority, as he h;id purchafed
Lord Clarendon's fhare of the province. He v/as guilty of
fuch bribery, extortion, injuftice, rapacity, brfcach oftruft, and
difobedience of orders, for five years, that the inhabitants,
driven almoft to dcipair, feized him with a view of lending him
to England to anlwer to their complaints ; but upon his entrea-
ties, and offering to fubmit their mutual accufations to the next
AfTembly, they accepted his propofal. 1"he Affembly gave
judgment againft him in all the above-mentioned particulars,
and compelled him to abjure the country for twelve months,
and the government for ever.

Charlefton having been made the provincial port, the firft
colleftor was eftablifhed there in 1685. The governor and coun-
cil were at the fame time ordered, " Not to fail to fliow their
A)rwardnefs in aflifting the collection of the duty on tobacco
tranlported to other colonies, and in feizing fhips that prelumed
to trade contrary to the afts of navigation." Little regard was
paid to orders fo contrary to the views of every one. An illicit
trade was not only praclifed, but juftiticd under a claufe of
the patent, which the people confidered of fuperior force to
the law. Though the royal grant of 1665 was ]f)aired fuble-
quent to the aft of navigation, the preient exemption was
infifted upon with tlie fame fpirit, that it was contended during
this reign, that a king of England may dilpenie with the law.

2i GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Tlie principle of the Carolinians, and the dnt|rinc fo falhionjble
at the Court of James, were therefore exaftly the lame.

James Colleton, Elq. a proprietary, \vas appoiiued: governor
in Augurt. 1686. , The next year he cailed an Aflembly, in
which he and his party took upon them to pafs iuch laws as loft,
him the ailVtlions of the people. During the" ferments that
followed, Seth Sotxiel, whom we have leen bani(hed from Albe=
m^rle, luddcnly arrived at Charleflon. Countenanced by a pow-
erful party, and preiuming on liis powers as a proprietary, he
Icized the reins of governmci:t in 1600, notwithflanding
til© oppofition of the governor and council. A general return
of members was procured, who readily fanftioned by,-their votes
■whatever was uittated by thofe who had thus acquired power.
Colleton, whofe conduft had been' -far from blamcleis, was
inftantly impeached 'of high crimes and mifdemeanors, difabled
from holding any office, and- banifhed. Others were fined,
imprilbncd, and expelled the province. The proprietaries
appointed a new governor, and in the year, 1692, upon the
rcquifition of tlie Carolinians, abrogated Mr. Locke's fyf-
tcm of Liws, the fundainentol conditutions. which, from having
anfwcred their end, introduced only difHitisfaclion and diforders,
that were not cured till the final diffolution of the proprietary
government.* The operation and fate of Mr. Locke's lyflem
may convince us of this truth, that a perfon '• may defend the
principles of liberty and the rights of makind, with great abili-
ties and fuccefs : and yet after all, when called upon to produce
a plan of IcgiflaiioUj he may aftoniOi the world with a fignal
abfurdity.'M-

Governor -Archdalc arrived at Carolina in Auguft 1695 : he
managed with great prudence, and fucceedod fo well tiiat the
AtTembly voted him an addreis of thanks, ii'.- was fucceeded
by Jofcph Blake,. Kiq. whofe fentiments were lb liberal, that
though a DilTcnter, he prevailed with the AfTeinbly to fettle
one hundred and fifty pounds per annum upon the Epifcopal
minifler at Charleflon, for ever, and likewiie to furnifh him
with a good houfe, a glebe, and two fcrvants. A very different
fpirit wrought in the Earl of Bath, when he fucceeded to the
power of palatine, and became eldefl proprietaiy, in 1701 : being
'a zealot lor the Church of England, he was ambitious of ef-

* Chalmers' Political Annals, undfv the heud of Caiolina.
+ Defence of tlie American- Conftitutioiis of Government, by Jobn Adimi.,
pfq. p. 365.

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. p^

-blifhing its worfhip, and excluding- non-epifcopalians from a
.ijLTC in the government of Carolina : a fimilar principle was at
iaat time too prevalent in Englnnd. His views were feconded
by the pliability of Governor Moor, who was after a while
fucceeded by Sir Nathaniel Johnfon. Then the AiVenibly being
convened, a bill wab brought in for the more effeftual preferva-
tion of the government, by requiring all perlons cholen mem-
bers of the AUcmbly, to conform to religious worfliip, and. re-
ceive the lacrcmcnt of the Lortls Supper, according to the ufage
<'f the Church of England. By this aft, all DiiTenters were
difqualified from fitting in the AflTembly. though legally elcfted
and the candidate who had the grcateft number of voices, after
the difqualified Diffenter, vras to be admitted. Ihe pafiing
of. this a£l was unconllitutionai and opprefuve. Another bill
was palTed for cflablifliing religious worfhip in the province,
according to the Church of England, and alfo for the erefting
of churches, the maintenigce of minifters, and the building of
convenient parfonages. Eioth thefe acts were afterward figned
and fettled by John Lord Granville, then palatine, for himfelf

ad the other proprietors. In confeqence of the lafl; acl, many
■ ■pprelFioni were committed by the government againft the
DiiTenters, who laboured under thefe and other grievances, till
the matter at length was brought before the Houfe of Lords,
who,, having fully weighed the fame, addreflfed the Queen in
favour of tlie Carolinians, and the laws complained of in i-o5
were declared null and void.

About the year 1710, a number of Palatines from Germany,
v.ho had been reduced to circumflances of great indigence by

; calamitous war. took, up their refidence "in this State. The
proprietors of Carolina knowing that the value of their lands
depended, on the ftrength of their fettlcments, determined to
give every pof.ible encouragement to fuch emigrants. Ships
were accordingly provided for their tranfportation, and inftruc-
tions given to Governor Tynte, to allow one hundred acres of
land for every man, woman, and ciiild, free of quit rents for
the firft ten years ; but at the expiration of that term, to pay
one penny per acre annual rent, for ever, according to the
ufages and cufioms of the province. Upon tlieir arrival Govern-
or Tynte granted them a tract of land in North-Carolina, fince
called Albemarle and Bath precinfts, where they lettled, and
.littered themfelves with having found in the hideous wildernefs,
a happy reLreut from the defoiations ^ f a w.r which then raged
in Europe.

24 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

In the year 1712, a dangerous confpiracy was formed by the
Coree and Tufcsrora tribes of Indians, to murder and expel
this infant colony. The foundation for this confpiracy is not
known ; probably they were offended at the incroachments upon
their hunting ground. They managed their confpiracy with
great cunning and profound fecrecy. They furrounded their
principle town with a breaft work to fecure their families.
Here ilie warriors convened to the number of twelve hundred.
From this place of rendezvous they fent out fmull parties, by
different roads, who entered the fettlement under the mafk of
friendfliip. At ihe change of the full moon all of them had
agreed to begin their murderous operations the fame night.
When the niglit came, they entered the houfes of the planters,
demanding provifions ; and pretending to be offended, fell to
murdering men, women, and children, without mercy or diftinc-
tion. One hundred and thirty-feven fettlers, among whom
were a Swifs baron, and almoft all the poor Palatines that had
lately come into the country, were flaughtered the firft night.
Such was the fecrecy and difpatch of the Indians in this expedi-
tion, that none knew what had befallen his neighbour until
the barbarians had reached his own door. Some few, however,
efcaped, and gave the alarm. The militia affcmbled in arms,
and kept watch day and night until the news of the fad difafter
had reached the province of South-Carolina. Governor Craven
loft no time in fending a force to tlieir relief. The Affcmbly
voted four thoufand pounds for the fervice of the war. A
body of fix hundred militia, under the command of Colonel
Barnwell, and three hundred and hxty-fix Indians of different
tribes, with different commanders, marched with great expedi-
tion through a hideous wildernefs to their affiftance. In their
firlk encounter with the Indians they killed three hundred and
took one hundred prifoners. After this defeat, the Titlcororas
retreated to their fortified town, which was fliortly after furren-
dered to Colonel Barnwell. In this expedition it was computed
that near a thoufand Tulcororas were killed, wounded, and
taken. The remainder of the tribe loon after abandoned their
ci)untry, and joined the Five Nations, with whom they have
ever iiace remained. After this, the infant colony remained in
peace, antl continued to flourifh till about the year 1729, when
feven of the proprietors, for a valuable confideration, veiled
their property and jurifdiftion in the crown, and the colony was
divided into two feparate provinces, by the name of North and
South-Carolina, and their prefcnt limits eflablifhcd by an order

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 25

of George II. From this period to the revolution in 1776. the
hiftory of North-Carolina is unpubliflied, and of courfe, in a
great mcafurc, unknown, except to thole who have had accefs
to the records of the province. Some of the mofl iiriportant
events that have fmcc t:iken place, have, however, been already
mentioned in th* general hiftory of the United Slates.

South-Carolina, from the period of its becoming a feparate
colony, began to flourifh. It was protcfted by a government,
formed on the plan of the Englifli conftitution. Under the
foflering care of tiie Mother Country, its growth was aftonifh-
ingly rapid. Between the years 1763 and 177,5, the number oT
inhabitants v/as more tlian dr)ubled. No obc indulged a wifh
for a change in their political conflitutioHj till tiie memorable
llomp aCt pdfTed in 176^.

From this period till 1775. as we have feen, various attempts
were made by Great-Britain to tax her colonies, without their
confent ; thefe attempts were invariably onpofed. The Con-
grefs, who met at Philadelphia, unanimoufly approved the oppo-
lition, and on the 19th of April war commenced.

During the vigorous conteft for independence this State was
a great fufferer. For three years it was the feat of war. It
feels and laments the lofs of many refpeclable citizens, who fell
in the glorious ftruggle for the rights of man. Since the peac*
it has been emerging from that melancholy confulion and pover-
ty, in which it was generally involved by the devaftaticr.s
of a relentlefs enemy. The inhabitants are faft multiplying by
emigrations from other States ; the agricultural interclls of the
State are reviving ; commerce is nourifhing ; economy is becom-'
ing more fafliionable : and Icience begins to fpread her falutary
influences amongft the citizens. And under the opcr^tiaft of
the prclent government, this State, from her natural, commer-
cial and agricultural advantages, and the abilities of her lead-
ing charaftcrSj promifes to become one of the richcft, in the
Lniun.^

TERRITORY S. OF THE OHIO.

The eaficrn p^rts of this dilliift were exniored by Colonels
Wood, Patton, Buchanan, Captain Charles Camjjbell and Dr.
T. Walker, eacli of whom were concerned m large grr.r.ts of

* See Ramfay's Hiftory of the Revolution in Soutli-Carolina, and the Hiftory
gf Carolina and Georgia, anonymous, fuppofsd to bs by He-.velt.
Vol. 111. * £

2.6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

lands from the government, as early as between the years of
1740 and 1750. In 1754, at the commencement of the French
•war, not more than fifty families had fettled here, who were
either deuroyed or driven off by the Indians before the clofe
of the following vcar. It remained uninhabited till 1765, when
the fettlement of it rc-commenced ; and, in 1773? fuch was
tb.e vail accclTion of emigrants, that the country, as far weft as
the long ifland of Holftein, an extent of more than one hun*
dred and twenty miles in length from eaft to weft, was well
peopled.

In 1774, a war broke out with the northern Indians over
the Ohio, which ilTued in their fuing for peace, which was
granted them en eafy terms.

The year 1776 was fignalized by a formidable invafion cf the
Cherokccs. corxtrived by the Britifli fuperintendant, Mr. Steuart.
Their intention was to depopulate the country as far as the
Kanhawa, becaufe this brave people had rejefted, with a noble
firmnefs and indignation, the propofals of Henry Steuart and
Alexander Camerion for joining the Britifh ftandard, and were
almoft unanimous in their refolution to lupport the meafures
of Congrcfs. This invaiicn terminated in a total defeat of the
Indians.

In 1780. the Tories of the weftcrn parts of North-Carolina
and Virginia, emboldened by the reduftion of Charlefton by the
Britifh, embodied in armed parties, and proceeded towards the
lead mines on the Kanhawa, to take poffeffion of Tome lead ftorcs
at that place, but were defeated in their attempt by the vigilance
of Colonel A. Campbell and Colonel Chockett.

Various other movements took place in the courfe of this
year, but the moft intcrefting and brilliant was the battle of
King's mountain, which was fought and won by about nine
hundred mountaineers, as the veteran fons of tliis- diftrift" were
called, commanded by the brave General William Campbell,
againft a party of the Britifli under the command of Colonel
Fergufon. Upwards of one ihoufand one hundred of the ene-
my were either Jcilled, wounded, or taken ; among the former
was Colonel Fergufon, an officer cf diftinguiflied merit. =^ In
aroufing the inhabitants, iffuing orders, collfcling the forces,
and in arranging and animating the men, at the place of ren-
dezvous, previous to this futccisful expedition, much WoS

* See Ramfay's Rcvol. Sof.th Carolina, vol. ii. page i8i.

OF THE SOU r HER N S T A T E S. 27

(lone by the aflivity and. decifion of Colonel Arthur Campbell,
the fenior officer of thcr diftritt, to whom much prail'e is due.

Soon after this, to defeat a meditated invufion of the Ciie-
rokce Indians, which was dilcovercd by Nancy Ward, an
Indian woman, called, from this circumitance, the wefhern
Pocahonta, Colonel A. Campbell, wiili fcven huntlied moua-
taineers, well mounted, penetrated far into the Cherokee coun-
try, introduced the new and iucccfsful mode of fighting Indiana,
on horleback, accomplilhcd his dcfigns, and returned m Janu-
ary, 1781,

Jn the celebrated battle at Guildford, Marcli 15, 1781, the
mountaineers, under General W. Campbell, who on that day
commanded with great applauic the left wing of the army, be-
haved with their ufual gallantry. This nearly cloicd the active
part which the mountain men took in the American war.

In 1782, the legiilature of North-Carolina appointed coni-
miflioners to explore the weftcrn part of the State, by which
is meant the lands included in Davidfon county, thofe between
the fouth boundary of this county, and thofe between the
rivers Miffiirippi and Tennefifee, and their orders were to re-
port to the fucceeding Icgiflature, which part was bed for the
pavment of the bounty promiled to the officers and foldiers of
the continental line of that State ; and they accordingly did
explore the bcfore-defcribed tra£l of country, and reported to
the legillature in the fpring of the year 1783. A few families
had fettled in this country in the year 1780, under the guidance
of Colonel James Robertfon, on Cumberland river, and called
the place Nafhville, in honour of Brigjdi.er-general Francis
Nafh, who fell at German towi^ in the year 1777 ; byt their
numbers were trivial until the year 1 783, after the peace had taken
place, and after an aft had palled, directing the military or boun-
ty warrants of the officers and loldicrs to be Iocatc,d in tliis
county. Theie circumllances induced many officers and foldi-
ers to repair immediately thither, to fecure and ietlle tlicir lands ;
and fuch as did net chule to go, lold their warrants to citizens
who did go : in conlcquence of thi^i, many people from idmiift
every State in the Union became purchafcr^ of theie military
v/arrants, and are fince become refidents of tlus county ; and
many valuable and opulent families have removed to it from the
Nalchcs. Colonel Robertfon, when he iettlcd at Nafiivillc,
v/as upwards of two hundred miles dillant. to the wefl-ward,
from any ether fettlement in his own Staic, and was equallv
^illant from the then fettled' parts of Kentucky. Hence it \v.]I

23 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

readily be fupportecl, that himfelf and party were in danger
every hour cf being cut off by the Indians, againft whom his
principal fccurity was^ that he was as far diftant fi-om them as
from the wliitc people ; and flender as this fecurity may appear,
his party never luftained from them any damage, but what
W.JS done by parties of hunters, who happened to find out his
fettlcment.

In 1785, in conformity to tlie rcfolves of Congrefs of April
23, 1784, the inhabitants cf this dilliift elfayed to form them-
ielves into a body politic, by the name of the " State of Frank-
land ;" but, differing among themielves as to the form of govern-
ment, and about other matters, in the iilue of which fome blood
\\.'as fhed, and being oppofed by fome leading charafters in the
eaftern parts, the Ichcme was given up, and the inhabitants
remained in general peaceable until 1790, when Congrefs efta-
bliflied their prefent government. Since this period, fome late
incurfions of the Indians excepted, the inhabitants have been
peaceable and profperous.

GEORGIA.

The fettlemsnt of a colony between t'le rivers Savannah
and Alatamaha was meditated in England in 1732, for the
accommodation of poor people in Great-Britain and Ireland,
and for the farther fecurity of Carolina. Private compafTion
and public fpirit confpired to promote the bene\'olent defign.
Humane and opulent men fuggefted a plan of tranfporting a
number of indigent families to this part of America, free of
expenfe. For thispurpofe they applied to the King, George the
Second, and obtained from him letters patent, bearing date June
g, 173-, for legally carrying into execution what they had gene-
roufly projefted. They called the new province Georgia, in ho-
nour of the King, who encouraged the plan. A corporation,
confifi-ing of twenty-one perfons, was conflitutcd by the name of
the truftees for fettling and eftablifliing the colony of Georgia,
which was feparated from Carolina by llie river Savannah. The
truftees having at firft fet an example tiiemfelves, by largely
contributing to the fchem.e, undertook alfo to fclicit benefac-
tions from others, and to apply the money towards clotli-
ing, arming, purchafing utenfils for cultivation, and tianf-
porting fuch poor people as flrould confent to go over and begin
a fettiement. They did not confine their charitable views to the
fubje£ls of Britain alone, but v.ilcly opened a door ior the

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 29

indigent and oppreffed Proteflants of other nations. To prevent
a miliinplicaliou of the money, it was dcpofited in tlic Bank of
England.

About the middle of July, 173?-, the trudees for Georgia
held their fir(l meeting, and clioie Lord Penivjl prefidenl of
the corporation, and ordered a common leal to be made. In
November following, one hundred and fixteen feltlcrs embark-
ed for Georgia, to be conveyed lliithcr free of expenle, fur-
nifhed with, every thing rcquilite lor building and i'uv cuhival-
incr the foil. James Oglethorpe, one of the trullees, and an
a6tivc promoter of the lettlement, embarked as the head and
direftor of thefe fettlers. They arrived at Charleflon early in
the next ve^i"} where they met with a friendly reception from
the governor and council. Mr. Oglethorpe, accompanied by
William Bull, fliorll)' after his arrival vifited Georgia, and
after reconnoitring the country, maiked the foot on which
Savannah now {lands, as the fittefl to begin a fcttlerncnt. Here
they accordingly began and built a imall fort, and a number of
fmall huts for their defence and accommodation. S'jch of the
fettlers as were able to bear arms were embodied, and well
appointed with ofHcers, arms and ammunition. A treaty of
friendfhip was concluded between them and their neighbours,
and the Creek Indians, and ivtuy thing wore the aipeft of peace
and future profperity.

In the mean time the truftees of Georgia had been employ-
ed in framing a plan of lettlement, and cftablifhing fuch public
regulations as they judged moft proper for anlwering the great
end of the corporation. In the general plan they confidered
each inhabitant both as a planter and as a foldisr, who muft be
provided with arms and ammunition for defence, as well as
with tools and uteulils for cultivation. As the ftrength of the
province was the objcft in view, they agreed to eftablifla fuch
tenures for holding lands in it, as they judged moft favourable
for military eflablifhment. Ecch traft of land granted v»'as con-
fidered as a military fief, for which the pofTeiTor was to appear
in arms, and take the field, when called upon for the public
defence. To prsivent large trafts from falling, in piocefs of
time, to one perlon, they agreed to grant their lands in tail
male, in preference to tail general. On the termination of the
euate in tail male, the lands were to revert to truft : and fuch
lands thus reverting were to be granted again to {ucih perlons,
as the common conned of the trull fliould judge mun. advanta-
geous for the colony; only the truflees in fuch a cale were to
pay fpecittl regard to the daugluers of fuch perlons as had made

29 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

improvements on their lots, efpecially when not alrcadv pror
yided for by marriage. The wives of fuch perlons as fliould
lurvive them, were to be, during their lives, entitled to tlie
manlion-houlc, and one half of tlie lands improved by their
huibands. No man was to be permitted to depart the province
without licence. If any of tiie I.mds granted by the truftees
were not cultivated, cleared and fenced round about with a
worm fence, or pales fix feet high, within eighteen years from
the date of the grant, fuch part was to revert to the truft, and
the grant with rcfpefl; to it to be void. All forfeitures for non-
lefidences, high tieafons, felonies, &c. were to the trullees,
for the ule and benefit of the colony. The use of negroes

TO BE ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED, audalfo, THE IMPORTA-
TION OF RUM, None of the colonifhs were to be permitted
to trade with the Indians, but fuch as fliould obtain a fpecial
licence for that purpofe.

Thefe were fome of the fundamental regulations eflabllfhed
by the truibees of Georgia, and perhaps the imagination
could Icarcely have framed a lyflem of rules, worle adapted to
the circumftances and fituation of the poor lettlers, and of
more pernicious coniequence to the profperity of the province.
Yet, although the truftees were greatly miflaken with rcfpect
to the plan of lettlemcnt, it muft be acknowledged their views
were generous. As the people fent out by them were the
poor and unfortunate, who were to be provided with neeeffa-
ries at their public ftore, they received their lands upon condi-
tion of cultivation, perlonal rciidance, and defence.

Silli. and wine being the chief articles intended to be raifed,
they judged negroes were not requifite for thcfc purpoies. As
the colony was defigned to be a hairier to South-Carolina
againft the Spanilli Ictllcmcnt at AuguRuie, ih.ey imagined
that negroes would rather wc<iken than ftrengthcn it, and that
fuch poor colonills would run in debt, and ruin thcmielves
by purchr.fing them. Rum was judged pernicious to health,
and ruinous to the infant Ictilement, A fiee trade with the
Indians was a thing that might have had a tendency to have
involved the people in ouarrcls and troubles v/ith the powerful
favages, and have exp<jled them to danger and dcftru£ti.on.
Such were, probably, the motives which induced the truflccs
to impolc inch foolifli and ridiculous reflriftions on the colony.
For by granting their fmall cflatcs in tail male, they drove the
fettlers from (jcorgia, who ioun foimd that abundance of lands
could be obtained in America upon a larger Icale, and on much
belter terms. By the prohibition of negroes, an acl wLitli

OF THE SOUTHER N S TA TE S. 51

we muft, however, have praifed if it had originated in princi-
ples of humanity, they rendered it iinprafticable, in fuch a cli-
mate, to make any inipreffion on the thick forefts, Europeans
being utterly unqualified for the heavy tafk. By difcharging
a trade with the Weft-Indies, they deprived the colonills of
an excellent and convenient market for their lumber, of which
they had abundance on their lands. The truftecs, like other
diftant leglflators, were liable to many errors and miftakes ; and
however good their defign, their rules were found improper
and imprntlicable. The Carolinians plainly perceived that they
would prove infurmountable obftacles to the progrefs and
profperity of the colonv, and therefore, from motives of pitv,
began to invite the poor Georgians to come over Savannah
river and fettle into Carolina, being convinced that tliey
could never iucceed under luch impolitic and opprefTive
reftriftions.

Befides the large fums of m.oney which the truftees had
expended for the lettlement of Georgia, the Parliament liid alfo
granted, during the two lafl vears, thirty-fix thoufand pounds
towards carrying into execution the purpofe of the corporation.
But after the reprefentation and memorial from the legiflature of
Carolina reached Britain, the nation confidered Georgia to be
of the utmoft importance to the Britifh fettlements in America,
and began to make ftill more vigorous efibrts for its fpeedv
population. The firfl embarkations of poor people from Eng-
land, being collected from towns and cities, were found equally
as idle and ufclcfs members of fociety abroad as they had been
at home. An hardy and bold race of men, inured to rural la-
bour and fatigue, they were perfuaded. would be much better
adapted both for cultivation and defence. To find men pof-
leffed of thefe qualifications, they turned their eyes to Germany
and the Elighlands of Scotland, and refolved to fend over a
number of Scotch and German labourers to their infant pro-
vince. When they publiflicd their terms at Invernefs, an
hundred and thirty Highlanders immediately accepted them,
and were tranfported to Georgia. ' A townfhip on the river
Alatamaha, which was confidered as the boundary between the
Britifh and Spanifh territories, was allotted for the Iliglanders,
in which dangerous fituation they fettled, and built a town,
which they called New-Invernefs. About the lame time an
hundred and feventy Germans erriLaikcd with James Oglethorpe,
and were fixed in another quarter ; lo that, in the fpace of
tkree years. Georgia received above four hundred Britifh fub-

32 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

jefts, and aboi.t an hundred and feventy foreigners. After-
wards feveral adventurers both from Scotland and Germany, fol-
lowed their countiymcn, and added farther flrength to the pro-
vince, and the truftces flattered themfclves with the hope of
foon feeing it in a promifing condition.

Their hopes, however, were vain : their injudicious regu-
lations and redrifttions, the wars in which they were involved
with the Spaniards and Indians, and the frequent infurreftions
among themfelves, threw the colony into a ftate of confufion
and wretchednefs ; their oppreiTed fituation was reprelented to
the truftees by repeated complaints ; till at length, finding that
the province languiflicd under their care, and with the com-
plaints of the people, they, in the year 1752, furrendered their
charter to the King, and it was made a royal government. In
confequcncc of wJiich, his Majefly. appointed John Reynolds^
an officer of the navy, governor of the province, and a legifla-
ture, fimilar to that of the other royal governments in America^
was eftablifhed in it. Great had been the expenfe which the
Mother Country had already incurred, befides private bene-
faftions, for fupporting this colony ; and fmall had been the
returns yet made by it. The vefliges of cultivation were
I'carcely pcrccptable in the forefls, and in England all commerce
with it was negleflcd and defpifed. At this time the whole
annual exports of Georgia did not amount to ten thoufana
pounds fterling. Though the people now poffeffed the fame
liberties and privileges which were enjoyed bv their neighbours,
yet feveral years elapfed before the value of the lands in Georgia
M'as known, and that fpirit of induftry broke out in it^
which afterwards diffufed its b^ppy influence over the
country.

In the year 1740, the late Rev. George Whitefleld found-
ed an orphan houl'c academy in Georgia, about twelve miles
from Savannah. For the fupport of this, he collefted large
funis of money from all denominations of Chrillians, both in
England and America. A part of this money was expended
in erefting pr(>per buildings to accommodate the fhudents, and
a part in fupporting them. In 1768 it was propofed, that the
orphan houle fhould be erefted into a college ; whereupon Mr.
Whitefield applied to the Crown for a charter, but, in confe-
qucncc of fome difputc. the aflair of a charter was given up,
and Mr. Whitefield made his aflignmcnt of the orphan houle,
in trull, to the late Countefs of Huntingdon. Mr. Whitefield
died at Newbury port, in New-England, September 3c, 1770,

OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 33

in the fifty-fixth vcnr of his age, and was buried under the
Preityterian church in that place.

Soon after his death, a charter was granted to his inditution
in Georgia, and the Rev. Mr. Piercy wis appointed prefidcnt of
the college. Mr. Piercy accordingly went over to execute his
office, but, unfortunately, on the 30ch of May, 177.5, ^^^ orphan
houle building caught fire, and was entirely conlumed, except
the two wings, which are Hill remaining. The American war
foon after came on, and put every thing into confufion, and the
funds have ever fincc lain in an unproduftive ftate. It is pro-
bable, that the college cllate may hereafter be fo incorporated
with the univerfity of Georgia, as to fubfcrve the original and
pious purpoles of its founder.

From the time Georgia became a royal government, in 1752,
till the peace of Paris, in 1763, ihe ftrugglcd under many dif-
ficulties, arifing from the want of credit from friends, and the
frequent moleftations of enemies. The good effefts of the oeace
were fenfibly felt in the province of Georgia. From this
time it began to flouriili, under the fatherly care of Governor
Wright,

During the late war Georgia was over-run by the Britifli
troops, and the inhabitants were obliged to flee into the neigh-
bouring States for fafety. The lufferings and loflfes of its citiaens
were as great, in proportion to their numbers and wealth, as in
any of the States. Since the peace the progrefs of the popula-
tion of this State has been rapid : its growth in improvement and
population has, however, been checked by the hoflile irruptions
of the Creek Indians, which have been frequent, and very dif-
trefling to the frontier inhabitants.*

Having thus briefly flcetched the hifl;ory of the fettlement of
the States comprehended in this divifion, wc now proceed to a
more particular defcription of them.

* For a more minute hiflorical account of this State, fee Hcwiu's Hiftory
of South-Carolina and Georgia,

Vol. Ill,

STATE Of

M A R Y L A xNJ D.

SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDAPvIES.

X

HIS State is ntuated between 37^ 56^ and 39*^ 44' norti?
latitude, and o^' and 4*^ 30' weit longitude, from Philadelphia —
its length is about one hundred and thirty-four miles, and its
breadth one hundred and ten. It is bounded on the north by
the State of Pennfylvania ; on the eaft by the State of Delaware ;
and on the fouth-eaft and foutll by the Atlantic ocean ; and a
line drawn from the ocean over the peninfula (dividing it from
Accomack county in Virginia) to the mouth of the Potomack
river ; thence up the Potomack to its fource ; thence by 2
north line till it interfefts the fouthern boundary of Pennfyl-
vania, in latitude 39° 43^ 18': fo that it has Virginia on the
fouth, fouth-wcft and weft ; it contains about fourteen thoufand
f(^uare miles, of which from one-fixth to one-fourth it water,

AIR AND CLIMATE.

The climate of this State is in general mild and agreeable,
fuited to agviculiural produftions, and a great variety of fruit
trees ; the air in the interior of the country is falubrious, and
favourable to the inhabitants, who, in the hilly parts, are as
healthy as in any part of the Union ; but in the flat lands, in
the neighbourhood of marfhes and ftagnant waters, as in the other
Southern States, they are fubjeft to intermittents and other
complaints common to fwampy fituations.

FACE OF THE COUNTRY, &c.

Eaft of the blue ridge of mountains, which ftrefches acrofs
the weftern part of this State, the land, like that in all the
Southern States, v generally level and free of ftones ; and ap-

OF MARYLAND. 35

•pears to have been made much in the fame way ; of courfe
the foil mufc be firailar, and the natural growth not remarka-
bly different.

The ground is uniformly level and low in moft of the coun-
ties on the eaftern fhore, and confcquently covered in many
places with ftagriant water, except where it is inteifefted by
numerous creeks. Here alfo are large trafts of marfh, which,
during the day, load the aimofphere with vapour, that again fails
in dew in the clofe of the fummer and fall feafons.

Chefapeak bay divides this State into the eaftern and weflern
divifions. This bay, which is the largeft in the United States,
has been already dcfcribed.* It affords many good fifheries,
and is remarkable for the excellence of its crabs, and alfo for a
particular fpccies of wild duck, called canvas back. In a
commercial view, this bay is of immenfe advantage to the State ;
it receives a number of large rivers. From the eaftern fliore in
Maryland, among other fmaller ones, it receives the Pocomoke,
Nantikokc, Choptank, Chefter and Elk rivers; from the north,
the rapid Sufquchannah ; and from the weft, ^the Patapfco,
Severn, Patuxent and Potomack, half of v/hich is in Marylandg
and half in Virginia. Except the Sufqueliannah and Potomack,
thefe are fmall rivers. Patapfco river is but about thirty or
forty yards wide at the ferry, juft before it empties into the
bafon upon which Baltimore ftands ; its fource is in York coun-
ty, in Pennfylvania ; its couri'e is fouthwardly till it reaches Elk-
ridge landing, about eight miles wcftward of Baltimore ; it then
turns eaftward, in a broad bay-like ftream, by Baltimore, which
it leaves on the north, and paffes into the Chefapeak.

The entrance into Baltimore harbour, about a mile belov/
Fell's Point, is hardly piftol fhot acrofs, and of courfe may be
eafily defended againft naval force.

Severn is a fhort, inconfiderable river, paffing by Annaaoli?,
which it leaves to the louth, emptying, by a broad mouth, into
the Chefapeak.

Patuxent is a larger river th^n the Patapfco ; it rifes in Ann-
Arundel connty, and runs fouth-eaftwardly, and then eaft into
the bay, fifteen or twenty miles north of the mouth of the Poto-
mack. There are alfo feveral fmall rivers, luch as the Wighco.
comico, Eaftern Branch, Monocafy and Conegocheas?ue, whi.ch
ft?ipty into the Potomack from the Maryland fide.

* Page 195, Vol. r,
F 2

36 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

SOIL AND FRODUCTIOXS.

The foil of the good land in Maryland is of fuch a nature
and quality as to produce from twelve to fixtcen buflicls of
•wheat, or from twenty to thirty bufhcls of Indian corn per
acre. Ten bufhcis of wheat, and fifteen bufliels of corn per
acre, may be the anniial average crops in the State at large.

Wheat and to!;?.cco arc the ftaple commodities. Tobacco is
generally cultivated in fcts, by negroes, in the following m.anner ;
The leed is fown in beds of Hn.: mould, and tranlplanted the
beginning of May ; the plants are fet at the diftance of three
or four feet from each other, and are hilled and kept continu-
ally free of weeds : when as many leaves have fhot out as the
foil will nourifh to advantage, the top of the plant is broken off,
^vhich prevents its growing higher ; it is carefully kept clear of
worms, and the luckers, which put out between the leaves, are
taken off at proper times, till the plant arrives at perfeftion,
which is in Augufl: when the leaves turn of a browni'fh colour,
and begin to be Ipotted, toe plant is cut down and hung up to
dry, after having fwcated in heaps one night. When it can be
handled without crujnbling, which is always in moid weather,
the leaves are flripped from the flalk, and tied in bundles, and
packed for exportation in hogflicads, containing eigjit or nine
hundred pounds. No fuckers nor ground leaves are allowed to
be merchantable. An indufhrious perfon may manage fix thou-
land plants of tobacco, v.hich yield a thouiand pounds, and four
acres of Indian corn.

In the interior cf>untry, on the uplands, confjderable quanti-
ties of hemp and flax are railed. As long ago as 1751, in the
month of Otlober, no Ids than fixty waggons loaded with tlax
feed came down to pjaltimore from the back country.

Two articles are faid to be peculiar to Maryland, viz, the
genuine white, wheat, which grows in Kent, Oaccn Ann's and
Talbot counties, on the eaftern fliore, and which degenerates in
other places, and the bright kite's foot tobacco, which is produ-
ced at Elkridge, en the Patuxcnt, on the wcftcrn Ihorc.

Amona other kinds of timber is the o.'k, of fcveral kinds,
which is of a flraight grain, and cafdy rives into ftaves, for
exportation. TiiC black walnut is in demand fur cabinet, tables
and other furniture. '1 he apples of this State arc large, but

OF MARYLAND. ^f

mealy ; the pcaclics plenty and good ; from thcfe the inliabitants
diftil cyder and peach brandy.

In Wcrcellcr county a Ipccics of giapc vine, of a peculiar
kind, has been dilcovercd by a Mr, Jones, of Indian river.
The bark is of a grey colour, very fmooth, and the wood of a
firm texture. Tlicy delight in the high fandy foil, but will
thrive very well in the Cyprus fwanips. The leaf is very much
like that of the Englifh grape vine, fuch as is propagated in the
gardens near riiiladclphia for table ule.

The grape is much larger than the Englifn, of an ovai
ihapc, and, when quite ripe, is black, adorned with a number
of pale red fpccks, which, on handling, rub off. The pulp is
a little like the fox giape, but in tafle more delicious. Thefe
grapes are ripe in Oftober, and yield an incredible quantity of
juice, which, with proper manngement, would no doubt make
a valuable wine.

Mr. Jones employed a p;erron to gather about three buflicis
and one peck of them when ripe, and immediately had them
preffed ; which, to his furprife, yielded twelve gallons of pure
juice, though a good quantity muft have been loft in the prefTing.

In about tu'clvc liours after putting the juice in a keg it began
to ferment, and he lufFered it to go on til.l it got to be fo violent,
that it might be heard all over a large room. It continued in
that ftate for three days. He then checked it, fearing it might
turn acid, though, he fays, he was afterwards convinced, that
if he had fuffered it to ferment as long again, it would have fepa-
rated the vinous parts from the flefliy, and given greater finenefg
to the liquor.

After this it was racked off, and before cold weather buried
!n the gnrden, the top about fix inches under ground ; where
having continued till the fummer following, he could not dilco-
ver that it had in the leaft altered, cither in tafte or colour^
He obierves farther, that, after eatinc^ a quantity of tliem. or
drinking the juice, they leave an aflringency, as claret is apt
to do.

There is an imm.cnfe quantity of thefe vines growing on the
beach, open to the lea ; and they are alfo found in great plenty
upon the ridges and in the iv/amps. Since their dilci'very Mi.
Jones has tranTpLintcd a number of them into his vineyard,
from which, in a year or two more, he e.xpcfts to make a wine
pnuch better tlinn is commonly imported.

The forcfcs abound with nuts of various kinds, which are
collcftively called irajf ; on this maft great numbers of Iwine
^re fed, which run v, ild in the woods : thcl'c fwine, .when fatvc},

3« GENERAL DESCRIPTION

are caught, killed, barrelled, and exported in great quantitieSj,
I'his tralRc formerly was carried on to a veiy confiderable
extent. Mines cf jron ore are f(jund in Teveral parts of this
State, of a luperior quality.

CIVIL DIVISIONS AND CHIEF TOWNS.

This State is divided into nineteen counties, eleven of which
are on" the weftern fhore of Chefapeak bay, viz. Hartford,
Baltimore, Ann-Arundel, Frederick, Alleganv, Wafhington,
Monigomery, Prince George, Calvert, Chailes and St. Mary's;
and eight on the eftern fhore, viz. Cecil, Kent, Queen Ann,
Caroline, Talbot, Somerlet, Dorchefter and Worccfter. The
principaltowns in this State arc as follows :

A N X A P o L I s.

Annapolis (city) is the capital of Maryland, and the wcal-
thiefl town of its fize in America ; it is fituated at the mouth of
5evern River, and was originally known by that name, which
was changed for itr. prefent one in 1694. when it was made
a port town, and the refidence of a coUeftor and naval ofHccr :
it ftands on a healthy fpot, thirty miles fouth of Baltimore, in
north latitude 29° 25' ; it is a place of but little note in the
commercial world. The houfes, about two hundred and fixty
in number, are eenerally large and elegant, indicative of great
wealth; the number of inhabitants does not exceed two thou-
fand. The defign of thofe who planned the city was to have
the whole in the form of a circle, with the fireets like radii,
beginning at the center where the State Houfe (lands, and
thence diverging in every dlieilion. The principal part of the
buldings are arranged agreeably to this aukward and ft'jpi^ plan.
It has a State Houfe^ which is an elegant builduig.

BALTIMORE,

Baltimore has had the mod; rapid grov/th of any town en the
continent, and is the fourth in hze and the fifth in trade in the
United States.* It lies in latitude 39° c. 1'. on the north fide
of Patapfco River, around what is called tlie Bafon, in which
the water at common tides, is about five or fix feet deep. Balti-
rnore is divid.^d into the town and Fell's Point by a cieek, over
which are two bridges. At Fell's Point the water is deep enough

* In point offize, the tov/ns in the United States may be ranked in thii
order —Philadelphia, New-York, Eolton, Baltimore, Charlefton, &c. In poinf:
of trade, New-York, Philadelphia, Bolton, Charlelton. BaUimoic, &c.

OF MARYLAND. 3'^

fer fhips of burden ; but fmall vcffcls only g<^ up to the town.
The fituatlon of the town is low, and was formerly unhealthy;
but the increafe of houfes, and, of couiTe, of fmoke, the ten-
dency of which is to dcflroy or uifpel damp and unwhulefome
vapours, and the improvements that have been made, particularly
that of paving the ftrects, have rendered it tolerably healthy.
The houfes were numbered in 1787. and found to he one thou_
frrid nine hundred and fifly-five, about twelve hundred of
which were in the town, and the reft at Fell's Point ; the
prefent number is about two thoufand three hundred. The
number of warehoufes and ftores are from one hundred and
eighty to two hundred, and of churches nine, which belong to
German Calvinifts and Lutherans, Epilcopalians, Prefbvterians,
Roman Catholics, Baptifts, Methodifts, Quakers and Nicolites^
or New Quakers. The number of inhabitants in the town
and precincls, according to the ccnfus of 179O; was t/iirtecn
thoufand five hundred and three ; they have greatly rnereafed
fince that time.

Market-ftreet is the principal ftreet in the town, and runs
nearly eaft and weft a mile in length, parallel with the water :
this is croffed by feveral other ftreets leading from the water,
a number of which, particularly Calvert, S'.'Uth and Gay ftreets
are well built. North and eaft of the tov/n the land riles and
affords a fine profpeft of the tov.'n and bay. Belvidera, the
feat of Colonel Howard, exhibits a fine landlcape — tlie town —
the point — the fhipping, both in the bafon and at Fell's Point —
the bay, as far as the eye can reach— the rifmg ground on the
right and left of the harbour — a grove of trees on the declivity
at the right — a ftream of water breaking over the rocks at the
foot of the hill on the left — all confpire to complete the beauty
and grandeur of the profpeft.

G £ O R G E - T O W I : .

George-town ftands on the bank of the Potomack river, about
an hundred an fixty miles from its entrance into Chefapeak bay.
The ground on which it ftands is very broken, being a cluftcf
•f little hills, which thongh at preient elevated confiderably
above the furface of the river, were, probably, at fome former
period ovfi flowed, as at the depth of eight or ten feet below
the furface marine fhells having been found. Dr. Martin con.
eludes an account of the cliinatc and dileales of this town in
the following words ;

'• Upon the whole, George-town and its vicinity may be con-
fidered as a healthy part of America ; and in any difputes

40 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

about the propriety of the feat of the general government being
fixed here, no objeftion cau be urged againft, it on account of
its difeafes."

FREDERICK-TOWN.

Frederick-town is a fine flourifliing inland tow'n, of upwards of
three hundred houfes, built principally of brick and ftone, and
molUy on one broad ftrect : it is fituated in a fertile country,
about four miles fouth of Catokton mountain, and is a place of
confiderable trade; it has four places for public worfhip ; one for
Prefbyterians, two for Dutch Lutherans and Calvanifts, and one
for Baptifts ; befidcs a public goal and a brick market- houfe.

HAGARS-TOWN.

Hagars-town is but little inferior to Frederick-town, and is
fituated in the beautiful and well-cultivated valley of Conego-
cheague, and carries on a confiderable trade with the weftern
country.

ELKTON.

Elkton is fituated near the head of Chefapeak bay, on a fmall
river which bears the name of the town. It enjoys great advan.
tages from the carrying-trade between Baltimore and Philadelphia
and the tides ebb and flow up to the town.

POPULATION.

In i'y82 the number of inhabitants in this State, including
flaves, was two hundred and fifty-four thoufand and fifty. Ac-
cording to the cenfus of 1790 it was as follows ;

OF MARYLAND,

4t

MARYLAND.

=

1 .

c

._o

1

COUNTIES

g

iS

CJ

A X D'

TOWNS.

E a.

IS

CI 13

«J 1-

0

>

CO

i

Harh>rd Loiuily,

,^T:

2810

5x00

7 7v

3417

1497!^

Baltimore do.

5 '8,

4668

910 1

604

5877

25434

Baltimore Town 1
and Precinfts J

386f

255^

5503

3 ''3

125;

13503

Ann- Arundel count)

3M

2850

567^

801

10130

22598

Frederick do.

yOio

7016

12911

213

3^4 =

30791

Allegany do. - -

io6«

128.;

2 '18 8

1 2

2.58

4809

W'afhington do. -

.'^7 3^

3803

6871

64

128!

15822

Montgomery do.

3^«'i

2746

564^,

29

603c

18003

Prince George do.

265.

2503

4848

16,;

1117'-

21344

Calvert do.

1091

1 100

20 1 !

13''

430

8652

Charles do.

--5^5

2399

5160

40-j

1008^

20613

St. Mary's do. - -

3100

1943

4173

343

698/

15544

Cecil do. - - -

2847

-377

483-

16

3407

136^5

Kent do. - - -

{876

'54 7

33^,^

65.'

54 33

12836

(>ueen Ann's do. -

2158

1974

4039

618

6674

i54(\3

Caroline do. - -

1812

1727

348.

421

20,7

9^06

i'albot do. - -

1938

171 ■.

3581

1076

4777

13084

Somerlet do.

2185

190B

417^^

268

7070

15610

Dorchcfter do.

2541

2430

5039

,;^2M

53 37

1587:

Worcefter do. - -

198,3

igi(

3725

17H

38 ,r.

1 1640

T C, 0 1 '

^1.33^)

101 3') T

8o.i3

1 10 soy

.;.9 7 28

Bv comparing thefe two accounts, the increafe appears to be
fixiv-five thou'and fix hundred and feventy-eight in eight years,
or eight thouland two hundred and fix per annum — reckoning,
therefore, only on the lame proportion of increale, the pvefeut
number of inhabitants in this State cannot be lels than three
hundred and fitty thouland.

RELIGION AND CHARACTER.

The Romen Catholics, who were tlie firfl fettlcrs in Mary-
land, are the molt numerous religious (e£t. BelHJes thefe, there
are Proteflant Epifcopalians, Englilh, Scotch, and Irifh Prefby-

Vol. IlL G

42' GENERAL DESCRIPTION

teriarts, German Calvinifts, German Lutherans, Friends, Baptifls,
Methodifts, Menonifts and Nifolites, or new Quakers, who all
enjoy liberty of confcicnce.

There are many very rcfpeclable families in Baltimore who
live genteelh', are hofpitable to ftrangers, and maintain a friendly
and improving intercourfe with each other ; but the bulk of
the inhabitants, recently colle61ed from almoft all quarters of
the world, bent on the purfuit of wealth, vaiying in their
habits, their manners, and their religions, have yet their gene-
ral character to form.

The inhabitants, except in the populous towns, live on theip
plantations, often leveral miles diftant from each other. To an
inhabitant of the middle, and efpecially of the eaftern States,
which are thickly populated, they appear to live very retired
unfocial lives. The efFefts of this comparative folitude are
Vifible in the countenances, as well as in the manners and drefs
of many of the country people. You obferve comparatively
little of that cheerful i'prightlinefs of look and aftion, which is
the invariable and genuine offspring of fecial intercourfe; nor
do you find that attention paid to drefs which is common, and
which cuflom has rendered- neceffary among people who are
liable to receive company almoft every day : unaccuftomed, in a
great meafurc; to frequent and friendly vifits, they often fuf-
fer too much negligence in their drefs. As the negroes per-
form all their manual labour, iheir mafters are left to faunter
away life in floth, and too often in ignorance. Thefe obferva-
tions, however, muft, in juftice, be limited to the people in the
country, and to thofe particularly whofe poverty or parfimony
prevents their fpending a part of their time in populous towns,
or otherwifc mingling with the world ; and with thefe limita-
tions, they will equally apply to all the foutliern States. The
inhabitants of the populovis towns, and thofe from the country
who have intercourle with them, are, in their manners and cui-
toms, genteel and agreeable.

That pride which grows on fl^very, and is habitual to thofe
who, from their infancy, are taught to believe and feel their
fnperiority, is a viable charafteriflic of the inhabitants of Mary-
land ; but with this charafteriftic we muft not fail to conneft
that of hofpitality to ftrangers, which is equally univerfal and
obvious. Many of the women poQels all the amiable, and many
of the elegant accomplilliments of their lex.

The inhabitant's are made up of variuus nations of many
diftcrcn: religious fcr.timents ; few general obicrvations, there-
fore, of a charaacriftical kind will apply : it may be faid, how-

OT' MARY LAN D^ 43

ever, with great truth, that they are in genet?l very fed-^ral,
and friends to good government. They owe little money as a
State, and are willing and able to dilcharge their debts: their
credit is very good ; and akhough they have fo great a propor-
tion of flaves, yet a number of influential pcrfons evinced their
humanity and their diipofition to abolifti fo curled and difrepu-
table a trafRc, by forming themfelves into " a fociety for the abo-
lition of negro flavery." What pleafure mufl it afford thefe
exalted charafters, as well as every other friend of humanity, to
refleci:, that what they undertook as individuals, has been at
►length fully approved of, and completely accomplifhed by the
federal government, who by an aft that will refleft honour up-
on it to the late ft period of time, have fct bounds to the infa-
mous diftinftion between men whose only f.eal differe!;ce
IS COLOUR, and who have fecured, without injuftice or injury
to any individual, at an early period, the entire abolition of
flavery in name and praftice. We join the general wifh of
thofe whofe object is the general happinefs of the human race —
that the fpirit of philanthropic liberty in the breaft of every in-
dividual in the Union, may fecond and cherifh the efforts of the
government in extending the knov/ledge and enjoyment of ths
lights of man to an hitherto enflaved world,

TRADE AND MANUFACTURES,

Furnaces for running iron ore into pigs and hollow ware,
and forges to refine pig iron into bars, are numerous, and work-
ed to great extent and profit. This is the only mauufafture of
importance carried on in the State, except it be that of wheat
into flour and curing tobacco.

The trade of Maryland is principally carried on from Balti-
more, with the other States ; with the Weft-Indies, and with
fome parts of Europe, To thefe places they fend annually about
thirty thouland hogfheads of tobacco, befides large quantities of
wheat, flour, pig iron, lumber, and corn ; beans, poik, and flax
feed in Imaller quantities ; and receive in return, clothing fur
themfelves and negroes, and other dry goods, wines, fpirits,
fugars, and other Weft- India commodities. The balance is ge-
nerally in their favour.
The total amount of exports from Baltimore 'l Dols, Ct?.
from Oft. 1, 1789, to Sept, 30, 1790, was J z^o^n.'^n'^ 64
\''aiue of imports for the fame lime - - - 1,94.3.899 55
Exports from Oft. a, i-ygOjto Sept. 30, 1791 3. 131. 22-7 j^

G 2

44 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

During the laft mentioned period, the quantity of wheat ex-
ported was two hundred hve thouland five hundred and ieven-
ty-one bufhcls ; Indian corn, two hundred rive thouland lix
hundred and forty-three ditto ; buck wheat, four thouland two
hundred and eighty-ljx ditto ; peas, ten thoufand fix liundrcd
and nineteen ditto ; befides one hundred and fifiv-one thouland
four hundred and fortv-five barrels of wheat fl-our ; four thour
land three hundred and twenty-five ditto. Indian meal ; fix thou-
land leven hundred and iixty-one ditto, bread; and three thou-
land one hundred and four kegs of crackers.

SEMINARIES OF LEARNING, &c.

Wafhington academy, in Somerfet county, was infiitutcd by
law in 1779: it was founded, and is fupported, by voluntary
lubfcriptions, and private donations, and is authorized to re-
ceive gifts and legc'cies, and to liold two thouland acres of land^
A fupplement to the law, palfed in 1784, increaicd the number
of truilees from eleven to fifteen.

In 1782, a college was infhituted at Charloilon, in Kent
county, and was honoured with the name of ^V^\sHI^'GTON
College, after Prefident Wafhington. It is under the manage-
ment of twenty- four vifitors of governors, with power to fup-
ply vacancies and hold eflates, whole yearly value (hall not
exceed fix thoufand pounds current money. By a law enafted
in 1787, a permanent fund was granted to this inftitution of
one thouland two hundred and fifty pounds a year, currency,
out of the monies arifing from marriage licenles, fines, and for-
feitures on the eaftern fl^iore,

St. John's college was infiituted in 1785, to have alfo tv.-enty-
four trufhees, with power to keep up the iucceflion by iupplying
vacancies, and to receive an annual income of nine thouland
pounds. A permanent fund is affigned this college, of one
thoufand feven hundred and fifty pounds a year, out of the mo-
nies arifing from marriage licenfes, ordinary licenfes, fines and
forfeitures, on the weftern Ihorc. Ihis college is at Annapolis,
•where a building has been prepared for it. Very liberal fub-
fcriptions have been obtained towards founding and carrying on
thefe feminaries. The two colleges conitiiute one univeriity,
by the name of " the Univerfity of Maiyland/* whereof the
governor of the State for the time being is chancellor, and the
principal of one of them vice-chancellor, eahor by leniority or
by clettion, as may hereafter be provided for by rule or by
law. The chancellor is empowered to j^all* a meeting of the

OF MARYLAND.

45

trufliees, or a reprefcntation of feven of each, and two of thfc
members of the fiiculty of each, the principal being one, which
meeting is ftiled, '• The Convocation of the Univcrfity of
Maryland," who are to frame the laws, preferve uniformity of
manners and literature in the colleges, confer the higher degieeSj
determine appeals, &c.

The Roman Catholics have alfo erefted a college at George-
town, on the Accomack river, for the promotion of general litera-
ture.

In 1785, the Methodifts inftituted a college at Abingdon, in
Harford county, by the name of Cokcfbury college, after
7'homas Coke, and Francis Allibury, bijliops of the Methodift
Epifcopal Church. The college edifice is of brick, handfomely
built on a healthy fpot, enjoying a fine air, ^and a very extenfive
prolpeft.

The (ludents, who are to coufifh of the fons of travelling
preachers, of annual fublcribers, of the members of the Metho-
dift fociety and orphans ; are inftrufted in Englifh, Latin,
jGreek, Logic, Rhetoric, Hiflory, Geography, Natural Philo-
fophy and Allronomy ; and when the finances of the college
will admit, they are to be taught the Hebrew, French, and
German languages.

The college was ere£led and is fupported wholly by fubfcrip-
fion and voluntary donations.

The ftudents have regular hours for rifing, for prayers, for
their meals, for fludy, and for recreation : they are all to be in
bed preciiely at nine o'clock. Their recreations, (for they are to
be " indulged in nothing which the world calls play,") are
gardening, walking, riding, and bathing, without doors ; and
within doors, the carpenters, joiners, cabinet-makers, or turn-
er's bufmefs. Suitable provifion is made for thcfe feveral
occupations, which are to be confidered, not as matters of
drudgery and conllraint, but as pleafingand healthful recreations
both for the body and mind. Another of their rules, which
though new and fuigular, is favourable to the health and vicrour
of the body and mind, is, that the ftudents fliall not flecp on fea-
ther beds but on mattrclles, and each one by himfelf. Particu-
lar attention is paid to the morals and religion of the ftudents.

There are a few other literary inftitutinns, of inferior note,
in different parts of the State, and provifion is made for free
fchools in moft of the counties ; tliough fome are entirely ne-
g^c£led and veiy few carried on with any fuccefs : fo that a great
proportion of the lower chis pf people are ignorant ; and thers;

^S GENERAL DESCRIPTION'

are not a few who cannot write their names. But the revolii.-
jt'ion, among other happy efFefts, has rouled the fpirit of educa-
tion, which is faft, ipreading its falutary iivlhiences over this
and the other louthcrn States.

CONSTITUTION.

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.

The Parliament of Great-Britain, by a declaratory aO, hav-
ing allumed a right to make laws to bind the Colonies in all cales
whatloever, and in purluance of fuch claim endeavoured by
force of arms to lubjugate the United Colonies to an uncondi-
tional fubmiifion to their will and power, and having at length
.conflrained them to declare themlelves independent States,
and to aifumc government under the authority of the people :
therefore, we, the delegat.es of Maryland, in free and full
Convention allembled, taking into our mod lerious confidera-
tion the bell means of eftablifhing a good conftitution in this
State, for the furp foundation and more permanent fecurity
thereof, declare,

I. That all government of right originates from the people,
is founded in compaft only, and inftituted folely for the good
of the whole.

II. That the people of this State ought to have the fole
and exclufive right of regulating the internal goyernrnent and
police thereof.

III. Tliat the inhabitants of Maryland are entitled to the
common law of England, and the trial by jury according to tlie
courfe of that law, and to the benefit of luch of the Englilh
flatutes as exilled at the time of their fiift emigration, and
which by experience have been found applicable lo" their local
and other circumftances, and of fuch others as have been fince
made in England, or Great-Britain, and have been introduced,
iiled, and praftiled by the courts of law or equity : and alio lo
all afts of AR'enibly in force on the firft of June, (eventecn
hundred and ieventy-four, except luch as may J^iave fmce ex-
pired, or have been, or may be altered by afts of Convention,
or this Declaration of Rights ; fubjcft neverthelcls to the revi-
fion of, and amendment or repeal by tlic Icgillature of this
State ; ami the inlinbitants of Maryland are alio entitled to all
property derived to them from or under the charter granted by
his Majefty Cliarles I. to C:pcilius Culvert, Baron of Balti-
more.

OF MARYLANI): /.y

IV. That all perfons inveflcd with the legiflative or exe-
cutive powers of government are the truilecs of the public,
and as luch accountable for their conduct : wherefore, whene-
ver the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty
inanifeftly endangered, and all other means of redrcls are
ineffcftual, the people may, and of right ought to reform the
old, or eftablifli a new government. The doftrlne of non-
refiflance againfh arbitrary power and opprelTion is ab-
iard, llavifh, and deflruftive of ihe good and happinefs of
mankind,

V. Tiiat the right in the people to participate in the legifia-
ture is the beft fecurity of liberty, and the foundation of all
free government. For this purpofe, eleftions ought to be free
and frequent, and every man having property in, a common
intereft with, and attathincnt to the community, ought to have
a right of fuflragc.

VI. That the legiflative, executive, and judicial powers
of government ought to be for ever feparate and diftinft from
each other.

VII. That no power of fufpending laws, or the execution
of laws, unlefs by, or derived from the legiflature, ought to
be exerciied or allowed.

VIII. That freedom of fpeech and debates, or proceedings
in- the legiflature, ought not to be impeached in any other
court of judicature.

IX. That a place for the meeting of the legiflature ought
to be fixed, the moll convenient to the members thereof, and
to the depolitory of public records ; and the legiflature ought
not to be convened or held at any other place, but from evi-
dent neceffity.

X. That for redrefs of grievances, and for amending,
flrengthening and preferving the laws, the legiflature ought to
be frequently convened.

XI. That every man hath a right to petition the legiflature
for the redrefs of grievances, in a peaceable and orderly man-
ner.

XII. That no aid, charge, tax, fee or fees, ought to be fet,
rated; or levied under any pretence, without confent of the
legiflature.

XIII. That the levying taxes by the poll is grievous and
opprciilvc and ought to be abolifhed ; that paupers ought not
to be afleifed for the fupport of government ; but every other

20 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

perfon in the State ought to contribute his proportion of public
taxes for the fupport of government, according to his aftual
worth in real or perional property within the State; yet fines,
duties, or taxes, may properly and juftly be irnpofed or laid
with a political view for the good government and benefit of
the community.

XIV. That fanguinary laws ought to be avoided, as far as is
confident with, the lafety of the State ; and no law to inflift
cruel and unufual pains and penalties ought to be made in anv
cafe, or at any time hereafter.

XV. That retrofpetlive laws, punifhing facts committed
before the exiftence of iuch laws, and by them only declared
criminal, are oppreffive unjuft, and incompatible with liberty,
•wherefore no ex pojl facia law ought to be made.

XV I. That no law to attaint particular perfons of treafon
or felony ought to be made in any cafe, or at any time here-
after.

XVII. That every freemen, for any injury done him in his
perfon or property, ought to have remedy by the courie of the
law of the land, and ought to have juftice and right, freely
without fale, fully without any denial, and fpeedily without
delay, acording to the law of the land.

XVIII. That the trial of fafts v/here they arife, is one of
the greateft iecurities of the lives, liberties, and eflates of the
people.

XIX. That in all criminal profecutions, every man hath a
tight to be informed of the accufation againfl: him^ to have a
copy of the indiflment or charge in due time, if required, to
prepare for his defence, to be allowed council, to be confront-
ed with the vv'itnefics againfl him, to have procefs for his wit-
nefles, to examine the witneffes for and agninft him on oath,
and to a fpeedy trial by an impartial jury, without whofe una-
nimous confent he ought not to be found guiltv.

XX. That no man ought to be compelled to give evidence
agEinfl himielf in a court of common law, or in any other court,
but in fuch cafes as have been ufually praftifed in this State, or
may hereafter be direftcd by the legiflature.

XXI. That no freemen ought to be taken or imprifbned,
or diflfeilcd of his freehold, liberties or privileges, or outlawed,
or exiled, or in any manner deilroyed, or deprived of his life,
liberty, or property, but by the judgment of his peers, or by
the law of the land.

or MARYLAND. 49

■ XXII. That exceir»vfe bail ought not to be required, nor cx-
cefTive fines imjjofcd, nor cruel or unufual punidiments iniliftcd
by the courts of law.

XXIII. That all warrants without oath or affirmation, to fearcli
fufpetled places, or to leiae any perfon or property, are grievous
and oppieirivo; and all general warrants to fearch fulpefted
places or to apprehend fulpeftcd perfons, without naming or
dcfcrtbing the place or the perfon in fpeciiil, arc illegal, and ought
not to be granted.

XXIV\ That there ought to be no forfeiture of any part of
the ellate of any pcrlon for any crime, except murder, or treafon
againft the States, and then only on conviction and aildinder.

XXV. That a well-regulated militia is the proper and natural
defence of a free government.

XXVI. That Handing armies are dangerous to liberty, and
ought not to be raiicd or kept without confent of the legiflature.

XXVII. That in all cafes and at all limes the military ought
to be under drift fubordination to, and controul of the civil
power.

XXVIII. That no foldier ought to be quartered in any houfe
in time of peace, without the confent of the owner ; and in time
of war, in fuch manner only as the legiflature fhall diretl.

XXIX. That no perfon, except regular foldiers, mariners,
and marines in the fervice of this State, or militia, when in ac-
tual fervice, ought in any cafe to be iubjeft to, or punifhable
by martial law.

XXX. That the independency and uprightnefs of judges are
efl'ential to the impartial adminiftration of juftice, and a great
fecurity to the rights and liberties of the people ; wherefore the
chancellor and judges ought to hold their commiiTions during
good behaviour ; and the laid chazicellor and judges fliall be re-
moved for milbehaviour, on a couviftion in a court of law, and
may be removed by the governor, upon the addrefs of the Ge-
neral Affenibly, provided that two-thirds of all the members of
each Houfe concur in fuch addrefs. That falaries liberal, but
not profufe, ought to be iecured to the chancellor and the
judges during tlie continuance of their commiHlons, in luch man-
ner and at fuch times as the legiflature fliall hereafter direft, ud-
on confideration of the circumflances of this State : no chancellor
or judge ought tt) hold any other office, civil or military, or re-
ceive fees or perquifites of any kind.

XXXI. That a long continuance in the firfl executive depart-
ments of power or tnifl is dangerous to liberty ; a rotation.

Vol. III. il

eo GENERAL DESCRIPTION

thc-efore, in thofe departments, is one of the beH: fccurities of
Ijermanent freedom.

XXXII. That no perfon ought to hold at the fame time more
than one oihce of profit, nor ought any perfon in public truft
to receive any prelent from any foreign prince or fi.ate. or
from the United States, or any of them, without the approba-
tion of this State.

XXXIII. That as it is the duty of everv man to worfhip God
in luch manner as he thinks moft acceptable to him, all perfons
profefiing the Chriftian religion are equally entitled to protection
in their religious liberty; wherefore no perfon ought by any
law to be molefted in his perfon or eftate, on account of his re-
ligious perfuafion or profeffion, or for his religious praftice,
unlefs, under colour of religion, any man fliall diflurb the good
order, peace, or fafety of the State, or fiiall infringe the laws of
morality, or injure others in their natural, civil, or religious
rights •, nor ought any perfon to be compelled to frequent, or
maintain, or contribute, unlefs on contracl, to maintain any par-
ticular place of worfhip. or any particular minifhry : yet the le-
giflature may in their dilcretion lay a general and equal tax for
the fupport of the Chriftian religion ; leaving to each individual
the power of appointing the payment of the money collefted.
from him, to the fupport of any particular place of worfhip or
minifter, or for the benefit of the poor of his own denomina-
tion, or the poor in general of any particular county ; but the
churches, chapels, glebes, and all the property now belonging
to the Church of England, ought to remain to the Church of
England for ever. And all a6t;s of AfTembly lately paiTed for col-
lecting monies for building gr repairing particular churches or
chapels of cafe, fhall continue in force ar.d be executed, unlefs
the legiflature fhall by a6t luperfede or repeal the fame ; but no
county court Ihall afiefs any quantity of tobacco or fum of mo-
ney hereafter, on the application of any veftry-men, or church-
wardens ; and every incumbent of the Church of England who
hatti ) emained in his parifh, and performed his duty, fhall be
•entitled to receive the provifion and fupport eftablifhed by the
aft, entitled, " An att for the Inpport of tlie clergy of the
Church of England in this province," till the November court
of this prefent year, to be held for the county in which his pa-
rifh ihvli lie, or partly lie, for fuch time as he hath remained
in his parifli, and performed his duty.

XXXIV. That every gift, fale or dcvife of lands to any
minifter, public teacher, or preacher of the gofpcl, as fuch, or to

OF MARYLAND. 51

any religious feft, order, or denominntion, or to, or for tlie fup-
port, ule, or benefit of, or in trufl for any ininifter, public teach-
er, or preacher of the goi'pel, as fuch, or any religious feft, or-
der, or denomination ; and every gift or lale of goods or chattels
to go in fucceirion, or to take place after the death of the fellor
or donor, or to or for fuch fupport, ufe or benefit; and alio every
devife of goods or chattels to, or for the fupport, ufe or benefit
of any minifler, public teacher, or preacher of the gofpcl, as fuch,
or any religious fedl, order or denomination, without the leave
of the legidaturc, fnjll be void ; except always any fale, giff,
leafe or dcvifc of any ouaatity of land not exceeding two acres,
for a church, meeting, or other houfe of woifhip, and for a
burying ground, which fliall be improved, enjoyed, or -ufcd
only for fuch purpuie, or fuch falc, gift, leafe, or deviic, fliall
be void.

XXXV. That no other tefh or qualification ought to b^ re-
quired on admifTion to any office of truft or profit, than fuch ojili
of fupport and fidelity to this State, and fuch oath of office as
fhali be direfted by this Convention, or the legifiature of th:s
State, and a declaration of a belief in the Chriflian religion.

XXXVI. That the manner of adminiilcring an oatli to any
perfon, ought to be fuch as thofe of the religious perfuafion,
profefTion, or denomination, of which fuch perion is one, gene*
rally efleem the moft efrcftual confirmation bv the atteHation of
the Divine Being. And that the people called Quakers, thofe
called Dunkers. and thofe called Menonills, holding it unlawful
to take an oath on any occafion, ought to be allov.'ed to make
their folemn affirmation in the manner that Quakers have been
heretofore allowed to affirm, and to be of the fame avail as an
oath in all fuch cafes as the affirmation of Ou<ikers hath been
allowed and accepted within this State, inftead of an oath. And
farther, on fuch affirmation, warrants to fearch f^or (lulcn goods,
or for the apprehenfion or conimitmcnt of offenders, ougiit to be
granted, or fecurity for the peace awarded ;a:?d. Quakers, Dun-.-
kers, or Menonifts, ought nlfo, on their folemn affirmation
as aforelaid, to be admitted as witnclTes in all criminal caies not
capital.

XXXVII. That the city of Annapolis o:;^;,.ii to have all its
rights, privileges, and benefits, agreeable to its charter, and the
afts of Ailcmbly confirming and regulatirig the fame ; fvibjeft ne»
verthclefs to fuch alterations as mav be made by this Conven-
tion, or any future Icgifl ;turc.

XXXVIII. That the liberty of the prefs ou^ht to be inviola-
bly preferved.

52 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

XXXIX. That monopolis are OQi(niS. contrary to the fpirit
cf a free government and the piincip'.es of commerce, and ought
not to be iuffered.

XL. That no title of nobility or liereditary honours ought to
be granted in this State.

Xlil, That the fubfifting refolves of this and the feveral Con-
ventions held for this colony, ought to be in force as laws, unlefs
altered by this Convention, or the legiflature of this State.

XLII. That this declaration of rights, or the form of govern-
ment to be eftabliflied by this Convention, or any part of either
cf them, ought not to be altered, changed or abclifhcd by the
legiflature of this State, but in fuch manner as this Conventiori
fliall prelcribe and direft.

FRAME OF GOVERKMEKT.

I. That the legiflature confifl of two diftinft branches, a Senate
and a Houfe of Delegates, which fhall be filled, 1"he General
Assembly of Marvlaxd.

II. That the Iioufe of Delegates fhall be cliofcn in the fo!_
lowing manner : all freemen above twenty-one years of age, hav-
ing a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county in which they
offer to vote, and refiding therein ; and all freemen having
property in this State above the value of thirty pounds current
money, and having refided in the county in which they offer
to vote, one v/hole year next preceding the elcftion, fhall have
a right of fuffrage in the eleftion of delegates for fuch county ;
and all freemen fo qualified fhall, on the fij fl Monday of Oftober,
fcventeen hundred and feventv-ieven, and on the fame day iri
every year thereafter, zfTcmble in the counties in which they
are refpeftively qualified to vote, at the court-houle in the faid
counties, or at Inch other place as the legiflature {hall direft, and
when affcrablcd^ thev fhall proceed to cleft, viva voce, four dele-
gates for their refpcftive counties, of the moft wife, icnfible,
and dilcrcet of the people, refidents in the county wliere they
are to be chofen one whole year next preceding the cleftianj
above twenty-one years of age, and having in the State leal or
perfonal property above the value of five hundred pounds cur-
rent money •, and upon the final carting of the pojls, the four
perfbns who fhall appear to have the greateft number of legal
votes, fhall be declared and returned duly eleftcd for their ref-
peftive counties.

III. That the fheriff of each county, or, in cafe of ficknefs, hi§
deputy, fummoning two jufliccs of the county, who are required

OF MARYLAND. 53

to attend for tiie prefervation of the peac"", fliall be the
judge of the eleflion, and may adjourn from day to day,
if neceflfary, till the fdme be finiflicd, lo that the whole
ele£lion fhall be concluded in four days, and fliall make his
rctixrn thereof, under bis hand, to the chuucellor of this State
for the time being.

IV. Tljat all perfons qualified by the charter of tJie city of
Annapolis to vote for burgeffes, fhall on the fame firfh Monday
.of Oftober, fevcnieen hundred and feventy-feven, and on the
fame day in every year for ever thereafter, eleft viva voce, by
a majority of voles, two delegates, qualified agreeable to the
faid charter ; that the mayor, recorder, and aldermen of the
faid city, or any three of them, be judges of the eleftion, ap.
point the place in the faid city for holding the fame, and may
adjourn from day to day as aforefuid, and fliall make return
thereof as aforefaid ; but the inhabitants of the faid city Hiail
not be entitled to vote for delegates for Ann-Arundel county,
unlefs they have a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county,
dillinfl from the city.

V. That all perfons, inhabitants of Baltimore town, and hav-
ing the fame qualifications as eleftors in the county, fhall on the
fame firfl Monday in Oftober, feventeen hundred and feventy-
feven, and the fame day in every year forever thereafter, at
fuch place in the faid town as the judges fhall appoint, eleft
viva voce, by a majority of votes, two delegates, qualified as
aforefaid; but if the faid inhabitants of the town fnall fo de-
creafe, as that the number of perfons having a right of fuif rage
therein, fliall have been for the fpacc of feven years fucceflively,
iefs than one half the nutnber of voters in fome one county in
ihis State, fuch town thenceforward fhall ceafe to (end two
delegates or reprefentatives to the Houfc of Delegates, until the
faid town fhall have one half of the number of voters in fome
iune county in this State.

VI. That the commilTioners of the fiid town, or any three or
more of them, for the time being, fhall be judges of the laid
election, and may adjourn as aforefaid, and fliall make return
thereof as aforefaid ; but the inhabitants of the faid town fhall
not be entitled to vote for, or be elefted delegates for Baltimore
county ; neither fhall the inhabitants of Baltimore county, ouj
of the limits of Baltimore town, be entitled to vote for, or b;.'
ele^ed delegates for the faid town.

Vil. That on refulal, death^ difqualification, refignation Qi^

54 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

removal out of this State, of any delegate, or on his becoming
governor or member of the council, a warrant of eleftion fhall
ilTue by the fpeaker, for the clcftion of anotlicr in his place,
of which ten days notice at lead, excluding the day of notice
and day of elcftion, fliall be given.

Vill. That not leis than a majority of delegates, with
their fccaker, to be chofen by them by ballot, conftitute an
Houfe for the tranfa6lion of any bufmefs, other than that of
adjourning.

IX. That the Houfe of Delegates fiiall judge of the ekclioni
and qualifications of delegates.

X. That the Houfe of Delegates may originate all money
bills, propofe bills to the Senate, or receive thofe offered by
that body, and aiTent, diffent, or propofe amendments ; that
they fnay inquire, on the oath of witnefTes, into all complaints^
grievances, and offences, as the grand inqueft of this State, and
may commit any perfon for any crime to the public goal, there
to remain till he be difcharged by due couric of law. They
may expel any member for a great mifdemeanor, but not a
fecond time for the fame caufe. They may examine and paf$
all accounts of the State, relating either to the colleftion or
expenditure of the revenue, or appoint auditors to flate or ad-
jufh the fame. They may call for all public or official papers
and records, and fend for perfons whom they may judge necef-
fary, in the courfe of their inquiries, concerning afl;iirs relat-
ing to the public intereft; and may direft all office bonds,
which (hall be made payable to the State, to be fued for on
any breath of duty.

XI. That the Senate may be at full and pcrfeft liberty t^
exercife their judgment in palfing laws, and that they may not
be compelled by the Houfe of Delegates either to rejc6l a money
bill which the emergency of affairs may require, or to affcnt to
fome other aft of Icglfldtioti, in their confcicnce- and judgment
injurious to the public welfare, the Houfe of Delegates (hall
not, on any occafion, or under any pretence annex to, or
blend with a monoy bill, any matter, claufe, or thin<r, not
immediately relating to, and neceffary for the impofing, affeffing
levying, or applying the taxes or fupplies to be railed for the
fupport of government, or the current expenies of the State :
and to prevent altercation about inch bills, it is declared, th<it
no bill impofii'.g duties or cullonis for ll'ie niere regulation of
corpraerce. or jnllitling fines for the re fo luiat ion of morals, or

OF MARYLAND. 55

to enforce the exectition of the h-.vs, by which an incidental
revenue may arile, fhall be accounted a money bill ; but every
bill aHciring, levying or applying taxes or fupplies for the
{upport of government, or the current expenfes of the State,
or appropriating money in the treafury, fliall be deemed a
money bill.

XII. That the Iloufc of Delegates may punifh, by imprifon-
ment, any perfon who fiiall be guilty of a contempt in their
view, by any diforderly or riotous behaviour, or by threats to
or abufe uf their members, or by any obdruftion to their pro-
ceedings. They may alfo punifh, by imprifonment, any perfon
who fhall be guilty of a breach of privilege, by arrefling oa
civil procefs, or by airaulting any of their members during their
fitting, or on their wav to, or return from the Houfe of Dele-
gates ; or by any aflault of, or obftruftlon to their ofncers, in
the execution of any order or procels ; or by aiTauIiing or ob-
ftrufting any witnefs, or any other perfon, attending on, or
on their way to, or from the Houfe ; or by refcuing any pcrfcn
committed by the Houfe , and the feaate may exercife the fame
power in fimilar cafes.

XIII. That the treafurers (one for the weftern and another
for the eaftern fhore) and the commillioners of the Loan Cmce,
may be appointed by the Houfe of Delegates during their plea-
fure and in cafe of refufal, death, refiguation, difqualification,
or removal out of the Slate, of anv of the faid commiflioners
or treafurers, in the recefs of the General AiTembly, the
governor, with the advice of the council, may appoint and
commilTioa a fit and proper perfon to luch vacant office,
and to hold the fame until the Meeting of the next General
Afifcmbly.

XIV. That the fenate be chofen in the following manner: —
All perlons, qualified as aforefaid to vote for county deiagates
fliall, on the firfl day of September, 1781, and on the fame
day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, eleft vivi vocc^ by a
majority of votes, two perfons for their refpeftively coun-
ties, qualified as aforefaid to be elecled covmty delegates, to
be eleftors of the fenate ; and the flieriff of each county, or,
in cafe of ficknefs, his deputy, (fummoning two juilices of the
county, who are required to attend for the prefervation of the
peace) Ihall hold and be judge of the faid election, and makS"
return thereof as aforefaid. And all perlons qualified as afore-
laid to vote for delegates for the city of Annapolis and Balti-
more town, r.iull, on the fame firfl Monday of September, 178:,

56 GEXERAL DESCRIPTION

and on the fnme day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, eleft,
viva voce, by a majority of votes, one perfon for the faid city
and town refpeftively, quatified as aforelaid, to be eletted a
delegate for the faid city and town refpeftively ; the faid eleftioa
to be held in the fame manner as the eleftlon of delegate for
the laid city and town ; the right to ele^l: the faid eleftor with
relpett to Baltimore town to continue as long as the rioht lu
cleft delegates for the faid town.

XV. That the laid eleftors of the fenate meet at the city of
Annapolis, or iuch other place as fhall be appointed for conVen-
in^g the Icgiflature, on the third Monday in September, 1781,
and on the iame day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, and
they, or any twenty-four of them lo met, fiiall proceed to eleft>
by ballot, either out of their own body, or the people at large,
fifteen fenators, (nine of whom to be rcfidents on the weftern,
and fix to be rehdents on the eaftcrn fhore) men of the moft
wifdom, experience and virtue, above twenty- five years of age^
refidents of the State above three whole years next preceding
the eleftion, and having real and perfonal property above the
value of one thoufand pounds current money.

XVI. That the fenators fhall be balloted for at one and the
fame time ; and out of the Gentlemen refidents of the weilerft
fhore who fiiall be propoled as fenators, the nine who fliall,
on ftriking the ballots, appear to have the greatefb number in
their favour, fhall be accordingly declared and returned duly
elected ; and out of the gentlemen refidents of the eaftcrn
fliore who fiiall be propofed as fenators, the fix who fhall. on
ftriking the ballots, appear to have the g-reateft number in their
favour, fhall be accordingly declared and returned duly elcfted ;
and if two or more, on the lame fhore, fiiall have an equal
number of ballots in their favour, by which the choice fiiall
not be determined on the firic ballot, then the clcftors Ihall
again ballot before they feparate, in which they fiiall be con-
fined to the peifons who, on the firft ballot, fliall have had an
equal number; and they who fliall have the greateft number in
their favonr on the fecond ballot, Ihall be accordingly declared
and returned duly clefted ; and if the whole number fhould not
thus be made up, becaufe of an equal numbar on the fecond
ballot flill being in favour of two or more perfons, then the
eletlion fliall be dctei mined by lot between thole who have
equal numbers ; which proceedings of the eleftors fliall be cer-
tified under their hands, and returned to the clianccUor for
the linic being.

OF MARYLAND. ^7-

XVII. That the clcftors of I'enators fliall judge of tlic quali-
fications and eleftions of members of their body, and on a ron
tcftcd eleftion fliall admit to a feat, as an eleftor, fuch qualified
perfon as fhall appear to them to have the greatcfi: number of
legal votes in his favour.

XVIII. That the eleftors immediately on tlieir meeting, and
before they proceed to the eleftion of fenators, take fuch oath
of fupport and fidelity to this State, as this Convention or the
logiflaturc fliall direft ; and alfo an oath, '• to eleft, without fa-
vour, ailcftion, partiality or prejudice, fuch perfons for fenators
as they, in their judgment ami confcience, believe beft quali-
fied for the office."

XIX. That in cafe of refufal, death, refignation, difqualifica-
tion, or removal out of this State, of any fenator, or on his

becoming governor, or a member of the council, the fenate fhall
immediately thereupon, or at their next meeting thereafter, eleft
by ballot, in the fame manner as the eleftors are above direfted
to chufe fenators, another perfon in his place for the refidue of
the faid term of five years.

XX. That not lefs than i majority of the fenate, with their
prefident (to be chofen by them by ballot) fliall conllitute an
lloufe for the tranfafting any bufinefs, other than that of ad-
journingi

XXI. That the fenate fhall judge of the ele£lions and qua-
lifications of lenators;

XXII. That the fenate may originate any other except money
bills, to which their aiTent or diflent only fhall be given ; and
may receive any other bills from the Houfe of Delegates, and
aflcnt, diffent or propofe amendments.

XXIII. That the Cieneral Affembly meet annually, on the
firft Mond.iy of November, and if neceifary oftener.

XXIV. That each Houfe fhall appoint its own officers, and
fettle its own rules of proceedings

XXV. That a perfon of wifdotn,- experience, and virtue, ffiall
be chofen governor, on the fecond Monday of November, fcven-
tcen hundred and feventy-feven, and on the lecond Monday in
every year for ever thereafter, by the joint ballot of both
lloufes, to be taken in each Houfe refpeftively, depofited in a
conference-room ; the boxes to be examined by a joint com-
mittee of both Houfcs, and the numbers feverally reported, that
the appointment may be entered ; which mode of taking the
joint ballot of both lloufes fnall be adopted in all caies. But
if two or more fiiall luive an equal number of ballots in their

^ Vol. III. I

5S GENERAL DESCRIPTION

favour, by which the choice fhall not be deterniinerl on the firffi
ballot, then a fecond ballot (hall be taken, which fliall be con-
fined to the perfons who on the firft ballot (hall have had an
equal number; and if the bnllots fhould again be equal between
two or more perfons, then the eleftion of the governor fhall
be determined by lot, between thofe v/ho have enual numbers;
and if the perfon chofen governor fhall die, refign, remove out
of the State, or refufe to aft (fitting the General AiTembly) the
S;.nate and Houfe of Delegates (hall imnxedintely thereupon pro-
ceed to a new choice in manner aforefaid.

XXVI. That the fenators and delegates, on the fecond Tuef-
day of November, one thouf^ind (even hundred and feventy-
feven, and annoilly on the fecond Tuefday of November for
ever thereaUer, eleft bv joint ballot, in the lame manner as fena-
tors ^le direfted to be chofen. five of the moft fenfible, difcreet
and experienced men, above twenty-five years of age, refidents
in the State above three years next preceding the eleftion, and
having .herein a freehold of lands and tenements above the value
of one thoufand pounds current money, to be the council to the
governor ; whofe proceedings fhall be always entered on record,
to any part v/hereof any member may enter his diflent ; and
their advice, if fo required by the governor or any member of
the council, fhall be given in writing, and figned by the mem-
bers giving the fame refpeftively; which proceedings of the
council fhall be laid before the Senate or Houfe of Delegates,
when called for by them, or either of them. The council may
appoint their own clerk, who fhall take fuch oath of fupport
and fidelity to this State as ;his Convention or the legiflature
fhall direft, and of fecrecy, in iuch matters as he fhall be direfted
by the Board to keep fecret.

XXVII. That the delegates to Congrefs from this State fhall
be chofen annually, or fuperfeded in the mean time by the
joint ballot of both Houfes of Alfembly, and that there be a
rotation in fuch manner that at leaft two of the number be an-
nually changed ; and no perfon Ihall be capable of being a de-
legate to Congrefs for more than three in any term of lix years 5
and no perfon who holds any office of profit in the gift of Con-
grefs fhall be eligible to fit in Congrefs, but if appointed to any
fuch otfice his feat fhall be thereby vacated. That no perfon
unlefs above twenty- one years of age and a refident in the
State more than five years next preceding the elcdion, and
having real and perlonal eftate in this State above the value
of one- thoufand pounds current money, Ihall be eligible to fit
in Congrefs, ^

CF MARYLAND, 59

XXVIII. That the fcnators and delegates, immediately on
their annual meeting, and before they proceed to any bulineis,
and every pcrlon hereafter elefted a I'enaior or delegate, before
he afts as fuch, (hall take an oath of fupport and fidelity to tins
State as aforefaid ; and before the eleftion of a governor, or
member of the council, fhall take an oath, " to elett without
favour, affeftion, partiality or prejudice, fuch perlon as gover-
nor, or member of the council, as they in their judgment and
conlcience believe beft qualified for the office."

XXIX. That the fenate and delegates may adjourn themfclves
refpcftively : but if the two Houics Tnould not agree on the
fame time, but adjourn to different days, then fhall the gover-
nor appoint and notify one of thofe days, or fome day between,
and the Aflembly fhall then meet and be held accordingly ; and
he fhall, if neceirary, by advice of the council, call them be-
fore the time to which they fhall in any manner be adjourned,
on giving not lefs than ten days notice thereof ; but the go-
vernor fliall not adjourn the Affembly otherwife than as aforefaid,

■nor prorogue or diffolve it at any time.

XXX. That no perfon, unlefs above twenty-five years of
age, a refident in this State above five years next preceding the
eleftion, and having in the State real and perfonal property
above the value of five thoufand pounds current money, one
thoufand pounds whereof at lead to be freehold eflate, fliall be
eligible as governor,

XXXI. That the governor (hall not continue in that office
longer than three years fucceffively, nor be eligible as governor
until the expiration of four years after he fhall have been out
of that office.

XXXII. That upon the death, refignation, or removal out of
this State, of the governor, the fii (I named of the council, for
the time being, fhall aft as governor, and qualify in the fame
manner; and fhall immediately call a meeting of the General
Affembly, giving not lefs than fourteen days notice of the meet-
ing, at which meeting a governor fhall be appointed, in manner
aforefaid, for the refidue of the year.

XXXIII. That the governor, by and with the advice and
ccnfent of the council, may embody the militia, and wheri em-
bodied fhall alone have the direction t/iereof, and fhall ah'o have
the direttioa of all the reguL;rland and lea forces under the Liws
of this State ; but he fhall not command in perfon, unlefs ad-
-/:!cd thereto by the council; and then only io lorg as tiicy

I 2

6o CENERAL DESCRIPTION

fliall approve thereof ; and may alone exercife all other the exe-
cutive powers of government, v.'here the concurrence of the
ccvuncilis not required, according to the la\A;s of this State;
and grant reprieves or pardons for any crime, except in fucli
cafes where the law fhall otherwife direft ; and may, during the
recefs of the General Affembly, lay embargoes to prevent the
departure of any {hipping, or the exportation of any commo-
dities, for any time not exceeding thirty days in any one year,
fummoning the General Affembly to meet within the time of
the continuance of fuch embargo ; and may alfo order and com-
pel any velTel to ride quarantine, if fuch veflel, or the port from
which fhe may have come, fhall, on ftrong grounds, be fufpefted
to be infefted with the plague ; but the governor fhall not, on
any pretence, exercife any power or prerogative by virtue of
any law, ftatute or cuftom, of England or Great-Britain.

aXXIV. That the members of the council, or any three or
more of them, when convened, fhall conftitute a Board for the
tranfailing of buiinefs. That the governor for the time being
fhall preiide in the council, and be entitled to a vote on all
queftions in which the council Ihall be divided in opinion ; and
in the abfence of the governor, the firfl named of the council
fliall prefide, and as fuch fliall alfo vote in all cafes where the
Other members difagree in their opinion.

XXXV. That in cafe of refufal, death, refignation, difquali-
fication, or removal out of the State, of any perfon chofen a
member of the council, the members thereof, immediately there-
upon, or at their next meeting thereafter, fliall eleft, by ballot,
another perfon qualified as aforelaid, in his place, for the refidue
of the year.

XXXVI. That the council fiiall have power to make the
great feal of this State, which fliall be kept by the chancellor
for the tinie being, and afnxed to all laws, commiffions, grants
and other public teflimonials, as has been heretofore praitiled
in this State.

XXXVII. That no fenator, delegate of Affembly, or member
of the council, if he fliall qualify as luch, fliall hold or exe-
cute any office of profit, or receive the profits of any office
exercifed by any other perfon, during the time for which he
fliall be elefted ; nor fhall any governor be capable of hold-
ing any other oiHce of profit in this State, while he a£l as
fuch ; and no perfon holding a place of profit, or receiving any
part of the profits thereof, or receiving the profits, or any part
of the profits, ariiing on any agency for the iupply of cloathiug

OF MARYLAND. 6i

or provifions for the army or navy, or holding any office tintler
the United States, or any of them, or a miniftcr or preacher
of the gofpel of any denamination, or any perlon employed
in the regular land fervice, or marine, of this or the United
States, flmll have a feat in the General Aflembly, or the coun-
cil of this State.

XXXVIII. That every governor, fenator. delegate to Con-
grefs or Alfembly, and member of the council, before he a£ts
as £uch, fliall take an oath, " That he will not receive, direftlv
or indire£lly, at any time, any part of the profits of any ofHce
lield by any other perlon during his afting in his oflice of
governor, fenator, delegate to Congrefs or AlTembly, or mem-
ber of the council, or the profits, or any part of the profits,
arifing on anv agency for the fupply of cloathing or proviiions
for the army or navy."

XXXIX. That if any fenator, delegate to Congrefs or AlTem-
bly, or member of the council, fhall hold or execute any office
of profit, or receive, dircftly or indireftly, at any time, the
profits, or any part of the profits, of any office exercifed by
any other perfon, during his afting as fenator, delegate to
Congrefs or AlTembly, or member of the council, his feat, on
conviftion in a court of law, by the oath of two credible wit-
iielTes, (hall be void, and he fhall fulTer the punifhment for
wilful and corrupt perjury, or be baniflied this State for ever,
or difqualified for ever from holding any office or place of trull
cr profit, as the court may judge.

XL. That the chancellor, all judges, the attorney-general,
clerks of the General Court, the clerks of the county courts,
the regifters of the land office, and rcgifters of Vvills, fliall hold
their commiffions during good behaviour, removeable only for
mifbehaviour, on conviftion in a court of law.

XLI. That there be a regifter of wills appointed for each
county, who ffiall be commiffioned by the governor, en the
Joint recommendation of the Senate and Houfe of Delegates ; and
that upon the death, refignation, difqualification, or removal
out of the county, by any regifter of wills, in the recefs of the
General AlTembly, the governor, with the advice of the coun-
cil may appoint and commiffion a fit and proper peri'bn to fuch
vacant office, to hold the fame until the meeting of the General
AiTembly.

XLII. That flicrifFs fhall be cicclcd in each county, bv
ballot, every third year, th.r.t is to fay. two perions for ti:c
pffice of fheriff for each county, the one cf whom huvirg

62 CENERAL DESCRIPTION

the majority of votes, or if ooth have an equal number either
of them, at the difcietion of the governor, to be coramiilioned
bv the governor for the fr.'.d office^ and having ferved for three
years, fuch peribn fliali be ineligible for the four years next
fucceeditig, bond with lecuiity to be take?) every vear as ufual,
and no flieriff (hall be qualified to aft before the fame is given.
In cale of death, refuial, refigu.-.tion, difqualification, or xemay.-
al out of the county, before ti:e expiration of the three years,
the other perfon, chofen as aforeiuid, fhail be commilTioned
by the governor to execute the laid office for the rifidue .of
the faid three years, the faid perfon giving bond with fecurity
as aforefaid : and in cafe of his death, refafal, refignation, dif-
qualification, or removal out of the county, before the expi-
ration of the faid three years, the governor, with the advice of
the council, may nominate and commiffion a fit and proper
perfon to execute the faid office for the rcfidue of the faid three
years, the faid perfon giving bond and fecurity as aforefaid.
The eleftion fhall be held at the fame time and place appointed
for the eleftion of delegates; and the juftices there fummoned to
attend for the prefervation of the peace, fli^ll be judges thereof,
and of the qualification of candidates, who fhall appoint a clerk
to take the ballots. All freemen above tlie age of twenty-one
years, having a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county in
which they offer to ballot, and rcfiding therein ; and all free-
men above the age of twenty-one years, and having property
in the State above the value of thirty pounds current money,
and having refided in the county in which they ofi^er to ballot^
one whole year next preceding the eleftion, fhall have a right
of fuffrage ; no perfon to be eligible to the office of fheriff for
a county, but an inhabitant of the faid county above the age of
twenty-one years, and having real and perfonal property in the
State above the value of one thoufand povmds current monev.
The juftices aforeiaid fhali examine tiie ballots, and the two
candidates properly qualified, having in each county the majo-
rity of legal ballots, {hall be declared duly elefted for the office
of {lierifF for fuch county, and returned to the governor and coun-
cil, with a certificate of the number of ballots for each of them.

XLIII. That every perfon who fliall offer to vote for dele-
gates, or for tnc cleftion of the fenate, or for the flieriff, fhall
fif required by any three pcrfuris qualified to vote) before he be
admitted to poll, take fuch oath or atlirmation of iupport and
fidelity to this State, as this Convention or the legiliiture {hall
direfto

OF MARYLAND. C^

XLIV. That a juftice of the peace may be eligible as a pj-
nator^ delegate, or member of the r )"iic^', and may continue
to aft MS a jufticc of the peace.

XLV. That no fi;;lJ officer of the iniltlla be eligible as a fe-
nator, delegate, or member of the cfumcil.

XLVI. That all civil officers hereafter to be appointed for
the feveral counties of this State, ffiall have been rciuients of
the county rcfpcftively, for wliich they fliall be appointed, fix
months next before their appointment, and fnall continue
rcfidents of their county refpctlivcly, during their continuancel
in office.

XLVII. That the judges of the General Court, and jufliceS'
of the county courts, may appoint the clerks of their refptftive
courts, and in cafe of refufal, death, reftgnation, diiqualiEcation,
or removal out of the county, of any of the faid county clerks,
in the vacation of the county court of which he is clerk, the
governor, witli the advice of the council, may appoint and
commilfion a fit and proper perfon t© fuch vacant »ffice refpeft-
ively, to hold the fame until the meeting of the next General
Court, or county court, as the cafe may be.

XLVIII. That the governor for the time being, with the
advfce and conient of the council, may appoint the chancellort
and all judges and juftices, the attorney-general, naval officers,
officers in the regular land and fea fervice, officers of the militia,
regifters of the land office, furveyors, and all other civil
officers of government, (aileffors, conilables and overfcers of
the roads only excepted) and may alfo fufpend or remove any
civil officer who has not a commiffion during good behaviour;
and may fuipend any militia officer for one month ; and may
alio fufpend or remove any regular officer in the land or fea
fervice ; and the governor may reiiiove or fufpend any militia
officer in purfuancc of the judgment of a court maitial.

XLIX. That all civil officers of the appointment of tlie
governor and council, who do not hold commiffions during
good behaviour, ffiall be appointed annually in the third week
bf November ; but if any of them ffiall be re-appointed, they
may continue to aft without any new commiffion or qualifica-
tion ; and every officer, though not re-appointed, ffiall continues
to aft until the perfon who ffiall be appointed and commiffioned
in his (lead ffiall be qualified.

L. That the governor, every member of the council, and
every judge and ju (lice, before they aft as fuch, ffiall refpeftively
tukc an oath, *' That he will not, through favourj affeftiou or

64 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

partiality, vote for any perfon to office, and that he will vote
for luch perlon as in his judgment and confcience he believes
moft fit and beft qualified for the office ; and that he has not
made, nor will make any promife or engagement to give his vote
or intereft in favour of any perfon."

LI. That there be two regifters of the land office, one upon
the weftern and one upon the eaftern ffiore ; that fnort extrafts
cf the grant, and certificates of the land on the weftern and
eaftern fhores refpcftively be made in feparate books, at the
public expeafe, and depofiled in the offices of the faid regifters
in luch manner as fhall hereafter be provided by the General
Aflembly.

LII. That ei'ery chancellor, judge, fegiftcr of wills, com-
miffioner of the loan office, attorney-general, ffieriflF, treafurer,
naval officer, regifter of the land office, regifter of the chancery
court and every clerk of the common law courts, furveyor,
and auditor of the public accounts, before he afts as fuch, fhall
take an oath, " that he will not, direftly or indireftly, receive
any fee or reward for doing his office of

but what is or ffiall be allowed by law : nor will direftly or
indireftly receive the profits, or any part of the profits of
any office held by any other perfon : and that he does not
hold the fame office in truft, or for the benefit of any other
perfon."

LII I. That if any governor, chancellor, judge, regifter of
v^^ills, attorney-general, regifter of the land office, regifter of
the chancery court, or any clerk of the common law courts,
treafurer, naval officers, fheriff, furveyor or auditor of public
accounts, ffiall receive, direftly or indircftly, at any time, the
profits, or any part of the profits, of any office held by any
other perfon, during his afting in the office to which he is
appointed, his eleftion, appointment and commiffion, on con-
viftion in a court of law, by oath of two credible witneffesj
fliall be void, and he ffiall fuller the puniffimcnt for wilful and
corrupt perjury, or be baniffied this State for ever, or difquali-
ficd for ever from holding any office or place of truft or profit,
as the court may adjudge,

LIV. That if any perfon fhall give any bribe, prefent or
reward, or any promife, or any fecurity for the payment or
delivery of any money, or any other thing, to obtain or procure
a vote to be governor, fenator. Delegate to Congrefs or Aflem-
bly, member of the council, or judge, or to be appointed to
ai!y of the faid offices, or to any office of piofit or truft, now

OF MARYLAND. 65

created 01 hereaflcr to be cre;ited in this State ; the perfon giv-
ing, and the perlon receiving tlie lame, on convifticai in a court
of law, fliall be for ever dilqualificd to hold any ofSce of trwft
or profit in this State,

LV. That cvei v pcrfon appointed to any office of profit i>r
truft Ihall, before he enters on the execution thereof, take tlie
following oath, to wit, " I A. B. do fwear, That I do not hold
myielf bound in allegiance to the King of Great-Britain, and
that I will be faithful, and bear true allegiance to t;ie State of
Maryland," and fhall alio lublcribe a dcclariLion of liis belief in
the Chriftian religion.

LVI. That there be a court of appeals, compofed of perfons
of integrity and lound judgment in the law, whofe judgment ,
Ihall be final and conclufive in all cafes of appeal from the Ge-
neral Court, Court of Chancery, and Court of Admiralty ; that
one peribn of integrity and found judgment in the law be ap-
pointed chancellor : that three perfons of integrity and found
judcrment in the law be appointed judges of the court now railed
the Provincial Court ; and that the lame court be hereafter cal-
led and known by the name of The General Court; which
court fhall fit on the wcftern and eaftern fhores for tranl. Jling
and. determining the bufinefs of the relpeftive fhores. at lucli
times and places as the future legiflature of this State fhall diretl
and appoint.

LVII. That the ftile of all laws runs thus, Beit cnaded. by
the General AJfcmbly of Maryland j that all public commiHions
and grants run thus, The State of Maryland, &c. and flidl be
figned by the governor, and attefted by the chancellor, with the
ieal of the State annexed, except military commilfions, which fliall
not be atteiisd by the chancellor, or have the leal of the State
annexed : that all writs Ihall run in the fame ftile. and be tefled,
lealed and figned as ufual : that all inditlments fnall conclude,
Againji the Peace, Govcrnynt'iit, and Dignity of the State.

LVIII. That all penalties and forfeitures, heretofore going to
the King or proprietarv, fhall go to the State, lave only luch as
the General AHembly may abolifh or otherwiie provide for.

LIX. That this Form of Government, and the Declaration of
Rights, and no part thereof, fhall be altered, changed or abolifli,
ed, unlefs a bill fo to alter, change or abolilli the lame, fnall paf's
the General Aflembiy, and be publifhed at leafl three montiis
before a new eleclion, and fhall be confirmed bv the Gcnend
AfTembly after a new election of delegates, in the firft feu'ion
after luch new clcftiun : provided, tha.t nothing in this Form

Vol. III. " K

66 GENERAL DESCRIPTION, &c.

of Government which relates to the eaftern fliore particularly,
fhall at any time hereafter be altered; unlefs for the alteration and
€onfirraation there of at leafttwo-thirds of all the members of each
branch of the General Aflemblv fhall concur.

LX. That every bill palled by the General AlTembiy, when
engroffed, fhall be prefented by the fpeaker of the Houle of De-
legates, in tha fenate, to the governor for the tinie being, who
fi-iall fign the fame, and thereto affix the great fejl, in the pre-
ience of the members of both Houfes. Every law fliall be re-
corded in the General Court-Office of the wefhern fhore, and in
due time printed, publifhed, and certified under the great feal,
to the leveral county courts, in the fame manner as hath been
heretofore ufed in this vState.

This Declaration of Rights and Frame of Government was
aflfented to, and paffcd in Convention of the Delegates of the
freemen of Maryland, begun and held at the city of Annapolis,
the 14th of Augufl, A. D. 1776.

EXPENSES OF GOVERNMENT AND TAXES.

The annual expenfes of government are eflimated at about
twenty thouland pounds currency. The revenue arifcs chiefly
from taxes on real and perlonai property.

CITY OF

WASHINGTON,

IN THE TERRITORY OF COLUMBIA.

X HE territory of Columbia was ceded to the United States by
the States of Maryland and Virginia, for the purpoic of eftablifh-.
ing a federal city, that might become th« permanent feat of the
Federal Government, This city, now building, is called after
the name of that brave defender of American liberty and fup-
porter of the rights of mankind, GEORGE WASHINGTON',
who having vindicated the rights of his countr^nen, and con-
tributed to the eftablifhment of his country's independence, has
been called by the voice of gratitude and affe-ftion to fill the
higheft office a generous and brave people had to bellow — this
city will therefore (land as the moft honourable monument of
his worth and the people's gratitade that could poffibly be ereft-
ed ; and we truft that when it becomes the feat of government,
which it is to be after i8co, that it will recall to the minds of
future legiflators his virtues, and the principles on which Ame-
rican liberty is founded, and its government eftabJifhcd. This
city ftands at the junftion of the rivers Potomack and the Eaftern
Branch, in latitude 38"^ 53' north, extending about four miles up
each, including a traft of territory, exceeded in point of con-
venience, lalubrity, and beauty, by none in America, if any in tlie
world : for although the land is apparently level, yet by gentle
and gradual fwellings, a variety of elegant prolpcfts are produ-
ced, while there is a lufEcient deicent to convey olf the water
occafioned by rain.

Within the limits of the city ere twenty-five fprings of ex-
cellent water ; and by digging wells, water of the bcfl quality
is readily had ; befides thefe, the flream s that now run through
that territory, are alfo to be collected for the ufe of the city.

The waters of Reedy branch and of Tiber creek may alio be
conveyed to the Prelidcnt's houfe ; for the lource of Tiber ci-eck

K 3

68 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

is elevated about two hundred and thirtv-fix feet above the level
of the tide in the faid creek, and the perpendicular height of the
ground on which the capital is to fland, is fcventv-cight feet
above the level of the tide in the lame : the water of Tiber
creek may, therefore, be conveyed to the capital, and after water-
ing that part of the city, may be deftined to other ufeful
purpoies.

The Eaftcrn Branch is one of the fafcft and moit commodious
harbours in America, being fufficientlv deep for the largefh
■fhips for about four miles above its mouth ; while the channel
lies clofc along the edge of the city, and affords a large and
capacious harboin\

The Potomack, although only navigable for fmal} craft, for a
confiderable diftnnce from its banks next to the citv, excepting
about half a mile above the juntlion of the rivets, v^'ill never-
thfrlefs afford a capacious knumer harbour ; as an immcnfe num-
ber of fhips may ride in the great channel, oppofite to and belov.-
the city.

The city, being fjtuated upon the great poft road, exaftly
equl-diftant from thcnoithcrn and louthern extreniitics of the
Union, and nearly lo from the Atlantic ocean to the Ohio river,
vipon the befb navigation, in the midfl of the richell commercial
territory in America, and commanding the moft extenfivc inter-
nal relources, is by far the moft eligible fituation for the reii-
dcnce of Congrefs ; and as it is now prefTing forward, by the
public fpiriteJ entcrprife of the people of the United States, and
by foreigners, it will grow up with a degree of rapidity, hither-
to unparalleled in the annals of cities, and will probably [oon
become tiie admiration of the world, and one cf the piincipai
emporiunis oi Americ:(n corrimetce.

The inland navigation of the Potomack is fo far ad\^anccd, tliat
craft loaded with produce now , come down that river and its
feveral branches, from upwards of one hundred and eighty njilcs
to the great falls, which are within fourteen miles of the new
city. The canals at the great and little falls are nearly com-
pleted, and the locks in fuch forwardneCs, that in the courfe:
of tlic nvcrent year, the navigation will be entirely opened
between tide water and the head brat, dies of the Potomack,
which will produce a communication by water betwe;cn the city
of Waihington aid the interior pnits of Virginia and Maryland,
by means of t'lC Potomack, the Shannandoah, the South
Blanch, Opccan, cape Capon, Palterlon's creek, Conoochcague,
and Monocaly, for upwards of two hundred nulcs, through
one of the moil healthv, plcalant, and fertile legious in

OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON. 69

in Americn, producing, in vaft abundance, tobacco of (upcrior
qu;ility, hcnp, Indian corn, wheat and other Imall grain, with
fruit and vegetables peculiar to America, in vafl abundance,
and equal in cjuality to any in the United States,

The lands upon the Potomack above the city of Wafhington,
all around it, and for fixty miles below, are high and dry,
abounding with innumerable fprings of excellent water, and are
well covered with large timber of various kinds. A few miles
below the city, upon the banks of the Potomack, are inexhaufti-
blc mountains of excellent frec-flcne, of the white and red
Portland kinds, of which the public edifices in the city are now
building. Above the city, alio upon the banks of the river,
are imincnle quantities of excellent coal, lime-ftone, and marble,
with blue Hate of the beft quality.

The founding of this city in fuch an eligible fituation, and
upon fucli a liberal and elegant plan, will by future generations
be confidered as a high proof of the judgment and wildom of
the prefent government of the United States, and whilll its
name will keep frefh in mind to the end of time, the many virtues
and amiable qualities of the Prefident, the city itielf will be a
(landing monument of their public fpirit.

The plan of this city agreeably to . the direftions of the Pi'efi-
dent of the United States, was defigncd and drav/n by the cele-
brated Major I/Enfant, and is an inconceivable improvement
upon all others, combining not only convenience, regularity
elegance of prolpeft, and a free circulation of air, but every
thing grand and beautiful th«t can polTibly be introduced into a
city.

The city is divided into fquares or grand divifions, by the
flreets running due nortli, iouth, eafl and well:, which form
the ground-work of the plan. However, from the capitol, the
Prchdeiit's Houle, and fume of the important areas in the city,
run tranlverle avenues or diagonal flrects, from one material
objeft to another, which not onlv produce a variety of charm-
ing prolpcfts, but remove that infipid famenefs that renders fome
other great cities unpleafuig. Thcfe great, leading ftreets are
all one hundred and fixly feet wide, including a pavement of
te.n feet, and a gravel walk of thirty feet planted with trees on
each fide, which will leave eighty feet of paved flreet for car-
riages. The reft of the ftreets are in general one hundred and
ten feet wide, with a few only ninety feet, except North,
South, and Eaft Capitol ftreets, which are one hundred and
fixty Icct. "ihe diiigonal ftreets are named after the refpeftive
Slates compoung the Union, while thofe lunnir.g north an4

^o GENERAL DESCRIPTION

fouth are, from the capitol eaftward, named, Eafl: Firft Sferert,
Eaft Second Street, &c. and thofc weft of it in the Tame manner
called Weft Firft Street, Weft Second Street, &c. thoie run-
ning eaft and weft are from the capitol northward named.
North A Street, North B Street, &c. and thoie fouth of it are
called South A Street, South B Street, &c.

The iquares, or divifions of the city, have their numbers
infcrted in the plan, and amount to eleven hundred and fifty.
The letlangular Iquares generally contain from three to fix acres^
and are divided into lots of from forty to eighty feet front, and
their depth from about one hundred and ten to three hundred
feet, according to the fize of the fquarc.

The irregular divifions produced by tlie diagonal ftrects are
fome of them fmall, but are generally invaluable lituations.
Their accute points are all to be cut off at forty feet, fo that
no houfe in the citv will have an acute corner. The lots in
thefe irregular iquares will all turn at a right angle with the
rcfpeftive ilreets. although the backs of the houle* upon them
\vill not ftand parallel to one another, which is a matter of little
or no confcquence.

By the rules declared and publifhed by the Prefident of tlie
United States, for regulating the buildings within the citv, all
houfes muft be of ftone or brick — their walls muft be parallel
to the ftrects, and either placed immediately upon them, or
withdrawn therefrom at pleaiure. The walls of all houfes upon
ftreets one hundred and iixty feet wide muft be at leaft thirty
feet high ; but there is no obligation impoied to build or improve
in any limited time.

The area for the capitol, or houfe for the iegiflative bodies,
is fituatcd upon the moft beautiful eminence in the city, about
a mile from the Eaftern Branch, and not much more from the
Fotomack, commanding a full and complete view of every part
of the city, as Avell as a coniiderable e^Aent of the country
around. The Prefideni's houfe will ftand upon a rifing ground,
not far from the banks of the Potomack, pofi'efling a delightful
water prolpeft, together with a commanding view of the capitol,
and ibme other material parts of the city.

Due fouth from the Prefident's houfe, and due -weft from
the capitol, run tv/o great pleaiure parks or malls, which inter,
feci and terminate upon the banks of the Potomack, and are to
be ornamented at the i'ldes by a variety of elegant buildings, and
houles for foreign minifters, &c.

Interlperied through the city, where the moft material ftreets
crois one another, arc a variety of open areas, formed in v^i'J'

OF THE CITY OF WA&HFNGTON'. ^-r

ous regular figures, which in great cities are extremely ufcful
and ornamental.

Fifteen of the bcfl of thefe areas are to be appropriated to
the different States compoling the Union ; not only to bear their
rcfpeftive names, but as proper places for them to ereft *ftatues,
obclifks, or colums, to the memory of their favourite eminent
men. Upon the fmall eminence, where a line due weft from
the Capitol, and due fouth from the Prefident's houfe would
intcrfeft, is to be ercftcd an cqueftrain ftatue of Gexeral
Washington. The building where MafTachufetts and Georgia
itreet meets, is intended for a Marine Hofpital, with its gar-
dens.

The area at the fouth end of Eaft Eight Street is for the
general exchange, and its public walks, &c. — The broad black
line, which runs along part of North B ftreet, and, feparatino-,
joins the Eaflcrn Branch at two plnces^ is a canal, which is to
be eighty feet wide, and eight feet deep. The area, where
South G ftreet croffes tlie canal, is intended to contain a city
hnll, and a bafon of water; there being a very large fpring in
the middle of it.

The area, at the junftion of the rivers, is for a fort, maga-
zines, and arfcnals.

At the eaft end of Eaft Capitol Street is to be a bridge, and
the prefent ferry is at the lower end of Kentucky ftreet, where
the great road now erodes the Eaftern Branch. The Tiber,
which is the principal ftream that palfes through the city, is
to be collefted in a grand refcrvoir bcfide the capitol, from
whence it will be carried in pipes to different parts of the city ;
while its iurpJus will fall down in beautiful cafcades, through
the public gardens weft of the capitol into the canal. In
various parts of the city, places are allotted for market houfes,
churches, colleges, theatres, &c. In order to execute the plan
a true meridional line was drawn by cclcftial obfervation, which
paffes through the area intended for the capitol. This line wag
croffed by another, running due eaft and weft, which paffes
through the fame area. Thefe lines were accurately mcafured^
and made the bafis on which the whole plan was executed. All
the lines were ran by a tranfit inftrumcnt, and the acute angles
determined by. aftual meafurement, thus leaving nothing to the
uncertainty of the compafs.

The Prefident of the United States in locating the feat of the
city, prevailed upon the proprietors of the foil to cede a certain
portion of the lots in every fituation, to be fold by his direction,
and the proceeds to be folely applied to the public buildings,

jz GENERAL DESCRIPTION, &c.

and other works of public utility within the city. This grant
■will produce about fifteen thoufand lots, and will be fulhcient,
not only to ereft the public buildings, but to dig the canal,
conduft water through the city, and to pave and light the
ftreets,* which will fave a heavy tax that arifes in other
eities, and confequently render the lots confiderably mo'e
valuable.

The grants of money made by Virginia and Maryland being
fufficient, few of the public lots were fold, till the 17th day of
September, i79'3, when the demand was confiderable, as the
monicd men in Europe and America had turned their attention
to this great national objeft.

At the dole of the year 1792, moft of the flreets were run,
and the fquares divided into lots. The canal was partly dug,
2nd the greateft part of the materials provided for the public
buildings, which are entirelv of free-ftone polifhcd, and are
now carrying on with all poffible expedition^ Several private
houfes were erefted, and a great many proprietors of lots were
preparing to build. The city now makes a noble appearance,
ftiany of the public buildings being in great forwardnefs, or
finifhed, and a great number of houles built. In the month of
June laft, eleven thoufand artificers, befides labourers, were
employed in the different works.

The public lots in the city of Wafliington open a large field
for fpeculation in America, and there is every probability of their
being run up to an enormous price, as the public buildings are
advanced ; for although lands in America, from their quantity^
are lefs valuable than thofe in Britain, yet lots in cities generally
lell high.

STATE O F

VIRGINIA.

SITUATION, EXTENT, &c.

X HIS State is fituated between o° and 8° wefl longitude from
Philadelphia, and 36*' 30', and 40" 30' north latitude. Its
length is about four hundred and forty-lix miles, and its breadth
two hundred and twenty-four. It is bounded on the eafl by
the Atlantic, on the north by a line of latitude, croflTing the
eaftern fhore through Watkins's Point, being about 3-:^ ^f
north latitude ; from thence by a ftraight line to Cinquac, near
the mouth of the Potomack ; thence by the Potomack, which is
common to Yiiiginia and Maryland, to the firft fountain of its
northern branch ; thence by a meridian line, pafling through
that fountain till it interfefts a line running eafh and weft, in
latitude 39'-' 43' 42 4"' which divides Maryland from Penniyl-
vania, wliich was marked by Meffrs. Malon and Dixon ; thence
by that line, and a continuation of it weftwardty to the com-
pletion of five degrees of longitude from the eaftern boundary
of Pennfylvania, in the fame latitude, and thence by a meii-
dlan line to the Ohio : on the weft by the Ohio and MifTiffippi,
to latitude 36'' 30' north ; and on the fouth by the line of lati-
tude laft-mentioned.H By admcaluiemcnts through nearly the
whole of this laft line, and fupplying the unmeafured parts from
good dita, the Atlantic and IMiiiiflippi are found in this lati-
tude to be fcvcn hundred and fifiy-eight miles diftant, equal
to 13° 38' of longitude, reckoning fifty-five miles and three
thoufand one hundred and forty-four feet to the degree. This
being our comprehenfion of American longitude, that of their
lititude, taken between this and Mafon and Dixon's line is 3°
13' 42 4", equal to about two hundred and twenty-three miles,
Vol. III. L

74 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

fuppofing a degree of a gicat circle to be fixty-nine miles,
eight hundred and fixty-four feet as computed by Caffini.
Theie boundaries include an area fomewhat triangular, of one
hundred and twenty-one thoufand five hundred and twenty-
five fquare miles, whereof, feventy-nine thoufand fix hundred
and fifty he weflward of the Allegany mountains, and fifty-feven
thoufand and thirty-four weftward of the meridian of the
mouth of the Great Kanhawa. This State is therefore one
third larger than the iflands of Great-Britain and Ireland,
which are reckoned at eighty-eight thoufand three hundred and
fifty-feven fquare miles.

Thefe limits refult from, ift. The antient charters from the
crown of England, 2d, The grant of Maryland to Lord Balti-
more, and the fubfequent determinations of the Britifh court as
to the extent of that grant. 3d, The grant of Pennfylvania to
William Penn, and a compa£l been the General Affemblies of
the Commonwealth of Virginia and Pennfylvania as to the extent
of that grant. 4th, The grant of Carolina, and aftual location
of its northern boundary, by confent of both parties. 5th, The
treaty of Paris of 1763. 6th, The confirmation of the charters
of the neighbouring States by the Convention of Virginia at
the time of conftituting their Commonwealth. "yth. The cef-
fion made by Virginia to Congrefs of all the lands to which
they had title on the north fide of the Ohio,

C L I M A T E.

In an extenfive country, it will be expcfted that the climate
is not the lame in all its parts. It is remarkable that, proceed-
ing on the fame parallel of latitude wcflcrly, the climate be-
comes colder in like manner as when you proceed northwardly.
This continues to be the cafe till you attain the fummit of the
Allegany, which is the higheft land b0K\'een the ocean and
the Miffinippi. From thence, defcending in the fame latitude
to the MilTiflippi, the change reverfes ; and, if we may believe
travellers, it becomes warmer there than it is in the fame lati-
tude on the fea fide. Their teflimony is ftrengthened by the
vegetables and animals which fubfift and multiply there natu-
rally, and do not on the fea coaft. Thus calalpas grow fponta-
neoufly on the MiffifTippi, as far as the latitude of 37**, and
reeds as far as 38'^. Parroqucts even winter on the Scioto, in
the 39lh degree of latitude.

OF VIRGINIA, 75

The fouth-wefl winds, eaft of the mountains, are moft pre-
dominant. Next to thefc, on the fea coafl, the north-eaft, and
at the mountains, the north-weft, winds prevail. The diflcr-
ence between tliefe winds is very great. The north-eaft is load-
ed with vapour, inlomuch that the fait manufafturers have
found that their chryftals would not ftioot while that blows ;
it occalions a diftrefting chill, and a heavinefs and dcprefuon of
the fpirits, Tiic north-weft is dry, cooling, elaftic, and animat-
ing. The eaft and fouth-eaft breezes come on generally in the
afternoon. They have advanced into the country very fenfibly
within the memory of people now living. Mr. Jefferion reckons
the extremes of heat and cold to be 98** above and 6** below
o, in Fahrenheit's thermometer.

That flu£luation between heat and cold, fo deftruftive to
fruit, in the fpring feafon, prevails lefs in Virginia than in Penn-
fylvania ; nor is the overflowing of the rivers in Virginia fo
extenfive or io frequent at that lealbn, as thofe of the New-
England States ; becaufe the fnows in the former do not lie
accumulating all winter^ to be diffolved all at once in the
fpring, as they do fometimes in the latter. In Virginia, below
the mountains, fnow feldom lies more than a day or two, and
feldom a week ; and the large rivers feldom freeze over. Th2
fluftuation of weather, however, is fufficient to render the
winters and fprings very unwholefome, as the inhabitants dur-
ing thofe feafons have to walk in almoft perpetual mire.

The months of June and July, though often the hotteft, are
the moft healthy in tlie year. The weather is then dry and
lefs liable to change than in Auguft and September^ when the
rain commences, and fudden variations take place.

On the fea coaft, the land is low, generally withir. twelve
feet of the level of the fea, interfered in all direftions with
fait creeks and rivers, the heads of which form fwjmps and
marfhes, and fenny^round, covered with water in wet fea-
fons. The uncultivated lands are covered ^vith large trees and
thick underwood. The vicinity of the lea, and fait creeks
and rivers, occafion a conftant moifture and warmth of the
^tmofphere, fo that although under the fame latitude, one hun-
dred or one hundred and fifty miles in the country, deep
inows, and frozen rivers frequently happen, for a fhort feafon,
yet here fuch occurrences are conlidered as phenomena ; for
thefe reafons, the trees are often in bloom as early as the laft of
February ; from this period, however, till the end of April,

L 2

76 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

the inhabitants are incommoded by cold rains, piercing winds.
and fliarp frolls, which fubjeft them to the inflammatorv dil-
eafes, known here under the names of pleurify and pe-
1 jpncumony.

FACE OF THE COUNTRY, MOUNTAINS, RIVERS, &c.

Tlie whole country below the mountains, which are about
one hundred and fifty, fome fay two hundred miles from the
lea, is level, and fce;ns from various appearances to have been
once waflied by the ica. The land between York and James
rivers is very level, and its furface about forty feet above high
water mark. It appears, from oblervation, to have arilen to its
preient height, at different periods far diftant from each other,
and that at theic periods it was wafhed by the fea ; for near
York-town, where the banks are perpendicular, you full lee a
Jlratum^ intermixed with fmall fhells, refembling a mixture of
clay and land, a;.d about Eve leet thick ; on this lies horizon,
tally, fmall white fhells, cockle, clam, &c. an inch or two
tirick ; then a body of earth hmilar to that firft mentioned, eigh-
teen inches thick ; then a layer of fhells and another body of
earth ; on this a layer of three feet of white fhells mixed with
fand, on which lay a body of oyfter fliells lix feet thick, which
are covered with earth to the lurfacc. The oyfler Ihells are lo
vmited by a very flrong cement that they fall, only when un-
dermined, and then in large bodies, from one to twenty tons
weight. Thev have the appearance on the flrore of large
rocks.*

Thefe appearances continue in a greater or lefs degree in the
banks of James river, one hundred miles from the fea ; tlie
appearances then vary, and the banks arc iilled with fliarks,
teeth, bones of large and fmall fifh petri^d, and many other
petrifaftions, fome refembling the bones o^Iand and other ani-
mals, and alio vegetable fubflances, Thefe appearances are not
confined to the river banks, but are feen in various places in
gullies at confiderabie diftances from the rivers. In one part of
the State for Icventy miles in length, by finking a well, your ap-
parently come to the bottom of what was formcily a water-courlc.
And even as high up as Botetourt county, among the Allegany
jnovmtains, there is a traft of land, judged to be hu ty thoulancl
acres, furroundcd on every fide by mountains, wliich ib entiiely

* General Lincohi

1

OF VIRGINIA.

77

covered with oyfler and cockle fliells, and, by fome gullies,
they appeal- to be of confidcrahlc depth. A plantation at Day's
Point, on James river, of as many as one thouland acres, ap-
pears at a diftance as if covered with fnow, but on examination
the white appearance is found to arifc from a bed of clam fhells,
which by repeated plowing have become fine and mixed with
the eartli.

It is worthy notice, that the mountains in this State arc
not folitary and fcattered confufedly over the face of the coun-
try ; but commence at about one hundred and fifty miles from
the lea .coall, are dilpofcd in ridges one behind another, run-
ning nearly parallel witli the lea coaft, though rather approach-
ing it as they advance north-eaflwardly. To the fouth-weft, as
the traft of country between the fea coaft and the Miflriflippi
becomes narrower, the mountains converge into a fingle ridge :
which, as it approaches the gulph of Mexico, fubfides into plain
country, and gives rife to fome of the waters of that gulph, and
particularly to a river called Apalachicola, probably from the
Apalachies, an Indian nation formerly refiding on it. Hence
the mountains giving rife to that river, and feen from its
various parts, were called the Apalacian mountains, being in
faft the end or termination only of the great ridges pafhng
through the continent. European geographers, however, have
extended the fame north-wardly as far as the mountains extend-
ed ; fome giving it after their feparation into different ridges,
to the Blue Ridge, others to the North mountains, others to
the Allegany, others to the Laurel Ridge, as may be feen in
their different maps. But none of thefe ridges were ever known
by that name to the inhabitants, either native or emigrant, but
as they law them lo called in European maps. In the fame
direction generally are the veins of lime-fhone, coal, and other
minerals hitherto dilcovered; and fo range the falls of the
great rivers. But the courfes of the great rivers are at right
angles with thefe. James and the Potomack penetrate through
all the ridges of mountains eaflward of the Allegany, which
is broken by no water-courle. It is in faft the (pine of the
country between the Atlantic on one fide, and the Mifliflippi
and St. Lawrence on the other. The palTage of the Potomack
through the iriiue Ridge is perhaps one of the moft ftupendous
fcenes in nature. You Hand on a very high point of land. On
your right comes up the Shenandoah, having ranged along the
foot of the mountain an hundred miles to leek a vent ; on your
left approaches tjie Potomack, in (jucfl: of a palTage alio ; in t\\p

-yS GENERAL DESCRIPTION

moment of their junftion, they rufh together again fl tlie
mountain, rend it alunder, and pals ofF to the lea, T!ie ftril
glance of this fcene hurries our fenics into the opinion, that
this earth has been created in time, that the mountains were
formed firft. that the rivers began to flow afterwards ; that in
this place particularly they have been dammed up by the Blue
Ridge of mountains, and have formed an ocean which filled
the whole valley; that continuing to rile, they have at length
broken over at this fpot, and have torn the mountain down,
from its fummit to its bale. The piles of rock on each hand,
but particularly on the Shenandoah, the evident marks of their
difruption and avulfion from their beds by the nioft. poweiful
agents of nature, corroborate the imprefTion : but the diHaut
finifhing which nature h^s given to the pifture, is of a very
different charafter. It is a true contrail to the fore ground ; it
is as placid and delightful, as that is wild and tremendous.
For the mountain, being cloven afunder, prefents to the eve,
through the cleft, a fmall catch of Imooth blue horizon, at an
infinite diftance, in the plain country, inviting you, as it were,
from the riot and tumult roaring around, to pafs through the
breach and participate of the calm below. Here the eye idti-
niately compofes itfelf ; and that way too, the road acbually
leads. You crofs the Potomack above the junftion, pafs along
its fide through the bafe of the mountain for three miles, its
terrible precipices hanging in fragments over you, and within
about twenty miles reach Frederick-town and the fine country
round that. This fcene is worth a voyage acrols the Atlantic.
Yet here, as in the neighbourhood of the Natural Bridge,
are people who have pafled their lives within hall a dozen
miles, and have never been to furvey thofc monuments of a war
between rivers and m.ountains, which mull have fliaken the
earth itfelf to its center. The heigh^of tiie mountains has
not yet been eilimated with any degree or exatineis. The Alle-
gany being the great ridge which divides the waters of the
Atlantic from thole of the Miffifiippi, its fummit is doubtlefs
more elevated above the ocean than that of any other mountain.
But its relative height compared with the bale on which it
ilands, is not fo great as that of fome others, the country j il-
ing behind the luccellive ridges like the fteps of ftairs. The
mountains of the Blue Ridge, and ihele tlie peaks ol Otter are
thought to be of a greater height mealured from their bale
than any others in Virginia, and perhaps in North-America,
From data, which may be found a tvlcrabh conjcdure, n«

OF FERGINIA. -^9

Aippofe the hiotncn; peak to be about four thoufand feet pcr-
iic!:tiiev4ar, which is not a fifih part of the height of the inoun-
' .MIS of . South- America, nor one third of the heiglit which
would be* riedclTary in our latitude to preferve ice in the open
air uiimefted through the year. The ridge of mountains next
beycMW the Blue Ridge/ called the North mountain, is of the
grcatell extent*: for whtch reafon they arc nafned by the Indians
fhc Endlcis 'mountains.

The Ouafioto mountains are fifty or fixty miles wide at the
Gap. Thefe mountains abound in coal, lime, and free-flonc ;
the fummits of them are generally covered with a good loil, and
a variety of timber; and the low, inleivale lands are rich and
rcmarkablv well watered.

An infpcttion of the map of \^irginia will giv^e a better idea
of t!ic geograpliy of its rivers, than any defcripcion in writing.
Their navigation, however, may be iniperfe£lly noted.

Roanoke, fo far as it lies within this State, is no where
navigable but for canoes, or light batteaux ; and even for thefej
in fuch detached parcels as to have prevented the inhabitants
from availing themfelves of it at all.

James river, and its waters, afford navigation as follows :
the whole of Elizabeth river, the lowed of thofe which run
into James river, is a harbour, and would contain upwards
of three hundred fhips. The channel is from one hundred and
fifty to two hundred fathoms wide, and at common flood tide,
affords eighteen feet water to Norfolk. The Strafrord, a fixty
gun fhip, went there, lightening herfelf acrofs the bar at Sowell's"
Point. The Fier Rodrigue, pierced for fixty-four guns,
and carrying fifty, went there without lightening. Craney
Ifland, at the mouth of this river, commands its channel tole-
rablv well.

Nanlcmond river is navigable to Sleepy Hole, for vefleis of
two hundred and fifty tons : to SufTidk, for thofe of one hun-
dred tons ; and to Milner's for thole of twenty-five. Pagan
creek affcrds eight or ten feet water to Smithfield, whicli ad-
mits velTels of twenty tons. Chickahominv has at its mouth a
bar on which is only twelve feet water at common flood tide.
Vellsls pairing that, may go eight miles up the river; thofe of
ten feet diaught may go four miles farther, ond thofe of fix
tons burthen twenty mils farther.

The Appamnttox may be navigated as far as Broadways, by
any velfsl which has criy.Tcd Ilarrilon's bar in James river ; i>

8o GENERAL DESCRIPTION

keeps eight or nine feet water a mile or two higher up to
Fifher's bar, and four feet on that and upwards to Peterlburgh,
Vvhere all navigation ceafes.

James river itfelf afifords harbour for veffels of any fize at
Hampton road, but not in fafety through the whole winter •,
and there is navigable water for them as far as Mulberry Ifland.
A forty gun fhip goes to James-town, and, lightening herfelf,
may pafs to Hairilon's bar, on which there is only fifteen feet
'water. Vcffels of two hundred and fifty tons may go to War-
\vick ; thofe of one hundred and twenty-five go to Rocket's,.
a mile below Richmond ; from thence is about feven feet water
*o Richmond ; and about the center of the town, four feet
and a half, where the navigation is interrupted by falls, which
in a courfe of fix miles dcfcend about eighty feet perpendicu-
lar : above thefe it is refumed in canoes and batteaux, and is
profecuted fafely and advantageoufly to within ten miles of
the Blue Ridge ; and even through the Blue Ridge a ton weight
has been brought ; and the expenfe would not be great, when
compared with its objeft, to open a tolerable navigation up
Jackfon's river and Carpenter's creek, to within twenty-five miles
of Howard's creek of Green Briar, both of which have then
water enough to float veffels into the Great Kanhawa. In fome
future (late of population, it is pofiible that its navigation may
alio be made to interlock with that of Potomak, and through
that to communicate by a fliort portage with the Ohio. It ii
to be noted, that this river is called in the maps James river,
only to its confluence with the Rrvanna ; thence to the Blue
Ridge it is called the Fluvanna ; and thence to its fource, Jack-
fon's river. But in common fpeech it is called James river to
its fource.

The Rivanna, a branch of James river, is navigable for
canoes and batteaux to its interfeftion with the fouth-weft
mountains which is about twenty-two miles ; and may eafily
be opened to navigation through thofe mountains, to its fork
above Charlottefville.

York river, at York-town, affords the beft harbour in the
State for veflfels of the largeft fize. Tiie river there narrows
to the width of a mile, and is contained within very high banks,
clofe under which the veffels may ride. It holds four fathom
water at high tide for twenty-five miles above York to the mouth
of Poropotank, where the river is a mile and a half wide, and the
channel only fcvcnly-five fathom, and palling under a high bank.

OF VIRGINIA, 8i

At the confluence of Pamunkey and Mattapony it is reduced
to three fathom depth^ which continues up Pamunkey to Cum-
berland, whore the width is one hundred yards, and up Matta-
pony to within two miles of Frazier's ferry, where it becomes
two and a half fathom deep, and holds that about five
miles. Pamunkey is then capable of navigation for loaded flats
to Brockman's bridge, fifty miles above Hanover-town, and
Mattapony to Downer's bridge, fevcnty miles above its mouth.

Piankatank, the little rivers making out of Mobjack bay, and
thofe of the eaftern fliore, receive only veiy fmall veffels, and
thcfe Cart but enter them. Rappahannock affords four fathom
water to Hobbe's Hole, and two fathoms from thence to Frede-
rick fburg, one hundred and ten miles.

The Potomack is feven and a hiif miles wide at the mouth ;
four and a half at Nomony bay ; three at Aquia ; one and a half
at Hallooing point ; one and a quarter at Alexandria. Its found-
ings are feven fathom at the mouth ; five at St. George's ifiand ;
fou» and a half at Lower Matchodic ; three at Swan's point,
and thence up to Alexandria j thence ten feet water to the falls,
which are thirteen miles above Alexandria, The tides in the
Potomack are not very (trong, excepting after great rains, when
the ebb Ts pretty ftrong, then there is little or no flood ; and
there is nei'er more than four or five hours flood, except with
long and ftrong fouth winds.

The diltance from the capes of Virginia to the termination of
the tide water in this river is above three hundred miles, and
navigable for fhtps of the grcateft burthen, nearly that diftance.
From thence this river, obflrufted by four confiderable falls,
extends through a vaft traft of inhabited country towards its
lource. I'hcle falls arc, ift, The Little Falls, three miles
above tide water, in which di fiance there is a fall of thirty-
fix feet ; 2d, The Great Falls, fix miles higher, where is a fall
of feventy-fix feet in one mile and ? quarter ; 3d, The Seneca
Falls, fix miles above the former, which form fhort, irregular
rapids, with a fall of about ten feet ; and 4th, The Shenandoah
Falls, fixly milcsTrom the Seneca, where is a fall of about thirty
feet in three miles : from which laffc, fort Cumberland is about
one hundred and twenty miles diltant. The obflruftions which
are oppoled to the navigation above and between thefe falls
are of little confequence.

Vol. HL M

82 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Early in the year 1785, the legiPjatures of Virginia and Mary-
land palled afts to encourage opening the navigation of this
river. It was eflimated that the expenfe of the works would
amount to fifty thouland pounds fterling, and ten years were
allowed fo their completion : but the prefident and direftors of
the incorporated company have fince fuppofed that forty-five
thoufand pounds would be adequate to the operation, and that
it Vvfould be accomplifiicd in a fhorter period than was ftipulated.
Their calculations are founded on the progrefs already made,
snd the iummary mode eftablifhed for enforcint^ the colleftion
of the dividends, as the money may become neceiTary,

As loon as the proprietors fhall begin to receive toll, they
will doubtlel's find an ample compenfation for their pecuniary
advances. By an eftimate made many years ago, it was calcula-
ted that the amount in the commencement would be at the rate
of eleven thoufand eight hundred and feventy-five pounds, Vir-
ginia currency, per annum. The toll muft every year become
more productive ; as the quantity of articles for exportation
will be augmented in a rapid ratio, with the increafe of popu-
lation and the extenfion of fettlements„ In the mean time the
effe£l will be immediately leen in the agriculture of the inte-
rior country ; for the multitude of horles now employed in car-
rying produce to market, will then be ulcd altogether for the
purpofes of tillage. But in order to form juil conceptions of
the utility of this inland navigation, it would be requifite to
notice the long rivers which empty into the Potomack, and
even to take a lurvey of the geographical pofition of the
weftern waters.

The Shenandoah, which empties juft above the Blue moun-
tains, may, according to report, be made navigable, at a trifling
expenfe, more than one hundred and fifty miles from its con-
fluence with the Potomack ; and will receive and bear the pro-
duce of the richefb part of the State. Commiflioners have been
appointed to form a plan, and to eftimate the expenle of open-
ing the channel of this river, if on examination it fliould be
found prafticable. The South Branch, ftill higher, is navigable
in its a£tual condition nearly or quite one hundred miles, through
exceedingly fertile lands. Between thele on the Virginia fide-
are fcveral finaller rivers, that may with eafe be improved, fo
as to afford a paffage for boats. On the Maryland fide are the
Monocaly, Antictam, and Conegocheague, fome of which pals
through the State of Maryland, and have their fources in Penn-
fylvania.

OF VIRGINIA, S3

From fort Cumberland, or Wills' creek, one or two good
waggon roads may be had, where the diftancc is from thiiiy-
five to forty miles, to the Youghiogany, a large and navig;iWc
branch of the Monongahela, which lall forms a junftion with
the Allegany at Fort Pitt.

But by paflfing farther up the Potomack than fort Cumber-
land, which may very ealily be done, a portage by a good
waggon road to Cheat river, another large branch of the Mo-
nongahela, can be obtained through a fpace which fome fav is
twenty, others twenty-two, others twenty-five, and none mere
than thirty miles.

When arrived at either of thcfe weflern waters, the navi-
gation through that immenfe region is opened by a thoufand di-
reftions, and to the lakes in feveral places by port'j^es of h-f-
than ten miles ; and by one portage, it is alTerted, of not more
than a fingle mile.

Xotwithflanding it was fneeringly faid by fome foreiffneis,
at the beginning of this undertaking, that the Americans were
fond of engaging in fplendid projects which they could never
accomplifh, yet it is hoped the fuccefs of this firft effay towards
improving their inland navigation, will refcuc them from the
reproach intended to have been fixed upon their national cha-
racter, bv the unmerited imputation.

The Great Kanhawa is a river of confiderable note for the
fertility of its land, and ftill more, as leading towards the head
waters of James river. Neverthelefs, it is doubtful whether its
great and numerous rapids will admit a navigation, but at an cx-
penfe to which it will require ages to render its inhabitants
equal. The great obllacles begin at what are called the Great
Falls, ninety miles above the mouth, below which are only
five or fix rapids, and thefe paffable, with fome difficuliy, even
at low water. From the falls to the mouth of Green Briar
is one hundred miles, and thence to tiie lead mines one hun-
dred and twenty. It is two hundred and eighty yards wide at
its mouth.

The Little Kanhawa is one hundred and fifty yards wide at
the mouth. It yields a navigation of ten mile> only. Perhaps
its northern branch, called Junius's creek, wliich interlocks
with the wellern waters of Monongahela, may one day admit a
fhorter pailage from the latter into the Ohio.

84 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Befidcs the rivers we have now mentioned, there are many
others of lei's note, neverthelefs the State does not abound with
good fifh ; fturgeon, fhad and herring are the moft plenty ;
perch, fheepfliead, drum, rock fifh, and trout, are common ; be-
lides thele, they have oyfters, crabs, flirimps, &c. in abundance.
The* fprings in this State are almoft innumerable. In Augvifta
there is a remarkable cafcade, it bears the name of the Falling
Spring. It is a water of James river, where it is called Jack-
fon's river, rifing in the warm fpring mountains about twenty
miles fduth-weft of the warm fpring, and flowing into that
valley. About three quarters of a mile from its fource it falls
over a rock two hundred feet into the valley b^^\v. The flicet
of water is broken in its breadth by the rock in two or three
■olaces, but not at all in its height. Between tlic flieet and
rock, at the bottom, you may walk acrofs dry. This cataraft
will bear no compariibn with that of Niagara, as to the quantity
of water compofing it, the fiieet being only twelve for fifteen,
feet wide above, and fomewhat more fpread below ; but it is
half as high again,

SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, Sec,

The foil below the mountains feems to have acquired a cha-
yafter for goodnefs which it by no means deferves. Though
not rich, it is well fuited to the growth of tobacco and Indian
corn, and parts of it for wheat. Good crops of cotton, flax and
hemp are alio railed ; and in fome counties they have plenty
of cyder, and exquifite brandy, diftilled from peaches, which
crrow in great abundance upon the numerous rivers of the
Chefapeak.

The planters, before the war, paid their principal attention
to the culture of tobacco, of which there uled to be exported^
generally, fifty-five thoufand hogfh-cads a year. Since the revo-
lution they are turning their attention more to the cultivation
of wheat, Indian corn, bnrley, flax and hemp. It is expected
that this State will add the article of rice to the lift of exj)orts ;
as it is luppofed a large body of fwamp, in the calternmoft coun-
ties, is capable of producing it.

Horned or neat cattle are bred in great numbers in the weft-
ern counties of Virginia, as well as the States fouth of it,
where they have an extenfive range, and mild winters, without
any pcnnancut fnows. Th>jy run at large, are not houlcd. and

OF VIRGINIA, 8.5

o

multiply very fail. "In the lower parts of the State a difeafe
nevails among the neat cattle which proves fatal to all that are
iiot bred there. The oxen from the more northern States,
which were employed at the fiege of York-town, in Oftober
1781, almoft all died, lometimes forty of them in a night, and
often fuddenly dropped down dead in the roads. It is faid
that the feeds of this difeafe were brought from the Havannah
to South Carolina or Georgia in fomc hides, and that the difeafe
has made a progrcfs northward to Virginia. Lord Diinmore
.Tiported fome cattle from Rhode-Ifland, and kept them con-
Hned in a fmall palture, near his feat, where no cattle had been
for fome years, and where they could not intermix with other
cattle, and yet they foon died."

The gentlemen of this State being fond of pleafure, have
taken much pains to raife a good breed of horfes, and have
fuccceded in it beyond any of the other States in the Union.
They will give one thoufand pounds fterling for a good feed
Iiorfe. Horie-racing has had a great tendency to encourage the
breeding of good horfes, as it affords an opportunity of putting
them to the trial of their fpeed. They are more elegant, and
will perform moi-e fervice than the horfes of the northern
States.

With refpect to the fubterraneous produftions, Virginia is
the moft pregnant with minerals and foffils of any State in
the Union. Mr. Jefferibn mentions a lump of gold ore of about
four pounds weight found near the falls of Rappahanock river,
which yielded feventeen penny-weights of gold, of extraordinary
duftility ; but no other indication of gold has been difcovered
in its neighbourhood.

On the great Kanhawa, oppofite to the mouth of Cripple
creek, and alfo about tweniy-five miles from the fouthern
boundary of the State, in the county of Montgomery, are mines
of lead. The metal is mixed, fometimes with earth, and fome-
times with rock, which requires the force of gunpowder to
open it ; and is accompanied with a portion of filver, but too
fmall to be worth feparation under any procels hitherto attemp t-
ed there. The proportion yielded is from fifty to eighty pounds
of pure lead from an hundred pounds of wafhed ore. The
moft common is that of fixty to the hundred pounds. The
veins are fometimes moft flattering ; at others they difappear lud=
denly and totally. They enter the fide of the hill, and proceed
horizontally. Two of them have been wrought by the pub-

86 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

lie. Thefe would employ about fifty labourers to advantage.
Thirty men, who have at the iame time railed their own corn,
have produced fixty tons of lead in the year ; but the genera]
quantity is from twenty to twenty-five tons. The preient fur-
nace is a mile from the ore bank and on the oppofite fide of the
river. The ore is firfh waggoned to the river, a quarter of a
mile, then laden on board of canoes and carried acrofs the river,
which is there about two hundred yards wide, and then again
taken into waggons and carried to the furnace. This modfe was
originally adoped, that they might avail themfelves of a good
fituation on a creek, for a pounding mill ; but it would be eafy
to have the furnace and pounding mill on the fame fide of the
river, which would yield water, without any dam, by a canal
of about half a mile in length. From the furnace the lead is
tranfported one hundred and thirty miles along a good road,
leading through the peaks of Otter to Lynch's Ferry, or Win-
flon's, on James river, from whence it is carried by- water
about the iame diflance to Weftham. This land carriage may be
greatly fhortened, by delivering the lead on James river, above
the Blue Ridge, from whence a ton weight has been brought
in two canoes. The great Kanhawa has confiderable falls in
the neighbourhood of the mines. About feven miles below
are three falls, of three or four feet perpendicular each ; and
three miles above is a rapid ef three miles continuance, which
has been compared in its defcent to the great fall of James
river ; yet it is the opinion, that they may be kid open for
ufeful navigation, fo as to reduce very much the portage between
the Kanhawa and James river.

A valuable lead mine is faid to have been difcovered in
Cumberland, below the mouth of Red river. The grcateft,
however, known in the weftern country are on the MilTiffippi,
extended from the mouth of Rock river an hundred and fifty
miles vipwards. Thefe are not wrought, the lead ufed in that
country being from the banks on the Spanifh fide of the Milfil-
fippi, oppofite to Kafkafkia,

A mine of copper was opened in the county of Amherft, on
the north fide of James river, and another in the oppofite
county, on the fouth fide. However, either from bad manage-
ment or the poverty of the veins, they were dilcontinued.
There aie feveral iron mines in tiiis State ; a few years ago
there were fix worked ; two furnaces made about one hundred
and fifty tons of bar iron each ; four others made each fron:

OF VIRGINIA. 87

I fix hundred to one thoiifand fix hundred tons of pig iron
I annually. Befides thefe, a forge at Frederickfburgh made about
' three hundred tons a year of bar iron, from pigs imported
from Maryland ; and a forge on Neapfco of Potomack work-
ed in the fame way. The indications of iron in other places
are numerous, and difperled through all the middle country.
The toughnefs of the call iron of fome of the furnaces is very
remarkable. Pots and other utenfils, cafb thinner than ufual,
of this iron, may be fafely throv/n into or out of the waggons
in which they are tranfported. Salt pans made of the fame,
and no longer wanted for that purpofe, cannot be broken up
in order to be melted again, unlefs previoufly drilled in many
parts.

In the weftern part of the State, we are informed, there are
likewife iron mines on Chefnut creek, a branch of the great
Kanhawa, near where it croffes the Carolina line ; and in other
places.

Confiderable quantities of black lead are taken occafionally
for ufc from Winterham, in the county of Amelia. There is
no work eflabliflied at it, thofe who want go and procure it for
themfelves.

The country on both fides of James river, from fifteen to
twenty miles above Richmond, and for feveral miles northward
and fouthward is replete with mineral coal of a very excllent
quality. Being in the hands of many proprietors, pits have
been opened and worked to an extent equal to the demand.
The pits which have been opened lie one hundred aud fifty or
two hundred feet above the bed of the river, and have been
very little incommoded with water. The firft difcovery of the
coal is faid to have been made by a boy digging after a cray-fifh ;
it has alfo been found on the bottom of trees blown up. In
many places it lies within three or four feet of the furface of the
ground. It is conjcfturcd, that five hundred thoufand bufheL
might be raifed from one pit In twelve months.

In the weflern country, coal is known to be in fo many
places, as to have induced an opinion, that the whole tra6t
between the Laurel mountain, MifTilTippi and Ohio, yields coal.
It is alfo known in many places on the north fide of the Ohio.
The coal at Pitt (burgh is of a very fuperior quality ; a bed of
it at that place has been on fire fince the year 1765. Another
coal hill on the Pike Run of Monongahcla has been on fire for
feveral years.

88 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Mr. Jcffcrfon informs us, that lie has know one inftancc or
an emerald found in this country. Amethyfks have been fre-
quent, and chryftals common ; yet not in fuch numbers any of
them as to be worth feeking.

There is very good marble, and in very great abundance, on
James river, at the mouth of Rockfifh ; fome white and as pure
as one might expeft to find on the furface of the earth ; but ge-
nerally variegated with red, blue and piirple^ None of it has
ever been worked : it forms a very latge precepice, which hangs
over a navigable part of the river.

But one vain of lime-ftone is known l^elow the Blue Ridge ;
its firft; appearance is in Prince William, two miles below the
Pignut ridge of mountains ; thence it pafTcs on nearly parallel
with that, and crolTes the Rivanna about five miles below it?
where it is called the South-weft ridge ; it then croffes Hard-
ware, above the mouth of Hudfon's creek, James river, at the
mouth of Rockfifh, at the Marble Quarry before fpoken of,
probably runs up that river to where it appears again at Rofs's
iron works, and fo paffes off fouth-weftwardly by Flat creek
of the river Ottor ; it is never more than an hundred yards
wide. From the Blue Ridge weflwardly the whole country
feems to be founded on a rock of lime-ftone, behdes infinite
quantities on the furface, 'both loofe and , fixed ; this is cut
into beds, which range, as the mountains and fea coaft do, from
fouth-wefh to north- eaft, the lamina of each bed declining
from the horizon towards a parallelifm with the axis of the
earth. Mr. Jefferfon, being ftruck with this obfervation, madej
with a quadrant, a great number of trials on the angles of their
declination, and found them to vary from 22° to 60"* ; but
averaging all his trials, the refult was within one-third of a
degree of the elevation of the pole or latitude of the place, and
much the greateft part of them taken feparatcly were little dif-
ferent from that ; by which it appears, that thefe lamina are,
in the main, parallel with the axis of the earth. In fome in-
ftances, indeed, he found them perpendicular, and even reclin-
ing the other way ; but thefe were extremely rare, and always
attended with ugns of convulfion, or other circumftances of
finffularitv, which admitted a pofllbilty of removal from their
original pofition. Thefe trials were made between Madifon's
cave and the Potomack.

Near the eaRern foot of the north mountain are immenfe
bodies of Schijl, containing impreflions of fhells in a variety of

OF VIRGINIA, 89

forms. Mr. Jefferfon received petrified fhells of very difFcrent
kinds, from the firft; fources of the Kentucky, which bore no
relcmblance to any he had ever fecn on the tide waters. It is
faid, that fhells are found in the Andes, in South-America, fif-
teen thouland feet above the level of the ocean. This is con-
fidered by many, both of the learned and unlearned, as a proof
of an univerfal deluge.

There is great abundance, more efpecially when you ap-
proach the mountains, of ftone of white, blue, brown, and other
colours, fit for :he chilfel, good mill-ftone, fuch alfo as ftands
the fire, and flate-ftone. We are told of flint, fit for gun-flints,
on the Meherrin in Brunfwick, on the Miflilfippi, between the
Ohio and Kaflialkia, and on otliers of the weftern waters.
Ifinglafs, or mica, is in feveral phces ; loadftone alfo, and an
afbeftos of a ligneous texture, is lometimcs to be met with.

Marble abounds generally. A clay, of which, like the Stur-
bridge in England, bricks are made, which will refill long the
aftion of fire, has been found on Tukahoe creek of James river,
and no doubt will be found in other places. Chalk is faid to
be in Botetourt and Bedford. In the latter county is fome earth,
believed to be gypfeous. Ochres are found in various parts.

In the lime-ftone country are many caves, the earthly floors
of which are impregnated with nitre. On Rich creek, a branch
of the Great Kanhawa, about fixty miles below the lead
mines, is a very large one, about twenty yards wide, and enter-
ing a hill a quarter or half a mile. The vault is of rock, from
nine to fifteen or twenty feet above the floor. A Mr. Lynch,
who gives this account, undertook to extraft the nitre. Bcfides
a coat of the fait which had formed on the vault and floor,
he found the earth highly impregnated to the depth of feven
feet in fome places, and generally of three, every bulhel yield-
ing on an average three pounds of nitre. Mr. Lynch having
made about a thouland pounds of the filt from it, configned
it to fome others, who have fince made Inrge quantities. They
liave done this by purluing the cave into the hill, never Irv-
ing a fecond time the earth thev have once exhauflcd, to fee
how far or foon it receives another impregnation. At lead
fifty of thefe caves are worked on the Greenbriar, and there
are many of them known on Cumberland river.

An intelligent gentleman, an inhabitant of Virginia, fuppo-
fes, that the caves lately difcovered yield it in fuch abun-
dance, that he judges five hundred thouland pounds of lakpetre
might be colleftcd annually.

Vol. III. N

pef GENERAL DESCRIPTION

MEDICINAL SPRINGS,

There are feveral medicinal fprings, fome of which are indu-
bitably efficacious,, while others feem to owe their reputation
as much to fancy, and change of air and regimen, as to their
real virtues. None of them have undergone a chemical analyfis
in fkilful hands, nor been fo far the fubjeE of obfervation, as
to have produced a reduftion into claflTes, of the diforders which
they relieve ; it is in our power to give little more than an
enumeration of them.

The mofl efficacious of thefe are two fprings in Augufta,
near the fources of James river, where it is called Jackfon's
river. They rife near the foot of the ridge of mountains, ge-
nerally called the Warm Spring mountain, but in the maps
Jackfon's mountains. The one is diftinguifhed by the name of
the "Warm Spring, and the other of the Hot Spring. The
Warm Spring iffues with a very bold ftream, fufficient to work
a grifh mill, and to keep the waters of its bafon, which is thirty
feet in diameter, at the vital warmth, viz. g6* of Fahrenheit's
thermometer. The matter which thefe waters is allied to is
very volatile ; its fmell indicates it to be fulphureous, as alfo
docs the circumftance of turning filver black : they relieve
rheumatifms : other complains alio of very different natures
have been removed or lefTened bv them. It rains here four or
or five days in every week.

The hot fpring is about fix miles from the warm, is much
fraaller, and h.is been fo hot as to have boiled an egg. Some
believe its degree of heat to be lefTened : it raifes the mercury
in Fall renheit'^s thermometer to 112^, which is fever heat ; it
fometimcs relieves where the warm fpring fails. A fountain of
common water, iffuing within a few inches of its margin, gives
it a fingular appearance. Comparing the temperature of thefe
with that of the hot fprings of Kamfcatka, of which Krachi-
ninnikow, gives an account, the difference is very great, the
latter raifing the mercury to 200®, which is within 1 a** of
boiling water. The fprings are very much reforted to, in Ipite
of a total want of accommodation for the ftck. Their waters
are fhrongeft in the hotted months, which occafions their being
vifited in July and Auguft principally.

The fweet fprings are in the county of Botetourt, at the
eaftcrn foot of the Allegany, about forty-two miles from the
warm fprings. They are ftill lets known. Having been found

OF VI RG INI A. 91

to relieve cafes in which the others had been inefTeftually tried,
it is probable their coinpofition is different ; they arc difterent
alfo in their temperature, being as cold as common water; which
is not mentioned, however, as a proof of a diftinft impregna-
tion; This is among the fird fource^ of James livcr.

On the Potoniack river, in Berkeley county, above the North
mountain, are medicinal iprings, much more frequented than
thofe of Augufla : their powers, however, are lels, the waters
weakly mineraliled, and Icarccly warm. They are more vihtcC,
bccaufe fituated in a fertile, plentiful and populous country,
provided with better accommodations, always iafe from the In-
dians, and nearefl to the more populous Stales.

In Louifa county, on the head waters of the South Anna
branch of York river, are fprings of iome medicinal virtue;
they are, however, not much uled. There is a weak chalybeate
at Richmond, and many others in various parts of the countrv,
which are of too little worth, or too little note to be enumerated
after thofe before mentioned.

We are told of a fulphur fpring on Howard's creek of Green-
briar.

In the low grounds of the Great Kanhawa, feven miles above
the mouth of Elk river, and fixty-feven above that of the
Kanhawa itfelf, is a hole in the earth of the capacity of thirty
or forty gallons, from which iiTues conftantly a bituminous
vapour, in fo flrong a current, as to give to the iand about its
orifice the motion which it has in a boiling ipring. On pre-
fenting a lighted candle or torch within eiglueen inches of the
hole, it flames up in a column of eighteen inches diameter, and
four or five feet in height, which fometimes burns out in twen-
ty minutes, and at other times has been knov^'n to continue
three days, and then has been left burning. The fiaine is un-
fleady, of the denfity of that of burning ipirits, and imells like
burning pit coal. Water lometimes collects in the baion, which
is remaikably cold, and is kept in ebullition by the vapour
ilfuing through it ; if the vapour be fired in tliat ftate, the
water Icon becomes fo warm, that the hand cannot bear it,
and evaporates wholly in a fhort time. This, with the circum-
jacent lands, is the property of Prcfident Wafhington and of
General Lewis.

There is a fitnilar one on Sandy river, the flame of wliich
is a column of about twelve incites diameter and three feet
high. General Clarke kindled the vapour, (laid about an hour,
and left it burning.

N 2

92 GENER'AL DESCRIPTION

The mention of uncommon fprings leads to that of Svphon
fountains ; there is one of thefe near the interfeftion of the
Lord Fairfax's boundary with the North mountain, not far frotn
Brock's gap, on the ftream of which is a grift mill, which
grinds two bufhels of grain at every flood of the fpring. Ano-
ther near the Cow PafLure river, a mile and a half below its
confluence with the Bull Failure river, and fixteen or feventeen
miles from the hot fprings, which intermits once in every
twelve hours. One alfo near the mouth of the North Holfton.

After thefe may be mentioned, the Natural Well on the
lands of a Mr. Lewis, in Frederick county ; it is fomewhat
larger than a common well ; the water rifes in it as near the
furface of the earth as in the neighbouring artificial wells,
and is of a depth as yet unknown. It is faid, there is a cur-
rent in it tending fenlibly downwards ; if this be true, it pro-
bably feeds lome fountain, of which it is the natural refervoir,
diftinguifhed from others, like that of Madifon's cave, by be-
ing acceflible ; it is ufed with a bucket and windlals as an ordi-
nary well.

CAVERNS AND CURIOSITIES.

In the lime-ftone country there are many caverns of very
coniiderable extent. The moft noted is called Madifon's cave„
and is on the north fide of the Blue ridge, near the interfec-
tion of the Rockingham and Augufta line with the fouth fork
of the fouthern river of Shenandaoh. It is in a hill of about
two hundred feet perpendicular height, the afcent of which, on
one /ide, is fo fteep, that you may pitch a bifcuit from its
fummit into the river which wafhes its bafe. The entrance
of the cave is, in this fide, about two-thirds of clie way up.
It extends into the earth about three hundred feet, branching
into fubordinate caverns, fometimes alcending a little, but more ge-
nerally defcending,and at length terminates in two difFcient places,
at bafons of water of unknown extent, and which appear to be
nearly on a level with the water of the river. The water in thefe
bafons is always cool, it is never turbid, nor does it rile or fall in
times of flood or drought. It is probably one of the many
refervoirs with which the interior parts of the earth arc iuppo-
fed to abound, and which yield fupplies to the fountains ol

OF VIRGINIA. 93

water, diftlnguiflied from others only by its being aGcefTible,
The vault of this cave is of folid lime-ftone, from twenty to forty
or fifty feet high, through which water is continually percolating.
.'This, trickling down the fides of the cave, has incruftcd them
* oyer in the form of elegant drapery ; and dripping from the
top *of the vault, generates on that, and on the bafe below,
flalaftites of a conical form, fome of which have met and
formed maflive columns.

Another of thefe caves is near the North mountain, in the
county of Frederick. The entrance into this is on the top of
an extenfive ridge. You defcend thirty or forty feet, as into
a well, from whence the cave then extends, nearly horizontally,
four hundred feet into the earth, preferving a breadth of from
twenty to fifty feet, and a height of from five to twelve feet.
Mr, JefFerfon obferves, that after entering this cave a few
feet, the mercury, which in the open air was at 50*', rofe to
57*^ of Fahrenheit's thermometer, anfwering to 11^ of R.eau-
mur's, and it continued at that to the remoteft parts of the
cave. The uniform temperature of the cellars of the obferva-
tory of Paris, which are ninety feet deep, and of all fubterra-
nean cavities of any depth, where no chymical agents may be
fuppofed to produce a faftitious heat, has been found to be
10° of Reaumur, equal to 54^*^ of Fahrenheit. The tempe-
rature of the cave above mentioned fo nearly correfponds with
this, that the difference may be afcribed to a difference of
inflruments.

At the Panther gap, in the ridge which divides the waters
of the Cow and Calf pafture, is what is called the Blowing
Cave. It is in the fide of a hill, is of about an hundred feet
diameter, and emits conftantly a current of air of fuch force,
as to keep the weeds proftrate to the diftance of twenty yards
before it. This current is ftrongefl in dry frofhy weather,
and weakeft in long periods of rain. Regular infpirations and
expirations of air, by caverns and fiffures, have been probably
enough accounted for, by fuppofing them combined with in-
termitting fountains, as they mufl of courfe inhale the air
while the refervoirs are emptying thcmfelves, and again emit
it while they are filling. But a conftant iifue of air, only vary-
ing in its force as the weather is drier or damper, will require a
new hypothcfis. There is another blowing cave in the Cumber-
land mountain, about a mile from where it erodes the Carolina
line. All we know of this is, that it is not conflant, and
that a fountain cf water iflues from it.

94 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Natural Bridge is the mod fublime of nature's works.
It is on the affent of a hill, which feems to have been cloven
through its length by fome great convulfion. The fiffure, jult
at the bridge, is by iome admeafurements two hundred an'd^
feventy feet deep, by others only two hundred and five, ^t
is about forty-five feet wide at the bottom, and ninety f^t at
the top ; this of courfe determines the length of the bridge,
and its height from the water. Its breadth in the middle
is about fixty feet,, but more at the ends, and the thickncls
of the mafs at the fumtnit of the arch about forty feet, but more
at the ends, and ninety feet at the top. A part of this thick-
nefs is conftituted by a coat of earth, which gives growth to
many large trees. The refidue, with the hill on both fides^
is folid rock of lime-flone. The arch approaches the femi-
elliptical form ; but the larger axis of the ellipfis, which would
be the chord of the arch, is many times longer than the
tranfverfe. Though the fides of this bridge are provided in
fome parts with a parapet of fixed rocks, yet few men have
refolution to walk to them and look over into the abyls. You
involuntarily fall on your hands and feet, creep to the parapet
and peep over it. If the view from the top be painful and
intolerable, that from below is delightful in an equal extreme.
It is impoffible for the emotions arifing from the fublime, to
be felt beyond what they are here ; fo beautiful an arch, io
elevated, fo light, and fpringing as it were up to Heaven, the
rapture of the ipeftator is really indefcribable ! The fiifure
continuing narrow, deep and ftraight, for a confiderable dif-
tance above and below the bridge, opens a Ihort but very pleaf-
ing view of the North mountain on one fide, and Blue ridge
on the other, at the diftance each of them of about five miles.
This bndge is in the county of Rockbridge, to which it has
given name, and affords a public and commodious paffage
over a valley, which cannot be croffed elfewhere for a confi-
derable diftance.* Tiie ftream paffing under it is called
Cedar creek. It is a v/dter of James river, and fufficient in
the drieft iealons to turn a grill mill, though its fountain is not
more than two miles above. There is a natural bridge fimi-

* Don Ulloa mentions a break, fimilar to this, in the province of Angarer,
in South-Ameriea. It is from fixteen to twrnty-two feet wide, one hundred
and eleven deep, and of one mile and three-quarters continuance, Englifh mca,
fure. Its breadth at top is i^ot fenfibly greater than at bottom-

i

OF VIRGINIA.

95

lar to the above, over Stock creek, a branch of Pclefon river,
in Wafhington county.

t* C I V I L D I V I S I O N S.

Tills State is divided into eighty-two counties, and by ano-
ther divilion is formed into parifhes, many of which are com-
menlurate with the counties ; but lomelimcs a county compre-
hends more than one parifh, and fometimes a parifh more than
one county. This divihon had relation to the reh'gion of the
State, a minifter of the AngHcan church, with a fixed falar)',
having been heretofore eflabhfhed in each parifli. The names
and lituations of thefe counties are as follow ;

WEST Of THE flI.UE RIDGF.

Ohio,

Monongala,

Wafhington,

Montgomery,

Wythe,

Botetourt,

Grcenbriar,

Kanhawa,

Hampfliire,

Berklcy,^

Frederick,

Shenandoah,

Rockingham,

Augufla,

Rockbridge.

SETWEEN THE BLUE RIDGE AND THE TIDE V.'ATERS.

Loudoun,

Fauquier,

Culpepper,

Spotlylvania,

Orange,

Louila,

Goochland,

Flavania,

Albemarle,

Amherft,

Buckingham,

Bedford,

Henry,

Pittlylvania,

Halifax,

Charlotte,

Prince Edward.

Cumberland,

Powhatan,

Am.elia,

Nottaway

Lunenburgh,

Mecklenburgh,

Brunfwick.

BETU'EEN JAMES RIVER AND CAROLINA.

Greenfville,
Dinwiddle,
Chefterfield,
Prince George,

Surry,
SulTex,
Southampton,
lilc of Wights

Nanfemond,

Norfolk,
Princefs Ann.

96

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

BETWEEN' JAMES AND YORK RIVERS,

Henrico,
Hanover,
New- Kent,

Charles City, York,

James City, Warwick,

Williamiburg^, Elizabeth Cit)^

BETWEEN' YORK AAD RAPPAHANNOCK RIVERS.

Caroline, King and Queen, Middlefex,

King William, Ellex, Gloucefter.

BETWEEN RAPPAHANNOCK AND PCTTOMACK RIVERS.

Fairfax,

Prince William,
Stafford,

King George,

Richmond,

Weftmoreland,

Northumberland,
Lancafter.

EASr SHORE.

Accomac,

Northampton,

THE FOLLOWING ARE NEW COUNTIES.

Campbell,
Franklin,
Harrifon,

Randolph. Pendleton.

Hardy, RulTel.

CHIEF TO W N S.

There are no townfhips in this State, nor any towns of
conlequence, owing, probably, to the interfeftion of the coun-
try by rtavigable rivers, which brings the trade to the doors
of the inhabitants, and prevents the neceffity of their going
in queft of it to a diftjtnce. Williamfburgh, which, till the
year 1780, was the feat of government, never contained above
eighteen hundred inhabitants, and Norfolk, the moft populous
town they ever had in Virginia, contained but fix thou-
fand. The towns, or more properly villages or hamlets, are as
follow :

On James river and its* waters — Norfolk, Portfmouth, Hamp-
ton, Suffolk, Smithfield, Williamfburgh, Peterfburgh, Rich-
mond, th» feat of government, Manchcfter, Charlottefville,
New London. — On York river and its waters, York, New-
caftle, Hanover. — On Rappahannock, Urbanna, Port Roy-
al, Frederickfburgh, Falmouth. — On Potomack and its
waters, Dumfries, Colchellcrj Alexandria, Winchcfter. Staun-
ton.

OF VIRGINIA, 97

There are places at which, like fome of the foregoing, the
laws have faid there fhall be towns, but nature has laid there
Ihall not ; and they remain unworthy of enumeration. Norfolk
will probably become the emporium for all the trade of the
Chefapeak bay and its waters ; and a canal of eight or ten miles,
U'hich will probably foon be completed, wUl bring to it all that
of Albemarle found and its waters. Secondary to thii place,
are the towns at the head of the tide waters, to wit, PetevfburgK
on Appamattox, Richmond on James river, Newcaftle on Yoilc
river, Fredericklburgh on the Rappahanncck, and Alexandria
on the Potomack. From thefe the diftribution will be to fubor-
dinate fituations of the country. Accidental circumftances,
however, may controul the indications of nature, and in no
inftances do they do it more frequently than in the rile and fall
of towns.

To the foregoing general account, we had the following more
particular delcriptions :

Alexandria.

Alexandria ftands on the fouth bank of Potomack river in
Fairfax county ; its fituation is elevated ar.d pleafant ; the ioil is
clay. The original fettlers, anticipating its future growth and
importance, laid out the ftreets upon the plan of Philadelphia.
It contains about fix hundred houfes, many of which are hand-
fomely built, and about fix thoufand inhabitants. This town,
upon opening the navigation of Potomack river, and in confe-
quence of its vicinity to the city of Walhington, will probably
be one of the moft thriving commercial places on the continent,

MOUNT VERNON,

Mount Vernon, the celebrated feat of Prefident Wafnington,
is pleafantly fituated on the Virginia bank of the Potomack,
where it is nearly two miles wide, and is about two hundred
and eighty miles from the fea, and one hundred and twenty-
feven from Point Look-out, at the mouth of the river. It is nine
miles b|low Alexandria, and four miles above the beautiful feat
of tiie late Col. Fairfax, called Bellevoir. The area of the m.ount
is two hundred feet above the furface of the river, and, after
furnifning a lawn of five acres in front, and about the fame in
rear of tlie buildings, falls off rather abruptly on thofe two quar,
ters. On the north end it fubfides gradually into exteniive
pafture grounds ; while on the fowth it flopes more fteeply in

Vol. III. O

93 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

a fhorter dlfl-nce, no'l tcnninates with the coach-houfe, ftableSj
vincvard, and nurleries. On either wing is a thick grove of
difTerent fiovv'cring forcft trees. Parallel with them, on the
land fide, arc two Ip^cious gardens, into which one is led by
two ferpentirie gravel wvdks, planted with weeping willows and
lliady ihrubs. The manfion houfe itfclf (though much embellifli-
ed by, yet not 'perfe6tly latisfactory to the chafte tafte of the
preieiit pofTenVn) appears venerable and convenient. The fuperb
banquetting ioom has been fiiiiflied fince he returned home
from the army. A lofty portico, ninety- fix feet in length, lup-
portec. by eight pillars, has a pleafing effeft when viewed from
the water ; the whole afferabh^g'' of the green- houfe, fchool-houfe,
ofucs and fei vants halls, when fesn from the land-fide, bears a
refemblance to a rural village ; efpecially as the lands on that
fide are laid out fomewhat in the form of Engliih gardens, in
ifieadov.'s and grais grounds, ornamented with little ropfes, cir-
cular clumps and fingle trees. A fmall park on the n^argin of
the river, where the Engliih fallow-deer and the ylmerican
wild deer are feen through the thickets, alternately with the
vcflfels as they are failing along, add a romantic and pifturefque
appearance to tlie whole fccncry. On the oppofite fide of a
fmall creek to the northward, an extenfive plain, exhibiting
corn fields and catflc grazing, affords in fummer a luxuriant
landfcape ; while the blended verdure of woodlands and culti-
vated declivities, on the Maryland fhore, variegates the proipcft
in a charming manner. Such are the philo(bphic fliades to which
the late commander in chief of the American armies retired from
the tumultuous fcenes of a bufy world, and which he has fince
left to dignify, by his unequalled abilities, the moil important
office in the gift of his fellow citizens.

y R E D E R I C K. s B u r. c :i ,

Fredprickfburgh. in the county of Spotfylvania, is fituated on
the fouth fide of Rappahannock river, one hundred and ten
miles from its mouth, and contains about two hundred houfcs,
principally on one ftrcet, which runs nearly parallel w^ith the
river, and one thoufand five hundred inhabitants.

RICHMOKD.

Richmond, in the county of Henrico, is (he prefent feat of
government, and (lands on the nortli fide of James river, juft at
the foot of the falls, and contains between five and fix hundred

I

OF VIRGINIA. 59

lioufes. and from five to fix tlioufand inhabitants. Part of the
houfts are built upon the m;irgin of ths river, convenient for
bufincfs ; the reft are upon a hill which overlooks the lower i^art
of the town, and commands an cxtenfive proipeft ot the river
and adjacent country. The new houfcs are well built, A large
ftate-houle, or capiiol, has lately been ereftcd on the hill. Tiie
lower part of the town is divided by a creek, over which Is a
convenient bridge. A bridge between three and four hundred
yards in lenorih has lately been thrown acrois James river, ac
the foot of ihe fall, by Colont^l Mayo, That part from Manchef-
ter to the ifland is built on fifteen bo?ts. From the i{h.nd to
the rocks was formerly a floating bridge of rafts, but Colonel
Mayo has now built it of framea log piers, filled with flone.
From the rocks to the landing at Richmond, the bridge is con-
tinued on framed piers filled with ftone. This biidge conne.£ls
Ri.limond with ManchePcer ; and as the pafTeagers pay toll, it
produces a confiderable revenue to Colonel Mayo, who is the
fole proorieton

The falls above the bridge are feven miles in length. A noble
cansl is nearly, if not quite completed, on the north fide of the
river, which is to terminate in a balon of about two acres, in
the town of Richmond. From this bafon to the wharfs in the
river will be a land carriage of about a mile. This canal is cut-
ting under the dircftion of a company, who have calculi'.ted the
expciile at thirty thouland pounds Virginia money; this they
have divided into five hundred fhares of fixty pounds each.
The opening of this canal promifes the addition of much wealth
to Richmond.

PETERSSCKCn.

Peterfourgh, twenty-five miles fouthward of Richmond, HhiuIs
on the fouth fiJe of Appamattox river, and ccntaiiis uowuids
of three hundred houfes in tv.'o diviuons ; one is upon a clay
cold foil, and is very dirty, the other upon a plain of land or
loam. There is no regularity and very little elegance in PcLerr-
burgh, it is merely a place of buuncfs. The Free Mafons have
a hall tolerably elegint. It is vc:y unhealthy, being fhut out
from the acccis of tlie winds by higii hills on every hdc.* I'his
confined fuuation h?s fuch an eiieft upon the confututicns of
ihe inhabitants, that they very nearly refemble thole of haid

* It is aiTerlctI, as an undoubted faft, by a r- ::c-

quainted witli thib tovvii, that, in 1781, '■ one ii'iiiu Oiiiy born in it baa arrived
to manhood, and he was a cripple."

O 2

TOO GENERAL DESCRIPTION

drinkers ; hence, in the cfpinion of phyficians, they reqvnre a
confiderable quantity of ftimulating aliments and vinous drinks,
to keep up a balance between the feveral funftions of the body.

About two thoufand two hundred hogfheads of tobacco are
inipefted here annually. Like Richmond, Williamfburgh, Alex-
andria, and Norfolk, it is a corporation ; and Peterfburgh city
comprehends a part of three coupties. The celebrated Indian
queen, Pocahonta, from v/hom defcended the Randolph and
Bowling families, formerly relided at this place. Peterfburgh
and its fuburbs contain about three thouland inhabitantSo

WILLIAMSBURGH,

Williamfburgh,* formerly the feat of government in Virginia,
ilands upon an elevated, but level fpot, between York and James
river. Queen's creek on one fide, and Archer's hope cieck on
the other, arc navigable for fmall veffels within a mile of the town:
during the regal government it was propofed to unite them by a
canal paffing through the center of the tov/n ; but the removal of
the feat of goverriment rendered it no longer an objeft of impor-
tance: the town is nearly a mile in length, yet I believe it never
could bo aft of more t^ian two hundred houfes, or, eighteen hun-
dred inhabitants, Many of the houfes were pleafantly fituated
and though neither elegant, nor in general built of durable mate-
rials, weie neat and comfortable; moft of them had gardens; the
main flreet rpnning from eaftto weft: is terminated by the capitol,
and the college; neither of them elegant ftruftures, though per-
haps eafily diftin^uifliable from ' common brick-kilns.'— Near the
center of the town there is a pleafant fquarc of about ten acres,
which is generally covered with a delightful verdure; not far from
this at the extremity of a fmall plain ilretching to the north, ftood
the governor's houlc, or palace, iis it v/as called : though not very
handiome it was Ipaciousajrid commoditious ; and in every relpeft
pleafantly fit.uated : it was burnt to the gro.und during the war,
whiUt it was occupied as an hofpital for the American army.

The hoyfe of the prefident of the College fliared the fame fate,
being alio occupied as an hoi^ital by the French army. The lat-
ter has been rebuilt at the cxpence of the French government.
The capitol has haftened to decay from the moment pf removing
the feat of goverriment. A late ad of Alfembly authorilcs the
pulling down one half of it, to defray the charge of keeping the
other half (which, is Aill occupied as a diftritl court houlc, both
for the ftatc, and tlie Uiiitcd Stales) in repair. The hofpital for

« By a citizen of Willi.rmniurgh in a letter addrelTcd to tl-.c pv.blifl;cis of tlic
Ajncripan edition of Wint-rbyt-hara'sHiflory of America.

OF VIRGINIA. 101

Junaties, a church, the town and county court houfe, and a maga-
zine now occupied as a market houfe, complete the lift of public
edifices : neither of them appt-ars to have been conftrufted with
any view to architcftural fame. — The hofpital for lunatics is cal-
culated to accommodate between twenty and thirty patients in
Separate rooms or cells. They have, 1 believe, never been all
filled at the fame time ; the houfe is neatly kept, and the patients
well attended ; but convalefcentshave not fufficient room for free
air and exercife, without danger of making their efcapc. The
college, though diverted of three fourths of its revenues at the re-
volution, and wholly diforganized at that period, by the removal
or refionation ot moft of the profeffors, has, fince the peace, been
fuccefsfully revived and generally the relort of from thirty to for-
ty {Indents, in philofophy, or in law. Their number appears to
be encreafing at prelent, and as the fludents of law are by no
means fo numerous as formerly, it creates a prefumption that fci-
ence begins to be more generally cultivated among the citizens at
large. The grammar ichool, which was for a time difcontinued.
has been revived in the college ; there are about fifty or fixty
boys in this fchool, who are inflruftcd by two profefTors, and an
ufher. The fcudents in philoiophy and law, board and lodge in
the town. Grammar Icholars, if their parents clioofe it, are board-
ed and lodged in college, the expence of which, including
wafhin^ and tuition is 281^ per ann. or twenty guineas. — There ares
fix profefforfhips — One of moral philofophy, natural philofophy,
and the belles lettres ; one of mathematics ; one of law ; one of
modern languages ; and two of humanity. To the college belongs
an extenfive library, and an apparatus which is probably not exceed-
ed by any upon the continent ; the courfe of natural philoiophy is
much mure comprehenfive than is ufual in mofl colleges.

In moral philofophy the ftudents are examined from the ablefl:
writers on logic, the belles lettres, ethics, natural law, the law
of nations and politics. In mathematics a regular courfe both
elementary and practical is purfued. — In law a courfe of leftures
is annually delivered on the principles of civil government; and
on the conftitutions and Liws of the federal government of the
United States, and of the State of Virginia. In the modern lan-
guages, French, Italian, Spanifh, and German may be acquired ;
moft of the fhudents acquire the two foimer. In the Grammar
Ichool the Litin und Greek languages are taught as uiual in other
places. The college is io far from being in a declining fkate, that
the number of itudcnts is now confiderably greater than before
the revolution. At the end of the laft term. viz. about the be-
ginning of the picicnt mcntb their number were between for&y
and fifty.

los • GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Thiscollegc has probably produced its full quota of men of emi-
nence on the political theatre of the United States. Men of high
profeflional charafter in law, phyfic, and divinity, have there alfo
imbibed the elements of fcicnce; and not a few of tbemhave been
indebted to it, for their whole education.

Not a few private houfes have tumbled down ; others are daily
crumbling into ruins : there are, however, many very comfortable
houfes left, which have undergone fome repairs, contribute to va-
ry the fcene, and there are ftill fome neat gardens and pleafent fi-.
tuations ; it fccms to be the general idea of the inhabitants, that
"VViUiamfburgh has feen its worft; days. The market, though not
very regular, nor well fupplied, yet furnifhes excellent meats and
poultry in their feafons. They have alio fifh, crabs, oyllers, wild
fowl^ and excellent butter, vegetables, and fruits. There never
was mucli trade in Williamfburgh ; probably little more than at
prefent ; the fituation not being very favourable either for exter-
nal or an extenhve internal commerce; the evidenceof its prefent
trade is tobc found in about a dozen (loresof European, and Weft-
India goods. A few mechanics, fuch as blackfmiths, chair-ma-
kers, wheel-wn'ghts, faddlers and harnefs-makers, boot andfhoema-
kers, and tailors find employment, and a comfortable livelihood
there. There are alio fome genteel families which form a verv
agreeable fociety ; their number is confiderably greater than a
traveller pafiing through the place, would fuppofe. In fliort,
how contemptible foever, WilliamfDurgh, arrogating to herlelf
the rank and honours of a metropolitan city, might have appear-
ed in the eyes of a traveller, few villages can boaft a more plea-
fant fituation, more refpeclable inhabitants, or a more agreeable
and friendly lociety.

YORK-TOWN.

York-town, thirteen miles eaftward from Williamfburgh, and
fourteen from Monday's point at the mouth of the i iver, is a
place of about an hundred houfes, fituated on the fouth fide of
York river, and contains about feven hundred inhabitants. It
has been rendered famous, by the capture of loui:) corn-
WALLis AND HIS ARMY, on the 1 Qtli of October, 17'Si, by the
imited forces of France and America.

P O P U L A T I O N.

In the year 1701. a very inacurate cenfus vyas taken. Seve-
ral counties made no return ; but fupplying by conjufture the
deficiencies, the population of Virginia was then computed at
five hundred and fixty- feven thoufand fix hundred and four-
teen perfons ; according to t!:;; ceufus of 17^0, the numbcii
were as follow ;

OF VIRGINIA.
VIRGINIA.

i63f

— 5

T3

1

a.

COUNTIES, &c.

Free while m;
16 years <

IS

u

CJ

AJ
0
<

CO

"a
0

H

Augufta. the p.ui ^

ead of the north v

2O4B

1665

3438

40

1222

8413

mountain - J

pj'Vt weft of ditto

55^

572

98'.

19

345

2473

Albemarle - - -

1703

1790

334^

171

5579

^2585

/\ccomack - - -

2297

2177

4,502

721

4262

13959

Amherft - - - -

2056

2235

3995

1 21

5296

13703

/\.;nclia, including"^

Nottoway, a new V

1709

1697

3278

106

11307

18097

county - - J

iiotctourt, as it^

ftood previous to |

the formation of \

2247

2562

4432

24

1259

10524

Wytlie from it )

and MontgomeryJ

Buckingham

1274

1537

2685

115

4168

9779

Berkeley - _ .

4253

4547

7850

13'

2932

19713

Brunfwick - - .

M7--

15^9

2918

132

6776

1 2827

Bedford - - - .

178,

2266

36 7 <

52

2754

10531

Cumberland - - .

88.

914

1778

142.

44 34

■ 8153

Ghefherfield - - -

ibv

1557

3149

3^9

7487

14214

Charlotte - - - .

128^^

1379

2536

(■z

4816

10078

Culpepper - -

3372

3755

6682

70

8226

22101^

Charles City

53-

509

1043

3^3

314'

5588

Caroline - - - .

179^;

173'

3464

203

10292

1 748a

Campbell

1231

13-17

2363

25'

2488

768^

Dinwiddle

1790

i39<

2853

56a

733<

13934

Effex - - -

908

8(u

1766

139

5440

9122

Klizabeth City -

39'^

380

778

18

1876

3450

Fauquier - - . -

267^

2983

5500

9 ;4

G642

17892

Fairfax - - . .

2138

1872

3601

I3r

4574

123-0

Franklin - - . -

1266

1629

2840

3'''

1073

6842

Fluvanna - -

589

654

1187

2 t;

1466

3921

Frederick Divifion

3835

4170

7310

iiG

4250

19681

Gloucefter . - -

^597

1523

3105

210

7063

13498

Goochland - _ .

1028

1059

2053

257

4656

9053

Greenfville - -

660

627

1234

21 2

3620

6362

Greenbrier, in- ~1
eluding Kanhawa J

1463

1574

2639

20

319

6015

Henrico - - - .

1823

1 170

2607

581

5819

12000

104

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
VIRGINIA.

to

c

w i

3

a

a,

COUNTIES, &t.

e 0.

V 3

*-' U

ii

u

-^^ ■

^ "

^*

V

J=

w

Free
der I

0

>

So

Hanover - - -

1637

1412

3242

240

8223

14754

Hampfliire - - -

166?

1956

326.1

13

454

7346

Harrilon - -

487

579

947

67

2080

Hardy - - - -

1 108

2256

3192

411

369

7336'

Halifax - - - -

2214

2320

4397

226

5565

14722

Henry - - - -

152,3

1^63

3277

165

^55^

8479

me of Wight - -

1 208

1163

2415

375

3867

9028

James City - - -

395

359

765

146

2495

4070

King William -

723

732

1438

84

5151

8128

King and Queen

995

1026

2138

75

5143

9377

King George - -

757

781

1585

8()

4157

7366

Lunenburgh - - -

1110

1185

2250

80

433-

8959

Loudoun _ - -

3677

3992

7080

183

4030

8962

Lancafter - -

535

542

1182

M3

3236

5638

Louifa - - - -

957

1024

1899

1^.

1573

8467

Mecklenburgh - -

1857

2015

3683

416

6762

14733!

Middlefex - - -

407

370

754

51

2558

4140

Monongalia -

1089

1345

2168

1 2

154

4768

Montgomery, as \C\

flood pfevious to |

the formation of ^

2B46

3744

5804

6

828

13228

Wythe from it |

and Botetourte J

Norfolk . - - -

2650

1987

4291

251

5345

14,524

Northampton

857

743

1581

4^^13244

6889

New Kent - - -

605

587

1199

148

3700

6239

Northumberland

1046

1137

2323

197

4460

9' 03

Nanfemond - - -

1215

1 167

^33'

480

38.7

9010

Orange - . - .

1317

1426

2693

64

4421

9921

Ohio

1222

1377

2308

24

281

5212

Prince Edward - -

1044

1077

1961

3^

3986

8100

Prince W'Tiiiam -

1644

1797

3303

167

4704

I I 6 1 .,

Prince George - -

965

82-

1600

267

4519

8173

Powhatan

6.3

548

1115

21 1

4325

6822

Pendleton - - -

568

686

112^

1

73

245-2

Pittl'ylvania -

2Co8

2447

4083

6:

2979

I 157^^

priocels Anne -

1 169

1151

2207

64

3202

7793

f^ichmond

704

697

1517

83

3984

698:,

{Randolph - - -

221

270
1652

441

^9

95'

Rockinghdiro

1816

3209

7*7?

7449

I

CF VIRGINIA.

16J

VIRGINIA.

[COUNTIES, &c.

•

re O.
c -3

3
E .

u
0 1-

0
g

0.

u

1;

C
<5

Slaves.

n
p

;RuHc-i - - -

Rockbridge
Spotlvlvaiiia -
StafFord - -
Southampton -
Surry - - .
Shnnnandoah -
SufTex - - .
Waiwick . -
M^afhington
Weflmorcland
York - - -

734

1361

1341
1632

732
2409
1215

176

1287

815

5,30

9^9

1552
1278

^355
154^

651

2779

1174
158

1440

754
, 46.

1440
27.5^

2532
2769

31.34
1379
4791

.38.

333
2440
1614
1 124

5

41

148

87

559
368

19

391

33

8

114

358

12866

190
682

5931
4036

5993
3097

512
5387

990

450
4425
2760

6548

112.V

9n88

12864

62271
10510!

10554

1600

5625

7722

5233

110936111613,5

215046

29262-

747610

By comparing the tu-o accounts taken nt the above different
periods, it appears, that the increafe in ten years was two hun-
dred and fifty-eight thoufand fix hundred and feventy-thrce, or
about twenty-five thoufand eight hundred and fixty-fcven per
annum; allowing for the fame proportional increafe. the prcfent
number of inhabitants in tliis State cannot be Icfs than nine hun-
dred thoufand.

The increafe of flaves. during the laft fourteen years, has been
lefs than it had been obferved for a century before. The reafon
IS, that about thirty thoufand flaves perifhed with the fm?l!- pox
or camp fever, caught from the Britifh army, or went oft with
them while Lord Cornwallis was roving over that Srate.

MILITIA.

Every able-bodied fraeman, between the ages of fixteen and
fifty, is enrolled in the militia. Thufe of every county arc for-
med into companies, and thefe again into one or more b;tttalions
according to the numbers in the county: they are commanded
by colonels, and other fubordinate oflkcrs, as in the regular fervicc.
In every county is a county lieutenant, who commands the
whole militia in his county, but ranks only as a colonel in tlie

Vol. III. p

i65 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

field. They have no gcner.il officers always exifting: thefe are
appointed occalionally, when an invafion or inlurreftion happens,
and their conimiflion determines with the occafion. The gover-
nor is head of tlie military as well as of the civil power. The
law requires every militia man to provide himiclf with the
arms ulual in the regular fervice. But this injunction has al-
ways been indifferently complied with, and the arms they had
have been lo frequently called for to arm the regulars, that in
the lower parts of the country tliey are entirely diiarmed. In
the middle country a fourth or fifth part of them may have fuch
fnelocks as they had provided to deftroy the noxious animals
which infeft their farms ; and on the weflern fide of the Blue
Pvidge they are generally armed with rifles.

The interleftion of Virginia, bv lo many navigable rivers, ren-
ders it almofl incapable of defence ; as the land will not fup-
port a great number of people, a force cannot foon be coUcfted
to repel a fudden mvaiion. If the militia bear the fame propor-
tion to the number of inhabitants now, as in 1782, they amount
to more than fixty-eight thouiand.

RELIGION AND CHARACTER.

The firft. fettlcrs in this country were emigrants from England,
of the Knglifli church, juft at a point of time when it was
flufhed with complete viftory over the religious of all other
peiluafions. PoffcfTedjas they became, of the poweis of making,
adminiflering, and executing the laws, they fhewed equal into-
lerance in this country with their Prefbyterian brethren, who
had emigrated to the northern government ; the poor Quakers
were flying from perfecution in England. They caft their eyes
on thefe new countries as alylums of civil and religious free-
dom ; but they found them free only for the reigning feft.
Several afts of the \"irginia aifembly of 1659, 1662, and 1693,
hfd made it penal in parents to refule to have their children
baptized, and prohibited the unlawful allembling i)f Quakers ;
had made it penal for any mafler of a veifcl to biing a Quaker
into the State, and had ordered thole already here, and fuch as
■ fnould come thereafter to be impriioned till they fhould abjure
the country ; had provided a milder punifhment for their hril;
and fccond return, but death for tiieir third ; had inhibited all
perfons from fuflering their meetings in or near their houfes^
entertaining them individually, or dilpoilng of books which lup-
ported their tenets. If no capital execution took place there.

OF V IRQ I hi I A, ^^7

&s did in Ncw-Englnnd, it was not owing to moderation of ths
church, or ipirit ot the legiiiature, as may be infciied irvxn the
law iti'clf ; but to hiftorical' ciicumflanccs whicii have not been
handed down to us. The Anglicans retained full po^relTion
of the country about a century. Other opinions began then to
creep in, and the great care of the government to iupport their
own church, having begotten an ecjiial degree of indolence in
its clergy, two thirds of the people had become Dilfenters at
the coininencemcnt of the late revolution. The laws, indeed,
were dill oppreirive on them, but the fpirit of the one party
Jiad lublided into moderation, and the other had rilcn tea dcgies
of determination wliich commanded refpcft.

The prefent itate of the laws on the lubjeft of religion is as
follows; the Convention of May 1776, in their declaration of
rights, declared it to be a truth, and a natural right, that tiie
exercife of religion fliould be tree ; but when they proceeded to
form on that declaration the ordinance of government, inllead
of taking up every principle d<:clared in the Bill of Rights, and
guarding it by IcgiiLitive fan£lion, they palfed over tliat which
aiTerted their religious rights, leaving ihern as they found then .
The fame Convention, however, when they met as a part of the
General Affembly, in O0:obcr, 1776, repealed all atts of Par-
liament which had rendered criminal the maintaining any opi-
nions in matters of religion, the ft)rbearing to repair to church,
and the exerciiing any mode of worfliip ; and lulpcnded the laws
giving falarics to the cieigy, which fulpenfion was made perpe-
tual in Oftober, 1779. Statutory opprelFjons in religion being
thus wiped away, the Virginians remain at prelent under thole
only iinpoied by the common law, or by their own a£t of Al-
fembly. At the common law, hcrely was a capital oifcnte,
punilhable by burning. Its definition was leit to the ecclcli^
afticnl judges, before v/hom the convidlion was, nil the flatute
of the tirft El. c. 1. circumlcribed it, by declaring, that nodiing
fhould be deemed herefy, but what had been To determiusd by.
authority of the canonical fcriptures, or by one of the four firffc
general councils, or by iome other council having for the
grounds of their declaration the exprels and plain words of the
fcriptures. llerefy, thus circumlcribed, being an oilence at the
common law, their aft of Affembly of 06Lober, 1777, c. 17,
gives cognizance of it to the general court, by dcclarmg, itidC
'• the jurifdittion of that court fhall be general in nil matters
at the common law." The execution is by the writ Dc hceretico
covibiircndo. By their own a6l of Alfcmbly of 170^, c. 30, ifi

V z

io8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

peiTon brought up in the Chriftian religion denied the being
of a God, or the Trinity, or afferted there are more Gods than
one, or denied the Chriftian religion to be true, or the Scrip-
tures to be of divine authority, he is punifhable on the firii
offence by incapacity to hold any ofHce or employment eccle-
fiaftical, civil or military ; on the fecond, by difability to fue, tp
take any gift or legacy, to be guardian, executor, or adminiftra-
Ipr, and by three years imprifonment without bail. A father'?
rjght to the cuftody of his own children being founded in law
tn his right .of guardianfhip, this being taken away, they may
of courfe be fevered from him, and put, by the authority of a
court, into more orthodox hands. This is a fummary view of
tnat religious Jluvery, under which a people have been willing ta
remain, who have lavjflied their lives and fortunes for the efla-
blifhment of th.sir civil freedom. The error feems not iuffici-
ently eradicated, that the operations of the mind, as well as the
aCtS of the body, are fubjefted to the coercion of the laws. But
rulers can have authority over fuch natural rights only as have
been iubmitted to them. The rights of confcience were never
fubmitted ; man could not fubmit them ; he is anlwerable fo^-
them to God. The legitimate powers of government extend
to Inch afts only as are injurious to others; but it does me no
injury for my neighbour to f<\y there are twenty gods, or no
god ; it neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg. If it be
laid, his teftimony, in a court of juflice cannot be relied on,
rrjctl it then, and be the iligma on him. Confiiaint may make
him vyorlc, by making him a hypocrite, but it will never make
him a better man. It may fix him obftinatcly in his errors, but
will not cure them. Rcafon and free inqiary are the only
effeftual agents againll error. Give a loole to them, they
will fupport the true religion, by bringing every falle one to
their tribunal, to the teft of their inveftigation. They are the
natural enemies of error, and of error only. Had not the Ro-
man government permitted free inquiry, Chriftiiinity could
never have been introduced. Had liot free inquiry been in-
dulged, at the zerea of reformation, the corruptions of Chrifti-
anity could not have been purged away. If it be reftrained
now, the prelent corruptions will be protefclcd, and new ones
encouraged. Was the government to prefcribe to us our medi-
cine and diet, our bodies would be in fuch keeping as our fouls
are now. Ihus in France the emetic was once forbidden as a
mgdicine, and the potatoe as an article of food. Government
isjuH as injallibk too, when it fixes fyRemsin phyhcs. Galibo

OF VIRGINIA. t09

uas fent to the inquifition fcr cflirming that the earth was a
ipherc : the government had declared it to be as flat as a trencher,
and Galileo was obliged to abjure his error. This error, how-
ever, at length prevailed, the earth became a globe, and Defcartes
declared it was whirled round its axis by a vortex. The go-
vernment in which he lived was wile enough to fee that this
was no queftion of civil jurildiftion, o;- we (hould all have been,
involved by authority in vortices. In faft, the vortices have
been exploded, and the Newtonian principle of gravitation is
now more firmly efiabliflied, on the bafis of realon, than it
would be were the government to flep in, and to make it an
article of necciTary faith. Reafon and experiment have been
indulged, and error has fled before them. It is error alone
which needs the fupport of government ; truth can (land by it-
felf. Subjc£l opinion to coercion, whom will you make your
inquifilors ? Fallible men ; men governed by bad paflions, by
private as well as public reafons. And why fubje6l it to coer-
cion ? To produce uniformity. But is uniformity of opinion
defirable ? No more than of face and flature. Introduce the
bed of Procruftes then, and as there is danger that the large men
may beat the imall, make us all of a fize, by lopping the former
;and ftretching the latter. Difference of opinion is advantage-
ous in religion. The feveral lefts perform the office of a cenfor
morum over each other. But is uniformity attainable ? Milli-
ons of innocent men, M'omen, and children, lince the introduc-
tion of ChriPtianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined and im-
prifoned ; yet we have not advanced one ftep towards it. What
has been the effect of coercion ? To make one half the world
fooh, and the other half hypocrites ; to fupport roguery and er-
ror all over the earth. Let us refleft that this globe is inhabited
by a thouland millions of people ; that theie profefs probablv a
thoufand diiferent lyllems of religion ; that curs is but one of that
thouland ; that if there be but one right, and ours that one, we
fhouldwifh to fee the ninehundred and ninety-nine wanderingfefts
gathered into the fold of truth. But againft fuch a majority we
cannot eflctl this by force. Realon and perfuafion are the only
practicable inllriunents. To make way for thefe, free inquiry muft
be indulged : and how can we wifli others to indulge it while we
refule it ouriclvcs. But every flate, lays an inquifitor, has efla-
bliflied iome religion. AV'e reply, no two have eftablifhed the
fame. Is this a proof of the infallibility of eflablifliments ?
Many of the States, particularly Pcnniylvania and New-York,
however, have long iubiifled without any elldblifhijicnt a?t all.

no GEXERAL DESCRIPTION

The experiment was new and doubtful, when they made it -, it
has anfwered beyond conception ; they flourifii infinitely.
Religion is well lupported ; of various kinds, indeed, but all
fufficienC*to prelerve peace and order; or if a left arifes, whofe
tenets would lubvert morals, goad fenfe has fair play, and
reafons and laughs it out of doors, without iuffering the State
to be troubled with it. They do not hang lo many male-
faftors as in England ; they are not more diflurbed with reli-
gious diffcnfions ; on the contrary, their morality is pure and
their harmonv is unparalleled ; this can be afcribed to nothing
but their unbounded tolerance, becaufe there is no other cir-
cumftance in which they differ from every nation on earth,
France excepted. They have made the happy difcovery, that
the way to filence religious difputes, is to take no notice of
them.

The prefrnt denominations of ChriRians in Virginia are
Prefbvterians, ^^'ho are the mofh numerous, and inhabit the
weflern parts of the State ; Epifcopalians, who are the moft
ancient fcttlers, and occupy the eaflern and firft fettled parts
of the State. Intermingled with thele are great numbers of
Baptifts and Methodifls.

Virginia prides itlelf in being " The Ancient Dominion.''
It has produced fome of the moll diftinguiflied and influential
men that have been aflive in cffefting the two late grand and
important revolutions in America. Her political and irvilitary
charafter will rank among the firft in the page of hiflory : but
it is to be obfcrved, that this charafter has been obtained for the
Virginians by a few eminent men, who have taken the lend in
all their public tranfaflions, and who, in fhort, govern Virgi-
nia ; for the great body of the people do not concern themfelves
with politics ; fo that their guvernmcnt, thougli nominally re-
publican, is, in faft, oligarchical or ariftocratical.

The Virginians who are rich, are in general fenfiblc, polite,
and hofpitable, and of an independent fpirit. The poor are
jjnorant and abjcft, but a!l are of an Inquilitive turn. A confi-
derable proportion of the people are much addifted to gaming,
drinkincf, iwearing, horlc-racing, cock-fighting, and moit kuids
of diffipation. There is a much greater difparity between the
rich and the poor, in Viiginia, than in any of the northern
States. The native inhabiiauts are too generally unacquainted
with bufinefs, owing to their pride, and falfe notions of great-
nefs. Before the revolution they confidcred it as beneath a
gentleman -to attend to m.crcantile concerns, and devoted their
time nrincipally to amuic;r.cnt. By thefe means the Scotch

OF VIRGINIA. Ill

people and other foreigners wlio came among tlicm, became
their merchants, and luddcnly grew rich.

There muft, dovibtlcis, be an unhappy influence on the man-
ners of the people produced by the exiflence of liaverv among
them. The whole commerce between mailer and flave is a
perpetual exercife of the mod boifterous pallions, the mod
unremitting deipotifm on the one part, and degrading (ubmiflion oii
the other. The children lee this, aiid learn to imitate it ; for
man is an imitative animul. '1 ].is quality is the germ of all
education in him, from his cradle to his grave he is learning to
do what he lees otheis do. If a parent could find lA motive
either in his philanthropy or his lelf-love, for reftraiiiing the
intemperance of paihon towards his flave, it fhould aJways be a
fufiicient one that his ch;ld is preient ; but generally it is not
fufficient. The parent florms, the child looks on, catches
the lineaments of wrath, puts on the fame airs in the circle of fmal-
ler flaves, gives a loofe to his worft of paffions, and thus nurfed»
educated, and (iaily exerciied in tyranny, cannot but be damp-
ed by it with odious peculiarities. The man mufl be a prodi-
gy who can retain his manners and morals undepravcd by fuch
circumflances. And with what execiation fhould the ftatefman
be loaded, who, permitting one half the citizens thus to trample
on the rights of the other, transforms thofe into defpots, and
thefe into enemies ; deftroys the morals of the one part, and the
amor patria of the other. For if a flave can have a country in
this world, it muft be any other in preference to that in which
he is bora to live and labour for another ; in which he muft
lock up the faculties of his nature, contribute as far as depends
on his individual endeavours to the evaniflimeat of the human
race, or entail his own miferable condition on the cndlefs gene-
rations proceeding from him. With the morals of the people,
their indullry ilfo is deftroyed. For in a warm climate, no
man will labour for himfelf who can make another Lbour for
him. This is lo true, that of the proprietors of i\^\->is a very
(mall pioportion, indeed, are ever fccn to labour. And can
the liberties of a nation be thought iecure when they have re-
moved their only firm bans, a convitlion in the minds of the
people that thefe liberties are of the gift of God ; that they arc
jiot to be violated but with his wrath ?

It is impoflible to be temperate and to purfue this fubjecl
thiough the vaiious confiderations of policy, of morals, of
bittory, natural and civil. We mull be contented to hope they
will ultimately force their wav into evcrv one's mind ; a clianoe

112 GENERAL DESCP^IPTION

in this State has been perceptible ever fince the ertablifhmcnt
of the prefent government. The fplrit of the mafler has abated^
and that of the fiave arifen from the dufl:, his condition is now
jmoUificd, and the way at length prepared by the federal govern-
ment for a total emancipation, and this with the conlcnt of
the maftcrs, and not by their extirpation. Before the general
government of America undertook the noble work of cutting
up flavery by the roots, by laying the foundation of a total
emancipation, the State of Virginia had as a body politic, made
fome advances ; and fome private gentlemen had likewife ex-
erted thtmlelves in a very confiderable degree, in the caufe of
the oppreffed Africans. A Mr. Robert Carter, of Nomina, in
this State, in the year 1-790, emancipated no Icls a number than
four hundred and forty-two flaves. This is a facrifice on the
alter of humanity of perhaps an hundred thoufand dollars. Vote
him a triumph, crown him v/ith laurels, and let the millions

liflen while he fings

" I would not have a flave to till my ground,

To carry me, to fan me while I fleep,

And tremble when I wake, for all the wealth

That finews bought and fold have ever earn'd*

No : dear as freedom is, and in my heart's

Juft eftimation.priz'd above all price,

I had much rather be myself the llave,

And wear the bondsj than fallen them on him,"*

TRADE AND MANUFACTURES.

Before the war, the inhabitants of this State paid but little
attention to the manufafture of their own cloathing. It lias
been thouglit they ufed to import as much as feven-eights of
their cloathing, and that they now manufafture three-quarters of
it. We have before mentioned that confiderable quantities of
iron are manufaftured in this State. To thefe we may add the
manufacture of lead ; befides which they have few others of
confequence. The people are much attached to agriculture,
and prefer foreign manufaftijres.

Before the war this State exported, communihus annis, accord-
ing to the bell information that could be obtained, as follows;

* As a proof that thefe are tiie fentiments of this gentleman, wc beg leave to in-
troduce the following quotation from a letter of his on the fitnation of the flaves,
&c. in this State, and the abolition of the (lave trade, written to a Diffcnting
Miuifter.

'■^ 'iii^ toUration of flavery indicates very great DtPR.wiTY or mind," &c.

OF VIRGINIA.

113

Articles.

Quantity.

.\rn. in Dollars.

Tobacco

,5.;.ooohhds.ofioo:-

1,650,000

Wheat - - . .

800,000 buihels

666,666

Indian corn

600,000 buihels

aoo.ooo

Shipping _ _ -

— —

100,000

Mafts, planks, (kantling, ")

66,666|

iLingles, and ftaves -J

' *

Tar, pitch, and turpentine

30.000 barrels

40,000

Peltrv, viz. fkins of deer. ^

beavers, otters, rmifk rats, V

i8ohhds.of6oolb

42,000

racoons, foxes, &c.

Pork - 1 - -

4,000 barrels

40,000

Flax-feed, hemp, and oottoi/

— —

8,000

Pit-coal and pig iron

— —

6,666|

P<-as . . . .

,5,000 bufliels

3'333t

Ecef - - . .

1.000 barrels

3'333t

Sturgeon, white fhad, her- "1

3'333t

ring . - /

Brandy, from peaches and ~|
apples, and whiflcey - j

i,666|.

Horfes - - - .

— —

i,666-.

2.83?.^.'?.q|*

The amount of exports from this State in the year fucceeding
October 1, 1790, confiding chiefly of articles mentioned in
the foregoing table, was three million one hundred and t'iry-
one thouiand two hundred and tweniv-leven doUors. About
forty thouiand hogflieads of tobacco only were exported this
year.

In the year 1758, this State exported feventy thoufand hogf-
lieads, of tobacco, which was the greatell quantity ever produc-
ed in this country in one year. But its culture has faft
declined iince the commencement of the war, and that of
wheat taken its place. The price which it commands at mar-
ket will not enable the planter to cultivate it. Vv'ere the fupply
flill to depend on Virginia and Maryland alone, as its culture
becomes more difficult, this price would riie, to as to enable the
planter to lurmount thoie difficulties and to live. But the wef-
tern country on the MiffilTxppi, and the midlands of Georgia,
having freih and fertile lands in abundance, and a hotter iun, are
able to underfell theie two States, and will oblige them in time
to abandon the railing of tobacco altogether. And a happy obli-
gation lor tfteni it will be. It is a culture produftive of inhnite

* Tiu3 fum is equal to eight hundred and fifty thoufand pcr.nds Vir;;inia mo-
ney, fi.x hundred and fifty-feven ihoufand one hundred fortv-two guineas.
Vol. III. Q

:i4 CE\'ERAL DESCRIPTION

Avrelchcdnefs. Thofe employed in it are in a continued ftate of
exertion beyond the powers of nature to fupport. Little food of
any kind is railed by them ; fo that the men and animals on thefe
farms are badly fed, and the earth is rapidly impoverifhed. The
cidtivation of wheat is the reverfe in every circumftance. Be-
fides cloathing the earth with herbage, and preferving its fertility,
it feeds the labourers plentifully, requires from them only a mo-
derate toil, except in the feafon of harveft, raifes great numbers
of animals for food and fervice, and diffufes plenty and happinefs
among the whole. It is eafier to raiie an hundred bufliels of
wheat than a thoufand weight of tobacco, and it is worth more
when produced.

It is not eafy to fav what are the articles either of necelTity,
comfort, or luxury, which cannot be raifed here, as every thing
hardier than the olioe, and as hardy as the fig, may be raifed in
the open air. Sug;ir, coffee, and tea, indeed, are not between
thefe limits ; and habit having placed them among the ncccffaries
of life with the wealthy, as long as thefe habits remain, they mufl
go for them to thole countries which are able to furnifli them,

COLLEGES, ACADEMIES, LITERATURE, &c.

The college of William and Mary was founded in the time of
King William and Queen Mary, who granted to it twenty thou-
fand acres-of land, and a penny a pound duty on certain tobac-
coes exported from Virginia and Maryland, which had been
levied by the ftatute of 25 Car. II. The AiTembly alfo gave it,
by temporary laws, a duty on liquors imported, and Ikins and
furs exported. - From thefe refources it received upwards of
three thoufand pounds. The buildings are of brick, fufficient
for an indifferen*^^ accommodation of perhaps one hundred ftu-
dents. By its charter it was to be under the government of
twenty vifitors, who were to be its legidators, and to have a pre-
fident and fix profcfTors, who were incorporated : it was allow-
ed a reprelentative in the General Aflembly. Under this char-
ter, a profefl'orfiiip of the Greek and Latin languages, a profef-
for of mathematics, one of moral philofophy, and two of divini-
ty, were eftablifiicd. To thefe were annexed, for a fixth pro-
fclTorfhip, a confiderable donation by a Mr. Boyle of England
for the inftruftion of the Indians, and their converfion to Chrif-
tianity:this was called the profelToi fhip of Brafferton, from an
eflate of that name in England, purchafed \vith the monies given.
The admiifion of the learners of Latin and Greek filled the col-
lege with children ; this rendering it diiagreeable to the young
gentlemen already prepared for entering on the fcicnccs, they

(TF VIRGINIA. i>;

jfiftcd from reforting to it, and thus the fchooU for malhcnna-
ucs and moral philol'ophy, which might have been of lome Icr-
vice, became of very little ufe. The revenues too were exhuii!!-
ed in accommodating thofc who came only to acquire the rudi-
ments of fcience. After the prefent revolution, the vifuors
having no power to change thofc circumftances in the confkitu-
tion of the college whicli were fixed by the charter, and bein<-^
thcrefoic confined in tht- number of profeflorfliips, undertook
to change the objefts of the profcirorfhips. They excluded the
two fchools for divinity, and thjt for the Greek and Latin lan-
guages, and fubftituted others ; lb that at prefent they fl.md
thus — a profefTorflTip for law and police ; anatomy and medi-
cine ; natural philolophy and mjthematics ; moral philofophy,
the law of nature and nations, the fine arts ; modern languages ;
for the Braffcrton.

Meafures have been taken to increafe the number of piofel-
forfhips, as well for the purpofe of fubdividing thofe already
inftituted, as of adding others for other branches of fcience. To
the profelTorfhips ufually eftablifhed in the univcrfities of Eu-
rope, it would feem proper to add one for the ancient languages
and literature of tlie north, on account of their conneftion with
our own languages, laws, cufloms, and hillory. The purpofes of
the Brafferton inftitution would be better anlwcrcd by maintain-
ing a perpetual miffion among the Indian tribes ; the objeQ; of
which, beiides inflrufting them in the principles of Chriftianity,
as the founder requires, fhould be to collecl their traditions,
laws, cuftoms, languages, and other circumftances which might
lead to a difcovery of their relation to one another, or delcent
from other nations. When thefe objcfts are accomplilhcd. with
one tribe, the miflionary might pal's on to aiiothcr.

The college edifice is a huge, mifnapen pile ; " which bur.
that it has a root, would be taken for a brick kiln." In 1787,
there were about thirty young gentlemen members of this col-
lege, a large proportion of which were law fludents. The aca-
demy in Prince Edward county has been ercfted into a college
by the name of Hampden Sydney college. It has been a flourifli-
ing feminary, but is now laid to be on the decline.

There are feveral academies in Virginia ; one at Alexandria,
one at Norfolk, and others in other places.

Since the declaration of independence, the laws of Virginia
have been rcvifed by a committee appointed for the purpofe,
v/ho have reported their work to the AHembly ; one objetl of
this revifal was to diiTufe knowledge more generally throu'jh the
mafs of the people. The bill for this purpofe '■' propofes to lay

O 2

ii6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

off every county into fmall diftrifts of five or fix miles fquare,
called hundreds, and in each of them to eftablifii a fchonl for the
teaching of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The tutor to be
fupported by the hundred, and all perfons in it entitled to fend
their children three years gratis, and as much longer as they
pleafc, paying for it. Thefe fchools to be under a vifitor, who
is annually to chufe the boy of the bell genius in the fchool, of
thofe whofe parents are too poor to give them farther education,
and to lend him forward to one of the grammar fchools, of which
twenty are propoledto be erefted in different parts of the country,
for teaching Greek, Latin, Geography, and the higher branches
of numerical arithmetic. Of the boys thus fer.f in any one year,
trial is to be made at the grammar fchools, for one or two years,
and the beft genius of the whole felefted and continue fix years,
and the refidue difmiffed ; by this means twenty of the beft ge-
jiiufles will be taken from the mafs annually, and inftrufted, at
the public expenfe, fo far as the grammar fchools go. At the end
cf fix years iaftruSion, one half are to be difcontinued, from
among whom tiie grammar fchools will probably be fupplied with
future mailers, and the other half, who are to be chofen for the
fuperiority of their parts and difpofition, are to be fent and
continued three years in the ftudy of fuch fciences as they fliall
chufe, at William and Mary college, the plan of which is pro-
posed to be enlarged, as has been explained, and extended to
all the ufeful Iciences, The ultimate refult of the whole fcheme
of education would be the teaching all the children of the State
reading, writing, and common arithmetic •, turning out ten annu-
ally of fuperior genius, well taught in Greek, Lalin, geography,
and the higher branches of arithmetic ; turning out ten others
annually, of ftill fuperior parts, who, to thofe branches of learn-
ing, fhall have added fuch of the fciences as their genius fliall
have led them to ; the furnifhing to the wealthier part of the
people convenient fchools, at which their children may be edu-
cated, at their o\yn expenfe. The general cbjcfts of this law
are to provide an education adapted to the years, to the capacity,
and the. condition of every one, and direfted to their freedom
and happinefs. Specific details were not proper for the law :
thefe mufl be the bufinels of the vifitors entrufted with its
execution. The firft ftage of this education being the fchools
of the hundreds, wherein the gi eat mafs of the people will re-
ceive their inftruftion, the principal foundations of future order
will be laid here. The firfh elements of morality may be inflil-
led into their minds ; luch as, when farther developed as their
judgments advance in llrcngth, may teach them how to promote

OF VIRGINIA. iiY

their own greatefl happinefs, by fhcwing them that it docs not
depend on the condition of life in which nature has placed
them, but is always the refult of a good confcience, good health,
occupations, and freedom in all jufl purluits. Thofe whom
either the wealth of their parents, or the adoption of the State,
fhall deftine to higher degrees of learning, will go on to the
grammar fchools, which conftitiite the next ftage, there to be
jnftrufted in the languages. As foon as they are of a fufhcient
age, it is fuppofed they will be lent on from the grammar fchools
]to the univerfity, which conflitutcs the third and laft flage, there
to ftudy thole fciences which niav be adapted to their views.
By that part of the plan which prefcribes the feleftion of the
vouths of genius from among the clades of the poor, the State
will avail itielf of thofe talents which nature has fown as liber-
allv among the poor as the rich, but which perifh without ufe,
if not fought for and cultivated. But of all the views of this law
none is more important, none more legitimate, than that of ren-
dering the people the fafe, as they are the ultimate, guardians of
their own liberty : for this purpole, the reading in the firft ftage,
where they will receive their own education, is propofed, to be
chiefly hiftorical. Hiftory, by apprifing them of the paft, will
enable them to judge of the future ; it will avail them of the ex-
perience of other times and other nations ; it will qualify them
as judges of the aftions and defigns of men ; it will enable them
to kndw ambition under every dilguife it may afTume ; and know-
ing it, to defeat its views. In every government on earth there
is fome trait of human weaknefs, fome germ of corruption and
degeneracy, which cunning will difcover, and wickednefs infen-
fibly open, cultivate and improve. Every government degene-
rates when trufted to the rulers of the people alone : the people
ihemielves therefore are its only lafe depofitories ; and to render
even them fafe, their minds muft be improved to a certain de-
gree : this, indeed, is not all that is neceflary, though it be effen-
tially neceiTary. The influence over government muft be fliared
among all the people. If every individual which compofes
their mafs participates of the ultimate authority, the government
•will be fafe ; becaufe the corrupting the whole mafs will ex-
ceed any private relources of wealth ; and public ones cannot
be provided but bv levies on the people : in this cale cverv man
would have to paj- his own price. The government of Great-
Britain has been corrupted, becaule but one man in thirty iia_- a
right to vote for members cf Parliament. The lellers of the go-
vernment therefore get twenty-nine parts out of thirty of |.heir
price clear.

ii8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The excellent meafurcs for the difTufion of ufcful knowledcre,
which the foimentioncd bill propofes, have not yet been car-
ried into effeft. And it will be happy if fhe great inenuality
in the circumfiances o/ the citizens ; the pride, the indepen-
dence, and the indolence of one clafs, and the poverty and de-
preffiun of the other, do not prove inluperable difficulties in
the way of their univerlal operation.

CONSTITUTION.

The Conftitution, which wns tl)e Firfl that was formed in
the whole United States, is as follows ;

We, the delegates and reprefentatives of the good people ®f
Virginia, Ao declare the future form of government of Virginia
to be as followeth :

The legiflative, executive and judiciary departments fhall be
feparate and diftinft, fo that neither exercife the powers pro-
perly belonging to the other ; nor fhall any perfon exercife the
powers of more than one of them at the fame time, except that
the jufticcs of the county courts fhall be eligible to either Houfe
of Affembly.

The legiflative fliall be formed of two diftinft branches, who,
together, Ihall be a complete legiflature. They fhall meet
once, or oftener, every year, and fhall be called, The General
Assembly of Virginia. One of thefe Ihall be called, Thk
House of Delegates, and confift of two reprefentatives to be
tholen for each county, and for tlie diftrift of Weft-Augufta,
annually, of lucli men as aftually refide in and are freeholders
of the fame, or duly qualified according to law ; and alio of
one delegate or reprelentativc to be chofen annually for the
city of Williarniburgh, and one for the borough of Norfolk,
3nd a reprefcntative for each of fuch other cities and boroughs
as may hereafter be allowed particular reprefcntation by thti
legiflature ■, but when any city or borough fliall fo decrcafe
as that the number of psrfons having right of fuffrage therein
fhall have been for the Ipace of fevcn years fucceffively lefis
than half the nuiTiber of voters in fome one county in Virginia,
fuch city or borough thenceforward fliall ceafe to fend a dele-
gate or reprefcntative to the Affembly.

The other fiiall be called, The Senate, and confift of
twenty-four members, of whom thirteen Ihali conftitute a Houfe
to proceed on bufinels, for whofe eleftion the different counties
fliall be divided into twenty-four didrifts, and each county

OF VIRGINIA ng

of the rrfpertive diftritH;, at tlie time of the clcflion of its
delegates, flinll vote for one fenator, who is aftually a rcrulcnt
and freeholder within the diftrift, or duly qualified according
to law, and is upwards of twenty-five years of age ; and ilie
fherifls of each county, within five days at fartheft after the
lafl county elcftion in the diftritt, fhall meet at foine conven-
ient place, and from the poll fo taken in their refpcftive coun_
ties, return as a fenator the man who fliall have the grcateft
number of votes in llie wliole diflrift. To keep up this Affem-
biy by rotation, the diflrifts fliall be equally divided into four
cluffes, and numbered by lot. At the end ,of one year after
the general eleftion, the fix members elcftcd by the firft divi-
fion fhall be difplaced, and the vacancies thereby occafioncd
fupplied from fuch clafs or divifion by new clcftion in the
manner aforefaid. This rotation fliall be applied to each divi.
fion according to its number, and continued in due order annu-
ally.

The right of fuffrage in the cleftion of members for both
Houfcs fhall remain as exercifed at prefent. and each Houfe
fiiall chufe its own fpcaker, appoint its ovv'^n officers, fettle its
own rules of proceeding, and direft writs of eleftion for the
lupplying intermediate vacancies.

All laws flull originate in the Iloufe of Delegates, to be an-
proved of or rejeftcd by the Senate, or to be amended -with
confcnt of the Houfe of Delegates, except money bills, which
in no inftance fliall be altered by the Senate, but wholly approv-
ed or rejected.

A Governor, or chief magiftrate, fliall be chofcn annually,
by joint ballot of both Houfes, to be taken in each Houfe
refpeftively, dopofited in the conference-room, the boxes ex-
amined jointly by a committee of each Houfe, and the numbers
feverally reported to them, that the appointments may be en-
tered (which Ihall be the mode of taking the joint ballot of
both Houfes in all ca(es) who fh;ill not continue in fliat office
longer than three years lucceffivcly, nor be eligible until the
expiration of four years after lie fliall have been out of that
office. An adequate, but mcdcrate falary fliall be fettled on Tiim
during his continuance in office ; and he ffiall, with the advice
of a council of flate, exercile the executive powers of govern-
ment, according to the laws of this Commonwealth ; and fhall not,
under any pretence, excrcife any power or prerogative by viitue
of any law, flatute or cuftom of England; but he flidll, with
the advice of the council of flate, have tJie power of grantfng
reprieves or pardons, except where the profecution fliall

120 GENEkAL DESCRIPTION

have been carried on by the Houfe of Delegates, or the law
iliall otherwife particularly direft ; on which cafes no leprieve
or pardon fliall be granted, but by refolve of the Houfe of
Delegates.

Either Houfe of the General Affembly may adjoiarn them-
felves refpeftively. The governor flidU not prorogue or adjourn
the Ailembly during their fitting, nor difTolve theni at any
time: but he fhall, if neccffary, cither by advice of the Coun-
cil of State, or on application of a majority of the Houfe of
Delegates, call them before the time to which they fliall fland
prorogued or adjourned.

A Privy Council, or Council of State, confiding of eight
members, fhall be chofen by joint ballot of both Ploufes o^
Affembly, either from their own members of the people at large,
to afiilt in the adminifiration of government. They fliall annu-
ally chufe, out Cff their own members, a prefident, who, in
cafe of death, inability or abfence of the governor, from the
government, fhall aft as lieutenant-govei-nor. Four members
fhall be fufficient to aft, and their advice and proceedings (hall
be entered on record, and iigned by the members prefent (to
any part whereof any member may enter his diffent) to be laid
before the General Affembly, when called for by them. This
, council may appoint their own clerk, who fliall have a falary
fettled by law, and take an oath of fecrecy in fucli matters as
he fhall be dircfted by the board to conceal. A fum of money
appropriated to that purpofe fhall be divided annually among
the members, in proportion to their attendance ; and they fhall
be incapable, during their continuance in office, of fitting in
cither Houfe of Affembly. Two members fliall be removed^
by joint 'ballot of both Houfes of Affembly, at the end of every
three years, and be ineligible for the three next years. Thele
vacancies, as well as thole occafioned by deatli or incapacity
fhall be fiipplied by new eleftions in the fame manner.

The delegates for Virginia in the Continental Congrefs fliall
be chofen annually, or luperfeded in the mean time by joint
ballot of both Houfes of Affembly.

The prefent militia officers fhall be continued, and vacancies
fupplied, by appointment of the governor, with the advice of
the privy council, on recommendations from the refpeftive
county courts ; but the governor and coimcil fhall have a pow-
er of fulpending any officer, and ordering a court-martial on
complaint of mifbehaviour or inability, or to iupply vaCuiicies of
ofEcefS h"appcning when in aftual fervicc.

OF VIRGINIA. 121

The governor may embody Uia militia, with the advice of the
privy council ; and, when embodied, fhall alone have the direc-
tion of the militia under the laws of the country.

The two Houfes of Affcmbly fhall, by joint ballot, appoint
judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals, and General Court,
judges in Chancery, judges of Admiralty, fecretary, and the
attorney-general, to be commifTioned by the governor, and con-
tinue in office during good behaviour. In cafe of death, inca-
pacity or refignation, the governor, with the advice of the privy
council, fhall appoint perfons to I'ucceed in office, to be approv-
ed or difplaced by both Houfes. Thefe officers Ihall have fixed
and adequate falaries, and, together with all others holding
lucrative offices, and all minifters of the gofpel, of every deno-
mination, be incapable of being elefted members of either Houfc
'.)f Alfembly, or the privy council.

The governor, with the advice of the privy council, fhall ap-
point juflices of the peace for the counties ; and in cafe of vacan-
cies, or a neceffity of increafing the number "hereafter, luch
appointtnents to be made upon the recommendation of the ref-
pcftive county courts. The prefent afting fecretary in Vir-
ginia, and clerks of all the county courts, fhall continue in office.
In cafe of vacancies, either by death, incapacity or refignation,
a fecretary fhall be appointed as before direfted, and tiie clerks
by the refpeftive courts. The prefent and future clerks
iliall hold their offices during good behaviour, to be judged of
and determined in the General Court. The fheriffs and coro-
ners Ihall be nominated by the refpeftive courts, approved by
the governor, with the advice of the privy council, and commif-
?ioned by the governor. The jufticcs fliall appoint cotiftables ;
iinid all fees of the aforefaid officers be regulated by law.

The governor, when he is out of office, and others oiTend-
•Tig again ft the Slate, either by mal-adminiilration, corruption
-n- otker means, by which the fafety of the State may be endan-
gered, (hall be impeachable by the Houle of Didegates ; iuch
impeachment to be profecuted by the attorney-general, or fuch
other perlon or perlons as the Houfe may appoint, la the General
Court, according to the laws of the land. If found guilty, he
or tliey fiiall be either for ever di fabled to hold any office
under guvernment, or be removed from fi'.cii office pro tan-
p-iTC, or lubjected to fuch pains or per.aliies as the law fhall
dircft.

If all, or any of the judges of the General Court fnould
on good grounds to be judged of by the Houfe of Delegates,

\^ol. IH. R

12? GENERAL DESCRIPTION

be accufed of any of the crimes or offences above mentioned,
fuch Houfe of Delegates may, in like manner, impeach the
judge or judges lo accufed, to be profecuted in the Court of
Appeals ; and he or they, if found guilty, fhall be punifhed in
the fame manner as prefcribed ii:i the preceding claufe.

CommifTions and grants fhall run, In the name of I he Comvion-
zcealth of Virginia, and bear teft by the governor, with the feal
of the Commonwealth annexed. Writs fhall run in the fame
manner, and bear teft by the clerks of the feveral courts. In-
dl£lments fhall conclude, Againjl the peace and di^^nity of the
Commontoealch.

A treafurer flinll be appointed annually, by joint ballot of
both Houfes.

All efcheats, penalties and forfeitures, heretofore going to the
King, Qiall go to the Commonwealth, fave only fuch as the Icgif-
lature may aboliili, or otherwife provide for.

The territories contained within the charters erefting the co-
lonies of Maryland, Pennfylvania, North and South Carolina,
are hereby ceded, releafed, and for ever confirmed to the people
of thefe colonies refpeftively, with all the rights of property,
jurifdidion and government, and all other rights whatfoever,
which might ?t. any time heretofore have been claimed by Vir-
ginia, except the free navigation and ufe of the rivers Potomack
and Pokomoke, with the property of the Virginia fliores and
ilrands borderihg on either of the liid rivers, and all improve-
ments which have been or fliall be made thereon. The weftern
anid northern extent of Virginia fliall, in all other refpe£ls, ftand
as fixed by the cliarter of King James the Firft, in the year one
thouland fix hundred and nine, and by the public treaty of peace
between the Courts of Britain and France, in the year one thou-
fand feven hundred and fixty-three ; unlefs, by aft of this legif-
lature, one or more governments be eftabliflied weftward of the
Allegany mountains. And no purchafes of lands fliali be made
of the Indian natives but on behalf of the public, by authoiity
of the General Affembly.

L A Vv S.

The following arc worthy of notice, ss variations from the
EngliJh law.

Debtors unable to pay their debts, and making faithful deli_
very of their whole ef^efts, are relealed fiom their confinement,
and their pcrfous for ever difcharged frcm reftraint for luch
previous dcbii ; Uut any property tliey may afterwards acquire

OF VIRGINIA. 123

will be fubje6l to tlieir creditors. The poor, unable to fuppoi t
themlelves, arc maintained by an afTcffment on the titlieable pcr-
fons in their parifh. A foreigner of any nation, not in open
war, becomes naturalifcd by moving to the State to refide, and
taking an oath of fidelity, and thereby acquires every right of
a native citizen. Slaves pafs by dcfcent and dower as lands do.
Slaves, as well as lands, were entailable during the monarchy ;
but, by an aft of the firft republican Afleihbly. all donees in tail,
prefent and future, were vcfbed with the abfolute dominion of
the entailed fubjcft. Gaming debts are made void, and monies
actually paid to ditcharge fuch debts, if they exceed forty fnil-
lings, may be recovered by the payer within three months, or
by any other perfon afterwards. Tobacco, fiour, beef, pork,
tar, pitch and turpentine, mud be infpefted by perlous publicly
appointed before they can be exported.

In 1785, the Affembly enafted, that no man fhould be com-
pelled to lupport any religious worfhip, place or minifler what-
foever, nor be enforced, redrained, molefted or burdened in his
body or goods, nor otherwil'e luffer on account of his religious
opinions or belief ; but that all men fliould be free to profefs,
and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of reli-
gion ; and that the fame fhould in no wife dimiaidi, enlarge or
effeft their civil capacities.

In October, 1786, an aft was paffed by the AfiTembly, prohi-
biting the importation of flaves into the Commonwealth, upon
penalty of the forfeiture of the lum of a thouiand pounds for
every Have. And every flave imported contrary to the true in-
tent and meaning of this aft, becomes free.

R 2

I N D I A N A.

NDIANA, i'n cnlled, is a traft of land King on the Ohio river,
in the State of Virginia, ceded to William Trent and twenty-
two others, by the Six Nations, and the Shawanefe, Delaware
gnd Huron tribes, as a compenfation for the loffes they had fuf-
tained by the depredations of the latter, in the year i 763. This
cefTion was made in a congrefs of the reprefentatives of the Six
Nations, at Fort Stanwix, by an indenture, figned the 3d of No-
vember, 1768, witnefiing, " That for and in confideration of
eighty-five thoufand nine hundred and fixteen pounds, ten fhil-
Jings and eight pence, York currency, the fame being the arnount
of goods feized and taken by the faid Indians from the f?.id
Trent, &c. they did grant, bargain, fell, &c. to his Majelly, his
heirs and fucceffors, for the only ufe of the faid William Trent,
&c. all that tra£t or parcel of land, beginning at the fputherly
fide of the Little Kanhawa creek, where it empties itfelf into
the river Ohio; and running thence fouth-eaft to the Laurel
hill ; thence along the Laurel hill until it ftrikes the river
MoRongahela ; thence down the ftream of the faid river, accord-
ing to the ieveral courfes thereof, to the fouthern boundary line
of the province of Pennfylvania ; thence weftwardly along the
courfe of the laid province boundary line as far as the fame fliall
extend ; thence by the fame courfe to the river Ohio, and then
down the river Ohio to the place of beginning, inclufivcly,"
This indenture was figned by fix Indian chiefs, in prefence of
Sir William Johnfon, Governor Franklin, of N-ew-Jerfey, and
the commifhoners from Virginia, Pennlvlvania, &c. making
twelve in the whole.

Since the Indians had an undifputcd title to the above limi-
ted territory, either from pre-occupancy or conqueft, and their
right was exprefsly acknowledged bv the above deed of cefiTion
to the crown, it is very evident that Mr. Trent, in his own right,
and as attorney for the traders, has a good, lawful and iufficient
title to the land granted by the (aid deed of conveyance.

This matter was laid before Congrefs in the year 1782, an<
a committee appointed to confidcr it, who, in May, reported as
follows : " On the whole, your conimiltce arc of opinion that

OF 11^ DIANA. J 2.5

the purchafes of Colonel Croghan and the Indian company, were
made bona Jidz for a valuable confideration, according to the
then ulage and cuftoms of purchafing Indian lands from the
Indians, with the knowledge, confent and approbation of the
Crown of Great-Britain, the then government of New- York and
Virgioia, and therefore do recommend that it be

" Refolved, That if the faid lands are finally ceded or ad-
judged to the United States in point of jurildiclion, that Con-
grefs will confirm to fuch of the faid purchafers who are, and
fhall be citizens of the United States, or either of them, their
relpcftive fliares and proportions of faid lands, making a reafon-
able deduftion for the value of the quit rents relerved by the
Crown of England."

Notwithftandipg this report of the committee, the queflion
could never be brought to a decihon before Congrefs, The
Federal Conftitution has, however, made provifion for the deter-
mination of this bufinefs, before the Supreme Federal Court.
But previous to an appeal to this Court, the proprietors thought
proper, by their agent, Colonel Morgan, who is alio a proprie-
tor, to preient a memorial to the Icgiflature of Virginia, fetting
forth their claims, and praying that the bufinefs might be
equitably fettled. This memorial was prefented in November.,
i-ygo; and thus, we believe, the Indiana bufinefs refts for
the prefent.

STATE OF

K E N T U C • K Y.

SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES.

X HIS State is fituated between 36** 30' and 39** 30' novtlj
latitude, and S'* and 15° weft longitude from Philadelphia-
it$ length is about two hundred and fifty miles, and it5 breadth
two hundred. It is bounded on the north and north-weft by
Great Sandy creek and the Ohio river ; on the weft by
Cumberland river; on the fouth by the lands laid off from
North-Carolina, called the Tenneflee government ; on the
eaft by Sandy river, and a line drawn due fouth from its
fource, till it ftrikes the northern boundary line of North-
Carolina.

CLIMATE.

This country is more temperate and healthy than almoft any
of the other fettled parts of America. In fummer it is with-
out the fandy heats which Virginia and Carolina experience,
and receives a fine aij- from its rivers. In winter, which at
moft only lafts three months, commonly but two, and is but
ftldom fevere, the people arc fafe in bad houles ; and the beafts
have a good fupply without fodder. The winter begins about
Chriftmas, and ends about the firft of March, at fartheft does
not exceed the middle of that month. Snow feldorn falls deep
or lies long. The weft winds often bring ftorms, and the eaft
winds clear the fky ; but there is no fteady rule of weather in
that refpeft, as in tlie northern States. The weft winds are
fometimes cold and nitrous. The Oliio running in that direc-
tion, and there being mountains on that quarter, the weftcrn
winds, by fweeping along their tops, in the cold regions ol
tiie air, and over a long tra£l of frozen water, coUeft cold in
their courfe, and convey it over the Kentucky country ; but
the weather is not lo intenlely fevere as thefe winds bring \vk\\

OF KENTUCKY. ti'j

them m Pcnnfylvanin. The air and fcafuns depend very much .
on the winds, as to heat and cold, dryncfs and moiflure.

FACE OF THE COUN TRY, SOIL, AND PRODUCTIONS.

In defciibing a country hke this, it is alrhoft impofTtble to
treat thefe iubjeas leparately wiihou^a repetition of the fame
remarks and obfervations ; we, therefore, have preferred blend-
in<r them together, and as an attention to the different rivers
which water this State will greatly aflift. the European reader, in
attaining a proper view of the foil, &c. we fliall firfl mention
the principal of them.

The beautiful river Ohio bounds Kentucky on the north-
weftern fide in its whole length, being a mile and fomcttmcs lefs
in bieadth, and is fufficient to carry boats of great burthen ;
its general courfe is fouth 60® well ; and in its courfc it receives
numbers of large and fmall rivers, which mingle with its
ftreanis. The only difadvantage this fine river has, is a rapid,
one mile and a half long, and one mile- and a quarter
broad, called tlie falls of Ohio. In this place the river
runs over a rocky bottom, and the defcent i* fo gradual, that
the fjll does not probably in the whole exceed twenty feet.
In fome places we may obferve it to fall a few feet. When
the flream is low, empty boats only can pafs and repafs this
rapid ; their lading mufl be tranfported by land ; but when
high, boats of any burthen may pals in fafetv. Excepting this
place, there is not a finer' river in the world for navigation by
boats.* Bcfides this, Kentucky is watered by eight fmaller
rivers, and many large and fmall creeks.

Licking River, heading in the mountains with Cumber-
land river, and the north branch of Kentucky, runs in a north-
weft direftion for upwards of one hundred miles, coUefiing its
filver ftreams from many branches, and is about an l.iindred
yards broad at its mouth.

Red R1VER+ heads and interlocks with the main br?ncl) nf
Licking, and fiows in a fouth-weft courfe into Ketiiucky
river, being about fixiy miles long, and fixty yards wide at its
mouth.

* The river Ohio is, beyond all compction, the moft beautiful in the uiy-
verfe, whether we confider it for its meandering courle through an immenfe
region of forefts, for its clean and elegant banks, which aiford innumerable de-
lightlul filuations for cities, villages and improved farms or for tbofe many otb^r
advantages, which truly entitle it to the name originally given it by the French,
of La Beik Riviere. Journal of a Tour in Kentuckey, American Mufeum, for

t This river is a principal branch of the Kentucky.

I

taS \ GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Kentucky River, rifes with three heads, from a moun-
tainous part of the country ; its northern branch interlocks with
Cumberland ; runs half way in a wefterly direftion, and the
ether half north-wefterly. It 4S amazingly crooked upwards of
two hundred miles in length, and about one hundred and fifty
yards broad.

Elkhokn, is a fmall river which empties itfelf into Ken-
tucky in a north-wcft-by-weft courfe : is about fifty miles long,
and fifty-yards broad at the mouth.

Dicky's River, joins the Kentucky in a north-weft direc-
tion ; is about forty-five miles long, and forty-five yards wide
at its mouth. This river curiouflv heads and interlocks its
branches with Salt river, Green river, and the waters of
Rockcaftle river.

Salt River, rifes at four different places near each other.
The windings of this river are curious, rolling its dreams round
a fpacious traft of fine land, and uniting almoft fifteen miles
before they approach the Ohio, and twenty miles below the falls.
It is amazingly crooked, and runs a weflern courfe near ninety
miles.

Green River, interlocking with the heads of Dick's ri-
ver, as mentioned above, is alfo amazingly crooked ;* it keeps
a weftern courfe for upwards of one bundled and fifty miles,
and is about eighty yards wide at its mouth, which is about two
hundred and twenty miles below the falls.

Cumberland River, interlocks with the nortliern brancli
of Kentucky, as aforeiaid, and rolling round the other arms of
the Kentucky among the mountains, in a ibuthern couric for
one hundred miles, then in a louth-weftcrn courfe for above
one hundred miles, then in a fouthern and fouth-weftern courfe
for about two hundred and fifty more, finds the Ohio iour
hundred and thirteen miles below the falls. At NafliviHe this
liver is two hundred yards broad, and its mouth thice hundred,
having paifed through the territoiy fouth of t!ie Ohio about lull
its courle.

The Great Kanhawa, or New river, rifes in North-Carolin...
runs in a northern and north-weftern courfe, for upwards of
four hundred milts, and finds the Ohio four hundred mile;
above the falls.- It is' about five hundred yards wide- at it...
mouth. Thefe two rivers are juft mentioned, being beyond tlie
limits of this State. They run contrary courfes, are exceeding
large, and it is worth notice, that Clinch, Holftein, Nohchuc-
ky and French-Broad rivers, take their rile between thefe two,
or rather wcilward of New river, lome of them iifing and

OF KENTUCKY. 129

interlocking with it ; and when they meet, form what is called
tlia TennelTec river, which runs a weftern courfe, and finds
the Ohio twelve miles below Cumberland river : it is very large,
and has fpacious tr.ifts of fine land.

Thele rivers are navigable for bpats almofl; to their fourccs,
without rapids, for the greateft part of the year. Frequent
rains in the latter end of the autumn produce floods in the Ohio,
and it is an uncommon leafon when one of thoie floods does not
happen before Chriftmas. If there is much frofty weather in
the upper parts of the country, its waters generally remain low
until they begin to thaw. But if the river is not frozen over,
which is not very common, there is always water fufRcient for
boats of any fize, from November until May, when the waters
generally begin to fubfidc ; and by the middle of June, in mofl
icafons, they are too low for boats above forty tons, and thefe
niufh be flat-bottomed. The frofl; leldom continues fo long as
the middle of February, and immediaJely upon its breaking,
the river is flooded ; this flood may in a degree fubflde, but
for no length of lime ; and it is from that period until May,
that the boats generally cyme down the river. The difl;ance of
defcending is in proportion to the height of the water; but the
average diftance is about eighty miles in twenty-four hours, and
from fixty to one hundred are the extremes ; fo that the mean,
time of going in a flat-bottomed boat from Pittfburgh to the
rapids is between eight and nine days, and about twenty days
more to New-Orleans ; which will make a palfage from Piltf"
burgh to that place nearly a month.

The little rivulets which chequer this country begin to lef-
fen in June, and quite difappear in the months of Augufl:,
September and Oftober ; the autumnal rains, however, in No-
vember replenifli them again. The method of getting a fupply
of water in the dry leafon is by finking wells, which are eafily
dug, and afford excellent water. The want of water in autunm
is the gr&3t complaint. Mills that may be lupplied with water
eight months in a year, may be erefted in a thouland different
places. Wind- mills and horie-mills will fupply the other four
months.

The banks of the rivers are generally high and compofed of
lime-flone. After heavy rains, the water in the rivers riles
from ten to thirty feet.

Tiie country in lome parts is nearly level, in others not fo much
fo, in others again hilly, but moderately, and in inch places there
is moll water. 1'he levels are not like a carpet, but interiperied
with fmall rifings and declivities, which form a beautiful prolpetl.

Vol. III. S

130 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A great part of the foil is amazingly fertile, fome not fo goocJ,
and fome poor. The inhabitants diftinguifh its quality by firft,
fccond, and third rate lands ; and Icarcely any fuch thing as a
marfh or fwamp is to be found. There is a ridge where Ken-
tucky rifcs, nearly of the fize of a mountain.

All the land below the Great Kanhawa, until we come near
the waters of Licking river, is broken, hilly, and generally poor;
except in fome valleys, and on Little and Great Sandy creeks,
where there is fome firft; rate land, but moftly fecond and third
rate ; it is faid that near this water is found a pure fait rock.
Upon the north branch of Licking, we find a great body of firft
rate land. This flream runs nearly parallel to the Ohio for a
confiderable diftance, and is about feven miles from the mouth
of Lime-ftone creek, where is a fine harbour for boats coming
down the Ohio, and now a common landing ; it is fixty-five
miles from Lexington, to which there is a large waggon road.
The m.ain branch of L-cking is about twenty-two miles from
Lime-ftone ; on this dream we find fome firft, but moftly fecond
and third rate lands, and towards its head fomething hilly. There
w.e find the Blue Licks, two fine fait fprings, where great plenty
of fait may be made. Round thefe licks, the foil is poor for fome
dift;ancc, being much impregnated with fait.

The fouthern branch of Licking, and all its other arms,
fpread through a great body of firft, and fome fecond rate land,
where there is abundance of cane, and lome fait licks and fprings.
On thefe feveral branches of Licking are good mill feats, with
navigation to the Ohio, from the fork down to its mouth. The
land is hilly, and generally poor, yet along the flreams and in
valleys we find fome excellent land.

The Elkhorn lands are much eftecmed, being fituated in a bend
of Kentucky river, of great extent, in which this little river,
or rather large creek, rifes. Here we find moftly firfh rate land,
and near the Kentucky river fecond and third rale. This great
traft is beautifully fituated, covered with cane, M'ild rye, and
clover, and many of the ftreams afford many fine mill feats.

The lands below the mouth of Elkhorn, up Eagle creek,
and toward the Ohio, are hilly and poor, except thofe contain-
ed in a great bend of the Ohio, oppofite the Great Miami, cut
off by the Big-bone and Bank-lick creeks, interlocking, and run-
ning leparate courfes. Here we find a great deal of good land^
but foinelhing hilly.

OF KEXTi'CKr. igt

On Kentucky river we find many fertile valleys, or bottoms
along the river, efpecially towards its rife. There is good land
alio on Red river, but toward the heads of this and the Ken-
tucky, the foil is broken ; but even here, we find in valleys and
along the dreams, a great deal of fruitful land. Generally the
foil within a mile or two of Kentucky river is of the third and
fourth rates ; from about that diftancc, as we leave it on either
lidc, we approach good lands. The country through which it
winds its courfe, for the moft part, may be confidered as level
to its banks, or rather precipices ; from the brow of which we
behold the river, three and fometimes four hundred feet deep,
like a great canal.

Dick's river runs through a great body of firft rate land,
abounding every where with cane, and aflords many excellent
mill feats. Many mills are already built on this ftream, and will
have a plentiful fupply of water in the diyeil feafons. The
banks of this river, near its mouth, are fimilar to the banks of
the Kentucky. The feveral dreams and branches of Salt river
aflFord excellent mill feats; thefe roll themfelves through a great
tratl of excellent land, but the country from the junction of
thcl'e waters, and fome miles above towards the Ohio, which may
be about twenty-five miles, is level and poor, and has abundance
of ponds. For a confiderable diftance from the head of this
river, the land is of the fird quality, well fituited, and abounds
with fine cane. Upon this and Dick's river, the inhabitants arc
chiefly fettled, it being the fafed part of the country from the
incurfions of the Indians.

Green river affords excellent mill feats, and a condant dream.
This is allowed to be the bed watered part of Kentucky. On
its banks we find many fine bottoms, fome fird rate, but modly
fccond and third rate lands, and at fome didance, many knobs,
ridges, and broken poor land. Eelow a creek called Sinking
creek, on this river, within fifty miles of the Ohio, towards
Salt river, a great territory begins, called Green river Barrens,
extending to the Ohio ; it has no timbej-, and little water, but
affords excellent padurage for cattle. On fome parts of this
liver we find abundance of cane, fome fait licks, and fulphureous
und bituminous fprings.

That part of Cumberland river which is in the Kentucky
country, traverfcs a hilly poor land, though in fome parts we find
good foil along its fid'is. The other rivers mentioned, viz.
Great Kanhawa and Tenneffee, are not in the Kentucky coun-
try, and therefore will be treated of in another place.

S 2

i^z GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The reader by cafting his eye upon the tnrip, and viewing
round the heads of Licking from the Ohio, and round the heads
of Kentucky, Dick's river, and down the Green ri'i'er to the
Ohio, may view in that great compafs of above one hundred
miles (quare, the mofl extraordinary country upon which the
fun ever fhone.

South of Green river, in the lands referved for the continen-
tal and ftate troops of Virginia, an exceeding valuable lead mine
has lately been difcovercd. Iron ore is likev^/ife found on Rough
creek, a ftream runnit.g into this river.

The Ohio river, the great refervoir of all the numerous rivers
that flow into it from both hanks, has many fine valleys along
its fides, and we oblerve that oppofitc to each of them there
is a hill, thefe hills and bottoms changing fides aUernately. It
only remains under this head to inform the reader that there is
a great body of firfl; rate lands near the falls or rapids, called
Bear-grafs ; and it will be fufHcient jufl; to mention, that the
country on the north-weft fide of the Ohio is allowed by all tra^
vellers to be a moft fertile level country, and well-watered.

The foil of Kentucky is of a loofe, deep black mould, with-
out fand, in the firft rate lands, about two or three feet deep,
and exceedingly luxurious in all its produftions.* In foiwe places
the mould inclines to brown ; in fome the wood, as the natural
confequence of too rich a foil, is of little value, appearing like
dead timber and large fhumps in a field lately cleared. Thefe
parts are not coniiderablc. The country in general may be cor,-
fidered as well timbered, producing large trees of many kinds.

* As the quality of the land is the great objc£l to emigrants, every one muft
be pleafed with the foil, and was that the only thing requifite to make a coun-
try valuable or pleafing, Kentucky would be the moft fo in the world, as the
land is no where excelled. After you a^e got fyjrly into Kentucky, the foil
affiimes a black appearance, rich and light in fubflance; and fhould you vifit the
country in the fpring, you will he furprifed at finding no leaves under the trees.
The reafon is, the ground is fo rich and damp, that they always rot and difappear
■with the wihtcr, except where the foil is evidently poor for that country. It
then bears the appearance of the better fort of land in Pennfylvania and Jerfey?
though differing widely i,n fubflaiice, there being no fand to be met with in I he
foil of Kentucky.

There is a fpecies r,f Sat or fplit lime-O.one that pervades all the country, lying
at unequal depth?. In the rich and black-lf)oking foil it lies near the furface,
and, in general, the nearer the ftone lies to the furface, the richer the land is
found tQ be. At the fame time, the Hone docs not, as I expctted, impede the
growth of the trees, as they grow every whrr? to an amazing height, except near
the fait licks, where the influence of the f^Aliuc particles fcems to check their
growth. 4"i?n'can t/.uj'aim, 171)2.

I

OF KENTUCKY.

»33

and to be exceeded by no country in variety.* Thofe of the
natural growth, and which are peculiar to Kentucky, are the
fugar tree, wiiich grows in all parts in great plenty, and furnifhes
every family with plenty of excellerjt lugar. The honey locuft
is curioufly furrounded with large thorny fpikes, bearing broad
and long pods, in form of peas, has a fwect tafte, and makes
excellent beer.

The cofl'ee tree greatly refembles the black oak, grows large,
and alfo bears a pod, in which is enclofed coffee. The papwa
tree does not grow to a great fize, is a foft wood, bears a fine
fruit, much like a cucumber in fhape and fize, and taftes fwcet.
The cucumber tree is Imall and foft, with remarkable leaves,
•jears a fruit much refembling that from whiph it is named.
Black mulberry trees are in abundance. The wild cherry tree
is here frequent, of large fize, and iupplies the inhabitants with
boards for all their buildings. Here alio is the buck eye, an ex-
cellent foft wood^ bearing a remarkable black fruit, and fome
other kinds of trees not common eKewhere. Here is great plen-
ty of fine cane, on which the cattle feed and grow fat. This
plant, in general, grows from three to twelve feet high, of a hard
fubftance, witli joints at eight or ten inches diftance along the
ftalk, from which proceed leaves refembling thofe of the willow.
There are many cane brakes fo thick and tall that it is difficult
to pafs through them ; where no cane grows, there is abun-
dance of wild rye, clover, and buffalo grafs, covering vafh
traSs of country, and affording excellent food for cattle. The
fields are covered u-ith abundance of wild hcibage not com-
mon to other countries ;f the Shawanefe fallad, wild lettuce,

* Amon;^ the many accounts tliat have been given of Kentucky, none of them
have done juftice to the timber. Oak. and locuft on the flat land^ are common at
Sve feet diameter. Poplars growing on tlie bc-acii lands are fo common at five
and fix feet through, as hardly to be noticed. The beach grows to the thick-
ncfs of four or five feet, and both of the laft mentioned to the height of one hun-
dred and twenty to one hundred and thirty feet. Thefe, and the advantage of
p;:flure irt the wbodi, conftitute the great excellence of Kentucky. Anoican
Alufium, 1792

+ The ftorics tola of the abundance of grafs in the woods, are in many inflanccs
true. You frequently find beds of clover to the horfe's knees—fometimes a fpecies
of rufh-grafo, commonly called the wild rye, from the fimilarity of its ftalk to the
rye fo called among us ; in other places we meet with large tracls of wild cane, very
much eileemed by the wild and lame cattle, it continuing in verdure all the winter.
There js alfp a fpecie."; of vine, called the pea vine, from its producing a fm.all p od,
(refembling tiiat pi the garden pe'a,of which both borfc^ and cattle are e xiremely fond

134 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

and pepper grafs, and many more, as yet unknown to the in-
habitants, but which, no doubt, have excellent virtues. Here
are feen the fineft crown imperial in the world, the cardinal
flower, fo much extolled for its fcarlet colour ; and all the year,
excepting the winter months, the plains and valleys are adorned
with variety of flowers of the moll admirable beauty. Here
is alfo found the tulip-bearing laurel tree, or magnolia, which
has an exquifite fmell, and continues to blcffom and feed for
feveral months together.

This country is richeft on the higher lands, exceeding the
fineft low grounds in the fettled parts of the continent. When
cultivated, it produces in common fifty and fixty bufhels per
acre ; and it has been aihrmed by credible perfons, that above
one hundered bufhels of good corn were produced from an acre
in one fealon.* The firft rate land is too rich for wheat till it
has been reduced by four or five years cultivation.

Colonel Harrod, a gentleman of veracity in Kentucky, has
lately experienced the produftion of fmall grain ; and aflirms,
that he had thirty-five bufliels of wheat, and fifty buflicls of rye
per acre.

In common, the land will produce about thirty bufhels of
wheat and rye, upon a moderate computation, per acre ; and
this is the general opinion of the inhabitants. We may fuppol'e
chat barley and oats will increafe abundantly ; as yet they have
not been fufHciently tried. The foil is very favourable to flax
and hemp, turnips, potatoes, and cotton, which grow in abun-
dance ; and the fecond, third, and fourth rate lands are as

Thefe arc fcattcrcd generally through the country, according to the diFFerent foils,
but are not to be met with univerfally. The woods, however, afford abundance
of food for cattle ; and in confequcncc of this abundance, the people pay very
little attention to the niaking and improving pailure lands. The milk trom this
food is, however, thin, and both that and the butter retain a llrong tafle of
weeds. In hot weather, their milk will turn four in two or three hours after
nilkino-; but as the cuRom of the country is to ufe four milk, this difadvantMge
is not much regretted. Ametkan Mujcion, 1792,

* The great boaft of a Kentucky-man is die quantity of corn that the land will
raife upon an'acre, of which one hundred and feven bufliels arc the greateft
quantity that"! could find afcertained to have been produced ; th.is, in the fall,
fells for fix-pence a bulhel. The common produce of the foil is from fifty to
eighty bufhels an acre, v\ a favourable feaion. This, upon an average, is
about three times the quantity we can raife on an acre in the o' J States; grain
of this kind mull therefore always be low in Kentucky, probably lo\vfcr tkui 3t
prefcnt, \i\iti\ the coiinUy comes to be more opened. Jbii.

OF KENTUCKY. 135

proper for fniall grain. Every liufbandinan may have a good
garden or meadow, without water or manure where liC
plcafcs.

'!";ie old \'irginia planters fay, that if the chmatc does not
prove too molft, few foils known v/ill yield more or better
tobacco.* Experience has proved, that the climate is not too
moift. Great quantities of this article have been exported to
France and Spain, through New-Oileans ; and it is a well-known
faft, that Philadelphia is a profitable maikct for the Kentucky
planter, notwithflanding all the inconvenieiicies and expcnfes
of rc-fhipment at New-Orleans, under a Spanifh government.
What advantages then may not this country expett from a
free navigation of the MifTifTippi, unrcftrained by Soanifh
policy !

Iron ore and lead are found in abundance, but we do not hear
of anv filver or gold mine as yet difcovered.

There appear to be great natural ftores of fulphur and fait in
this country. A fpring at Boonfoorough conftantly emits fijl-
phureous particles, and near the fame place is a fait fpring.
There is another fulphureous fpring upon Four Mile creek, a
third upon Green river, and many others in different places,
abounding with that ufeful mineral.

There are three fprings or ponds of bitumen near Green
river, which do not form a ftream, but dilgorge themfelves into
a common refervoir, and when ufed in lamps, anfwer all the
purpofes of the finefl oil.

There are different places abounding with copperas, eafily
procured, and in its prelent impure ftate fufficient for the ufe
of the inhabitants; but when refined, equal .to^ any in t;,'.
world. / -

There is an allum bank on the fouth fide of Cumberland
river, htuated at the bottom of a cliff of rocks projectin<T over
it. In its prefent ftate it has the appearance and poffeffes
the virtues of that menetal, and when purified ii a bc^utiiul
allinn.

Many fine filt f[>rings conflanllv emit water, which bcin^
manutaQ^ured, affords great quantities of fine fait. There are
five, which in time will become of the utmofl importance, vi^.

* No land appears better adapted to the culture of tobacco than that of Ken-
tucky, and it is now. becorae one of their ftaples. At prefent there are but few
orchards ; hulas the country opens, they will find it their iirterell to plaijt them.—
The Goiir I have fecn made here is generally black, and not fo good atTOight be,
cxpefted. PoiTibly it may be the fault of the mills, or it may proccdd from the
richnefs of the ground, tlioua^h it muft be con felfcd the grain iifelf locks well-
yimeiican Miijcwa, 1792.

136 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

the higher and lower Blue SpringSj on Licking river, from fomc
of which it is faid, ilTue ftreams of brinilh water — t]\e Big-bone
lick, Drennon's lick, and Bullet's lick, at Saltfburgh. The
laft of theie licks, though in low order, has fupplied this coun-
try and Cumberland with fait at t%venty fhillings the bufhel,
Virginia currency ; and fome is exported to the Illinois country
The method of procuring water from thefe licks is by finking*
wells from thirty to forty feet deep. The water drawn from
thefe wells is more flrongly impregnated with fait than the water
from the fea.

The Nob lick, and many others, do not produce water, but
confift of clay mixed with fait particles : to thefe the cattle
repair, and reduce high hills rather to valleys than plains.
The amazing herds of buffalo v/hich refort thither, by their
fize and number, fill the traveller with amazement and terror,
efpecially when he beholds the prodigious roads they have made
from all quarters, as if leading to fome populous city ; the vaft
fpacc of land around thefe fprings, defolated as if by a ravaging
enemy, and hills reduced to plains, for the land near thole
fprings aie chiefly hilly ; thefe are truly curiofities, and the eye
can fcarcely be fatislied with admiring them.

A medicinal fpring is found near the Great-bone lick, which
has perfeftly cured the itch by once bathing ; and experience
in time may difcover in it other virtues. There is another of
like nature near Drinnon's lick.

The weftern waters produce plenty of fifh and fowl. The
fifh, common to the waters of the Ohio, are a buffalo flfli, of a
large ftze, and the cat fifh, fometimes exceeding one hundred
weight. Trout have been taken in the Kentucky weighing
thirty pounds. The mullet, rock, perch, gar fifli, and eel, are
here in plenty. Suckers, fun fifh, and other hook fifh, are
abundant ; but no fhad or herrings. On thefe waters, and
cipecially on the Ohio, the geele and ducks are amazinglj' nu-
merous.

The land fowls are turkeys, which are very frequent, phea-
fants and pat ridges. The parroquet, a bird every way rcfcmb-
ling a parrot, but much fmaller ; the ivory bill woodcock, of a
■whitifli c olour, with a white plume, flies fcreaming exceedino-
fliarp. 1 1 is affertcd, that the bill of this bird is pure ivory, a
circumfljnce very fingular in the plumy tribe. The great owl
rcfcmblcs its fpecics in other parts, but is remarkably different
in its vc'cifcration, fometimes making a flrange furprifing noife','
"Irl&e a ma;n in the mofl extreme danger and dilliculty.

OF KENTUCKY. 137

Serpents ire not numerous, and are fuch as are to be found
ill other parts of the continent, except the bull, the horned,
and the mockaion (nakcs. Swamps arc rare, and contcquently
frogs and other reptiles, common to fuch places. There are
no fwarms of bees, except fuch as have been introduced by
the prefcnt inhabitants ; thefe have increafed and extended them-
Iclvcs in an almoft unparalleled manner of late years.

Among the native animals are the urus, or bilon, called im-
properly a buftalo ; hunters have alfertcd th it they have fccn
above one thoufand of thefe animals at the Blue licks at once ;
fo numerous were they before the firlt fettlcrs had wantonly
iported awav their lives. There fldl remains a great number
in the exterior parts of the lettlement. They feed upoa
cane and grals, as other cattle, and are innocent harmlefs
creatures.

There are ftill to be found many deer, elks, and bears, with-
in the lettlement, and many more on the borders of it. There
are alio panthers, wild cats, and wolves.

The waters have plenty of beavers, otter>;, minks, and muik
rats : nor are the animals common to other parts wanting, fuch
as foxes, rabbits, fquirrels, racoons, ground hogs, pole cats,
and opolfums. Mod of the fpecies of the domeltic quadrupeds
have been introduced lincc the fetllement, fuch as horl'es, cows,
flrcep and hogs, which are prodigioufly multiplied, fuirered to
run in the woods without a keeper, and only brought home whea
wanted.

CURIOSITIES.

Amongfl the natural CLrriofities of this country, , the winding
banks, or rather precipices of the Kentucky, and Dick's river,
delerve the firfl place. The aftonilhcd eye there beholds almoft
every where three or four hundred feet of a folid perpendicular
lime-llone rock ; in fome parts a fine white marble, either curi-
oufly arched, pillared, or blocked up into fine building ftoncs.
Thefe precipices, as was obferved before, arc like the fides of a
deep trench or canal; the land above being level, except where
creeks fet in, and crowned with fine groves of red cedar. It is
only at particular places that this river can be eroded, one of
which IS worthy of admiration ; this is a great large road, wide
enough for waggons made by the buffalo, Hoping with an eafy
defcent from the top to the bottom of a very large fheep hill, at
or near the river above Lees-town.

Caves are found in this country afnazingly large; in fome
of which you may travel feveral miles under a fine lime-ftone

Vol. Ill, T

138 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

rock, fupporte:! bv curious arches and pillars : in moft of them
runs a ftreain of water.

Near the head of Silt river a fubterraneous lake or large pond
has 'ntcly been difcovered. Colonel Bowmm fays, that he and
a companion travelled in one four hours, till he luckily came to
the mouth again. The fame gentleman mentions another which
operates like an air furnace, and contains much fulphur. An
adventurer in any of theie will have a perfcdl idea of prima;val
darknels.

Near Lexington are to be feen curious fepulchres, full of hu-
man flicletons. which are thus fabricated. Firft on the ground
are laid Lrge broad ftoncs, on thefe are pliced the bodies, fepa-
ratcd from each other by broad ftoncs, covered with others
which ierve as a bifis for the next arrangement of bodies. In
this order they are built, without mortar, growing ftill narrower
to the height of a man. This method of burying appears to be
tot'Uy diiTcrent from that nov^ pratlifcd by the Indians.

At a lalt (pring near Oliio river, very large bones are found,
far iurpafling the i»ze of any Ipccies of animals now in Ame-
rica. The head appears to have been about three feet long, the
ribs (even, and the thigh bones about four ; one of which is
rcpofited in the library in Philadelphia, and faid to weigh feven-
tv-cight pounds. The tufks are ab(jvc a foot in length, the
grinders about five inches Iquarc, and eight inches long, Thefe
bones have attracted the attention of philoiophcrs ; fpccimens of
them have been fent both to France and England, whcie they
have been examined with the greateft diligence, and found upon
comparifon to be the remains of the lame fpcc.es of animals
thr.t produced thole other folhl bones which hava been dilco-
vercd in Tartary, Chili, and leveral other places, both of the
old and new continent. What animal this is, and by \vh;>t
means its ruins are found in regions lo widely different, and
where none inch exifls at prcicut, is a qucftion of more difhcuit
dccifion. "The ignorant and kiperflit lous Tartars attribute thcni
to a creature wliom thcv call M:iimon, who, they fay, ufual'v
rcfKies at the bottom of the riv'crs, and of whom thev relate
many marvellDUS florics : but as this is an allertion totally ti!vefl-
ed of proof, and even of probability, it has jullly been rejedlcd
bv the learned ; and' on the other hand it is certain, that no
fnch amphibious quadruped exifts in the American watcvi;.
The bones themielves bear a great icicmblante to thole of the
elephant. There is no other terreRrial animal now known large
enough 10 pnxluce them. The lulks with which tliey are
both fuiudlicdj equally produce true ivory. Thcic external

OF KENTUCKY. 139

refcmblauces have generally made fupcificial oKfervcrs conclude,
that thcv could belong to no other thin that quadruped ; and
wlieii they firfl drew the attention of the world, philolopheis
Icoin to have lublcribed to tlie lame opinion. But if fo, whence
is it tliat the whole fpecics has dili'ppeured from America ? An.
animjl io L;borious and lo docile as the elcphaiit, that the induf-
trv of the Peruvians (which reduced to leivitudc and iubj'jfted
to education fpecies lb vallly inferior in tliofe qudlitics, .;s the
Llama and the Paca) could never have ovcruH)kcd, if he had been
to be found in their countiy. Whence is it that tliefe bones
are found in climates where the elcph.-.nt, a n:iiive of the tornd.
zone, cannot even lubfiit in his wild Rate, and in a ft;ite of fer-
vitude will not propagate? Thtie are dillTiculties fuflicient to
ft.igger credidity itieli, and at lenglli produced llie inquiries of
Dr. ilLinter. That celebrated anatoinift having procured Ipeci-
mens from the Ohio, examined them with tliat accuracy for
which he was lo much diftinguiihed : he diicovered a conhdera-
ble difference between the Ihape and llrufture of the bones, and
thofe of the elephant ; he .obferved from the form of the teeth,
that llicy muil have belonged to a carnivorous animal ; whereas
the iiabits of the elephant are foreign to iuch fuflcnauce, and
his jjvvs totally unprovided with the tccih neccllaiy lor us uie ;
and from the whole he concluded, to tlie lati&fatlion t>f iiatu-
ralifts, that ihele bones belonged to a quadruped now unknown,
but to which the name of Mammoth has been given, with what
pioprietv we will not pretend to lay ; the race is probably cx-
tinft, unleis it may be found in the extenlive continent of New-
Holland, whole recedes have not yet been pervaded by the
curiofity or avidity of civilized man.* Peihaps nothing more

* Mr. Jf (Tcrfon informs us, that a late governor of Virginia, having afk"d fonie
delegates oi the Dclawares, what they knew or had heard refpefting this aniir.al,
the chief fpcaker immediately put himfelf into an oratorical attitudcj and with a
pomp fiiiied to the fuppofcd elevation of his fubjril informed him, that it was a
tradition handed down from their fathers, " That in ancient times a herd of chem
came to the Bijr-bone licks, and began an univerfal dcflruftion of the bears, deer,
elks, bufTaloes, and otltcr animals which had been created for the life of the Ii\-
dians : that the Great Man above, looking down and fe^in;; ibis, was' ft) e^ir.!ged, ,
that he fetzcd his lightning, defccudcd to the earth, feaied Hiinfeli Uplfeatraineigli- i
bouring mountain, on a rock, on wliich his feat and tlie print of hisvfe^fare Itill ■
to be fcen, and hurled his bolts among them till the whole^crc flaughtercd, e.K- '.
cept the big bull, 7,who, prel'enting his forehead to the (hafts, fhook th6m off a^
they fell ; but at length iiiiiring one, it wounded hrm jp' the iule ; whereon
fpringing round, he bounded over the Ohio, tlie Wabaih, the Illinois, and, final!)*
over the great lakes, where he is living at this dav.

T .>

140 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

will ever be difcovered thsn tlie memorials above related. The
following tradition exifiing among the natives, wt give in the
very terms of a Shawanee Indian, to fliew that the imprellioii
made on their minds by it mufl have been forcible.

Col G. Morgan, in a note to Mr. Morfe, fays, " tbefe bones are found only at
the fait licks on the Ohio ; fome few fcattered grinders have, indeed, been found
in other places ; but it has been fuppofed thefe have been brought from the above-
mentioned depofit, by Indian warriors and others who have paffed it, as we know
many have been fpread in this manner. When I firfl. vifited the fait lick, fays the
Colonel, in 1766, I met here a large party of the Iroquois and Wyandot Indians,
who were then on a war expedition againfl the Chicafaw tribe. The head chief
was a very old man to be engaged in war ; he told rne he was eighty-four years
old ; he was probably as much as eighty. I fixed on this venerable chief, as ^
perfon from whom fome knowledge might be ot^tained. After making him fome
fmall acceptable picfents of tobacco, paint, ammunition, &c. and complimenting
h;ra upon the wifdom of his nation, their prowefs in war and prudence in peace,
intimated to him my ignorance refpefting the great bones before us, which no-
thing but his fuperior knowledge could remove ; and accordingly requetled hini
to inform me what he knew concerning them. Agieeably to the cultoms of his
nation, be anfwered me in fubibnce as follows :

" Whilft I was yet a boy I paffed this road feveral times, to wajr againft the
Catawbas ; and the wife old chiefs, among whom was my grandfather, then gave
me the tradition, handed down to us, refpefting thefe bones, the like to which
are found in no other part of the country. " It is as follows :

" After the Great Spirit firfl formed the world, he made the various birds
and beafls which now inhabit it. He alfo made man ; but having formed him
very white, and imperfetl, and ill-tempered he placed him on one fide of it where
he now inhabits, and from whence he has lately found a paffage acrofs the great
water, to be & plague to us. As the Great Spirit was not pleafed with this his
work, he took of black clay, and made wKat you call a negro, with a woolly
head. Tlis black man was much better than the white man, but flill he did not
anfwer the wifh of the Great Spirit, that is, he was imperfeft-; at laft, the Great
Spirit haying procured a piece of puj-e, fine red clay, formed from it the Red
Man, perfeftly to his mind ; and he was fo well pleafed with him, that he placed
him on this great ifland, fepaiate from the white and black men, and gave him
rules for his conduft, promiiing happinefs in proportion as they fhould be obfer-
ved. He incrcaied exceedingly, and was peifetlly happy forages; but the foolifh
young people, at length forgetting his rules, became exceedingly ill-tempored and
wicked. In conicquence of this, the Great Spirit created the great balfalo, t!.c
bones of whicli you now fee before us ; thefe made war upon the human ipccics
alone, and deftroyed all but a few, who repented and promifcd the Great Spirit
to live according to his lav.'s, if he would reilrain the devouring enemy ; where-
upon he fent lii^htning and thunder, and dcitroyed the whole race, in tiii.s fpot,
two excepted, a male and a female, which he Ihut up in yonder mountaihj" ■rcu4.y
•,0 let loofc again, fhould occiiion require.''

OF KENTUCKY. 14*

<• Ten thc^ufimd moons ago, when nought but gloomy forefl^
covered this land of the fleeping lun, long before the pale men,
with thunder and ftre at their command, ruflied on the wings of
the wind to ruin this girden of natuie ; when nought but the
untamed wundciers of tlie woods, and men as unreftrained as
they, were the lords of the foil ; a race of animals were in be-
ing, Huge as the frowning precipice, cruel as the bloody panther,
fwift as the dcfccnding eagle, and ^crrible as the angel of night.
The pines crafhcd beneath their feet, and the lake fhrunk when
they flaked their thirft ; the forceful javelin in vain was huilcd,
and the barbed arrow fell harmlefs from their fide, Forefls were
laid waile at a meal ; the groans of expiring animals were every
where heard, and whole villages inhabited by men were deftroy-
ed in a moment. The cry of uni-\'erfal diftrels extended even to
the region of peace in the weft, and the good fpirit interpofed to
fave ti.e unhappy. The forked lightning gleamed all around, and
loudeft thunder rocked the globe. The bolts of Heaven were
hurled upon the cruel deftroyers alone, and the mountains
echoed with the bellowings of death. All ^^^ere killed except
one male, the fierceil of the race, and him even the artillery of
fkies affjiled in vain. He al'cended the blueft luminit which
fhades the fource of the Monongaheh, and roaring aloud, bid
defiance to every vengeance. The red lightning Icorched the
lofty firs, and rived ciie knotty oaks, but orrly glanced upon the
enraged monfler. At length, maddened with fury, he leaped
over the waves of the weft at a bound, and this moment reigns
the uncontrt/ulcd inouarcu of the vviidernefs, in delpite of even
OmniooLcnce ilielf."

Cn'IL DIVISIONS AND CHIEF TOWNS.

Kentuckv was originally divided into two counties, Lincoln and
JciFeriuii. It his hnce been lubdivided into nine, viz, Jefferlon,

Colonel Morgan add;:, " I have every material bone of the anatomy of this
aninia-1, with Icverai jawbones in which the grinders are entire; and feveral of
the great luflts, one of which is fix feet long, And. twtnty in c.rcumjerence." Mr-
J.Iorle fuppofcs foine miftake in thefe laft words, and obfcrvcs, that probably the
word i7i£'A;i ought to Jiavc been added to the twenty.

It has beca laid by Mr. Jefferfon, that the grinders of the mammoth are five
or fix times as large as tliofe of the elephant. Colonel Morgan fays not ; he ob_
fcncs, " I have feen the griiidpr of an elephant as large and as heavy as the
lar^^elt of t!:e mammoth; they are indeed thinner, deeper rooted, and differcntjy
fbaped, denoting a grdiiivorous animal, whereas the grinders of the mamn-.oth
relcmble thole cl a v.oif cr dog, and !}icv/ them to have been car:iivoicus."

i^-i GENERAL DESCRIPTION

F.iycttc. Bombon, Mercer, Nelfon, Madilon, -"Lincoln, Wood-
ford, and JM;t(on, As iiiofi; ot thele counties are very large. iL
is probable that lub-clivifions will continue to' be in.-.de, as poDU-
»;ttion increaies.

'i'he chief towns are,

LEX! NOT ox,
Which ft.jnds on (he hcid waters of Elkhorn river, and is
reckoned the capita! of Kentucky. liere t!ic courts are held
.Hid buiineis regularly conducted. In 17H6, it contained about
one bundled boules, and Icveral ftores, with a good airv.)rlmciit
of dry goods. It has greallv iucrealsd liuce.

W A S n i N G T O .\' .

This is the fl\ive town of Mafon county, and Is the Iccond
town in this State.

LF. F. S-TO-.V N.

Lees-town is weft of Lc:;:np_jton, on the eaflern baiik of Ken-
lucky river ; it is regularly laid out, and is flourifhing. The
banks of Kentucky river, as before oblervcd, are remarkably
high, in iome places thiee and four hundred feet, ciunpolcd
generally of ftupendous perpendicular rocks ; liie conlequence
So, there are few croliing places; the bed is at Lees-tovx^n,
which IS a circunillarice that niuit contribute nuich to its in.
creale.

I- o u 1 s V 1 L I r. ,

Lonilvdle is at the rapids of Ohio, in a fertile countiy, and
promilcs to be a place of great trade ; it has been made a poi t
of entry. Its unhealthinels, owing to (las^nated waters at the
back of the town, has couliderably retarded us growth. In
addition to thcie, theie is Be.ud's-fown, in Melion county; and
ilarroclllvurgh, in Mercer county ; both on the head waicis of
Salt river. Danville, Boonfborough. and Granville, aie alio
incrcaiirm tnwris. Several new townfliips are maikcd (uu :
the principal of thele arc, Kyfi-ia, Fraaklm. and Ohiopioiningo,
On each of ihcie, towns ::re laid out, and no doubt can be
entcrtaiucii fnit that <■ rapid p.rc^grcfs v\ill be iu.\dc in lettling
them.

The towrifliip of Lvflra contains lifleen thoufand 'hcres in
the rolling fcwk of Salt livei. in about 37;;*^ north iatilude, and
23)° longituile wefl fion London. =^ I'hc town is laid out on

* This traft is puvchafcd by agcn.';, and veiled iu ilie i!.,ndv ofu-uflccs L'tjr !,!ie
fecuri^y oi" liie iublci-jbcrs.

/

\

OF KENTUCKY. i|3

the South creek of the above fork, on a very eligible plan, com-
bining every thing nec^fruy for utility and ornament.

Tiic ftreets, angles, circus and fhorc of the creek, to be free
for public uie. Tlie ftieets to be one hundred feet v»'ide.
The houlcs to be built regulnly, according to the tafte of the
proprietor, upon the flrcets running north and louth, on a line
twenty-five feet diflant from the ftrcct, and upon the ftreets
ru[ining eaft and weft, on a line with the ftreets.

The town is divided into one hundred and eighty-eipht lots,
fo'irfcen of which to be free for the gratuitants, as by a parti-
cular arrangement.

Twelve lots, in eligible fiUntions, to be referved for fuch fwb-
fcnbers as take ten fiiares, one lot to each fuch fubfcriber.

One lot to be Uqq to the hi il (choolmafter, and his heirs, cho-
{zn and lettled by the freeiioldcrs of the townfliip and town.

One lot free to the prelidcnt of a college, and his fucceifors.

One lot free to the firft member of Coxtgrcis beior.ging to
Nclion county, choien after the year 1794, as a reiidence in
Lvflra, provided he builds a houfe thereon, in which ca!e it is

It is divided into one hundred and fifty fhares, for each of which a certificate
is iffued on a ftaniped parchment, -containing a receipt for the confideration
money, which at prefent is twenty pounds, and exprefling the title to the fiib_
fcriber and his heirs.

The agents are impowered to grant fourteen lots, in proper fituations, \o
fettlers gratis, and to fell fourteen lots on the call fide of faid gratuitous lots in
llie year 1794, at twenty pounds each ; and fourteen lots on their north ends in
the year 1795, at thirty pounds each; and fourteen lots on their fouth ends in the
year 1796, at forty pounds each; and fourteen lots on the weft fides 'in the
year 1797, at fifty-five pounds each; and fourteen lots on the north-weft cor-
ners in the year 179S, at feventy pounds each ; and fourteen lots on the jjorth-eali
corners in the year 1799, at ninety pounds each; and fourteen lots on the fouth-
wcft corners in the year 1800, at one hundred an'd twenty pounds each; and
fourteen lots on the fouth-eaft corners in the year 18O1, at one hundred and fifty
pounds each ; and twelve of the remaining lots in the year 1802, at two hundred
pounds each; and the laft twelve lots in the year 1803, at two hundred and fifty
pounds each ; provided in each year a larger price than is here fj e:iftcd canno.
be obtained; and if anv lands remain unfold in the year 1804, tiiey are to b^.
equally divided among, and legally conveyL-d unto, the fublcribcri and their
heirs as their private property.

As faft as the money arifes by this rc-f^dle of the lands, it is to be p.iJ la
equal dividends to the holders of the cerrificat-rs.

The agents receive an allowance of five pounds per cent, for their trouble.

All which is more particularly fet forth in the printed plan, which may be
had gratis at tiie American Agency Office. Tl.reaanredle-ftreet, London.

444 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

granted to him and his heirs ; otherwife, the grant is to the next
chofen member wlio will build on thefe terms.

One lot free for the firft fenator, in like manner.
One fot free for the firft judge, provided Lyllrafliall become
a town where courts are held, and the judge fhall build a houfe
on the lot, in which cafe the grant is to him and his heirs, other-
wife to the next judge who fhail take it upon thole term?.

One lot free to the firfh minifter of the firft church, whatever
the perfuafion may be, chofen by the free lufFmges of the free-
holders, and his heirs. And a lot free to the laid hrft minider
and his fucceffors.

One lot free to the firft man who fh.ill ereft a commodious
hotel for the entertainment of travellers, undertake to keep it in
good order and well provided with refrefhments, on reaionable
terms, under the regulation of the police, according to circum-
ftances, providing for the comfort of the traveller, and guarding
ftriftly againft impofttion.

Two lots to be free lots for public granaries, to be ufed by
merchants, who will build upon them gratis, till fuch time as the
public occafions fhall call for their appropriated ule.

The angles marked in the plate a, <2, a, a, to be appropriated as
market places; and the flrand of the creek to be commodioufly
edified with docks and landings, whenever the unappropriated
public lots fhall bear a price equal to the undertaking, together
with fuch improvements of the navigation in the rolling Fork,
as fhall be found proper and expedient. And from theie immu-
nities, thofe parts of a lot formed by the Fork of Lyflra dreek,
fhall belong to the liberties of the town, to be kept in a neat
manner as a common meadow, upon which every inhabitant of
the town, and freeholder of the townfhip, fhall have the privi-
lege of grazing his horfc the firfl night of his coming into the
town, or of his return from a journey, under the infpeftion of an
overfeer, taking care to do no injur\'io fence, or hedge, or fhrub.
The remaining parts fliall alio belong to the liberties of the town^
and finally be laid out in fuch lots, with luch reftraints on the
order of building as fhall prcicrve the beauty of the whole ; and
thefe lots, together with what remains unappropriated hereby, as
hei-einafter mentioned, in the year 1804, '^ not previoufly fold
by order of the fubfcribers, to be then conveyed, with what may
remain, if any, of the townfhip. to the lubfcribeis. as their pri-
vate property.

J

OF KENTUCKY, 145

EigHty-four lots in the townfliip are appropriated for tlic com-
mon f^nod and fole ufc of the town, to be fold at fuch times and
on fach occafions as fh.ill arilc and be agreed on" by the free-
holders of the town, for building a church on the angle marked
A, fo far as ten lots fhall go J.p that purpofe ; an edifice for a
college on the <ingle marked B, fo far as ten lots fhall go to thnt
piirpoTe; an edifice for a town hall on tlie angle marked C, fo
far as ten lots H-inll go to thnt purpofc ; and fomc other pubhc
building, as a theatre or place of ahVulemcnt, on the angle mark-
ed D, lo far as ten tots fiuill go to that pui pofe. Thefe edifites
to be handfome and uniform, to be built with v/in;:;s fronting the
curve line which forms the circ-us ; the church to i)e adorned
with a ftceple, and the other buildings with cupolas. And for
doing other \jiorks of public utility, iuch as mny arife in all
times hereafter, till the whole ftock thus appropriated is exhauft-
ed •; but as the exigency arifes, fuch l-^ts are to be fold for the
purpofe, indifcrirainatelv. according as they Vr.^ll bear a price
adequate to the undertaking.

The townlhip of Franklin contains one hindred and nxtcen
thoufand fix hundred and fifty-fix i^cres, and is moft commo- '
diouOy fituated between two capital branches of that fine river
%vhich gives name to the State, the banks of whicli arc better
peopled tinn any other part of the State ; on which lie the city
of Lexington, the towns of Boor.fhorough, Danville, Gren-
vilic, Lees-town, S:c. affording m-ukers to t'ne fannt-r for Jtis
produce. The river, about two hundred yards wide at the
Ipot appropriated for a town already planned, to be called Frank-
linville, is navigable for large craft mmv miles above, and bv
the deep creeks into its interior parts for boats uf confiderabls
burthen.

In this townfhip the farmer will h.ive no need of manurinf
his grounds for many years to come, nature hrvincr alreadv
replenifhed the foil witli a ftock not (ooii to be exhaufled. A
confiderable part of the land is of the prirne O'ulitv, the
fccond and third qualities are full (Irong enough for tlie vari-
ous produ£tions of the ftaples of life for man and beaft.

Coal of a luperior quality abounds within the limits, and in
fpots near the waters, and convenient fr>r navigation to other parts
of the country. There are two fait fprings near the river, and
a large quantity of copperas. The defigned town is planned
for the point at the confluence of tJ>e north and middle branch-
es into the main river, Maibn county in which this town,
fliip (lands, will doubtlefs be fo<m divided into, at leafl two
Vol. III. U

1^6 GEXERAL DESCRIPTION

more, and one will form a natural angle from this point, and pro-
bably be bounded h\ Red river, and Frankiinvllle become the
fliire town.

The (li(*c-ts, angelS; circus yud crefcents, in this town, to be
free to the public.

The ftrccts, which, according to the plan, are one hundred
feet wide, may be reduced to eighty feet, giving ec]ually to the
lots adjoining on each hdc, which are, accoiding to the plan,
one hundred feet wide and two hundred feet deep, and the
IvJufcs to be built regularl^', according to the taftc of the pro-
prietors, on a line twenty-five feet diftant from the flreets : and
one moictv of each lot to be laid out in gardens, and feparated
from each other, and from the viflas, by hmple palifadcs. This
order of building not to be infringed.

Five hundred lots, to be drown by fomc one chofen to repre-
fcnt the town for that purpofe, to be vefted in truftees for the
ule thereof, and fold at fuch times and on fuch occalions, as may
arife and be agreed on by the fuffrag.es of freeholders of the
townfhip and town ; for building public edifices in the angles
within the lines forming the circus and crefcents ; the churches
to be adorned with handfome fteeples. and the other public
buildings with luitable cupola*, and built with a fufficicnt degree
of uniformity to give thofe ftruftures a handfome appearance,
Alfo for making common fewers, aquedufts, market-places,
granaries, piers and landing-places, paving the flreets, planting
the viftas with trees correfponding to their names, embellifli-
ing the circus and crclcents, planting the public garden, light-
ing, v/atching and clcanhng the town, and doing all fuch mat-
ters as belong to the public good, according to the public agree-
ment ; but thefc lots not to be fold until they bear a fufficient
price for defraying the undertaking, at luch tiirjes when it may
be judged expedient.

One hinidred and fixteen lots gratis to the fuhfcribcrs, one to
CBch tho iland acres.

One hundred lots gr itis to tlic firfl hundred rcfidents.

Twenty-fix lots gratis, formed in the angles of the circus and
crefcents, for the minillcrs, prefidenis, and other ofiiceis con-
ncfted v/ith the oublic buildings.

Otic hundred lots, to be balloted for the purpofe, and ^ cftcd

in truflecs, to be granted by the lulfrages of the ])Copie, as

. compliments, accompanying other maiks of public < flccm, to fuch

pcrfons as aie oi ihalL become rcfidents in llie town, and have

OF KENTUCK V. 147

by fome Angular fervices dGfcrvccl fucli liotiours from the free-
men of the townfliip.

Four lots gratis, in fuitable parts of the town, to fuch pcrfons
as will build thereon each a handfomc and commodious hotel for
the entertainment of travellers, and keep it in good order, and
well provided with refrefhments for fuch guefts, on reafonable
terms, under the regulation of the police, according to circum-
ftances, providing for the comfort of the travellers, and guard-
ing againil impofition, and to be affigned by the proprietor only
on thcfe conditions.

Fifty lots, to be balloted ib.r the purpofc, and refcrved for
building alms-houfes, houfes of induftrv, corrc£lion, Sec. as orca-
fion may render expedient.

The villas to keep their full breadth of an hundred feet.

The pleafurc-garden to be made botanic, and be under the
care of a profodor, under whofe dilcretion it rnay be ufed as a
pleafure-garden, by fuch of the inhabitants as arc wilKng to con-
tribute towards its embellilhment.

The remaining one hundred and thirty-nine lots to remain the
private property of Mr, Abraham Fowler, who is to make gc»od
to each fubfcriber his full quota of land .; leceiving from luch
whofe lots fhall exceed the regular quantitv of one hundred
and twenty-five, two hundred and fifty, or five hundred acres,
three fliillings per acre for the furplus, and paying to thole whofe
lots fhall fall fhort of thofe refpe£live cjuantities., three raillings
per acre for the deficiency.

It is Uronglv recommended, that no place of inteiinent be fuf-
fered Vv-ithin the limits of the town, but that two lots of ten acres
each, without the town, be appropriated for that purpole.

No perfon can fubfcribe for lefs than one thouland acres,
which will entitle him by ballot, ;. to a town lot of two huii-
dred feet in length, and one hundred feet in breadth ; s. to two
farms from the divifion nearefh the tov^n of one hundred and
twenty-five acres each ; <;. to one'plantation from the^next divi-
fion of tVv-o hundred and fifty acres ; and 4. to one tra£t in the
third divifion of fiVe hundred acres.

The proprietor in America, and his attorney here, arc fo con-
fcious of the truth of the above fiatement, that tliey are willing
to relinquifli the fale, provided a confiderable part of the l.uid is
not of the prime qualities, or what is termed firft-rate land.

Oiiiop^oMixoo, now forming, will be a mod; capital town-
n;ip and town, very advantageoufly fituatcd about twenty miles

V 2

148 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

from LvsTRA, and thii'ty miles below Louilvillc, on the rives
Ohio, in the county of Nelson, in about 3-^" go' north latitude,
containing upwards of one huudrcd thuuland acres of prime
Jand, and is named, in compliment to Piomingo, one of the
Indian chiefs, a man greatly beloved and reipefted, not only by
the Indian tribes but alio by the v. bites.

A gentleman of great refpeftability, the proprietor of the
land, and who has but juft left London, has determined, at his
own cxpcnie of more than one hundred and fifty pounds fter-
ling, to ercft, either in the circus or fome principal part of the
town, a pedellrian ftatue of Piomingo, habited as an Indiari
warrior, in the attitude of delivering an oration in favour of
Liberty : the flatue and pedeftal, with fuitable ornaments, to
be of Coade's artificial ftone, and will be put in hand as foon as
an eminent and well-known flatuary has furm.ed a drawing and
model fuitable for the purpofe.

It may not be improper to obferve, that a number of induflri-
ous hufbandmen have voluntarily offered to go out and fettle at
OhioJiomixgo, under the fuperintendance of a gentleman well
verfed in iurveying, and competent in other refpefts to conduft
fo important an undertaking : it is alio worthy of rernark. that
this gentleman's father, at the venerable age of ninety, yet in pcr-
feft health, has determined to accompany his children and grand-
children to this propitious fpot.

The town is tc; contain upv/ards of a thoufand houfes, forty-
three ftrccts, a circus and feveral capital fquares, which will be
embelliflied with various fuitable and liandiome flruftures : each
fettler in the townHrip will be entitled, in fee fimple, to one
town lot of an hundred feet in width, and three hundred feet
in length : a field of five acres, and another of twenty acres, will
alfo be allotted to each of them, and their farms will confifl of
five hundred acres each, which will be granted on leafe for
nine hundred and ninety-nine years ; the three flrft years to be
rent free, on condition of building a houfe and barn on the
prcmiies, and alio of bringing under cultivation twenty acres
of the Lind within the term, and on the fourth year the tenants
are to commence an annual rent of five pounds for every hun-
dred acres.

The town will enjoy various important privileges and immu-
nities. A college is to be erefted for the education of the youth
of the tenantry, and alfo for fuch childrcr. of the Indians as they
may chule to lend thither for infcruclion, and due care will be
taken to inlb.l into their tender minds the principles of philan-
tl;ropy, moral rsftitude and fecial order, togellier with fuch

OF KENTUCKY. 149

branches of fcicnce ; as may tend to render them iifcful mem-
bers'of lociety, for which purpoie the proprietor has appropriated
fifteen hundred acres of land towards the endowment of the
inftitution, and alfo fuitable encouragement to fu<:h gentlemen
of erudition and undoubted character as may chufe to engage in
(o important a charge.

The hcufes in Kentucky, the towns excepted, are fcarcely
deferving of the name ; which we fhall have the lefs room to
wonder at, when we recoUeft the fliort interval that has elapfed
fince the firft I'ettlemcnt of the country,

POPULATION.

It is impoflible to afcertain, with any degree of accuracy, the
prefent number of inhabitants ; owing to the numerous accef-
fions which are made almofl every month. In 1783, in the
county of Lincoln only, there were on the militia rolls three
thouiand five hundred and feventy men, chiefly emigrants from
the lower parts of Virginia. In 1784, the number of inhabi-
tants were reckoned at upwards of thirty thoufand. It is affert-
ed, that at leaft twenty thoufand migrated there in the year
1787.

Jn 1790, the numbers ftood as follow ;

I50

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

K E N T U C K Y.

-C

i^

.

■

C -3

C (j

_o

5

'.

COUNTIES

1

!

AND

= §"

CJ

ti

TOWNS.

||

IE

'..

!

> !^

?^

a

-5

0

y s

0 "

(^

0

>

C3

5

;i: =-

fci

_i<^

CO
"3689

H

Fayette County,

3241

3878

6738

30

17576

Nelfon, - - - -

?.456

2746

4644

31

] 9iq

1 1009

Woodford, - - -

1767

1929

3267

27

2220

9210

Bourbon, - - - -

164.5

2035

3^49

908

7837^

Mercer, - - - -

1411

1515

2691

7

1317

6941

Lincoln. - - - -

137.5

1441

26^0

8

1094

6548

Jeffcrlon, - - - -

1008

997

1680

4

8x6

4565

Madilbn, - - - -

1231

1421

2383

737

5772

Mafon, - - - -

43»

676

952

20S

2267 ^

Lexington, in Fay- "1
ette County, - - J

.76

203

290

0

63

834!

Wailiingtonin Ma- 1
fon County, - - J

163

.

462

1

95

183

21

Beard's Town, in 1

3.6'

Nelfon County -/

52

49

85

1

29

Louifvilie, in jef- ^

ferfon County - J

49

44

79

1

27

200

Danville, in Mer- \

^

cer County, - -J

49

20

51

22

150

-5154

17037

28922

114

12430

73677

What the preient numhrr of inhabitants is. it is almoft impof-
fible to form any correal eftlmate of, for no calculations can be
made, the number of emigrations have been lo great from Europe
and the eaftein States ; but perhaps the account will not err far,
if we rale them at about one hundred and fcventy-five thou-
fand.

RELIGION AND CHARACTER.

The RaptiAs are the moft numeron^ Ic6l in Kentucky. As far
back as 1787 they had hxtecn churches eilablifhed, befides feve-
ral congregations where churches were not conftltuted; thcfe
were then fupplicd by thirty miniflcrs, and by accounts fince re-
ceived it appears, tliat tlieir numbers lirve kept a propoitional
increale with thjt of the St;'te. 7'here a:e a few Epifce-

OF KENTUCKY. 151'

palians and Roman Catholics, and feveral congregations of Pref-
byterians; and perhaps fome may be found of ahnoll every per-
fuafion. The Baptifts were the fird tliat promoted public wor-
fhip in this State ; they formed three congregations near ilar-
rod's Station, and engaged Mr. David R.ice of Virginia as their
Pallor ; and afterwards formed another large congregarion at
Lexington, the paftoral charge of which they delivered to Mr,
Rankin, alio of Virginia. Thcfe were the hrft churches in this
State.

With refpeft to charafter, the people, coUefted from different
parts, of different manners, cuftoms, religious and political fen-
timents, have not been long enough together to form an uniform
national character : they are, however, in general, polite, hu-
mane, holpitable and very complaifant. Among the fettlers
there are gentlemen of abilities, and many genteel families, from
leveral of the States, who give dignity and refpeftability to the
(ettlement. They are in general, more regular than people who
ufually fettle new countries.

C O M MERGE.

A convenient fituation for commerce is the grand hinge upon
which the population, riches, and happinefs of every country
greatly depend. Many conceive the fituation of Kentucky to
be unfavourable in this refpefb, and are of opinion, that the befl
channel is from Philadelphia or Baltimore, by the way of Pittf-
burgh, and from thence down the Ohio ; and upon account of
the difficulties and expenfes attending this rout, for which there
is no remedy, that goods would ever be dear, and the crops
not worth removing for fale.* This opinion has been repro-
bated, as the effeft of ignorance of the trade up the MiflTiflip-
pi from New-Orleans, or Mantchac, at the river or gutj
Iberville,

Thofe who are acquainted with America know the MiflTiffippi
and Ohio rivers to be the key to the northern parts of the lou-
thern continent. Thefe are the principal channels through which

* Hitherto there has not been much more grain raifed than has been confumcd
by the inhabitants; and the perfons emigrating there, togetlier with the trade
- down the river, may afford a fine profpcft in theory, to individuals, but will
never turn out of any folid advantage to the public of this fettlement ; the diffi-
culty in returning up the river niuft render the voyage terrible. To make head
againfl the rtreani mud; be done by dint of fevere labour and main ftrength, and
would require exertions which no man would ever wi(h to make a fecond time,
who was not urged by the inducement of gaining a fpccdy fortune thereby-
Jfums.'. of a Tvur in Kentucky.

152 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

that extenfive region, bathed by their waters, enriched by th.t
many ftreams they receive, communicate with the fea, and may
truly be confidered as the great pallage made by the Hand of Na-
ture for a variety of valuable purpofes, and principally to promote
the happinefs and benifit of mankind ; among which, the convey-
ance of the produce of that immenfc and fertile country lying
weftward of the United States is not the leaft. A few obferva-
tions on ihefe rivers, and fome others flowing into them, are ob-
jefts fubmitted to the reader's attention, in order to form a juft
idea of the favourable commercial circumllances of this impor-
tant country.

The Ohio river beings at Pittfourgh, three hundred and twenty
miles weft of Philadelphia, being there formed by the junflion
of the AUeganv and Monangahcla rivers, and running a winding
courfe of louth 60° weft, falls into the MiirifTippi one thoufand
and fevcnty-four miles, by the meanders of the river below Pitts-
burgh. The only obftruftion to navigation on this river are the
rapids, as difcribed before under the delcription of the Ken-
tucky rivers ; but they are paftcd in fafety when the ftream is
high.

The moft remarkable branches compofing the head waters of
Ohio are Red-ftone creek. Cheat river and Yohogania, Thefe
waters are navigable to a conficlcrable diftance above Pitt fburgh,
from November until June, and the Onio a month longer; but
from Great KanhavN'a, which is one hundred and ninety-fix miles
and a half below Pittfburgh, the ftream is navigable moft parts of
the year. Down this river quantities of goods are brought, and
feme are conveyed up the Kentucky rivers, others on horfeback
or in waggons to the fettled part, and lolJ on an average at one
hundred pounds per cent, advance.

The current of the Ohio defcends about two miles an hour
in aiUumn, and when the waters are high about four miles^
Thole of the Kentucky rivers are much- the fame, and with-
out rapids, and are of immenfe value to the country, aft'ording
nfh and fowl, and tranfportation of the produce of the country
to the heft market. Thele rivers iucreafc the Ohio more in
depth than breadth. At its mouth it is not more than one
and a hrslf mile in width, and enters the MilTiliippi in a loutl-;-
wcft dirc61ion with a flow rurrmt, and a nue channel. This
great river, at the junflio!! with the Ohio, runs in a foulh-caft
direction, and afterwards in a fouthwcft. having been a li.ttle be-
fore joihcd by a greater river c;illc(l Miflouri. which, as before
oblervcd, runs in an canw.iid diicftion throu'jih Louiiiavn,

Of KENTUCKY. 153

and afterwards communicates to the MifTilTippi its o'.vn muddy
and mnjcftic appearance. The depth is. in common, eight or
ten fathoms, until you approach its mouth, which empties itl'elf
by feveral channels into the gulpli of Mexico. Here the navi-
gation is dangerous, on account of the many iflinds, fand-bars and
logs, interfperfiid in its m.^uth, which isaboat twenty miles wide.
This diiadv'antage may be remedied dniofl in the lame manner
that the ftream was dilconcerted. The confl'ift between the fca
and this mightv river, which brings down with it's ftream great
numbers of trees, mud, leaves, &c. caulcs them to lubiide and
form fhoals. One of thefe trees, flopped by its loots or branch-
es, will foon be joined by thoufands more, and lo fixed, that no
human force is able to remove them. lu time they are confoli-
dated, every flood adds anoth&f layer to their height, forming
iflands, which at lengfh are covered with fnrubs, gr.ds and cane,
and forcibiV fhift the bed of the river. In triis m.anner we fup-
poie tnoft of the country on each fide of the MifTifTippi, belo'.v
the Iberville, to have been formed, bv ift^od-s uniting to iilands
which, in a fuccefhon of time, have gjeatly encroached on the
fca, and producedan extenfive tracl of country. If feme of the
floating timber at the moifths of this river were moved into fome
of the channels, numbers more would incorporate with them
and the current being impeded in thefe, the whole force of the
river uniting, one important channel would forcibly be opened,
and fufficiently cleared to admit of the moO; excellent navigation.

About ninety-nine miles above Orleans is a fort, now called
Mantchac by the Spaniards; formerly Fort Bute by the Englifh,
who built it. Near tlii&^is a large gut, formed iiy the Miiriiiippi,
on the end fide, called Ibcrviile; iome have dignified it with the
name of river, when the MiiTiffippi, its fource, is high. This is
navigable, at mofl, not above fcurmontlis in the year for tlie firfl;
ten miles : for three miles farther it is from two to fix feet in au-
tumn, and from two to four fstlioms the remaining part of the
way to lake Maurepas, receiving in its courie the river Amit,
which is navigoble for batteaux to a confidentble diftance.

Lake Maurepas is about ten miles in length and feven in
breadth ; and there is a pail'ge of Icven niiics between this and
lake Ponchartrain.

Lake Pontchartaia is about foriy miles long, twenty-four
broad, and eighteen feet deep. From tins lake to the lea the
channel is ten miles long, and three hu'idred yards wide ; and
the v/ater deep enough to admit large velfcls througli thefe lakes
and their communiciiions. This pl.ce. if uitendcd to, mifht be

Vol. III. X

7>5A GEKKRAL DESCRIPTION

of confquenceto all the weftern country, and the cominefce of
Weft-Florida ; for it may reafonably be fuppofcd, that the inha-
bitants and traders of the vvertern country would, rather trade at
this place than at New-Orleans, if they could have as good returns
ior tlicir peltry, and the produce of their foil ; as it makes a con-
hderabie difl'erence in their voyage, and laves labour, money and
time. Experience wiH doubtlels produce ccn'.idcrable improve-
ments, and render the navigation of the MiiTilIippi, either by
thefe lakes, or New-Orleans, nearly as cheap as any other. That
the MifTifiippi can aniwer every valuable purpofe of trade and
commerce, is proved already to a demonflration by experience.

Ther.e is reafon to believe that the time is not far diftant,
when New-Orleans will be a great trading, city, and perhaps a-
nother be built near Mantchae, at Iberville, that may in time
rival its glory.

A prodigious number of iflands, fome of which are of great ex-
tent, arc interlperfed in this mighty' river ; and the difficulty in
afcendlng it in the fpring, when the floods arc liigh, is greatly
leilened by eddies or counter curr'ents, which moftly run in the
bends near the banks of the river with nearly equal velocity a-
gainft the ftream, and affifl the afcending boats.

From New-Orleans to the falls of Oiiio, batteaux, carrying a-
bout forty tons, have been rowed by eighteen or twenty men ir^
eight or ten weeks, which, at the extent, will not amount to
more than five hundred pounds expenfe, which experience has
proved to be above one third of that from Philadelphia. It is high-
ly probable that in time the dillance will be exceedingly fhortened
by cutting acrols bends of the river.

Charlevoix relates, that at Coupee, or Cut point, the river
formerly made a great turn, and lome Canadians, by deepening
the channel of a fnudl brook, diverted the waters of the river in-
to it. The impetuolity of the fiream was fo violent, and the foil
of fo rich and loole a quality, that in a fhort time the point was
entirely cut through, and the old channel left dry, except in in-
undations, by which traV'cllers fave fourteen leagues of their
voyage. The new channel h. sbecn foundod with a line of thir-
ty fathoms, without finding bottom. When the diftance is fhor-
tened, which we believe rn'^y readily be done ; the expenfes of a
voyage f^om New-Orleans to the fV.lls of Ohio will be very in_
coniiderable. It is known by cxper'ence that fortv tonsof goods
cannot be tak • to the falls of Ohioirom Pniladclphia, uudcr fix-
teen hundred pounds expenfe ; but by iinprovenicnts on the Mii-
fiilippi, with the conveniences of the mechanical boats, goods
can be brought from New-Oi leans to the falls for ihc teuiii part

OF KEKTUCKY. t55

of that cxpenfe ; and if thcv are fold at one hu-ndred pounds per-
cent, now, when brought from Philndelphia at expenles lo great,
what may the merchant allordto fell his goods at, who brings them
fo much cheaoer ? Bcfides, the great advL-ntages ariling from the
exporting of peltry, and country produce, whith never can be
conveyed to the eaftern ports to any advantage. It is evident
alio that the market from which they receive imports, rault con-
lequenily receive their exports, which is the only return they
can polhbly make.

By ftatiag the commerce of Kentucky in its proper terms, we
£nd the expenles fuch, that we conclude with propriety., thai
that country will ultimately be fupplied with goods as cheap as if
fituated but forty miles from Philadelnhia.

.But perhaps it will be replied, New-Orleans is in th.e poffcfT. -
on of the Spaniards, who, whenever they pleafe, may m^ke uic
of that fort, and fome others they have on the MifTilfippi, to pre-
vent the navigation and ruin the trade. The pailage tiirough
Iberville is alio lubjeft to the Spaniards, and, bcfideSj inconveni-
ent ; that fiream contijiuing fo fiiort a time, and in the ip.ofl dii-
advantageou* ieafon.

It will ctrtainly be abPjrd to crtpcct a free navigation (^f the
MinHTippi, whilll the Spaniards are inpoireifion of Xew-Orle^ns:
to fuppoie it, is an idea calculated to impole only upon the vvenk.
They may perhaps trade with the Americans upon their own
terms, while they think it confiftent with their iriterefi;, but no
Iriendlhip in trade exifts when intereQ; expires ; therefore, wlicii
the weflern country becomes populous and ripe for trade, founti
policy tells uo, tae Floridas muft. belong to the Americans,
According to the aiticle of the definitive treafy. they are to have
a free and unmolellcd navigation of the IvIi0iiTippij but exptrieme
tiaches mankind that treaiiti are not always to be depended vpon^
the moft, iolemn being broken.* Hence we learu, not to put
much faith in treaties with any of the old governments of
Europe.

Although the Iberville only admits of a flinrt and inconvenient
navigation, yet if a commercial town were built there, it would
be the center of the weftern trade : and a land carriage of ten or
twelve miles would be counted no diiadvantage to the merchant.
Nay, in time, a canal may be broke through tiic gut o^.-qrviiic,
which' may divert the waterof the Mifiiiuppi that way, and irn-

,♦ Article 8tii of the late dilinitivc treaty, fays, The navigation of the MifTifTipp;
river, from iu lourcc to the ocean, fhall ftirever remain free and opeu to the l<i5*.

jects of Great-Britain and cue citizens of the United Stales.

A J.

15^ GENERAL DESCRIPTION

der it a place of the greatefl confcquence in America; but .tliis im-
portantpcrtodis refcrvcd for futurity. The trade of Kentucky is al-
ready improving ; we have, mentioned that tobacco has been ex-
ported to France and Spain in great (Quantities through New-
Orleans, They have alio ere6>ed a paper mill, an oilmill, ful-
ling mills, favv- mills, and a great number of valuable grifl mills.
Their fait works are more than fiifncient to lupply all their in-
habitants, at a low price. They make confideiable quantities of
fugarfrom the fugar trees. They have a printing office, and
publifn a Weekly Gazette. Labourers, particularly tradelmen
are exceedingly wanted here.

LITERATURE.

The leglflature of Virginia, while Kentucky made a part of
that Sfle, made provifiou for a college in it, and endowed il
with very conhderable landed funds ; and a library fur its ufe
was forwarded thither by the Rev. Mr. John Todd of Virginia^
f after obtaining the conjcnt of Llie Rev. Dr. Gordon J while an in-
habitant of the Maflachuietts State. This library was moftly
formed in the following manner : An epiflolary acquaintance
having commenced between Mr. Todd and Dr. Gordon, tliKJUgh
the influence of their common friend, the Rev. Mr. Samuel
Davis, long fince deccaled ; a letter was received about the end
of 176:5, or beginning of 1765, fiom Mr. Todd, in which he
exprellcd a defire of obtaining a library and lome philolophical ap-
paratus, to improve the educotiou of Tome young pevtons, who
were defiyned for the mini Rrv- Dr. Gordon being then fettled
at London, upon apphcntion obtained a few annual lubfcriptions,
■with leveral donations of money, and of books, which were not
doled till aftdr March 17^)9. During that period he received. in
Cafli, including his ov%'n iublcription, eighty pounds two (hillings
and fix-pcnce. The late worthvjoiin Thornton, Elq. contribut-
ed fifty pounds of it, by tiic handof the Rev. Mr. (aftei wards Dr.j
Wilion, who alio gave in books ten pounds. Among the con-
tributors ftill living, befide Dr. Gordon himlclf, are tiie Rev.
Mr. Towlc, Meiiis. Fuller, Samuel, and Tlioinas Sratton,
Charles 'jcrdein, David Jennings, Jonathan Eadc, Joleph Ainf-
Icy, and Jc>hn Field of Thames ftrcet.

Of the money coUcftcd, twenty-eight pounds ten ibillings was
paid to the' Lite Mr, Rilnight, for an air pump, microicopc.

OF KENTUCKY. ,5,

telefcopc, and prifms, thorough good, but not new. Cafes,
fhipping, freight, inlurance, &c. at four different periods^
came to eight pounds eleven fliillings and fix-pence. The forty-
three pounds one fliilling was laid out to the beft advantage in
purcliaiing a variety of books, which, with thofe that were giv-
en, are luppolcd to indke the main p:iitofthe Lexington libraiv.*
Schools aic cllr.blilhed in the leverai towns, and in general regu-
laily and handlomcly iupported.

RI.GHTS OF LAND.

The pro^irietors of the Kentucky lands obtained their patents
from Virginia, and their rights are of three kinds, viz. Thole
which ariie from military lervice, from lettlcmcnt and pre-emp-
tion, or from warrants from the treafuiy. I'he military rights
are held by ctficers, or their reprefcntives, as a reward for fer-
vices done in one of the two laft wars. The fcttlement and
pre-empticm rights arife fiom occupancy. Every man who, be-
fore March 1780, had remained in the country one year, or
raifed a crop of corn, w^s allowed to have a iettlement of four
hundred acres, and a pre-emption adjoining it cf one thoufand
acres. Every man who had only built a cabin, or made any im-
provement by himfeif or others, was entitled to a pre-emption
of one thnufand acres, where fuch improvement was made.

In March, 1 -jSo the iettlement and pre-emption rights ceai'-
fd, and treafury warrants were afterwards iflTued, authorihng
their pofiefiTor to locate the quantity of land mentioned in them,
wherever it could be found vacant in Virginia.

The mode of procedure in thefe affairs may be inflruftive to
the reader. After the entry is made in the land-ofEce, there
being one in each county, the perlon making the entry takes out
a copy of the location, and proceeds to furvey when he pleaies.
The plot and certificate of fuch furvey mud be returned to the
©ffice within three months after the furvey is made, there to be
recorded ; and a copy of the record mufl; be taken out in twelve
months, after the return of the furvey, and produced to the
afTiftant regiller of the laud-ofRce in Kentucky, where it muil
lie fix months, that prior locators may have time and opportuni-
ty to enter a caveat, and prove their better right. If no-caveat

' * As this account of the library is eflentially different from that given by Mr.
Morfe, and every other writer we have met with, the editor thinks it right to in-
form the public, that he inferts the above at the defirc of the Rev. Dr. Gordon

^irafelf.

fsS GENERAL DESCRIPTION

is entered in tliat time, the plot and certificate are fent to tlie
land-office and three months more are allowed to have the patent
returned to the owner.

CONSTITUTION.

By the conilitution of tliis State, formed and adopted in i yg2,
the powers of government are divided into three diflinft de-
partments ; legiflative, executive, and judiciary. The legiRa-
rive power is veiled in a General Alfemblv, conlifting of a
Senate and Iloufe of Repreientatives ; the fupreme executive in
a governor ; the judiciary, in the fupreme court of apy>eals, and
fuch inferior courts as the Icgiflature may eftablifh. The repre-
fentatives are chofen annually bv the people ; the fenators and
governor are chofen for four years, by elcftors appointed for
that purpole ; the judges are appointed during good behaviour,
bv the governor, with advice of the Senate. An enumeration of
the free male inhabitants, above twentv-one years old, is to be
made once in four years. After each enumeration, the number
of fenators and reprefentatives is to be fixed by the legiflafure,
and apportioned among the feveral counties according to the
number of inhabitants, 1 here can never be fewer than forty,
nor more than one hundred reprefentatives. The Senate at firfl
confifted of ekven members ; and for the addition of every four
reprefentatives, one fenator is to be added. The reprefentatives
nmfh be twenty- four years- old ; the fenators tv,-entv-fevcn : the
governor thirty : and. all of them mull have been inlnbitJnts of
the State two years. The governor can hold no other office.
The members of the General Ailemblv, none but thole of attor-
ney at law, juflice of the pence, coroner, and in the militia.
The judges, and all other ofBccrs, mull be inhabitants of the
counties for which tliey are apnointcd. The governor, mem-
bers of the General Ailembly, and judges, receive flated falaries
out of the public trealurv, from which no money can be drawn,
but in coniequence of appropriation Ij*.' law. AH officers take
an oath of fidelitv to difcharge the duties of their offices, and
are liable to impeachracnt for mii'conduft. Elective officers niuft
fwear that they have not u!ed bribery in obtaining their elcftions.
All free msle citizens, twenty-one years old, haying rcfided
in the State t\\'o years, or in the county where they oiler to
vote, one year, have a right to vote for ropreientativcs, and for
eleftors of lenatorsand governor, and are privileged from afrcfl,
in civil actions, while attendaig that buiinefs. The Gpnei'.)!
Allcmbly meets on the firfl Monday "in November each year,
unlefs Iboncr conyencd by the governor; ' ;£<icH"' JTquIc choolips

OF KENTUCKY. 159

■its fpeaker and other ofRccrs. judges of the (Qualification of it
members, and determines the rules of its proccodings, of which
a journal is kept and puhlifhed weekly, unlels lecrccy be requi-
nte. The doors of both Houlcs are kept open. The members
of the legiflature, while attending the public bufincl's, are pri-
vileged from arreds in civil aftions, and may not be queftioned
ellewhere for any thing laid in public dcba-te. Impeachments
are made by the lower houfc, and tried by the upper. All re-
venue bills originate in the Houle of Reprefentativcs, and are
amendable by the Senate, like other bills. Each bill palled by
both Monies is prclented to the governor, who raufl lign it if he
approve it > if not, he muft yeturn it within ten days to the
houfc in which it originated, if it be not returned, or if, wheti
returned, it be re-palled by two thirds of both Houfes, it is a
law without his fignature. The governor has power to appoint
moft of the executive ofTicers of^ the State ; to remit fines and
forfeitures, and grant reprieves and pardons, except in cafes of
impeachment : to require information from executive officers ;
to convene the General Allembly on extraordinary occafions, and
adjourn them in calc they cannot agree on the time themfelves^
Ho muft inform the legiilature of the ftate of the Common-
wealth ; recommend to them fuch rrieafures as he (hall judge
expedient : and fee that the laws arc faithfully executed. The
fpeaker of the Senate exerciies the oHicc of governor in cafe of
Vacancy. The leg'fiature has power to forbid the farther im-
portation of flaves, but not to emancipate thofe already in the
State without the conient of the owner, or paying aa equivalent.
Treaibn againfl the Commonwealth conliUs only in levying war
againft it, or in adhering to us enemies, giving them aid and
comfort.

The declaration of rights alTerts tlie civil equality of all -
their right to alter the government at any time ; liberty of
conltiencc ; freedom of elections, and of the prels : trial by
lury : the luboidinatioii of the militaiy to the civil power ; the
lights of criminals to be heard in tiieir own defence ; the right of
the people to petition for the redreis of grievances, to bear arms^
and to emigrate from the State, it prohibits unrealonable iearcli^
qs and leizuies ; exceilive bail confinement of debtors, unlefs there
be prelumption of fraud ; lulpenlion of habeas corpus writ, unlels
in rebellion or invahon ; ex pod fatlo lav/s ; attainder by the
legiUature ; Handing armies ; titles of nobility and hereditary
diTcinclion.

Ix addition to what we have alicady faid of this State, we
fubjoin the following topographical defcription of the wcdcriJ

tSo GENERAL DESCRIPTION,

territory, extracled from the letters of Mr. G. Imky, whofc
long refidence in the country fiirniflied him with the mofh am-
ple means of arriving at a perfect knowledge of thole fubjefts on
wiiich he wrote.

" In calling your eyes over the map of America, you will dif-
cover that its weftern (or middle) country is divided from the
Atlantic country by a chain of mountains Vv'hich rife in the re-
mote parts of the States of New-York and Ncw-Jerfey, and run
a fouth-wefterlv courfe, until they are lofl in the flat lands of
Weft-Florida. The weftern country is thofe parts v/hich are
watered by the ftreams running into the MiirilFippi.

'^ It is about fifty miles over the Allegany mountains, crofTing
the route which General Braddock took from fort Cumberland
near the Potomack, at the defcent into the country of Red-ftone,
on the Monongahela, the fouthern branch of the Ohio. This
river rifei in the fame mountain, confiderably to the louthwnrd,
runs nearly parallel with it, the oppofite way, upwards of one
hundred miles, and is navigable for boats nearly to its fource ;
the whole of this country beyond the mountain is extremely
fertile, well watered, and abounding with all kinds of timber
calculated for building houfes, boats, cabinet work, &c. &c.
The fugar maple tree is intermixed in great quantities. From!
the foot of the mountain it is about fourteen miles to Red-ftone
Old Fort, which is on the banks of the Monongahela, and the
ufual place of embarkation of people coming down the Ohio, who
travel Braddock's road: from thence to Pittfburgh is about fifty
miles by water* Large trafts of flat land lay all along upon the
banks of this river, from the Old Fort to Pittfburgh, which are
capable of being made into extenfive and luxuriate meadow
ground.

" This country is populous, it being the oldeft fettlement,
and made immediately after taking Fort du Quefne. The
Yohogntii:! empties itfelf into the Monongahela, about lixteen
miles above its junftion with the Allegany river: the country
on this river is more uneven, but in tlie vallies the foil is ex-
tremely rich. Near to PittilDurgh the country is well peopled,
«Tnd there, as well as in Rcd-ftonc, all the comforts of life are in
the greatcft abundanca. Flour is mmuficlured in as good a ftyle
as in any part of America ; and butter, cheefe, bacon, and every
kind of provifmns can be had in the greatcft quantity. This
whole country abounds in coal, which lies almoft upon the fur-
face of the ground ; the hills oppofite Pittfburgh upon the banks
of the Monongaheki, which are at Icaft three hundred feet high,
appear to be on(z folid bodv of tliis minc:-I.

OF KENTUCKY. i5i

•*' This mufl become in time the moft valuable grazing country .
in all America from the fertility of its foil, its capability of being
formed into extcnfive meadows, and its proximity to the moun-
tains which attrnft the clouds, and produce that moiflure fo ne-
necelTarv to srals; — bcfidcs which, its fituation is about three
hundred miles from Philadelphia, about two hundred and forty
from Biiltimorc, and about two hundred and twenty from the fe-
deral city on the Potomnck, a di fiance which is too great to carry
by bnd the bulky articles of hufbandry ; but to which cattle may
be driven with the greatefl; eafc.

'• This country has derived no Inconfiderable advantage from
tlie fettlcment of Kentucky, and the other fettlcments that are
making on the Ohio and MifTinippi, the gre?t road of migratino-
from tjhe ijprthern States lying through it ; and, indeed, it is
mbft convenient, both from Maryland and Virginia, at all feafons
of tlic year, provided that there be any thing bulky to carry, the
palTage being for the greatefl part by water,and the Potomack navi-
gable, a few places excepted, to fort Cumberland ; all of which,
obflruftions will be removed in a few years by canals that are cut-
ting. From fort Cumberland it is about fixty miles land carriacre
to Red-flone Old Fort ; but fo friendly has nature been to this
country, though it is without feas, yet the rivers run in fuch di-
rections, that there is fcarce any place in all the back parts of Ame-
rica where art may not reduce the land carriage to a very fmall
diilance. I cannot fpeak upon fo general a fubjeft definitively ;
but I mean to be underflood within fifteen leagues. It it afTerted
from the befl authorities, that the land carriage between the Poto-
mack and Ohio may be reduced to lefs than twenty miles,

" Such is the progreffion of things in this country, while there
was apparently no market for its I'uperfluous produftions, that
every article has fold extremely well, in confrquence of the num-
ber of emigrants who have been continually pafTing down the
Ohio.

" Down from Fittfourgn the country is fiat on the banks of the
river ; but a little diflance from them it is confxderabiy broken,
particularly on the north-weftern fide. Much good land, how_
ever, is interfperfed on the fouth fide as far as the approach to the
Little Kanhawa, where the nature of the foil feems revcrfed,
and the good land is then found on the weflcrn fide upon the
MufkintTum. There are fome flrips of rich land upon the Little
Kanhawa ; but farther up the river, the country is broken and
flerde, producing fcarce any othqr tin>ber, ttian, the fir-tree, or
pineand knotty black oaksj' which a,ife genQraUy dp^^ed/ymptoms
-f a bad foif. This tra£l crf/ba4 land cjaendj v^gjUJjL^^: int-{> tl^e ,
Vol. IH. , ,,.,, ■ Y ' ' • -^'- ^'^ ' ' '■ '

i62 GEXERAL DESCRIPTION

mountains in a I'outhein direftion, and runs fouth-weflerly ar
far as Great Sandy river, with little or no variation, except on
the bottoms of theGreat Kanhavva, ■\vjiich are extenfive and rich.
Tlie bottoms on the Ohio are every where extcnlive and luxuri-
ant, Oa the weftern fide of the river, the country beyond the
rich vein of land on the Muikingum is only tolerable, on this
fide of the head waters of the Scioto, which are fucceeded by as
fine a body of land as the imagination can paint. This extends
confidcrably nearer to the Ohio, and running weflward quite to
the Miami, now aporoximates its banks, and difplays in its- ver-
dure and variety of majeftic forefts, all that beauty and richnefs
which have been lb much celebrated by travellers who have paffed
through them. The country on. the eafiern, except on the banks
of the rivers, is indiiFcrent. There is a body of good land on
Great Sandy; but leaving that in a fouth-weflerly courfe, high,
rugged, and broken bills arifc, which will hardlv ever be capa-
ble of cultivation : thefe hills extend between thirty and forty
miles, and open into the fine lands of Kentucky.

" The eaft. fide of the Ohio, for about ten or twenty miles be-
low Whealing, which is about one hundred below Pittfburgh, is
generally well fettled. There are few fettlements on the oppofite
fnore until you come into the Mufkingum, and the country nov/
wears tlie face of a wildernefs on both fides of the river, there be-
ing no habitations worth notice, except at tlie mouth of Great
Kanhawa, until we arrive at Lime-ftone.

" Every thing here aff.imcs a dignity and fplendor I have never
feen in any other part of the world. You afcend a confiderable
diflance from the (hore of the Ohio, and when you would fuppofc
you had arrived at the fummit of a mountain, you find yourfelf
upon an extenfive level. Here an eternal verdure reigns, and
the brilliant fun of latitude 39", piercing through the azure hea-
vens, produces in this prolific foil an early maturity, v/hich is tru-
ly aftonifliing. Flowers full and perfeft as if they had been culti-
vated by the hand of a florift, with all their captivating odoui-s,
and with all the variegated charms that colour and nature car. pro-
duce, here, in the lap of elegance and beauty, decorate the fmil-
ing groves. .Soft zephyrs gently breathe on Iweets, and the in-
haled air gives a voluptuous glow of health and vigour that feems
to raviih the intoxicated Icnies. The fweet fongflers of tlie forefls
appear to feel the inni.oiicc of this genial clim.e, and in more fofr.
and modulated tones warble their tender notes in unifon with
love and nature. Every thing here gives delight ; and in that
mild cftulgence which beams around us, we feel a g^low of grati-

i

OF KENTUCKY. 163

tudefor that elevation our all bountiful Creator has heftowed upon
us. Far from being difgufhed with man for his turpitude or de-
pravity, we feel that dignity nature bcftowcd upon him at the
creation, but which has been contaminated by the bafe alloy of
iheanncfs, <?;ie concomitant of European education ; and what is
more lamentable, is, that it is the conlequcnce uf her very laws
and governmenls.

" From Lime-flone to Licking creek the country is immenfely
rich, and covered with cane, rye grals, and the native clover.
The cane is a reed that grows to the height frequently of Efteen
or fixtecn feet, but more generally about ten or twelve feet, and
is in thickneis from the hze of a goofe quill to that of two inches
diameter ; fometimes, yet feldom, it is larger : when it is flender
it never grows higher than from four to levcn feet ; it flioots up
in one fummer. but produces no leaves until the foUov/ing year.
It is an evergreen, and is, perhaps, the mt)fl; nourifliing food for
cattle upon earth. No other milk or butter has fuch flavour and
richncls as that which is produced from cows which feed upon
cane. Horfes which feed upon it work nearly as well as if they
were fed upon corn, provided care is taken to give them once in
three or four days a handful of fait, otherwife this food is liable to
heat, and bind their bowels. The rye grafs, when it arrives to
maturity, is from two feet and ahalf high, to three and a half, and
the head and beard refemble the real rye. and iomeiimes produce
a fmall grain, long and flender, not unhke rye. Whether culti.
vation would bring it to the lame perfe£lion, I can form no idea ;
it is, however, certain, that it is a veiy good and valuable grafs.
The clover is in no refpeft different from the clover in Europe,
but as it is more coarfe and luxuriant. There is a variety of other
kir.ds of grals, which are found in different places ; but I have
only mentioned the two former, they being eilcemed the ir.G?z va-
luable,

*' In order to travel into the interior parts of the State, the
route lies acrofs the branches of Licking creek. There are (everal
of them which take their rile in the high hiiis of Great Ssndy,
and the fpurs of the Allegany mountain ; they traverle a moll de-
lightful country, and form a junilion a lindll diflance below the
Lower Blue lick.*

The country from the lick to thcOhio is confiderably brokcn,but
generally rich, and continues uneven, except on the banks of the

* Therr are Iwo fait fprings upon Licking, both of which arc now -worked
with fuccefs.

Y 2

i64 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

river quite to the mouth of the Kentuckv,\vhich is about one hun-
dred and ten miles below the mouth of Licking creek, by water,
and feventy above the rapids of the Ohio. Between the mouths
of Licking and Kentucky lies the Grcat-bonc lick, which isjuflly
celebrated for the remarkable bones which are found there, and
which gave name to the place.

" After pafTmg the Blue lick, the foil, ifpofTiblc, increafes in
richnefs. From thence to Danville is about fifty miles. Lexing-
ton lies about midway, and is nearly central of the fineft and
mofl luxuriant country, perhaps, on earth. From Lexington to
Leefburgh is about twenty miles ; to Boonfborough it is about
twenty ; the LTpper Blue lick nearly thirty. This (quare, ^vhich
is nearly fift}' miles, comprehends entirely what is called firfl rate
land. Leefburgh lies on the Kentucky, about tv/enty miles from
its mouth by land, and nearly forty by water. The country be-
tween that and the Ohio is broken, but rich, though it is not
deemed a valuable body of land. The Kentucky is bounded every
■whereby high rocky precipices, that are generally two hundred
feet and upwards perpendicular, and which make its pafTes diffi-
cult. Few places on it have any bottom land, as the rock rifes
moflly contigious to the bed of the river; which confinement, af-
ter heavy rains, renders it very formidable from the impetuofity
of its current. On alcending the banks of this river, the land on
either lide is ecually good for lome diflance above Boonfboroush;
but adjacent to the mountains from whence the river rifes, the
country becomes broken, fterile, and of little or no value.
Boonfborough lies ols the Kentucky, about lixty miles above its
mouth by land, and about one hundred and thirty by water-
From Leefburgh down the river on the Ibuth fide, for about ten
or twelve miles, the hills are confiderably high and fteep ; but
when you pafs the waters of Drinnon's Lick creek, you fall into
a body of good champaign land, which extends, with little vari-
ation, to the rapids of the Ohio. From Leefburgh to Danville^
the country for the firfl.twenty miles is of an inferior rate of land
for this country ; but farther on, you get into the rich coun-
try I have mentioned, comprehended within the fquare of fifty
miles.

" Large bodies of good land lie on every fide of Danville for
twenty miles and upwards; but in the courle from thence to the
rapids of the Ohio, on the waters of Salt river, which takes its
name from a ialt Ipring called Bullit's lick that is on its banks,
gbout twenty miles from the mouth of the river, the country is in
fome places broken into ridges of hillSj which are in general
good land, but not well watered. As you approach the rapids
it becomes more level, better watered, and the I'oil more fertile^

OF KENTUCKY. ,65

The country of Bcargrafs is beautiful and rich ; as, indeed, is
the land on Goofe nnd Uarrod's crocks. In the fork of the Ohio
and Salt river, which forms a junftion about twenty miles belovv
the rapids, the country is flat, and interi'perfcd with imail lakes
or uonds, occafioned by the extreme h)wnels of the banks of the
Oliio in this fork, which, when flooded, overflows the country,
and the water fills thefc ponds periodically, or as often as thoie
inundations happen, and which are frcijuent from December
until April.

" The rapids of the Ohio lie about feven hundred miles be-
low Pitifburgh, and about four hundred above its confluence
with the Milflnippi. They are occafioned by a ledge of rocks
that flretch acro(s the bed of the river from one fide to the
other, in fome places projefting fo much, that they are vifible
when the water is not high, and in moft places when the river
is extremely low. The fall is not more than between four and
five feet in the diftance of a mile ; fo that boats of any burthen
may pafs with fafet'y wlien there is a flood ; but boats coming up
the river muft unload, v/hich inconvenience may very eafily be
removed by cutting a canal from the mouth of Beargrafs, the
upper fide of the rapids, to below the lower reef of rocks, which
is not quite tv/o rniles, and the country a gentle declivity the
whole way.

" The fituation of the rapids is truly delightful. The river is
full a mile wide, and the fall of water, which is an eternal caf-
cade, appears as if nature had dcfigned it to fiiew how inimitable
and ftupcndous are her works. Its breadth contributes to its
fublimity, and the continually rumbling roife tends to exhilarate
the Ipirits, and gives a cheerfulnefs even to fluggards. The view
up the river is terminated at the difl;3nce of four leagues, by an
ifiand in its center, which is contrafted by the plain on the op-
pofite fliore, that extends a long way into the country : but the
eye receding, finds new beauties, and ample fubjcfts for admi-
ration in the rifing hills of Silver creek, which flretching ob-
liquely to the north-woft, proudly rife higher and higher as they
extend, until their illumined fummits imperceptibly vanifii_
Clarkville, on the oppofite fhore, completes the profpeft, and
Iroin its neighbourhood, and from the jcttlernent forming upon
the officers land, a few years muft afl^ord a cultivated country,
to blend appropriate beauty with the charms of the imagination-
There lies a fmall ifland in the river, about two hundred yards
from the eaftern fhore ; between which and the main is a quarry
of excellent llone for building, and in great part is dry the latter
part of iummer. The banks of the river aje never overflowed

iGS GENERAL DESCRIPTION

here, they being fifty feet higlier than the bed of the river.
There is no doubt but it will foon become a flourifhing town ;
there are aheady upwards of two hundred good houles builf
This town is called Louii'ville.

" In leaving the rapids in a fouth-wellcrly direftion, the coun-
try is flat, it bordering upon the country I have defcribcd in
the fork of the Ohio and Snlt rivers. After palling the main
branch of the Salt river near Bullit's Lick, ten miles diftanl, in
the fork of the north and fouth branches, the country becomes
broken and hilly, but between which and the Cumberland road
that leads fronfi the upper parts of Kentucky, there is. a confider-
able extent of fine land ; but travelling a few leagues farther
fouthward, you arrive at cxtenfive plains, that extend upwards
of one hundred and fifty miles in a fouth-weft courfe, and end
only when they join the mountainous country. Some few clumps
of trees, and a grove here and there, are the only obftruftions
to a boundlefs horizon. It is pleafant to beheld the deer bound-
ing over the fcraggy fhrubs which cover the earth. While the
fetting fun gilds thofe extcnfive plains, the mild breezes of a
fummer's eve, playing upon the enraptured fenfes, foftens the
heart to love and friendfhip. Unperceived, upon fome emi-
nence, y.ou may enjoy the Iports of wild animals, which here
rove unconcerned lords of the field. Heavens ! what charms
are there in liberty ! Man born to enflave the fubordinate ani-
mals, has long fince enflaved himfelf. But reafon at length,
in radiant fmiles, and with graceful pride, illumines both
hemifphers ; and Freedom, in golden plumes, and ijj her trium-
phal car. muft now refume her long loft empire.

" We have nov/ arrived upon the waters of Green river ; at
the mouth of which, and between that and the Ohio, lies Hen-
derfon's grant of twelve njiles fquare. The plains extend beyond
the head v/aters of this river quite into the limits of North-Caro-
lina ; but at the mouth, and for forty miles above, there is a
large proportion of good land, particularly upon Panther creek*
From the mouth of Green river up the Ohio to Salt fiver, the
land upon the banks of the Ohio "is generally fertile and rich •
but leaving its banks you foon fall into the plain country, which
is confidercd as little better than barren land ; hov.'ever, it
is moft likely that it will prove excellent for fheep to feed upon,
the climate being nearly the fame as thnt of Spain, where the
fineft wool in Europe is produced. And though the land is not
reckoned valuable in this country, on account of its comparative
flerility, yet it is of a fuperior quality to great part of the foil
jn the lower parts of Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, It

1

OF KENTUCKY. 1G7

abounds with hazel, which, it is well known, never grows kindly
in a poor ioil.

'* Tlie native flrawberry is found in thefc plains in the great-
eft abundance, as are likewil'e plums of different forts; and, if
we can form any idea of the native grape that grows fpontancoufly
here, and what the fame foil is capable of producing v/hen they
are cultivated, it would appear that no climate or foil in the world
is more congenial to the vine, for I have never tafled more deli-
cious grapes ; and it is the opinion of forrte judicious foreigners,'
who have vifiied thele genial regions, that as good wine as can be
mide in any part of the globe, might be produced from the native
grape properly cuUivisted. There is nothing more common than
to meet with a pleafant wine made here by the fettlers, who know
nothing of the ule of vats, or the degree of fermentation neceffary
to the perfeftion of the art of wine-making. But I flatter
myielf fome progrefs will be made in this bufmefs, as
feveral foreigners have long had it in agitation to undertake
it.

" The country between Green and Cumberland rivers is gene-
rally rich, and. finely watered. There is in it a moil valuable
lead mine, and feveral lalt fprings ; and between Green and Salt
rivers there are two of a bitumen, wliich, when analyzed, is
found to be amber. But, fo much do we fland in need of
chymifts, and mineralifls, that we remain ignorant of the pro-
perties and value of many fofTils which have been diixovered ; and
many continue unknown, I apprehend, from the want of curio-
fity of men, whofe only obje£l feems to be cultivation, and the
Icience of government. Perhaps thefe are the mofl; effential to
the happinefs of mankind in the wild ftate which this country is
in. Arts appear to follow population, Neceffity has been the
inother of invention, it is true ; but from the attainment of that
perfeftion to which v.'C have arrived in arts and philofophy, wif-
dom and fcience muft go forward ; and it is phyfically impoflible
for man again to degenerate to barbanlm.

" When the greatefl merit confifts in the exercife of the mofl.
ufeful and appropriate talents, I think it is likely that the ingenui-
ty of men will feel a m.ore lively flimulus to the exercife of in-
vention from the love of fame, the love of mankind, and regard
to their own dignity, than it ever yet experienced from necefTity.
While odious diflinftions exift, and men are rewarded in pro-
oortion to their fervility, human nature muft be robbed of half
its manlincl's, and confequently men v.'ill be floihful. How
manv drones do we obferve in every yjart of Europe, who feed
upon the induftry of the neceiTitous, or who work only as it is

i68 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

neceflary to their e.xiftcnce ! Such have been the effecls of the
faftitious duties of man in that hemifphere, that every thing has
become perverted ; and governments, inftead of fecuring hcp"
pinefs to men, have only tended to aggrandize individuals, and
thus has flowed in that debafement of charafter which has mark-
ed half the inhabitants of Europe with little more dignity than
the monfters of the forcft.

" Cumberland river rifcs among the mountains, confiderably
to the north-eaft, and, after its feveral branches have joined it,
runs a long way foulh, and enters the limits of North-Carolina,
After a courfe of half a degree within thofe limits, it turns to
the north-weft, and empties itfcif into the Ohio, at fome dif-
tance above its junftion with the MifhfTippi. The Tenneffee
runs into the Ohio, not a long v/ay below the mouth cf Cumber-
landi The Tenneffee is the moft im.povtant of the fouthern
blanches of the Ohio. Its northern fork, called Kolfton, rifes
in the country of the fame name, and, after paCTing through Nola-
chucky, is joined by the main or fouth branch. This branch
rifes in the remote parts of the State of Georgia, and, after
traverfing the borders of the Cherokee countrv, is joined by the
Holfton branch, when it is called the Tenneffee , from thence it
runs fouth-wefterly, quite thro'ugh the limits of North-Carolina,
and approaches the head waters of the Mobile, which empties
itfelf into the gulf of Mexico. In its courfe, it is very rapid thus
far : from the material declivity of the high countrv. which from
mountains gradually fink into a flat, there is a number of falls,
but none of them confiderable. It now turns again to the north-
ward, and from its lazy motion it is obvious that there is very
little fall of water from this to the Ohio. This turn conftitutes
what is called the Great Bend of the Tenneffee, or Mufcle Shoal
from the number of fhoals in this part of the river that aie co-
vered with thefe fhell-fifli. The river is here from two, to three
and a half miles wide. Its importance will confift in its being the
moft convenient inlet from the upper parts of Virginia and the
Carclinas to the iNIiffiffippi, it being navigable for boats of forty
tons bvnthen from Holfton, the falls excepted, where carrying
■olaccs will aniwcr until there are canals made, wiiich can be done
with very liitlc expcncc.

Holfton is a narrow ftr'p of countrv, furrounded on e\'cry fide,
by mountains ; but there is a paffage which winds through
them fo as to admit of a paffage this way, and down the river^
\\'ithout any difficulty of bad roads whatever. Should you con-
linuc your route by land in the road to Kentucky, you would
have feveral mountains to pafs^ and at Icaft two hundred mile*
of bad road.

OF KENTUCKY. 169

After you leave the plains which extend into the Cumhcrhnd
country, in yourcourfe to theTenneile, die countiy is lomewhit
broken, bat tnjfllv rich. Great part of the land lying between thefe
rivers, and the Ohio and between Cumberland and Green rivers,
*.vas in military grants, made by Virginia to their officers and
foldiers, and is efteemed a vahiable fituation for its proximity to
thejunftion of the Ohio and MiffiOippi. Their grants extend as
low on the Miiriflippi as the partition line between Virginia and
North-Carolina ; all of whicli is a beautiful country : and the
banks of the river, which are very high, prevent it from over-
flo\vin<T, which is not the cafe a great way lower down.

The land in the Great Bend of the Tennelfee is very fine;
but when youapproach the country of the ChickefawSj it becomes
broken, light, and fandy : and, as you extend to the fouthward,
I have been informed the foil grows ftill lighter, and, except a
large body of good land on the Mifiilfippi, and the bottoms of the
fcveral ftrcams that run into the Gulf and the Mifliffippi, it is
little better than Well Florida, which has been celebrated ia
Eurooe for its fertility ; but fo fine a country have I been endea-
vouring to defcribe to you, thatjudging by compariion, the peo-
ple in Kentucky and Cumberland lu^k upon that as an indifferent
foil.

" In ten years more, perhaps, a fcttlement will be formed fuf-
ficiently populous to become a federal ftate in the country into
which I am now going to advance ; the limits of which, from
the confluence on the MifTiflippi and Ohio to Detroit, isbetween
five and fix hundred miles ; and taking the medium diftance
between Pittfburg and the mouth of the Ohio, acrois to the Mif-
fiffippi from the Ohio, is very little lels. The inhabitants of this
immenfe dillrift do not, including French, amount to five thou-
iand. The country in this fork (if I may fb call it) is various.
Immediately in the fork the land is flat, and liable to overflow ;
but as you advance on either river the banks riie, and the coun-
try expanding, difplays a luxuriant foil for a long diftance above
the V/abafn on tlie Ohio fide, and quite to the Illinois on the
rvIifTiffippi lule, which is about two hundred and thiity miles
above its junction with the Ohio, and twenty above the mouth,
of Miffouri. Tliis country lies nearly in the fame parallel of lati-
tude of Kentucky. From the mouih of the W'ab.ifli, the bottoms
on the Ohio are extenfive and extrcmelv fertile, as is the coun-
try from thence to Poft St. Vincent ; but towards the rapids of
theOliio, beyond the bottoms of this river, the country is con-
fiderably broken, and the foil in lome places light and indiifercnt.
lifter leaving Poll St. Vincent, in the route to the Illinois coun-
Vol. III. Z

<7<3 GENE HAL DESCRIPTION

try, you foon fall into thofe extenfive plains which have been de-
Icijbed in luch glowing colours by Hutchins. This is certainly
a beautiful country, and the immenfe number of deer, elk, and
buffalo, which are feen grazing in thofe natural meadows, render
them highly enchanting. The air in this climate is pure, and the
almofh continual unclouded fl<.y tends, not a little to charm the
feni'cs, and to render even wildnefs delightful. The country
between Poll St. Vincent and Kalkaflcias is flat and plain, with
little variation. As you afcend the Illinois river, the foil grows
more fertile, and on either fide you find immenfe forefts.

" Detroit lies between lat. 42*^ and 43® upon the (Iraights
which corRmunicate between lake St. Clair and lake Erie, con-
fidcrably to the weiiward of Pittfburgh. The country lying
between them is not remarkable for any thing but being a wilder-
nefs. The foil and climate are luch as would entitle it to the re-
putation of a fine country in any part of Europe, except in win-
ter, when the fro ft is extremely fevere, but lefs intenfe than that of
Canada. Quebec lies nearly in the fame latitude as Paris, and
from the delcription which the Emperor Julian has given of the
winters he quartered there, during his command in Gaul, there
feems to belittle difference between the winters of France at that
period, in refpe6l to cold, and the prelent winters of Canada,
Perhaps the e-xtent of continent lying to the north-weft, and the
immenfe lakes of frcfh water which cover it, will not admit of
the climate of that part of America being fo rapidly meliorated^
as the climate of Europe has been by cultivation. However, it
is certain, that as the country has been more opened in America,
and thereby the rays of the fun have aftcd more powerfully up-
on theeartb, thefe benefits have tended greatly already to foften
the winter feafon : fo that peopling Canada, for which we are
much obliged to you, is a double advantage to ics. Firfl, it is
fettling and populating a country, that muft, fooncr or later,
from the natural order of things, become part of our empire,
and immediately meliorating the climate of the Northern States.
But to return to Detroit. Our courle from thence to the head
waters of the Miami is fouth-weftcrly. The country for fome
diflance is flat, and the foil heavy and damp ; but, upon the
waters of thofe rivers it is beautiful, and abounds in the gifts of
nature.

" The communication between lake Erie andthe Ohio by water
this way, will be up the -fouthern branches of the lake, and by
fliort palfages you arrive upon the waters of the Cireat Miami,
Scioto and Mufkingum, which are navigable when flooded. It
muft. be obfcrvcd, that the rivers I have been mentioning arc not

0 F KENTUC KY, tji

navigable, throughout the year, for boats of above ten or fifteen
tons. Great part of the country between this and the Wabafli
is champaign ; but in travelling towards tlic rapids of the Ohio
you pafs confiderable plains, and then fall into a broken and
hilly tra6l of poor land, that continues with little variation until
you approach ihe rapids, when all the varietv and charms which
this river produces, prefent themfelves again. From Detroit to
the rapids is nearly four hundred miles.

" The rapid population of the weflern country has not only
aflonifhcd America itlelf, but it muft amaze Europe, when they
enter into the vievt^s and increale of this growing empire. The
firft fettlement on the weftern waters bythe Engliflr was in i 760,
and under the influence of almoft continual Indian wars, that
fettlement (i am now fpeaking of the upper fettlcment on the
Ohio) now .contains not lels than an hundred thoufand fouls. The
State of Kentucky did not make a permanent fettlement before
^780, which now contains not lefs than an hundred thoufand.
The Cumberland fettlement began about this time, but it was at
leaft three years afterv/ards before there was fecurity given to that
fettlement, and there are fettled aiiout fifty thoufand fouls -more,
Befides the fettlement in the great bend of the Tcnneffee, which
•will join them in their feparation from North-Carolina, the fet-
tlement of Nola Chucka and French-broad, made on the branch-
es of the Tenneffee in the years 1782. 1733, 1784, and 1785,
contain between thirty and forty thoufand fouls ; leveral other
fettlemenrs are forming at the Iron banks on the Miihflippi, be-
fides thole upon the weflern fide of the Ohio, which, including
the inhabitants at Poll St. Vincent and the Kalkallcias (1 judge
from the bed information) do not fall fhort of fifty thoul'and. I
have not mentioned the number in the fettlement of the great
bend of the TenelTee, as I have not been able to colleft any latil-
fa£lory information refpefting them : but I fuppofe the aggregate
number of fouls in the weflern country is very little, if at all,
fhort of four hundred thoufand, including the feltlements of HoH-
ton, Clinch river and Powel's valley, which, taken together,
may amount to feventy thoufand fouls, and which are properly on
the weflern waters,

'• The fettlements on the weflern fide of the Ohio, have been
greatly harralTed and retarded by the Indian war, which has con-
tinued with little variation fince 1785 ; but the vigorous inea-
fures which their depredations have obliged Congrefs to adopt,
muflend v/ith a permanent peace, or in a few years their provo-
cations will lead to the extirpation of the whole of the Miami
and Illinois tribes. Their prowefs and determined relolution

172 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

^s•ill, no doubt, ccnriderrbly annoy our army, which, having
been mofily recruited from the Atlantic countrv^are not acquaint'
cd with fuc h dexterity and courage, or indeed habituated to their
manner of fighting ; but our numbers have grown too confidcr-
able ; for defeats only invigorate our meafures, while the lofs of
every man, to nations whoie population is lo extremely tardy as
that of the favages of America, is a lamentable confideration.

'•' In the peopling this country new States will naturally arife,
and thus, in contemplating the continent of America, we may
form an adequate idea of what will be the magnitude of its fede-
ral empire. The upper fettlement on the Ohio, though more
populous than the lettlement of Cumberland, is not likely to
become a fepa rate State lo foon. The greateft part of it is within
the lim.its of Penniylvania, and not fo remote from the capital of
that State as the Cumberland fettlem.ent is from the capital of
North-Carolina. The intercourfe is continual, and the produc-
tions of the country, or at leafb their cattle may be driven to Phi-
ladephia, &c. as I have oblerved before; and their influence is not
fufficient to procure tiiem an a£tof feparation, fhould they defire
it. In the caie of North-Carolina and Cumberland there is little
or no communication between them, nor is it to be expefted that
it evercan bathe intereft of either to continue the conneftion ;
therefore it is mod likely, th?t difhri£t will follow Kentucky in
the links of the great federal chain.

'• I muft now proceed upon coiijefture, as there are no definite
limits prefcribed by the federal government for the lines of de-
markation, which are to be tlie dilierent boundaries or limits of
new States that v/ill arife. However, it is eafy, by confulting
natural boundaries, to form a pretty jufl idea where will be their
different diviaons. I have already remarked, that Kentucky
and Cumberland are divided by a line in latitude 36'^*, which will
be the boundary of Cumberland to the northward. The moun-
tains will moft likely be its eaftern limits ; its fouthern limits will
be, either the partition line continued between North-Carolina
and Georgia, or it will run foutherly, until it ftrikes that ridge
of hills which divides the Tenneflee country from the country of
the Chacktaws ; thence a due weft courfe to the Mifliffippi, or
following fome one of thofc branches which rife in thole hills,
and purfuing its courfe to that river. This will comprehend a
diftrift of country of nearly two hundred miles in length from,
eaft to weft, and nearly one hundred and fifty from north to
louth. I cannot fpeak here with accuracy, as it is that part of
all the weftern country which is Icafl known.

OF KENTUCKY. ,.3

The country upon the head waters of the TennefTcc, flands
next in the lift of advancement. This country includes the
fettlement of Holflon, the lettlement of Clinch, and the fettle^
ments of Powel's valley, which are part in \'irginia, and part
in North-Carolina ; befides the I'otllcmcnts of Nola Chucka and
French-bro^d. This laft i'ettlement will be extended to the
borders of the Cherokee country, which will bind this State to
the fouthward. Itsweftern boundary will be Cumbeiland moun-
tain, wliich will divide it from the States of Kentucky and
Cumberland. Its northern limits will be the ridges of hills that
divide the waters of the Tenneflee and the Great Kanhawa, and
its eaftern boundary will be the high hills that divido the eaf-
tern from the weftern waters in this part of Americn, which
are called in \'^irginia the North mountains, and which continue
their courle through the Carolinas. This State will be in extent
upwards of two hundred miles from - north to iouih, and the
average width from eaft to weft nearly an hundred and fiftv.

" This country has mountains on every fide but the fouth-
weft, and is interlperled with high hills in moft parts of it.
The valleys arc extremely fertile, and every where finely wa-
tered. The climate in the upper part of the country is not io
temperate as that of Kentucky, though it lifs in the fame lati-
tude, which is owing to the neighbouring mountains. Tvlany
parts of this diftricl are well fettled, and cultivation v/as brought
to fuch confiderable perfeftion, tiiat the inhabitants had it in
contemplation to become independent fcven years fince, under
the diftinftion of the State of Franklin. Its population is not
only confiderable, but its refpeftabihty in every coniideration
will very foon intitle it to the rank of a diftinft State : though
it may require fome time to eflecl a unity of fentiments, and a
confolidation of its various and detached fettlements into that
order which the organs of government require.

" Before I leave this fide of the Miffiflippi, I muft beg leave
to digrefs. and fhew what will be the probable deftination of the
Indian nations, who live between the fouthern limits of the
country I have been mentioning, and the Floridas, and which
may amount to thirteen thouland, incluhve of men, womc and
children.

" The Cherokees are about two thoufand five hundred ; the
Creeks three thoufand five hundred ; the Chacktaws are about
fix thoufand ; and the different vagrant nations may amount to a
thoufand m.ors.

" The lettlements making in the upper parts of Georgia,
ypon the fine lands of the Oconee and Okemulgee rivers, wil-

174 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

in a very few years bid defiance to them in that quarter. The
Georgian troops have already defeated them, and forced them
to be quiet. The fettlement of French-broad, aided by Holftont
have nothing to fear from them ; and the Cumberland is too
puiiTant to apprehend any danger. The Spaniards are in pollel-
lion of the Floridas, how long they will remain io, mud depend
upon their moderation and good manners, and \.h\; iettlements ai
the Natchez and above, which will Icon extend to the_fouthern
boundaries of Cumberland ; fo that they will be completely en-
veloped in a few years. Our people will continue -to incroach
upon them on three fides, and compel them to live more do-
meftic lives, and affimilate them to our mode of livinsf. or crofs
to the weftern fide of the Mifuffippi.

" The Genafee country lies upon the waters that run into
lake Ontario, and it is expefted will be peopled as foon as the
Six Nations of Indians are peaceable. This is a very rich and
fertile traft of country, lying in the remote parts of New-Yorkj
bounded by Pennfylvania to the louth-eafl, by the lakes to the
north-weft, and hi"h hills and a wilderneis from the Ohio
country. I have hitherto omitted taking notice of it, as not
properly belonging to the weftern country ; but as I am going
to proceed to partition the country weft of the Ohio into iepa.
rate States, I thought it moll confiftent to keep up the chain of
conneftion ; and without mentioning this diftrift, there would
be a chalm between New-York and the uppermoil State upon
the waters of the Ohio.

" Let us now return to the Ohio, That ridge of hills which
divides the waters of this river from that of the lakes running
fouth-wefterlv, until they run noi;lli-we{l:erly, and divide the
fources of the Wabafli and Illinois rivers from the fouthern
branches of the lakes, will mod likely mark the limits to the
weft, of the upper States upon the weftern fide of the Ohio.
The ridge of hills which divides the waters of the Allegany
river from thole of tlie Genafee, will bound it to the north, the
Allegany river and the Ohio to the e;-ft, and the Mufkingum to
the louth. The next State, 1 flrould form between the Mufkin-
gum and Scioto, the Ohio, and that ridge of hills between the
fources of theie rivers and thofe of lake Erie, The third be-
tween the Scioto, the Great Miami, the Ohio, and the lame
ridge of hills. The country lying between the Miami, Vv'ab;ilh»
the Ohio, and the fame hills, I would put into another State 5
and the countiy lying between the W'abafh, Ohio, MiiTiilip-
pi, and Illiaois rivers, I would eftabhih into a Ijfth StatCo

6F KEHTUCKt. ,7^

•* Between the mouth of the Illinois river and waters of kke
Michegan, lies a dillrift of country equally fertile with any
part of the weftern country ; but in the progrcfTion of our fet-
tlements, it will be fome years before any fetflement can be
formed there, except in the fork of the MifTiflippi and Illinois,
which may be erefted into a State, by running a line from a
point, latitude 42° 30" upon the Miffiffippi, in fuch a dire£lion
as to ftrike the head branches of the Illinois. But it is mofl
likely that the country on the MifTifTippi and MiflTouri will be
fettled before this diftrift, though it is conffdered as the empire
of Spain. However, I will not be fo indecorous as to parcel
out the ferrifories of other nations; it is lufBciently prelump-
tuous to have gone fo far as 1 have.

*' I have now marked out the imaginary boundaries of fix
new States, exclufive of thofe on the eaftern fide of the Ohio
the Genafee fettlement, and without including the country
between the northern limits of Kentucky and Pittfburgh, or the
country between Niagara, Detroit, and the fources of thofe
rivers which run into the Ohio.

" The upper lettlement on the eaftern fide of the Ohio, will
mofl likely follow the Cumberland and Holfton in its indepen-
dence. In peopling the new States, I conclude the lowermoft
will be firft fettled, and confequently the firft to be admitted
into the federal government. The difhrift of country that will
be lafl fettled, in all probability, between the Ohio, the lakes
and the MiinifipDi, to the fouth of St. Anthony's fall, is per-
haps that which lies between Niagara and Detroit, and extending
to the ridge of hills which divides the waters of lake Erie and
Ohio, by renfon of its damp and cold foil. The furrender of
the forts of Niagara and Detroit, which I underftand is about
to be done, may increafe the lettlements upon the borders of
lake Erie ; but I think it is not likely that unhofpitable clime
will find inhabitants, while the genial regions of the Miilinippi
are in a great meafure uninhabited.

" tt is next necelTary to take notice how, and in what pro-
bable time thefe States will be inhabited. The firft fettlement
upon the Ohio, and the progrefs made in agriculture, were
extremely tardy. But it is necelTary to recolleft, that America
was not only in an infant ftate at the conclufion of the war in
i'763, but that the continual wars with the Indians greatly re-
tarded the progrefs of that fettlement ; and if the fame obftruc-
tions have been given to the fcttlcmcnts on the weftern fide of
the Ohio, it is equally certain that the exhauftcd condition of
the finances of the United States, until within a year and a half

X76 GENERAL DESCRIPTION,

paft, did not permit them to take thole vigorous meafures necef-
fary to their tranquility ; and that permanent fettlemeuts on that
iide of the river, and the increai'e of the neceffaries of life, which,
are now in greater abundance in the weftern country than in anV
other part of America, will enable them to fupport their fituation
with infinitely more eaie than when we were obliged to bring
almoft every thing for ule over the mountain.

'* I have eftimated the number of louls on the v/eftsrn waters
at four hundred thouland, I fhould fuppofc from the difpofi-
tion to early marriage, which is general, and the extraordinary
fecundity it is obferved every where prevails, with the addition
of the emigrants who may be expefted from the eaftern States,
that the inhabitants will double once in fifteen years for the next
fixty years to come at lead, which in the firft fifteen years will
be equal to peopling four or five of thefe States ; and I think we
may expe£l to lee, at the end of thirty years, the whole country
I have been defcribing inhabited.

" It is impofRble that we can experience any thing like po-
verty, for no country, perhaps, upon the globe is i"o rich in the
comforts and neceffaries of life. As to wars, we can have none
after a few years more are paft. The Spaniards may put us to
fome inconvenience for a few years to come ; but in doing this
they will not only rifli the lols of New-Orleans, but the whole
of Louifiana, which they conuder as the key to Mexico. Thus
fecured from wars, and the inland navigation of the country not
fubje£ting us to material lolTes in that buimeis ; with the propen-
fity to early marriages, produced by the fimplicity and innocence
of youth, tutored under the pure maxims of virtue and reafon ;
it cannot be confidered as a fanguine calculation, when we add
the additional confideration of the probable number of emigrants
we may receive, that our population will double once in fifteen
years.

" In the weftern territory is found all the variety of foil and
climate necelTary to the culture of every kind of grain, fibrous
plants, cotton, fruits, vegetables, and all forts of provifions*
The upper lettlements on the Ohio produce chiefly wheat, oatsj
barley, rye, Indian corn or maize, hcrnp and tlax. The fruits
are apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums, ftra wherries, ral-
berries, currants, goofeberries, and grapes ; of culinary plants
and vegetables, there are turnips, potatoes, carrots, parfnips,
cyinbiline or louarn, cucumbers, peafe, beans, afparagus, cab-
bages, brocoli, celery and iallads ; befides which there are me-
lons and herbs of every fort. The provifion conhfts of beef,
pork, mutton, veal, and a variety of poultry, luch as duck^j

i

V F KENTUCKY. 177

Mufcovy Hacks, turkeys, geefe, dunghill fowls, and pidgeons.
■ The (uperfluous provlfions arc fold to the emigrants, who ;ire
continually pafTing through thofe fettlrments in their route to
the different diltrifh of country, wh'ch I hive enumerated. S Mne
confiderahle quantity of fpirits diflilled from rye, and likewife cy-
der, are fent down the river to a miukct. in thofr infant fettlc-
ments where the inhabitants have not had time to bring orchards
to any perfeftion, or hive not a fuperfluity of grain to diflil into
fpirits. The beef, poik, and flour, are difpofed of in the fame
wr.y. The flax and hemp are packed on horfes and fent acrofs
the mountains to the inland towns of Penufvlrania and Maryland
and, as I hinted before, in a few years, when grazing forms the
principal objcft of thi^fe fcttleis, they will always find a market
for their cattle at Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Alexandria.*

<' Thefe fettlements might produce a canfiderable quantity of
fugar, but hitherto what they have made has ferved for little more
than home confumption, as every part of the, back country, from
latitude 42° to 36"^ and upon the MifufTippi, as far north as lati-
tude 45'*, produces an abundance of the fugar maple tree as would
be equal to furnifli fugar for the inhabitants of the whole earth ;
and to fend to any of the market towns on the Atlantic is too far
to be profitable, until the canals of the Potomack fhall have been
finilhed. The countiy produces alio all the pot herbs which.
are common in Europe : feveral kinds of nuts grow in the forefls
fuch as chefnuts, hickory, and black walnuts. The mountains,
hills, and the uninhabited parts abound in deer, wild turkies, and
a fpecies of groufe, called by the Americans promifcuoufly part-
ridge or Pheafant. There is an abundence of wild fowl, as, indeed
is the cafe in every part of the weflern country.

" Linen and woollen cloths, leather, and hats, for home con-
fumption, aie manufaftured with conRderable fuccefs. l"hc two
fit ft articles are only made in families fur their own uic ; but the
latter are made by men of profefuon in that bufincfs, and are of a
quality that woidd not difgrace the manufaiiures of Europe.
Blackfniiths work of all i'orts, even to making fire arms, is done
there ; as is alfo cabinent work, wheel-wright, mill-wright,
lioufe carpentry, joi-nery, fhoe-making, &c. &c. in fiiort, all the
trades, immediately necefTary to the promotion of the comforts of
new fettlements, are to be found here.

" After pafTing to the fouthward of latitude 40 degrees, the
climate becomes favourable to the culture of tobacco. It will, no
doubt, grow farther to the noi th; but neither its flavour is fo aro-

To which may be added Washington.
Vol. II U a a

I7S GENERAL DESCRIPTION

natic, or the crop fo certain or produftivc. Indeed, the farther
fouth tobacco giows. generally the finer in quality : hence it is,
that the faegars of Cuba are fo much admired for their peculiar
fcent, and the Oroonoko for its mildnefs. However, this is of
little confequence to any country, as it is certain no cultivation is
fo pernicious to the foil, and of fo little real advantage to the cul-
tivator. It continually impoverifhes the land; and every additional
feafon, inftead of producing riches to an eftate, tends to beggar it :
every village of its growth is mifery and dcvaftation, and no foil
but one as prolific as that of the Nile, would be capable of pro-
ducing it for any length of time, according to the fyftem whick
has been purfued in Virginia and Maryland. However, the
whole of the Ohio and MifniTippi country b;low latitude 40 de-
grees, is better adapted to produce tobacco in quantity, than any
other country upon the face of the globe.

" Kentucky produces, befides tobacco, all the different kinds
of grain that I have deicribed in the upper fettlement ; all the
fruits, with the addition of apricots and neftarines ; thefe and
peaches grow here to very great perfeftion, particularly when
planted upon a light foil, which Ihould always be the cafe when
it can be found ; but however extraordinary it may appear, it is
not often the cafe in this diftrift of country.

" Thofe culinary plants, vegetables, &c. I have enumerated
iibove, are produced in the whole weftcrn country. In fome
parts they grow to greater perfeftion than in others, as in this
the cucumber, turnips, peas, and many others are much finer than
I ever faw any where befide. The cantilope melon is only to be
equalled by thole in Perfia. We are not at the trouble andexpenfe
of forcing; every thing put into the ground of the vegetable kind
grows in a moll wonderful mariner.

'" The foil is uncommonly favourable to hemp and Indian corn,
1 have known twelve hundred weight of the former produced
from an acre of ground, and as much as one hundred bufhels of the
latter. This has not onlv been done from an uncommon fertile
fpot,but there are large bodies of land adjoining, which are equal-
ly prolific. I believe that were I to mention upon an average the
produce of the whole country, it would be found to be nearly as
follows ;

Hemp per acre - - - - 800 cwt.

Indian corn, or maize, ditto - - 60 bufhels.

Wheat, ditto _ . . . ^o ditto.

Barley, ditto - - . _ ^o ditto.

OF KENTUCKY. 175

Oats ditto . _ - . 30 bufhels.

Clover and timothy graf's, ditto - 25 cwt.

'•' Befides Jiemp and flax for manufafturing, cotton is cultivated
with confidciablc fuccefs, particulaily in the Ibuthern parts of the
State and Cumberland ; and no doubt in a few years, when our
fettlements extend to the Natchez, cotton will be produced in as
great perfe^ftion as in tlie Eafl or Weft- Indies, No foil or climate
can be more congenial to this plant than the regions on the lower-
moft parts of the MiiTiflippi. We have in our power to promote
the culture of filk alfo. The mildnefs of the climate, and the
great quantity of mulbery trees, which are every where inter-
Iperfed in our forcfts, render this matter extremely eafy ; but
how far this will be politic, when the ule of filk is going out of
fafhion, is a matter that requires lome confideration. Cotton has
fupplied its place, and its luperior excellence I apprehend will
always make it a more prontable manufaftory.

" The growth of wool will form an important confideration
with us. The plains I have defcribed extend quite to the moun-
tains, fo that flieep here may have every advantage which the
flocks of Spain enjoy. If we -can form an idea from the famples
of wool produced in many parts of the country, wc may conclude
that our moft fanguine expeftations will be fully arifwered.

" The bufFaloe is nearly driven out of Kentucky •, lome are ftiU
found upon the head waters of Licking-creek, Great Sandv, and
head waters of Green river. Deer abound in the extenfive fo-
refts, but the elk confines itfelf moflly to the hilly and uninhabit-
ed places.

'' The rapidity of the fettlement has driven the wild turkey
quite out of the middle countries, but they are found in large
flocks in all our extenfive woods.

" Amidil the mountains and broken countries are great numbers
of groufe ; and fince the fettlement has been eftabliflicd. the quail
by following the trail of grain which is necefl'arily Icattercd
through the v^ildernefs, has migrated from the old fettlements on
the other fide the mountain, and has become a conftant refident
with us. This bird was unknown here on the Hi ft peopling of
the country.

" There is a variety of wild fowl in every part of this State,
particularly teal, and the lummer duck. The latter bieeds with

A a 2

i8.o GENERAL DESCRIPTION

us : its incubation is always in temperate climes, which is th- rea-
ion of its being called tiic luinnier duck.

" The produftions ot Cumberland are nearly the fame as
thofe of Kentucky. The quality of tobacco is perhap;,
lomcthing bsitter ; but the climate being contiderably warmer,
is not lo favourable to wheat and bariev, nor does "rais
grow there lo luxuriantly as with us.

" The country below Cumberland foon becomes warm
enough for indigo and nee ; and perhaps mele articles in a
icvv years will be cukivaied on tiie Miliiflippi wiiii as muck
fuccels, if not more, than thay ever were in South-Carolina
or Georgia ; particularly the iurmer, as the loil on the Milhluppi
is infinitely more luxuriant than any in tlie Carolinas. Sume
ciTays were made in this buhnels previous to the late war, but the
objett was abandoned on the deflruttion of the iettlement made
below the Natchez.

" Oranges, and other tropical fruits, grow at the Natchez,
and fome diftance above, to confiderable perfeftion. There
are a variety of nuts that grow both in Kentucky and Cum-
berland, lorns of which are common to both ; the moft re-
markable of them is the Pacane ; all of which have been notic-
ed both by Carver and Jcllcrlon. Gvapcs, plums, goofcberries,
and ftrawberries, grow alio fpontaneoufly in the louthcrn parts of
Kentucky, and in moft parts of Cumberland.

" The produce of the wcflern country will be nearly tlic
fame in the fame parallels of latitude throughout ; fo that com-
paring my imaginary Staies with the fettled country fouth-
eaft of the Ohio, you will be able to form a jufl idea of
what they ^v'ill be capable of producing. But to comprehend
the ohji'cl; of the commerce of this country, it is firfh ne-
cefTary to contemplate it, abounding in all the comforts of
life, limited in its varictv of climate only by what is not de-
firable ; with a (oil fo prolific, a navigation lo extenliye, and a
fecurity fo permanent, from being inland, that it leems this vafl
extent of empire is only to be equalled for its lublinhty, but by
the object of Its aggrandizement.

" Provifions, tobacco, and raw materials, will conftitute tlie
firft articles of our trade. Such a quantity of beef, pork, bacon,
butter, cheefc, &c. &c. may be furniflied from thi.« country as
willoneday, no doubt, fuiiiifh the Wefl-India iflands, and af-
ford relief to the milerable Chincif, whole Icanty portion of ricc

I

OF KENTUCKY. i8t

;•; only JiilFicIcnt to keep foul and bony together. Our moun-
tainous countries niufl al\v;iys prove excellent ranges for herds of
cattle; the gra(s, in the luminer, afloiding iufHcient food to fat-
ten them, without the expcnfc of cultivated meadows, and the
winters arc fcldom fcvere as to require any othe-r food than the
cane and pea-vine,

" The navigation of this country has been much talked of.
The diftancc from one place to another has been computed with
foine degree of accuracy, and the various cxperimculs which
have been made confirm the opiiiion that its difficulty is merely
imaginary.

" The common mode of defcending the ftream is in flat-
bottomed boats, which may be built from fifteen to five hundred
tons burthen. But, as far as I have been able to judge, I fliould
fuppofe, that about fifty or fuxty tons burthen would be the moft
convenient, wieldy, and coniequently lafc, particularly when
the waters are very high ; for in fuch cafes the rapidity of the
.current makes it difficult to manage an unwieldy mils with
facility. Theie boats are built of oak plank, with a certain pro.
portion of breadth to their length, i, e, nearly as twelve feet to
forty tons. They are covered or not as occafion may require.
The obje,6l is to build them as cheap as poffible, for their un-
wieldineis prevents the poffibility of their returning, and they
can only be fold as plank.

" Several of thcie boats fctting out together, let us fuppofe
five, ten, fifteen, or twenty, of fixty tons burthen each, which
would require each fix hands to navigate them : ten boats then
of fixty .tons each will employ fixty hands, which will be equal
to navigate up the fhream three boats of five tons each, and would
be more than fufficient to bring back the cargo that the produce
of the ten boats would purchale : as the articles we export are
grols and bulky, while we want only in return luperfine goods ;
the coarler goods of every fort will always he nianufaftured in
the country. We alfo make our own fait, fugar, fpirits, malj-
liquor, and (hall foon make our own wine. Thcle boats muft be
worked up with fteam and fliils.

" The invention of carrying a boat againO; the flream by tlie
influence of fieam, is a late improvement on piiiloiopliy by a
Mr. Ruinfcy of Virginia, whole ingenuity has been rewarded
by that State with the exclufive privilege of navigating thofe
boats in her rivers for ten years ; and as this grant was given
■previous to the independence of Kentucky, the aft ot leparation
guarantees his right. Some circumftance or other has prevented
Ills bringing them into ule. Hov/ever, thcrecan be nodoubtof liis

^i82 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

fcheme, for the Affembly of Virginia had the moil unequivocnj
affurances before they gave the privilege, in a certificate figned
by General Wafhington and Man Page, Efquire : fetting forth,
that they had feen a boat, they believed to be conftrufted by
Mr. Rumfey, afcend a ftream without the aid of manual labour,
but without mentioning the operating caule, which has fince
appeared to be fleam. If this principle fhould fail (and from
fuch authority I do not conceive how it is to be prefumed,) I
flatter myfelf that philoiophy is capable of lupplying the place
in the appropriation of lome one of the fecrets with which me-
chanics abound.

*' In taking a retrofpeftive view of the world, we are for a mo-
ment furprized when we recollcft that fome thoufands of years
had elapfed before printing was invented ; and that the only
way of accumulating the copies of art and genius was by the tardy
method of tranfcribing ; and that the art of navigation was for
nearly as long a time devious, and regulated by no certain laws,
the (lars and head lands of different countries being the only
guides to the adventurous mariner, who often perifhed when the
heavens were obfcured. O Liberty ! how many bleflings haft
thou brought to America ! Man in promulgating his opinions,
now finds fccurily under the wings of an eftdbliflied freedom ;
and the dilmal dungeon, which eclipfed the luminous mind of
the celebrated Italian, would now be erefted into a fchool for
him to lefture in, inftead of a priion to bewail the mifcrable
ignorance and depravity of his fellow-creatures. Truth and
reafon have led to this melioration of manners — it will lead to
jjnore benefits to mankind. — But fhould we ftill be obliged to row
our boats againft the flrcam, il is not only praciicable, hut eafy,

" The frequent turnings in the MilTiffippi produce in every
bend eddy water ; which, with the advanlngc the wind affords
(that blowing the greiiter part of the year from the iouth-weft,
and dircftly up the windings of the river, by reaior. of the va-
cancy between the banks nnd rifing forefts on either fide, afford-
ing a channel for ilie current of the air) is fufficient with failsj
ikeeping as much as poffibic in the eddy water, to carry a boat
fifty miles a day up the flrcam.

" To account for thofe winds philofophically would be ex-
tremely eafy ; but as it is a eircumilance notorious from the
teftimony of voyagers in the ^vIi^^lffIppi, and the Ohio, I prciumc
the left of experience will be preferred to any philoicphical
dilquifition upon the fubjefi;.

"Should this navigation prove too tedious, and no improve-
^■nents appear likely to be made in it, the importing into tht

OF KENTUCKY. 183

country may be facilitated by another channel, from the gulf of
Mexico up the Mobile, whicli is a lazy current ; from the prin-
cipal branch of which there is but a Ibort pafTage to a branch of
the TennelTee, when you will have the advantage of the ftream
quite into the Ohio. I have enumerated this circumftance mere-
ly for the fake of information ; for 1 h;ive not the fmallefl doubt
of the eligibility of the navigation of the MifTifTippi, which is
proved from the experiments whicli are daily making,

" The diftance from Pittfburg to the Mufkingum is one hun-
dred and feventy-three miles ; to the Little Kanhawa one hun-
dred and fevcnty-cight ; to the Great Kanhawa two hundred
and eighty-five ; to Great Sandy three hundred and forty two .
to the Scioto three hundred and ninety ; to Lime-done five
hundred ; to tlie Little Miami five hundred and ten : to Licking
creek five hundred and twenty-four ; to the Great Miami five
hundred and fifty ; to the Great-bone creek five hundred and
eighty-two; to the Kentucky fix hundred and twenty-fix; to
the rapids feven hundred and three ; to Salt river feven hundred
and twenty-three ; to Green river nine hundred and twenty-two ;
to the Wabafh one thoufand and nineteen ; to Cumberhnd river
one thoufand one hundred and thirteen ; to the Tcnneffee one
thoufand one hundred and twenty-fix ; to the Miffiffippi one
thoufand one hundred and eighty- three ; from thence to New-
Orleans is about one thoufand and five.

" I have mentioned that it is about two hundred and thirty
miles from the mouth of the Ohio up the Miffilfippi to the mouth
of the Miffouri, and about twenty from thence to the Illinois,
which is navigable for batteaux to its fource. From thence
there is a portage only of two miles to Chickago, which is
alfo navigable for batteaux to its entrance into lake Miche-
gan, which is a diflance of fixtccn miles. This lake affords
communication with the river St. Lawrence tlirough lake Erie,
paffmg Niagara by a portage of eight miles. The lakes Erie
and Michegan are navigable for vefTcls drawing fix and feven
feet water. This is one of the routes by which the exchange of
commodities between the northern and iouthern parts of this
empire will be facilitated,

" In continuing the plan of intercourfe, it v/ill be found ex-
tremely ealy to pafs through lake Ontario to Wood creek ; up
Wood creek, and by a portage of abr>ut three miles, you arrive
at a cr^ek, which in three miles more brings you to Fort Edward
upon the Mohawk river, a branch of Hudfon's river. There are
feveral carrying places between that and its junftion with Hud-
fon ; but very little labour would remove them, and which I

184 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

have no doubt but tlie State of New- York will be judicious
enough to fet early about. It is certain they have ordered fur*
veys to be made, and plans are forming for the the removal of
thole obftruftions. It has been long in embryo v^-ith them.* It
was impolTible a plan of fo much utility could cfcapc that fage
and penetrating politician General Schyler, whofe vaft cftate
lies moflly in that part of America.

'• There are alio portages into the waters of lake Erie frors
the Wabafh. Great Miami, Mufkingum, and Allegany, from
tvvo to fixteen miles. The portage between the Ohio and Poto-
mack will be about twenty miles when the obftruftions in the
Monongahela and Cheat rivers are removed, which will form the
firfh objcft of the gentlemen of Virginia when they have com-
pleted the canal on the Potomack.

" The obftruftlons to the navigation of the Great Kanhawa
are of luch magnitude, that it will require a work of ages to
remove them ; but if ever that fliould be done, there wil be an
eafy communication between that and James river, and likewile
witli the Roanoake, which runs through North-Carolina.
But this is an event too remote to deferve any confideration at
prefent.

" All the rivers in this country of fixty yards wide and up-
wards, are navigable almoft to their fources for flat-bottomed
boats during their floods, and for battcaux the greater part of
the year, the Great Kanhawa and little Miami excepted. The
Tenneflee has a confidcrable fall where it palTes through Cum-
berland mountain, where there mu/l be a portage alfo. From
thence it is navigable quite to Holfhon.

'- The rapids of the Ohio are no obftruilion in high water to
boats going down the river, and indeed batteaux may pafs almofl:
at any time. There are two fmall rapids in the Wabafh between
its mouth and St. Vincent's, but they are no impediment to
navigation, except at times of low water. The Kafkafkias is a
fmall river which runs into the Mifliffippi below the Illinois,
and is navi'^able a confiderable way above the plains. The
Mifliflippi ib" navigable to St. Anthony's falls, without any ob-
ftruftion. Carver defcribes it as navigable above them as far i
as he travelled. We have too little knowledge of the MilFouri *

* Tl, at Stale iJiffc-c! an Aft of AiTombly in July 1792, for r"moving all the
obftruft-ions between Hudloii's river and lake Ontario; by which means, when
it i-v don-^, there will be an inland navigation, taking iis various courfes of nearly
two thoufand miles in extent.

OF KENTUCKY. 185

to form any decided opinion of the extent of its navigation.
It is however certain, that it is a more powerful (Ircain than
the MriniFippi, and ' in entering that river, it triumphantly
ruflics acrols, and its turbid waters, unmixed, feem to difdain
a conneftion I'o inferior. From the bell information that we
have been able to collctt, it is navigable for twelve or fifteen
hundred miles above its mouth witiiout obflruftion ; and I
think it is not unlikely, that in fettling the country towards
its (cource, we fhall find it is not remote from the fcources
of the dreams running into the Pacific ocean, and that a
communication may be opened between them 'with/'as much
eaie as between the Ohio and Potomack, and alfo between the
fcttlements on the Miiliffippi and California. This circumflance
is the more likely to happen, as it does not appear that the ridges
of hills which divide the waters of the Pacific .ocean from the
waters of the MifTiffippi, are either fo high or fo rugged as the
Allegany mountains.

" Vou will oblerve, that as far as this immcnfe continent
is known, the courfes and extent of its rivers are extremely
favourable to communication by water ; a circumflance which is
highly important, whether we regard it in a focial or commercial
point of view. The intercourfe of men has added no in-
confiderable luflre to the polifh of manners, and, perhaps
commerce has tended more to civlUize and embellifh the hu-
man mind, in two centuries, than war and chivalry would,
have done in f.ve.

" The federal government regulating every thing commer-
cial, mufl; be produftive of the greateft haimony, fo that
while we are likely to live in the regions of perpetual peace
our felicity will receive a zeft from the aftivity and variety
of our trade. We fhall pafs through the MiffiiTippi to the
lea — up the Ohio Monongahela and Cheat rivers, by a
fmall portage, into the Potomack, wliich will bring us to
the Federal city on the line of Virginia and Maryland —
through the feveral rivers I have mentioned, and the lakes
to New York and Quebec^ — from the north^ern lakes to the
head branches of the rivers wnich run into Hucllon's bay
into the Artiic reigions — and from the fuurces of the Mif-
fouri into the great louth fea. Thus in the center of the
caith, governing by the laws of reafon and humanity, we
feem calculated to become at once the emporiuixi and protetlors
ot the world.

Vol. III. B b

^SS GENEk.iL DESCRIPTION

" Frequent rains in the latter end of the autumn produce
floods in the Ohio, ?.nd it is an uncommon feafon when one of
thofe floods does not happen before Chriftmas. If there is much
frolly weather in the upper parts of the country, its waters
generally remain low until they begin to thaw : but, if the river
is not frozen over, which is not very common, there is alv/ays
water fuflicient for boats of any fize from November until May,
when the waters generally begin to fubfidc ; and by the middle
of Jun'e, in mofl feafons, they are too low for boats above forty
tons, and thefe mud be flat-bottomed. The froft feldom con-
tinues fo long as the middle of February, and immediately upon
its breaking, the river is flooded ; this flood may in a degree
fubfide, but for no length of time; and it is from that period un-
til May that the boats generally come down the river. The
diflance of defcending is in proportion to the height of the wa-
ter ; but the average diflance is about eighty miles in twenty-four
hours, and from fixty to one hundred are the ei-:tremes ; fo that
the mean time of going in a flat-bottomed boat from Pittfburg to
the rapids, is between eight and nine days, and about twenty
days more to New Orleans ; which will make a paffage from
Pittfburg to that place nearly a month. The inundations of the
MifTifrippi commence fomething later than thofe of the Ohio;
but it is very certain they begin in March, and fubfide in July.
This is the mofl proper time to afcend the river, as you avoid
the flioals, have finer weather, but above all, when the water is
high you have flronger eddies ; and with taking thefe advantag-
es, and with dexterous watermen, you may proceed fifty-miles a
day, which will bring you back to the rapids of the Ohio in for-
ty daySj making a large allowance for contingencies.

"The articles of fugar and fait, though not abfolutely neceffa-
ries of life, have become, from habit, fo effential, that I doubt
if any civilized people would be content to live without them.
The extenfive climate of this country, I believe, is no where
warm enough for the cultivation of the fugar-cane with fuccefs ;
and to import it would be too expenfive by reafon of its great
weight ; but nature has fuperfcded that necefhty in the fupply
of the fugar maple-tree. It has been long known that fugar
could be made from the juice of this tree ; but from the im.perfeft
knowledge of the bufincfs of fugar-makiug, the famples from this
liquid were fucli as promifed no great expeftations in future expe-
riments : however, the ncceifity which the people were under
of making it, or doing without fugar, proved, that with care
and proper management, it could be made equal to the fineft fu-
gars of the Wefl-Indies or Brazil. Some famples fhewn to a lu-

OF KENTUCK Y. i8

rjr refiner in PhiLidclphia, which aftonifhcd him, prc(iuc.?d fevc-
ral inftruftions in the art, which occaf:oncd immediate luccels.
The people began to trfat tlie fugar-trces mrire tenderly : and in-
i\ead of tlidpping a l-ngc gap in their trunk, as had always been
the pr«6lice,and which was lufRcient to ueflroy a lels tender tree
the juice w;is found to ooze rs cfTcftuslly from an incifion made
with a fcrew auger of three quarters of an inch diameter
but this was the fm;ille{l of all the improvements. All
he means made ufe of in the Wefl-Indies for the pcrfeftion cf
the art were loon aicertained and praftifed ; lo that the country is
.not only equal to lupply itielf with fugar, but might with increafe
xjf hands, lupply the inhabitants of the globe.

" The lugar maple-tree not onlv grows in the greatcfV. abun-
dance throughout this country within the limits I have mention-
ed, but it is know.n to.be the hardieft, and the mrfl difncult to
deftroy, .of all the trees in our forefts, the beech not excepted, bv
rhe planters, who have a method of chopping or girdling the
trunks of trees about one foot and a half above the ground, in
order to kill them, and thereby they prevent their crops from
being fliaded^

'• It is known, that old trees produce the moR and the ricliefl
juice ; and it is alio known, that trees which h.ave been uied for
years are better than frefh trees. It is a common remark, that
whenever you fee a black tree of this lort, it is a fure fign it is a
rich one. The blacknefs proceeds from the incifions made in
the bark by the pecking of the; parroquei, and other birds, in the
feafon of the juice riling, which oozing out, dribbles down its
fides, and ftains the bark, v/hich, in the progreflion of time, be-
comes black.

" I have mentioned thefe particulars with ?. view to prevent:
your falling into the general error, that the reiouice of making
fugar frorri the maple will loon be dcflroyed from the very nature
of producingit; believing, as many do, that itisiirpoffiblcforthctree
to be able to bear the annual wounds wliich are neceffarv to he
made in its trunk in order to draw off the juice : and tliat a few
years mull neceffarily extirpate tkem; now, fo far from there be-
ing any danger of that, experience his fliewn, the longer that
they are ulcd in a proper manner, the more pleijtiful and rich
will be their juice to a certain age ; which will be in propor-
tion to the life of thofc trees. No exaft ctliraation can be
made of that ; but I conclude their decay is not earlier than other
trees,

" The feafon of tapping is moftly about the middle of Tcbruary
:n Kentuckv ; but not until the latter end of the month, abouf

B b 2

iSS GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Pitt{bur<T in the remote parts of Pennr/lvania, on thcheadbnnches of
the Sufquchanna, and Delaware, and in the Slate of New York.
Frofty mornings and bright lunfhine are necellary to produce
copious exudations. The fe.afon continues in this climate about
fix weeks, when the juice is found to be too thin and poor to
make fug;n- ; but it is flill capable of making molaffes, (pirits by
diftillation, vinegar, and an agreeable table beer.

" The bufinefs of fugar-making is moftly managed by women
and boys ; the men generally having nothing n^bre to do with it
than to tap the trees, prepare the fned.^, and.-^fferent apparatus.
So that our agricultural employments are ver)?Mittle obftrufted by
this bufinefs, which produces fo important a^'ai'ticle for domeftic
ufes. The perfcftion to which we have brought our fugars has
induced many people in the upper parts of the States of New-
York and Fcimfylvania to make a bufinefs of it during the feafon
of the juice running ; and confiderable quantities have been fent
to the markets of Philadelphia and York, not inferior to the bed
clayed French and Spanifli fugars.

*^ The fait fprings that have been found in the flngle State of
Kentucky, under proper management, would be fufhcient to
produce lalt for all the inhabitants which the weftern country
could fupport. There are at leaft twelve of thofe fprings be-
tween Great Sandy and Cumberland ; the principal of which are
the upper and lower Blue licks, on Licking creek ; one on the
Great-bone creek ; one on Drinnon's lick creek, about a mile
and a h;\lf from the mouth of the Kentucky ; and BuUii's lick,
on Salt river, twenty miles from the rapids of the Ohio. This
fpring is the firft that was worked in the country. The- firffc
effays in this bufinefs were alfo imperfetl, which, however, pro-
ceeded more from poverty than ignorance. T!ie great principle
by which the faline particles are chryflallized, is univerfally
known to be by the evaporation of the humid ; and the greater
the fuperficial furface of that evaporation, the more rapidly the
chryftals will form. But the finl fettlers could not procure fait
pans, and were obliged to ufe as a fubllitute the pots and kettles
they had brought out for domeflic purpofes.

Such was the commencement of making fait in this country ;
which, from s fcarcity and high price, in fome meafure difcou-
raged the fcttlement of the country. However, the great improve-
ments fmce that Jcra have done away all thofe fears, and fait is
now manufactured in plenty, and fold cheap.

OF KENTUCKY. i8c,

" The water is by .no means lo ftrong as fea water. It re-
quires nearly four hundred gallons to m<ike one bufhel of lait,
which is more by one half than would be wanted of lea water
to produce that quantity.

" The wafer is not collcftcd immediately from the fpring.
An area of from f.ve to ten acres round thole fprings is found
to be impregnated with this mineral, fo that by digging wells
in anv nut of that fpnce fait water is difcovcrcd. From this
circuniR.uice I am of opinion, that by digging pits a body of
earth would be found llrongly impregnated with fait, frocn
which the faline particles might be more eafily leparated than
from water ; and it is certain, that if the water receives its
particles of f;ilt from the earth that it palTes through, fuch earth
mufl contain a large proportion of ialt, otherwife the flrength
of the water would not be lb confidcrable. However it will
require fome time to determine this matter, as the infancy of
our country will not permit us to fpeculate too hugely in experi-
ments that would be attciided with heavy expenfes, were they
not to prove iuccelsful.

" Salt fprings have been found in every part of the weflern
country, which has been v/ell explored, and I have no doubt
that time will prove every part of it is well lupplied with them.
The manner by vyhich they are moRly found in uninhabited places,
is by the large buffalo roads which lead to them. Whenever
the ramification of thofe roads begin to concenter, it is ahnoft an
infallible fign that a (alt lick is near. Thole animals relorting
t,o them throughout the temperate part of the year for the benefit
of the I.dt, make large roads, which leading from the lick?
branch dilTerent ways into the country.

" We have various other minerals, fuch as iron, which is the
moft nfcful, copper, lead, fulphur, nitre, &c. &c. Iron ore
is found in great plenty upon the northern branches of Licking
creek, and likewife upon the waters of Green nver. A lead
mine has been worked many years with confidcrable profit,
which lies in the country of Montgomery, upon the waters of
the Great Kanhawa. There is another between the Cumberland
and Tcnneffee rivers, fajd to be very valuable, and its ore moie
pure thaa any other which has been difcovered in America.'
But the lead mine on the MiflifTippi mufl prove inexhauftiblc.
It extends from the mouth of Rock river more than one hun-
dred miles upwards. Befides thele, there are feveral others*
fome of which lie on the Spaniflr fide of the Miffiffippi, and
have been ufed for years pad. Copper mines have been difco-
vered in feveral places, but the mine on the Wabafli is^ perhaps.

igo GENERAL DESCRIPTION,

the richeft vain of native copper in the bowels of the whole
earth: and no doubt will render all the others of little or no
value. Sulphur is found in feveral phces in abundance ; and
nitre is made from earth which is collected from caves and other
places to which the wet has not penetrated. The making this
I'alt, in this country, is fo common, th.it many of the lettlcri
manufafture their own gunpowder. This earth is difcovered in
greater plenty on the waters of Green river, than it is in any
other part of Kentucky ; but perhaps Hill farther fouthward it
will be found in greater plenty. However, it is io common in
every part of the country^ that it miglit be made a confiderable
article for exportation. I have heard of black lead mines unon
the head waters of the Kentucky, but I have not been able to
procure any certain information rcfpc£ling them. But \ fliould
conceive that there can be little doubt, that when the country,
and particularly the mountainous parts of it, are well explored^
all the ufefyl minerals will be found in abundance.

'* 1 have already mentioned the coal mines in the upper parts
' of the Ohio country ; befides which there are great quantities
of coal upon the upper branches of the Miffiffippi. It is parti-
cularly favourable that this mineral lies at the heads of our
larger rivers, as it can be fent down with the greatefl; facility ?
and it is very certain that the great body of it, which
the Ohio country alone contains, is equal to anlwer all the
purpofes for which it may be wanted throughout this extenhve
empire.

" Though the champaign part of this country has no flonc «.n
its furface, yet every where lime-flone is found from fix to
fifteen feet below it. Mofl of the bottoms of our rivulets and
flreams are paved with this flone. It is very eafily calcinecJ,
"when it becornes excellent lime. It is alfo convenient for build-
ing, by reafon of its peculiar fmouthncfs, and the eafe with
which it may be worked into any form. Befides this flone,
which is the mofl common, every other kind of ftone is found
that is either ufcful or ornamental ; fuch as flint, grindftone, and
niillftones, of a very good quality, whicii have been reckoned
equal to French burrs. There is the grcateft plenty of marble
npon the banks of the Kentucky, particularly at Lccfburgh.
1 have not feen any that has been poliflied ; but judges in that
bufinefs give us tlie mcfl: flattering ideas of its quality.

" Clay is very common in every part of this country wliich
is proper for bricks ; and there is a fuperior kind on the Beech
folk of Salt river, which no doubt mieht be manufaftured into

OF KENTUCKY,

192

good porcelain. Carver has mentioned ^ clay of this fort that
he faw above St. Anthony's falls. Marl, chalk, gypfum, and
ocres, arc found in various parts,

" With refpcct to climnte in Kentucky you experience a
greater temperature of air than in any country in which I ever
travelled, Fahrenheit's thermometer leldom falling below 35
degrees in winter, nor rifmg above 80 in fummer. The ap-
proach of the fcdlons is gradual. The lummer continues moflly
to the middle of Oftober. Tl;e autumn, or mild weather, gene-
rallv continues until Chrillmas, when wc have fome cold and
froft until February, when fpring approaches, and by the begin-
ning of March feveral fhrubs and trees begin to fhoot forth their
buds, by the middle of the month, the buck-eye or horfe-chef-
nut is clad in its fummer's livery ; and by the middle of April
the foliage of the forells is completely expanded , which is a
fortnight earlier than the leaves are fhot in Virginia and Mary-
land. Cumberland is proportionally more temperate than North-
Carolina, as Kentucky is than Virginia. "

STATE OF

NOR T H-C A R O L I N A.

SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES.

T

HIS State is fituated between 35° 50', and 36® 30' north
latitude, and 1^ and 6*^ 30' weft-longitude from Philadelphia.
Its length is about three hundred miles, and its breadth one hun-
dred and twenty ; it therefore contains about thirty-four thoufand
fquare miles. It is bounded on the north, by Virginia ; on the
eaft, by the Atlantic ocean ; on the fouth, by South-Carolina and
Georgia ; and on the weft, by a chain of mountains a few miles
to the weftward of the Great Appalachian mountains. This
chain of mountains, taking the whole for a part, has occafionally
been called the Great Iron mountain. All that vaift country
which lies on the weft of the Iron mountain, was lurrendered to
the United States by the State of North-Carolina in the ye?r
jt8(). It has fince been erefted into a feparate government,^
commonly called the Territory South of Ohio, or the Tenneffce
government. ,

The charter limits of North-Carolina were a line, beginning
on the fea fide, at a cedar ftake, at or near the mouth of a little
river on tlie fouthern extremity of Brunfwick county, and
runnin.' thence a north-weft courfe through the boundary-houfe,
in latitude 33^ 56' to latitude 35**, and on that parallel weft as
far as is mentioned in the charter of King Chailes II. to the
original proprietors of Carolina, viz, to the Sovlh Sea. Their
northern line begins on the lea coaft in latitude 36** 30% and
runs due weft to the termination of the fouthern line. This
line ftrikes the Miftiflippi fifteen miles below the mouth of the
Ohio. Thefe limits were afcertained and confirmed agreeably
to an order of George II. in council. Great-Britain, by the
treaty of 1763, which was made with France and Spain, fur.
rendered her claim to all the territory weftward of the Miftifiippi ;

I

-OF NORTH-CAROL IN A. 193

and thofe natlonsj^^ the fame treaty, granted to Great-Britain
the free navigation oWieMifTiirippi. By the treaty of I783,bct\veeri
Spain andGrcat-Britnin, his Catholic Mnjcflycxprcfsly confiriTiS the
former treaty of 1763, except fuch parts as arc there excepted; con-
fequciilly he confirms to Great-Britain the navigation of the Mif-
fiflijjpi ; and Creat-Jiritain, on her part, yieUls to the United
States her entire right to the navigation of the fame river. But
fince Spaiifnow claims the exckifive navigation of the MiffifTippi,
wliich fliehad formerly furrendered, it is Very probable that the
United Stntes to whom North-Carolina has ceded her woftcrn
territory, may cliim the lands on the wefl Rde of the MifTilTippi,
which were within the original charter bounds of that State.

CLIMATE.

The wefliern hilly parts of this State are as healthy as any of
the United States. The country is fertile, full of fprings and ri-
vulets of pure water. The air is ferene a great part of the year and
the inhabitants live to old age, which cannot fo generally be faid
of the inhabitants of the flat covmtry. Though the days in furn-
mer are extremely hot, the nights are cool and refrefliing. Au-
tumn is very pleafant, both in regard to the temperature and le-
renity of the weather, and the riclinefs and variety of the vegeta-
ble produftions which the feafon affords. The winters are fo
mild in forrie years, that autumn may be faid to continue till
fpring. Wheat harveft is in the beginning of June, and that of
Indian corn early in September*

In the flit country, near the fea coafl, the inhabitants, during
the fummcr and autumn, are fubjeft to intermitting fevers, wliich
often prove fatal, as bilious or nervous fymptoms prevail. Thcfe
fevers are fcldom immediately dangerous to the natives who are
temperate, or to ftrangcrs who are prudent. They, however, i^
fufFercd to continue for any length of time, bring on other dil'or-
dcrs. which grcatlv impair the natural vigourof the mind, debili-
tate the couftitution, and terminate in death. The countenances
of the inhabitants during thefe feafons have generally a pale yel-
lowifh ca(L occgfioned by the prevnh-nce of bilious lymptoms. ^
Thevha^Kery little of the bloom and frefhnefs of the people in
the northern St;ites. ,^

It has been ohlerved that more 9f the inhabitants, of the men
efpecially, die during the winter by pleurifies and peripneumo-
nies, than during tW'e warm moniVis by bilious complaints.. Thefe
plenrifies arc br.)ugIu'on by intemperance, and by an imprudent

Vol. III. C c

J5'4 GENERAL D ESClilPTION

expofure to the weather. Vv'ere the inhjSBnts cautious and
prudent in thefe refpefts, it is alledged by their phyficians, that
they might in general efcape -the danger of thefe fatal difeafes.
The ufe of flannel next to the fkin during the w'nter is reckoned
an excellent preventative of the diieai'es incident to this cli-
uiate,

FACE OF THE COUNTRY, SEA COAST, &c.

North-Carolina, in its whole width, for fixty miles from the fea,
is a dead level. A greafproportiftn of this traft lies in foreft, and
is barren. In all the champaign country, marine prodi;£tions are
found by digging eighteen or twenty feet below the iurface
of the ground. The iea coaft, tiie founds, inlets, and tiie low-
er parts of the rivers have uniformly a muddy, foft bottom.
Sixty or eighty miico from the fea, the country riles into hills and
mountains. .

The feveral rivers in this St-ate are the Chowan, formed by the
confluence of the Meherrin, Nottaway, and black rivers ; all of
which rife in Virginia. It falls into the north-weft corner of Al-
bemarle found, and is three miles wide at its mouth, but narrows
fall as you alcend it.

The Roanoke, a long rapid river, formed by Staunton river,
which riles in Virginia, and Dan river, which rifes in South-
Carolina. The low lands on this river, are fubjcft to inundati-
ons. It is navigable only for flrallops, nor for thele, but about
fixty or feventy miles, on account of falls, which in a great mea-
fure obfcruft the water communication with the back country.
It empties, by feveral mouths, into the fouth Vv'cft end of Albe-
marle found. The planters On the banks of this river are fuppofed
to be the wealthieft in North-Carolina. One of them it is faid,
railes about three thoufand barrels of corn, and four thouiand
bufhels of peas, annually.

The Culhai is a fmall river, which empties into Albemarle
found, between the Chowan and the Roanoke.

Pamlico, or Tar, a river which opens into Pamlico found : its
courfe is from north-weft tofouth-eaft. It is navigable for veflels
drawing nifie feet water to the tov/n of Wafliington, Iptouc forty
milesfrom its mouth; and for fcows or flats, carrying thirty orforty
Iiogflicads, fifty miles farther, to the town of Tarborough. Beyond
this place the river is inconfidcrablc, and is not navigable.

The Neus, a river which empties into Pamlico iound below
Ncwbctn ; it is navigable for iea vciTels about twelve miles above

0 F NO RTH-CAROLINA. i<55

che town of Newbej*| for fcows fifty miles ; and for fmali boats
two hundred miles^F

The Trent river, from the fouth-weft, which falls into the
Neus at Newbcrn, is navigable for fea vcffels about twelve miles
above the town, ? .dfor boats thirty.

There are 'evcral other livers of lefs n^^te, amcrcr which are
the PafquotanK, Perquimins, Little river. Alligator, <3ic. which
difcharge thcmfelves into Albemarle found. Ail the rivers in
North-Carolina, and, it may be addi^d, in South-Carolina
Georgia, and the Floridas, which empty into the Atlantic ocean,
are navigable by any vefTel that can pafs the bar at their mouth.
While the water. courl'es continue wide enough for velTcls to turn
round, there is generally a fuiBcicnt depth of water for ihem to
proceed.

Cape Fear, more properly Clarendon river, opens into the fea
at cape Fear, in about latitude 33" 4,5'. A_s you afcend it, you
pafs Brunfwick on the left, and Wilmington on the right.
The river then divides into north-eaft and north-well: branches
as they are called. It is navigable for large veffels to Wilmington
and for boats to Fayetteville, near ninety miles farther. This
river affords the beft navigation in North-Carolina. Yadkin riv-
er rifes in this State, and running fouth-eartwardly, crofTes into
South-Carolina, whcie it takes the name of Pedee, and pa!fes to
the fea below George-town,

The rivers Q.f this State v/ould be much more valuable, were
it not that they are barred at their mouths. This circumflance.
and the coaft furnifhing no good harbours, will prevent the State
from building large fhips, for which they have an abundance of
excellent timber. Several caufes have been affigned for all the
harbours and rivers being barred, fouth of the Chefapcajc. Some
fuppofe the bars are formed by the current of the lonor riv<^rs
throwing up the fands, where their rapidity terminates ; others
with more probability fay, that a bank is thrown up by the gulf
ftream, which runs near thefe Pnores.

The banks of the rivers in this, and the other neighbourin?
States, often overflow after great rains, which docs much damage
to the plantations. A gentleman on the foot affcrt-j, that he has
feen the waiter thirty feet below the banks of the river, juil after
it had been ten feet above them. This is owing to the narrownefs •
of the mouths of the rivers, which do not afford a fufBcient chan-
nel for the waters, ac :umulating every mile, to difcharge theiT.-
^Ives into the oceanj

C c 2

'9

6 CENERAL DESCRIPTION

Pjjnlico found is a kind of lake or inland fea, from ten to twen-

ty miles broad, and nearly one hundred miles in lengthy M

It is feparated from the fea, in its whole length, by a beach ^
of fand hardly a mile wide, generally covered with Imall trees
or bufhes. Through this bank are feveral fmail inlets by
which boats may pais. But Ocrecok inlet is the only one
that will admit vefiels of burtheu into the diftritls of Eden-
ton and Newbern. This inlent is in latitude 35** 10', and
opens into Pamlico found between Ocrecok ifland and Core-
bank ; the land on the north is c?lled Ocrecok ; on the
i^outh Portlmouth, A bar of hard fand erodes this inlet, ou
which, at low tide, there is fourteen feet water. Six miles
within this bar is a hard fand fhoal, called the Swafli, ly-
ing -acrofs the channel. On each fide of the channel are dan-
gerous fhoald, fometimes dry. There is from eight to nine
feet water at full tide, according to the winds on the Swaih.
Common tides rife eighteen inches on the bar, and ten on
the Swafli. Between the bar and the Swaih is good anchor-
ing ground, called the Upper and Lower anchorages. Ships
drawing ten 'fefet water do not come farther than the firft
anchorage, till lightened. Few mariners, though acquainted
with the inlets, choofe to bring in their own vclfcls, as the
bar often fliifts during their ablence on a voyage. North of
Pamlico found, and communicating with it, is Albeinaile found
fixty miles in length, and from eight to twelve in breadth.

Core found lies fouth of Pamlico, and com'.nunicatcs with
it. Thele lounds are fo large when compared with tlieir inlets
from the fea, that no tide can be perceived in any of the rivers
which empty into themj nor is the water fait even iu tiie mouths
of thefe rivers.

Cape Hatteras is in latitude 33" 15'. At the time of Sir
W^alter Raleigh's approaching the American {bores, the fhoals
in the vicinity of Hatteras were found to be extremely dan_
gerous, and no velTels in that latitude ventured v.'ithin feven
leagues of the land. From a furvey of the ancient drafts of this
part of the coaft there can be no doubt but the fears of former
navigators were not without foundation, as tliele flioals are laid
down verylarge in extent, and in many places covered w.ith not
moie than five or fix feet water, at a great diitance from the
land. ■

The' con (Ian t experience of the coafling trade of the United
States demondrates, 'either that the ancient drafts were purpofely

OF NORTH-CAROLl NA, uj^

fdlfificd in order to deter fcamen from venturing too near a coaft,
vvitii which they had as yet a very Iknder acquaintance, or ivhicfi
is the viojl probable, that by the Iliong current* hereabouts, which
are only counter cuirenls of the guiph fbream, the lands, which
were originilly heaped up in this part of the ocean by fome
ancient convuUion of nature, have been gradually wearing
away, and diminifhing to what we find thcrn to be at this

At p relent the out flioals, which lie about fourteen miles
fouth-wcft of the cape, are but of five or fix acret extent, and
where they arc really dangerous to velfcls of nioderate draught,
not more than half that number of acies. On the fhoaleft part
of theie there is, at luw water, about ten feet, and here at tnnes
the ocean breaks in a tremendous manner, Ipouting, as it were,
lo the clouds, from the violent agitations of tiie gulph itream,
V. hich touches the eallern edge of the banks, from whence the
licclivily is fudden, that is to lay, from ten fathoms to no found-
ings. On the Ipot abovementioned, winch is firm fand, it has
been the lot of many a good vellel, in a gale of wind, to ftrike,
and go to pieces. In moderate weather, however, thele Ihoali
may be palled over) if neccirary, at full tide, without much
danger, by velTels not drawing n^.orc than eight, nine, or ten
feet Wdter.

From this bank, which was formerly of yaft extent, and

called the Full iVioon Shoal, a ridge runs tiie whole aiflance to

ihj Cape, about a north-well couric : this ridge, which is about

liAV a mile wide, has on it at low tiue, generuily ten, eleven,

and twelve feet watei, v/ith gaps at equal intervals aliordin*»-

good channels of about hfteen or hxteen feet water. Tiie iiioi;

i-.otcd of theie channels, and niolh uicd by coalfir.g vellels, is

about one mile and a halt trom the lana, ana may ealily be known

by a range of bicakers which are always leen on the weft fidc>

and a breaker head or two on the eailern fide, which, however

>
are nut loconltant, only appearing when the lea is confideiably

a^iUled. Ihis channel is at leaff two and a half. miles wide, and

might at full lea be .lafely palled by tiie IjigeTt fhips ;' thcle how-

ever rarely attempt it. 'I he common tides Iwell about fix feet

and always c^mc trom the iuuth-ealb. A iiitic north of the cpc

is good anchoring -in four or five fathoms, and with the winti tu

the u eflward, a Loat may land in lafety, and even bi ino^ oft calks

oi frefn water, plenty of which is to be found evtry where or.

the bead'., by di^^n^ ajoot or two, and j.uliing a barrel into ^U:

fand.

198 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Cape Lookout is fouth of Cape Platleras, oppofite Core founf?,
and has already been mentionefl as having had an excellent har-
bour, entirely filled up with land fince the year 1777.

Cape Fear is remarkable for a dangerous fhoal, called from
its form the Frying-pan. This fhonl lies at the entrance of Cape
Fear river, the iouth part of it, fix miles from Cape Fear pitch,
in latitude 33° 32'.

There are in this State two iwamps, that have obtained the
names of Great and Little Dilmal.

Great Difmal is on the dividing line between Virginia and
North-Carolina. It is chiefly owned bv two companies. The
Virginia company, of whom the Frefident of the United States
is one, owns one hundred thouland acres. The North-Carolina
company owns forty thoufand acres. In the midft of this Dif-
mal there is a lake about feven miles long, called Drummond's
pond. The waters of which in rainy fealons dilcharge themfelvcs
to the fouthward into the Fafquotank, and to the north and eafl-
ward into the branches of the Nanfemond, Elizabeth river, and
a river which runs into Currituck found ; a navigable canal is
to be dug from the head of the Pafquotank to the head of Eliza-
beth river in Virginia •, the diftance is about fourteen miles
This canal will pafs about a mile to the eaftward of Drummond's
pond, and will receive water from that lake ; to pafs through
the lake would not be fafe for low-fided vefi'cls. The company
hv whom this canal is to be cut, have been incorporated by the
concurring laws of Virginia and North-Carolina. In Septem.
ber, i7qi, the fubfcription was nearly full, and the company
chofe their direftors, and other officers. By this canal the
exports of Norfolk mufl be greatly increaied.

Little Diimal is in Currituck county on the fouth fide of Albe-
marle found. This Dihiial had not <.lrawn the public attention
as an objeft of importance befoie the end of the late war, a^
which time it was chiefly taken up. It is now fuppofed to
contain one of the moft valuable rice eftates in America. In
the midfl: of this Difmal there is a lake of about eleven miles
long, and feven miles broad. In the year 1785, and 1786,
Jofiah CollinSj Efq. of Edenton, in company with MelTrs,
Allen and Dickinfon of that place, took up near one hundred
thoufavid acres of land round the lake, for tiie piupofe of mak-
ing a navigable canal from the lake to the head of Skuppernong
river; the di/lance of which is five and a half miles. This
canal, twenty feet wide, was finifiiod in 1790, and the company
in 1791 raifed above one hundicd and twciiiy acres of ric^ ot>

Or NOR TH- CAROL I N A. ig^

tlic margin. The natiir;il channel by which the lake ufcd to
diicharge its waters is now ftupped, and the waters pafs off by
the canal. About five hundred yards from the lake, the com-
pany have erected levcral law mills. The water in the lake
is higher than the lurfucc of the ground for about half a mile
dill-ince on both fulcs of the canal ; whence it follows, that the
company can at any time lay under water about ten thouland acres
of a rich iwamp, which proves admirably hltcd for rice,

SOIL, PRODUCTIOXS, &c.

On the banks of lome of the rivers, particularly of the
Roanoke, the land is fertile and good, interiperfed through the
other parts are glades ol rich Iwamp, and ridges of o^k land of a
black fertile foil.

Vv'heat, rye, barley, oats, and flax, grow well in the back
b'lly country. Indian corn and puH'e of all kinds in all paits.
Grcund peas lun on the iurface oi the earth, and are covered
by hand with a light mould, and the pods grow under ground ;
ihcy arc eaten raw or roafled, and tafle much like an hazle nut.
Cotton and h/smp are alio confiderably cultivated here, and
might be railed in much greater plenty. The cotton is planted
yearly : the ftalk dies with the froft. The labour of one man
will produce one thoufand pounds in the feeds, or two hundred
and fifty, fit for manufacturing. The country is generally
friendly to the raifing of flieep, which yield from three quarters
of a pound to two pounds and a half of wool, which is fhort
and not very fine.

The large natural growth of the plains in the low country is
almoil univerfally pitch pine, which is a tall, handfome tree,
far iuperior to tire pitch pine of the northern States. This tree
may be called the ftaple commodity of North-Carolina. It affords
piich, tar, turpentine, and various kinds of lumber, which
together conflitute at leaft one half of the exports of this State.
This pine is of two kinds, the common and the long-leaved.
The latter has a leaf fhaped like other pines, but is nearly half
a yard in length, hanging in large cluflers. No country pro-
duces finer white and red oak for ftaves. The fwamps abound
with Cyprus and bay trees. The latter is an evergreen, and is
food for the cattle in the winter. The leaves are fhaped like
thole of the peach tree, but larger. The m.oft common kinds
of timber in the back country are, oak, walnut, and pine. A
ipecies of oak grows in the mtifl:, fandy foil, called black jack_
it fcldora grows larger than eight or nine inches diameter. It

fioo GENERAL DESCRIPTION

h wortliy of remnik. that the trees in tlic low countrv. near
the fea coaft, are hiaded with X'aft quantities of a long fpecies
of mofs,. which, b)' abforbing the noxious vapour that is exhaled
^rom ftagnated waters, contributes much, it is fuppofed^ to the
^caltliinefs of the climate. This hypothefis is confirmed by c.v-
perience, fince it is commonly oblerved, that, the country is
much lefs healthy for a few years after having been cleared, than
while in a ftate of nature.

The mifsletoe is commcn in the back countrv. This is a
fhrub which difFers in kind, perhaps, from all others. It never
grows out of the earth, but on the tops of trees. The roots, if
they may be lb called, run under the bark of the tree, and incor.
porate with the wood. It is an evergreen, reiembling the
garden box wood.

The principal wild fruit are plums, grapes, ftrawberries,
and blackberries.

The country is generally covered with herbage of various
kinds, and a fpecies of ^vild grafs. It abounds with medicinal
plants and roots; among others are the ginfeng ; Virginia fnakc
root ; Seneca fnake root, an herb of the emetic kind, like
ipecacuana ; lion's heart, which is a fovereign remedy for the
bite of a ferpent. A ipecies of the fenfitive plant is alfo found
here; it is a fort of brier, the (talk of which dies with the froft,
but the root lives through the winter, and fhoots again in the
fpring. The lighteft touch of a Icafcaufes it to turn and cling
clofe to the fl:alk. Although it To eafilv takes the alarm, and
apr>arentlv (brinks from danger, in the fpace of two minutes
after it is touched, it perfeft'.y recovers its former fituation.
The muclpula veneris is alfo found here. The rich boftoris are
overgrown with canes; the leaves are. green all the winter?
and afford an excellent food for cattle; thev are of a fweetiOi
taftc, like the ftalks of green corn, which thev in many relpccls
refcmble.

There is a long ridge of limc-flone. ^ ..Jing in a

fouth-weftcrly direftion, croffos the whole State of North- Caro-
lina. It croiTes Dan river to the uellward of the Sawro tow^ns,
croffes the Yadkin about fifty miles north-weil from Salifburv
and thence proceeds by the way of King's mountain " to the
fouthern Stat'Cs. ' No lime-done hais been found to the eafhward
of that ridge, A fpecies of rock has been found in fcVcraV'placcs,
of which lime is made, which is pbvioiifly a concretion of ma-
rine fhclls. The State is trnverfcd nearly in the fam.e direftion
bv an other ftratxim nf rock"? which pafies near Warrento'b. It is
a circumftancc worJiv of c;bfcrvation, thit the fpfin^s of water

OF NORTH-CAROLINA.

201

on the north- weft fide of the ridge are apt to fail in dry feafons ;
on the fouth-weft fide they feldom fail.

The river Yadkin, where it palfes Salifbury, is about four
hundred yards broad, but it is reduced, between two hills,
about twenty five miles to the fouthward of that town, to the
width of eighty or one hundred feet. For two miles it is narrow
end rapid, but the moll narrow and rapid part is not above half
a mile in length. In this narrow part, fhad are caught in the
fpring of the year by hoop-nets, in the eddies, as fall as tlie
flrongeft men are able to throw them out. Perhaps there is not
in the United States a more eligible fituatlon for a large manufac-
turing town. Boats with forty or fifty hogfheadsmay pals eafily
fr9m thefe rapids to George-town.

. CIVIL DIVISIONS.

This State is divided into eight diftrifts which are fubdivided
into fifty-four counties, as follows ;

DISTRICT OF E DENTON.

Chowan,

Currituck.

Camden,

Pafquotank,
Perquimons,
Gates,

Hertford,

Bertie.

Tvrrel,

DISTRICT OF WILMINGTON.

■Onflow,

New Hanover, Duplin,
Brunfwick, isladen.

DISTRICT OF NEWBERN.

Craven, Johnfton, Wayne,

Beaufort, Pitt, Hyde,

Carteret, Dobbs, Jones.

Thefe three diftrifts are on the fea-coaft, extending from the
Virginia line louthward, to South-Carolina.

DISTRICT OF HALIFAX.

Halifax, Edgecombe,

Northampton, Warren,
Martin,

Franklin^
Nalh.

DISTRICT or HILLSBOROUGH.

Orange,
Chatham,
Vol, III.

Granville,
Cafwell,
Dd

Wake,
Randolph,

502 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

DISTRICT OF SALISBURY.

Rowan, Iredell, Stokes,

Mccklenburghy Surry, Guilford,

Rockingham, Montgomerv.

DISTRICT OF MORGAN.

B--:rke, Lincoln, Wilkes,

Ruthford.
I

EI3TEICT OF FAYETTE.

Cumberland, Richmond, Sampfon,

,. Moore, Robilon, Anfon.

Thefe five di drifts, beginning on the Virginia line, cover the
\vhnle State weft of the three nicnitime diftricls before mention-
ed; and the greater part of them extend quite acrofs the Slate
from nortli to loutii.

CHIEF TOWNS.

Nevvbern, Edenton, Wilmington, Halifax, Hillfborough, Salif-
bury, and Fayetteville, each in their turns have been the feat of
the General Affembly. At prefcnt they have no capital. Ac-
cording to the conftitution of this State, the General aflfemblies
are to meet at anvplacethey think fit orr their own adjournments.
The effcft of this power was fuch as might be expefted, in a (late
where there is no very large city or town nearly central : it was
the lource of ccmilant intrigue and difquietude. The Affembiy
feldom fat tVv-ice in fuoceffion in the lame place. The public
officers v.'ere fcattered over every part of the country. You
could ieldom viiit the governor,' the fecrctary, the treafurer, or
the comptroller, in lefs riding than' two or three hundred m.iles.
Hence records were lofl, accouiits were badly kept, and the
State fro fn that fingle misfortune, is fuppofcdto have loft more
than a million of dolbrs. It was equally clear to all parties that the
government fhould not be itenirant. and the convention which
met in the year 1788, to confider of the new federal conftitution
accordingto their inftruftions, took this part of their o\Vn con-
ftitution into their conhdereiion, and bv a very fmall majority
refolvcd that the feat of government fliould bcfixedat i^me place to
be agreed on bv commiiFioners, within ten miles of Wake court-
houle. This is a heiltlty and central fituntion. 3ut an atl of the
legiflaturc became neceil^iry to aivecITcfl: to this ordinance, and in
fubfequcntuficuibiics. tliere has been goncrully a finiilar imjorit)',

OF NORTH-CAROLINA, 203

that is to fiiV, a majority of one or two to oppofe the ordinance.
The piolits that might arife to a few publicans and lliopkeepers
at fome other town in which the Aflembly might meet, occahon-
ed more aftivity and procured more votes than the patriotic dehre
of terminating difpuics and fccuring a quiet, orderly, 9nd good
government. For the honour of reafon, by which men fhould
be govcrened rather than by piffion, it is to be wifhed that their
legillatures, in funilar circumlbinces, had not ;iftcd in a fiiniiar
maimer.

The General Affcmbly of the State, at their feiuon in Decem-
ber, T^gi, however, palled a law for carrying the ordinance into
effeft, and appropriated ten thouland pounds towards crefting
public buildings.

NEW BERN.

Ne^vbern is the largeft town in the State. It ftands on a flat^
fandy point of land, formed by the confluence of the rivers Neus
on the north, and Trent on the louth. Oppofite the town, the
Neus is about a mile and a half, and the Trent three quarters of a
mile wide. The town contains about four hundred hou!es,*ali.
built of wood, excepting the a c?^i/fi«/ palace, the church, the jail and
two dwelling houies, which are of brick. The palace is h building
erefted by the province before the revolution, and was forme-rljy
the rehdencc of the governors. It is large and elegant, two To-
ries high, with two wings for offices, a little advanced in front
towards the town ; thefe wings are connefted with the principal
building by a circular arcade. This once haridfome and well-fur-
niflied building, is now much out of repair. One of the halls is
now uied for a dancing, and the other for a fchool-room ; which
are the only prefent ufes of this palace. The arms of the king of
Great Britain flill appear in a pediment in front of the building.
The Epifcopal church is a fmall brick building, Vv'iih a bell. It
is the onlyhoufe for public worTaip in the place. A rum diuil-
lery has lately been ere6led in this town. It is the county town
of Cravan county, and has a court-houfe and gaol. The court-
houfe is raifed on brick arches fo as to render the lower put a
convenient market-place ; but the principal maiketing is dons
with the people iii their canoes and boats at the river fide.

E D E N T O N .

Edentonis fituntcd on the north iiJc of Albemarle found; ana
has about one hundred and fifty indifferent wood houies, and a

* in September, jygi, near one third part of this town was confuted by lirCw

Da z

204 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

few handfome buildings. It has a brick church for Epifcopalians.
which for many years has been much neglefted, and ferves
only to fhevv that the people once had a regard, at lead, for the
externals of religion. Its local fituation is advantageous for trade
but not for health. It is the county town of Chowan county,
and has a court-houfe and gaol. In or near the town lived the
proprietary, and the firft of the royal governors,

WI LMINGTON,

Wilmington is a town of about one hundred and eighty houfes,
fituated on the eaft fide of the eaftern branch of Cape Fear or
Clarendon river, thirty-four miles from the fea. The courfe of
the river, as it paffes by the town is from north to fouth, and is
about one hundred and fifty yards wide,

In 1786 a fire broke out, fuppofed to have been kindled by
the negroes, and confumed about twenty-five or thirty houfeS'
The town is rebuilding flowlyo

HILLSBOROUGH.

Hillfborough is an inland town, fituated in a high, healthy,
and fertile country, one hundred and eighty miles north-wefi
from Newbern. It is fettled by about fixty or feventy families.

SALISBURY.

Salifbury is agreeably fituated, about five miles from Yadkin
river, and contains about ninety dwelling houfes.

HALIFAX.

Halifax is a neat little town ; it ftands on the weftern bank of
the Roanoke, about fix miles below tlie falls, and has about thir-
ty or forty dwelling houfes.

FAYETTEVILLE.

Fayetteville {lands on the weft fide of Clarendon, commonly
called Cape Fear river, and about a mile from its banks. It is
well-built on both fides of a creek, from which the town was
formerly called Crofs Creek. Two imall creeks unite near the
town, and an ifland, juft below the junftion, divides the creek.
Some ^perfon took it into his head that the creeks crolfed each
other without mixing their waters: and the ftrangenels or im-
probability of the thing, as in many other cales, feems to
have been the leafon, why it was believed. Since the peace this

OF NORTH-CAROLINA, 205

town has fiouriflied, but a confiderable part of it was burnt in
i-»92. It is fituated on a fettlemeiit of Scotch Highlanders.

WASHINGTON.

Wafhington is fituated in the county of Beaufort, on the
porth fide of Tar river, in latitude 35® 30', diflant from Ocre-
cok inlet ninety miles. From this town is exported tobacco
of the Peterfburgh, quality pork, beef, Indian corn, peas, beans
pitch, tar, turpentine, rohn, <S:c. and pine boards, fhinglcs and
oak ftaves. About one hundred and thirty velTels enter an-
nually at the cuflom-houfe in this town.

G R E E K E V 1 L L E .

Greeneville, fo called after Major-general Nathaniel Greene,
is fituated in Pitt county, on the fouth bank of Tar river, in
latitude 35.0 35', didant from Ocrecok inlet one hundred and
ten miles. At this town there is an academy edablifhed, called
the Pitt Academy.

TAKBO ROUGH.

Tarborough is fituated in the county of Edgecomb, on the
fouth bank of Tar river, in latitude 35'' 45', diftant from Ocre-
cok inlet one hundred and forty miles. At this town large
quantities of tobacco of the Peterfbuigh quality, pork, beef and
Indian corn, are colle£led for exportation.

POPULATION.

From the marfhal's return it appears, that the number of in-
habitants, in the year 1791, was three hundred and ninety-
three thouland feven hundred and fifty-one, of whom two
hundred and ninety-three thoufand one hundred and fevenly-
nine were citizens: perhaps there are few inftances of fuch a
rapid increafe of inhabitants as we find in this State ; in the
year 1710, we are well allured, that the number of inhabitants
in North-Carolina did not exceed fix thouiand : this extraordi-
nary increafe muft arife, in a great mcalure, from the migration
of inhabitunts from other States, or from diftant countries;
but this will not fully account for the prelent ftate of popula-
tion in North-Carolina. By examining tlicretura, we find
there are one hundred and. forty-feven;thoufarid.: four hundred
and ninety-four white male inhabitants; we alfo finely that tlie
number of males under fixtccn years exceed the nuinber above

2o6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

fixteen, by fcven thoufand five hundred and eighteen, which is-
about one nineteenth of the whole. This is a very remarkable
faft, as it refpefts the incrcafe of the human Ipecies. We find
a fmall difference in the States of Delaware, Virginia and
Georgia, in favour of thofe under fixteen. The difference in
Kentucky is fimilar to that of North-Carolina, In the other
States, the number above fixteen is greateft, and in the ieveral
kingdoms in Europe, as far as our information reaches, the
inhabitants above fixteen are univerfnlly ;nuch more numerous,
than thole under tlut age. The great diiTerence that appears
in North-Carolina in favour of children, cannot be explained
by fuppofing that the climate is fickly, for we know that fuch
climates are equally fatal to young and old. The idea too of a
fickly climate does not accord with the prodigious increafe of
inhabitants in this State, nor with another fact, viz. that there
is a confiderable proportion of very old inhabitants in the State.
To explain this we muft obferve, that the human fpecics, and
all other animals, are found to increafe in proportion to the
comforti. of life, and the eale with which they can iupport their
progeny. Remove the rigours of an inhol'pitable climate, and
the more uniform diffuafive to matrimony, the appreluyided dijji-
culty of Jvpporting aj-amily, and the human fpecies would double
not in fweMty but in fifteen years. In North-Carolina, neither
the cold of winter, nor the heat of fummer, are in the back
country at all difagreeable : land continues to be plenty and
cheap ; grain is railed with fo much eale, and the trouble of
providing for cattle in winter fo trifling, that a rrian I'upports
hi& fanrly with half the labour that is required in the cold cli-
mates. Under thefe advantages, we are not to wonder that
people in all ranks of life fhould marry very voung ; we have
heard of grandmothers in this Stare who were not more than
twenty-feven yea^vs old.

The. following tables fliew the proportion of population in
the different parts of the .State, according to tlic return made la

"O > .V^ RTII-CAROLI N A.
E D E N T O N DISTRICT.

207

COUNTIES.

^

f^

c

£

^

^'

J=

.^

'^

_^

<

00

ing townof Eden-
ton, . - - •
Pcrqulmons,
Paiquotank, -
Camden, - - -
Cuiriluck,
Gates, - - -
Mertfoid, - -
liertie, - - -
Tyrrel, _ - -

4 J

258b

37

1 8 7 f.

79

162,3

30

1038

1 1 ■

1 103

93

2219

•lib

2442

34B

oM^

35

ii6e

qqj

iQiq8

5440

5497
4033
5219

5828

I 260!^

'I 7 4-'

.5377c

N E ^\- B E R N DISTRICT.

laveu, inciudiilg, 1
awnof Newbern. \

town

Jones,

Johnfton

DoVds,

Wayne,

Pitt, -

Beaufort.

Hvde, -

Carteret,

1709

/ 0

'O.J'..

1162

iC> 6 J

146 1

9.51

79.7

7 i'8

r,-^;.:

79^
1 1 1 q
1293
1219
1507

92(

3227

337

154'

70

2080

64

2478

^b

11256

37

2915

25

1824

129

152.'^

37

1,-02

92

836

1 (^ .q 4 8

365^

1681
1329
191.5

1557

2367

i6a2
1048

7 1 '^

"\v I L M I N G T O N DISTRICT.

10409

4822
5634
6893
6-^33
8-75
5462

41 20
.373-

Xc'.v-Hanovci, ii~, "^

eluding Milm- S-

83^

695

M57

f.;

3738

68,q;

:ngton, - - .J

Srunfwick, -

38c

398

775

0

1511

307'!

linden, - - - .

837

8'^c

id8'-

.58

1676

500,1'

Duplin, - - - -

1035

1187

20,-^ 4

Q

1.383

3662;

)!ino\v-, - _ - .

828
3 9 1 4

03 c,,
4 0 n 0

1788

8^
^ 1 ■-'

1748

. .7387

7801

>CO;^ '.'

•?'^0'> r

2o8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

FAYETTE DISTRICT.

-0

^

i

o -o

"ca

^

£ ?

<n bjO

g

^

•5 ?

vii

CU

COUNTIES.

E^

E =>

0

a-n

2 ^

^

.-^ c^

^

Ui

^ 0

^■z

0

>

"rO

\i 6

tl '<

(*<

ti!'

<

CO

h

Cumberland, in- ^

eluding Fayette- ^

1791

^557

3059

83

218.

8671

viUe, ... -J

Moore, - - - -

849

968

157c

12

37^

3770

Richmond, - - -

1096

1205

2116

55

583

5055

Robifon. - - - -

1131

1141

224.

277

533

53^-6

Sampfon, - - - -

1145

1281

231^

140

1183

6065

Anfon, - - - -

1034

1183

2047

41

828

5133

704(-

7'-! 3 5

1335^

608

5 ^^7 9

34020

i HAL

I F A

X D I

S T R ]

C T

lifax, including 1
wn of Halifax, j

Hah
towi
Northampton,
Warren, -
Franklin, - «-
Xafh, - - -
Edgecombe, -
iMartin,

1835

177S

3403

443

6506

133^

1273

2503

46.

4409

107c

1319

2220

68

4720

1089

1400

2316

37

2717

1M3

1426

2627

188

2009

1659

1879

3495

7c

31 5 '-^

1 0 f> 1

1000

2022

o(^

1889

9194

10084

i85»b

1 .504

25402

13965
9981

9397

7559

7393

10255

608c

04030

HILLSBOROUGH DISTRICT.

Orange, including ^
Hillfborough, - J
Granville,
Calwell, -
Wake, - -
Chatham, - -
Randolph,

2433

2709

4913

ICl

2060

1581

1873

3050

3'5

4163

1801

2110

3377

72

2736

177J

2089

3688

180

2463

i75f>

2160

3664

9

1632

158.
10925

1952
1 2893

3266

24

452

2i95»

. 701

^Zb^'-

12216

10982
10096
10192

9221

7276
.5*0 q 8 '^

OF NORTH-CAROLINA.
SALISBURY DISTRICT.

209

, COUN'TIES.

0

to

■^-o

3

^

0 -a

s

5

CU

'ii

0

^

u

V

<

til T3

b-.

OO

vowiwi, incliirjin^

Salilbury,
Mecklenburg]),"
Iredell, - - -
Montgomery,
Guilford,
{Rockingham -
SurrVj - - - _
Stokes, . _ -

3'28b

2378

1118

967

1607

1846

3837

6864

97'

2573

477'

70

1217

2239

3

1 121

1798

5

1799

3242

27

1413

2491

10

1762

3i«3

^7

2104

377^

13

1,5826

28 '366

242

1742

16031

858J
B34I

1 100!
698;

7«7'

11395
S435
47^5
7191
6187
7191
8,28

MORGAN DISTRICT.

Burke, - . -

Wilkes, - ^ -

RutJierford, - -

Lincoln, - - -

1716
1614
1584
20^8

2111
2252
214,5
2294

3685
3726

3463
3937

6972 88q2! 14811 15 2693 33^9^

59.5
549
614

935

8n8

8143
7808
9324

SUMMARY OF POPULATION.

Edenton Diflrift,

Newborn do.

Wilmington do. -

Fayette do. - -

Halifax do. - -

Hilltborougli do.

S;ilin->ury do. - -

Morgan 6.\i. - -
o

8394
9635
3914I
7046
9194

13908
6972

69988

8696
9821

4049

7335
10084
1289Q
1,5826

77506

16488

19,348

7801

13352
18586
219:^8
28.366
1481

140710 4Q7

994

836
608

L3'^4
701
242

15

19198
15900
iO'553

5679
25402
1 3oo6
.8138

53770
5i540
26035
04.020
64630
5Q083
66480

2693. 33293

ioo57jJ3937,:;i

To the return tlie following note was prefixed :
'• TJie Marfnal begs leave to obferve, that the affiRants hav-
ing not returned the numbers of the different towns feparate
\vom the counti-es in wliich they were fituated, renders it out
■Vol. III. E e

zio GENERAL DESCRIPTION

of his power to make a diflinft return of them, but is fatisfiecf
that not one town in North-Carolina contains more than two
thoufand inhabitants^

What is the prelent number of inhabitants cannot be deter-
mined with prcciPion ; but, on the moft moderate calculation,
they muft be more than four hundred and leventy thoufand.

RELIGION AND CHARACTER.

The weliern parts of this State, which have been fettled
■within the lall forty years, are chiefly inhabited by Prelbyterians
from Pennfylvania, the defcendants of people from the north
of Ireland, and are exceedingly attached to the doftrines, diici-
pline and ufages of the churcli of Scotland. They are a regular,
induftnous people. Almoft all the inliabitants between the
Catawba and Yadkin rivers are of this denomination, and they
are in general well fupplied with a fenfible and learned minil"
try. There are interfperfed fome fettlements of Germans,
both Lutherans and Calvinifts, but they have very few minif-
ters.

The Moravians have feveral flourifhing fettlements in this
State. In 1751 they purchafed of lord Granville one hun-
dred thoufand acres of land, between the Dan and Yadkin rivers,
about ten miles fouth of Pilot mountain, in Surry county, and
called it Wachovia, after an eflate of Count Zinzendorf, in
Aullria. In 1755, this tract, by an aft of Affembly, was made a
feparate parifh by the name of Dobb's parifh. The firfl icttle-
ment called Bethabara, was begun in 1753 by a number of the
brethren from Pennfylvania, in a very wild uninhabited country,
which, from that time, began to be rapidly fettled by farmers
from the Middle States.

In 1759, Bethany, a regular village, was laid out and fettled.
In 1766, Salem, which is now their principal fettlement, and
nearly in the center of Wachovia, was fettled by a coUeftion
of tradefmen. The fame conflitution and regulations are efla-
bliihcd here as in other regular fettlements of the united bre-
thren. Befides, there are in Wachovia three churches, one in
Friedland, one in Friedburgh, and another at Hope, each of
which has a minifter of the brethren's church. Thefe people,
by their induftry and attention to various branches of manu-
fafturc, are very ufeful to the country around them.

The friends, or Quakers, have a fettlement at New-Garden,
in Guilford county, and feveral congregitions at Perquimins

OF NORTH. CAROLINA. 211

and Pafquotank. The Mctltodifls and Baptifls are numerous
and increafing. Befides the denominations already mentioned
there is a very numerous body of people in this, and in all the
Southern States, who cannot properly be claffed with any
feft of Chriftians, having never made any profelTion of Chrif-
tianity.

The inhabitants of Wilmington, Newbern, Edenton, and
Halifax diflrifts, making about three-fifths of the State, once
profeCTed themfelves of the Epifcopal church; the clergy in
ihefe diflrifts were chiefly milTionaries, and in forming their
political attachments, at the commencement of the late war,
perfonal fafety, or real iutereft, or perhaps a conviftion of the
impolicy of oppofing Great-Britain, from whence they received
their lalaries, induced them almoft univerlally to declare them-
felves in favour of the Britifh government, and to emigrate.
There may be one or two of the original clergy remaining, but
atprefent they have no particular paftoral charge; indeed the
inhabitants in the difti icls above mentioned ieem now to be mak-
ing the experiment, whether Chriftianity can exift long in a
country where there is no vifible Chriftian church : the Bap-
tifts and Methodifts have lent a number of miflionary preachers
intothefe diftrifils, and fome of them have large congregations:
it is probable, that one or the other of thele denominations,
and perhaps both, may acquire confiftencyj and eftablifli perma-
nent churches.

The North-Carolinians are moftly planters, and live from half
a mile to three and four miles from each other on their planta-
tions ; they have a plentiful country, no ready market for their
produce, little intercourfe with ftrangers, and a natural fond-
nefs for fociety, which induce them to be hofpitable to ftran-
gers.

The general topics of converfation among the men, when
cards, the bottle, and occurrences of the day do not intervene
are negroes, the prices of indigo, rice, tobacco, &c. They
appear to have little tafte for the fciences. Political inquiries
and philofophical difquiiitions are attended to but by a few men
of genius and induftry, and are too laborious at prelent for the
jninds of the people at large in this State. Leis attention and
refpeft are paid to the women here, than in thofe parts of the
United States where the inhabitants have made greater progrefs
in the arts of civilifed life ; indeed it is a truth confirmed by
obiervation, that in proportion to the advancement of civiliz =
tion, in the fame proportion will refppft for the women be
^ncreafed ; fo that the progrefs of civilization in. countries, ir»

£ e 3

212 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

flates, in towns, and in families, may be marjced by the degree
of attention which is paid by hufbands to their wives, and by
the young men to the young women.

Temperance and induftry are not to be reckoned among the
virtues of the North-Carolinians ; the time which they wafte
in drinking, idling and gambling, leaves them very little oppor-?
tunity to improve their plantations or their minds ; the im-
provement of the former is left to their overfeers and negroes ;
the improvement of the latter is too often neglefted. Were
the time winch is thus wafted fpent in cultivating the foil, and
in treafuring up knowledge, they might be both wealthy and
learned: for they have a prpduftive country, and aie by no
means deftitute of genius.

Time that is not employed in fludy or ufeful labour, in
every country, is generally fpent in hurtful or innocent exercifes,
according to the cuftom of the place, or the taffce of the par-
ties. The citizens of North-Carolina, who are not better em-
ployed, fpend their time in drinking, or gaming at cards and
dice, cock-fighting or horfe-racing.

A llrange and very barbarous praOiice prevailed among the
lower clals of the people before the revolution, in the back
parts of Virginia, North and South Carolinas, and Georgia ;
it was called gouging, and was neither more nor lefs than a man
when boxing, putting out the eye of his antagonifc with his
thumb. How quick, under a mild and upright govern-
ment, IS THE REFORMATION OF MANNERS ! In a particular
county in this State, where, at the quarterly court twenty years
ago, a day feldom pafled without ten or fifteen boxing matches,
it is now a rare thing to hear of a fight.

North-Carolina, as already obferved, has had a rapid growth ;
in the year 1710 it contained but about twelve hundred fencible
men ; it is now, in point of numbers, the fourth State in the
Union. During this amazing progrefs in population, which
has been greatly aided by emigrations from Pennfylvania, Vir-
ginia, and other States, while each has been endeavouring to in-
cre^fe his fortune, the human mind, like an unweeded garden,
has been fuffered to {hoot up in wild diforder. But when we con-
fidcr, that, during the late revolution, this State produced many
diflinguifhed patriots and politicians, that fhe fent her thou-
fands to the defence of Georgia and South-Carolina, and gave
occafional fuccours to Virginia; when we confidcr, too, the
difficulties fhe had to encounter from al mixture of inhabi-
tants, coIle6led from different parts, ■ ftrangers to each other^

OF NO RTH-CAROLINA, 213

and intent upon gain, we ftiall find many things in their gene-
ral charafter worthy of praife.

TRADE AND MANUFACTURES.

A great proportion of the produce of the back country', con-
fiftlng of tobacco, wheat, Indian corn, &c. is carried to market
in South-Carolina and Virginia. The fouthern interior countries
carry their produce to Charlefton ; and the northern to Pelerf-
burgh in Virginia. The exports from the lower parts of the State
are tar, pitch, turpentine, rohn, Indian corn, boards, fcantling,
{laves, fliingles, furs, tobacco, pork, lard, tallow, bees-wax,
myrtle-wax, and a few other articles, amounting in the year, end-
ing September so'.h, 1791, to five hundred and twenty-four
thoufand five hundred and forty-eight dollars. Their trade is
chiefly with the Weft-Indies and the northern States. From the
latter they receive flour, cheefe, cyder, apples, potatoes, iron
wares, cabinet wares, hats, and dry goods of all kinds imported
from Great-Britain, France, and Holland, teas, &c. From the
Weft-Indies, rum, fugar, and coffee.

It is no uncommon thing for the farmer to mark from five hun-
dred to one thoufand calves in a year. No farther attention is
paid to them till they are fit for flaughter ; then they are taken
up, killed, barrelled and fent to the Weft-India market. Their
pork is raifed with as little trouble ; large quantities of which be-
fore the war, were lent to New-England, particularly to Bofton
and Salem.

The late war, by which North-Carolina was greatly convulfed,
put a ftop to feveral iron works. At prefent there are four or
five furnaces in the State that are in blaft, and a proportionable
number of forges. There is one in Guildford county, one in
Surry, and one in Wilkes, all on the Yadkin, and one in Lin-
coln. The quality of the iron is excellent.

One paper mill has lately been erefted at Salem by the Mora-
vians to great advantage.

COLLEGES AND ACADEMIES.

The General Affembly of North-Carolina, in December, 1789,
pafTed a law incorporating fort)*- gentlemen, five from each di(-
trift, as truftees of the univerfity of North-Carolina ; to this
univerfity they gave, by a fubfequent law, all the debts due to
the State from IIierifFs or other holders of public money, and
which had been due before the year 1783 ; they alfo gaVe it ail

214 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

efcheated property within the State. Whenever the truflees fliall
have collefted a fufficient fum of the old debts, or from the fale
of efcheated property, the value of which is confiderable, to pay
the expenfe of erefting buildings ; they are to fix on a proper
place, and proceed in the finifhing of them : a confiderable quan-
tity of land has already been given to the univerfity, and the Gen-
eral Aflembly, in December, 1791, loaned five thoufand pounds
to the truftees, to enable them to proceed immediately with the
buildings.

There is a very good academy at Warrenton, another at WiL
liamfborough in Granville, and three or four others in the State^
of confiderable note.

CONSTITUTION.

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.

I. That all political power is veiled in and derived from the
people only.

II. That the people of this State ought to have the fole and ex-
clufive right of regulating the internal government and police
thereof.

III. That no man, or fet of men a^-e entitled to exclufive or
feparate emoluments or privileges from the community, but in
confideration of public fervices.

IV. That the legiflative, executive, and fuprcme judicial pow-
ers of government ought to be for ever feparate and dillinft from
each other.

V. That all powers offufpending laws, or the execution of
laws, by any authority, without the confent of the reprefentatives
of the people, is injurious to their rights, and ought not tobe ex^
crcifed.

VI. That eleftions of members to ferve as reprefentatives in
General Aflembly ought to be free,

VII. That in all criminal profecutions every man has a right to
be informed of the acculation againft him, and to confront the ac-
cufers and witnefles with other teftimony, and fliall not be com-
pelled to give evidence againft himfelf.

VIII. That no freeman fliall be put to anfwer any criminal
charge but by indiftmcnt, prel'entment, or impeaclimcnt. ,

OF NORTH-CARO LIN A, 2ig

IX. That no freeman fhall be convicled of any crime, but by
the unanimous X'erdift of a jury of gojj and lawful men, in open
court as heretofore ufcd.

X. That exceflTive bail Ihall not be required, nor excelTive
fines impofed, nor cruel or unufual punifhments inflifted.

XI. That general warrants, whereby an officer or meffenger
may be commanded to fearch fufpefted places without evidence
of the faft committed, or to fcize any perfon or perfons not
named, whofe offences arc not particularly defcribed and fup-
ported by evidence, are dangerous to liberty, and ought not to be
granted.

XII. That no freeman ought to be taken, imprifoned, or dif-
feized of his freehold, liberties, or privileges, or outlawed or ex-
iled, or in any manner deftroyed or deprived of his life, liberty,
or property, but by the law of the land.

XIII. That every freeman reftrained of his liberty, is intitled
to a remedy, to inquire into the lawfulnefs thereof, and to remove
the lame if unlawful, and that fuch remedy ought aot to be deni-
ed or delayed.

XIV. That in all controverfies at law refpe£ling property, the
ancient mode of trial by jury is one of the befh iecurities of the
riglitsof the people, and ought to remain facredand inviolable.

XV. That the freedom of the prefs is one of the great bulwarks
of liberty, and therefore ought never to be reflrained.

XVI. That the people of this State ought not to be taxed, or
made fubjeft to the payment of any impoft or duty, without the
confent of themfelves, or their reprefentaiives in General AfTem-
bly freely given.

XVII. That the people have a'right to bear arms for the defence
of the State ; and as (landing armies in time of peace are danger^
ous to liberty, they ought not to be kept up; and that the mili-
tary fhould be kept under ftrift fubordination to, and governed
by the civil power.

XVIII. That the people have a right to afTemble together, to
confult for their common good, to inftruft their reprefentatives,
and to apply to the legiQature for redrefs of grievances.

XIX. That all men have a natural and unalienable right towor-
fhip Almighty God according to the diftates of their own confci-
ences.

XX. That for redrefs of grievances, and for amending and
ftrengthening the laws, eleftions ought to be often held.

£i6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

XXI. That a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is
abfolutely neceflary to preferve the blelTiags of liberty.

XXII. That no hereditary emoluments, privileges, or honours
cught to be granted or conferred in this State.

XXIII. That perpetuities and monrj^olies are contrary to the
genius of a free (late, and ought not be all >wed.

XXIV. That retrofpeftive liws, punifhing fafts committed be-
fore the exiflence of luch laws, and by them only declared crimi-
nal, are opprefllve, unjuft, and incompatible with liberty, where-
fore no ex poJifaBo law ought to be made.

XXV. The property of the foil in a free government being one
of the effential rights of the colleftive body of the people, it is
neceflary, in order to avoid future difputes, that the limits of
the State fliould be afcertained with precifion ; and as the former
temporary line between North and South-Carolina was confirm-
ed and extended by commiffioners, appointed by the legifla-
tuies of the two States, agreeable to the order of the late King
George II. in council, that line, and that only, fhould be efteem-
ed the fouthern boundary of this State ; that is to fay, beginning
on the fea fide at a cedar flake, at or near the mouth of Little riv«
er, being the fouthern extremity of Brunfwick Jcounty, and run-
ining from thence a north-wefl courfe through the Boundary Houfe
which ftands in thirty-three degrees fifty-fix minutes, to thirty-
five degrees north latitude, and from thence a wed courfe, fo far
as is mentioned in the charter of King Charles II. to the late pro-
prietors of Carolina. Therefore all the territoiy, feas, waters,
and harbours, with their appurtenances, lying between the* line
above dcfcribed, and the fouthern line of the State of Virginia,
which begins on the fea-fhore, in thirty-fix degrees thirty-minutes
north latitude, and from thence runs wefl, agreeable to the faid
charter of King Charles, arc the right and property of the people
of this State, to be held by them in fovereignty ; any partial line,
■without the confent of the legiflature of this State, at any time
thereafter direfted or laid out in any wile nothwithflanding.
Provided. always, that this declaration of rights fiiall not prejudice
any nation or nations of Indians from enjoying fuch hunting
grounds as may have been, or hereafter fhall be fecured to them
by any former or future legiflature of this State. And provided
alfo, That it fiiall not be conftrued fo as to prevent the eflablifh-
uicnt of one or more governments weflward of this State, by
confent of the leg'fiature. And provided further. That no-
thing herein contained, fliall afFeft the titles or pofi'efiTious of in-

OF NORTH- CAROLINA.

ZfJ

dividuals, holding or claiming under the laws heretofore in
force, or grants heretofore made by the late King George II. or
his prcdeceilors, or the late lords proprietors, or any of them.

FRAME OF GOVERNMENT.

Whereas allegiance and proteftion are in their nature reclpro-
ol, and the one fhould of right be refufed when the other is
withdrawn ; and whereas George the Third, King of Great-
Jiritain, and late fovereign of the Britifh American Colonies,
hath not only withdrawn from them his proteftion, but by an
aft of Britifh legiflature, declared the inhabitants of thefe States
out of the protection of the Britifli crown, and all their proper-
ty found upon the high feas liable to be feized and confifcated to
the ufes mentioned in the laid aft ; and the (kid George the
Third has alfo fent fleets and armies to profecute a cruel war
againft them, for the purpnCe of reducing the inhabitants of the
faid Colonies to a (late of abjeft llavery ; in confequence where^
of, all government under the faid King, within the faid Colonies
hath ceafed, and a total diffolution of government in many of
them hath taken place : and whereas the continental Congrefs
having confidered the premifes, and other previous violations of
the rights of the good people of America, have therefore dcclar-r
ed, that the thirteen United Colonies are of right wholly abfolv-
cd from all ?.Ilcgiance to the Britifli crown, or any other foreign
jurifdiftion whatfoever ; and that the faid Colonies now are, and
forever fiiall be. free ^.nd independent States; v.'herefore, in our
prefent flate, in order to prevent anarchy and coniuficn, it be-
comes neceffary that government fhould be eflabliflied in this
State ; "^herefore we, thereprefentatives of the freeman of Norths
Carolina, chofen and affembled in Congrefs, for the exprefs
purpofe of framing a conflitution, under the authority of the
people, mofl conducive to their happinefs and profperity, do
declare, that a government for liiis State TnLili be cftablifhed in
manner and form following, to v/it :

I. That the legiilative authority fhall be vedcd in two diilinct
branches, both dcpindent on the people^ to wit, a Sf. x^xi;, and
House of Commons,

II. That the Senate fliall be compofedof rcpre'.cntatives annu-
ally chofen by ballot, one for each county in the State.

III. That the Houfe of Commons fliall be compofed of repre-
fentatives annually chofen by ballot, two for each county, aiid

Vol. Ill, F f

2i8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

one for each of the towns of Edenton, Ncwbern, Wilmington,
Salifbury, Hillfborough, and Halifax.

IV. That the Senate and Houfe of Commons, affembled for
tlie purpole of legiftation, fhall be denominated, The Gene-
ral Assembly.

V. That each member of the Senate fliall have uflially refid-
ed in the county in which he is chol'en, for one year im-
mediatrlv preceding his eleftion, and for the fame time fhall
have pofftffed and continue to poflefs, in the county which
he repreients. not lefs than three hundred acres of land iii
fee.

VI. That each member of the Houfe of Commons ihall have
ufually rehded in the county in wliich he is choien, for one year
immediately preceding his elcftion, and for fix months fhall have
poffvlTed and continue to poilefs in the county which he repre-
ients, not lefs than one hundred acres of land in fee. or for the
term of his own life.

VII. That all freemen of the age of twenty-one years, who
have been inhabitants of any one county within the State
twelve months immediately preceding the day of an)' elcclioHj
and poffelfed of a freehold within the fame county, of fifty acres
of land for fix "months next before, and at the day of eicftion,
fhali be er.iitled to vote for a member of the Senate.

VIII. That all freemen of the age of twenty-one years, who
V~-^■<• rceri inhabitants of any county within the State twelve

s immediately preceding the day of any elcftion, and ihall
. paid public taxes, fhall be entitled to vote for members of
•. 'J Houfe of Commons for the county in which he refiJcs.

iX. That all perlons pofTeffed of a freehold in any town in
tliis State having a right of reprofentation, and alfo all freemen
whi) have been inhabitants of any fuch town twelve months
next before, and at the day of ele6lion, and fhall have paid piib-
lic taxes, fhall be entitled to vote. for a member to reprefent inch
town in the Houfe of Commons. Provided always, That this
feftion fhall not entitle any inhabitants of fuch town to vote for
members of the Houie of Commons for the county in which he
may refide, nor any freeholder in fuch county who'refides with-
out or beyond the limits of iuch town, to vote for a member for
faid town.

X. That the Senate and Houfe of Commons when met, fhall each
have power to choole a ipeakerjand other their ofticcrs; be judges of

OF NORTH-CAROLINA. 219

the qualifications and cleftions of their members ; fit upon their
own acljourm.ents from day to day ; and prepare bills to be pafTed
into laws. The two Houfesfhall direft writs of elcftion for fup-
plying intermediate vacancies, and fliall alio jointly, by ballot, ad-
journ themielvcs to any future day and place.

XI. That all bills fhall be read three times in each Houfe be-
fore tlicy pafs into laws, and be figned by tlie fpeaker of both

rioufcs.

XII. That every pcrfon who fhall be chofen a member of the
Senate or Hcuie of Commons, or appointed to any office or place
of truft, before taking his feat, or entering upon the execution of
his office, fhall take an oath to the State, and all officers ffiall alio
take an oath of office.

XIII. That the General AfTembly flinll, by joint ballot of
both Houfes, appoint judges of the fuprem^ courts of law and
equity, judges of admiralty, and attorney-general, who ffiall be
commiffionedby the governor, and hold their offices during good
behaviour.

XIV. That the Senate and Houfe of Commons fiall have
power to appoint the generals and field officers of the militia,
and all officers of the regular army of this State.

XV. That the Senate and Ploufe of Commons, jointly, at
their firft meeting after each annual eleftion, ffiall by ballot elcft
a governor for one year, who ffiall not be eligible to that office
longer than three years in fix fucceffivc years. That no perfon
under thirty years of age, and who has not been a refident in
this State above five years, and having in the State a freehold
in lands and tenements above the value of one thoufand pounds,
ffiaU be eligible as a governor.

XVI. That the Senate and Houfe of Commons, jointly, at then
fii 11 meeting after each annual eleftion, ffiall by ballot eleft feven
perfons to be a council of ftate for one year, who ffiall advife the
governor in the execution of his office, and that four members
ffiall be a quorum. Their adviceand proceedings ffiall be entered
in a journal to be kept for that purpofe only, and figned by the
members prcfent to any part of which any member prefent may
enter his diffent. And luch journals ffiall be laid before the Ge
ncral Afiembly, when called for by them.

XVII. That there ffiall be a feal of this State, which ffiall be
kept by the governor, and ufed by him as occafion may require ;

F f

22© GENERAL DESCRIPTION

and fhall be called, The Great S'eal of the State of North-Carolina.
and (hail be affixed to all gnnts and comraiflions.

XVIIL The governor for the time being fliall be Captain-ge-
r.f.ral and commander in chief of the militia ; and in the recefs of
the General Aifembly fliall have power, by and with the advice
of the Council of Slate, to embody the militia for the publiciafe-

XIX. That the governor for the time bein-g fliall have
power to draw for, and apply iuch lums of money as fliall be
voted by the General Aflembly for the contingencies of govern-
ment, and be accountable to them for the fame. Pie alfo may,
by and with the ad\^ice of the Council of State, lay embargoes.
or prohibit the exportation of any commodity, for any term not
exceeding thirty days at any one time, in the recefs of the Gene-
ral AU'embly ; and fhall have the power of granting pardons
and reprieves, except where the profecution fliall be carried on
by the General Aflemby, or the law fhall otherwife direft ; in
which cafe he may, in the recefs, grant a reprieve until the next
fitting of the General Aflembly ; and may exercife all the other
executive powers of government, limited and retrained as by
this Conftitution is mentioned, and according to the laws of the
State. And on his death, inabilty or abfence from the State>
the fpcaker of the Senate forthetime being, and in o«fe of his death
inability, or abfence from the State, the Ipesker of the Houfe of
Commons, fhall exercife the powers of government after iuch
death, or during fuch ablence or inability of the governor or
fpeaker of the Senate, or until a new nomination is made by the
General Aff'embly.

XX. That in every cafe where any officer, the right of whofe
appointment is by this conftitution veded in the General Aflem-
bly, fhall during their recefs die, or his office by other means be-
come vagant, the governor fhall have power, with the advice of
the Council of State, to fill up fuch vacancy by granting a tem-
porary commiffion, v/hich fiiall expire at the end of the next
feffion of the General Afl'cmbly.

XXI. That the gu\>^ernor, judges of the fupremc court of law
and equity, judges of admiralty, and attorney-general, fliall have
adequate fabrics during their continuance in office.

XXII. That the General Alfembly fliall, by joint ballot of both
Houfes, annually appoint a Treafurcr or Treafurcrs for thii
State.

OF NORTH-CAROLINA. 221

\XIII. That th? governor and other officers offending
..'ainfl the State, by violating any part of this conftitution,
mal-adminillration, or corruption, may be profecuted on the
impeachment of the General AlTembly, or prefcntment of
the grand jiuy of any court of lupreme juriTdiclion in this
State.

XXIV. That the General AlTembly fhall by joint ballot of
both Houfes, triennially appoint a fecretary for this State.

XXW 1 hat no perfons \/ho heretofore have been, or
hereafter may be receivers of public nipnies, fhall have a feat
in either Houle of General Aflembly, or be eligible to any
office in this State, until fuch perfon fhall have fully accounted
for and paid into the treafury all lums for which they may be
accountable and liable,

XXVI. That no treafurer fhall have a feat either in the
Senate. Houle of Commons, or Council of State, during his
continuance in that office, or before he fhall have finally fettled
his accounts with the public for all the monies which may be
in his hands, at the expiration of his office belonging to the
State, and hath paid the fame into the hands of the fucceeding
trealurer.

XXVII. That no officer in the regular army or navy in
the fervice and pay of the United States, of this or any other
State, nor any contraftor or agent for fupplying fuch armv or
navy with cloathing or provifions, fliall have a feat either
in the Senate, Houle of Commons, or Council of State, or
be eligible thereto ; and any member of the Senate, Houfe
of Commons, or Council of State, being appointed to, and
accepting of fuch office, fhall thereby vacate his feat.

XX\TII. That no member of the Council of State fhall
have a feat either in the Senate or Houfe of Commons.

XXIX. That no judge of the fupreme court of law or equi-
ty, or judge of admiralty, ffiall have a leat in the Senate, Houfe
of Commons, or Council of State.

XXX. That no fecretary of this State, attorney-general, or
clerk of any court of record, fnall have a leat in the Senate
Houfe of Commons, or Council of State.

XXXI. That no clergymen or preacher of the gofpel, of
any denomination, fliall be capable of being a member of
either the Senate, Iloufe of Commons, or Council of State,
\»hile he coutiuues in the exercife of the oaftoral fuufticn.

S22 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

XXXII. Th3t no perfon who fliall deny the being of God,
or t!ie truth of the Proteftant religion, or the divine authority
either of the Old or New Teftament, or who fhall hold
reliiMoiis principles inc-ompatible with the freedom and fafety
of the State, fhall be capable of holding any office, or place o
trufh or profit in the civil department within this State.

XXXIII. That the juftices of the peace within their rel-
peftive counties in this State, fh^U in future be recommended
to the governor for the time being, bv the reprefentatives in
General Affembly, and the governor fliall commiffion them
accordingly; and the juftices, when fo commifTioned, fhall hold
their offices during good behaviour, arid fhall not be removed
from office by the General x^ffembly, unlefi for misbehaviour,
abfence, or inability.

XXXIV. That there fhall be no eftablifliment of any one
religious church or denomination in this State in preference
to any other; neither fhall any perfon, on any pretence what-
foever, be compelled to attend any place of worfliip contraiy
to his own faith or judgment ; nor be obliged to pay for the
purchafe or any glebe, or the building of an5' houfe of worfhip
or for the maintenance of any minifter or miniftry, contrary
to what he believes right, or has voluntarily and perfonally
engaged to perform ; but all perfons fhall be at liberty to exer-
cile their own mode of worfhip. Provided, that nothing herein
contained fhall be conftrued to exempt preachers of treafonable
or feditious difcourfes from legal trial and punifliment.

XXXV. That no perfon in this State fhall hold more than
one lucrative office at any one time. Provided, that no appoint,
ment in the militia, or the office of a juftice of the peace, fhall
be confidered as a lucrative offi.ce.

XXXVI. That all commiffions and grants fliall run in the
name of Ths State of North-Carolina, and bear teft, and be
fianed by the governor. All writs fliall run in the fame man-
ner, and bear teft, and be hgned by the clerks of the refpcftivc
courts. Indiftments fliall conclude, Againft the peace and cli.j-
rdiy of ike State.

XXXVII. That the delegates for, this State to the
Continental Congrefs, while necelTary, fliall be chofen annu-
ally by the General Affembly by ballot, but may be fuperfedcd
in the mean time in the fame manner ; and no perfon Ihall i-
elc£led to ferve in that capacity for more than three yea;
fucceffiveiy. (

XXXVIII. That there fhall be a iherifF, coroner, or coro- j
ners, and conftables, in each county within this State. |

OF NORTH-CARO LINA. 223

XXXIX. That the peilon of a debtor, where there is not a
ftrong preiumption of fraud, fhall not be continued in prilon,
after delivering up bond Jide, all his cftate, real and pcrfonal,
for the ufe of his creditors, in luch manner as fhall be here-
after regulated by law. All priloners fliuU be bailable by fuifi-
cient furcties, unlefs for cipiial offences, when the proof is
evident or the preiumption great.

XL. That every foreigner who comes to fettle in this State»
having firft taken an oath of allegiance to the lame, may pur-
chale, or by other jufb means acquire, hold and transter land,
or other real eftate ; and after one year's rclidcnce fhall be
deemed a free citizen.

XLI, That a Ichool or fchools fhall^be eftablifiied by the le-
glflaiure for the convenient inltrutlion of youth, with luch
falaries to the mailers, paid by the public, as may enable them
to inftruft at low prices ; and all uictul learning fhall be duly
encouraged and promoted in one or more univerfities.

XLII. That no purchafe of lands fliall be made of the In-
dian natives, but on behalf of the public, by authority of the
" General Aifembly.

XLI II. That the future legiflature of this State Pnall regulate
entnils in fucii manner as to prevent perpetuities.

XLIV. That the declaration of rights is hereby declared to be
part of the Conftitution of this State, and ought never to be
V >'lated on any pretence whatfoever.

XLV. That any member of eitlier Houfe of General

Aiiembly fhall have liberty to diffent from and pruteu. againft

any a6t or refolve which he may think injurious to the public,

or any individual, and have the realons of his dilTent entered

:he journals.

XLVI. That neither houfe of the General Affembly fhall pro-
ceed upon public bufmefs, unlefs a majority of all thcmenibersof
fuch Houfe are aftually prelent ; and that upon a motion made and
feconded, the yeas and nays upon any queftion fhall be taken and
entered on the journals; and that the journals of the oroceedings
of both Houfes of the General Affembly fliall be printed and mace
public immediately after their adjournment.

This Conflitution is not intended to preclude the prefent Con-
greis from making a temporary provifion for the well-orderins, of
this State, until the General Affembly fhall eflr-blilh a government
agreeable to the mode herein before defcribed.

224 GENERAL DESCRIPTION, &c.

This declaration of rights and frame of government was agreed
to and relolved upon by the reprelertativesof the freemen of the
State of North-Carolina, elefted and chofen for that particular
purpofe, in Congrefs afiembled. at Halifax, December 18, 177S.

TERRITORY SOUTH of the OHIO,

OR THE

TENESSE GOVERNMENT.

SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES.

X. HIS part of tlie territory of the United States is fituated be-
tween 6° 20' and 16** 30' weft longitude from Philadelphia,
and 35° and 36^ 30' north latitude ; it extends three hundred
and fixty miles in length and one hundred and five miles in
breadth, and contains the whole of the traft of country ceded to
the United States by the State of North-Carolina in the year
1789. It is bounded on the north by the State of Kentucky and
part of Virginia, on the eaft by a range of mountains, which
feparates it from North-Carolina,* on the fouth by South-Carolina
and Georgia, and on the weft by the Mifllflippi.

CLIMATE.

The 'climate in general is moderate and healthy. In the traft
lying between the Great Ifland, as it is called, and the Kan-
hawa. the lummers are remarkably cool, and the air rather moift.
South-weft of this, as far as the Indian towns, the climate is much
warmer, and the foil better adapted to the produftions of the
Southern States.

The difeales to which adults are moft liable, are pleurifies,
rheumatifm.s, and fometimes, though rarely, agues and fevers :
fo healthy have been the inhabitants, that from the firft fcttle-
ment of the country to 1788. not a fingle phyfician had fettled
among them. It is to the inhabitants a real advantage, that they
are almoft beyond the reach of thofe luxuries which are enjoyed,
and thofe epidemical difeafes which are confequentiv frequent
in populous towns on the fea coaft. An inhabitant of this dif-

• This range of mountains arc known by the variojs namej ef the AUe^ny,
Stone, Yellow, Iron and Bald mguniainj.
Vol. Ill G g

220 CEXER.IL DESCRIPTION

trl£l writes, " Our phyficians are, a fine climate, healthy robuft
mothers and father?, plain and plentiful diet, and enough of
exer«fe : there is not a regular bred phyfician i-efiding. in the
whole dlflria."

FACE OF THE C O U N T P. Y, «S:c.

Cumberland mountain, in its whole extent, from the Great
Kanhavva to the TenncOec, confifls of the moft ftupendous piles
of craggy nnks of any mountain in the weftern country ; in fe-
veral parts of it, foY rrtilcs, it is inaccefTible even to the Indiansy
on foot ; in one place pprticularly, near the fummit of the moun-
tain, there is a moft remarkable ledge of rocks of about thirty
miles in length and two hundred feet thick, fhewing a perpendi-
cular face to louih-eall more noble and grand than any artificial
fortification in the known world, and apparently equal in point
of regularity. Through this ftupendous pile, according to a mO'
dern hypothefis, had the waters of all the upper branches of the
Tenneffee to force their way ; the attempt would have been im-
prafticable at any other place than the one mentioned, for more
than one hundred miles eaftwardly. Here then feems to have
been the chafm, left by the Creator, to convey off thofe waters
which muft otherwife ha\'e overflowed, and rendered ufeleis a
vaft traft of valuable country enclofed within the mountains.

The Tenneffee, called alfo the Clierokee, and abfurdly the
Hogohege river, is the Lirgeft branch of the Ohio ; it rifes in
the mountains of \''irginia, latitude 37**, and purfues a courfe
of abou* one thoufand mil'es fouth and louth-weft, nearly to latitude
340, receiving from both hdes a number of large tributary ftreams
it then wheels about to the north in a circuitous courfe, and min-
gles with the Ohio, nearly fixty miles from its mouth ; from its
entrance into the Ohio to the Mulcle fhoals, a diftance of two
hundred and fifty miles, the current is very gentle, and the river
deep enough, at all fca'ons, for the largeft row boats : the Mufcle
fhoals are about twenty miles in length. At this place the river
fp.re«ds to the width of three miles, and forms a number of idands
and is of difficult paffage, except when there is a fwell in the
river. From thele fhoals to the whirl or fuck, the place where
the river breaks through the Great ridge, or Cumberland moun-
tain, is two hundred and fifty miles, the navigation all the wav
excellent.

OF THE TERRITORY S. OF OHIO, 227

The Whirl, as it is called, is in about l;ititudc35° : it is reckoned
a greater curiofity than the burfting of the Potoiiiack through the
Blue ridge. The river, which a few miles aboveis half a mile v.ide,
is here comprelfedto the width of about one hundred yards ; juflas
it enters the mountain, a large rock projefls from the northern
ihore in an oblique diretlion, which renders the bed of the river
ftill narrower, and cauies a luddcn bend; the water of the river
is of courle, thrown with great rapidity againft the fouthern
ihore, whence it bounds round the point gf the rock and pro-
duces the whirl, which is about eighty yards in circumference.
Canoes have often been carried into the whirl, and elcaped by
the dexterity of the rowers without damage. In Id's than a
mile below the v/hirl the river fpreads into its common width
and, except the Mufcle fiicals already rae^tioned, flows beautiful
and placid till it mingles with the Ohio.

Six miles above the whirl are the Chiccamngga towns, On
the banks of the liver, and of a large creek of the lame name j
from thefe towns to the mouth of the HiwaiTee is fixty miles
by water, and about forty by land ; this river is a louth branch
of the Tenneffee, and navigable till it penetrates the mountains
on its fouth fide. The climate, the fine fprings, and fertile
plains, render the banks of this river a moft deligj.i'-fL'l place
of fettlement. From a branch of the HiwaiTee, called Amoia,
there is a fhort portage to a branch of the Mobile, and the
road all the dillance firm and level.

Faffing up the Tenneffee, fixty miles from the mouth of tlie
river Hiwaffee, you come to the mouth of Pelefon or Clinch river
from the north, which is large and navigable for boats. upwards
of two hundred miles, receiving in its courfe, befides inferior
ftreams, Powell's river, which Is nearly as large as tht; main
river, and boatable for one hundred miles : tliis lafi-mentioned
river runs through Powell's valley, an excellent tra^ft of country
aboundirig with fine fprings.

From the Peleion to the jun^ion of the Ilolficin and Tcnnefioe
is computed forty miles ; this lad is the branch whicli formerly
gave its name to the main river, not from its fize, but from its
notoriety, having on its banks a vafl; number ol Indian villages,
and the chief town of Cherokee Indians, called Chota, and was
therefore called Cherokee river ; but the name of Tenneffee ha«
of late obtained a preference ; it croffes the valley at nearly right

G§2

228 GEXERAL DESCRIPTION

angles with the mountains, and has on its banks a number of beau-
tiful plains, which are chiefly improved as corn fields by the In-
dians. In 1/88, the whites had advanced their fettlcments within
te'n miles of the Indian villages. Forty miles from the TennefTee
up the Holilein branch, comes in Frank river, vulgarly called
French Broad, four or five hundred yards wide ; thence, purlu-
ing the Holflein two hundred miles, you come to Long Ifland,
which is the highcft navigation yet ufed ; thence about one hun-
dred miles is the (ource of the river. One mile below Long-
Ifland comes in North-Holftein, and twenty miles above it the
Wattago ; the former is one hundred yards wide at its mouth,
and with a fmall expence might be made navigable to Campbell's
Salines, feventy miles farther up. In the TennciTee and its up-
per branches are great numbers offifh, fome of which arc very
large and of an excellent flavour.

The head waters of the Great Kanhawa are in the v^-eilern part
of North-Carolina, in the mod eaftern ridge of the Allegany or
Appalachian mountains, and fouth of the 36° of latitude. Its
head branches encircle thofe of the Holfbein, from which they
are feparated by the Iron mountain, through which it paffcs. ten
miles above the lead mines ; thence fleering its courfe along the
foot of the Allegany m.ountain, until it receives Little ri^'er from
the eaft, it turns to the north, which is its general courfe till it
meets the Ohio. About fixty miles from Little river it receives
Green Briar river from the eafl, which is the only tributary
flrcam in all that diftance. About forty miles below the mouth
of Green Briar river, in Virginia, in the Kanhawa, is a rem.irk-
5ible cataract. A large rock, a little elevated in the middle, crofTes
the bed of the river, over which the water fhoots and falls
about fifty feet perpendicularly, except at one fide, where the
defccnt is more gradual.

The Shawanhee. now called Cumberland river, of the fouthern
branches of the Ohio, is next in fize to the Tenneflce. and ex-
tends eailwardly nearly as far, but runs in a much more dircft
courfe ; it is navigable for fmall craft as far as Nafhville ; from
the fouth it receives Harper's, Coney, Obcy's and Clear Fork
rivers ; and from the north. Red and Rock Caftle rivers, befides
manv fmaller flreams.

Of this territory, above half is covered with mountains which
are uninhabitable; fome of thefe, particularly Cumbeiland, or
Great Lnurel ridge, are the moft ftupenduous piles in the United
Slates •, they abound with ginfcng and ftonc coal. Clinch

OF THE TERRITORY S. OF OHIO. 229

mountain is fouth of thefe, in which Bulk's garden and Morris's
nob might be deicribed as curiofitics.

The Iron mountain, which conftitutcs the boundary between
this diftvift and North- Carolina, extends from near the lead
mines, on the Kanhavva, through tiie Cherokee county, to the
fouth of Chota. and terminates near the lourccs of the Mtjbile.
Tiie caverns and caicades iu thele mountains arc innumera-
ble.

SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS.

The farmers on Cumberland river, for the fake of defcribing
their lands, diftinguifri them bv fiift, lecond and third quality.
Land of the firfl quality will heir Indian corn or hemp, but it
will not bear wheat witliout great reducbon. Land of the ec-.d
quality does not bear wheat to advantage until it has been reduc-
ed by two or three crops of corn, hemp, tobacco or cotton.
Land of the third bears every kind of grain tliat is uluali- jmvn
on drv ground in the Atlantic States. It is agreed by -.^ w Jio
have vilited the Cumberland iettlement, that one ■ .. i.drcd.
buflicls of Indian corn are frequently gathered frcm j;e of

their beft land ; fixty or I'eventy bufhels from an . ^ cry

common, but the farmer who expefts to gather fuch . . niufl

be careful, while the com is foft, to guard it againfl btais and
racoons. Wheat, barley, oats, rye, buck-wheat, Itidlau corn
pcale, beans, potatoes, flax, hemp, tobacco, indigo, -rice snd
cotton, have already been planted in that fettlcment, and tliey
all thrive in great perfefi.ion ; the uiual crop (f cotton is ti^ht
hiundred pounds to the acre, the ftaple is long and fine, li is
alledged, however, that the lands on the imall rivers thai inra
into the MiflTifilppi, have a decided preference to thofe ou -he
Cumberland river, for the production of cotton and i.-J'-o,
No experiments have been made on land near the IMiiT;ii.j)pi
within the ceded territory; but there is a iinall fcitlemcnt, farther
down the river, within the limits of the United Slates, on a
fimilar foil, where the growth and quality of cction is '0. re:i>ark_
able, that its culture is more profitable than any other c;t .
The foil on thofe rivers is deep and ligh.t, having a fmitil ir;..-
ture of land M'ith a black earth ; hence, as 'ihe planters ah("c ,
it proves favourable to the cultuie of all kinds of roots. Ji
as of indigo and cotton.

The lands on the waters of TennelTec and Cu-nberland r-
are generally well timbered ; in fome places there aie gt.u:

£30 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

rich land without timber, but thefe are not frequent nor I'srge,
The general growth is poplar, hickory, black walnut, buck eye
or the horfe chefnut, fycamore, locuft and the Jugar maple,'
The under-growthj in many places, is cane fifteen or twenty
feet high, lo clofe together as to exclude all other plants; where
the cane does not abound, we find red bud, wild plum, fpice
wood, red and white mulberry, ginleng, Virginia and Seneka
Ihake root, angelica, fweet anile, ginger and wild hops. The
glades are covered with clover, wild rye, buffalo grals and pea
vine. On the hills, at the head of rivers, we find {lately red
cedars; many of thefe trees are four feet in diameter, and forty
feet clear vf litnbs.

A few years fince, this country abounded with large herds of
wild cattle, improperly called buffaloes ; but the improvident
or ill-dilpofcd among tJie firft lettlers have deffroyed multitudes
of them out of mere wantoanefs ; they are ftill to be found on
fome of the fouth branches Ok Cumberland river. Elk, or moolc,
are feen in many places, chiefiy among the mountains. The
deer are become comparatively fcarce, lo that no perfon makes
a bufinefs of hunting them for their flcins only. Enough of bears
and wolves yet remain. Beavers and otters are caught in
plenty in the upper branches of Cumberland and Kentucky
rivers.

They have pheafants, patridges or quails, and turkies in
abundance through the year. During the winter their waters
are covered with fwnns, wild geclc, brant and duck. Cat-
fifh have been caught in thofe rivers that weighed above
one hundred pounds, and perch that u'cighed above twenty
pounds.

'I'he mammoth appears to have been an inhabitant of this
country, vis his bones have been dug up by LLourcrs at Camp-
bell's Salines, on North-Holflein, when finking fait pits,
they were from three to leven feet below the furface of the
earth,

Campbell's falines are the only ones that have yet been dilco-
vered on the upper branches of the Tenneffee and on this fide
the wildernefs, though great fearch has been made for them*
The iraft which contains thefe falines is a great natural curiofity ;
it was difcovered by Captain Charles Campbell about 1745,
who was one of the firft explorers of the wc/lern country. In
1753, he procured a patent for it from the governor of Vir-
ginia. His fon the late General William Campbell, who behav-
ed fo gallantly in the American war in the years I780 and 1781,
became owner of it on his death, liut it was tioL till the liiiic

0¥ THE TERRITORY S. 0 F OHIO. ?^i

<5f his death,- when fait was very fcarcc and dear, that Hilt water
was difcovered, and fait matie by a poor man ; fincethat time,
Vnder the difeftion of Colonel Arthur Campbell, it has been
improved to a tonfiderable extent, and many thoufands of
inhabitants are fupplied from it with fait of a fuperior quality, and
at a low price. The traft Gonfifts of about three hundred acres
of flat mirfh land, of as rich a foil as can be imagined ; in this flat,
pits are funk in order to obtain the fait water ; the bcfl is found from
thirty to forty feet deep. After pafTing through the rich foil or mud,
from fix to ten feet, you come to a very brittle lime-flone rock, with
cracks or chalms, through which the fait water iffues into the pits,
whence it is drawn bv buckets and put into the boilers, which are
placed in furnaces adjoining th-e pits. The hills that furround this
flat are covered with fine timber, and not far diflant a coal mine
has been difcovered.

On Frank river, about thirty miles in a dijeft line from its
mouth, a large, clear, medicinal fpring has lately been difcovered,
which, on experiment, has been found to relieve various com-
plaints of the human body; its temperature rather exceeds
blood heat.

On the fame river, nearer its mouth, a valuable lead mine has
been difcovered.

On the banks of the Holflein arc manv mines of iron ore^
of the bcfl kind, lome of which have been opened and worked
to advantage, and enough tnight be made to fupply the whole
weflern country ; thefe mines are the mod valuable, as there is
laid to be none of this ore near the MilTiflippi, and very little
north of the Ohio.

Up the Pliwadee river, in the mountains on the fouth fide, a
mine has been dilcovered and ore taken, from which, it i-s faid,
gold was extraftedby an artift, while the Britifli were in poflTef-
fi ' 1 of Georgia : it is certain, that but few Indians know the fpo£
and thofe who do are very anxious to keep it a fecret : the gen-
tleman who gave this information has been within view of the
place. The mountain is very high and barren, and has feveral
of the appearances defcribed by minerahfts. The difcoverv
was made by means of the river undermining the bafe of a
large cliff or fpur of the mountain, which occafioned a great
column of the eartli or rock to tumble into the^ w^t^ : this
difrupture difcovered the vein of yellow n^e|^ ,^^., a, great
depth.

232 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

CIVIL DIVISIONS AND CHIEF TOWNS.

This territory is divided into two diftrifts. each of which is
again divided into counties as follows:

WASHINGTON DISTRICT,

Wafliingtonj Greene, South, of French

Sullivan, Hawkins, Broad.

RIERO DISTRICT,

Davidfon, Sumner, Tenneffec.

The chief towns are Nafliville and Abingdon.

NASHVILLE ,

This is the fhire town of Davidfon county, and is the largeft
town in the t:rrtiory. The courts are hold here ; it has two
houfes *"o' public wnrfhip, and a handlomely endowed academy,
cftablifhcd'in 17B6.

AEINCDON.

Abingdon is the county town of Wafhington county : it con«
tained in 1788 r.bout twenty houics. and was rnpidlv increahng :
it is about two hundred and fixty miles from Richmond in
Virginia, in a direft line, and three hundred and ten as the
road runs, bearing a little to the fouth of weft latitude
36" 30'.

ROADS.

The following are the diftances on the new road from Nafh-
ville. in Davidfon county, to Fort Campbell, near the junftion
of Holftein river with the TennefTee.

Miles. Miles .

From Nafhville to Stony

river

9

Smith's creek

6

Big fpring

6

Concv river

1 1

Cedar lick

4

Mine lick

9

Little fpring

-

6

Falling creek

9

Barton's creek

-

4

War path

7

Spring creek

-

5

Bear creek

18

Martin's fpring

-

5

Camp creek

8

Blair's fpring

-

5

King's fpring

16

Buck fpring

-

12

Grovct's creek

7

Fountaines

8

OF THE TERRITORY S. 0 F OHIO.

233

Miles.
From foot of Cumberlaml

mountain - 2

Through the mountain
to Emmery's river, a
brancli of the Pclcfon 1 1
To the Pappa ford of the
Peleion or Clinch ri-
ver - 12

Total 635
By this new road, a pleafant pafTage may be had to the wef-
tern country with carriages, as there will be only the Cumber-
land mountain to pifs, and that is eafy of afcent : and be-
yond it, the road is generally level and firm, abounding with
line fprings of water.

Miles.

To Campbell-

's flation.

near Holflein

10

To the Great

ifland

100

To Abingdon

in Wafh-

ington county

35

To Richmond

in Virgi-

nia

310

POPULATION.

In 1765, there were but about ten families fettled weft of
the Kanhawa, io many had joined them in 1773, that the
fcttlement was erefted into a county, and in 1776, agjin fubdi-
vided into three. — In 1788, the number of inhabitants was
reckoned at forty thoufand : they mufi: have greatly increafed
fifice that period — the following is the return made by the
governor in 1791

Vnr. 111.

11

GENERAL DE:JC RIPTION

WASHINGTON DISTRICT.

3

ji s

"a

r3

a. .

COUNTIES.

• - a
J! S

E •

u

4J
U

■5
0

<

•2

vv aihiugLoa

iCO

179-:

25 '-^-1

1 -

535

1 5872

Sulivan - . _

8o(

124:'

1990

107

297

1 4447]

Greene _ _ _

1 aqc

237-!

3580

AO

454

7741

Hawkins - - .

120d

197G

2921

68

807

6970

South of French "1

68 1

108-

1(127

6r

163

3619

Broad J

4qO''-i

8.160

1 26/17

20'

OOfif^

'.0864Q

MERO

DIST]

IICT.

i^\t\iaioil _ - -

^3_)

«V.

1 ii8»

lb

^•0 9

'3459

Sumner - - -

40-1

,5«^-

854

8

34^

219(1

renneffee

2 36

380

576

42

15-:'

1387

197R

1817

0718

68

1 1 6 1

7042

To this return the following note was perfixed : There are
feveral captains who have not as yet returned the fcheaules of
the numbers of their diftrifts, namely ; — in Greene county,
tliree — in Davidfon, one — and South of Ftench Broad, one dil-
tria.

Thougii it is manifeft the deficiency in this return is great,
yet we have not fufficlent data to determine it, but we may rea-
fonably fuppofe the prcfent number of inhabitants to exceed fixty
thouiand.

In 1788, the militia of this di{lri61 amounted to between feven
and eight thoufand ell'eStive men, who were principally armed
with rifles. It is fuppofed that their number is increafed to
nearly double fince that period.

RELIGION AND CHARACTER.

The Prefbvterians are the prevailing denomination of Chrif-
tians in this diibitl : they have a Frefoytery, called the Abing-
toa rrelbytery, eflabliflied by aft of fynod, which, in 1788,

OF THE TE R R ITO RY S. OF OHIO.

235

confided of twenty three laige congrcgntlons, ^vho were then
lupplied by oulv fix muiifleis. There are a-Uo forne of the
B.'iptifts and Meihodifl. denominations.

I'he inhabitants of this diflrifl emigrated chiefly from Penn-
fylvania, and that part of Virginia which li(;s weft of the Blue
ridge. The anceflors of thcfe people were generally of the Scotch
nation, lome of wlvom emigrated firft to Ireland, and from thence
to Ameiica. A few Germans and Englifh are intermixed. The
proportion of tlie wliitcs to the blacks in this diilritl, judging
from the foregoing imperfctl cenfus, is as ten to one. In i-jSB
it was thought there wcie twenty white pcrfons to one negro.
The creftion of this territory into a leparale governmcul, it is
believed, will tend to lefifen the negro population.

"fhr.vc is nothing in the charafter of this- people that dillJn-
gu fli' J liicTH fiom the fcttlers of nev/ countries in general.
Among the bulk of the inhabitants a great fimplicity of ni<;nneis
prevails ; duplicity, or the etiquette of cities and populous plac-
es, is unknown among thern. If a man deceives another, he is
deemed and called a liar ; and it frequently happens that " a
bloody nole" is the confequence. Wreflling, jumping, runnir.g
foot races, and playing at ball, are the common diveifions.
Dancing is coming into fafhion. Card playing is a rare amuicm.ent
The hunting fiiiit is flill worn by the militia on duty, and by-
hunters in purfuit of game. At home, and at public alfeniblies,
they drefs like the Virginians.

Great was the damage fuflained by the inhabitants of this coun-
try during the war, occafioned by the incurfions of the Indians ;
and it is much to their honour, that when they were offered pro-
teftion by the Eritifl-"., in the early ftage of the war, thev nobly
rcfuied it,

C O iM M E R C E.

As the waters of the Cumbeiland from NaOiville, and of this
Tennellee from the jVIufcle fnoals to the Ohio, are navigable to
the Ohio an MifTiiTippi, the people of cnurfe, who live in the
interior of the country, have the fame advantages of water con-
veyance for trade, as thofc who live on the Oiuo or M'^flTinipp!,
to New Oi leans or ellewhere.

Befides, there is another probable avenue through which tr^ds
will be carried on with this country, which is from Mobile up
the waters of the Mobile river as far as it is navigable, thence by
a land carriage of about fifty miles, at moft, to Ocociisppo creek,

H a 2

2i8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

which empties into the Tcmieiree at the lower end of the Mufcle
fhoals. The mouth of this creek is the center of a piece of
ground, the diameter of which is five miles, ceded by the fouth-
ern Indians at the treaty of Hopwell, on Keowee, to the Unit-
ed States, for the eftabltfhment of trading pods.

This country furnifhes many valuable articles of export, fuch
as fine waggon and faddle horfes, beef, cattle, ginfeng, deer
fkins and furs, cotton, hemp, and flax, which may be tranf-
ported by land ; alfo iron, lumber, poik, and flour, which
might be exported in great quantities, if the navigation of the
Miflifiippi were opened ; but there are few of the inhabitants
who underfliand commerce, or are pofl^effed of proper capitals ;
of courfe it is badly managed : land jobbing engrollcs too much
of the attention of the inhabitants. The degraded ftate of com-
merce has rendered neceflary a general attention to home manu-
faftures : and it is to be hoped that the eyes of the people will
foon be opened to their true intereft, and agriculture, commerce
and manufaftures, each receive proper attention.

LEARNING AND LITERATURE.

The inhabitants of this diftrift have not been inattentive to
the interefts of fcience. An academy and leveral grammar
fchools have been eft;abliflied ; and a fociety, who fliile them-
felves, " A Society for promoting Ufeful Knowledge :" it is of
modern date, but much good is expelled from it. A tafle for
literature is increafing among them.

The government is funilar to that eflablifhed by Congrefs in
the territory of the United States, north-weft of tlie Ohio. The
governor is the executive, and, in his abfencc, the locretary, and
the governor and three judges the legillative power in ti^e dif-
trift.

Ihe public reventie amounts to about five cr fix thoufand
pounds, r^ifed chiefly by a tax on ilaves, lands, and horlcs.

INDIANS.

The Indian tribes, within and in the vicinity of this diftrift,
are the Cherokees and Chicafaws. The Cherokees have been a
warlike and numerous nation ; but by continual wars, in which
it has been their deftiny to be eng;iged with the north-
ern Indian tribes, they were reduced, at ihc commencement of

OF THE TERRITORY S. OF OHIO

'37

the la ft war, to about two ihinilancl fighting men; fince which
they hav-^e been leduced mote than one lialf, and have become
weak and puhihmimous.

The Chicafav/s, of all the Indian tribes within thclirnits of the
United States, merit the moft from the Americans, having at all
times maintained a brotherly attachment to them : they glory in
faying, that they never Hied the blood of an Anglo-American.
There is fo great an affinity between the Chicafaw and Cho6law
languages, that the common people can converfe together, each
fpcaking in his own dialed. They are a perfonable people, and
have an opcnnefs in their countenances and behaviour, uncom-
mon among favages. Thefc nations fay, they are the remnant
of a great nation that once lived far to the weft, which was
deftroyed by the Spaniards, for whom they ftill retain an here-
.ditary hatred. Would it not be the policy of Congrefs to treat
with thefe nations ? and might not a reciprocal friendfhip be
mutually fcrviceable to the Union and the Indians ?

STATE OF

S O U T H-G A R O L I N A.

SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES.

T,

HIS State is fituated between 32° and 33*^ norlli latitude,<<
and 4^^ and g'^ weft longitude from Philadelphia. lis lengthy
is two hundred miles, and its breadih ore hundred and twenty-;
five. It is bounded on the north by North-Carolina, on the:
eaft by the Atlantic ocean, on the fcuth-wcft and louth b)''
Savannah river, and a branch of irs head waters called
Tugulo river, which faid rivers divide it from tlie State of
Georgia.*

C L I M ATE.

The climate of this State is different in different parts : along
the fea coaft, billious dileafes, and fevers of various kinds,

* The boundary line dividing the two States of South-Carolina and Georgia
was long the fubjeft of controverfy ; the former claiming the lands lying be-
tween the North-Carolina line, and a line to run due well from the mouth of
Tugulo and Keowe# river ; the latter contended that the iource of Keowee river
■was to be confidcred as the head of Savannah river.

For the purpofe of fettling this controverfy, commiffianers were appointed io
April 1787, by the contending S'.atcs, veiled with full powers to determine the
controverted boundary, which they fixed as follow;; :

" The moft nolhcrn branc'i or ftream of the river Savannali, from the fca or
mouth of fuch flream, to the fork or confluence of tl-.e rivers now called Tugulo
and Keowee, and from thence the moft northern branch or ftream of the faid river
Tugulo, till it intcrfefts the nothern boundary line of South-Carolina, if the faid
branch of Tugulo extend fo far north, rcfcrvingall the iflands in ilie_faid rivers Sa-f
vannah and Tugulo t o Georgia ; but if the faid branch or ftream of Tugulo docs not
extend to the north boundary line of South-Carolina, then a weft line to the Mif-
fiffippi to be drawn from the head fpring or fourcc of the faid branch of TuguV
lo river, which extends to the highcft northern latitude, fhall for ever hereafter
form the feparation, limit and boundary J^ctwccn the States of South-Carolijijl
^nd Georgia.''

GENERAL DESCRIPTION, &c. 239

are prevalent between July and Oftober. The probability of
dying is much greater between the 20th of June and the 20th
cf Oftober, than in the other eight months in the year.

One c;iure of-thefe difeafes is, a low marfliy country, which
is overflowed for the fake of cultivating rice. The exhala-
tions ftom thcfe ftagnatcd waters, from the rivers and from
tic neighbouring ocean, and tlie profufe perfpiration of vege.
tables of all kinds, which cover the ground, fill the air with
moifture : this moifl;ure falls in frequent rains and copious
dews. From aftual obfervation it has been found that the
average annual fall of rain for ten years was forty-two inches;
without regarding the moifture that fell in fogs and dews.
The great heat of the day relaxes the body, and the agreeable
coolnefs of the evening invites to an expolure to thcfe heavy
dews.

The difagreeable efFefts of this climate, experience has prov-
ed, might in a great mealure be avoided by tliofe inhabitants^
whofe circumftances will admit of their removal from the
neighbourhood of the rice fwamps to healthier fituations, dur-
ing the months of July, Auguft, September, and Oftober ; and
in the worft fituations, by temperance and care. Violent
cxercife on horfcback, but chiefly, expofure to the meridian
1 lys of the fun, fiidden fhowers of rain, and the night air, are
too frequently the caufes of fevers and other diforders. Would
the fportfman deny themfelves, during the fall months, their
favourite amufcments of hunting and liPuing, or confine them-
felves to a very few hours, in the morning or evening ; would
the induftrions planter vifit his fields only at the fame hours ;
or would the pooier clafs of people pay due attention to their
manner of living, and obferve the precautions recommended
to them by men of knowledge and experience, much ficknefs
and many difhreffing events might be prevented. The
upper country, fituated in the medium between extreme
heat and cold, is as heahhful as any part of the United
States.

FACE OF THE COUNTRY, SEA COAST, &c.

The whole State, to the diflance of eighty miles from the
fea, is level, and almoft without a ftone. In this, diftance, by
a gradual alccnt from the fea coaft, the land rifcs about one
hundred and ninety feet. Here, if you proceed in a \V. N. W.
courfe from Charlefton commences a curioufly uneven country,
prelenting a profpeft iumething like that of a high fwcUing lea.

«40 GENERAL DESCRIPTION,

formed by a prodigious number of finall fand hills. Some lit-
tle herbage, and a few fniall pines grow, even on this foil.
The inhabitants are but few, and have but a fcanty fubfiflcnce
on corn and fweet potatoes, which grow her£ tolerably well.
This curious country continues for fixty miles, till you arrive
at a place called the Ridge, one hundred and forty miles from
Charleflon. This ridge is a remarkable tra£l of high ground, as
you approach it from tjie, fea, but level as vou advance north-
weft from its fummit. It is a fine high, healthy belt of land,
vv'ell watered, and of a good foil, and extends from the Sa-
vannah to Broad river, in about 6** 30' wefl longitude from
Philadelphia. Beyond this ridge commences a country exa£lly
relembling the northern States. Here hills and dales, with all
their verdure and variegated beauty, prefent themfelves to the
eye. Wheat fields, which are rare in the low country, begin
to be common. Here Heaven has bellowed its blofhng with
a mofh bounteous hand. The air is much more temperate and
healthful than nearer the fea. The hills are covered with valua.
ble woods ; the vallies watered with beautiful rivers, and the
fertility of the foil is equal to every vegetable produftion.
This, by way of diflinftion, is called the Upper Country,
where are different modes and different articles of cultivation ;
v/hcre the manners of the people, and even their language, have
a different tone. The land ftill rifes by a gradual alcent ; each
fucceeding hill overlooks that which immediately precedes it,
till, having advanced two hundred and twenty miles in a north-
weft direftion from Charlefton, the elevation of the land above
the fea coaft is found to be eight hundred feet. Here a moun-
tainous country commences with the Tryon and Hogback 'moun-
tains ; the elevation of which, above their bafe, is three thou"
fand eight hundred and forty feet, and above the fea coaft four thou-
fand fix hundred and forty. From the top of thefe mountain*
there is an exlcnfive view of this State. North-Carolina, and
Georgia: and as no objeft intervenes to obffruft the view, a'
man with telefcopic eyes might dilccrn vcffels at fea. The
mountains weft and north-weft rife much higher than thefe,
and form a ridge which divides the waters of Tenneffec and
Santee rivers.

. This State is watered by four large navigable rivcis, bcfides a
great number of fmallcr ones, which arc jialuiLle in boats.
The river Savannah waflies it in its whole length from fouth-
eaft to north-well. The Edifto rifcs in two branchfcs fiom a
remarkable ridge in the interior part of the State. Thefe
branches unite below Orangcburgh, which ftandt on the North

OF SOUTH-CAROLINA. 241

Fork, and Ediflo river, which, having palled from Jack-
foiifburgh, leaving it on the fonth, branches and embraces Ediflio
illand.

Santee is the largeft and longeft river in this State : it empties
into tlic ocean by two mouths, a little foutli of George-town.
About one hundred and twenty miles in a direft line from its
mouth, it branches into the Congaree and Waterec ; the latter
or nortliern branch pallcs the Catabaw nation of Indians, and
bears the name of the Catabaw river froin this fettlement to its
fource. The Congaree branches into Saluda and Broad rivers.
Broad river again branches into Enorce, Tygcr and Pacolet
rivers, on the latter of which are the celebrated Pacolet
fprings.

Pedee river rifes in North-Carolina, v/here it is called Yad-
kin river : in this State, however, it takes the name of
Pedee *, and, receiving the waters of Lynche's creek, Little
Pedee, and Black river, it joins the Wakknmaw river, neaj-
George-town. Thcfe united ftreams, with the acceffion of a
Im.ill creek, on which George-town fhands, from Winyaw
bay, which, about twelve miles belov/, communicates with
the ocean. All thele rivers, Eclifto exrepted, rife from va-
rious fources in that ridge of mountains which divides the
waters which flow into the Atlantic ocean, from thole which
fall into the Miihirippi.

The rivers of a Iccondary fize, as y<^" pafs from north to
fouth, are Wakkamaw, Black river, Cooper, Alhcpoo, and
Combahee. Thefc rivers afford, to the proprietors of tlieir
banks, a confiderable. quantity of tide Iwamp or rice land,
flooded from the rivers, except in extraordinary droughts.
In the third clals are comprehended thofe rivers which
extend but a fliort diflnnce from the ocean, and fervc, by
branching into nu\nberlcis creeks, as drains to take ofi the
quantity of rr.in water ■which comes down from the large
inland Iwamps ; or are merely arms of the fea ; of this kind
are Aflilcy, Stono, Coofaw, Broad, Colleton, May, New, and
Right's rivers. The tide, in no part of this State, flows more
than twenty five miles from the iea.

A compxmy has been incorporated for the purpofe of conneft-
ing Cooper and Santee rivers by a canal of twenty-one miles in
length. The lum fuppofed to be necelTary to complete this ex-
tenlive work is fifty-five thoufand fix hundred and twenty
pounds fl;crling. Twenty-five per cent, arc allowed by the legif-
lature in tolls for all monies advanced by ftockholders. The ad-

VOL. Ill 1 i

ii2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

X'antage of a canal at this place, to one who infpcfls a map of the
Carolinas, muft appear to be great, both to the public and to the
.proprietors.

The only harbours of note are thofe of Charleflon, Port Royal,
a!id George-town. Charlefton harbour is I'paciuus, convenient*
and fafe : it is formed by the junftiou of A fl) ley and Cooper
fivers : its entrance is guarded by fort Johnfon. Twelve miles
from the city is a bar, over which are four channels ; one by the
name of Ship Channel, has eighteen feet water ; another fixteen
and a half; the other two are for fmaller velTels. The tides rife
irom five to eight feef. Port Royal has an excellent harbour,
of fufhcient extent to contain the largelt fleet in the world.

The bar at the entrance of Winyaw bay, which leads to
George-luwn, does not admit of veffcls drawing more than eleven
feet water ; and is, in many refpedls, a very dangesn^us place.
This circumftancc has proved injurious to ihe growth of George-
town, which is otherwile exceedingly well fituated for all the
purpofes of an extenfive trade.

The fea coafl is bordered with a chain of fine fea iflands,
around which the fea flows, opening an excellent inland naviga-
tion for the conveyauce of produce to market.

North of Charieflon harbour lie Bull's, Dewee's, and Sulli-
van's iilands, vvfhich form the north part of the harbour. James
ifland lies on the other fide of the harbour, oppoiite Charlefl;on,
containing about hfly families. Further louth-wef!; is John's
ifland, larger than James ; Stono river, which lorms a conveni-
ent and fafe harbour, divides thefe iflands. Contiguous to John's
ifland, and connctled with it by a bridge, isWadmelaw; eafl of
which are the Imall iflcs of Kcyway and Simmon. Between
thefe «nd Kdifl^o ifland is N. Edifto inlet, which alfo affords a
good harbour for vclfels ofcary<tiart of water. South of Ediflo
ifland is S. P^diflo inlet, throvioh wliich enter, from the
northward, all the velfels bound to Beaufort, x\ilK:poOj Comba-
hee and Coolaw.

On the foutli-wcfl; fide of St. Helena ifland lies a clufl:cr of
iflands, one of tlie largell of which is Port Royal, Adjacent to
Port Royal lie St. Helena, Ladies ifland, Paris ifland, and the
Hunting iflands, five or lix in number, bordering on the ocean,
io called from the number of deer and other wild game found up-
on them. All ihele iflands, and fomc ol hers of Icfs n<;t'.", belong
to St. Helena parifi).

Crolling Broad liver, you come to Hilton Head, the mofl
fouthern lea ifland in Carolina. Well and fouth-wefl; of Hilton
Head lie Picknoy's, Bull's, Dawfuflcie's, and iornc iinailer iflands,

CF SOUTH-CAROL I N A. o.a^

between which anJ HiUon Ilend are Calibogie river and
fuundj which Form the oullet of May and New rivers.

SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS.

The foil of this State may he divided into four kinds ; firn;, the
pine barren, which is valuable only for its timber. Intcrfperfed
among the pine barren are trafts of land free of timber, and every
kind of growth but that of grafs. Thefe trafts are called favaii.
nahs, confiituting a fccond kind of foil, good for grazing. The
third kind is that of the fwamos and low grounds on the
rivers, which is a mixture of black Icam and fal clay, producing
naturally canes in great plent)', cyprels, bays, loblolly pines, &c.
In thcle fwamps rice is cultivated, which conftitutcs the ftaple
commodity of the Slate, The high lands, commonly knov/n by
the name of oak and hiccory lands, conftitute the fourth kind of
foil. The natural growth is oak, hiccory, walnut, pine, and lo-
cuft. On thefe lands, in the low country, Indian corn is princi-
pally cultivated ; and in the back country, befides this, they raife
tobacco ijj large quantities, wheat, rye, barley, oats, hemp, flax,
cotton, and filk.

There is little fruit in this State, efpecially in the lower parfs
of it. The oranges are chiefly four; figs are plenty; a few
limes and lemons, pomegranates, pears, and peaches, apples are
fcarce, and are imported from the northern States. Melons,
elpecially the water melon, are raifed here in great perfec-
tion.

The river fwamps, in which rice can be cultivated wit'i any
tolerable degree ofiafety and fuccefs, do not extend higher up
the rivers than the head of the tides ; and in eftimating the va-
lue of this fpe nes of rice land, the height which the tide riles is
taken into confideration, thole lying where it riles to a proper
pitch for overflowing the fwamps being the mofl: valuable. The
bed inland fwamps, wl??ch conflitute a fecond fpecies of rice
land, are fuch as are furnifhed with refervoij s of water. Thefe
refervoirs are formed byme^nscf large banks thrown up at the
upper parts of the iwamps, v.'hcnce it is conveyed, svhen needed
to the fields of rice.

The foil on the i.lands is generally better adapted to the culture
of indigo than the main, and lels fuited to rice : cotton grows ve-
ry well upon them. The natural growth ist'iclive oak, which is
fo excellent for fhip timber, and the palmetto or cabbage tree,
the utility of which, in the condruction of forts, wa* experienced
during the late war,

li2

244 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

At the diflance of about one hundred and ten miles from the
fea, the river fwamps terminate, and the high lands extend quite
to the rivers, and form banks, in lome places, leveral hundred
feet above the furfacc of the water, and afford many extenfive
and delightful views. Thele high banks are interwoven with
lavers of leaves and different coloured earth, and abound with
quarries of 1 ree-ftone, pebbles, flint, chryftals, iron ore in abun-
dance, filver, lead, fulphur, and coarfe diamonds.

The fwamps above the head of the tide are occafionally plant-
ed with corn, cotton, and indigo. The foil is very richj yield-
ing from forty to fifty bufhels of corn an acre.

It is curious to oblerve the gradations from the fea coalxto
the upper country, with refpcct to the pn»duce, the mode of
cultivation, and the cultivators. On the iflands, upon he lea
coafl, and for forty or fifty miles back, and on the rivers much
farther, the cultivators are all flaves. No white man, to Ipeak
generally, ever thinks of feltling a farm and improving it for
himielf without negroes. If he has no negroes, he hires himiclf
as overicer to lome rich planter, who has more than he can or
will attend to, till he can purchale for himielf. The articles
cultivated are corn and potatoes, which with the fmall rice, are
food for the negroes ; rice, indigo and cotton, for exportation.
The culture of this fall article is capable of being mcrealcd equal
to almofh any demand. The foil was cultivated, till lately,
almofl wholly by manual labour. The plougli, till lince the
peace, was Icarcely uled ; now, the plough and harrow and
other improvements are introduced into the nee fwamps with
great fucccfs, and will no doubt become general. In the mid-
dle iettlements, negroes are not lo numerous ; the mafher attends
perlonally to his own bufinels. The land is not properly
lituated for rice : it produces moderately good indigo weed,
and lome tobacco is railed for exportation. The farmer is
contended to raife corn, potatoes, oats, rye, poultry, and a
little wheat. In the upper country, there are but few negroes •
generally ipeaking, the farmers have none, and depend, like
the inhabitants of the northern States, upon the labour of them-
felves and families for lubfiftence ; the plough is uled almoll
wholly. Indian corn in great quantities, wheat, rye, potatoes
&c. are railed for food, and much tobacco and lome wheat,
cotton and indigo, for exportation.

Rice ground is prepared only by efteftually fecuring it from
the water, except lome higher parts of it, which are lometimes

OF SOUTH'CARO LIMA. 245

dug up with a hoe, or mellowed by a plough or harrow. When
the rice is young, the overflowing of the water does not prc\'cnt
its growth. Tliofe who have water in rcferve, commonly let
it in upon their rice, after firft going through with tlic hoe,
while it is young, though it is deemed bcft to keep out the
grafs by the hoe only. The water is commonly kept on the
rice eiuht or ten days after hoeing. When the ear is formed,
the water is continued on till it is ripe ; it is hoed three or four
times. When the grals is very thick, a negro cannot hoe more
tlian one fixtcenth of an acre in a day. From three pecks to a
bufhcl is fown on an acre. It produces from fifty to eighty
bufhels of rough rice an acre ; one hundred and twenty buflicls
of rough rice have been produced on one acre ; twenty bufhels
of which make about five hiindred pounds, or eight and a
quarter bufhels clean rice for market. After it is threflicd, it
is winnowed, and then ground in a mill, conftrufted of two
blocks in a fimple manner ; then winnowed by a fan conflrufted
for that purpole, then beat in a mortar by hand, or, now gene-
rally, by horfe or water machines, then fiftcd, to feparate the
whole rice from that which is broken and the flour. The whole
rice is then barrelled in cafks of about five hundred pounds, or
eight and a quarter bufhels. The Imall rice ferves for provi-
fions, and the flour for provender, the chaff for manure, and
the ftraw for fodder. The blade is green and frcfh while the
ear is ripe. The price is in the general from nine fhillings and
four-pence, to ten fhillings and fix-pence a hundred ; reckoning
the dollar at four fhillings and eight-pence.

CIVIL DIVISIONS.

The proprietors who firft fent fettlers to Carolina, divided it
into counties and parifhes. The counties were generally named
after the proprietors. No county courts, however, tvere efla-
blifhed, and this divifion, though for a long time kept up
in the province, became in a great meaiure obiclcte, previous
to the revolution : fince the revolution, county courts have
been efl;ablifhed, and the State is now divided into diflritls and
counties, and the counties are fubdividcu ; in the lower country
into pariflies, and in the upper country into Imaller or voting
diflritls.

There are fevcn principal diftricts, in which are contained
thirty-five counties, as follows :

2^5 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

DEAUFOnX DISTRICT.

On the fca coafl; between Combatee and Savannah rivers,
Hilton, Lincoln, Granville.

Shrewfbury,

CHARLESTON DISTRICT,

Between Santee and Combahee rivers.
Charlefton, Marion, Colleton,

Wafhington, Berkeley, Bartholomew.

GEORGE-TOWK DITRICT.

Between Santee river and North-Carolina.
Wcnyah, Kingflon, Liberty.

\\''illiamfburgh,

ORANCEBURGH DISTRICT,

• Weft of Beaufort Diftrift.
Louifburgh, Lexington, Vv'inton^

Orange,

CA:.fDEl>' DISTRICT,

Well of George-Town Diftri£i.
Clarendon, Clermont, York,

Richland, Lancafter, . Chefter^

Fairfield,

CHERAWS DISTRICT,

Weft of George-Town Diftrift.
Malborough, Chefterfield, Darlington,

NINETY-SIX DISTRICT,

Comprehending all the other parts of the State.
Abberville, Union, Grenville,

Edgefield, Laurens, Pendleton,

Newbury, Spartcnburgh,

The committee appointed by the zCi of AiTembly to divide
the diftrifts into counties, were to lay them as nearly forty
miles fquare as was prafticable, due regard being paid to fitua-
tions, natural boundaries, &c.

OF SOUTH. CAROLINA. 247

CHIEF TOWNS.

CHARLESTON.

Cliaik'fton is the only confidcrable town in South-Carolina :
it .is {ituatexl on the tongue of land which is formed by the
confluence of AfhJey and Cooper rivers, which are large and
navigable. Thefc rivers mingle their waters immediately below
the town, and form a luacious and convenient harbour, which
communicates with the ocean juft below "Sullivan's ifland: which,
it leaves on the north, feven miles louth-eafh of the town. In
lliefe rivers the tide rifes, in common about fix feet and
a half.* The continued agitation which this occafions in the
waters which alin<jft (urround Charleflon : the refrcfhing fea
breezes which are regularly felt, and the fmoke rifing from fo
many chimneys, render Charlellon more healthy than any part
of the low country in the fouthern States. On this account it
is the reiort of great numbers of gentlemen, invalids from the
Weft-India iflands, and of the rich planters from the country,
who come here to fpend the fickly months, as they are called,
in queft of health and of the focial enjoyments which the city
affords ; and in no part of America are the focial blefTings en-
joyed more rationally and liberally than in Charlefton. UnafFeft-
ed holpitality, affability, eafe in manners and addrefs, and a
difpofition to make their guefts welcome, ealy, and pleafed with
themfelves, are charafteriftics of the relpeftable people in
Charlefton.

The land on which the town is built is flat and low, and the
water brackifh and unwholefome. The ftreets from caft to v/eft
extend from river to river, and, running in a ftraight line, not
only open beautiful prolpefts each way, but afi'ord excellent
opportunities, by means of fubtcrraneous drains, for removing
all nuifanccs, and keeping tlie cily clean and healthy. Thete
ftreets are interlefted bv others, nearly at right angles, and
throw the town into a number of iquares, with dwelling houfes
in front, and office houfes and little gardens behind. Soinc of the
ftreets are convenienilv wide, but moft of them are much too
narrow, cipecially for fo populous a city, in fo warm a clim.ate,
Befidcs their being a nurfery for various dilealcs from their con_
fined lituation, they have been found extremely inconvenient in

* It is worthy of remark, that rhe tide uniformly rjfos conHdcrably higher in
the night than in the day; often from ten to twelve inches. The faft is certain;
the caufc is UHl<ao\va,

S48 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

cafe of fires, the deftruftive effefts of which have been fre-
quently felt in this city. The houfes, which have been lately
built, are brick, with tiled roofs. Some of the buildings in
Charicflon are elegant, and mod of them are neat, airy, and well
furniflied. The public buildings are, an exchange, Hate houfe
lately rebuilt, armoury, poor houfe, two large churches fo^
Eoifcopalians, two for CongregaHonalifls, or Independents, one
for Scotch .Prefbyterians, one for Baptifts, one for German Luthe-
rans, two for the Mefehodifts, a large houfe for worfhip being
lately finifiicd by them, one for French Frotcflants, befidcs a
meeting houfe for Quakers, a Roman Catholic Chapel, and a
Jewifh fynagogue.

But littte attention is paid to the public markets. A great
proportion of the m9ft wealthy inhabitants have plantations,
from which they receive (applies of almoft every kind of pro-
vifion. The country abounds with poultry and wild ducks: their
beef, mutton, and veal, are not of the bell kind. Few fifli are
brought to market.

In 1787, it was computed that there was one thoufand fix
hundred houles in this city, nine thoufand fix hundred white
inhabitants, and five thouland four hundred negroes ; and what
evinces the healthinefs of the place, upwards of two hundred
of the white inhabitants were above fixty years of age. ' In 1791,
there were fixteen thoufand three hundred and fifty nine inha-
bitants, of whom leven thoufand fix hundred and eighty-four
were flavcs.

Charlefton was incorporated in 1783, and divided into thir-
teen wards, which chuie as many wardens, from among whom
the citizens cleft an intcndent of the city. The intendant and
wardens form the city council, who have power to make and
enforce bv-laws for the regulation of the city.

BEAU FORT.

Beaufort on Port Royal illand, is a plcafant little town, of
about fixty or leventy houles, and two hundred and fifty inha-
bitants, who are diftiiiguiflied for their holpitality and politencls.
The courts wliich were furincrly held here, are now held at
Coolaw hate hie.

GEORGE-TOWN.

This town, the feat of juftitc in George -town diilrift, fi:!ind»
on a Ipot of land near the j.unftion of a number of rivers, which,
when united in one broad Itream, by the name of Winyaw, fall
into the ocean twelve miles below the town.

CF SOUTN-CAROIINA. 549

COLUMBIA.

Coiumbia, whicli lias lately been made the feat of govern-
ment by the legifldiure, ftands juft below the junftion of Saluda
and Broad riv'^ers on the Congaiee. The public ofRcers have,
however, in fome iiiilances been divided, for the accommodation
of the inhabitants of the l'j\ycr counties, and a branch of each
retained in Chailellon.

CAWDEN.

Camden, on the Wateree, north-weft of Santee hills, one
hundred and thirty miles north-weft from Charlefton, is regu-
larly built, upon a good plan ; but a fmall part of it is yet
executed.

?URYSBURGU.

Puryfburgh is a hilly village, about twenty miles above Sa-
■. annah, on the north bank of the river of the fame name. It
■was early fettled by foreigners, with a view to the culture of
filk, which for a while they attended to with fpirit. The
mulberry trees are yet ftanding, and fome attention is ftill paid
to the making of this article : but the profits of the rice and
indigo have diverted the original planters from almoft every other
purfuit. Befides thefe, are Jackfonborough, Orangeburgh, and
Cambridge, which are all inconfiderable villages of from thirty
^o fixty dwelling houfes.

POPULATION.

According to the cenfus of 1791, the number of inhabitants
in this State was as follows :

Vol, lU, K k

H9

GENERAl DESCRIPTION,
GEORGE-TOWN DISTPaCT.

COUNTIES

A K »

PARISHES.

1 ^

,

<i

"-t- .0

c

C ^3

3

Cj

p..

t 3

C .

£

~ "S

.t^ c

^

^ »

;s V.O

is

^

.

t is

0

i;

li; •'■

<

CO

Prince George's do.
i*rineeFrederick'sdo.

1 Oj

'34.5
007

10
1450

--:V

80
3-

6651

4b8;.-,

91 -

y->9'

— ,r-

?.]!•'-

• 0 " ',

I 1 0

1 -; 1 0 !

CHERAWS DISTRICT.

ITotal,

V /

34 4^"

50 3220 10-706

CAMDEN DISTRICT.

ranhiid V_/uunty,
Chefter do. -
York do.
Ricliland do.
Clarendon do.
Claremont do.
Lancafter do.

133.

i4.e

133c

59'-'

4-44

517

1253

f'Qd 1

XH7,

1 6o-
l6l-
153:

8r^n

2920

148-

283.

47

93^'

0690

20

92.:

1173

1 4

143-/

830

^o:

ioc>o

2 1 1 c

207.

6^

137c

:;^fiO-

886.:

NINETY-SIX DISTRICT.

Eugehela Uouni\,
l^endleton do.
Spartanburgh do.
\bbeville do.
Lauren's do.
Grenville do.
Union do.
Newberry do.

- 3 3 -3

2CO7

1808

lOOj

1 qoo

1 .J 00

1500

199''
M9 73

••5 7'
253.-,

2 1 7 ,:,
1948
2270
X627

1 8ou
223:

■7 J (•>-,

4701
4i8f
38ot
3653

397^
28b 1

3121

39(1':

d03-4

3b ir

«3-i

86(-

166:

1 1 'A O

c 6o':

1 Q 8 1 1 o ' 0

OF SOUTH. CAROL IN A.
BEAUFORT DISTRICT.

-;^

A

.^

~ -r}

„ 0

rj

^

COUNTIES

g'o

E

a.

AND

C ^

V

PARISHES.

o =3
•- 'X3

4; 15

i-<

?>r

^

0

■5 «

•^

»;

tt-c

u

0

0

7i

0

'\,tA, - - - -

1266

^055

2043

i.>3

1. J 1.-3-

18753

ORANGEBURGH DISTRICT

r*-

s'oitii pail,
iouth do.

i78(

I 4 -

■A "Oil '-^171 ''O'O

27B:

21

45^9

SO'::!'

CHARLESTON DISTRICT.

St. I'hiiip's Pdiiih,
St. Michael's do.
St.Bai tholomew'sdo.
St.John's.Beikleyd,
St. George's, Dor- ")

chefter, do. - J
h. Steven's do.
it. James's, Santec. dc
St. Tliomas do. -
Jhrill Church do. -
St. James's, Goofe "I

Creek, do, - J
St. John's, Coile- ")

ton, do. - - J
St Andrew's do.
St. Paul's do.

^.^~

2810
625

2CC

8,

Mo
156

20 'J

1 2,.-
6;

c.r.o

1501
491

31'

A
I .

1 i c

13'''

7'^

371B

1017
33'
60.J

100
187

272
20 -

27^1

17'
1 o

58^

1 3;
60

31

7684

10338
,5170

302-

334-.
340,-

-377

-33'^

470.:
25 4^
3202

1 1 281

7 - 3 "

1851;

1^339

12606

5922

4299

2733

3797.
3836r

^954

2787

531-
2947
3433

(^6r R

SUMMARY OF rOFUTAT](;N.

VrColgc-Lo .» u ^ 111 lie;

Cheraws do.
Camden do. -
.^Jinety-Fix do. -
3eiufort do.
)r3nacburph do.
nujlcllon do. -

-35^-

^79
6941

497.'^
1 266

320 1

n06o

2j0

199.3
869.;

1 716,5
105.^;

3' 7'
3'7:

/" 01 1

12'' ' ■> O

344''
1 3607

30 3"--
20.1 -;
6o<!0

7'6o

i 1:^

.59

i.j8

' .'3 3
170
9.30

13 1 3 1
3229

886..
1 1 o6ij
1 4 2 0 6

.593-i
5063,'.,

Oi 1001 107094

1070'''
3R26A
73729
i«753
'851;,
6608-

/ :

K K 2

ass GENERAL DESCRIPTION

it would be injponible, without other data than we poflers,
to determine with any degree of certainty what is the prefent
number of inhabitants in this State ; but many circumftances
tend to prove, that it has kept pace in point of increafe with
mofl of the other States in the Union ; it cannot, therefore,
at this period, contain lefs than three hundred thoufand,f

MILITARY STRENGTH,

There are between thirty and forty thoufand fighting men in
this State, About ten men a:re kept to guard Fort Johnfon,
on James ifland, at the entrance of Charlefton harbour, by
■which no veffel can pafs, unlels the mafber or mate make oath,
that there is no malignant diftempcr on board. The militia laws,
enafting that every freeman, between lixteen and fifty years of
age, fliall be prepared for war, have been but indifferently
obeyed fmee the peace. An unufual degree of military fpirit
however, feems lately to have arifen among the citizens of
Charlefton. A number of volunteer uniform companies have
been latclv formed in this city, befides a troop of horfe, and the
ancient battalion of artillery. The military ardour has been
encouraged in this and feveral other parts of the Union by the
fituation of affairs in Europe^

RELIGION AND CHARACTER.

Since the revolution, by which all denominations were put
on an equal footing, there have been no difputes between dif-
ferent religious fefts. They all agree to differ on doftrinal
points, and all agree in promoting the grand duties of Chriflia-
nily toward God and man.

The upper parts of this State are fettled chiefly by Prefbyteri-
ans, Baptifts and Mcthodifts. From the moft probable calculati-
ons it is fuppoled, that as to numbers they may be ranked as fol-
lows : Prclbyterians, including the Congrcg;ttional and Indepen-
dent churches, Epifcopalians, Baplifls, Methcdifts, &c.

Dilfukite pleafures, nnd luxiu-y of every kind form a grand
feature of the national charafter of the Carolinians. Wc cenlur
not the profufion of their tables ; it is the profufion of Heaven'
but to the pleafures of the table they are too much addifted.
Here and in every fpecies of luxurious indulgence, they leem gal-
loping hard after the diffolute Europeans-; and (mall are the
powers recjuilite to dilcern, that tiiey are not vciy far be-
hind them.

The Carolinians fooner arrive at mati'.rity, both in tV'
odies and minds, than the natives of ccjidcr clim.Ucs. Tiicy

OF SOUTH-CAROLIN A, ^r- j

■noffefs a natural quicknefs and vivacity of genius, fupcrior tu
the inlvibitants of the noith; but too generally want that enter-
prife and perfeverance which are necefT.iry for the highefl at-
tainments in the arts and fcicnccs. They hnvc, indeed, fe\\r
motives to cnterprife ; irhabiting a fertile country, which, by
the labour of flaves, produces plentifully and creates afiluence ;
in a climate which favours indulgence, eafe, and a difpofition for
convivial plcafurcs. they too generally refh contented with bar'^-
ly knowledge enough to traniaft the common affairs of life.
There are not a few inftances, however, in this State, in which
genius has been united with application, and the eflFc£ls of their
union have been haappily experienced, not only by this State,
but by the whole Union.

The wealtii produced by th-e labour of the flaves, furnilhes
their proprietors with the means of hofpitalitv ; and no people
in the world ufe thefe means with moi-e liberality. Some of the
inhabitants '/pare no pains or expenle in giving the higheft polifh
of education to their children, by enabling them to travel, and
by other means unattainable by thofe who have but moderate
fortunes.

The Carolinians are generally affable and eafy in their man„
tiers, and polite and attentive to ftrangers. The ladies want
the bloom of the north, but have an engaging foftnefs and deli-
cacy in their appearance and manners, and many of them poffefs
the polite and elegant accomplifhments.

Hunting is the mofh fafhionable amufement in this State : at.
this the country gentlemen are extremely expert, and with fur-
prifmg dexterity purfue their game ttirough the ^voods. Gaming
of ail kinds is more dilcountenanced among faihiona'ole people,
in this tiian in any of tlie fouthcrn States, Twice a year,
ftatcdly however, a clafs of fportive gentlemen in this and the
neigiibouring States, have their horfe-races. Bets of ten or
fifteen hundred guineas have been fometimes laid on thefe
occafioris.

Bacchus is mucli rcfnci^cd in this country, and no objertion
can be made to the fway of fo mirth infpiririEf a friend, v,'hen
limited by prurience and moderation. But as that feldom.s hap-
pens, the objcftions againfl this cufto^tj become {'erious and weigh-
ty: it is a fpccics of luxury the mofl dangci^'dus,' beqauie leadin?
directly to nil otlicrs ; but :t is a fpecics rnr wjncn the Carqlini-
ahs are moll cxculeable. Without the ati'i'lanee of wine, 4n all

wart-n chmntcs, tiic rr.xwd :s enervate, the fpints Decome -hmiuid,

' ■ ■ • ■ , . • , „ JT!or.j. i>fi'ff ,

■3v.'\ i.".c imnrination b;uren. It isknow-.i Jo all ph,vlic;3.a.'i. tlut

jrlfts-'D 3nT'

SS4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

wine, by its tonic quality, obviates debility induced by climate 5
and that the effefts of putrid miafmata are deflroyed by its
antifeptic power. Hence the ufe of wine, in warm and fickly
climates, becomes obvious ; and hence a caufe arifes, why the
inhabitants of thofe climates are fo generally addifted to the
bottle.

With the introduction of luxury ^in this country, the power
of religion has vifibly declined amongft all the different
denominations of Chriftians ; but if the Carolinians are not re-
hgious, it may be truly faid, they are not fuperftitious. Theat-
rical amufemements have been introduced and encouraged among
them. Thele, though they form a fpecies of refined luxurv, are,
of many others the leaft dangerous ; their political damage, at
leafl is not fo great; for while they add a polifh to the manners of
the people, they feldom impoverifh the country : aftors are
generally profufe in living ; they feldom deprive a country of its
cafli : hence money in their hands is not loft: ; quite the reverfe,
it is put in circulation.

In countries where flavery is encouraged, the ideas of the
people are, in general, of a peculiar cafb ; the ioul often becomes
dark and narrow, and affumes a tone of favage brutality. Such
at this da)'- are the inhabitants of Barbary and the Weft-Indies,
But, thank God ! nothing like this has yet dilgraced an Ame-
rican State. We may look for it in Carolina, but we fhall be
difappointed. The moft elevated and liberal Carolinians abhor
flavery ; they will not debafe themfelves by attempting to vindi-
cate it ; he who would encourage it, abftrafted from the idea of
bare neceffity, is not a man, he is a brute in human form. For
" difguife thyfdf as thou wilt, 0 Jlavery, jiill thou art a bittcr
draught i'^ it is intereft, louder than the voice of reafon, which
alone exclaims in thy favour.

Among their neighbours, the Carolinians ftand accufed of
haughtinefs and infolent carriage. Nothing is apparently more
true than this charge ; nothing is really more falfe. Surrounded
by flav^es, and accuftomcd to command, they acquire a forward,
diftatorial habit, which can never be laid afide. In order to
judge of their difpofitions, we muft ftudy them with attention.
Genuine aff.ibility, and generofity, form their cliftinguifhing
charafteriftics ; for thefe, for the exerciie of hofpitality. and all
the focial virtues, we mav venture to affert, that no country on
earth has excelled Carolina.

There is no inftance, perhaps, in which the richer clafs of
people trefpafs more on the rules of propriety than in the mode
cf condufting their funerals. That a decent reipeft fhould bt-

OF SOU TII-CA ROI.l N A. 255

paid to the dead, is the natural diftate of refined humanity ;
but this is not done by fumptuous and cxpenfive entertainments,
fplendid decorations, and pompous ceremonies, wliich a mif-
guided fafliion has introduced and rendered neceliary in this
State. Wine, punch, and all kinds of liquors, tea, coffee, cake,
&c, in profufion, are handed round on thefe lulemn occafions.
In fhort, the Scripture oblervation, '" It is bttta- to go to the
houfe of mourning tluni to the houjc of Jeajiing," is unintelligible
and wholly inapplicable here, as it is difficult to diftinguifti the
houle of mourning from the houie of fcalling.

TRADE AND MANUFACTURES.

In the middle, and efpecially in the upper country, the peo-
ple are obliged to manufafture their own cotton and woollen
cloths, and mofh of their hufbandry tools : but in the lower
country the inhabitants, for thefe articles depend almoft: entirely
on their merchants. Late accounts from the interior parts of
this State inform us, that the inhabitants manufafture, entirely
in the family way, as much as they haveoccalion for ; that cotton
hemp and flax are plenty ; that they have a confiderable flock of
good fheep ; that great exertions are made, and much done in
the houfhold way ; that they have long been in the habit of do-
ing fomething in family manufa£lures, but within a few years
paft great improvements have been made. The women do the
weaving, and leave the men to attend to agriculture.

This State furnifhes all the materials, and of the bell kind, for
fliip building. The live oak, and the pitch and yellow pinesj
are of a fuperior quality. Ships might be built here with more
eafe, and to much greater advantage, than in the middle and
eaftern States. A wantoffeamen is one reafon why this bufinefs
is not more generally attended to.

So much attention is now paid to the manufafture of indigo in
this State, that it bids fair to rival that of the French. It is to
be regretted, that it is ftill the praftice of the merchants concern-
ed in the Carolina trade, to fell, at foreign markets, the Carolina
indigo, of the firft quality, as French. This country, while it
increafes the immediate profit of the merchant, finks the charac-
ter of the Carolina article ; and in one view almofl ne-
cefluates the trader to continue a prafticc begun in folly and
knavery.

There has been a vaft confumption of foreign imported arti-
cles ; but the quantities and value of their exports generally
Jcave a balance in favopr of the State.

e.6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The amount of exports from tlie port-, of Ciiarlcflon. in the
year ending November, 1787, was then clbmaicd, from authen-
tic documents, at five liui»dred and five thoufand t^vo hundred
and ^"e^•cnty-ninc pounds, nineteen Ihilliugs and live pence,
iterling money. The number of vcilels cleared from the cuiloin
houfethe fame ye:>r was nine hundred nnd foi ty-i'even, meafuring
fixtv-two thoiiiand one hundred and eighteen tons : feven hurj.
dred and thiily-nve of thcic. niea.'uring foriy-one thoufand five-
hundred and thirty one ton;, were American ; the others he-
longed to Great-Bntainj Spain, France, thq Unilsd Netherlands
and Ireland.

The principal articles exported from this State are, rice, indi-
go, tobacco, fkins of various kinds, beef, pork, cotton, pitchs
tar, ro'in, turpentine, myrtle-wax, lumber, naval florcs, coikj
leather, pink root, Inake root, ginfeng, &c. In the mod
fuccelsfui icaions, there h:ivc been as many as one hundred and
fortv thouland barrels of lice, and one million three hundred
thoufand pounds of indigo exported in a year. From the 15th
of December, 1791, to September, 1792, one hundred and eight
thoufand five hundred and fixiy-leven tierces of rice, avcragint^
five hundred and fifty pounds nett weight each, were exported
from Charlefton, In the year ending September 30ih, 1791,
exclufivc of two quarters, for whicii x\o returns were made, the
amount of exports from this Stale was one million and eight hun-
dred and fixty-fix thouland and twenty-one dollars.

There is in this State, befides a branch cf the national hank, a
bank, by the name of the Soutli-Caiiloiia bank, which v^as eila-
blifncd in 1792,. in Chailcilon.

STATE or LITF.P.ATURE.

Gentlemen of fortune, before the late war, fent their fons to
Europe for education. During the laic war and fince, they have
generally fent them to the middle and northern States. Thofc
who have been at this expenfe in educating their fons, have been
but comparatively few in number, fo that the literature of the
State is at a low ebb. Since the peace, however, it has begun to
flourifh. There are feveral reipeftable academies at Charlefton .j
one at Beaufort, on Port Royal iiland ; and feveral others in dif-
ferent parts of the State, Three colleges liave lately been incor-
porated by law ; one at Charlefton, one at WinnfDorough, in
the diflricl; of Camden, and the other at Cambridge, ir;
the diflricl of Ninety-fix. Thcpublipand private donations for

CF SOUTH-CAROLINA. 257

th; fappnrt of thcfe three colleges were originally intended
to have been appropriated jointly, for 'the erefting and lup-
portiug of one refpe6lal)le college. The divifion of thcfe do-.
nations has fruftrated this defign. Tart of the old barracks in
Charleflon h^.s been handfomely fiMcd up, and converted into
a college, and there are a number of {Indents: but it does not
yet merit a mare dignified name than that of a rt^Jpeftable aca-
demy. The Mount Sion college, at Winnfljoro'igh, is fup-
T.ortcd by a rcfpcftable fociety of gentlemen, who have long
been incorporated. Thi? inftitution flouriflies, and bids fair
for ufefulncfs. The college at Cambridge is no more than a
jTrnmrnar-fchool. To'put the literature of this State upon a ref-
pcftnble footing, nothing is wanting but a fpirit of entcrprife
among its wealthy inhabitants.

CHARITABLE AND OTHER SOCIETIES.

Tliefe are the Soi;th-Carolina, Mount Sion Library, and Sti
Cecilia focieties ; a fociety for the relief of the widows and
orphans of clergymen, a medical fociety lately infiituted in
Charlefton, and a mufical fociety. At Beaufort and on St;
Helena are feveral charitable focieties, incorporated with funds
to a considerable amount, defigned principally for the education
of poor children, and which promife, at a future day, to be of
great public utility.- What are called Jockey Clubs hav«
•ncreal'ed v/illiin a few years.

PUBLIC REVENUE AND EXPENSES.

The pubiie revenue of this State is, nominally, ninety thoii-
fand pounds fterling •, but a great part of this is either not
/:ollc£?ed, or paid, in fecurities, which are much depreciated.
The exoenfes of got^ernmcnt are about nxtcen tho^land pounds
iterling per annum,

The ^reat bulk of the revenue of the State i? raifed bv a tax
on lands and negroes. The lands, for the purpofe of bein?'
taxed according to their value, are divided into three grand
divifions ; the fit ft reaches from the fea-coaft to the extent
of the flowing of the tides ; the fecond, from thefe points to
the fall of the rivers ; and from thence to the utmofi; verge of
the wcftern lettlement makes the tliird. Tlrofe grand divifions.
for the fake of more exaftly afcertaining the value of the lands,
are fubdividcd into twenty-one different fpecies ; tlie moft
valuable of which is eftimated at fix pounds, and the lead va-
laabl-? at one ihulmg per acre. One per cent, on the value
■ Vol. III. LI v

25S GENERAL DESCRIPTION

thus efKmateti is levied from all granted lands in the StSte,
The coUeftion of taSes is not annexed to the office of fheriff, but
is committed to particular gentlemen appointed for that purpofe
who are allowed two and a half per cent, in Charlefton, and five
per cent, in the other parts of the State, on all they colleft"

C O N S T I T tr T J O N.

The legiflative authority is vefled in a General Aflembly,
confifting of a Senate and Houfe of Reprefcntatives. There
are one hundred and twenty-four Reprefcntatives, and thirty
five fenators appointed among the feveral diftrifts. The
reprefcntatives are chofen for two years, mud be free white
Itien, twenty-one years old, and have been inhabitants of the
State three years. If refident in the diflri£l, they muft have
a freehold of five hundred acres of land, and ten negroes
or real eftate worth one hundred and fifty pounds fterling,
clear of debt ; if non-refidentj mufb have a freehold in the
diftrift worth five hundred pounds fterling clear of debt.
The fenators are chofen for four years, and divided into two
claffes, one clafs being chofen every fecond year. They mull
be free white men. thirty years old, and have been inhabitants
five years. If refident in the diftrift, they muft have a free-
hold worth three hundred pounds fterling, clear of debt ; if non-
refident, a freehold worth one thoufand pounds fterling, clear of
debt. Every free white man, twenty-one years old, having
been an inhabitant of the State two years, and been a freeholder of
fifty acres of land or a town lot, fix months, or having been refi-
dent in the diftricl fix months, and paid a tax of three fhil_
lings fterling, has a right to vote for members of the legiflature.
The General Affembly is chofen on the fecond Monday in
06lober, and meets on the fourth Monday in November annu-
ally. Each houfe choofes its own oflB.cers, judges of the qua-
lifications of its members, and has a negative on the other. A
majority of each make a quorum from day to day, and compel
the attendance of members. They are protefted, in their per-
fons and eftates, during the fefiions, and ten days before and
after ; except in cafes oftreafon, felony, and breach ot the peace.
They are paid out of the public treafury from which no money
is drawn but by tlae legillative authority. Revenue bills ori-
ginate in the lower- houfe, but may be altered or rejcfted by
the fenate. Army and navy contraftors, and all officers,
excepting officers in the militia, juftices of the peace, and juf-
tlces of the county courts which have no falaries; are excluded
from the General AlTcmbly, The clergy are excluded from
civil offices. The executive authority is veftcd in a governor,

^ OF SOUTH-CAROLINA. 259

chofen for two years, by both houfes of AfTcmbly jointly ; but
he cannot be re-elc6lcd till after four years. He muft be thirty
years old, have been an inhabitant of the State ten years, and
have an eflate in it worth one thouland five hundred pounds
fterling, clear of debt. He can hold no other office except in
the militia. A lieutenant-governor is cholen in the fame
manner, for the fame time, and pofTefTing the fame qualifications j
and holds the ofiice of governor in cafe of vacancy. The go-
vernor is commander in chief of the military force ; has power
to remit fines and forfeitures, and grant reprieves and par-
dons, except in cafes of impeachment : to require informa-
tion of executive officers ; to convene the General AUembly
on extraordinary occafions, and to adjourn them to any time
not beyond the fourth Monday in November next enluing, in
cafe they cannot agree on the time themfelves. He mufl in.
form the General Aflembly of the ccMidition of the State ;
recommended fuch meafures as he fhall judge expedient ; and
take ,care that the laws are faithfully executed in mercy.
The ;iegiilature has power to vefi the judicial authori;,y in
fuch courts as it fhali think proper. The judges hold their
fiommilfion during good behaviour ; thofe of the iuperior courbs
are elefted by joint ballot of both houfes of AfTembly : have a
ftated falary, and can hold no other office. All officers
take and an oath of fidelity to their duty, and to the confhitu
tion of this State, and of the United States ; and for malcon.
duft, may be impeached by the Houfe of Reprefentatives,
and tried by the Senate. This conflitution afferts the fupremc
power of the people ; liberty of confcience ; trial by jury ;
and fubordination of the military to the civil power. It ex-
cludes ex pojl Jaclo laws ; bills of attainder ; excelfive bail -,
and titles of nobility and hereditary diftinftion.

The legiflature has power, under certain regulations, to
make amendnients to the conftitution. And a convention
may be called by a vote of two-thirds of both brapch.es of
the whole repreientation.

This conflitution was i-atified June 3d, 1790.

L A \Y S.
The lu'VS of this State have nothing in them of .a particulajr
nature excepting what arifes from the permiflion of Havcry.
The evidence of a flavc cannot be taken again ft a white man ;
and the mafler who kills his Have is not punilliable otherwife
than by a pecuniary mulft, and twelve months impriionmcnt*«

* "VVcarenot abfolutly certain, that thefe unjuft diftin&ions have not line*
l,>eea done away. Lditop

Lis

26o GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A commintee was appointed, at the fefTion of the legiilature
in 1792, to put in train the bufinefs of reviling and amendinjr
the negroe aft. or the law for governing the flavei. The ill.::
has meliorated the condition of the flaves, and afforded an
evidence to the world of the enlightened policy, and increai-
ing humanity of the citizens of this State. Prior to this a
difpohtion to fofien the jigors of flavery was manifeded, by
allowing thcQi £ih, tobacco, and fummer clothing, which for-
merly was not cuflomary. Thus while a vcftige of fiavery
remains the lituation of the flaves is rendcre-d toleiable, and
no doubt can be entertained but that farther fbeps will be taken
to prepare their minds for the enjoyment of that freedom
which the federal government has acknowledged to be their
right, and which they have paved the way for their obtaining.

A law, ai'cring the mode of defcent of inteftaie eftates, which
formerly defccndcd according to the laws of England, was pal-
Jed in 1792. According to the prefcnt law, a more equal par-
tition takes place, and more confcrniable to a republican govcir;-
meni^to the tlicbatts of natural aiieclion, and the principles oi
common fenle.

By a late regulation, the judges of the court, who before
had a lalary of five hundred pounds each, and fees, have nov/
fix hundred pounds and no fees, Tiie chcif jurdce has cit-'lu
hundred pounds.

PRACTICE OF LAW, COURTS, &c.

From the firft fettlemcnt of this country in 1669, to the
year 1769, ^ fjngle court, called the' court of common pleas,
was thought fulTicicnt to tranfaft the judicial bufinels of the
State. This court was invariably held at Charlefton, where
all the records were kept, and all civil bufmels tranlafted.
As the province iiicrealed, incouvcaicncies arole, and created
uncafinefs among the people.

To remedy tncJe inconveniencies an aft was pafTcd in fjto,
by which the provirice was divided into feveu difliicis, which
have been mentioned. The court of common pleas, invefted.
with the powers of the fame court in England, iat four times a
year in Charlefton. By the above-mentioned aft, the judges of the
court of coif>mcn pleas were empowered to fit as judges of the court of
fefTions, invclLed with the powers of the court of king's bench in
England, in the criminal jurildiftion. The aft likewile direfted
the judges of the courts of common pleas and felFions in Charlel-
ton dilhift, to divide, and two of the judges to proceed on what
is called the noilucrn ciiCuit, and the other two on the louthcrn

OF SOUTH-CAROLINA. 261

circuit, diflributingjuflice in their progrcfs. This mode of ad-
miniftering juflice continued till 1785, when, by the unanimous
exertions of the two upper difhi£ts, an a£l was pafled, eftablini-
ing county courts in all the counties of the four difl;ri6ls of Cam-
den, Ninety-Six, Chcraws, and Orangeburgh. The county
courts are empowered to lit four times a year. Before the eitab- .
lilhment of county courts, the lawyers all rcfidcd at Charlefton,
under tiic immediate eye of government ; and the Carolina bar
was as pure as any in the United States. Since this ellabliQiment,
lawyers have flocked in from all quarters, and fettled in different
parts of the country, and law-fuits in conicquence have been mul-
tiplied beyond all former knowledge.

PAMAGE BY THE LATE WAR.

The damages which this State fufliiined in the late war are thus
fftimated : the three entire crops of 1779, 1780, and 1781, all of
which were u fed by the Britifh ; the crop of 1782, taken by the
Americans ; about twenty-five thoufand negroes ; many thouiand
pounds worth of plate, and houfhold furniture in abundance ;
the villages of George-town and Camden burnt ; the Ids to the
jcitiaens dire6tly by the plundcrings and devaftations of the
Britifli army, and indire£lly by American imprefTments, and by
the depreciation of the paper currency, together with the heavy-
debt of one million, two hundred thouiand pounds flerling, in-
curred for the fupport of the war, in one aggregate view, make
the price of independence to South-Carolina, exclufive of the
blood of its citizens, upwards of three million pounds fler-
ling.

INDIANS.

The Catabaws are the only nation of Indians in this State.
They have but one town, called Catabaw, fituated on Catabaw
river, in latitude 34° 49', on the boundary line between North
and South Caroiinas, and contains about four hundred and fifty
inhabitants, of which about one hundred and fifty are fighting
men.

It is worthy of remar-k, that this nation was long at war with
the fix nations, into whofe country they often penetrated, which
it is faid no other Indian nation from the fouth or weft ever did.
The fix nations always confidcred them as the bravefl of their
enemies, till they were furrounded by the lettleraents of white
people, whofe neighbourhood, with other concurrent caules,
iiuve rendered them corrupt and enervated,

STATE or

GEORGIA.

SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES.

T,

HIS State is fituated between 31" and 35"^ north latitude
and 5° and 16° wefi; longitude : its lengtli is fix hundred mileSg
and it5 breadth two hundred ^nd fifty. It is bounded on the eaft,
by the Atlantic ocean ; on the fouth, by Eafl and Wefb Florida 5
on the weft, by the river MifFiffippi ; and on the north and
north-eaft, by South-Carolina, and the lands ceded to the United
States by North-Carolina, or the TennelTce government.

CLIMATE, &c.

In fome parts of this State, at particular feafons of the year,
the climate cannot be cfteemed falubrious. In the low country
near the rice iwamps, bilious complaints, and fevers of various
kinds, are pretty univerlal during the months of July, Auguft
and September, which for this realon, are cal!i;d the fickly
months.

The diforders peculiar to this climate originate partly from the
badnefs of the water, which in the low country, except in and
about Savanriah, and fome other places, where good fprings are
found, is generally brackifh, and partly from the noxious
putrid vapours which are exhaled from the (lagnant waters in the
rice fwamps. Befides, the long continuance of warm weather
produces a general relaxation of the nervous lyftem, and as a
great proportion of the inhabitants have no necefiary labour to
call them to exercile, a large fliare of indolence is the natural
conleqvience ; and indolence, efpeciallv amongft a luxurioijs peo-
ple, is ever the parent of difeale. The immenle quantities of
fpirituous liquors which are ufcd to correft tpe brackiflincfs of
the water, form a fpecies of intemperance, which too often,
proves, ruinous to the conftitution. Parents of infirm^ fickly ha-
bitSj oftcuj in more I'enles than one, have children of their own

OF GEORGIA. aG^'

Tikenefs. A conGderable part of the difcafes of the prefent in-
habitants may, therefore, be confidcred as hereditary.

Before the fickly fcalon commcnccSj many of the rich planters
remove with their families to the fea iflands, or fome elevated
healthy fituation, where they refide three or four months for the
benefit of the frefh air. In the winter and fpi ing, pleurifies,
peripneumonies, and other inflamitory diforders, occaftoned by
fudden and violent colda, are generally common and frequently
fatal. Confumptions, epilepfies, cancers, palfies and appoplexies,
are not fo common among the inhabitants of the fouthern as
northern climates.

The winters in Georgia are very mild and pleafant. Snow is
feldom or never feen. Vegetation is not frequently prevented
b-y fevere frofts. Cattle fubfift well through the winter without
any other food than what they obtain in the woods and lavannahs
and are fatter in that than in any other. In the hilly country, which
begins about fifty, and in fome places one hundred miles from
the fea, the air is pure and falubrious, and the water plenty and
good. From June to September, the mercury in Fahrenheit's
thermometer commonly fluftuates from 'j6'' to go° ; in winter
from 40'=' to 60'^. The moft prevailing winds are fouth-weffe
andeaft; in winter north-weft. The eaft wind is warmeft in
winter, and cooleft in fummer. The fouth wind, in the fummer
and fall particularly, is damp, fultry, unelaftic, and of courfe
unhealthy.

In the South-eaft parts of this State, which lie within a few
degrees of the torrid zone, the atmofphere is kept in motion by
impreffions from the trade winds. This ferves to purify the
air, and render it fit for refpiration ; fo that it is found to
have a very advantageous effeft on perfons of confumptive
habits.

FACE OF THE COUNTRY.

The eaftern p:irt of the State, between the mountains and
the ocean, and the rivers Savannah and St. Mary's, a traft of
country, more than one hundred and twenty miles from north
t© fouth, and forty or fifty from caft to weft, is entirely level
without a hill or ftone. At the diftnnce of about forty or fifty
miles from the fea-board, or falt-marfh, the lands begin to be
more or lefs uneven. The ridges gradually rife one above
another into hills, and the hills fuccelTivcly increafing in licight,
till they finally terminate in mountains. That vaft chain of
mountains which commences with the Katt's Kill, near Hudfon
river in the State of New-York, known by the names of the

£64 gejxeral description

Allegany and Appalachian mountains, terminate in this Stat*
about fixty miles fouth of its northern boundary. From the
foot of this mountain fpreads a wide-extended plain, of the
tichefl: foil, and in a latitude and dimate well adapted to the
cultivation of moft of the Eaft-India produftions.

The rivers in this ;_State are numerous, and fome of them of
the utmofh importance.

Savannah river divides this State from South-Carolina : its
courfe is nearly from north-weft to fouth-eaft. It is formed
principally of two branches, known by the names of Tugulo and
Keowee, which fpring from the mountains, and unite fifteen
miles north-weft of the northern boundary of V/ilkes county.
It is navigable for large vefTels up to Savannah, and for boats of
one hundred feet keel as far as Augufta. After rifmg a fall juft
above this place^ it is payable for boats to the mouth of Tugulo
river. After it takes the name of Savannah, at the confluence
of the Tugulo and Keowee, it receives a number of tributary
ftreams from the Georgia fide, the principal of which is Broad
river, which rifes in the county of Franklin, and runs fouth-eaft
through part of Wilkes county, and mingles with the Savannah
at the town of Peterfburgh and might, with a trifling expenfe,
be made boatable twenty-five or thirty miles through the
beft lettlements in Wilkes county. Tybee bar, at the entrance
of Savannah river, in latitude 31*^ 57', has fixteen feet water
at half tide.

Ogeechee river, about eighteen miles fouth of the Savannah, is
a fmaller river, and nearly parallel with it in its courfe.

Alatamaha,* about fixty miles fouth of Savannah river, has
its fource in the Cherokee mountains, near the head of the Tugu-
lo, the great weft branch of Savannah, and, before it leaves the
mountains, is joined and augmented by innumerable rivulets ;
thence it defcends through the hilly country, with all its colla-
teral branches, and winds rapidly amongft hills two hundred and
fifty miles, and then enters the fiat, plain country, by the name
of the Oakmulgc; thence meandering one hundred and fifty miles
it is joined on the eaft fide by the Oconc, which likewife head»|
in the lower ridges of mountains. After this confluence, having]
now gained a vaft acquifition of waters, it affumes the name of 1
Alatamaha, when it becomes a large majeftic river, flowing with!
gentle windings through avaftforeft, near one hundred miles, |

' Pronounrerl OUamawhav,'.

OF GEORCIA. 265

:nd enters the Atlantic by f^veral mouths. The north channel,
or entrance, glides by tiie heights of Darien, on the caft bank,
about ten iiYiles above the bar, and, running from thence with
ieveiai turnings, enters the ocean between Sapello and Wolf
lilands. The fouth channel, which is efteemed the largeft and
decpeft, after its fcparacion from the north, dcfcends gently,
winding by M'Intoflj's and Broughton lilands; and latlly, by
the weft, coaft of St. Sm^on's ifiand, enters the ocean, througli
St. Simon's found, between the iouth end of the ifiand of that
name, and the r.onii end of Jekyl ilL'.nd. On the weft banks
of the Iouth charuicl, ten or twelve miles above its mouth, and
nearly oppofite Darien, are to be feen the remains of an ancient
fort or fortifrcatiiln ; it is now a regular tetragon terrace, ;ibout
four feet high, with baftions at e^ch angle ; the area may contairi
about an acre of ground, but the foffe which furrounded it is
nearly filled up. Tliere are large live oaks, pines and otlicr trees
growing upon it, and in the old fields adjoining. It is luppoled
to have been the woik of the French or Spaniards'. A large
fwamp lies betwixt it and the river, and a confiderable creek
runs cloie by the works, and enters the river through the
Ivvamp, a fmalldiftance above Broughton ifiand. Ab. t ieventy
or eighty miles above the confluence of the Oakmulge and Ocone^
the trading path from Augufta to the Creek nation croiTesi thefe
fine rivers, which are there forty miles apart. On the eaft
banks of the Oakmulge, this trading road runs nearly two mileS
through ancient Indian fields, which are called the O^ikmulge
fields; they are the rich low lands of the river. .On th^ heights
of thcie low grounds are y^t vihble monuments or traces,
of an ancient town, luch as artificial mounts or terraces,
fquares and banks, encircling confiderable areas. Their old
fields and planting land extend up and down the river, fifteen
or twenty miles from this file. And, if we are to give credit
to the account the Creeks give of themfelves, this plice is re-
markable for being the nrft town or fettlement, when thev (at
down, as they term it, or eftablifhed themfelves after their emi-
gration from the v.'cft. beyond the ^.Tiffinipni, their oriainal
uaiive country.

Befides thete, there is Turtle river, Little Sicllla, or St. Die.
Great Sitilla, Crooked river, aird St. Mn v's, w/.jh form a
part of the fouthern buundry of the United Srates. Gr. Mary',-
river has it lource from a vaft lake, or rather nji.rrn, called
Ouaquaphcnogaw, and ftows"throi*{^h a vaft plain and i»i.".:j foreft
about one hundred and fifty miles to the ocean, with v.iilc.^ it

Vol.. Ill, IvI m

266 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

communictes between the points of Amelia and Talbcrt's idancis,
latitude 30** 44', and is navigable for veffels of confiderable
b-Urthcn for ninet}' miles. Its bnnks afTord immenfc quantitie*
of fine timber, iuited ta the Weft-India market. Along this
river, every four or five miles, are bluffs convenient for veiTels
to haul to and to load.

The rivers in the middle and weftern parts of this State, arc,
Apalachieola, which is formed by the Chatahouchee and Flint
rivers. Mobile, Pafcagoula and Pearl rivers. All thefe running
fouthwardlv, empty into the Gulph of Mexico. The foremen-
tioncd rivers abound with a grep.t variety of fifh, among which
are the mullet, whiting, fiiccplhead, cat, rock, trout, drum,
bafs, brira, white, fhnd, and (lurgcon. The bays and lagoons
are {lore d with, oyflers and other Ihell fifh, crabs, fhrimps, &c.
The clams, in particular, are large, their meat white, tender
and delicate. The fhavk and great black flingray are infatiablc
cannibals, and very troublefome to the fifhermen.

The lake, or rather marfh, called Ouaquaphenogaw, lies be-
tween Flint and Oakmulge rivers, and is nearly tliree hundred
miles in circumference. In wet feafonsit appears like an inland
fca, and has fevcral large iflands of rich land ; one of which the
prefent generation of Creek Indians reprefent as the mod blifsful
fpot on earth. They fiy it is inhabited by a peculiar race of
Indians, whofe women are incomparably beautiful. Thev tell
you aUo that this tcrreftial paradiie has been fcen bv fome entcr-
prifmg hunters, when in purfuit of their game, who, being loft
in inext nc;ible fwnmps and bogs, aad on the point of perilling,
were une.xpeftcdly relieved by a company of beautiful women,
whom thev call daughters of the Sun, who kindlv gave them
fuch provilions as they had with them, confiding of fruit and
cofn cakes, and then enjoined them to fly for iafety to their own
country, becaufe their hurDinds were fierce men and cruel to
ftrangers.. They farther fny, that thc(c hunters had a view of
their fettlements, fituated on the elevated banks of an iOand, in
a beautiful lake ; but that in their endenvoursto approach it, they
\vere involved in perpetual Ishyrinths, and, like enchanted land,
flill as they imagined they had juft gained it, it fccmed to fly be-
fore them. Thev determined, at length, to quit the delufivc
purfuit, and with much difncultv cfletled a relrent. When
they reported their adventuries to their coinitrymen, tlie young
warriors were inflamed with an irrchftible deflre to invade and
conquer lo ciiarming a country, but all their attempts had hitherto

\

OF GEORGIA. -s«7

proved fruitlcfs, they never being able again to find the fpot.
They tell another {lory concerning this lequeflereci country,
which feems not improbable, which is, that tbf inhabitants are
the poflerify of a fugitive reiT>nant of the anci-nt Yamalis, who
elcapcd maUacre after a Woody 'bnd dccihve battle between them
and the Creeks. It is certain, that the Creeks conquered and
nearly exterminated that once powerful people, and it is pro-
bable, that they h#re found an afylum, remote and fecure from
che fury of their pround conquerors.

Behdes the St. Mary ; the rivers Sitilla, or St. Ille, and the
beautiful Little St. Juan, which empties into the bay of Appa-
lachi at St. Mark's, are laid to flow from this lake*

About iixteen miles from the mouth of Broad river, on its
fouth lidc, is what is called the Goolepond, a traft of about
one hundred and eighty acres, covered with living water about
iwo feet deep: it dilcharges into the river, and is icA by two
Xp rings,

SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, &c.

The foil in this State and its fertility are various, accord-
ing to fituation and different improvement. The iflands on the
I fea board, in their natural {late, are covered with a plentiful
growth of pine, oak. and hiccory, live oak, an uncommonly
hard and a very valuable wood, and fome red cedar. The
ipil is a mixture of fand and black mould, making what is com-
monly called a grey foil. A confidcrable part of it, particularly
that whereon grow the oak, hiccory and live oak, is veiy rich,
and yields, on cultivation, good crops of indigo, cotton, corn
and potatoes. Thefe iflands are lui rounded by navigable creeks,
between which and the main land is a large extent of lait marllij
fronting. the whole State, not lels, on an average^ than four or
five miles in breadth, interfered wivh creeks in various direc-
tions, admitting, through the whole, an inhnd navigation be-
tween the ifiands and main land, from the north-eaft to the
iouth-eaft corners of the State. The eafl fides of theic ifland*
are, for the moft part, clean, l:ard, fandv beaches, expoied to
the wa{h of the ocean. Between thefe ifiands are the entrances
of the rivers from the interior couzitry, winding through the
Ipw lalt marfiies, and delivering their waters iiUo the founds.,
which form capacious harbours of Iiom thiee to eight miles over^
^^nd which comaiunicate with each other by paiaiiel fait creeks^

* Bartram's Travel*.

M m 2

£68 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The principr.l iHincis are, Shidan-av, Waffc^w, Off.ibT^^', St.-
Catharine's. Sipelo, Frcdciica. Jekyl, Cumberland and Ame
ha.

' The foil of the main land, adjoininc the marfnes and creeks
15 nearly of the fame quality with that of the iflinds, except
that which borders on thole rivers and creeks which ftvetcb
fi)- bnck into the country. On thefe, immediately after you
leave the falts. begin the valuable rice fwamp's, which, on culti-<
ration, afford the prefent principal ftaple of commerce. Mofl
of the rice huds lie on rivers, which as far as the tide fiows,
are called tide lands ; or on creeks and particular branches of
water, flowing in fome deeper or lower p:irts of the Imds, which
Ere called inland fvv'amps, and extend back in the country from
fifteen to tu-enty-five miles, beyond Wi.ith very little rice is
planted, though it will grow exceedingly well, as experiment
has proved, one hundred and twenty miles back from the (ea.
The intermediate lands, between thefe creeks and rivers, are
of an inferior quality, being of a grey foil, covered chietiy
■with, pine, and a i'ort of wild grafs and fmall reeds, winch afford
a large range of feeding ground for flock both iummer and
winter. Here and there are interfperled oak and hiccory ridges,
which are of a better foil, and produce good crops of corn and
indigo ; but thefe are very little elevated above the circumjacent
lands. The lands adjoining the rivers, gnd, for an hundred
miles in a direft line from the fea, continue a breadth from two
to three or four miles, and wherever, in that diRance, you
find a piece of high land that extends to the bank of the river on
one fide, you may expeft to find tlie low or Iwam.p ground pro-
portionably wide on the opDofite fide of the river. This leems
to be an invariable rule till you come to that part where the
river cuts the mountains.

The ioil between the rivers, after you leave the^fei board and
the edge of the fwamps, at the diitance of twenty or thirty
miles, changes from a grey tf) a red colour, on Avhich grows
plenty of oak and hiocory, with a conf.derable intermixture of
pine. In fome places it is gravelly, but fertile, and io con.
tinues for a number of miles, gradually deepening the reddifli
colour of the earth, till it changes into what is called t^ie Mulatto
foil, conhfling of a black mould and red earth. The compofi-
tion is darker or lighter according as tbere is a larger or
Xmallcr propoiticn of the black or red earth in it. The
mulatto lands sre generally {lro:ig, and y-.cld hirge crops of
wheat, tobacco, ccrn, Sec. To this kind of land iucceeds by
turns a foil nearly black and very rich, on v.'hich grow largq

OF GEORGIA. 269

qmntities of black walnut, mulberry, <?'-c. This fuccelTion of
different foils continues uniform and regular, thoug4» there
are fome large veins of all the diflerent lolls intermixed; and
xrhat is more remarkable, this luccelTion, in the order men-
tioned, ftretches acrofs this State nearly parallel with the fea
coafl, and extends through the feveral States nearly in the
fame direftion, to the banks of Hudfon river. In this State
are produced, by culture, rice, indigo, cotton, filk, (though
not in large quantities) Indian corn, potatoes, oranges, figs,
pcmecrraj-iatcs, &c. Rice, at prefent, is the flaple commoditv ;
and as a fmall proportion only of the rice ground is under cuL
ration, the quantity railed in future mufl be much greater
than at prefent. But the rapid increafe of the inhabitants
chiefly by emigrations, whole attention is turned to the raifing
of tobacco, and the vaft extent of land, with a richnefs of
foil fuited to the culture of that plant, renders it probable,
that tobacco will fhortly become the flaple of this State. Cot-
ton was formerly planted only by the poorer clafs of people,
and that only for family ule. They planted of two kinds, the
annual and the Weft-Indian ; the former is low and planted
every year : the balls of v/hich are very large, and the phlox
long, ftrong, and perfeftly white. The latter is a tull perennial
plant, the ftalk fomewhat fhrubby, feveral of which rife up
from the root for feveral years fucceuively, the Teems of the
former year being killed by the winter frofts. The balls of
Weft-India cotton are not quite fo large as the other, but the
phlox or wool is long, extremely fine, filky and white. A
plantation of this kind will laft feveral years with moderate
labour and care. The culture of cotton is now much more
attended to ; feveral indigo planters have converted their plan-
tations into cotton fields. The tobacco lands are equally well
adapted to wheat, which may hereafter make an important ar-
ticle of commerce.

On the drv plains grow large crops of fu'eet potatoes, whic!\
•are found to yfford a wholelome nourifliment, and from which
is made by diftillation, a kind of whilkv, tolerablv good, bur
inferior to that made of rve. It is by properly macerating and
wafhing this root that a feuiment or fcirch is made, which has
obtained the name of fago, and anfwers all the purpofes of the
'Indian fago.

Moft of the tropical fruits would fiouriih in this State wit;:
'proper attention. The rice plant has been tranfplanted, and
alfo the tea plant, of which fuch immcnfe quantities are con-
fumed in the United St<u.cs, was introduced- into Georgia by

S7d GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Mr. Samuel Bowen, about the year 1770, from India. Th«e
feed was dilfeminated, and tl^e plant now grows, without culti-
vation, in moft of the fenced lots in Savannah.

From many confiderations we may, perhaps, venture to prc-
dift, that the fouth-weftern part of the State, and the parts of
Eaft and Weft-Florida, which lie adjoining, will, in feme fu-
ture time, become the vineyard of America.

REMARKABLE SPRING.

In the county of Wilkes, within a mile and a half of the
town of Wafhington, is a medicinal fpring, which rifes from
a hollow tree, four or five feet in length. The infide of the
tree is covered with a coat of matter, an inch thick, and the
leaves around the fpring are incrufted with a fubftance as white
as fnow. It is faid to be a fovereign remedy for the fcurvy,
fcrophulous diforders, confumptions, gouts, and every other
difeale arifing from humours in the blood. A perfon, who had .^
a fevere rheumatifm in his right arm, having, in the fpace of i
ten minutes, drank two quarts of tlie water, experienced a mo-
mentary chill, and was then thrown into a perfpiration, which,
in a few hours, left him entirely free from pain, and in per-
feft health.

This fpring, fituated in a fine healthy part of the State, in
the neighbourhood of Wafhington, where are excellent accom-
modations, will no doubt prove a pleafant and falutary place of
refort for invalids from the maritime and unhealthy parts of this
and the neighbouring States,

CIVILDI VISIONS.

Before the revolution, Georgia, like the other fouthern
States, was divided into pariPaes, but this mode cf divifion is
now abolifhed, and that of counties has fucceeded it.

That part of the Scate which is laid out, is divided into
three diftrifts, v.-hicii arc fubdivided into eleven counties, as
follows :

J.OWER EH STRICT.

Camden, Liberty, Efiingham.

r.i^'. 0'lyhj Chatham,

MinULE DISTRICT.

..'.it.: '

Richmond, Burke, Wafhington.

OF GEORGIA, 27*

UPPER DISTRICT.

WJlkcs, Franklin, Green.

CHIEF TOWNS.

The chief towns arc, St. Patrick's, Brunfwick, Sunbury,
Savannah, Ebenezer, Augufta, Waynfborough, Louifville,
Golphinton, Wafhington, Greenfburgh.

AUGUSTA.

THe prefcnt feat of government in this State is Auguflx. It
is fituated on the fouth-virefl bank of Savannah river, which is
here about five hundred yards wide, about one hundred and
forty-four miles from the fea, and on« hundred and t.wenty-feven
*north-we{l of Savannah. The town, which in 1782 contain-
ed.but three or four houfes, in 178-7 contained two hundred ;
it is on a fine large plain, at the foot of the firft falls in the
river, which in a dry leafon are four or five feet in height ; and
as it enjoys the bed foil, and the advantage of a central fitua-
tion between the upper and lower counties, is rifing faft into
importance. In the vicinity of this town is the remarkable large
bank of oyfter fhells which we have had occafion |before to
notice,

SAVANNAH.

Savannah, the former capital of Georgia, {lands on a high
fandy bluff, on the fouth fide of the river of the fame name,
and feventeen miles from its mouth. The town is regularly
built in the form of a parallelogram, and, including its fuburbs,
contained, in 1787, two hundred and twenty-feven dwelling
houfes, one Epilcopal church, a Prefbyterian church, a Syna-
gogue, and a court houfe. The number of its inhabitants,
exclufive of the blacks, amounted at that time to about eight
hundred and thirty, feventy of whom were Jews.

In Savannah, and within a circumference of about ten miles
from it, there were, in the fummer of 1787, about two thou-
fand three hundred inhabitants. Of thele one hundred and
ninety-two were above fifty years oF age, and all in good health.
The ages of a lady and her fix children, then living in the
' j town, amounted to three hnndred and eighty-five years.

272 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This computation, which was aftually made, ferves to fficw tha^
Savannah is not really I'o unhealthy as has been commonly re-
prcfcnted.

S U N 3 I' R Y .

Sunbury is a fea port town, beautifully fitnated on the main
between Medway and Newport rivers, about fifteen miles
fouth of Great Qgeechee river; it is favoured with a fafe,
eapacioois, and very convenient harbour, defended from the
fury of the feas by the north and fouth points of St. Helena
and South Catherine's iflands, between which is the bar and
entrance into the lound. Several fmall iflands intervene, and
partly obdruft a diftant view of the ocean ; and, interlocking
with each other, render the paiTage out to fea winding, but
not diflhcult. It is a very pleafant, healthy town, and is the
relort of the planters from the adjacent places of Medway and
Newport, during the fickly months. It was burnt by the ISri-
tilb. in the late war, but has fince been rebuilt. An academy
was ellabliflied herein 1788, which, under an able inftruftor,
has proved a very uleful inftitution.

BRV XSWICK..

Brunfvvick, in Glyn county, latitude 31® 10', is fituated at
the mouth of Turtle rivet, at which place this river empties
itielf into St. Simon's found. Brunfwick has a fafe and capa-
cious harbour; and the bar, at the entrance into it, has water
deep enough for the largeft vellels that fwim. The town is
regularly laid out, but not yet built. From its- advantageous
fituatii,)n, and from the fertility of the back country, it
promilcs to be hererfter one of the hrft trading towns in
Georgia.

FREDERICA,

Frederica, on the ifland of St. Simon, is nearly in latitude
31** 15'; it is one of the oldeft tov\'ns in Georgia, and was
founded by Gieneral Oglethorpe. The fortrefs was regular and
beautiful, conftru6led chiefly with brick, but is now in ruins.
The town contains but few houfes, which fland on an emi-
nence, if confidered ^<'ith regard to the marlhes before, it, upon
a bianch of Alatamaha river, which wafhcs the weft fide of this
agreeable ifland. and forms a bay before the town, affording a
fafe and fscure harbour for vefTels of the largeft burthens, which
may He along the v.-harf.

OF GEORGIA.

■13

WASlUNGtOV.

Wafhington, tlie chief town in the count}.' of Wilts, is fiLiiatei
in latitude 33*^ 22', abo<:: fifty miles north-weft of Aiigiifta; it
had, in 178S, a court houfe, goal, thirty-four dwelling houfes,
and an academy, v.hofe funds amounted to about eight hundred
pounds ftcrling, and the number of ftudents to between fixty and
ievtnty.

LOUISVILLE,

The town of Louifville, which is defigned as the future feat
of government in this State, has been laid out on the bank of
Ogeechee river, about feventy miles f^om its mouth, but is not
yet built.

POPULATION.

The pkopulation of this State in 1791 was as follows:

LOWER DISTRICT.

-

-^

c

—

"■*- '■"

-0

S

c

0 -u

'rt

a

ik.

C

«

•S >

^

0-

COUNTIES.

E^

E 0

^

i-B

a "

,r;

'— ■

■^ ra

15 0

?

V

0 C3

u

0

£

0

0

"d

U^

b.

<

305

Camden, - ^ - .

81

44

96

H

70

Glyn,

70

36

«7

5

215

413

Liberiy, - . . .

426

264

613

27

4025

5355

Chatham, - - - -

8f6

480

1130

U2

8201

16739

E-ffingham, - - .

627

336

711

75°

2424

202c

1160

2637

158

13261

21536

h

IIDDI

.E DISTRICT.

Kicinnoiid - - -

1894

1925

3343

39

41 16

11317

Burke, . . . .

1808

1841

3415

II

2392

9467

WafhingtoH, - - -

947

1024

i»85

2

694

4552

4649

4790

8643

5-

7202

_-i^Jp^

VcL. III.

N

274

GENERAL DESCRLPTION
UPPER DISTRICT.

COUXTiKS.

1027

Free wlii(c males un-
der 1 6 years ot age.

z
<

Slaves.

0

Wilkes, ....
Franklin, - • . -
Greene, . . - .

6740

245
I III

12160

4'7
1882

180

8
188

7268

156

1577

31500
1041
5405

6404

8094

H459

88ci

57946

SUMMARY OF POPULATION.

Lo'.vcr Diitrict, -

IVIiddle do.

Upper do. . - -

2020]
4649^
6404

I 160
4790
8094

2637

8643

H459

158

52
188

1 3 ■.'. 6 1
7202
8801

2 '556
25556
57946

15075

14044

25759

59S

29264

848,8

RELIGION AND CHARACTER.

The inhahltants of this State, who profefs the Chriftian reli.
gion, are of the Prefhyten'an, Epifcopalian, Baptilt, and Methodift
denominations. They have bat a few regular miniilers among
them.

No general character will apply to the inhabitants at large.
Collefled from different parts of the world, as intereft, necefiity,
or inclination led them, their charafter and manners mull;, of
couife, partake of all the varieties which diftinguifli the feveral
llates and kingdoms from whence they came. Their is fo little
uniformity, that it is difficult to trace any governing principles
among then. An averHon to labour is too predominant, owing
in part to the relaxing heat of tlie climate, and partly to the want
of necefiity to excite induftry. An open and friendly hofpitality,
particularly to flrangers, is an ornamental charafteriRIc of a great
part of tin's people.

Tlicir diverfions aiC various. Vv'iih fome, dancing is a favoiir-
Uc amufemcut ; others take a fancied pleafure at the gaming
table, whicli, howevet. frequently terminates in the ruin of their
happinefs, foi tunes, and coiiilitutions. In the upper counties^
liorfe-racing and cock-fighting prevail, two cnrc/ dlvcifionb impurt-

'OF GEORGIA. 275

fA fiom Virginia and the Carolinas, from whence thnfe who prac-
tife them principally emigrated. But the moll rational and nnU
verfal amnfement is hunting ; and for this Georgia is particnlarly
well calculated, as the woods abound with plenty of deer, racoons,
rabbits, wild turkeys, and othergame ; at the fame time the woods
are fo thin and free from obftruttioDS, that you may generally ride
half fpeed in chace without danger : in this amufcmcnt pleafure
and profit are blended.* This exercife more than any other, con-
tributes to health, fits for activity in bufinefs ajid expertnefs in

* The following account of a Georgia planter's method of fpending hi*
time is extrafted from the American Mufcum for 1790 :

About fix io the morning he quits his bed, and orders his horfe to b*- go*
ready; he then fwallows a dram of bitters to prevent the ill ctTetts ot the early
fogi, and fets out upon the tour of his plajitation. la this route he tak?s an
opportunity to ftop at the negro houfcs, and if he fees any lurking about home
whofe bufinefs it is to be in the field, he immediately inquires the caufe ; if no
fufficient caufe be given, he applies his rattan whip to the flioulders of tJie flave,
ahd obliges him inflantly to decamp. If ficknefs be aViedged, the ncgroe is
immediately fliut up in the iids-houfe, bled, purged, and kept on low diet, till
he either dies or gets into a way of recovery, jf^fter having examined the over-
feer relative to the welfare nf the poultry, hog^, cattle, &c. he proceeds rouud
the farm, takes a curfory view of the rice, corn, or ■indigo fields, and examines
into the (late of the fences and other inclofures ; about the hour of eight, hij
circuit is finifhed, wh-n, before he alights at his own door, a tribe of you-ig
negroes, in the primitive ilate of nakedncfs, rufli out to meet him, and receive
the horfe.

Breakfafl being over, he airain mounts a frefh horfe, and ride.s to the county
town, or the firft public houfe in the neighbourhood, where he talks politics,
inquires the price of produce, makes bargains, plays a game at all-fours, or
appoints days for horfe races or boxing matches ; about four o'clock he returns
bringing with him fome friends or acquaintance to dinner. If the company be
lively or agreeable, he rarely rifes from table before fun fet. If it be a wet eyenr-
ing, or the weather very di (agreeable, cards or converfatiou employ him till bed
time. If it be fair and no moonlight, after an early fupper, afire is kindled in a
pan, and two or three of them fet out (fored with fome bottles of brandy, pre-
ceded by a negroe who carries the fire, in order to (hoot deer in the woods, as
thcfe creatures are fo attracted by a light, that they ccnilantjy liand flill, and
fix their eyes upon the blaze, by the retledion of which from the eye-bail they
are eafily difcovcred and fhot. Sometimes, however, it happens, that tame cat-
tle that have been turned into the woods to range, arc killed by miftake.

About midnight they return, according to luck, with or without game; the:,-
fluins and faces fadly fcratched, and themfelves fit for nothing but. to b,; put u;
bed. This is the general routine of cxiftcncc anioiig fuch of the Georgiaiis .-is liv.-
in the more retired and woody parts of the State. Others have their v.'.-fklv 'o
cieties, for fentimental and colloquial amnfement ; as to trade and bu.u.' I,-, .1 ;<:
iTHtirely snanagcd by ovcrlecrs and faftors.

276 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

war ; the game alfo affords them a palatable food, and the feins a
profitaule article of commerce.

TPvADE AND MANUrACTURES.

The chief atricles of export are rice, tobacco, of which the
county of Wilkes only exported, in 178^^) about three thoufand
hogfheads, indigo, fago, lumber of various kinds, naval-ftores,
leather, deer flvins, fnake root, myrtle and bees wax, corn, and
live ftock. The planters and farmers ralfe large (locks of cattle»
from one hundred to fifteen hundred bead, and fome more.

The amount of exports in the year ending September 3C.':h,
1791, was four hundted and ninety-one thoufand four hundred
and feventy-two dollars. In return for the enumerated exports^ A
aie imported Welt-India goods, teas, wanes, various articles of
cloathing, and dry goods of all kinds. From the northern States*
cheefe, fifh, potatoes, apples, cyder, and flioes. The imports
and exports of this State are principally to and from Savaiuiah,
which has a fine harbour, and i* a place where the principal
commeicial bufinefs of the State is tranfadted. The trade with
the Indians in furs and flvlns was very coufiderable before the war,
but has fiace been interrupted by the wars '"n vvhich they. have beeri
involved. The manufaAures of this State haye hitherto been very
jncoi-hderabie, if vvc except indigo, iilk, and fago. The manner
in which the indigo is cultivated and manufailured js as follows •
the ground, which muil be a flrong rich foil, is thrown into beds
offeven or eight feet wide, after having been made very mdlow,
and is then raked till it is fully pulveri/!,ed ; the feed is then fown
in April, in rows at fucii a diitance as cpnvcniently to admit of
hoeing between thetn. In July the firll crop is lit to cut, being
commonly two and a half feet high ; it is then thiown into vats
conllrudied for the purpofe, and deepen! about thirty hours ; ai'^ter
which, the liquor is drawn off Iiita other vats, where it is beat
as they call it, by which means it is thrown into much'fuch. a
Hate of agitation as cream is by churning. After this procefs, lime
water is put into the liquor, which caufes the particles of iudigo
to fettle at the bottom. The liquor is tlieii drawn off, ^nd the
fcdiment, which is the indigo, is taken out and fpread on clot|}5,
and partly dried ; it is then put into boxes and prefTcd, and^
while it is yet foft, cut into fquare pieces, which are thrown into
the fun to dry, and then put up in cafks for tlie market. They
have commonly three cuttings a Icaum. A ri;iiddling crop fpr
-thirty acres is one thouLnd-lhiec hiuidred pouads. -

OF GEORGIA. 277

The culture of filk and the manufafture of fago are at prcfent
but little attended to. The people in the lower part of this
istatc manufacluie none of their own cloathin^ for themft:lves or
their negroes : for alraoll every article of their wearing
apparel, as well as for their hufbandry tools, they depend on
their merchants, who iu»poit them from Great-Britan and th.c
noithern States. In the upper parts of the country, however, the
Jnhabitantj manufafture the chief part of their cloathing from cot-
ton, heir.D, and fi^ii ; and iu. general mar.utatluies are on the iii-
«rcaf£.

STATE OF LITERATURE.

The literature of this State, which is yet in its infancy, is csm,
mencing on a plan which affords the moft flattering profped^s. It
fecms to have been the defign of the legiflature of this State,
a$ far as poflible, to unite their literary concerns, and provide
for them in common, that the whole might feel the benefit, and
no part be neglefled or left a pray to party rage, private prejur
dices and contentions and confequent ignorance, their infeparabic
attendant. For this purpofe, the literature of this St^te, like its
policy, appears to be confidered as one obje<ri, and in the fanig
aianner, fuhjeft to common and general legluations for the good
of the whole. The charter, containing their prefent fyftem
of education, Vas paffed in the year X785. A college, with
ample and liberal endowments, is inflituted in Luuifville, a
high and healthy part of the country, near the center of the State.
There is alfo provil'ion made for the inllitutfan of an academy
in each county iu the State, to be fupported frora the fame fundi
snd confidered as parts and members of the fame infcitutiou, un-
der the general fuperir.tendcnce and direilion of a prefident and
board of truftees, appointed, for their literary accomplillunentb-,
from, the different parts of the State, inveited with the cuilo-
mary powers of corporations. The inllitutions thus compofcd
and united is denominated, "The Univerlity of Georgia." ,

That this body of literati, to wliom is intruiled the directioij
of the general literature of the State, may liot be fo detached
afid indept » lant, as not to pofTefo the confidence of the Stat^^ •
and, in order to fecure the attention and patronage of the prin-
cipal officers of government, the governor and council, the fpeakr
- cv of ti>2 Houfe of Alfeinbly, and the chief jultice of the State,
ai-e • aCTociated with the board of ttuftces, in fome of the grcr.i

and more folemn duties of their office, fuch as maklnGf the law.--

. . . '
appointing thp prefiJent, fettling the property, and inllituting

2'^8 GENERAL DESCRlPTIdN

academies. T'mis aHcciated, they aie denominated, ** The Se-
nate of the Uiiiveriky, '' and are to hold a tlated, annual meet'
iiig, at which the governor of the State prefides.

The Senate appoint a board of commiirioueis in eac^i county,
jFor the particular management aad direilion of thf acsidemy, and
the other fchools in each connty, who are to receive their in-
flra<SIon« from, and are aecoiintable to the Senate. The rector
of each academy is an officer of the univerfity, to be appointed
jjy the prefideiit, with the advice of the t:uiUes, and cominiffion-
cd under the public feal, and is to attend witli the other of-
ficers at the annual meeting of tin? Senate, to deliberate on the
general interefts of literature, and to determine on the courfe of:
IndruAion fyr the year, throughout the univerfity. The prcfi-
dent has the general charge and overfiglst of the whole, and is
from time to time to viiit them, to exanjine into their order
and performaHces.

The fumls for the fupport of their inditutlon are principally
in lands^ amounting in the whole to about fifty thuufand acres,
a great part of which is of the bed quality, and at prefent ve-
ry valuable. There are alfo nearly fi^x thou {"and pounds fierling
in bonds, houfes and town Jots in the town of AnguRa. Other
public property to the amount of one thofand ponnds in each
county, has been fet apart for the purpo(e3 .of .building and
furniflilng their rcfpeftive academies.

CONSTITUTION.

The prefent conftitution of this State was formed and eda-
blillied in the year 1789, and is nearlr iipon ,the plan of coMllItu.
tion of the United States.

INDIANS.

^ The Muf],.:og,ec, c- Creek Indians, inhabit the middle part o-f
liiis State, and are tl'e mod ijnmerous tribe of Indians of any
witiiin t]:c limits of the United States: their whole mumber
fomc years fincc was fcvcnteen tlouraiid two hundred and eigh.-
ty, of which fivs tho.;n.nd eight hundred and fixty were fighting
men. They are compofcd of various tribes, who, .-'•rer bloody
wars, thought it good policy to uukc aud fupport themfelves
c.gainft the ChaCtaws, &c. They confilt of th- Apnalnchies,
Alibamas, Abecas, Cawittaws, Coofas, Confhar ks C',o^a6teeJ
Chacfihoomas, Natchez, Ocouies, Oakmulgies, Okohoys, Pakanas,
0'-.-.j>fas 'lalepoofar, Wectumkao, and Lrae others. Their uniop

01 GEORGIA.

'19

has rendered them vlflorloiis over the Chaftaws, and formida-
b!o to all the nations around them. They are a well-made, ex-
pert, hardy, fcvraci )us, politic pco^jle, extremely jealous of rights
and avcrfe to paitin;^ with their lands. They have abundance
of tame cattle and fwine, turkeys, ducks, and other poultry ;
they cultivate tobacco, rice, Indian corn, potatoes, beans, peas,
cabbage, melons, r.nd liave ])Ienty of peaches, plumbs, grapes,
strawberries, and other fruits. They are faithful friends, but in-
I veteratc enemif^s ; hofpitable to ll rangers, and honeft and fair
I in their dealings. No nation has a more contemptible opinion of
i the white nun's faitli in general than thefe people, yet they
place great confidence in the United States, and wiHi to agree
with them upon a pcrmai'cnt boundary, over which tlie fou-
ihern States Ihall not trefpafs.

i The countiy which they cTarm is bounded northward by about

i t^i<^ 34^^^ degree of lititude, and extends from the Tombeck-
I bee, or Mobile river, to the Atlantic ocean, though they have
ceded a part of this tra£l on the fea coaft, by different trea-
ties, to the State of Georgia. Their principal towns lie in la-
titude 32^, and longitude ii-^ 20' from Philadelphia. They ar^
fettled in a hilly but not mountainous country ; the foil is fruit-
ful in a high degree, and well watered^ abounding in creeks and
rivulets from whence they ary called the Creek Indians.*

The Chaflaws, or fiat heads, Ii. habit a very fine and exten-
five traft of hilly country, with large and fertile plains interven-
ing, between the Alabama and Mifiilfippi rivers, in the wefterrs
part of this State. The nation had, not many years ago, forty-
three towDB and villages, in three divifions, containing twelve
thoufand one hundred and twenty-three fouls, of which four
thoufand and forty-one were fighting rutn.

The Chickafaws are fettled on the hcnd branches of the Tom-
beckbee, Mobile, and Yazoo rivers in the noith-wtfl; corner of

* GPHcral M-Gillivray, the celebrated chief of thr Creeks, is a half-blooded
Indian, his mother being a woman of high fciii!^ in the Creek nation. He was io
highly cftcc.iied ainong them, that they in a formal manner defied him their
fgvereign, ai,d vefted him with confiderr.ble pov.'crs. He has fcveral lifters mar-
ried to leadiina; ir-;n ainnr.g the Creeks. This gentlemen would gladly have re-
mained a citizen of the Ur.itcd States ; but having ferved under the Britifh dur-
ing the late w.if; his prop"rty in Georgia. wnKli was confiderable was cor.ElCat-
ed. This circumftince induced him to retire among his friends the Creeki, f:.ice
vvhjdi he has been an aflive and zealous partifan in their interefts and police.

2&0 GENERAL DESC RIPTION, Sec.

the State. Their country is an extenfive plain, tolerzbiV well wa-
tered from fprings, and of a pretty good foil. They hav«
fcven towns, the central one of which is in latitude 34*^ 23/, and
longitude 14*' 30' weft. The number of fouls in this nation have
been formerly reckoned at one thoufand fevei' hundred and twen
five, of which five hundred and feventy-five were lighting men.

WE have now with candour and a fincere attachment to
truth, flcetched the hiftory of the feveral States in the federal

. . . N

union. In order to keep within the bounds profcribed m the plan
firft propofed, the aceoants are reftrained as far as poflibie to
thofe fabjefts which we confidered of the greateft importance,
and we have aimed fo to arrange the various fubjefts as we
truil will afford a fatisfaftory anfvver to every queftion which
the European inquirer tiiay pot refpefting the government, com-
merce, fcciety, learning. Sec. of the United States. To have
entered into a minute detail of every objefl; that prefented it_
felf to o6r view would have been comparatively ufelefs, it might
have gratified the curiofiy of a few, but the benefits would
have been comparitively fmall to the public. To this we may add
that many of the fcencs would have been fliifting while under
defcription, and the objeft in itfelf imprafticable with refpetl
to fome of the States. In further purfuing our plan, wc ihal^
.".'ideavour,

J ft. To poirit out a few of the many advantages which Ame-
rica poiTefles over the different countries of Europe.

2d. What the advantages and profpefts are which an Earo-
pean fettler has prefented to his view. Under this latter head we
fhall aim to convey all the information we can obtain that may
prove advantageouo in the pa Rage to, or on the arrival at, what
we muft c^ll a LAND OF LIBERTY.

O F T H F.

ADVANTAGES

WHICH THE UNITED STATES POSSESS OVER
EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.

w,

IN RESPECT TO GOVERNMENT.

KILE tlie governments of mod countries in Europe
are perfeftly deipotic, and while thofe which are not aftu-
ally f'uch, appear to be verging fall towards it, the govern-
ment of America is making rapid ilrides toward perfeftion ;
it being contrary to all the old governments in the hands
of the people, they have exploded thoie principles by the
operation of which civil and religious dilqualifications and
opprefTions have been inflifted on mankind, and rejefting
MERE TOLERATION, they havc, with a fmall exception, plac-
ed upon an equal footing every church left, and fociety of
religious perfons what (oever.

Their laws and government have for their bafis the natu-
ral and imprelcriptible rights of man : liberty, iecurity of
perlon an property, refiftance againfl opprefTion, doing what-
ever does not injure another, a right to concur, either per-
fonally or by their reprefentatives, in the formation of laws
and an equal chance of arriving to places of honour, reward
or imployment, according to their virtues, or talc^Tits. Thcfe
are. the . principles of their confbitution ; and laws grafted
upon thefe fimple, but fubftantial principles, and a fyftem of legal
jurilprudence organized, and afting accordingly, form the cf-
Icnce of their .government ; and if ever the government
fwerves materially from thel'e fundamental principles, the
compaft is diffolved, and things revert again to a co-equal
ftate. By this plain doHnition of the nature of laws and
government, every capacity, and every indi\'idual of the com-
munity, can judge with precifion of the purity of legiflation ;
this produces the mofl entire conviftion in the minds of all
men, of the necclTity there is of afting, in every inftance
according to the code of reafon rind truth. Every man in

Vol Iir O o

282 ADVAKTAGES OF J'lIE CMlTED STATES

America is equally concerned in the welfare and profperity
of his country and its government ; for his own felicity can
only be co-exiflent with it, and to fufFer his ambition to
run counter to the general weal would be madnefs in an en-
lightened commonwealth, as it could only tend to produce
his own eternal difgrace and ruin, where the geniug of free-
dom is enthroned in the heart of every citizen.

Europe has long been enflaved by forms and authorities ;
and while its multifarious laws and cuftoms ha\'e ferved to
perplex profefTional men, the fophiflry employed in expounding
them has completely bewildered the imagination of its citizens
and produced an oblcurity of ideas upon the fubjeft of jurifpru-
dence and government, and a depravity of morals which is truly
deplorable.

Religion, or what is called an eftablifhment in Europe, has had
and continues to have its fliare in rivctting the fetters of igno-
rance. The elucidation of truth has been retarded by the ttrax-
KV OF THE CHtrncH; for while pricfis have been the pedagogues
of religion, morals, ftrtimtnts, and politics, their iN'tEREstED
VIEWS have caufcd them to flatter- thofe governments whofe
interells it has been to keep the people ignorant, becaufe it
has fecured to them the undifturbed divifion of the fpoils of
the great bulk of induftrious citizens, while they were offer-
ing iVi. indignity to the deity as grofs as their fyflem has
been unnatural and unjuft. What can be a greater prelump-
tion, or a higher pitch of arrogance, than prefuming to ar-
raign or judge of the fentiments of men, the propriety of
which is to be detcrniincd before a tribunal in Heaven ?
It is an infult too grofs to merit a comment. It has been
fubverfivc of all good morals, by affording a veil to cover
the hypocrily of the mofl defignir.g knaves.

In America this evil has ceaf&d to exifl, the monfter is
dedroyed, the natural alliance of church and flate is broken,
and the people left to the choice of their own religion, as
well as of their own paftors ; while they revere the former,
will no doubt reward the latter as they merit ; they will
make a rapid progrefs in all tlic focial virtues, while a clafs
of men, who, from being privileged, had become the curfc
of Europe for more than three centuries, will in America,
from the lofs of all privileges but ihofe _ wlilcii are the re-
ward of piety and virtue, be the means of extending the
knowledge and happinclj of the human race.

OVER EUROPEAN N A TJO NS. 283

In United States, every man who is taxed has a vote
in the appointment of the leprclerytatives of the Slate in
which he rcfidcs, as well as of the general government.
Thus the people have the privilege of objcaing to fuch
charaaers for their governors as have not the public appro-
bation ; which has the good effea of producing harmony between
the government and the people— of obliging men who afpire
to the honours of their country to refpea the public opi-
nion ; and as all the powers of government originate with,
fo they revert to the people ; the judiciary they have re-
ferved to thcmfelves through the medium of juries. The le-
giftative they intruft to their reprefentatives who are elTen-
tially the fame ; and the executive emanates from the legiHa-
ture, fo that the whole are ultimately refponfible to the
people. The executive to the reprelentatives, and the reprc-
lentatives, to their conftituents,

A free government has often been compared to a pyra-
mid. This allufion is made with peculiar propriety m the
fyftem of government adopted by the United States • it is
laid on the broad bafts of the people-, its powers gradually
rife, while they are confined, in proportion as they alcend.
When you examine all its parts, they will invariably be
found to prefcrve that effential mark of free government,
' » ^,,-,Tinf pxiil — -a chain

and without which fuch a government cannot exiii

of conneaion with the people. The advantages refulting
from this fyftem, while they arc great, will not be cont^nea
to the United States, it will draw from ^^'^^%'''2om^ "'{,
thy charaaers who pant for the enjoyment of '^^ ° ' .
will induce princes, in order to preferve their fubjcas, to
reftore to them a portion of that liberty of which they have
for many ages deprived them. U will be fubfcrvient to the
great defigns of Providence with regard to this § ,
multiplication of mankind, their improvement m knowledge,
and their advancement in happinefs.

Nor are the immutable principles on which the Amencan
government is built, its only advantage to the people at large ;
the fame fpirit that fixed it on the bafts of liberty, has con-
tributed to make the offices of government, pofts of hononr
and not of profit ; hence the American government is adm,-
niflered at an expenfc fo exceedingly trifling, that h.d the
afTertation been made of the praaicablenefs of it a few years
back, it would have obtained no credit. It is a well-known
faa, that the general government of America docs not
-.mount to within forty tfioufand pounds per annum of the

O o 2

284 ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES

Englifh penfion lift; and if the government of the feparate
States are added to it, it w^ll not make an addition thereto equal
to what the amount of finecure places would make to the
penfion lift in Great-Britain ; yet men of charaftcr and abi-
lities are not waiting to fill its rci'petfive ofhces ; but on
the contrary, while the Ipirit of the government, by opening
the channel of promotion to every individual, is truly favou-
rable to the growth of genius, a virtuous ambiy;ion to be
inftrumental in promoting the happinels of mankind, always
enfures a fufficieat number of candidates for public conli-
dence.

IN RESPECT OF NAT lO NAT, Dtnx,

The debt of tlie United States is divided into two claftes,
foreign and domeftic. The foreign debt is compofed, in ca-
pital, of a loan made in France of twenty-four millions of
livers at five per cent. ; another made in Holland, under
the guarantee of France, of ten millions, !

dolls.
at four per cent, both amounting in dollars to 6,296.296

Spain at five per cent i'jj^,oii

In Holland, in four different loans 3,600.000

Total capital 10,070,307

Intcreft to December 31, 1789 ...... 3.651.2^7

Total, capital and inlereft . , . , . , . . ii. 721,^64
Domeftic debt liquidated, capital and intereft, to the

31ft of December, 1790 40.414,085

Not liquidated, eftimaled at 2.000.000

Total, foreign apd domeftic , , 54,124.464

In the profecution of the war each individual ftate had
occafion to contraft a debt of ii.s own, which, for a varie-
ty of reafons, it was thought beft that the Congrefs fliould
alTtime and add to thc^ general auls of the debt of the United
States.

The fums thus alTumed, which are fuppoicd
toabioib nearly the whole of all the ft^ite debts,
amount in the whole to ....... . 25,000.060

So that the total amount of the prefcnt debt <^f tlie

United States is .......... 79,124,464^]

Annual intcreft of this funj, as ftipulated .... 4,^87, 444.'

I

OVER EUROPEAN NATIOXS. 285

Thus we fee thac the Americans pay lefs than a million ftcr-
llrig a year including the expenl'cs of their government for
having maijitained their liberty : while Great-Britain pays
more than four millions fterling additioniil annual expenfe
for having attempted to deprive them of it ; and by the mea-
lurcs taken by the new ^,overnment, the Americans are in
a fair way not only to pay their intereft, but to fiiik the
principal of their debt, and that without direft taxation.

Thus while the European governments draw annually fro
their fubjcfts at leaft one fourth of their bona fi e property
to defray the intereft of their public debt, the citizens of the
United States are icarce fcnfible of any burihen arifing there-
from ; nay, on the contrary, in its prefent ftate, it is to ihera «.
real national advantage.*

EQUALITY Of SITUATIO.'.

This is far from being the Icaft of the advantages which
America polleffes over European nations. In the greater part

* If the fecret hiflory of the debt- contiacied in France -were pub'.ifHed it
would difcover the origin of many fortunes which have auonilhed us. Ii is
certain, for inftance, that M. de Vergennes difpofed of thofe loans at pleafurei
caufeii military flores and merchandife to be furniihed by perfons attached to
him, and fuffere-d not their accounts to be difputed. It is a fatt, that in his
accounts with Congrefs, there was one million of livies that he never accounted
for, after all the demands that were made to him. It is likewife a fa£i, that out
of the forty-feven millions pretended to be furnifhed in the above articles
Ly France to Congrefs, the emplo,ynient of tweaty-one millioas is without
vouchers.

M. Beaumarchais, in a memoir publifhed fome years ago, pretends to be the
creditor of Congrefs for millions. There is a report made to Congrefs by iwo
■refpeclable members, in which they prove, that he now owes Congrefs fevcn
hundred and forty-two thoufand four hundred and thirteen livres, and a million
more, if the wandering miilion above mentioned has fallen into his hands.
Thek reporters make a ftriking pifture of the manccuvres praiStifed to deceive the
Americans.

Scarce a doubt, we think, can be entertained, but when the government of
Trance fliall be fecured by external and internal tranquility, it will caufe fome
. acoount to be rendered of the fums fquandered in the part which France todk
in the American war ; or rather the fums which, inllead of going to faccouj-
thofe brave flrugglers for liberty, went to adorn the bed-chambers »f an
aftiefs ? Adeline did more mifchief to the Americans than a regiment of
JJefTuns.

286 ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES

of Europe the diflance between the higher and lower cLides of
fociety is fo great, as to beget on the pa> t of the former a iuper-
cilious haughtinefs, and almoft tc^al neglect of all the focia^
virtues. The fituations in which the prlviL-gcd ariflccracv of
^urope are placed, may be confidcred as hotbeds of vice, igno-
rance and folly— nurfed in principles of tyranny and fuperftiiion
-^born, as many of them are, to the enjoyment of unearned
honours, and riches derived from plunder — placed in fituations
where they can gratify every luft and every brutal appetite,
almoil without controul — ^nd enjoy every advantage that ought
only to be the reward of virtue, without application to honeft
induftry, it is not to be wondered at that they arc funk in the
fcale of rational beings, and degraded below the level of virtuous
fociety. Perhaps a more contemptible figure cannot be imagined
:f properly confidered, than what this clafs of men in gene-
ral prefent to our view throughout Europe, Often without a
fingle virtue, rolling at eafe in fplendcur and profufion,
preying upon the fruits of honeft induftry, and devouring the
hard-earned morlal of the virtuous peafant. But this is not all,
their depravity of manners and boundlefs courfe of diffipation
and debauchery, extend their baneful influence through all
the lo'.ver claiTes of fociety, and poifon all the channels of
human hp.ppinefs. In America, this clafs of men are unknown,
the mafs of inhabitants, exclufive of fervants, confifts of thof*?
who pollefs in fee fimple from one hundred to five hundred
acres of land, sclually in cultivation, together with the tradef-
men immedately dependent on agriculture, moft of whom an
likewife farmers, with the ftorekecpers and mechanics in tl
different towns; no part of fociety pre^'s on the other, bu^
all contribute to the general good. A mediocrity of fituatioV
is cornmon throughout ihe American States ; there are fcwJ
indeed, whofe incomes will reach two thoufand pounds ftcr-l
Jing per ann. and the number nearly as fmall, and perhaps fmal«
kr, who are reduced to a dependent fituation. This happ)
medium is nroduftive of the moft beneficial confetjuences tc
their morals :nd their happinefs ; it fupports that fpirit of inde-
pendence and love of liberty which laid the foundation of
, their government ; il keeps far diflant that fervility fo common"'
to the lower orders of Europeans, and prefcrvcs them from
the mifcry and wretchednefs attendant on foUowir.g the vices of
the privileged orders.

OVER EUROPEAN NATIONS. ^B-j

VARltTY OF CLl.VATE, SOIL AND P R 0 DI-' C T 1 O N S.

The United States podcfs in this rcfpeft an advantage over
mofl of the European kingdoms, for they are not oniy fubjccl
to the gradations from almofl extreme lieat to extreme cold, hut
feem capable of fupplying almofl all the produftions of the
earth. Situated in the norihern divifion of that cxtcnfive por_
tion of the globe, between the thirty-fiift and forty-hxth
degrees of northern latitude ; the extreme length of their terri-
tory is about one thouiwnd two ])uridred and fifty miles, the
breadth about one thoufand and forty. The luperficics are
computed to be fix hundred and forty million acres of land and
water : after deducing the I'pace occupied by the capacious lakes
and mighty rivers, which fertilize and accommodate this coun-
try, and occupy above a feventh part of its lurface, there
remain about five hundred and ninety millions of acres of faft
land.

In fo very extended a fcene as might be naturally expeficd,
the fruits of the earth are many and various : we find even in
the preknt halt -tried ftate of the capacities of the different foils
and climates, a lift of invaluable produftions, iome found by
the firll dilcovercrs of the country, others introduced by mere
accident, and others tranlported from Europe, during the fimple
ftale of agriculture in the laft century. In the fouthern latitudes,
particularly the States of Georgia, South-Carolina, and North-
Carolina, rice, much fuperior to that of Italy or the Levant,
is raifed in very great quantities. The comparative value of
this grain is twenty-five per cent, in the Englifh markets for
the American, more than the Italian or Levant rice: and
from the ample quantity and goodnefs of American rice, it
appears that little, if any Mediterranean rice is now imported
into England, as it has for fome time been omitted in the general
account of prices. Tlie South-Carolina 'crop alone, of 1785,
appears to have been above one hundred thoufand tierces,
weigliing fixty millions of pounds. It is expcftcd that \''irginia
will add this aiticle to her lift of exports, as it is luppofed a large
body of fwainp in her moft eaftern counties is capable of produc-
ing it ; and mountain rice has been raifed by way of experiment
in the new country hear the head of the Ohio.

Tobacco is a ftaple article of all the States, froin Georgia as
far north as M.irvland, including botli. Viiginia alone, gene-
rallv exported beloie the revolution, fifty-five thouland hogf-
lieads, weighing fifty-five millions of pounds ; Maryland thirty
thouiaud hogfheads. The Caroiinas and Georgia, which rajjed

288 ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES

but litlle of this article before the revolution, have, of late
years, produced very large quantities : and as Vij-ginia and
Maryland are turning more of their attention to'ftte cultivatien
of Vk'hcat, Indian corn, flax, and hemp, the Carolinas and
Georgia will probably extend the cultivation of this plant, to
which their foil and climate are well fuited. The foil of Ken-
tuckv and the Cumberlapd and Tenneflee country feems alfo to
be eminently calculated for the culture of this plant.

Indigo, of an excellent quality, is produced by North-Caro-
lina, South-Carolina, and Georgia. Of this valuable commo-
dity, one million three hundred thoufand pounds weight have
been fliipped from the city of Charleflon alone in one year :
but this, and the other two articles before mentioned, are raifcd
in much lefs proportions in North-Carolina than in South-Carolina
and Georgia. The uniform of the national troops has been
heretofore of blue cloth, as alfo of the militia in general. Their
clergy alfo by their cuftoms wear this colour, and it is o-enerally
liked among the mod frugal and mofl; expenfive people. Thefe
circumflances will no doubt be duly attended to in future laws
and regulations, and will operate very favourably for the indis^o
planters, without any expenfe to the country.

Cotton has been lately adopted as an article of culture in
the fouthern States; and as the prices of rice, tobacco, and indi-
go decline, it muft be very beneficial to the owners and purcha-
fers of lands in that part of the Union. This article is raifed
with eafe in Spain, every part of which kingdom lies further
north than the Carolinas, and in the fame latitudes as Vij-ainia
Maryland, and the Delaware States, It is alfo raifed in that
part of Afiatic Turkey wliich lies between Scanderoonand Smyrna
which are in the latitudes of the three lafl States. As the inha-
bitants incrcafe very rapidly by emigration and the courfe of
nature, it is certain they cannot procure wool from their own
internal refources in fufficient quantities. The owners of cotton
plantations mav therefore expeft a conTcant and great demand
for this article, as a fubftitute for wool, befides its ordinary ules
for light goods.

Tar, pitch, and tm-pentlne are produced in immenfe quanti-
ties in North-Carolina, which State fliips^ more of thefe articles,
particularly the laft. than all the reft of the Union. Tar and
pitch are alfo produced in the fouthern parts of Jerfey, and
more or leis in all the States fouthward of that.

Bcfides thefe, myrtle wax, and thofc two in\'aluable timbers,
the live oak and red cedar, are peculiar to the Carolinas and

i

iOP'ER EUROPEAN NATIONS. 289,

Georgia; and they have Indian corn, hemp, flax, boards,
ftaves, ftiingles, leather, beef, pork, butter, minerals, foilils,
and many other articles in common with the middle, or
eaftern States ; al'fo (kins, fUrs, and ginfeng fr©m their Indian
tountry.

The wheat country of the United States lies in Virginia,
Maryland, Delaware, Pennfylvania, New-Jerfey, and New-
York, and the wefternmofl parts of Connefticut, as alio the
weftern parts of the two Carolinas, and probably of Gcoigia,
for their own ufe. The chara£ler of the American flour is fo
well known, that it is urineCclTary to fay any thing in commen-
dation of it here, Virginia exported before the war eight
hundred thouland bufliels of wheat ; Maryland abcve half that
quantity. The exports of flour from Pennfylvania with the
wheat was equivalent to one million two hundred thoufand
bufhels in 1788, and about two millions of bufhels in 1789,
which, however, was a very favourable year. New-York
exports in flour and wheat equivalent to one million of bufliels.
in the wheat States are alfo produced great quantities of Indian
corn or maze. Virginia formerly exported half a million of
bufhels per ann. Maryland fhips a great deal of this article,
and confiderable quantities raifed in Delaware, Pennfylvania,
New-Jerley, New-York, and Connefticut, are exported ; as
are the wheat and flour of thole five States, from Philadelphia
and New-York, there being little foreign trade from Deleware
or Jerfey ; and the weftern parts of Connefticut fhipping with
Icfs expcnfe from the ports on Hudfon's river than thole of their
own StatCi

Hemp and flax are raifed in very large quantities throughout
the United States. And though South Carolina and Georgia pro-
duce lels than any other States of thefe two articles, they are
capable of raifing immenfe quantities. Georgia, from the ad-
vantage (he has in the river Savannah, could produce hemp with
the greateft profit. Large portions of the new lands of all the
States are well fuited to hemp and flax.

Though (heep are bred in all parts of America, yet the mofl;
populous parts of the middle States, and the eaftern States which
have been long fettled, and particularly the latter, are the places
where they thrive beft. In the four eaftern or New-England
States, they form one of the greateft objefts of the farmer's at-
tention, and one of his lureft iourccs of profit. The demand
for wool, which has of late incrcafed exceedingly with the
growth of manufaftures, will add confiderably to the former
Vol, III. P p

ago ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES

handfome profits of flieep ; and the confumpticn of meat by the
manufafturers will render them ftill more beneficial.

Horned or rvgat cattle are alio bred in every part of
the United States. In the wellern counties of Virginia, the
Carolinas, and Georgia, where they have an extenfive range
and mild winters without Inows of any duration, they run at
large, and multiply very faft. In the middle States, cattle re-
quire more of the care and attention they ufually receive in
Europe, and they are generally good, often very fine. But in
the eailera States, whole principal objefts on the land have until
lately been paflurage and grazing, cattle are very numerous in-
deed, and univerldily fine ; cheele is, of courle, moft abundant
in thofe States. No EurDpean country can excel the United
Slates in the valuable article of (alt provifions. Their exports
of this kind are every day increafing ; as the raifing of cattle is
peculiaily profitable to farmers, the greater part of whom have
more land than they can cultivate even with the plough. Bar-
ley and oats are the produftions of every State, though lead
cultivated to the fouthward. Virginia, however, is turning her
attention to barley, as alio Maryland, and can raife great quantities.
Mafts, fpars, ftaves, heading, boards, plank, fcantling,
and fquare timber, are found in almoft all the States ; but
New-Hampfliire, and the adjoining province of Maine, which
is connected with MalTachuletts, are the two moft plentiful
fcenes ; the {lock there leems almoft inexhauftible. In New-
York they abound ; and in North-Carolina and Georgia, the
pitch pine-plank, and ieantling, and oak flaves, are excellent,
elpecially in the foniver. The flock of thefe articles on the
Chelapeak and Delaware bays is more exhaufled , but yet there
is a great deal on the rivers of both for exportation, befides
abundance for home coniumption. Confiderable quantities are
alio brought to the Charleflon market, but a brge part of them
is from the adj.iteiit States of Georgia and North-Carolina.
"When their inicriiHl navigation fliall be improved, South- Caro-
lina will open new fources of thefe articles.

Pot and pearl allies, have become very valuable articles
to the land-holders and merchants of the United States :
but their importance was unknown twenty years ago. A
fingle fa£l will illuftrate the wealiii that may be acquired by
this manufafture. The State of Maffachuletts, which has been iet-
tled. twice as long as the other States on a medium, which contains
about a fiftieth part of the territory of the United Slates which is

OV£R EUROPEAN NATIONS. 291

among the mofl populous of them, and confequently muft have far
lels wood to ipure than many other parts of the Union, hns
ncverthelcfs fliipped two hundred thouland dollars worth of
thefe two articles in a year. New-Eugland and New-Yoik
have derived great advantage from their attention to pot and
pearl afhes ; but it hns hitherto been made in very inconfide-
rable quantities in the States to the fouthw^ard of them : in
mod of them it has been entirely overlooked. Ncw-Jerfey
and Delaware have more forefls than Miffathulettf. *, and as there
is no part of either of thofc States that lies twenty-five miles
from navigable water, they may venture to expend their wood,
and to depend upon coal. In the other fix States, which lie
fouth of Hudloii's river, the materials for pot afli are immenfe,
as aUo in the State of New-York.

A grand dependence of the eailcrn States is their valuable
fifheries ; a detail of thefe is unneceiTary. It is fufhcicnt to lay,
that with a Imall exception in favour of New-York, the whole
great fea filhery of the United States is carried on by New-
England ; and it is in a variety of ways highly beneficial to
their landed and manufa£luring interefts.

Iron is abundant throughout the " Union, excepting New-
England and the Delaware State, though the former are not
dellitute of it, and the latter can draw it as conveniently from
the other States on the Delaware river, as if it were in her
own bowels. Virginia is the State moft pregnant with mine-
rals and foffils of any in the Union.

Deer fkins and a variety of furs are obtained by all the
States from the Indian country, either direftly or through
the medium of their neighbouis. Hitherto they have been
exported in large quantities ; but from the rapid progrefs
of American manufaftures, that exportation muft diminifh.

The article of pork, lo important in navigation and trade
merits particular notice. The plenty of maft or nuts of the
oak and beech, in fome places, and of Indian corn every where,
occafions it to be very fine and abundant. Two names among
them are pre-eminent, Burlington and Connefticut ; the firft
of which is generally given to the pork of Pennfylvania, and
the middle and northern parts of Jeriey ; the fecond is the
quality of all the pork north of Jerfey. It may be fufely affirm-
ed, that they are fully equal to the pork of Ireland and Bri-
tany, and much cheaper.

Cider can be produced with eafc in corfiderable quantities,
from \'irginia inclufive, to the mofl northern States, as alfo in

Pp 2

292 ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES

the weftern country of the Carolinas and Georgia ; but New-
Jerfey and New-England have hitherto paid moft attention to
this drink. An exquifite brandy is diftilled from the exj^enfivc
peach orchards, which grow upon the numerous rivers of the
Chefapeak, and in parts of Pennfylvania, and may be made iri
the greater part of the country.

Silk has been attempted with fuccefs in the fouthernmoft
States, fo far as due attention was paid to it : but is not well
fuited to the nature of their labourers, who, being blocks, arc
net careful or fkilful ; and there are many other objeAs of
more importance and profit in the agriculture of thofe fertile
States. In Connetlicut, where there is a fenfible and careful
■white populatioti, and where land is comparatively icarce and
dear, it is found to be prafticable and beneficial, A projeft to
extend the white Italian mulberry tree over all the States has
been formed, by fome perfevering individuals acquainted with .
the propagation of them. A great part of Connefticut is
already fupplied. An extenfive nurfery has been eflablifhed
near Philadelphia ; another at Princeton in New-Jerfey ; ,and .
two more aie at this time commenced on New-York and Long-
Iflands. "- ■■'''' ■ ^

Rye is produced generally through all the States north of
the Carolinas, and in the weftern parts of the three, fouthern
States. But the detail of American produ6lions, and the parts
in which they njofl abound, would be very I»ng. It will there-
fore be fufhcient to lay, that in addition to the above capital
articles, the United States produce or contain, tlax-feed, fpelts^
lime-ftone, allum, faltpetre, lead, copper, coal, free-ftone, marble.
flone for wares, potter's clay, brick clay, a variety of fl:iip-tim-
ber, fhingles, holly, beech, poplar, curled maple, black walnut,
wild cherry, and other woods luitable for cabinet makers, fhingles
of cedar and cyprefs, myrtle-wax. bees-wrfx, butter, tallow,
hides, leather, tanner's bark, maple fugar, hops, muftard
leed, poiatoes, and all the other principal vegetables ;
apples, and all the other principal fruits ; cluver, and all the
other principal grades. On the f'ubjeft of their productions
it is only nccellary to add, that they mult be numerous,
oiverfificd. and extremely valuable, as the various parts of their
countrv lie in the fame latitude as Spain, Portugal, the middle
and fouthern provinces of France, the fertile iil.ind of Sicily,
and the greater part of Italy, European and Afiatic Turkey,
and the kingdom of China, which maintains by its own agricul-
ture more psnplc than any country in the woild befulc.

Ol'ER EUROPEAN NATIONS. £9^

From thefe few obfervations we may form fome idea of
the advantages which the United States polTels over mod Euro-
pean countries in thefe refpefts j it may be truly faid, that there
is not a luxury of nature but their foil is capable of yield-
ing, and which the climate in one part or other of their
territory would not bring to perfeftion. They can culti-
vate with eafe every raw material for different manufaftures
which the furfacc of the earth yields, and its bowels yield
them every neceflary metal and fofhl.

Connected with this, we may mention another advantage
which the States pofTefs : this is the eafe with which the
produce of one State may be conveyed, by water, to ano-
ther, with a very trivial addition of expenfe. There is in
this refpecl a ftriking difference between the navigable wa-
ters of the United States and thofe of any country in the
old world. The Elbe is the only river in Europe which
will permit a fea vefTel to fail up it for fo great a length
as feventy miles. The Hudfon's, or north river, between
fhe States of New-York and New-Jerfey, is navigated by
Jca veffels one hundred and eighty miles from the ocean ;
the Delaware, between Pennfylvanla, New-Jerfey, and the
Delaware State, one hnndred «id fixty miles ; the Poto-
m^ck, between Virginia an^ Maryland, three hundred miles:
and there are feveral other rivers, bays, and founds, of ex-
tenfive navigation, far e^jceeding the great river Elbe. The
inland boatable waters and lakes are equally numerous and
great.

When we confider thefe, and extend our ideas to the
different canals already formed, and ftill forming, by which
the moft important rivers are, or will be united, we may
venture to alTert, that no countiy in Europe does, or pof-^
fibly can polTefs fo completely the advantages of inland na-
vigation ; by this the extremes of the confederacy will be-
come intimately united and ac(juainted with each other,
and each State will reap from the produce of the whole
nearly the fame advantage as though it pofTeffed every re-
fource within itfelf; indeed, no doubt can by a reflefting
mind be entertained, but that the time is near when a com-
munication by water will be opened with every part of
the Union.

In a country thus circumllanced, producing the great
raw materials for manufafturcs, and .poffening unlimited pow-
ers, by water and refources of fuel fubjeft alfo to heavy char-

894 ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED ST ATZ .\

ges upon the importation of foreign fabrices, to negleft
Rianufaftures would have been almoll: criminal, Thele im-
portant ideas have taken full poileffion of the American
mind, The theory is now every wliere apjjioved; and in
New-England, Pennlylvania, and ieveial ocher States, the
pra£lice has been taken up v.'itli coididerable Ipirit and
very extenfively purfued.

Theie are but a few of the advantages America poffeffes
over ahe different natioirs in Europe, but they are luch as have
laid the foundation of her preient, and which inlure her
future profperity.

We fhall now proceed to flate as briefly as poflible the
profpefts and advantages which the European fettler has al-
moft the certainty of realizing.

O F T H E

PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

EUROPEAN SETTLER

IN THE UNITED STATES.

B,

'EFORE we enter on this part of the work, we wiih
to premife to the reader that we fhall proceed with cau-
tion. The numbers that have emigrated to America from
this country have aheady awakened the fears of lome,
and the envy of others ; and fome who appear confci-
ous of the confequences that muft follow from a fpirit
of emigration, have thought it their duty to ftep forv/ard.
and by magnifying trifling difficulties into infurmountable ob-
flacles, attempt to put a ftop to a lyftem, which, though
its effcft* are flow, are not the lefs fure in weakening
the ftrenglh and refources of the European counties. Hence
flight fkirniifhes with the Indians have been magnified to
the moft tremendous battles. The rehdence of a fmall por-
tion of perlons to the levying of a tax in one or two States
has been worked up to a univerfal rebellion throughout the
Union. A fever laging at Philadelphia for a fhort period,
and which is now admitted to have originated in the ex-
poiure ot dduiaged coflFee, has been held forth as a proof
of an unhealthy climate throughout the States; and the in-
temperate zeal of a few individuals has been conlidered a
fufhcient proof that the whole body of Am.ericans are
averle to the prudent and temperate conduft of their govera-
meut. 1 lie imprcffions made on the public mind Lv thefe
means have received addiiiomd flirength from a few indi-
viduals, who, like the fpies fent to view the land of Ca-
naan, hr.vc, through idlenefs, or attachment to European
difTipation. caft away the clufl.er3 of grapes, and returned
with an evil report of the land. If we credit thofc, the

^94 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGAS

United States are ruined — trade is bad ever)' thing is

dear — -all is confufion — the people flaves — ^^and the United-
States unable to furnifli employment or fupport to tkofe
who vv'ifh there to take up their refidence. Thefe and al-
moft ten thoufand other evils are conveyed to us through
the medium of letters inferted in the daily papers dated
from diiTerent parts of America, but which carry with them
internal evidence of being the produftion ©f hireling
fcribblers, employed for the purpofe of mifleading the un-
thinking rhind.

In' order therefore to follow this fubjeft through all its
conneftions, and to fet the profpe£ls of an European fet-
tler in a clear point of view, it will be neceffary to pro-
ceed in the inq-uiry under feme kind of fyftem, that its
different parts may ftand clear and diftin£^, and yet forme
one connefted whol^e. As an introduftory part it may there-
fore be neceffary to re£lify feme miftaken notions of Eu-
ropeans refpefting the American States.

MISTAKEN NOTIONS OF EUROPEANS".

Many perfons in Europe appear to have formed miftaken
ideas and expe6tations of what is to be obtained in Ame-
rica ; it may therefore be ufeful, and prevent inconve-
nient, expenfive , and fruitlefs removals and voyages of im-
proper perfons, to give feme clear and truer notions of that
part of the world than appear to have hitherto prevailed.

It is imagined by numbers, that the inhabitants of North-
America are rich, capable of rewarding and difpofed to re-
ward all forts of ingenuity ; that they are at the fame time
in a great degree ignorant of all the fciences -, and confe-
quently that flrangers poffeffing talents in the belles let-
tres, fine arts, &c. muft be highly efteemed, and fo well
paid as to become eafily rich themlelves; that there are al-
fo abundance of profitable offices to be difpofed of, which
the natives are not (jualified to fill ; and that having fev/
perlons of family among them, Jirang:rs q/'i'zr? A muft be great-
ly relpefted, and of courfe eafily obtain the beft of thofe
offices, which will make all their fortunes ; that the go-
vornments too, to encourage emigrations from Europe, not
only often pay -the expenfe of perfonal tranfpcrtation, but
give lands gratis to ftrangers, with negroes to work for them,
utenfils of hulbandry, and ftocks of cattle. Thefe are, in
the general, wild imaginations; and thofe who go to Ame-
rica with expcftations founded upon them_. will furelv find
ihemfelves difappointed.

OF E U R OP EjrN SE TTI.ERS. 297

The truth is, that though there are in America few people
of [he delcription of the poor of Europe, there are alio very
few th;a III Europe would he called rich. It is rather, as before
bblervcd, a general happy mediocrity that prevails. There are
few great proprietors of the loil, and few tenants ; moll people
cultivcUs their own lands, or follow lome handicraft or merchan-
dile ; very tew are rich enough to live idly upon their rents o»"
incomes, or to pay the hi.^h prices given in Europe for paintings,
flat ues. architecture, and the otiier works of art that are more
curious tlrin ufeful. Hence the natural gcniufes that have arifcn
ill America, wiib fuch talents, have, in general quitted that
country for Europe, .where they can be-more fuitably rewarded.
Ic is true that letters and malheinatical knowledge arc in eftecm
tiiCie, but iliey <iie at the Jame time more common than is
apurehended : there being already exilling numerous colleges
or univerfitics, for the molt part furnillicd with learned pro-
Iclfors, befidcs a i-.umber of Imailcr academies, Thele educate
many of their youth in the languages, and thofe Iciences that
qualify men for the piofcflion of divinity, laW, and phyfic.
Strangers, indeed, are by no means excluded from cxercihnpr
lh-c>le profefhons ; and the quick increale of inhabitants every
where gives thsm an aimoll cert linty of employ, which they
have in common with the natives. Of civil offices or empl-oy-
tncnts there- are few; no lupeifluous ones as in Europe; and
it is a rule eftablifhed in fome of the States, that no office fhould
be lo profitable as to make it defuable for the income. The
ihiriy-lixth Erticle of the conftitution of Pennlylvania runs
cxprclsly in tiieic words: " As every freeman, to preferve his
'• independence, if he has not a lufficient eltate, ought to have
" iume proferuon, calling, trade, or faim, whereby he may
•■ l.oncIUy lubfift, tliere can be no necefhty for, nor ule in
'• ciLblilliing offices of proht ; the ulual cffetis of which are
•• dependence and fervilavj- uiibecoining freemen in the polTel-
•• iors and expetl-nits, faction,, c^rijteuiion, corruption and dif-
" order among the f>eople. . Wherefore^ whenever an office,
" through increafe of fees or oth.crwile, becomes fo profitable as
'* to occalion niany to apply for it, the profits ought to be leffen-
'■ cd .bV' the iegifijiiure.."

; Thc4c ideas prevailing more or lefs in. all the United States, it
can-not bo u-pith apy man's while to exnatiiute himlell in hopei
of obl,ai,uijng;ft ..p!>)fitable «avil office. in Asncrica ; and as to mili-
tary tiffices; they en^ieii with the wjr, tlie armies being difband-
cd 54id reduced to. a nfttiqiia-i militia. Much Icfs is it advifeable
fur a perfqatogo thither who, has no other quality to recommend
Vol. III. Q q

298 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

him than his birth. In Europe it has, indeed, its value, but it
is a commodity that cannot be carried to a worfe market than to
that . of America, wliere people do not inquire concerning a
ftranger, JVhat is he ? or, IVho is lie ? but What can he do ?
If he has any ufefiil art he is welcome , and if he exercifes it,
and behaves well, he will be refpcfted by all that know him :
but a mere man of quality, who on that account wants to live
upon the public, by fome ofiice or falary, will be defpifed and
difregarded. The hufbandman is in honour there, and even
the mechanic, becaufe their employments are ufeful. The
people have a faying, that " God Almighty is himiclf a mecha-
nic, the greateft in the univerfe ; and a man is refpcftcd and
admired more for the variety, ingenuity and utility of his handy-
works, than for the antiquity of his family. They are plealed
with the obfervation of a negro, and frequently mention it, that
" Boccarorra (meaning the white man) make de black man
woikee, make de horfe workee, make de ox workce, make
ebery ting workee, only de heg. He de liog, no workee : he
eat, he drink, he walk about, he go to fleep when he pleafe, he
lihb like a gentleman." According to thefe opinions of the
Americans, one of them would' think himfelf more obliged to
a genealogi/l, who could prove for him, that his anceftors and
relations, for ten generations, had been ploughmen, Imiths,
carpenters, turners, weavers, tanners, or fhoemakers, and con-
fequently, prove that they were ufeful members of lociety ; than
if he could only prove that they were gentlemen, doing nothing
of value, but living idly on the labour of others, mere Jruges
ccnfumere nati,* zvd otherwife good for nothing, till, by their
death, their eftates, like the carcaie of the negro's gentleman- hog,
come to be cut up.

With regard to encouragements to Grangers from the Ameri-
can government, they are really only what are derived from
GOOD LAV.'s AND GENUINE LIBERTY. Strangers are welcome
becaufe there is room enough fot them all, and therefore the old
inhabitants are not jealous of them ; the laws proteft them fuffi-
cieiitly, fo that they have no need of the patronage of great men ;
snd every one will enjoy fecurely the profits of his induftry.
But, if he does not bring a fortune with him, he muft woik and
be induftrious if he gains one. One or two years rcfidcncc
give him all the rights of a citizen : but the government docs
not at prefent, whatever it may have done in former limes,

* There are a number of us born

Merely to eat up the cora Watts.

OF EURO P E A N S E TTL E R S. 299

hire people to become fettlers, by paying their paffages, giving
land, negroes, utenfils, flock or any otlicr kind of emolument
whatfoever. In fhort, America is a land of labour, and by no
means what the Englilh call Lubber lav d^ and the French, Pays
de Cocagne.

Thole who defirc to underftand the flate of government in
America, fhould read the conflitutions of th.c Icveral States,
and the articles of confederation that bind the whole together
for general purpoles, under tlie direftion of one afiembly called
the Congrels, Thefe conltituiions we have for the mod part
given at length, in our account of the different States in the
Union ; and where that is not done, the reader may relt allured
there is no material variation. Thcfe conflitutions convey, in
the cleareft manner, the principles and practice of the American
government, and furnifh a body of political information fcaicely
to be found in any other compofitions.

MOTIVES TO EMIGRATION'.

If the above obfervations are confidered as true, it may natu-
rally be afked, what are the general ixducements to

QUIT EUROPE fOR THE PURPOSE OF SETTLING IN rtME-
RICA?

To this query we fliall, withoiit hefjadoft, reply, that the
firfl and principal inducement to an European to quit his
native country for America, is the total absence of anxie-
ty RESPECTING THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF A FAMILY. There

is little fault to find with tlie government of Am.erica, either
ir» principle or in praftice ; they have very few taxes to pay
andthofe arc of acknowledged necelnty, and moderate in amount;
they have no animofities about religion ; it is a iubjeft about
which no qucflions are afked ; they have fev/ reipetling poli-
tical men, or political mealurcs ; the preleiu irritation of men's
minds in Great-Britain, and the diicordant Hate of lociety on
poiitic.il accounts, is not known there. The government is tlie

government of the people, and for the people. There
are no lythes nor game laws ; and excile laws upon ipirits onh-,
and iunilar to the Britifii only in name. There are no men of
great rank, nor many of great riches. Nor have the rich there
the pcnver of opprefung the leis rich, for, as we have before
obfervcd, poverty, fuch as'is common in Great-Bi itain, is almofi:
unknown , nor are tlieir flreets crowded vi iih beggars ; Mr.
Cooper oblerves, he faw but one only while he was there, and
that was an Englifhman. You fee no where in Ameaica tho

50O PllOSPECTS AXD ADVA XT AGES

difguiling and mchncholy contra ft yj coviinon in Europe, of vice
and filth, and rags, and wretchedncli. in ihc immediate neigh-
bourhood ofthemoft wanton exlrnvagaiice, and tht; moft uiclefs
and luxurious parade. Nor are the common peojile fo dcorjved
as in Great-Britain. Quarrels arc uncommon, andboxin/ match-
es unknown in ihcir flreets. '1 hoy have no mih'taiv t<j keen
the people in awe, nor hired fpics and informcis to pierce the
inmoft recefTes of fociety, and to call forth one part of a family
againll another ; thus delhoying domedic quiet ;uid puolic hai>-
pinefs. Robberies are very rare. There \\';is not a burgkiry in
Philadelphia during the fever there, though no one ftaid ui the
town who could leave it. All thele aie real acivant;'ges ; but
great as tht.y are, they do not v, eigh with us lo u;uch as the
fmgle con fide rat ion full mentioned.

In England the young man flics to proftitution, for fear of
the expenfe of a family eilabhUiment, and the, mote tluui probubie
extravagance of a wife ; celibacy is a part of prudence ; it is
openly commended, and as fteaddy praftilcd as the voice of
nature will allow. The married man, whole palFions have been
ilronger, whofe morals have been lels callous, or whole intcreft
has furnifhed motives to matrimony, doubts whether each child
be not a misfortune, and looks upon his offspring with a melan-
choly kind of aileftion, that embitters forne of the oihervvile
molt plcalurable moments ot his life. There are exceptions to
this from great luccei's in tlie puiluils of ihc faihor ; tiicie are
exceptions from ftronger dtgiccs of parential afrrflion ; and the
more languine look forward wi;h ilronger hope; but we have
feen too much not to be latished of the pcrfc6l truth of this
(^entral pofition. We do not care what may be the lituition in
life of the parents, or the rank to which they belong ; fiom the
labourer at fix or i'cven fluUings per wetk, und many tliou-
iands of luch there are in Great-liritain, lo the peer oj twenty-
five thoufarid pounds per annum, through many intermediate
ranks, we huvc had too freciucat occifum to ob'crve this uiclan-
choly ta61.

In the former iufLcUice, the labo;ucr conlolcs himieU. with
tcais in his eyes, for live h)(s oF his thddiei), bccaule l,r lias vnt
or more ii'fs lo provide for : and in the Iccond inltance his' iurd-
fiiip rctreuciics h:s plcaiurcs bccauj'c he hci.i a lari^e Juonly.

In Ameiica, particulaily out of the huge towns, no man (1
jnoderate delires feels anxious about a iamily. In t!ie counti y,
where the rn<i:s of tlic people dwell, cvci v riian Icv-ls the ni-
crejfe of his family to be tliO ii.ticafe c f aio iichcs: and no

OF EUROPEAN STTLERS. 301

fjimer doubts about the facility of providing for his children as
comfortably as they have lived, where hiiid is lo cheap and lo fer-
tile, where lociety is io much on an equality, and where tlie pro-
digious increalc of population, from natural and accidental
cuules. and the improving ftatc of every part of the country,
fiMniflies a market for whatever fuperfluous produce he chu-
fcs to raife, without prefenting inceflfantly that temptation to
artiHcial c>cpen(c and extravagant competiton 10 common and
lb ruinous in European countries.

In Great-Britain, perpetual exertion, incessant, un-

KKMITTING INDUSTRY, DAILY DEPRIVATION OF THE COM-

ORTS OF LIFE, and anxious attention to minute frugality,
lie almolt incumbent on a man of moderate fortune, and in the
middle clafs of life : and the probabilities of ultimate fuccefs
are certainly againft a large family. In England, no man has
a right, calculating upon the common chances, tp expeft that
five or fix children fhall all fucceed, however virtuous or in-
duftrious they may be.

In America it is othsrwife ; you may rcafonably reckon up-
on a comfortable fettlement, according to your fituation in life,
for every part of a family, however numerous. There is no-
thing in European countries equivalent to the taking off this
weight upon the mind of a father of a family. It is felt in
the occurrences of every day, Mr. Cooper remarks, be has
iecfi with pleafure the countenance of an European emigrant
in America, brighted up on this very comfoi table refleftion ;
a retleftioii which confoles even for lols of friends, and exile
fioui a native country.

To perlons in genteel life, and of the clafs which we call
men of fortune nearly the lame difficulties occur ; with us
evciy rank treads lo clofe on the heels of the rank above it, that
an excefs of ex Leu Je ab^vz incamt, is gcntral ; and perhaps the
difficulties of a family are ftill greater in the clafs laft mention-
ed. Temptations to unneceffary expenfc^ owing to the nu-
rnerous gradations of rank in England, are perpetual and almoft
unconquerable. With the Americans, man is more equitably
appreciated ; he is cliimated more at what he is and lefs at
what lie/^c»:f. Something like European manners, and fome-
ihing of the ill efFeft of inequality of riches, may indeed be
fijund in the great towns of America, but nothing like wlut
an inhabitant of the old country experiences; and \.\\.& raajs of
the people in America are nearly untainted. Hence the free-
dom from artificial poverty, and the univerlal diftufion of the
common comforts and conveniences of life.

S02 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

In England, if a man has been pecuniarily unfortunate, the
eager crowd prefs on and trample over him, and, once down
he is kept down. In America, a falfe ftep is not irretrieva-
ble, there is room to get up again ; and the lefs unfortunate
ftumbler looks round at liefure, and without difmay for fome
more profitable path to be purfued. In England, every em-
ployment is full, we are prefled and elbowed on all fides :
in America, every employment has room for induftry, and for
many years almofi: every fpecies of induftry muft be fuccefs-
ful. In fine, America is a rifing country, but there is caufe
to fear, that moft of the European countries are going faft to
ruin and decay.

In America, the expenfes of the government are very much
lefs, in proportion to wealth and numbers, than thofe of any
nation in Europe

There is no land tax among the national revenues, nor is there
any interior tax, or excife upon food, drink, fuel, lights, or
any native or foreign manufafture, or native or foreign pro-
duftion, except a duty of about four pence fterling upon do-
meftic diftilled fpirits. The greateft part of the public bur-
dens are paid by an import duty on foreign goods, which
being drawn back on exportation, it remains only on what
is aftually ufcd, and is in that view the loweft in the world.
In England, there is fcarce an article that an individual can eat,
drink or wear, but what is taxed double, treble and lometimes
more than what was its original intrinfic value.

Trade has been encouraged by a drawback of all the import
duty on foreign goods, when they are exported, excepting
only a very few commodities of a particular nature, which
ire not defired to be much imported into, or confumed, in,
the United States.

A national mint is eftabliflied under the direftion of the
ableft praftical man in the arts and fciences which America
affords, David Rittenhouse. It is provided by law, that
the purity and intrinfic value of the filvcr coins lliall be equal
to that of Spain, and of the gold coins to thofe of the ftrift-
eft European nations. The government of the United States
foregoes all proRt from the coinnge ; this is certainly an ho-
Hcft, a politic and wholcfome forbearance, but America is the
firft that has adopted it.

The banks eftablifhed in the feveral cities of Philadelphia,

New-York, Bofton, Baltimore, Charlefton, Alexandria, &c. di*

vide a profit of feven and a half to eight and a half per cent,

per annum * at prefent, which is paid half-yearly. The

♦ Mors raight be fmd vlth truth.

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 303

interefl of the public debt of the United States is paid eve-
ry quarter of a year with a punftuality ablolute and perfeft.
There is no tax on property in the funds and banks.

The fhip-building of the United States has been on the
increafe ever fince the revolution ; it was greater in the year
1793 than in any former year fince the fettlement of the coun-
try, and it is greater in the current year than it was in the
laft. Generally fpeaking, the art of fhip-building was never
fo well underflood, never fo well executed, nor was there ever a
time when fo many of the m.inuf<i6l;ures requifite for the furniture,
tackle, apparel, and arming of velTels, were made in the United
States.

The value of the manufaftures of the United States is
certainly greater than double the value of their exports in
native commodities, and much greater than the grols value
of all their imports, including the A^alue of goods exported
again.

Thefe manufaftures confift generally of articles of com-
fort, utility and necelTity. Articles of luxury, elegance and-
fhew, are not manufaftured in America, excepting a few
kinds. IVfanufaftures in general have increafed very rapidly
fince the commencement of the revolution war, and parti-
cularly in the laft. five years.*

The exports of the United States have increafed in the lall
three years from fourteen to twenty per cent.+ Thefe ex-
ports confift, in a great degree, of the moft nccelTary food of
man, of working animals, and of raw materials, applicable to
manufaftures of the moft general utillity and confumption.x

The exports of the United States are fix times the amount
of the national taxes and duties ; and the amount of the
outward freight of the fliips and veffels of the United States
at this time, is probably more than equal to all their nation-

* Houfhold manufaftures are carried on within the families of almoft all
the farmers and planters, and of a great proportion of the inhabitants of the
villages and towns. This praftice is increafing under the animating influences
of private intereft and public fpirit.

+ In the three years ending Sept. 30, 17931 they increafed from eighteen
million? and one quarter to twenty fix millions of dollars.

^ Thefe is not any duty upon the exportation of the produce of the earth
nor can fuch duty be impofed on any exported commodities, but the exportation
of produce may be fufpended or prohibited in cafes of neceflity or policy.

Produce and all other merchandife may be freely exported in the fhips and
vefTels of all nations, not being alien enemies, without difcrimination.

304 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

al taxes and duties. The inward freight is confidcrable. The
earnings of the fifhing veffels, in lieu of freight, are alio con-
fidcrable. But the coafling freights are greater in value thaii
both the laft.

All fhips and veffels depart from the United States, fully
laden, excepting a part of the Eaft-India traders ; and a large
quantity of tonnage is employed in the coafling trade ; and
a confiderable quantity in the cod and whale fifherics.

The imports of the United States are lefs in value than'
the exports, deducting the outward freights of their own fhips,
which are returned in goods, the nctt fails of their fliips to
foreigners, and the property imported by migraters from fo-
reign countries.

The very great proportion of the imports, which confifts of
manufaftures from raw materials, which America can produce,
affords conftant and inviting opportunities to Icffcn the balance
againfl the United State in their trade with foreign countries,
holds out a certain home market to fkilful and induflrious manu-
ia£lurers in America, and gives the mofl flattering expeftations
to the landholder and farmer, of a very increafing demand for
his produce, in which he cannot be deceived.^

Their imports have not been fwelled in proportion to the in-
creafe of their population and wealth. The reafon is clear, viz.
the confiant introdudion of veto branches of manifa&ure amongji
them/elves, and a great extenfion of the old branches.

Their imports for confumption are compofed of manufaftures
iri a much lefs proportion than heretofore, owing to the fame
fzi'O caufes.

1 he imports of the United States have almofl ccafed to exhi-
bit certain articles of naval and military lupplv, and others of
the greatefb utility and confumption, owing alio to the fame tuo
i'avfes.

Their imports confifl but in a fmall degree of neceffjries, in
3 great degree of articles of comfortable accommodations, and
in (ome degree of luxuries ; but their exports confift chiefly
of prime neceflaries. of the utmofh importance to Europe.ms,
with lome articles of mere comfort and utility, and fome of lux-
ury. The following will be found to be the quantities of fotne
of the principal articles of exportation from the United States,
during the year ending in September, 1792.

U'it'i'^rs thf frcflfly pricfl of their profJuc: curing iIjp embargo-

I

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS 305

3j' 45^255 Biidielsof grain and pulfe, principally wheat, Indian
coi t\, rye, beans and peas,
44,7,52 Horles, horned cattle, mules, hogs and fheep.
1,469,723 Barrels of flour, meal, biicuit and rice, reducing cafks
of various fizes to the proportion of fh)ur barrels.
146,909 Barrels of tar, pitch, turpintine and rolin.
116,803 Barrels of beef, potk, mutton, faufages, oyftcrs, tripwj
&c. reducing cafks of various fizes, to the proportion
of beef and pork barrels.
231.776 Barrels of dried and pickled filh, reducing them to

barrels of the fame fize.
948,1 15 Gallons of fpirits, diftilled in the United States.
7,823 Tons, 12 cwts. and 141b. of pot and pearl afhes.
1 1 2,428 Hogfheads of tobacco.
60,646,861 F«^ct of boards, plank and fcantling.
19,391^ Tons of timber.
18,374 Pieces of timber.
1,080 Cedar and oak fhip knees.
71,693,863 Shingles.
31,760,702 Staves and hoops.
191 Frames of houfes.
73,318 Oars, rafters for oars, and hand-fpikes.
48,860 Shook or knock-down cafks.
52,381 Hogfli 'ads of fljx-feed.
The exports of the year of which the above are a part, amount-
ed to twenty-one millions of dollars ; but the exports of the next
following year ending on September 30, 1793, amounted to five
millions more, being twenty-hx millions of dollars. Provifions
and raw materials have greatly eocreafed. Of flour alone there
were fhipped one million and thirteen thoufand of cafks.

The imports of the United States are now generally brought
direclly, and not circuitoudy, from the countries which produc-
ed or manufaftured them. China, India Proper, the iftes of Bour-
bon and Mauritius, Good Hope, the foutheren fettlements of A-
merica and the Weft-Indies, the Wine iflands, and the countries
«n the iVIcditeranean and Baltic feas, Great-Britain and Ireland,
France, the Netherlands and Germany, Spain and Portugal.

Thus their commerce is diverfiSed and prolperous, and confifts
in imoorting for their own conlumption, and for exportation, in
the exporting, the coaftmg and inland trades, the Indian trade,
manufiftures, fliipping, the fifheries, banking, and infurances on
frups cargoes, and houies. There is no branch of commerce, for-

Rr

3oG PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

eign or domeflic, in which every diflrift, city, port and indivi-
dual is not equally entitled to be intereflied. *

The commanders and other officers of American fliips are deem-
ed ikilful and judicious ; from which caufe, combined with the
goodnefs of their fhips and of their equipment, infurances upon
their veilcls are generally made in Europe, upon the mod favour-
able terms, compared with the correfponding rifques onboard of
the veffels of other nations.

The lawful intcrcft of money is fix per cent, per annum, in
moft of the ftates ; in a few it is feven per cent. ; in one it is
iSvc per cent.

The poor taxes in the United States are very fmall, owing to
the facility with v/hich every man and woman, and every child,
who is old enough to do the lighteft work, can procure a com-
fortable fubfiftence. The induftrious poor, if frugal and fober,
often place themfelves in a few years above want.

Horfes and cattle, and other ufeful beafls, imported for breed-
ing, are exempted by law from the import duty.

The clothes, booLs, houfhold furniture, and the tools or imple-
ments of their trade or profeffion. brought by emigrators to A-
merica, are exempted from the import duty, and they may begin
their commerce, manufafturies, trades or agriculture, on the day
of their arrival, upon the lame footing as a native citizen ; and
there is no greater nor other tax upon foreigners or their pro-
perty in the United States, than upon native citizens.

Almoft every known Chriftian church exifls in the United
States ; as alfo the Hebxcw church. There has not been a dif-
pute between any two fcfts or churches fmce the revolution.
There are no tythes ; marriage and burial fees, glebes, land rents,
pew rents, monies at intereft and voluntary contributions, are

* The flave trade is abolifhcd, ?,nd American citizens cannot lawfully be em-
ploypd therein, and in fomc inflances ncgroe flavery : in others they have adopt-
ed efficacious meaiurcs for its certain, but gradual abolition. 'ITie importation
of flaves is di)continued,and can never be renewed, fo as to intcrupt the rcpofe of
Africa, or endanger the tranquillity o'f the United States. The fteady ufeof effica-
cious alternatives is preferred to the immediate application of more ftrong reme-
dies, in a cafe of fo mtich momentary and intrinfic importance.

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 307

the principal means of fuppoi ting the clergy. Many of them
arealfo profelTors and teachers in the univerfities, colleges, acade-
mies and fchools, for which interefting flations, pious and learn-
ed miniflcrs of religion are deemed peculiarly luitable. There is
no provifion in the Epifcopal, Prefbyterian, or independent
church for anv clerical perfon or charafter above a reftor or mi-
nifter of the golpel ; and this is generally, if not univerfallv the
cafe. There are lome afliflant minifters, but no curates or vicars.

All the lands in the United States are free from tythes, and
the medium purchafe is not equal to the annual land rents of
Europe ; even including in the cftimate the value of the old
improvsJ. farms in America, and the great mafs of unimproved
lands.

The productions and manufaftures of military fupplies and
articles enable the United States to derive from their own re-
fources, {hips of war, gunpowder, cannon and muflcet balls
fiiells, and bombs, cannon and carriages, rifles and cutlaifcs
grapnals, iron, lead, cartouch boxes, Iword belts, cartridge paper
faddles, bridles, and holders, foldiers'^and iailors' hats, buckles
fhoes, and boots, leathern breeches, naval (lores, fheathing paper
malt and fpirituous liquors, manufaclured tobacco, foap, candles
lard, butter, beef, pork, bacon, hams, peas, bilcuit, and tlour
and other articles for the land or marine fervice.

The education of youth has eng:iged a fliare of the attention
of the legiflature of the States. Night fchools for young men
and boys, who are employded at labour or bufineis in the day
time, have been long and beneficially fupported, and the idea of
Sunday fchools has been zealoufly adopted in fome places.
Free fchools for both fexes have increafed, and greater attention
thaft heretofore is paid to female education.

The people of the United States are ingenious in the inven-
tion, and prompt and accurate in the execution of machanifm
and workmanfhip, for purpofes in fcience, aris, manufafturies,
navigation and agriculture, Rittenhoufe's planetarium, Franklin's
eleftrical conduftor, Godfrey's quadrant improved by Hadley,
Ramfey's and* Fitch's fleam engines, Lifle's rod pendulum, and
other horological inventions, the conftruftion of fhips, the New-
Englar.d ' whale-boat, the conftruttion of flour-mills, the wire-

R r 2

3o8 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAG ES

cutter and bender for card makers, Folfom's and Briggs's machi-
nery for cutting nails out of rolled iron, the Philadelphia dray
with an inclined plane, Mafon's engine for extinguifhing fire,
the Connefticut fleeple clock, which is wound up by the wind^
the Franklin fire place, the Rittenhouie (love, Anderion's thielli-
ing machine, Rittenhoufe's inftrument for taking levels, Donald-
fon's Hippopctomas and balances lock, are a few of the numer-
ous examples.

There is no difcription of men in America, and there are very
few individuals in the a^ive tim.e of life, who live without fome
purfuit of bufinefs, profefTion, occupation, or trade. All the
citizens are in aftive habits, and all ' capital (lock is kept in
aftion. *

No country of the fame wealth, intelligence, and civilization,
has fo few vicniaL fervants, ilriftly fpeaking, in the families of
perfo'ns of the greateft, property. Family iervants and farming
fervants, who emigrate from Europe, and who continue ioberly
and induftrioufly in family or farm iervice, for one, two, or three
years, commenly fine opportunities to better their fituations, by
getting into fome comfortable line of dealing, or trade, or manu-
fafturing, or farming, according to their education, knowledge
and qualifications.

A:nerica has not, indeed, many charms for the dilTipated and
voluptuous part of mankind, but very many, indeed, for the ra-
tional lober-minded and difcreet. It is a country which affords
great opportunities of comfort and prolperty to people of good
property, and thole of moderate property, and to the induftrious
and honeft poor: a fingular and pleafing proof of which laft al-
fertion is, that there are very few, if any day labourers in the
city and liberties of Phdadelpbia, of the (Quaker church. That
religious fociety is very numerous -, but the fobriety, iirduftry,
and frugality which they praftife, enables tlieir poor quickly to
improve their condition, in a country io favourable to the poor-
e(l members of l!ie community.

That part of the tradeimen and manufacturers who live in the
country, generally refide on Imill lots and farms, of trom one
acre to twenty, and not a few upon farms of twenty to one
hundred and fifty acres, which they cultivate at leilure times
•with their own hands, their wives, children, Iervants, and ap-
prentices, and iometimes by hired labourers, or by letting out
fields for a part oi the produce to iome neighbour, who has time
or farm hands not fully employed. This union or manufafturies

* It is probable that all the jewels and Jiainonds worn by the citiacns of tho
United States, their wives and daughters, are lefs in value than thofe which fomC
times form a part of tlie drcls yt an individual in Tevoral countric* of Europe.

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 309

and farming is found to be very convenient on the grain farms,
but it is ftill more convenient on the grazing and grafs farms,
where pans of alnioft every day, and a great part of every year,
can be fp.ired from the bufinefs of the farm, and employed in
lome mechanical, handycraft, or manufafturing bufinefs Ihefe
perfons often make domeflic and farming carriages, implements,
and utenfils, build houfes and barns, tan leather, manufaftuit;
hats, ihoes, holicry, cabinet vvork, and other articles of
cloathing and furniture, to the great convenience and advantage
of the neighbourhood. In like m.anner fome of the idrmer*
at leilure times and proper iealons, manufacture nails, pot
afli, pearl aft, ftaves and heading, hoops and hand ipikes,
axe handles, maple fugar, &c. The moft judicious planters
in the fouthern States are induftrioufly inftrufting their negroes,
particularly the young, the old, the infirm, and the females,
in manufitftures,

A large proportion of the mod fuccefsful manufa£lurers in
the United States are perfons who were journeymen, and in
fome inflances foremen in the workfhcps and manufa&ories of
Europe, who having been fkilful, fober, and frugal, and hav-
ing thus laved a little money, have fet up for themfelvet>
with great advantage in America, and few have failed to
fucceed.

From this brief fketch we may juftly draw this conclufion,
that the advantages America offers to Eurobean emigrants are
fuch as no country befide can hold forth.

ON THE CHOICE OF RESIDENCE.

Suppofmg an individual from political fentiments or other
circumllances, to have formed a refolution of taking up his
jehdence in the United States, a queftion will naturally arife,
what part of America is beft adapted to his purpofe ? The
aalwcr to this queftion will certainly depend much on the
ditpohtion, circumftances, and purfuits of the perfon himfelf.
Some few circumftances may, however, influence nearly the
whole clafs of Englifh emigrants.

Q,atting a country where the church is forced into an unna-
tural conneftion with the ftatc, and where religious opinions
are the iubjeft of popular obloquy, and civil difqualifications ;
fuch will feel; in America an afylum from civil perfecution and
religious intolerance — fome fpot where they will fufFer no
defalcation in political rights, on account of theological opi-
nions, and where they may be permitted to enjoy a perfeft

3to PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

freedom of fpcech as well as of fentiment, on the two moft
important rubjefts of human inquiry, religion and politics.

As the people of England have oppolcd the fyftem of negroe
flavery, the moft part will have very ftrong, if not iniuperable
objeftions, to thofe parts of the continent where flaves arc
the only fervants to be procured, and where the praftice of
the country tends to fupport this humiliating diftinftion between
man and man. But as labourers in hufbandry, as well as /or
domeftic purpoles, will be necefTary, fome lituation muft be
chofen where fervants may be procured with tolerable facility,
although flave'ry does not prevail.

As the period of civil commotion and internal warfare, feems
in the opinion of moft perfons, not far diftant in almoft every
part of Europe, fuch would wifh, we fuppole, to fix in a place
where they are likely to enjoy the bleffings of peace, without
the hazard of interruption from any circumftances at prefent
to be forefeen. Dreading the prolpeft, however diftant, of
turbulence and bioodfhed in the old country, they will hardly
cxpofe themfelves unneceflarily to fimilar danf-^rs in the new ;
they will therefore not dircft their courfe toward thole parts of
the continent, where the prefent enmity or uncertain friendfliip
of the American Indians will render peace, proper and perlonal
fecurity in any great degree dubious.

If their fortune is not large, fufh will think it an objetl to

confider in what way they can improve it ; where and how they

can live moft comfortably upon Irnall property and moderate

induftry. If, indeed, a number oi people perfonally, or by

reputation, acquainted with each other, with fimilar habits of

life, and general purfuits, were to quit England together, they

would naturally endeavour to pitch upon a ietllement where

they need not be fo divided as to renounce the iociety they had

been accuftomed to enjoy ; or to accommodate themfelves

fuddenly to a change of habits, manners, friends, and alfociates.

With many of them in middle life, or advanced in years, this

would be a circumftance of importance to their future comfort ;

and therefore no fituation for a number of perlons of this delcrip-

tion could be perfectly eligible, where this accommodation could

not be procured. It would in {» ch a cafe therefore be dcfirabl^

to fix upon lome part of the continent where a large body of

contiguous land could readily be procured at a reafoniible

price. We lay, at a realonable price, bccnule the perlon$

who would be likely to quit England for Auieiita, inufl, in

our opii.ion, as one primipcd inducement, have in view the

more eafy improvement of a fmall furtune, ai;d the more eafy

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 311

fettlement of a large family ; nnd it would therefore be expe-
dient that fuch u fituation were chofcn, and luch a plan of let-
tlcment adopted, as would hold out a rcafonable expeftation
of a gradual increafe in the value of that property in which they
fnall be induced to invefl; the wreck of their BritifK fortunes.
Perhaps the purchafe of land in fome of the American States
is the moft fpeedy as well as the moft certain means of improv-
ing a prefent capital ; efpcciallv to thofe who can give an imme-
diate increafed value, by Icltling as neighbours on their own
contiguous farms. In this view, therefore, and for this jjurpofe,
fuch fhould endeavour to procure a large traft, and at a price not
only reafonable, but fo low in the firft inftance as to admit of
an early increafed value, by the means of a neighbourhood and
improving refident proprietors. Were fuch a plan to take place,
we have no hefitation in laying, that the perfons adopting it
would fettle in America more comfortably to themfelves, and
more beneficial to their interefl, than if they were to go out as
infulated, unconnefted individuals.

The next moft advifeable plan for an Englifliman would
be, if he does not mean to follow trade, to go where land
is cheap and fertile ; where it is in a progrefs of improvement,
and if pofiTiblc in the neigKbourhood of a few Englifli,
wbofc focietv, even in America, is intercfting to an Englifh
fettler, who cannot entirely relinquifn the memoria temporis
acii.

Nor is the article of climate unimportant. It will be wifh-
cd, we conceive, that any fuddcn or violent change fhould,
if polTible, be avoided, and ccrteris paribus, that a new-comer
fhould be expofed to greater excels of heat or cold, beyond
what he has been accuflomcd to bear, than the difference in
point of natural fituation between the two countries mufl ine-
vitably produce. The United States contain fo many varieties
of climate, that there is great room for choice in this refpcft ;
but we think there will be little doubt with an Englifhman
about the propriety of avoiding in this article the long
winters of New-IIampfhire and Malfachufetts, and the parch-
ing fummers of a part of Georgia and the Carolinas. A
perfcft fimilarity is neithv!r ncceffary nor poflible, and the
human conftitution eafily and fpccdily adapts itfelf to flight
variations.

With thefc preliminary obfervaiions in view, let us examine
the inducements which the refpc^live Slates of America prelent
to a Britifh einijirant.

312 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The fouthern States of Georgia and North and South-
Carolina feem at prefent quite out of the queflion, at leafb
they are not fo convenient to an European, from the extreme
heat of the climate, and the prevalence of the negroe flavery.
The upper part of Georgia, and part of the Carolinas, may ad-
mit of exceptions ; many have emigrated there, and many con-
tinue to do fo with advantage to themfelves and families.

The long continued cold of New-Hampfhire and MalTachu-
fetts, including Vermont and the province of Maine, appears
highly, though not perhaps equally objeftionable. A man
who has been ufed to a laborious aftive life, who is proud of
independence, who wiflies to fhun the haunts of folly and
vice, who would prefer living among a hardy race of indepen-
dent farmers to the polifhed lociety of large cities, who wifhes
for honeft holpitality inftead of polifhed fycophancy, fuch a
man will find in the New-England States an ample requital for
a hard winter. To many, however, it will feem a mod unplea-
fant circumftance, that lo fmall a portion of the year is afforded
by nature to the farmer, wherein to provide fuftenance for the
remaining part.

In the north-eafhern States, viz. New-Hampfhire and Mafla-
chufetts, Connefticut, &c. property is much divided,* farms
are fmall, and good land in gener'al dear ; hence purchafes are
not eafily made here, with the fame profpeft of future increafe
in value, which many of the other States afford. Add to this,
that thefe parts of the American continent do themfelves furnifh
yearly a very conhderable number of emigrants to the middle
and weftern States ; they are " the northern hive" of this
country. And the fame reafons that operate upon the natives
to emigrate from thence will be reafons alio againfb an emigra-
tion thither.

The States of Rhode-Illand, Jerfey, Delaware, New-York,
Pennfylvania, Maryland and Virginia, with the fettlements oii
the weftern waters, have all of them claims to confideration on
the prefent occafion.

Rhode-Ifland in point of climate and produftions, as well
as in appearance, is perhaps the moft limilar to Great-Britain of
any Slate in the Union. The winters are fomewhat longer
and more fevere, the fummers perhaps a little warmer; bu~t it
participates with Great-Britain in lome mcaiurc in the defeft.i

* Connrfl-icnt rontjins at. leali fixtv-two pcrfons per iquare nnlc.

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 313

of climate; being from its fituation fubjcft to a moiftcr atmol-
phcic,* than viizhj of the other States. The foil of Rhodc-
liland ali.j is too much improved, and the land too nmch divid-
ed to admit of any large contiguous purchafes as a fpeculation,
thuugh ungie farms at n rate comparatively moderate might be
procured here. This, however, is owing to a decay of trade
in liiis part of America, and to the inhabitants thcmlelves,
quitting their fituations for the profpfcft of a more advantageous
trade. It it rather adapcd for a grazing than a coin countiy';
Icantily timbered, comparatively plentiful in milk, butter, and.
cheelc ; but not abounding in what the Americans term good or
lien land. The divifion of property, however, and its piefent
tendency rather to decreafe than increalc in value, renders it
ineligible for new fettlers.

'I'he climate of New-Jerfey, were there no other objeftions,
is unpleaiant to Europeans, particularly in the lunmier (ealon,
from its eaftern fituation, the many fwamps it contains, and
the quantity of fea coaft in proportion to its extent. Mufque-
tues and agues are more troublefome in this than in many of
the other northern or even middle States ; and in the more
eligible parts of New-Jerfey, property is too much divided, and.
too dear to promile fucccfs to an eftablifliment, fuch as we have
alluded to ; many valuable purchales may, however, be made in
this State.

l"he ianie remarks will in a great degree apply to the State
of Delaware, to which alio there is a farther objcftion arihng
from the illiberality of the religious tefl law, contained in it»
conditution ; not to mention the prefent prev.ilence of negroe
flavery in that portion of the continent.

The State of New-York feems increafing as rapidly in every
circumfhance of prolperity as any other State in the Union,
reinilylvania excepted. The city of New-York ranks next to
Philadelpliia as a place of trade, and the back parts of the State
afluid, at no very dear price, inimenfe trafts of the licheft land.
Neither is the climate in general fo different from that of
Great-Britaiii, as to conllitute any formidable objection to
Britilh lettlcrs. Its extremes of heat and cold are greater <'iaa
in Engl.iiid, but in lome jjarts a liitle more warmth would be no
diladvautage ; fur althoug'ii tne numerous tribes of American

* Thisohfcrvation is applicaliie to the \icinity of New-York alio, where they
lind tliat wood intended for uie in ihc fouth<iru climates, cannot be I'ufficiently
Irafoned. In P"n:iiylv5nia it may. Indeed th;s remarli will evidently apply
:o the whole uori!ier;i lea cOaft of America.

Vol. III. S f

3i4 PROSPECTS A K D A D VA N TA C E^

apples are to be found here in gient perfeftion, the peach, it
is faid, does not perfcftly ripen at Albany.

Beyond companfon, the moft fertile part of this State is the'
GenelTee country ; which, fince the prefent war with the In^
dians, has attrafted a great number of the New-England emi-
grants, who a year or two ago were induced to travel to the
weftern frontier of the Ohio, in I'earch of cheaper and better
land than could be found in their own country. Indeed, there
does not appear to be much difference in the kind or quality of
the foil, between the firft rate land of the Geneffee and the
Kentucky territory ; wliatever difference there is, may moft pro-
bably be attributed to the greater warmtn of the climate in the
Taft mentioned part of America. If the mere circumftance of
richnels of foil therefore were to determine emigration, a New-
England emigrant might reafonably flop in the Genell^e country.
Without taking fo long a journey as many of his countrymen
have heretofore done,

T6 this part of the State, however, rich and fertile as it is,
there are ferious and formidable objeftions to many European
fettlers. The difficulty of procuring fervants in hufbandry, or,
indeed, of any other kind, is very great : for as the land is but
lately begun to be fettled, the inhabitants, therefore, confift
at prefent ahnoft wholly of the clafs of firft fettlers, who depend
chiefly on the labour of themfelves and their families for fupport 5
thefe, therefore, will be the only clafs of European fettlers,
labourers excepted, whom this part of the State would fuit,
and pel hops few parts are better adapted to a man whofe family
and conneftions would manage from one to five hundred acres
of land. The fuperfluous produce of the Geneffee lands will
be fent cither to Philadelphia or New-York, by the way of
Albany. The conveyance will be troublefome and expenfive to
both places. That part of the Geneflee country, which is
neareft to the Sufquehannah and the Delaware, will find vent
tor its produce at Philadelphia. This city will alfo attrafl; the
produce of a great part of the Geneffee which from mere
(ituation would fcem more in the vicinity of New-York
market, in confenuence of the greater exertions making by the
State of Pennfyivania to facilitate the carriage of commodities
"by means of new roads and canals, and the improvement of
river navigation. It is evident from hence, as indeed it ii! from
2 fimple infpeflion of tlie map, that the interior parts of Penn-
fyivania, in the vicinity of the Sufquehannah. where the lnul
for the n)oIl part is cxtieinelv fine, have veiy confiileiablc

OF EUROPEAN STTLERS. 3^.5

advantages over the mofl advantageous part of the GenefTee traft
in the facility of tranfporting produce to market ; the produce
of the interior of Pennfylvania will therefore in all proba'oilitv
come firft and chcapeft to market. The prefent price of lands
in the Geneffee is nearly the fame as in the rich parts of Penn-
fylvania, a hundred and fifty miles nearer to Philadelphia.

It is another unpleafant circumftance attending the GenefTee
country, that it forms the frontier to the Indians, who navi-
gate the lakes along the whole traft : indeed miny trafts in
the GenelTc territory itfelf are referved by the Indians. At
prefent they arc friendly, nor is there much fear of a change j
and fhould they become otherwifc, they v/ill be ultimately
fubdued : but the ft^te of intermediate contell on fuch an oc-
cafion would ill fuit the habits and inclinations of a peaceable
European. Along the Mohawk river, the lands are rich and
heavily timbered, and fell at prefent at a price not fuperior to
the comparative advantages they prefent ; but they are liable to
many of the objeftions which may be made to the GenefFee
country.

It feems evident from thefe circumftances, that this country,
which in other refpefts is the moft eligible part of NewrYork
State for many purpofes of a new fettler, has numerous difad-
Vanta^es attending it ; difadvantages which an American emigrant,
from the thick fettled ftates of New-England, would regard as
tiifiling, but which, we conceive, will appear in a more formid-
able light to Europeans.

Very few objeftions can be made to the State of Pennfyl-
vania. In point of climate, the difference between this part of
the American continent and Great-Britain is not only very fup.
portable, but perhaps in favour of the former, even to Britilh
feelings, efpecially in the northern and north-weflern part of the
State. The fummers are fomewhat warmer and the winters
colder than at London, but the general ftate of the air is more
dry, more pleaiant, and perhaps equally, if not more healthy.
The fentral fituation of this ftate with relpefl; to the others, the
profperous ftate of its treafury, the numerous projefted improve-
ments in roads and canals, the poffefTion of the largeft and moft
flourifhing city of America, and the fuperior proportion not on-
ly of inports and exports, but particularly of emigrants of every
clafs that come to the port of Philadelphia, altogether make it
Drobable, that Pennfylvania may fairly be regarded as the moft
ourifhing State of the Union,

3i6 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

In a general view, Pennfylvania is preferable to New-York,
becaufe the climate is more dry,* and therefore more favour-
able to health, Ibmewhat warmer, and therefore more favourable
to vegatation in the former than in the latter State. In PennfyL
A'ania, the government is more intent upon thofc pu'olic im-
provements that will force population and the fpcedy rife of
la.id":. its revenues are more produftive, and its trenfury richer.
In all other circumflanccs, Pennfylvania is at leaft equal to
Ncvv'-York, and in thofe enumerated, it has undoubtedly the
preference. Biit we are not to feek in the fouth-eaftern line
of this State, either for hrge trafts of good or cheap land.
As vou approach the coaft, property is divided, the land is
barren, and the prices high. Neither is the climate in the louth-
caftern line of Pennfvlvanla for two hundred or two hundred
and fifty miles, from the fea, fo pleafant or io favourable to
health or to vegetation as in the more northern and norfh-wel-
tern parts of the State. Thus, in Philadelphia during the two
lafh winters, the fnows repeatedly appeared and difanpearcd 5
frofts fucceeded to thaws, and the roots of the grain were left
expofed to the feverity of the cold. This inconvenience is
more frequently experienced by the farmer in the part of Penn-
fylvania approaching to Maryland, and often proves a v-ery fe-
rious inconvenience. While in the northern parts of North-
umberland, Luzerne, and Northampton counties, the fnow,
\v'hcn it once falls in a quantity, genernl'v remains through the
winter, producing more fettled weather, and protefting the
crops underneath.

Moreover, the largcR; unoccupied trails of land, of courfe the
cheapefl", and beyond comparifon the richeil lands in tliis
State, are to be found in the northern parts of the counties juft;
mentioned, and of Allegany county ; that is, generally fpeaking,
north of latitude 41°

M-^irli relpecl to Marvland and Virp-.inia, objcftlons may be
made relative to flavc-labour in particular, Thefe States are
likewife unplcafantlv warm in the fummer fealbn to an Enj^lifli
conflitution,' particularly the former ; the impofTibility of
procuring any fervants but negroc flaves, is an objeftion almoft
infuperable to a generous mind. Add to this, that Pliiladelphia
is at preient a better market for produce than Baltiinorc, particu-

* T'nis lioli'.- a'rnoft throiig'ioat trir \\'ho!c e\trnt of the t^^•o States ; froii* t'r
more inland fituaticn of Pennfylvania, both with rrfpeft to thp,|^iqji|ticf^j('ea
and the lakes.

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. giy

larly for wheat, which ufually fells a (hilling higher at Philadel-
phia than at the port juft mentioned, which however is in a very
rapid ftate of improvement.

The federal city, recently laid out hctwecn the forks of the
Potomack, will, however, give a confiflerable incrcafed and in-
creafing value to the country round it ; and the future refidencc
of Congrefs there, will, in time, make WaHiington city what
New-York and Philadelphia are now, although the ports of Alex-
andria, Baltimore and Annapolis will long be competitors of
great im.portancc. There can be no doubt but perfons may find
and fettle upon plantations in the neighbourhood of Wafhington
citv, fuflicicntly extenfive to occupy a moderate capital, and to
which there will be a yearly acceffion of value, independent of
fheir own exertions, whatever the prefent price of lands may be.
Rut ftill, the evil coni'equcnces of llave-labour at prefent remain ;
and whether it be owing to one, or to both of thefe caufes com-
bined, there is certainly a want of individual and national ener-
gy, in fevcral of the fouthern ftates, which we do not find in
the others : the flile of farming is more flovenly, the individuals
are more idle and dilTipatcd, and the progrefs of public improve-
ments in general more flow than in the ftates on the northern
fide. There can be no doubt but the climate contributes fome-
thing to this indolence of dilpofition ; but where labour is con-
fined to flaves, who do not benefit in proportion to their in-
duftrv, and where the white inhabitant regards himfelf as a
difi'ercnt and fuperior being, the general ftate of improvement
muft be affcfted by fuch opinions adopted in theory, and purfued
in pra6lice.

Hence, whatever may be the cafe as to particular fpots, the
gradual acceffion of value to landed property, from the operation
of conftant and regular caufes, neither is, nor can be fo great in
countries of this delcription, as in others where the climate ad-
mits and requires exertion, and where it is thouglit no difgrace
for a white man to labour.

It is prefumed that the gradual acceffion of value to landed
property, of which we have juft fpoken, will accrue more cer-
tainly, more fpeedily, and to a larger amount in the States of
Pcnnfylvania, New-York, and Kentucky, than in either of the
remaining States, on account of the prefent cheapnefs of good
land, and on account of the great rcfort of European emi-
grants.

(iood lands can be procured in New-York or Pennfylvania.

Y in favourable fituations, at from three half crowns to half a

guinea an acre, and a capital employed in the purchafe of fuch

3i8 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

lands will much fooner be doubled, than if the oriyinnl price
had been tyv'o or three pounds fterlin<T per acre. An accefhon
of three half crowns per acre, additional value to the former de-
fcription, will prodiace a duplication of the capital employed ;
U'hile an additonal value of three half-crowns per acre to lands
of the Intter dilcription, will produce about fifteen or fixteen per
.cent only. Moreover, five ihilliugs or feven n-iilliiig% and fix-
pence additional value is much more eafily given to land of the
fiifl; kind, and when given is more vilible, m.ore evident at fird
figiU, than in the other cafe ; and farther, land of this delcription
muft neceilririly entice perlons of im;ill property, and derive
confequent value from new fettlers, even thougli value Ihould
**ot be given, by the gradual population of the country itfelf
It is clear alio, that other caufes muft give a great advantage to
the middle States, and render them for fome years eligible litua-
tions for the employment of time and trouble, as well as capital.
Of the tv/o, perhaps, the preference fliould be given to Pennfvl-
vania, for the reafons already montioned ; and alfo, becaule the
current of improvement is beyond comparifon more rapid in this
than in New-York State; but in both thefe States, emigrants
eafily find plenty of land, rich, cheap, well watered, within the
reach of navigation, under a good government and in a favour-
able climate.

With refpefi; to Kentucky, in point of foil and climate, it
certalnlv has the preference to any State in the Union, Nature
has given to the regions of this fair country a fertility foaflonifli-
ing, that to believe it, ocular demonftj ation becomes necelfarv.
To this advantage wc may add, that of the number of European
fettlers that have emigrated, and v^hich continue to emigrate
thither, and the conlequent rapid ftate of impovement that has
followed. Lands in and near the towns in this ftate muft con-
tinue to incrcafe in th.eir value, and inany purchafes may now be
niitde in the new townlhips with very great advantage to a Icttler ;
fome difnculties there undoubtedly are, and fuch rnuft naturally
be expelled in a newly-fettled country.

Lihourers are fcarce, few if any can be hired but flavqs, wlio
i>re let out by their owners. But a gieat portion of the preient
inhabitants, like thofe of the GcneiTee country in New-York,
culii'.'a'.e the greater part of tiieir own lands and iive om the pro-
duce : this mull be the cale with thole that will not have any
tiling to do with Haves -, but tliis dilhculty is not peculiar to Ken-
•uckv, it is common to all nc.vly-IcLtled countries. Another
tiifRculty an European has to encounter in fettling in Kentucky,
i-s the grent diflance he has to travel after l:indinff in America ;

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 3;^

but this will operate as a difficulty only to fome individuals.
The man whofe mind has gamed (trength lufficient to bid fare-
wel to European iuxui ics, or who has been habituated Ik a
life fecludcd tVum capital towns, will find liule dilKculiy in this
joLirney.

'i'iie routes from th.e difFerent Atlantic States to this countiy
zre various, as may be luppoled. From the northern Slates it
is through the upper paits of 'Pennlylvania to Pittfburgh, and
then down the river Ohio. The diflance from Philadelphia to
Fittlburgh is nearly three hundred miles; from Lancaltcr about
two hundred and thirty. The rout through liedftonc and by
Pittfburgh, both from Maryland and Virginia, is the rnidl eligi-
ble, provided much baggage is canied, except going from the
louthern and back counties of Virginia ; then the beft and mofl
expeditious way is through the wildernefs. from Baltimore,-
pafling Old Town upon the Potomack, and by Cumberland
fort; Braddock's road, to Redftone Old Fort on the Monon-
gchahi, is about two hundred and forty miles; and from Alex-
andria to the fame place, by Wincheftcr Old Town, and then
(he lamc route acrofs the mountain, is about two hundred and
twenty miles. This laft mud be the mofl eligible for all Europe-
ans who may wilh to travel to this country, as the diflance by
land is fhorter, the roads better, and the accommodations good i
2. e. they are very good to Old Town, which is one hundred
and forty miles from Alexandria, and from thence to Rcddoiie
comfortable, and plentifully lupplied with provifions of all forts;
the road over the mountain is lather rough, but no where, in
the leaft. dithcult to pafs.

Travellers or emigrants take different methods of tranfporting
their baggage, goods 01 furniture, from the places they may be at
to the Ohio, according to circumftances, or their objeft in com-
ing to the country. If a man is travelling only for curcfity, or
has no family or goods to remove, his be ft way will be to purchafe
horlcs, and take his route through the wildernefs; but provided
he has a family, or goods of any iort to remove, his bed: way, then,
will be to purcinfc a waggon and team of hories to carry his
property to Reddc-ne Old Fort, or to Pittfburgh, according as he
may come from the northern or fouiherh uates. A good \\'ag-
gon will coft, at Philadelphia, about ten pounds, reckoning every
thing in fieiling money, for greater convenience, and the horles
about twelve pounds each ; they will coll fomethmg more both
at Baltimore and at Alexandria. The waggon may be covered
with canvas, and, if the choice of I'^e '^e-.^ple, liicy nioy llecp

^.,20 PROSPECm AND ADVANTAGES

in it at nights with the greateft fafety. But if this mode fhould
be difliked, there are inns of accommodation the whole difhance
on the different roads. To allow the horles a plenty of hay
and corn will coft about one Ihilling per diem each horfe, lup-
pofing forrage to be purchafed in the mofb economical manner,
i. e. of the farmers, from time to time as wanted, and not of inn-
keepers, who muft have their profits. The provifions for the
family may be purchafed in the lame manner; and by having
two or three camp kittles, and fkopping every evening when the
weather is fine upon the brink of lome rivulet, and kindling ^
fire, food may be foon dreffed. There is no impediment to
thefe kind of things, it is common, and may be done with the
greateft fecurity ; and perions who wifh to avoid expenfe, as
much as pofhbte, will adopt this plan. True, the charges at inns
on thofe roads are remarkably reaicnable, and the accommodations
very good ; but we have mentioned thofe particulars, as there
are many unfortunate people who emigrate from Europe, to
whom the faving of every fliilling is an objc£l •, and this man-
ner of journeying is lo far from being di (agreeable, that in a
fine fcafon it is extremely pleafant. To perfons who have al-
ways been refident in a town, and enjoyed uninterruptedly the
luxuries of life, it may appear Itrange and novel, but to perfons
habituated to a country life, even in England, there will not
appear any thing hard or degrading.

Provifions in thofe countries through which you travel are
very cheap ; beef, mutton and pork, are fomething lefs than
two pence per pound ; dungliill fowls are from four pence
to fix pence each ; ducks eight pence ; geefe and turkics
one fnilling and three pence ; butter three pence per pound ;
cheefe there is very little good untd you arrive in Kentucky ;
flour is about twelve fhiUings and fix pence per hundred
weight.

The beft way is to carry tea and coffee fiom the ])lace
they may fet out at, if it is wiflied for ; good green tea there
will be from four fliilliiigs and fix-pcnce to fix fhiUings per
pound; fouchoug fiom three {hillings to five OiiUings ; coffee
will coft f win vnic fliilling and three-pence to one fhilling and
fix-nencc |<ri 'lb, lo;>f luoiir from feven-pcnce halfpanny to ten-
pence hdfpcnny. But it is netjjlels currying much fugar, foi
as the back c: M^iy is approach'.d, the maple lugar is in abun-
dance, and 1 bought from three-pence to hx-pence per
pound. Slk "S ro be incurred in travelling to
this country ; ! iMfiKirgh.

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 321

The diftance which one of thofc waggons may travel one
A^y with another is little fliort of twenty miles; fo that it will
be a journey from Alexandria to Pvcdftone Old Fort of eleven
or twelve da^^'S, from Baltimore a day or two longer, and from
Philadelphia to Pittfburgh, we fhould luppolc it v/ould require
nearly twenty daySj as the roads aic not fo good as from the
two former places.

From thele prices, the expenfe of removing a family from
either of the lea ports to the Ohio rnay be computed with
toleiable exaftnefs.

The bed time for fctting out for t'nis country from any of
the Atlantic ports, is the latter end of either September or
April. The autumn is perhaps the mofl eligible of the two;
as it is probable, that the roads acrois the mountain will be
drier, and provifions and forage more plentiful and cheap than
in the fpring.

If this mode fliould not fuit the convenience of the party,
by realtjn of their not v.'anting a waggon or horfes when they
arrive in this country, they may have their goods carried out
to Redflone Old Fc)rt from Alexandria for twelve fhillings
per hundred weight, and in like proportion from Baltimore
and Philadelphia.

At Redftone Old Fort, or Pittfburgh, they can either buy
a boat, which will coft them about five fnillings per ton,
or freight their goods to Kentucky for about one fhilling per
hundred weight. There is no regular bufinefs of this fort ;
but as tliere are always boats coming down the river, one
fhilling per hundred weight is the common charge for freight.
But more frequently, when there is boat room to fpare, it is
given to luch as are not able to pr.rchale a boat, or have not a
knowledge of the navigation. However, that is a bufinefs
wiilch requires no fkill, and there are always numbers of people
coming down, who will readily conduft a boat for the lake of
a palTage.

. The diftance from Philadelphia* by kind to Kentucky is
between feven and eight hundred miles ; frcm Baltimore nearly

* The diftance in the fettled parts only cnn be computed with any degree of
exactitude; but from the beft information that can be co'ilecled, from the rapids
of the Ohio to Santa Fe is about one thoufand miles, and from thence to the ftity
of Mexico about one thoufand five hundred.

The computed diftance between N'ew-Orlcans and Mexico is fomething fnort
of two thoufand miles, and about the fame to Santa fe.

Vol. III. 1 I

S^z PROSPECTS A\D ADVANTAGES

fcven hundred; nearly fix hundred from Alexandria : and up-
wards of five hundred ivovn Richmond. The roads and accom-
Tnod:?:ions are tolerably good to the borders of the wildernefs ;
throngh which it is hardly pofhble for a carriage to pafs,
gre.-.t parf of the way being over high and fteep hills, upon
the' banks of the rivers and along defiles, which in fome places
feem to thieaten you at every ilep with danger.* This is the
only route the people coming from the upper parts of Virginia!
and North-Caioiina cth take at prefent to get inlo the country,
ihii. g p of Cumberland mountain being the only place it can be
palled without the greateft di^'Bculty, The opening of the
TennefTce will aiiord a convenient tomm-jnication with the
MiiTiffippii The wiidernc's, which was formerly two hundred
miles through without a hngle habitation, is reduced from the
fettlement of powel's vallry to nearly one^half of that diftance ;
and it is to be expecled, that in a few years more, the remain-
der of the diilance will afford fettlements for the accommodation
of people travelling that route, when a good road may be
made quite to Kentucky. The canals which are cutting on
the Potomack. and the removal of the obftruclions in Cheat
river, will render the paifage from Alenandiia, or the federal
city, to tlie Ohio, both cheap and eafy.

Upon the arrival of emigrants in the countn.', the^' generally
take a view <3f that part in which it is their obje£l to fettle,
and according to their circumftances or calling, fix upon fuch
a fituation as many appear "eligible for their bufinefs. Eut
as the greater proportion of tlie emigrants wlio Icitle in Ken-
tucky ?re hL-roandmen, we fhall only take notTte of their man-
ner of proceeding and fct'ling a farm. Land is to be purchaf-
ed in every part of the country : the prices are various accord-
ing to the improvements there may be upon it. its quality, and
local fituation ; the genera! price of land, with lomc improve-
ments, in the neighbourhood of villages, from twelve to fifteen
fiiillings per acre. Plantations, with orchards and other im-
prove.Tients, may be purchaled from twenty to twenty-five
{hillings per acre 5 good hi.d without improvements, may be
purchaled from one Ihilling and fix pence to eight fliillings
per ditto, which price will be according to its late or quality
and fituation.

We have noticed only what may be termed fettled country ;
Xve apprehend no Euiopean will be hardy enough to form a

« This road has hcfn ccnfidTJtbly improved, ar.d a po.l now pa.Tej wceklv
through it from PhiladelpLid to Kentucky..

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

fettlement in a wildernefs ; this will be left for the Americans,
who, no doubt, from habit, arc beft qu:ilified for that fort of
bufinefs. Indeed, there are a number of people who have fo
long been in (he cudom of removing farther and farther back
as the country becomes fettled, for the fake of" hunting, and
what they call range for their cattle, which is that of feeding
upon the natural grals, that they lecm unqualified for any other
kind of life. This is favourable to the fettling a wild and
infant country; and no doubt this difpofition will Inft, with
fome, as long as there is kft a wildernefs in America. It is
however certain, that this is advantageous to focicty, which will be
bettered and not hindered by iuch peculiar habits, fo long as
they hiTve new countries to people; for tliis adventurous fpirit
tends to accelerate the propagation of domellic animals of every
fort.

Perfons of moderate fortune, upon taking poPAtffion of the
land they intend to form into a plantation, will, doubtlefs, pro-
cure fuch a ftotk as their circumftances will admit, and the
extent of their objcft requires ; but let us fuppofe an induftrious
man already provided with the neccfTary took for his agricul-
tural employment, and a little money to buy flock. In !uch a
lituation, after building a log-Koufe, v\'hich will cotl him little
more than his labour,* he will procure fome dunghill fowls, a
cow, and a breeding low.

Thefc animals are very pi-olific in this climate and foil ; and
it is not a fanguine calculation to fuppole tlic fow will have
eight or ten pigs at each litter; by which means the family'-
will have poik iufficient for the next year, and the year after
they may barter bacon for beef and mutton, which we will
conclude their circumftances have not permittea them a-s yet
to purchafe, though both may be eaiily procured at a moderate
price. His labour will have provided him with corn before this
time, and in the extention of his plantation, and the incr.eafe of
his cow and hogs, his difficulties will be over. The increaiing-
ratio of ftock is prodigious, v/hcre provihon for them cods .lis
littlj as it does here, and where the fertility of the ioil is lo won-

* A log-houfe is very foon ercftid, and in confcquence of the friendly difpofi.
tion which e\i(ls among tliefe hofpitable people, every neighbour will come to
ihe afliftance of each other upon occafions of emergency. Sometimes they arc
built of round logs entirely, covered with rived a{\\ (hingles, and the interftices
ilopped with clay, or lime and fand, to keep out the Avcather. A houfe of this
lort may be made as comfortable and elegant as any other kind ot building, and
is therefore the mod convenient, as it may be ercfted in fuch a raaniier as to an-
iVer the ckcuniftaiiccs of all dcfcripuons of perfor.s.

i' t 2

3=4 PROSPECTS AND AD VA A TAG ES

Qerful, tli:!t it arr^ply repays the labourer for his toil ; if the
large trees are not very numerous, and a large proportion of them
the fugar in:iple, u'hich is very common, they are an advantage
to the If ttler ; it is very likely from imperfeft cultivation, that
the ground will yield from fifty to fixty bufnels of corn to the
acre. T\\e. fecond crop will be more ample ; and as the fhade
is removed by cutting the timber away, great part of the land
will produce from feventy to one hundred buflicls of corn from
an acre. This will enable the farmer wiio has but a iVnall capital
to increafe his v»'ealth in a moft rapid manner.* His cattle and
hogs will find fulHcient food in the woods, not only for them
to fubfift upon, but to fatten them. His cows want no proven-
der the greateft part of the year, except cane and wild clover ;
but he may afford to feed them M-ith corn the ad year, if he finds
it neceffary. His garden, with httle attendance, will produce him
nil the culinary roots and vegetables necelTary for his table ; and
the prolific, increafe of his hogs and poultry will furnifii him
without fear of injuring his flock, with a plenty of animal food j
2nd in three or four years his flock of cattle and fheep will prove
fufficent to fupply him with both beef and mutton, and he may
continue his plan at the lame tim.e of increafing his flock of thoie
ufeful animals. By the fourth year, provided he is induftriouSj
he may have his plantation in fufficient good <)rder to build a
better houfe, which he can do either of flone, brick, or a framed
•'.v'coden building, the principal articles of which will cofl him
little more than the labour of himfelf and domeflics; and he
may readily barter or icll lome part of the luperfluous produc-
tions of his farm, which it will by this time afford, and procure
fuch things as he rriay ftand in need of for the completion of his
building. Apples, peaches, pairs, <R:c. &c. he ought to plant
when he hncls a foil or eliqablc fituation to place them in. as that
^vill nol hinder, or in any degree divert him from theobjctl of
his aggrandizement. A few years of induTtvy will new make
him a man of property, and inlurehis comfort and independence
for the remnant of his life, and lay a firm foundation for the
future opuls-nce of ]iis family. We have taken no nctice of
tiie game he rniglit kill, as it is more a facrificc of time to an in-
duftrious man than any real advantage.

The bcfl proof of the truth of thefe remarks is tlie pafl pro-

grels cf the Icttlcment of lliis country, from dirty ftations or

fiorli, and fmraky huts, into fertile hclds, blufhing orchardr, plcit-

* Ry wpa'uli is m.rant t];e comforts of iir:.

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 325

pleafant gardens, luxuriant fugar groves, neat and commodious
houfes, nfing villngcs, and trading towns. Ten years have pro-
duced a diiTerence iti the population and comforts of this coun-
try, which to be pourtrayed in juft colours v/ould appear mar-
vellous. To have implicit faith or belief that fuch things have
happened, it is firft neceflary to be a fpcftator of fuch events.

We have entered into thefe feveral minutiae in order to afFord
as clesr a view as pofTible to the individual who wiflies to de-
pend on the farm for his fupport, of wliat part of the continent
he is mofl likely to fucceed, agreeable to the plan he may
choofe to mark out for himfelf ; in doing this, we have aimed
at but one objeG, viz. to convey information.

In thofe fituations far from towns and feaports, and which
may be confidered as but one remove from the favage wildernefs,
the difSculties to an European fettler, no doubt, appear greater
than they really are, and the contraft of the inhabitants
with thofe of European flatcs is greater ftill ; the Ame-
rican farmer has more fimplicity and honefly — we more art and
.chicanery — they have more of nature, and we more of the world.
Nature, indeed, formed our features and intellefts very much
alike, but while we have metamorphofed the one, and contami-
r»ated the other, they have retained and preferved the natural
fymbols of both.

While motives fuitable to the fituation of life direft the man.
who depends on the earth for fupport, what part of the States
to fix his relidence in ; men who have to depend on their efforts
in trade, or their exertions, in mechanics and manufaftures, the
fine arts, or what are termed in Europe the learned profeiTions,
mud be direftcd by different circumflances The mechanic and
manufacturer, whether he is by the advantage of property en-
abled to begin bufinefs as a mailer, or being diflitute of it, is ne-
cefTiated to labour as a journeyman, mufl take up his reiidence
in large cities or towns. With him the progiefs of arts and
manufactures, the flate of fociety, the price of provifions, &c.
are the principal objefts of inquiry. Lawyers and phyficians,
muft likewife make thefe the places of their refidence ; for with
refpcft to the former, whether his line of bufinefs is that of a
conveyancer, a notary, or folicitor, noplace of any other def-
cription can find him employ, as his whole fupport muft hs:-
drawn from the commerce, or the vices and follies of mankind.
With refpeft to the latter, diffipation alone, in a great meafuiG,

326 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

renders them necelTHiy. Fniladelphia, New-York, Boflion, Bal-
timore, Charlefton, Georgia and lome other towns of Hi)t:c. will
of courfe be the only places to which emigrants of either of the
above delcriptions wui proceed. In theie towns the fiite of
fociety is much the iame as in the large towns of Great-Britain,
fuch as Birmingham, Briftol, Liverpool, Muicherier, &c.

New-York, for in (lance, is the perfect counterpart of Liver-
pool ; the fituation of the docks, the form of llrcets, the ftate of
the public buildings, the infide as well as the outhde of the
houfes, the manners, the amuiements, the mods of living among
the expenfive part of the inhabitants, all the(e circumftanccs
are as nearly alike in the towns lail mentioned as poflible. In
all the American towns above noticed, there are theatres and
affembiies ; there are, in fliort, precilely what the larger and more
opulent provincial towns of Great-Britain are. Hence alfo we
may eafily conceive, that European comforts and conveniencies are
not fcarce. In fa£l, v/e may iind in Philadelphia or New-York
every article of that defciiption ufually kept in the fhops in the
Englifh towns referred to, in equal plenty, but not, indeed,
equally cheap. To the price of all articles of luxurious fur-
niture, piftures, pier glaiTes, carpets, &c. add one-third to the
Englifh price, and you have the full Americam price. Houfe
rent is alfo much the fame as in the places hitherto compared ;
if any thing, lomewhat dearer in America for kouies of the fame
fize and convenience. The houfes in the one fet of towns as in
the other, are built of brick and (lone. In the country, houfes
of equal convenience are as cheap as in the country pf Qreat-
Britain,

Provifions, milk and butter excepted, at Philadelphia and
fouthward, are a full third cheaper than in limiLir places of
Great-Britain. Butter, in Bofton and New-York, is cheaper
than in Philadelphia, where it is from eleven-pence, to one fliil-
ling and three-pence per pound. Checie about the fame price
as in England, but perhaps not fo good. Fireing in the preat
towns very dear, a chord cf hiccory wood, eight feet bv four
feet, and four feet ielling in Philadelphia and New-York, in
the winter, at fevcn aollars. In the country it would be about
one dollar and a half.

In the fettled country, ho^vever, from fifteen to two hun-
dred and fifty miles from the large towns, the ftute of fociety,
and the ftylc of Ifving, is preferable to the counlrv life of Great-
Britain.

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS 327

With refpefl to tlie feacral city, or, as it is called, the city of
\Vafhington, though it aiay in time become the rival even of
Philadelphia, we cannot but doubt the lucccfs of manufafturers
and artills of any kind who fhowid take up their refidencc there
for feme years to come, tliofe in the building line and the manu-
fafture of houleiiold furniture excepted.

Having thus briefly attempted to point out tlie mod eligible
fituation for Europoan lettlers, it is nccefTary to attend to an-
other queftion which mny naturally be afkcd ; and to which wc
flull dim to give ;is fatisfadlory a reply as polliblc.

WHAT CLASS OF EUROPEAN' CITIZENS WILL FIND IT

THEIR INTEREST TO FIX THEIR RESIDENCE

IN THE UNITED STATES ?

One remark, by way of anfwer, may be confidered as. general*
America is not a place fuited for the idle, the profligate, the de-
bauchee, nor the dilhpated of any clafs ; it is far from a conge-
nial loll for what is termed in Europe a man of pleafure. Thefe
poifouous and obnoxious animals in the form of man, will find
but littU; encouragement in the United States ; the minds of the
federal Americans are not corrupted by European fyflems fuf-
ficienlly to give a welcome to charaftcrs of this fl:amp, but, on
the contrary, they are held in the deteftation they merit. In
America, the terms honour and pleafure have different meanings
afhxed to them than in England ; a man can claim no honour
from his birth or his riches in that country ; integrity and abi-
lity are the only paths that can lead him to that goal. And with
refpecl to plcdlares, the great body of the Americans know of
none, but what arife from the praftice of virtue. Thus their
pleafures flrenglhen the ties of locicty, and contrary to v/hat are
called by that name in England, add to the flock of human hap-
pineis, inllead of incieafing its inilcry and wretchedncfs.

While characters of the above defcription will not find any
advantage in migrating 10 America, few virtuous and induflrious
pcrlons will find themiclves diiappointed in their expeftaiions
of at leall a comfortable provifion in their ovvn line of bufinefs,
though in this refue£l iome will haveadvantage over others.

Merchants, tradefmen, and fhopkeepeis u-ill find mdfl of the
large towns in the ditlerenL flates eligible iltuations ; in general,,
ihev afl'ord good water carriage for goods of all kinds, and are
well filuated for an extcnfive conneclion with the back countries.

328 PROSPE-CTS AND ADVANTAGES

Men of this defcription, though it is not abfolately neceffary,
will yet find it their advantage to ferve a kind of local appren-
ticefhip, for whatever be the previous conneftions or circum-
ftances vk'hich induce them to go thither, time is necefTarv to .ic-
quire a fufficient knowledge of the habits and manners of the
people, of the charafters and fituation of thofe with whom they
are to deal, of the channels of commerce, the articles of barter,
and the other details of bufincfs, which nolhinor but aftual refi-
dence and local inveftigation can iupply. With this, no perfon
of good charafter and recommendation, with credit on the old
country, can fail to lucceed in the new. Succefs, however, v/ill
be much accelerated by a knowledge of the German and French
languages, in Pennfylvania and New-York States in particular.
In Philadelphia every ftore-keeper has the name of his firm and
trade written in German as well as Englifh.

Mailer workmen in every manufacturing and mechanical art,
except thofe of fuperfluous or luxurious kinds, with their jour-
neymen and labourers, mufl fuccecd here. The freight, infurance,
and other charges of a voyage of three thoufand miles, and
the duties laid there, operate greatly in favour of American fa-
brics. Manufactures by fire, water, and emigrating workmen,
muft iucceed even in the moll agricultural of their ftates, and
will meet mith every encouragement in the New-England and
other Hates, whole lands are nearly full, A regard for the re-
publican manners of the country, and juftice to Europeans, ren-
der it a duty to warn the manufacturers of fuperfluous and lux-
urious articles, not to emigrate to the United States. Gold,
filver, and other laces, embroidery, jewellery, rich filks and
filk velvets, fine cambrics, fine lawns, fine muflins, and articles
of that expenfive nature, have few wearers there, and thofe
who do wear them, have a predilection in favour of European
and other fereign articles.

There can be no doubt of the fuccefs of a glafs manufactory, a
gunpowder manufaCtory, a manufactory of all the heavy kinds of
ironwork, fuch as callings from the ore, bar iron, pig iron, rol-
ling mills, (lilting mills, and the making of nails, and of every ai tide
in the fhipping line : woollen, linen, except in the heavy and courfe
articles,and cotton manufactures, are perhaps dubious, owing to the
want of hands, though the latter has been attended to with fuc-
cefs. We believe that no foap boiler, hatter, gunfmith, tallow
chandler, whitc-fmith and blackfm.ith, brafs founder, whcehight,
cabinet maker" carpenter, mafon, bricklayer, taylor, flioemaker,
cooper, tanner, currier, maltftcr, brewer, diftiller, failmaker,
ropemaker, printer and bookbinder, whether maftcr or journey-

CF EURO PEAN SETTLERS. 329

man, cari mlfs of employment there. Even filverfmiths and
watchmakers will find the ftate of fociety not unfavourable
to their tiade. Of filverfmiths, mafters and journcymenj there
are reckoned about four hundred in Philadelphia alone. It is
impraclicable to enumerate every trade ; hut in general, with-
out fear of erring^ wc may conclude, tliat all thole of common
ule are now, and will long contin\ie to be in demand there^
The wages of journeymen are confiderably higher than in Eu-
rope, and the money of a working man will certainly go far-
ther.

The profefTion of the law is not fo different in any of the
States In America, from what it is in Engbind, as not to afTord
a fair chance of fuccefs to any laXv'yer from the old countryj
who will ipend a couple of years in attaining the praftice
and the knowledge peculiar to, and neceffary for the parti-
cular ftate in which he wilhes to aft. The fees are much the
fame as in England. The reports of cafes determined in Eng-
land are authority, but not precedent. They liave great weight,
and are generally decifive, but they are open to obiervation,
to animadverfion, and contraditlion. The law, however, is
a fafhionable, and therefore a full profeflion in America, and
we doubt whether an Englifh lawyer will, in general mend
his pecuniary fituatlon by removing there •, the lawyers of
great praftice, who all aft as attornies, get from five hun-
dred to two thouland pounds currency a year. We bclie^'e
the profits of none exceed three thoufand pounds. German
and French, if not abfolutely neceffary, are very convenient
to an American lawyer.

The profeffion of phyfic is well filled in America, but there
are many foreigners who praftife : the profeffion we believe
is open, but, ur.lefs in the cafe of a German or French
praftitioner ajnong the inhabitants who fpeak Englifli imper-
feftly, the American phyficians have, and perhaps juftly, the
preference. Surgeons aie not lo experienced as In Europe,
nor, indeed, do furgical cafes fo frequently occur. The poor
are lefs expofed to accident and dileale, and therefore hofpU
tal praftice is not inftruftive there.

With refpeft to divinity, the States certainly are alrea'^y in
the pofl'elfion of teachers, who, for ability, faithfulnefs, pie_
ty, and virtue, are inferior to none. Of this clafs of men
in the United States, we find none of thole idle, diffipated,
debauched charafters which European eftjbiiramehts fofter and
cherifh. There arc no lordly priefts roiling in afHuencej

Vol. IIL U u

33^ P ROSPECTS'.iXD ADVANTAGES

preying on the /itals of tlie poor, and oppre{rin<T thofe they
were appointed to inflruft. There are none that can tyrannife
over the conlcience of man, and hurl the thunders of a
f^irituul inq.iiiition round hrs head, for not believing non-

fenficai dogmas, or luhinitting to their tyrannic Ivvay. No

the miniflers of the golpel in America claim no lordfhip
over the church, but are what they ought to be, inftruftors
and examples of the people % and as there are no tiihes nor
livings-, independent of the people, throughout the States,
but on the contrary, the ialaries of the miniders are en-
tirely dependent on them, and in general not very large
there can be few temptations to men to embrace the mini-
flry from improper motives. Many divines of dillercnt de-
nominations have, however, quitted Europe for America ;
and where ch;iini:lcr and ability hav-e been blended, they
have invariably lucceeded. Certain it is, that where a man
is ambitious of becoming ufeful in fpreading the golpel, no
part of the world feems better adapted to gratify his Vv'ithes-
an extenfive back country, were there are few or no mini-
fters, and an extenfive Indian milTion, prefent themlclves to
his view, in<iependcnt of fettled towns and cities, where a
Vcijiety of fenliments and increafmg population are certainly
favourable to the fettlement of a number of minifters. Thole
divines who emigrate from Europe, will probably fucceed
bell who blend with the miniflerial charafter that of <*
fchool-m after, a charaftcr much in requcft in every part of
the American continent.

Wiih relpett to literary men, it is to be obferved, that
in America there is not as yet what may be called a clafg
of focietv, to whom this denomination will apply ; luch,
for iiiftance, as is to be found in Great-Britain, and indeed,
in mofl of the old countries of Europe. A clals whole
profeflion is literature, and among whom the branches of
knowledge are divided and lubdivided with great minute-
nels, each individual taking and purluing his leparate de-
partment. Literature in America is, in geaeral, an amufe.
ment only, coilatcial to the occupation of the perlon who
attends to it. In Europe, it is a trade, a means .of liveli-
hood.

Certainly the Americans are not inferior in abilities to
(he Europcaiis ; tb.ey are comparatively an infant fociety,
and iheir numbers are comparatively few ; and yet old aj
Great-Britain is in experience, abounding in her cllablifh.
mcnts for the proiiiotion of learning, pre-eminent in rcpu-

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 531

tation, and gigantic in her attainments of knowledge and
icicnce of all kinds, the ftrippling of the new world, ha^
taii'ht her war by Wdfhington, and philofophy hy Pr.inkhii
Rittcnhoufe ranks with the bell Britiih mathematicians and-
ailroiiomers. Eurc^pean diplomalids have niiunk before the
realoning of JeHcrfon ; and the latcft and accuteft of our
political philolophers are mor« than lu!pc£ted of bcii:g the.
diiciplcs only of Paine and Barlow, whole knowledge is
notorio-.iflv the produce of the American lihcK^l — but though
not in abilities, the Americans are inferior to Europeans
in the opportunity of knowledge, their libraries are icanty^
their coIlc6lions are almuil entirely of modern books ; they
do not contain the means of tracing the hiftory of qucllions :
this is a wanjt which the literary people feel very mucli,
and whicli it will take fome years effeftualiy to remedy,
:notwith{landing the exertions that have been made, and
are making, to accomplifli it; the convulied ftite of Eu-
rope, and tlie increafing profperiiy of Armeiica, will, however
.contribute rapidly to improve their -rituation in this relpc£l_

There is another cir.cumllance alfo which has hitherto
tended to keep back the progrefs of letters with the Aine_
ricans. The war brought on Kiucli individual, as well as
national poverty ; neceirity therefore, as u't!l as the habi_
tual induflry and frugality of the people, led every body
to attend to commercial purfuits, and tjieir attention was
abforbed in the iraprovemerit rather of their pockets
than of their ininds. But a great change has taken pla.ce
and ere long a new generation will ariie, and it is rifmg
v/ho will be enabled by th,e exertions of their pjrents
to diipenle M'ith incelTant labour— they will begin to feej
the ^v'ant of, and they will imbibe a tafte 'for literature,
jihilolophy, and the fine ar-ts ; the uicful fciences will
find their votaries as numerous and as ^ucccl^sful iq Ame-
rica as in Eiirope ; even at prelent the literati of the
old continent will eafily find congenial fociety in mofl; of
the great towns of tlie United States.

From what has been laid, it may be doubted whether
z man of large income can pleaiantlv fpend it in Ameri-
ca. A large income is not. indeed, fo ea^fily Ipent thcref
as in Europe; tiiere arc not luch variety, nor fuch cxpcu^
five amulemcnts ; nor does an expeniive ftylc of living
procure io much reipcft there as in Great-Britain.* As

* Mr. Cooper obfcrvcs, he could not iind on enquiry that the moft cxpen-
five pcrfons in Philadelphia and New- York, lived at an expenfe iseyoiid tv*
ihouiand pounds fterlir.g a year.

33 2 PROSr^LCTS AND ADFAI:TAQES

we have before obferved, it is not the place for a man.
cf plcafure, in our acceptation of the word. A man mav
however, enjoy all the locial comforts of hfe as well as
thofe of a more enlarged kind ; he may Ukewife increafe
his fortune either by judicious purchalcs of land, or by
the public funds, without burdening lumfelf with the toils of
the tTddeiman, or the hazard of the merchant.

Thofe who buy land on the expci;Lation of re-fell in? it
at an advanced price, mud not, however, buy in the
thickly-fetiied part of the country, for there land is nearly
at the maximum price it will arrive at for many 3'ears:
he muft not buy large trafts, far from all prefent fettle-
ments, unlefs he can force the fpeedy fettlement of them
by his own conneftion and influence. If he can do that
he may buy indeed, any where, ufing common prudence
in chufing the utuation : hut if he cannot induce an emigration
thither by his own exertions, he mufl buy where the
current of population is evidently tending, but where it
has not yet reached. Certainly, land fpeculations in Ame-
rica, prudently entered upon, are extremely profitable :
made at random they are otherwife.* If thele do not fuit
part of the American (lock pays above fix per cent, pe^-
annum, and the deferred ftock above feven. '

The American debt is funded in three kinds of flock*
viz. the three per cent, flock, ths fix per cent, ftockj
and the deferred >ock ; this latter bears no prefent interefl,
but interefl at fix per cent, will become payable upon it,
from and after the firil of January, 3801.

In the beginning of June, 1794, the prices of /American
itock were in London, Per cent. £. s. d.

Six per cent, flock, ninety pounds per cent,
thus paying an interefl of - - - - - - - - 613 4

Three per cent, fifty pounds per cent. — paying an
interefl; of __._._.._..-. 600

Deferred flock Rfty-feven pounds per cent, up-
on which, if compound interefl be reckoned at five
per cent, until 1801, the fifty-feven will amount to
eighty ' pounds, which therefore will yield - - - 7 10 o

* Purihafers in this country, and meaning to ftay l\cre, -will not find
it their intercft, in general, to embark a portion of property fo Imall ac
Tjot to pay for an agrnt on the fpot. In thi» cafe, it (hould be a joint
concern. But fo m\ich caution is requifite to perfons not going them-
felves to Ameri:a, that we cannot recommend the in\e(liuire of a fortune
there, unlefs t!ic principal, or fome of the principal.;, afl iipon perfonai
Knowledge. . ,.

I

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 33^

Shares in the American hnnk, which has hither- £. s. d.
to paid eight pounds per cent, at one hundred and
iix pounds per cent, paying an interefl of- - --^159

The furplus revenue of the United States is about one
million two hundred thoufand dollars, or two hundred and
fevcnty thoufand pounds fterling per annum ; this is laid out
on the principle of a finking fund, to dilcharge the debt.

But on the whole, it .is certainly beft for a man of middling
fortune, that is, perfons of from two hundred and fifty to
five thouland pounds fortune, to become farmers. We do
not know that large fortunes are to be made by farming
but affured we are, that a moderate fortune may as certain-
ly, eafily, and more plcafantly, produce a common averacrg
profit in that line than in any other.

A hundred and fifty acres of land, with a tolerable houfe
and barn upon it, and fufficient land cleared, for a pcrfon
immediately to begin as a farmer, may be purchafed in ma-
ny parts at four pounds currency an acre,* payable one-
fifth, perhaps, down, and one-fifth every year, with intercfi:
We doubt wether this is more profitable, than the purchafe
with the fame money of a large quantity of unimproved
land, if the fettler chufe to encounter the difficulties of
the firft twelve months, which arc difficulties to Engliffimea
only ; to Americans they do not appear under that form.

The land thus purchafed is a Ipecies of property that
muft of necelTity receive an annual increafe in value from
the natural population of the country, btjides that which the
induftry of the proprietor may confer upon it ; we think
we fpcak v.'ithin compafs, when we fay that an induflrious
cultivator, befides making a plentiful livelihood and good
intereft of his capital, will find his farm quadrupled in va-
lue at the end of ten years, if he bought it in any cheap
part of the bacl: country, which was at the time in thq
courfe of fettling.

To perfons with a family, the advantages are much on
the fide of farming ; the value of the produce of Ame-
rica is much higher than in England, when the iightnefs of
ihe taxes, and the cheapnefs and tlie fertility of the land are
confidered. Among farmers, there is not, as in great towns.
a perpetual temptation to unneccffary expen(c, or a flyle of
living above income; and a mnn who has lived in the eafe and
plenty of middle life, need not give his ion a better or a
taore certain eftablifliment at letting out in the world,

* Not quite fifty Ciillings ftcrling

3J4 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES

than five hundred acres of land and five hundred pounds
to begin with ; end tliis, ten years hence, will eafily be
within the compafs of men oi moderate fortune, who bc'^fin
their American career now.

Many things are daily prefenting thcmfeJves, by which
the profits of land will be greatly inhanced in the United
States. They have hitherto imported a great part of their
drirk funii abroad, viz. rum, brandy, gin, &c. but they
?iTiCL, by cxtendlr.g their brcv/crics io far as to render thefe
fpiriluous liquors in part unnecelfary, that they will want
above two millions of bufhels of barley for the purpofe,
and large quantities of hops, befides having ule for a fur-
ther part of the immenle quantities of fire-wood and coal,
with which their country abounds. Thcv have alio obtained
the European cotton mill, Uv means of which, and a few
of their innumerable mill feats, the owners of lands, in
the fix fouthern States, will be caUcd upon to fupply
great quantities of cotton. The movements of a mill for
ipinning flax, hemp, and combed wool, have alio been con-
flrufted there, by "which the farmers^ throug-liout the Union^
will be called upon to fupply further quantities of flax
and hemp, and to encreafe their fiieep. The rolling mill
for iron and other metals, and the tilt hammer for all
large iron work, have been lately brought into extenfive
ufe, and will, no doubt, be crefted in all the States. But
the detail of v/ater works, and mechaniim, which may be
introduced into a country, that has, moderately fpcriking,
ten thouland, and probably nearer twenty thoufand rnili
feats, would be endl'^fs.

The term '" farmer " is not fynonitnous with the fame
word in England, where it means a tenant, holding of fome
lord, paying near feven-eighths of the produce in rent,
tythes and taxes: an uifcrior rank in iife. and occupied by
perlons of inferior mnnners and education. In America a
farmer is a l^^nd-owner paying no rent, no tythes, and few
taxes equal in rank to any other in the States, having a
-i oice in the appointment of his legiflators, and a fair chance,
if he deferves it, of becoming one himfelf. In f.ift, nine^
tenths of the legifiators of A.mcrica are farmers.

A man may buy three hundred acres of rich, but uniiTinrc v-
ed, land at prefent, in the well-fcttlcd part of the back
country, for thirty fhillings per acre, currencv, payable by
inftalments. In the courfe of a fummcr he may, with a cou-
jv.'c of men to help him, clear ground enough to maintain

OF EUROPE AN SETTLERS.' 3^^

fortic catttlc through the winter, and may have a comfortable
Jf)g-houle built, which he may improve or enlarge at his lei-
fure. To do this, to put one-third of the whole into an
arable ftate, and to pay the firfb and fecond inflalments, will
cod him, with the wages of the men, the keep of himfelf and
a moderate family for twelve months, and the neceffary cattle'
and implemcFits of hr.fbai.div to cultivate this quantity pvo-
peily, about four hunclied and fifty or five hundred pounds
flcrling.

The above is the price of prime Innd in very eligible fitua-
tions. hut purchalcs may be made much lower, and to much
greater advaui .ge, paiticulnrly in Kentucky and the weftern
territory, where the population of the country is not fo
great. We have thus endeavoured to anfwer, in as brief
and comprehentive manner as pofFible, the leading queftion
which an emi?ra«or will be inclined to put : there are others
which, though not of equal importance, are not without their
weight, as

What is the ftjte of politics in America ? — Is the Common-
wealth of the United States likely to prove duiable.

W^ith refpeft to the ftate of politics in America they
have among them a few fufpefted royal: (Is, exclufive of fome
Englifkmen fettled in the great towns, whom the Ameri-
cans regard as unreafonably prejudiced againft their govern-
ment, and infcfted with a kind of maladic du pays.

The reft of the Americans are republicans, but of two
claflej : the one leaning to an extenfion rather than a limi-
tation of the powers of the legifiative and executive go-
vernment ; or, in other words, rather leaning to Britifh than
to French politics ; inclining to introduce and extend the fund-
ing, the manufacturing, and the commercial fyftems : In this
clafs rank almoft all the executive officers of government,
with the Prei'ident at their head ; the majority of the mem-
bers of the fcnates, and the greatcft part of the opulent
merchants of the large towns: this party is denominated the
Federalifts, partly becaule they were the chief introducers
and lupporterrs of the prcient federal government, and the
conititution of 1787; and partly from the very ingenious
feries of letters in favour of that conftitution by Mr. Ha-
milton, termed *' The Federaliil."

The ot'ier party are calbd, •' Anti-federalifts ;" not be-
caufe they are adverfe to a federal government, or wifh,
like the French, for a lepublic, one and indivifible, but in
coutradi6l:on rather to the denomination of the other clafs. The

330 PROSPECTS AND' ADVANTAGES

Anti-federalifls, at the time when the prefent American confti-
tution was in agitation, were hoftile to the extenfivc powers
given to government, and wifhed for more frequent returns to
the people, of the authority they were to delegate to their
truftees in office. This party objefts to the falaries given to the
officers of government as too large, to the ftate and diftance af.
fumed by fome among them. Not even excluding the Prefident
Wafhington, whole manners and mode of living, cold, referved
and ceremonious, as is /aid, have tended in fome degree to coun-
teraft the effefts of his great abilities and eminent fervices. The
Anti-federal ifts alfo rather lean to the French theory, though
not to the French praftice of politics; and they are averfe to
what they deem the monopolizing fpirit, and infulting ar-
rogance of fuperiority in England. This fpirit of animohty a-
gainft Great-Britain has been prodigioufly incrcafed by the part
fhe is fuppofed to have taken in fomenting the Indian war, in
exciting the hoflilities of the Algerines, in feizing the fliips and
obftrufting the commerce of the American merchants, in refuf-
ing or neglefting to give up the pofts upon the lakes, or to
make reparation for ftolen negroes. The condu6l of the Britifli
Court has certainly given ftrength to the Anti-ftderal party,
among whom may now be ranked the majority of the people,
and the majority of the houfes of reprefentatives.

It will be eafy to conjefture from the preceding account, that
the FederalifEs are the ins and the Anti-federallfts the Quts of the
American government; and this is in a great degree, but not uni-
verfally true.

With relpeft to the flability of the American Commonwealth,
there is great probability that its duration will be longer than any
empire that has hitherto exifted : for it is a truth univerfallv
admitted, that all the advantages which ever attended any of
the monarchies of the old world, all center in the new ; to-
gether with many others, which they never enjoyed. The
four great empires, and the dominions of Charlemaigne and the
Turks, all role by conquefts, none by the arts of peace. On the
contrary, the tejritory of the United States has been planted
and reared by a union of liberty, good conduft, and all the
comforts of domeftic virtue.

All the areat monarchies were formed by the conquefls of
kingdoms, difterent in arts, manners, language, temper and rc-
Vvj'ion, from the conquerors : i"o that the union, though in
lome cafes verv flrong, was never the real and intimate con-
neftion of the fame people ; and this circumftance principally
accelerated their ruin and Avas abfolutely the caufe of it in
lome. This will be very different in the Americans. They

Of eu ro p e a y s ett l ^ r^. ^^f

■will, in their greatcft extent and popul.uion, be one df the
fame people ; the lame in language, religicin, laws, innnnersj
tempers and purfnils; for the Imall variation in feme diftrifts,
owing to the fettlcrhcnt of Germans, is an exception lo very
flight, that in a few ages it will be unKnown.

The Alfyrian and Roman empires were of vcrv flow growth,
therefore laded the longed; but ft.ill their encreafe was by con-
queft, and the union cf diifonant parts. The Pernan and Mace-
donian monarchies were loon founded and preienlly overturn-
ed ; the former not lading fo long as the Ail'vrian, nor a fixth
of the duration of the Roman; and as to the Macedonians,'
it laded but fix years. This advantage of a flow growth i»
ftrong in favour of the Americans ; t]i£ wonderful increafe
of their numbers is the natural eflctl of plenty of land, a
good climate, and a mild and beneficent government, in which
corruption and tyranny are wholly unknown. Some centu-
fies are already pad fince their fird Icttlement, and many
more will pais before their power appears in its full fplendor ;
but the quicknefs of a growth that is entirely natural wrill
carry with it no marks of decay, being entirely different from
monarchies founded by force of arms. The Roman em-
pire periflied by the hands of northern baibarians, whom the
mafters of the world dildained to conquer ; it will not be fo
with the Americans, they fpread gradually over the whole con-
tinent, infomuch that two hundred years hence, there probably
will, be nobody but themielves in the whole northern contine«t ;
from whence, therefore, fliould their Goths and Vandals come ?
Nor can they ever have any thing to fear from the fouth ;
fird. becaufe that country will never be populous, owing to
the pofi^cflion of mines ; iecondly, there are fevcral nations and
languages planted and remaining in it ; thirdly, the mod con-
fiderable part of it lies in the torrid zone, a region that ne-
ver yet fent forth nations of conquerors.

In extent the habitable parts of Noi'th-America exceed that
of any of the four empires, and canfequently can feed and
maintain a people much more numerous than the Affyrians
or the Romans. The fituation of the region is fo advanta-
geous that it leaves nothing to be wifiied ior ; it caii have no
neighbours from, whom there is a polnbility of attack or molef-
tation ; it will pofl'cfs all the lolid advant3ges of the Chinefe
empire without the f^tal neighbourhood of ihc Tartars,

X X

338 PROSPECTS AXD ADVANTAGES'

It will have further the fingular felicity of all the advan-
tages of art ifland, that is, a freedom from the attack of others,
and too many difficulties, with too great a diftance, to en-
gage in enterpriles tiiat h.eretofore proved the ruin of other
monarchies.

The loil, the climate, production, and face of the continent,
is formed by nature for a great, independent and perma-
nent government : fill it with people who will of thcmfelves,
of Gourfe, poffefs all ibrts of manufaftures, and you will find
it yielding eveiy neceiruy and convenience of hie. Such a vaft
traft of countrv, poITc fling luch fingular advantages, becoming
inhabited by one people, fpeaking the fame language, prcfcfling
the fame religion, and having the lame manners ; attaining a po-
pulation equal to that of the greateft empire ; ipiTing from an
aftive and induftrious nation, who have transfuled into them
their own induftiy and fpirit, and ieen them worthy of their
original ; inhabiting a loil not dangeroufly fertile, ncr a.
clime generally conducive to effeminacy ; accuftomed to com-
merce : luch a people muft found a commonwealth as indiflbluble
as humanity will allow. Suffice it for England, that fhe will
have been the origin of a commonwealth greater and more du-
rable than any former monarchy ; that hef language and her
manners will flouiifn among a people who will one dav become
a fplendld ipeftacle in the vaft eye of the univerlV. This flat-
tering idea of immortality no other nation can hope to attain.

And here let us make an obfervation, that fhould animate the
authors in the Engiiflr language with an ardour that cannot
be infufed into any other nation ; it is the plcafincr idea of
living among io great a people, through almofl a perpct-;:ty of
fatr.e, and under almofi- an impoffibility of becoming, like the
Greek and Latin tongues, dead ; known onlv by the learned,
Increafmg time will bring increafing readers, until their names
become repeated with pleal'are by above an hundred mil-
lions of people !

Having endeavoured to anfwer what we coaceive will be
the leading inquiries of an European, who has an intention
of removing from his native country to America, we fliall
proceed to offer luch information, as from the plan laid down
we had not the opportunity of introducing, or at leaft but
flightly-j into the preceding part of the work, or which we
judged would be heft deferred, to the preient period of it ;
in doing this, we fhali endeavour to introduce our infonnation
with a Ipecial ref-rencc to tliat clafs of emi graters, whofe va-

OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

335

rious callings may induce them to fettle in towns cu: cities -,
and to tboie wlio, engaged in rural economy, will take up
their rch.'.cncc in the back countr)-, or the weftcrn territory:
many parts, however, will be applicable to both, for the far-
mer will in various cales find himlelf conne£ted with the
cities and towns ; it is there he muft feek markets for his
ftock, and it is from his labours the towns and cities muft:
receive fupplies.

The following tables will prove advantageous to men of
every defcription, who have any connexion wttli America,
t)ut particularly to an European fettler.

549

GENERAL INFORMATION

A TABLE of the Value of fundry Coins, as they now pafs
in Great-Britain and the United States.

N. H^ncp-

South-Ca-

Pf-nnfylva-

Ihire Ma'l-

NVw-York

rol

ina,

and

Sterling nja,

N'ew-

fac^ufetts,

anc

North

G

ecrgia.

XAMES OF COIN'S

M(

nev

of ]cr

fev,D--

Rhode li-

Carol

ina.

Grr

t

-at-Rri

lawarc,^
Maryland,

land,
Con. Viv-

ain;

gina,-<S<:c.

d.

-

/.

J.

d-

/.

j. d.

/. .'. d.

/.

s.

d.

T

f.

Englifh guinpns - -

1

1

.0

1

15 °

1 8 0

1

17

4

1

1

9i

Englilli half do. - -

0

10

6

0

17 6

0 14 0

0

18

8

0

10

lOz

Englifh Crowns - -

o

5

0

o

8 4

068

0

9

4

0

0

5

2

Englifh half ditto -

o

2

6

o

4 2

034

0

6

0

2

7

Englifh (hillings - -

o

1

o o

1 8

0 14

0

1

9t

0

1

0

Englifh rix-p"n(-es -

o

o

6,0

0 10

0 0 8

0

0

D

0

6

French Louis-d'or -

1

6

o

1

14 6

1 7. 6

1

16

0

1

1

5

French crowns -' -

0

5

o

o

8 4

068

0

9

4

6

3

3

Spanish dollars - -

o

4

6

o

7 b

060

0

8

0

0

4

8

J(^hann?s - - - -

3

12

0 6

0 0

4160

6

8

0

4

0

0

Half Johannes - —

1

i6

0

3

0 0

280

3

4

0

2

0

0

French piRoles - -

o

i6

o

1

7 6

1 2 0

1

8

0

0

17

6

Spanifh ditto — .

0

i6

6

1

8 0

120

1

9

0

0

18

0

Doubloons . - - -

3

6

o

5

12 6

480

5

16

0

3

10

0

Moidores - - -

I

7

Ol 2

5 0

1 16 0

1

•2

8

0

t

8

0

METHOD OF REDUCING CURRENCY TO STERLING,

Currency in Pennfylvanja, New-Jerfcy, Delaware, and Maiy-
land, is reduced to fterling by multiplying by three and dividing
by five, one hundred pounds fterling making at par one hundred
and fixty-fix pounds thirteen and eight-pence Penniylvania cur-
rency. That is, a merchant, when exchange is at par, will give
a draft oir Pennfylvania for the above fum on receiving one
hundred pounds fterling. At prelent a merchant in London
^A•ill give more, and therefore it is advantageous to buv bills
c«i America.

Currency in New-York, and N.orth-CnroIina is reduced to
flerling by multiplying by nine and dividing by fixtcen. Tiius
a fhilling New-York currency is fix-pence three farthings fler-
ling.

Currency in Ncw-Hampfliire, MafTachufetts, Rliodc-lfland,
Virginia, and the weflern territory, is reduced to fterling by
multiplying by three and dividing by four.

Currency in South-Carolina and Ge<'rgia is reduced to fter-
ling by deducing one twcntv-lcvc2".th.

0 EUROPE AX SETTLERS.

34*'

A TABLE of the Value of the Gold Coins of the follow-
ing Countries, as cPtablifliecl by the ad of Congrefs, paffcd
Feb. 9th, 1793, viz.

1

France

Spain, and t}ie Dominions ]

Great-Britain and Portugal.

of Spjjn.

! Gi.

ts.

Dwt. Do!. Cts.

Gr.

Cts.

Dwt.

Dol. Cts.

I

3

I 0 89

1

3

I

0 87

2

7

2 r 78

2

7

2

^ 75

3

1 1

3 2 67

3

1 I

3

2 6^

4

'4

4 3 55

4

H

4

3 50

5

i8

5 4 44

5

18

5

4 38

6

22

6 5 33

6

22

6

5 25

7

^5

7 6 22

7

25

/

6 t3

«

29

8 7 II

8

29
33
36

8

7 ^

9

33

9 8 00

9

9

7 88

10

37

10 8 89

10

la

8 76

''

40

II 9 78

13 10 67

1 1

40

1 1

9 63

''

44

12

44

12

10 51

1 '^

48

13 11 55

13

47

^3

i^ 39

H

51

14 12 44

14

51

H

12 26

15

55

M 13 33

^5

55

.^5

13 H

16

59

16 14 22

16

58

16

14 I

17

63

17 15 11

17

63

17

14 89

18

67

18 16 CO

18

66

18

15 76

19

70

19 16 89

'9

69

»9

16 64

20

74

20 17 78

20

73

20

17 52

21

78

21 18 67

21

76

21

18 39

22

81

22 19 55

^2

80

22

19 27

23

_24

85

23 20 44

23

84

23

20 14

89

24 21 33

=4

87

24

21 2

^ALUE of Dollars in Sterling, rec4coning the Dollar at 4s. 6d.

Dol.

L.

s.

Dol.

L.

s

d.

Dol.

L

s. c.

ISO. 000=

=22,500

—

700=

= 157

10

—

10

= 2

5 —

50^000

1 1.2,50

—

boo

135

—

—

9

2

0 6

?o.coo

4-500

—

500

1 12

10

—

8

1

lb —

10,000

2,250

—

400

90

—

—

7

1

11 6

5.000

1:1^5

—

300

^7

10

—

b

I

i '

4.000

900

—

200

4.5

—

—

5

1

2 6

3.000

<^75

—

lOO

2 2

10

—

~t

18 —

2.000

450

—

50

1 1

5

—

3

13 6

1.000

226

—

40

9

—

—

2

9 —

goo

£0.'.

10

30

5

15

—

1

4 0

800

180

—

l:0

4

10

—

342

GENERAL INFORMATION

A TABLE of the Value of Cents in Pence,* as computed
at the Banks of the United States and Noi th-America.

o

c
u

p.

c

CI

0

0

B

0

u

C

a
0

1

1

24

27

47 52

70

78

2

2

"'^

28

48 53

71

79

3

3

26

£9

49 5 4

72

80

4

4

27

30

50 55

73

81

5

5

28

31

51 57

74

0^-

6

7

29

32

52 38

75

83

7

8

30

33

53 59

76

84

8

9

31

34

54 (Jo

77

85

9

10

32

35

55 61

78

87

lO

1 1

33

37

56 62

79

83

1 1

1 2

34

38

57 63

80

89

12

13

35

39

58 64

81

90

^3

14

36

40

59 65

82

9^

M

15

37

41

60 67

83

92

15

17

38

42

61 68

84

93

16

18

39

43

62 69

85

94

^7

19

40

44

63 70

86

95

18

20

4^
42

45

64 71

87

97

19

21

47

65 72

88

98

2.0

2 2

43

48

66 73

89

99

21

23

44

49

67 74

90

100

22

24

45

50

68 7.5

23

= 5

4^>

F>'-

60 77

i-ib ol

add

lar, b\

ceiiib.

1-2 au.

50

ao'

1-8

do.

^--\

do.

1-2 3 piftarce

n, 10

do.

1-4

do.

25

do.

1 piftarecn

20

do.

* That k, pence in currency, Vvherein one penny currency is equal to ihrt-e
fifths of a penny fterling.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS^ 34|

A TABLE of the Value of Cents in Sterling Money.

344

CEJ^ERAL INPOrMATION^

POSTAGE OF LETTERS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.

For the poft^ige of any fingle letter to or from any place by-
land, not exceeding thirty miles, 6 cents ; over thirty to hxty,
8 cents; over iixty to one hundred, lo cents; over one hun-
dred to one hundred and fifty, 12~ cents; over one hundred
and fifty to two hundred, 15 cents ; over two hundred to two
hundred and fifty, 1-7 cents; over two hundred and fifty to
three hundred and fifty, 20 cents ; over three hundred and fifty
to four hundred and fitty, 22 cents; and fiom every place more
than four hundred and fifty inilesj 25 cents.

DUTIES
Payable by LiW on all Goods, Wares and Merchandize, imported
into the United States of America, after the laft day of March
i'795. The inward column exhibiting the rates of duties pay-
able on thole imported in fhips or vell'els of the United States^
and the outward column the rates payable on the fame if im-
ported in foreign fhips or veffcls.

If imported In
Amcr. For.

vcffels. veffels.

Arms, fire and fide, not otherwife

enumerated, or parts thereof
Apparatus, philoiophical, fpecially
imported for any ieminary of learn-
ing
Ale, beer and porter, in caflcs or

bottles

on value of the bottles
Artificial flowers, feathers and other

ornaments for women's head drelTes
Anifeed
Articles of all kinds of tlie growth^

produft or manufatlure of the

United States, fpirits excepted

15 per cent, ad val. 16^

free

8 cents per gallon
10 per cent, ad val.

J5
free

Ditto
Ditto

Anchors

Brafs cannon, until the 2 2d day of
May, 1785

after May 22, 1795

teutenague and v/ire

iron or (leel locks, hinges, hoes,

er cent, ad val.

anvils and viies
-all other manufaftures of brals,

Balls and baliams (tee powders,
paftes, &c,)

Beer, ale and porter in calks or bot-
tles

on value of the bottles

Bricks and tilas

free

i6i
:6|

free
1 1

10 p

free free

15 per cent, ad val. iSj

free free

10 per cent, ad val. 1 1

15 Ditto i6|

IK Ditto ib\

8 cents per»gallon
lo per cent, ad val. 1 1

'H

Ditto

x6i

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 345

If impoitcd in

Aiiu-v. for.

vcllcli. _ vflTcls.

Boots , -7,5 cents per pair 82^
Books blank lO per cent, ad Vil. n
Books of pciions who come to reiidc

in the United States free i''^P

Buttons of evciv kind 15 per cent, ad val. 16^

Buckles, Ihoe and knee 1.5 Ditto i6|

Bruihes 10 Ditto 1 1

Bullion free f»ee

Burgundy wine 40 cents per gallon 44

Carriages, or parts of carriages £0 per cent, ail val. 22

Cards playing 2,5 cents per pack 27I

" wool and cotton 50' cents per dozen 5.5

Cables and tarred cordage 180 cents per cwt. 198

Cabinet wares 15 per cent, ad val. i6\

Caps, hats and bonnets of evciy kind 15 Ditto i6f

Carpets and carpeting 15 Ditto lO^

Cartridge paper 15 Ditto lo-j

Candles of tallow 2 cents per lb. 2|

-of wax or fpermaccti 6 Ditto ol

Champaign wine 40 cents per gallon 44

Capers 15 per cent, ad val. lOj

Canes, walking fticks and whips 10 Ditto 11

Cambricks 10 Ditto H

Cheele 7 cents per pound ^J^

China ware 15 per cent, ad val. 16^

Cinnamon, cloves, currants & comfits 15 Ditto 16 j
sC^^intzes and coloured calicoes, or

muflins, and all printed, fhained, or

coloured goods or manufactures of

cotton, or of linen, or of both, or

of which cotton or linen is the ma-

terial of chief value

12I

Ditto

i3i

Cocoa

4

cents per p:ni!«i

^7

Chocolate

3

Ditto

3to

Clogs and golo fhoes (fee flioes)

r5

cents per pair

»6i

Cordage, taned

180

ccuis per cwt.

198

and vjrn untarred

^-5

Ditto

247 j

Colmetics

15

per cent, ad val.

ibV

Coal

5

cents per bulhel

5v

Colours (Tee painters)

'5

per cent, ad val.

16.

Copper manufactures

15

Ditto

x6L

tt\ »\1 »»^ ■ -n i TC 1^ 1 Ko.-c?

fiec

free

Ill piuics, pigs awu nars

Comppfitions for ihc teeth 01

gums

(ice dentifiice)

1,5

per cent, ad val.

^61-

Coflee

5

teiits per p.ouud

5l-

Cotton

a

Ditto

3^

Cotton or linen manufi-Clurcs, or of
bwth, or of which cotioxi or linen is

Y y

346

GENERAL INFORMATION

If imported in
Amer. For.

veirels. vciTelj

the material of chief value, being

pni Led, ftained or coloured i 2i. per cent, ad val.

Cotton MOt printed, Rained or coloured lo
Clocks and watcb.es, or parts of either 15
Coaches, chariots, phEetons, chairs,
chaifes, lolos, or other carriages, or
parts of either 20

Clothing ready made 10

Cloths, books, houfhold furniture,
and the tools or implements of the
trade or profcffion of perfons who
come tp refide in the United States free
Cutlafics, until the 2 2d day of May,

^795

. or parts thereof, after the 2 2d

day of May, 1795

Dates and figs

Dentifrice, powders, tinftures, pre-
parations and compofitions for the
teeth or gums

Dolls, drefled and undrefTed, or parts
thereof

Drugs, medicinal, except thofe com-
monly uied for dying

and woods for dying

Earthen and flone wares

EfTences (lee powders, palles, &c,)

Fans, or parts thereof

Fayal wine

Fringes commonly ufed by upholfler-
ers, coachmakers, and laddlers

Floor cloths and mats, or parts of either 15

Fruits -of all kinds

Furs of every kind undrcffed

Glals, black quart bottles

— window giafs

all other glals, and manufa£l.ures

thereof

Glauber lalts

Gauzes

Geneva (fee fpirits)

Ginger

Girandoles, or parts thereof

Gloves and mittens of every kind

Gold, filv'er and plated ware

Gold and fdver lace

Goods, wares, and merchandize, im-
ported dirctlly from China, or India,
in fliips or vefl'els not of the United

Ditto
Ditto

Ditto
Ditto

»3i

1 1

i6l

free

free

free

free

15 per

cent, ad val.

161

»5

Ditto

.61

»5

Ditto

^H

15

Ditto

161

*.5

Ditto

,6i

free

free

^5

Ditto

i6i

15

Ditto

16-

»5

Ditto

i6i

20 cents per gallon

22

^5

Ditto

16^

■" 15

Ditto

161

»5

Ditto

i6±

free

free

10

Ditto

1 1

^5

Ditto

i6|

20

Ditto

22

200 cents per cv> t.

220

10 per

cent, ad \A.

11

^5

Ditto

»6i

20

Ditto

22

15

Ditto

16I

15

Ditto

i6|

»5

Ditto

i6i

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 34?

If imported in

Amer. For.

veffeli. veffcls.

States, except teas, China ware,
and all other articles liable to higher
rates of duties percent, ad val. laj

Goods, wares, and merchandize, in-
tended to be re-exported to a fo-
reign port or place in the fame fhip
or veffel in which they fhall be im-
ported, arid all articles of the growth,
product or manufafture of the United
States, fpirits excepted free free

Goods, wares, and merchandize, not
herein otherwiie particularly enu-
merated and defcribed

Glue

Gun powder until the 2 2d day of
May, 1795

after the 2 2d day of May,

lO per cent, ad

val.

11

15 Ditto

16I

free

free

10 Ditto

11

15 Ditto

i6i

15 Dittu

i6|

00 cents per cwt.

110

"ree

free

1795

Hangers, or parts thereof

Hair powder

Hemp

Hides, raw

Houdiold furniture of perfons who

come to refide in the United States free free

Implements of the trade or profeffion

of perions who come to refide in the

United States free free
Indigo 25 cents per pound 27^
Iron wire free free
fteel or brafs locks, hinges, hoes,

anvils, and viles lo per cent, ad val. ir
caft, flit, or rolled, and all manu-

faftures of iron, fteel, or brals, or

of which cither of thefe metals is

the article of chief value, not being

otherwife particularly enumerated
Jewellery and pafte work
Lace of g jld and filvcr
Laces and lawns

Laces, lines, fringes, taffcls and trim-
mings commonly uied by uphol—

fterers, coachmakers, and faddlcrs
Lampblack
Lapis calaminaris
Leather, tanned and tawed, and all

manufaftures of leather, or of which

-leather is the article of chief value,

not otherwiie particularly enume-
rated 15 Ditto
Y y z

15

Ditto

i6|

13

Ditto

1 61

15

Ditto

,6i

10

Ditto

11

15

Ditto

16I

10

Ditto

1 1

free

free

348 GENERAL IK FORMATION

If imported in

Amer. For.

vellcls. veffels.

Lead and mufket ball, until the 2 2d

day of May 1 795 free free

after May 2 2d 1795 1 cent per pound i^'^

• all other manufatturesof lead, or

in which lead is the chief article 1 Ditto 1 ,',

Lemons and limes 15 per cent. ad. val. i6^t

Linen or cotton manufaftures, or of

both, or of which cotton or linen is

the material of chief value, printed,

flained, or coloured I2j Ditto 13!;

not painted, ftained, or coloured 10 Ditto 11

Lifbon and Oporto wines "5 cents per gallon 27!

Looking-glaffes 20 per cent. ad. val. 22

Manufaftures of tin, pewter, and

copper 15 Ditto i64

• of iron, fheel, or brals,

not otherwile particularly enumer-
ated 15 Ditto i6|

of leather not otherwife

particularly enumerated 15. per cent. ad. val. i6i

of lead not otherwife par-

ticularly enumerated 1 cent per pound i-/^

of cotton or linen, or

of both, printed, ftained or colour-
ed i2| per cent, ad val. 13I
of ditto, not printed,

flained or coloured 10 Ditto

-of glafs (fee glafs)

-of tobacco (fee fnuff and

tobacco)
of ^v'ood (Tee cabinet wares

and wood)
of the United States, fpi-

rits excepted free fice

Mats and floor clotlis, or parts of

either ' 15 percent, ad val. i6l

Malt 10 cents per buflicl 11

Marble, flate and other ftone, bricks,

tiles, tables, mortars and other

utenfils of marble or Hate, and

generally all ftone, and earthen

ware 15 per cent, ad val. i6|.

Madeira wines (fee wines)

Malaga wine ?o tents per gallon 2 3

Mace 15 per cent, ad val. 10?-

Mcdicinal drugs, except thofc coni-

monly ufcd m dying 15 Ditto JOj,-

Mcrchandizc, goods and wares, im-
ported direttly from China o'.'

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

3i§

If impoitcd in

India, in fiiips or vcfTcls not of
the United States, except teas,
China ware, and all other articles
liable to higher lates of duties

Merchandize, goods and wares, in-
tended to be re-exported to a fo-
reign port or place in the fame
Ihip or veffel in which they fliall
be imported — and all ai tides of
the growth, produft or munufac-
lure of the United States, fpirits
excepted

Merchandize, goods and wares not
herein otherwife particularly enu-
merated and dcfcnbed

Mittens, and gloves of ci'cry kind

Millenaiy ready made

Molaflcs

Mufkets and firelocks with bayonets
lyited to the fame, and mufket-
ball, until the 2 2d day of May

. 1795-

or parts of either after the

22d day of May 1 -795

Mufkpts and firelocks without bay-
onets or parts of either

Muftard in flour

Muflins and muflinets
cd or coloured

not jirintcd,

Amfr.
vcffcls.

For.

vefrdi.

per cent, ad val. 1 2|.

free

10

3

per cent, ad val.

Ditto

Ditto
cents per gallon

free

printed, (lain-
ftained or co-

12^-

Ditto

■loured

Nails

Nankeens

Nutmegs

Oranges

Ointments, oils and odors (fee pow-
ders, palles, cS:c.

Olives

Oil

Oporto and Lifbon wine

Paper hangings

writing and wrapping

flieathing and cartridge

Painters colours, whether dry or ground
in oil, except thole commonly uicd
in dying

pack thread and twine

Jpfiile boards, parchment or vellum

frefi!

11

3to

free

icr cent, ad val.

^6^

Ditto

161

Ditto

i6i-

^3i

10

Ditto

1 1

2

cents per pound

0 T

1 2

per cent, ad val.

13I

15

Ditto

ibi

15

Ditto

i6i

15

Ditto

16I

>5

Ditto

.61

'5

Ditto

'H

>5

cents per gallon

^li

'5

per cent, ad val.

lb-]

10

Ditto

1 1

'5

Ditto

16-^-

15

Ditto

iGi

400

cents per cwt.

440

10

per cei.t. *i. val.

11

350

GENERAL INFORMATION

Phaetons, «r parts thereof
Plaifter of Paris
Pewter manufaftures

old

Pepper

Perfumes

Piftols until the 2 2d day of May

•795

— or parts thereof after the 2 2d

day of May i -7^5

Piftures and Prints

Pimento

Printing types

Pickles of all forts

Printed, ftained, or coloured goods
or manufaftures of cotton, or of
Hnen, or of both

Philofophical apparatus, fpecially im-
ported for any feminary of learn-
ing

Porter, beer and ale in cafks, or
bottles

on value of the bottles

Powder, gun until the 2 2d day
of May 1795

• after the 2 2d day of May

»795

Powders, paftes, balls, balfams, oint-
ments, oils, waters, waflies, tinc-
tures, effences or other prepara-
tions or compofitions commonly
called iweet {cents, odors, perfumes
or cofmeticks — and all powders or
preparationa for the teetii or gums

Plumbs and prunes

Raifins

Raw^ hides and fkins

Rum (fee fpirits)

Salt weighing more than fifty fix
pounds per bufhel

i weighing fifty-fix pounds per

bufliel or lefs-

Stained, printed, or coloured goods
or manufactures of cotton, or of
linen, or of both

Salt petre

Saint Lucar wines

Starch

Slate, ftonc, and ft.oi=jc ware

If imported in

Amer.

For.

veffels

vefTcU.

20

per cent, ad val.

22

free

free

'5

Ditto

i6|

free

free

6

cents per pound

6|

»5

per cent, ad val.

i6l

free
1

free

I
15

per cent, ad val.

1 61

10

Ditto

11

4

cents per pound

4^

10

per cent, ad val.

1 1

»5

Ditto

^H

free

8

10

free

Ditto

cents per gallon
per cent, ad val.

«3l
free

1 1

10 per cent. ad. val 11

15

Ditto

16X

'5

Ditto

,61

15

Ditto

16I

free

-

irec-

12

cents per 56 11?.

f3T

12

cents per bufhel

>3t

12X

per cent, ad val.

'34-

free

tiec

30

cents per gallon

33

'5

per cent, ad val.

16I

15

Ditto

i6j

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

33'

Sail cloth

Saddles, or parts thereof
Sat3tins and other wrought filks
Steel

Steel, iron or brafs locks, hinges,
hoes, anvils and viles

all other manufaftures of

fteel
Sheathing and cartridge paper
Sherry wine

Sea (lores of fhips or vclTels
Spermaceti candles
Sweet Icents (lee powders, paftes, &c.)
Spirits diftilled in foreign countries,
viz.

From Grain —
Firft proof
Second proof
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.
Sixth do.
Fro7n other Materials.
Firft proof
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.
Sixth do.
Spirits diftilled in the United States,
imported in the fame Ship or veftel
in which they had been previoufly
exported from the United Stales,
viz.

From molajfes.
Firft proof
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth d».
Sixth do.
From materials of the growth and
produce oj the United States. "
Firft proof
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
P'ifth (o.
Sixth do.

If imported in
Amer. For,

veirds. veffel*.

lO per cent, ad val. ii
Ditto
Ditto

lO

lO

lOO

cents per cwt.
per cent, ad val.

1 1
1 1

llO

'5

Ditto

i6i

'5

Ditto

^6l

33
free

cents per gallon

36tV
free

6
»5

cents per pound
per cent, ad val.

i6i

2«

cents per gallon

30^

29

Ditto

3'^

31

Ditto

34to

24

Ditto

37l

40

Ditto

44

50

Ditto

55

25

cents per gallon

^li

^5

Ditto

27I

28

Ditto

30^

32

Ditto

35t

38

Ditto

4>^

46

Ditto

504

»3

Ditto

53

14

Ditto

14

»5

-Ditto

«5

17

Ditto

»7

21

Ditto

21

28

Ditto

28

■7

Ditto

/

8

Ditto

8

9

Ditto

9

1 1

Ditto

1 1

»3

Ditto

»3

iS

Ditto

18

.GENERAL INFORMATION

Spikes

Silver and plated ware

lace

Shoes and flippers of iilk

other fhoes and flippers for

men and women, clogs and golo

flioes
— other fhoes and flippers for

children
Swords and cutlafles until the 2 2d

day of May 1795
Swords, cutlafles, or parts of either,

after the 22ddayof May, 1795
Stockings

Stone and earthen ware
Soap
Solos and other carriages, or parts

thereof
Sulpher
Sugars, brown

white clayed

ditto powdered

all other clayed or powdered

lump

loaf

other refined

Sugar candy

Snuff

Tables of marble, flate, and other

ftone, or parts thereof

Teas Jrom China and India.
bohea

Amer.

If imported in

For,

velleis.

1

cent per pound

^4r

15

per cent, ad val.

i6i

15

Ditto

i6i

25

r

cents per pair

27i

15

Ditto

i6i

10

Ditto

11

fouchong and other black teas

hylon, impei'ial, gunpowder, ©r

gomce

■ other green teas

I From Europr.

bohea

fouchong and other black tea,

■ hylbn, imperial, gunpowder, or

goince

other i^rccn teas

From any other Place.

bohea

fouchong and other black teas

hylon, impcnal, gunpowder, or

gomce

other green tea^

Teneriffi* whic

free

free

15 per cent, ad Val.

164

15 Ditto

i6i

15 Ditto

16X

2 cents per pound

2t

20 per cent, ad val.

22

free

free

1^ cent per pound

' 20

3 Ditto

OTo

3 Ditto

3-T^

i4 Ditto

^i4

6i Ditto

7.1-

9 Ditto

qfo-

61 Ditto

7 A

10 per cent, ad val.

11

22 cents per pound

—is

15 per cent, ad val. 16^

10

Ditto

15

18

Ditto

27

82

Ditto

50

20

Ditto

30

1 2

Ditto

15

18

Ditto

27

40

Ditto

50

24

Ditto

3«

1,5

Ditto

16;

" /'

Ditto

29 ^u

50

Ditto

ho

30

Ditto

3 5

no

cents per galloa

■J^^^

TO EUROPEAN SETTLE RS.

353

If imported in
Amr.r. For.

velFels. vclFels.

Tin manufaftures 15 per cent, ad val. 16;-

in pigs and plates free free

Tin£tures (lee powders, paftes, &c.) 15 per cent, ad val. 16-2:
Toys, not otherwile enumcr.itcd 10 Ditto 11

Tobacco manufactured ;olhcr than

luuff) 10 cents per pound 11

Velvets and vclvcrets 10 per cent, ad val. 11

Wafers

Waters and waflies ffee powders, paflcs,
&c.)

IVines, in cajks, bottUs, or other vejfcls.
London particular Madeira
London market do.

other do.

Burgundy and Champaign
Sherry
St. Lucar

Lilbon and Oporto
Teneriffe, Faval and Malaga
All other wines not to exceed thirty
cents per gallon in American vel-
fels, or thuty-three cents per gallon
in foreign veffels ; nor be lefs than
ten cents per gallon in A.merican
veffels, or eleven cents per gallon

in foreign veffels 40 per cent, ad vaJ. 44

On value of the bottles 10 Ditto Ji

Wool unmanufaftured free fiee

Wood unmanufactured free free

Wood manufactured (exclafive of ca-
binet wares) i2| per cent, ad val. 13 J:
All other goods not before particularly

enumerated and deicribed 10 Diito 11

■■« -< •< •<4'^>

»5

Ditto

i6i

15

Ditto

i6i

56

cents per gj

lUon

614.

49

Ditto

53x\

40

Ditto

44

4.0

Ditto

44

33

Ditto

36A

30

Ditto

33

25

Ditto

27i-

20

Ditto

22

After the 3ifl: dav nf December 1794, no lehr.ed loaf or
lump luyar fhall be imported into the Unucd States irom rny
foreign port or place, except in fiiips or veffels of the burtlieii
of one liundred and twenty tons and upwards, ^md in cafl<.s or
packages containing each not leis than iix hu^idred pounds, on
pain of forfeiting the laid Paips or vclfcls, and the loaf and lurap
fugar imported therein, except in luch calks or packagci as
aforefaid.

Z z ">

354 GENERAL INFORMATION

TONNAGE.

Ey aft of July 20, 1790, to be paid in ten days after entry
and h-fore clearance.

Cents per ton

On veiTcls of the Un'ted SiMtes from foreign ports 6

Oa vctLls biiilc in the United States, after the 20th
of July, lyS'^, but owned in part or wholly by
foreigners— duly recorded, 30

All other vefiels, 50

Every veir-i employed in tranfporting goods coaft-
v.ays, except fuch veiTels be built in, and belong
to citizens, on each entry, 50

Veffels built in, and belonging to citizens of the
United States in coafting trade, or firhery, pay
once a year, if licenfcd, 6

If not licenled, pay with goods taken in one fia.e,
to be delivered in another, except the adjoining
flrite, on each entry, 6

DUTIES PAYABLE IN

Dols. Cts.
Gold coins of Great Britain and Portugal, of their pre-

fcnt flandard, - - every 27 grains 1

Gold coins of France, Spain, and the dominions of

Spain, - _ - 2-7^ grains 1

Spjnifli milled dollars, - - i-jdwt, 7 grs. 1

Crowns of France - - 18 dwt. 17 grs. 1 10

BOUNTY.
On every barrel of pickled fifh exported, of the fiflierics of th?

United States, 18 cent.;.
On every barrel of ialted pro\ ifions exported, falted within the

United States, 15 cents.

And from and after tiie lirH. day of January, 1793, an addi-
tion of twenty per centum to the allowances reipeftively granted
to the fliips or veffsls employed in the bank or other cod fifli-
eries.

FEES.
To Colliclur and havai OJuer.

Dels. Cts
Entry of a vclTel of 100 tons or upwards, - 2 50

Clearance do. do. do. - - 2 .-,0

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 355

Dols. Ctf.

Entry of a vcfTcl iindrr 100 tons, - - - 1 .^o

Clearance rio. do, tlo. - - 1 50

Permit to land goods, - - - 20

Every bond t^kcn officially, - - - 40

Permit to loiul goods, for exportation, for drawh.n k, 30

Every other olhci.d document (regiUer excepted) 2Q

Fees (0 Surveyor.

For meafure',T.c>nt of a veifcl nf 100 tons and under, per ton 1

For do. lOQ to L'oo tons - 150

For do. above 200 do. - - •acq
On each velTel of 100 tons and upwards, with goods

fubjcft to duty, - . _ ^

On each vclTel under 100 tons, with do. - x f.o

All velfels not having goods fubjeft to duty, - bi \

No velTel not wholly belonging to a Cit'r.cn or Citizens of the
United States, fliail be admitted to unload at ar.y port or pi. ice,
except the following, to wit.

Np: w-Mamt shir e — PortfiKouth. — Mas-sac v.v sktts — Port-
land, Falmouth, IS ew- Bedford, Dightor, Std':)r. Beverly, l^louce/icr^
N&zvbury-Fo'-t, Mnrblehead, Sherburn, Bofion and ( hnrU'JIorvn,
Bath, Frenchman's' Bay, Plymouth, WilcalTet, Machias, I'enob-

fcot. — ■- — R HODE-IsLAN D — Ncwport an d Providen y, Co n-

N E c T I c u T — Kezv-London, Nero-Haven. N e vi'- Y o r k — A etC'

York. Ne w-J.E RS E Y — Perth Amboy, Burlin^foi'.-^ Pen n-

SY LVAN I A — F'niladelphia. De la war l. — IVii lup^ton. New-

callle, Port-Penn. Maryland — Buliinwre, Anncp^is, Vi-
enna, Oxfrd, George-Toujn on Patonjinae, Chcdcv-Tovvn, Not-
tin^'ham, Cedar-Point, Town-Creek, Naniemov, Di?,ircs I-aiidin?,

Snow-Ilill, Carrolfburgh, V'l rgin ia — Ahx^mdria, Kinlale,

New-Port, Tappaliannock, Port-R.£iyal, Frederickfl^urg, Urbnuna,
York- Town, Wcft-point, Hampton, Bermuda iiundre'l, City-
Point, Rocket's Landing, Norfolk, Portfmoulh. Kortk-

Carol i.vA — i'l'ihjiington, Nezohern, JVafiiingtop, Edenion, an.i

PLmkbridge. South— Caro lin a— t-C iiarlefton, i: eorgr- 7 czer,

Beaujort. Cji,orvGiA — Savannah, Sur'-ury, Bruidwick, St.

Jvlai y, and J r(dtri<'a.

Nor Ihall any veffcl from the Cape of Good riope, or beyond
the iame, be admitted to enter, except nt the ports in llie above
}ifi^ \yhich a;e dillinguifltcd by Italics.

Z z 2

35^

GENERAL IN FO R M AT JO N

AMOUNT OF EXPORTS.

For the year ending 30th of
September, 1792.

New-FIampfliire
Maffachuietts -
Rhode-Ifland -
Conncfticut
New- York - -
New-Jerfey
Penniylvania
Delaware -
A'laryland
Virginia
North-Carolina
South-Carolina -
Georgia

Dollars.

181 .407

2.889.922

698,084

2,528.085
23.524
3,820,646*

133.97^

3r549-499
503'294

2;430)425
458,973

For the year ending 30th of

September, 1793. i

Dollars.'

198,197!

• 3:676,413;

— 616,4161

— • 77°'"39

2,934,369

5^,176

6,958,736

-^ ■ 7i'M2

^ — --. 3=687, 119

■ — 2,984.317

363-307

3; 190:874

■- — 501-383

+

26.01 1:787

The exports of the year ending the 3olh of September, 1793.
went to the reipcftive countries undeimentioned :

RufTia - -
Sweden
Denmaik -
Holland - -
Great-Britain
Imperial Ports
Hans-Towns -
f.''ar.ce
Spain - -
Portugal

- 5:7^9

310,427

870,508

3' 169.536

8,431:239

i>oi3:347

792,537
7,050,498

2,237,950

997-590

Italian Ports -
Morocco -
Eafl-lndics
Africa - - -
Weft-Indies -
N.W. Coall of Amer
Uncertain

2-0,688

2,094

253:131

251,343

399:559
1,586

3:986

26.01 1 ,787

* The rxport.s of Fcnnfylvanja, for the quarter end ins; the 31ft of December,
1792, were one million ieveu liur.dred and forty tiiouland li;* hundred and
eighty-nine doll;.rs.

+ Not having obtained cnrrcftly t!ic exports of Connfflirut for this year, wc
have not rail up the toi.il an\ount.

TO EU ROPE AN SETTLERS.

357

RENT, PRICES OF LAND, PROVISIONS, &c.

On this article, with rclpeft to the New- England States, we
are not enabled to add much additional information. In the
,country parts, provilions of all kinds, the produce of America,
are very cheap, in many inflanccs, much below half the price
in the country parts oi England, but the general average is
from one third to one half lefs.

Eifli is plenty and cheap beyond any comparifon with the
jnoft favourable European markets ; the Tea around their coafts,
and the inland rivers, furnifhing an inexhauflible lupply.
Game of various kinds is alio exceedingly plenty. Some
addition muft be made to the prices of moft articles in the
large towns, owing to the number of Europeans which the
preient diftrefTing fvtuation of affairs in their own countries
have driven thither.

With refpeft to the Middle States, we are enabled to adduce
more particular information. I'he journeys of tjie Rev. Mr.
Toulmin and Mr. Cooper have afforded ififormation fufficient
to enable us to form a tolerable correft idea of the piice of
mod articles in thofe parts of the Union ; the places where the
prices are taken being (o fituated as in the general to afford a
medium average.

VIRGINIA.

Urbakna, upon the Rappahannock in the county of Mid-
dlcfex.* — Soil, white, loofe, fandy. — Price, about one third
cleared, f fifteen ftiillings+ per acre of fixty-nine and two-thirds
yard Iquare. — The rent of corn land, about one fhilling and
fix-pence per acre. — The labour here, as in moft parts of
Virginia, is by flaves only, either purchafed or rented. They
are hired at from fix to nine pounds a year, the mafter finding
provifions and cloathing, and paying the tax. The ulual
allowance to a flave is a peck and half of the meal of Indiaii
corn per week; lometimes pickled and laltcd heriiugs or
niackarel. — The cloathing is very trifling.

The produce of land here is tobacco, wheat, and c«rn.f — .

■* Urbanna has all the appearance of a deferted village.
+ By cleared is meant, the fmall trees and fhrubs grubbed up, and the lar^c;-
trees cut down about two feet from the ground, the Rumps remaining.
I All the fums are reckoned in fterling, except otherwifc mentioned.
^ By coni is meant exclufively Indian corn or maize. Bie de Turquic

353 GENERAL INFORMATION

The market is oy water direft from Uibanna to Europe. — ■
Corn alio, maize, to Ncw-Engbnd, Nova-Scotia and to the Wcil-
Indies ; ihepii'.eon an average, wlie<:i four fuillings and lix-
pence per bufiiel, and corn thirteen ihdliiigs ;ind fix-pcnce
per barrel of five biifhels,

Richmond, and t.ic neighbourhood. — Soil; fandy. except
on the bank;, of James river where it is rich. The price of
land fiom four to fix guineas per acre ; but land by the whole
traft, including buildings, cleared and uncleared land together,
feldom exceeds, at ten miles difon^cc f. otn the town, twenty to
forty-five fhilhr.gs per acre. Ic is reckoned in this, and
many p>irts of this St.Ue, an advantage to have a great part of it
in wood, becauie the culture of tobacco, which has been com-
mon, but is now . -'■.idly giving way to whet, hnscxhauRed the
land fo much, that it is uled out, and is generally reckoned at
nothing in the purchafe. Labour heie is from one Hulling and
fix-pence to two niillings a d.iy, with provifions. In harveft,
from two fnillings and iix-pence to three fhillings and fix-pence
a day. All Have labour. — Indian corn fells here from one fhil-
ling and fix-pence to one fhilling and ten-pence halfpenny per
Winchefter burnel ; wheat; thiee fliillings and lour-pence to
three fliillings and nine-pence ; bailey, two fnillings and ieven-
pence to three fliillings ; oats, eleven-pence to one fhil-
ling and four-pence ; rice, from twelve to thirteen fhillings
and fix-pence per hundred poutids ; potatoes, one fhilling and
fix-pence to two fhillings and three-pence per buflicl ; flour,
from wheat, per barrel of one hundred and ninety-fix pounds
net, nineteen Pnillings and fix-pence to t\\ eniy-two fliillings and
lix-pcnce; hops, one fliilli'og and one penny per pound; cof-
fee, nine-pence to eleven-pence, if bought by th.c cwt. retail,
one fliilling and a penny ; te-i, b*_>hca, rcUMJ, two fliillings and
three-per^ce ; fouchcM^g, foo.r Ihillings and fix pence ; liyfon,
feven fhdlings and fix-pcncc per lb. ; by the chefi, bohea, one
fliilling and fix-pcnce to one ihiUing ;.nd ten-pence ; hyfon, four
fliillings and fix-pcnce to five fliillings and ihrce-pence per lb,
chocolate, levcn-pcnce to i :nc-])ci.ce per lb. by iJie box of fifty
pounds weigh: ; butler, ly tlie cafk of fixty pounds, five-pence
to feven-])cnce per l'\ clueie, four-pence to I'.x-pcnte; fugar,
brown, by the hogfhcad, ibiity-levm pound-; tin Ihillings to
fixtv pouiu'..-. Formerly it WoS liiiiiy pwuuds lo llmty-
leven pourds ten {niUings ; iciv.il, fix-pence to eight-
pence per pound : leu!', rlev, u-pcnce to one fhiiiing and three-
pence : tfjaclc, one fiiill'r^g aiu; i:\ pence to two Ihillings and

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

359

three-pence per giUon by t!ie hogfhcad. American rum by the
hog;fheaci, two fhillings and icvcn-pence to three fhilliiigs per
g-iUon ; Well-Irulia, three fliillings and ninp-pcuce to four fliil-
lings and (ix-pence : K'rnch brandy, four ihdlinos and fix-pence
to five fh'llings and fcven-pence ; Virginia peacli brandy, three
fh.llinLvs; apple brandv, two fliillings and fcven pence to three
fliillings-, wh PkcV; thi<e fliillingi ; gin per gdlon, three fhillings
and four pence; gin in calti -F four and a half gallons, brought
from Holland, twenty flTllingi to iwcntv-two fliillinps and fix-
pence ; Tcncrilft: wine, t'"'ce (hillings per gallon by the pipe j
Lilbon, fix pounds filteen (hillings to leven pounds ten fhillings ;
M ilagn, five pounds five fii'Uings to fix pounds fifteen fhillings
per cafe, of thirty gallons ; Madeira, forty-five to fifty guineas
per pipe ; London poitcr, nine fliillings and nine-pcuce to ten
fliillings and fix-peiue per dozen, bottles included. Beer is not
ufed ; cider, by the caflc or hogfhead, three-pence to five-pence
lialfpcnny per gallon. Grafs ted beef, three-halfpence to two-
pence farthing per lb. flail or winter fed. two-pence farthing to
three-pence ; veal, four-pence halfpenny to five-pence ; mutton,
three half-pence farthing to three-pence ; lamb, four-pence
hilf-pcnny to five-pence; pork, of excellent quality, eleven
fhillings and three-pence to feventeen fhillings per hundred
weight, by the hog ; bacon and hams, three-pence to five-
pence per lb. ; turkeys, one fhilling and fix-pence to three
{hillings and four-pence eac'ii ; fait, one fhilluig and fix-pence
to one fhilling and ten-pence per bufliel ; foap, by the box,
three-pence three faithings to four-pjncc halfpenny per lb.',
candles, by the box, fix pence halfpenny to nine-pence half-
penny per lb. ; fire wood, (even fliillings and nine-pence to
nine fhillings a cord, that is a load, eight feet long, four feet
high, and four feet broad ; coals, !cvcn- pence three farthings
per bufliel ; hats, country made wool hats, one fliilling and ten-
pence to four fliillings and fix-pence ; fur hats fifteen fhillings
to twcnty-feven fliillings ; fhoes, three fliillings and nine-p:-; ce
to feven fhillings and fix jvence a pair; boots, fifteen fliillings
to thirty-fix fliillings ; wages of houlehold male fervants,
nec^roes, fix pounds to !;ine pounds a year ; white men,
labourers, thirteen pounds to eighteen pounds fi year ; female
fervants, chiefly negroes, four po mds ten fli-illings to fix pouiid*
a year. '1 hele are to be had either by puichale or by hire from
their maflers ; few are lice ; price of a cow. one pound feven-
teen fliUings and iix-tnce to three pounds fifteen fhillings;
liorfes fit for the wav^gon or plow, Icvca pounds ten fliillings

360 GENERAL INFO RM ATIOV

to fifteen pounds ; working oxen, nine pounds a pair ; fheep,
four (hillings and fix-pence to twelve fhillings each ; waggons
with geer complete for four horfes, that will carry a ton and
an half, twelve to eighteen pounds ; cart for two horles, fevcn
to eight pounds.

PUBLISHED RATES AT THE EAGLE TAVERN, RICHMONDy
IN VIRGINIA.

Breakfafl:, one fhilling and fix-pence; dinner with grog or
toddy, two fhillings and three-pence ; cold fupper, one fliil-
ling and lix-pence ; a bottle of porter, one fliilling and ten-
pence halfpenny ; a quart of punch the fame ; a quart of toddy,
one Ihilling and a penny halfpenny ; a quart of g'og, eleven-
pence farthing ; a bed room furniihed, if above flairs, thirteen-
pence halfpenny, or quarter dollar ;* horfes kept at livery, two
fhillings and three-pence per twenty-four hours ; fervaats, two
fhillings and three-pence per day.

W1NCHESTER+— Fifh falted ; fhad, one pound two fliillings
and fix-pence ; herrings, eighteen fhillings ; falmon, two pounds
fi\'te fliillings per barrel, of two hundred pounds weight each ;
oyfters, when in (eaion, two fhillings and three-pence per bufiiel;
fruits ; apples in autumn, nine-pence per bufhel ; at Chriftmas,
one fhilling to one fhilling and fix-pence ; peaches, from one
fhilling and fix-pence to three fliillings per bufhel ; currants,
two fliillings and three-pence per bufhel, but few ralfed for fale ;
wild fowl and pigeons, few for fale ; pheafants, four-pence half-
penny each ; partridges, nine-pence to one fhilling a dozen.
Cloathing at Winchefler about two-thirds dearer than in Lon-
don. Oak cafks of thirty g:dlons, three fliillings and nine-
pence ; tierces, live fliillings and fix-pence ; barrels, fix fhil-
lings and nine-pence. Building materials ; logs trimmed on
both fides, and delivered at the place of building, foniething
more th:in one penny per foot ; fcantlings, three farthings per
foot, meat'ured fid; and fide at the faw-mill ; flooring planks, one
inch and a quarter, five fliillincrs and feven-pence per one hun-
dred feet; one inch, four fliillings and fix-pence per one hun-
dred : half inch, three fhillings per one hundred ; laths, on

* Thefe pricrs are higher than in the northern States ; the tables are alfo plen-
tifully fupplied. In the article of breakfafl;, all over the American continent,
are included, nam, eggs, fleaks, chops, &c. fome or all of them. You arc
n<n obliged to drink after dinner. You have nothing to give the fervants or
■WJiiters. In the article of fupper, tea and colfec are ufually included as accom-
parir!:ents.

t This WX contains, in general, articles not mcntionod in the preceding lill.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 361

which the covering is nailed, about ten fhillings per hundred
feet, running mealure ;— cyprefs fhinglcs, from ten fhillings and
two-pence to thirteen flnllings and lix-pence per thouland, de-
livered at the place of building ; each fhingle covering four by
fix inches ; — o;ik fliingles, one pound one fhilling per one thou-
land, covering ten by four inches; — -chefnut fhinglcs, twelve
fhillings per thouland, covering fix by four inches ; — -lime, four-
pence half-penny per bufhel ; bricks delivered, eighteen fhillings
per thouland ; window glafs, ten inches by eight, two pounds
nineteen Ihillings a box, containing one hundred feet.

Waces ; one fliilling and three-pence, to one fhilling and fix-
pencc per perch, when the work is complete ; when found with
provifions. Plaifterers, three-pence per each fquare yard, when
found; glaziers, threc-farthings per light, when found; paper
hanging, American, two fhillings and three-pence to nine (hil-
lings per piece, of twelve yards each ; lodging and board in.
town, eleven pounds to twenty-two pounds ; in the country,
nine pounds to fifteen pounds per annum.

Norfolk.. — The country about here is very barren; animal
food dear ; vegetables cheap. Houfcs of wood are cheaply built :
a houfe of two {lories, fix yards by four, will cofl about fifty
pounds flerling. Ilorfcs cheap to purchafe, but dear to hire ;
the hire of a horfe being a dollar a day : they go unfhod during
fi.Mnmer. Board and lodging for adults, in a plain but plentiful
wav, four or five dollars a week ; for children, two dollars ;
iervants, three dollars. Board and lodging per annum, thirty-
three pounds fifteen fliillings. The great influx of French
emigrants from the iflands having confiderably increafed the
price.

Peaches, one penny and two-pence per dozen ; apples, fix-
pence a peck ; cucumber.*, two-pence a dozen ; cyder, two-
pence half-penny a quart ; milk, fix-pence a quart, owing to
carclelsnefs and bad farming ;* bacon, fix-pence a pound. Nor-
folk is about as large as Taunton in Devonfhire, or Wigan in
Lancafhirc. Moft of the houfes of wood ; fame of brick.
A neat houfe, thirty feet by twenty-nine, two fhorics high,
with a kitchen on one fide, and a fmoaking room, for bacon,
hams, &c. in the yard, will coft complete, one hundred and
fifty pounds. f Drefs of the people much the fame as in
England ; fiaves all barefooted.

* Tlic cows range at pleafure in the woods ; no attsntion li paid to their
calving; they arc not often milked above oiicc a day.

+ Houfes arc generally covered with wooden (hinglw, vak or cyprefs, plaif .
tcred within, asd glazed in fafhes.

3 A

3^2 GENERAL IK FORMATION

Frederick and Berkeley Couxties. — Soil. The belt
part of the country lies between the waters of the Opekan
creek, and the Shenandoah : it is the richcfl: lime-flone land
On the eaftern waters of this State : it is of a dark grey, and
fuppolcd to be much about the fame quality as the third-rate
land in Kentucky. The price of land is from fifteen fhillinas
to four pounds an acre, but leidom fo low as fifteen fhillings in
the beft part of thcfe counties, i. e. one-half or two-thirds
cleared. A good plot of land of two hundred acres, with a
houfe, orchard, barn, meadow and fpring, may be rented at
forty-five pounds a year.

I.?bour from five to feven dollars per month, of twenty-fix
woiking days, with board : white fcrvants are very Icarcc on
the eaft'^rn fide of the vjUcy, — The produce of land, wheat and
corn. — Price of flour here is one guinea per barrel : the price
hiS, ulually been three Oiillings, and this year even fix fhillings
and feven fliillings and fix-pence per barrel of one hundred and
ninety-fix pounds net, more at Philadelphia than at Baltimore ;
owing to the greater luitTiber of fhips coming to the former
port.+ — The market ; Alexandria, carried in waggons for feven
fhillings and fix-pence per barrel of flour weighing one hundred

+ When the federal city is fully eftabliflied, which is nearly certaui, largT
capitals, &c. will probably be employed on the Potomack, and provifions and
lands rife in the neighbourhood ; but the difficulty of procuring labourers, and
the objeftions to flavc labour, will Hill remain.

The opening of the Potomack by the canal, round the falls, will alf) rcftder
It an objeft of importance to capitalifts to embark, in commerce at Alexandria
or George-town. At prefen , many boats come down from fort Cumberland
to the Great falls, about ten miles above George-town. Si.x weeks work, it is
. comouted, will complete the navigation to the mouth of Savage river, the boun-
dary ©f the propofed plan weftward ; and the canal at the Great fulls is expefted
to be liniibed in eighteen months.

Whether the Shenandoah v.ill be rendered navigable is a much more qucflion-
able point. The Potomack company have the exclufive right of underuking the
work, and they have as yet Chewa no ferious intention of attempting it. T^e
obftruftions at the mouth of the river are confidcrablc.

The mouth of Savage river is about forty miles from the Monongaheli.
Boats capable of carrying ten tons weight, or one hundred hogflieads ol ilour.
will be ahlc to go frorn thence to Alexandria in four or five days; but it will
take more than double the time to return. It is now common for perlons who
fend their produce about fir.ty miles, to pay a quarter dollar (one fnilliu; and
three balf-penccj per hundred pounds.

TO EUP^OPEAN SETTLERS. ^

«nd ninety-fix pounds, and the band fcvcntcen pounds, the
diltance of eighty miles.

Prices of land in particular places. — Near Chaileflon, within
eij;ht miles of the l\)^tornack, the befl; land three pounds fifteen
fhiUings per acie. — Within a mile of the junftinn, and upon
the Shenandoah, it may be had for two pounds five {hillings
and three pounds per acre, as the land is broken and llony,
though fit for wheat. — At Shippand'^-town, on the foulh fide
of the Potomack, it is fi oin two pounds five flullings to three
pounds fifteen fliillings per acre, but it is not equal to that in
the valley ; it is, however, nearer to the market.*

M A R V L A K D«

The neiglibourhood of Pliiggar's town on the Antictum creek.
— Soil ; a dark-coloured loam fimilar to that on the fouth fide
of the Potomack. Price of land from fixteen to twenty-four
dollars, /. e. from three pounds twelve fhilling-s to five pounds
eight fhillings per acre, one half cleared ; within eight or ten
miles. — Hufijandmen fcarce. Wages one fliilling and fix-pence
and provifions per day, or five to fix dollars, ?. e. twenty-two
{hillings and lix-pence to twenty-feven flii'.lings per month.— ~
The market is Baltimore ; where wheat fetches about ieven-
pence a bufliel more than at Alexandria. The price of taking
flour to Baltimore, fevcnty-five miles, five fliUlings and three-
pence per barrel. It may be fent to Alexandria, eighty mile*
for a dollar, one-third of which is for the land carriage to Wil-
liam-port, eight miles, at the mouth of the Conegocheague creek :
but for want of a warehoufe at the Great Falls, this mode of
conveyance is lefs uleful at prefent than it would otherwile be.
Ten miles north-wed of Haggar's-town, and upon a part of
the Conegocheague creek, to which the navigation may be
cafily extended. Land, one-half cleared, and the reft in wood,
will fetch fix pounds per acre. This creek has been ufed alrea-
dy, during a week or two in the fpring,

PENNSYLVAMIA.

Shippen'srurgh, twenty-one miles fouth of Carliflc.
Soil. A good loam, though not equal probably to that lali
noticed. — Price of land two pounds to three pounds ten fliil-

* A waggon will go in four days to and from Alexandria. EfUtes here ue.
fmail aiid arc ^cacraUy cuhivatcd without flavc*.

3 A2

3^4 GENERAL INFORMATION

lings per acre. — Labour, five to fix dollars a month. — Maiket.
Baltimore, diflancc eighty miles.

Carlisle, and its vicinity — Soil ; a loam, as in the other
parts of the valley. A ftratum of flate runs through all the
valley, and is found on one fide of the Opekan creek, in
Virginia ; the Conegochcague creek, in Maryland, and Pennlyl-
vania, and the Concdogwinit creek, in Pennfylvania, where the
foil is much inferior to the lime-ftone foil. The price of land
upon the limc-ftonc fide of the Concdogwinit, Pennlylvania, is
from three pounds fix fhillings to four pounds ten fhillings per
acre ; being i-n a proportion of meadow and upland. Lands in
general about three miles round Carlifle, though not upon the
creeks, fell from three pounds to three pounds, twelve Ihillings,
and four pounds ten fhillings per acre, accarding to its quality,
fuppofing about one-third cleared. Land at a greater diftance,
and within fcven or eight miles, at from two to three pounds,
except the low rich meadows. Lands nearer the Sufquehannah,
being richer and nearer market, fell from five to eight pounds,
and within a mile of Harrifburgh, twelve pounds an acre. Land,
with indifferent improvements, near Middletown, the head of
the propofcd junftion between the Sufquehannah and the Schuyl-
kill, fell from three to four pounds^
Produce— Principally wheat.
Market— Philadelphia.

Lxpenfe of carriage, by land as yet, fix fhillings per barrel from
Harrifburgh.*

Near Lancaster.— Soil ; a durable clay, net liable to be
iTiuch injured either by the wet in winter, or the fun in lummer.
The Hioll indifferent land here, with fcarcely any improvement,
fells at from fix to eight pounds an acre, and often from twelve
to eighteen pounds. + Labour is from eight dollars to ten a
month, and board. Market— Philadelphia.

* Ihc people of Carlifle have the charafter of being unfociabie, and jealous
of riew-comcrs, and always cartful that they iliall not have too much iiiiluciKC
in public affaire.

Harrifburgh and Middletown are delightfully, and with refpeft to trade, eb'-
gibly fituated on the banks of the Sufquehannah, but arc fubjed to intermitting
complaiiits.

+ At Csrlifle and Lancafler, and throughout the Pennfylvania part of the She.
nandoah'valley, the Dutch fettlcrs ire numerous; their unremitting induilry and
attachment to place always makes land comparaiively dear in their ncighDour-

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 96 v

Reading, and its neighbourhood, fifty-fix miles from Phila-
delphia.-—Land at this place lells, in an improved flate, with
houfe, out-hcu!'cs, &c. at from eight to ten pounds currency per
acre, or fix to fevcn pounds ten fhillings flerling.

SuNBURY AND NORTHUMBERLAND, On the Sufquchannah.—
The houfcs here are partly built of logs, and partly of frame-work,
one or two ftorics high, fafhed and glazed, iomc of them painted
on the outfidc, all of them neat without, and clean within ; com-
fortable and commodious.

The price of building a log-houfc here, of four rooms on a
floor, each about twelve feet lijuare, one llory high, finiflred
within fide with plain wainfcotting, pannel doors, lock and thumb
latches, glazed windows, &c. complete ; about one hundred and
ninety pounds flerling. The log-houfes, of found fo uncouth to
an Englifh ear, are as comfortable, as clean, and as convenient, as
any brick or flone houie in England. They arc made by placing
logs of trees tranfverfely, one upon the endsof two others, which
are notched to let them in ; the interflices are plaiilered, and the
outfide and infidc frequently cafed. If the logs are placed upon
ilonc-work, about a foot from the ground, fo as not to be expofed
to alternate moillure and drought, they will laft half a century or
more very well.

The foil about Sunbury and Northumberland, which, as the ri-
ver only divides them, we fpeak of together, is a fandy loam, fc-
veral fcet deep near the river, and apparently excellent for almoft
any kind of vegetation. Their produce here, as in moft other
parts of Pcnnlyivania, is corn, wheat, oats, rye, buck-wheat, po-
tatoes, and i'ome little barley. Prices, wheat per bufhel, three
fhillings and nine-pence ; oats, two fhillings to two fliillings J;.r.d
three-pence ; rye, three fhillings to three {hillings and fix-pence ;
corn, maize, three fhillings ; buck wheat, one fhilling and ten-
pence ; potatoes in the fpring, two {hillings and fix-pence to
three fhillings and. nine-pence ; in the autumn, one fhilling and
two-pence to one fhilling and ten-pence a bufhel. Cyder, per
barrel, according to the crops 'of apples; in 1793 it was from
thirteen flrillings and fix-pence to eighteen fhillings; 1792, it
was from feven and fix-pence to nine fhillings : beer, none ;
there was a brewery at Northumberland fomc time ago, but it has
been difcontinued ; while it was carried on, ale fold for eighteen
fhillings, and porter three pounds per barrel of thirty-one gallons.
Wages in the town, two fhillings and three-pence, a day;
in the country, one fhilling ar.d ten pence to two fhilli/igs

SS6 CEKERAL INFO RMATIO^

and three-pence, and board. The common drink, cyder, or
whifkey and water.

Beef, three-pence per lb, ; mutton, two-pence to three-
pence ; venifon, two-pence to three-pence; thcfe aie bought at
the butchers, or of farmers, who bring meat to town to retail ;
butter at Chriftmas, one fliilling and fix-pence per lb.

A cord of oak fire-wood, three fliillings and fix-pence ; hic-
corv, feven {hillings and fix-pence.

Produce of wheat twenty to thirty bufnels an acre. A Mr.
Grant, of Sunbury, one dry fummcr, obtained fixiy bufhels per
acre, but one-half of this quantity is common. The new lands
and the flony rich lands near the river are too rich for wheat,
and require to be reduced by corn, flax or tobacco. Otherwife,
unlefs in a very dry fummer^ the grain {hoots up into flraw.
Wheat and barley grow beft on the tops of the hills, and even
in ftony ground.

Land, in the immediate vicinity of Sunbury, fells from
eighteen to twenty-three pounds an acre. Building lots of one
quarter or half an acre, in Northumberland or Sunbury, frt>m
one hundred to two hundred dollars each. Land, a few miles
di{lancc, uncleared, twenty-two to thirty fnillings an acre.
Land, with a log-cabin, a log-barn, and about one-fourth iir-
proved, i. t. the trees cut down, and the underwood grubbed
up, about two pounds five (hillings, or two pounds ten fhillings
an acre.

Two years ago, the land on which the town of Northum-
berland ftands, is laid to have been oflered to fale by the pro-
prietor for two thoufand pounds ; he has fince rcfuled ten
lljoufand pounds for it.

In 1793. the eftate of the Ijte Lord Sterling was offered
for fale at feven pounds ten fhillings an acre, which we
apprehend to be the general price of cultivated hind, in to-
lerable fituations all through this State. Of uncultivated land
there is very little. The expenle uf travelling between Phi-
ladelphia and New-York, both as to carriages and as to living,
is about one-third cheaper than between the metropolis and
any of the great towns in England,

K F. W-YOR K.,

At New-York, you pay at the Tontine cotfce-houfe eight
dollars a week for boaidand lodging, wine excepted; in the
former refpett perfons are much better provided than in any
place in England, where they pay only the iam^ price. The

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, ^Cj

advantage in point of cheapncfs, for equal accommodations at
an inn, is at Icafl; one tliird in favour of New- York, beyond
any of the great trading towns of England : board and
lodging at private houfes may be had from five to feven
dollars a week.

At Albany, borrrd and lodging in a plain family way is half %
dollar a d.ty. Butter, eight-pence a pound ; beef, two-pence
three farthings ; cheefe, five-pence ; pork, two-pence three far-
things. An eftate of five hundred acres, two mile* from Al-
banv, and four from Trov, part in woodland, fold in November,
179.3. for three thouland three hundred pounds currencv, or
eighteen hunched and fifiy-fix pounds flerling. For a farm of
fixty acres, about feven miles from Albanv, the farmer pays
twenty-five fls.ipples, or eighteen bufhels and three quarters
of wheat, per annum, as rent.

For a farm, not far from the above, about feven or eight miles
from Albanv. confiiling of one hundred acres of very rich land,
long ago cleared, and one hundred acres more not cleared,
having a good brick houfc and a commodious basrn upon it, the
owner in 1793, aflied two thoufand pounds.

Prices of provifions hereabout and at Skeneftady, which is
inhabited chiefly by Dutch— -beef, one penny three farthings
a pound; cheefe, five-pence; butter, eight-pence half-penny;
apples, one fhilling and five-pence a bufhel ; wheat, four fliil-
lings and fix-pence ditto.

About ten miles beyond Skeneftady, up the Mohawk river,
beef fells at thirteen fhillings and fix-pence per <!wt. ; pork,
three-pence farthing a pound ; turkeys, one fhilling and five-
pence ; geefe, one fliillino^ and five-pence ; fowls, eight-pence
half-penny; butter, fix-pence three farthings; fait, eight fhil-
lings per bufhel ; cheefe, five-pence a pound ; wheat, four fhil-
linos a bufhel ; wood, three Ibidings and four-pence a cord.
Wages of a labourer, one fhilling and fix-pence to two fhillings
in fummcr, and fix-pence three fartliings to one fhilling and three
half-pence in winter, per day ; carpenters, one fhilling and fix-
pence ; mafons, two fhillings, bcfides viftuals.

The canals intended to go from Skeneftady to Albany, and
that wliich will pafs the falls of the North river and conne£l
Suatog^ wiili Albanv, and that wliich is intended to obviate

the litile fulls 'A the Moliawk rivei^ are all likely to proceed,

358 GENERAL INFORMATION

Land at the German flats fells from two pounds fifteen fhil-
lings to eight pounds ten fhillings an acre. Land higher up
toward the black river, though good, not above a dollar.

Land near Hartford in Connefticut, five pounds ten fiiillings
to eight pounds ten fhillings an acre.

Land upon one of the branches of the Delaware in Xew-York
State, was offered for fale in London, in June 1794, for nine
fhillings an acre.

Land near the Mifhoppen and Tufcorora creeks in Penn-
fylvania, about eight miles on the average, from the eaft
branch of the Sufquchannah, belonging to the perfon wlio
owned the preceding parcel, was offered at the fame time for
eight fhillings an acre in London.

The price of two dollars was afked at the fame period and
place for land near the Loyalfock, between the eaft and weft
branches of Sufquchannah : and the lame for land in Luzern
county upon Lehawannock.

In this State the fettlers are more in the habit of ufing the
afhes of their wood to make pot-afh, and diminifh the expcnfe
of clearing the land, than they are in Pennfylvania or the
fouthern States. In July 1793, hearth afhes fold for fix-pence
three farthings a bufhel ; field afhes at five-pence half-penny ;
it cofts two pounds four fhillings a ton to make them into pot-
afti ; five hundred bufliels of hearth, or feven hundred of field
allies, are computed to tnakc a ton of pot-afh, which at New-
York is worth twenty-feven pounds, or one hundred and
twenty dollars. But we think this allowance of aflics hardly
fufticient for the purpofc.

From thefe detached fafts, collefted from the information of
perfons on the fpot, the reader will be enabled to form a ge-
neral opinion of the probable expcnfes of a fettlcr in the Middle
States. It will be obferved in general, that where provifions
are cheaper in one fituation than another, the advantage is in
the expenditure of an income in nearly the fame proportion as
the diiadvantage to the landholder.

With rcfpeft to the wcftern territory, provifions of all kinds,
the produce of the country, are exceeding low in their price :
but the great diftance renders European commodities propor-
tionably high, in moft inftances European goods will be nearly
double the price they are at Philadelphia.

In the towns and villages of Kentucky, the following are
theaveragc prices of fome of the moft material articles : flour

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 369

is from hx {hillings to nine {hillings per cwt. according to
its quality :' Indian corn from nine-pence to one fliilling
per bu(h:l ; hzci, th;ce halfpence to two-pence per lb. ;
veal. t\\ o-pence halfpenny ditto ; mutton, three-pence ditto ;
which high price is owing to the general delire the farmer*
have to incrcMle tiieir (locks; pork is from two-pence to two-
pence hcilfpenny per lb. ; bacon from three-pence halfpenny to
four-pence 5 bacon hnms from four-pence to five-pence half-
penny ; Idit beef, two-pence ; hung or dried beef, three-pence.
N-ats tongues, fix-pence each ; buffalo ditto, nine-pence ;
dunghill fowls, ducks, Mufcovy dilti), geefe, tuikeys, Guinea
fowls and pigeons, are proportionably cheap ; butter is from
two-pence halfpenny :o three-pence halfpenny per lb. ; checfe
from two-pcnee to thrCe-pencc per ditto.

They have a variety of fifh in the rivers, the mofi edcemed
of whicih are the perch, trout, buffalo fifh and foft turtle.
The perch is in fize from five to twelve pounds, is firm and
fat in its Icaion, which is from February until July, the
trout is caught from eight to thirty pounds weight. This fifn
is too univerlally known and admired to require any account of
its excellence, particularly as the trout in England is tlie exa£b
miniature of it. The buffalo fifh is in fize from four to eight
pounds, is a very fine filh, but inferior to the two former.
But the foft turtle is, perhaps, the moft delicious fifh in the
world, and amply compenfates for their having no other tefta-
ceuus filh. This turtle is gelatinous, except a Imall fliell upon
iis back, about the blgnels of the palm of the hand ; the weight
is from fix to ten pounds.

Mofl people make their own fugar ; but when it is fold, the
price is from thiee-pence to four-pence halfpenny per pound,
dccurdiiig to its fiaenels. The bufinefs of fugar refining is only
commencing, which makes it impofiible to fay exaftly what
will be the general price of loaf or refined fugar; but we con-
clude it Will be proportionably low with raw fugar, as the
bufinefs can be carried on in this country at lefs expenfe than
ui Philadelphia and New-York, where the price of the necefTa-
r;-;s of life is fo much higher. Tea, coffee, chocolate and
ipiccs, .are higher here than in Philadelphia. Good green tea
ii, Fiom five n^.iilings to eight (hillings per pound; imperial
or gunpowder, ten fnillings and fix-pence ; pearl from twelve
(hillings to fixteen (hillings ; good fouchong from four fhillings
and fix-pence to feven (hillings per ditto; bohea from two
(hillings to three (hillings and fix-pence ; coffee from one (hil-

3 B

3-70 GENERAL I X PO R M AT 10 .V

ling and nine-pence to two fl-rillitigs ; chocolate from one fhit-
i'ing and fix-pencc to one fliilling and eight-pence. Spices are
at leafl twenty-five per cent, higher than they arc at Philadel-
phia or Bakimore.

In the year 1704, many ofHcers who fervcd in the Americai^
army daring the late war having fettled in this State with
their families, and ieveral families from England, Philadelphia,
Ncw-jerCey, New-York and the New-England States, the;
country (0011 began to be cliequered with genteel perions, which
operated both upon the minds and aftions of the back woods
people, who conftituted the firfl emigrants. A tallc for the
decorum and elegance of the table was loon cultivated ; and the
plealures of the garden v/ere confidered not only as ulcful but
amufm?. Thefe improvements in the comforts of living and
manners, have awakened a fcnie of ambition to inRiuft their
vouth in uitful and atCompliilicd arts. Social plealures aie
likewife regarded as the moll ineflimnble of human polffiTions \
the genius of friendfhip appears to fuRcr the emanations of
virtue, while the cordial regard, and iincere dcfire of pleafing,,
produces the moft harmonious effefts. Sympathy is regarded
as the eilence of the human loul, participating of eeleflial mat-
ter, and as a fpaik engendered to warm benevolence, and lead
«o the Captures of love and rational felicity.

With fuch ientimcnts the amufements of this State flow front
the interchange of civilities, and a reciprocal defire of pleafing.
That famenefs may not cloy, and make them dull, they vary the
fcene as the nature of circumflances will permit ; tlie opening
fpring brings with it the proIpe£l of their lummer's labour, and
the brilliant fun aftively vrarms into life the vegetable woild,
•which blooms and yields a profufion of arcjtnatie odours : a
creation of beauty is now a feafl of joy, and to look for amula-
nients beyond this genial torrent of iwccts would be a jjcrvcrllon
of nature, and a faciilege ag;iin{l heaven.

The feafcn of lut^ar-making occupies the women, whofc
mornings arc cheered by tlie modulitcd builooncry of the mock-
ing bird, the tuneful long of the thiulh, and tlic gaudy pluuiage
of the parrocjuet. Fellivc mirth crowns the evening. The
bufincfs of the day being over, the men join the women in tlic
lugar groves, where enchantment icems to dwell. TiiC lolly
trees wave their fprcadmg blanches o\er a gicen tuil, on Vholc
loft down the mildnels of the evening invites the neighbouring
vouth to iportive-jUciy ; and while tlie ruial Ncltors, with cal-
tulalJng irnnds. coiueuiphtc the boyilh g^niiboL of a gi owing

TO EU ROPE AN SETTLERS. g^i

prr;g?ny, they recount the exploits of their early agr, and in
their cnthufidtm forget there ;ire fuch things as decrepitude and
mifcrv. Perhaps a convivial fong, or a plcafant narration, doles
the (ceno.

Raficmnl plea fares mcliorat.e the foul ; and hy fsimiJiarizing
mm to uncontaminatcd felicity, fordid avarice and vicious habits.
are deflroyed.

•Ciardcning and fifliing condltute fomc part of the nmufements
of both (exes. Flowers and their genera form one of tiic
{ludies of the ladies ; nnd t'ne embellifhment of their hotifes,
V/ith thofe which are known to be falutary, conftitute a part
of thiir erhpioyment. Domeflic cares and muiic fill up the
remainder of the day, and focial viiits w thout ceremony or
form, leave them without ennui or dilguft. The young men
are too giilant to permit the women to ha^'e fcparate amu!e-
ments ; and thus it is that even in Kentuckv we find that fauvity
and politenels of manners univcrlalj which can only be effetled '
by feminine polifii.

The autumn and winter produces not Icfs pleafurc. Evening
yifits mofllv end with dancing by the young people, while the
^ore aged indulge their hilaritv, or dilfeminate information in
the diiquifion ot polit'cs, or lonie ufefui art or Iciencc.

Such are the amufcmcnts of this country, and iuch the mode
of living, which have for their bats hofpitaliiy^ and all the
variety of good things that a luxuriant foil is capable of pro-
ducing, without the alloy of contaminating vice ,and artificial
want.

PREVALENT DISEASES IX THE UNITED STATES.

All countries have fome peculiar d.ifeafcs, ariiing from the
climate, manner of living, occupations, predotnin;int pafHons,
and other caules, whofe feparate and combined influence is but
imperfcftly known. In North America we may count five ;— ^
nervous diforders, rhumaiinn, intermitting fevers, lols of teeth,
and colus. It is remarkable, that nervous compliints are at
prefent more frequent in Europe than they formerly were.
They fpring in a great meafure from the indulgencies of a civi-
lifed life ; but in America thefc fiends infeft with lefs dilcrimi-
nation on the dwellings of induflry and temperance. Proteus-
like they affume every fhape, and often baflUe the befb phyhcians.
Their baneful effeft on the mind requires the lerious attention
f)i legiflitors, divines, and moral philcfoph'^rs : wc have oftCR

3 3 2

378 GENERAL INFORMATION

witncfTed their amazing influence on religious fcntiments.
■When extreme, they derange the w'nole fyftem, obfcure the
intelle£is, bewilder the imagination, prevent the natural order
and operation of all the paffions ; the foul vibrates between
apathy and morbid fenftbility ; fhe hates when fhe ihould love,
and grieves when fne ought to rejoice ; fhe refembles a dilorder-
ed clock, that after along hlence, chimes till you are tired, and
often inftead of one, ftrikes twelve, Thefe extremes are in-
deed rare, but the more general degrees are llill analogous, and
produce a great lum of evil.

Slight rheumatic pains are almoft epidemic in fome fcafons
of the year. Yet thefe are fcarccly worth mentioning in
comparifon to the fevere fits that afflift a great number of perr
fons, even in the earlier parts of life, growing more fretjuent
and violent with age, not feldom attended with lamene)>, and
contra£lion of limbs.

Fever and ague is here, as in other countries, the plague of
marfhy and fenny ntuations, but what is fingular, it alio vifits
the borders of limpid flreams. The leffer degree of it, gene^rally
called dumb ague, is not rare in the mod falubrious places dur-
ing the months of September and October. Through all the luw
countries from north to fouth this diieaie rages in a variety of
hideous forms ; and chiefly doth the fury cjuartan with livid
hue, haggard Jooks, and trembling fkeleton limbs, embitter
the life of multitudes: many linger under it for yeais, and
become fo dilpirit'id, as not even to ieek any remedy. It is ^
foul fource of many other difeales, often terminating in deadly
dropfies and coniumptions.

Premature lofs of teeth is in many refpcfts a fevere misfor-
tune. By impairing maflicatiun, and coniequentlv diijeftion,
it difpofes for many dilorders. It injures the pronunciation,
and is a particular diladvantagc in a great republic, where fo
many citizfens are public Ipe^kcrs ; it expofcs the mouth and
throat to cold, and various accidents; it diminiihes the plea-
furc of eating, though not fublime pleaiure of lift^, and which
we have heaid fome perfons very emphatically regret. Finally,
it is a mortifying ftroke to beauty, and as luch deeply felt by
the fair fex. Indeed, that man muA be a ftoic, who can with-
out pity behold a blooming maiden of eighteen aiflifted by this
infirmity of old age! This confideration is the moie important
as the amiable affcclions of the human foul are not lels exprell-
cd by the traits and motions of the lips, than by the beaming
eye. We have not .mentioned the pains of tooth-ach,. bccauip

TO EU ROP EAN SETTLERS.

313

triey are not more common or violent in this country than in
fome others, where lofs of teeth is rare ; many perions here
lofing their teeth without much pain.

The complaii;L of catching cold is heard ahnoft every dav, and
in everv comoany. This extraordinary dilordcr, little known
in forae .countries, is alfo very common in England. An
eminent phvfician of that country faid, that " colds kill more
people than the plague.'' Indeed, many fevere dilorders ori-
ginate from it among the Americans, as well as amongft Euro-
peans : it is probably often the fource of the before-mentioned
chronic difeafes. When it does not produce fuch effefts, it is
neverthelefs a ferious evil, being attended with lofs of appetite,
hoarfenefs, fore eves, head-ach. pains and fwellings in the face,
tooth and ear-ach, rheums, lilHels langour and lozonefs qf fpirits :
wherefore Shenfton had fome reafon to .call this uneafinefs
a checked pcrfpiration. Great numbers in Ibme parts of the
United States experience more or lefs thefe lymptoms, and are
in fome degree valetudinarians for one third of the year.

Eminent medical authors have, indeed, treated of thefe
diftempers ; and fome American phyficians deferve applaufe for
their theoretical and praftical exertions. Still it is devoutly
to be wifhcd that thefe national evils may draw a more pointed
attention : the limits of our defign, however, permit only a
few additional remarks.

Thefe diflempers frequently co-exift in the mod unhealthy
parts of the coun»^ry, and not feldom afllift individuals with
jjnitcd force, CompafTion for fuffering fellow citizens ought
in this cafe to animate invefhigation of thofe general and com-
plicated local caules. The extreme variablenefs of the weather
is univerfally deemed a principal and general caufe of colds, and
of the djiorders by them produced ; the full and rife .of the
thermometer by 20 and 30 degrees within lefs than four and
twenty Ikours, dillurblng the ftrongefl conflitutions, and ruin-
ing the weak, A mofl iraportant defideratum is therefore
the art of hardening the bodily fyftem againft thefe violent
impreflions ; or, in other words, accommodating it to the
climate. The general flamina of ftiength fupport it under tlie
excelTes of both cold and heat; the latter is, however, the mofl
oppreflive, as we can lefs elude it by artificial conveniencics.
7'he Americans iuffer, efpeciallv during the lummer four, till
6 a 8, critic.d extremes, when the thermometer after 86 a 52
degrees fjlls fuddenly to 60. Could means be found to blunt
thefe attacks on the human^ conflitution, they would fave mul-
• titudes from death and lingering difeafes. Sometimes this crifi^

374 GENERAL INFO RMATION

happens as late as medium September, and is in a few Hay?
fucceeded by the autumnal fro (Is ; in fuch cafe \vc«k perfons
receive a fliock, from which they cannot recover durinp the
autumn, and v/hich aggravate the maladies of the winter, cfpc-
cially when it is early and rigorous.

Searching for general caufes of the boforementioned diflemr
pers in the popular diet, tlie following circunitl^nces fhould
be examined: e?iceffive ufe of animal food, elpecially pork;
the comrnon drink of inferior fpiritous liquors, both foreign
and home made, not to mention a too frequent intemperance
even in the beft kinds; the conftant ufe of tea among the fair
fex, dwnk generally very hot and J^ron^^, and often by the
pooreft clalfcs. of a bad quality.

In the general modes of drefs we plaijily difcern thefe
defeats : — the tight-bodied clothes, worn by both lexes, incrcaie
the heat of a lultry lummer ; the clofe lacirig and cumberlomc
hcad-drefles of the ladies are efpecially injurious to heiilth. The
winter cloathing is too thin for the climates of the northern and
middle States, which is for feveral months at times equally cold
with the north of Europe. Few perfons fufficicntly prelervc
their feet from the baneful dampnefs of the flufh occafioned by
the frequent viciffitudes of hard frofts and heavy rains during
the winter; women generally wear fluff fhoes : the American
leather, though otherwife good, is very Ipongy, a defc-ft owing
to the precipitate procefs of tanninr. Nor docs either lex guard
the head againft the piercing north-weft M'ind, which is general
for five or lix months: on journeys efpecially, the men
fhould exchange their hats for caps that cover the ears ^nd
cheeks.

In the modes of lf>dging thefe improprieties are obfervable ;
the poorer, or more indolent people, elpecially in the lefs im-
proved parts of the country, frequently dwell in l;ou!cs that
are open to the driving fnow and chilling blaft: good houies
often want clofe doors ; a chafm of fix or eight inches near the
floor admits a ftrong current of cold air, which fenfibly affefts
the legs. Such houfes cannot be fufficicntly warmed by the
common fire places; t^n,ce the frequent compliini, that the
fore part of the body is almoft roaflcd, while the back is
freezing; a fituation very upnatural, produftive of rheuniatifm
and other diflempers. The larpcr towns of North America
have, with their Ipacious ftreets, a number of narrow alleys,
which are peculiarly detrimental in a fultry climate, and in co-
operation with the flovcnly habits of th.eir poorer inmaleSj arc
r.urfcries of difeale.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLE-RS. 375

Among the general cuftoms which may iafluence hcalih, tlie
mofl ilriking is an exceifive, and in Tome cafes an ill-judged
cleanlinefs ; the continual wafhing of huulcs, efpcciuUy in
the cold lealon, has, v/c are confident, cofl the lives cf ma-
ny cftimable women, and entailed painful dileafes on their
families.

In the bufincis of life we often remark a very irregular
application ; indolence fucceedcd by liurry and intenfe fatigue.
Tiiis muft particularly injure hufbandmen, as the negleft of
a diy may damage a precious crop, if it is not compenfatcd
by exertions, which in the iultry heat of lummer are very
trying to the ftrongcft; conflituiions.

As to nervous diforders, pmlanthropy compels us to remark,
that, beiides their general connetlion with a fickly confliiution,
they have in a great meafure originated from two fingular caules.
One is the convulfion of public affairs during and for fome
time after the war, which occafioned manv and great domeftic
diftrelfes. 1 he natural events of the war are univerfally
known, and numbers of virtuous citizens alio feel the dire effefts
of the fucceediirg anarchy, efpeciaily in the lofs of property.*
The operations of this caule are, however, continually lellen-
ed by time that cuves our griefs, or buries them in the grave ;
and fuch evils will under Providence, be for ever prevented
by the new coti federation of the United States. The other
caufe is that gloomy fuperftition dilTeminated by ignorant, illibe-
ral preaches, the bane of iocial joy, of real virtue, and a man-
ly lyirit.t This phantom of darknefs will be difpelled by the
rays of Icience, and the bright charms of rifmg civilization, ;j;

* Not by violence, but the well knov/n dilordcrs of paper money in various
forms.

+ Perhaps, however, ere long it v.-;ll be found, and univerfally acknowledged,
that the prevalence of nervous diforders in Europe and America is ov/ing to an
ill-direcled or corrupt education, particularly amongft females, where they
moll prevail ; indeed, it is hardly poffible to contemplate the prefent fyftem of
education without being convinced of this truth. InHsad of fortifying the
mind with fentiments fuited to the various viciflitudes to which we are e.xpofed
in this life; inftrad of enlarging and cultivating the mind, and preparing i: to
meet adverfity and profperity without being difrr.ayed at the one, or lift«i
up with the other, the whole attention is paid to exterior accomplifhmeats ; and
the mind nrgleftcd, becomes the viclim of unruly palTions, of aiieftatiou, and a
contemptible fpecies of falfc delicacy, or elfe of defpondenc)-^, either, or all of
which, if they are not the immediate caufe. arc yet the means by whi:h nervous
diforders are fed and iiouriihed.

X It is pleafmg to lee how fanaticifm declines wi^h agricultural improvement
in many new fcttlements, and how refinement of public mionero kcepj oace
with a prclcrencc of eulinhieaed teacher*.

376 - GENERAL INFORMATION'

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE NATURAL PRODUCE ANO
RURAL ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES, ScC.

The following obferVations and remarks are made with a par-
ticular reference to thofe who may adopt the farming bufinefs^
and of courfe fix their rcfidence at a difhance from cities and
towns. The United States, if they are truly wife, will continue
to give every poffible encouragement to agriculture ; and though
it is certainly their wildom to purfue a manufafturing fyftem,
yet it would be highly injurious for them to give it a preference ;
indeed, their great objeft fhould be to make commerce and
manufaftures fubfervient to the caufe of agriculture, and to
m^e the latter the ba(is of the former. To do otherwife,
would be perverting the order of nature. Agriculture has
made a wonderful progrefs in leveral countries, fince it became
the bufinefs and favourite amufement of philofophers and men
of tafle ; and the American farmer may reap great advantage
from the many excellent writings on this fubjeft, but much
improvement is yet wanting in every part of this noble fcience ;
befides, their local circumftances require in fome cafes peculiar
methods. The United States extend through feveral climates,
and the general irregularity of the feafons mingles the diverfitv
of climate in every State ; Pcnnfylvania, for inflance, has
often within two or three months the climates of Sweden,
England, and Italy. This points out the propriety of adopting
fome praftices from different countries, and eftablifhing others
as their own.

As men of property and fcience have embraced the occupation
©f farmers in America, and as a majority of the xfoufe of
P-eprefentatives, if not of the Senate, are of this clafs of men,
as well as the prefident, we may reafonably expcft th;i-t every
attention will be paid to a fubjeft fo important in itfclf, and
whereon fo much of the happinefs of America depends. Be-
fore, however, we offer any obfervations on the tiieoiy 01
pra£lice of American farming, we fhall endeavour to give a;,
full and comprehenfive an account as our plan will admit, ot
the vegetable produftions of the United States ; iiowever, a>
few perions in the United States have fludied natural hiftorv as
a fcience, the beil information on this fuhjeft mufl be veiv
imperfcft ; the following we truft will, however, be fownu .i.>
complete as any tliat is at prefcnt exla.'.t.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. ' 377

FOREST TREES.

Elm, ulmus Americana. Of tliis tree there is but one fpecies,
of which tlierc are two varieties, the white and the red. The
inner rind oi bi)th is flringy and tough, and is fr-quently uled
for the bottoms of chairs, and for bed cords. The wood is
t<ot eafily fplit, and therefore ferves for the naves of wheels.
The bark of the white chn is ufcd medicinally for the gravel.
The European Elm, ulmus ca7npeflris, is fo far naturalized as
to propagate itlclf jn copfes.

SASsAhRAs, lauriis fajfafras, is commonly found in moift
land. Ii <iot;s not, in this ilate, grow to a large fize. Its roots^
barl<. and Icavei. have an aromatic Imell. It affords a valuable
ingredient for beer as well as for medicinal purpofes. The
wood me.kes handfome bcdfleads, and it is faid that bugs will
not be found in them for feveral years. The spice wood,
taunts benzoin, or as it is commonly called fever bush, is
another Ipecies of the laurus, common in New-Hampfhire :
it is more aromitic than the laifafras. In the weftern country,
its fruit and bark are uled as a fubllitute ior pimento.

Wild cherry. Of this they have many fpecies, but they
have not been well arranged and properly diftinguflied.
They are very numerous in land which has been newly
cleared, if not kept down by culture. The wood of the
Lugefl cherry tree, prunus I'irginiana, is very highly efteemed
in cabinet work, being of a firm texture, a fmooth grain, and
a beautiful colour, between red and yellow.

Basswood, or lime tree, tilia Americana, is fometimes
fa wed into boards, which are very white, but foft, and eafily
warped.

Locust, robina pftudo acacia, is excellent fewel. Its trunk
ferves for durable polls fet in the ground, and may be fplit
into truiincls for fhips, which are equal to any wood for that
purpofe. It thrives on fandy and gravelly foils, and its leaves
enrich them. For thcle reafons, the cultivation of the locuft
lijs been thought an objeft worthy of attention, elpecially as
it is a tree of quick growth. For feveral yfears pafh it haS'
been injured by a beetle infeft, which bores a hole through
its trunk. Many trees have been entirely killed, and this
circumflduce h,s proved a ■ difcouragement to their propaga-
tion. *

Birch. Of this they have four fpecies. 1. White, hetula
alba, The bark of this tree is a fubftance of a fmgylar kind,

3 C

37^^ GENERA L Ih F 0 R M A TION

and is perhaps the only baik which is lefs liable to rot than the
wood which it indoles^ The whole interior fubftance of a
fallen tree is frequently found rotten, whilft the bark remains
found. This bark is coinpoled of Several lamina, eahly lepara-
ble, of a firm confiftence, thin, flexible, foft and fmooth : it
may be written upon like p'aper : it is very inflammable, emit-
tin;; a vivid flame and a very denfe, black fmoak, which might
eahly be collefted like lamp black. Of this bark the Indians
formed diflies, boxes, and light portable canoes, which they
icwed together with flender but tough filaments of the roots of

fpruce and cedar, cementing the joints with turpentine.— '

2. Black., betula ni;^ra. The heart of this tree is of a beautiful
brown, and is frequently iplit and turned : it makes hafndlome
bedfteads, chairs, and tables. Much of it is exported to Eu-
rope. 3, Red ok ykllow, bttula laita. , This is chiefly ulcd
lor fewol, and is much tfteemed. 4. AtiyER, bitula aliius^
Its baik is much employed in dying a dark brown. The wood,
when of a proper lize. makes excellent charcoal. It is commoft
in Iwamps and by the fide of rivers and brooks.

Oak. Of this they have four fpecies. ti Black, qiiercus
nigra. I'he inner bark is ufed for tanning ; the timber for the
keels of fliips. 2. Reu, quercus rubra. Of this fpecies there
are three varieties. 1. The red^ which grows fometimes on high
and dry land, but delights in a moift foilj and is generally found
on the declivities of hills and borders of fwamuK. The Wood
of this tree is eafily riven, and makes excellent ftaves for
molaffes and for dry caflcs. 2. Tiie Jwamp oak, which is found
' in low wet places. It is polleffed of greater elalticity than any
other oak. Splints of this wood have been fubflituted for
■whalebone. 3. ^ Mow, which grows on hills and dry ridges of
land, makes the befl: of pipe ftaves and Ihip timber.* 3. Wmitk,
iiucrcus alba. 4. Shrub, or ground oak, quercus pumila.
It is found on barren hills and plains. It produces a gall, which
is evidently the nidus of an in(e£l, and has been uied as an
ingredient in writing ink. There, is another oak, called the
chejnui, or ntw-Juund oak j but whether it be ot a diflcrent
Ipcties, or a variety of either ipecies above m.enlioned, has not
been determin<;d. ^.'Chesnut oak, quercus prinus. Whether
tliis is a difl^erent Ipecies, or only a variety of either of the
luecies before lacntioued, we believe is not yet determined.

• This arrangement of the oak i$ fuggefled by Dr. Cutler; In common par-
Jancc, the '><ik, which is ufed lor pipe (twrs and fhip timber, is called the
Uptatid White Oak ; it is one ot ihe luuil ulelui aud valuable treck ol the
yVinoucau loicll.

■TO K U R 0 r F A A' SETTLE R S. 219

6. Live oak, qvercus Vir^inintui, Black jack oak, qurrcvs
^qvaiica. The tvvo latter are peculiar to the louthcrn Slates.
Walnut. The Americnn (pccics of this germs linve bcrn
confounded by bot.inical writers. Hiere are al le;ifl: three in
New-Hamjifiiire. i. W^ii itf., or rhund nut \\\cy.ov.\ . ju^tari
al'-a. Its (up is fwec^t, but d.ics not flow ficolv. Its wof/d is
Imnoth and tough, and is mi:ch ufrd J ir gun ftocks, axe bandl'"%
and Wiiiking fticks. 2. SiiAr; bark, juHans rineria ?* The
Avood of this tree is not fo valuable as the wliite, but the fruit
is .prcfcr;.bie, being larger, and having a foftcr flioll. 3. 0\\.
js'VT, OR BUTTER NUT. This fpecirs has been called by (ome
authors, juglar.s alba, and by others, juLius vi^ra. It differs
fpecifically frorm both, and therefore Dr. Cutl':r has given 't
■the diftinguifliing name of ju^jluris catharlic.z^ cxprcfTive of the
peculiar property of its baik, the extra£l of which is one c^f the
belt ca-thartics in tbe materia medica. It ricithcr produces grin-
ings, nor Ifaves the patient coftive, and may be made elBcaci-
ous, withoH-t hazard, by increafing the dofe. Its operatioTi
is kind and fafe, even in the moR; delicate conftilutii^ns. It
is an excellent family m.edicine, is well adapted to hofpitals,
ravies, and arniies. It was much ufcd by tbe military phyfi-
cians in the lite w<i'-, and it rriay become a valuable article <T
exportatirm. It is faid to be one .of the bcQ: antidotes again fl
the bite of the rattlefnake. The fruit of this tree, when g?-
theied young, in the beginning of Jnlv, makes an excellent
piikle ; when ^ripe, it is a fattening food for fv/ine : its fhcll
is black, hard and rough: its kernal cofitain;s a large quantity
of a rich fweet oil : + its wood m^kcs good fencing (lu If ; and
its bark, be Tidis the medicinal virtues which it poircifcs, has a
quality of dying feveral fhadcs of grey and bla;k,

Chesnut, /a^?/j- cajianea, is chiefly ufed for fencing; it 's
ftraight, coarle grained, ealily riven and very duraldc ; it is
fomctimes fplit into ftaves and heading fur dry cafks.

* I am uncpftain wiietliT this be iVc c'ricia of auihors, and ;bcrcforc h?.\e
•= added the mark of interrogation. If it be not the cinetiafii) wliich (he cH^.
" raiftrrs pretty \ycll agree (it hcs no fpecific name." Vr. Culler.

+ In t!ie fouthrrn and wcftprn paris of tlie United Stifs, this .'rf e is found
in very great abundance. The Indians prefcrvcd the oil which tl-.cy txivid:-.
ed from the nut. Of this we have an early trftimony in the journal of Fev-
^'mndo de Soto, A. D. 1540. When lie came to .Chiana, fiiuare near il c
Apalachian mountains, about the latitude of 34* he " found great ftore ofo:I
or walnuts, clear as butter, and of good tafte." /'arc/wj, vol. v, p. 1533. Ti"?-
l,ndians of New-England extraaed an oil from acorns, by boiling tliem in vv-,,
rr with afbcs of fw.k^ox the rotten heart of maple, Jrfchn's i'o)'^:

3 Cj

380 GENERAL INFORMATION

'Stz Acu ^ fagus fylvatica. Of this there are three varieties.;
the white and the red are ufed as fewel ; the black is fniall and
tough, and is uied only for withes and Twitches.

Hornbeam, carpinus betulus, is a frnall but tough tree, and
is ufed only for levers, hand fpikes and (lakes.

Button wood, platanus occidentalism is a large tree, but
as tough as ihe hornbeam : it is uied for windlafl'es, wheels and
blocks.

Pine, pinus. Of this genus they have at lea ft fever fpecieSo
1. The White pine, pinus Jlrobus, is undoubtedly the
prince of the American foreft in fize, age, and majefty of
appearance. More of this fpecies have been produced in New-
Hampfhire, and the eaftern counties of Maffachuletts, tharj
in all America befides. Thefe trees have a very tliin lap, and
are diftinguifhed by the name ofmaftpine from the fuccceding
growth of the fame fpecies, which are called faplings„ The
bloffom of this and other pines appear about the middle of June ;
its farina is of a bright yellow, and fo I'ubtil that it is exhaled
with vapour from the earth, afcends into the clouds and falls
with rain, forming a yellow fcum on the furface of the water,
which the ignorant erronioufly call fulphur, from the limi-
larity of its colour.

When a mafh tree is to be felled, much preparation is
neceffary. So tall a ftick, without any limbs nearei the ground
than eighty or a hundred feet, is in great danger of breaking
in the fall. To prevent this, the workmen have a contrivance
which they call bedding the tree, which is thus executed. They
know in what direftion the tree will fall, and they cut down a
number of fmaller trees which grow in tiiat dueftion ; or if
there be none, they draw others to the fpot, and place them lo
that the falling tree may lodge on their branches ; wnith break-
ing or yielding under its preflure, render its fall ?a.iy and lafe.
A time of deep fnow is the moft favourable iealon, as the rocks
are then covered, and a natural bed is formed to receive the
tree. When fallen it is examined, and if to appearance it be
found, it is cut in the propuition of three feet in length to
every inch of its diameter, for a niaft; but if ititcnded for
a bowfprit or a yard, it is cvU fhorter : if it be not found
throughout, or if it break in failing, it is cut iuto logs for the
law mill.

When a maft is to be drawn, as its lergih will not admit
of its pafTing in a crooked road, a (haight path is cut and cleared
for it through the woods. If it be cut in the neighbourhood of
% large river, it is drawn to the bank and rolled into the vvalerj

TO EURO P EA N SETTLERS. 381

or in the winter it is laid on the ice to be floated away at the
breaking up of the river in the ipring. Prom other (ituations
malls are now conveyed twenty, thirty or forty miles to the
landing-places, at the head of the tide, and as the diflance has
increafed, more fafe and eafy modes of conveyance have been
invented. Formerly, ii drawn on wheels, the maft was raifed
by levers, and hung by chains under the axle. In this cafe it
was neccffary to ule very flrong and heavy chains, and wheels
of flxteen or eighteen feet in diameter, that the mafl, in pa (Ting,
might be cleared from the ground, which was often encumbered
with rocks and flumps. Now, the common wheels and chains
are ufed, and the largeft ftick, by a very eafy operation, is
raifed on the axle. To perform this, the wheels being brought
near to It, are canted ; the axle being fet in a perpendicular pofi-
tion, one wheel on the ground and the other aloft ; the mafl
is then rolled over the rim and fpokes of the lower wheel, and
faftened to the axle ; and when it is thus fixed^ a chain^ which
is previoufly made fall to the oppofite fide of the upper
wheel, is hooked to a yoke of oxen, who, by a jerkj bring
down the upper and raife the lower wheel, and thus both are
■brought into their proper pofition, with the mafl mounted on
the axle. They ufe two pairs of wheels, one at each end of
the mad ; by which means, it is not galled by friftion on
the groundp and the draught is rendered much eafier for the
cattle.

When a mafl is to be drawn on the fnow, one end is placed
on a fled, fhorter, but higher than the common fort, and refls
on a flrong block, which is laid acrofs the middle of the fled^
Formerly, the butt-end was placed foremofh, and faflened .■*•*/
chains to the bars of the fled, which was attended by this
inconvenience ; that in lidelong ground, the flick by its rolling
would overfet the fied^ and the drivers had much difficulty
cither to prevent or remedy this difafler, by the help of levers
and ropes. The invention of the fwivel-chain precludes this
difficulty. One part of this chain is faflened to the tongue of
the fled, and the other to the fmalleft end of the mafl, by means
of a circular groove cut in it ; one of the intermediate links
is a fwivel, which, by its eafy turning, allows the flick to roll
from fide to fide, without overturning the fled. In defcending
a long and fleep hill, they have a contrivance to prevent the
load from making too rapid a defcent. Some of the cattle are
placed behind it ; a chain whicn is attached to their yokes is
brought forward and faft:ened to the hinder end of the load, and
the refillance which is made by thefe cattle checks tho defcento

3S:

GENERAL INFORMATION

This operation is called tailing. The moft dTngerous circum-
fiance is the pafTing over the top of a fharp hill, by which means
the oxen which are nearefl to the tongue are fomctimrs fulpenci-
cd, till the foremoft cattle can draw the ma ft fo far over the
hill, as to give them opportunity to recover tlie ground. In
this cafe the drivers aie obliged to ufe much judgment and care,
to keep the cattle from being killed. I'here is no other way to
prevent this inconvenience than to level the roads.

The beft white pine trees are (old f'^r m;)fts, bowfprits and
yards, for large fhips.* Thofe c»f an inferior fize, partly un-
found^ crooked or broken in falling, are either fawn into planks
and boards, or formed into cane es, or cut into bolts for the
ufe of coopers, or fplit and fhaved into clapboards and {hingles.
Boards of this wood are much ufed for wainfcoting and cabinet
work ; it is of fmooth grain, and when free from knots, docs
no injury to the tools of the workmen ; but the foftnefs of its
texture fubjcfts it to flirink and fwell with the weather. The
fapling pine, though of the fame fpccies, is not lb firm and
fmooth as the veteran pine of the forell, and is more fenfibly
afFe£led by the weather.

* Douglafs, vol. ii. p 53, fpeaks of a white pinf, cut near DunftaLIe in
1736, which was " flraight and found, fevcn feet eight inches in dijmetcr, at
the butt end." He alfo fays, that when 'Colonel Pa^rtj-idge' (formerly Lieu-
tenant-Governor of Ncw-Hamp(hirr) ' Had t'le maft contj-a^s he iisnt home a
few of thirty-eight inches, and two of forty-two inches."

Mr. Belknap obtained from the books of the late contraftor, Mds-k. Huiiking
Wentworth, Efq. deceafed, the following account of the lizc irid value of fuih
fticks as he fent to England for the ufe of the navy.

Ma

fts.

Yai

ds.

ling

Bowfprits.

Diameter

1 Sterling

Diameter

SLcr

Diameter

Stci

ling

in inches.

1 value.

in inches.

va

ue.

in inches.

va

ue.

£. s.

£■

J.

£■

.(. '

25

13 8

15

0

0

25 2

10

26

16 0

16

0

0

26 3

0

27

38 0

37

0

to

27 3

'4

28

23 0

18

9

0

28 8

2

59

28 0

^9

3 1

4

29 15

0

30

35 1°

20

14

10

30 21

0

31

44 0

2J

j8

10

31 2b

0

32

5b 0

52

21

0

32 29

0

33

70 0

'A3

25

10

33 32

0

34

53 0

24.

32

0

31 43
35 4 '-2
30 45

37 !.i

0
10
0

N. B. It mufl be obrrrvcl, that all thefe were hewn into the proper (bart
befort t^e filial dimcnfions were taken, which detrrmincd their value.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. ' ^Z^

The ftump§ and roots of the mad pine are very durable. It
is a common faying, that " no man ever cut down a pine, and
"lived to fee the ftump rotten." After many years, when
the roots have been loolened by the froft, they are, with much
labour, cut and dug out of the ground, and being turned up
cdgeway, are fct for fences to fields, in whicji (late they have
been known to remain iound for half a century. A coUeftion
of thelc roots would make an impenetrable ahbalis^ which nothing
but fire could eafilv deftrov.

Before the revolution, all white pines, excepting thofe grow-
ing in any townrhip granted before the twenty-firft of Septem-
ber, 1722, were accounted the king's property, and heavy
p^tiakieb were annexed to the cutting of them, without leave
from the king's lurveyor. Since that event, thele trees, like
all others, are the properly of the landholder.

2. The YELLOW piEE, piuus pinea, is harder and heavier
than the white, but never grows to the fame fize ; its planks
and boards are uied for the floors of houfes and the decks of
fhips.

3. The PITCH PINE, pinus tetda, is the hardeft and heavieft
of all the pines ; it is lometimcs put to the fame ules as the
yellow pine ; but at prefent the principal ufe of it is for fewel.
When burnt in Kilns, it makes the bed kind of charcoal;
its knots and roots being full of the terebinthine oil, afford a
light lurpalTing candles ; its foot is collefted, and ufed for lamp
black. The making of tar from it is now wholly dilufed. For-
merly, when it was made, the method was this ; a piece of clay
ground was chofen ; or if luch could not conveniently be had,
the earth was paved with flone or brick, in a circular form,
about twelve or fifteen feet in diameter, railed in the middle,
and a circular trench was drawn round it a few inches in depth.
The wood being cut and iplit, was iet upright in a conical pile,
and covered on every fide with ibds, a hole being left open at
the top, where the pile was iet on fire. I'he confined heat
melted the refinous juices of the wood, which flowed out at
the bottom into the circular trertch, and was cocduCrted, bv
other gutters, to holes in the earth, in which were fet barrels
to receive it. Turpentine is colle£ted from every fpecies of
the pine, by boxing the trees ; that from the white pine is the
pureft ; it lometimes diftils from the tree in beautifully tranfp?-
rent drop.s.

4. I'he LARCH, pinus larix, is the only tree of the terebin-
thine quality which Iheds its leaves in autumn. Its turpeniine
ii Uid to be the lame with the Burguudy pitch.

384 GENERAL INFORMATION

5. The FIR pinus balfamta, yield a fine balfam, which is
contained in fmall blifters on the exterior furface of its bark.
This i)aHam is ufed both as an external and internal medicine.
The wood is coarfer and more brittle than the phie, and is lel-
dom cither hewn or fawn.

6. Spruce, pinus Canadenfn ; of this they have two varieties,
the white and the black. The zu'dte fpruce is tall and flender,
its grain is twifting, and when dripped of its bark it will
crack in a warm fun ; it is tlie worfl wood for fewel, becaufe
of its continual fnapping •, in this refpeft it exceeds hemlock and
chp.lnut, both which are remarkable for the fame ill quality; it
is fometimes formed into oars for large boats, but is inferior to
afh ; ii. is often ufed for fpars, for fencing fluff and for fcaffold-
ing ; for all which purpoies its form and texture render it very
convenient, as it is ftraight and tough, and may be had of any
fize from two inches to two feet in diameter. The black fpruic
is ufed only for beer ; the young twigs of it are boiled till the
bark may eafily be ftripped from the wood, and being fweetened
with molalTes, make one of the mofl pleafant and wholefome
beverages which nature affords : of this fpruce is made the ef-
fencc, which is as well known in Europe as in America.

7. The HEMLOCK, pinus abes, is, in flature, the next tree
to the mafb pine ; it grows largeft in fwampy land, and is very
ftraight ; its grain is cnarfe, and is not eafily fplit or hewn,
but is fawed into planks, joifts and laths ; its chief excellence
'n building is, that it holds a nail exceedingly well ; it makes
good flooring for bridges and barns, and the round timber is
very durable in wharfs and dams : the bark is excellent for
tanning leather. The balfam of the hemlock is ufed medicinally,
but it cannot be coUefted in any great quantities.

White cedar, or arbor vit^, thuja occidentalis.
. JuNiP.gR, or RtJ) CED An. Juniperus Virginiana, it produces
the juniper berry.

The white cedar of the fouthern States, cuprejfus thyoides, is
a very different tree from the white cedar of the northern
Slates •, but the red cedar is the fame in all the States ; it is a
juniDcr, and is a fpecies of that in European which prodaces
thejuniper berries : the wood of the red cedar is more durable,
when iet in the earth, than any other wood growing in
America.

They have another fpecies of juniper, juniper us Jabi/ia,
which does not tife more than eighteen inches from the ground ;
but the branches extend horizontadv fevcral yards, and form,
in open paftures, an extenfive bed cf evergreen : the leaves

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 385

are miked with oats, and given to horfes to deftroy the worms.
Which infell their bowels.

Cypress, cvpr:(jus dtjlicha, found only in the fouthern States,
ufed for fbingles and other purpofes, grows in fwamps and
very Urge.

White willow, falix alba, is originally an exotic, but
now well naturalifed and much propagated. " The bark of this
tree is ufed as a lubftuute for the cortex Peruviana," or Pe-
ruvian bark.

Swamp willow, falix ; this is the firfl tree that fhews
its blolloms in tiie ipririg ; and in iome leafons its v/hite
flowers exhibit a delightful appearance, when all the neigh-
bouring trees remain in their wintry hue.

Poplar or aspen, populus tremulu. This tree is more
frequently found in open or clear land than in thick woods;
it is of quick growth ; the wood is white, foft and fmooth ;
it is ufed for lads and heels of ftioes, and for fome kinds
of turned work.

Black poplar, or Balsam tree. This is a beautiful foreft
tree, of a large fize and quick growth, very proper for walks
and fhades ; its buds, in the fpring, are full of a rich balfam,
rsfcmbling the baliam of Peru : as the buds expand the balfam
difappcars.

Of the MAPLE they have three fpecies : 1. The white, acer
neguudo ; the wood of this tree, efpecially that which is curled
in its grain ; is much ufed in cabinet work ; it is firm and fmooth;
it takes a fine polifh, and may be Hained of the colour of black
walnut or mahogany. 2. The red, acer rubrum, grows in
fwamps, and is fit only for fuel. 3. The black or rock maple
exceeds the others in this refpeft, being of a v«ry clofe texture,
hard and heavy, even when perfeftly dry. But ihe grand ex-
cellency of this tree is the iaccarinc quality of its fap, which has
obtained for it the name of sugar maple, acer faccharinum.

Of ASH they have two Ipecies. 1. The white ash, fraxi'
mis excelfior ; this, in good land, grows to the fize of three feet
in diameter ; it is very tall, (Iraight and tough ; its leaves and
ba)k are an antidote to the venom of the rattle-fnake ; the wood
is e^fily riven, and makes durable rails for fences ; it is alfo
formed into oars and hand-fpikes, and ferves for the frames of
ploughs, crrts, ileighs and riding carriages, and for the handles
of m,;;^y uieful tools in agricultural and mechanical employ-
ments. 2. The otlior ipecies- is black ash, fraxinus Artitricor
r.u, of which the Ki:$ and yellow are varieties. Solints of

3 U

38^ CENE R AL IK F 0 R M ATIO N

the wood of adi are obtained bv pounding it with a maid, and
are employed in making bafkeis and brooms ; this knowledge
was prob;'.b!y derived from tie Indii'ns. The roots of
yellow alh are uied by turners for the making of plates and
bowli. *

After going tlirough the catalogue of foreft trees, it may be
proper to oblcrve. that all woods which grow on high land
are more Him and iolid, and better for timber or fuel, than
thule which grow in ivvamps : the fame difference may gene-
rdly be obierved between thufe in the open grounds, and thofc
in the thick flayde in the forcft. The pine is an exception to
this remaik ; but whether the immenle age or luperior ftature
of the forefh pine be the caufes which render it more firm than
that which is found ia the paflures, cannot. at pretent be alcer-
tained.

Fron> feveral experiments made by the Count de Buffon, it
appears, that the wood of trees, llripped of their baik in the
fpi ;ng, and left to dry ftanding till they are dead, is harder,
heavier and flronger, more foJid and durable, tiian that of trees
felled in thcir bark ; and that the fappy part of wood without:
bark is not only ftronger than the common, but much more
fo than the heart of wood in bark, though le(s heavy ; the
phyfical caiife of this augmentation of ftiength and folidity be
thus explains : " Trees increafe in fize by additional coats of
new wood, which is formed from the running lap between the
bark and the old wood. Trees ftrippcdof their bark form none
of thele new coats, and though they live after the bark is taken
off, they do not grow. The lubftance deftined to form the new
wood, finding itlelf flopped and obliged to fix in the void places
both of the lap and heart, augments the. folidity and confe-
quently the flrength of the wood."*

Beiide the immenfe quantity of living wood with which the
foreft abounds, nature hath provided an ample flo!-. of that
fofTil, ligneoui. lubfiance, cA\cd peat. It appears to he iormcd
of the deciduous parts of tiecs and fhrubs, prcferved in a pecu-
liar manner in the earth ; it is ufually found in fwamps between
or under hills, where it has been accumulating fur many ages ;
the decayed vegetation of one period having ierved as a foil in
which another growth has taken root and come to maturity.
In the town of Dover, in New-Hampfliiie, arc two iwamps,

* Xat. Hid. Vol. V. p. 267. It muft be obfcrved, that liis cxperitnciiu
were made on ^uki.

TO EU RO P E A N SETTEE RS, 337

^^']uc^, within the laft twenty five years, have been clft.ired of
■the flumps and roots ol the latefl growth, which were pine
3nd Jiemlocl;. In >-1'g^ing them I'p anniher tier of ilu.r.ps was
found under them, the roots cf which were iound ; and in
Jome inftimces a third flump appeared under tlie lecond. ' In
fuch Iwamps is found the peat, in which the fh.ipe of twigs,
linrk and leaves, is ver'. r.pparent, hut on prefTuse it is conloli-
dated into a ioft fatty lubilance : tiiis being dug in fpits of a
proper (ize, .Tnd dried btrcomes valuable fuel : of which, though
at prelent "little ule is made, yet poilerity will duubtkla reap
the benefit.*

* The following letter on the fuhjeft of peat, thcrugh in oppofition to t'he
above principal of its origin, ■will need no apology for its irifertioa ; -il abpear*
U» us fufficiently important to claim the attention of the nauiralilt, and calcu-
lated to promote an inquiry that may be attended with many beneficial confe-
.quences :

" I very roiich doubt yoi>r doftrine of /"^^j^ Il appears to me to be a fub-
^znct fdi generis. Deciduous parts of trees and Tniubs are often found mixed
with it. But its inflammable property, I cojiceive, do?s not depend on the
mere adventitious coUeftions of decayed vegetables; for although peat is found
in places favourable to luch c61!e£lions, yet it is not found in everyplace where
thofe collections have been made. Befides, in all the pea*. I "have examinee',
there are numerous fibr<»s of a fingalar conflru^Eliony varioufly ramified ; in fonic
kinds they are extremely fine, in othei-s as large as a packthread. When the
peat is firlt taken from the pit, the threads may be traced a coniiderable length,
and, when wafhed, they have an appearance which has jttduced me to fulpeft
a vegetable org;i,nization. If they are a living vegetable, they feem to form the
link, between the vej^table and foflil kingdom. It feems moll probable, 11
thofe fibres aje not vegetable fui generis, they may be fibrous roots of a bed of
fome particular fpecies of mols, upon which tkere has been a large coUettion of
matter, which has buried them a certain depth under ground, where they are
not fubjeft tp putrefaftion. But there i'eeins to be an inflammable fuUil iu the
compolition of peat, different from the earth commonly found in fiinilar places^
J am told, fome peat appears to be entirely a fofTil, though I have never iecij
any fuch. It is as eafy to conceive of fuch a fofTil as of pit-coal. If thefolul
contains the in/lammable principle, it is not derived from deciduous vegetable-s.
Have you never heard ol its growing again w.here it has been dug out ? One of
my neighbours has otten told me, that a ditch was dug thrjjugh a meadow ia
his farm many years ago, where there is a body of peat; that the depth of the
ditch exceeded the depth of the peat ; and that the pe.it has pufhed out on botb
fides fo as nearly to meet in the center, but the fides -of the ditch above and below
remain much the fame, except fome little change which the length of time has
produced. I have not fcen the place; but were I affured of this fa£l, I fhould
be inclined to believe the fibres to be living vegetables, and the foHil to be pol-
felTed of the property of fpar, with regard to the increafe of its bulk ; and that
jbefe two fubf^nces were mutually dependent on each other."

MS. Utter cj Dr. C-utler lo M-. Belknap.
3 D 2

588

GENERAL INFORMATION

no WER ING

Globe flower, - r

Pigeonberry,

Virginia dogwood,

Conel.

Red-flowered honeyfuckle,

White American honeyfuckle,

American tea

Ghcrry honeyfuckle,

Virginia fcarlet honeyfuckle,

Dwarf cherry honeyfuckle,

Evergreen fpindle tree,

Virginian ilea,

Stag's horn fumach.

Black haw,

Blackberried elder,

Redbcrried elder,

Scarlet-flowered horfe chefnut,

Judas tree.

Great laurel,

Dwarf laurel.

Thyme-leaved marfli ciflus,
American fenna,

Rofe bay tree, -

"White pepper bufh,

Red-bud andromeda, -,

Bog evergreen,

Carolina red-bud, -

Carolina iron- wood tree,

Carolinian fyrianga,

Sorbus tree,

Mountain afh,

Service tree, - -

Medlar tree,

Sweet-cented crab apple-tree,

Meadow fweet,

Queen of the meadowSj

Canadian ipiraca,

Wild rofe,

Pennfylvanian fwarap rofe.

Superb rafpberry,
Carolian Fothergilla,
Tulip tree,

TREES, SHRUBS, &C.

Cephalanthus occidentalis,
Cifl^us ficyoides,
Cornus florida,
Cornus Canadenlis,
Azalea nudiflora,
Azalea vifcofa,
Ceanothus AmericanuSj
Lonicera diervilla,
Lonicera Virginiana,
Lonicera Canadeiifls,
Euonymus Americanus,j
Itea Virginica,
Rhus typhinum,
Viburnum prunifclium,
Sambucus nigra,
Sambucus- Canadenfis,
vEfculus paviaj
Cercis Canadenfis^
Kalmia latifolia,
Kalmia anguflifulla,
Ledum thymifolium,
Rhodora Canadenfis,
Rhododendrum majjimuof}^
Andromeda arborea,
Andromeda racemofa,
Andromeda calyculata.
Andromeda nitida,
Andromeda plumata,

Philadelphus inodoruj,

Sorbus aucuparia,
Sorbus Americana,

Mefpilus Canadenlis,

Mefpilus nivea,

Pyrus coronaria.

Spiraea falicifolia,

Spirsea tomentofa,

Spiraea hypericifolia,.

Rofa Carolina,

Rofa palufkris,

Rubus odoratus,

Forthergilla gardeni, *

Liriodendrum tulipifera,

TO ZUROP^AN SETTLERS,

zh

Evergreen tulip tree,
Climing trumpet flower,
"Virginian flewartia,
franklin tree, » -

Locufh tree,

Rofe-flowercd locufl tree,
fcwamp willow,
Red-flowered maple,
Plane tree,
Poplar,

Catalpa, - •

Umbrella,

^wamp laurel,

Cucumber tree,

Portugal bay,

Red bay,

Laurel of the weflern country,

Wild pimento,

SalTafras,

Jioney-locufl;,

Fringe or fnow-drpp tree,

Barberry,

Holly,

Cockfpur hawthorn,

Spindle-tree,

Papaw,

Candleberry myrtle.

Dwarf-laurel,

Ivy,

Trumpet honcyfuckle,
Upright honeyfuckle.
Yellow jafmine, - ••

American aloe,
Sumach,
Poke,
Long mofs,

Magnolia grandiflora,
Bignonia radicans,
Stewartia malacodendron^'
Franklinia alatamaha,
Robinia pfeudo apacia,
Robinia rofea,

Salix cineria ?
Acer rubrum,
Plantanus occidentalis,

Liriodendron tulipifera^
Populus heterophylla,
Bignonia catalpa,

Magnolia tripetala,

Magnolia glauca,

Magnolia acuminata,

Laurus inc^ica,

Laurus borbonia,

Qu. fpecies ?

Laurus benzoin,

Laurus iaffafras,

Gleditfla,

Chionanthus Virginica,

Berberis vulgaris.

Ilex aquifclium,

Crataegus cdccinca,

Euonymus Europacus,

Annbna triloba,

Myrica cerifera,

Kalmia anguflifolia,

Kalmia latifolia,*

Hedera quinquefolia,

Loriicera fempervirenSj

Azalea nudiflora,

Bignonia fempervirens,

Calycanthus floridus.
Agave Virginica,
Rhus, Qu. fpecies ?
Phytolacca decandra,

Tillandfia Ufneoides.

♦ Called iry •with ^s,

^90 GENERAL INFORMATION

* WILD FRriTS.

Black currant, - - Rihes nigrurr.,*

Goolrbetry, - - Ribes groir.il iri.i,f

Prickly gooieberry, - Ribcs cynofUd: i,

Grapes, - - Vn'is,

The black grape, - ^"ltls labrufca,

Fox grape, - . Vitis vulpimi.t

Barberry bufii, - Bcrbt

,,!

ris vulgaris,

Whortleberry, - - \'<icciniwiii liguftrlniirH,

D'.tto, - r- V;iccinTiim uligiiioluin,

Eiuejcrry, - - Viicciniim corynholuin,

White whortleberry, - Vacciniu;n nibi!;n.\

Undian gocfeberry, - \';iccinium froncioluin,

I.ong-leaveJ whortleberry, Vacci..ium ft'nniieum.

trnncaerry, - _ VdCtiMu;;! o::)'locco5. h

• -

Tlie BLACK. CURRRA.VT, rllxf r.tgrum, is a native of the A;nerican I'v.amps,
and is much improved by culture ; it is not much ufcd as food, but is sn excel,
lent medicine for a fore mouth and throat. An excellent wine may be made
from the fruit; we have drank fome of the age of fcvcn years equal to the beil
flavoured port.

+ The WILD coosEBFRRY, 1 1bc < grojfularin, is very common in the borders
of woods, and has been greatlv meliorated by cultivation.

% Of grapes they have two fpecies. The black grape, vitis Lbriif.a. and the
rox GRAPE, 17//. vulpina. Of thefe there are i'cveral v;:ricties. From the fpeci-
Kiens of foreign grapes, which ripen in their gardens, there is fuiScienr leafon to
believe that the culture of vines, in favourable fituations, miglit be attended with
fuccefs. This opinion is corroborated by the judgaient of foreigners occafioii-
sUy refidcnt in America. \\'ine, and in large quantities, has lately b>"en made
by the French people at their new fettlemeu: on the Ohio river, from the native
grapes, without any kind of cultivation. They coUefted the grapes promifcu-
oufly front all the varieties growing in that country. By ffparaiiag them, wiues
of diiTerent, and no dcubt f(?me of them of a much better quality, might. have
been made. The native grape is propagated witji great eafe ; its growth is lux-
uriant, overfpreading die liighcjll trees in the forefls, and by proper attention
would afford an ample fuppl,y of wines in the northern as well as iouthcrn States.
The principal difficulty feems to be the want of a proper knowledge of the
procefs in n^aking wine, and preparing it for ule. As far as pofiible to rcincdy
this, and to render the cultivation of the vine and the making ol wines more an
objeft of attentioQ, we fhall ia Ziioiher pjrt of this work euirr more I'uUy into
the fubjeft.

S The .'^.mcricans have fcvc;ral fpecie.s of whortleberry, vrciniiiijt co'ymbt.
Jam, which grow in great abundance, and itrvc as wholcfcn:e a.icl'p'iialable food;
fome of them are dried for winter.

II The CR.\NEBERRY, lacci'n/i'M oxvc(j«c.f, is a fruit peculiar to Aiiirrica. The
common fpecies grows on a creeping vine in meadows. The brancJies of the
.vine take root at the joints, and overfpxead the ground to the extent of an acre.
The berries hang on very flender ilalks; at firll they arc white, but turn red a(

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS,

!*^i.

Yellow plum,

Beach plum,

Cherokee ulum,

Wild plum, -

Large bbck cherry,

Purple cherry,

Wild red cherry^

DamiF or clioak cherry,

Mountain cherry.

Service-tree,

Eiambleberrv,

Sawteat blackberry or bi;;iible-

kites,
Briar blackberry.
Dewberry,
Common rafpberry,
Smooth-ftalked rafpbfiry.
Superb raipberry.
Strawberry,
Scarlet ftrawberry,
Mulberrv,
Red mulberry.
Crab apple,

Prunus Americana,

Prunus maratima,

Prunus lylvellris fruclu majori,

Prunus fyiveftris fru6ta minori,

Prunus nigra,

Prunus Virginiana,

Prunus rubra,

Prunus Canadenfis,

Prunus montana,

IMefpilus Canadenfis,

Rubus occidentalis,*

Rubiis frutlcofus,

Rubus moluccanus,

Rubus hifpidu-s,

Rubus ida:us,+

Rubus Canadenfis,

Rubus odor'atus,

Fragaria velca.t

Fragaria Virginiana, JefF. ■^

Morus nigra,

Jvlorus rubra,

Pyrus coronaria. |t

they ripen, and when full grown are of the fize of a cherry. They yield an
agreeable acid juice, and, when dewed and made into a jelly, are extremely
cooling in a fever, and a delic'ous fauce at the table. They may be kept a long
time in water, and fuffer no injury from the froft. They are frequently fent
abroad, and ate highly refrefhing at fea. The beft way to preferve them for long
voyages, is to put them up clean and dry, in bottles clofely corked. There is
another fpecici of craneberry, which grows in clufters on a bulb, but it is not
fo larg: nor fo common as the other.

* The BRA.viai-EBERiiY, rubus occidentalif . The running blackberry,
ruhus tnduccanui. The upright blackserry, Tubus Jrulicojus, are alio very
common, efpecially in the newly cleared land, and aflord an agreeable refrcfh-
meiit.

' + The common raspb!:rry, rul)us idceus, is found in the mofl e.xuberant
plenty in the ne*' plantations, and in the old, by the fides oi iields and roads.
The SUPERB RASPBERRY, lutus Cunadciifis, is larger and more delicate. Its
bloflom is purple, and its leaves' are fometimes a foot in diameter.

'^ The STRAWBERRY, f^ dgaria vtj'ca, in fome parts of the country, is veq-y
luxuriant in new fields and pallures, but it is capaijie of gre^t improvement by
ciihivation.

fj The native f rawberry is much improved by cultivation, and'prodaces a
lartjer and better-flavoured fruit than the exotic.

Ij This is a genuine and diiliuft fpccies of the apple ; it grows in all parts of
North-America which have been explored, from the Atlantic as far wcil as the

293 GENERAL INFORM AT i 0 H

POISONOUS PLANTS.

».. r-The following -indlgencais vegetable produftions, tmdfei' cer^
K-,tain circumftances, operate as poifons ; fotne of which, hovve-
ver, have been brought into medicinal ule, and repute for the
cure of diforders attended with fpafmodic. ?fFe6lioxis. Hem-
lock, cicuta : the thorn apple, datura Jlramffnium ;; ihe
HENBANE, kyofcyamus niger j and the night shaoe,^ Jdanum
Tiigmm. Other poifonous plants, are the- ivy, hcicra helix j
the CREEPLNG IVY, or, as it is called by fome, mercury,
rkus radicans, the juice of which ftains linen a deep and indeli-
ble black; the swamp sumach, rhus toxica . dendrumj the
WATER EiDER, viburTuim opulusj the herb cHristopher,
aB.ea fpicata i the stinking snake weed,. cZ/^rfia trifoliata t
and the white hellebore, veratrum album.

nut FRUIT.

White oak, - Quercys alba.

Red oak, and feveral other fpe- ^ . ^

cies with fmaller fruit, Quercus rubra* >,

Til 1 1 T 1 • V *' "^■'''

Black walnut, - juglans nigra, . . ^

Butternut, or oilnut, Juglans cathartics',^ *" "" '^ *-'

White, or round nut hiccory, Juglans alba.

Shag-bark hiccory, Juglans cinerla^* •' ' s^r; j;"i''.t

Chefnut, - - Fagus caftanea,*' ''■< ^''^ . -'■^^r*'

Chinquipin, or dwarf chefnut, Fagus pumila, '''

Beech nut, - - Fagus fylvatica, ,. , i'^

Kazlenut, - - Corylus avellana, nlm^iD

Filbert, - - Corylus cornuta. , ,;

We may here mention the paccon or Illinois nut,*«^juglans,

alba, foliolis lanceolatis, acuminatis, ferratis^ tomentofi^., ffii£Ui,

minore, ovato, compreffo, vix. infculpto, dulci, putarnine,t.ener-

rimo. — J^ff^'^Jon, This nut is about the fize of a laigef, long

acorn, and. of an oval form ; the fh«il is eafily cracjced,. Sin d the

kernel fhaped like that of a walnut. The trees which bear this

fruit grow, naturally, pn, the Mifliflippi and its brinckes, Jbwh

of forty degrees north latitude. They grow well when planted

in the iouthern Atlantic States. 5'*'' "^ '

•>))'^I $ Jit t-JiinJ

MiffifRppi ; its bloIToms are remarkably fragrant; itsi fruit {mall, poueffing per*
haps of all others the keencft acid. The European crab is a very different fruit.
It makes an excellent vinegar, and the cyder made from it is much admired by
thofe who profefs to be cohaoifleurt in that article.

--•^* The lame, probably, as Clayton's Scaly bark hiccory of Virginia,— iu^laus
alba cortice fouannofo.

to HUkOPEAN SEttLERS.

895

£XOTlC FRUITS.

Of tHete, rtpplcs are the mod common in the Unltecl States,
they grow in the grentcd plenty and variety in the eaftern and
middle States; and the cyder which is expreffcd from themj
affords tlie moft common and wholefome liquor that is drank by
the inhabitants.

The othcf exotic fruits are jJears, peaches, quinces,, mulber-
rit'S, plums, cherries, currants, barberries, all of which, e?C-
cept quinces and burberries, they have many fpecies and varie-
ties. Thcle, with a i^w apricots and neftarines, flourifh irt the
eaftcrn State*, and are in pcrfeftion in the middle States.*

The exotic fruits of the foutherrt States, befides thofe already
tnentioned, arc figs, oranges, and lemoi.?.

MEDICINAL PLANTS*

Among the nwive and uncultivated plants of Kew-England,
the followinff have been employed for medicinal purpofes i
Water Horehound, - Lycopus Virglnica,

Blue fliig, - - Iris Virginica,

Skunk cabbage, » Arum Americanum, Catclb. and

Dracontium foetidum, Linn,
Cartridge bcrry^ * Mitchella repens,

Great, and mailh plantain, Plantago major et maritima,

Witch hazel, - - Hamamelis Virginica,

Hound's tongue, - Cynoglollum officinale,

Comfrey, - - Symphytum officin,

Bear's ear fatvf«^e, - Cortufa gmelini,

Applcpelu, - - Datura ftrammonium.

Bitteriweet, - - Solanum dulca-mare,

Tivcrtwig, or Amer. mazcrion, Celaftrus fcandens,
.Elm,+ - - Ulmus Americana,

Great laferwort, & wild angelica, Lafcrpitium trilobum, et latifo-

lium,
Angelica, or Amer. maflerwort, Angelica lucida,

* " In rrgafd to tree fruit," fav-s Dr. Tenny of Exeter, in T^ew-Hamp-
Ihire, in a letter to Dr. Bcltcnap, " wc arc in too northern a climate to have it
" of the fir-ft quality, without particular attention. New-York, New-Jerfey
*' and Pennfylvania, liavc it in perfeftion. As you depart from that trail, either
** fouthward or northward, it degenerates. 1 believe, however, that good fruit
" might be produced even in Ncw-Hamplbire, with fuitable attention."

Belknap's HijloTy N. H. Vol, IIL p. 140.

+ The baric- of the fwret-elili is a mofk excellent mucilage.

3E

39^4

GENERAL Ih f 0 R M A TION

Water elder,

Eldrr,

Cliicku'ccd, - '

Pettimonel. or life of man,

SarTDparilla,

Msrfli rolemary,

Sundew,

Solomon's i'eai,

.adder's tongue,

Unicorn,

Sweet flag,

Several fpccies of dock,

Biflort,

Spice -vvood, or fever Ivifh,

Saifafras,

Confumption root,

Rhcumatilm weed,

Moufeear, - r

Gargit, or ftoke,

Wild hylfop,

Agrimony,

\'iiburnum ojjulus,
Sjmbucus nigra,
Aliina media,
Araliria raccn^ofa,
Aralia nudicaulis P
Statice limoninm,
Drofcra rotundifoii,
Convallaria ftellata ?
Convallaria bifolia,
Aletris farinofa,
Acorus G?iiamus,
Rumcx,

Polygonum bidorta,
1/aurus benzoin,
Laurus laffafras,
Pyrola rotundifolla,
Pirola minor,
Ceraflium vifcofum,
Phytolacca decandria,
Lythrum hylopis,
Agrimonia cupaloria,

Common avens,orherb bcnnet, Geum Virginia,

Water avens, or throat root, Geum rivalc,

Blood root, or puccoon,

Celandine,

Yellow water lily,

Pond lily,

Sanguinario Canadf.ns,
Chelidonium majus,
Nymjihasa luten,
Nympha-a alba.

Golden thread, or mouth root, Nigella?

Liverwort,

Crowsfoot,

Germander,

Catmint, or catnip.

Head Bctony,

Horfemint, Ipearmint, water

■mint, and pennyroyal,
Ground ivy, or gill go over the

ground,
Pledge nettle,
Horehound,
Motherwort,
Wild majorum,
"Wild lavender,
'Aiyo^ bctony,

Anemone hepntica,
Ranunculus Pennlylvania,
Teucrum Virg.
Nepea catnrita,
Betonica ofiicinalis,
Mentha ipicata, viridis, aquatica,
et pulcgium,

Glecoma hcdcracca,
Stachys Jylvatica,
Marrubium vulgare,
Lconorus cardiaca,
Origarum vulgare,
Triclioftema ?
Pidicularis Canadenfis,

TO EURO PEA A' SETTLERS.

395

Shepherds's purfe, or pouch, Thabipfpi burfa paftoris,
Water ere ITes, - - Silymbriurn nafluriiurn.
Cranes bill, - - Geranium macrurhizum,
Marfli mallow, - - Althxa officin,
Mallow, - - Malva rotunclifolia,
Succory, - - Crcpis harbata,
Burrlock, - - Aftiuin lappa.
Devil's mt, _ _ _ Serratula ariiara,
Ihe root rcfembles the Europe-
an dev;!'* bjt, - - Scabiofa fuccifa,*
Tanley, _ _ . Tanacetum vulgare,
Wormwood, - - Artctniria ablintliiain",
Life everl tiling, - - Gnaplialium odoraliCTimvun ?
CoUs foot, - - TuflTilago farfara,
Golden rod, - - Solidngo Canud,
Elecampane, - - Inula lieleniuni.
Mayweed, - - - Anthemis cotuhi,
\ arrow, - _ _ Achillea millefclia,
American pride, - - Lobelia cardinal is,
Three other ipecies of lobelia. Lobelia dortm.iQua, klliaii, et

fphilitica.

Dragon root, - - Arum Virginia,

Stinging nettle, - - Urtica urcns.

White wahiut, butter nut, or

oilnut, _ . _ Juglans cathartlca.

Swamp willow, - - S::lix cincrea ?

Sweet gale, - - Mvrica gale,

White hellebore, or pokeioot, Veratrum album,

Moonwort^ - - Oltnunda luaeiia.

Female fern, - - Pteris caudata.

Hearts tongue, - - Afplenium fcolopendTium,

Spleenwort, - - Afplenium falicitolium,

Black maidenhair, - Afplenum adianturn,

Arfmart, - • - Polygonum lagitatum. Linn,

Pink root,+ - _ _

Senna, _ _ _ Caflia ligufbiaa.
Clivers, or goofc grafs, - Galium fpurium,
Palm.i Chriili, - - Ricinus,;j;
Several Ipecies of mallow, In-
dian phyfic, - - Spirxa trifohata,

* From wln'ch' circumdance tlie Errglifh name has prob;b!y been applied iy
this plant.

+ An excellent vermifuge.
+ Froin wliich the caftor oil is expreffed,
3^2

396' GENERAL IN FORMlfriON

"rify root, - - Afclepi'as deliuVnbens/ ''• ^ ^^- *'"*
Virgina inake root, ' ■ - Ariftolochla ierper^tariiaL^''"^^ '"'«'
Black Inakc root, ',..r»^,. Aftaea racemofa,- -,' ,

• 1 ...» .. .. .:J?.£SOrj. ■ .'. :. ' ?lt75 JEnTtlV •••!

Seneca rattle-fnalj.e root polygala Senega,

,, , . IT' f ■ 1 n. 3-' YflJoraf. J,"

Valeridn, -O-.-^^ s-,, ^^ Valeriana locuita radiata,

Cinfeng, - - , - ,, . Panax quinquefoliurn, ^ ,,

Angtlicas - - . -. Angelica fvlvefteris, \

Lalidva, - .»;-,,.,?• .latropha urens. ,

' ... f.i-i. . .J r, ^ t2lsigiHf?i

CULTIVATEP GLASSES. "^ """

/■-^; V --;- .^ -. . --3 j;. ^-^

All the grafics, cultivated jn the middle, aiid-Ncw-Hn-gland'
States, are found growin-g ihdigeous. It is not improb^ie,
however, that feme of fhem may be naturalized exotics. - The
following arc the pr'incipal grafTc^s fown in the cultivated ground^'
or in any way propagated for feed and hay';-" ^^lAvai «2lsig t>~t
Herd's grafs, or fox tail, Alopecurus praten(is,*.i5 ^r'r- ."

Blue grafs, - • - ^ Alopecurus gcn;cuht^s,»-/g v-'

Many fpecies of bent, Agroftis, -it "'3 yaijf d

Rhode-Ifland bent, - Agroftis interrypta, ' '.-•• .'i.,'

The finall and great Eng, grafs, Poa trr^ialis ct pratcnfis.
Wire grafs, Poa compreifa, :

Fowl meadow grafj, - Poa- avjaria, fpiculis fubiflori^jt

Red and white clover, . ' Trifoiium pratenicet rjepens, '.^ "*
THir-graffes 'of Virginia, according, to Mr. JefFerloq, -^fe
lucerne, faint foin, burnct, tin-iolhy, ray, and orchard grafs,
red, whitp,, ,and. .yellow clover ; greenfwerd, blue grafs and
jcrab grafs. South of Virginia very little attention is paid to
thc^cdkivation of graffes. The winters, are ioniitldr t.l)-4fith*
cattie f;tMi -^-jtuicirab^e liipply. of food inthe woodijv {if. avtH yarji

■:'';■-::•: :■ -jt..^ gnrwof

NATIVE GRASSES.

."• .''.■'•'. - - ' "^ " ' ''i'^S^

,- JBvOi^*^'?, ^y^^. cultivated graffes, the States , of New-ETi^Iaq4
abound with a great variety which are found growing in their
native foils and fituations, many of which have not been 4<^f-
cribed by any botanical writers. The Imall experiments which

have been made, fufficicntly evince that fcveraj of then^ niajce

■ "-■■ ^•^' ^' ■-- - .^-^rM-y^

* Thk IS r^ckom-d the beft-gritls tQc Americans kavc, is a nativc^^auftltofjwfr
ed to be peculiar t«^i he cater n aod^mliidlc Stitfa.ni?'! ..•..^o''ir. l-oo! » I'.iji

+ " The fowl meadows, on Neponfit river, between Debham ana Stoughton,
•' are confidered by fome a curiofity. A large traft of land is there cleared anfi
' yrfq^fedWvrSth^aixfc^iccllcih Xiritfol gra&.'^iiKbitSe tHi-affiftanci-df nia'i>- *

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, , 397

cxcelient hay. They might be grcatjy improved by cultivation,
4nd are highly worthy the attention of farmers, Thofc which,
iiirc found moft common are the following, viz. ^^ ^

The vernal grafs, .- t Anthoxanthum odoratum,

Timothy, or bulbus cat's tail

grafs - _ - f hleum pratenfe.

Several fpecies of panic grufs, Panicum,

Several fpccics of bend, - Agroftis,

Hair grafsj - - .- Aira aquatica.

Numerous fpecies of poa — qua-
king grafs, feveral fpecies, Priza,

Cock^s foot grafs, - - Daftylis glomcrata,

Alille*, - - - Milium effufum,

Fefcue grafs, man-y fpecies, Fefluco,

Oat^rafs, . - - Avena fpicata.

Reed grafs, fevcrai fpecies, Arundo,

Brome grafs, - - Bromus fquarrofys,

Lime grafs, - r - Elymus hyftrix,

Barley grafs, - , .« t./^ordeum pratenfe.

Dog's, or couch grafs, "*• <^,Triticum repens.

Many fpecies of rufh grafs, Juncus,

Numerous fpecies of carcc, in
• frefh and fait marfhy ground,

Several fpecies of beard grafs, Andropogan,

-jSoft gftfsi - ^ li * Holcus lanatus ct odoratus,*

-'''>;■:> ^ ' . ".vf .v;

*>jrL5Z AiJD HORTL'LJN'E PLANTS AND ROOTS.

"* 'Befide&thofe tranfplanted from Tlurope to America, of whicJi
they have all the various kinnds that Europe produces, the fol-
lowing arc natives of this country :

i:^

Potat0F5, _ _ - Solanum tuberofum.

(Ground nuts, a fort of potatoc, probably a fpecies, highly rdifh*

ed by fome people, / ' ""

_, , -^: - '^ '^ -w I0 Vi,..

lobacco, - - - Wicotiana,

rumpkins„ /- ,•- , - Cucurbita pepo,
■> >; V ' ' ""^ Ui-^v.-5> J6ti: 5-»ar ■ ,. ^ r '

Cymimgs. - - -■ Cucurbita verrucofa,

Sf|ufcftifiS,;v.„: ^^ ,•(..» j:>.r.,:n:\ Cucurbito melopcpo,

iCantelope melons, beans, peas, hops. Probably others,

far.!, bj--..',^'- -'-II ; ...1. ., . .- - ■- .. ■ vi .:- '

* Befi^».aksfS,-Jl^S5;a«e.J5^ .yaliijb^^rajgis, 5*fbic|V jt-jpttiept* arc non*

398 GENERAL IX FOR M AT 10 N

CULTIVATED GRAIN.

Indiiin corn, zca mays, a native grain of North- Ainciica.
The varieties of this grain, occaftuncd by a dliK-rciice in iuil
cultivation, and climate, arc alincfl; cndlels.* M'iiiter and lum-
mcr rvc, fecale cerealc, hy'oeiniiin et vernum, tiie only fpecies
cultivated by the American farmers. The wiuttir rye iucceeds
bfft in ground newly cleared, but fuinnrer rye is frequently
lown in old towns, wiiere the land has been long under cul-
tivation. The winter and lummer rye are the lame fpecies,
forming two varieties; but the winter and lummer wheat are
two diftinft fpecies. Several fpecies of barley arc cultivated;
the moft common is the fix, ranlced huideum .hexaltichon ;
and the two, ranked hordeum dcfliciion. Tlic vvlieat princi-
pally cultivated are the vvniter and luiruner triticuai hybcrnum
ct aidivum. Oats, avena fativa. Buck wb,eat, pol)gonum
fagopirum.

In the fouthern States, as far north as Virginia, wlicre the
lands are luitablc, belidcs the grain already mentioned, they
cultivate rice. This gram was brought into Cariliria hi ft by
Sir Nathaniel Johnlon, in i688 ; and afterwards more, and of
a different kind, probably a variet\', was imported by a Ihip
from Mad.igafcar, in 1696; till which time it wis not much cul-
tivated. It Iucceeds well alio on tlic Oiiio river, where it is
planted both on the high and low grounds, and \n the fame fields
with Indian corn and other grain. A gcntlemin who had plant-
ed it Icveral years in iiis garden, informed Di'. Culler that it
yielded at the rate of eighty bulhcls an acre. At Maiictta, it
has anlv,'cred tiic moft l;snguine expccl; itions of the inl^abi-
t:in'ts, producing equal to any othicr grain, wiiliout being at
any lime overflowed with water. The doftor hiinfclf law it
crowing in a very flouiifhuig (late, on high land, but it had nol^
at the leafon he law it, began to bloom. It was laid not to be
of the lame fpecies of (>aroiina rice, its prob,.bly the wild rice,
which v/e have been informed grows in plenty, in loine of the
interior parts of North-America, and, is the m.oft valuable of
all ipontuneous produtlions of the country. In Tenniylvania

* Of nil the difirrent kinds of Indian corn, botaniftt \\a\c b("=n able if) find
iiut oncy/'ft!i.y. The ditFerencc in this genus of plants is pnibably atrcid?ntal,
owing to the ubove ineiilioiied caiiXcs. Il is poflible, however, that aniong thefe
va'iclie^, fieafic characters may yet he found. What is called ihc /f>ik:J Indian
(O'n IS probably only a varu'y. The plant commonly known in the fc-,jthcrn
Sytates by the name of Guincd eo: 'i, is of the family of graffeSj as are rye, wheat,
barley, oats, &c.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 395

prows a fort of ernip. called bv the Germans _/5!>f// J, which rcfcm-
blcs wheat, and is a very valuable grain.

Tlie above lifts arc all of them impcrfctl, and rr.anv of them
coniain but a (mall proportion in llicir rclpcftive clafTes of the
produce o^ the States ; they arc. liov/ever, all that can be pro-
cured till Dr. Cutler and Dr. Mitchell finifh the work they have
undertaken, :ind thus bring ns better acquainted wiih the vege-
table productions of America.

To the foregoing we fubjoin a catalogue of fuch foreign plants
as have not been cultivated, or at moft but partially, in the
United States, but which are worthy of being encouraged in
America for the pin poles of medicine, agriculture and commerce.
From a pamphltt by Johp Ellis. F. R, S, prel'ented by the Ho-
nourable Thomas Pcnn, Efq. to the American Philofophical So-
ciety, through the hands of Samuel Powell, Efq.

Latin Names.
Rubia peregrin;
Rubia tinfto-

rum
Quercus fuber

Quercus 2cgi-
lops

Qiicrcus galli-
lera

Englifh Names
luikey madder
Dyers madder*

Cork-bearing

oak
.■\vel!anea of va-

lenida oak

Gall-bcarinj
oak

Obfervations.

Tlie firfl is iuppoied to be the
lame that is now cultivated ia
Sniv.'iia for a crimion dye.

Gro-.'/i in the fouthern parts of
France, Spain, and Portugal.

The cups of the acorns, which
are very large, and uled in dy-
ing, grow in Greece and Na-
tolia, particularly in the ifland
of Zia in the Archipelago,
where Tojirnefort fays tlicy
gather in one year 5000 cwt.

Galls from Aleppo and Smyrna.
This oak is not yet known in
England : the acorns may be
brought over in wax, and fent
to the fouthern States.

* Tills plant is a natne of the \varmeft parts 'of Europe, and is bericr calc;u
latcd for the climate of the fouthern States than ciihrr-T&f Holland or England,
where it is cultivated ; hut principally in the former, from -whence England is
chieily fiipplicd with this vyluaidc dye. The chemifis ^'ay', and with reafon,.
tt'.at the warnnth of the climate e.xaks the colour. If fo, it mav be well worth
attention to encourage the planting of fo valuable an article of commerce in a
eliniaie and foil that feeia.s fo much better adapted to it, where the J«nd it cheap,
and wher^ legetation is fo tnuch quicker and more luxuriant; and while they
encourage the growth of it, they may hivc the advantage of iranufaiV.uring ihij
vajuabic commodity at home.

4do

GENERAL INFORMATION

Latin Names.

Carthamus tinc-
torius

Rhamus cathar-
ticus minor

Rhamus laxa-
tilis

Olca Europa

Sefamum orien-
tale

CofTypium hcr-

baceum
Gofiypium hit-

fututn

Salfola foda
Salfola iativa

and chenopo-

dium niariti-

mum
Crratonia fili-

qua

Piflachia vera

Pidachia terc-
binthus

Englifh Names.
Safflower

Buckthorn that
produce yel-
low berries of
Avignon

Olives of feve
ral varieties

Oily grain

Two forts of an-
nual cotton

Thefe kinds of
glaffwort fof
barilla

I-ocufl: trec< or
St. John's
bread

PifiacKia tree

Chio turpen-
tine tree

Piftachia Icntif-iMaftic tree
cus

Obfervation*/

Much, ufed in dying, grows i»
Egypt*

Ufed by painters and dyers >
both thefe plants produce
berries fit for this purpofe.

For oil ; thefe j(row in France,
Spain, & Italy. Young plants
and ripe fruit of the French
and Spanifh forts, may be car-
ried from thence.

Propagated in the Levant for
oi{, which does not foon grow
rancid by keeping.

Both thefe kinds of annual cot-
ton are yearly (ovfn in Tur-
key, and would grow Well in
Georgia, Carolina, Virginia,
&c.

Thefe are fown yearly in. fields
near the fea in Spain, for mak-
ing barilla, for ioapy glafs, &c<

The pods are excellent food for
hard working cattle^ and ufed
for this purpole on the fc*
cOaft of Spain, Where they are
eafily propagated from feed*
or cuttings.

Thev are propagated about
Aleppo, where the female
or fruit-bearing ones are in-
grafted on flocks raifed from
the nuts.

This kind of turpentine is ufed
in medicine.

Gum maflic from the ifle of Scio ;
as this tree, common!y called
lentilcus, is doubted to be the
genuine maflic tree, (ceds of
the true kind may be procur-
ed from the ifle of Scio.

Latin K'aihejt '"^Ehglilli Names
Gurn ftdrax trfet

401

•"Styrax oMci-
nale

•«*lc{ gnuoY A

^mH 3H' '<o

I y

1 1 Jit :

"r: ,«;ir.I

r>3fijd ) <«o»J ♦ jh

1^ :■?-

B< Kpr 4 yci «v

Sapaver iomniT

• < •;. r- ■ r ■ vi
. itrum

Caffia fenna

Croton fcbife-

0iim'fcafnoiopy

s

:iA-:: Jo

ji! 3rl) no aiof] u;o i-irfj to^

Obwrvations.

„, . . . ^r-:.,c!-:'nf! • - :,

Inis tree grows in Ifaly, Svna,

and India j but the warmer

cljrnatcs yi(ild the befl gurtt.

Seed's of the plant, from whence
this excellent drug is.nocMi-

' ed, were lent into England
ifiorn Aleppo, by the'lite Dr.
Alex. Ruffel : it bears thc-cli-
mat^e very well, and pKr'u'ces
feed -in hofiummers, but re-
quirts the vvamtT cli^intcs of
CTrolin.-i, Gjeorgla, <^c. tniri -ks
the gum renn that fi' ns from
it a ben^fic'al artic'e of cqm-
m'ercve.' ni is fe fr'equerttlv
adulteratedjin Turkey, that, to
have It gen Jir.r.it is well worth
nropiig tin* in the U. States.

l^iS 'iSrccom^.ended ttiibe fc*ATi

'^'"■m'the AHuthern States for.lhe
lake of obtainrng the oprinn
pure.+

This grows iq Upper Egypt, and
.is brought' from thence ^ to
Alexanjilria); it would nor.be
■cfifli;cul't^' to- procure tiie feids
of 'this'aieful Sru'g^,'

This plant grHw.s in nioijft glaces
China ,_' in China, and i&- of great -ule

- *- ■ -'^^ hn that countriy. '

l^ue opium I

g •o'.o i

Alexancfrian;

k.~) 9ri} iEsn I

jBlinfti gnJ «

Fallow ttee of

:is'

-, Thetf IS a felinrxis juicc, wnicnjby
ID-?} rno\i .b'j:=^f,r ,^ t,. •--Jr//:', s
a pungent, warnrj bahamic-faife, ana v

age hardpns into^a folid brittle rcfin, o£

very fragrant frhelj, not unlike the (lorax

calamita, heightened' WkH an"ittie ampcrgris, which is produced from the ftyrax

, ^\'ti}?; jFr^nchi in ^iTPratp' h^ftpry o( Louifianna, fp"ate y''^ rapcure of itsheaU
int; qualities, and the high efteem'it is in among :he Indians of Florida, on ac-
c^mnt of its infinite virtues 1 it is knoKn to the EngliJh hj^ the name of the fweet;
. .,£i|ra ttf/;»,aA^,lo .;:h«^?enct> by tfea nams of copr^ha^., . tr^^is^is well .wovtbthe
attention of p! v'fician^, ^s thity can hfevc it genuine, whertas the (iordx frqm the
caft is often adulterated.

''; + '"^Yie fe^ti of tin's' fpecies of poppy is retommer.ded by a pbyfician of great
'j^rhinehci aV ^op?r for the fatnepurpofes ot medicine as iVeet almonds are ufed.
i'^is dMCT^tfafiot Lo hive the lean d^ree of a narcotic cLi<il.tv in it,

i-Ooiq 'j6 7£m l>(\ii auii iri ^ 1

.biaeJ \o 3fli 3d? cioi^ jb* !

402 GENERAL INFORMATION

Latin Xames. I Englifh Xames. ObfervatioJW-

Rheum palina-
tum

True rhubarb

Calamus rotang [Three forts of
gum dragon

pterocarpu& |
draco dracae-j
'na draco

Dolichos foja |

Laurus cafTia

Lauvvis cinamo-
mum

Laur. camphom

or drngon's
blood
\ kind of kid-
bean, called
daidfu

CafTialigneatree

linnamon tree

yainphire tree+

rhe feed of this plant was bro't
to England by Dr, Mounfey,
F. R. S, from Mofcow, and zv-
pears by experiment to be the
genuine true rhubarb of the
fhops, and is a mod valuable
acquifilion to a country, as it
will grow well in a deep rich
foil, inclining to a fandv or
gravelly loam, but not in too
wet a fituation, and may. be
cultivated in the warm parts
of the States.

1. From a kind of cane in the
Eafl-Indies. 2. From Java and
Surinam. 3. From the Canary
and Madeira iflands.

Uied for makins foye,* or In-
dian ketchup. See Kxmpff.
Amoenitat.

Grows in Sumatra,

In Ceylon, Guadaloupe, and in
mofl of our newly ceded
iflands.

In Japan, and in Sumatra, now
in England in the green houle$

* The TuethGd of preparing Eaft-India foy?, or India ketchup.
Take a certain meafure, for inltance a gallon, of that fort of kidney beans,
called daidfu by the Japancfe, and caravances by the Europeans; let them lie
boiled till they are foft; alfo a gallon of bruifcd wheat or barley, but wheat
makes the blackeft foye, and a gallon of common fait. Let the boiled caravaaces
be mixed with the bruifed wheat, and be kept covered clofe a day and a night in
a warm place, that it may ferment; then put the mixture of the caravances and
■wheat, together with the gallon 6f fait, into an earthen veffel, with two gallons
and a half of common water, and cover it up very clofe. The next day ftir it
about well with a battering machine or mill frutahtlumj for feveral days, twice
or thrice a day, in order to blend it more thoroughly together. Tliis work muft
be continued two or three months, then flrain off and piefs out the liquor, and
keep it up for ufe in wooden veffels ; the older it is the clearer tt will be, and of
fo much more value. After it is prcITed out, you may pour on the remaining
mafs more water, then ftir it about violently, and in fonie days after you miy
prefs out more foye.

+ The camphire from Sumatra is greatly preferable to that of Japan; we arc
not certain whether it is from a different fpccies of tree, but it fecnis well worth

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

40B

Latin Names. En-lifh Xarecs.

Cycas

circinaiis

Amyris Gilead-
enfis

Arundo bambo

Anacardus Ori-
entalis

Thea

Saga palm tree

True balm of
Gilead tree*

The true bam-
boo cane

Siam varnifh
tree, called
tonrack by
the Japanele

Tea

Obfcrvatioiis.

about London. It will gro\v
freely where oranges and le-
mons do.

In Java, and the warmeft parts
of the Edft-Indics.

Lately dilcovered in Arabia by
Dr. ForOcall, and delcribed
by Dr. IJnnaius in a late dif-
fertation.

Of great ufe in China, and
might be alio in the American
States. +

The fruit of this is the Malacca
bean, or marking nut, and the
Oriental anacardium of the
fhops. This is the common
varnifh of the Eafh- Indies, as
defcribed by KaempfFer,

From Japan nnd China. Se?
Kjempff. Amcenitates, p. 60.]:

inquiring into, as the effefis of proportionable quantities in medicine are fur-
prifingly different, perhaps it may be owing to the great difference of heat in
the climates.

* We have in the ifiand of Jamaica, a fpecies of tree of this genus, called bv
Linnaeus amyris balfamifera. See Species Plantarum, p. 456. Sir Hans Sloane
in his Hiftory of Jamaica, vol. H. p. 24, calls this tree lignum rhodium, from
the odoriferous fmell of its wood when burnt, which it difFuies a great way; for
which reaion he believes it to be the tree that afforded the ao^reeable fcent which
Columbus perceived on the fouth fhore of Cuba, upon the difcovery of that
ifland, as is mentioned by feveral hiftorians. Dr. Pat. Browne in his Hiftory of
Jamaica, p. 208. calls this tree white candlewood, or roiewood, and com-
mends it much; he fays it is very refmous, burns freely, and affords a mofl
agreeable fmell ; and that all the parts of this tree are full of warm and acro-ma-
tic particles. — Oucre. Whether it is not worth while to cxtraft the balfam, a&
it agrees fo near in charafter and genus with that mofl; valuable dru"^ the balfam
of Mecca ?

f The French had brought this mofl ufcful plant from the F.dR-Indies to
their Weft-India iflands ; a few roots have been got from thence to Grenada
and will perhaps in time become familiar in our iflands. But too much pains
cannot be taken in the propagation of this plant, as its ufes are manifold and ex-
tcnfivc, both in building, and all kinds of domcftic inilvuments.

:j: It is afferted by fomc people, that the green tea and the bohea tea are two.
different fpecies, but without foundation ; they arc one and the fame fperies. It
is the nature of the foil> the culture and manner of gathering and dryin,- tha
leavfes, that makes the difference ; for take a green tea tree a;id plant it in the bo-
hea country, and it will produce bohea tea, and I'o the contrary. This is a fa£l
attefted by gentlemen now in London, that have reudtd many years in China
and who have had great experience in this article — This plant lias been lately ob-
tained, and grows well in Georgia, Sec. as it is become a valiLdble -ariicle of
-commerce, it Iliould be encouraged to the uiraofl.

3 r 2

494

GENERAL INFORMATION^

Latin Namss. f Englifii Names.

Gardenia Flo-
rida

Uinky of the
Chinele

Ma-gnifera In-
dict

iS papyri-

Cinchona offici-
nalis

Doiflenia con-
trciycrvA

Smilax farlapa-
n!la

Copaifera offici-
nalis

■TL'oluifera bjlfa-
nium

Jiymenea cour
baiil

ivift-Inclia man-
go tiee

Paper mulberry
tree

Jefuits bark
tree

Contrs^'erva
root

Sarfaparilla root

Balfam copaiva

tree
Baliain tolu

tree

The locuft, oi
gi'.m copal
tree, for the
fineft tranl-
parcnt var-
niffi

^ Obfei-vati<3rT*f

Ufed in dying fcarlet in China^
The pulp that lurrounds the
Iceds, gives in warm water a
moft excellent yellow colour,
inclininjP to orange. See Phi-
lolopliicnl Tranlaftions, vol.
lii. p, 654, where there is an
exaft figuie of it.

This excellent fruit is much
efteemed in the Eaft-Indies,
and it is (,iid there is a tree of
it now growing in the ifland
of Aladiira, By the defcrip-
tion which Dr. Solander gives
of this fiuit, at Rio Janeiro, in
Brazil it is not fo good as the
Eafi.-India fort.

Uled for making paper in China
and. Japan. See Kccmpfi".
Anioeait. p. '467. This has
been fonie time in the Englifii
gardens.

This grows at Loxa, in the pro-
vince of Peru ; and could it
be obtained io as to be culti-
vated in the American States,
would be of infinite advan-
tage.

This grows in New Spain, Mexi-
co, and Peru.

It is brought from the bay of
Campeachy, and the gulph of
Honduras, where it grows in
plenty, and might eaiily be
propagated in the loutherri
States,

In Brazil and Martimr.o,

This tree grows near Carthagena
in South-America.

1 his tree is known to yield the
true gum copal, and that the
difference between this and

I gum anime, may be owing to
loil and heat of climate ; it
grows wild in the American
lilands, the Mulquito fhorc^
and in Tcira Fiuna.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

405

Latin Names.

Jalapium offici-
narum

Eixa orcUana

MiiKofa Senegal

Englifh names.
True jalap

Arnotto, for dy-
ing

Gum Senegal
tree

M'imofaNilotica Gum arable

Ficusfycomorus

Fieus Carica

Vitis apyrena
Fraxinis ornus

Amygdalus
communis

Obfervations.

This plant is fuppofed by fom«
to be a kind ot bindweed or
convolvulus, that grows near
Mexico ; by others it is tho't
to be a ipecies of Marvel ot
Pel u. As we are xjncertain of
the genus, it is well worth in-
quiring into, ^s a mofk uleful
drug, in order to propagate it
in the States, particularly the
louthern.

This grows in all the warm cli-
mates of America. The French
cultivate it, but what the Spa-
niards iend is much richer in
colour, and more valuable.

This grows in Egypt, and in Se-
negal.

In Egypt, from whence the
iecds may be procured.

This is reckoned the moft du-
rable timber known. Ihe
repofitones of the mummic-
found in Egypt, are made of
thii timber.

Figs grow in the greateft perfec-
tion in Carolina, and would
become a valuable tradt ir
they had the method of Our-'
ing them as in Turkey.

The cuttings of this vine mighf
be procured from Zant.

True fycamore
of ii-acheus

Turkey figs

Currants, or Co-
rinthian grapes

Calabrian man- |This is worth trying in the
na afh* iouthern colonies, where the

heats are violent in the fam-
mei . It is common in Eng-
lilli nurlery gardens.

Sweet almonds Thefe would grow to great per-
lc£tion in the iouthern States,

CapparisfpinofajCaper tree

This fhrub requires a rocky foil
to grow in, as it is found about
Marleilles and Toulon.

* There is no drug fo Iiab!e to addulteration as this; and therefore it is a
Kiedicine fo frequently in ufe among pcrfons of tender conflitHlions, efpecially
young children, great tare fr.ould be taken to have it genuine.

4o6 GENERAL INFO RMATION

Latin Xa-.nas. En:;Iirti Names, j Obfervations.

Punica grana-
tum*

Lichen roccella

Ciflus ladanife-

ra
Bubon galba-

num
Paflinaca opo-

ponax
Amomum car-

damomum
Curcuma longa
Aftragalus tra-

gacantha

Cucuinis coly

cinthis
Gentiana lutea

Similax China
Pimpinella ani-

lum
Gambogia gutta
Qiif. cus cocei-

fera
Myrrha oFnc.
Benzionum

offic.
Atnmuniacum

ofFic.
Bailamum reru-

vianum
Olibanum Thus

nialcah:m

Balauftians or This tree would thrive extreme-

the blofroms
of the double
flowering
pomegranate

Argal, canarv-
weed, or or
chell

Gum Idbdanurn

Gum galbanum

Gum opoponax

Cardamums

Tumerick
Gum traga-
canth, or gum
dragon
!!oloquintida,o!
bitter apple
Gentia

China root

Anile feeds

Gamboge
Alkermes oak

Gum myrrh
Gum Benjamin

ly well in the louthern States,
and yield a profitable article in
their bloffoms. Plants of this
kind are to be bought from mofl;
Englifh nurferym.en.

It is poiTible this valuable plant
may be found in the American
iilinds, »s well as in the Cana-
ries and Cape Yerd iflands.

In Spain and the Archipelago.

In Ethiopia.

In Sicily.

In the Eaft Indies.

In the Eall-Indies.
In the fouth of France and in
Sicily.

In Africa.

In the Alps,
Pyrenees.

Appennines, and
To be had of the

nurlerymen in England.
In China and in New-Spain.

In Egypt.

In the Eail-Indies.

About Marlcules and Toulon.

In AbyfTinia.

In Sumatra and Java,

Lrum ammoni- ;in Ariica.

acum j

Natural balfam [In Peru.

of Peru j

1 rankincenfe In the Upper Egypt and interior
I parts of Africa.

* The finglc flowering, or fruil-bearing po.TiegTaHate, v/ill afford the mod
grateful addition to the fruiis of the States, and a valuable medicine. The ripe
fruit full of feeds is to be met with at the Englifh fruit fhops lu the winter fca-
(yn : from the Teecs of fuch fruit this trte may be eaf !y propagated.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

407

Latin N»mes.

Nux mofchata

offic.
Caryophylus

aromalicus
Piper nigrum
Garciniamonga-

flona

Lechec

Ipecacuanha

Ferula afla fee
tida

Englifli N'ames.

Nutmegs with

mace
Cloves

Popper
Mantrofteens

Lechee of Chi-
na

Ipecacuanha of
the fhops, 01
Brazilian root

AlTa fcEtida, or
devil's dung,
called liing in
the Malay lan-
guage

Obfervations. '
>n Amboyna.
[n the Molucca iflands.

Sumatra.

A mofl; delicious fruit, grows in
Java, and in fcveral parts of
the Eaft-Indies.

This fruit is highly commended
by all perlons who have been
in China.

A very uleful medicine, and
worthy of attention to propa-
gate ; it will grow in any
warm climate.
The gum of this plant is much
uied in medicine. Ka;mpff.
535 and 536.

To tills catalogue may be added liquorice, fafFron, and aloes
focotrina, as well as many others of equal importance.

We fhall here fubjoin fome dire£lions for carrying over feeds
and plants- from difLant countries in a flate of vegetation.
Many valuable trees and plants grow in diftant countries, as in
Europe, and particularly in the northern provinces of China,
about the latitude of forty degrees, which would thrive well
in Norlh-Amcrica, more efpecially in the middle and fouthern
Slates, which lie about the iamc latitude. But as the diftance
is great, the manner of prelerving the feeds properly, fo as to
keep them in a (laLe of vegetation, is an affair of confiderable
confequence and fome difficulty; the fjllowing hints are there-
fore offered for that purpofe.

In the firft place it ou^ht to be carefully attended to, that
the feeds fhould be perfectly ripe ^vhen they are gathered ;
and they fhould be gathered, if poffible, in dry weather ; after-
wards they fliould be fpread thin on paper or matts, in a dry
airy room, but not in funfhine. The time neceffary for this
operation will vary according to the heat of the climate, or
fealon of the year, from a fortnight to a month, or perhaps two
may be necelfiry ; the hotter th.e fcifon, the lefs time will fuf-
fice. This is to carry off their fupcrfluous moifture, which, if

468 CEMR A L INFO RMA TION

..confined, would imfnediately turn to mouldinefs, and end in

I rottennel's. , '" '"'' ' ■' '^ '' i:::.ii.

'^f^ ^As there are .two methods t^3t''!iave'*fuei^ee^(!'^ aViH^ttt the

^,>5krae>ricans in, poiTeflTion ot leveral younfg' plants bf 'Aid ' true

tea-tree of China, we fliall mention them boUli, Jn 'order to

airul fclie colkdor in conveyintr the keds of many vdldublo

plarxts* 1 , ,

The firil is- by covering them wiih bees-wax in the rrvanner
explained in Phil. Tranfaft. vol. LViit. p. -75.

it principally conufts in chufmg only iucii feeds as are per-
fcftly iound and ripe. To prove this, fome of them mull be
cut open to judge what fituation the refl may be in, taking
care to lay ahde any that are outwardly defeSive, or marked
with the wounds of infefts. When a proper choice of them
is made, they fliould be wiped extremely clean, to present any
dirt or moifture being incluled ; each feed then fiiould be rolled
up carefully in a coat of foft bees-wax half an inch thick ; the
deep yellow Englifli bees-.wax is the befl;< When the number
intended to be incloled are covered, pour fome bees-wax melted
into a chip-box of feven inches long, four broad, and three
deep, till it is above half full; and jufl; beforeit begins to har-
den, while it is yet fluid, put in the feeds rolled up' ifi rows
till the bux is near full ; then pour over them' fome rh'ore wax
while it is juft fluid, taking care when it is cold to rtop all the
cracks or chinks that may have proceeded from the Hirinking of
the wax, with lome very foft wax ; then put on the cover of
the box, and keep it in as cool and airy a place as pofiible<

The method of inclofmg lea feeds fingl)' in wax, and bring*
ing them over in that ftate, has been praQifed fur fonie time ;
but few have fucceeded, owing to the thinnefs of the coat
of wax, or putting paper fiifl round thein, or inclufing them
too moift.

To this we add a method that promifes fuccefs for carrying
.plants from different parts. As there is a good deal of differ-
ence in. climates, it will be neceffary to obfervc, that plants
from warm climates Diould be put on board fo'as to arrive in
warm wealh'?!, otherwife they will be dcltroyed by the cold ;
and the ever-greens, which aie the mod cuiious. muR be lenf
in the winter months, while their juices are iutiflivc, To as to
arrive before the heats, come on. If tiie plants lent were plant-
ed in pots or boxes, and kept a year, they might be carried
over with very little hazard; or even if they were fiifl: tranU
pjantcd from the woods into a garden, till they lu'.d formed
roots, they might be lent with much more fafcty.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 409

The fize of trie boxes that will be moft convenient for flow-
ing them on bonrd merchant fiiips, where there is very little
room to fpare, fhould be three feet long, fifteen inches broaJ,
and from eighteen inches to two feet deep, according to the
fize of the young trees; but the fmallell will be moft likely
to fuccccd, provided they are well rooted. There mud be a
narrow ledge nailed all round the infide of the box, within fix
inches of the bottom, to fallen l.ilhs or packthread to form a
kind of lattice-work, by which the plants may be the better
lecured in rheir places. If the plants are packed up juft before
the fhip r^ils, it will be fo much the better.

When they are dug up, care mad be taken to preferve as
much earth iS can be about their roots ; and if it fhould fall off,
it muft. be lupplied with more earth, fo as to form a ball nbout
the roots of each plant, which mud be furrounded with wet
mofs, and carefully tied about with packthread, to keep the
earth about the roots moid : perhaps it may be necelTai-)' to in-
clofe the mofs with fome paper or broad leaves, that the pack-
thread may bind the mois the clofer. Loamy earth will con-
tinue moid the longed. There mud be three inches deep of
wet mofs put into the bottom of the box, and the young trees
placed in rows upright clofe to each other, duffing wet mofs in
the vacancies between them and on the furface ; over this, leaves
fhould be put to keep in the moidure, and over them the
laths are to be fadened crofs and crofj to the ledges or pack-
tlircads to be iacsd to and fro, to keen the whole deady and
tight. The I'd of the box fiiould be either nailed down dole,
or rray have hinges and a p.tdlock to fecurc it from being open-
ed, as may be found neceffaiy, with proper direftions marked
on it to keep the lid uppermod. There mud be two handles
fixed, one at each end, by which means there will be lefs dan-
ger of didurbingthe plants. Near the upper p.rt of the ends
of the box there mud be feverai holes bored to give air ; or, in
ir.aking the box, there may be a narrow vacancy left between
the boaids of one-third of an inch wide, near the top, to let
out the foul air ; and perhaps it may be necellary to nail along
the upper edge of thcle openings, lid. or dips of fail-cloth, to
hang over them, to fecure the plar.cs from any fpray of the fea ;
and at the laine time it will not prevent the air from palling
through. Boxes with plants packed in this manner mud be
placed where the air is free, tliat is, out of the w-ty of the foul
air ui the diip's hohl.

The following method of prefiirving feeas ;ru ;. n'ning ran-
<:id from their long confinement, and the heii of (Iw tiimate=i

3 G

^»o GENERAL INFORMATION

which they may pais through, was communicated fome Veais ngo
i>y tlie celebrated profeffor Linna;us, of Upfal, in SweJsii.
He^adviles, that each lort of {ced fhould be put up in ieparaie
papers, with fine fand among them, to ablorb any nioiflure ;
dfied, loamy ,oi- ioapy earth mnv be tried. Thcfe papers, he lays,
fhould be packed ilolc in cylindrical glafs, or earthen vefici?,
and the mouths covered over with a bladder, or leather tied fait
round the lims. He then direftb that t'.iele vellcls, with the
feeds in them, fliould be put into taher velfels, which fhould
be lo large, that the inner vclfel may be covered on all fides, for
the fpace t)f two inches, with the fcUowing mixture of idlis.
Half common culinary fait ; the other half to confift of two
parts of laltpetre, and one part of ftl-amrnoniac, Uth reduced
to a powdci^, and all thoroughly mixed tctgether. to be placed
about the inner veilel, rather rnolU than diy. This nc calls a
refrigeratory, and lays, it will keep the feeds cool, and hinder
putrefaftion. Perhaps if finall • tight bwxcs, or c..rk> or botll^^s
of feeds were iucjofed in c-fks full of falts, it might be of iliC
lame uie, provided the i lis do not get at the iccds : ano as
fal-ammoniac may not be ealily met with, half common ialt, ^iid
the other half laltpetre, or common fait alone, might anfwer the
lame end. But it would be veiy aeccffaiy to tiy b.^'th aicthods,
to know whether tl>c latter would aniwer the purpole of the
iormor, as it w< aid be attended with much kfs trouljc, ai.d
might prove a uleful method to feedlmen, in fending iceds
to warm climate.''. '■"\iuii\

Tlie Imallcft iecds being very liable to lofe their vjcgetative
pc."*c r by l'''iig voyages through warm climates, it may be
worth while to try the following expeiiment upon luch kinds
aS are known for certain ro be lound. Dip iome Iquare pieces
fji" cotton cloth in melted wax, and while it is ioh and ^iliuo;ft.;
cold, (Irew the furface of each piece over with each , iart^ of,
Imall iced, tlicn roll them up tight, and incl(,)lc eaclv ,riflki|inn
Iome loft bees- wax, wrapping up each oi tliem in a piece <>f
pajier, with the name of the ieed on it; ihele.inay .bf^ :cii,h(»p..
lurrounded as before with ialts, or packed vyithj^utiJllijOjtjiijt-ij if^;^
a box, as is rnoft convenient.

The feeds of many of the fmall fucculent friiiis may -be
earned from very d.ilant parts, by prelling iheui. ti^geih^r, •
Iqueezing out their watery juices,' and drying tiieui jn i^riall
cakes gradually, that they m.iy become haid; [.hey may Ucthea
wrapt up in white writing paper, not fpongy, as tiiis is apt to
altratt cud retain moifturc ; but we believe , it will .b.c .found,
that a cwvcriii^ of Witx will be b'ciur ilun cue of p.appr-,

TO EU ROPLAN SETTLERS, -^

Tlie Alpinr fi;ra\»herry w;is firO fcnf to Englnnfi in ,-. letter
from Turin to Hcmy Bnker, E(q. F. R. S. by prefTing; the
pulp with the feeds thin upon p.ipcr, and letting it dry before
they were inclofed. T!;? piper mulberry from China was
brougln to England abcv:t t!;e year 1754, much in the fame
manner.

Thefe hints may prompt to try the larger fiirculent fruits;
for inflance, the manf/)e.s, lechers, and others rf this kinrl.
If their flefliy pxrf, u lien they are '"--ry ripe, was hroughr to
the conGflence of raiiins or dried liqjs, it woidd keep their
kernels plump, and in thi's fttte they might be better prclerved
in wax than bv any other method yet known. Tiie f^tne me-
thod mav be tried for flower leeds and other <)rnanienr;il plants
for gardens, which have b6en but little attended to in the
United States, and which therefore an European fliould furnilh
himfelf with if he means to refide in the country part r>f the
Union*, the fim- attention may be necciriry to lloi>es and ker-
nels of choice European fruus,

METHOD O? CLI-ARIKG A N' D CULTIVATIXG NKW lAXDS.

Several methods of raifina n crop on new land have been
praftifed in the New-Enghsnd State.s ; the eafuTt and cheapeft
WA's' 01-fgin-dly learned of the Indiatis, who never looked very
far forward in their improvements: the method is tliat of gird-
IJng the trees, which is done by m.iking a circular incifion
llirough the bark, and leaving them to die- llauding; this opera-
tion is performed in the fummer, and t'le ground is Town in
Auguft, in general with winter rye, intermixed v\'jth grals.
The next year the trees do not put forth leaves, and the land
having yielded a crop, becomes fit for pafture. This method
helps poor iettlers a little the flrft year; but the inconvenience
of it is, that if the trees are left (landing, thcv aie continually
breaking and falling with the wind, which endangers the lives
of cattle; and the ground being conRnntly encumbered by the
falling trees, is Ids fjt for mowing; fo that if the labour be
not cifcffcuarlly done at once, it muft be done in a lucccflion of
time.

Some have fuppofeJ, that the earth, being not at once but
by degrees expofed to the fun, preiel'-ves its rnoifturc, and doer,
not become fo hard; but the c-xpefience of the belt huToand-
njen has exploded this opinion. The more able foit of huf-
bandmen in the New-England States, therefore, chufe the me-
thod of clearing the land at firft, by cutting down all the trees
wUhout exception. The mod eligible time for this operation

3 G z

412 GENERAL INFORMATION

I

is the month of June, when the fap is flowing and the leaves
are formed on the trees : thefe leaves wll not drop from th&
falJcn trees, but remain till the next year, when, being, dry, they
help to fpread the fire, which is then fet to the trees. This is
done in the firil dry weather of the fuccecding fpring, and
generally in May ; but if the ground be too dry, the fire will
burn deep and greatly injure the foil. There is therefore need
of judgment to determine when the wood is dry enough to
burn, and the foil wet enough to rcfift the action of the fire :
much depends on getting what is called a good buT7i, to prepare
the ground for planting. To iniure this, the fsllcn trees are
cut and piled, and the larger the pile the better chance there is
for its being well burned. But if the land be intended for
pafl-ure only, the trees arc cut down, and after the fire has de-
ftroyed the limbs, grafs is fown, and the trunks of the trees are
left to rot, which, in time, turn to good manure, and the paf-
turc ij durable.

Some hufbandmcn prefer felling trees in the winter, or very
early in the Ipring, before the Inow is gone. Tlie advantage of
this method is, that there are fewer fhuots from the flumps of
the felled trees, than if they are cut in the fummer 5 thefe flioots
encumber the ground, and muft be cut out of the way or dcr
flroyed by fire. The difadvantage of cutting trees in the win-
ter is. that they will not dry lo loon, nor burn lo well, as thoie
cut in the fummer with the leaves on; befides, the month of,
June is a time when not only the trees are eafiell to be cut, but
the feed is in the ground, and people can better attetid to this
labour, than when they are preparing for their Ipring work, or
have not finiflicd their winter employments : the days too are
then at their greateft length, and more labour can be done in ,
the courie of a day ; this labour, however, is often paid for by
the acre rather than by the day ; and the price of felling au
acre is from one to two doilais, according to the number and
fize of the trecs^*

The burning of trees generally deflroys the limbs and fmaller
trunks; the larger logs are left Icorched on the ground, and
fometimes ferve to fence the field. After the fiie has had its
efFeft, and is fi^cceeded by rain, then is the time for planting.
No plough is ufed, nor is it pofhble for one to pafs 2;i\oniT the
roots and flumps, but holes ore ma,de with a hoe in the loofe
foil and aflies, in which, the feed being dropped and coyeref}, ■

^ Belknap's Hiftory •£ Ncw-PIampfhire.

TO EURO PE AN SETTLERS. 4,3

5S left to the prolific hand of nature, 110 other -culture being
neccffary or prafticable, but the cutting of the firew^ed, which
fpontaneoufly grows on ail burnt bad. This fireweed is an
antiusl plant, with a fucculent flalk. and long j-igged leaf ; it
grows to the height of five or fix feet, according to the flrength
of the afhes : it bears a white flower, and has a winged feed,
which is carried every vvhere by the wind, but never vegetates,
except on the alhes of burnt wood ; it exhaufts the ground, and
injures the firft crop, if it be not iubdued, but after the fecond
vear dilappears. About the fecond or third year another weed,
called pigconbeny, fucceeds the fireweed, and remains till the
grafs overcomes it ; it riles to the height of three feet, fpreads
much at the top, and bears bunches of black berries, on which
pigeons feed.

When the trees are burnt later in the fummer, wheat or rye
is fown, mixed with the leeds of grafs, on the new land ; the
feed is fcaltered on the furface, and raked in with a wooden or
iron tooth-rake, or a hoe. The hufbandman knows on what
kind of land to expeft a crop from this mode of culture, and
is feldom difappointcd. Sometimes a crop of Indian corn is
railed the firft year, and another of rye or wheat the I'econd
year, and the land is fown with grafs, which will turn it into
pafture, or be fit for mowing, the third year. The fiifh crop^
iu (ome land, and the two firft crops in any good land, will
jepay the expenfe of all the labour. It is not nn uncommon
thing for people, who are ufed to this kind of liufbandry, to
bring a tra£l of wildernels into grals tor the two fiilt crops, the
owner being at no expenfe but that of felling the trees and
purchafiTig the grafs feed. Many hufbandmen in the oid towns
buy lots of new land, and get them cleared and brought into
gtafs in this way, and pafture great numbers of cattle ; the feed
is excellent, and the cattle are loon fatled for the market.

Hufbandmen differ in their opinions concerning the advan-
tages of tilling their new land the fecond year : lome fuppoie,
;that mixing and ftirring the earth does it more good than the
crop injures it : others fay, that one crop is fufiicient before
the land is laid down to grafs ; and that if it be lown with grain
and grafs, as foon as it is cleared, the large crops of grafs which
follow, will more than compenfate for one crop of grain.
When the feeding with grafs is negle6led, the ground becomes
yncffy and hard, and niuffc be ploughed before it will receive
feed. Land thus fown will not produce grafs fo plentifully as
!t}?at which is feeded inimcdiately after the fire has run over it :

414 CEXERAL INFORMATION

beiides, this regleflcd land ik grnerally oveiTprcad with cherry
trees, rafpberiv biiflies, and other wild growth, to fubduc
\vhich much additional labour is requ'.rtd. In good land, the
fij-ft crops of hay src, on an average, a ton to an acre. That
land which is intended for mowing, and wliich takes the com-
mon grafs well at firft, is feldo;)! or never ploughed afterwards;
but where clover is 'own, it muil be plouglied and fceded every
fourth or fifth year: good land, thus mani'ged, will average
two tons of clover to tlie acre.

Such is the procels of cleaving pnd cultivnting lands in the
New-England States, for a further view of the produ61ions of
which the reader is referred to the hiflory of thoLe States.*
A fe\v additional remarks, however, may be reccffary on tlie
fubjcft of tree fruit. Tliefe Stales are certainly too far nonh
to have it in perfeftion, i. e. of the firft; quality, without par-
ticular attention. New-York, Xew-Jeriey and Pennlylvania,
have it in peffeftlon. Depart from that traft, either fo.uthward
or northward, and it degenerates. We believe, however, that
good fruit might be produced even in New-Hampfhire, with
fuitable attention ; a proof of this is, tliat lomctimes they have
it. In theorizing on the fubjcft, three tilings appj'ar to us
particula.ily nccelfary, all which are totally neglcfted by the
generality of American hufoanchnen.. The Jirjt, after procuring
thrifty young trees of the heft, kinds, and grafting fuchas^
require it, is to chufe a fituiition for them, where they^B^', ,
have the advantage of a warm rich foil, and be well fniplLexed
from the chilling blafts of the oce^n. The /'xond is to ke.ep the
trees free from fuperfjuous branches, by 3 frequent ule of the
pruning hcKjk, and the earth a]^^•?ys loofe about their, roots.
The thzrd is to defend the trees from infetfs. particularly thofe
"which by feeding on the fruit render it Imall and knotty, a^
ve frequently find apples and pears; or hv depofiting- their
eggs in the embryo, occafion its falling off before it, cojpes to
maturity, as is obfervable in the various kinds of plum^i, Biat
mofh of the farmers go on in the path traced out by their ^p^T.
ccftors, and arc generally averie to making experimpjOt^,,;,!^©,
refult of which is uncertain, or to adopting new modes /a^f; hutV
bandry, the advantages of which are in the fmalleC^ dfg,rre.e,,i{>TP?,
blematical. There are few cultivators among ih«;ui, jVyhp. ^^f^h
rize, and ftill fewer who read and think.

Vol. II.

TO EU ROPEAK SETTLERS. 41^

111 the middle Sutes, when a f'ettler fixes on a fpot of land,
wl)ich he ufually buys, paying fcir it in gnles, his firll care is to
cut down a few tfees to build his hig-'ioufc. A man can cut
dowti and lop fio;Ti twenty to tliirty in a day of the fizc proper
for the purpole. Thefe 'form the walls of the building. In
general, the U)g cabins of tins kind arc fucK as h^If a dozen,
Wcii'vliU"c4?ily Bnifli in three or' four days. Ten guineas worth-
of- 'lMS6ur''th\is emyloyed,' wilt lodge i family quits as com-
fortable as in the. better kind of cottages in England.
- He til en proceeds to grub the laud, 2. c. to t:ke up the fmall
tffces;' flionts, and underwood, bV the roots : thefc arc burnt
up6H the ground. In a general way this may be contrafted for
at about twenty fhillirgs an acre. It is generally reckoned to
cofl uiuallv five days wuik of a man to whom, as it is very hard
work, the pay i^ three Hiillings a day, findnig him in viftuals,
and allowing him a dram of whifkey morning and evening.
The price of this kind of work will cafily be conceived t-j
vary according to circumflances. Where land is hjeayily tim-
bered with trees of two or three feet diameter, as it is about
the heads of the creeks, and on the iflands of the Sufque-
hannali, the underwood is in fmall proportion, but llie expenle
of clearing much greater.

The land being grubbed, the trees immediately about the
houlc are cut down, and for the prefcnt another portion is
girdled only. Tlii* procefs, deftroying the vegetatiorr of the
branches, lets in the light and air lulHricntlv to cnlure a crop
the next t'eafori. The trees cut down are Iplit into a kind of
rail for fences, which arc mndc by laying thefe pieces angular-
wile ohe"'6h'the top of another, to the height of fix cr leven in
numberj^tTi'ifth' in the lame way as the logs of a houle are laid
on each other, but fljnting in alternate direftions. A poll and
raiifence 5^ hot thought of till fome years afterwards. In new
ian'd, after ^Tubbing and g:rdl;ng, i. e. taking up the under-.-
wood'^, and •'tttttrng through, the baik of the larger trees irta"^
circle all roilind tlie trunk, which prevents the leaves from
grow.ng nt'Xt lealon-. he plows about t\yo inchcs^and a half
dee|>vHli6>n^^fcr*6fs; then luws the feed aud harrows, it. Uuon
the average' of his land, his crop of wheat is r.ot above twelve
bulhels per acre ; of "oats from fifteen to twqutv.*

* In England we apprehend, the avraje wVieat crop p-r ftatut- acr; is at lead
twenty biifhcli. Ttie average of the Ifle oI'VyTglit in 1793, was at leaft chiny-
five bufhels. The average of the whole Slate oi Pcnnfyivania cannot be reck-
oned at above ten or twelve. Maryland the fame. This is owing to the negle£i
of rnanurci, to the repeated working of the fame ground with crop.'; of grain till

4i6 GENERAL INTORMATION

The trees cut down are never rooted up. The value of the
land gained will not pay the expenfe of doing this. They are
cut off about eighteen inches or two feet from the ground. The
fide roots are obftruftions to the plough for about two years^
when they are completely rotted. The ftumps in New-York
and Pennfylvania States do not rot away completely under t(;i>
years ; in Virginia and Maryland this happens in about feven.
It appears, that by cutting off the tree a few inches below the
furface of the ground, and covering the ftump with mould, the
expenfe would not be much increafed, the deformity, which is
indeed a great one in an American landlcapc, would be prevent-
ed, and the procels of putrefaftion accelerated. We never
heard of but one perfon, Lord Stirling in Ncw-Jerfey, who had
his trees rooted up ; and we are inclined to think it was done
at an expenfe much beyond the convenience gained.

The expenfe of clearing heavily timbered land is confider-'
able, fometimcs to the amount of five and fix pounds per acre
but the great fertility of this kind of land affords ample recom-
pence. In general the whole expenfe is not forty fhillings an
acre. One-half or two-thirds of the expenfe of clearing land
in New-York State is repaid by the pot-afh obtained in burning
the wood. In Pennfylvania, and the fouthern States, the back
fettlers are not fo much in the praftice of this uleful method.
The land furveyors have four pounds per thoufand acres for
furveying a traft of land, and making return of it ; but as the
owner finds labourers and provifions, thefe, with other inci*
dental expenfcs, will make the coft of furveying altogether
about twenty fliillings per hundred acres.

Planters of any conlequcnce frequently have a fmall di/lillery
as a part of their eflablifliment. A Mr. White on the banks of
the Sulquehannah near Sunbury, has one which may ferve as a
fpecimen of this kind : he has two ftills, the one holding fixty
the other one hundred and fifteen gallons. To a bufhel and a
h;ilf of rye coarlely ground, he adds a gallon of malt and ^~a
handful of hops ; he then pours on fifteen gallons of hot water,
and lets it remain four hours, then adds fixteen gallons and a
half more of hot water, making togetlier a barrel of thirty-one

it will bear no more, nnd to the very flight labour they beflow upon their tillage.
It niiifl be ronfidercd alfo, that much of the land is occupied by the ftumps of
trees not rotted, and never grubbed up.

But though in America lefs grain is producrd per acre than in England, they
get move per man. There, land i.s plentiful and laboiir fcarce. In EnglSrnd it
IS the revcrfe, Hcntc the accur.icy oi" Britifh, and carelcUnefi of Anicfjcaa
caltivatioa.

> TO EVROPEAX settlers. 4^7

gallons and a halfj this is fermented with about two quarts of
veaft.' ' In fummer the fermentation lafls four days, in winter
ihii ; of-thi-s wiJ-fii he puts to the amount of a hngniead.in the
larger fbill, and draws off about fifteen gallons of weuk fpirit,
which is afterward rttlified in the Imaller ftiU, leldom more than.
Once^i^ Orfe bufhel of rye will produce about ^leVen qttiarts of
lal a'^/Ievvhilkey. which fetches per grJlon four fhillinos and fix-
pcnce by the barrel. Whijkty in England is uhully a Ipirit drawn
fromloa~«$. ( )Tbe rye produces^tfie bafis of gin.

We hare no doubt but barlrv could be well grown, and well
malted and brewed, in almoli any part of America ; and beer
tnij^ht be more generally inti'oduced. The American fmall beer,
as well as the portei', is at prefent very good ; and as there is
Tio ex'cife upon malf) nor upon malt-liquoi' ; as grain is cheap,
and tne materials of a brewery to be had for little or nothing, it
is rather fufprifirtg that breweries are not tncwe generally-efla-
blifned. ' ni>oq JiH tn ; dj oJ aamijsiuol pfd's

The bcft view of the hufoandry of the middlf* States, and the
cleareft ideas on the fubieft, mav be obtained from obfervtions
on a-ftfr1tityf "i^tneSttirh -extent — fuch a one occurs fft Paxtans;, in
-3'the State oTPerinrylvania, in the poflefuon of a Mr. M'Allifler,
■^ a fpirited and intelligent farmer; and as his place will afford a
f.'.vourable fpecimen of an American plantation, we fhall detail
hiseflablifhrnent. '

'Urs^farrn is about throe hundred acres, near the river ; a fandy
foi!, earlier in vegetation by ten days or a fortnight than the
higher lands at a diftance. About one third of this, quatitity ' is
in cultivation, the reft in wood. ;^niiiii£i ymsw) iu^.-ds

The rotation of his crops are grain ; theti' clover iliown "twice
the fiifl year, and once the fecond y^ar. In autumn, it fs turned
ih,/ahd,gram again, of lome kind, fown tipon the fame latid.'

tde inanUres for his crops either with dung, with afhes, or with
plaifter of Paris. Ir does not appeal" that he has -any fvfl:em of
proportion between cattle and land, for the purpofc'of procbrinp-
a regular fupply of manure. The plaifter of Paris he procxiVes
iti tbe ftcme fflE^sh Philadelphia, formerly at fevcn. now at twelve
doitafs per ton : he grinds it at home; one ton yields twenitv-
fourbufnels. The French plaifter of Paris is much tlie heft; the
Nov;aiiScot(iavplt(tften-!is:not'ib;gooi%" -^ ifWiti; Q-ot.aniwerf !El^^a}l as
ittnishuTC ixfjo'n v;'et'-lahd3,'but atiAV'fers W^il eyft="h'htJ''far)dy'"rt^iIs
which it preferves moifter than'they would otherwife 'be during
tJjc hejits of Xum,rne,r,f";,|ls. ro\Nfs/th<j ptilft^-^'n ^ i^lo-

. •»firy-.&ve or (ix buihcls t«!-tjh«.aci:e.. . ->1i3V3t "arij /i

2 H .oohivh'tJ

4i8 GES'ERAL Ih FORMATION

His average produce is of wheat and rye about twcnty-thrcc
buHicls to the acre, corn, (iTlaizc) and pats about thirty bufhel^
Weight of a buflicl of wheat from lixty pounds, wliicli is the
market wciglit, to iixty-five pounds; of rye about fifty-eiglil
pounds; oats about thlrty-fi've pounds; corn, the white fliut
kind iown the fit ft wctk of M'ly, about fixty pounds per bulhei.
The gouid-feed, maize, yields larger crops, but it is a lale
gram,

Bv means of his plaifter manure he obtains at two mowings,
per annum, three ton and a half of hay per acre. The hav is
ready to be ftacked uiually the d.iy after it is cut.

His prices of produce and labour are to hufoandmen twenty-
five pounds a year, with board, wafliing, and lodging : or fix
d'^llars a month, or two niillings and fix-pence a day in common,
and three fliillings in harveft time. For mowing an acre he pays
three fhillings, finding viftuals and a pint of whifky, or four
and fix-pence without finding any thing elfe. Women in reap-
ing have as much wages as men, but at hay-making only fifteen-
pence a day, and their viftuals. The price of wheat is fix fliiU
lings and fix-pence a l)i.nlicl ; maize three fhillings and nine-
pence ; tye four to five fhillings; oats two to two fliillings and
fix pence ; buck^wheat two fhillings and fix-pence ; lalted pork
thirty-three fhiLings per cwt.

His ploughs are the common light ploughs of the country.
Drill ploughs are little in ule : in moft parts, the ftumps of trees
would prevent their being uled. He has rejetlcd the hoe-
plough : firft, becaufc he finds it cuts off too many of the young
fibres of the plants ; and fecondly, becauic the laud is too diy to
require the furrow. In lieu of the hoe, he harrows the ground,
without rc-Jarding the grain, lo as to lay it quite flat and deltroy
the ridge and furrow. This, he i lys, ha^ been the praftice in tlie
neighbourhood for two years pad, with fuccefs.

In feedin-^ his cattle, he makes it a rule to give tiictji as much
as they will eat. The cows, bcfidcs clover-hay, and Tiniotny-
hay, have potatoes jnixcd with ground Indian corn, and the w.ifh
of the diftdlery. The hogs the lam;-. His cows, however,
even in fpring do not yield above five or fix quarts of milk at
a meal. Here, as almofl eveiy where in America, Indian corn it)
the food the of tlie poultry.

Inllead of the chail-cutting machine, which he now uies, he
propolcs to biuile the hay between two miU-ftones, of which
the edges come conta(^t : he has tried this in a Imall way. and
finds the hay mucli better and more txpcdilioully cut than by
the chaff cutter.

TO r.UROPE AN SETTLERS. 419

J'lis fi'ncdi are partly the common ftjke fence of t!'e rounfrv,
Vrhicli we have before defcribed, of wood fplit into Icncnl^s of
iix or {even feef, and three or four inclu's Irantliiig, ;ind laid
upon eacli otiier angidav-wife : partly a cbevaux dc frize fence
of wood n.uck in ihe ground, and pirtly the common poft and
r^\l fence. lie has tried tliorn and privet hedf^es without fuc-
fefs. He then turned his attention to tb.e prickly locun; as an
indigenous » lant of the country. The feeds <'f this tree arc
contained in a poil like a bean, and it is cx'rcniely common in
Pennfyh'inia, He ran a furrow withaplou'h about twoortliree
inches deep, round his orchard, drilling in ('he feeds and rover-
ing tliem ; but from the want of a ridge being ])ievjouiIy thrown
up, fome heavy rains, which fucceedcd in about ten days, waflied
awav a great many of the leeds, and reni^ercd the fence incom-
plete. Thofe (landing are about four years old, Jrom the Iced.
I'hey are as thick as a man's arm, at about a foot irom the
ground, and eight or nine feet higl; ; and had thcv been diihbed,
would have been a very complete fence, but the rains having
fpoiled the fiift plan, lie negle£led them. Tie one-year fhoots
cf the locufl-tree laid nlong the furrow, would have thrown out
fprouts. Perhaps this would be the cafittll method oi planting
them for a hedge. M'AlIifter iavs, that were he t'^'i go upon a
new farm, of a thoufand acres for inftance, of uncleared land,
his firfl obj?ft Pnould be to cut a rwad of about two rood in width
all round the eit-itc. The heavy v/ood he W'^iilJ' cut up for
fences or fire wood, or fuch other purpoles ns it might be Ht for;
ihe b.rufli wood he would hy in two piles ou each iide this new
road : bet>veen tlieie he would low or plant loc^iff, and bv the
time the brufh wood w5s rotten, the locufl would be a fence.
The next operatiim fliould be to plant an orchard, and erccl a
f.iw mill. 'I'hefe ideas appear to be judicious.

His garden produces very fine grapes and ftrawberi ies. The
dry fandy land tliere fcems well adapted to the culri.ie o^ th«
viiie. A German in his neighbourhood, who polleli'es a very
Jmall farm, has made e\'ery year lately three or four barrels of
Kvine, which M'AUifter, who has taft'.-d it, thinks very good.
Me has no doubt whatever of the prafticabilit)- of making good
wine in Pennlylvania, This agrees with orlier intotmation of
perlbns, who having iucceeded jn the linall wav, are planting re-
gular vineyards. Indeed there is a iociety formed at Philjdfl-
phia for the promotion of the culture of vineyaids, and iherc
does not appear the fligkteft obflacle to the luccels of the at-
tempt. Certainly the Rhine grape, which promiles fair at Sir

Q H 2

420 GENERAL I N FO R M A T 1 0 Sf

Richard Worfley's vineyard in the Ifle of Wight, is much rA^xa
likely to rucctcJ in the middle and touthern States of America.

M'Alliftci's orchard contains thiitv acres of gtound, and ona
thoul: nd fix hundred apple trees, part of them planted eight,
and part thirteen years ago. They are two rood, thirty-threer
feet, ap;,rt. The ye.ir, 17Q3, was a very bad year for apples,
and he made only fifteen barrels of cyder ; the year before h«
made fix hundred barrels, and if 1794 proved a g < d year, he
expefted to make one thoufand from liis orchard. He fuppofes
his trees in this cale likely to yield ten buPnels cf apples on ihe
average. Peihaps this is the leafl troublelome and moft profita-
ble application of the ground. When the general appearance of
the orchard has a red tinge, the trees arc healthy. Againfl the
grub he ufcs a decoction of tobacco. He has leveral peach trees,
but they have not long been planted. But one plum tree of the
damafcene kind, and a few pear, or apricot, and no netlarine
trees. He gives fixpence a piece for apple and peach trees, about
three or four years old, that is fit to plant out. Peach trees grow
about the thicknefs of the thumb, and four or five feet high in
one year, from the fhone, and bear fruit in four years from the
flone. Cyder ulually Iclls at ten fliillings arid twelve flnillings
per barrel, of thirty-one gallons and a half, but 17-95 being a bad
year, it loid for three dollars per barrel, i. e. thirteen fhillings
and fix-pencG fleihng, one pound two fhillings and fix-pence
currency. Ilis cyder-prefs confircs of two caft-iron cog whecl^
about one foot diameter, with flanting cogy, turning vertically ;
thefe he means to change for wooden wheels, owing to the aftiorl
of the acid upon the iron : tliey are fed with apples by a h«pper ;
the motion is given by- a horle moving round. The m-afh of
apples thus produced, is put into a kind of cafe, aiid prcfiTed
not by a fcrcw, bur by one end of a malfv beam, which is forced
down by means of the other end being railed by a lever. A
man deprcffes the lever, which raifes the nearefh, and deprelTcs
the farthefl: end of the bea-m. The juice is thus forced upon a
a platform about feven feet fquare, with a groove all round, and
an outlet for the juice from one of the grooves : the beam is
about twenty-five feet long, and about fvfteen inches iquare ; the
frames in which it moves, about twenty feet high : lie fomctimes
finds a difficulty in clearing his cyder, which he has not yet
conquered. In England this is not an cafy part cf the procels
nor is the beff mode of doing it letlled among the cyder makers.
In the warmer climate of America, the liquor w'ilf-lVe ftifl' more
Jiablc to Ipontiueous ferroentation after being once fined. The

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 4»^

cyder, however, of Pcnnlylvatua, is much luperior, in flavour
at ieaft, \.o the Brilifh,

' He has a fifh-pond of two or three acres, in which he keeps
all the kinds of fifh which the river produces. The wafte water
from the fiih pond is applied to feveral purpoles, particularly to
irrigate a ciuantity of meadow, ground at half a mile diftance.
The Americans leem more alive to the benefit of irrigation than
zny other kind of agricultural improvement,.

He has a diftillery, much on the fame plan as that already no-
ticed •, it is managed by a profclfed diftillcr, \vtio receives one
third of the Ipirit produced for his trouble.

He has a fmokery for bacon, hams, &c. it is a room about
twelve feet fquare, built of dry wood, a fire place in the m.iddle?
the roof conical, with nails in the rafters to hang meat intended
to be fmoked. In this cafe a fire is made on the floor in the
middle of the building in the morning, which it is not ncceffary
to renew during the day : this is done four or five days fuccef-
fively. The vent for the fmoke is through the crevices of the
boards. The meat is never taken out till it is ufcd. If the walls
are of ftone, or green v/ood, the meat is apt to mould.

His faw mill, which cofl: about one hundred pounds, confifts
of an underfhot water wheel, with a crank, which in its revolu-
tion moves one faw in a frame up and down. Anotlier move-
ment is annexed, by which a ratchet wheel is puflied on, and
this moves the logs forward in a frame •, to the frame are annexed
pinSj which, when the law has pafl'ed through the log, throws
the works in and out of gcer ; one faw working one thoufand
feet a day, is as much as that neighbouihood can at prefent keep
employed, and the machinery is lefs complicated than if it v.orked
more laws, and is about fufficient to keep one man employed in
attending it, lupplying it with logs, and removing the planks as
they are cut. This fawyer h;!S for wages fix-pence per one
hundred feet ; in eighteen hours the faw will cut two thoufand ,
two hundred feet. M'AUifter receives from two fliiUings to
two fliillings and fi,x-pcnce per one hundred feet. He purchafcs
the logs from people who live up the country, and they lend
them down in rafts : he pays from two fhilli-ngs and fix-pencc to
three fhillings a piece for logs of from fifteen to twenty feet
!ong, and about a foot diameter; they come down in rafts con.
ijilling of fr<Dm fifty to one hundred logs broad, and one eight or
^e;i feet longer than the reft, fallcacd acro(s the reft with withy

4S2 GENERAL I N FO R LI A T lO N

twigs; the proj^tlin^ ends of the long crofs log anlwer for tlie
purpofe of (leering by.

His grift mill coih about e'ght Ii indred pounds; he lets it out
to a tenant. A lond of wheat is fixty bufhels, which cofts
twenty-five fiiillings grinding, the- firmer having the ofFal, 7. c.
the feconds, miduiings, and bran. The wide in grinding is about
twelve pounds per cwt. Sixty buflisls of wheat m:ike twelve
barrels of flour, of. one hui>.dfe<l- and ninety- fix pounds each^
nett, i. c fomewhat more than three, bufiiels to one cwt. The
offal is worth abovit three pounds a load : b.irrels coll about oijc
fhilling and eight-pencct^ach ; if too green, thi'v turn the flour
four. The offal pays the expenfc of grinding and barrels. Flour
fells at Philadelphia for about -forty-five fmllings a barrel.* It
js fent thither from Paxtang, Tvl-Allifter's. l)y way of Newport,
at ten faillings a barrel. • ■<•

The details given refpefting Mr. li-AlliP.er-i eftabliniment
may appear long, Iwjt we were anxious to convey clear ideas of
th.e aftual flate and mode of living of the American planters, of
which this is a fair, though a favourable fpecimen. Comfortable
as it is, M"Alliiler, like ahnofi; a'A the Americans, having im-
proved the Isnd he occupies, is not fo attached to the Ipot as to
be unwilling to remove to the wilderncfs of the back country,
to fee a nev/ creation of the fame kind form around him, thp .
produce of his own exertions.

In the beff cultivated parts of the middle States, the courfe.
of crops appear to be :

Firii.— 'Indian corn, fown from the middle of May to the firft
week in June, in hills about four feet apart e-ich way, dropping
three or four I'eeds in a hole. This is ufrstHv g;>thered off time
enough to fow wheat in the fall of the yc3r,_ though t,lae ludbpi
corn will fljnd without damage )nto the winter.

Second crop is wheat, for wliich the ground is prepared by
two hoe plowings between the corn In the preceding fummer,
the plough going up one fide of a ridge and down the other,
and the fame tranfvcriely. which earths up the corn (mai/e)
in the form of a hin->ck. Tlie wheat is reaped at the ufuai
time, in the htter end f-F the ftiinmer. In the fp'ing of this
iecond year, however, clover is ff)wn among the wheat, and
when the Inter c-rop is gotten ofl' the ground, a few catile ar%

, ^"lii the latter end of the yar :703, at Philadtipria, it fad riftrr. to iof'.v~
f.n-e'aand fvirty-ck' t r.iiMinsrs.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLER S. 4-23

turned into the clover for a fiiort time, juft to top it, but not to
eat it dofe.

Thud and fourth yc?ir, clover mown twice in each year. Af-
ter the laft mowing in the autunn of the fourth year, the ground
is plowed and fallowed till May, when m the fifth year, Indian
corn comes on again.

Sometimes lye or winter barley is fubftituted for wheat, and
fomctitnes oats for Indian corn, in which ca!e the oats are iown
in April. Frequently the ground is made to yield an autumnal
crop of buck wheat, making two corn ciops in one year, in
which cafe the buck wheat is fown in June, before the wheat
harveft, and is cut juft before the November froth. The fall,
autumnal, crops are ulualiy iown as near the middle of Septem-
ber as poilible. There, as iti England, white clover is the pro-
duce of lime-f^one ioil.

In the foi;ihern States, and what is called the \veftern terri-
torv, the metiiod of preparing and cultivating new lands is fimi-
lar to the middle States, except in tiie cultivation of tobacco,
rice, indigo, &e.

CULTUREOFTORACCO.

"With refpeft to the culture of tobacco, it is an art that
every planter thinks he is a proficient in, but which few rightly
underlland. A man who wifhes to make fine tobacco, fhould be
very particular in the choice of his feed ; we mean as to the
kind. We do not know a greater variety of any kind of vege-
table than of tobacco ; from the Iweet-lcented ; the bed lort, to
the thick-jointed, a coarie kind of tobacco, but of which we
think the moll can be made. We would recommend to a ge.n-
tlcman who would wiihi for the reputation of a good planter, to
cultivate the true fweet-icented.

When he has cholen his leed, let him prepare the beds in
which he intends to iow it, vcrv fine ; when thus prepared,
they mull be burned with corn llalks, in order to deftroy the
feeds of weeds and gtais, which, even when he has done the
bell with his beds, he will find very troublelome and diificult to
extirpate. The belt time for lov/ing the ieed is as early afier
Chrillmas as the weather will permit. Wjien iown in beds, pre-
pated as above diiettcd, which Ihould be done as loon a« pollible
after they are burned, inftead of raking m the Ieed, tlie beds
Oiould cither be pitted with boards, or gently trodden with nak-
ed leet. This being done, the next cace is the covering thorn
warmly with cedar or pin(i bruOi, t« defend the young plants
f;om the fro It,

424 GENERAL IN FORM AtTO'N

After all his trouble and care, the planter's hopes »rc oftert
blafled by a little fly, which frequently deftroys the plants when
they firll come up, and very ©ften when thev are giovvn to a
moderate fize ; no certain remedy againft them has vet been
difcovered : we have, indeed, heard, that fulphur will deftroy
them, and we beliex'e it will ; but it muft be often repeated, arid
will be too cxpenhve. We think that a pretty flirong infufion
of faffafras root baik, fprinkled freq>\ently over the'beds, would
deftroy thofe infefts ; and wc judge fo, becaufe its effefts haxt
been experienced upon the lice, a kind of fly that irifefts cab-
bages. Drought will alio deftroy the plants, even v/here they are
large in the beds ; the planter fhould, therefore, before the
drought has continued too long, water his plants night and morn-
ing, until he has a good rain. From thefe enemies to plants,
the neceiftty of having feveral beds differently iituatcd-, fcrtVie
co^ivenient to water in fwamps, and fome on high grouiid well
expofed, will be feen. Thofe plants at a proper fize. as bppoT-
tunity offers, are to be tranfplanted into hills at*' t'h'ffee 'feet
diftnnce. .-tiii.' -

Here it may be neceffary to give fome dlreftipns as to prepar-
ing the ground to receive tbe plants, and to notice what kind of
foil is bcft adapted to tobacco. The fame kind of land tliat is
proper for wheat, is fo for tobacco, neither of them delighting
in a fandy foil. We do not think a clayey ftiff foil will fuit
tobacco ; ho\yever, let the foil be ftift or light, it ought to be
made vetyTich, ,by cow-penning it on the fward, 9^r byTpreading
farm-yard manure over it, except it is iirong new land. W:
would recom.mend that the hills fhould be made in the autumn,
and at about the diftancc of three feet, or three and a half .in
the row and ftep •, by this means it has a larger furface expofed to
the froft, which will affift in the pulverifing and fertilizing it j
a good hand may very well tend from ten to twelve thoufan.d hills
of frefh light land, or from fix to ten thoufand of ftiff lajid ;
and we believe where the planter dependsupori mahiiririg his
land for a crop, he will find it dilTicuIt to get even" nvc thoufand
hills properly manured.

If the planter has time to turn over, in the month of 'Febru..
ary, the hills which were made in the fall, he will fihdhfs^(i<-ari-
tage in it; but we fcaicc believe that time will be fourid. ' <^''

If the tobacco feed has been fown early in good bed's, knld
thofe beds properly attended to, the planter may expcfttb plartt
his IrillSjfrom them in May. The earlier -tobacco il plaVWed tfic
better, 2S it v/ill not be fit to cut in lefs than tlncc months : by

TO EURO PEAN SETTLERS. 455

J^Iantirfg early, tobaceo will be houled in Auguft, a month by
far the bed in :he whole year to clU it, as it tlien cures of a
fine bright nutmeg colour, and will have a much better Iccnt
than later tobacco. Wlven the plants are large enough to let out^
the tobacco hills :nuft.-be prepared by re-working them, ^breaking
the clods very fine, and then cuttmg ofF the lop of the hill, fo
as to have it broad and low ; it is tlien common to clao the hoe
upon tlie top of it, which breaks the Imali clods.

Having turned as many hilb as it is convenient to plant at
one time, the planter fhould wait until a rain comes, ever lo
luile of which, at this ieaion of the yfear, will be iufficient*
provided the plants can b- drawn from the beds without break-
ing. The plants will more readily extend their roots, if let
out after a moderate rain, than if planted iu a very vv-et feafon.
The planter lliouid never prepare more hills than he can plant
the next lealon. as freih turned liills are bell for the plants. In
this manner proceed until the whole ciop is planted, rerlbus
may continue to plant every ieaion until the laft of June, but
we think they have very little chance of making good tobiccoj
if they hdve not their whole quantity planted by that time.
Alter the crop is pitched or planted in the manner direfted,
ic will require the clolefi; attention. The tobacco has at this
period a very dangerous enemy in a Imall worm, called the
ground-worm, which riles from the ground, and makes great
havoc air.ong the young and tender plants, by cutting off and
eating the leaves quite into the hill. It iomeiimes happens, that
the crop muft be replanted five or fix times before it can be got
to iland well. The planter mull then watch the firft riling of
the worm, and every morning his whole force muft be employed,
in fcarching round each plant, and dcllroying it. When the
tobacco begins to grew, the planter mull carefully cut down the
"hills fnclving fioha the plants, and take every weed and ipire of
gials from aiound the plants, without dillurbing the roots. Ihey
will, after this weeding, if the weather bj iealo lable, grow
■.jpii'y. When they hcve ipread over .the. hiU.s pretty well, gjjd
a hide before they are fit to top, about foMf, <^f. ^the Uiia^r, leaves.
Ihould be taken cii ; this is callea priming, aad tjien the toij^cca
mup£ have a hiU given to it. ^ ^

As loon as it can be topped to ten leavo^ it muft. be xipne, .and
ihiia by a careful har. . well uied to the ouliuqls; he, fljiouki i,ufter
his fhumb nails to grow to a confiderabis Luagtb, ,that, he m^v
take out the iauiii b^d fiom the top w^^at,-ij;ruiiin|, IcifVing

2 I'

426 GENEHAL INFORMATION

ten leaves behind in the firft ©t fecond topping, or untfl it gfowj
too late for the plant to fupport fo many leaves ; then to tail to
eight, and even to lix : but this the fkilful topper will be the
beft judge of, as it can be only known from experience. The
tobacco is now attacked by another enemy, as dangerous and ai
deftruftive as any ; it is the horn-worai, of a green colour,
wliicli gro\ys to a large hze, and, if iuffered to ftay on the
plant, will deftroy the whole. The firft glut of them, as the
planters call it, will be when the tobacco is in the (late above-
mentioned ; and hands mud be almod conilantly employed in
pulling them off and preventing their inCrcafe ; but if the planter
has a flock of young turkeys to turn into the field, they will
cile£tually dcflrcy thele worms. The planter m.ufl again hill
up his tobacco and lighten the ground between the hills, that
the roots of the tobacco may extend themlclves with eaie. Im-
mediately after topping, the tobacco begins to throw out fuck-
ers between the leaves where they join the ftalk ; thele fliould
be carefully taken off, for if they are luffcred to grow, they
greatly exhaufl the plant. Not long after the firft glut of worms
comes a fecond, in greater quantities tliau the former, and mull
be ticatcd iu the lame manner.

Tobacco, thus managed, will begin to ripen in the month
of Auguil, when it is to be cut, as it ripens, in oidcr to be
houied : but the planter, if he is not a judge himlelf, or not
able to attend to it, Ihould have a very ikilful let of cutters,
who know well when tobacco is ripe ; for if it be cut before it
is full ripe, it will never cure of a good colour, and will rot in
the hogfhead after it is prized. The tobacco, when ripe, changes
its colour and looks gre'yilh ; the leaf feels thick, and if prelfcd
between the finger and thumb will ealily crack ; but experi-
ence alone can enable a pcrlon to judge when tobacco is fully
ripe.

We think the beft time to cut totiacco is the afternoon,
■when the iun has not power to burn it, but only caules the
leaves to be iupplc, that they may be handled without bicakhig •
it fliould then remain on tne g-round ail night ; the next morn-
ing, after the dew is off, and before tiie iun has power to burn
it, it muft be picked up, but tlicrc Ihould be no appearance
of rain the preceding night ; for Ihould a heavy rain fail upon
the tobacco, when lying on the ground, it wjU injure it greatly,
by filling it with grit, aud perhaps bruiiing it. Tobacco is
indeed generally cut in- the morning, but in this cafe U muft be
■watched Very narrowly, and pickctl up, aud put m Iniaii heaps

OJ ijc'l 03 r.s:
3ffj ad ihw ■

^! byri

Aju\

;3d (J. :
Jorj to V

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 427

oa the ground, before it begins to burn ; for if it be rcorchcd
by the fun it is good for nothing.

There are difivrent methods taken in tlie inanagcment of to-
fcacco immediately after being cut, and lufficiently killed b'y
the lun for handling ; lome hang upon fences until it is near-
ly half-cured before they carry it to hang up in houies built for
the purpoie ; but tliis mode wc cannot approve of, as the leaves
arc too much expoled to the fun, and are apt to be injured. A
much better method is, to have Icafiolds made dole to the houfe
intended to cure the tobacco in ; and having a fufficient number
of tabacco fticks, of about four feet and a half long, aud an inch
thick, to bung in the tobacco from the field, and putting from.
ten to fourteen or fifteen plants upon a (lick, tu fix the ilicks up^
©n this Icafifold, about nine inches one from another. There the
tobacco fhould remain until the leaves turn yellow. By this
method the lun is prevented from coming to the leaves, and the
rays only fall on the flalks. After remaining a fufficient time,
the (licks fhould be removed with the tobacco on them, in the
houle, and be fixed where they are to remain until the tc-
bacco be fully cured.

The houfes built for the tobacco fhou'd be from thirty to
fixty feet long, and about twenty feet wide ; the roof to have
wind beams ab'Uit four feet diftance to fix the {licks on, and
contrived at proper Ipaces to receive the wliole of the tobac-
co until the houle is full ; fo that there Ihovdd be a Ipace
ot fix inches between the tails of the upper plants and heads
of the lower, for the air to pals through.

If a perfon has houfe-roora enough, we would advife, that
the tobacco Tnovild have no fun, but be carried into the houle
immediately after it is kiiied, and there hung upon the ilicks^
But, in this cale, the plants fliould be veiy few on the fticks
and the fticks at a greater diftance fiom each' other, for tobac-
co is veiy apt to be injured in the houle if hung too cloie
in a green ftate. If a crop could, be cured in this way, with-
out fun, its colour would be more bright, and the flavour finer,
the whole juices being preferved uncxhaled.

When the tobacco is fully cured in the houfe, whJ.ch msy
be known by the colour of the leaf and the dryneii, cf the
ftem, it may be then ftripped fiom the fiuilk, when it is in a pro-
per ftate, that is, in a iealon which m.oiftens it io as u can be
handled. As loon as the tobacco is i\j pliant, that it can tft
handled without breaking the leaves, it is to be ilruck from tl»e
ftitkSj put in bulk until it is ftripped from liie ftalk ; which, ir.

3 1 2

4^8 GENERAL I N FO R M AT 10 N

tlie earlier part of the year, fhould be immediately done, left t!^*
flalks, which are green, fliould injure the leaf. If the tobacco
is too high ii! cale when it is ftruck, it will be apt to rot -wrhen it
gets into a iweat. One tiring fliould be partrculaily attended to,
and that is, it 4hould be (tiuck as it fiiit comes int6 cafe, for
if it hangs until it is too high, or moift, and you' fliould ^r.it
until the moifture dries away to the ftate \^je c^dvife it tb be
Hi when you ilrike it. it will moft certainly, '^ when iii^'Bulk,
return to its full Ihte of moiilure' ; and therefore it fhould
hang until it is perfeftly dry ; and you are to wait till another
fealon anives to put it in proper pale.

Tlie next thing; to be done after the tobacco is ftruck" is to
ilnp it; and here particular attention is necelTaiy : all the in-
different leaves are firft to be pulled from the ftalk, by for-
ters well acquainted with the baiini Is, and tied by themfelvesj
to be afterwards flemmed. The plant, with the fine leaves, is
to be thrown to the ilrippers; they are to ftrip off the leaves,
and tie up five leaves in a bundle, of equal goodnefs. M'hpn
yoii have got enough for a hogfliead, which v.'e fliould advile
not to be more than a thouland weight, it flrould be imme-
diately packed up with very great care, and prized. The hcgl-
heads ihould be made of flaves not exceeding 'fbrty-eight in-
ches long, and the head ought not to be more than from thir-
ty to thirty-rtwo inches in diameter. No directions caTi be giv-
en here for the packing, it can only be learned from praftice.
If more tobacco than here recommended be prized into a hogf-
head, without much care it will be apt to be bri^ifcd, a cir-
cumfbnce whicir fliould be carefull);^ avoided.

OS THE CULTURE OF I N D 1 1. 0 .

As tne culture or tnis plant is in a manner cofihnea to. par-
ticular-parts of the United btates, the oblervalions thercoh will
be<:(>ncJ!e ; as, however, it may ere long he ,a,ttempted, and
ceVtait*ly~ VPJ^th a^reat probability of fucc^lSj in , IbmCj j)aits of
t&i'foititterii;. States, vk'here it has not , gs"^. Vet pfcn tried,
the' hitroduQiien' of ihele remarks will need co i'PpTcwy.,

. The -indigo tree is a ftraight and r.ither bvifay pTanf ^''from
its -root arilc^ ^ ligijepus brittle ffem, of the height of' two
feet, bratfichipg frcni the beginning, white on the infiiSe, and
C6ver&d;.witli a greyifh bark:, the leaves are alternate, com-
piiled i»p^ ^cveul luiall jl?;aye§ jdilpolea Tn two rpSys vlong a

70 EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 429

coinmon jl^olla, which is terminated bv a finglc foliolum, and
fai niilicd at its bafis with two fi-nall metnbrancs which are called
ftipula: : at the extremity of each branch arife cluflers of i-ed-
djfh papilionaceous flowers, rather Imall, and compoied of a
number of petals : the ftamina, to the number of' fix, and the
pillil, funnounted with a fingle ftylc, are arranged aS they are
ia mofi: of the herbaceous flowers : the piftil is changed into
a fmall rounded* pod, flightly cutved, one inch in length, and
a line and a half in breadth, full of cylindrical, fhining and
brownifh feeds.

This plant requires a light foil, Well tilled, and never de-
luged with water ; for this reafon Ipots are preferred which are
doping, becaufe this pofition prelerves the indigo plant from
the llagnation of the rain, which might deftrov it, and from
inundations, that might cover it with a prejudicial flime. Lon'
and flat grounds may alfo be employed for this culture, if chan-
nels and ditches are made to draw off the waters, and if care
be taken to plan-t them only after the rainy feafon, which often
qccafions overflowings. The feed is fown in little furrows made
by the iioe. two or three inches in depth, at the diftance of a
foot from each other, and in as ftraight a line as pofiible. Con-
tinual attention is required to pluck up the weeds, which
would foon choak the plant. Though it may be fown in all
fealons, the fpring is commonly preferred. Moifture caules
this plant to ihoot above the furface in three or four days : iV
is ripe at the end of two months. When it begins to flower, it
is cut with prunlng-knives, and cut again at the end of every
fix wegks, if the weather be a little rainy : it lails about two
years, after which term it degenerates ; it is then plucked up and
planted afrefh.

As this plant foon exhaufts the foil, becaufe it does not ab-
forb a fufhcient quantity of air aii«d dew to moiften the earth, it
is of advantage to the planter to have a vafl; fpace wkich may
remain covered with trees, till it becomes necefiar)' to fall them,
in order to make room for the indigo : for trees are to be confi-
dered as fyphons. by means of which the earth and air reci_
procally communicate to each other their fluid and vegetating
iubftance ; fyphons, into which the vapours and juices being
alternately drawn, are kept in equilibiiian. Thus while tiie
i'ap aicends by the roots to the branches, the leaves drawn iu
tiie air and vapours, v/hich circulating through the fibres of the
tree defcend again into the earth, and reftore to i-t in dew what
it lofes in fap. It is in order to maintain this reciprocal influ-
ence^ that vyhen there are no tr'ees to preferve the fields in a

4-30 GENERAL INFORMATION'

proper. ibte for the fowing of indigo, it is cuftoffiary to cover
fhcrfe-' Vhtch are exhaufied by- this plant with pdtatoes, or
lianfesj -the Creeping branches of which preferve the frenincls
of the earth, while the leaves, when burnt, renew its fertility.

.. Indigo,; is. diftinguifhed into feveral fpecie?, of which only
two ;. are cultivated; the true indigo^ which is^ the iort we
have .been fpealcing of, and the baftard indigo, which differs
ffom the former, in having a. tnuch higher, moie woody, and''
more, durable ftem ; in having its foliola longer and narrower,
its pods more curved^ and its leeds' black. Though the fir ft be
fold at a higher price, it is uiually advantageous to cultivate
the other, becaufe it is not io frequently jenewed, is heavier,
and yields more leaves, the produce of which is, however, leis,"'-
from any equal quantity. The firft will grow in many diilerent^
foils; the iecond lucceeds beft in th®fe wkich are inoft expoled*
to the rain. Both are liable to great accidents in their early .
ftate. They are {ometira£s burnt up by the heat of the Iutij^
,or choaked by a web with which they are furrounded by an
infeft peculiar to theie regions. Sometimes the plant be-
comes dry, and* is deftroyed by another ve\y common in'eft;"
at other times, the leaves, which are the valuable part of'
the plant, are devoured in the fpace of tv;enty-four hours '
by caterpiilers. This lafl; misfortune, which is but too corii-p
mon, hath given occafion to the laying, that " the planters"
of indigo went to bed rich, and rofe in the morning totally*-
ruined."

This produif^ion ought to be gathered in with great precau-
tion, for fear of making the farina that lies on the leaves, and
which is veiy vduable, tall oif by fhaking it. When gathered,
it is- thrown into' the fteeping-vat, which is a laigc tub filled
•with water. ' Here it undergoes a fermentation, wiiich in twenty-
fotir hours at farthefl is completed. A cock is then turned, ^
to let the water run into the Iecond tub, called the rrohar br -'
pounding-tub'. The fteeping- vat is then cleaned out,' that frefh
plants may be thrown in ; and thus the work is j^.ntiijued ivith:.
out inj.crrujp.tioo. . ;jv ipidq B ^i ojIR

The' water which Iiath run into the pounding-t!ut), is' roufvd
inrpregnated ■v^'ith a very fubtie earth, which alone tonftitutes ,
the 'dregs or blue fubftiince that is the objcft of this^ picj^cels, ^
and which mu'ft be lepa rated 'from the ufclels fait of th^, pla-h^, i
becaufe this: rWakcs the drtps fwim on the furface. To eficcl tins,; ,,
the'watbr is 'forcibly agitated" witK. Wooden buckets that t^|rt^.j.
fulT'-^Of ^Wl'e's', ;and''fixed "to' ,a lonz handle/ This part of the -,•

TO EV RO'PEA^ SETTLE kS. 4^1

proccfs requires the greateft precaution. If the agitation be dil-
continued too foon, the part tliat is uled in dying, npt being Juf-
ficietltly (eparatcd from the lalt, would be ioll. If on jhe othcr.
hand, tht dycx were to "be agitated too long after the complete re-
paration, the paits would be biought together -.again, .and forai a
new combination ; and the lalt. ro-a6ting on the dregs would ex-
cite a lecond fermcntaiion, that would aher the dye, Ipoii its cOr-
lour, and make what is called burnt indigo. Thefe' accidentft-
are prevented by a dole attemion to the Icafl alterations that the
dye unaergoes, and by the precaution which the workmen tak<s
ta draw out a little of 11 from time to time in a clean vcifeL-
When they perceive that the coloured particles collect by fepa- '
ratitig from the reft of the liquor, they leave off fhaking the
buckets, in order to allow time to the blue dregs to precipitate t»
the bottom of the tub, '?\'here they are left to lettle till the water
16 quite clear. Holes made in the tub at different heights are then
opened one after another, and this uiclels water is let out.

The blue dregs remaining at the bottom having acquired the
confiftence of a thick muddy liquid, cocks are then-ropen^dj
which draw it off into the lettler. After it is ftill laore cleared
of much luperfluous water in this third and laft tub, it is drained
into facks ; from whence, when water no^ longer filters through
the cloth, this matter, now become of a thicker conliftencc, is
put into chefts, where it entirely loles its moillure. At the ead
of three riionths the indigo is fit for.fale.

ONTHECULTUREOFRICE.

The culture of this plant, like the former, is coafined to cer-
tain individual States. Low iwampy lands are the only Situations,
that have been deemed to offer a proipctl of fuccels from its cul-
tivation ; but as luch luuations are frequently,fgund,irL. the newly-
fettled parts of the Union, a few obfer,vat,i,ojis ,p^ it,,-^ill not be
foreign to our objeft of affording eye^y..x>p^{jihjp'],information to
European letilers. , :. '■ ■ ,: .v.- ,>

Rice is a plant very much refcmbling v/heat in fnape and co-
lour, and in the figure and dilpotiuon of us leaves. Tiie pax.icie
which tenninaics' ihc ftem iscornpoied of imall flowers, t^iilin^t,
from each oijier, which have four uivjqual icales, lix,ild2tU9S^, and
one piftil, furrounded with tvvo Ilyles; this ptltjl becoipesa "wkrhite
feed, extremely farinaceous, coveied with' two ^inie,|iQr Icales^
which are larger, yellowifh, covered with light aipentics, and fur-
riillied with ieveral jaliont collar, liie middle one of which ter-
niiiiares'laan-cibiigatcd exiteinity. This plant tlmves bcft iz\

432 GENERAL INFORMATION

low, damp and marfhy lands, when they are even a little ovet*
flowed. The period of its difcovery is traced to the remoteft an-
tiquity,

Egypt, unfortunately for itfelf. firft attended to it. The per-
nicious eiFeft of this culture, rendered the country the moft un-
healthy in the known world ; conftantly ravaged by epidemical
diforders, and afflifted with cutaneous difeafes, which paffed from
that region to the others, where they have been perpetuated du-
ring whole centuries, and where they have been onl}' put a fhop
to by the contrary caufe to that which had occafioned them ; to
wit, the diying up of the marfncs, and the reftoring of falubrity
to the air and to the waters. China and the Eaft-lndies muft ex-
perience the fame calamities, if art doth not oppole preiervatives*
to nature, whofe benefits are fomctimes accompanied with evils ;
or if the heat of tlie toiTid zone doth not quickly difpei the damp
and malignant vapours which are exhaled from the rice grounds.
It is a known fa6t, that in the rice grounds of the Milaneze, the
cultivators are all livid and dropfical.

A great degree of the unheakhinefs of part of Georgia and
South-Carolina is attributable to the fame cauie. Could the wild,
or as it is termed, the mountain rice, be improved by cultivation
fo as to luperlede the culture of that grain in fwamps, it would
be a material benefit to fociety ; from experiments that have been
made, there is fome reafon for hoping this may ere long be the
cale.

ON THE CULTURE OF HEM?.

Hemp is as profitable a produftion as any the earth furnifhes,
and in point of utility, yields to few articles whatever. The
manufafture of it employs numbers of individuals, a great por-
tion of whom are women and children, and it finds a conftant
employment for the farmers othcrwife leifure time. Its advan-
tages, either raw or manufaftured, are, indeed, great to the farmer
and merchant ; but as many American farmers manufafture a con-
fiderable oortion in their own families, the importance of the
cultivation tlicreof is ftill farther rnanifcft.

The ufual height of the plant, v»'hca growing, is from five to
fix feet, but this varies very confidei-ably according to circum-
ftances. That which is cultivated near BilchwiUer, in Aliace,
is fonvctimes more than twelve feet high, and upwards of three
inches in circumference, the ftalks being fo deeply rooted, that a
very ilrong man can fcarce puii" thern Up. Mr. Arthur Young,
in a tour through Catalonia in Spain, fays, that where the couu-

to EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 43^

tr/ IS >?ell watered, the crops of hemp are cxtraqr^ir.ar', and
thai tl^e plants generally rile to the height of fevcQ feet. In
italy hemp is generally cukivatecl, though the Bolognefe only can
pretend to any fuperiority in the management of iu Jt is there
iown upon' their beft land, which are rich ftrong loams, and on
which they arc at all poUible pains to procure a fine friable fur-
fJcc. Fpr manure t-hey ufe dung, pieces of rotten cloth, feathers,"
and horns brought from Dalmatia. The plant," however, -Tnay be
caltivatcd.upon ground of cvcn^' kind •, ih,e poorer land produc-
ing that, which is finer. in quality though in fmaller quantity,
wheieas ftspng and rich land produces a great quantity, but
coarfer ; it docs not exhauft the land on which it -grows like flax,
whence it is probable, that if properly managed, and care taken
in the cultivstion, it might be found to fuperfede flax entirely.
A Suffex manufafturer, w ho writes on this fubjeft in the Annals
of Agriculture, informs us, that it may be railed for many years
lucceihvcly on .the lame ground, provided it be well manured.
An acre requires fioiTi nine to twelve pecks, according to the na-
ture of the ioil ; the latter being the mod ulua!. though a varia-
tion in the quality, of the foil makes an alteration both in the
qwiantit^ and quality of the hemp. An acre produces on an aver-
age thirtv-fix or thirty-eight ftonc. The Abbe Bi-ulle, in a trea-
the upon the culture and management of hemp, printed by order
of the Lords of the Committee of Council for trade and foreign
plantations, informs us, that the feafon for fowin^ extends from
the 25th of March to the 15th of June. The feed oucrht alwavs
lo be fown thin, not exceeding two bufhels to an acre, and if you
-have the advantage of a drill plough, ftill lefs will anfwer. As
there are two kinds of hemp, the male and female, of which
,the foriTier only produces (eed, fome regard muft be had to this
cirCumfta.nce. In (ome parts of England, the male and female
are pulled together about thirteen weeks after the fowing, but in
.others they are frequently fcpanited. This lafl method is recom-
mended by the Abbe BruUe, who, for the more ealy accom^
pliflrment of it, direfts that little paths fliould be made length-
wife through the field at about feven feet diftance from eacli
other, to allow a pafiage for the perfon who pulls up the female
hemp from' ainong the other, the latter requiring to fiand morg
than a month after for the purpnfe of ripening tije feeds. The
female hemp is^ known to be ripe by the fading of the flowers
.the falling of the faiina fccundaris, and fotne of the ilalks turn-
ing yellow. After the whole of this kind is pulled, it muft be
njjnufa6t';red according to the dirsdians hereafter givej;!^ and

3 K

434 GENERAL IS FO RMATION

ought to be v.-oikedj if pouible, while green; the hemp thiji
pruiiuced, being much finer than that which is previouHv dried
Tlie reaioa of this is, that the plant contains a great quantity of
glutinous matter, which being once dried, agglutinates the fibres
in I'ucb a manner, that they can never be afterwards perfeftly
feparated ; the female hemp, however, is always in Imallcr quan-
tity than the male, and therefore where the crop is large, it will
be impOlTible to work the whole as faft as it is pulled or cut. It
is known to be ripe by the ftems becoming pale ; but it niuft be
remembered, that hemp of any kind will be much iefs injured by
pulling the plants before they are ripe, than by letting them (land
loo long.

The male hemp being flrippcd of its leaves, &c. as afterwards
ductlid, will loon be dry for ftoring by the heat of ike at-
molphere, though lonictimes it may be necelfary to ule artificial
means ; but vv'hcrc thcic are uled, the ulmoft care mull be taken
hemp, when dry, being exceedingly inflammable. Tlie florcd
or dried hemp muft be fleeped and treated in every other rcipett
as though it had been green ; whence it is evident, that thio ope-
ration ought never to be ufed but in calcs oi neceffity. It is
likewile difficult to make hemp which has been dried previous to
it.s being fteeped, io white as that which has been worked green.

With regard to the perfctling of hemp ieed for a lubiequeht
feaion, it would (ccm proper to let apart a piece of ground lor
this purpofe ; for M. Auncn, fiom forty plant > raiic«l in the com-
mon way, had only a pound and an half of teed, though the plants
from which it was' taken might be deemed fine ; whereas, from a
lingle plant which grew by itlelf, he had Icven pounds and an
half. Some are of opinion, tbat by putting the clullers which
contain the hemp feed to heat and fweat, the qiraliiy is improved ;
as many of thoie feeds which would othcrwiic wither and die,
may thui arrive at perfe^ion. This, however, lecms to bc'vciy
problematical, as there arc no experiments wliich Ihow lliat Iccds,
when I'eparated from the vegetable producnig Uicm, have any
•power of meliorating thcmldvcs.

After the hemp is pulled, it muft be taken in large handfulj^
cutting off the roots, tliough this is not ablolutely n<_ce{iaiy, ihc
leaves, feeds, and lateral bianchcs, being drefled oil with a wooden
Twxjrd or ripple. It is then to be made up into bundles of twelve
handfuls each, in ordtr to be fteepcd, like flax, in water. This,
or lomething fimilar, is ablolutely iiccc'l\:y, in order to icpardi<;

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

435

:hc bark, which is properly the hemp, from the rr.ed or woody
part. Tiiis operaiion is called water-rftUng ; but romelimes a
mere cxpofure to the air is fubflituted in its place, turning the
hemp frequently during the time it is expoied ; this is called dca.'-
Teui>u, but the former method is univerlallv deemed preferable.
S'lch hemp as is defigned for Iced is leldom water-retted, though,
in the opinion of the manufd£turer already quoted, it would be
belter if it were fo. Dew-retted hemp is generally Hacked and
covered during tiie winter ; in J.inuary and Fcbruaiy it is Ipread
upon meadow land, and w Iiitcns with the frofl and (now, though
it is always much inferior to the other, and proper for ccarlcr
yarns only.

The length of time required for fteeping hemp is various,
and a complete knowledge of it can only be attained by practice.
It is uluai to conlinue the immerfion four, five, or fix days;
{landing water is preferred, and the lanie water will deep
h';rap three times during the fealon, but the firft has always
the bed colour. The Abbe Brullc prefers clear and running
w.it'*r, eipeci^Uy if overhung with trees. 7he bundles are
to be croirwiie upon each other, taking particular notice of
the rr.anner in wjiich they lie when put in, thit thcv may be
Ijken out without uiiEcuhy. His time of (leaping is from fix
Co eleven days; and here we mud obiervc, that it is much
blotter to let it remain loo long in the water thin too fhort a
ti'ne. The fleuderell hemp requires the moft foaking. The
operaiicfh is known to be linifhed by the reed leparataig eafily
from the bark.

After ihe hemp is thoroughly fteeped, the next operation is
to leparatc the bark from the reed or woody part ; and this
may be done in two ways, viz. either pulling out the reed
fiorn eyei-y Italk with the hand, or drying and breaki-;ig it like
* flax. The Abbe Brulle is very particular in his direftions for
' this laft operation, which he calls recdinz, and which mav be
performed either in a trough under water, Or upon a table.
The whole, however, may be reduced to the following, viz.
prelling down the bundles cither in the trough or on a table by
proper weights, to keep the hemp fteady on the middle or top
. end ; then beginning at the upper part of the butidle, p^ill out
the reeds one by one. As you proceed, the rind which remains
■wi.l prels clolely upon the remaining uureeded hemp, and keep
it more fteady, lo that you- may take two, four, or even fix
ftjlks at a time. The weight is then to be removed from tjis
toy, and all the pieces of reed which remain there having bcok-

3 K 2

43'6 GENERAL INFORMATION

en off in tlic former operation, are to be taken out. Laftly ihd
injddle weight is to be taken off, and any fmyll pieces which
remain there taken cut. If the reeding is performed on a
table, the buodle mu{l be weeded frequently, though flightly ;
a continual dropping of water would perhaps be the befl
method.

After the hemp is reeded, it muff next be freed from the
mucilaginous matter with Vvhich it fhill abounds. This is done
by pouring water through it, fqucezing out the liquid after
every affufion, but taking care not to> let the threads twift or
entangle each other, which they are very apt to do. The Abbe
is of opinion, that foft foap fiiould be dillolved in the laft
water, in the proportion of an ounce to three pounds of dry
hemp; which though not ablblutely neceffiuy, contributes
much to the foflening and rendering the hemp eafy and plea-
lant to drefs,

Hernp is broken by machinery, after being lleeped, in a
manner funilar to Hax, but the inllrurnents generally uled for
this purpofe are all worked by the hand. That which breaks in
the operatioti is called Jliorts^ and is about half the value of
long hemp.

Beating of hemp is the next operation, which formerly was
performed entirely by hand, but now in moft places by i
water mill, which rifcs three or four heavy beaters that fall
upon it alrernately ; the hemp being turned all the while by
boys in order to receive the flrokcs equally. The finer it is
required to make the tow, the more beating is necefTary. It is
then dreiTed or combed by drawing it through heckles fo>med
like the combs of wool manufafclurcrs, only fixed. Sometimes
it is divided into two or three lorts of tow, and lomctimes in
common heavy work, the whole is wotkod together into one
fort; the prices varying from fix-pcncc to one ihilling and fix-
pence per pound.

OK Ti;S CULTURE OF FLAX.

The following particulars with regard to tlie manner of
raifing flax, h.is been for fomc years paft warmly recommended
by the truftecs for fifncriefe, manufactures, and improvement^
in Scotland.

A Ikilful flax raifcr ahvay? prefers a free open deep loam,
and all grounds that produced the preceding year a good crop
of turnips, cabbage, potatoes, bailey, or broad clover ; or
have been formcily laid down iicli, and kept for fomc yearij ^4
pallure.

TO EL/ROPEAN SETTLERS. 437.

A clay foil, the fecond or third crop after being limed, will
»n(wcr weli for flax ; provided, if the giound be tliU fliff, that
it be brought to a proper mould, by iilhiig after harveft^ to ex-
pofe it to the winter frofls.

All new grounds produce a llrong crop of flax, and pretty free
of weeds. When a great many mole-heaps appear upon new
ground, ic anlwers the better for tlax after one tilling.

i'lax feed ought never to be fown on grounds that are either
too wet or dry, but on fuch as retain a natural moifture ; and
iuch grounds as arc inclined to weeds ought to be avoided, unlcfs
prepared by a careful fummer fallow.

If the feed be fown early, and the flax not allowed to ftand
for feed, a crop of turnips may be got after the flax the fame
year ; the fecond year a crop of bear or barley may be taken .
and the third year, giafs feeds are iometimes lown along with
the flax feed. This is the method moflly praftifed in and about
the counties of Lincoln and Somerlet, in England, where great
quantities of flax and hemp are every year railed, and where
thefe crops have long been capital articles. There, old ploughed
grounds are never fown with liiat feed, unleis the foil be very
rich and clean.

If the ground be free and open, it fhould be but once ploughed,
and that as fhallow as poflible, not deeper than two inches and
an half. It fhould be laid flat, reduced to a fine garden mould
fey iQuch harrov.'ing, and all ftones and lods lliould be carried
off.

Except a little pigeon's dung for cold or four ground, no other
dung fliould be uled preparatory for flax, becau'e it produces
too many weeds, and throws up the flax thin and poor upon the
ftalk.

Before fowing, the bulky clods fhould be broken, or carried
off the ground ; and Hones, qaickenings, and every other thino
that may hinder the growth of the flax, fhould be removed.

The brighter in colour, and heavier the feed is, fo much the
better : that which when bruiled, appears of a light or yellowiJh
creen, and frefli in the heart, oily and not dry, and Imells and
taltes iweet, and not fufly, may be depended upon.

Dutch ieed of the preceding year's growth, for the moft part
anlwers beft ; but it fcldom fucceeds if kept another year. It
ripens fooner than any other foreign feed. Pliiladelphia feed
produces fine lint and few bolls, becaufc fown thick, and an-
fwcrs bed in wet cold foils, Riga feed produces coarfer lint,
^ixd the grcateil (juintity cf feed. Scots fecd_, when well win-

^3^ CENERAL INFORMATION

nowed and kept, and changed from one kind of foil to another,
fometimes anlwcrs pretty well, but fliould be fovvn thick, as
many of its grains are bad^ and fail. It fprings well, and its flax
■is fooner ripe than any oilier; but its produce afterwards is ge-
nerally inferior to that from foreign feed.

The quantity of iced iown (hould be proportioned to the con-
dition of the foil ; for if the ground be in good heart, and the
.feed fown thick, the crop will be in danger of falling before it
is ready for pulling.

The time for fowing fiax feed is from the middle of March to
'the end of April, as the ground and feafon anlwcrs; but the
c uiier the feed is fown, the lefs the crop interferes with the corn
harvefl.

Late fown flax feed may grow long, but the fiax upon the ll:;dk
will be thin and poor.

After fowing, tlie ground ought to be harrowed till the feed
is well covered, and then, fuppofing the foil, as before men-
tioned, to be free and reduced to a fine mould, it ought to be
rolled.

Wlien a farmer fows a large quantity of feed, he may find it
proper to low a part earlier and part later, that in the future
operations of weeding, pulling, watering and grafllng, the work
may be the eafier and more tonvenientlv gone about.

It ought to be weeded wlien the crop is about four inches
long. If longer deferred, the weeders will fo much, break and
crook the flalks, that they will never perhaps recover their
flraightnefs again ; and when the flax grows crooked, it is more
liable to be hurt in the rippling and iwitigling.

Quicken grafs fhould not be taken up, for being flrongly
rooted, the'pulling of it always loolens a deal of the flax.

If thete is an appearance of a fettled drought, it is better to
defer the wef;ding, than by that operation to expole the tender
i;oots of the flax to the drought.

When the crop grows io fhort and branchy, as to appear more
valuable for feed than Rax, it ought not to be pulled before it be
thoroughly ripe ; but if it grows long and not branchy, the feed
fhould be difregarded. and all the attention given to the flax. In
the lift caic it ought to be pulled after the bloom has fallen,
when the fl<ilk begins to turn yellow, and before llic leaves lall,
and the bolls turn hard and iharp-pointed.

When the flalk is imall, and carries few boUr, the flax is fine ;
but tlie flalk of coarle flax i? g''*^^'"' Ja^d;. branchy, and carrier
many bolls.

TO EUROPEA N SETTLERS. 439

When the flax has fallen and lies, fuch as lies ought to be im-
mediatclv |3iillcd, whether it has grown enough oi" not, as other-
wire it will rot altogether.

- When parts of tlie fame field grow unequally, fo that foine
parts are ready for pulling before other parts ; only what is ready
fhould \je pulled, and the reft Ihould be fuffercd to ftand till
\ cady.

The flax-raifer ought to be at pains to pull, and keep by itfelf
each different kind of lint which he finds in his held ; what is
both long and fine, by illelf ; what is both long and coarfe, by
itfelf; what is both fhort and fine, by itlelf ; what is both fliort
and coarfe, by itlelf ; and in like manner every other kind by
itfelf that is of the fame fize and quality. If the different kinds
be not thus kept (eparate, the flax muft be much damaged in the
•watering and other fucceeding operations.

What is commonly called under grjioih, may be neglc£led as
ufelcfs.

Few pcrfons that have (ccn pulled flax, arc ignorant of the
method of laying it in handfuls acrofs each other, which gives
the flax lufHcicnt air, and keeps the hindfuls leparate and ready
for the rippler.

If the flax be more valuable than the feed, it ought by no
means to be flacked up, for its own natural juice afTifts it greatly
in the watering ; whereas, if kept long unwatered, it lofes that
juice, and the haric adheres fo much to the boon, that it requires
longer time to water, and even the quality of the flax bccotnes
thereby harfher and coarfer. Befides the flax flacked up over
vear, is in great- danger from vermin and other accidents ; the
water in fpring is not io loft and warm as in harveft, and near
a year is thereby loft of the ufe of the lint : but if the flax be
fo fhort and branchy as to appear moft valuable for Iced, it
ought, after pulling,, to be ftjoked and dried upon the Held, as
is done with corn ; then ftacked up for winter, rippled in Ipring ;
and after fhelling, the leed fliould be well cleaned from bad
Xccds, &c.

After pulling, if the flax is to be regarded more than the feed,
it fhould be allowed to lie fouie hours upon the ground, to dry
a little, and lo gain iome finnnefs, to orevent the fl^in or harle,
which is the flax, from rubbing off in the rippling ; an opera-
tion which O'Jght by no means to be neglected, as the bolls, if
put into the water along with tlax, breed vermin there, and
otherwile Ipoil tbe.watcr. The bolls alio orove veiy inconve-
nient in the grafTing and breaking.

440 GENERAL INFORMATION

The handfuls for rippling fhould not be great, as that encJafi*
gers the lint in the rip,pling comb.

After rippling, the flax-raifer will perceive, that he is able
to affort each fize and quality of tlie flax by ilfelf more exaftly
t'han he could before. '

A running {hream wades the lint, makes it white, -ad fre-
quently carries it away. Lochs, by the great quantity ani
motion of the water, alfo wafle and whiten the llax, though
not fo much as running flreams. Both rivers and lochs water
the flax quicker than canals.

But all flax ought to be watered in canals or ponds, which
Ihould be dug in clay ground if poflTible, as that foil retains
the water beft , but if. a firm retentive foil cannot be got, the
bottom or fides of the canal, or both the bottom and fides,
may be lined with clay.; or, infiiead of lining the fides with
clay, which might fall down, a ditch may be dug without
the canal, and filled with clay, which will prevent both ex-
traneous water from entering, and the water within from run-
•■ning off.

A canal of forty feet long, fix broad, and four deep, will
generally water the growth of an acre of flax.

It ought to be filled with frefli fo ft water from a river or
brook, if poITible, two or three weeks before the flax is put in,
and expofcd all that time to the heat of the fun. The greater
way the river or brook has run, the fofter, and therefore the
better will the water be. Springs, or fiiort-runs from hills, are
too cold, unlefs the water is allowed to ftand long in the canal.
Water from coal or iron is very bad for flax. A little of the
powder of galls thrown into a glafs of water, will immediatelv
difcover if it comes from minerals of t^at kind, by turning it
into a dark colour, more or Ids tinged in proportion to the quan-
tity of vitriol it contains.

The canal ought not to be under flriade ; which, bcfides keep-
ing the fun from foftening the water, might make part of
the canal cooler than other parts, and fo water the flax un-
tqually.

The flax-raifer will ohferve, when the water is brought to
a proper heat, that fmall plants- will he rifing quickly in it,
numbers of fmall infefts and reptiles will be generating there,
and bubbles of air rifing on the furface. If no fuch figns ap-
pear, the water is either not wurm enough, or is othervviff
unfit for fliix.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLE RS. 441

Mofs holes, when neither too deep nor too (hallow, frequently
anfwer well for watering flax, when the water is proper, as be-
fore defcribed.

The proper feafon for watering flax is from the end of J 'ly
to the ejid of Auguft.

The advantage of watering fLix as foon as poQible after pall-
ing has been already mentioned.

The flax being lorted after rippling, ns before mentioned,
{hould next be put into beets, never larger than a mm can grafp
With botli his hands, and tied very ilack with a band of a few
ftaiks. Dried rufhes anlwer exceedingly well for buiding fl.x,
as they do not rot in t.ic water, and may b^ dried and kept for
ufe again.

The beets fhould be put into the canals or ponds fl ipe ways,
or half ftanding upon end. the root ervd upper'.noft. Upon the
crop ends, when uppermoft, there frequently breeds a did of
vermin, defli uclive of the flax, which is elieclually prevented
by putting the crop end do'vnmofh,

'I'he whole flax in the canal ought to be carefully covered
from the fun with divots; the gralfy fide of which fhould be
next the flax, to keep it clean. If it is not thus covered, tiie
lun will difcolour the flax, thousfh quite covered with w iter.
If the divots are not weighty enough to keep tne flax entirely
under water, a few llones may be laid above them. But tne
fla;c fhould not be preffed to the bottom.

W'hen the flax is iufHciently watered, it feels foft to the giipe,
and the harle parts eafily with the boon or fliow, winch lail is
then become brittle, and looks whitifh. When thele iigns are
found, the flax fliuuld be taken out of the Wdter, beet after beet ;
each gently rinfed in the water, to cleanle it of the naflinefs
wliich has gathered about it in the canal ; and as the lint is then
very tender, and the beet flackly tied, it inuil be carefully and
gently handled.

Great care ought to be taken that no part be overdone ; and
as the coan'efl waters foonefi, if different kinds be mixed toge-
ther, a part will be rotted, when the refl is not iuin*.ienily wa-
tered.

When flax taken out of the canal is not found fufficiently
watered, it may be laid in aheap for tw^lYe, eighteen, or tvventy*--
four hours, which will have an cftect like more watering ; but
this operation is nice, and may prove dangerous in unlkilful
hands.

3 ^ ,

442 GENERAL INFORMATION

After the flix is taken out of the canal, frcfh flax fliould.
not be put a (econd time into it, until the former water be run
off, and (he cinal cleaned, and fuoplied with fiefli water.

Short heath is the befl field for grafTing flax, as when wet, it
fallens to the heath, and is thereby prevented from being
blown away by the wind. The heath alio keeps it a little
above the earth, and To expofcs it the more equally to the wea-
ther. When iuch heath is not to be got, links or clean old lea
ground is the next befl. Long grafs grounds fhould be avoided,
as the grals growing through the lint frequently fpots, tenders,
or rots it ; and grounds expoled to violent winds fliould alio be
avoided.

1 he fl.'x, when tnken out of the water, mufl; be fp read very
thin upon the ground, and being then very tender, it rr.uft be
gently handled. The thinner" it is fpread the better, as it is
then the more equally expofed to the weather. But it ought
never to he fpread during a heavy Tnowcr, as tliat would wafii
and wai'lc the harle too much, which is then excefTively ten-
der, but foon after becomes firm enough to bear the rains,
which, with open air and lunfliine, cleans, foftens, and purifies
the harle to the degree wanted, and makes it blifler from the
boon. In fliort, after the fl'.x has got a little firmnefs by being
a few hours ipread in dry weather, the more rain ^nd lunfliine
it gets the better.

If there be little danger of high winds carrying off the flax,
it will be much the better f^r being turned about once a \^e:-■k.
If it is not to be turned, it ought to be verv tliin fpread.
The fpreading of flax and hcm» requires a deal of ground, but
amply lepays by enriching it,greatJy.

The fkilfiil flax-raifer fpreads his firfl row of fl'.x at the end
of the field oppofite to the point from whence the nioll violent
wind commonly comes, placing the root ends furemoll ; he
makes the root ends of eveiy other ovcrJap the crop ends of
the former nuv- three or four inches, and bindi. down tlie lafl:
row with a rope ; by which means the wind docs not enhly
get belov/ the lint to blow it away : and as the crop ends arc
feldom fo fuUv watered as the root ends, the aforeiaid over-
lapping has an effeft like giving the crop ends more watering.
Experience ordy can fully teach a perlon the ligns of flax being
fufHcienily graifed ; then it is of a clearer colour than former-
ly, the harle is bliflered up, and eafily parts with the boon,
which is then become verv brittle. 'I'hc whole fliould be fuf-
ficicntly graircd before anv of it is lifted ; for if a part be lifted

TO EU ROPEANJETTLE RS. 443

fnoner than the reft, tliat which remains is in great danger
from the winds,

A dry day ought to be chf)fen for taken up the flax ; pn<\ if
there be no appearance of high wind, it fhoald be looicd from
the heath or grafs, and let loole for fome iiours, to make it
thoroughlv dry.

As a great quantity of flix can fcarcely be all equally water-
ed and gialTed, and as the different qualuies will beft appear
at lifting the fl ix off the grafs; therefore at th-t time each
different kind Ihould be gathered together, and kept by itl'elf,
that is, all of the lame colour, length and quality.

The hnaller the beets it is made up in, the better for dry-
ing, and the more convenient for flacking, houhng, &c. and
in making up theic beets, as in every other operation upon flax
lU 13 of great conicquence that the lint be laid together as it
grew, the root er.ds together and the crop ends together.

With relpetl to the drelling of flax, for mjny ages it v/as
the praclce to leparate the boon or core from the flax, which
is the bark of the plant, beating it willi a mallet, or more
dexrerouflv with the break, a fiinple and more convenicut me-
thod than the former.

Thelie methods of breaking the flax are, however, flow and
very laborious. A water mill was invented in Scotland about
forty years ago, which, wiiw fome late improvements, makes
great dilpatch,'and in fkilful and careful hands oives iatisfaflion.
It has been generally confhrufted to break tiie boon by three
dented rollers, placed one above the other. The middle one
of which, being forced quickly round, t-kcs the ether two
along with it, and one end -of the handfuls of th^ fiax being
by the workmen direftsd in between the upper and middle
rollers, the flax is immediately drawn in by the rollers ; a curv-
ed board or plate of tin bchiiul the roUcs diretts the flax to
return agiin between the middle and undermoft rollers ; and
thus the operation is repeated until the boon be lufnciently
broke. Great weights of limber or ftone at the ends of levers,
prels the upper and under rollers towards the middle one.

The fcutch;ng, which was formcily done by hand, is likc-
wde earned on by the mill in the ft)llowuig manner : four
arms, lomething like hand-lcutchers, puject from a perpen-
dicular axle ; a box around the axle indoles thcle projctltng
fcutchers ; and this box is divided among the workmen, each
having iufficient room to fhand and handle his flax, which,
through lilts in the upper part and fides of the box, they'hold

3 L 2

444 GENERAL' INFO RUATION

ir: to the ftroke of the fcutchers, which moving round horizon-
tally, fti'ke the flix acrcTs or at right anglefs, and fo thrcfli out
or clear it or tiie boon.

The bre iking of the flax by rollers is fcarcely fubje£l to
any objection, but that it is dangerous to worlcnaen not fuffi-
ciently on their guard, who fometimes allow t>he rollers to take
hold of their fingeiS, and thereby their whole arm is intlantly
drawn in ; thus many have loft their arms. To avoid this dan-
ger, a break, upon the general principles of the hand-break
before delcribed, has been lately adapted to water machinery,
and uled in place of rollers. Tlie hor zontal ftroke of the
fcutchers was lung thought too fevere, and wafteful of the
fli.y , "^ It very careful experiments have difccvered that the
\va{l„ complained of muft be charged to the unfkilfuln'efs or
negligence of the workmen, as in good hands the mill carries
away nothing but what, if not fo fcutched off, mufh be t^ken
off in the heckling with more lofs, both of time and flax. But
to obviate this objeclion of the violence of the horizontal
fcutchers, an imitation of hdnd-fcutching has lately been appli-
ed to water. The fcutchers then projecl from an horizontal
axle, and move like the arms of a check reel, flriking the flax
neither acrofs nor perpendicularly down, but floping in upon
the parcel exaftly as the flax is flruck by the hand-fcutcher,
This Hoping ftroke is got by r lung the fcutcaing ftotk fonie
inches hig'.ier than the center of the axle, and by raifing or
lowering the ftock over which, the flax is held, or Icrewing it
nearer to or farther from the fcutchers, the workmen can tem-
per or humour the ftroke almoft as he pleales,

A lint-mill, with horizontal fcutchers upon a perpendicular
axle, requires a houfe of two ftories, the rollers or break being-
placed in the ground ftory, and the fcutchers in the loft above ;
but a mill with vertical Icuthers on an horizontal axle, requires
but one ground ftory for all the machinery.

Another method of breaking and Icutching flax, more ex-
peditious than the old hand methods, and more gentle than
water mills, has alfo been invented in Scotland, It is much
like the break and fcutchcr giving the floping ftroke lafh
delcribed, moved by the foot. The treddle is remarkably
long, and the icutchers are fixed lipon the rim of a tly wheel.
The -foot break is alfo afliiled in its motion by a fly.
Thefe foot machines are very ufefUl wheje there arc no water
mills, but they aie far inferior to "the mills in point of expe-
dition.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 445

The ne)4t operation that flax undergoes after fcutching is
heckling. The heckle is firmly fixed to a bench before the
workman, who ftrikes the flax upon the teeth of the heckle,
and draws it through the teeth. To perlons unacquainted
with this kind of work, this may feem a very fimple operation ;
but, in faft, it requires as much praftice to acquire th* flight of
heckling well, and without waifting the flax, as any other ope-
ration in the whole manufnfture of linen. They ufe coarfcr
and wider teethed heckles, or finer, according to the quality
of the flax, generally putting the flax through two heckles,
a coarfer one firft, and t.ext a fine one.

The following oblervations, firfl: publifhed in the Gentle-
man's Magazine for June i^S^, feem worthy of very particular
attention, and may not therefore be impropetly fuhjoined as a
fupplement to the prefent articlcv

^' The intention of watering flax is, in my opinion, to ftiakc
the boon more brittle or friable, and by loaking, to difl'olve
that gluey kind of fap that makes the bark of plants and trees
adhere in a fmall degree to the woody part. 1 he bark of flax
is called the hark, and when feparated from the ufelefs woody
part, the !?oon, this harle itfelf is called flax. To effect this fepa-
ration eafily, the praftice has long prevailed, of foaking the flax
in water to certain degree of fermentation, and afterwards dry-
incf it. For this foaking lome prefer rivulets that have a fmall
current, and others flagnant water in ponds and lakes. In botli
methods the water afts as in all other cales of infufion and ma-
ceration; after two or threfe weeks it extrafts a great many
juices of a very fl:rong quality, which in ponds give the watev
an inky tinge and ofi^enfive fmell, and in rivulets mix in the
•{Iream and kill the fifh. Nay, if this maceration be too long
continued, the extrafted and fermented fap will completely kill
the flax itfelf. For if in (lead of two or three weeks, the new
$lax were to lie foaking in the water four or five months, -I
prelume it would be good for nothing but to be thrown upon
the dunghill ; both harle and boon would in time be completely
rotted ; yet the harle or flax, when entirely freed from this
fap, and manufaftured into linen, or into ropes, might lie many
taonths under water without being much damaged ; as linerij
it may be waflied -and fteeped in Icalding water twenty time-s
"xvithout lofing much of its ftrength, and as paper, it acquires a
kind of incorruptibility.

•* It appear* then efl'ential to the riglit management of new
-flaxj to get rid of this pernicious vegetative lap, and to jnacc-

446 GENERAL INFORMATION

rate the boon ; but fiom the con-'plaints '.ntide aeiinft both tlic
methods of watering now in ule, there is realon to ihuik that
there is ftill great room for iinprovemenl in ihut article. In
rivulets, the vegetative Isp, as it is diffolved, is carried od by
the current, to the deftruftion of the Hfh. This prevents
the flax from being iiained ; but the operation is tedious, and
not complete, from the linccrtaintv of knowing when it is
juft enough, and not too much, or perhaps frorn noglcft. In
ponds, the inky tinge of the waiter often fcrves as a kind of
dye to the flax, winch imbibes it I'o flrongly, that double the
labour in bleaciiing will hardly bring the linen made of luch
flax to an equality in whitenefs with linen made of fl.ix unting-
ed. This feems to be equally unwile as though we were to
dye cotton black firll, in order to whiten it afterwards. Thefe
ponds, behdes, become a gre.it nuilnnce to tlie neighbour
hood ; the impregnated water is often of iuch a jjernicious
quality, that cattle, however thirfty, will not drink of it,
and the effluvia of it may perhaps be nearly as infcttious as it
is offenfive. If this effluvia is really attended with aiiy con-
tagious effefts in our cold climate, a thing worth the inquiring
into, how much more pernicious mull its efiPefts have been in
the hot climate of Egypt, a country early noted for its great
cultivation of flax ?

" I have often thought that the procefs of watering might
be greatly improved and fhortencd by plunging the new flax,
after it is rippled, into fcalding water; which, in regard to ex-
trafting the vegetative Tap, would do in five minutes more than
could water would do in a fortnight, or perhaps more thnn cold
water could do at all, in refpcft to the clearing the plant of lap.
Rough rdmonds, when thrown into icalding water, are blanch-
ed in an inftant ; but perhaps a fortnight's macerating, thofe
almonds in cold water would not nijke them part I'o eaiily
with their fkins, ■ which are the fame to them as the harle is to
the flax. Where tea leaves to be infulcd in cold water a fort-
night, perhaps the tea produced by that infulion would not
he lo good to the talle, nor fo flrongly tinged to the eye,
as what is efl'cfted In' It. tiding water in five minutes. By
the fame anal.)gy, I think, flax or any fmall twig would
be made to part with iis baik much cafjcr and q.uckcr
by being dipped in boiling water than by be.ii^ llccpcd in
cold water.

" Tins reflection opens the door for a great variety of new
experiments in regard to flux. I v^'ould therefore rccom-

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

447

mend to gentlemen cultivators and farmers, to make repeat-
ed tiials upon this new (yRetn, which would foon alceitain
wheilicr it ought to be adopted in p.rattice or. rejected. • One
thing, I think, we may be certain of, that if tlie Egyptians
watcicd their fLix in our common manner, they undoubt-
edly watcicd it in veiy warm water, from the great heat
of their climate, which would probably make them negledt
to think of water heated bv any other means than that of
the lun. A good general pratlice Kran only be eftablifhed
upon repeated trials. Though one experiment may fail, ano-
ther with a little variation may fuccced ; and the nnportaiicc
of the objeft dchred to the obtained will juftify a good de-
gree of perieverance in the profecution of the means. In
this view, as the Chinefe thread is faid to be very . flrong, it
would be worth while to be acquainte«i with the prafticc
of that diftant nation, in regard to the rearing and manufaftur-
ing of flax, as well as with the methods ulcd by the Flem-
ings and the Dutch.

" Boiling water, perhaps, might at once clear the new flax
from many impurities, which, when not removed till it be fpun
into yarn, are then removed with difficulty, and the lols of fub-
flance to the yarn. Why fliould not the longitudinal fibres of
the flax, before they be fpun into yarn, be made not only as line
but as cl?an as pollible ? Upon the new (yfleni propofed, the
/ft of bleaching would bt'gin immediately after tl'ie rippling of
the flax, and a little done then, might perhaps v ave much of
what is generally done after the fpinning and weavitig. To ipiti
dirtv flax with a view of cleaning it afterwards, a ppears to be
the lame impropriety as though we were to relerve part of the
Giefring given to leather till after it ismade into glov*. s.

" Should the plunging of the flax into the boiling water not
fufiice to make the boon brittle enough, as I am inclined to
think it would not, the the common waieritig might i) e added ;
but in that cale piobably half the time uiually given to this wa-
tering would lufHcc, and the flax might then be laid in clear
rivulets, without any apprchcnliou of its infefting the w\ 'er and
poiioning the filTi, or of being dilcoloured itlelf ; for the l-oiling
water into which it had been previoufly put, would have £X-
traftcd all the poilonous vegetative lap, which 1 prelume is
what chiefly diicolours the flix or kills the hfii.

'• On ilie luppoliii(>n that thr; ule of boding water in the pre-
paration of flix in:iy be found to be advantageous and prahta-
blc, I can rccoilcft at prclcnt but one oUjc6tion againft its
being generally adopted. Kvery fl.ix grower, it may be i\ d,

44^ General information

could not be expcfted to have conveniences for boiling watef
fufficient for the purpofe ; the confumption of water would be
great, and fome additiona.! expenfe would be incurred. In
anfwer to this I ftiall ohferve, that I prefumc any additional
expenfe would be more than reimburfed by the better market-
able price of the flax; Tor otherwife any new improvement,
if it will not quit coft, muft be dropt, were it even the
fearching after gold. In a large cauldron a great deal of
flax might be dipt in the fame water, and the confumption
perhaps would not be ) nore than a quart to each fheaf. Even
a large houlehold pot would be capable of containing one
fheaf after another ; and I believe the whole objeftion would
be obviated, were th-e praftice to prevail as in Flanders and
Holland, that the fl ax-grower and flax-dreller fliould be two
diflinft profefTions.

" I fhall conclud e with recommending to thofe who are in-
clmed to make ex'^jeriments, not to be dilcouragcd by the fail-
ure of one or two trials. Perhaps the flax, inftead juft plung-
ed into the fcaldin g water, ought to be kept in it five minutes,
perhaps a quarter- of an hour, perhaps a whole hour. Should
five minutes, or a quarter of an hour, or an hour, not be fuffi-
cient to make tb ^e boon and harle eafily feparate, it might per-
haps be found expedient to boil the flax for more than an
hour; and fu. ch boiling when in this flate, might in return
fave leveral b ours boiling in the article of bleaching. Jt is
not, I think, at all probable that the boiling of the flax with
the boon in it would prejudice the harle ; for in the courfe of
Its future r xiftence, it is made to be expofed twenty or forty
times to tb is boiling trial, and if not detrimental in the one
cafe, it is t o be prefumed it would be detrimental in the other.
Perhaps, after the boiling, it would be proper to pile up the
flax in o" ne heap for a whole day, or for half a day, to occafion
loaie fer mentation ; or, perhaps, immediately after the boiling,
it might be proper to wafh it with cold water. The great
objeft, when the flax is pulled, is to get the harle from the
boon ^ ^ith as little lofs and damage as poiTible ; and if this js
accom pliflied in a more complete manner than ufual, confide-
rable labour and expenfe will be faved in the future manufafclur,
ijig • of the flax. On this account I think much more would
'k>e g; ined than loft, were the two or three laft inches of" the
>"oot s of the ftems to be chopped ofl^, or dipt ofi^, previous to
the flax being either watered or boiled. When the flax is wa-
ter* .-d, care Ihould be taken not to fprcad it out to dry, vvhen
ill* re is a hazard of its being expoied in its wet Hale to froft."

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 449

ON THE CULTIVATION' OF THE VINE.

In fcveral preceding parts of this work w'c have mcnt'oned
the advantages the United States poiTcfs for the culture of tlic
vine, aud. of confequence, for the making wines of a lupenor
kind ; as the attempts made have in many parts lucceeded, and
as many American farmers have attended to it of late, we
fhaJl need n» apology for introducing the following eifay on
tlie culture of the vine, and the making and prcferving of wines
fuited to the difTcreut climates of the United States.

Whoever conaders the general climate of North-America,
the foil, the feai'ons, the ferenity and diynei's of the air, the
length and intcnlenefs of the heat, the fair and moderate wea-
ther that generally prevails in the fall, when grapes are com-
ing to maturity, and arrive at their grcatcft perfettion ; wltoever
compares the prelent Hate of the air, with what it was foimeily,
before the country was opened,, cleared and drained, will find,
that they are eveiy year fall advancing to that pure and peitcct
temperament of air, tit for making the bed and richeft w.r.es uf
every kind.

Such has been the bounty and goodnefs of lieaven, that
there arc vines adapted to eveiy co^mtry, to every region,
from fifty degrees both north and fouth latitude down to the
equator ; and the countries beyond thele may eanly be iupplicd
ky traffic, fo that all the fons of men may partake of tlii?
general, this univerfal biefling.

It is not every vine thai: is fit for every country ; fome are
earlier, fome are later ripe ; fome are tender and delicate, and
■will not Hand the feverity of winter ; others ai-e hardy and robuft,
and will ftand any weather. Hereafter we Tnall range them in
proper and diftiuft clafTes, and adapt the different forts by name
to the different climates in America, where they may be propa-
gated with fafety and to the be ft advantage.

A vine, from a ftick or cutting, begins to bear fruit the
third year, the fourth year it bears more, and the fifth year
the planter may make wine ; and from that time until it attains
the full age of man, it increafes in value and yields a richer
wine ; and, if fiom the beginning the vine is carefully pruned^
duly manured and properly cultivated, it will amply reward
for all the labour, expenfe and care, bellowed on it, and will
hold good above an hundred years, as mofl writers afhrm ; but
then It muft be tended by a careful and flsady hand^ for it w*iUL

Vol. HL, 3 IvI

45© GE N ERAL INFO R M AT 10 N

nut bear to be flighted or lacgletlcd ; if the groand is not manur-
ed and kept in good heart, the vine will bear no fruit ; if the
planter neglcfts to cultivate the fcil and keep it clean, the fruit
will be knotty and {l,uved, and will not come to maturity •, it
he fufFcr the ftakes or props to fall, and tiie vine to fprawl on
tlie ground, the fruit will not ripen, but remain aufterc, and
v.'ill not make good wine. Wine is too rich a juice to be made
from a barren foil^ or by lazy idle flovens ; fuc!i men Ihcisild
never undertake a \'ineyard ; they not only hurt themielves,
but hinder others, who are fit for the undertaking, from mak-
ing the attemj.'t. If a vineyard does not fucceed, the fault is in
the man, not m the vine ; it will flourifh and profper under a
careful and difigent hand, but it will degenerate and run wild
under the liand of (loth and idleneis. A gentlemen of Rome,
who took great delight in vineyards, foir.s of which he had
railed with his own hai^ds. wrote a very elegant piece upon the
calune of wines, and in the moft pathetic terms recommends
it to the people of Italy, as the mod profitable as well as agiee-
ablc and amuiing undertaking. Among many other encourage-
ments, he tells them this ftory : " Pavidius Veterenfis, a neigh-
bour of my uncle, had a vineyard and two daughters. Upon the
marriage of one of them^ he gave with her as her dowry one-
tliird of his vineyard j and then doubled his diligence, and
cultivated the remainder fo well, that it yielded him as much as
the whole had done before: upon the maningc of the other
daughter, he gave with her one other third of his vineyard ;
and now having but one-third part of the whole left, he io
manured, and cultivated it. that it yielded him full as much as
the whole had done at firfl."

This ingenious autlior accufcs many of his countrymen of
having begun this woik with iecming refolution, and of having
carried it on for lome time with afliduitv, but before they had
brought it to perfcftion they flagged, and for v/ant of fteadineli.
and a little longer perfeverance, loft their money, their labour,
and all their prolpe£ls. At the fame time he proves to a dcmon-
ftration, frc«n exatl and minute calculations, the great advantages
of vineyards notwithftanding the great cxpcn'e the RomaiiS
were at in buildings, incloiures, workmen and magriificent,
works, and brings his own vineyards, which were well known-
ts proofs of all he had laid.

We fnall take the liberty to conclude this introduftion with
a (hort but pleafing defcription of the vine, which Cicero, ia
his beautiful traft upon old age, puts into the mouth of Cato ; ^

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 451

*' The vine, that naturally runs low, and cannot rear itfclf
without a fuppoii, is fur this end provided with tendrils, bv
which, like fo many hnnds, it l?.ys hold on every thing it
meets with that may railc it, and by tiiele aids it expands
and becomes lo luxuriant, that to prevent its running out
into ufelcfs wood, the drclier is obliged to prune oil" its fu-
perfluous wandering branches ; after which, from the (land-
ing joints, in the enluing fpring, the little bud called the
gem puflies out tlie new fiioot whereon the tender young
grape is formed ; which gradually fwelling by nouriflimeut
from the earth, is at full aultere to the tafte, but guarded
with leaves around, that it may neither want due warmth,
nor fuffer by too fcorching rays, it ripens by the fun's enli-
vening beams, and acquires that delicious fweetnefs and beau-
tiful form, that eq\ialiy pleal'es both the taftc and the eve ;
and then enriches the world with that noble liquor, the ad-
vantages of which I need not name. Yet is not the fenfe
i)f thefe, nor of all the advantages of hufbandry, that fo near-
ly a fFeft us, as the pleulure I find in their culture alone ; fuch
as ranging the vines and their fupporting perches in cx'aft and
even rows, in arching and binding their tops, lopping off
the woody and barren, and training the fruitful branches to fup-
ply every vacancy, and then contemplating the beauty and ox'-
der with the procefs of nature in the whole."

The firft thing neccfTary to a good vineyard is a proper
plot or piece of ground; its fituation fhould be high and diy
free from Iprings and a wet ipongy foil ; its afpeft or front
fhould be towards the fouth and iouth-eaft : though the ground
be not a hill, yet if it be high, open and airy, and gradual-
ly afcending towards the fouth or fouth-eafl, it will do very
well ; if it be a fruitful hill, it will do better ; but if it be
a mountain, wath a rich foil, it will be befl of all, for the
higher the vineyard the richer the vine.

The foil mofi; natural to a vineyard, and fi-ch -as produces
the fwecteft grapes, and the richeft and ftrongeft wine, is a
rich mould mixed wlih fand : the nexver and freilier the ground
the better ; fuch a {oil may be found on a rihng ground and
on fome hills, but very ieldom on the fides of mountains •
for here the foil is generally ftiff and clnyey, fo ordered by
Providence, as being lefs lubjeft to be wafiicd away bv hard
rains •, but this ilifF foil on the hue of mountains differs gr.r.t-
ly from clny grounds below the winds and air, and the I'wi 's
heatj fo djv and v.-aim it. that it becomes, a urouer bed- fo'-

452 GENERAL INFORMATIOKf

vines, apd renders them both prolific and produ£live of t'ho
rifh^,^wines.

,j/i^ri<:ii . warm ioil mixed with gravel, or a fandy mould in«
terlpencd with large ftones or with fmall lode rocks, are alf®
vejy proper^for a vineyard : rocks and flones, if the foil be
gooci, warm, and dry, are no difadvantigc to vines; on the
conuary tiiey reflect great heat to the fruit, and thereby con-
tribute towards perfcfting the wine, efpecially if they are
on lifmg grourrd, on the declivity of a hill, or on the fide
of a mountain : it is true they are attended with fome incon-
vcniencie.s : it is more difficult to keep ftich a vineyard clean,
to ftake it well, to range the vines in proper order and re-
gular form, to dung the ground, and gather in the vintage.
But then, thcfe rocks and Hones will make a good, dole,,
ftrong and lading fence. On the fides of hills and moun-
tains they are ablolutely neceffary to make low rough wallg
along the lower fide of the vines, to preferve the good loil
from waflring away. They fcrve alio to keep the ground moilt
in hot dry times, when, but for them, the foil v/ould be parch-
ed up along fuch flcep grounds. In fliort, there would be
no fuch thing as raifing vineyards on iuch grounds, where it
not for rocks and ftones. For as it is neceffary to keep the loil
loole and mellow, it would all wafh away with hard rains,
if not prevented by forming a kind of rough wall of Hones
alonsr the lower fide of ea.ch row of vines. Again, fuch lands
are cheap, being unfit for other purpofes, generally yielding
but little timber or gvais. They may therefore be purchafed by
poor people, whp could not afford to go to the price of good
land. Laflly, thcfe fteep hills and mountains always jield the
richefl wines, the value and price of \vhieh...^'Wfill compcnfate for
^ny extraordinary labour. 'r;S'=^iT

If the ground be worn and put of heart, it muft be renewed
3nd helped with dung, with frc^lh mould, with creek mud,
with the rich foil that lodges along the hdes of brooks or
rivers, or that fettles in low places at the foot of hills or
mountains, or by foddering cattle or fheep upon it with good
ilore of ftraw, fait hay, or corn ftalks, &c. or by penning fuch
cattle upon it and plov/ing all under it as deep as may be, till
all.fec, njade fufhpcutly rich, pr by any other method that fhail
heft §411 the ovyner,: ,

If the ground is flifF, it may be mended by good ftore of
land, allies, foot, the rubbifh and mortar of old buildings, well
ti.v-flcjl, efpecially if Iuch martav be made of lune and land'

T0 EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 453

by the' duft and fmall coal of coal kilns, and the earth that
they arc covered with when they are burnt, iea fand or fine
gravel, and fowl's and fheep's dung, or the old dung of neat
catilc.

Afcer the ground is brought into good heart, and has been
deep ploughed or dug and well harrowed, lo as to be quite
mellow, it fhould be well leaared with a good cloie fence,
fufficiently ftrong to prevent the intrufion of cattle and
hogs, for on this depends much of the iuccels of the whole
plantation.

The next ftep to be taken is to provide a fufEcient flock of
vine cuttings, not only enough to plant the vineyard, but a Imall
nurlery too. If thelc cannot be had all at once, the planter
fliould begin to lay up a year ©r two beforehand, and plant
them in his nurlery in even rows, at four inches diflance, and
the rows three feet aiunder, that they may be hoed and kept
clean; in this cafe he fhould fcatter fome fhort flraw and chaff
between the rows to keep the ground moift anfl the weeds
down. The ground of the nurfery fnould be in good heart,
but by no means lo rich as the foil of your vineyard ; if it is^
when the plants are removed into the vineyard, they will
feldoin flourifh or become fruitful. The realon of planting the
cuttings fo clofe in the nurfery, is to prevent their fhooting theii-
roots too far into the ground, which would render them very
difficult to take up without damaging the root, and more tedious
to plant out.

Various forts of vines fhould not be planted in one vineyard,
if it is meant to make good wine. The moll experienced vige-
nerons affert, that grapes of one fort make the beft wine ; that
jf they are mixed they hurt the wine, by keeping it conflantly
upon the fret by means of their different fermentations. Be
that as it may, we fhould recommend this praftice for reafons
that operate more flrongly, which are, that the more fimple and
pure wine is, the more perfeft it is in its kind. Three different
wines may be all good in kind, and very agreeable whilft
diflincl, but when mixed together become quite the reverfe, and
the whole be fpoiled. If a vineyard contains one acre of
ground, it fhould have but two forts of grapes in it, if it is
meant to make a profit of it by felling the wine ; if it con-
tains two acres we adviie to have four forts in it ; and if it
contaias three or four acres wc fhould not chufe more : but if
it contains fix, eight or ten acres, perhaps it might be proper
Jo have a greater variety; but then preference fiaould be give-.n

454 GENERAL INFORMATION

to thofc kinds that make the bell wines, and fuch as do not
come in at the fame time, from whence the planter would reap
many advantages: — he would not be over hurried in the time
of vintage, nor run the rifk of having fome fpoil upon his
hands, whilft he was making up the reft; again, if a feafon
proved unfavourable, and lome were cut off by the inclemency
of the weather, others, that were later ripe, might elcape the
injury. It is certainly heft to plant each fort in a diftinft
quarter by itieif, to avoid ccniulion, and to reap every advan-
tage.

The next thing to be conhdcred is the quality of the vines
to be made choice of. This muft be limited and adapted to
the climate where the vineyard is planted. The moft haidy
and earlieft ripe will beft iuit tix moft noithern States,
we mean thole of New-IJampfh:re, Maff^chulctts, Rhode-
Ifland, Connefticut, &c. The vines proper for theie countries
are,

The black auvernat, The blue clufter,

The black Orleans, The miller grape.

Theie four make the beft Burgundy.
The black Hamburgh, The melie bianc,

The red Hamburgh, The white MorUlon,

The white mulcadine, The white auvernat,

The mufcadella, The grey auvernat.

All thefe are ripe early in September.

All the foregoing forts will do very well for New-York,
Nevv-Jerfey and Penniylvania ; we mean for the clear and open
parts of thefe countries ; to which may be added the following
forts, which are recommended for trial, they being more tender,
but ripen in September ; they Ihould be planted in a warm part
of the vineyard :
The chalfelas blanc, called The red frentiniac,

the royal mufcadine, The black Lifbon,

The malvois or malmiey, The white Lift)on,

The grey frontiniac, The chaffclas noir.

All the foregoing forts will do very well for the States of
Mar)'land, Virginia and North-Carolina, to which are added
the following, and recommended for trial, but they muft have a
warm' place :

The white frontiniac, The black dainalk.

The malmiey mufcat, The chicanti of Italy, Vvhich

The claret grape of Bourdcaux, rr.::kes a rich \yinc much ad-
The white Oporto, niircd in jftajy'..

Tlic bkick Oporto,

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 455

All tlie before-mentioned forts \vill do well in South-Caro-
lina, and in the colonies flill farther iouth, particularly in
the rich foils of Kentucky, &c. To which may be added tlie
following, as being (till more tender and later ripe :
The raifm mufcat, Tlie white nml'cat of Alexandria

The Alicant and Malaga rai- The gros noir of Spain,

{in grape, The St. Peter's grape.

The red mufcat of Alexandria,

in many parts of Vnginia, North, and South-Carolina, and
in Georgia, what ftrenglh nature aiVorded the loil has been
exhauflcd by tobacco, Indian corn, rice, tkc. However, thofc
grounds that lie near to rivers and creeks, may eauly be re-
cruited ; for thefc rivers abounded with rich mud, which is
the beR. kind of manure for Inch lands, and it would be no
great expenfe to procure a fufiicient quantity of it to cover a
piece of ground large enough for a vineyard, efpecially as it
may be done at fuch times when other bufinefs is not very ui"-."
gent : this mud mud lie fome time upon the ground before it is
mixed with the foil, at leaft a fummer and a winter ; for at firft
it will bake very hard, and be very crude ; but the winds, dews,
rains and frofls, with the help of the fun, will fweeten, mellow,
2nd bring it into a proper order; then it muft be equally fpread
and well mixed with the foil. Thus may the land be recruited,
and kept in good heart, from time to time, and from a barren
ufeleis piece of ground, it may become profitable both to tlie
«wner and his country.

The nature and quality of the 'Vines being confidcred an<l
made choice of to fuit the country, the next thing necefi'ary is^
to make choice of fuch parts of a vine, for cuttings to plant,
as may be moft likely to grow and flourilh, and alfo to produce
^ealthy and fruit f_.l vines, on which the fuccefs and profits
of a vineyard very much depend. All parts of a vine are net
equally good and fit for plants ; all branches that have not
borne fruit, all fuckers, lateral and fecondary branches, End
elpecially the long running barren branches, fliould be avoided ;
thei'e dilTcrent forts ieidom produce fruitful vines; the cuttings
fliould be choien from the teeming part of the vine, from among
thole branches that were fet apart tor bearing fruit ; and among
thefe fuch as are fl-.ort-jointed, and have been moft fruitful the
laft iummer : they fhould be cut down cloie to the old woo.-",
for there the wood is ripeft and moft firm. The upper part of
the Tame branch is lefs ripe, more loo!"e and fpongy, more apt
t© fail, and very f^dom makes' fo firm and lafting a vine. Howe-

456 GENERAL INFORMATION

vcr, where vines are fcarce, and men have not thcfe advantages
of choice, they muft do the beft they can. Thefe branches
muft be trimmed and cleared from the lateral or fccondary branch-
es ; but in doing this, great care muft be taken not to wound
the buds or eyes, which a carelefs hand is very apt to de. If
the bud be bruilcd with the back of the knife, fo that the
eotton that lies under the thin bark that covers the bud, and is
wilely intended to preferve it from the injuries of the weather,
be rubbed off. the bud will perifli. Therefore, as the buds lie
clofe to thele lateral branches, and are in fo much dinger of
being wounded, it is be ft and lafeft to cut the brandies off a
little above the height of the bud.

Thefe branches thus trimmed fhould remain whole and at
full length till the next April, which, in the northern Stiates,
is the beft time for planting. They fhould be fcparated from the
plant fome time in September, or as foon as the vintage is over,
that being the beft time for the trimming of vines, becaufe the
wounds which the vine receives are healed up, and fecurely
clofed from the feverity of the winter fcafon. If this work is
left till February or March, the vine fuffers by the frelh wounds
in long rains, fleets and frofts that follow ; or if the weather
is favourable, it grows faint and is cxhaufted by excefs of bleed-
ing.

o

The beft way for preferving the cuttings through the win-
ter, and which we therefore recommend for a general praftice,
is as follows : At or near the north-weft corner of the vine-
yard or garden, the fence being good and dole, a fraall trench
fhould be dug five or fix inches deep and wide, and fufficicntly
long to contani all the branches. In this they fhould be planted
thick and clofe with the butt ends down, and the trench filled
vp with the earth that came out of it, preffed down well with
the hand all about the bottom of the branches ; the earth fiiould
rife two or three inches above the iurface of the ground, to
prevent -the water from fettling about the vines, which would
rot them. If the cuttings are of various forts the planter ftiould
be careful to diftinguifh them from each other by their proper
names. Before the planting of the vines in this manner, two
or more crotches, according to the quantity of vines, fhould be
driven down at about three feet from the trench, and parallel
with it, upon which poles fhould be laid to fupport the upper
part of the branches about twelve or fifteen inches from the
ground ; thus they will lie fioping without touching the ground,
which pvefcivcs them from growing mouldy and from rotting.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 457

The vines then fhould be covered wiih draw, hid lengthways
ODon them up and dovva a little beyond the trench, l;> that the
water is carried off beyond the foot of the vines by ih;s ftraw
roof; and yet the flraw muft not be laid on too thick, left it
continue moift too lung and occafion mcJuldineU. Acrofi. the
top and bjttom, poles fhould be laid, and taiiencd down to
prevent the ftr^v/ from blowing away. Thus they ihould re-
main till fpiing.

In the beo-niiing of April, when ready for phnting, the wea-
ther being modeiate lod calm, the frofl; out of the ground,
and natuie teeming with frefh vegetation, then the branches
fliould be cut for planting. If one cutti::g from every branch,
is iuihcient for the purpofc, then the lower part fhould be cut
about twelve or fourteen inches long. But as it is moft likely
that the- planter will not have enough of thcle, he mufl: make
two or three cuttings of every branch, not le's than a foot
long: and having a ti ench made ready, place them in it cioTe
together, the butt or lu.vcr end down, and cover them up with
earth to the upper eye, till he is ready to plant, carcf 'lly plac-
ing every fort by themfelves, with i label denoring the krnd.
This direction is calculated for New-York, New-Jerley, and
Pennfylvania. The more nofthrrn States will be. a month
later, and the mJre fouthern colonies will be at leail^ a inonth,
fome two months earlier; planters mufl therefore conduft them-
felves accordingly. In theic lad States, we would recommend,
the cutcings to be longer, that they m^y be planted deeper,
ilie better to preicrve the vines from excelfive heats and
droughts.

The ground being well manured, and brought into good
heart if old, or being naturally rich if new, and having been,
it leaft twice, deep ploughed and well harrowed the lumnier
before, in the fall of the year it fbould be deep ploughed
the third time, acrjfs the hill or,riring ground, and li ; rough
juft as it is ploiJghed all winter, which will greatly prevent
wafliing, and the froils v/ill mellow it and prepare it the better
for vegetation.

In tne ipring of the year, as foon as the ground is dry, it
fhould be well harrowed both ways, and with a fiiarp iron tooth
liarrow laid down imooth and even ; and this gene lul caution
fhould be attended to, never to meddle with tiie ground of
the vineyard v/hen it is wet, or even tnoift. at top, nay, the
planter (h^uld avoid as mucii as poilibic v\'alking in at i'Jch a
time. His own experience will loon teach him the reafon of
liiis caaiior..^ fv;r he will find, that ths lighter and tiiors open

3 N

458 GENERAL I N F G P^M AT 1 0 1:

and locfcthe Toil of a vineyard is kent, the more his vines will
fiourifh, and the more fruitful they will prove,
, /\y)>,qn the groupd is i;i proper order, the planter fhonld pro-
vide a imall flake of four feet Ion? for every vine, and begin
to liv out his viueyard in the moft regular manner the nature
and CtiiYic of the ground will admit of. If he means to plough
and harrow his vineyard with a Imall fingle horie plough and a
fmall corn harrow, he fhould leave a border of ten or tu elve
feet on each fide of every fquare to turn the horlc upon, left he
tramples upon and dcftroys the outfide vines. 1 here will be no
need of fuch borders along the upper or lower fide of the
fquares, unlcfs he chufe it for the lake of regularity; becaulc
the vineyard fiiould never be ploughed up and down hiil, but
traYifverrely, for if it is it will be gullied, and the rich foil wafh-
ed away by hard rains.

The following method of laying out a vineyard, we think,
is as ealy, as regul.u' and as expeditious as any, fur a long Iq^iare
or a four-{quare p>iece of ^ijround : Lay it out in as many louares,
at leaft, as there are diiTcrcnt kinds of grapes to be planted ;
the fquares being Uid cue, plant the young vines in regular
order, at about eight feet dillancc fiom each other. This we
think the befl diftance. for them to itand, but variations may be
riiade accordijig to the will of the planter.

. If the vineyard is large enough to divide into four, fix or
eight fquiics^ or more, according to the different {oris of grapes
dcfigncd to be planted in it, and not flraitencd for room, the
planter will find it very convenient, on many occaiions, to have
crols walks of twelve feet between the (quarcs, not only to
tuitx upon when ploughing, but for carting in of manure, and
pl»cinj it conveniently ior dunging the vines, which will be a
faviug of labour, bcfidcs being attended with many otlicr advan-
tages.

,, The gvourid being prcnarcd, and having as many vine cut-
tings ?LS caii be planted iu half a day. loaking in lich dung
vvftter, i^ ,^t pail, whicht, Icrves beft to. keep the plants upright,
th^, b■^tt .erida.,b,eing,dQwn, holes mufi. be dug at proper diftanc* &
largipr Qr,fmjill|i^j,acc9rdAi5g to -fancy or judgement ; for. it mmtcrs-
nut fo thev are deep enough to contain the plai;t. And' here we
wjfh to, t,lcar up a point, which has Ud many people into mi.-
t;^kes and rendered this* v.ork exceedingly teuious, that is, ti-.e
th<ovyin^ iiUotJie holes, in .whica the vines are pl.'r.tcdj'Tich
r^Quid nii}Cfd^,,yv^^l^ old dung, thinking that this mi.ft be a great
adyanlaoje |ojthe, yiiip' : this is a miilaken notion, for as-kron a«
its ipot§ ftiikq, beyond this rich mixture, irito the coiumoa foil:, •
whijifh is n^-juy dcgices poorer and colder, ■ the conicquence is,
the rpots recoil, aiid ihiink bat;k at ccldoels ai.d poverty they
bad not been ulud to, and the vcgctaLioii ib Itoppcdjj^oid.tiic

TO EU ROPEA.\' SETTLERS. 459

plant y^ewpfieratfs and becomes barren ; and if tbe plirt is ex-
amined at bottom, it will be found, that inflcid of extending its
roots to their ulual length, it has ihot cut a great number of
4'maU fibres lik<'. threads, uhif!> extend no farther thart the good
mould ; and Lhcic being quite infi.fiicient to aniwer the demiinds
of nature, the plant pertfhes, ')r remains in an innftive and
barren flate. Whereas, had tlie vine been planted in the com-
mon foil at firfh, it would have met with no alteration, no fud-
den ch:in§e to check its growl Ii. This is fufficient proof, that
the (oil Ihould be well mixed and good, for the vine prs^fpers
in a warm, ftiiitful foil, but proves unfruitful and per'fhes in a
ioil cold and barren : yet a (oil may be too rich, or made too rank
by manure, and this extreme fliould al Co be avoided. But to re-
turn to planting the vines : the holes being dug according to th?
jnind of the planter, a (like (hoidd be driven on one lide of
the hole, and the vine then planted with the foot fet forward
fiom the ftakc, and bent a little, (o as to bring it gently up
agamft it, but one eye onlv fliould remain above the lurfnce of
the ground: the bud or eye muft not touch the flake, but look
from it; tJje earth, mixed welt together, fliould be preiTed gent-
ly about the vine, till the hole is almoft full, and the reft
thrown in lightly without preffmg, fo that it may rife up to th^
eye of the vine, which ought to be about two inches above the
common furface. By this means the vine will be prelerved
from drying winds and tlie hot fun till it begins to grow. Some
place four or five paving ftones about the foot of the vine, not
to ciofe but that the roots m.^y fhoot out between them, and
thele they fay, and we think with reafon, condenfe the air in
hot dry Icalons, and nouriflh the vine with moifhne, and cool
and refieih it when parched with excefui-e heats. In the
northern colonies, tbe vines fliould be planted on the fouth fida
of the {lakes for the fake oF the iun : in the louthern colo-
nies, thev ihould be planted on the north fide, to avoid too
great heat. Tiie upper eye only fhould fhoot out branches,
from which the head of the x'ine is formed. If anv flioots
fhould riie irom below, which (ometimes is the cafe, the looner
they arc removed tlie better; thele are called fuckers, ap.d verv
much exhauft the vine.

- When the vinevarci is planted, if there are anv cuttings re-
maining, they fhould be planted in a nurlery, or along the north
hde of the flakes, for iheie will be occafioii for them, as mmv
of the vines will fail, and the looner their places are fupplicd
the better. If lome of the vines do not fhoot till July, they
fhould not be given up. as they miiy grow notwitiiiiianding ;
rnany have not fliot till Auguft, and yet have done well. Fdl-
in^g up all the vacancies, where. the vines have failed or milcar-
riedj is abiolulely ncccifjry to be done as iooa as pofiible, euhcf

460 GENERAL INFORMATION

the fall after the vines were planted, with plants from the nur-
ferv," if the planner has any growing; or the next fpring, with
cu'tfincrs, which ii the belt iralon for planting them ; for having
no root, they iuffer greatly in the winter feaion. and if planted
iii'the fall, moft of them pcrifh. If the vacancies fhould by any
means be nep^lefted for three or four vears, the planter will find
it very difiicult to raile thrifty and flourifhing vines in fuch pla-
ces afterwards; beciiulc, by this time, the neighbouring vine*
having fliot their roots all round the Ipot wljere the young vine
is to be planted, will fo draw away the nourifhtnent, and en-
tangle the imall tender roots that fnd fhoot from it^ that it will
not be able to fiioot forward and flourifh. Some, for this rea-
lon, plant two cuttings in a hole, left one fliould miicarry. To
this the chief objeftion is, that hereby the regularity and uni-
formity of the vineyaid is hurt, many of the vines ftanding out
of the line. For in a well-regulated vineyard the vines fhould
be always arranged in ieguiar laws. If {ome of the vines prove
■weak the hrft iummer, and do not recover ftrength.the Iccond,
though manured and cultivated Well, they flroulti be rooted
out, (for in luch cafe they very leldom are worth raifmg) and
healthy vines planted in their ftead out of the nurlery.

In digging up the plants from, the nurlery, care fhould bd
ufcd that they may be taken up without wounding or bruifing
the' roots, and having a pail or fmall tub half full of rich dung
tvat!»r,'~the plants fhould be put with the roots downward into
that, to prelcrve them from the fun and drying winds, which
would (oon parch and dry up thefe young lender roots and kiU
the vine. When the planter has dug up about a dozen or
twenty plants, he fliould then proceed to planting, which muft
be done in the foUoiving manner. The holes being dug deep
d'm"iu?h and fufficiently wide for the roots to be Ipread in
at full length, lome looie earth fhould be thrown in, and fpread
over the bottom of the hole. The plant fliould then be fixed
nearthe flake, to high that the little branches may rife an inch
or'twd '^'abo^'e the furfice of the ground. The roots, it. will be
fccrc^iVed, for the moft part grow in rows, one above another.
The upper roots of all, which are called the day ropts, muft
be cut away ; the under roots of all muft then be fpread at full
ien;^th, and covered with earth, then the next muft be fcrved
in the fame manner, and fo on till all be regularly extended
^nd covcfed. ■ This is purfuing nature, which is generally the
Deft^di'^t'ftcii, The earth alfo by this means will better fet-
t^fi^ about the roots, and the vines in the Ipring will grow
a/id flouriih as if they had not been moved or tranfpljnted.

Trie vines being all planted as above directed, and ihe vine
cuttings, with oiic bud only above ground, ahd: that Ikhuoil co.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 46.1

vered with light earth, to preferve them from fuffering from
heat and drying winds till they begin to grow ; this upper bud
©nly will (hoot out branches, and the lower ones will throw
out roots : and this is much better than having two or three
buds above ground, and branches growing from them all, which
only ferve to weaken the vine, and hinder the forming of a
good head, which is the firft and chief point to be well fc-
cured.

We now proceed to the management of the vine in its in-
fant ftate, upon which will very much depend the after luc-
cefs of the vineyard.

There are but two ways of forming and managing of vines
to advantage for vineyards, by flakes or efpaliers. As for wall
fruit, the vines that are fixed to walls muft be managed in the
fame manner as thofe which are defigned for eipaliers, that is, the
head of the vine is at firfl formed about three feet from the
ground. But this we fhall particularly explain when treating
of the management of vines for efpaliers; we fhall begin with
the proper culture of vines that are defigned for flakes.

In this cafe, the head of the vine is formed near the furfacc
of the ground : this method is now generally praftifed through-
out wine countries, and indeed it is the only method proper
for countries where the frofts in winter are fo hard as to hurt
vines, by which means the next year's crop is deftroyed. There
is no way to prevent this but by covering the vines in winter
which cannot be done when fixed upon frames or efpaliers
without great difficulty and labour, as well as danger to the
vine.

The firft fummer after the vine is planted, there is no-
thing to do, but to tie up the little branches to the flakes with
a foft band, as foon as they are grown about a foot or fifteen
inches long, which will fave them from being torn off by
hard winds, which Would endanger the vine ; befides, they
grow the flronger and the better for it, and are out of the
way of the hoe, the plough and the hirrow. The ground fhould
be kept clean and free from weeds and grafs, for they are great
enemies to vines, and if the ground is kept mellow and loofe,
the vines will grow and flourifli the better. If the planter has
aitiy litter, fhort ftraw and chaff, the fhives of broken hemp or
flax, the chaff of flax feed, the duft and chaff of buckwheat, and
the ftraw trod fine with horfes when it is dry, any or all of
thefe fprcad over the vineyards after it is hoed or ploughed
and harrowed, will keep dawn the grafs and weeds, keep the
grour^i moift and light, and greatly prcierve the good foil from
wafhing away. If this is done the firft three or four years, it
will greatly forw aid theviriCSj Jj^yng.the ground irrto ^ood hearty

462 GENERAL I X FORM AT ION

and finely prepare it to produce good crops, by kerpin^ it locfc,
airy and lighr.

• In the month of September, when th(^ leaf brgins to n'ithcr
3od fall off, which is the bed time for trimming of vines, the
plinter fhould cut down all the branches to orie good bud each,
and remembering, that the lowermoll bud n'^xt the old wood
h called the de^sd eye, and never reckoned among the good buds.
When the vines are thus trimmed, a careful hand fliould take
»w?.y the dirt from the foot of the vine, about four inches.
down, and rut nwav all the upper roots that appear above th^t
depth. Thefe fhould be taken awav every fall for the fiift three
vears. The befl way is, not to cut tl?em off clofe to tlie bo-
dy of the vine, but about a draw's breadth from it, as they
■will not be fo apt to grow again as when cut clofe. Thefe up-
T)er or day roots greatly weaken the vine, and hinder the lov/-
er roofs from extending and firmlv fixing themlfclves below, on
which greaily depends the ftrength, firmnefs and durableneis,
«r the vine, and alio its fruitfulnels. BefuJcs, by the roots run-
ning deep, the vine is prelerved from perifliing in long, tedious
d;:x)ughts. The foot of the vine fhould be left open after the
cl^ay roots are cut away, that it may drv and harden, till the hard
frofts come ^ then the holes (hould be filled again, and the head
of the vine covered with chafF and fliort ftraw mixed, or with
bog or lalt h?y, or with horfe litter that is free from dung and
grals (eeds; . for thele fhould be carefully kept out of a vine-
yard, vvhich will fave the labour of rooting out the grafs that
WQuld fpring from them. Some cover the head of the vine with
earth wlicn they- fill up the holes; but this is wrong, as it
greatly endangers the vine, the ground, in warm rains, moulding
3ud rotting the vine. For the fame reofon, the planter fliould
fufFer no dung to be among the ftraw, hay or horle litter, with
which he covers his vines, as the heat cf the dung, in warm
rains or imuggy warm weatlicr, will mould and rot them ; the
cooler and drier they are kept, the better. When the planter
trims his vines, if he finds that any of them have failed, which
is very common, he fliould plant others in their room immediately,
if he has any plants of the iaine lort growing in his nuclcry ; if
not, he fhould without deiay, provide cuttings of .the liiuje kind,
ancrpreierye them till fpiping, as before direfted, a;id plant them
in the vacant places, that the vineyard m.iy be full and com-
plete as loon as polhblc.

The fccond fummcr the pL;n'er will find rr>orc branches {hoot-
ing; from jthe heads of his vines than did the fiid iunmier ; and
heVe the fkill of a vigneron is uccciLu y for forming the head
in the^bed manner. The bcft method is to let the {hoots giow
till they arc ten or twelve inches long, then tq cluafe eight that
are fhoft-jointcd and much of a fize that grow on all lides of the
viae, and flrike off all the reft. If one branch among the whole

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. ^Gj

number appeals much more thriity than the reft, the phr.ter
jnay perhaps be tcni^ned to lave it ; but ni ihiacale his eye Ihouid
not ipare, tor it wia draw loilielf the cliief nounfhnaent of the
vine, aiid Aicil;ii)y, or at icafl. much wcakwii the reft tif thd
branches, and alter all will bear but little fruit, for the fliort-
jointed biaachcs prove the bell bearers, and ineie Handing on
all fidts of the head, preleive the vine in full ihcugth and
vioo'.ir. For this realoii, the rounder the head of ihe vine is
funned, liie better : if the branches arc iuffercd to grow ont^
from one fide ot the he<id, the oUicr iide luifers ^I'saily, diid is
apt to peri Hi.

This year there fhould be f.vo flakes to a viae, one on each
fide, to which the biauches ihoula be {aliened ; by ihu ineans
they are iprcad at a diitancc from eacii oilier, and gr^w the
llrongir ; the lun, air and winds, come to every part, liie wood
ripens well, tiic bud* hli, and they are the btiler prepared to
L>.coine fiiiiilcl in due tune; wncreai, wiicn they arc nudalcd
all together, and Idliened up to one ilake, they luircr greatly
lor want ot the lun and air to diy iheni, after rains, milts Jiia
heavy dewi; ami in ciule, damp weather, liiey olten iniiuc^^
ar.d rot. Another icalon lor lying up liie orancncs hngiy to tne
flakes on each Iide, as icon as they aie long enough, is to pre-
vent tiiern from being torn ofF by naiU winds, which would ruiu
the vines. I'hc vineyard fhuuld always be kept clean and free
from weeds and gials ; and the uiyer the ground is, and me
holier the wtatncr, tlie more cUcttuaiiy they are deltroyed, by
h.oeing,^loughing and harrowing. But the planter ihould ic-
mciiiber, liCvcr to meddle With his ground wnen it is wet, for
in luch cal'c he does more hurt than good.

This fecoiid iummer the main branches fliould be fufFered lo
^low about Hve led long, and then lire ends of them be uip-
ped oil, in order to keep them within proper bounds, and t»
hinder .them from growing wild. 1 he lateral or lecondary
branches Ihould be nipped off at the eiid when they are about
afoot long, tJie nephews alio fuouid be nipped oft when they
are about lix inciies long. This is much bciier than the takiuaj
ail ihele hnailer bratichcs clean away, which is the practice of
iome ;■• for when thcle aie taken clean away, the main branches
evidently iufler, ihvy grow ilar, and appear difcorted ; winch
plainly (hews, that nature is deprived of lomething that iseffen-
ti.dly nccelFaiy to iier well being, it is cjuite neceiTary to nip
off the ends of the main branches, when tney arc grown about
five feet long, as they grow the larger and (Ironger, ^he wood
ripens the better, the lower buds ain: better filled and prepared
for bearing fruit. Befidcs, the vines become habituated to a low,
humble fl-iie, and ilicir tendency to climb and mount up above
every thing that is near thcin is checked, hy which means ihey

464 GENERAL INFORMATION

bear fruit within reach. Some time after the tops of the main
branches are nipped off, they will ihoot out a fecond time, and
then they generally throw out, from near the end, two branches
inftead of one ; thefe muft be nipped off; at the fame time the
lateral or fecondary blanches muff be looked to and nipped, if
any of them are fhooting out again.

In the fall of the year, as loon as the leaf begins to wither
and fall off, which happens earlier or later, according to the
weather, the branches fhould be again cut down to one good bud
each, the earth taken away round the heads of the vines, as
before direfted, the day roots cut off, and the vine managed juft
in the fame manner as in the fall, before. As Ibmc of the forward
vines will bear fruit the third year from planting, and as it is
natural for the planter to defire fruit, and elpecially to know
what fort, and how good, the different vines will bear, to fatisfy
his curicfity, we would advife him to let afide two or tliree of
each fort of his moft thriving vines for that purpofc, and inftead
of cutting down all their branches to one bud each, like the reft,
leave two branches on each of thefe vines, with two or three
tood buds on each, which will fhew fome fruit for the fatisfac-
tion of his curioftty. But we would perfuade him to prevent
the reft from bearing fruit till the fourth year, and the weaker
vines till the fifth, for the vineyard will make him ample latis-
faftion for this piece of felf-dcnial, as it greatly weakens a vine,
*nd indeed any other fruit tree, to bear when fo young ; and
however fond moft men may be of their vines bearing much
fruit, the overbearing of vines is allowed, on all hands, to hurt
them greatly. To prevent which, in wine countries, where it
is conwtton to leale out vineyards to huPoandmen, whom they call
■yignerons, they have very ftrift laws, obliging them to leave
only four, fix, or eight bearing branches on a vine, accoidingf
to the age of the vineyard, the ftrength of the vines, the good-
ncls of the loil, and the cuftom of different countries where
good wines are held in repute, to prevent their huiting the
▼ines, and the reputation cf their produce. Theie vignercns
are likewife obliged, after three fruitful years, if lo many iiap-
pcn fucceffively, to let their vineyards reft one year wiiaoui!
bearing fruit, tiiat they may have time to recruit and gather irclh
llrcngth.

The third fummcr the planter fliould manage his vines ir»
the lame manner he did the lecond, tying up ail the branches
to the ftakes, one above anoiher ; only of tliole vines that are
to bear fruit, the fruit-bearing branches Ihould be tied up above
the reft, that the fruit may have ihe benefit of the fun, the. air
and winds, ail which arc neccffary to bring the fruit to maturily.
Thi* year a third ftakc iiiould be provided, which ffiould be

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 465

ard^e down in the fprinj, juft on the north fide of the vine,
upon a line with the rcit. To this (lake the branches that bear
fi-uit, there being hut few of them, wU be beft fallcned. be-
Ciufe tliere will be the more room for the branches of lelervc,
whicli ue to bear fruit the next year, to be diflin£tly fallened to
the ftde flakes. Thele branches of relerve are now of great im-
portance to the owner, as the next crop will depend .upon the
riglit management of them. Tney ftiould, therefose, be care-
fully tied up at proper diftances to the Tide (lakes, tliat they m^y
grow well, that the wood may ripen, and the budi may he well
filled. When they are grown above five feet long, the ends rauR;
be nipped off, and the lateral branches kept fnort, and the
nephews reftrained, if they grow too long. As to the few
vines that bsar fruit this lummer, the fruit-bearing branches
fhould be nipped off five joints abov-e the fruit, and the fide
branches and nephews kept fhort, as above direfted.

In the fall of this third fummer, two of the bed fhort-joint-
ed branches of relerve fhould be faved, one on each fide of the
head of the vine, for bearing fruit the next year : tiie reft
fhould be cut down to one good bud each. If * ine of t^e
vines be very ftrong and flounfliing, the planter may preferve
four branches for bearing fruit, but by no means more, one on
each quarter of the vine. As to the branches on the few vines
that bore fruit this year, they muff be cut down to one good oad
each ■, for the fame branch fhould never be CufFered to bear fruit
two following years, vmlefs the trees fail fhort of branches of
referve, in that cafe the planter muff do what neceffity requires,
and let the old branches bear a fccond time, but they feldom or
never bear large cluflers, nor fair fruit. Thofe vines that bore
fruit this year, fhould not have above two branches on each left
for bearing fruit the next year, by which means their fli-cngth
will be preferved from being exhaufled when young ; in conie-
«uence of which they will lafl t?ie longer, and bear fruit the
more plentifully. The rcfl of the management is the feme with
that of the lafl year ; except that fome time in the kttei' endof
November, or lomewhat later, if the hard weather keeps off- a
fmall long trench on each fide of the vine fhould be dug wisli a
hoe, and the branches that are kept for bearing frtii6,-laid down
gently into them, and covered over with the earth/ The part
which appears above ground muft be well coverea \vith fi:raw,
bog, or lalt hay ;" and, indeed, if the whole that isb'uued were
all* covered in the fame manner, v/ith fliaw, &C»-. jt. w'^ouid b^

3 O ,-■ -J" *^T

466 ■ GENERAL INFORMATIOK

o-'u: ; for tlie branches being of an claftic nature, tbcy are very
apt, upon the thawing of ths ground, to rife with their b.ic!;s
above the ground, and rcinain expolcd to the weather, by whicli
means the crop is oficn loR. whicli a fmall covering of ftraw or'
h;;y will prevent. If any of them fhould be too (lifF to bend
down, then ilrawjhould be bound round them and the ftal-u:.

In the iprmg of the fourth year, the branches that have been
pielerved for beiring fruit, ihould be carefully trained up to
the fide flakes, the higher the better ; the branches tlwt flioot
out from tlie head this Jpring. which are called branches of re-
f n ve, and are dehgned to hear fruit the next iucceeding year,
ihouid be tied up to the (lakes below the fruit-bearing branches,
and one or two t© the middle (lake, if there is room, for often-
times the fruit-bearing branches occupy the middle as well as the
fide flakes, and elpccialiy in a plentiful year. The management
of tire vine in its bearing (late calls for a cloie and particular
attention. Some gentlemen, and thofe who have written bcfl
upon this fubjtcl, recommend the taking away all the lateral
©r iecondary branches and the nephews, cloie to the body of
the frail-bearing branch, and to leave only the main leaves of
that branch, thinking, by this method, that all the nourillimcnt
of the vine is thrown into the fruit. They aho order the top
of the branch to be taken off within three joints of the upper-
m£)ft duller of grapes. Others again are for following nature,
and fuffering all the branches to extend themlelves as they will.
Thefe we look upon as two extremes, and think that a middle
w^ay is the befl, moft rational and fafefl. The lateral brandies,
the leaves and nephews, are fuppoled by naturaliils to draw off
the crude and thin juices, and to hinder them from entering and
fpoiling the fruit, and alfo ferve for the circulation of the air
througli all the parts which is necelTary to vegetation, and for
bringing the fruit to peifctl maturity. That this is lo, or how
it is, we are not fo well acquainted with the operations of na-
ture as to determine; but this we knov/, that when tlieie Imaller
branches are taken clean away, the nrain branches, inflead of
growing round, fidl and plump, which is their natural fhite,
become hard, flat, and diftorted, and have an unnatural appear-
ance. Bei'ides thefe branches, when kept within proper bounds,
fervc to fliade the fruit from the icorching rays of the lun, and to
f^ieen them from violent winds, from hail and beating rains,
from damps and fogs and cold night dews, which are all nijuri-
ous to the fruit, as well as the cold dry north-cafl. winds, and
the cold driving north-eall florms. But this flrould not lead

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 467

into the other extreme, for if the vine is left to itfclf, and all
thcib branches luHered to grov/, it will rjn wild and ruin iticlf
by its own excels. This is llie method of managing vines v/hcn
the head is formed near tlie ground, and which is now pniftilcd
in mod vine countries in vineyards, except fome parti, of Fiance,
where they are (till fond of efpaiiers, and this method mull be
continued as 1-ong as the vines lall, which molt writers affirm,
will be above one hundred years. As to the management of
vines in gardens, againft walls, and for forming of fhady places,
and many other ways to pleafe tke humour and fancy of the
owner, that is not to be regaided, it has no relation to vineyards,
though the leading oblcrvations reipefting cutting, &.C. will
equally apply to them.

We have been informed that it is th.e praftice of fonie tocut
all the branches down, and to trull to new Ihoots for bearing
of fruit ; and wc have read the fame account in a treatile pub-
liflied by James ^.lortimer, Eiq. fellow of the royal Ibciety, ia
the year 1707, but theie accounts are io vague, lo general ar.d
fuperficial, without entering miruitely into any particulars, that
no dependence can be placed upon them ; nor can any man from
the account fonn a judgment of the manner of doing it. How-
ever, from thence we have taken a hint, and propole a method
which may be worth trial. In the fall of the third year of the
vine's age, inftead of laving two or four branches for bearing
fruit, cut down thefe to tw« buds each, and the reft cut down
to one bud each ; the upper buds of theie branches that have
two, are defigned to bear fruit the ne*;t year, the lower buds
and the buds of all the left are dcfigncd for fruit the year after,
and therefore if any fruit fhould appear upon them, it ihould be
taken away as foon as the clufter appears ; in the fall of the
fourth year, all the branches that liave borne fruit rnoLil'd be cut
clean away, and thole only left that did not bear fruit ; and then
according to the ftrength of the vine, as many of thefc may be
cut down to two buds, as in judgment it is thouglit tlie vine
ought to boar, the reft fliould be cut down to one, always remem-
bering that the branches that have but one bud, and the under
bud of thole that have two. arc to bear no fruit. \Vhen tlve
vines come to be luong and able to bear it, all the branches
fliould be cut down to two buds, and then there Vvill be eii-ht
bearing branches in one year, which are quite enough for ths
ftrongeft vines; however, if the planter has a rr.ind 16 ftrain.
his vines, and to try how much they will bear, he m.iv cut as
aianv brandies as he thinks fit down to three buds, two ai

3 O 2

^68 GESER A L TXFO R .\f A TJO N

■u-!iieh may bear fruit, while the under buds arc kept for
branches cf pelcrve. In the fall, all the fruit bearing branches
ilioulj be ci!t clem away, for no branch flinuld be left to bear
for two v^'ars. If this method fliould iucceed, and the planter
tliink it pieferable to the inet!",od fiift laid down, we mean that
of preierving branches of rcierve to be laid down and covered
in winter, ^vh."ch is the German method, and the general prac-
tice of tfie Rhine, &c. then, in order to bring the older vines
into this method, he fhould clu dov/n the fruit-bearing branches
to one biid the ftrft year, and the brandies of rcierve to two or
three bads each, as the vines appear able to bear it. In this the
planter mud form his judgement from the flrength of the vine,
the goodnefs of the foil, the diftancc of the vines from each
other, and the quantity of fruit they have borne the three pre-
ceding years : for vines mufl have time to reft and recruit, if
fhey are meant to laft, and. to bear again with vigour.

For the covering of thefe vines in the winter feafon, we would
advITe a handful of fort hay, that is free from grafs-feeds, to be
laid on the head of the vine, and a flight box made of rough
cedar boards, or of pine, be put over the head, which will be a
lafe and fufficient covering : otherwife a fmall fheaf of ftraw,
bound well round the fiiake, and the bottom brought all round
the head, of the vine, and. Iccured by a band from blowing open,
will do veiy well. The vines fhould not be covered till hard
weather is r^aay to fet in, and tHey Ihould be dry when co-
vered.

Before we proceed to the mnnagement of vines for ihe frame
or cipalier, it may be necellarv' to offer a few obfervations of a
general nuture, which all who grow vines will find it their in-
tereft to attend to.

When vines are trimmed in the fall, which they o'.ight to be,
as foon as tjie vintage is over, or as ioon as the leaf withers and
falls off, they fcldom bleed, and uever fo as to hurt them. If
vines have been neglctted and net trimmed in the fall, and this
woric mun. be done ia the ipring, it fhould be done in Februa-
3v if cood weather happens, or early in ?vlarch. If it is clone
Inter, ihev will bleed too mucii, and endanger the crop. Scar-
irio- the wound as ioon as it is made with a hot iron, it is laid,
iind we think with reafon, will prevent the bleeding. In trim-
Biin'^, keep about two inches from the bud, or halfway between
bud and bud, that the upper bud that is left may be free from
/langer. The rule is, to cut (loping upward, on the oppof?te
nd;; to the bud, "but this is no kind of fccurity to the eyes below.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. ^g^

If, therefore, foaiing every wound with a hot iron be thoui^ht
too much trouble, anotlicr rttmedy is, to wafh the branches that
arc wounded and bleed, and efpccially ihe buds, with a lag dip-
ped in warm water, without touching the wound, which in eight
or ten days will flop of itfclf ; the liquor forming a ftiff jelly
upon the wound, like coagulated blood, and diying by degrees
heals up the wound. The wafhing muft be deferred till they
have done bleeding : unlefs this is done, the buds will be endan-.
gcred. lor fo glutinous is the fap, that it binds up the bud it
reaches, that the leaves cannot open and unfold at the time of
vegetation. In cutting off large limbs from old vines, it fome-
times happens that ants fall upon the pith, eat their way in,
and make a hollow, where the water fettles and rots it. In diis
calc the remedy is, to cut luch branches clofe down to where
it is iolid and green, and it will bark over and heal.

It is common for large buds to flaoot out two or three branches
each, but only one on each fhould be luffered to grow ; if fruit
is expcftcd on them, the planter fhould be careful not to ftrikc
them oif till he knows which is mofl fruitful. Vines that arc
clolc planted, in a vineyard, cannot be expected to bear lo much
fruit as fingle vines, or as thoio that are planted at a diftance.
Their roots are too much confined, fo that they cannot gather
nouri'fhment in io Imall a compais ot ground, to lupport and t)ring
to perfection a large quantity of fruit ; and tliis is a f ufficieat
rcaion for rcflraining them, and for limiting the number of bear-
ing branches, if it is meant to make good wine, to keep the vines
in full vigour, and to prelerve them for many years ; but the
deficiency is fully made up by a greater number of vines, and
the planting them clole, enables the planter the better to keep
them low.

Vines that bear black or red grapes generally fhoot forth ii
greater number of branches, and more vigorous, than thole that
bear white grapes, and therefore the latter require more caution
Ih trimming, and more care in the cultivation and managemeru
of the foil, that it be kept clean and in good heart.

When vines have been covered with earth during the winter
feafoh, they fhould not be uncovered in the fpring, till the hard
frofts are over, and then it fhould be done in a fair, warm dav
that they may dry before night, for if they fhould freeze before
tlvcy are dry, it would greatly huit, if not ruin the crop.

In trani'planting vines or trees of any kind, it has by lone ex-
perience been found, that removing them in the fall, after the
Jeif is fillen, is much furer and fafer than doing it in the fpring ;

47© GENERAL INFORMATION'

for if trees are well flaked, fo as to fland firm againft hard winds,
the ground will be fo well packed about the roots, that they will
grow in tlic ipnng as if they had not been removed, and are in
no danger, if a dry feaion fiiould happen {elpecially if fome horle
litter or eld I'ay be thrown round them in the fpring. lo as not
to touch the Hem.) Whereis if they are removed in the ipring,
and a drought fuceeeds, before the ground is well fettled about
the roots, many of them will milcairy.

As vines are belt planted upon riung grounds to prevent to«
much wet, and as it is neceffiry to keep the foil looie and mel-
low, it thci^eby becomes mo;e hjbie to be waflied away by hard
rains, which is a great injuiy to a vineyard; now if by any
ine^ns this inconvenieiicy can be avoided, it is a great point
gained, and therefore it deiervet. the particular attention of the
planter : leveral ways have been tried, lo as neither to injure
tiie vines nor hurt the crop. The following method, wiiere a
perion uas the conveuiency, will, we believe, be found effec-
tual. Lay bioad fiat ftones, not exceeding two inches in thick-
nefs, dole along the lower fide of the vines, after the ground
has been made ioofe and mellow. Thcle ftones being broad,
and not very heavy, do not prels hard upon tlie roots of the
vines, nor pack the ground too clofe. They reflect great heat on
the vine and fruit, which helps to bring to maiuiity ; they
pieierve the foil from Avafhiag away^ they keep the giound moift
fn the drieft times, and liinder too much wet from penetrating
down to the roots near the head of the vine, which chiefly occa-
fions tlie burfting of the grapes when they are near ripe, after
a fliower of rain. To prevent this evil is one reafon for cutting
away the day roots, wJrich extend themlelves along near the lur-
face of the ground. But where fuch flat ftones are not eaiy to
be had, \vc would recommend fiiort ftraw mixed with chaff, the
fhieves of flax and hemp, the chaff of flax feed, or old half-
rotted fait, or bog hay, free from grais feeds, fpread thin between
the rows. On tiie fide of fleep grounds, of hills and moun-
tains, ftones in proportion to the defcent, or logs of wood,
where ftones are not to be had, muft be laid 'along the lower fide
©f the vines, to keeo tlie foil fioni wafliing away, which other-
Wife it will do, to the great dam.age, if not the ruin of the vine-
yard, and therefore in beginning i vineyard, iu fuch a fituaiion,
this is an eltential part of the colt-

A vineyard will thrive the better, and the crops will be more
fure, if it is well fcrecned by a good fence, buildings, mountain,
«r thick coplc of wood ai a fmall diftance, from thole poiuts

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 471

that lie north-caft and north ; the winds from thofe quarters, ia
tlie iining of liie year, being very unfriendly to vines, lint then
a vineyard fliould be quite open to all the other points of the
compats : for vines fucceed bcft in an open, clear, pure, waria
air, free frora cold damps, fogs, mifts, and condenfed.air^ ariiiiig
from bogs, Iwamps, and wet clay grounds, and fiora large trafts
»f neighbovn^ing woods. The north-wcCl winds in Amciica, are,
indeed, rather advantageous to a vineyard ; for altii.cagh they are
exti-emely cold in winter, and occafion Icvere frolic, yet as the
vmes arc then covered, they do them no harm. BeGdes, thofe
winds are generally drying, and fcidom bring-wet ; in the fpring
and fuinmer they are always cool, and help to brace up, harden,
and confirm the leaves and tender new fliot branches of all
trees and vegetables, which otherwifc would remain languid and
weak.

Tiiere are three feafons when a cai^eful and experienced vig-
4ieron fhould deny accels to his vineyard ; firft, when the ground
is wet, becaufe then the weight of a man prelTes down and packs
the earth too clofe and hard upon the roots of tlie vines. Se-
condly, when the vines are in blofTom, becaule if they are thea
difturbed by handling, fhaking, or rubbing againft tliem, the
farina or fine'duft that is formed on the bloffom, which impreg-
nates or gives life to the fruit, is fhiken off and the fi-uit mif-
carries. Thirdly, when the fruit grows ripe, becaufe the temp-
tation is too Ilrong to withftand, and perfons will pluck off the
falreft, ripcffc grapes, which injures the whole bunch, and cer-
tainly is a great injury to the owner, for the faireil grapes make
the richeft and fiueff flavoured wines.

With refpeft to the management of vines upon cfpnliers, it
muff be remembered, that this is a praftice only fit for I'outhern
or ver)' warm climates, wheie the v» inter fro (Is are not ib fevere
as in more northern r^egions ; for as they are to (land expofcd
to all wreathers, the germ or bud, from which the grapes fpring,
are apt to be chilled and deffroyed by the fevcrity of a fharp
feaibn, and efpecially by moift (licking Inows freezing hard on
the branches.

The firfb year the young vines are trimmed and managed in
the fame manner as befoie duecled.

The (econd year, when they always flioot forth a greater num-
ber of blanches, is the time for m.;king choice of the beft bran-
ches for flandards ; the planter (hould therefore fet apart two
of the befh Ihortjointed branches on each vine for that purpoie,
that one may be fecured in cafe the other fhould fail, as thcfe
branches v/hen youDg are fubjc£l to many accidents.

472 GENERAL INFORMATION

Having chofsn two branches for ftandards, he fhould traia
them up as ftiaight as pofTiblc, one on each fide of the flake, to
which, whs a they arc grown about fifteen inches long, they
fhoulJ be bound with a loft band : as they grow longer, they
fhould be bound a fecond and third time ; and when they arc
grown up to the top of the flake, which fhould be five feet high,
the ends fhould be nipped off that they may grow thicker and
flrongcr. When the planter has taken away the tops of the
vine, it will fhoot out two branches at the top inflead of one ;
thefe mufl alio be nipped off and kept fhort, but none of the
lateral branches muft be taken away till the time for trim.ming
them. In the fall, when the vine leaves begin to wither and fall,
one of thefe flandards from each vine fhould be cut away clofe
to the flock, leaving the other, which will be out of danger ; all
the branches and neph.?ws mufl be trimmed from it, and the top
cut off within three feet and an half of the ground, leaving
four buds at the top, and cutting off" all the ends of the buds
below them ; all thefe wounds will be healed before the hard
%v'cathcr comes on ; the two upper buds will be the arms of the
vine, the two lower buds will be the two fliouldcrs, and jufl un-
der thefe the viae is fallened to the efpaliers, and is called the
head of the vine.

The tiard fummer the efpaliers being regularly fet up fix feet
high, in a line with the vines, the polls being of fomc lafling
Vi'ood, as red cedar, locufl, or mulberry, which are ultimately
the cheapefl ; or for want of thefe, of good thrifty chefnur,
that is not worm-eaten ; and being firmly fixed in the ground,
in the middle fpacc between vine and vine, the rails, four 'n\
height, mufl be well nailed to tliem, and placed on the north
fide of the vines, the lowermofl about three feet from the
ground, or jufl beneath the lowermofl bud on the vine, the vine
mufl be faflened with a flrong band to a flake f.rmly fixed down
near the root of the vine, and faflened to the frame near the
lower rail, the four buds rifing above it. When thefe buds
ilioot forth their branches, they mufl be regularly trained up to
the rails above, and faflened to them wit'u a loft band ;,as loon
as they are lowg enough to reach the firfl above them, they mufl
be f aliened to that, and fo to the next, &c. as tliey grow, and
tills mull be done by a careful hand, becaulc thele branches at
firfl are very tender ; if tliey fhould be negle6led till tiiey are
grown longer before they are tied, they will be in gieat danger
of being torn off by hard winds, which will greatly damage the
vLne. When the branches ere grown up to the top of ilic

TO El/ROPEAN SETTLERS, 473

frame, the ends muft be nipped ofF even with it, and when
from tlie tops they (hoot forth again, they mud again he taken
off and kept down even with the frame. The lateral branches
and nephews alfo mufl be kept within proper bounds, and not
lulTered to grow too long, for fonic of their fide branches will
ftcal away to a great length, and rob the vine of its ftrcngth.
If any fruit fhould appear this year, which may happen, it
{hould be taken away as ioon as it appears, and felf-denial will
be amply rewarded the lucceeding year.

In the fall of this third year, the lateral branches and ne-
phews muft be carefully cut away from the main branches, lo
as not to hurt or rub a^iinft the low-er buds with the back of
the knife, which is frequently done by cutting off the oranc:ies
too near the germ or bud. For if the thin bark thuc covers the
bud be rubbed off, under which is a loft warm covering of a
kind of cotton, to preferve it from cold, the wet gets in, freezes
and deftroys the germ. The four main branches that Ip, ung
from the four buds, fhould now be cut down to two good buds
each ; befides the lower bud next the old wood, whicn is never
looked upon as a good bud, though the pb.nter will be obliged
fometimcs to make uie of it. In cutting f>ff the main branches,
care fhould be taken to cut flanting upward, fo that the wound
appears in the fhape of the nail of a man's finger, and the fiope
fliould be on the oppofite fide of the bud, that if it fhould bleed
it may drop free of the bud; this is the rule on which we have
given our opinion before. In cutting, care Ihould be t ken not
to approach too near the bud that is left, left you eritnnger it,
by letting in the cold air and wet upon it, before the wound can
heal.

The chief point in managing thefe vines, is, the providintr
branches of referve for recruiting the arms in fuch manner as to
confine the vine v/ithin the compafs of the frame, for if new
arm.s are raifed from the old ones, the Vine will foon outfhoot
the frame. The planter muft> therefore, feek for new arms
from the fhoulders ; if a branch grows in a proper place, any
where between the arms and theheadj and happens to be broken,
it fliould be cut down to two or three good buds, as foon as it
is dlfcovered : this is called a keeper, and very well fupplies
the place of a branch of relerve.

We above directed to cut the four main branches that grciir
from the four buds, down to two good buds' each, but this is
defigned for the ftrong vines only ; thole that are weak, muft
be cut down to one good bud each branch, by which laeans

474 GENERAL 2 K F C R lA AT ION

they will gather flrength the better, and if any fruit fliould ap-
pear on the weak vines in the fourth, or even the fifth year, it
fhould be ftruck off as foon as it appears.

The fourth year, wlien the vines are trimmed in the fall, the
arms may be cut down to one good bud each, inftead of being
taken clean away, for the vines being yet young and low, thele
two buds will in a manner become part of the ih.oulder-s, being
fo near them ; thei'e will bear fruit the next, which is the fifth
year, and then the two lower buds that grew on the branches
which Iprung from the fhoulder may be laved for brandies of
referve, by taking away the fruit as loon as they appear, and
thcie will bear fruit the year after, which is quite fufficient.

The fixth year the planter may have three good buds on each
branch for bearing fruit, and the feventh year he may have four
buds on each branch, which will make eiglit bearing branches,
which, as before obferved, are thought by the befl judges to be
quite fufficient for the flrongeft vines, if it is meant to make
good wine ; and to this number vignerons are generally con--
fined.

Vines that are defigned for efpallers mufl be planted further
afunder than thofe that are intended for flakes, for as they riie
much higher with the ftem, they require more nourifhment, and
more room to extend their roots * ten feet is by no means too
much : t^\'elve would be better.

One general rule is neceiTary to be laid down in order to give
young vine-dreffers a clear idea of the nature and manner of
trimming vines, which is a procefs to young beginners ; tlie
young wood that grew this jear, muft be preferved for bearing
fruit the next year, and thofe branches that did not bear fruit
are better for the purpofe than thofe tliat did.

When the arms have borne fruit, they fhoukl be cut away in
the fall of the year, as foon as the vintage is over, provided
there are branches of referve growing on the fhoulders to fupply
their places : but if the trees have failed in thefe, notwithfland'
ing all attem.pts to procure them, the planter muft then do what
necelTity requires, and cut the arms down to two, three, or four
good buds eacli, according to the ftrcngth of the vine, remem-
bering uot to luffcr any fruit to grow on the branches that Ipring
from the lower bud on each old arm, thele being now ablolutely
neccffary for branches of referve, in order to recruit the arms
the next year. According to theic rules, vines on efpaliors mull
be conftantly treated.

rO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 4^^

As fome of the fouthern States have a hot -Tandy foil, and are
fuhjeft to great heats and parching droughts, we fliall here ofi'cr
a few thoughts and direftions which we imagine moft likely to
render the vineyard fuccefsful in thefe hot parchinc countries.

Fir ft, we think it will be found neceilary to l"hade the young
vines the firfl two or three years, during the hot dry feafons,
by driving down firmly in the ground branches of trees thick
let with leaves, on tiic fouth fide of the vines ; thefe are better
than mats, or pieces of thatch work, as the air and winds can
pafs more freely through them ; it will alfo be necelfary to wa-
ter the young vines twice a week, during the hot dry feafons,
in the evening, that the water may have the whole night to
foak down to the roots of the vines, to cool and refrePn them;
the branches in thefe hot countries fhould not be lied up to the
flakes, but fiiould be fuffered to run on the ground to fhade and
keep it moift and cool. Thefe vines mufh be trimmed in th.c
fame manner, as thofe which are defigned for flakes, as foon as
the leaf falls, or th^ vintage is over. The third year, inflead
of fixing flakes to faflen up the branches, fhort crotches fnould
be diove down about fix feet afunder, and pretty ilrong poles
laid acrofs upon them, fo that they may lie about fourteen
inches from the ground, and fo near to each other, that the
branches of the vines may conveniently run upon the poles
without dipping down and running upon the ground ; if the
ends of the vines fhould run beyond the fides of :his bed of
poles, they mufl be turned in and confined to their proper beds,
becaufe it will be necelfiry to have a walk or path of two feet
wide between the different beds to regulate the vines, to cut
a\\';;y the luxuriant tuckers, to gather i;i the vintage, and to trim
the vines.

This bed of poles fhould be fo placed, as to extend three feet
on each fide cf the row of vines, fo that the rows of vines
{landing eight feet afunder, there will be a path of two feet be-
tween row and row for the neceilary purpoles before mentioned.
Particular care fliould be taken not to take away too many-
branches from thefe vines, unlefs there fliould h.appen an un-
common wet feafon, nor to keep them too fliort, becaule they
arc defigned to fliade the ground as much as poifible, in order
to ke;"p it cool and moift, which is necelfary for the growth of
the vine, and for bringing the fruit to perfcftion ; but tiien in
the beginning of Augufl, or about a month before the different
forts of fruits begin to grow ripe, each in their proper time, the
Jateial branches fliould be taken away, and the toys cf the main

3 P 2

476 GENERAL INFO RM AT 10 N

branches cut off; but this muft be done, not all at once, but
by deg'-ees, according to the drynefs or wetnefs of the ieafon,
for the j-mrpofe of doing this is to let in the fun and the air,
which, at this (eaten of the year becomes ncceffarv to brino the

. - c

fruit to p^rfeft maturity j the wetter the feafon at the latter part
of the lummer, the more branches muft be taken awny, and th«
fhorter the main branches muft be cut, and if neceffary moft of
tht' leaves muft alfo be plucked off ; the fruit will ripen the bet-
ter, and make the richer wine, and this may be done without
any injury to the vines.

The fame management with regard to tlie thinning the
branches and the leaves at this feafon of the year, is neceffary
for vines that are faftened to ftakes or efpaliers, in order t©
meliorate and haften on the full ripenefs of the fruit ; the lon-
ger white grapes hang on the vines, even after they are ripe, if
the feafon prove dry, the richer wine they make. But it is
otherwife with the blnck grapes, when they are full ripe, they
muft be gathered, and the wine made ; if not, they rot and dry
away fudugnly, and perifh in lefs than a week.*

We fliall now take notice of the different foils and manures
that are beft for vineyards ; a vineyard planted on a piece of
good ftrong new ground needs no manure the firft feven years.
The beft manure for a vineyard is fuch as is warm and free from
grafs feeds ; fowl's dung of every kind, except water fowl ;
fo/Tp afhes, or other afhes fprinkled thinly between the rows of
vines, but not too near them, for this manure is very hot and

* The Portuguefe ferm the head of the vine near the ground, but wheilier
through carelelFnefs, the love of eafe, or the want of proper materials, we can?
not determine, but they have a method peculiar to themfelves of managing their
vines ; they drive crotches into the ground, upon which they fix ftrong poles,
-which lie about three feet from the ground, fonie more, lome lefs, according to
the fteepnefs of the hill, for their vineyards generally grow upon the fides of
hills and mountains. The branches of the vines, when grown long enough,
they throw over the poles and faften them ; they trim them and nip off the end^
of the branches according to art, ai)d in the beginning of autumn, they cut
away the lateral branches and nephews at different times, and by degrees pluck
away all fuperfluous leaves, fo that the fruit becomes much cxpofed to the fun,
the air and winds, that they may arrive at full maturity. They then gather them
and take away all the rotten and unripe fruit, throw them into the vat and tread
them, which fuificiently done, they take them out and prefs them as dry as they
tan ; they then turn the huiks into the vat a fccond time, and alihough they
appeaj quite dry, yet they trample them over fo long; that the very hufks fccra
to diilolve into wine, this they prefs a fecond time, and this is laid by for the
jichell Madeira wine, which in other countries ij d<ifhed with water, aud nuds
iutc a|})iQ '.vine for common ufco

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 477

fliarp ;* the rich foil that is wafhed down and lellles along the
fides of brooks and rivers, and in many low places along roads
and highways ; lea land, mixed with common foil that might be
taken up along the highways, would make an excellent manure ;
in fhort, fand of every kind, mixed in large proportions with
good foil, is very nourifhing to vines, for tholc vines produce
the fweeteft and richeft grapes, and the flrongefk and bell fla-
voured wines, that grow in rich fandy foils ; the mortar of old
buildings, that has been made of lime and fand, pounded fine;
the dull of charcoal, the imall coal and the earth that the coal
kilns are covered with when burnt ; the foot of chimneys ; the
fmall cinders and black dirt found about fmiths fhops ; all thefe
are excellent manures for loomy or clay grounds, to warm, to
open and to dry them, and efpecially if a large quantity of fand
be mixed with it ; creek mud, or the mud along the fides of
rivers, thrown on in the fall, or thrown up and fweetened all
winter and laid on in the fpring, is a rich manure for fandy
lands, or for clay and loomy lands, if mixed with a good quan-
tity of fand. All warm rich untried earth, is excellent, fo is
llreet dirt of cities.

The foil cannot be too frelh for a vineyard, provided it is
pot too rank, and therefore a frefh new foil, that has never
been ploughed, at lead not in many years, i* always recom-
mended as moll proper for a vineyard. A clean, light, warm,
rich foil, that has a great mixture of fand, is bell ; a rank,
heavy, flubborn foil is not good, it is apt to rot the vines, un-
lefs it lies high along the fouth and fouth-eaft fides of hills and
mountains ; the drynefs of the fituation, and the intenfe heat of
the fun, greatly alter fuch a foil, and meliorate it ; they open,
warm and fweeten it, by drawing out its cold, four, bitter na-
ture, and render it fit for the richeft produftions, fo that here
jhe ftrongefb and higheft flavoured wines are made.

The Roman frame, which ferved inflead of efpaliers in an-
cient times, was plain, cheap, and frugal, fit for farmers, and
fuch as every farmer may procure without expenfe on his own
plantation. It confifled of ftrong ftakes, or fmall pofts, fixed
well iu the ground in a flraight line fix feet high, and three
rows of poles tied faft to them one above another, and fifteen
inches apart, the upper pole being four, five, or fix feet from
the ground, according to the age of the vine ; over the upper

*■ This manure is b«ft fprcad .on the ground in the fall, that it may mix with
^e foil and be properly tempered before the heat pf the next fummer oonies on,
ffhcfwifc it will burn up the plapts,

47« GENERAL INFORMATION

pole the bearing branches were laid, looking toward the fouth,
and were faftened to the pole, and this they called precipitating
a vine ; when the branches were grown long enough, they were
faftened to the middle pole, and then to the lowermoft, and
-when they came near the ground they were cut ofl". The
branches were reguJarly difpofed lb that each might have the
benefit of the fun and air, by being faRened to ftakes driven
down at certain diftances along the frame, they were trimmed and
man;:ged in other refpcfts juil in the fame manner as thofe di-
rrfted for efpaliers ; and indeed from thefe frames the efpalier
was taken.

The materials proper to make bands of to bind the vines to
the ftak&s are, the fweet flag, otherwife called the calamus aro-
maticus. Thefe long flat leaves cut in June, and dried in the
Inade, and then bundled up and kept in a dry place for ufe,
clo very well, but then they muft be made wet when ufed.
The long flat leaves of reed, the rufhes and three fquare that
grow in marfhy or meadow ground, preferved and ufed in the
fame manner, clo as well.

From thefe neceiTary direftions for planting and isianaging
vines and vineyards we proceed to the making of wines ; a
fubjeft which, though fhort and eaiy, calls for great nicety and
exaftnefs. The making, fermenting and preferving of wine,
is a myftery to the people of mofl countries, but when the me-
thods of managing the procefs are brought to light and explain-
ed, nothing appears^ more fnnple and eafy. . Introductory to
this work, it will be neceffary to give fome direttions about
gathering the grapes. ,

We have already obferved, that the black grapes differ from
the white in the manner of ripening, but whether grapes are
black or white, they muft be fully ripe before they are gather-
ed, otherwife they will not make good wine : they fhould be
gathered in a fair, dry day, when they are perfectly dry, and
all the rotten and unripe grapes muft be taken away from every
clafter, for they Ipoil the wine : if the vintage is large and
more grapes are ga'hered than can be maflred and prefled out
in one day, care fhould be taken that they are gathered with-
out bruifing, for bruiled graptrs foon contract an uniavory tafte
and hurt the wine in proportion ; if they arc maflaed the lame
day they are gathered, the bruifing will do no hurt ; neverthe-
leis, we advilc the gathering of them vvith care.

The black grapes arc bcft known to be lipe, when a few of
the fcrwardeft grapes begins to flirivel and dry ; then they
ili'juld be gathered and made into wine as fift as |rofiibIc*

TO EU ROPEAN SETTLERS. 479

If white frofts happen before fome of the grapes are fuUy
ripe though very near it, fo as to want no farther feeding, there
need not be any apprehenfions about them, they may dill liang
on the vines, for they will grow ripe, rich and high flavoured
notwithftanding ; but then they muft be gathered before the
•weather is fo cold as to freeze them ; the light fiofts that on-
ly kill the leaves do not hurt the fruit, unlefs it be fuch as
are late ripe ; thefe flrould be carefully covered from all frofts,
they fliould grow againft walls or board fences fronting the
fouth or fouth-eaft, and at night be covered with mats, or
frames thatched with ftraw, which fhculd be fo contrived as to
be fet up to cover the fruit or let down at pleafure.

A pretty correft judgment may be formed of the goodncfs or
badncfs of wine, and of a plentiful or thin vintage, by the fea-
fons of the year ; if the fprlng and former part of the fummer
prove generally dry ; with moderate refrefhing rains at inter-
vals ; if the feafon in Auguft and September prove hot and
dry, if in the month of June the weather prove calm, lerene
and dry, when the vine is in bloffom, and the fruit is forming,
the vintage will in general be plentiful, and the wine rich and
good : but if at the time of blolloming the feafon fhould prove
wet and ftorniy, the winds high and bluflering ; if the fpring
is cold, wet, and backward ; if the latter part of the fummer
and fall is ftormy, raw and wet, the vintage will be thin, and
the wine bad ; when this happens, it will be neceiTary to boil
one-half of the muft, and to manage it as hereafter direfted.

As the wine made from black grapes has a different manage-
ment from that made from white grapes, we fhall begin with
the white: — thefe mufi: be gnthered, as before mentioned, in a
fair day, when the grapes are perfectly dry ; and both the rot-
ten and unripe fruit carefully plucked off from every bunch ;
the cluflers muft then be thrown into the vat, and thoroughly
mafhed ; for the more they are trampled and mafhed the better:
about Paris they let the murk, that is, the fkins, flalks, mufl:
and all, ftand together in the vat eight and forty hours, and
then prefs it off. but in other parts of France they prcfs off as
foon as the grapes are mafhed. The hft method we fhould
prefer, provided the hufks are mafned or trod over again in the
Portuguefe manner, otherwife we fhould prefer the method prac-
tifed by the people about Paris, for this reafon, becaufe there is
a rich pulp that adheres to the fkin of the grape, which is not
feparated by tlie hrft treading ; but by lying e'ight and forty
kours in the murk, and the vat covered clofe, v/hich is the

4So GENERAL INFO RMATION ■

praftice, a pretty ftrong fermentation is begun and continued
feme time, which partly diffolves and partly loofens this rich
pulp, which then chiefly comes away by prefTing ; however,
Xve are of opinion, that the treading of thefe hufks after the
fermentation, the muft having firfl run off into the receiver,
would do the work more effeftually if they were well prefTed
after it. But then this caution muft be attended to, that if
vines are young, which always afford a thin, wealc wine, or if
the feafons have been wet and bad, fo that the juices are not
rich, in thofe cafes the muft fhould be boiled before any fer-
mentation, in order to preferve the wine, in that cafe the Por-
tuguefe method fhould be purfued, becaufe the boiling of wine
after the fermentation has begun would entirely fpoil it ; the
fweet muft only, as it runs from the treading into the receiver,
fihould be boiled. The firft and fecond preffing being mixed
together, is put into hogfheads, which fhould be filled within
four inches of the bung, that it may have room to work and
ferment,, the caiks being placed in fome warm room or dry
cellar. Then having a fmali fpile fixed in the middle of the
head of the cafk, the third or fourth day a little of the wine
fhould be drawn in a glafs, and if it is pretty fine, drawn off
immediately into a clean dry well-fcented cafk, the larger the
better, fo there is wine enough to fill it within two inches of
the bung ; it muft then be ftopped clofe, leaving only the vent-
hole open for a fecond fermentation ; after a few days it will
work a fecond time, but not fo much as at the firft. If the
vine is ftrong and good, which may be known by the age of
the vineyard, and the goodnefs of the feafons, it will be beft to
leave the bung-hole open for this fecond working, in which
cafe the wine will be the better; for ftrong wines require a
greater fermentation than weak, and the ftopping of the bung-
hole is a check upon the working, and prevents weak wines
from fpending themlelves too much, which muft greatly hurt
them ; on the contrary, if ftrong wines have not a thorough
U'orking, they are apt to grow thick and ropy, which hurts
them as much the other way ; by this the wine-maker may form
a proper judgment whit degree of fermentation is proper for
the wine that is under working, and govern himielf accord-
ingly. Three or four days after the feeond fermentation begins,
which flicuild be carefully watched, the wine fhould be again
iricd in a glals, and if it is pretty fine, a iweet cafk fliould be
prepared, and a good large brimftone match burned in it; as
ibon as the match is burnt out, whilft the calk is full of fmoke.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 481

the wine fliould be dinwn off into it, the cwik. filkd to the
brim, and bunged up tight and the vent-hole ftopptd ; the
Imfjke of the bi iniflone will hinder any faither fermenlr.tion :
this is ciilled ftnmming : a mortar of clay and horfc-dung, mjxcd
up with ftrong flaX-leed te^, fliould then be made, and the
bung and vent-hole covered clofe with it, and then it fhould
ftand till it is fir to IcU or to ufe.

When the wine-maker ftrft racks off his v/ine, if he has any
old wine tliat is rich and good, of the fame kind or colour, he
fliould put four or fix gdlons of it, and two gallons of good
brandy into the caik, (this quantity is fufficient for an EngliHi
hogfhcad) and then rack off the wine into it for the \\x?i time ;
this will greatly ftiengthen and prelerve the wine, and if it i$
weak, it will hinder too great a fermentation the lecond time,
and fo preferve the purer fpirits from flying off.

When wine is in fermentation, all the -grols parts are thrown
up to the top of the calk or veffcl that 't ferments in, and there
tncsting the air, they undergo a very great change, they conti^aft
(I harflineis and become rancid. If then they are luffered to psfs
down through the body of the wine, which they ceriainlv will
do as foon as the fermentation is over, they will communicate
thole evil qualities to the Vvanc, and it mull be a ffrong wine in-
deed that will ftand luch a Tnock, and if the wine is weak, it
will loon turn four ; if the wine is ftrong, and has a lulHcient
ftock of native fpirits to defend it from thoie bad impreffions,
yet it will contract an unfavoury harftinefs which will not be re-
moved for fome time, nor will it be fit for drinking till age has
fmoothed and made it mellow. For this realon it is that wine
fhould be drawn off both times before the fermentation is quite
over ; and as to weak wines, they fhould by no means woi k too
much either time, three days are quite fufiicient for each work-
ing ; ftrong wines fliould work longer for the reafon abovs af.
figned ; they are better able to ftand it ; belides, it prevents ropi-
nels, and they fine the fooner and better for it.

We now pais on to the making of red wines from the black
grapes. In France, red wines are m.anaged in the following man-
ner : the whole of one or even two dayi. treading or maihing,
when the vintage is great, is thrown into a large vat, the muft,
ftalks. (kins and all, and ftands in lome %vavm dry place or cellar.
The vai is covered cloie with fticcts or blankets, or both, and
thus it remains, from four to ieven or even ten days, according
to the coldnels or heat of the weather. This is done to obtain a
ftrong fernieotation, in ©rdcr to give a deeper colour to ti^.e wine,

3 ^2

4^2 GENERAL I X F 0 R M A T I C-.V

and this Is t;.e o;.ly end propofed by it ; the mar.aorcr of thhS
work vifils the vat twice a day, and in a glais views the coK-^ivr
of the V. ine and taftes it ; if tivc tincture is not deep enough lo
his mind, he knows by the tafte of the wine, wliether it will
ftdnd a h)nger fermentation ; if it will not, he contents himicif
with the colour it has, and draws and preiTes it oil, and fills it
into cafks, leaving about two inches from the biing for a fecond
fermentation. When the fecond fermentation is over, which
generally happens in four or five d:iys, he then draws it oif mlo
clean well-Icentcd calks, and adds to it fix gallons of good old
wine, and two gallons of brandv, to an Englilh hogfhead, which
contains from fi.xty to iixty-three gallons. Where the fame kind
of w^ine is not to be had, he makes uie of port wine.* He then
fills the cafk quite fidl and bungs it up tight, leaving only the
Vent-hole open to let out the generated air.

This management of red wines, which perhaps, with little
variation, is aliTioft as ancient as the making' of wine in France,
dffferves lome attention and a eloie examination, inafmuch as
we are fully perfuaded, that it is capable of an cflential improve-
ment.

To undcrftand the nature of this procefs rightly, it mufl; be
remembered that, befides the main pulp or core of the grape,
which is white in black grapes as well as others, there ilicks
to the infide of the {kin a confiderable body of rich pulp, which
is perfectly red, of a deeper die in fome than in others : this
pulp gives the colour to the grape, according to the lightness
or deepnefs of its tiiulure : thus we fee fome grapes of a light
red, fome of a full red, and fome of a deep red : fome again are
alinofl black, fome quite black, and feme of a Ihining jet ; th.js
fame pulp alio gives the tincture or colour to the wine, fi/r
the fame giape is capable of making white wine as well as red
wine ; if the main core, which is firft trod out, be only ufed,
the wine will be white ; thus they make white Burgundy, &c.
but if the red pulp be mixed with it, it m.akes it of a rich pur-
ple colour. As this is a clear cafe, and lies expoicd to every
diicerning eye, the great point of improvement to be gained,
is to dilfolve or extract this rich pulp, without injuring the
wine. Th.at the prcfent method is the belt and molt elltttual
to that purpole, we can by no means think ; tlie violent fcimen-

* Wlitn we fay. " \v}:cre the fame kind of wine is not to be had, he makfs
ufe of Portu;jal wines," this is mentioued with a view to the United States,
not that the French make ufc of liicli wines, for they always have anou-h of
iheir own of the fame kind.

TO E U R 0 P E A N SETTLER S. 483

tation through which the wine is made to pifs, in orJcr to pro-
cure the tincture, mud cxhauft tiie Ipirits in a very gicat degree,
and leave the body weak and lubjcft it to hdrfhnefs, to turn ea-
ger or vapid in a rtiort time ; thele wines grow worle not better
by age ; mar.v inftanccs of this kind we meet with in the French
clarets, among v.rhich, where one hogihcad proves good, found
and wholefome, ten, not to fay twenty, prove harfl; and difagree-
ajle. Theie confiderations have led many to think, that the
preicnt management calls for a reformation. - The following ex-
periment was made fome years back in Nevv-Jerfcy, which leems
to have anfwcred : in a clean ftone pot, wide and open, contain-
ing two gallons, was Iqueezcd as many Burgundy grapes as nearly
filled it, with the liquor and fkins ; the flalks left out. It ftood
in a dry rooin covered with a coarfe djy towel four double,
four days and nights fermenting ; it was then ftraiacd off and
the fliins very well^afhed v.^ith the hand ; by this means there
was obtained a full deep tinfture of that kind of purple that is
pcjuliar to the Burgundy wine ; it was then left to ferment
in a large cale bottle : after the firft and lecond feimentations'
were over, there w^as found about a quart of rich iediment at
the bottom, and a pretty thick flcin formed on the top ; the fmell
was very pleaiant and truly vinous, the juft indications of a
lound, healthy wine. By this experiment it appears, that three
days fermentation, allowing the firft day for heating, which is
preparatory to fermentation,"' is iufiicient to obtain a tinfture,
with the help of fqueezing the fkins a iecond time, without
injuring the wine ; it was found, that v/hat red pulp remained
adhering to the fkins, feparated from them very ealily, and by
the coFour of the wine, before the iecond fqueezing, that the
fermentation had diffolved moft of this pulp, or extracted a
great part of its tinfturc. From this proceis there is reafon to
conclude, that if the Iniflcs or fkins, after four days lying in
the murk, were taken out and thrown into the mafh vat,
and heartily trod over again, and efpecially if fome of the
mufh. or rather wine, (for it is Vi'ine after fennentation^ was
now and then thrown over the hufks. as they are tramio-
ling it in order to wafh away the pulp, that a full tinfture
might be obtained without treating the wine, as the preicnt man-
ner is, and without running lo great a rifk of fpciling it.

As this is a very important point, upon the right manarfement
of which depends the goodnels of the wine, aud as a iarther

* The degiets of heui arc rneiuioned by Boeihaave, KoiTnian and oihers.
3 Q 2

484 GENERAL INFORM ATION

improvement is hereby deugncd, we have dwelt the longer unon
the fubjeft, and therefore hope it will not be confidered as i,
ufelefs digreffion.

Wine made from young vineyards is always thin and weak,
and lo are wines from old vineyards, when the lealons hava
been cold, ftormy and wet, and without fome afTiftance they
will not hold found long ; this afliflance is given two wa^^s,
either by tlie help of fome old ftrong wine, one fourth part at
leaft. and four gallons of brandy to an Englifli hogftiead, or if
that is not to be obtained, then half of the mull fliould be boil-
ed away to one-half of its quantity, that is, if one-half of the
muft contains forty gallons, that mull be boiled away to twenty,
this greatly enriches it, and makes it of the confiftence of li-
quid honey : as loon as it is cool, mix it with the reft of the
nrull, and let it ferm.ent together, and then manage it as other
wines : when a vineyard comes to be ten c# twelve years old, it
will yield much ftronger wines.

The boiling of muft is managed in the following manner,"
which Ihould be carefully attended to : the copper or kettle
beincT well cleaned, the infide fhould be rubbed over with a
woollen rag dipped in fweet oil, which preferves the wine from
contracting a naufeous, copper or brafs tafte ; the muft fhould be
then thrown in, and a gentle fire kindled under the copper with
brufli or fmall iplit wood, the copper ftanding fo high that the
v/ood need not touch the bottom of it • for if at any time the
wood touches the bottom of the kettle or copper, the wine will
be burned, which will fpoil it ; it fliould therefore be ftirred
often from the bottom, and the fcum taken off as it rifes till
clear : the muft boilsd, away is called delrutum, or the rob of
grapes. If there is a neglcft in raifmg the lediment from the
bottom of the copper, it will burn and fpoil the wine^ as it
turns it bitter.

And here we muft. caution every one v/ho attempts to make
Vv'ine, to be ftri&ly careful to have all the veftcls and inftrumcnts
made ufe of in this work pcrfeftly clean and fwcct ; for it they
have anv lour, uniavouiy or offenfivc Imell, they will communi-
cate it to the muft and fpoil the wine : and every thing that has
an offenfive or difagreeabie iracU Ihould be removed from the
place where wine is made, and from the cellars where it is kept ;
the cellar ought to be dry and warm, for damps or wet hurt
wines exceedingly ; it muft alio be free from muftinels, and, in
good weather, the windows next the fouth and weft ihould be
©pened, to admit the warm dry air, vvliieh will prevent muftincii
<iwd dangerous darsips^

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 485

Hogflicacis well bound with iron arc the only Tafe cafks for
wine ; if old wine pipes, or hogflicads with wooden honps, are
truftcd, it is ten to one but they deceive ; they conftantly want
repairing ever)' ytar, but iron-bound ca{ks will hold many years
without any expcnle at all, lo that in three years time thev be-
come by much the cheapcfh cafks, we mean for ftanding cafks,
out of which the wine is racked into other cafks for iale; but
then as foon as they are empty the lees fhould be taken out, and
i'avcd for diflilling into brandy, and the fame day the cafk filled
with water, or cHe they will be def^royed by a final! worm, which
will pierce it like a fieve.

Eveiy man that has a vineyard fhould have a dill and good
worm, that he may diflill all the lees, the hufks and the fcum
into good brandy, which he will want for the prefervation of
his wines ; the fame ftill will do to make peach brandy and the
Ipirits of cyder, which will foon pay for it. A flill that holds a
"barrel is quite large enough, unlets his vineyards and oicliards be
very large indeed.

We now pafs to the different management of wine after fer-
mentation ; one method we have already mentioned ; fome, after
the Iccond fcmientation, leave the wine in the fame cafk upon
the Ices, and adding the old wine and brandy to it, they flop up
the bung-hole, and leave only the vent-hole open to let out the
generated air, till the month of March, filling up the cafk from
time to time as the wine fubfides or waftes, and then draw it oft
into a clean, well-fcented and well flummed cafk, and flop all
clofe with mortar.

Others again, in the month-of March, before they rack it off
and fhum it, roll the cafk backward and forward in the cellar to
mix the lees thoroughly with the wine, thinking thereby to
communicate the ftrength of the lees to the wine, and then let
it fhand and fettle till it is fine, and rack it off into clean well-
ftummed cafls-s, and flop and plaillcr all up dole.*

* It is proper to notice, that the lees of ftrong wines may be of advantage,
and commuiiicaie iome ftrength to weak wines, that are racked off upon them,
but it doe3 not therefore follow, that all lees are beneficial to the wines that
produce them; for, as we have already obferved, the Ices in the time of fer-
rocniation, being thrown up to the top of the veiTel, there meet with the air,
and being expofcd to it for four or five days, contraft a harlb and rancid nature,
if they do not grgw quite four ; and then fubfiding, as foon as the fermentation
is over, and fettling to the bottom of the cafk, where they arc left for the wine
to feed upon, we leave any man to judge what kind of food this mufl be, and
■what manner of good it can communicate to the wine. But fo rigid and arbi-
trary is cuflom, that it is even looked upon next to rebellion, to deviate or dc-
|)art froiB the cuftoms of our fathcri, j!ie cydcf made ia America for above

4l?6 G E S ERAL /A' FOR M A TIO^T

ll will be no dr.ubt obfervcd, that we have been filent in this
eiLiV. about vine; that are natives of America : the rcalon is,
iliey have in part already been noticed, and their nualities in ge-
neral defcribed : they arc in general fuppofcd to be much more
untraftible than thole of Europe : they are very hardy, and will
Aand the fram?, for they brave the fevereft ftorms and winter
bb.f^s : they fnrink not at inow, ice, hail or rain ; the wine they
alioid is ftrong and good.

The fox-grape, whofe berries are large and round, delig'its
Tnoft in a rich fandy- loam ; here they giow^ very large and tlie
berries are fwectefl ; but they will grov/ in any grounds, wet or
dry : thole that grow on high grounds generally become white,
end the colour altere to a dark red or black, according to the
lownds or wetnefs of the ground : the fituation, we think, mufl
greatly affeft the wine, in ftrength, goodncfs and colour ; the
V-erries are generally ripe the beginning of September, and when
fully ripe they foon fjllaway; thus much we have obicrved as
they gvo\%' wild: what alteration they may undergo, or how
much they may be improved by pi^oper foils and due cultivation,
^v-c cannot 'fay.

There is a frnall black g^ape, a fizc bigger than the winter
irapc. that is ripe in September; it is plealant fo eat, and makes
" . ; • .Icafant vine. Theic are well worth cultivating, as is
i: te grape of Scioto and the newly-diicovjred grape of Indian
river in Mai"vland, which promiies to be a valuable acquifttion
to the vinc^-ard.

The fro ft, or winter g'-ape, is known to mod perfons ; both
the bunches and berries are imall, and yield but little .juice, but
rhe Mchncfs of tlie wine may make up for the fmallncfs of the
cuantity ; the talle of the grape is auHerc till pretty hard frofts
come and then it takes a favourable turn and becomes very fweet
and agreeable : this vine flroots forth great numbers of flendcr
branches, and might do very well for the fouth and fauth-eafl
hdes of a fummer-houic or dole walk, if all the ulelels and bai--
i-n branches were cul away. The vines of America, in general,

onf! hundred yr.nrs was conftantly fpoilcd by t'nis miRjke. Ev,-ry man that
inakes- cydir vcrv well knows, how foon the pumice corrupts and grows four
by bciin'^ expofcd to the air, and yet no man in all that time ever prevented the
pumice, after fermentation, from fettling down through the whole body of
cyder, but there left it to remain fur his cyder to feed iipon all wintc'r, and in-
«eed all the next fumincr too, if it hftcd fo long, and the owner complained of
the hardnefs of his cyder, and fo did every body elfe that drank it; and yet
iliis Ion - remained wiihout a remedy, becaufc it h?.d been the curtoni of their
iathers.

TO lUROPEAX SETTLLRS. 4^7

are fit for ftiop^ High cfpalicrs, but they nmfl: be walch.ed ruir-
.rou'ly, and cvciy uniicceilaiy and uVipioliUblc branch lakcii
away.

The native vines of the noithein and middle States have 2
covering of bark of io cluic and imri a icxiuie, that they (land
all weatiieis witiioat injury ; tiic-y fear nothing but a froll after
they put forth the tender bud. We know tiiat cold winds and
winter blafts liave a great cflctl upon tiie human body, tliey brace
up and connrm all the iolids, haidcn and Ihengthcn ihc wiiule
frame, and render a man utlivc, brills and lively : tluy have
likewile a wonderful efpLft upon t-he bruie creation ; the covcr-
ir.g of ihccp, catlle and holies, m hot countiies, is veiy tliin
and cool, remove them into a cold rcgiun, Ihcep loon acqune <i
covering of wool, horles arid callle a thick coat of iiau. Vv/'ly
tlien Ihould not vines, by being traafplauied from a warm uiio
a cold region, acquire a firmnels and covering iuiLable to thcir
new fituation ? We believe, by a proper irianagement, that thvy
m.'.y by degrees be inured to colder countries, but luch a haid:-
neis muft not be iuppoled to be acquired all at once but by
being, winter after winter, a little more and more expoied to thij
feverities of the weather : they may thus in a few ycais be, in a.
great meafure, reconciled to almoil any climate ; late ripe fiuiti,
however, will not do as yet to the noithwa«d of the capes cf
Virginia ; it is the early ripe fruits that the middle States muiL
cultivate, till the clim.ate becomes more temperate by the coun-
try's being cleared farther back ; none that npcii much after
Oftober will fuit at prefcnt, and the lated they laiic, fiioull
arrive at full maturity by the end of November.

'CX THE CULTURE OF SUGAR MAI'LE, oCC.

The accr facchariauin of Linnujus, or the fugar maple, as
before obferved, grows in great quantities in the wellern coun-
tries of all the middle States of the American Union. Thoivi
which grow in New-York and Pcnnlyivaaia yield the fugar ia
a greater quantity than thole whicli giuw on tiie waiers of the
Ohio. Theie tiees aie generally found mixed with the beaci ,
hemlock, white and water aflr, the cucumber tree, linden, afpei;,
butter nut, and wild cheriy trees : they iometimes appear ia
groves covering live or lix acres in a body, but they are commonly
interfperfed with fome or all of the fore ft trees which have uecii
mentioned. From thiity to fifiy trcei are geneially found uptju
sun acre of groand. They grow chiefly in the richeft ioils, and
frequently in ftony ground. Springs of the purcH uatcr ubound

48^ GENERAL INEORMATIOM

>ln their neighbourhood. They are, when fully grown, as tail as
the white and black oaks, and from two to three feet in diame-
ter;* they put forth a beautiful white bloffom in the fprino- be-
fore they fhew a hnglc leaf; the colour of the bloffom diltin-
guifl-ies them from the acer rubrum, or the common maple,
which affords a bloffom of a red colour. The wood of the fugar
Inaplc is of an inflammable nature, and is preferred upon that
account by hunters and furvcyors for fire-wood. Its fmall
Wanches are fo much impregnated with fugar as to afford fupport
to the cattle, hori'es and fheep, of the fir ft fettlers during the
winter, before they are able to cultivate forage for that purpofe.
Its afhes afford a great quantity of pot-afh, exceeded by few or
perhaps by none of the trees that grow in the woods of the
United States*

The tree is fuppofcd to arrive at its full gro'>vth in the woods
in twenty years.

It is not injured by tapping : on the contrary, the oftener it
is tapped the more lyrup is obtained from it.' In this refpeft
it follows the law of animal lecretion. A fingle tree has not
only furvived, but flouriflied ahev forty -two tappings in the fame
number of years. The eftefls of a yearly difcharge of fap from
the tree in improving and increafing the fap, is demonftrated
from the fupcrio'r excellence of thoi'e trees which hive been
perforated in an hundred places, by a fraall wood-pecker which
feeds upon the lap. The trees, after having been wounded in
this way, diftil the remains of their juice on the ground, and
afterwards acquire a black colour. The fap of thefe trees is
much fwectcr to the taftc than that which is obtained from trees
which have not been previoufly wounded, and it affords more
lugar.

From twenty-three galloiis and one quart of fap procured in
twenty hours from only two of thcfc dark-coloured trees, Arthur
Noble, Efq. of the State of New- York, obtained four pounds
and thirteen ounces of good grained iugar.

A tree of an ordinary fize yields, in a good feafon, from
twcntv to tliirty gallons of fap, from which are made from five
to fix pounds of lugar : to this there are lomctimes remarkable
exceptions : Samuel Low, Efq. a jufticc of peace in Montgo-

* Baron La l-Ioiitan, in his vovagc to Xorth*America, gives the following
account ol the miiiile tree iu Canada. Aficr dpfcribing the black cherry trce^
Ifemc ot which, he fays, arc as tall as the loltiell oaks and as big as a hoglhead^
he adds, " The maple tn c is much of tiie (.\mc height and bulk : it bears n4
refvrmblaiice t» thai Ion wc have i« Europe.'''

TO EU ROPEAN SETT LERS. 489

mery cov.nty, in the State of Nc^\--York, inform-.d Aithur
Noble, El'q. that he made twenty pounds and one ounce of lugar
between the 14th and 23d of April, in the year 1789. from a
linglc tree that had bean tapped for fcveral fuccelhve )'car3
before.

From the influence which culture has upon forcil and other
trees, it has been fuppofed, that by tranfplanting the fugar maple
tree into a garden, or by deftroying fuch other trees as fheltcr it
from the rays of the fun, the quantity of the fap might be in-
creafedj and its quuiily much improved. We have heard of oas
faft which favours this opinion : A farmer in Northampton
county, in the State of Pennfylvania, planted a number of lliele
trees about twenty-lcven years ago in his meadow, from lefs thaix
three gallons of the lap of which, he obtains every year a pound
<'>i fugar. It was obierved formevly, that it required five or iix
gallons of the fap of the trees which grow in the v.-oods, to pro-
duce the fame quantity of fugar.

The fap difhils from the wood of the tree: trees which have
been cut down in the winter for the fupport of the domeftic
aiaimals of the new fettlcrs, yield a confiderable quantity of fap
as loon as their trunks and imibs feel the rays of tlie fun in the
fpring of the year.

It is in confequence of the fap of thefe trees being equally
diffufed through every part of them, that they live three years
after they are girdL'd, that is, after a circular incifion is made
through the bark into the fubflance of the tree, for the puipoie
of deftroying it.

It is remarkable, tliat grafs thrives better under this tree in a
meadow, than in lituat'ions cxpoied to the conltant action of the
fun.

The feafon for tapping the trees is in February, March and
April, according to the weather which occurs in thefe months.

Warm days and j'rojly nights are moft favourable to a plentiful
difcharge of fap.* The quantity obtained in a day from a tree is
from five gallons to a pint, according to the greater or lefs heat
of the air. A Mr. Low informed Arthur Noble, Elq. that he

* The influrnce of the weather in increafing and lelTeniiig the difcharc^e of
the lap from trees is very remarkable.

Dr. Tonge fiippofcd tong ago (Philofophical Tranfaclions, No. 68,J that

changes in the weather of every kind might be better afcercained by the dif-

charge of fap from trees than by Weather glaffes. I have fecn a journal of the

el'cfls of heat, cold, moifture, drought and thunder, upon the difcharges froju

, llie fu Jar trees, which difpol'es me to admit Dr. Torige's Opinion. Dr. R.jk,

2 R

490 GENERAL INFO R M AT 10 N

obtained near three and twenty gallons of fap in one day, (April
14, 1789) from the fmgle tree which was before mentioned.
Such inftances of a profufion of fap in hngle trees are, however,
not very common.

There is ahvays a fp.fpenr.on of the di [charge of fap in thc<
night if a froit fucceed a warm day. The perforation in the
tree is made with an ax or an auger ; the latter is preferred from
experience of its advantages : the auger is introduced about
three-fourths of an inch, aijd in an afcending direftion, that
the fap may not be frozen in a flow current in the mornings or
evenings, and is afterwards deepened gradually to the extent
of two inches. A fpout is introduced about half an inch into
the hole made by this auger, and projefls fmm liirec to twelve
inches from the tree. The {pout is generally made of the Ihu-
anach,* or elder, -f which generally grow in the neighbourhood
of the fugar trees. The tree is firlt tapped on the foulh fide j
when the dilcharge of its fap begins to Icffen, an opening is
made on its north fide, from which an increafed difcharge takes
place. The fap flows from four to fix weeks, according to the
temperature of the weather. Troughs large enough to contain
three or four gallons made of white pine, or white afh, or of
dried water alh, afpen, linden, t poplar or common maple, are
placed under the fpout to receive the fap, which is carried every
day to a large receiver, made of either of the trees before men-
tioned. Fronr tliis receiver it is conveyed, after being flraiu-
ed, to the boiler.

To preferve the fap from rain and impurities of ail kinds, it
is a good pratlice to cover the troughs Vv'itlr a concave board,
with a hole in the middle of it.

It remains yet to be determined, whether fome artificial heat
may not be applied lo as to increafc the quantity and improve
the quality of the fap. Mr. Noble informed Dr. Rufh, that
he faw a tree, under which a farmer had accidentally burnt
fome brufli, which dropped a thick heavy fyrup rcfeinbling mo-
lalTeS : this faft may probably lead to fomething uieful hereafter.

During the remaining part of the fpring months, as alio in the
fummer, and in the beginning of autumn, the maple tree yields
a thin fap, but not fit for the manuf.iftory of fugar; it affords a
plealant drink in harvefl, and has been uicd inlicad of rum, in
fome inltances, bv thole farmers in Connefticut, whofe anccilors
have left to them here, and there, a lugar maple tree, probably
to Pnade th-ir catllo. in all their fields. Mr. Bruce deicribes a
drink of the lame kind, prepared by the inhabitants of Egypt,

♦ Ruih. i Saaibucus CanadenGs, t Liriou^-ncliuni tulipifo'a.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 45*

by infufing the fn.gar cane in water, which he dccl irc$ to be
" the nioft rclVclhing drink in the world."*

There are three methods of reducing the fap to fugnr ;

First, By freezing it. This method has hccn tried for many
years by a Mr. Obadiah Scott, a farmer in Luzerne county, in
Pcnnfylvania, wiiU great fucccfs. He fays, that one-third of a
given quantity of lap reduced in this way, is better than one-
half of the fame quantity reduced by boiling. If the froft
iliould not be intcnfe enough to reduce the fap to the graining
point, it may afterwards be expolcd to the attion of the hre for
that purpole.

Secondly, By Jpontancous evaporation. The hoHow ftump
of a maple fugzr tree, which had been cut down in tlie fpring,
and which Wi'as found fomc time afterwards filled with lugar,
firft fuggefted this method of obtaining lugar to our farmers.
So many circumflances of cold and dry weather, large and flat
velfels, and above all, fo much tlaie, are neceffary to obtain
f!j;fc;ai", by either of the above methods, that the mod general
method among the farmers is to obtain it.

Thirdly, By boiling. For this purpofe the following fafts,
which have been afcertained by many experiments, delervc at-
tention :

1. The fooner the fap is boiled, aftpr it is collefted from the
tree, the better ; it iliould never be kept longer than twenty-
four hours before it is put over the fire.

2. The larger the velTel is in which the lap is boiled, the more
fugar is obtained from it.

3. A copper ve{iel affords a fugar of a fairer colour than an
iron velTel,

The lap flows into wooden troughs, from which it is carried,
and poured into ftore troughs or large ciilerns, in the fliape of

* Baron La Hontan gives the following account of the fap of the fugar maple
ti'ec, when ufed as a drink, and of the manner of obtaining it : " The tree
yields a fap which has a much pleafanter talle t'.ian the bell lemonade or cherry
■water, and makes the wholefomeft drink in the world. This liquor is drawn
by cutting the tree two inches deep in the wood, the cut being made floping to
the length of ten or twelve inches ; at the lower end of this gilh a knife is
thruft into the tree flopiugly, fo that the water runs along the cut or gafn, as
through a gutter, and falls upon the knife, which has fome veffels placed un-
derneath to receive it. Some trees will yield five or fix bottles of this water in
a day, and fome inhabitants of Canada might draw twenty hogfheads of it in
one day, if they would thus cut and notch all the maple trees of their refpeftive
plantations. The gafh does no harm to the tree. Of this fap they make fugar
and fyrup, which is fo valuable, that there can be no better remedy for fortify-
ing the ftomach ; it is but few of the inhabitants that have the patience to make
jhern, for as common tliisgs aie flighted, fo there are fcarce anv body but chil-
dren thpt give thcnifclves the trouble of galhing thefe trees,"

3 R 2

492 GENERAL INFORMATION

a canoe or large manger, made of white afh, linden, bafs wood
or white pine, from which it is conveyed to the kettle in which
it is to be boiled. Their cifterns, as well as the kettle, are ge-
nerally covered by a ihed to defend the fap from the rain. The
lugar is improved by ftiaining the fap through a blanket or cloth,
either before or after it is hglf boiled. Butter, hog's lard, or
tallow, are added to the fap in the kettle, to prevent its boiling
over ; and lime, eggs, or new milk, are mixed with it, in order
to rlarily it. Clear lugar, however, may be made without the
addition of either of them. A I'poonful of flacked lime, the
white of one egg, and a pint of new milk, are the ufual pro-
portions of thele articles, which are mixed with fifteen gallons
of lap. In fome lamples of maple fugar, clarified with Cach of
the above articles, that in which milk alone was ufed, had an
evident fuperiorily in point of colour.

The fugar after being fufficiently boiled is grained and clayed,
and afterwards refined, or converted into loaf lugar. The me-
thods of condutling each of thefe proceffes is fo nearly the fame
with thofe which are ufcd in the manufaftory of Weft-India
lugar, and are fo generally known, that we need not fpend any
time in defcribing them.

It has been a lubjcft of inquiry, whether the maple fugar
might not be improved in its quality, and increafed in its quan-
tity, by the eftabliihment of boiling houles in the fugar maple
country, to be conduced by allbciatea labour. From the feat-
tered fituation of the trees, thediSiculty of carrying the fap to
a great diftance, rind from the many expenfes which muft accrue
fiom fupporting labourers and horles in the woods, in a leafon
of the year in Vvliich nature affords no fuflenance toman or beaft^
■we are dilpoled to believe, that the inoft produftive method
both in quantity and profit of obtaining this fugar, will be by
th^ labour of private families. For a great number of years,
many hundred private families in New-York and Pennfylvania
have Supplied themfelves plentifully with this iugar during the
whole year. We have heard of many families v/ho hiive made
from two to four hundred pounds in a year ; and of one man
.who fold fix hundred pounds all made by his own hands in one
leafon,*

* t*He following receipt, publilhcd by 'Williani Cooper, Efq. in the Albany
r.azfcfe'j ?ulfy eftablifaes thjs h&.

" 'B.eceivedi Cooper's Town, April 30th, 179O, of William Cooper, fixteeri
" pcunjl?) for lix. liundred and forty pounds of fugar, made with my own kands^
' wichoui any affiftance, in lefs than fonr weeks, befides attending to the other

bufinels of my farm, as providing Gre wood, taking care of the catcle, &c.
*' John Nithoils. Witncfs, R. Smith."

A fingle famjly, confifting of a man and his two fons, on the maple fugac
lands between t;ie Delaware and Surqnehannahj mack one thoufand eight hun-
iiifd pounds of inaple fugar in one fer.fon.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 493

Not more knowledge is ncceffary for making this fugar than
cyder, beer, four krout, &c. and yet one or all of thefe are
made in moft of the farm houfes of the United States. The
kettles and other utenfils of a farmer's kitchen will ieive moft
of the purpofes of maicing fugar, and the time required for the
Lbour, if it deferves that name, is at a leafon whf"n it is impof-
fible for the farmer to employ himfelf in any fpecies of agricul-
ture. Ills wife and all his children above ten years of age,
moreover may alTift him in this bufinefs, for the profit of the
weakefl of them is nearly equal to that of a man when hired for
that purpole.

A comparative view of this fugar has been frequently made
with the lugar which is obtained from the Weft-India lugar cane,
with refpeft to its quality, price, and the polTible or probable
quantity that can be made of it in the United States, each of
which we fliall confider in order.

First. The quality of this fugar is neceffarily better than
that which is made in the Weft-Indies. It is prepared in a
feafon when not a fingle infeft cxifti'^to feed upon it, or to mix
its excrements with it, and. before a particle of daft or of the
pollen of plants can float in the air. The fame obfervation can-
not be applied to the Weft-India fugar. The inletls and worms
which prey upon it, and of courfe mix with it, compole a page
in a nomenclature of natural hiflory. We fhall fay nothing of
the hands which are employed in making fugar in the Weft-
Indies, but that men who work for the exclufive benefit of
others are not under the fame obligations to keep their perlons
clean while they are employed in this work, that men, women
and children are, who work exclufively for the benefit of them-
felves, and who have been educated in the habits of cleanlinefs.
The fuperior puritv of the maple lugar is farther proved by its
leaving a lefs lediment when dilTolved in water than the Weft-
India fugar.

It has been fuppofed that the maple fugar is inferior to the
Weft-India fugar in ftrength. The experiments which led to
this opinion we fufpedl Iiave been inaccurate, or have been made
with maple fugar prepared in a flovenly manner. Dr. Rufh ex-
amined equal quantities by weight of both the grained and the
loaf fugar, in hyfon tea, and in coffee, made in every relpeft
equal by the minuteft circumftances that could affeft the quality
or tafte of each of them, and could perceive no inferiority in
the ftrength of the maple fugar. The liquors which decided
this queftion were examined at the fame time by Alexander
Hamilton, Efq. fecretary of the treafury of the United StateSy
Mr. Henry Drinker, and feveral ladies, who all concurred in
the above opinion.

494 GENERAL INFORMATION

Secondly. Whoever confiders that the fu'^ar maple tree
grows ipontaneoufly without cultivation, that the Americans
have mamy millions of acres in their countiy covered with them
that the tree is improved by repeated t:'.ppings, and that the
fug2r is obtained by the frugal labour of a f'=rrner's family, and
at tlie fame time confiders the labour of cultivating the fugar
cane, the capitals funk in fugar works, the firft coll of flaves
and cattle, the expenfes of provifions for both of them, and in
fome inftances the additional expenfe of conveying the fugar to
a market in all the Weft-Iadia iflands, v/iil not hefitate in be-
lieving that the maple fugar may be inanufaftured much cheap-
er, and lold at a leis price than that which is made in the Wefl-
Indies.

Thirdly. The refources for making a fufficient quantity of
this fugar, not only for the confumption of the United States,
but for exportation, will appear from the following fa6ls.
There are in the States of New-York and Pennfylvania alone,
at leafi; ten millions of acres of land which produce the iugar
maple tree, in the proportion of thirty trees to one acre. Now
iuppofing all the perions capable of labour in the. family to con-
fift of three, and each perfon to attend one hundred and fifty
trees, and each tree to yield five pounds of fugar in a feafon, the
produft of the labour of fixty thouland families would be one
hundred and thirty-five million pounds of fugar; and allowing
the inhabitants of the United States to compole fix hundred
thoufancl families, each of which confumed two hundred pounds
of Iugar in a year, the whole conlumption woidd be one hun-
dred and twenty million pounds in a year, which would leave a
balance of fifteen million pounds for exportation. Valuing the
fugar at fix-ninetieths of a dollar per pound, the fum faved to
the United States would be eight million dollars by home con-
lumption, and the fum g-Jined by exportaiion would be one mil-
lion dollars. The only psrt of this cafculation that will appear
f'nprobable is, the number of families fuppofed to be employed
jn the manufaftory of the Iugar, but the difficulty of admitting
this fuppofiiion will vanifn when we conlider, that double that
number of families are employed every year in making cyder,
the trouble, riftis and expenles of which are all much greater
than thofe of making rnaole iugar.

But the profit of the maple tree is not confined to its fugar ; it
affoids an agreeable molafles, and an excellent vinegar. The lap
which ia (uitablc for theie purpofes, is obtained after the lap
which alTords ;he iugar has ceafcd to flow, lo that the manufac-
tories of thcfe diflcrent products of the maple tree, by fuccecd-r
ing, do not interfere with each other. The molaffes may be
made to coinpofc the bafis of a plcafant lummcr beer. The fap

TO EUROPEAN $ETTLERS. 45-

of the maple is moreover cnpnblc of aiTording a fpiiit, but we
hope this precious juice will never be proitiiutecl by American
citizens to this ignoble purpolc* Should the ule of fugar diet
become more general in America, it mny tend to Icffen tlie incli-
nation or fuppofed neceffity for ("pirits, for a rcllfh for fugar in
diet is fcldom accompanied by a love of ftrong drink. It is the
lunfar which is mixed with tea which mdces it (o generally difa.
grccable to drunkards; but a diet conlifting of a plentiful mix-
ture of fugar has other advant;iges to recommend it, which we
fhall briefly enumerate.

First. Sugar affords the greatcfl quantity of nourifhment in
a given quantity of matter of any fubltance in nature; of coutfe
it may be preiet ved in lefs room in our houles, and may be con-
fumed in lefs time than more bulky and leis nourifhing alimenf.
It has this peculiar advantage over mott kfnds of aliment, th.it it
is not liable to have its nutritious qualities affcfted by time or the
weather, hence it is preferred by the Indians in their excurfions
from home. They mix a certain quantity of maple fugar, with
an equal quantity of Indian corn, dried and powdered, in its
milky ftate. Tliis mixture is packed in little bafkets, which are
frequently wetted in travelling, without injuring the fugar. A
few fpoonfuls of it mixed with half a pint of fpiing water, af-
ford them a pleafant and ftrengthehing meal. From the degrees
of flrenffth and nourifhment which are conveyed into animal
bodies by a fmall bulk of fugar, we conceive it might be giveni
to horfcs with great advantage, when they are ufed in places or
under circumflsnces which make it difficult or expenfive to
fupport them with moi^. bulky or weighty aliment. A pound of
fugar without grafs or hay, we have been told, has fupport ed
the ftrength and Ipirits of an horfe, during a whole day's hibour
in one of the Weft-India iflands. A larger quantity given alone
has fattened horfes and cattle during the war before lall'in Hif-
paniola, for a period of ieveml months, in which the exporta-
tion of fugar, and the importation of grain, were prevented by
the want of fhips.

Secondly. The plentiful ufe of fugar in diet is one of the
beft preventatives that has ever been difco\'ered of the difeafcs
which are produced by worms. Nature feems to liave implanted
a love for this aliment in all children, as if it were on purpofe
to defend them from thoie difeafes. A gentleman in Philadelohia
who early adopted this opinion, by indulging a large family
of children in the ufe of fugar, has preferved them ail from the.
difeaies ufually occnhoned by worms.

Thirdly. Sir John Pringle has remarked, that the plague
has never been known in any country where fugiir compofes a
material part of the diet of the inhabitants. We think it pro-
bable that the frequency of malignant fevers of all kinds his

49^ GENERAL INFORMATION

been lefTencd by this diet, and tliat its more general ufe would
defend that clals of people who are moft fubjcft to malignant
fevers from being lo often ailctled by them.

Fourthly. In the numerous and frequent diforders of the
breaft, which occur in all countries, where the body is expofed
to a variable temperature of weather, fugar affords the bafis of
many agreeable rerriedies : it is ufeful in weakneffes, and acrid
deiluxions upon other parts of the body, M.uiy fatls might be
adduced in favour of this ailertion. We fliall mention only
one, which, from the venerable name of the perfon whole cafe
furnifhed it, cannot fail of commanding attention and credit.
Upon Dr. Rufh inquiring of Dr. Franklin, at the requefl of a
friend about a year before he died, whether he had found any re-
lief from the pain of the ftone from the blackberry jam, of which
he took la)ge quantities, he told him that he had, but that he
believed the medicinal part of the jam refided wholly in the fugar ;
and as a reafon for thinking fo, he added, that he often found the
fame relief by taking about half a pint of fyrup, prepared by
boiling a little brown fugar in water, juft before he went to bed,
that he did from a dole of opium. It has been fuppofcd by fomc
of the early phyfidians of America, that the fugar obtained from
the maple tree is more medicinal than that obtained from the
Weft-India fugar-cane ; but this opinion is, perhaps without
foundation ; it is preferable in its qualities to the V/eft-India
fugar perhaps only from its fuperior cleanlinels.

Califcs may occur in which lugar may be required in medicine,
or in diet, by perfons who refufe to be benefited, even indi^
reftly by the labour of flaves. In fuch cafes the innocent
maple fugar will always be preferred.*

It has been faid that fugar injures the teeth, but this opinion
now has fo few advocates, that it does not deferve a lerious
rcfutati'cn.

To tranfmit to futtue generations all the advantages which
have been enumerated from the maple tree, it will be necelTary
to proteft it by law, or by a bounty upon the maple fugar,
from being deftroyed by the fettlers in the maple country, or to
traniplant it from the woods, and cultivate it in the old and
improved parts of the United States. An orchard conflfting
of two hundred trees, planted upon a common faim, would
yield more than the fame number of apple trees at a diftance

' Dr. Knowles, a phyfician of wojthy cliai'after in Loftdon, Iiad occafiOB
.a recommend a diet to a patient, of which fugar compofcd a material part.
His patient refufed to fubmit to his preCcription, and gavne as a realbn for it
Uiat he Kid wiiueired fo much of the oppreflion and cruelty which were exer-
■eifcd upon the Oaves, who made the fugar, that he had made a vow ucver lo
;alle the pioduft of thcii mifcry us long as lie lived.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 497

jFi'om a maiket town. A full grown tree in the 'vvoods yields
five pounds of lugar in a year. If a greater cj^pofurc of a tree
to the a6lion of the fun has the fame efTcfls upon a maple thjt
it has upon other ti-ees, a larger quantity of lugar might realona-
bly be exjjcfted from each tree planted in an orchard. Allow-
ing it to be only {even pounds, then two hundred trees will
-yield one thoufand four hundred pounds of fugar ; and deduft-
ing two hundred from the quantity for the conlumption of the
family, there will remain for fale one thoufand two hundred
pounds, which at fix-ninetieths of a dollar per pound, will yield
an annual profit to the farrrter of eighty dollars. But if it fhuuld
be found that the fliade of the maple Joes not check the growrtli
of grain any more tlian it does of grafs, double or treble that
nvjmber of maple trees may be planted on every farm, and a
profit proportioned to the above calculation be derived from
them. Should this mode of tranlplanting the means of obtain-
ing fugar be fuccefsfijl, it will not be a new one. The fugar
cane of the Weft-Indies was brought originally from the EalK
Indies by the Portug\iefe, and cultivated at Madeira, from whence
it was tranfplanted direftly or indircclly to all the fugar iflands
of the Well- Indies.

It were to be wiflied that the fettlers uoon the fugar maple
lands would fpare the fugar tree in clearing their lands. On a
farm of two hundred acres of land, according to our former cal-
culation, there are ufually fix thoufand maple trees. If only
two thoufand of thofe original and ancient inhabitants of the
woods were fufFercd to remain, and each tree were to afford only
five pounds of fugar, the annual pmfit of fuch a farm in fugar
alone, at the price formerly mentioned, would amount to fix
hundred and fixty-fix dollars, one hundred and fifty dollars of
which would probably more than defray all the expenfes of
making it, and allow a plentiful deduftion for family ufe.

According to the ufual annual profit of a fugar maple tree,
each tree is worth to a farmer two dollars, and two-thirds of a
dollar, exclufive therefore of the value of his farm, the two
thouland (ugar maple trees alone confer a value upon it of five
thoufand three, hundred and thirty-three doliars, and thirty-
ninetieths of a dollar.

It is laid that the fugar trees, when deprived of the fhelter
and lupport they derive from other forell trees, and liable to be
blown down, ocGaiioned by their growing in a rich, and of
courfe a loofe foil. To obviate this, it v.- ill only be necefl'ary ta
cut off lome of their branches fo as to alter iu center of gravicy,

3 S

49* GENERAL INFORMATION

and to allow the I'-igH winds to have an eafy pafTage tlirougti
them. Orchards of" fugar maple trees, which grow with an
original cxpohire of all their parts to the aftion of the fun, will
not be liable to this inconvenience.

In contemplating th.e prefent opening profpefis in human
affairs, we are led to expect that a material part of the general
happinels which Heaven feems to have .prepared for mankind,
v/ill be derived from the manufaftory and general ufe of maple
Iiigar, for the benefits which we flatter ourfelves are to refult
from it, will not be confined to America ; they will, we hope,
extend themlcives to the intcrells of humanity in the Wefl-
Indies. With this vi^w of the fubjctl, wc cannot help con-
templating^ a fagar majjlc tree with a ipecies of affe6Hon and
even veneration, for we have pcriuaded ourfelves to behold in
it the happy means of rendering the commerce and flavcry of
our African brethren in the fugar iflands as unncccffary, as it
has alwavs beer, inhuman and unjuft.

To the above we add a copy of Mr. Botham's accoynt of the
method of manufacturing iugar in the Eaft-^Indies, extrafted
from the report of the committee of the Britlfh privy council
on the fubjcft of the flave trade, but we fhall infort onlv fuch
parts of it as will throw light upon the method of manufacturing
the maT.Jv- I'ugar which has been mentioned, and to lliow Jiow
much it is to be preferred in point of economy to that which is
ufcd in the Weft-Indies.

" Having been for two years in llic Englifli and. French Wcft-
India iflands, and lince condufted. fugar eflates in the EaR-
Indies; before the abolitipn of the flave trade was agitated in
parliament, it may*be dcfirable to know tliat fugar of a luperior
quality and inferior price to that in our iflands, is produced in
the Eaft-Indies ; that the culture of the cane, the manufafture
of fugar and arrack, is with thefe material advantages carried on
by free people. China, Bengal, the coaft of Malabar, all pro-
duce quantities of fugar and fpirits ; but as the mofl: confiderable
growth of the cane is carried on near Batavia, I fhall explain the
improved manner in which fugar eftates arc there condufted.
The proprietor of the eftaic is generally a wealthy Dutchman,
who has ereftcd on it iubftantial mills, bailing and curing houles.
He rents this cilate to a Chiuelc, who rcfules on it as a fupcrin-
tcndant ; and this renter, fiippofing the cftdte lo conllfl ol tinee
hundred or more acres, re-lets it to freemen in parcels of fifty or
fi;cty on theic conditions ;

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 499

'• That they fhuU plant it in canes, and receive fo much per
pccul of one hundred and thirty-three pounds and a half for
every pecul of fugar that the canes fhall produce.

" W hen crop time comes on, the fuperintendant collccls a
fuflicient number of perfons from the adjacent towns or villages,
and takes olF his crop as follows :

" To any fet of tradefmen who bring their carts and buffaloes,
he agrees to give fuch a price per pecul to cuL all his crops of
canes, carry them to the mill and grind them.

*• A fecond to boil them per pecul.

*' A third to clay them ana baflcet them for market per pecul,

'• So that by this method of conducting a fugar ellite, the
renter knows to a certainty what the produce of it will coft him
per pecul. He has not any permanent or unnecelfary expenfe ;
for when the crop is taken off, the tafknen return to their feve-
ral purluits in the towns and villages they came from, and there
only remain the cane planters who are preparing the next year's
crop. Thisj like all other complex arts, by being divided into
fevcral branches, renders the labour cheaper and the work more
perfeftly done. Only clayed fugars are made at Batavia ; thefe
are in quality equal to the beft fort from the Well-Indies, and
are fold fo low from the fugar eflates as eighteen fliillings fterl-
ing per pecul of one hundred and thirty-three pounds and a
half. This !§ not the felling price to the trader at Batavia, as
the government there is arbitrary, and fugar lubjeft to duties
impofed at will. The fliabander exafts a dollar per pecul on
all fugar exported. The price of common labour is from nine-
pence to ten-pence per day. By the method of carrying on
the fugar eftates, the tafkmen gain confidcrably more than this,
not only from working extraordinary hours, but from being
confidcred artills in their feveral branches. They do not make
fpirits on the fugar eftates ; the molaffes are fent for lale to Bata-
via, where one diftillery may purchafe the produce of an hun»
dred eftates. Here is a vaft faving and reduftion of the price
of fpirits ; not as in the Weft-Indies, a diftillery for each eftate;
many center in one, and arrack is iold at Batavia from twenty-
one to twenty-nve rlx dollars per leaguer of one hundred and
fiMy gallons; fay eight-pence per gallon.

" The improvement in making the cane into fugar in Batavia
keeps pace with that in its culture. Evaporation being in pro-
portion to the furface, their boilers are fet with as mucji of it as
poflible ; the cane juice, with temper fufficient to throw up its
impurities, is boiled down to the confidence of a I'yrup ; it

3 S 3

5C0 GENERAL INFORMATION"

is then thrown up into vats calculated to hold one boiling, then
fprinkled with two buckets of water to fubfide its foul parts ;
after ftanding fix hours, it is let off by three pegs of different
heights into a lingle copper with one fire ; it is there tempered
again, boiled up, and reduced to fugar, by a gentle fire. It gra-
nulates, and the fugar-boiler dipping a wand into the copper,
ftiikes it on the fide, then drops the fugar remaining on it into
a cup of water, Icrapes it up with his thumb nail, and is by this
means able to judge to the utmoft nicety of the fugar having
its proper degree of boiling : the vats or receivers mentioned
are placed at the left hand of a fet of coppers ; after running off
for boiling all that is clear, the remainder is paffed through a
ftrainer on the outfide of the boiling houfe ; what is fine is put
into the copper for fugar ; the lees are referved for difiilling,'"

We fhall clofe this part of our work with a few obfervations
"^ '^hofe inquiries in natural philofophy which appear at pre-
t mod beneficial to the United States of North- America, and
bell calculated for the promoticji of human happine's.

IKOUIRIES RELATIVE TO RURAL ECOKOMY.

On the tillage of the United States the following remarks ap-
pear very intereO-ing : — The fucccffion of fevere frofts and deep
thaws during winter in all the northern and middle States make
a variety of drains neceffary in moft foils and fituations ; yet an
almofl general pegle£l of this deftroys a great part of the feed:
a judicious treatife on the forms and courtes of fuch drains would
be very ufeful. A large portion of the arable lands in Penn?
lylvania, and forne other States, being hilly, is dettimentally
wafhcd by heavy rains in every feafon of the year; elpecially
the manure is thereby totally loft. This would be much pre-
vented by tranfverfe ploughing in a proper degiee of horizontal
inclination, which may be traced by computing the force an4
quantity of the water.

The Indian corn* is an effcntial article among Am.»rican
grains, and peculiarly fuitable to an extcnfive country; It might
be raifed at fo moderate a pilce as to bear exportation to Europe,
jn the northern paits of which it would he very valuable, as
nouiifhnicnt for domcflic animals during tiic long winters. TH?'

«

* Maiae or zea.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 501

nnodc of planting this grain by four or five feeds together on
hills, nt the dift.ince of Icveral feet, appears lefs reafonable from
the coiiUderation, that one part of the ground is left vacint,
while the other is overcharged ; that the contiguous ftalks mull
impede each other ; that their fpindling height, and dole poli-
tion, fubjefts them more to tlie high winds, whicli not unfre-
quently Iweep down whole fields. We are informed by the
natives of Italy, that in that country the corn is planted fo as
to cover the ground equally, with convenient intervals for
weeding.

The culture of meadows has gained a confiderable pevfe£lion
in the middle States, but is.ftill capable of much improvement.
A mode of banking eficftually agamft the floods that often ruin
the bcft marfh-mcadows, has not yet been diicovered; in open
lituations, a cloie row of iomc aquatic trees, beyond the bank, is
indiipenlable for breaking the force of a flermy tide. The Ame-
ricans want grafles that will flourifii in dry and fandy foils : fuch,
for example, as were lately introduced in Spain, and are faid. to
have proved fo benelicial to that diy and warm country.

The heat of the fummers is unfavourable to grals, where the
ground, though fertile, has not a degree of moifture ; it is there-
fore advifeable to try, whether barley, rye, or wheat, if cut young,
would make good hay ; and whether a fecond crop, or the fuc-
ceeding pafture, may help to make a full compenfation for an
eventual harveft ? We have heard this method much recom-
mended, bv lome cultivators in Europe. The divifion of paf-
ture grounds by enclofures is generally ncglefted. Clean feeding
is an advantage of admitting cattle, horfes, and fheep in rota-
tion, that deferves attention.

The value of land, and clofe neighbourhood, makes good
fences neceffary in old fettlements. Worm-fencing, and fimilar
expedients of infant cultivation, fhould never be feen ; they occa-
fion loffes, vexation and contention. The regular frames of
rails and boards would be much improved by hardening againll
heat and moifture : to render the lower part of the poft more
durable, burning, encrufting with mortar, and foaking in fait
v/ater, are expedients partly ufcd, and w^orthy of trial. Live
hedges are in general preferable to any, but yet veiy rare, though
the country prelents many fhrubs of promiling qualities.

The vaft domains of the United States can vie with any coun-
try in the variety, utility, and beauty of trees and fhrubs. Their
Irately forells are a national treafure, deferving the felicitous care

502 GENERAL INFORMATION

of the patriotic pbilolopher ancl politician: hitherto the->' have
been too much abandoned to the axes of rude and thoughtlefs
wood-choppers. What perfon of ienfe and feeling dan, without
indignation, behold millions of young oaks and hiccories dc-
ftroyeu, to make bonfii-es in open fmoky houfes, or trucked in
the cities for foreign toys ? Some parts of Europe were thus laid
wafte in former centuries, and the prefent generation muft v/ith
great labour and expcnfe repair the ravages of their forefathers.
In many parts of America a prelervation and increale of the tim-
ber for ^uel, and other domellic ufes. renders thefe queries im-
portant. What trees are of the quickeft growth ? At what age
they do increale moft? What is the proper difiance between
them ? What is the be-fti mode of pruning, for promoting the
growth, and takiiig ofl ail luperfluous branches ? What kinds are
fuitable to diflerent foils? What ipecies thrive bed; together? A
judicious lopping of the branches, thinning dole the clumps of
trees, and clearing the ground of underwood, will make many
woodlands good pallures, and form them into beautiful parks.
This management would alio improve the quality of timber by
procuring the benefit of fun and air : the want of this may be
regarded as one principal caufe of the iponginefs of their tim-
ber, which defeft, fo inimical to durability, ftrcngth, and pre-
fervation of a given form, is farther increaled by a too commoq
jgnoumce or neglcft of the proper fealon for felling the mate-
rials of building, furniture, ftaves, and various utenfils. Some
valuable trees and flirubs are yet oblcurely known ; among thelc,
the fo called coffee tree,* in the wcftern country, that bears a
hard nut, the kernel of which is generally uled by the inhabi-
tants as a lubflitute for coffee ; the native plum trees on the Mif-
fiflippi, faid to be far lupcrior to thole in the middle States; the
newly difcovered and inucli e.vtollcd grape of Scioto.t Aiany of
thoi'e which have long been familiar to the Americans, ftill pof-
fcfs ufeful qualities little explored. Oil might be extrafted from
acorns, and elpecially from the large and grcaly Ipecies of the
ciielnut oak ; as latelv, tliough but in few places, is done from
the various kinds of walnuts. Spirits may be diflilled from the
berries of the red cedar, which fo much relembles thole of the
Kuropcnn juniper. Wine, far better than wiiat is generally
done, can be made from the late grapes. From all kinds
of grapes, the Perhmon fruit, the berries of the four gum,+
and white thorn, v^ the crab apple, the wild pears, plums

* Guilaiiclia. t A branch ai' ihc Ohio. ^ NyiTa. ^ Cms g^^iy-

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 503

and cherries, with fimihr fruits; fpiriluous iiquoi-, and
vinegar, may be obtained. The white thorn will, if it can h&
kept clofe and low, make an impenetrable and beautiful hedg-r,
by its long, fharp, and lolid fpears, ?nd by its cluftering bloffuins
and largo red berries. T!ie new experiment of grafting foreiga
kinds on ihcir native grape vines, faid to be very promifing,
may prove a good preicrvative againft the rij».jur oi winter. In
all prob-ibility many i'pccies of leaves would make good fodder
for cattle, if gathered in the proper feafon, and well cured : this
expedient is praftifed in the north of Europe,* is of great impor-
tance to one half of the American States, wliich have. accordin<»-
to fitualion, no pafturc for five or leven months. Finally, we
may fuicercly wifli tiiat the owners of venerable woodlands might
regard them as principal ornaments to thcnr coujitry ; and wliilc
ihcy clear a part for the purpoles of agriculture, leave thoIc hills
crowned with towering pines and ftalely oaks ; fulrering like-
wife the groves of tulip trees and magnolas to wave among yel-
low hurveils and blooming m-eadov^'s. In feme of the old
countries, many gentlemen would puicliafe fuch rural charm.s at
any expenie. but mult wait till the evening of life for the fhade
of titeir plantations ; is it not then deplorable, that fo Uizny
American farmers daily defhroy what their offspring of better
tafte will deeply regret ! This evil miglit in a great meafure he
lefTened by a treatlTe on ornamental planting, adapted to the
pre'ent circumflances of that country.

Half a century ago, philofophers thoiight it beneath them to
inveiligate the economy of domeftic animals. By this ridicylous
pride, European countries have lufFcred much. The Swediili
naturalifts were rouled near thirty years ago. to a loiious atten-
tion, by a pcllilence among horfcs and horned cattle, which
dtftroycd many thoufands in iome provinces. In America, this
important fcience has been mucii negletted. Not to cnlarpe
upon a iubjeft, which eJpecially concerns agiicultural iocicties^
wc fliall only mention two or three particulars. America is not
unfavourable to hoiies: yet thoie of good quality are not vciy
common in many of the States, becauie the natural hillon' of-
thefc noble animals is but little cultivated. They ere often
diiabled by want of proper care, and perifh by various diforders,
efpccially by fwelling in the throat, chohc, and the bots.-f'

* Afpin leaves, for example, arc a pleafr.ig a;:d fah'.lary food for Jjorfcs.
i' A kind of woriTis tl'.at devours tlicir maw.

504 GENERAL INFORMATION

Sheep thrive well in fome parts, but in others they die by
dozens, without the owners knowing or inf^uiring into the
CLtule.

Horned cattle fuffev much when expofed to the winter'-s cold,
'■which deflroys their hoofs even under the thirty-ninth degree.
But they and horfes are afFeftcd by excels of heat in fummcr ;
which not leldom caufes a fever, difcernable by their want of
appetite, duilnefs, and a yellow tinge of the mouth and eyes*
The beft European treatiie on domellic animals will more or
Icfs apply to divers parts of the States.

Goats would be very valuable in the rocky woodlands of
America, as they are in thofc of Europe. They are very hardy ;
their maintenance is cheap, as they browfe fummer and winter
on mo ft kinds of trees and fhrubs ; they yield a great quantity
of rich milk ; and then" fkins are very uleful. The Angora
goat, wlrole gloffy hair is a material of the mohair, may alfo
thrive as well in America as in Sweden, where it was intro-
duced by the patiiotic Attronoraer.

Good orchards eminently unite the ufeful and pleaung, gratify-
ing, through the greater part of the year, the taiie, the {"cent
and iigh.. Horticulture was an early objcft in America, and
has made confide rable progrcls. At prelent their fiifl care fhould
be, to prevent diflempers of the fruit trees, of late become veiy
alanning. Peach trees, have till within twenty or thirty years
been very flourifliing : lome Englifh writers relate Vv'ith amaze-
ment, that the Americans fatten their hogs on this fruit, which
is To coftly in the north of Europe ; and it is true, that many
common farms abounded fo far in a promifcuous coUefrion of
better and worfe. But at prclcnt the peach trees are few, and
generally in a fickly condition, through the greater part of the
country. Of this one principal cauie is a fly, tiiat depofns her
eggs within the Item near the ground, which produce a great
number of worms, who quickly confume all the lower bark.
Moft kinds of plum trees are liable to decay, and the fruit is
dcdroyed by a fpecies oi ily; but the ravages of this infetl have
been for a long time. Pear trees have never, indeed, flovnifiied
well, but of late far lefs ; iome afcribe the blights of them t>i
lightning, and hang pieces of iron in the branches, to anfwcr
the purpofe of cle6hic rods. In fome places lately, cherry and
apple trees have been attacked by various didenipers, which
cauie the fruu to rot, and the limbs to decay in rapid luccellion
t:ll t.'ie tree dies. Tliis gingrene ia iruit trees bears a ftrong

TO EUROPE AN SETTLE RS, 503

refemblance to the mortIfic:ition of members in the hum^n
body ; the corruption (preads quickly over a large limb, and
amputation is the only prcfervative of the tree yet known.
The lols of peach orchards is a confidcrable difadvantaae, as
their caily bloom is the principal beauty of Ipring; and the
fruit is not only very pleafing, both green and prefervcd, but
alfo yields by diftilling an agreeable and vvholcfome liquor, wc!l
known by the name of peach brandy. The apple orchards
claim a folicitous care, merely as great ornaments of the coun-
try ; much more fo as they fupply a great articla of diet and
falutary beverr.ge, equal to feveral fpacies of wine. An Ame-
rican treatife on fruit trees is wanted, which would (liow how
far the bed Englilli authors are applicable to divers parts of th'^
United States ; give a full account of all the bell fruits thero
cultivated, with their variation from loc.d caules ; colle£l all
the various names of the lame fruit, and fix one as national,
to prevent a confufion that often fruftrates informirtion, both
foreign and domeftic,

Fifli ponds are ufeful decorations in places diilant from lakes
and rivers ; and it is matter of wonder why tins adv'ant:ige is
not derived from ponds and flreams which are io common: a
ufelefs and unwholefome fwamp may thus be changed iiito aii
elegant improvement.

PHY SI CO- MATHEMATICAL INQUIRIES.

Machines for abridging human Libour are efpccially defireil
in America, as there can be no competition between them and.
the arms of induftrious labour, while thefe have full employ oti
her extenfive lands, which muft be the ciio. iov ages. Agricul-
ture has the firft claim to the exertions of mechanical genius. ;is
the principal fource of nationsl profperity. Extent of territory,
improved by artificial indudry, mufl yield a great quantity of
produOiS at lo cheap a rate as to bear exportation to very diftant
ijf'.I.ets. It is moreover a weighty cnnfideration to the humane
phllofopher, that agricultural mechanilm would in the fouthera
States fupply the labour of ilives. Among important deiiderata
we may place ihcie ; — A machine for fuwing broad caft, io as to
fpread the grain even and in proper quantity ; another for cut-
ting drains, and mking banks on their extenfive marfh mea-
dows •, an apparatus for clearing new lands, which ought to be
3 compound of coiillerr, faws, axes, and fcrevvs, io that the trees
may be pulled out rf the ground, cut in convenient pieces, and
^heaped ; a bcUer iullruinent for reaping thm the common fickle,

3 '^

56^ GENERAL I NFC R MAT 1 0'N

o

luch, for cxainnlc, as the cradling fcythe of northern Euro'^e;
temporary flicds of eafy and light conftrudlion for the prcfcrva-
■ tion of the reaped grain in wet fcafons.

The many fnip wrecks that happen on the extenfive, and of-
ten ftor;Tiy coaft of America, render diving bells very nccef-
fary ; fhcfe machines are yet but little known.

A plenty of naval (lores, and numerous ports, render fliip
hiiiidinf^ an important branch of national induRry. This noble
art, which has long been cultivated wiih fuccefs, would ftiil be
muc:i improved by more expeditious modes of hauling timber,
and of 'preparing the main pieces for the finilbing workman'.hip.
An extt-nfive inland navigation by Icchs 2nd canals, is now
become a greit objcft of legiflative care in Icvcral States; it is to
be hoped, that fuch pcrfons may be entrufted with tliefe impor-
tant works, as have a pcrfc6l theory of hydraulics, and a proG-
ticai knowledge of local circumftances, among which the force
of ice in winter, and of rainy torrents in iummer- are to be
duly cftimated.

As many new towns and villages will graduallv rife v/ith the
increaftng population of the country, their fituation and form
jliould be chofen with a view of permanent circumfLances. A
lure hipplv of water is one great objeft. If the advantage of
ports is defircd, inquiry fhould be made whether the prefent
xvatcr-courfes are likely to continue ; as in the old countries,
fcvcral towns have lyeen immerfed, and others left far within
land, by the increafe or diminution of the water, or by tlie
change of the chiinnels. Health and conveniency require le-
veral open fquares. wide ftreets, and a direftion of them calcu-
Litcd for ftieher in the winter, and for fliads and vehtilation in
the fervent lummer months.

Architcfturc claims the following remarks :-— The pofition of
houfes oiight to feeure the fanning fummer breeze, and exclude
the wintry blaft. Another object fliouhl be to exclude from
fummer rooms, the burning fun, during the hotter part of the
day. Entries throughout the hou!e are very common, but nol
generally in directions that beft anfwer thefe purpoks. The
length, and- by frcq.u;nt intervals, fcvericy of winter in the
northern and middle States, makes warm rooms not only agree-
sb\c, but in a ue^iee neceifary. For this purpoic, the mofi;
improved chr.rneys and iron (loves are inadeauate expedients ;
elpecially as the open kind of tliele, though the more plealant,
vet confu:ne a greu quantity of wood. The itoves which have
ioj-.g. been :n uic tiirough Sv-zedcn, and a part of ihc neighbour-

TO EU RG? E A N SETT L E R S. 507

ing countries, are unqucRionibly the bcfl ever vet dcvifed ;
they warm the room uniformly with a quarter of the wood re-
quired for thcfe Lift mentioned, are free from any difagrccable
fleams, and have the appearance of elegant furniture/-* Larper
farms require feveral buildings, elpecially in c.)ld countries,
where ftore-houl'es and warm dwellings for domedic animals are
n-ccelfary. If all thcfe flrufturcs are form.ed on regular plans
calculated for the value of ellates, and refpc&ivc local circum-
flanccs, th.e ufcful and agiceahle may be united in a very high
degree : a well-written ircLitiie on tins luhjccl would be very
valuable.

To form with fpccd and convenieucy an accurate map of the
United States, aflronomic.d oblervations ought to determine the
latitude and longitude of thofe places whicli are moll ellentiai
to the figure of the whole country, or to the fituatiou of cer-
tain parts in a political and economical view.

JNQUIF.IES IN NATURAL HISTORY,

Natural hiftory, like a faithful guide, leads us tlirough the
myllerious mazes of nature, and opens to our enraptured eyes
her iublime and beautiful wonders. How many precious plants
are as defpicable weeds trod under foot in every part of the
world ! how many new qualities are from time to time difco-
vered in produftions which have been known for oenturies in
countries long <'igo perluflrated with tin's facrcd lamp ! what
trealurcs may wc not then expcft in this new and vafl divifion
of the globe i in the forcfls of a thouiari'd miles hitherto tra-
verfed only by favage tribes and mercenary traders ; in the
lakes, fome of which are inland feas, and rivcis tliat wander
through fcvcral Stales before they meet the ocean I ncgicft of
natural hillory under circumflances fo alluring would indicate a
want of rational tafle.. The great Linncc'js Wiihed that he could
have explored the continent of North-Amcric; ; m.iy tlris wifli
animate American philofophers !

The vegetable realm claims their firft attention. They ihould
begin with a rcfcarch of the Hores it oltcrs for tiic piclcrvation
and recovery of health. The frequent appearance of trees,
fhrubs and plants, whofc tafle and icent or analogy with well-
known pharmaceutics is very promifing, would lead us to cx-

* They are conflrufted by an iron grate-work, and panes of a fine clay fitted
therein, which are varnifhed according to tafte and ability. At Beliilehein, iji
J*ennfylvania, an inferior kind ot tl.efe arc already in iifc.

3 T 3

5o8 GENERAL INFO R M 'AT 10 N

petl a very confuleiable flock of native materia medica. But,
altliough above an hundred of tiiefe Jpecies are, or have been,
more or Icfs in ufe among tlie inlnbit.mts, very few of thcui
are well knov.'n us to the extent and peculiarity of tlieir qua-
lities, and a very fmall number is adopted eitlier b)' the apothe-
caries or regular phyficinns. On this view the following expe-
dients merit atlention---to fubilitute indigeiious medicines of
equnl value for thole imported, which by quantity or price
cauieagicat national cxpenfc, and tliat are liable to adultera-
tion or depreciation by ago ; to point out the befb native plants
in local difi;iitls, with fixed names, clear defcriptions, and accu-
rate medical inftruftions, for fafe, convenient and general ufe ;
to appreciate the merit of thole drugs which are elleemed Ipe-
Ci'lics in the woiil epidemic or particular difleinpeis. Collc6l-
ing all the bctano-medical information at preient attainable, we
may judge what plants are mofl intercfling, in v.-hat degree they
are known, and how this knowledge may probablv be mod im-
proved : the Indians have .feveral remedies againfl the difealcs
and accidents arihng from the climate. and their favage mode of
life ; as fevers, rhtumatifm, wounds, bruiles, fcalding, chil-
blains, bite of venomous ferpents ; befides emetics, cathartics,
fudorifics, and dietics. Thefe have the fanftion of time and
limplicity. It is alio generally believed, that they poflefs very
important lecrcts, of which only a few extraordinary Ipeci-
rnens are related with plaufible authenticity. In domeftic prac-
tice, particularly of the 'country people, we obferve medicd
plants of general falubrity, uled as detergents, tonics, fudorifics
and laxatives ; and others of particular virtue in rheum.atifm,
fevers, peflor=al ailments, vilceral obfbuttionSj ulcers, external
hurts, poilons, female complaints, and dileales of children.
, Among the great number of thcfe popular drugs, particular at-
^tention is due to thofe that are recommended by their ialutary
eifefts, atteftcd by the patients or other peribns of credit ; anci
more fo, when the teftimonial is attended with the preciie ftate-
nient of fafts. In cafe of defe£iive information, we may expeft
valuable qualities in thoCs wjiich are in vc'gue over large diftnfts ;
becaui'e this geneial efleem cannot be owing to imitation in a
country, where intercourfc between diftant places has till of
late been very limited, and wheic botanical curiofity is yet very
rare. l"he medical plants whicii Ameiica hab in common \vitl\
other countries, pollers the fame virtue, under variations from
jjiimatc and local circunif-lancei> ; the too common opinion of
^liCir inferioiity will often be changed by a lair ti'ial. Piliercnt

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 509

fpecies alio proinife a reward of examination from the generic
fimilarity, when thefe are aftually in u(e among the people of
the country; the probability of their value is the greater.

An application of theie principles will bring the following
plints to p;iriicular notice : agrimony, potentilla-quinquefolium,
polygonum-biftorta, gentiana, fumaria, angelica, cochlearia, eryfi-
mum officinale, arum, fymphitum, inula campan;!, alarum, all
grow in the northern and middle States, and are the lame with
or near a-kin to thole clafTed among the bed hmples by Dr. Cul-
len in his Materia Mcdica.* The gentiana growing in the
glades of Pennlylvania, is by Dr. Schoeph cftecmed the bell of
their feveral Ipecics. The arum of North- America is generally
called Indian turnip, from its ancient value among the Indians,
and often ufed with other ingredients by the country people in
that general debility confequent on tedious fevers. Ihe bed re-
commended remedies againlt intermittent fevers are cornxis Jlorida^
dogwood ; quercus phcUos, live oak ; perfimon ; \on\ccYz fy»iphori-
carpos ; by their barks; pyrola maculata, with the Indian name
pipfiffeva ; i'ambucus Ccniadcnfis ; laurus ccjiivalis, Ipicewood, Ben-
jamin tree, benzoin. The lirll is more generally known ; a decoc-
tion of the bark has, in many Cafes, been efttftual ; it is by fome
deemed equal, when frefli, to the Peruvian. + The fecond is
much valued in the fouth, its native place ; that of perfimon in
North-Carolina, and of loniceva Jj<viphoricarpos in Virginia, j An
infuhon of the plant pyrola viaculata has been frequently uied for
loine years in Pennfylvania, under the name o^ pipjifivu.^ The
faiTibucus Canadenfis, red berry elder, is by the Indians called the
Jiver-bujli ; a de^oftion of its wood and buds being of ancient re-
nown among thera.|| The laurus ccjiivalis, Ipice-woud, Benjamin
tree, is alto dillinguifhed with that name by the people in t.he

* Compare tbis'book with Dr. Schocph's and Jolin Bartram's notes to Short's
Mcdicina Britannica, reprinted in Philudelphia, 1751.

+ Kalm fays, that in Weft-Jerfey many were cured by the bark of the root
■who had in vain tried the Peruvian : in that fickly country Dr. N. Collin, of
Pennfylvania, made ufe of it, and thinks it worthy of a full trial.

:{; Called St, Peter's wort, Indian currrnts ; a fpccics of boneyfuckle. See
Arbult. Amer. of Marfhal.

^j See ditto : a fpecies of winter-green.

]j Gefchiehte dor Mifiion der Evangelifchca Bruder unter den Indiancrn in
^■jrd America, by LofRiel, publifhcd 1787.

fiip^ GENERAL INFORMATION

northern parts, for the fahitary decoftion of its wood and leaves.*
The bark of the liriodendron, tulip tree, is alfo very generally
eilieemed a good lubflitute for the Peruvian, efpecially that of
the root. Vv^e may oblerve on thefe and other febrifuges, thnt
the variety probably correiponds with the dive^fhty of the fe-
vers, which is very conliuerable, from latitude, feafon, and per-
Ibnal confiituticn : thus, for example, the above fpice-wood is
of peculiar benefit in that moderate but tedious kind, called ^7oa;
jcver, which is almoll continual.

A^ainft rhcumatifm thefe are wortliy of trial : the root, in dc-
coftion, of Aizlh /pi7ioJ(i, angelica tree ; the cones of pinusy/jj-
ius, white pine ; the twigs and roots of m-gnolia gluuca, fwamp
faffdfras, both in de«.(/£l;on and batii ; the frelh baik of juglans
allfa, hickory, applied externally, is much ulcd by the Indians.f

Dyientery has been cured by the baik and gummi of liqui-
dambar llyraciflua, fvvcet gum ; cynoglolTum Vtrginiunui;/^ foliis
amplexicaulibus ovatis, hound's tongue ; triofleum angujiijolnimy
floribus oppolitis pedunculatis ; the root of white oak in pow-
der.

Antidropfical, well recommended, are the leaves of callicarpa
Americana ;t the root, in decoftion, of aralia nudicaidis, foliis
binis ternatis ; that oi ialfafras in extraft.

Cholic is removed by the oil of the ^bove fpice-wood ber-
ries ; the flatulent and hyfteric kinds, eminently io by angelica
lucida; foliolis asqualibus ovatis incifo-fcrratis, called therefore
hcll\'-ack root.

The bcft among pleuritic remedies mufl be \.\\^ pkurify root, fo
iTjUth extolled in Pcnniyivania, delcribcd by Schoeph alclepias
tubtroja, foliis altcrnis lanccolatis, caule divaricato pilofo ; ano-
ther aiclepias bears high value in Maryland, called alio buttcrjly
root ; the afclepias dicumi'ens, pkurify rout, mentioned by Mr.
jefferfon in his notes on Virginia, muft be one of thei'e. The
b.uk and berries of the above magnolia, either in dccoftion, or
infufion of Ipirituous licjuois, is generally lalutary in thole great
folds which affeft the firics, back and breafl with ^iiniul Jl itches,
attended with fcbiilc ciulis and general iai;go,.ii-.

* Memoirs of the American Academy, &c. printed in Boflon, 1785.

+ They drive the pain from one place to another until it breaks out in 4
blifter ; this bark burns the fkin, as it were. Lofkiel. In New-England a fpr-
cies of pyrola called rheuAiatifni weed, and one of alelris named unicorn, are
reputed very efficacious ; the latter in the chronic rhcumatifm. Mqni. A. Ac.

X A fhrub growing in the fouihern States. Arbufi. Am.

TO EUROPE. IN SETTEERS. 5,1

Antliclmintics are the chenopodium,* and the fpigclia Mary-
is,ndica. c.uile tctragono, foliis omnibus oppontis, Carolina pink,
3 roLithcin plant, it will deftroy the worms, but caution in thtf
dofe is reouifite.

Spiraea trifoliata, foliis ternatis ierratis fuoasqu-ilibus, »"ioribu3
fubpaniculatis, ipecacuanha, Indian phyfic, bniimont root, is an
effeftual and lafe emetic. Podophyllum pdtatiim, foliis peltatis
palmatis, May apple, is lately coming into praftice as a laxative
by an cxtraft of the root that removes its emetic quality. + Con-
volvulus ^'u:;Zi7?</-,3^?(j grows in the middle latitudes; and in the
louth fome foecies fimilar to the convolvulus jalappa. not well
explored.

Ulcers and cancerous fores are frequent among thofe whofe
humours are vitiated by perennial fevers: in a variety of reme-
dies thefe deferve notice : iris verficolor, afties of magn. glauca,
in form of pLfter, and a ftrong bath of faffafras root, hr.ve
cured ulcerated legs. The root of faururus cernuKS, foliis cor-
datis petiolatis, amentis folitariis recurvis, lizard-tail, bruifed
and applied as a poultice to fore and impoftumate breafts will
ripen and hcjl them. A fpecies of nigella, called gold thready
Indian mouth root, is an excellent remedy for an ulcerous
mouth. t In New-England a fpecies of geum, zcater-avey.s,
throat root, cure all, is an eftcemed rcmedv for ulcerated lore
throat ; a deco6lion of the root is bath a gargle and drink. ^
Rumex acetofdla, floribus dioicis^ foliis Innceolato-haftatis, Jour
dock, cancer root, is recommended apainfl inveterate ring-worms;
this is biennis and found over the whole country : the juice is
mixed with vinegar ; (Schoeph) another is mentioned in the
Bofton Memoirs, the root of which in decoftion is ufed in fore
throat. The phytolacca decandra, floribus decandris decagynis.
poke, has of late given promifing experiments in the cure of
cancers; the jiiice of the berries is inrpiiTated bv the fun; the
voung Iprouts in fpring are eaten as afparagus, but grown too
far they are violently cathartic ; this bufh is common through-
«ut the States.

* Jerufalem oak.

+ The Hrft grows in the northern aBimlddl? States, the latter in thefe and
the fouthcrn ; it bears on a ftaik of two feet a yellow fruit like a lime, of a
fweetifh talle.

X Lofkiel. M»in. of the American Acad;:niv ; the root is like a ball of (hin-
ia^ thread.

^ Floribus nutsntibus, frusta oblongo, ariilis plumofis ; powder of ilif rant
!.5 ufcd b)' the Canadians iu fever and ague. Am. Ac.

^12 GENERAL INFORMATION

Prefervatives ag^ind venomous fnnkes fcem to be fcatter^d
over the^ whole country, and they nn3rit full inveftigition, ' ia
order to provide prompt remedies, in every place, and again il
different kinds of fernents, efpeci^llv in the new fettlement?.
Convolvulus piirpicreus, purpkbind-zoeed, is very powerful, if it
is true tlut the Indians can handle rattle-fnakes after anointing
the hands with its juice, as Calefby relates; this grows in the
fouth. A fpeeics of juffioe is mentioned in the cited memoirs,
as growing in the northern countries near the haunts of rattle-
fnakes, called rattle-fnake plantain. The hieracium vcnofuvi,
foliis cuneiformibus hirtis, fcapo nudo craffillimo ercclo, grows
from the north to Virginia inclufively ; is called noor Robin's
plantain, and faid to fruflrate the bite both of the rattlc-fnake
and of his fuppofed prccurior the pilot-fnake. Erigeron, like-
"wife called Robert's plantain in Pennfylvania, is defcribcd by
Dr. Schoeph thus, " radix repens; folia radicalia ov.ita, bafi
attenuata. dentata dentibus paucis a medio ad apicem glanduli-
feris, obtufa, pilola, ven:3 paucis. Scapus biunciahs, pedali?,
ftriatus, villoius, uniflorus, &c. &c." Dr. Otto, a refpe£tablc
praftitioner, informed him, that the herb ought to be given in
a plentiful decotlion, and alfo applied with the root to the
wound. The herb of folidago virga aurei, golden rod, is ufed
in the fame manner.* The. root of aletrisy"i2?7/!o/*'Z is taken in
powder, or brulfed and fteeped in liquor ; this root is called
il^r-root, blr-zing (lar, devil's bit, and greatly efleemed both by
the Indians and the people of feveral States for many qualities.f
The polvgala Scnc^x is well known. The plantain of Negro
Cicfar we juft mention, with a wifh that an authentic account
could be obtained of the experiments for which he obtained 3
public reward. Many credible teftimonies agree in the facV,
that the Indians have extraordinary (kill in cuiing the bites of
ferpcnts ; but whether any fpecific antidote is known appcDis
doubiful : the pl.mts in uie aft, however, as powerful fudorifics
•and abforbents ; a naiiative on this fubject would here be too
prolix for our plan.

* SJioeph def^ribcs it as hifuld, radke cmara : Br>r!:ram as " having flcndrr
purple {talks, riling a foot high, with a fpike of fine yellow flowers, for near
one-third part of the length of the plant," fa\-s it is much extolled.

f Biiriram fpcaks of it princip;(lly as a " remedy in grievous pains of the
iiowcU ;" and fays, it ha? a ftilk eighteen inches lon^, with a fine fpike of white
flowers fix iachcs in length, 'olooniing in J'<:ie; arid growing plentifully in tV;e
tack pans of the country.

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 513

OE late venrs miidnefs of dogs has been more- frequent ; the
Twertia dijfjrviis, recommended by Clayton, (hould he tried.*

In the fcarch of new medicines, fpicy trees and bahny ever-
greens are pnrticuljjly inviting. The Iwamps of the low
country abound in pbnts of aromatic fcent ; the mngnolia
gb.uca, fo frequent i;i them lecms to hold out licr fragrant lilies
and crinifan berries to the flccleton-prey of Slygian vapours;
prolmblv her lovely fiftcrs arc alio coiTipafriotinte.+

Indigenous efculents claim attention in feveral views. Thofe
roots, herbs, grains and barks, that in cafe of need can fupport
life, may be ufeful to travellers in the wildernefs, and to troops
that carry on an Indian war; the favages make this ufc of the
inner bark of the elm, and the roots of aralia nudicaulis. Tlie
fallads of many kinds, gathered in divers parts of the count ry
during fpring, fliould be generally known. Several wild fruits
might be improved by culture, as walnuts, crab-apples, papaws,
annona, plums, grapes, perfimons, honcy-locuft, glcditfia triacan^
thos ; feme perfons have planted orchards of this and made plenty
of metheglin from the fweet pods. While the fugar maple is of
late juftly valued, its kindred alio merit more attention: ^\'e are
credibly informed, that in Canada equally good fugar is made from
the weaker juice of the red maple, a tree that abounds through
all the States. The chcfnut oak is laid by Schoeph to yield in
fpring a copious agreeable drink ; other trees may have fimilar
faps. Aromatic plants deferve notice: the barks of young fafla-
fras and of calycanthus JloridusX niuch refemble cinnamon: the
acorus calamus is under name of fpice-wort, ufed in Maflachufetts,
The plants ufed as tea in divers parts deferve examination : the
cajfinc, called South fea tea tree, is obfcm-ely known, but has long
been famous among the Indians. i^

Many vegetable dies are already in ufe, both among the In-
dians and the inhabitants ; feme of them are alfo recorded by
writers, but a colleftion of fcattered practice, and a fcleftion of
the bed in every kind, are yet wanted. In this branch, the
praftice of other countries may alio be adopted; tlius the rA«j

* See Gron. Virginia.

+ Serpent. Virg. Sarfaparillaj &c. wants r.o mention ; feveral cannot here find
room.

^ Called Carolina allfpice.

\ They call it yaupan, ?.nd diink an infufion of the leaves in copious draughts,
both as a dietetic and inebriating. It grows near the fea in the fouthern Slates,
tea or twelve feet high.

3U

5^4 GENERAL IX FOR MAT ION

toxicoac'dron v.:rnix, varnifh tree, poifon afli, is probably tlie
fame with the valuable (pecies of Japan.*

Saps, rocts. leaves, flowers, barks, may be ufcful in a variety
cf modes ; for example — The roots of aEfculus pavia, fcarlet horfo
chefrtut, and of jucca filamentora, filk grafs, are ufed for foap ;+
chelnuts can be prepared for the jame ule. The two kinds of
tr.yrica, candle berry myrtle, are known ; the melia azedarach
grows in t1ie louth, under the name of bead tree, but its berries
are not yet in ul'c for tallow, as in Japan. + The alclepias, called
fdk-zoecd, has a fine white down in its pods, which in Maffachu-
fctts is carded and tpun into very good wick-yarn. While oaks
abound, an cxtra6l of their barks might, as an article in tanning,
be a valuable export.

Vegetable medicines for cattle are very interefhing ; a critical
comparifon of European treatiles, with what is written and prac-
tifed in America, will point out the beft.

The beauties of the American flora are yet difplayed only to
thofe admirers, who have fought them, in fields and woods, from
fpring to autumn, in northern and fouthern climes, in the grand
inigniflora and the humble lily of the valley. Many of the wild
flowers would adorn gardens, and embellifh groves and meadows :
but a great part of theie are known only in their native places,
and feme have not even obtained a vernacular name. Flowery
fl'irubs are gradually coming into more notice ; and fome of the
finefh will endure the winter of Pcnniylvania ; the chionanthus,
fnow drop, fringe tree, calycanthus floridus, bignonia radicans,
trumpet flower, and the beautiful Franklinia, all grow well near
Philadelphia.^ Several of the trees moft agreeable by foliap-e,
bloom, or lofty growth, have a Ipontaneous wide range, and others
\vill,. under a fkilful hand, pafs their natural limits.|j

* 3y the travels of Prof. Thunberg, wc find great analogy between Japan
and North-America : thus the perfimon grows there : the emics of the alder arc
in common ufc for black dye.

+ They grow in the fouthern States.

■ \ An oil is prefTcd which becomes equally folid with tallov/. TliWihsrg.

^ The laft is ia Mr. Bartram's garden from fifteen to twenty feet high, and.
has pot been affeCled with five fcverc winters within twelve years, though its
native place is Georgia. The flowers itc large and fragrant, with lify-Jike
pclala, and a tuft of gold-coloured flamina.

II Bignonia catalpa flourifhes in aud beyond Pcnnfylvania,

TO EUROPEAN SETTEERS, 5x5

Our remarks on the animnl domains fhall begin with tlie
fmall tribes, becaufe fome of thelc do remarkable miichief.
The Hellian fly has for feveral years made great havoc in the
wheat fields through all the middle States,* and the canker
worms, catcrpillers, and other vermin, lay waRe the orchards ;
fomc remedies will hopefully reiult from the inquires, of late,
begun in feveral places. Hofts of locults fome years Infeft the
woods, and caulc conliderable damage by devouring the leaves
of trees over large diftrifts, many of which decay when thus
expofed to the burning lun ; they lie in the ground for a period
of years, not yet aicertained ; appear in the latter part of the
fpring, when the oaks are in perfetl foliage, and in a few weeks
di(ripucar.+

Venomous infccls are rare, and obfcurcly known, as they
feem confined to the woods. A fpecles of thcle, called moun-
tain Ipider, that haunts the inner parts of the Ibulherri States,
i;S laid to be large, ftrong enough to taKe fmall birds in the net,
and by his fting to produce violent pains at ihe heart, inflamma-
tions with alternate cold fweats, tremors, frenzy, and death,
if proper cure is not obtained. lu the middle Slates there JS
a black fpider, whole bite caufes great pains and a tranlient
blindncis, but is not mortal. A large ant, with a long
fting, common in Maryland and farther louth, is alio vciy
noxious,

Amon<T the bandfome infetls in America, the fire fly is the
firfl ; ihoulands of thefc illuminate the lummer niglits, and by
their gambols in the air, preient a Jky full of falling flars -jj;
but the Americans know not where thefe lamps are hid in th«
long winter nights.

A flriking mechanifm is remarkable in the horn beetles of
various kinds, and efpecially in the wood lawer, who with
tv/o curve inwardly dentated prongs, can cut off fmall twigs
of trees. We venture to add a zoophyton in the Ohio country,

* Neftling in the joints of the Ralks tliey bite it off before tlic grain is ripe.

+ They feem to extend far, as many hundred acres upon tlie Ohio are fai*' to
be fpoilcd by them ; yet is their depredation local and varying, fo that diffcrcat
parts have their turn ; they were in Pennfylvania eighty years ago, and with the
fame qualities, as we find by old Swcdiih records, which alio add that the
ljidi<;ns fed upon them.

j Thunberg defcribes l!:ofe of Japan in the fame niunucr, und'-'x" the name o{
/^ifipyls jiipo'ika.

3 U 2

5i6 GENERAL IK FORMATION

which alternately is vegetable and animal.* But without fuch
extraordinarv phs:nonienon, the econornyt of the numerous
littls animals is wonderful enough to awaken our attention,
elpecially in this covintry, where it is yet unexplored.

Thirty or forty fpecies of fnakes are counted, but feveral are
very impcrfcflly known, elpecially thole which are rare or local.
The horn (nake is now leldom ieen, but many accounts agree,
that the Ipur of his tail is fo venomous, as to kill young trees^
if by acci'derit it flrikes them. The king fnake of the fouth
is not feen, we believe, far north. The double-headed fnake
may be a monftrous produftion ; but two fpecimens of it are
found in New- England, and two more are now in Mr. Pcale's
niuicum : that iome kinds of ferpents charm birds and fquirrels
is a fa£l, but in what manner we know not. Fortunately the
fmallcT number is venomous, but which fpecies fliould be avoid-
ed, is an intereiiing quefhion ; though the green fnake, imper-
ceptible in the grals, is harmlefs, fome that occahonally comd
near houfes, are not fo.

On quadrupeds in general, two inquiries are intereiiing;
what is the Ipscific diflFcrence from ihofe of the fame genus in
the eaftera world ? And how doth the fame fpecies vary in
America under different latitudes ? In the firfi: the tygers and
panthers require particular notice ; in the iccond the bear,
which frequents the interior country fiom north to fouth; and
the panther, which has alio a wide range. Among thole pecu-
liar to North-Americd, the mooie deer is yet, we believe,
undeicribed, and known to icw perlons below the louth of
Canada. + The opolTum, com.mon in America, and long known
for fmgularities, is yet unexplored in the greateft. of all, to wir,
that the female breeds her young at her teats within the falle
bcllv : iTiar.y perlons in dillaut quarters ahert they have fecn
them adhering to the teats wiien fmall as a pea. The vafl
mammoth is perhaps yet flalking through the weftern wilder-

* This was coinmunicated to Dr. Nicholas Collin, reflor of the Svvedifh
churches in Pennfylvania, by a refpeftable iniHionary, who had long been among
the Indians, and had I'cen this animal, but would no!, have his name mentioned,
as the matter may app'fear incredible ; it is three or four inches high, and after
having crawl'^d about the woods, is fixed in the ground, becoming a plant with
a ftenl through its mouth, &c. It is analogous to the vegetable fly of Dominica,
that buries itfelf in the ground, dies, and fprings up like a young coffee plant,
for whicli it is often miftaken, until the root upoA examination is foitnd to be'
ti'.- head fc-ot and body of th.e animal. See the Natuiat Hijicry ej Dcmtnica, by
Tlicmds A'lfood', jxdlijlied 1791.

+ Some ycjrs ago one was exhibited iti Philadclp];iu ; it is a large animal •Mi'(}\
very l;igu fore Ic^s, a fliort ueck, ccc.

.TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 517

nefs ; but if he is no more, his remains (hould be carefully
gathered, and attempts made to find a whole fkelcton of this
giant, to whom the elephant is but a calf.

The great herds of buffaloes in the weftern country are a va-
luable national poffeffion, a wanton deftruction of them fhould
be checked, and trial of domeftication would, perhaps, be both
prafticable and uieful.

The great number of birds in the old fettlements have been
defcribed, but many equivocally, and pur knowledge of their
habits is in general very Imall. The Americans fhould not indif-
creetly deftroy thole aeemed of no value ; who knows what part
is afligned to them in the economy of nature ? Perhaps the nu-
merous tribes of woodpeckers lave many trees from deftruftive
worms. As to the uteful and ornamental birds, they dem.and
protection againft licentious and greedy tyranny ; the beautiful
and melodious birds diminifh fafl, and the turkeys, once io abun-
dant, Isave long ago been drove into the remote woods.

General knowledge of the fiflies of America is very limited
and corifufed : of thole in the weflern waters wc have only re-
ports ; there never has been from eye witnefs a tolerable account
of the cat-filh, that weighs from feventy to one hundred pounds.
Thole proper in filh ponds cannot be fele£led without knowing
■what kind of water, food, &c. they require.

Natural hiftory demands efteem from American feminaries of
learning ; and honorary degrees in this purfult would be much
better bellowed than on minillers of the gofpel, the only good of
Vv^hich is, to rncreale the pi"ivilege of, and beget a blind venera-
tion for a clais of men who ought to be diftinguifhed from lo-
ciety by nothing but their fuperior piety and virtue : the prin-
cioal lem.inanes ihould immediately form botanical gardens, on a
plan lo liberal as gradually to receive all the trees, flrrubs, and
plants moll valuable in every refpeCt. Muieums are alfo very im-
portant, for exhibition of both native and foreign productions.*
Finally, it is neceflaiy to fix general names for every vegetable
and animal of public utility, that great numbers may receive and
impart infoniiation.

M£TEOROLOGICAL INQUIRIES.

Changes in the atmoiphere have {"uch important confequences
6a the atfairs of human life, that the art of proguofticating them

* That of Mr. Pea'e in PliiladelphJa, commenced a few years ago, is by his
laj^dable care corain^ uilQ refutation both a: Loinc and abroad, and merits d-.e
public patrons^*-

o

i3 GENERAL IKFORMATIOHI

is very beneficial. It has of late years been cultivated with great
afliduity in various parts of Europe, and the leries of obiervations
\vill ^dually form a ly{Ve:n that may at leaft unite probable con-
jeftures with much certain knowledge. Several circumftances of
the United States point out correlponding inquiries — they arc
fubjeft to fudden guits of wind, and fome tornados that rapidly
pals over a Ipacc or one or two hundred miles : from the begin-
ning of fpring till the fe-tting in of winter, thefe occaiion many
unhappy accidents on their extenhve coafts and ample navigable
rivers. Tiielr traniiont flrokcs are, however, not coinparable to
thoie fevere ftorms that generally viht the Americans two or
three times in that lealon : after theie, the gazettes announce nu-
merous deplorable fliipwrecks, and other dilafters ; coming from
the eaft with heavy rains, they generally cauie inundatioris, which
overflow a vafl: extent of meadow giounds, on the lengthy ri-
vers and winding creeks, and lometirhes damage wharfs and Itorcs
of commercial towns. A fore tight of all thele would enable them
to elude their fuiy ; vePJels might ftay in port, or feek a fhelter ; '
merchandiie migiit be Iccured ; the hay might be removed, and
the cattle, vhicli fometimes periihes by the iudden rile of the
water. In iummer tiie ludden gufts happen generally towards '
evening, after a lultry calm for fome iiours ; when attended with
thunder and rain, warning is given by tlie riung clouds; thole
with a clear fky are lels frequent, and preceded only by light ed-
dies in the air for iome minutes. The tornados are probably an-
nounced by iome remarkable lyraptoms, though their happily rare
occurrences has prevented attention ; the air is, we believe, very
lultrv for two or three day^, and on the laft, iomewhat hazy with
treiriulous light breezes from the weft. The eaftcrly ftorms are
ullicrcd in by the gradual thickening of the clouds and inpreafe
of tiie wind for many iiours.

The irregularity of the ieaions is a gi-eat impediment in the bu-
fincls of locial life ; the fallacious appearance of an early ipring
often nivites the h.ufbandman and gardener to planting and low-
ing, which will be injured by ievere frolls and cold rains. The
beginning of winter varies alio by feveral weeks: after the firll
c>f December, mild weather is often changed into cold, that
within two or three days fills the rivers of the northern and
Ciiddle Sialci. vvitli icc, by which vcilels outward bound arc de-
tained, and thofe coming on the coaft lutfcr leverely. A greatcf
difadvantage of this variation is, uncertainty of the Iceding time,
on which much depends the future crop •, if it is too early, the
lu>;uriance of autumnal vegct:ilion exhaulis the root 3 if too late,

TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 519

it cannot acquire fufficicnt fiimncfs to bear the froft. The Ame-
ricans have two prognoftics of winter wliich are founded in na-
ture : the mir/ntion of wild geele fhows that the northern waters
arc freezing; and tliat they may expcft leverc north-wcftcrly
■winds : abundance of rain, by cooling the air and wetting the
earth, prepares both for the impreffion of the frofts ; incrcafing
number of partridges, phealants, and other ground birds in the
populous parts, with the appearance of bears, doth alio indicate
that the weftcrn woods are already covered v.ith fnow. Mild
winters are always fucceedcd by cold fprings. Early thunder is
a fure token of immediate cold Aveather for a week or two. The
progrefs of the vernal feaion would moft probably appear from an
accurate Calcndarium Flvrcr ; the bloom and foliation of iome
trees being unfolded, not by an occafional warmth of the air, but
by a gradual penetration of tlie heat to their deep rcots, proves
at leaft an alcendancy of the vernal tcmperatjurc not eafily over-
come by the northerly gales.

The fudden alterations of cold and heat throughout the year,
would often be lei's injurious to health, by foreieeing them ; ge-
neral rules are thcfe, exceflivc warmth for the leafon leldom con-
t>!iues above a few days, and quickly changes into the oppolite
extreme : fine davs in winter, ipring, and latter part of autumn,
are immediately fucceeded by cold and wet, rain or fnow, accord-
ing to feaion and latitude : wherefore they are called weather
bleeders.

EXD GF THE THIRD roLUMT

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