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DISCOVERY, SETTLEMENT,
AND
PRESENT STATE
O F
KENTUCKY.
AND
AN INTRODUCTION
TO THE TOPOGRAPHY AND NATURAL HISTORY
OF THAT RICH AND IMPORTANT COUNTRY}
ALSO,
Colonel DANIEL BOON'S
Narrative of the Wars of Kentucky:
Ivith
An Account of the Inpi an Nations within the Limits of the United States,
their Manners^ Cuftoms* Religion, and their Origin }
The Stages and Diftances between Philadelphia and the Falls of the Ohio,
from Pittfburgh to Penfacola, and feveral other Places.
By JOHN FILSON; n<v7?-ngs
IHuftrated with a large whole Sheet Map of Kentucky from aftyal Sur-
veys, and a Plan with a Defcription of the Rapids of the River Ohio;
By Capt. Thomas Hutchins, Geographer to the Gongrefs,
JlonUon;
Printed for joHn stockdale, Piccadilly,
I793-
[price tw« shillings.]
*-v
g^^v
p
^TtiE Editor qflures. the reader, that thejlriclejl re-
liance may be plated on\he authenticity of the follow-
ing pages. The original was printed at Wilmington
in i7$4$ and is now re-publijhed with confiderable
additions, which have jujl been received from one
cf the mojl accurate writers in America ; and it
may with propriety be confidered as a fupplement to
the American Geography,* by the Rev. Jedidiah
Morse, whofe work defervedly Jiands fo high in the
eflimation of the public, and who has Jhewn to the
world how little reliance is to be placed on any of the
hijlories relating to that country hitherto publi/hed.
2oth November, 1793.
* This work is now publifhing in fix weekly numbers, at
One Shilling each, for the convenience of thofe who may prefer
this mode of purchafe ; but the book being already printed, may
be had complete, price Six Shillings.
83" An abridgement of the fame may be had pr/te Three
Shillings and Six-pence bound. /
WE the Subfcribers, inhabitants of Kentucky
and well acquainted with the country from its firft
fettlement, at the requeft of the author of this book
and map, have carefully revifed them, and recom-
mend them to the public, as exceeding good per-
formances, containing as accurate a defcription of
our country as we think canpoflibly be given, much
preferable to any in our knowledge extant, and
think it will be of great utility to the public. Wit-
nefs our hands this 1 2th day of May, Anno Do-
mini, 1784.
DANIEL BOON,
LEVI TODD,
JAMES HARROD~
PREFACE,
THE generality of thofe geographers wrho have at-
tempted a map, or a defcription of America, feem
either to have had no knowledge of Kentucky, or to
have neglected it, although a place of infinite impor-
tance : and the reft have proceeded fo erroneoufly, that
they have left the world as much in darknefs as before.
Many are the miftakes refpecting the fubject of this work
in all other maps which I have yet feen ; whereas I can
truly fay, I know of none in that which I here prefent to
the world, either from my own particular knowledge, or
from the information of thofe gentlemen, with whofe af-
liftance I have been favoured, and who have been well
acquainted with the country fince the firft: fettlement.
When I vifited Kentucky, I found it fo far to exceed my
expectations, although great, that I concluded it was a
pity that the world had not adequate information of it.
I conceived that a proper defcription of it, and a map
of it, were objects highly interefting to the United States ;
and therefore, incredible as it may appear to fome, I
muft declare, that this performance is not publifhed from
lucrative motives, but folely to inform the world of the
happy clime, and plentiful foil of this favoured region.
And I imagine the reader will believe me the more ealily
when I inform him, that I am not an inhabitant of Ken-
tucky, but having been there fome time, by my ac-,
1 quaintancc (
( 8 )
craaintance in it, am fufficiently able to publish the
truth, and from principle, have cautioufly endeavoured
to avoid every fpecies of falfehood. The confcioufnefs of
this encourages me to hope for the public candour,
where errors may poffibly be found. The three gen-
tlemen honouring this work with their recommendation,
Col. Boon, Col. Todd, and Col. Harrod, were among
the firfl fettlers, and perfectly well acquainted with the
country." To them I acknowledge myfelf much in-
debted for their friendly affiftance in this work, which
they cheerfully contributed with a difinterefted view of
being ferviceable to the public. My thanks are more es-
pecially due to Col. Boon, who was earlier acquainted
with the fubject of this performance than any other now
living, as appears by the account of his adventures,
which I eireemed curious and interefcing, and therefore
have publifhed them from his own mouth. Much ad-
vantage may poffibly arife to the poffefTor of this book,
as thofe who wim to travel in Kentucky will undoubtedly
find it a complete guide. To fuch I affirm, that there
is nothing mentioned or defcribed but what they will
find true. Confcious that it would be of general utility,
I have omitted nothing, and been exceeding particular
in every part. That it may have the delired effecT:, is
the lincere wifh of '
JOHN FILSON.
THE
THE
DISCOVERY and SETTLEMENT
OF
KENTUCKY.
THE firft white man we have certain accounts of who difco-
vered this province was one James M'Bride, who, in com-
pany with fome others, in the year 1754, palling down the Ohio
in canoes, landed at the mouth of Kentucky river, and there
marked a .tree with the firft letters of his name, and the date,
which remain to this day. Thefe men reconnoitered the country,
and returned home with the pleafmg news of their difcovery of
the bed tract of land in North America, and probably in the
world. From this period it remained concealed till about the
year 1767, when. one John Finley, and fome others, trading with
the Indians, fortunately travelled over the fertile region, now
called Kentucky, then but known to the Indians, by the name of
the Dark and Bloody Ground, and fometimes the Middle Ground.
This country greatly engaged Mr. Finley's attention. Some time
after, difputes arifing between the Indians and traders, he was
obliged to decamp, and returned to his place of refidence in
North Carolina, where he communicated his difcovery to Col.
Daniel Boon, and a few more, who conceiving it to be an inte-
resting object, agreed in the year 1769 to undertake a journey in
order to explore it. After a long fatiguing march over a mountain-
ous wildernefs, in a weftward direction, they. at length arrived
upon its borders; and from the top of an eminence, with joy and
wonder defcried the beautiful landfcape of Kentucky. Here
they encamped, and fome went to hunt provifions, which were
readily procured, there being plenty of game, while Col. Boon and
John Finley made a tour through the country, which they found
far exceeding their expectations ; and returning to camp, in-
formed their companions of their difcoveries ; but in fpight of
this promifmg beginning, this company meeting with nothing but
B hardlhips
hardfhips and adverfity, grew exceedingly di (heartened, and was
plundered, difperfed, and killed by the Indians, except CoL
Boon, who continued an inhabitant of the wildernefs until the
year 177 1, when he returned home.
About this time Kentucky had drawn the attention of fe-
veral gentlemen. Doctor Walker of Virginia, with a number
more, made a tour weftward for difcoveries, endeavouring to
find the Ohio river ; and afterwards he and General Lewis, at
Fort Stanwix, purchafed from the five nations of Indians the
lands lying on the north fide of Kentucky. Col. Donaldfon of
Virginia being employed by the ftate to run a line from fix miles
above the Long Ifland, on Holftein, to the mouth of the great
Kenhawa, and finding thereby that an extenfive tract of excellent
country would be cut off to the Indians, was folicited by the in-
habitants of Clench and Holftein to purchafe the lands lying on
the north fide of Kentucky river from the five nations : this pur-
chafe he completed for five hundred pounds fpecie. It was then
agreed to fix a boundary line running from the Long Ifland on
Holftein to the head of Kentucky river ; thence down the fame
to the mouth ; thence up to the Ohio, to the mouth of great
Kenhawa: but this valuable purchafe the ftate refuted to con-
firm.
Col.. Henderfon of North Carolina being informed of this
country by Col. Boon, he and fome other gentlemen held a
treaty with the Cherokee Indians at Wataga in March 1775, and
then purchafed from them the lands lying on the fouth fide of Ken-
tucky river for goods at valuable rates, to the amount of fix thoufand
pounds fpecie.
Soon after this purchafe, the ftate of Virginia took the alarm,
agreed to pay the money Col. Donaldfon had contracted for, «md
then difputed Col. Henderfon's right of purchafe as a private gen- ,
tleman of another ftate, in behalf of tiimfelf: however, for his
eminent fervices to this country, and for having been in'ftrumental
in making fo valuable an acquifition to Virginia, that ftate was
pleafed to reward him with a tract of land, at the* mouth of the
Green river, to the amount of two hundred thoufand acres ; and
the ftate of North Carolina gave him the like quantity in Powel's
Valley. This region was formerly claimed by various tribes of
Indians, whofe title, if they had any, originated in fuch a man-
ner as to render it doubtful which ought to polfefs it ;. hence /K^
fertile fpot became an object of contention, a theatic of a
from which it was properly denominated the Bloody Groui ..J.
Their contentions not being likely to decide the right to any par-
ticular tribe, as foon as Mr. Henderfon and his friends pro-
pofed to purchafe, the Indians agreed to fell ; and notwithstand-
ing the valuable conlideration they received, have continued ever
fince troublefome jieighbours to the new fettlers.
Situation,
( " )
Situation, extent, and boundaries.'] Kentucky is fituated in
its central part near the latitude of 3830 north, and 850 weft longi-
tude, and lying within the fifth climate, its longeft day is 14
hours and 40 minutes. It is bounded on the north by Great Sandy
creek, north-weft by the river Ohio, weft by Cumberland river,
fouth by North Carolina, eaft by Sandy river, and a line drawn
due fouth from its fource, till it ftrikes the northern boundary of
North Carolina, being upwards of 250 miles in length, and 200
in breadth, and contains 5000 fquare miles.
Civil divisions.] Kentucky was originally divided into three
counties, Lincoln, Fayette, and Jefferfon. It has fince been
fubdivided into nine, which follow :
Counties.
No. Inhabitants.
Chief Towns.
No. Inhab.
Jefferfon
" 4,565
Louifville
200
Fayette
" I7>576
Lexington
' 834
Bourbo/i
- 7>837
Mercer
6,941
Danville
I50
Nelfon
11,099
Beards town
- 2l6
Madifon
- 5,772
Lincoln
- 6,548
Woodford
- 9,210
Mafon
2,267
Washington
- 462
Total 71,815, of whom 12,430 are (laves.
There were in 1784, eight towns laid off, and building, and
more were propofed.
Louifville, at the Falls of Ohio, and Beards town, are in
Danville, Jefferfon county ; Harrodfburgh, and Boons-burrow, in
Lincoln county ; Lexington, Lees town, and Greenville, in Fayette
county ; the, two laft being on Kentucky river. At thefe and
many other places on this and other rivers, infpecting houfes are
eftablifhed for tobacco, which may be cultivated to great ad-
vantage, although not altogether the ftaple commodity of the
country.
Rivers."] The beautiful river Ohio bounds the north-weftern
fide of Kentucky in its whole length, being a mile and fometimes
lefs in breadth, and is fufficient to carry boats of great burthen ;
its general courfe is fouth 60 degrees weft, and in its courfe it
receives numbers of large and fmall rivers, which pay tribute to
its glory. The only difadvantage this fine river has, is a rapid,
one mile and a half long, and one mile and a quarter broad, called
the Falls of Ohio. In this place the river runs over a rocky bot-
tom, and the defcent is fo gradual, that the fall does notjprobably
in the whole exceed twenty feet : in fome places we may obferve
it to fall a few feet.
The rapids in a dry feafon are difficult to defcend with loaded
boats or barges, without a good pilot ; it would be advifeable
B Z there-
( 12 )
therefore for the bargemen in fuch a feafon, rather than run any
rifk in palling them, to unload part of their cargoes, and re-fhip it
'when the barges have got through the rapids. It may, however, be
proper to obferve, that loaded boats in frejhes have been eafily
rowed againft the ftream (up the rapids) and that others, by means
only of a large fail, have afcended them.
In a dry feafon, the defcent of the rapids in the diftance of a mile
' is about 12 or 15 feet, and the paifage down would not be difficult,
except, perhaps, for the following reafons: two miles above them
the river is deep, and three quarters of a mile broad ; but the
■channel is much contracted, and does not exceed 250 yards in
breadth; (near three- fourths of the river on the fouth-eaftern fide of
it being filled with a flat limeftone rock, fo that in a dry feafon there
is feldom more than fix or eight inches water,) it is upon the
northern fide of the river, and being confined, as above mentioned,
the defcending waters tumble over the rapids with a confiderable
degree of celerity and force. The channel is of different depths,
but no where it is fuppofed lefs than five feet ; it is clear, and upon
each fide of it are large broken rocks, a few inches under water.
Col. Gordon in his journal down the Ohio mentions, " thatthefe
" Falls do not deferve that name, as the flream on the north fide
" has no fudden pitch, but only runs rapid over the ledge of a flat
*' rock ; feveral boats," he fays, " palfed it in the dryefi feafon
<l of the year, unloading one third of their freight : they palled on
" the north fide, where the carrying place is three quarters of a
*' mile long. On the fouth-eaft fide it is about half that diftance,
*' and is reckoned the fafeft paifage for thofe who are unacquainted
" with it, but it is the moft tedious, as during part of the fu miner
** and fall, the battoe men drag their boats over the flat rock. The
" fall is about half a mile rapid water, which, however, is
41 paflable, by wading and dragging the boat againft the ftream
" when loweji, and with ftill greater eafe, when the water is railed
" a little." See a plan on the annexed map, •, it is a correct
defcription of thefe rapids, made by Mr. Hutchins on the fpot,
in the year 1766. Excepting this place, there is not a finer river
in the world for navigation by boats. Befides this, Kentucky is
watered by eight fmaller rivers, and many large and fmall creeks,
as may be eafily feen in the map.
- At the. bottoms of thefe watercourfes, the limeftone rock, which
is common to this country, appears of a greyilh colour ; and
■where it lies expofed to the air in its natural ftate, it looks like
brown freeftone. On the banks of thefe rivers and rivulets, this
ftone has the appearance of fine marble, being of the fame texture,
and is found in the greateft plenty.
Sandy, Licking, and Kentucky rivers rife near each other in the
Cumberland mountains. Of thefe, Sandy river only breaks
through
( '3 )
through the mountain : this river conftitutes a part of the eaftern
boundary of Kentucky.
Licking river heading in the mountains with Cumberland
river^ and the north branch of Kentucky, runs in a north-weft
direction for upwards of a hundred miles, collecting its filver
ftreams from many branches', and is about one hundred yards broad
at its mouth.
Red river heads and interlocks with the main branch of Lick-
ing, and flows in a fouth-weft courfe into Kentucky river, being
about iixty miles long, and fixty yards wide at its mouth.
The Kentucky river rifes with three heads from a mountainous
part of the country ; its northern branch interlocks with Cum-
berland, runs half way \n a weftern direction, and the other half
north-wefterly ; it is amazingly crooked, upwards of two hun-
dred miles in length, and about one hundred and fifty yards
broad.
Elkhorn is a fmall river which empties itfelf into Kentucky in
a north-weft by weft courfe ; is about fifty miles long, and fifty
yards broad at the mouth.
Dick's river joins the Kentucky in a north -weft direction, is
about forty-five miles long, and forty-five yards wide at its mouth.
This river curioufly heads and interlocks its branches with Salt
river, Green river, and the waters of Rock-caftle river.
Salt river rifes at four different places near each other. The
windings of this river are curious, rolling its ftreams round a fpa-
cious tract of fine land, and uniting almoft fifteen miles before
they approach the Ohio, and twenty miles below the Falls. It
is amazingly crooked, runs a weftern courfe near ninety miles,
and is about eighty yards wide at the mouth.
Green river interlocking with the heads of Dick's river, as
mentioned above, is alio amazingly crooked, keeps a weftern
courfe for upwards of one hundred and fifty miles, and is about
eighty yards wide at its mouth, which is about one hundred and
twenty miles below the Falls.
Cumberland river interlocks with the northern branch of
Kentucky, as aforefaid, and rolling round the other arms of
Kentucky-, among the mountains in a fouthern courfe for one
hundred miles ; then in a fouth-weftern courfe for above two
hundred miles ; then in a fouthern and fouth-weftern courfe for
about two hundred and fifty more, finds the Ohio four hundred
and thirteen miles below the Falls. At Nafhville this river is two
hundred yards broad, and at its mouth three hundred, pafling
in about half its courfe through North Carolina.
The Great Kenhawa, or New river, rifes in North Carolina,
runs a northern and north-weft courfe for upwards of four hundred
miles, and finds the Ohio four hundred miles above the Falls. It
.is about five hundred yards wide at its mouth : thefe two rivers are
3 juft
( H )
juft mentioned, being beyond our limits; they run contrary courfes,
are exceeding large, and it is worth notice that Clench, Holftein,
Nolachuckey, and French Broad-rivers, take their rife between
thefe two, or rather weftward of New river, fome of them fifing
and interlocking with it; and when they meet, form what is
called the Tenefe, or Cherokee river, which runs a weftern
courfe, and finds the Ohio twelve miles beIvow Cumberland
river ; it is very large, and has fpacious trails of fine land.
Thefe rivers are navigable for boats almoft to their fources,
without rapids, for the greateft part of the year. This country is
generally level, and abounding with limeflone, which ufually lies
about fix feet deep, except in hollows where ftreams run, where
we find the rock in the bottom of the channel.
The fprings and ftreams lefTen in June, and continue low,
hindering navigation until November, when the autumnal rains
foon prepare the rivers for boats, and replenish the whole country
with water ; but although the ftreams decreafe, yet there is al-
ways fufficient for domeft-ic ufes : there are many fine fprings that
never fail, every farmer has a good one at leaft, and excellent
wells may eafily be dug.
Mills that may be fupplied with water eight months in a year,
may be erected in a thoufand different places. Wind-mills and
horfe-hills may fupply the other four months.
Springs.] There are five noted fait fprings or licks in this
Country, viz. the higher and lower Blue Springs, or Licking
river, from fome of which it is faid iiTue ftreams of brinilh
water ; the Big Bone lick ; Drennon's lick ; and Bullet's lick
and Saltfburgh. The laft of thefe licks, though in low order, has
fupplied this country and Cumberland with fait at 20s. per
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. A ftraight road, forty feet wide, has been cut from
Saltfburgh to Louifville, twenty-four miles.
Face of the country.'] The country in fome parts is nearly
level, in others not fo much fo, in others again hilly, but mode-
rately, and in fuch places there is molt water. The levels are not
like a carpet, but interfperfed with fmall rifings and declivities,
which form a beautiful profpecl. A great part of this foil is ama-
zingly fertile, feme not fo good, and fome poor : the inhabitants
diftinguifh its quality by firft, fecond, and third rate lands ; and
fcarcely any fuch thing as a marfh or fvvamp is to be found. There
is a ridge where Kentucky rifes, nearly of the fizeof a mountain,
which in the map we have reprefented as fuch.
All
( '5 )
Ail the land below the Great Kenhawa until we come near th*
waters of Licking river is broken, hilly, and generally poor ;
except in fome valleys, and on Little and Big 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 ftream runs nearly parallel to the Ohio for a con-
fiderable diftance, and is about feven miles from the mouth of
Limeftone creek, where is a fine harbour for boats coming dowpi
the Ohio, and now a common landing. It is fixty-five miles from
Lexington, to which there is a large waggon road. The main
branch of Licking, is about twenty-two miles from Limeftone.
On this ftream we find fome firft, but moftly fecond and third rate
lands, and towards its head fomething hilly. There we 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 diftance,
being much impregnated with fait.
The fouthern branch of Licking, and all its other arms, as
appears in the map, fpread through a great body of firft, and fome
fecond rate land, where there is abundance of cane, and fome fait
licks, and fprings. On thefe feveral branches of Licking, are
good mill feats, and navigation to the Ohio, from the fork down
to its mouth. The land is hilly, and generally poor, yet along
the ftreams and in valleys we find fome excellent land.
Elkhorn river, a branch of the Kentucky, from the fouthreaft,
waters a country fine beyond defcription. Indeed, the country
eaft and iouth of this, including the head waters of Licking river,
Hickman's and Jefiamine creeks, and the remarkable bend in
Kentucky river, may be called an extenfive garden. The foil is
deep and black, and the natural growth, large walnuts, honey
and black locuft, poplar, elm, oak, hickery, fugar tree, &c.
Grape vines run to the tops of the trees ; and the furface of the
ground is covered with clover, blue grafs, and wild rye. On this
fertile tract, and the Licking river, are the bulk of the fettlements
in this country.
The lands below the mouth of Elkhorn, up Eagle creek, and
towards the Ohio, are hilly and poor, except thofe contained in a
great bend of the Ohio, oppolite Great* Miami, cut off, as ap-
pears in the map, by the Big-bone and Bank-lick creeks, inter-
locking, and running feparate courfes. Here we find a great deal
of good land, but fomething hilly.
On Kentucky river we find many fertile valleys, or bottoms
along the river, efpecially towards its rife. There is good land
alfo on Red river, but towards the heads of this, and Kentucky,
the foil is broken ; but even here, we find in valleys, and along
ftreams, a great deal of fruitful land. Generally the foil within
a mile or two of Kentucky river is of the third and fourth rates j
from
C *; ),
from about that diftance, as we leave it on either fide, 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. For a
more particular account of this, we refer the reader to where we
treat of the curiofities of Kentucky.
Dick's river runs through a great body of firft rate land,
abounding every where with cane, and affords many excellent
mill feats. Many mills are already built on this ftream, fome of
which are reprefented in the map, and will have a plentiful fupply
of water in the dryeft feafons. The banks of this river, near its
mouth, are fimilar to the banks of Kentucky. The feveral
ftreams and branches of Salt river afford excellent mill feats.
Thefe roll themfelves through a great tract of excellent land, but
the country from the junction of thefe waters, and fome miles
above towards the Dhio, 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 firft quality,
■well fituated, and abounds with fine cane. Upon this, and Dick's
river, the inhabitants are chiefly fettled, it being the fafeft part
of the country from the incurfions of the Indians.
Green river affords excellent mill feats, and a conftant ftream.
This is allowed to be the be ft watered part of Kentucky. On its
banks we find many fine bottoms, fome firft rate, but moftly fecond
and third rate lands ; and at fome diftance, many knobs, ridges,
and broken poor land. Below a creek, called Sinking creek, on
this river, within fifty miles of Ohio, towards Salt river, a great
territory begins, called Green river Barrens, extending to the
Ohio. Moft of this is very good land, and level. It has no
timber, and little water, but affords excellent pafturage for cattle.
On fome parts of this river, we find abundance of cane, fome
fak licks, and fulphureous and bituminous fprings. South of
Green river, in the lands referved for the continental and ftate
troops of Virginia, an exceeding valuable lead mine has lately
been difcovered. Iron ore is found on Rough creek, a ftream
running into this river. That part of Cumberland river which
is in the Kentucky country, traverfes a hilly poor land, though in
fome parts we find good foil along its fides. The other rivers I
mentioned (viz. Great Kenhawa, and 1 enefe) are not in the
Kentucky country, and therefore do not come properly within
my plan.
The reader, by calling his eye upon the map, and viewing
round the heads of Licking, from the Ohio, and round the
heads of Kentucky, Dick's river, and down Green river to the
Ohio, may view, ia that great compafs of above one hundred
miles
( 17 )
miles fquar«, the moft extraordinary country that the fun en*
ftghtens with his celeftial beams.
The Ohio river, the great reiervoir of all the numerous rivers
that flow into it from both fide&, has many fine valleys along its
fides ; and we obferve that oppofite to each of them there is a hill ;
thefe hills and bottoms changing fides alternately. It only re-
mains under this head to inform the reader, that there is a great
body of firft rate land near the falls, or rapids, called Bare-grafs ;
and it will be fufficient juft to mention that the country on the
north-weft fide of the Ohio, fome of the waters of which I have
reprefented in the map, is allowed by all travellers to be a moft
Fertile, level country, and well watered.
The following juft and judicious obfervations were addrefTed
to the Earl of Hillfborough, in the year 1770, when he was
Secretary of State for the North American department, by a very
intelligent gentleman, then refident in the country.
" No part of North America, (he fays,) will require lefs en-
tl couragement for the production of naval {lores, and raw ma-
" terials for manufactories in Europe; and for fupplying the Weft
" India iflands with lumber, provijions, &c. than the country of
" the Ohio ; and for the following reafons : — Firft, the lands are
*f excellent, the climate temperate, the native grapes, filk worms,
" and mulberry trees, abound every where : hemp, hops, and
M rve> grow fpontaneoufly in the valleys and low lands; lead and
** iron ore are plenty in the hills, fait fprings are innumerable ;
" and no foil is better adapted to the culture of tobacco, flax, and
" cotton, than that of the Ohio.
M Second, the country is well watered by feveral navigable
" rivers, communicating with each other ; by which, and a fhort
•< land carriage, the produce of the lands of the Ohio can, even
u now, be fent cheaper to the fea port town of Alexandria, on.
" the river Potomack in Virginia, (where General Braddock's
" tranfports landed his troops) than any kind of merchandife is
*' fent from Northampton to London.
" Third, the river Ohio is, at all fcafons of the year, navi-
•** gable with large boats, like the weft country barges, rowed only
' by four or five men ; and from the month of February to
*( April, large ihips may be built on the Ohio, and fent to fea,
" laden with hemp, iron, flax, filk, tobacco, cotton, pot-afh, &c.
" Fourth, flour, corn, beef, ihip-plank, and other ufeful ar-
" articles, can be fent down the Jlr earn of Ohio to Weft- Florida,
" and from thence to the Weft- India iflands, much cheaper, and
" in better order, than from New York or Philadelphia, to thefe
« iflands.
" Fifth, hemp, tobacco, iron, and fuch bulky articles, may
«' alfo be fent down the dream of Qbio to the fea, at leaft fifty
« per cent, cheaper than thefe articles were ever carried by a land
C " carriage ,
( I* )
" carriage, of orrly 60 miles, in Pennfylvania ; where waggonage
" is cheaper than in any other part of North America.
" Sixth, the expence of tranfporting European manufactories
" from the fea to the Ohio will not be fo much as is now paid, and
" muft ever be paid, to a great part of the counties of Pennfylvania,
*c Virginia, and Maryland. Whenever the farmers or merchants
" of Ohio, (hall properly underftand the bufinefs of tranfportation,
" they will build fchooners, Hoops, &c. on the Ohio, fuitable for
" the Weft-India, or European markets; or by having black
" walnut, cherry-tree, oak, &c. properly fawed for foreign
il markets, and formed into rafts, in the manner that is now done
<c by the fettlers near the upper parts of Delaware river in
" Pennfylvania, and thereon flow their hemp, iron, tobacco, &c.
" and proceed with them to New Orleans.
" It may not, perhaps, be arnifs to obferve, that large quanti-
" ties of flour are made in the diftant (weftern) counties of
<< Pennfylvania, and fent by an expenfive land carriage to the
*' city of Philadelphia, and from thence ihipped to South Caro-
" lina, and to Eaft and Weft-Florida, there being little, or no
*' wheat raifed in thefe provinces. The river Ohio feems kindly
** defigned by nature as the channel through which the two
<l I'loridas may be fupplied with flour, not only for their home
f* co^iumption, but alfo for carrying on an extenfive commerce
'< with Jamaica and the Spanifh fettlements in the bay of Mexico.
" Millftones in abundance are to be obtained in the hills near the
*c Ohio, and the country is every where well watered with large
** and conftant fpringsand ftreams, for grift and other mills.
" The paflage from Philadelphia to Penfacola is feldom made
*{ in lefs than a month, and fixty ihillings fterling per ton freight,
*{ conlifting of fixteen barrels) is ufually paid for flour, &c. thither.
** Boats carrying 800 or 1000 barrels of flour, may go in about
*' the fame time from the Ohio, (even from Pittfburgh) as from
** Philadelphia to Penfacola, and for half the above freight, the
" Ohio merchants would be able to deliver flour,- &c. there, in
" much better order, than from Philadelphia, and without in-
" curring the damage and delay of the fea, and charges of in-
" furance, &c. as from thence to Penfacola.
" This is not mere fpeculation ; for it is a facl:, that about the
** year 1746 there was great fcarcity of provifions at New Or-
** leans ; and the French fettlements at the Illinois, fmall as
" they were, fent thither, in one winter, upwards of eight
** hundred thoufand weight of flour."
Air and Climate. J This country is more temperate and healthy
than the other fettled parts of America. In fummer it wants the
fandy heats which Virginia and Carolina experience, and receives
a fine air from its rivers. In winter, which at moil only lafts
three months, commonly two, and is but feldom fevere, the
2, people
(,*9 )
people are fafe in bad houfes ; and the beads hare 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 feldom falls deep or lies long. The weft
wind often brings ftorms, and the eaft winds clear the iky; but
there is no fteady rule of weather in that refpe&as in the northern
flates. The weft winds are fometimes cold and nitrous. The
Ohio running in that direction, and there being mountains on that
quarter, the wefterly winds by fweeping along their tops, in the
cold regions of the air, and over a long trail: of frozen water, col-
lect cold in their courfe, and convey it over the Kentucky county ;
but the weather is not fo intenfely fevere as thefe winds bring with
them in Pennfylvania. The air and feafons depend very much on
. the winds, as to heat and cold, drynefs and moifture.
Soil and Produce.'] The foil of Kentucky is of a loofe, deep,
black mould, without fand, in the firft rate lands about two or
three feet deep, and exceeding luxurious in all its productions.
In fome places the mould inclines to brown. In fome the wood,
as the natural confequence of too rich a foil, is of little value, ap-
pearing like dead timber and large ftumps in a field lately cleared.
Thefe parts are not confiderable. The country in general may be
confidered as well timbered, producing large trees of many kinds,
and to be exceeded by no country in variety. Thofe which are
peculiar to Kentucky are the fugar-tree, which grows in all parts
in great plenty, and furnifhes every family with plenty of excel-
lent fugar. The honey-locuft is curioufly furrounded with large
thorny fpikes, bearing broad and long pods in form of peas, has a
fweet tafte, and makes excellent beer.
The coffee-tree greatly refembles the black oak, grows large,
and alfo bears a pod, in which is enclofed good coffee. The
pappa-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 tafte5; fweet.
The cucumber-tree is fmall and foft, with remarkable leaves,
bears a fruit much refembling that from which it is named. Black
mulberry-trees are in abundance. The wild-cherry-tree is here fre-
quent, of a large fize, and fupplies the inhabitants with boards
for all their buildings. Here alfo is the buck-eye, an exceeding
foft wood, bearing a remarkable black fruit, and fome other kinds
of trees not common elfewhere. Here is great plenty of fine
cane, on which the cattle feed, and grow fat. This plant in ge-
neral grows from three to twelve feet high, of a hard fubitance,
with 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 abundance of wild-rye,
clover, and tjuffalo grafs, covering vaft traces of country, and af-
fording excellent food for cattle. The fields are covered with
Q % abundance
( *> )
abundance of wild herbage not common to other countries*,
the Shawanefe fallad, wild lettuce, and pepper-grafs, and
many more, as yet unknown to the inhabitants, but which,
no doubt, have excellent virtues. Here are feen the fineft
crown- imperial in the world, the cardinal flower, fo much ex-
tolled for its fcarlet colour j and all the year, excepting the three
winter months, the plains and valleys are adorned with variety of
flowers of the moil admirable beauty. Here is alfo found the
tulip-bearing laurel-tree, or magnolia, which has an exquifite
fmell, and continues to blolfom and feed for feveral months to-
gether.
This country is richeft on the higher lands, exceeding the fineft
low ground in the fettled parts of the continent. When cultivated,
it produces in common fifty and fixty bufhels per acre ; and I
have heard it affirmed by credible perfons, that above one hundred
bufhels of good corn were produced from an acre in one feafon.
The firft rate land is too rich for wheat till it has been reduced by
four or five years cultivation.
Col. Harrod, a gentleman of veracity in Kentucky, has lately
experienced the production of fmall grain, and affirms, that he
had thirty-five bufhels of- wheat, and fifty bufhels of rye per
acre.
I think 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. The foil is very
favourable to barley, oats, flax and hemp, turnips, potatoes and
cotton, which grow in abundance ; and the fecond, third, and
fourth rate lands, are as proper for fmall grain. Thcfe accounts
of fuch amazing fertility may, to fome appear incredible, but are
certainly true. Every hufbandman may have a good garden, or
meadow, without water or manure, where he pleafes. The foil,
which is not of a thirfty nature, is commonly well fupplied with
plentiful fhowers.
The old Virginia planters fay, that if the climate does not
prove too moid, few foils known will yield more or better to-
bacco. Experience has proved, that the climate is not too moilt.
Great quantities of this article have been exported to France and
Spun, through New Orleans; and it is a well known fact, that
Pniladelphia is a profitable market for the Kentucky planter, not-
.withftanding all the inconveniencies and expences of re-fhipment at
New Orleans, under a Spanifh government. What advantages,
then, may not this country expeel from a free navigation of the
MifTiffippi, unreftrained by Spanifh policy !
Iron ore and lead are found in abundance, but we do not hear
of any filver or gold mine as yet difcovered.
The weftern waters produce plenty of fifh and fowl. The fifh
common
_ ( 21 )
common to the waters of the Ohio are the buffalo fifh, of a large
fize, and the cat-fifh, fometimes exceeding one hundred weight.
Salmons have been taken in Kentucky weighing 30 pounds weight.
The mullet, rock, perch, gar-fifh, and eel, are here in plenty.
It is faid that there are no trouts in the weftern waters. Slickers,
fun-fiih, and other hook-fifh, are abundant ; but no lhad, or
herrings. We may fuppofe with a degree of certainty, that there
are large fubterraneous aqueducts ftored with fifh, from whence
fine fprings arife in many parts producing fine hook-fifh in
variety. On thefe waters, and efpecially on the Ohio, the geefe
and ducks are amazingly numerous.
The land fowls are turkeys, which are very frequent, pheafants, ,
partridges, and ravens ; the parroquet, a bird every way re-
fembling a parrot, but much fmaller ; the ivory-bill wood-cock,
of a whitilh colour with a white plume, flies fcreaming exceeding
(harp. It is afTerted that the bill of this bird is pure ivory, a cir-
cumstance very fingular in the plumy tribe. The great owl re-
fembles its fpecies in other parts, but is remarkably different in its
vociferation, fometimes making a ftrange, furprifing noife, like a
man in the moft extreme danger and difficulty.
Serpents are not numerous, and are fuch as are to be found in
other parts of the continent, except the bull, the horned, and
the mockafon fnakes. Swamps are rare, and confequently frogs
and other reptiles, common to fuch places. The honey bee may
be called a domeflic infect, as it is faid not to be found but in ci-
vilized countries. This is confirmed by a faying which is common
among the Indians, when they fee a fwarm of bees in the woods,
" Well, brothers, it is time for us to decamp, for the white people
are coming i" neverthelefs bees, of late years, have abounded to
their amazement, even two hundred miles north and north-weft of
the Ohio.
Quadrupeds. ] Among the native animals are the urus, or
zorax, described by Catfar, which we call a buffalo, much re-
fembling a large bull, of a great fize, with a large head, thick
fhort crooked horns, and broader in his forepart than behind.
Upon his fhoulder is a large lump of flelh, covered with a thick
bofs of long wool and curly hair, of a dark brown colour. They
do not rife from the ground as our cattle, but fpring up at once
upon their feet ; are of a broad make and clumfy appearance^
with fhort legs, but run faft, and turn not aiide for any thing when
chafed, except a ftanding tree. They weigh from five to ten
hundred weight, are excellent meat, fupplying the inhabitants in
many parts with beef, and their hides make good leather. I have
heard a hunter affert, that he faw above one thoufand buffaloes at
the Blue Licks at once ; fo numerous were they before the firft
fettlers had wantonly fported away their lives. There full re-
mains a great number in the exterior parts of the fettiement.
They
( 22 )
They feed upon cane and grafs, as other cattle, and are innocent
harmlefs creatures.
There are dill to be found many deer, elks, and bears, within
the fettlement, and many more on the borders of it. There are
alfo panthers, wild-cats, and wolves.
The waters have plenty of beavers, otters, minks, and mufk-
rats : nor are the animals common to other parts wanting, fuch
as foxes, rabbits, fquirrels, racoons, ground hogs, pole-cats, and
oppoiTurns. Mod of the fpecies of the domeftic quadrupeds have
been introduced fince the fettlement, fuch as horfes, cows, fheep,
and hogs, which are prodigioufly multiplied, fuffered to run in the
woods without a keeper, and only brought home when wanted.
Chief 'Towns. ] Lexington, which ftands on the head waters of
Elkhorn river, is reckoned the capital of Kentucky. Here the
courts are held, and buiinefs regularly conducted. In 1786, it
contained about one hundred houfes, and feveral itores, with a
good affcrtment of dry goods. It has greatly increafed fince, and
contains about nine hundred inhabitants.
Wafhington, the {hire town of Mafon county, is the fecond
town in this {fate, containing about five hundred inhabitants.
Lees town is weft of Lexington, on the eaftern bank of Ken-
tucky river. It is regularly laid out, and is flourifhing. The
banks of Kentucky river are remarkably high, in fome places
three and four hundred feet, compofed generally of ftupendous
perpendicular rock ; the confequence is, there are few croiTing
places. The beft is at Lees town, which is a circumftance that
mull contribute much to its increafe.
Louifville is at the rapids of the Ohio, in a fertile country,
and promifes to be a place of great trade. It has been made a
port of entry. Its unhealthinefs, owing to ftagnated waters at
the back of the town, has confiderably retarded its growth. Be-
fides thefe, there is Beards town, in Nel/on county, and Harrodf-
bnrgh, in Mercer county, both on the head waters of Salt river:
Danville, Boonfborough, and Granville are alfo increafing towns.
Population and Charafler.~] The population of this ftate in
1790 is given in the preceding table. In 1783, in the county of
Lincoln only, there were, on the militia rolls, 3570 men, chiefly
emigrants from the lower parts of Virginia: it fhould, however,
be remembered, that this county has fince been divided, and fub-
divided. In 1784 the number of inhabitants were reckoned at
upwards of 30,000. It is afferted, that at lead: 20,000 migrated
herein the year 1787. Thefe people are, in general, polite, hu-
mane, hofpitable, and very complaifant \ collected from different
ftates, of different manners, cuftoms, religions, and political fen -
timents, they have not been long enough together to form a uni-
form national character. Among the fettlers there are many gen-
tlemen of abilities, and many genteel families, from feveral of
the
C *3 )
the ftates, who give dignity and refpeclability to the fettlement.
They are, in general, more regular than people who ufually fettle
in new countries.
Religion.'] The Anabaptifts were the firft that promoted public
worlhip in Kentucky ; and the Prefbyterians have formed three large
congregations near Harrod's Station, and have engaged the Rev.
David Rice of Virginia to be their pallor. At Lexington, 35
miles from thefe, they have formed another large congregation,
and invited the Rev. Mr. Rankin of Virginia to undertake that
charge among them. At prefent there are no other religious fo-
cieties formed, although feveral other fects have numerous adhe-
rents ; but from thefe early movements it is hoped that Kentucky
will eminently fhine in learning and piety, which will fulfil the
wifh of every virtuous citizen.
ConJlitution.~\ By the conftitution of this ftatc, formed and
adopted in 1792, the powers of government are divided into three
diftincl departments, legiflative, executive, and judiciary. The
legillative power is vefted in a general alfembly, confiding of a
fenate and houfe of reprefentatives; the fupreme executive in a
governor ; the judiciary in the fupreme court of appeals, andfuch
inferior courts as the legislature may eltablifh. The reprefenta-
tives are chofen annually by the people; the fenators and governor
are chofen for four years, by electors appointed for that purpofe ;
the judges are appointed during good behaviour by the governor,
with advice of the fenate. An enumeration of the free male inha-
bitants, above twenty -one years old, is to be made once in four
years ; after each enumeration, the number of fenators and re-
prefentatives is to be fixed by the legiflature, and apportioned among
the feveral counties, according, to the number of inhabitants :
there can never be fewer than forty, nor more than one hundred
reprefentatives. The fenate at firftconfifted of eleven members,
and for the addition of every four reprefentatives, one fenator is
to be added. The reprefentatives muft be twenty-four years old,
the fenators twenty-feven, the governor thirty, and all of them
muft have been inhabitants of the ftate two years ; the governor
can hold no other office ; the members of the general affembly
none but thofe of attorney at law, juftice of the peace, coroner,
and in the militia. The judges, and all other officers, muft be in-
habitants of the counties for which they are appointed. The
governor, members of the general alfembly, and judges, receive
Hated falaries out of the public treafury, from which no money
can be drawn, but in confequence of appropriation by- law. All
officers take an oath of fidelity to difcharge the duties of their of-
fices, and are liable to impeachment for mifconduct. Elective
officers muft fvvear that they have not ufed bribery in obtaining
their elections. All free male citizens, twenty-one years old,
having refided in the ftate two years, or in the county where they
offer
( n )
offer to \*ote, one year, have a right to vote for reprefentatives,
and for eleftors of fenators and governor ; and are privileged from
arreft in civil a&ions, while attending that bufinefs. The ge-
neral alTembly meets on the firrt Monday in November in each
year, unlefs fooner convened by the governor. Each houfe
choofes its fpeakcr, and other officers, and judges of the qualifica-
tions of its members, and determines the rules of its proceedings,
of which a journal is kept and publifhed weekly, unlefs fecrecy
be requifite : the doors of both houfes are kept open. The mem-
bers of the legislature, while attending the public bufinefs, are
privileged from arrefts in civil actions, and may not be queftioned
elfewhere for any thing faid in public debate. Impeachments are
made by the lower houfe, and tried by the upper. AH revenue
bills originate in the houfe of reprefentatives, and are amenable
by the fenate like other bills. Each bill palled by both houfes is
prefented to the governor, who muft fign it if he approve it ; if
not, he muft return it within ten days to the houfe in which it
originated ; if it be not returned, Or if, when returned, it be re-
paired by two thirds of both houfes, it is a law without his figna-
ture. The governor has power to appoint molt of the executive
offices of the irate ; to remit fines and forfeitures, and grant re-
prieves and pardons, except in cafes of impeachment ; to require
information from executive officers ; to convene the general af-
fembly on extraordinary occafions, and adjourn them in cafe they
cannot agree on the time themfelves. He muft inform the legif-
lature of the ftate of the commonwealth, recommend to them
fuch meafures as he mall judge expedient, and fee that the laws
are faithfully executed. The fpeaker of the fenate exercifes the
office of governor in the cafe of vacancy. The legit] ature has
power to forbid the farther importation of ilaves, but not to eman-
cipate thofe already in the ftate without the confent of the owner,
or paying an equivalent. Treafon againft the commonwealth
oonlifts only in levying war againft it, or in adhering to its ene-
mies, giving them aid and comfort. The declaration of rights
atTerts the civil equality of all ; their right to alter the govern-
ment at any time; liberty of confeience ; freedom of elections
and of the prefs ; trial by jury; the fubordination of the military
to the civil power ; the rights of criminals to be heard in their
own defence ; the right of the people to petition for the redrefs of
grievances, to bear arms, and to emigrate from the ftate : it pro-
hibits unreasonable fearches and feizures ; exceflive bail; con-
finement of debtors, unlefs there be prefumption of fraud ; fuf-
penlion of habeas corpus writ, unlefs in rebellion or invafion ; ex
pjl facia laws ; attainder by the legiflature ; (landing armies ;
.titles of nobility and hereditary diftinition.
Literature and Improvements.'] The legiflature of Virginia,
while Kentucky belonged to that ftate, made provifion for a col--
lege
( *5 )
lege in it, and endowed it with very confiderable landed funds.
The Rev. John Todd gave a very handfome library for its ufe.
Schools are eftabliflied in the feveral towns, and are, in general,
regularly and handfomely fupported : they have a printing office,
and publifh a weekly gazette : they have erected a paper mill, an
oil mill, fulling mills, faw mills, and a great number of valuable
grift mills. Their fait works are more than fufficient to fupply
all their inhabitants at a low price. They make confiderable
quantities of fugar from the fugar trees. Labourers, particularly
tradefmen, are exceedingly wanted here.
CurioJities.~] Amongft the natural curiofities of this country,
the winding banks, or rather precipices of Kentucky and Dick's
rivers, deferve the firff. place. The aftonifhed eye there beholds
almoft every where three or four hundred feet of a folid perpendi-
cular limeftone rock ; ■ in fome parts a fine white marble, either
curioufly arched, pillared, or blocked up into fine building {tones.
Thefe precipices, as was obferved before, are 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 crofTed, one of
which is worthy of admiration, a great road large enough for
waggons made by buffaloes, floping with an eafy defcent from the
top to the bottom of a very large fleep hill, at or near the river
above Lees town.
Caves are found in this country amazingly large, in fome of
which you may travel feveral miles under a limeftone rock, fup-
ported by curious arches and pillars : in moil: of them runs a
itream of water.
Near the head of Salt river a fubterranean lake or large pond has
lately been difcovered. Col. Bowman fays, that he and a com-
panion travelled in one four hours, till he luckily came to the
mouth again. The fame gentleman mentions another which ope-
rates like an air furnace, and contains much fulphur : an ad-
venturer in any of thefe' will have a perfect idea of primeval
darknefs.
There appear to be great natural (lores of fulphur and fait in
this country. A fpring at Boonfburrow conftantly emits fulphu-
reous particles, and near the fame place is a fait fpring. 1 here
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 difgorge themfelves into a com-
mon refervoir, and when ufed in lamps, anfvver all the purpofes
of the fined oil.
D There
( 26 )
There are different places abounding with copperas, eafily pro-
cured, and in its prefent impure flate lufficient for the inhabitants ;
and when refined, equal to any in the world.
There is an allum bank on the fouth fide of Cumberland'river,
fituated at the bottom of a cliffof rocks projecting over it. In its
prefent (fate it has the appearance, and pofTetTes the virtues of that
mineral, and when purified is a beautiful allum.
Many fine fait fprings, whofe places appear in the map, con-
ftantly emit water, which being manufactured, affords great
quantities of fine fait. At prefent there is but one, called Bullet's
Lickj improved, and this affords fait lufficient for all Kentucky, and
exports fome to the Illinois. Salt fells at prefent for twenty mil-
lings per bufhel ; but as fome other fprings are beginning to be
worked, no doubt that neceffary article will foon be much cheaper.
Drennen's Lick, the Big-bone, and the Blue Licks, fend forth
ftreams of fait water. 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 buffaloes which refort thither, by
their (izeand number, fill the traveller with amazement and terror,
efpccially when he beholds the prodigious roads that they have
made from all quarters, as if leading to fome populous city ; the
vaft fpace of land around thefe fprings defolated as by a ravaging
enemy, and hills reduced to plains ; for the land near thofe fprings
are chiefly hilly: thefe are truly curiofities, and the eye can fcarcely
be fatisfied with admiring them.
A medicinal fpring is found near the Big-bone Lick, which
has perfectly cured the itch by once bathing, and experience in
lime may difcover in it other virtues. There is another of like
Tiature near Drennen's Lick.
Near Lexington are to be feen curious fepulchres, full of hu-
man fkeletons, which are thus fabricated : firft, on the ground
are laid large broad (tones, on thefe are placed the bodies, fepa-
rited from each other by broad (tones, covered with others, which
ierve as a bafjs fqr the next arrangement of bodies. In this order
they are built, without mortar, growing (fill narrower to the
height of a man. This method of burying appears to be totally
different from that now practifed by the Indians. For our con-
jecture on this fubject we beg leave to refer to Appendix, No. 3.
'At a fait fpring near Ohio rft'er, very large bones are found, far
furpaiiing the (ize of any fpecies of animals now in America. The
head appears 10 have been about three feet long, the ribs feven,
and the thigh bones about four ; one of which is repofited in the
library of Philadelphia, and faid to weigh feventy-eight pounds.
The tuiks are above a foot in length, the grinders about five
inches fquare, and eight inches lQng. Thefe bones have equally
excited the amazement of the ignorant, and attracted the attention
1 of
r 27 >
fcf the philofopher. Specimens of them have been fen t both t<J.
France and England, where they have been examined with the
greateft diligence, and found upon comparifon to be remains of
the fame fpecies of animals that produced thofe other foflii bones
which have been difcovered in Tartary, Chili, ana feveral other
places, both of the old and new continent. What animal this is,
anil by what means its ruins are found in regions fo widely" dif-
ferent, and where none fuch exifts at prelent, is a queftion of
more difficult decifion. The ignorant and fuperftitious Tartars
attribute them to a creature whom they call matmon, v\ho> they
fay, ufually refides at the bottom of the rivers, and of whom they
relate many marvellous dories ; but as this is an affertion totally
diverted of proof, and even of probability, it has juftly been re*
jedted by the learned ; and on the other hand it is certain, that
no fuch amphibious quadruped exifts in our American waters :
the bones themfelves bear a great refemblance to thofe of the ele-
phant ; there is no other terreltrial animal now known large
enough to produce them. The tufks with which they are equally
furnimed, equally produce true ivory. Thefe external refembiances
have generally made fuperficial obfervers conclude, that they could
belong to no other than that prince of quadrupeds ; and when they
tirft drew the attention of the world, philosophers feem to have
fubfcribed to the fame opinion. But if fo, whence is it that the
whole fpecies has difappeared from America ? An animal fo labo-
rious and fo docile, that the induftry of the Peruvians, which re-
duced to fervitude, and fubjedled to education, fpecies fo valtly in-
ferior in thofe qualities, as the llama and the paca, could never
have overlooked the elephant, if he had been to be found in their
country. Whence is it that thefe bones are found in climates
"where the elephant, a native of the torrid zone, cannot even fub-
fift in his wild ftate, and in>a ftate of fervitude will not propa^
gate ? Thefe are difficulties fufficient to ftagger credulity itfelf*
and at length produced the inquiries of Dr. Hunter. That cele-
brated anatomift having procured fpecimens from the Ohio, ex-
amined them with that accuracy for which he is fo much diftin-
guifhed. He difcovered a confiderable difference between the
ihape and ftrudture of the bones, and thofe of* the elephant : he
obfervedfrom the form of the teeth, that they muft have belonged
to a carnivorous animal s, whereas the habits of the elephant are
foreign to fuch fuftenance, and his jaws are totally unprovided
with the teeth neceflary for its ufe % and from the whole he con-
cluded to the fatisfacxion of naturalifts, that thefe bones belonged
to a quadruped now unknown, and whofe race is probably extinct,
tinlefs it may be found in the extenfive continent of New Holland,
whofe recedes haVe not yet been pervaded by the curiofity or avi-
dity of civilized men. Can then fo great a link have perifhed
From the chain of nature ? Happy we that it has. How formidable
D 2 aa
( *8 )
an enemy to the human fpecies, an animal as large as the ele-
phant, the tyrant of the forefts, perhaps the devourer of man !
Nations, fuch as the Indians, muff, have been in perpetual alarm.
The animofities among the various tribes muft have been fuf-
|>ended till the common enemy, who threatened the very exiftence
of all, ihould be extirpated. To this circumftance we are pro-
bably indebted for a fact, which is perhaps fingular in its kind,
the extinction of a whole race of animals from the fyftem of
nature.
Rights of land. J The proprietors of the Kentucky lands ob-
tain their patents from Virginia, and their rights are* of three
kinds, viz. thofe which arife from military fervice, from fettle-
ment and pre-emption, or from warrants from the treafury. The
military rights are held by officers, or their reprefentatiyes, as a
jeward for fervices doneinbne of the two laft wars. The fettle-
snent and pre-emption rights arife from occupation. Every man
who before March 1780, had remained in the country one year,
or faifed a crop of corn, was allowed to have a fettlemeht of four
hundred acres, and a pre-emption adjoining it of one thoufand
acres. Every man who had only built a cabbin, or made any
improvement by himfelf or others, was entitled to a pre-emption
<sf one thoufand acres where fuch improvement was made.
In March 1780, the fettlement and pre-emption rights ceafed^
and treafury warrant's were afterwards ifTued, authorifing their
-poflelior to locate the quantity of land mentioned in them, where-
cver it could be found vacant in Virginia.
The mode of procedure in thefe affairs maybe inftruclive to the
reader. After the entry is made in the land office, there being
one in each county, the perfon making the entry takes out a copy
«f the location, and proceeds to furvey when he pleafes. The
plot and certificate of fuch furvey mult be returned to the office
within three months after the furvey is made, there to be recorded ;
and a copy of the record mnft be taken out in twelve months alter
the return of the furvey, and produced to the afhftant regifter of
the land-office in Kentucky, where it muft lie fix months, that
prior locators may have time and opportunity to enter a caveat,
and prove their better right. If no caveat is entered in that time,
the plot and certificate are fent to the land-office at Richmond in
Virginia, and three months more are allowed to have the patent
returned to the owner.
The validity of the right of Virginia to this extenfive weftem
territory has been difputed by fome, but without reafon. The
weftern boundary of that ftate, by charter, reilricted by the treaty
of Paris in 1763, is fixed upon the Ohio river : me has purchafed
ihe foil from the Indians, has firft fettled it, and eftablifhed
wholefome laws for the regulation and government of the inhabi-
tants*
( *9 )
iants, and therefore we conclude, that the right of Virginia to
Kentucky is as permanent as the independence of America.
' Trade of Kentucky J\ A convenient fituation for commerce is
the grand hinge upon which the population, riches, and happinefs
of every country depends. I believe many conceive the fituation
of Kentucky to be unfavourable in this refpect. I confefs when
I firft vifited this country, I was of the opinion of other mifin-
formed men, that the beft channel was from Philadelphia or Balti-
more, by the way of Pittfburg,* and from thence down the Ohio ;
and upon account of the difficulties and expences attending this
route, for which there is no remedy, that goods would ever be
dear. This opinion I have fince reprobated, as the effe& of igno-
rance of the trade up the Miffiffippi from New Orleans, or Mant-
chac, at the river or gut Iberville.
Thofe who are acquainted with America, know the Mifliilippi
and Ohio rivers to be the key to the northern parts of the wellem
continent. Thefe are the principal channels through which that
extenfive region, bathed by their waters, and enriched by the many
ftreams they receive, communicate with the fea, and may truly
be confidered as the great patfage made by the hand of nature for
a variety of valuable purpofes, and principally to promote the
happinefs and benefit of mankind ; among!* which, the convey-
ance of the produce of that immenfe and fertile country lying
weftward of the United States is not the leaft. A fhort defcrip-
tion of thefe rivers, and fome others flowing into them, are ob-
jects fubmitted to the reader's attention, in order to form a juft
idea of the favourable commercial circumftances of that important
country.
The Ohio river begins at Pittfburg, 320 miles weft of Phila-
delphia, being there formed by the jundion of Alleghany and
Monangehela rivers, and running a winding courfe of fouth 6o°
weft, falls into the Miififfippi 1074 miles by the meanders of the
river below Pittfburg. The only obftru&ionto navigation on this
river are the Rapids, as defcribed before under the defcription of
the Kentucky rivers ; but they are palled in fafety when the Areata
is high.
The mod remarkable branches eompofing the head waters of
Ohio, are Redftone creek, Cheat river,- and YochiaghaRy.
Thefe waters are navigable to a confiderable diftance above Pittf-
burg, from November until June, and the Ohio a month longer i
but from great Kenhawa, which is one hundred and ninety-fix
miles and a half below Pittfburg, the ftream is navigable molt of
the year. Down this river great quantities of goods are brought,
and fome are conveyed up the Kentucky rivers, others on horfe*
* From Philadelphia to Pittfburg is a land carriage of 330 miles, from
Baltimore *S».
back
( 3° )
back or in waggons to the fettled parts, and fold on an average at
one hundred pounds per cent, advance.
The current of the Ohio defcends about two miles an hour in
autumn, and when the waters are high, about five miles. Thofe
of the Kentucky rivers are much the fame, and without rapids,
and are of immenfe value to the country, affording fifli and fowl,
and tranfportation of the produce of the country to the bed market.
Thefe rivers increafe the Ohio more in depth than breadth. At
its mouth it is not more than one mile and a half in width, and
enters the Miftiffippi in a fouth-weft direction with a flow cur-
rent and a fine channel. This great river, at the junction with the
Ohio, runs in a fouth-eaft direction, and afterwards in a fouth-
weft, having been a little before joined by a greater river called
Miffouri,* which runs in an eaftward direction through Louifiana,
and afterwards communicates to the MiilifTippi-f its own muddy
and majeftic appearance. From the mouth of the Ohio to New
Orleans, a diftance not exceeding 460 miles in a ftraight line, is
about 856 by water. The depth is, in common, eight or ten fa-
thoms, until you approach its mouth, which empties itfelf by fe-
veral channels into the gulph of Mexico. Here the navigation is
dangerous, on account of the many iflands, fand bars, and logs
interfperfed in its mouth, which is about twenty miles wide :-
thisdifadvantage may be remedied almoft in the fame manner that
the ftream was difconcerted. The conflict between the fea and
this mighty river, which brings down with its ftream great num-
bers of trees, mud, leaves, &c. caufes them to fubfide and form
ihoals. One of thefe trees, flopped by its roots or branches, will
foon be joined by thoufands more, and fo fixed, that no hu-
man force is able to remove them. In time they are confolidated,
every flood adds another layer to their height, forming iflands*
which at length are covered with fhrubs, grafs, and cane, and
forcibly fhift the bed of the riven In this manner we fuppofe
moft of the country on each fide of the Miffiffippi below the Iber^
ville to have been formed by iflands uniting to iflands, which, in
a fucceffion of time, have greatly encroached on the fea, and pro-
duced an extenfive tract of country. If fome of the floating
timber at the mouths 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
fufheiently cleared to admit of the moft excellent navigation.
About ninety-nine miles from Orleans is a fort, now called
Mantchac by the Spaniards; formerly Fort Bute by the Engliih,
who built it. Near this is a large gut, formed by the Miffiihppi,
* The Miffouri is fuopofedto be about 3000 miles long.
f The Milfiflippi is laid to be about ijoo miles long.
on
( » )
on the eaft fide, called Iberville ; fome have dignified it with the
name of river, when the Mifliffippi, its fource, is high. This is
navigable, at moft, not above four months in the year for the firft
ten miles ; for three miles farther, it is from two to fix feet in
autumn, and from two to four fathoms the remaining part of the
way to lake Maurepas, receiving in its courfe the river Amit.
which is navigable for batteaux to a confiderable diftance.
Lake Maurepas is about ten miles in length, and feven in
breadth ; and there is a pafTage of feven miles between this and
lake Pontchartrain.
Lake Pontchartrain is about forty miles long, twenty-four
broad, and eighteen feet deep. From this lake to the fea the
channel is ten miles long, and three hundred yards wide, and the
water deep enough to admit large vefTels through thefe lakes, and
their communications. This place, if attended to, might be of
confequence to all the weftern country, and to the commerce
of Weft Florida: for it may reafonably be fuppofed, that the in-
habitants and traders of the weftern country would rather trade at
this place than at New Orleans, if they could have as good returns
for their peltry, and the produce of their foil, as it makes a confi-
derable difference in their voyage, and faves labour, money, and
time. Experience will doubtlefs produce confiderable improve-
ments, and render the navigation of the Miffiflippi, either by thefe
lakes, or New Orleans, nearly as cheap as any other. That the
Miflillippi can anfwer every valuable purpofe of trade and com-
merce, is proved already to a demonftration by experience.
I have realbn to believe, that the time is not far diftant when
New Orleans will be a great trading city, and perhaps another
will be built near Mantchac, at Iberville, that may in time rival
its glory.
A prodigious number of iflands, fome of which are of great ex-
tent, are interfperfed in that mighty ri.ver ; and the difficulty in
afcending it in the fpring, when the floods are high, iscompenfated
by eddies or counter currents, which moftly run in the bends
near the banks of the river with nearly equal velocity againft the
ftream, and aflift the afcending boats. This river is rapid in
thofe parts which have clufters of iflands, fhoals, and fand banks ;
but the rapidity of thefe places will be no inconvenience to the
newly-invented mechanical boats,* it being their peculiar property
to fail beft in fmart currents,
* This plan is now in agitation in Virginia, and recommended to govern-
ment by two gentlemen of firft rate abilities, Mr. Charles Rumfey, and
dodrer James M'Macken. Their propoials are, " to conftruct a fpecies of
" boat, of the burthen of ten tons, that (hail fail, or be propelled by the
*' force of mechaivcal powers thereto applied, up the ftream of a frefh water
11 river the diftance of between 25 and 40 miles a day, nonvithltanding the
«' velocity of the water fhould move, at the rate of 10 miles an hour, to be
i< wrought at no greater expence than that of three hands."
From
( 3* |
From- New Orleans to the Falls of Ohio, batteaux, carrying
about 40 tons, have been rowed by about eighteen or twenty men
in eight or ten weeks, which, -at the extent, will not amount to
more than five hundred pounds expence, which experience has
proved to be about one third of that from Philadelphia. It is
highly probably that in time the difrance will be exceedingly fhor-
tened by cutting acrofs bends of the river.
Charlevoix relates, that at Coupee, or Cut Point, the river
formerly made a great turn, and fome Canadians, by deepening
the channel of a fmall brook, diverted the waters of the river into
it. The impetuofity of the ftream was fo violent, and the foil of
fo rich and loofe a quality, that in a ihort time the point was en-
tirely cut through, and the old channel left dry, except in inunda-
tions, by which travellers fave 14 leagues of their voyage. The
new channel has been founded with a line of thirty fathoms, without
finding bottom. When the diftance is fhortened, which I believe
may readily be done, and the mechanical boats brought to their
higheft. improvement, the expences of a voyage from New
Orleans to the Falls of Ohio will be attended with inconfiderablc
expence. Now, we know by experience that forty tons of goods,
cannot be taken to the Falls of Ohio from Philadelphia ..under fix-
teen hundred pounds expence ; but by improvements on the
Miffiffippi, with the conveniencies of thefe boats, goods can be
brought from New Orleans to the Falls for the tenth part of that
expence ; and if they are fold at one hundred pounds per cent,
now, when brought from Philadelphia at expences fo great, what
may the merchant afford to fell his goods at, who brings them fo
much cheaper ? Befides, the great advantages arifing from the
exporting of peltry, and country produce, which never can be
conveyed to the eaftern ports to any advantage. It is evident
alio that the market from which they receive imports, muft con-
fequently receive their exports, which is the only return they can
porfibiy make.
By ttating the commerce of Kentucky in its proper terms, we
find the expences fuch, that we conclude with propriety, that
that country will be fupplied with goods as cheap as if fituated but
forty miles from Philadelphia.
But perhaps it will be replied, New Orleans is in the pofTeilion
of the Spaniards, who, whenever they pleafe, may make ufe of*
that fort, and fome others. they have on the Mifliifippi, to prevent
the navigation and ruin the trade. The paffage through Iberville
is aifo fubjecl to the Spaniards, and befides, inconvenient ; that
flream continuing fo fhort a time, and in the moft difadvantgeous
feafon.
I grant it will be abfurd to exceed a free navigation of the
Mifliifippi whilrtthe Spaniards are in pofTeflion of New Orleans -.
to fuppofe it, is an idea calculated to impofe only upon the weak.
They
( 33 )
They may perhaps trade with us upon their own terms, while they
think it confident with their intereft,* but no friendfhip in trade
exifts when intereft expires ; therefore, when the weftern country
becomes populous and ripe for trade, found policy tells us the
Floridas mull be ours too. According to the articles of the defi-
nitive treaty, we are to have a free and unmolefted navigation
of the Miffiifippi ; but experience teaches mankind that treaties
are not always to be depended on, the mod folemn being broken.
Hence we learn that no one (hould put much faith in any ftate, and
the trade and commerce of the Miilillippi river cannot be fo well
fecured in any other pofleflion as our own.
Although the Iberville only admits of a ihort 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 di fad vantage to the merchant.
Nay, I doubt not, that in time a canal will be broke through the
gut of Iberville, which may divert the water of MifTiflippi that
way',' and render it a place of the greateft confecuence in America ;
but this important period is referved for futurity.
* Article Sth of the late definitive treaty, fays, the navigation of the
Miffiifippi river, from its fource to the ocean, fliall for ever remain free and
©pen to the fubjedts of Great Britain and the citizens of the United States.
E APPENDIX.
Tff»
APPENDIX.
"The Adventures of Col. DANIEL BOON, containing a
Narrative of the Wars of Kentucky.
c
URIOSITY is natural to the foul of man, and interefting
objects have a powerful influence on our affections. Let
thefe influencing powers actuate, by the permiflion or difpofal of
Providence, from feltifh or focial views, yet in time the myfte-
rious will of Heaven is unfolded, and we behold our conduct;,
from whatfoever motives excited, operating to anfwer the impor-
tant defigns of Heaven. Thus we behold Kentucky, lately an
howling wildernefs, the habitation of favages and wild beads,
become a fruitful field ; this region, fo favourably diftinguifhed
by nature, now become the habitation of civilization, at a period
unparalleled in hiitory, in the midft of a raging war, and under all
the difadvantages of emigration to a country fo remote from the
inhabited parts of the continent. Here, where the hand of vio-
lence med the blood of the innocent ; where the horrid yells of
lavages, and the groans of the diftrefled, founded in our ears, we
now hear the praifes and adorations of our Creator; where
wretched wigwams flood, the miferable abodes of favages, we
behold the foundations of cities laid, that, in all probability, will
rival the glory of the greatert upon earth ; and we view Kentucky,
fituated on the fertile banks of the great Ohio, rifing from obfcu-
rity to fhine with fplendor, equal to any other of the ftars of the
American hemifphere.
The fettling of this region well deferves a place in hiitory ;
moll of the memorable events I have myfelf been exercifed in : and
for the fatisfaction of the public, will briefly relate the circum-
ftances of my adventures, and fcenes of life, from my firlt move-
ment to this country until this day.
It was on the firft. of May, in the year 1769, that I refigned
my domefiic happinefs for a time, and left my family and peace-
able habitation on the Yadkin river, in North Carolina, to wan-
der
( 35 )
der through the wildernefs of America in queft of the country of Ken-
tucky, in company with John Finley, John Stewart, Jofeph Hokten,
James Monay, and William Cool. We proceeded fuccefsfully,
and after a long and fatiguing journey through a mountainous
wildernefs, in a weftward direction, on the feventh day of June
following, we found ourfelves on Red river, where John Finley
had formerly been trading with the Indians, and, from the top of
an eminence, faw with pleafure the beautiful level of Kentucky.
Here let me obferve, that for fome time we had experienced the
moft uncomfortable weather as a prelibation of our future fuffer-
ings. At this place we encamped, and made a fhelter to defend
us from the inclement feafon, and began to hunt and reconnoitre
the country. We found every where abundance of wild beads of
all forts through this vaft foreft ; the buffaloes were more frequent
than I have feen cattle in the fettlements, browzing on the leaves
of the cane, or cropping the herbage on thofe extenfive plains,
fearlefs, becaufe ignorant of the violence of man. Sometimes we
faw hundreds in a drove, and the numbers about the fait fprings
were amazing. In this foreft (the habitation of beafts of every
kind natural to America) we praciifed hunting with great fuccefs
until the twenty-fecond day of December following.
This day John Stewart and I had a pleafing ramble, but for-
tune changed the fcene in the clofe of it. We had parted through
a great foreft on which flood myriads of trees, fome gay with
bloffoms, others with fruits. Nature was here a feries of won-
ders, and a fund of delight ; here ihe difplayed her ingenuity and
induftry in a variety of flowers and fruits, beautifully coloured,
elegantly fhaped, and charmingly flavoured ; and we were di-
verted with innumerable animals prefenting themfelves perpe-
tually to our view. In the decline of the day, near Kentucky
river, as we afcended the brow of a fmall hill, a number of In-
dians^rufhed out of a thick cane-brake upon us, and made us pri-
foners. The time of our forrow was now arrived, and the fcene
fully opened ; the Indians plundered us of what we had, and kept
us in confinement feven days, treating us with common favage
ufage. During this time we difcovered no uneafinefs or defire to
efcape, which made them lefs fufpicious of us ; but in the dead of
night, as we lay in a thick cane-brake by a large fire, when deep
had l&cked up their fenfes, my lituation not difpollng me for reft,
I touched my companion and gently awoke him. We improved
this favourable opportunity and departed, leaving them to take
their reft, and fpeedily directed our courfe towards our old camp,
but found it plundered, and the company difperfed and gone
home. About this time my brother, 'Squire Boon, with another
adventurer, who came to explore the country inertly after us, was
wandering through the foreft, determined to find me, if poflible,
and accidentally found our camp. Notwithftanding the unfortu-
E 2 nate
( 36 )
nate circumstances of our company, and our dangerous fituation,
asfurrounded with hoftile favages, our meeting fo fortunately in
the wildernefs made us reciprocally fenfible of the utmoft latis-
faclion. So much does friendfhip triumph over misfortune, that
forrows and fufFerings vanifh at the meeting not only of real friends,
but of the moft. diftant acquaintances, and fubftitute happinefs
in their room.
Soon after this, my companion in captivity, John Stewart, was
killed by the favages, and the man that came with my brother re-
turned home by himfelf. We were then in a dangerous, helplefs
fituation, expofed daily to perils and death amongft favages and
wild beads, not a white man in the country but ourfelves.
Thus lituated, many hundred miles from our families in the
howling wildernefs, I believe few would have equally enjoyed the
happinefs we experienced. I often obferved to my brother, " You
fee now how little nature requires to be fatisfied. Felicity, the
companion of content, is rather found in our own breafts than in the
enjoyment of external things: and I firmly believe it requires but a
little philofophy to make a man happy in whatfoever ftate he is.
This confifts in a full refignation to the will of Providence ; and a
refigned foul finds pleafure in a path ftrewed with briars and
thorns."
We continued not in a ftate of indolence, but hunted every day,
and prepared a little cottage to fhelter us from the winter ftorms.
We remained there undiflurbed during the winter ; and on the
firft day of May, 1770, my brother returned home to the fettle-
ment by himfelf, for a new recruit of horfes and ammunition,
leaving me by myfelf, without bread, fait, or fugar, without com-
pany of my fellow creatures, or even a horfe or dog. I confefs 1
never before was under greater neceility of exerciling philofophy
and fortitude. A few days I palled uncomfortably. The idea of
a beloved wife and family, and their anxiety upon the account of
my abfence and expofed fituation, made fenfible impreilions on
my heart. A thoufand dreadful apprehenfions prefented them-
felves to my view, and had undoubtedly expofed me to melancholy,
if further indulged.
One day I undertook a tour through the country, and the di-
verlity and beauties of nature I met with in this charming feafon,
expelled every gloomy and vexatious thought. J u ft at the clofe of
day the gentle gales retired, and left the place to the difpofal of a
profound calm. Not a breeze ihook the moil: tremulous leaf. I
had gained the fummit of a commanding ridge, and, looking
round with aftonifhing delight, beheld the ample plains, the beau-
teous trails below. On the other hand, I furveyed the famous river
Ohio that rolled in filent dignity, marking the weftern boundary
of Kentucky with inconceivable grandeur. At a vaft diftance I
beheld the mountains lift their venerable brows, and penetrate the
clouds.
( 37 )
clouds. All things were ftill. I kindled a fire near a fountain of
fweet water, and'feafted on the loin of a buck, which a few hours
befcre I had killed. The fullen (hades of night foon overfpread
the whole hemifphere, and the earth feemed to gafp after the ho-
vering moifture. My roving excurfions this day had fatigued my
body, and diverted my imagination. I laid me down to deep,
and I awoke not until the fun had chafed away the night. I con-
tinued this tour, and in a few days explored a confiderafble part of
the country, each day equally pleafed as the firft. I returned again
to my old camp, which was not difturbed in my abfence. 1 did
not confine my lodging to it, but often repofed in thick cane-brakes,
to avoid the favages, who, I believe, often vifited my camp, but,
fortunately for me, in my abfence. In this fituation I was con-
ilantly expofed to danger and death. How unhappy fuch a fitu-
ation for a man tormented with fear, which is vain if no danger
comes, and if it does, only augments the pain. It was my hap-
pinefs to be deftitute of this afflicting paffion, w^ which I had
the greateft reafon to be affected. The prowlingvwplves diverted
my nocturnal hours with perpetual how lings ; and fheVarious fpe-
cies of animals in this vaft foreft, in the day time^w'ere conti-
nually in my view. v>.
Thus I was furrounded with plenty in the midft or wanfr. X
was happy in the midit of dangers and inconveniencies. In fuch a
diverfity it was impoflible I fhould be difpofed to melancholy. No
populous city, with all the varieties of commerce and ftately ftruc-
tuces, could afford fo much pica fu re to my mind, as the beauties
of nature I found here.
Thus, through an uninterrupted fcene of fylvan pleafures, I
fpent the time until the 27th day of July following, when my
brother, to my great felicity, met me, according to appointment,
at our old camp ; fhortly after, we left this place, not thinking it
fafe to flay there longer, and proceeded to Cumberland river, re-
connoitring that part of the country until March, 1771, and
giving names to the different waters.
Soon after, I returned home to my family with a determination
to bring them as foon as polfible to live in Kentucky, which I ef-
teemed a fecond paradife, at the rifle of my life and fortune.
I returned fafe to my old habitation, and found my family in
happy circumftances. I fold my farm on the Yadkin, and what
goods we could not carry with us : and on the twenty-fifth day of
September, 1773, bade a farewel to our friends, and proceeded
on our journey to Kentucky, in company with five families more,
and forty men that joined us in Powel's valley, which is one hun-
dred and fifty miles from the now fettled parts of Kentucky. This
promifing beginning was foon overcaft with a cloud of adverfity ;
for upon the tenth day of October, the rear of our company was
attacked by a number of Indians, who killed fix and wounded
( 3* )
one man ; of thefe my eldeft fon was one that fell in the action.
Though we defended ourfelves, and repulfed the enemy, yet this
unhappy affair fcattered our cattle, brought us into extreme dif-
ficulty, and fo difcouraged the whole company, that we retreated
forty miles, to the fettlement on Clench river. We had paifed
over two mountains, viz. Powers and Walden's, and were ap-
proaching Cumberland mountain when this adverfe fortune over-
took us. Thefe mountains are in the wildernefs, as we pafs from
the old fettlements in Virginia to Kentucky, are ranged in a fouth-
weft and north-eafi dire&ion, are of great length and breadth, and
not far diflant from each other. Over thefe, nature hath formed
paiTes, that are lefs difficult than might be expected from a view of
fuch huge piles. The afpect of thefe cliffs is fo wild and horrid,
that it is impoffible to behold them without terror. The fpectator
is apt to imagine that nature had formerly fuffered fome violent
convulfion ; and that thefe are the difmembered remains of the
dreadful fhock ; the ruins, not of Perfepolis or Palmyra, but of
the world !
I remained with my family on Clench until the fixth of June,
1774, when I and one Michael Stoner were folicited by Governor
Dunmore, of Virginia, to go to the Falls of the Ohio, to conduct
into the fettlement a number of furveyors that had been fent thi-
ther by him fome months before ; this country having about this
time drawn the attention of many adventurers. We immediately
complied with the governor's requeft, and conducted in the fur-
veyors, completeing a tour of eight hundred miles, through many
difficulties, in fixty-two days.
Soon after I returned home, I was ordered to take the command
of three garrifons during the campaign, which Governor Dun-
more carried on againft the Shawanefe Indians : after the conclu-
lion of which, the militia was difcharged from each garrifon, and
I being relieved from my port, was folicited by a number of North
Carolina gentlemen, that were about purchafing the lands lying on
the fouth fide of Kentucky river from the Cherokee Indians, to
attend their treaty at Wataga, in March, 1775, to negotiate with
them, and mention the boundaries of the purchafe. This I ac-
cepted, and, at the requeft of the fame gentlemen, undertook to
mark out a road in the beft paffage from the fettlement through the
wildernefs to Kentucky, with fuch affiftance as I thought neceflary
to employ for fuch an important undertaking.
I foon began this work, having collected a number of enter-
prifing men well armed. We proceeded with all pofiible expedi-
tion until we came within fifteen miles of where Boonfborough
now Hands,, and where we were fired upon by a party of Indians
that killed two, and wounded two of our number; yet, although
furprifed and taken at a difadvantage, we flood our ground. This
was on the twentieth of March, 1775* Three days after, we
were
( 39 )
were fired upon again, and had two men killed, and three wound-
ed. Afterwards we proceeded on to Kentucky river without op<^
pofition ; and on the firft day of April began to ereel; the fort of
Boonfborough. at a fait lick, about fixty yards from the river, on
the fouth fide.
On the fourth day the Indians killed one of our men. We
were bufily employed in building this fort, until the fourteenth
day of June following, without any farther oppolition from the
Indians: and having finifhed the works, I returned to my family,
on Clench.
In a fhort time I proceeded to remove my family from Clench
to this garrifon ; where we arrived fafe without any other dif-
ficulties than fuch as are common to this "adage, my wife and
daughter being the firft white women that ever flood on the banks
of Kentucky river.
On the twenty-fourth day of December following we had one
man killed, and one wounded, by the Indians, who feemed de-
termined to perfecute us for erecting this fortification.
On the fourteenth day of July, 1776, two of Col. Calaway's
daughters, and one of mine, were taken prifoners near the fort.
I immediately purfued the Indians, with only eight men, and on
the fixteenth overtook them, killed two of the party, and recovered
the girls. The fame day on which this attempt was made, the
Indians divided themfelves into different parties, and attacked fe-
veral forts, which were fhortly before this time ere&ed, doing a
great deal of mifchief. This was extremely diftreffing to the new
fettlers. The innocent hufbandman was fhot down, while bufy
cultivating the foil for his family's fupply. Mofl of the cattle
around the ftations were deftroyed. They continued their hofti-
iities in this manner until the fifteenth of April, 1777, when they
attacked Boonfborough with a party of above one hundred in
number, killed one man, and wounded four. Their lofs in this
attack was not certainly known to us.
On the fourth day of July following, a party of about two
hundred Indians attacked Boonfborough, killed one man, and
wounded two. They befieged us forty- eight hours ; during which
time feven of them were killed, and at laft, finding themfelves
not likely to prevail, they raifed the liege and departed.
The Indians had difpofed their warriors in different parties at
this time, and attacked the different garrifons to prevent their
aflifting each other, and did much injury to the diftrefled inha-
bitants.
On the nineteenth day of this month, Col. Logan's fort was
befieged by a party of about two hundred Indians. Dur-
ing this dreadful fiege they did a great deal of mifchief, diftrefled
the garrifon, in which were only fifteen men, killed two, and
wounded one. The enemies lofs was uncertain, from the com-
3 mon
( 40 )
mon practice which the Indians have of carrying off their dead in
time of battle. Col. Harrod's fort was then defended by only
flxty-five men, and Boonfborough by twenty-two, there being no
more forts or white men in the country, except at the Falls, a con-
fiderable diftance from thefe, and all taken collectively, were but a
handful to the numerous warriors that were every where difperfed
through the country, intent upon doing all the mifchief that lavage
barbarity could invent. Thus we palled through a fcene of fuf-
ferings that exceed defcription.
On the twenty-fifth of this month a reinforcement of forty-five
men arrived from North Carolina, and about the twentieth of
Auguft following, Col. Bowman arrived with one hundred men
from Virginia. Now we began to (trengthen, and from hence,
for the fpace of fix weeks, we had fidrmiihes with Indians, in one
quarter or other, almoft every day.
The favages now learned the fuperiority of the long knife, as
they call the Virginians, by experience ; being dut-generalled al-
moft in every battle. Our affairs began to wear a new afpect, and
the enemy, not daring to venture on open war, practiced fecret
mifchief at times.
On the firft day of January, 1778, I went with a party of
thirty men to the Blue Licks, on Licking river, to make fait for the
different garrifons in the country.
On the feventh day of February, as I was hunting to procure
meat for the company, I met with a party of one hundred and
two Indians, and two Frenchmen, on tiieir march againft Boonf-
borough, that place being particularly the object of the
enemy.
They purfued, and took me ; and brought me on the eighth day
to the Licks, where twenty-leven of my party were, three of
them having previoufly returned home with the fait. I knowing
It was impoilible for them to efcape, capitulated with the enemy,
and, at a diftance in their view, gave notice to my men of their
Situation, with orders not to refill, but furrender themfelves cap-
tives. .
The generous ufage the Indians had promifed before in my ca-
pitulation, was afterwards fully complied with, and we proceeded
with them as priloners to old Cheliclothe, the principal Indian
town, on Little Miami, wheife we arrived, after an uncomfortable
journey in very fevere weather, on the eighteenth day of February,
and received as good treatment as priloners couid expect from fa-
vages. On the tenth day of March following, I and ten of my
men were conducted by forty Indians to Detroit, where we ar-
rived the thirtieth day, and were treated by Governor Hamilton,
the Britiih commander at that poft, with great humanity.
During our travels, the Indians entertained me well ; and their
affection for me was fo great, that they utterly refufed to leave me
there
( 4i )
there with the others, although the governor offered them oric
hundred pounds fterling for me, on purpofe to give me a parole to
go home. Several Englilh gentlemen there, being fenfible of my
adverfe fortune, and touched with human fympathy, generoufly
offered a friendly fupply for my wants, which I refufed, with many
thanks for their kindnefs ; adding, that I never expected it
would be in my power to recompence fuch unmerited generofity.
The Indians left my men in captivity with the Britith at De-
troit, and on the tenth day of April brought me towards Old
Chelicothe, where we arrived on the twenty-fifth day of the fame
month. This was a long and fatiguing march, through an ex-
ceeding fertile country, remarkable for fine fprings and ftreams
of water. At Chelicothe I fpent my time as comfortably as I
could expect ; was adopted, according to their cuftom, into a
family where I became a fon, and had a great fhare in the affection
of my new parents, brothers, filters, and friends. I was exceedingly
familiar and friendly with them, always appearing as cheerful and
fatisfied as poffible, and they put great confidence in me. I often
went a hunting with them, and frequently gained their appplaufe
for my activity at our mooting- matches. I was careful not to ex-
ceed many of them in fhooting ; for no people are more envious
than they in this fport. I could obferve, in their countenances and
geftures, the greateft expreffions of joy when they exceeded me j
and, when the reverfe happened, of envy. The Shawanefe king
took great notice of me, and treated me with profound refpect,
and entire friendfhip, often entrufting me to hunt at my liberty.
I frequently returned with the fpoils of the woods, and as often
prefented fomewhat of what I had taken to him, expreffive of
duty to my fovereign. My food and lodging was, in common >
with them, not fo good indeed as I could defire, but neceifity madt-
every thing acceptable.
I now began to meditate an efcape, and carefully avoided their
Fufpicions, continuing with them at Old Chelicothe until the firfr.
day of June following, and then was taken by them to the fait
fprings on Sciotha, and kept there, making fait, ten days. During
this time I hunted fome for them, and found the land, for a gre«.t
extent about this river, to exceed the foil of Kentucky, if pof*
fible, and remarkably well watered.
When I returned to Chelicothe^ alarmed to fee four hundred
and fifty Indians, of their choiceft warrior*, painted and armed
in a fearful manner, ready to march againft Boon^borotigh, I de*
termined to efcape the firft opportunity.
On the fixteenth before fun-rife, I departed iii the rhoft fecret
manner, and arrived at Boonfborough on the twentieth, after a
journey of one hundred and lixty miles ; during which I had but
one meal.
F I found
( 42 )
I found our fortrefs in a bad ftate of defence, but we proceeded
immediately to repair our flanks, ftrengthen our gates and pof-
terns, and form double baftions, which we completed in ten
days. In this time we daily expected the arrival of the Indian
army ; and at length, one of my fellow prifoners, efcaping from
them, arrived, informing us that the enemy had an account of my
departure, and poftponed their expedition three weeks. The In-
dians had fpies out, viewing our movements, and were greatly
alarmed with our increafe in number and fortifications. The
grand councils of the nations were held frequently, and with
more deliberation than ufual. They evidently faw the approach-
ing hour when the long knife would difpoflefs them of their de-
finable habitations ; and anxioufly concerned for futurity, deter-
mined utterly to extirpate the whites out of Kentucky. We were
not intimidated by their movements, but frequently gave them
proofs of our courage.
About the firft of Auguft, I made an incurfion into the Indian
country, with a party of nineteen men, in order to furprife a
fmall town up Sciotha, called Paint-creek-town. We advanced
within four miles thereof, where we met a party of thirty Indians,
on their march againft Boonfborough, intending to join the others
from Chelicothe. A fmart fight enfued betwixt us for fome time :
at length the favages gave way, and fled. We had no lofs on our
fide ; the enemy had one killed and two wounded. We took from
them three horfes, and all their bnggage ; and being informed, by
two of our number that went to their town, that the Indians had
entirely evacuated it, we proceeded no further, and returned with
all pofTible expedition, to aflift our garrifon againft the other party.
We patted by them on the fixth day, and on the feventh we arrived
fafe at Boonfborough.
On the eighth, the Indian army arrived, being four hundred
and forty-four in number, commanded by Capt. Duquefne, eleven
other Frenchmen, and fome of their own chiefs ; and marched
•up within view of our fort, with Britifh and French colours fly-
ing ; and having fent a fummons to me in his Britannic Majefty's
Jiame, to furrender the fort, I requefted two days confideration,
which was granted.
It was now a critical period with us. We were a fmall num-
ber in the garrifon : a powerful army before our walls, whofe ap-
pearance proclaimed inevitable death, fearfully painted, and
marking their footfteps with defolation. Death was preferable to
captivity; and if taken by florin, we muft inevitably be devoted
to deftru&ion. In this fituation we concluded to maintain our
garrifon, if poffible. We immediately proceeded to collect what
^re could of our horfes, and other cattle, and bring them through
the pofterns into the fort: and in the evening of the ninth, I
returned anfwer, that we were determined to defend our fort
while
( 43 ;
a manwas living. " Now," faid I, to their commander, who
flood attentively hearing my fentiments, " we laugh at all your
formidable preparations : but thank you for giving us notice and
time to provide for our defence. Your efforts will not prevail ;
for our gates (hall for ever deny you admittance." Whether this
anfwer affected their courage, or not, I cannot tell; but, contrary
to our expectations, they formed a fcheme to deceive us, declaring
it was their orders, from Governor Hamilton, to take us captives,
and not to deftroy us ; but if nine of us would come out, and
treat with them, they would immediately withdraw their forces
from our walls, and return home peaceably. This founded grate-
ful in our ears ; and we agreed to the propofal.
We held the treaty within fixty yards of the garrifon, on pur-
pofe to divert them from a breach of honour, as we could not
avoid fufpicions of the favages. In this fituation the articles were
formally agreed to, and figned ; and the Indians told us it was
cuftomary with them, on fuch occafions, for two Indians to fhake
hands with every white-man in the treaty, as an evidence of en-
tire friendfhip. We agreed to this alfo, but were foon convinced
their policy was to take us prifoners. They immediately grap-
pled us ; but although furrounded by hundreds of favages, we ex-
tricated ourfelves from them, and efcapedall fafe into the garrifon,
except one that was wounded, through a heavy fire from their
army. They immediately attacked us on every fide, and a con-
ftant heavy fire enfued between us day and night for the fpace of
nine days.
In this time the enemy began to undermine our fort, which was
fituated fixty yards from Kentucky river. They began at the
water-mark, and proceeded in the bank fome diftance, which we
underftood by their making the water muddy with the clay ; and
we immediately proceeded to difappoint their defign, by cutting a
trench acrofs their fubterranean paffage. The enemy difcovered
our counter-mine, by the clay we threw out of the fort, defifted
from that ftratagem : and experience now fully convinced them
that neither their power nor policy could effect their purpofe,
on the twentieth day of Auguft they raifed the fiege and de-
parted.
During this dreadful fiege, which threatened death in every
form, we had two men killed, and four wounded, befidesa num-
ber of cattle. We killed of the enemy thirty-feven, and wounded
a great number. After they were gone Ave picked up one hundred
and twenty-five pounds weight of bullets, befides what ftuck in
the logs of our fort ; which certainly is a great proof of their in-
duflry. Soon after this, I went into the fettlement, and nothing
worthy of a place in this account paired in my affairs for fome
time.
F 2 . During
( 44 )
During my abfenee from Kentucky, Col. Bowman carried on
an expedition againft the Shawanefe, at Old Chelicothe, with
one hundred and fixty men, in July, 1779. Here they ar-
rived undifcovered, and a battle enfued, which lafted until
ten o'clock, A. M. when Col. Bowman, finding he could not
fucceed at this time, retreated about thirty miles. The Indians in
the mean time, collecting all their forces, purfued and overtook
him, when a fmart fight continued near two hours, not to the ad-
vantage of Col. Bowman's party.
Col. Harrod propofed to mount a number of horfe, and furir
oufiy to ru(h upon the favages, who at this time fought with re-
markable fury. This defperate ftep had a happy effect, broke
their line of battle, and the favages fled on all fides. In thefe two
battles we had nine killed, and one wounded, The enemy's lofs
uncertain, only two fcalps being taken.
On the twenty-fecond day of June, 1780, a large party of
Indians and Canadians, about fix hundred in number, com-
manded by Col- Bird, attacked Riddle's and Martin's ftations, at
the forks of Licking river, with fix pieces of artillery. They
carried this expedition fo fecretly, that the unwary inhabitants did
not difcover them, until they fired upon the forts ; and not being
prepared to oppofe them, were obliged to furrender themfelves
miferable captives to barbarous favages, who immediately after
tomahawked one man and two women, and loaded all the others
with heavy baggage, forcing them along toward their towns, able
or unable to march. Such as were weak and faint by the way, they
tomahawked. The tender women and helplefs children fell victims
to their cruelty, This, and the favage treatment they received
afterwards, is fhocking to humanity, ana too barbarous to re-
late.
The hoftile difpofition of the favages, and their allies, caufed
General Clark, the commandant of the Falls of the Ohio, imme-
diately to begin an expedition with his own regiment, and the
armed force of the country, againft Pecaway, the principal town
of the Shawanefe, on a branch of Great Miami, which he
finifhed with great fuccefs, took feventeen fcalps, and burnt the
town to afhes, with the lofs of feventeen men.
About this time I returned to Kentucky with my family ; and
here, to avoid an inquiry into my conduct:, the reader being be-
fore informed of my bringing my family to Kentucky, I am
under the neceifity of informing him that, during my captivity
with the Indians, my wife, who defpaired of ever feeing me
again, expecting the Indians had put a period to my life, op-
prefied with the diftreffes of the country, and bereaved of me,
her only happinefs, had, before I returned, tranfported my fa-
mily and goods, on horfes, through the wildernefs, amidft a mul-
titude of dangers, to her father's "houfe. in North-Carolina.
.Shortly
( 45 )
Shortly after the troubles at Boonfborough, I went to them,
and lived there peaceably until this time. The hiftory of my go-
ing home, and returning with my family, forms a feries of diffi-
culties, an account of which would fwell a volume, and being fo-
reign to my purpofe, I fhall purpofely omit them.
I fettled my family in Boonfborough once more, and fhortly
after, on the fixth day of O&ober, 1780, I went in company
with my brother to the Blue Licks, and, on our return home,
we were fired upon by a party of Indians ; they fhot him, and
purfued me, by the fcent of their dog, three miles, but I killed the
dog, and efcaped. The winter foon came on, and was very fe-
vere, which confined the Indians to their wigwams.
The feverity of this winter caufed great difficulties in Ken-
tucky. The enemy had deftroyed mod of the corn the fummer
before ; this neceffary article was fcarce and dear, and the inhabi-
tants lived chiefly on the flefh of buffaloes. The circumftances
of many were lamentable ; however, being a hardy race of peo-
ple, and accuftomed to difficulties and neceflities, they were won-
derfully fupported through all their fufferings, until the enfuing
fall, when we received abundance from the fertile foil.
Towards fpring we were frequently harrafled by Indians, and
in May, 1782, a party afTaulted Afhton's ftation, killed one
man, and took a negro prifoner. Captain Afhton, with twenty-
five men, purfued, and overtook the favages, and a fmart fight
enfued, which lafted two hours ; but they being fuperior in num-
ber, obliged Captain Afhton's party to retreat, with the lofs of
eight killed, and four mortally wounded ; their brave commander
himfelf being numbered among the dead.
The Indians continued their hoftilities, and about the 10th of
Auguff. following, two boys were taken from Major Hoy's fta-
tion. This party was purfued by Capt. Holder and feventeen
men, who were alfo defeated, with the lofs of four men killed
and one wounded. Our affairs became more and more alarming ;
feveral ftations which had lately been eredled in the country were
continually infefted with favages, ftealing their horfes and killing
the men at every opportunity. In a field near Lexington, an
Indian fhot a man, and running to fcalp him, was himfelf fhot
from the fort, and fell dead upon his enemy.
Every day we experienced recent mifchiefs. The barbarous
favage nations of Shawanefe, Cherokees, Wyandots, Tawas,
Delawares, and feveral others near Detroit, united in a war
againfl: us, and aflembled their choicer! warriors at old Chelicothe,
to go on the expedition, in order to deftroy us, and entirely de-
populate the country. Their favage minds were inflamed to
mifchief by two abandoned men, Captains M'Kee and Girty.
Thefe led them to execute every diabolical fcheme ; and on the
} 5th day of Auguft, commanded a party of Indians and Cana-1
' dians
( 46 )
d'tan?, of about five hundred in number, againfr. Briant's ftation,
live miles from Lexington. Without demanding a furrender,
they furioufly affaulted the garrifon, which was happily prepared
to oppofe them ; and after they had expended much ammunition
in vain, and killed the cattle round the fort, not being likely to
make themfelves mailers of this place, they raifed the fiege, and
departed in the morning of the third day after they came, with
tli© lofs of about thirty killed, and the number of wounded un-
certain. Of the garrifon four men were killed, and three
wounded.
On the 1 8th day, Col. Todd, Col. Trigg, Major Harland,
and myfelf, fpeedily collected one hundred and feventy-fix men,
well armed, and purfued the favages. They had marched beyond
the Blue Licks to a remarkable bend of the main fork of Licking
river, about forty-three miles from Lexington, as it is particu-
larly reprefented in the map, where we overtook them on the
19th day. The favages obferving us, gave way, and we being
ignorant of their numbers, paffed the river. When the enemy
law our proceedings, having greatly the advantage of us in fitua-
tion, they formed the line of battle, as reprefented in the map,
from one bend of Licking to the other, about a mile from the
Blue Licks. An exceeding fierce battle immediately began, for
about fifteen minutes, when we, being overpowered by numbers,
were obliged to retreat, with the lofs of fixty-feven men, feven of
■whom were taken prifoners. The brave and much-lamented Co-
lonels Todd and Trigg, Major Harland, and my fecond fon,
were among the dead. We were informed that the Indians,
numbering their dead, found they had four killed more than we ;
and therefore four of the prifoners they had taken were by ge-
neral confent ordered to be killed in a mod barbarous manner by
the young warriors, in order to train them up to cruelty, and then
they proceeded to their towns.
On our retreat we were met by Col. Logan, haftening to join
ns, with a number of well-armed men. This powerful affiftance
we unfortunately wanted in the battle ; for notwithstanding the
enemy's fuperiority in numbers, they acknowledged that if they had
received one more fire from us, they fhould undoubtedly have given
way. So violently did our fmall party fight, that to the memory
of thofe who unfortunately fell in battle, enough of honour cannot
be paid. Had Colonel Logan and his party been with us,
%t is highly probable we fhould have given the favages a total
defeat*
I cannot reflect upon this dreadful fcene but forrow fills my
heart ; a zeal for the defence of their country led thefe heroes to
the fcene of action, though with a few men, to attack a powerful
anny of experienced warriors. When we gave way, they purfued
ps with the utrnoit eagernefs, and in ev$ry quarter fpread deftruc-
tion.
( 47 )
tiorr. The river was difficult to crofs, and many were killed In
the flight, fome juft entering the river, fome in the water, other*
after eroding, in afcending the cliffs. Some efcaped on horfe-
back, a few on foot ; and being difperfed every where, in a few
hours brought the melancholy news of this unfortunate battle to
Lexington. Many widows were now made. The reader may
guefs what forrow filled the hearts of the inhabitants, exceeding
any thing that I -am able to defcribe. Being reinforced, we re-
turned to bury the dead, and found their bodies ftrewed every
where, cut and mangled in a dreadful manner. This mournful
fcene exhibited a horror almoft unparalleled : fome torn and
eaten by wild beafts ; thofe in the river eaten by fifb.es ; all ia
fuch a putrefied condition, that no one could be diftinguifhed
from another.
As foon as General Clark, then at the Falls of the Ohio, who
was ever our ready friend, and merits the love and gratitude of all
his countrymen, underftood the circumftances of this unfortunate
action, he ordered an expedition with all poflible hafte to purfue
the favages, which was fo expeditioufly effected, that we over-
took them within two miles of their towns, and probably might
have obtained a great victory, had not two of their number met
us about two hundred poles before we came up. Thefe returned
quick as lightning to their camp with the alarming news of a
mighty army in view. The favages fled in the utmoft diforder,
evacuated their towns, and reluctantly left their territory to our
mercy. We immediately took pofTeflion of Old Chelicothe with-
out oppofition, being deferted by its inhabitants ; we continued
our purfuit through five towns on the Miami rivers, Old Cheli-
cothe, Pecaway, New Chelicothe, Will's towns, and Chelicothe;
burnt them all to afhes, entirely deftroyed their corn, and other
fruits, and every where fpread a fcene of defolation in the country.
In this expedition we took feven prifoners and five fcalps, with
the lofs of only four men, two of whom were accidentally killed
by our own army.
This campaign in fome meafure" damped the fpirits of the In-
dians, and made them fenfible of our fuperiority. Their connec-.
tions were difTolved, their armies fcattered, and a future inva-
fion put entirely out of their power ; yet they continued to prac-
tife mifchief fecretly upon the inhabitants in the expofed parts of
the country.
In O&ober following, a party made an excurfion into that
diftridt. called the Crab Orchard, and one of them being advanced
fome diftance before the others, boldly entered the houfe of a poor
defencelefs family, in which was only a negro man, a woman,
and her children, terrified with the apprehenfions of immediate
death. The favages perceiving their defencelefs fituation, with-
out offering violence to the family, attempted to captivate the
I . negro,
( 48 )
negro, who happily proved an overmatch for him, threw him on
the ground, and in the ftruggle, the mother of the children drew
an axe from a corner of the cottage, and cut his head off, while
her little daughter fhut the door. The favages inftantly ap-
peared, and applied their tomahawks to the door. An old rufty
gun barrel, without a lock, lay in a corner, which the mother put
through a fmall crevice, and the favages perceiving it, fled. In
the mean time, the alarm fpread through the neighbourhood, the
armed men collected immediately, and purfued the ravagers into
the wildernefs. Thus Providence, by the means of this negro,
faved the whole of the poor family from destruction. From that
time, until the happy return of peace between the United States
and Great Britain, the Indians did us no mifchief. Finding the
great king beyond the water difappointed in his expectations, and
confcious of the importance of the long knife, and their own
wretchednefs, fome of the nations immediately defired peace, to
which, at prefent, they feem univerfaily difpofed, and are fend-
ing ambaffadors to General Clark, at the Falls of the Ohio, with
the minutes of their councils ; a fpecimen of which, in the mi-
nutes of the Piankafhaw council, is fubjoined.
To conclude, I can now fay that I have verified the faying of
an old Indian who figned Col. Henderfon's deed. Taking me
by the hand at the delivery thereof, Brother, fays he, we have
given you a fine land, but I believe you will have much trouble in
fettling it. My footfteps have often been marked with blood,
and therefore I can truly fubfcribe to its original name. Two
darling fons and a brother have I loft by favage hands, which
have alfo taken from me forty valuable horfes, and abundance of
cattle. Many dark and fleeplefs nights have I been a companion
for owls, feparated from the cheerful fociety of men, fcorched by
the fummer's fun, and pinched by the winter's cold, an inftru-
ment ordained to fettle the wildernefs : but now the fcene is
changed ; peace crowns the fylvan made.
What thanks, what ardent and ceafelefs thanks are due to that
all-fuperintending Providence which has turned a cruel war into
peace, brought order out of confufion, made the fierce favages
placid, and turned away their hoftile weapons from our country !
May the fame Almighty Goodnefs banilh the accurfed monfter,
war, from all lands, with her hated afTociates, rapine and infa-
tiable ambition. Let peace, defeending from her native heaven,
bid her olives fpring amidft the joyful nations ; and plenty, in
league with commerce, fcatter bleflings from her copious
hand.
This account of my adventures will inform the reader of the
mod remarkable events of this country. I now live in peace and
fafety, enjoying the fweets of liberty, and the bounties of Provi-
dence, with my once fellow-furTerers in this delightful country,
which
( 49 ■)
which I have feen purchafed with a vafl: expence of blood and
treafure, delighting in the profped of its being in a fhort time one
of the mod opulent and powerful (fates on the continent of North
America ; which, with the love and gratitude of my countrymen,
I elteein a fufficient reward for all my toil and danger.
DANIEL BOON.
v Fayette county, Kentucky.
PIANKASHAW COUNCIL.
In a Council held with the Piankafhaw Indians, by Thomas
J. Dalton, at Pojl St. Vincent's, April 15, 1 784.
My Children,
WHAT I have often told you is now come to pafs. This
day I received news from my Great Chief at the Falls of
Ohio. Peace is made with the enemies of America ; the white
flefh, the Americans, French, Spaniih, Dutch, and Englifh,
this day fmoke out of the peace-pipe. The tomahawk is buried,
and they are now friends.
I am told the Shawanefe, Delawares, Chicafaws, Cherokees,
and all other the red flefh, have taken the Long Knife by the hand ;
they have given up to them the prifoners that were in their
nations.
My Children on Wabajh,
Open your ears, and let what I tell you fink deep in your
hearts ; you know me ; near twenty years I have been among
you ; the Long Knife is my nation; I know their hearts; peace
they carry in one hand, and war in the other.
I leave you to yourfelves to judge ; confider, and now accept
the one or the other. We never beg peace of our enemies ; if
you love your women and children, receive the belt of wampum
I prefent you ; return me my flelh you have in your villages,
and the horfes you ftole from my people at Kentucky ; your corn
fields were never difturbed by the Long Knife ; your women and
children lived quiet in their houfes, while your warriors were
killing and robbing my people. All this you know is the truth ;
this is the laft time I mall fpeak to you ; I have waited fix moons
to hear you fpeak, and to get my people from you ; in ten nights
I fhall leave the Wabafh to fee my Great Chief at the Falls of
Ohio, where he will be glad to hear from your own lips what you
haye to fay. Here is tobacco I give you j fmoke, and confider
G what
( 5° )
what I have faid. Then I delivered one belt of blue and white
wampum ; and faid, Piankafhaw, fpeak, fpeak to the Ame-
ricans,
Then the Piankafbaw Chief anfwered :
My Great Father, the Long Knife ',
You have been many years among us ; you have fuffered by
us ; we ftill hope you will have pity and companion upon us, on
our women and children ; the day is clear ; the fun mines on us;
and, the good news of peace appears in our faces. This day, my
Father, this is the day of joy to the Wabafh Indians : with one
tongue we now fpeak.
We accept your peace-belt ; we return God thanks, you are
the man that delivered us what we long wiflied for, peace with
the White Flefh. My Father, we have many times counfelled
before you knew us, and you know- how fome of us fuffered
before.
We received the tomahawk from the Englifh ; poverty forced
us to it : we were attended by other nations : we are forry for it :
we' this day collecl the bones of our friends that long ago were
fcattered upon the earth : we bury them in one grave : we thus
plant the tree of peace, that God may foread branches, fo that we
can all be fecured from bad weather : they fmoke as brothers out
of the peace-pipe we now prefent you. Here, my Father,
is the pipe that gives us joy ; fmoke out of it ; our warriors are
glad you are the man we prefent it to. You fee, Father, we
have buried the tomahawk ; we now make a great chain of friend-
fhip never to be broken ; and now, as one people, fmoke out of
your pipe. My Father, we know God was angry with us for
itealing your horfes, and difturbing your people ; he has fent us fo
much fnow and cold weather, that God himfelf killed all your
horfes with our own.
We are now a poor people. God, we hope, will help us ;
and our Father, the Long Knife, will have pity and companion
on our women and children. Your flefh, my Father, is well that
is among us ; we fhall colled them all together when they come
in from hunting. Do not be forry, my Father, all the prifoners
raken at Kentucky are alive and well ; we love them, and fo do
our young women.
Some of your, people mend our guns, and others tell us they can
make rum of the corn ; thofe are now the fame as we ; in one
moon after this, we will go with them to their friends at Ken-
tucky. Some of your people will now go with Coftea, a, chief of
our nation, to fee his Great Father, the Long Knife* at the Falls
of Ohio.
My Father,
• This being the day of joy to the Wabafh Indians, we beg a
little drop of your milk, to let our warriors fee it came from your
( Si )
own breaft. We were born and raifed in the woods ; we could
never learn to make rum. God has made the White Fiefh matters
of the world ; they make every thing,- and we all love rum.
Then they delivered three firings of blue and white wampum,
and. the coronet of peace.
Present in Council,
MUSKITO,
Capt. BEAVER,
WOODS and BURNING,
BADTRIPES,
ANTIA,
MONTOUR*
CASTIA,
GRAND COURT.
With many other chiefs, and war captains, and the principal
inhabitants of the poft of St. Vincent's.
0*
OF THE
INDIANS.
WE have an account of twenty-eight different nations of
Indians, eaftward of the Miffiffippi. — Their fituation is
as follows :
The Cherokee Indians are neareft to Kentucky, living upon
the Tenefe river, near the mouths of Clench, Holftein, Nola-
«huke, and French Broad rivers, which form the Tenefe or Che-
rokee river, in the interior parts of North Carolina, two hundred
miles from Kentucky.
The Chicamawgees live about ninety miles down the Tenefe
from the Cherokees, at a pjace called Chicamawgee, which in
our language fignifies a Boiling Pot, there being a whirlpool in the
xiver dangerous for boats. The Dragomonough, a chief of the
Cherokees, with fixty more, broke off from that nation and
formed this tribe, which is called by t?he name of the Whirlpool.
The Cheegees, and Middle Settlement Indians, are fettled about
fifty and eighty miles fouth of the Cherokees. Thefe four tribes
fpeak one language, being defcendcd from the Cherokees.
The Chicafaws inhabit about one hundred miles north-weft
from our fettlement at French Lick, on ' Cumberland river, on
the heads of a river called Tombeche, which runs into Mobile
bay.
The Choctaw nation are eighty miles from the Chicafaws,
down the fame river.
The Creek Indians live about one hundred and fixty miles
fouth of the Cho&aws, on the Apalache river, which runs into
the Gulph of Mexico, fome little diftance eaft of Mobile bay.
The Uchees Indians occupy four different places of relidence;
at the head of St. John's, the Fork of St. Mary's, the head of
Cannuchee, and the head of St. Tillis. Thefe rivers rife on the
borders of Georgia, and run feparately into the ocean.
The
( 53 )
The Catauba Indians are fettled in North Carolina, about
two hundred miles diftant from Charles town in South Carolma.
The tribes to the weftward of Ohio river are the Delawares,
living upon the Mifkingum river, which runs into the Ohio, one
hundred and eighty-feven miles above Sciotha, on the north-well
fide.
The Mingo nation lives upon a north-weft branch of Sciotha
river, as reprefented in the map.
The Wyandotts poflefs the banks of a river called Sanduficy,
which heads and interlocks with Sciotha, and running in a con-
trary direction nearly north-weft for a great diftance, falls into
Lake Erie.
The Six Nations are fettled upon waters running into Lake
Ontario, that head in the mountain, from whence the Ohio and
Sufquehannah rivers rife.
The Shawanefe Indians occupy five towns on the waters of
Little and Great Miami, as appears in the map.
The Gibbaways are fixed on the eaft fide of Detroit river, and
oppofite the fort of that name. This river runs out of Lake
Huron into Lake Erie, is about thirty-fix miles in length, and
the fort (lands on the weft fide, half way between thefe lakes.
The Hurons live fix miles from the Gibbaways towards Lake
Huron, and on the fame fide of the river.
The Tawas are found eighteen miles up the Mawmee or Oniee
river, which runs into Lake Erie.
There is a fmall tribe of Tawas fettled at a place called the Ra-
pids, fome diftance higher up the river than the former.
The Mawmee Indians live two hundred and forty miles up this
river, at a place called Rofedebau.
The Piankafhaws refide about one hundred and fixty miles up
Wabafh river.
The Vermillion Indians about fixty miles higher; and thd
Wyahtinaws about thirty miles ftill farther up the fame river.
The Wabafh heads and interlocks with Mawmee, and runs a
contrary direction into the Ohio, three hundred and eighteen miles
below the Falls.
The Long I fie, or I fie river Indians live on Ifle river, which
runs into Wabafh.
The Kickapoos are fixed on a branch of Mawmee river above
the Long Ifle Indians.
The Ozaw nation lives on the Ozaw river, which runs inta
Miftiffippi.
And the Kakafky nation on the Miffiffippi, two hundred miles
above the Ozaws.
The Illinois Indians inhabit upon the Illinois river, which falls
into the MiMIflippi.
And
rf 54 )
And the Poutawottamies near St. Jofeph's, a town oft a
branch of the Illinois.
The Sioux and Renards are neighbours to the fort of Michilli-
mackinac, on Lake Michigan.
Thefe are the principal part of the nations within the limits of
the United States. Allowing about feven hundred to a nation or
tribe, they will contain, in all, twenty thoufand fouls, and
confequently may furnifh between four and five thoufand war-
riors.
The fpeculations of curious idlenefs have framed many fyftems
to account for the population of this immenfe continent. There
is fcarce a people in the old world which has not had its advo-
cates ; and there have not been wanting fome, who defpairing to
loofen, have cut the knot, by fuppofing that the power which
furnifhed America with plants, has in the fame manner fupplied
it with men, or at leaft, that a remnant in this continent was
faved from the univerfal deluge, as well as in the other. As this
fubje£t is rather curious than ufeful, and in its very nature does
not admit of certainty, every thing that pafTed in America before
the arrival of the Europeans being plunged in Cimmerian darknefs,
except thofe little traditional records which diffufe a glimmering
light on the two empires of Mexico and Peru, for about two
hundred years at moft before that period, we mall only ilightly
touch on that fubjecl: ; chiefly for the fake of taking notice of
fome modern difcoveries which feem to ftrengthen the probability
of fome former theories. The great fimilarity, or rather identity
of the perfons and manners of the Americans, and thofe of the
Tartars of the north-eaftern parts of Afia, together with a pre-
fumption which has long poflefled the learned, that Afia and
America were united, or at leaft feparated only by a narrow fea,
has inclined the more reflecting part of mankind to the opinion/
that the true origin of the Indians is from this quarter. The im-
menfe feas which feparate the two continents on every other fide,-
render it highly improbable that any colonies could ever have been
fent acrofs them before the difcovery of the magnetical compafs.
The ingenious M. Buffon too has remarked, and the obfervation
appears to be juft, that there are no animals inhabiting in com-
mon the two continents, but fuch as can bear the colds of the
north. Thus there are no elephants, no lions, no tigers, no-
camels in America ; but bears, wolves, deer, and elks in abun-
dance, abfolutely the fame in both hemifpheres. This hypo-
thefis, which has been gaining ground ever iince its firft. appear-
ance in the world, is now reduced almoft to a certainty by the
late difcoveries of Capt. Cook. That illuftrious, but unfortu-
nate navigator, in his lad voyage, penetrated for a confiderable
diflance into the ftrait which divides Afia from America, which is
©»ly fix leagues wide at its, raoMth, and therefore eafily practicable
for
( 55 )
for canoes. We may now therefore conclude, that no farther in-
quiry will ever be made into the general origin of the American
tribes.
Yet, after all, it is far from being improbable that various na-
tions, by fhipwreck or otherwife, may have contributed, in
fome degree, to the population of this continent. The Cartha-
ginians, who had many fettlements on the coaft of Africa, be-
yond the Straits of Gibraltar, and pufhed their difcoveries as far
as where the two continents in that quarter approach each other
the neareft, may probably have been thrown by tempefts on the
American coaft, and the companies of the veffels, finding it im-
practicable to return, may have incorporated with the former in-
habitants, or have formed new fettlements, which, from want
of the necefTary inftruments to exercife the arts they were ac-
quainted with, would naturally degenerate into barbarity. There
are indeed fome ancient writers, who give us reafon to fuppofe,
that there were colonies regularly formed by that nation in
America, and that the communication, after having continued
for fome time, was flopped by order of the ftate. But it is diffi-
cult to conceive that any people, eftablifhed with all thofe necef-
faries proper for their fituation, fhould ever degenerate, from fo
high a degree of cultivation as the Carthaginians poffeifed, to a
total ignorance even of the mod necefTary arts : and therefore it
feems probable, that if that nation ever had fuch colonies, thev
muft have been cut off by the natives, and every veflige of
them deftroyed.
About the ninth and tenth centuries, the Danes were the great-
eft navigators in the univerfe. They diicovered and fettled Ice-
land ; and from thence, in 964, planted a colony in Greenland.
The ancient Icelandic chronicles, as reported by M. Mallet, con-
tain an account of fome Icelanders, who, in the clofe of an un-
fuccefsful war, fled to Greenland, and from thence weftward, to a
country covered with vines; for which reafon they called it Vin-
land.
The adventurers returned home, and conducted a colony to
their new difcovery ; but difturbances arifing in Denmark, all
communication with Greenland, as well as Vinland, ceafed ;
and thofe countries remained unknown to the reft of the world
for feveral ages. The remains of this colony are probably to be
found on the coaft of Labrador, in the nation of the Efquimaux.
The colour of their fkins, their hairy bodies and bufhy beards,
not to mention the difference of manners, mark an origin totally
diftinct from that of the other Indians.
In the year 1170, Madoc, fon of Owen Gwynnedh, Prince
of Wales, diffatisfied with the fituation of affairs at home, left
his country, as related by the Welfh hiftorians, in queft of new
fettlements; and leaving Ireland to the north, proceeded weft till
1 he
t 56 )
he difcovered a fertile country ; where, leaving a colony, he re-
turned, and perfuading many of his countrymen to join him, put
to lea with ten mips, and was never more heard of.
This account has, at feveral times, drawn the attention of the
world; but as no veftiges of them had then been found, it was con-
cluded, perhaps too rafhly, to be a fable, or at leaft, that no re-
mains of the colony exiited. Of late years, however, the weft-
em fettlers have received frequent accounts of a nation, inhabiting
at a great diftance up the Miffouri, in manners and appearance
refembling the other Indians, but fpeaking Welfh, and retaining
foine ceremonies of the Chriftian worfhip ; and at length, this is
univerfally believed there to be a fact.
Captain Abraham Chaplain, of Kentucky, a gentleman whofe
veracity may be entirely depended upon, allured the author, that
in the late war, being with his company in garrifon at Kafkafky,
fome Indians came there, and, fpeaking in the Welfh dialect,
were perfectly underftood and converfed with by two Welfhmen
in his company, and that they informed them of the fituation of
of their nation, as mentioned above.
The author is fenfible of the ridicule which the vain and the
petulant may attempt to throw on this account ; but as truth only
has guided his pen, he is regardlefs of the confequences, and
flatters himfelf, that, by calling the attention of mankind'once
more to this fubject, he may be the means of procuring a more
accurate inquiry into its truth, which, if it fhouldeven refute the
{lory of the Welfh, will at leaft perform the important fervice
to the world, of promoting a more accurate difcovery of this
immenfe continent.
There are feveral ancient remains in Kentucky, which feem to
to prove, that this country was formerly inhabited by a nation far-
their advanced in the arts of life than the Indians. Thefe are
there ufually attributed to the Welfh, who are fuppofed to have
formerly inhabited here ; but having been expelled by the na-
tives, were forced to take refuge near the fources of the Miifpuri.
It is well known that no Indian nation has ever practifed the
raethod of defending themfelves by entrenchments ; and fuch a
work would even be no eafy one, while thefe nations were unac-
quainted with the ufe of iron.
In the neighbourhood of Lexington, the remains of two ancient
fortifications are to be feen, furnifhed with ditches and baftions.
One of thefe contains about fix acres of land, and the other
nearly three. They are now overgrown with trees, which, by
the number of circles in the wood, appear to be not lefs than one
hundred and fixty years old. Pieces of earthen veflels have alfo
been plowed up near Lexington, a manufacture with which the
Indians were never acquainted.
The
( 57 )
The burying-grounds, which were mentioned above Under the
head ofcuriofities, form another ftrong argument that this country
Was formerly inhabited by a people different from the prefent In-
dians. Although they do not difcover any marks of extraordinary
art in the ftrucTture, yet, as many nations are particularly tena-
cious of their ancient cuftoms, it may perhaps be worthy of in-
quiry, whether thefe repofitories of the dead do not bear a con-
fiderable refemblance to the ancient Britifh remains. Some build-
ings attributed to the Picls are mentioned by the Scottifli anti-
quaries, which, if the author miftakes not* are formed nearly in
the fame manner. Let it be enough for him to point out the road,
and hazard fome uncertain conjectures. The day is not far dif-
tant, when the fartheft receifes of this continent will be explored,
and the accounts of the Welih eftablifhed beyond the poffibility of
a doubt, or configned to that oblivion which has already received
fo many fuppofitions founded on arguments as plaufible as
thefe.
Perfons and Habits.'] The Indians are not born white ; but
take a great deal of pains to darken their complexion, by anoint-
ing themfelves with greafe, and lying in the fun. They alfo paint
their faces, breads and moulders, of various colours, but gene-
rally red ; and their features are well formed, efpecially thofe of
the women. They are of a middle ftatlire, their limbs clean and
iftraight, and fcarcely any crooked or deformed perfon is to be
found among them. In many parts of their body they prick in
gunpowder in very pretty figures'. They ffiave or pluck the hair
off their heads, except a patch about the crown, which is orna-
mented with beautiful feathers, beads, wampum, and fuch like
baubles. Their ears are pared, and ft retched in a thong down to
their moulders. They are wound round with wire to expand
them, and adorned with filyer pendants, rings, and bells, which
they likewife wear in their nofes. Some of them will have a
large feather through the cartilage of the nofe ; and thofe who
can afford it, wear a collar of wampum, a filver breaft-plate, and
bracelets, on the arms and wrifts. A bit of cloth about the mid-
dle, a fhirt of the Englifh make, on which they bellow innu-
merable broaches to adorn it; a fort of cloth boots and mockafons-,
which are fhoes of a make peculiar to the Indians, ornamented
with porcupine quills, with a blanket or match-coat thrown over
all, complete their drefs at home ; but when they go to war,
they leave their trinkets behind, and mere necelfaries ferve them.
There is little difference bet ween the drefs of the men and women,
excepting that a (hort petticoat, and the hair, which is exceeding
Hack, and long, clubbed behind, diflinguiih fome of the latter.
£xcept the head and eye-brows, they pluck the hair, with great
diligence, from all parts of the body,
H Their
( 58 )
. Their warlike arms are guns, bows and arrows, darts, fcalping-
knives, and tomahawks. This is one of their moft ufeful pieces
of field-furniture, ferving all the offices of the hatchet, pipe,
~and fword. They are exceeding expert in throwing it, and will
kill at a confiderable diftance. The world has no better marks-
men with any weapon. They will kill birds flying, fillies fwim-
ming, and wild beafts running.
Genius*'] The Indians are not fo ignorant as fome fuppofe
them, but are a very underftanding people, quick of apprehenfion,
fudden in execution, fubtle in bufmefs, exquifite in invention,
and induftrious in action. They are of a very gentle and amiable
difpofition to thofe they think their friends, but as implacable in
their enmity; their revenge being only completed in the entire
deftruction of their enemies. They are very hardy, bearing heat,
cold, hunger and thirft, in a furpriiing manner, and yet no peo-
ple are more addicted to excefs in eating and drinking, when it is
conveniently in their power. The follies, nay mifchief, they
commit when inebriated, are entirely laid to the liquor, and no
one will revenge any injury (murder excepted) received from one
who is no more himfelf. Among the Indians, all men are equal,
perfonal qualities being moft efteemed. Nodiftintlion of birth, no
rank, renders any man capable of doing prejudice to the rights of,
any private perfons; and there is no pre-eminence from merit, which
begets pride, and which makes others too fenfible of their own
inferiority. Though there is perhaps lefs delicacy of fentiment
in the Indians than amongft us, there is, however, abundantly
•more probity, with infinitely lefs ceremony, or equivocal compli-
ments. Their public conferences flievv them to be men of genius ;
and they have, in a high degree, the talent of natural elo-
quence.
They live difperfed in fmall villages, either in the woods, or
en the banks of rivers, where they have little plantations of In-
dian-corn, and roots, not enough to fupply their families half the
year, and fubfifting the remainder of it by hunting, fifhing and
fowling, and the fruits of the earth, which grow fpontaneoully in
great plenty.
Their huts are generally built of fmall logs, and covered with
bark, each one having a chimney, and a door, on which they place
a padlock.
Old Chelicothe is built in form of a Kentucky ftation, that is,
a parallelogram, or long fquure ; and fome of their houfes arc
fhingled. A long council-houfe extends the whole length of the
lown, where the king and chiefs of the nation frequently meet,
and confult of all matters of importance, whether of a civil or
jrrilitary nature.
Some huts are built by fettir.gup a frame on forks, and placing
>ark againfl it ; others of reeds, and furrounded with clay. The
fire
( 59 )
fire is in the middle of the wigwam, and the fmoke pafTes through
a little hole. They join reeds together by cords run through them,
•which ferve them for tables and beds. They moftly lie upon
Fkins of wild beafts, and fit on the ground. They have brafs
kettles and pots to boil their food ; gourds or calabafhes, cut
afunder, ferve them for pails, cups, and difhes.
Religion.'] The accounts of travellers, concerning their reli-
gion, are various ; and although it cannot be absolutely affirmed
that they have none, yet it muft be confefled very difficult to de-
fine what it is. All agree that they acknowledge one fupreme
God, but do not adore him. They have not feen him, they do
not know him, believing him to be too far exalted above them,
and too happy in himfelf to be concerned about the trifling affairs
of poor mortals. They feem alfo to believe in a future ft ate, and
that after death they lhall be removed to their friends who have
gone before them, to an elyfium, or paradife.
The Wyandotts, near Detroit, and fome others, have the Ro-
man catholic religion introduced amongft them by miilionaries.
Thefe have a church, a minifter, and a regular burying ground.
Many of them appear zealous, and fay prayers in their families :
thefe, by acquaintance with white people, are a little civilized,
which muft of neceflity precede Chriftianity.
The Shawanefe, Cherokees, Chickafaws, and fame others,
are little concerned about fuperftitions or religion. Others continue
their former fuperftitious worfhip of the objeds of their love and
fear, and especially thofe beings whom they mod dread, and whom
therefore we generally denominate devils ; though, at the fame
time, it is allowed they pray to the fun, and other inferior bene-
volent deities, for fuccefs in their undertakings, for plenty of
food, and other necefTaries of life.
They have their feftivals, and other rejoicing-days, on which
,they fing and dance in a ring, taking hands, having fo painted
and difguifed themfelves, that it is difficult to know any of them;
and after enjoying this diverfion for a while, they retire to the
place where they have prepared a feaft of fifh, flefh, fowls, and
fruits; to which all are invited, and entertained with their coun-
try fongs. They believe that there is great virtue in feafts for the
fick. For this purpofe a young buck muft be killed, and boiled,
the friends and near neighbours of the patient invited, and having
firft thrown tobacco on the fire, and covered it up clofe, they all
fit down in a ring, and raife a lamentable cry. They then uncover
the fire, and kindle it up ; and the head of the buck is firft fent
about, every one taking a bit, and giving a loud croak, in imi-
tation of crows. They afterwards proceed to eat all the buck,
making a molt harmonious, melancholy fong j in which ftrain
their raulic is particularly excellent.
Ha As
{ 6o )
As they approach their towns, wheri fome of their people are
loft in war, they make great lamentations for their dead, and bear
them long after in remembrance.
Some nations abhor adultery, do not approve of a plurality of
wives, and are not guilty of theft ; but there are other tribes that
are not fo fcrupulous in thefe matters. Amongft the Chickafaws
a hufband may cut off the nofe of his wife, if guilty of adultery ;
but men are allowed greater liberty. This nation defpifes a thief.
Among the Cherokees they cut off the nofe and ears of an adul-
terefs ; afterwards her hufband gives her a difcharge ; and from
this time fhe is not permitted to refufe any one who prefents him-
felf. Fornication is unnoticed ; for they allow perfons in a fingle
(tare unbounded freedom.
Their form of marriage is fhorf— the man, before witneffes,
gives the bride a deer's foot, and fhe, in- return, prefents him with
an ear of corn, as emblems of their feveral duties.
The women are very flaves to the men \ which is a common
cafe in rude, unpolifhed nations, throughout the world, They
a"re charged with being revengeful 5 but this revenge is only doing
themfelves juftice on thofe who injure them, and is feldom ex-
ecuted, but in cafes of murder and adultery.
Their king has no power to put any one to death by his own
authority ; but the murderer is generally delivered up to the friends
of the deceafed, to do as they pleafe. When one kills another,
his friend kills him, and fo they continue until much blood isfhed ;
and at laft, the quarrel is ended by mutual prefents. Their kings
are hereditary, but their authority extremely limited. No people
are a more ftriking evidence of the miferies of mankind in the
want of government than they. Every chief, when offended,
breaks off with a party, fettles at fome diftance, and then com-
mences hostilities againft his own people. They are generally at
war with each other. Thefe are common circumftances amongft
the Indians.
When they take captives in war, they are exceedingly cruel,
treating the unhappy prifoners in fuch a manner, that death would
be preferable to life. They afterwards give them plenty of food,
load them with burdens, and when they arrive at their towns,
they mull run the gauntlet. In this, the favages exercife fo much
cruelty, that 'one would think it impoilible they mould furvive
their fufferings. Many are killed ; but if one outlives this trial,
he is adopted into a family as a fon, and treated with paternal
kindnefs j and if he avoids the fufpicion of going away, is allow-
ed the fame privileges as their own people.
The ConduJi.oru~\ Having finifhed my intended narrative, I
fnall clofe the appendix, with a few obfervations upon the happy
circumftances that the inhabitants of Kentucky will probably
enjoy, from the pofleilion of a country fo extenfive and fertile.
There
( 6i )
There are four natural qualities neceffary to promote the hap-
pinefs of a country, viz. a good foil, air, water and trade. Thefe
taken collectively, except the latter, Kentucky polTefles in a fu-
perior degree : and, agreeable to our defcription of the weftern
trade, we conclude, that it will be nearly equal to any other on
the continent of America, and the difadvantages it is fubject to,
be fully compenfated by the fertility of the foil.
This fertile region, abounding with all the luxuries of nature,
ftored with all the principal materials for art and induftry, inha-
bited by virtuous and ingenious citizens, mull univerfally attract:
the attention of mankind, being (ituated in the central part of the
extenfive American empire, (the limits of whofe ample domains,
as defcribed in the fecond article of the late definitive treaty, are
fubjoined) where agriculture, induftry, laws, arts, and fciences,
flourim ; where afflicted humanity raifes her drooping head; where
fprir.gs a harveft for the poor ; where confcience ceafes to be a
flave, and laws are no more than the fecurity of human hap-
p.inefs ; where nature makes reparation for having created man ;
and government, fo long proftituted to the moft criminal purpofes,
eftablimes an afylum in the wildernefs for the diftrefled of mankind.
The recital of your happinefs will call to your country all the
unfortunate of the earth, who, having experienced oppreflion,
political or religious, will there find a deliverance from their chains.
To you innumerable multitudes will emigrate from the hateful
regions of defpotifm and tyranny ; and you will furely welcome
them as friends, as brothers ; you will welcome them to partake
with you of your happinefs. Let the memory of Lycurgus, the
Spartan legillator, who banifhed covetoufnefs, and the love. of
gold from his country ; the excellent Locke, who firfl: taught the
doctrine of toleration ; the venerable Penn, the firft who founded
a city of brethren ; and Washington, the defender and protector
of perfecuted liberty, be ever the illuftrious example of your po-
litical conduct. Avail yourfelves of the benefits of nature, and
oi the fruitful country you inhabit.
Let the iron of your mines, the wool of your flocks, your flax
and hemp, the flcins of the favage animals that wander in your
woods, be fafliioned into manufactures, and take an extraordinary
value from your hands : then will you rival the fuperfluitie^ of
Europe, and know that happinefs may be found, without the com-
merce fo univerfally defired by mankind.
In your country, like the land of promife, flowing with milk
and honey, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths,
that fpring out of valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley,
and all kinds of fruits, you fhall eat bread without fcarcenefs,
and not lack any thing in it ; where you are neither chilled with
the cold of Capricorn, nor fcorched with the burning heat of
Cancer j the mildnefs of your air fo great, that you neither feel
the
( 62 )
the effects of infectious fogs, nor peftilential vapours. Thus,
your country, favoured with the fmiles of heaven, will probably
be inhabited by the firft people the world ever knew.
Article II. of the late Definitive Treaty.
And that all difputes which might arife in future on the fubjec"l
of the boundaries of the faid United States, may be prevented,
it is hereby agreed and declared, that the following are and fhall
foe their boundaries, viz. From the north-weft angle of Novar
Scotia, viz. that angle which is formed by a line drawn due north
from the fource of St. Croix river to the Highlands, along the
faid Highlands, which divide thofe rivers that empty themfelves
into the river St. Lawrence, from thofe which fall into the At-
lantic ocean, to the north- wefternmoft head of Connecticut river;
thence down along the middle of that river to the forty-fifth de-
gree of north latitude ; from thence by a line due weft on faid la-
titude, until it ftrikes the river Iroquois, or Cataraqui ; thence
along the middle of the faid river into Lake Ontario, through the
middle of the faid lake, until it ftrikes the communication by
water between that lake and Lake Erie \ thence along the middle
of faid communication in Lake Erie, through the middle of faid
lake until it arrives at the water communication between that lake
and Lake Huron ; thence along the middle of faid water commu-
nication into the Lake Huron ; thence through the middle of faid
lake to the water communication between that lake and Lake Su-
perior; thence through Lake Superior northward of the Ifles
Royal and Phelipeaux to the Long Lake ; thence through the
middle ot faid Long Lake and the water communication between
it and the Lake of the Woods, to the Lake of the Woods ;
thence through the faid lake to the moft north-weft point thereof,
smd from thence on a due weft courfe to the river Miffiffippi ;
thence by a line to be drawn along the middle of the faid river
Miiliffippi, until it fhall interfecl the northernmoft part of the
thirty -firft degree of north latitude ; fouth, by a line to be drawn
due eaft from the determination of the laft mentioned in the lati-
tude of thirty-one degrees north of the equator, to the middle
of the river Apalachicola, or Catanouche ; thence along the
middle thereof to its junction with the Flint river, thence ftraight
to the head of St. Mary's river ; and thence down along the middle
of St. Mary's river to the Atlantic ocean ; eaft, by a line to be
drawn along the middle of the river St. Croix, from its mouth
on the bay of Fundy to its fource, and from its fource directly
I north.
( 63 )
north to the aforefaid Highlands which divide the rivers that fall
into the Atlantic ocean from thofe which fall into the river St.
Lawrence, comprehending all iflands within twenty leagues of any
part of the fhores of the United States, and lying between lines
to be drawn due eaft from the points where the aforefaid boun-
daries between Nova Scotia on the one part, and Eaft- Florida
on the other, fhall refpectively touch the bay of Fundy and the
Atlantic ocean, excepting fufch iflands as now are, or heretofore
have been, within the limits of the faid province of Nova
Scotia*
ROADS
{ 64 )
ROADS from Philadelphia to the Falls of the Obi* by Land,
FROM Philadelphia to Lancaft'er
To Wright's on Sufquehannah
To York town
Abbot's town
Hunter's town
the mountain at jBlack's Gap
the other fide of the mountain
the Stone-houfe Tavern
Wadkin's ferry on Potowmack
Martinfburg
Winchefter
New town - -•
Stover's town «•
Woodftock
Shanandoah river
the north branch of Shanandoah
Stanton
the North Fork of James river
.James river
Botetourt Court-houfe
Woods's on Catauba river
Patterfon's on Roanoak
the Allegany mountain
New river
the forks of the road
Fort Chi (Tel
a Stone Mill
Boyd's
head of Holftein
Wafhington Court-houfe
the Block-houfe
Powel's mountain
Walden's Ridge - .
the valley Station
Martin Cabbin's
Cumberland mountain
the ford of Cumberland river
the Flat Lick
Stinking creek
M.
n. d*
66
10
76
12
.88-
15
103
lo
"3
3
116
" 7
123
25
148
H
162-
J3
*75
20
i95
8
203
ib
213
12
225
*5
240
29
269
i5
284
37
321
i8
339
12
351
21
372
9
381
8
38.9
12
40 1
16
4^7
12
429
1 I
440
8
448
5
453
45
498
35
533
33
566
3
569
4
573
25
598
20
618
*3
631
9
640
2
642
To
( 6S )
M. M.D.
To Richland creek - \.-.4 /9
Down Richland creek - - f £57
. . Rackoon faring - " 2 66$
Laurel river - - 6go
Hazel Patch - \* 6
the ford on Rock-caftle river- - «J °9°
En^lifh's Station - «,8
Cof Edwards's at Crab Orchard * 3 7 «
Whitley's Station - 5 IS
Logan's Station - J, *
Clark's Station - , " i '720
Crow's Station • " J Jj
Harrod's Station - 4 '*6
Harbifons -. . 2r 781
Bard's town - - „ 2r 806
the Salt-works - 20 826
Kenmct t t£a*m fouth, 60^ weft'from PUhddnhi.,
and on a Sght line, may be about fix hundred mdes d.ftant from
that city.
fcOAD • Pittflurg, end dances from thence do^On theOhi*
River to its mouth, and from theme down the MiJJiJJippi to the
Mexican Gulph*
FROM Philadelphia to Lancaftef
To Middletown
Harris's ferry
Carliile
Shippenfburgh
Chamber's town - .
Fort Loudon -
Fort Littleton
Juniata creek
Bedford
the foot, of the Allegany mountains
Stoney creek
the eaft fide of Laurel hill
Fort Ligonier
Pittfbui:£ - -
66
26
92
10
1C2
17
119
21
I40
II
151
ls
164
18
l82
19
20I
14
215
15
23O
l5
245
12
257
9
266
54
320
From
'( 66 )
From Pittsburgh to Log's town on the
tf : fide
To Big Beaver creek, N.
Little Beaver creek, N,
Yellow creek, N,
Ming's town
Grafs creek, N. * .
Wheelen creek, S. fide
Grave creek, S.
the Long Reach
(he end of do.
Miikingnm river, N.
Little Kenhawa, S.
Hockhocking river, N.
Great Kenhawa river, S.
Great Griandot, S.
Big Sandy creek, S.
Sciotha river', N.
Big Buffalo Lick creek, S.
a Large ifland
the Three iflands
Limeftone creek, S.
Little Miami, N.
Licking river, fouth fide
Great Miami river, N.
Big-bone creek, S.
Kentucky river, S..
the Rapids of Ohio
Salt river, S.
the beginning of the low country
the firft of the Five iflands
Green river, S.
a large ifland
Wabafh river, M.
the Great Cave, N- : -
Cumberland river, S.
Tcnefe river, S.
Fort Meflia river, S. -
the mouth of the Ohio river
the Iron Banks, S.
Chickafaw river
the river Margot ' -
St. Francis's river
Akanfa river
Yazaw river
the Grand Gulph
Ohi
18
ii
*3
9
18
2
25
IO
16
i5
12
IL
24
13
45
24
20
IO
7
65
8
27
32
44
77
122
38
27
58
40
62
33
12
1 1
46
15
67
104
70
108
165
39
M.D«
29
42
51
69
96
I06
122
137
,160
172
*85
196
220
233
278
302
322
332
339
404
412
439
471
5i5
592
615
747
7|5
812
870
910
972
1005
1017
1028
1074
1089
1156
1 160
1230
1338
i5°3
1542
To
(. «7 )
To the Little Gulph -
Fort Rofalie, at the Natches
the river Rouge
the uppermoft mouth of the Mifliflippi
Point Coupee -
Iberville • - . - - .
the villages of the Alibama Indians
New Orleans, S. fide
the mouths of the Mifliflippi
A ftrait line drawn from Pittfburg to the mouth of the Mifliflippi
may be computed at two thirds of the diftance by the meanders of
the rivers, which will be twelve hundred and ninety miles.
M.
M.D.
14
1556
31
I587
36
1643
3
1646
50
1696
35
I731
39
I770-
60
1830
105 •
1935
A few Copies of the following valuable Works may
be had of Mr. Stockdale.
I T>RITANNIA; or, a Chronological Defcription
X3 of the Flourifhing Kingdoms of England,
Scotland, and Ireland, and the Iflands adjacent,
from the earlieft Antiquity. By William Camden.
Tranflated from the Edition publifhed by the Author
in 1607, enlarged by the lateft Difcoveries, by
Richard Gough, F. A. and R. S. S. In three Vo-
lumes, illuftrated with Maps, and other Copper-
plates. Price in Boards — 10
Another fet, calf gilt
pitto, in Ruflia
2 Buck's
( SI )
2 Sucks Antiquities ; or, Venerable Remains of •
above Four Hundred Caftles, Monafteries, Palaces,
&c. &c. in England* and Wales-. With near one
Hundred Views of Cities and chief Towns. Three
Volumes. Price '-■,—- — 21
■ The Irnpreflions in the above Book are remarkably
fine, ' and it may be confidered as a proper Com-
] panion to Camden.
I,
3 Universal History, Ancient and Modern, in
60 Volumes. New Edition — 15 O o
Another fet, calf, lettered — -— 18 O 9
Ditto, Calf gilt, triple pieced, with the Contents
of each Volume
Ditto, in Ruffia, gilt, lettered as above
4 The Works of the English Poets, with Prefaces
biographical and critical, by Samuel Johnfon ; and
a poetical Index. In 75 vols, elegantly bound in
calf, gilt, and triple pieced
Another fet, in Boards *— ■ •— 1 1 5 o
5 Travels to difcover the Source of the Nile, in
the Years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, M7fr a"d
1773. *ty James Bruce, of Kinnaird, Efq. F. R. S.
in 5 vols, quarto, in Boards — 5 5
Another fet, elegantly bound in catfj and gilt
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