IGtbrarii
IntorBttg of JptttfiburQli
Darlington Memorial Library
(ClaBB
'i^-i-
y]0^^^'
HISTORIC^M,^,'-
GEOGRAPHICAL, CO M M ER Cl-A.t;,
AND A/
PHILOSOPHICAL
VIEW
OF THE
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
AND OF THE
EUROPEAN SETTLEMENTS
IN
AMERICA AND THE WEST-INDIES.
BY
W. WINTER BOTH AM,
THE FIRST AMERICAN EDITION, WITH ADDITIONS ANi5
CORRECTIONS.
IN FOUR VOLUMES.
VOL. III.
/ s NEW-YO RK:
Printed ev TIE BOUT and O'BRIEN
For JOHN REID, Booksellek and Station.
No. 106, Water-Stkeet.
1796.
^'
4^ a n
C O N 'i E N T S.
VOL. IIL
TAG'S
SOUTHERN Slates . , . . i
Maryland . . . • . . . 34
City of Wajhington . . . . . 67
Vn'ginia , . . . . '73
Indiana ' . . . . . . . 124
Kentucky . . . . . . 126
North-Carolina . . . , .192
Territory South of the Ohio, or the Tenneffee Go-
njernfnent . . , « . « 225
South-Carolina * . . . .238
Georgia .... , . 262
Advantages peculiar to the United States . , 2 S £
Profpeds and Advantages of an European Settler
in the United States . . . .295
"General Information to European Settlers . -34^
PRESENT SITUATION
OF THE
UNITED STATES of AMERICA.
SOUTHERN STATES.
X HIS third, which is much the largefl divifion of the United
States, comprehends
MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, KENTUCKY,
NORTK-CAROLINA, TERRITORY S, of the OHIO,,
SOUTH-CAROLINA, and GEORGIA.
•
This extcniive divifion is bounded on the north by Pennfyl-
vania and the Ohio river; on the weft by the MifTiirippi ; on the
fouth by Eaft; and Weft Florida'; and on the eaft by the Atlan-
tic ocean and the Delaware State. It is interletted in a N. E,
and S. W. direftion by the range of Allegany mountains, which
give rife to many noble i-ivers, which fall either into the At-
lantic on the eaft, or the Miinffippi on tlie weft. From the
fea coafl, fixty, eighty, and in fome parts an hundred miles
back towards the mountains, the country, generaljly fpeaking,
is. nearly a de;t-d level, and a very large propouion of it is cover-
ed, in its natural ftate, with pitch pines. In the neighbourhood
of ffcagnant waters, which abound' in this level country, the in-
habitants are fickly, but in the back, hilly and mountainous coun-
try, they are as healthy as in any p^irt of America.
Vol. in. ' h
2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This cliilri£> of the Union contains about two millions of m-
habitants, of whom about fix hundred and forty-eight thoufand
are flavcs. The influence of flavery has produced a very dif-
tingui filing feature in the general charafter of the inhabitants,
which, though now defcerniblc to their difadvantage, has beeri
foftcned and meliorated by the benign effefts of the revolution,
and the progrefs of liberty and humanity,
HISTORY OF ITS SETTLEMENT, &c.
MARYLAND.
This State was granted by a patent of King Charles the Firf^,
June 30, 1632, to George Calvert, Baron of Baltimore, in Ire-
land,* who had been obliged, on account of the French govern-
ment, to abandon the province of Avalon, in Newfoundland,
after having expended twenty-five thoufand pounds in its ad-
vancement.
The government of this province was by charter veiled in
the proprietary ; but it appears, that he either never exercifed
thefc powers alone, or but for a ihort time ; for we find, in
1637, that the freemen rejefted a body of laws drawn up in
Ertgland, and tranfmitted by his lordfhip, in order to Ite pafled
for the government of the province. In the place of thefe they
propofed forty-two bills to be enacled into laws, by the confcnt
i>f the proprietary : thefe were, however, never enabled, at ieaft
they are not on record.
The firft emigration to Maryland confifted of two hundred
gentlemen of confidcrable fortune and rank, with their adhe-
rents, chiefly Roman Catholics, who hoped to enjoy liberty of
confcience under a proprietary of their own profelTion. They
failed from England in November, 1632, and landed in Marv-
land the beginning of 1633. The Honourable Leonard Calvert,
brother to Lord Baltimore, who was the firft governor, very
wifely and juftly purchafed, by prelents of various goods, the
rights of the Indians, and with their free confcnt took poffef-
fion of their town, wliich he called St. Mary's. The cour.trv
was fettled witli fo mucji eafe, and furnifhed with fo many con-
veniencics, that emigrants repaired thither in fuch numbers, that
Ihc colony (oon became populous and flourifliing.
In 1638 a law was paOcd, conflituting the firft regular Houle
of Affembly, which was to confiil of fuch reprclentatives, cal-
* A Copy of lliis patent may be fcen by referring to Hazard's Hiftorica
Coilcilions, page ^27,
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. s
led burgefTes, as fiiould be elefted puiTuant to writs ifTned by
the governor. Thefe burgciTes poffcffcd all the powers of the
perfojis elcSing thevt : but any other freemen, who did not
ASSENT TO THE ELECTION, MIGHT TAKE THEIR SKATS IN PER-
SON. Twelve burgeffes or freemen, with the lieutenant-general
and fecretary, conftituted the Ailembly or Legillature, This
Affembly lat at St. Mary's.
Slavery feems to have gained an early ellablifhment in Mary-
land, for an a& of this AiTenbly delcribes *' the people" to
confift of all Chriftian inhabitants, " fiaves only accepted." The
perfeeuting laws whiich were palled by the Virginians, foon af-
ter this period, againll the Puritans, made the latter emigrate
in confiderable numbers to Maryland, that they might enjoy,
under a Popifli proprietary, that liberty of conrcience of which
they were deprived by their fellow Protefiiants.
In 1642 it was enabled, that ten members of the Affcmblv,
of whom the governor and fix burgeffes were to be fcvcn, fliould
be a Houfe ; and if licknefs fhould prevent that number from
attending, the members prefent^ fhould make a Houfe.
In 1644 one Ingle excited a rebellion, forced the governor
to fly to Virginia for aid and proteflion, and leized the recoid^
and the great feal ; the lafh of which, with moft of the records
of the province, were loft or deftroyed. From this period to
the year 164'y, when order was reftored, the proceedings of the
province are involved in alaiofl impenetrable obfcui"ity.
In July, 1646, the Houfe of Affembly, or moi'e properly the
burgeffes, requefted that they might be feparated into two bran-
ches— -the burgeffes by themfelves, wilh a negative upon bills.
This was not granted ,by the lieutenant-general at that time ;
but in 1650, an aft was paffed dividing the Affembly' iato two
Houfes ; the governor, fecretary, and any one or more of the
council, formed the Upper Houfe ; the delegates from the feve-f
ral hundreds, who now reprefented the freemen, formed the
Ijower Houfe. At this time there were in the province but two
counties, St. Mary's and the Ifie of Kent, but another [Ann
Arundel) wis added the fame feffion. Tliis was during the ad-
miniftration of (governor Stone.
In this year there was alfo paffed " an aft againff raifmg mo-
ney without the confent of the Affembly." It enaftcd, '• Tiiat
no taxes JJiall be affcffcd or levied on the freemen of the province
Tpithout their own. confent, or that of their deputies, firjl declared,
in a General Affembly." The printed words and early date of
B 2
4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
this Maryland aft are worthy of particular notice. The afts of
the General AlTcmbly and governor were of the fame force in
their own province as afts of pavlia-icnt in England, and could
tiot be repealed without the concurring aflent of the proprietary
or his deputy, with the other two eftates.
In 1654, during Cromwell's ufurpation in England, an 36I
was paffed reftraining the exercife of the Roman Catholic reli-
gion. This mull have been procured by the mere terror of
Cromwell's power, for the firft and principle inhabitants were
Catholics. Indeed the power of Cromwell was not eflablifhcd
in Maryland without force and bloodlhed. His friends and
^focs came to an open rupture, an engagement eniued, Governor
Stone was taken prifoner, and condemned to be fhot ; this
fcntence, however, was not executed, but he was kept a long
time in conhnement.
In March, 1658, Jofiah Fendall, Efq. was appointed lieute-
nant-general of Maryland by commifiion from Oliver Cromwell ;
he diflblved the Upper Houfe, and furrendered the powers of
government into the hands of the'' delegates.
Upon the refloration in 1660, the Honourable Philip Calvert,
Efq. xvas appointed governor ; the old form of government was
revived ; Fendall, and one Gcrrard, a councellor, were indicted,
found guilty and condemned to banifliment, v/ith the lofs of
their eftates ; but, upon petition, they were pardoned.
In i68g, the government was taken out of the hands of Lord
Baltimore by the grand convention of England ; and in 1692,
Mr. Copley was appointed governor by commifTion from Wil-
liam and Mary.
In 1692, the Proteflant religion was ejl ablljiicd hy law.
In 1699, vmder the adminiftraticm of Governor Blatkiflonj
it was cnafted, that Annapolis fliould be the ieat of guvcin-
ment.
In 1716, the government of this province was reflored to the
proprietary, and continued in his hands till the late rcvolur
tion, when, though a minor, his property in the lands was
confifcatcd, and the government alTumcd by the freemen of the
province, who fiirmed tlie conftitution now exifting. At tlic
clofe of the war, Henry Harford, Efq. the natural Ion and heir
of Eord Baltimore, petitioned tlic Icgiflaturc of Maryland for
his eflatc, but his petition was not granted. Mr. Harford
eftihiated his kWs of quit-rents, valued at Iwenty-five years
ptirchalc, and including arrears, at two hundred and fifty-nine
thoulaud, four hundred and eighty-eight pounds, five ^liiiiings,
or THE SOUTHERN STATES. 5
dollars at 7/6 — and the value of his manors' and rcfcrvcd lands
at tliree hundred and twenty-levt-n thouland, four hnndrcd and
forty-oue pounds of the laine money.
VIRGINIA.
V/r. have already, when treating of the difcoveiv of North-
America, given a brief hiftory of the fettlement of this Slate to
the year x6ic,* when Lord Delaware arrived with fupplies for
the colony of (cttlers, and provifions. His prefence had a Inppy
cfte6l on the colony, order and confidence being foon rcftored
by him. The Rate of his health did not, however, permit him
long to purfue his plans of improvement, for in the beginning
of 1611 he was obliged to return to England, leaving about two
hundred colonifts, poirefled of health, plenty and peace with
their neighbours. After his departure the colony again declin-
ed: but his fucceffor, Sir Tliomas Dale, arriving in May with
more emigrants, cattle and provifion for a year, things were
again rcftored to order. This fame year the adventurers obtain-
ed a new charter, b}' which the two former wove cen firmed,
and they had alfo granted to them all the iflands fituated in the
ocean, within three hundred leagues of any part of the Virginia
coaft. The corporation was now confiderably new-modelledJ
and, in order to promote the effeftual fettlement of the planta-
tion, licence was given to opsn lotteries in any part of England.
The lotteries alone, which were the firft ever granted in Eng-
land, brought twenty-nine thoufand pounds into the company's
treafury. At length, being confidered as a national evil, they
attrafled the notice of Parliament, were prelented by the com-
mons as a grievance, and in March, 1620, fulpended by an
Older of Council.
In April, 1613, Mr. John Rolf, a worthy young gentleman,
was married to Pocahontas, the daughter of Powhatan, the
famous Indian chief. This conncftion, which was very
agreeable both to the Englifh and Indians, was the founda-
tion of a friendly and advantageous commerce between
them.
Three years afterwards Mr, Rolf, with his wife Pocahontas
vifued England, where The was treated with that attention and
refpedl which flie had merited by her important fervices to the
colony in Virginia. She died the year following at Gravefend,
in the twenty-fecund year of her age, juft as flie was about to
» See vol. 1. pngc 162 to iT)^.
0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
embark for America. She had embraced the ChriTuan rciigioH,
. and in her life and death evidenced the fincerity of her pro-
feffion. She left a (on, who, having received his education in
England, ".vent over to Vnginia, where he lived and died in
affluence and honour, leaving behind liim an only daughter.
Her dcfcendants are among the nioft refpeclable families in
Virginia.
Tomocomo, a fenfible Indian, brother-in-law to Pocahontas,
accompanied her to Englrnd, and was directed by Powhatan
to bring him an exaft account of the numbers and fhrength of
the Englifli. For this purpole, when he arrived at Plymouth,
he took a long Hick, intending to cut a notch in it for every
perfon he fiiould fee : this he foon found imprafticable, and
threw aw ay his ftick. On his return, being afked by Powhatan,
how many people there were, he is faid to have replied,
" Count the flars in the flcy, the leaves on the trees, and the
fands on the fea iliore ; for fuch is the number of the people of
England."
In 1612-13, Sir Thomas Gates m-^s difpatched with fix
large fliips, carrying three hundred colonifts, one hundred
cattle and ufeful fupplies. He arrived in Auguft, and parties
were fent out from James-tovs'n to form diflant fettlements. H«
returned the beginning of 1614, and the adminiftration devolv-
ed once more on Sir Thomas Dale, to whom the \''irginians
owe the introduflion of landed property. In 161s. fifty acres
of land were granted to every emigrant and his heiis, and the
fame quantity to every perlon imported by others. Dale failed
for England in the beginning of 1616, giving up the truft to
Sir George Yeardly, as deputy-governor, and in this year thes
cultivation of tobacco was introduced. Mr. Argal, a new der
puty-governor, v/as fent out, who arrived in May 1617. He
pnblifhed a v.uiety of cdifts, and was guilty cf thofe wrongs and
opprenions, that the treafurcr and council appointed Yeardly
captain-general, and empowcrd him to examiiie into and redrefs
grievances. Sir George arrived in April^ i6ig, with feveral
inftruftions favourable to freedom, and loon declared his inten-
tion of calling a General Affembly, which gave the greateft joy
to men wlio had been hitherto fubjetled to the arbitrary orders
of their prince, to the inlerefted ordinances of an Engllfh
corporation, or to the edifts of a haughty governor, and who
enjoyed none of thofe liberties wlucli Englifiimen claim as their
birthright.
In June, Ycardley, purfuant to his inftruftions from the
fpmpany, iffucd wiits for trie cleftton of dcl.-gati^s, cillcd
OF THE S OUT HE R N S TA TES. f
In'trgeffes. The colony liud been divided into feven hundreds
or diftinft fettlcments, -which teemed to cnioy fome of the pri-
vileges of boroughs , and from this circumfbncc the democratic
branch of the Alfcmbly lias been called to this day, the Houfe
«f Burgcflfcs, though compofed almoft entirely of the reprefen-
tatives of counties. The Affembly, formed of the governor
and council of ftate, who were appointed by the trealurer and
company, and of the burgelTcs cliolen by the people, met toge.
ther in one apartment, and tranliiftod aflairs like the parliament
of Scotland of old, which mode continued till after the rellora-
tion of Chalcs II. Thus convened, and thus compofed, the
legiflr.ture " debated all matters thought expedient for the good
of the whole." The laws were tratifmitted to England for the
approbation of the treafurer and company, without whofc
confirmation they were of no validity. The introduftion of an
Aflfembly was attended with the happieft cfFefis. The emigrants,
for the firft time, relolved to fettle themfclves, and to perpetuate
the plantation. The Aflfembly thanked the company for their
favour, and begged them " to reduce into a compenduous form,
with his Majeily's approbation, the laws of England proper for
Virginia, with fuitable additions ;" giving as a realon, " that
it was not fit that his fubjcfts fhould be governed by any other
rules than fuch as received their influence from him." This
year the treafurer and council received ? letter from government,
*' commanding them to fend a hundred dilolute perlons (convifts)
to Virginia." They were accordingly tranfported, " and were
at that period, very acceptable to the colonills." The fubfe-
quent year, 1620, muft, on account of the introduftion of
African flaves into the colonies, be ftigmatil'ed as a much viler
sera. The Hollanders were not then precluded by any law
from trading with the colonies. A Dutch veffel carried to
Virginia a cargo of Negroes, and the Virginians, who had
themfelves juft emerged from a flate of fiavery, became
chargeable with reducing their fellow men to the condition
of brutes.
In July, the treafurer and company carried into execution
a refolution formerly taken, for eftablifliing a proper conftitution
for the colony. The ordinance they pafTed, declared, that
there fliould be two fupreme councils in Virginia, the one to
be called the council of flate, to be appointed and difplaccd by
the treafurer and company, and which was to advife the gover-
nor in governmental affairs; the other was to be denominated
the General Aifembly, and to confifl of the governor a.n4
g GENERAL DESCRIPTION
council, and of two burgeffes, to be chofen for the prefent, by
the inhabitants of every town, hundred and fettlement in the
colony. The Affembly was to detemine by the majority of the
voices then prefent, and to enad general laws for the colony,
referving to the governor a negative voice. They were to
imitate the laws and cullonis, and judicial proceedings ufed in
England. " No afts were to be in force till confirmed by the
General Court in England : on the other hand, no order of
the General Court was to bind the colony till affented to by the
Aflembly." The company having offered territory to thofc
who fliould either emigrate themfclves, or engage to tranfport
people to the colony, found this policy fo fuccefsful, that
upwards of three thoufand five hundred perfons emigrated to
Virginia during this and the two preceding years.
'Xhis year, 1622, was remarkable for a maffacre of the colo-
nifts by the Indians, which was executed with the utmofl; fub-
tilty, and without any regard to age or fex. A well-concerted
attack on all the fettlements. dcftroyed, in one hour and almofl
at the fame inftant, three hundred and forty-feven perfons, who
were defencelefs and incapable of making refiflance. The
emigrants, notwithftanding the orders they had received, had
never been felicitous to cultivate the good-will of the natives,
and had neither afked permiffion when they occupied their
country, nor given a price for their valuable property, which
was violently taken ^way. The miferies of famine were foon.
fuperadded to the horrors of maffacre. Of eighty plantations,
which were filling apace, only eight remained ; and of the
numbers which had been tranfportcd thither, no more than
about one thoufand eight hundred furvived thofe manifold
difaflers.
Frequent complaints having been made to King James of the
cpprefiions of the treafury and company, and the before-men-
tioned calamities being attributed to their mifconduft or negleft,
it was determined, that a commiffion fliould iffue to inquire
into the affairs of Virginia and the Somer ifles, from the earlicfl
fettlement of each. Upon the report of the commilTioners, the
King concluded on giving a new charter, and required of the
company the lurrender of former giants, which being rcfufcd
a writ of quo warranto iffued in November, 1623, againfl the
patents of tlic corporation : and judgment was given by the
Court of King's Bench againft the treafurer and company, in
Trinity term, 1624. Thefe proceedings " were fo conformable
to the general Ilraia of the arbitrary adniliiillration of that reign,
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 9
that they made little impreflion at the time, though the Virgi-
nia company was compofed of perfons of tlie firfl; quality,
wealth and confcquence in the nation,'' The company, probably,
would not have exercifed fo tame and lubminive a fpirit, had
rhey not been wholly diiappointed in their vifionary profpefts,
and met with confiderable lofles, inftead of acquiring enor-
mous profits. They had obtained from individuals, who fport-
cd in their lotteries from the hope of fudden riches, twenty-nine
thoufand pounds : but the tranlportation of more than nine
thoufand Englifli fubTefts had cofl: them one hundred and fifty
thoufand pounds. They did not, however, abandon the colony
in its diftrefs while they continued a corporation. Timely fup-
filicS v»ere fent from England to the Virginia fettlers, which fo
animated them, that they can ied on an ofrenfive war againfl the
IndianSj purfued them into their faftnefles, and drove them
from the neighbourhood of thoie rivers, where they had fixed
their own plantations.
As to King James, he "^ alTuredly confidered the colonies as
acquired by conqueft : and that they ought to be holden of his
perfon, independent of his crown or political capacity ; and
might be ruled according to his good v/ill, by prei'ogative : and
he endeavoured, agreeably to the ftrange economy of his reign^
to convert them into a mere private eftate, dsfcendible to his
perfonal heirs.'"*
The Virginia company being dlfToIved, James took the colony
under his immediate dependence, which occafioned much con-
fufion. Upon his death, in 1625. King Charles, being of the
fame judgment with his farther as to the government of Virginia^
determined to tread in the fame fleps. In May he named a
new governor and council for Virginia, and invefled them with
an authority fully legiflative and arbitrary. Tiiey were em-
powered to make and execute laws, to impofe taxes, and en-
force payment. Neither the commiffion nor inftruftions men-
tioned exprefsly, or even alluded to an Allembly, to the laws of
England, or to tlie afts of the provincial legiiluture, as a rule of
government. They were required to traulport colonifts into
England, to be punifhed there for crimes committed in Virgi-
nia. This fyllem increal'ed the colonial difldtisfaftion, which
continued for years, till the Virginians received a letter contain-
ing the royal afTurance, tliat " all their eiliies, trade, freedom
* See Chalmers's Political Annals under the head of Virginia, for niany ol
the preceding and fubfequent articles refpefting that colony.
Vol. III. C
JO GENERAL DESCRIPTION
and privileges, fliould be enjoyed by them in as extenfive Jt
manner, as they enjoyed them before the recalling of the com-
pany's patent." On this they were reconciled, and began again
to exert themfelves in making improvements.*
Being left for fome yenrs in a manner to themfelves, they in-
crealed beyond expeftation. They remained under the admlni-
flration of their late governors, and other officers, who refpeft-
ed their privileges becaufe they loved the colony. The gover-
nor whom Charles had been anxious to appoint, had no oppor-
tunity of exercifing thole illegal and extraordinary powers with
which he had been in^'efted. His death, in 1627, put an end
to his authority, and prevented the colony's feeling its full ex-
tent. His fucceffor, John Harvey, Efq. was nominated in
March, 1629, and his comminion and inftruftions were pre-
cifely the fame with thofe of the former. He departed foon af-
ter for Virginia, The fpirit of his adminiflration was an exaft
counterpart of what had too long prevailed in England. He
was fevere in his extortions, proud in his councils, unjult and
arbitrary in every department of his government. The Virgi-
nians, roufed almofl to madnels by oppreffion, feized and fent
him prifoner to England, accompanied with two deputies, to
reprefent their grievancies and his miiconduft. His behaviour
was fo thought of, that he was honoured with a new commif-
fion which confirmed his former powers, and he was fent back
to Virginia in April, ^^^i. After that, his government was fo
exceffively oppreflive and cruel, that the complaints of the co-
lonifts became at length too loud to be longer neglefted, and his
commiflion was revoked in January, 1638-9. During his ten
years adminiflration, the Viiginians were ruled rather as the
vaffals of an eailern defpot, than as fubjefts entitled to Englifh
liberties; but it is to their credit, that, having tailed the fweets
of a fimple government, they oppoled with a firm Ipirit, during
the reign of Charles, the attempts of thofe who endeavoured to
revive the patents, and to reftore the corporation.
Sir William Berkeley was appointed governor the beginning
of 1639. His inflruftions evidenced a prodigious change in
colonial policy, which muft be partly afcribed to the then flate
of affairs in England. He was direfled to fummon all the bur-
geffes of the plantations, who, with the governor and council,
were to conllitute the Grand Affembly, with power to make
a£ls for the government of the colony, as near as might be to
* Bland's Inquiry into tlic Rights of the Britidi Colonics.
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. tt
the laws of England — to caufe fpeedy juftice to be adminifler-
ed to all, according to Englifh forms — and to forbid all trade
with foreign vefTels except upon neceflity. Thus were the
Virginians reftored to that fyftem of freedom which they
had derived from the Virginia company, and which the writ
of quo zuarranto had involved in the fame ruin with the corpo-
ration itfelf.
Civil diflenfions, however, took place, which were embittered
by religious differences, and inflamed by afts made to prohibit
the preaching of the doftrine of the Puritans. The difcontent-
ed party prefented a petition to the Houfe of Commons, in the
name of the Affcmbly, " praying for the reftoration of the an-
cient patents and corporation government." But the governor
council and burgeffes, no fooner heard of the tranlaftion, than
they tranfmitted an explicit difavowal of it. They lent alio an
addrei's to King Charles, acknowledging his bounty and favour
toward them, and earneftly defiring to continue under his im-
mediate protection. In 1642, they declared in the form of an
aft, " that they were born under monarchy, and would never
degenerate from the condition of their births, by being fubjeft
to any other government." Nothing could be more accepta-
ble than this a^^l;, which being prefented to the King at York,
drew from him an anfwer, in which he gave them the fuUelt
affurances, that they fliould be always, immediately dependent
upon the crown, and that the form of government fliould ne-
ver be changed.
They remained unalterably attached to the caufe of their
fovereign. But when the Commons of England had triumphed
over their European opponents, their attention -was turned to
the plantations ; and an ordinance was palfed in Oftober, 1650,
'' for prohibiting trade with Barbadoes, Virginia, Bermuda and,
Antego." It recited, that " in Virginia, and other plates in
America, there are colonies, which were planted at the coft,
and lettled by the people, and by the authority of this nation,
which ought to be fubordinate to, and dependent upon Eng-
land— that they ever have been, and ought to be, lubjeft to
fuch laws and regulations as are, or fhall be made by the Par-
liament— that divers afts of rebellion have been committed by
many perfons inhabiting Virginia, whereby they have let up
themfelves in oppofition to this commonwealth." It theie-
fore declared them '■^ notorious robbers and traitors." Persons
IN POWER GENERALLY REASON ALIKE AGAINST THOSE WHO
• FPOSE their AUTHORITY, AND DISPUTE THE LEGALIXV
C 3
1-2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
OR EQUITY OF THEIR MEASURES, whatever migkt be their
fctitiments when in a lower ftation, and while aggrieved hy fu-
periors. The ordinance authorifed the Council of State to
fend a fleet thither, and to grant commiffions to proper perlons
to enforce to obedience all inch as ftood oppoled to the autho-
rity of Parliament, In conlcqnence hereof commifBoners were
appointed, and a powerful fleet and army detached to reduce
all their enemies to lubmifrion. They were to ufe their endea-
vours, by granting pardons and by other peaceful arts, to induce
the colonifls to obey the cftate of England : but if thefe means
fhould prove inefTeftual, then they were to employ every aft
of hoftility ; to free thofe fcrvants and flaves, of maflers op-
pofing the governnient, that would ferve as loldiers to fubdue
them ; and to caufe the afts of Parliament to be executed, and
juflice to be admmiftered in the name of the Commonwealth.
After the arrival of the conimiflioncrs with the navaland military
force, the Virginians refufed to fubmit, till articles of furrender
had been agreed upon, by which it Vv'as flipulated, " The
plantation of Virginia, and all the inhabitants thereof, fliedl en-
joy fuch freedoms and privileges as belong to the free people
pf England. The (General AiTembly, as formerly, (hall convene
and tranfaft the affairs of the colony. The people of Virginia
ihall have a free trade, as the people of England, to all places,
and with all nations, Virginia fnall be free from all taxes
cuflom.s, and impofitions whatfoever ; and none flaall be impofcd
on them without conient of the General Affembly ; and neither
forts nor ca files fhall be erefted, nor garrifons maintained with'
out their conient."*
This convention, entered into with arms in their hands, thoy
fuppoled had iecured the ancient limits of their country ; ns
free trade ; its exemption from taxation but by their own
AiTembly, and exclufion of military force from among them-
Yet in every of thele points v/as this convention violated by iub-
fequent kings and parliaments, and other infractions of their con-
flitution, equally dangerous, committed. 7"he General Aflembly,
which was compoied of the council of flate and burgclTes, fitting
together and deciding by plurality of voices, was fplit into two
houfes, by which the council obtained a leparate negative on
their laws. Appeals from their iuprcme court, which had
been fixed by law in their General Ailembly, were arbitrarily
removed to England, to be there heard before the king and
* Bland's Inquiry into die Ris^lus of the Britifl^ Coloniet.
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 13
council, Inftead of four liundrcd miles on the fea coaft, they
were reduced in the Ipace of thirty years, to about one hun-
dred miles. Their trade with foreigners was totally fuppreffcd
and, when carried to Great-Britain, was there loaded with im-
pofts. It is unneceffary, however, to glean up the feveral
inftances of injury, as icattered through American and Britifh
hiftory : and the more efpeCially, as, by paffing on to the
acceffion of the prefent king, we fhall find ipeclmcns of them
all, aggravated, multiplied, and crowded within a hnall com-
pafs of time, io as to evince a fixed defign of confidering the
rights of the people, whether natural, conventional, or char-
tered, as mere nullities. The colonies were taxed internally ;
their effential intereft facriflced to individuals in Great-Britain ;
their legiflatures fufpended ; charters annulled; trials by juries,
taken away : their perions lubjeftcd to tranfportation acrofs the
Atlantic, and to trial before foreign judicatories ; their fuppli-
cations for redreis thought beneath anlwer ; themiclves pub-
liihed as cowards in the councils of their mother country and
.courts of Europe ; armed troops lent among them to enforce
^ubmiflion to thele violences ; and aftual hoftilities commenced
againfh them. No alternative was prefented but refiftance or
unconditional iubmilRon. Between thele there could be no
hefitation. They doled in the appeal to arms. They declared
themfelves Independent States. They confederated together in
one great lepublic ; thus fecuring to every State the benefit of
an union of their whole force. They fought — they conquered
—and obtained an honourable and glorious peace.
K E N T U C K Y,
Though the war which took place between England and
J'^rence in the year 1755, terminated fo glorioufly to Great-
Britain, and lecurely for the then colonies, flill we remained
ignorant of the whole of the fine country lying between the
high hills, which rile from Great Sandy River, approximate
to the Allegany mountain, and extending down the Ohio to
its confluence with the Minilfippi, and back to thofe ridges of
mountains which iravcrle America in a fouth-weft-by-wcft direc-
tion, until they are loft in the flat lands of Weft-Florida.
However, certain men, called Long Hunters, from \'irginiu
and North-Carolina, by penetrating thele mountains, which
ramify into a country two hundred miles over from eaft to weft,
called the wildernels, were fafcinated with the beauty and luxu-
riance of the country on the weflern fide.
54 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A grant had been fold by the Six Nations of Indians to fomc
Britiih commiffioners at Fort Stanwi.x, in 1768, which com-
prehended this country, and which afforded the Americans a
pretext for a right to fettle it ; but thofe Indian natives who
were not concerned in the grant, became diffatisficd with the
profpeft of a fettlement which might become fo dangerous a
thorn in their fide, and committed lome maffacres upon the firffc
explorers of the country. However, after the expedition of
Lord Dunmore, in 1774, and the battle at the mouth of the
Great Kanhaway, between the army of Colonel Lewes and the
confederated tribes of Indians, they were in fome meafure quiet.
The Affembly of Virginia began now to encourage the peopling
that diftrift of country called Kentucky, from the name of a
river which runs nearly through the middle of it. This encou-
ragement conlifted in offering four hundred acres of land, to
every perfon who engaged to build a cabin, clear a piece of land,
and produce a crop of Indian corn. This was called a fettle-
ment right,. Some hundreds of thefe fettlements were made; butj
in the mean time, Mr. Richard Henderfon, of North-Carolina, a man
of confiderable abilities, and more enterprilc, had obtained a grant
from the Cherokee tribe of Indians for this fame tra6l of country ;
and though it was contrary to the laws of the land for any private ci-
tizen to make purchaies of the Indians, ftill Mr. Henderfon perle-
vered in his intention of cftabiilhing a colony of his own. He aftu-
ally took poffeffion of the country, with many of his followers,
where he remained pretty quiet, making very little improve-
ment, Virginia being at that tnne entirely occupied with the
war, which had commenced between Great-Britain and the
confederated States. Moft of the young men from the back
fettlements of Virginia and Pennfylvania, who would have
migrated to this country, having engaged in the war, formed
that body of men. called R.ifle-men •, which not only checked
the growth of the lettlement, but fo dried up tiic iources of
emigration, that it was near being annihilated by the fury of the
lavages,
"i he leg.ility of Mr. Uenderfon's claim, was invefligated by
the State of Virginia in 1781 ; and though, accordmg to ex-
ifhing laws, there could be no fort of equity in it, he having
ailed in contempt of the Slate, the legillalure, to avoid feuds
or difturbanccs, i'or Mr. Henderfon had cunliderable influence,
agreed, as an indemnification lor the expenfc and trouble he
had been at, that he Ihould be allowed a traft of country twelve
miles {quarc, lyirg in the forks nf the (^hio y.nd Green rivcjs;
g p'a6l of his own chufm^;.
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 15
Virginia gave a farther reward and enconragement at this
time to the firfl icttlers, for the perils they had undergone in
the eflabliflnnent of their leltlemcnt, of a tratt of one thoufaod
acres, called a pre-emption right, to be laid olf adjoining to the
fettlement of four hundred acres, the grantee only paying
office-fees for the fame. " After this period (i. e. 1781) aland
office was opened by the State, granting warrants for any quan-
tity of unlocated land, upon condition of certain fums of the
depreciated continental currency being paid into the treafury,
at lo much for one hundred acres. The great plenty and little
value of this money foon cauled the whole country to be locat-
ed, which was one of tiie material caules of its rapid popula-
tion.
It was neceffarv, in the management of this bufinefs, that
care fhould be taken to prevent that perplexity and litigation,
which the vague manner in which that bufinefs was executed
in many inflances would necefiarily produce. For this purpofe,
three principal furveyors were appointed, who were to lay, or
caufe to be laid off, by their deputies, the different locations
within the limits of their difhrifts : this being done, and re-
corded in the office, the orignal furvey was lent to the deputy
regifter's office, there to be recorded ; from thence it was fent
to the principal regifler's office at Richmond, the feat of govern-
ment, there to remain twelve months, in order that any perfon
having a claim, by virtue of a prior location, might have an
opportunity to enter a caveat, and prevent a furreptitious grant
from iffuing. Commiffioners were alio fent to adjull the claims
of fettlem.ent and pre-emption rights : by which means order
was preferved, and the government fettled, of a dillri6t of
country detached and feparated at that time, more than two hun-
dred miles from any other fettled country.
The years 1783 and 1784 brought out vaft numbers of emi-
grants from all parts of America, particularly the latter year,
when it was fuppofed that in Kentucky alone, not Icfs than
twelve thouland perfons became fettlers ; feveral Europeans
from France, England, and Ireland, were among the number.
In 17B3, 1784, and 1785, great part of the country was
furveyed and patented, and the people in the interior fettle-
ments puriued their bufinefs in as much quiet and fafety as they
could have done in any part of Europe. Court-houfes were
built in the different counties, and roads were opened for car-
riages, which leven years before had not been fecn in the coun-
try. The roads prior to that time being barely fufficient for
fingle horfes to travel on.
t6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In 1785, the diftrift had grown lo confiderable from the
great number of emigrants which had arrived, and that refpeftai
bility which it had acquired, that it produced a difpofition in
the inhabtiants to become an independent State, and to be ad-
mitted as another link in the great federal chain. A conven-
tion was immediately formed by fending deputies from the differ-
ent counties, who met at Danville, for the purpofe of taking
the matter into confideration ; when it was determined, after
fome debating, to petition Virginia for that purpofe. Howeverj
this bufinefs was procraflinated ; for finding, though they might
feparate whenever they chole, yet that it was optional with the
leglflature of Virginia to recommend them to be taken into the
federal government, which tViey were not likely to do, and
which it v/as certain could not be done without, they were
content to remain as they were for that time.
The fedeial government in the courfe of the year 1.785, un-
dertook to lay off the country weft of the Ohio, in fuch a man-
ner as would anfwer the purpefe of felling the land, and fettling,
the country ; but owing to a variety of caufes, their progrefs
was very flow. However, fome land was furveyed in 1786 and
1787, and in the latter year a fettiemcnt was formed upon the
Mufkingum, which may be looked upon as the commencement
of American fettlements upon the weflern fide of the Ohio. In
1788 and 1789, fome farther furveying was done; but little
fince has been tranfafted in thofe parts, except wars betv/ecn
the Indians and fettlers.
NORTH AND SOUTH-CAROLINA.
We give the hiftory of the fettlement of thefe States together,
as for a very confiderable period they formed but one colony.
A few adventurers emigrated from the Maffachufetts, and fet-
tled round Cape Fear, about the time of the reftoration. They
confidered mere occupancy, with a transfer from the natives,
without any grant from, the king, as a good title to the lands
which they poffeffed. They deemed themfelves entitled to the
fame " civil privileges" as thofe of the country whence they
had emigrated. For years they experienced the complicated
mil'eries of w.mt. They foiicited the aid of their countrymen ;
and the general court, with an attention and humanity which
did it tlie greateft honour, ordered an cxtenfive contribution
for their relief. But the final fettlement of the province was
efFe6ted equally through the rapacity of the courtiers of Charles
H. and his uwii facility in rewarding thofe, to whom he was
OF THE SOUTHEkN STATES. i.j
greatly indebted, with a liberality that cofl him little. The
pretence, which had been ufed on former occafions, of a pious
zeal for the propagation of the gofpel among the Indians, was
fuccefsfully employed to procure a grant of the immenfe region
lying between tlie 36'' of north latitude, and the river St.
Matheo under the 31°. March 24, 1663, this territory was
erefted into a province by the name of Carolina, and conferred.
On Lord Clarendon, the Duke of Albemarle, Lord Craven, Lord
Berkley, Lord Afhley, Sir George Carteret, Sir John Colleton,
and Sir William Berkley, as abfolute lords proprietaries for ever,
faving the fovereign allegiance due to the crown. The charter
feems to have been copied from that of Maryland, fo extenfive
in its powers, and fo noble in its privileges. The noblemen held
their firft meeting in May; and, at the defire of the New-Eng-
land people above-mentioned, publifhed. propofals to all that
would plant in Carolina. They declared, that all perfons fet-
tling on Charles river, to the fouthward of Cape Fear, fhould.
have power to fortify its banks, taking the oath of allegiance to
the king, and fubmitting to the government of the proprietaries
—that the emigrants might prefent to them thirteen perfons, in
erder that they might appoint a governor and council of fix
for three years — that an alTembly, compofed of the governor,
the council, and delegates of the freemen, fliould be called as
foon as circumftances Avould allow, with power to make laws,
not contrary to thofe of England, nor of any validity after the
publication of the diffent of the proprietaries — that every one
fhould enjoy the mo{t perfeft freedom in religion — that during
five years, every freeman fhould be allowed one hundred acres
of land, and fifty for every fervant, paying only an half-penny
an acre — and that the fame freedom from cuftoms, which had
been confirmed by the royal charter, fhould be allowed to
every one.
The proprietaries appointed Sir William Berkley, then Go-
vernor of Virginia, general luperintendent of the affairs of the
county of Albermarle, within the boundaries of whi.ch, a fmall
plantation, of the New-Englanders probably, had been eftablifhed
for fome years, on the north-eafhcrn nacres of the river Cliowan,
Sir William Berkley repaired to the county, confirmed and grant-
ed lands on the conditions before mentioned, appointed Mr.
Drummond, the firft governor, and likewife other oiHccrs, and
then returned to Virginia,
The aiTembly being diffatisfied with the tenures by which
they held their lauds, petitioned the proprietaries, that the peo-
Vol. III. D
iS GENERAL DESCRIPTION
pie of Albemarle might hold their poiTefTion on the fame terms^
©u which the Virginians enjoyed theirs, which was granted.
In 1665, the proprietaries appointed John Yeamans, a refpec-
table planter of Barbadoes, commander in chief of Clarendon
county, ftretching from Gape Fear to the river St. Matheo, and
he was at the fame time created a baronet. To fecure its prol-
perity, the fame powers were conferred, and the fame conflitutioh
sftablifhed, as thofe which had made Albemarle happy.
A fettlement was alfo projeftcd to the fouthward of Cape Ro-
Snain, which acquired the name of Carteret. Thus a variety of
feparate and independent colonies, each of which had its own
government, its own affembly, its own cuftoms and laws, were
eflabliihed in Carolina,
In Jui.e the proprietaries obtained a fecond charter, which
recited and connrmed the former. They we?e enabled to make
laws for the province, with- the confent of the freemen of their
delegates ; and likewife to grant titles of honour by the creation
of a nobility. No one prerogative of the crown was referved,
except the fovercign dominion.
Samuel Stephens, Elq. was appointed governor of Albemarle
in 0£k)ber 166-7, and was commanded to aft agreeable to the
advice of a council of twelve, the one half of which he was to
appoint, the other was to be chofen by the affembly. The Af-
fembly was to be compofed of the governor, the council, and
ewelve delegates chofen annually by the freeholders. Various
regulations provided for the fecurity of property ; and no taxes
were to be impofed without the confent of the Affembly. The
proprietaries might mean no more, than that neither they, nor
the governor and council, fhould impofe taxes without the
confent of the Affembly ; but the mode of expreffion tended te
confirm the people at large in the opinion of their being ex-
empted from all taxes which had not the confent of their own
Affembly. The fettlers had their lands confirmed, and granted
to be now held by the free tenure of foccage, expreffino- a cer-
tain rent and independence. All men are declared entitled to
equal privileges, on taking the oath of allegiance to the king^
and of fidelity to the proprietaries.
It was not till 1-669 '■^^'- ^" Affembly conftituted as above
mentioned was convened ; when it was enafted, " none fhould
be fued during five years for any caufe of aftion arifiiia out of
the country, and none fliuU accept a power of attorney, to
receive the debts cbntrafted abroad." Hence this colony
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. j^
was long confidered as the refuge of the criminal, and the
afylum of the fugitive debtor.
The proprietaries at length, diffatisfied with every fyftem
which they had hitherto deviled for the government of their
province, figned in July a body of fundamental conflitutions
compiled by the celebrated Locke, giving as a reafon, " That
we may eflabliili a government agreeable to the monarchy of
which Carolina is a part, and may avoid making too numerous
a democracy."
By this edift a palatine was to be chofen from among the
proprietaries for life ; who was to aft as prefident of the palatine
court, compofed of the whole^ which was intruded with the
execution of the powers of the charter. A body of hereditary
nobility was created, and denominated landgraves and caciques ;
the former were to be invefted with four baronies, each confift-
ing of twelve thoufand acres, the latter to ha.ve two, containing
one half of that quantity; and thefe eftates were to delcend
with the dignities infeparable^ There were to be as many land-
graves as counties, and twice as many caciques, but no more.
Two fifths of the counties, fhyled figniories and baronies, were
to be polfeffed by the nobility ; the other three fifths, called the
colonies, were to be left among the people.
The provincial legiflature, dignified with the name of Parlia^
ment, was to he biennial, and to confift of the proprietaries or
landgraves, or the deputy of each, of the cacique nobility and
of the reprefentatives of the freeholders of every diflrift, who
were to meet in one apartment, and every member to enjoy an
equal vote; but no bufinefs was to be propofed till it had been
debated in the grand council, whole duty it was to prepare
bills for parliamentary confideration. The Grand Council was
to be compofed of the governor, the nobility, and the deputies
of the proprietaries [thefe being abfent^) and was invefted with
the executive of the province. The Chu3xh of England was
alone to be allowed a public maintenance by Parliament ; but
every congregation might tax its own members for the fup-
port of its own muiifkers ; and to every one was allowed,
perfect freedom in religion. However the moft degrading
fiavery was introduced, by inventing in every man the pro-
pertv of his ueffro.*
* Locke's Works, vol. iv. p. ^ig, &c. 1770.
D 3
.-20 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Thefe conflitutipns, confiiling of one hundred and twenty
articles, and containing a great variety of perplexing regulations,
were declared to be the lac red and unalterable rule of govern-
ment in Carolina for ever : and yet they were never altogether
adopted. The parties engaged in this act of legifiation fhould
have refleaed, that the inhabitants had fettled on conditions
which were no longer in their power to abrogate ; and that in
the forms of government which had been actually eftablifhed,
the people had required an intereft which could not be taken
awav without their confent.
A number of emigrants were fcnt over in January, 1670,
under William Sayle, El'q. appointed governor of that part of
the coaft which lies fouth-weft of Cape Carteret, to form a colo-
ny at Fort Royal. They arrived fate ; and as it was found im-
practicable to conform to the conltitutions, it was determined to
keep as clofe to them as poffible. Sayle dying, Sir John Yea-
jnans had his command extended to and over this colony, in
Auguft, 1671. This year feveral planters reforted from Cla-
rendon on the north, and Port-Royal on the fouth, to the banks
of Alhley river, for the convenience of paflure and tillage, and
laid on the firft high land the foundation of old Charlefton.
The proprietors promulgated temporary laws, till through a
fufficlent number of inhabitants, government could be admi-
niftered according to the fundamental conftitutions. The tem-
porary laws were of no long duration, being derided by a people
without whofe content they had been efhabliflied.
In May, 1674, Jofeph Weft, Efq. wns appointed governor of
the fouthern colony, in the room of Sir John Yeamans, with
whofe conduS: the proprietaries were diflatisHed, But the dif-
ficulty of eftablifhing the colony was not overcome for years ; not
till people repaired to it at their own expenfe, and men of eftate
ventured thither under the full perfuahon of being'fairly treated.
In expectation of fuch treatment, the Diffenters being haraffed by
periecutions in England, and dreading a Popiil-i fucceffor, emi-
grated to Carolina in great numbers, and made a confiderable part
of the inhabitants. They acquired the honour of introducing
religion into the province, while they ftrengthened it alfo by
their perfonal accelTions. But the promifing appearances of th^
country inviting over many of a very different ftamp, after a
while difturbances followed.
The planters being informed that the Oyfter- Point, fo delight-
fully formed by the confluence of the rivers Afhley and Cooper,
was more convenient than what was lixed upon eight years before^
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. ai
and the proprietaries encouraging their inclination, they began
to remov-e, and in the year 1680, laid the foundation of the pre-
fcnt Charlefton, and built thirty houies. It was inflantly de-
clared the port for the purpofes of traffic, and the capital
for the adrniniflration of government. It was long unhealthy •
•but the adjacent country being now cleared and cultivated, it
is allowed to enjoy the mod falubrious air of Carolina.
Though the province had been formed into manors and baro-
nies, it was not till 1682 that it was divided into three counties.
In the autumn of this year, Governor Weft held a Parliament,
and afterward immediately refigned his adminiftration to Mr-
Jolepli Morcton. Thence commenced a reiterated clrange of
governors. Kyrle, Weft, Ouarry, and Moreton, were fuccef-
fively appointed. There was a fimilar change of every public
officer. Thele changes produced turbulence and faftion, and
the fcenes of anarchy produced by thefe meafures were not
changed, nor the condition of the colony mended, by the arrival
of Governor Seth Sothel, in 1683, who was fent in hope of
quieting the dilorders by his authority, as he had purchaled
jLord Clarendon's fliare of the province. He was guilty of
fuch bribery, extortion, injuftice, rapacity, breach of truft, and
/difobedience of orders, for five years, that the inhabitants,
driven almoft to delpair, feized him with a view of fending him
to England to anfwer to their complaints ; but upon his entrea-
ties, and offering to lubmit their mutual accufations to the next
Aflfembly, they accepted his propofal. The Affembly gave
judgment againft him in all the above-mentioned particulars^,
and coinpelled him to abjure the country for twelve months,
and the government for ever,
Charlefton having been made the provincial port, the firft
colle£lor was eftablifhed there in 1685. The governor and coun-
cil were at the fame time ordered, " Not to fail to fhow their
forwardnefs in affifting the colleftion of the duty on tobacco
tranfported to other colonies, and in ieizing fliips that prelumed
to trade contrary to the a£ls of navigation." Little regard was
paid to orders fo contrary to the views of every one. An illicic
trade was not only praftiled, but juftified under a claule of
the patent, which the people confidered of fuperior force to
the law. Though the royal grant of 1665 was palled luble-
quent to the aft of navigation, the preient exemption was
jnhfted upon with the fame fpirit, that it was contended during
t}?is reign^ that a king of England may dilpenie with the law.
2£ GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The principle of the Carolinians, and the doftrine fo falhiona,bie
at the Court of James, were therefore exaftly tlie fdme.
James Colleton, Efq. a proprietary, was appointed governor
in Auguft, 1686. The next year he called an Affembly, in
which he and his party took upon them to pafs luch laws as loft
him the affeftions of the people. During the ferments that
followed, Seth Sothel, whom we have leen banifhed from Albg»
marlc, fuddenly arrived at Charlefton. Countenanced by a pow-
erful party, and prefuming on his powers as a proprietary, he
feized the reins of government in 1600, notwithflanding
the oppofition of the governor and council. A general return
of members was procured, who readily fanftioned by their votes
•whatever was diftated by thofe who had thus acquired power,
Colleton, whole conduct had been far from blamelefs, was
inftantly impeached of high crimes and niifdemeanors, difabled
from holding any office, and banifhed. Others were hned,
imprifoned, and expelled the province. The proprietaries
appointed a new governor, and in the year, 1692, upon the
j-equifition of the Carolinians, abrogated Mr. Locke's lyf-
tem of laws, the fundamental conftitutions, which, from having
anfwered their end, introduced only diffatisfaftion and diforders,
that were not cured till the final diffolution of the proprietary
government.* The operation and fate of Mi'. Locke's lyflenj
may convince us of this truth, that a perion " may defend the
principles of liberty and the rights of makind, with great abili-
ties and fuccefs ; and yet after all, when called upon to produce
a plan of legiflaiion, he may aflonifh the v/orld with a fignal
abrurdity."+
Governor Archdale arrived at Carolina in Auguft 1695 : he
managed with great prudence, and fucceeded fo well that the
Affembly voted him an addrefs of thanks. He was fucceeded
by Jofepli Blake, E!q. whole fcntiments were fo liberal, that
jthough a Diffenter, he prevailed with the Affc-mbly to fettle
one hundred and fifty pounds per annum upon the Epifcopal
minifler at Charlcflon, for ever, and likewile to furnilh him
with a good houfe, a glebe, and two fervants. A very different
Spirit wiought in the Earl of Bnth, when he fucceeded to the
power of palatine, and became eldeft proprietary, in 1701 : being
a zealot for the Church of England, he \yas ambitious of ei-
* dialj-nrrs' Political Annals, under the head of Carolina.
+ Defence of the American CouflituLions of Government, by John A,4ams,
V-h- ?■ 365-
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. ag
tablifhing its worfhip, and excluding non-epifcopalians from a
fhare in the government of Carolina ; a fimilar principle was at
that time too prevalent in England. His views were feconded
by the pliability of Governor Moor, who was after a while
fucceeded by Sir Nathaniel Jt^hnfon. Then the Affembly being
convened, a bill was brouglit in for the more effeftual preferva-
tion of the government, by requiring all perfons cholen mem-
bers of the AlTcmbly, to conform to religious worfliip, and re-
ceive the facrerncnt of the Lord's Supper, according to the ufage
of the Church of England. By this aft, all DifTenters were
difqualified from fitti^ig in the Afiembly, though legally elefted
and the candidate who had the greateft number of voices, after
the difqualihed DifTenter, was to be admitted. The paffing
of this aft was unconftitutional and opprellive. Angther bill
was paiTed for eflablifhing religious worfliip in the province,
according to the Church of England, and alfo for the erefting
of churches, the maintenance of miniflers, and the building of
convenient parfonages. Both thefe afts were afterward figned
and fettled by John Lord Granville, then palatine, for himfelf
and the other proprietors. In confeqence of the lafi: aft, many
opprcfllons were committed by the government againfi: the
Diffenters, who laboured under thefe and other grievances, till
the matter at length was brought before the Houfe of Lords,
who, having fully v/eighed the fame, addrelTed the Quoen in
favour of the Carolinians, and the laws complained of in i-yoS
were declared null and void.
About the year 1710, a number of Palatines from Germany,
who had been reduced to circumflances of great indigence by
a calamitous war, took up their refidence in this State. The
proprietors of Carolina knowing that the value of their lands
depended on the flrength of their fettlements, determined to
give every pofUble encouragement to fuch emigrants. Ships
were accordingly provided for their tranfportation, and inflruc-
tions given to Governor Tyntc, to allow one hundred acres of
land for every man, woman, and child, free of quit rents for
the firfl ten years ; but at the expiration of that term, to pay
one penny per acre annual rent, for ever, according to the
ufages and cuftoms of the province. Upon their arrival Govern-
or Tynte granted then a traft of land in North-Carolina, fince
called Albemarle and Bath prccinfts, where they fettled, and
flattered themfelves witii having found in the hideous wildernefs,
a happy retreat from the deloLitious of a war which then raged
in Europe.
a^ GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In the year 1712, a dangerous confpiracy was formed by t!ie
Coree and Tufcorora tribes of Indians, to murder and expel
this infant colony. The foundation for this confpiracy is not
known ; probably they were offended at the incroachments upon
their hunting ground. They managed their confpiracy with
great cunning and profound fecrecy. They furrounded their
principle town with a breafh work to feeure their families^
Here the warriors convened to the number of twelve hundred.
From this place of rendezvous they fent out finall parties, by
different roads, who entered the fettlement under the mafk of
friendfliip. At the change of the full moon all of them had
agreed to begin their murderous operations the fame night.
When the night came, they entered the houfes of the planters,
demanding provifions ; and pretending to be offended, fell to
murdering men, women, and children, without mercy or diftinc-
tion. One hundred and thirty-feven fettlers, among whom
were a Swifs baron, and almoffc all the poor Palatines that had
lately come into the country, were flaughtered the firft night.
Such was the fecrecy and difpatch of the Indians in this expedi-
tion, that none knew what had befallen his neighbour until
the barbarians had reached his own door. Some few, however,
efcaped, and gave the alarm. The militia affembled in arms,
and kept watch day and night until the news of the fad difafter
had reached the province of South-Carolina. Governor Craven
loft no time in fending a force to their relief. The Affcmbly
voted four thoufand pounds for the fervice of the war. A ■
body of fix hundred militia, under the command of Colonel
Barnwell, and three hundred and fixty-fix Indians of different
tribes, with different commanders, marched with great expedi-
tion through a hideous wildernefs to their affiftance. In their
firft encounter with the Indians they killed three hundred and
took one hundred prifoners. After this defeat, the Tufcororas
retreated to their fortified town, which was fhortly after furren-
dered to Colonel Barnwell. In this expedition it was computed
that near a thoufand Tufcororas were killed, wounded, and
taken. The remainder of the tribe foon after abandoned their
country, and joined the Five Nations, with whom they have
ever fince remained. After this, the infant colony remained in
peace, and continued to flourifh till about the year 1729, when
fevcn of the proprietors, for a valuable confideration, vcfted
their property and jurifdiftion in the crown, and the colony was
divided into two leparatc provinces, by the name of North and
South-Carolina, and their prefcnt limits eftablifiicd by an order
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 25
of Geoige II. From this period to the revolution in 1776, the
hiftory of North-Carolina is unpubliHicd, and of courfe, in a
great meafure, unknown, except to thol:r who h.ivc had accefs
to the records of the province. Some of the moft important
events that have fincc taken place, have, however, been already
mentioned in the general hifiiory of the United States.
South-Carolina, from the period of its becoming a feparate
colony, began to fiourifh. I't was protefted by a government,
formed on the plan of the Engiifli conilitution. Under the
foflering care of the Ivlother Country, its growth was aflonifli-
ingly rapid. Between the years 1763 and 1775, the number of
inhabitants was move tlian doubled. No one indulged a wiflie
for a change in their political conflitution, till the memorable
ftamp aft pjffed ii^. 1765.
From this period "till 1775, as we have feen, various attempts
were made by Great-Britain to tax her colonies, witliout their
confent •, thefe atterhpts were invariably oppofed. Tlie Con-
grefs, who met at Philadelphia, unanimouflv approved the oppo-
fition, and on the 19th of April war commenced.
During the vigorous contefl for independence this State was
a great lufFerer. For three years it was the feat of war. It
feels and laments the lofs of many refpetlable citizens, who fell
in the glorious druggie for the rights of man. Since the peace,
it has been emerging from that melancholy confufion and pover-
ty, in which it was generally involved by the devaftatior.s
of a relentlcls enemy. The inhabitants are fafc multiplying by
emigrations from other States ;' the agricultural intcreas of the
State arc reviving ; commeice is flt^arifliing ; economy is becom-
ing more faflaionable ; and Icienee begins to fpread her falutary
influences amongfl the citizens. And under the operation of
the pretent government, this State, from her natural, commer-
cial and pgrieuliural advantages, and the abilities of her lead-
ing charafters, promiies to become ou-c of the richefli in tlie
Union.*
TERRITORY S. OF THE OHIO.
The eaftern parts of this difrrift were exT)lored by Colon"!.;;
Wood, Patton, Buchanan, Captain Charles Campbell- and Dr.
T. Walker, each of v/hom were concerned in hrne ^rants of
* See Rimfdv's Hiflory of th'= Revolution in Soirtb-Carolina, and the Kiilory
ql Carolina and Geotj^ia, anonymous, fuppofed to be by Hsw:u.
Vol. 111. E
26 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
lands from the government, as early as between the years or
1-740 and 1750. In 1754, at the commencement of the French
war, not mo.re than ufty families had fettled here, who were
either deftroyed or driven off by the Indians before the clofe
of the following year. It remained uninhabited till 1765, when
the fettlement of it re-commenced; and, in 1773, fuch was
the vaft acceffion of emigrants, that the country, as far well as
the long ifland of Holftcin, an extent of more*than one hun-
dred and twenty miles in length from call to well, was well
peopled.
In 1774, a war broke out with the northern Indians over
the Ohio, which iffued in their fuing for peace, which was
granted them on eafy terms.
The year 1776 was fignalized by a formir'able invafion of the
Cherokees, contrived by the Britifh fuperintendant, Mr. Steuart.
Their intention was to depopulate the country as far as the
Kanhawa, becaufe this brave people had rejefted, with a noble
firmnefs and indignation, the propofals of Henry Steuart and
Alexander Camerfon for joining the Britifh ftandard, and were
almoft unanimous in their refolution to fupport the mealures
of Congrefs. This invafion terminated in a total defeat of the.
Indians.
In 1780. the Tories of the weftcrn parts of North-Carolina
and Virginia, emboldened by the reduftion of Charlefton by the
Britifh, embodied in armed parties, and proceeded towards the
lead mines on the Kanhawa, to take poirelTion of fome lead ftores
at that place, but were defeated in their attempt by the vigilance
of Colonel A. Campbell and Colonel Chockett.
Various other movements took place in the courfe of this
year, but the mod interefting and brilliant was the battle of
King's mountain, wliich was fought and won by about nine
hundred mountaineers, as the veteran Ions of this diftrift were
called, commanded by the brave General William Campbell,
againfl a party of the Britifli under the command of Colonel
Fcrgulon. Upwards of one thoufand one hundred of the ene-
my were either killed, wounded, or taken ; among the former
was Colonel Pergulon, an officer of diflinguiflied merit. =*= In
arouhng the inhabitants, iffuing orders, collefting the forces,
and in arranging and animating the men, at the place of ren-
dcEvous, previous to this fuccelsful expedition^ much was
* Sec Ramlay's Itevol. South Carolina, vol. ii. page iSi.
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 27
done by the aftivity and decifion of Colonel Arthur Campbell,
the fenior officer of ther diflrift, to whom much praife is due.
Soon after this, to defeat a meditated invafion of the Che-
rokee Indians, v/hich was difcovered by Nancy Ward, an
Indian woman, called, from this circumilance, the weftcrn
Pocahonta, Colonel A. Campbell, with feven hundred moun-
taineers, well mounted, penetrated far into the Cherokee coun-
try, introduced the new and iuccelsful mode of fighting Indians,
on horleback, accomplilhed his defigns, and returned in Janu-
ary, 1781.
In the celebrated battle at Guildford, March 15, 1781, the
mountaineers, under General W. Campbell, who on that day
commanded with great applaufe the left wing of the army, be-
haved v/ith their ufual gallantry. This nearly clofed the a6live
part which the mountain men took in the American war.
In 1782, the legiflature of North-Carolina appointed com-
miffioners to explore the wellern part of the State, by which
is meant the lands included in Davidlon county, thofe between
the louth boundary of this county, and thofe between the
rivers MifTilhppi and X^n^effee, and their orders were to re-
port to the fucceeding legiflature, which part was bed; for the
payment of the bounty promilcd to the officers and ioldiers of
the continental line of that State ; and they accordingly did
explore the before-defcribed traft of country, and reported to
the legiflature in the fpring of the year 1783. A few families
had fettled in this country in the year 1780, under the guidance
of Colonel James Robertion, on Cumberland river, and called
the place Naffivillc, in honour of Brigadier-general Francis
Nafh, who fell at German town in the year J 777 ; but their
numbers v/ere trivial until the year 1 783, after the peace had taken
place, and after an aft had paffcd, diretting the military or boun-
ty warrants of the officers and foldiers to be located in this
county. Thele circumflances induced many officers and foldi-
ers to repair immediately thither, to fecurc and fettle their lands ;
and fuch as did not chufe to go, fold their warrants to citizens
who did go : in confcquence of this, many people from almofh
every State in the Union became piirchafers of thefe military
warrants, and are fince become rcfidents of this county ; and
many valuable arid opulent families have removed to it frum the
Natches. Colonel Robertfon, when he fettled at Nafiiville,
was upwards of two hundred miles difhant, to the weft-ward^
from any other fettlcment in his own State, and was equally
diftant from the then fettled parts of Kentucky. Jrlencc it wilj
I; 2
.^8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
readily be fupportcd, that himfelf and paity wcie in danger
every hour of being cut off by the Indians, againft whom his
principal fecurity was, thit he was as far diltant from them as
from'the vvjiite people ; and {lender as this fecurity may appear,
his party never luftained from them any damage, but what
was done by parlies of hunters, who happened to iind out his
icttlcment.
In 1785, in conformity to the refolves of Congrefs of April
23, 1784, the inhabitants of this dilliiO; effayed to form them-
felves into a body politic, by the name of the " State of Frank-
land ;" but, duTering among themfelves as to the form of govern-
ment, .and about other matters, in the lilue of v^hich lomc blood
was ihed, and being oppofed by fome leading cliarafters in the
eaftern paits, the fcheme was given up, and the inhabitants
remained in general peaceable until 1790, when Congrels eila-
bliflied their prclent government. Since this period, lome late
incuriions of the Indians excepted, the inhabitants have beect
peaceable and proiperous.
GEORGIA.
The fettlemsnt of a colony between the rivers Savannal^
snd' Alatamaha was meditated in England in 1732, for the
accommodation of poor people in Great-Britain and Ireland,
and for the farther fecuiity of Carolina, Private compalhon.
and public ipirit confpired to promote the benevolent defign,
Elumane and opulent men fuggefted a plan of traniporting a
number of indigent families to this part of America, free of
expenfe. For this purpole they applied to the King, George the
Second, and obtained from him letters patent, bearing dale June
g, 1732J f<J'" legally carrying into execution what they had gene-
roufly projefted. They called the new province Georgia, in ho-
nour of thu King, who encouraged the plan, A corporation^
conlifling of twenty-one perions, was confi.ituted by the name of
the truflees for fettling and ellablifhing the colony of Georgia,
which was ieparated from Carolina by the river Savannah. The
truftees having at tii[t fet an example themfelves, by largely
contributing to the Ichcme, undertook alio to lolicit benefac-
tions Irom others, and to apply the money towards cloth-
ing, arming, purchafing utenlils for cultivation, and tianl-
portiug inch poor people as fliould coulent to go over and begin
i) felllcuicnt. They did not confine their chariiablc views to the
fubjedi of Britain alone, but wiicly opened a door ior the
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES, 29
indigent nnd opprclTcd Proteftants of other nations. To prevent
a miiapplication of the money, it was depofited in the Bank of
England.
About the middle of July, 173?-, the truflees for Georgia
Jield their fiill meeting, and choie Lord Percival prefident of
the corporation, and ordered a common feal to be made. In
November following, one hundred and fixteen fettlers embark-
ed for Georgia, to be conveyed thither free of expenie, fur-
nifhed wiih every thing requilite for building and for cultivat-
ing the foil. James Oglethorpe, one of the truftees, and an
attive promoter of the iettlemcnt, embarked as the head and
uireftor of thcle fettlers. They arrived at Charlefton early in
the next year, where they met with a friendly receptiorx:,fr()rn
tlie governor and council. Mr. Oglethorpe, accompanied by
William Bull, fhortly after his arrival vifited Georgia, and
after reconnoitring the country, marked the fpot on which
Savannah now flands, as the fitted to begin a fettlement. Here
they accordingly began and built a fmall fort, aiid a number of
fmall huts for their defence and accommodation. Such of the
,fettlei"S as ^yere able to bear arms were embodied, and well,
appointed with officers, arms and ammunition. A treaty of
friendfhip was concluded between them and their neighbours,
.and the Creek Indians, and every thing wore the aipecl of peace
and future prolperity.
In the mean tune the trustees of Georgia had been employ-
ed in framing a plan of lettlement, and eftablilhing fuch public
regulations as they judged mofh proper for anfwering the great
end of the corporation. In the general plan thev confidered
each inhabitant both as a planter and as a foldier, who mud be
provided with arms and amm.unition for defence, as' well as
with tools and atenhis for cultivation. As the ftrength of the
province was the objeft in view, they agreed to edabliili fuch
tenures for holding lands in it, as they judged mofl favourable
for military eftablifhment. Each traft of land granted was con-
iidered as a military fief, for which the polTeffor was to appear
in arms, and take the Held, when called upon for the public
defence. To prevent large trafts from falling, in piocefs of
time, to one perlon, they agreed to grant their lands in tail
male, in preference to tail general. On the termination of the
eftate in tail male, the lands were to revert to trull : and fuch
lands thus veveitiiig were to be granted again to fuch perfons^
as the common cimncil of the trufl fhould judge mod advanta-
geous for the colony ; only the truftees in luth a cafe were to
pay fpecial regard to the daughters of fuch perfons as had mad^
3© GENERAL DESCRIPTION
improvements on their lots, efpecially when not already pro*
vided for by marriage. The wives of fuch perfons as fliould
lurvive them, were to be, during their lives, entitled to the
manfion-houle, and one half of the lands improved by their
hufoands. No man was to be permitted to depart the province
without licence. If any of the lands granted by the truftees
■were 'not cultivated, cleared and fenced . round about with a
worm fence, or pales fix feet high, within eighteen years fronj
the date of the grant, fuch part was to revert to the truft, and
the grant with refpeft to it to be void. All forfeitures for non-
refidences, high treafons, felonies, &c. were to the truftees,
for the ufe and benefit of the colony. The use of negroe.<:
TO BE ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED, anddlfo, THE IMPORTA-
TION OF RUM. None of the colonills were to be permitted
to trade with the Indians, but fuch as fhouid obtain a fpecial
licence for that purpofe.
Theie were lome of the fundamental regulations eflabliflied
by the trullees of Georgia, and perhaps the imagination
could Icarcely have framed a fyftem of rules, worfe adapted to
the circumftances and fituation of the poor fettlers, and of
more pernicious confequence to the profperity of the province.
Yet, although the truftees were greatly miftaken with relpect
lo the plan of fettlement, it mull be acknowledged their views
were generous. As the people fent out by them were the
poor and unfortunate, who were to be provided with necelfa-
ries at their public (lore, they received their lands unon condi-
tion of cultivation, perlonal refjdance, and defence.
Silk and wine being the chie,f articles intended to be raifed,
they judged negroes were not requifite for thefe purpofes. As
the colony was defigned to be a barrier to South-Carolina
againft the Spanifli lettiement at Augulline, they imagined
that negroes would rather weaken than ftrcngthen it, and that
inch poor colonifts would run in debt, and ruin themfelves
by purchafing them. Rum was judged pernicious to health,
and ruinous to the infant fettlement. A free trade with the
Indians was a thing that mioht have had a tendency to have
involved the people in c|u:urcl3 and troubles with tiic powerful
favages, and have expoled them to danger and dellruftion.
Such were, probably, the motives which induced the tiuftccs
to impole iuch foolifh and ridiculous rellritlions on the colony,
for by granting their fmall eflates in tail male, they drove the
fettlers from Georgia, who loon found that abundance of lands
could be obtained in Ameriea upon a larger Icalc, and on mucl>
Jact^cr terms. By the pruhibilloa of ncgiocs, an aft which
OF THE SOUTHERN STATES, 51
We mufl:, however, have praifcd if it had originated in princi-
ples of humanity, they rendered it imprafticable, in fuch a cli-
mate, to make any imprefhon on the thick forefls, Europeans
being utterly unqualified for the lieavy talk. Bv discharging
a trade with the Weft-Indies, they deprived the colonifts of
an excellent and convenient market for their lumber, of which
they had abundance on their lands. The truftees, like other
diftant legiflators, were liable to many errors and miftakes ; and
however good their defign, their rules were found improper
and imprafticable. The Carolinians plainly perceived that they
would prove infurmountable obftacles to the progrels and
profpcrity of the colony, and therefore, from motives of pity,
began to invite the poor Georgians to come over Savannah
river and fettle into Carolina, being convinced that they
could never lucceed under kich impolitic and oppreflive
reftriftions.
Belides the large fums of monev which the truftees had
expended for the lettlemcnt of Georgia, the Parliament had alfo
granted, during the two laft years, thirty-fix thoufand pounds
towards cairying into execution the purpofe of the corporation.
But after the reprefentation and memorial from the legiflature of
Carolina reached Britain, the nation confidered Georgia to be
of the utmoft importance to the Britifli fettlements in America,
and began to make ftill more vigorous efforts for its foeedy
population. The firft embarkations of poor people from Eng-
land, being collefted from towns and cities, were found equally
as idle and ufclefs members of fcciety abroad as they had been
at home. An hardy and bold race of men, inured to rural la-
bour and fatigue, they were perluaded, would be much better
adapted both for cultivation and defence. To find men pof-
feffed of thefe qualifications, they turned their eyes to Germany
and the Highlands of Scotland, and reri)lved to fend over a
number of Scotch and German labourers to their infant pro-
vince. When they publiflied their terms at Invernefs, an
hundred and thirty Highlanders immediately accepted them,
and were tranfported to Georgia. A townfhip on the river
Alatamaha, wliich was confidered as the boundary between the
Britifh and Spanifli territories, was allotted for the liiglanders,
in which dangerous fituation they fettled, and built a town,
which they called Ncw-Invernels. About the lame time an
hundred and feventy Germans embaiked with James Oglethorpe,
and were fixed in another quarter; f; that, in the fpace of
three years, Georgia received above lour hundred Biitlfn fub-
^2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
jefts, and about an hundred and feventy foreigners. After-
wards feveral adventurers both from Scotland and Germany, fol-
lowed their countrymen, and added farther ftrength to the pro-
vince, and the truftees flattered themfelves with the hope of
foon feeing it in a promifing condition.
Their hopes, however, were vain : their injudicious regu-
lations and reflrifttions, the wars in which they were involved
with the Spaniards and Indians, and the frequent infurreftions
among themlelves, threw the colony into a fl.ate of confufion
and wretchednefs ; their oppreffed fitviation was reprefented to
the truftees by repeated complaints ; till at length, finding that
the province languifhed under their care, and with the com-
plaints of the people, they, in the year 1752, furrendered theif
charter to the King, and it was made a royal government. In
eonfequence of which, his Majefty appointed John Reynolds^,
an officer of the navy, governor of the province, and a legifla-
ture, fimilar to that of the other royal governments in America
was eftablifhed in it. Great had been the expenfe which the
Mother Country had already incurred, befides private bene-
faftions, for fupporting this colony ; and fmall had been the
returns vet made by it. The veftiges of cultivation were
fcarcely perceptable in the forefts, nnd in England all commerce
with it was neglefted and defpifed. At this time the whole
annual exports of Georgia did not amount to ten thoufand
pounds fterling. Though the people now poireffed the fame
liberties and privileges which were enjoyed by their neighbours,-
yet feveral years elapfed before the value of the lands in Georgia
was known, and that fpirit of induftry broke out in it^
which afterwards difFufed its happy influence over the
country.
In the year 1 740, the late Rev. George Vv'hitefield found-
ed an orphan houfe academy in Georgia, about twelve miles
from Savannah. For the fupport of this, he collcfted large
futns of money from all denominations of Chriftians, both in
England and America. A part of this money was expended
in erefting proper buildings to accommodate the fludents, and
a part in fupporting them. In 1768 it was propofed, that the
(Orphan houle fhould be erefted into a college ; whereupon Mr,
Whitefield applied to the Crown for a charter, but, in eonfe-
quence of fome difpute, the affair of a charter was given up.
nnd Mr. Whitcficld made his affignment of the orphan houfe,
in trufl, to the late Countefs of Huntingdon. Mr. Whitefield
died at Newbury port, in New-England, September 30, 1770,
OF THE SOUTHERN STATED. 33
iri the fifty-fixth year of his age, and was buried under the
Prefbyterian church in that place.
Soon after his death, a charter was granted to his inftitution
In Georgia, and the Rev. Mr. Piercy w^s appointed prefident of
the college. Mr. Piercy accordingly went over to execute his
office, but, unfortunately, on the 30th of May, 1775, the orphan
houfe building caught fire, and was entirely confumed, except
the two wings, which are ftili remaining. The American war
foon after came on, and put every thing into coiifufion, and tlie
funds have ever fince lain in an unproduftive ffcate. It is pro-
bable, that the college eftate may hereafter be fo incorporated
with the univerfity of Georgia, as to fubferve the original and
pious purpofes of its founder.
From the time Georgia became a royal government, in 1753,
till the peace of Paris, in 1763, fhe ftruggled under many dif-
ficulties, arifing from the want of credit from friends, and the
frequent moleftations of enemies. The good efFe£ls of the peace
were fenfibly felt in the province of Georgia, From this
time it began to flourifh, under the fatherly care of Governor
Wright.
During the late war Georgia was over-run by the Britifli
troops, and the inhabitants were obliged to flee into the neigh-
bouring States for fafety. The fufferings and loffes of its citiaens
were as great, in proportion to their numbers and wealth, as in
any of the States. Since the peace the progrefs of the popula-
tion of this State has been rapid : its growth in improvement and
population has, however, been checked by the hoflile irruptions
of the Creek Indians, which have been frequent, and very dif-
treffing to the frontier inhabitants.*
Having thus briefly fketched the hiftory of the fettlement of
the States comprehended in this divifiion, we now proceed to a
more particular defcription of them.
* For a more minute hiftorical account of this State, fee Hewitt's Hjftory
of South-Carolina and Georgia.
Vol. III.
TATE O F
M A R Y L A xM D.
SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDAOIIES,
A HIS State is fituated between 37® 56^ and 39° 44'' north
latitude, and o'' and 4^ 30' wefl longitude, from Philadelphia-
its length is about one hundred and thirty-four miles, and its
breadth one hundred and ten. It is bounded on tJie north by
the State of Pennfylvania ; on the eaft by the State of Delaware ;
and on the fouth-eaft and fouth by t'ae Atlantic ocean ; and a
line drawn from the ocean over the peninfula (dividing it from
Accomack county in Virginia) to the mouth of the Potomack
river ; thence up the Potomack to its fource ; thence by a
north line till it interfefts the fouth ern boundary of Pennfyl-
vania, in latitude 39° 43^ 18'' ; fo that it has Virginia on the
foutli, iouth-v/efk and weft ; it contains about fourteen thoufand
fquare,mlles, of which from one-fixth to one-fourth it water.
AIR AND CLIMATE.
The climate of this State is in general mild and agreeable,
fuitcd to agricultural produftions, and a great variety of fruit
trees : the air in the interior of the country is falubrious, and
favourable to the inhabitants, who, in the hilly parts, are as
healthy as in any part of the Union ; but in the flat lands, in
the neighbourhood of marflics and ftagnant waters, as in the other
Southern States, they are iubjea to intermittents and other
ctnnplaints common to fwampy fituations,
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, &c.
Eaft of tlie blue ridge of mountains, which ftrctches acrofs
the weftern part of this State, the land, like that in all the
Southern States, is generally level and free of ilones ; and ap-
CF MARYLAND. 3-^ •
pears to have been made much in llic fame way ; of courlc
the foil muft be finiilar, and the natund growth not icmarka-
l)ly difFercnt.
The ground is uniformly level and low in mofl of the coun-
ties on the eaftern fliore, and confcquently covered in many
places with flagi.ant water, except wliere it is uitcrfe£led by
numerous creeks. Here alfo are large trafts of marlh, which,
during the day, load the atmofphere with vapour, that again falls
in dew in the clofe of the fummer and fall feafons.
Chefapeak hay divides this State into the caHcrn and weflcrn
divifions. This bay, which is the largeft in the United States,
has been already defcribed.* It affoids many good filheries,
and is remarkable for the excellence of its crabs, and alio for a
particular fpecies of wild duck, called canvas back. In a
commercial view, this bay is of immenfe advantage to the State ;
it receives a number of large rivers. From the eaftern fliore in
Maryland, among other fmaller ones, it receives the Poconioke,
Nantikoke, Choptank, Chefler and Elk rivers; from the north,
the rapid Suiqueliannah ; and from the weft, the Patapico,
Severn, Patuxent and Potomack, half of which is in Maryland,
and half in Virginia. Except the Sufquehannah and Potomack,
thefe are fmall rivers. Patapfco river is but about thirty or
forty yards wide at the fcrrv, juft before it empties into the
bafon upon which Baltimore ftands : its fource is in York coun-
ty, in Pennfylvania ; its courfe is fouthwardly till it reaches Elk-
ridge landing, about eight miles weftward of Baltimore ; it then
turns eaftward, in a broad bay-like ftream, by Baltimore., which
it leaves on the north, and paffes into the Chefapeak,
The entrance into Baltimore harbour, about a mile below
Fell's Point, is hardly piftol fliot acrofs, and of courfe may be
eafily defended againft naval force.
Severn is a fhort, inconfiderable river, paffing by Annapolis.,
which it leaves to the fouth, emptying, by a bioid mouth, into
the Chefapeak.
Patuxent is a larger river than the Patapfco : it rifes in Ann^
Arundel connty, and runs fouth-eaftwardly, and then caft into
the bay, fifteen or twenty miles north of the mouth of the Poto-
mack. There are alfo feveral fmall rivers, fuch as the Wighco-
comico, Eaftern Branch, Monocafv and Conegocheaguc, which
empty into the Potomack from the Maryland fide,
* Page 195, Vol. I.
f 2
•36- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS.
The foil of the good land in Maryland is of fuch a nature
and quality as to produce from twelve to fixteen bufnels ojf
wheat, or from twenty to thirty buOiels of Indian corn per
acre. Ten bufhels of wheat, and fifteen bafhels of corn per
acre, may be the annual average crops in the State at large.
Wheat and tobacco are the ftaple commodities. Tobacco is
generally cultivated in fets, by negroes, in the following manner ;
The feed is fown in beds of fine mould, and tranfpianted the
beginning of May ; the plants are fet at the diflance of three
or four feet from each other, and are hilled and kept continu-
ally free of weeds ; when as many leaves have fliot out as the
foil will nourifh to advantage, the top of the plant is broken off,
which prevents its growing higher ; it is carefully kept clear of
worms, and the fuckers, which put out between the leaves, are
taken ofF at proper times, till the plant arrives at perfeftion,
which is in Augfuft ; when the leaves turn of a brownilh colour,
and begin to be fpotted, the plant is cut down and hung up to
dry, after having fweated in heaps one night. When it can be
handled without crumbling, which is always in moifl weather,
the leaves are ftripped from the ftalk, and tied in bundles, and
packed for exportation in hogfheads, containing eight or nine
hundred pounds. No fuckers nor ground leaves are allowed to
be merchantdble. An induftrious perfon may manage fix thou-
fand plants of tobacco, which yield a thoufjind pounds, and four
acres of Indian corn.
In the interior country, on the uplands, confidcrable quanti-
ties of hemp and flax are railed. As long ago as 1-751, in the
month of Otlober, no lels than fixty waggons loaded with flax
feed came down to Baltimore from the back country.
Two articles are faid to be peculiar to Maryland, viz. thi^
genuine zohitc wheat, which grows in Kent, Oucen Ann's and
Talbot counties, on the cafleru fhore, and which degenerates in
other places, and the bright kite' s foot tubacco, which is produ-
ced at Elkridgc, on the Patuxent, on the weftcrn fhore.
Among other kinds of timber is the oak, of feveral kinds,
which is of a flraight grain, and eafily rives into Haves, for
export<(tion. The black walnut is in demand for cabinet, tables
and other furniture. The apples of this State arc largo, hat
PF MARYLAND. 3«7
mealy ; the peaches plenty and good ; from thefe the inhabitants
dillil cyder and peach brandy.
In Worcefler county a Ipccies of grape vine, of a pecvdiar
kind, has been diicovered by a Mr. Jones, of Indian river.
The bark is of a grey colour, very Imooth, and the wood of a
firm texture. They delight in the high fandy foil, but will
thrive very well in the Cyprus fwamps. The leaf is very much
like that of the Englifh grape vine, fuch as is propagated in the
gardens near Philadelphia for table ufe.
The grape is much larger than the Englifh, of an oval
ihape, and, when quite ripe, is black, adorned with a number
of pale red fpecks, which, on handling, rub off. The pulp is
a little like the fox giape, but in tafle more delicious. Thefe
grapes are ripe in Oftober, and yield an incredible quantity of
juice, which, with proper management, would no doubt make
a valuable wine.
Mr. Jones employed a perfon to gather about three bufhels
and one peck of them when ripe, and immediately had them
preffed ; which, to his furprife, yielded twelve gallons of pure
juice, though a good quantity muft have been loft in the prefllng.
In about twelve hours after putting the juice in a keg it began
to ferment, and he fuffered it to go on till it got to be fo violent,
that it might be heard all over a large room. It continued in
that ftate for three days. He then checked it, fearing it might
turn acid, though, he fays, he was afterwards convinced, that
if he had fuffered it to ferment as long again, it would have fepa-
rated the vinous parts from the flefliy, and given greater finenclj
to the liquor.
After this it was racked off, and before cold weather buried
in the garden, the top about fix inches under ground ; where
having continued till the fummer following, he could not difco-
yer thai it had in the leafl altered, either in tafle or colour-
He oblerves farther, that, after eating a quantity of them, or
drL:king the juice, they leave an aflringency, as claret is apt
to do.
There is an imjnenfe quantity of thefe vines growing on the
beach, open to the lea ; and they are alfo found in great plenty
upon the ridges and in the fwamps. Since their difcovery Mr.
Jones lias tranlplantcd a number of them into his vineyard,
irom which, in a year or two more, he expefts to make a wine
much better than ii commonly imported.
The forefts abound with nuts of various kinds, which are
collettively called viaft j on this mafl great numbers of Iwine
are fed, wliich run wild in the woods ; thefe fwine, when fated^
gg .GENERAL DESCRIPTION
?ire caught, killed, sbarrqlled, and exported in great quantities.
This traffic formerly swas carried on to a very conliderable
exPcnt. Mines of iron ^orc are found in levernl parts of this
State, of a fuperior quality,.
CIVIL DIVISIONS AND CHIEF TOWNS.
This State is divided into nineteen counties, eleven of which
sre on the weflern fliore of .C!iera]>eak bay, viz. Hartford,
Baltimore, Ann-Arundcl, Frederick, Allegany, Wafhington,
Montgomery, Prince George, Calvert, Charles and ;St. Mary's;
and eight on the eftcrn fliore, viz. Cecil, Kenr, •Queen Ann,
Caroline, Talbot, Somerfet, Dorcheiler and Worcefter, The
principal towns in this State are as follows :
AN N' A P o I. I s.
Annapolis (city) is the capital of Maryland, and the weal-
thielt town of its fizc in America; it is fituated at the mouth of
Severn River, and was originally known by that name, which
•was changed for its prefent one in 1694, when it was made
a port town, and the refidcnce of a colleftor and naval officer :
it Hands on a healthy fpot, thirty miles fouth of Baltimore, in
noith latitude 29° 25' ; it is a place of but little note in the
commercial world. The houfes, about two hundred and fixty
in number, are generally large and elegant, indicative of great
wealth ; the number of inhabitants does not exceed two thou-
fand. The defiga of thole who planned the city was to have
the whole in the form of a circle, with the flreets like radii,
beginning at the center where the State Houfe (lands, and
thence diverging in every direftion. The prRicipal part of the
buldings are arranged agreeably to this aukward and (lupid plan^
Jt has a State Houfe^ which is an elegant building.
BALTIMORE.
Baltimore has had the mod rspid growtlr of any town on tlie
continent, and is the fourth in fize and the hi'tli in trade in the
United States,* It lies in latitude 39" 21', on the north fide
of Patapfco River, around wliat is called the Bafon, in which
the water at common tides, is about five or fix feet deep. Balti-
more is divided into the town and FeU's Point by a creek, over
which are two bridges. At Fell's Point the water is deep enough
* III point of fizc, the towns in the United States may be ranked in this
order— Philadelphia, New-York, Bofton, Baltimore, Chailerton, &c. In point
gf trade, New-York, Philadelphia, Bolton, Charleilon. Baltimore, &c.
OF MARYLAND. ^(^
for fhips of burden ; but fmall vefTels only go up to the town.
The fitujtion of the town is low, and was formerly unhealthy ;
but the incrcife of houfcs, arnd, of courfe, of fmolce, the ten-
dency of which is to deflmy or difpel damp and unwholefome
vapours, and the improvements that have been made, particularly
that of paving the ftreets, have rendered it tolerably healthy.
The houies were numbered in tyS-y, and found to be one thou.
frnd nine hundred and fifty-five, about twelve hundred of
which were in the town, and the reft at Fell's Point ; the
prcfent number is about two thoufan<l three hundred. The
number of warehoufes and flores are from one hundred and
eighty to two hundred, and of churches nine, which belong to
German Calvinifts and Lutherans, Epifcopalians, Prefbyterians,
Roman Catholics, Baptifts, Methodifts, Quakers and Nicolites
or New Quakers. The number of inhabitants in the town
and precinfts, according to the cenfus of 1790, was thirteen
thoufand five hundred and three ; they have greatly increafed
fince that time.
Market-ftreet is the principal ftreet in the town, and runs
nearly eaft and weft a mile in length, parallel with the water :
this is croffed by feveral other ftreets leading from the water,
a number of which, particularly Calvert, South and Gay ftreets
are well built. North and eaft of the town the land rifes and
affords a fine profpeft of the town and bay. Belvidera, the
feat of Colonel Howard, exhibits a fine landfcape — the town —
the point — =the (hipping, both in the bafon and at Fell's Point —
the bay, as far as the eye can reach — the rifing ground on the
right and left of the harbour — a grove of trees on the declivity
at the right — a ftream of water breaking over the rocks at the
foot of the hill on the left — all confpire to complete the beauty
and grandeur of the profpeft.
G E O R G E - T O W X.
George-town ftands on the bank of the Potomack river, about
an hundred an fixty miles from its entrance into Chefapeak bay.
The ground on which it ftands is very broken, being a cluftej-
of little hills, which though at prefent elevated confiderably
above the furfacc of the river, were, probably, at fome former
period overflowed, as at the depth of eight or ten feet below
the furface marine Pnells having been found. Dr. Martin con_
eludes an account of tlic climate and dileafes of this town in
the following words :
" Upon the whole, George-town and its vicinity may be con-
fidcred as a healthy part of America ; and in any difputes
40 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
about the propriety of the feat of the general government being
fixed here, no objeftion can be urged againft it on account of
its difeafes."
FREDERICK-TOWN,
Frederick-town is a fine flourifhing inland town, of upwards of
three hundred houfes, built principally of brick, and ftone, and
jnoftly on one broad ftreet : it is fttuated in a fertile country,
about four miles fouth of Catokton mountain, and is a place of
confiderable trade; it has four places for public worlhip ; one for
Prefbyterians, two for Dutch Lutherans and Calvanifts, and one
for Baptifts; befides a public goal and a brick market- houfe,
HAGARS-TOWN.
Hagars-town is but little inferior to Frederick-town, and is
fituated in the beautiful and well-cultivated valley of Conego-
cheague, and carries on a confiderable trade with the wefternt
country.
EtKTON.
Elkton is fituated near the head of Chefapeak bay, on a fmall
river which bears the name of the town. It enjoys great advan^
tages from the carrying-trade between Baltimore and Philadelphia
and the tides ebb and flow up to the town.
POPULATION.
In i'j82 the number of inhabitants in this State, including
Haves, was two hundred and fifty-four thoufand and fifty. Ac-
cording to the ccnfus of 1790 it was as follows :
OF MARYLAND.
4'1
MARYLAND.
1 — '
1
1
COUNTIES
2 ^
c
g
0
a
,_5
P-,
A .N D'
TOWNS.
c a,
Free white 1
0
u
0
>
1/3
ri
p
Hariord Cduulv,
267.
28l'.l
51OG
7 7o
34 '7
1497'^
Baliimore do.
5^8,
4668
9101
604
5877
25434
Baltimore Town ")
""and Precinfts J
386f
^^55(^
5503
323
125,'
13503
1 Ann- Arundel count^
314"
2850
5^7"
80 J
101 30
22598
Frederick do. -
7010
7016
1 29 1 1
213
3S4J
3079'
Allegany do.
io68
1283
2188
1 2
258
4809
W'jfhiugton do. -
373^
3«^^3
6871
64
128
15822
Montgomery do.
328^
2746
564 s
29/
603c
18003
Prince George do.
^65;:
2503
4848
16.
1117'
21344
Calvert do* - -
109 1
1 109
20 1 1
i3t
430
8652
Charles do.
2 5 ^'5
2399
5160
404
1008;
^0613
St. Mary's do. - -
2100
1943
4173
343
698.
15544
Cecil do. - - -
2847
-377
4831
i(v
3407
'3^-5
Kent do* - - -
iS-jh
1547
332.^'
63.
54 3M
12836
Oueen Ann's do. -
2158
197-^!
4030
6ih
667.,,
15 4" 3
Caroline do.
181-
1727
348v
421
2057
950S
Falbot do.
1938
171.
3581
1, 0 7 0
4777
13084
Somerlet do.
2185
1908
417'^
268
7070
15610
Dorchcfter do.
2541
2430
5039
52X
5337
1587:.
WorcCilcr do, - -
1985
ig 1 '■
37^5
178
383''^
1 1 640
'^'^qi.'i
51339
10139,5
8043
10303 c'!
3 197 -'8
By comparing thefc two accounts, the increafe appears to be
Tixly-hve thouiand fix hundred and feventy-eight in eight years,
or eight thouiand two hundjed and fix per annum — reckoning,
therefore, only on the lame proportion of increafe, the prefent
number of inhabitants in this State cannot be Icis than thres
hundred and fifty thouiand.
RELIGION AND CHARACTER.
The P^oman Catholics, who were the firft fetflers in Mary-
land, are the moll numerous religious fcth. Befuies thele, there
;ue Protefhant Epiicop?.lians, 'Englilh. Scotch, and Irifh Prelty-
Vol. IIL G
4^ CENERAL DESCRIPTION
terinns, German Calvinifts, German Lutherans, Friends, Baptifls,
Mefliodifts, Menonifts and Nicolites, or new Quakers, who all
enjoy liberty of conrcicjice.
There are many very relpeanble families in Baltimore who
live genteelly, are hofpitable to ftrangers, and maintain a friendly
and improving intercourfe with each other ; but the bulk of
the inhubitants, recently colledled from almoft all quarters of
the world, bent on the puriuit of wealth, varying in their
habits, their manners, and their religions, have yet their gene-
ral characler to forrr.
The inhabitants, except in the populous towns, live on their
plantations, often feveral miles diftant from each other. To an
inhabitant of the middle, and efpccially of the eaflern States,
which are thickly populated, they appear to live very retired
unfocial lives. The efl'cfts of this comparative folitude are
viiible in the countenances, as well as in the manners and drefs
o! many of the country people. Yt)U obferve comparatively
kittle of that cheerful fprightlinefs of look and aftion, which is
the invariable and genuine offspring of focial intercourfe ; nor
do you find that attention paid to drefs which is common, and
which cuflom has rendered neceffary among people who are
liable to receive company almofh every day : unaccuftomed, in a
great meafure, to frequent and friendly vifits, they often fuf-
icr too much negligence in their drefs. As the negroes per-
form all their raanual labour, iheir mailers are left to faunter
away life in floth, and too often in ignorance. Thefe obferva-
tions, however, muft, in juicice, be limited to the people in the
country, and to thofe paiticulai ly whofc p>,>verty or parfunony
prevents their fpending a part of their time in populous towns,
or otherwife mingling with the world ; and v/ith thefe limita-
tions, they will equally apply to all the fouthern States. The
in.Kibitants of the populous towns, and thole from the country
v.'lio have intercourfe with them, are, in their manners and cuf-
toms, genteel and agreeable.
Ihat pride which glows on flivery, and is habitual to thoie
who, from their infancy, are taught to believe and feel their
fupeiiority, is a viable charatleriliic of tiie Inhabitants of Mary-
laud ; but with this charatleriliic we muft not fail to conneft
that of holpttality to flrangers, which is equally nuiverial and
obvious. Many of the women poiu:l"s all the amiable, and many
of the elegant accomplifinnents of their lex.
T'tc ifdiabitants arc made up of various nations of many
dillcrcn: religions fentiments ; few general oblcrvations, there^*
fore, of a chara£lcriflical kind will apply : it may be laid, how-
OF MARY LAN 19. 43
ever, with great truth, that tliev are in general very fecler?i,
and friends to good government. They owe little money as a
State, and are willing and able to diicharge their debts f their
credit is very good •, and although thev have (o great a propor-
tion of flaves, vet a number of inlluentid perfons evinced their
humanity and their dilpofition to al>t)lini fo curfed and difrepu-
table a traffic, by forming themfelves into " a fociety for the abo-
lition of negro flavery." What pleafure maft it aflord thels
exalted charafters, as well as every other friend of humanity, to
refle£fc, that what they undertook as individuals, has been at
length fully approved of, and completely accompliflicd by thr.
federal government, who bv an a<5l tiiat will refleft honour up-
on it to the late ft period of time, have let bounds to the infa-
mous diftinftion between men whose only real differencf.
IS COLOUR, and who have lecured, without injuftice or injurv
to any individual, at an .early period, the entire abolition of
llavery in name and praflice. We join the general wifli of
thole whole objeft is the general happinefs of the human race —
that the Ipirit of philanthropic liberty in the breafh of every in-
dividual in the Union, may fecond and cherifh the efforts of the
government in extending the knowledge and cnjovmcat of the
rights of man to an hitherto enflavcd world.
TRADE AND MANUFACTUPvES.
Turnaces for running iron ore into pigs and hollow ware,
and forges to rehnc pig iron into bars, are numerous, and work-
ed to great extent and profit. This is the only rnanufjclure of
importance carried on in the State, except it be tliat of wheat
into flour and curing tobacco.
The trade of Maryland is principally carried on from r.alti-
more, with the other States ; with the Wefl-Indics, and with
feme parts of Europe. To thefe places they fend annually about
thirty thoufand hogftieads of tobacco, befides large quantities of
wheat, flour, pig iron, lumber, and corn ; beans, poik, and flsx '
feed in imalier quantities.; and receive in return, clotliing for
themfelves and negroes, and other dry goods, v/ines, ipirits
fugars, and other Well- India commodities. U'he balance is ge-
nerally in their favour.
The total amount of exports from Baltimore "1 Dels. Cts.
from Oa. 1, 1789, to Sept. 30, 1790, was/ 2.027,777 64
Value of imports for the lame time - - - 1,94;. 899 55
^.xports fromOci. .1, 1790, to Sept. 30, 1791 3,1 31, 51.7 n:^
C i ' . '
44 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
During the laft mentioned period, the quantity of wheat ex-
ported was two hundred five thouiand five hundred and icven-
ty-one bufhcls ; Indian corn, two hundred five thoufand fix
hundred and forty-three ditto ; buck wheat, foar thouiand two
hundred and eighty-fix ditto ; peas, ten thouiand fix hundred
and nineteen ditto ; befides one hundred and fifty-one thouiand
four hundred and forty. five barrels of wheat flour ;. four thou-
iand three hundred and twenty-five diitto, Indian meal ; fix thou-
fand I'even hundred and fixty-one ditto, bread ; and three thoUr
fand one hundred and four kegs of crackers.
SEMINARIES OF LEARNING, &c.
Wafhington academy, in Somerfet County, was inflituted by
law in 1779: it was founded, and is fupported, by voluntary
fubfcriptions, and private donations, arid is authorized to re-
ceive gifts and legacies, and to hold two thouiand acres of land.
A fupplemcnt to the law, palTed in 1784, increaied the number
cf truftees from eleven to fifteen.
In 1782, a college was inflituted at Charleflon, in Kent
county, and was honoured with the name of WASHiNcxoif
College, after Prefident Wafhington. It is under the manage-
ment of twenty-four vifitors of governors, with power to fup-
ply vacancies and hold eftates, whofe yearly valye fhall not
exceed fix thoufand pounds current tnoney. By a law enafted
in 1787, a permanent fund was granted to this inflitution of
one thouiand two hundred and fifty pounds a year, currency,
out of the monies arifing from marriage licenfes, fines, and for-
feitures on the eaflern fiiore,
St. John's college v^as inftituted in 1785, to ha\.'e alfo twenty-
four truflces, v/ith pov.-er to keep up the iucccffion by fupplying
vacancies, and to receive an annual income of nine thouiand
pounds. A permanent fund is ailigncd this college, of one
thoufand ieven hundred and fifty pounds a )'ear, out of the mo-
nies ariinig from marriage licepfes, ordinary licenles, fines and
forfeitures, on the weflern flroie. I'his college is at Annapolis,
where a building has been prepared for it. Very liberal fub-
fcriptions liave been obtained towards founding and carrying on
thele feminaries. The two coUeg-es coiifluute one univeifity,
by the name of " the Univerfity of Maiyland,'' whereof the
governor of tlie State for the time being is chancellor, and the
principal of one of them vice-chancellor, either by leniority or
by elctlion, as may hereafter be provided for by rule or by
lavv» 'I'lic chanc'jllor is empowered to call a meeting of the
or MARYLAND. 45
truftees, ©r a reprefentation of feven of each, and two of the
members of the faculty of each, the principal being one, which
meeting is ftiled, " The Convocation of the Univcrfuy of
Maryland," who are to frame the laws, prefcrve uniformity of
manners and literature in the colleges, confer the higher degrees,
determine appeals, ,&c.
The Roman Catholics have alfo erefted a college at George-
town, on the Potomack river, for the promotion of general litera-
ture.
In 1785, the Methodifts inftituted a college at Abingdon, in
Harford county, by the name of Cokefbury college, after
Thomas Coke^ and Francis Afhbury, biJJiops of the Methodift
Epilcopal Church, The .college edifice is of brick, handlomely
built on a healthy Ipot, enjoying a fine air, and a very extenlive
prolpcft.
The fludents, who are to confifl of the fons of travelling
preachers, of annual fublcribers, of the members of the Metho-
dift fociety and orphans -, are inftrufted in Englifh, Latin,
Greek, Logic, Rhetoric, Hiilory, Geography, Natural Philo-
fophy and Aftrorjomy ; and when the finances of the college
will admit, they are to be taught the Hebrew, French, and
German languages.
The college was erefted and is fupported wholly by fubfcrip-
tlon and voluntary donations.
The lludents have regular hours for rifing, for prayers, for
their meals, for ftudy, and for recreation ; ihey are all to be in
bed precilely at nine o'clock. Their recreations, (for they are to
be " indulged in nothing which the world calls play^") are
gardening, walking, riding, and bathing, without doors ; and
within doors, the carpenters, joiners, cabinet-makers, or turn-
er's bufinels. Suitable provifion is made for thcfe fevcral
occupations, v/hich are to be confidered, not as matters of
drudgery and conftraint, but as plcafing and healthful jecreations
both for the body and njind. Another of their rules, which
though new and fingular, is favourable to the health and vigour
of the body and mind, is, that the lludents fiiall not fleep on fea-
ther beds but on mattrelTes, and each one by himielf. Particu-
lar attention is paid to the morals and religion of the lludents.
Tliere are a few other literary iuHitutions, of inferior note,
in diflerent parts of the State, and provifion is made for free
Ichools in mod of the counties ; though fome are entirely ne-
glcfted and very few carried on with any lucceis : lo that a great
proportion of the lovver clais of people arc ignorant ; and there
4<S GENERAL DESCRIPTION
are not a few who cannot write their names. But the revolu-
tion, among other happy effefts, has roufed the ipirit of educa-
tion, which is faft fpreading its falutary inllueaces ovw this
end the other iouthcrn States.
CONSTITUTION.
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.
The Parliament of Great-Britain, by a declaratory aft, hav-
ing alTumecl a right to make laws to bind the Colonies in all calcs
■whatloever, and in purfuance of fuch cla-im endeavoured by
force of arms to fubjugate the United Colonies to an uncondi-
tional fubmiflion to their will and power, and having at length
conflrained them to declare themiclves independent States,
and to affume government under the authority of the people :
therefore, we, the delegates of Maryland, in free and full
Convention alfembled, taking into our mod ierious conndera-
tion tlie bell means of eftablifliing a good conftitution in this
State, for the lure foundation and more permanent fecurity
thereof, declare,
I. That all government of right /originates from the people,
is founded in compaft only, and inllituted lolely for the good
of the whole.
II. That the people of this State ought to have the fo'.e
and exclufive riglit of reguLting the internal government and
police thereof.
III. That the inhabitants of Maryland are entitled to the
common law of England, and the trial by jury according to the
courie of that law, and . to the beneht of iuch of the Englifh
Jtatutes as exillcd at the time of their firft emigration, and
which by experience have been found applicable to their local
and other circumftanccs, and of fuch others as have been lince
made in England, or Great-Britain, and have been introduced,
vied, and prattiled by the couits ot law or equity ; and alio to
all afts of AlTembly in force on the iirfl of June, feventeen
hundred and ievcnty-four, except iuch as may have fince ex-
pired, or have been, or may be altered by afts of Convention,
or this Declaration of Rights ; fubjctl. neverthelefs to the revi-
fion of, and amendment or repeal by the legiilature of tliis
State ; and the inhabitants of Maryland are alio entitled to all
property derived to them from or under the charter granted by
his MajcOy Charles I. tg C;t-ciHus Calvert, Jlaron of Balii.
OF MARYLANiy. ..^
IV. That all perfons inveflcd with the legiflatlve or z-Ad-
cutive powers of government are the trufhees of the public,
and as fuch accountable for their conduft : wherefore, whene-
ver the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty
manifeftly endangered, and all ether means of redrefs are
ineflcftual, the people mav, and of right ought to reform the
old, or eftablifli a new f^uvernment. The doflrine of non-
refiftance agaiafl arbitrary power and oppreffion is ab-
lurd, llavifh, and deflruftive of the good and happinefs o-f
mankind.
V. That the right in the people to participate in the legifla-
ture is the bcft fecurity of liLjerty, and the foundation of all
free government. For this purpoie, ele£lions ought to be free
and frequent, and every man having property in, a common
interefl with, and attachment to the community, ought to have
a right of fuffrage.
VI. That the legifl.itive, executive, and judicial powers
of government ought to be for ever ieparate and diflinft from
each other.
VII. That no power of fufpending laws, or the execution
of laws, unlets by, or derived from the legiflature, ought to
be exercilcd or allowed,
VIII. That freedom of fpeech and. debates, or proceedings
in the legiflature, ought not to be impeached in any other
court of judicature.
IX. That a place for the meeting of the legiflature ought
to be fixed, tlie moft convenient to the members thereof, and
to the depolitory of public records ; and the legiflature ought
not to be convened or held at any other place, but from evi-
dent neceffity.
X. That for redrefs of grievances, and for amending,
flrcngthening and preferving the laws, the legiflature ought to
be frequently convened,
XI. That every man hath a right to petition the legiflature
for the redrefs of grievances, in a peaceable and orderly man-
ner.
XII. That no aid, charge, tax, fee or fees, ouglit to be fct^
rated, or levied under any pretence, without conlent of the
iegiflatuie, ■
XIII. That the levying taxes by the poll is grievous and
oppre'Iive and ought to be abolilhed ; that paupers ought not
to be aflefled for the luppurt of govKinmeat ; but every other
V23 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
perfon in the State ought to contribute his proportion of public
taxes for the fupport of government, according to his aftual
worth in real or perfonal property within the State ; yet fines,
duties, or taxes, may properly and juftly be impofed or laid
with a political view for the good government and benefit of
the community.
XIV. That fanguinary laws ought to be ax'oided, as far as i*
confident with the fafety of the State; and no law to inflift
cruel and unufual pains and penalties ought to be made in any
cafe, or at any time hereafter.
XV. That retrofpeftive laws, punifhing fafts committed
before the exiftence of fueh laws, and by them only declared
criminal, are oppreffive unjuft, and incompatible with liberty,
wherefore no ex poji J'aflo law ought to be made.
XVI. That no law to attaint particular pcrfons of treafon
or felony ought to be made in any cafe, or at any time here-
after.
XVIL That every freemen, for arny injury done him in his
perfon or property, ought to have remedy by the courfe of the
law of the land, and ought to have juft.ice and right, freely
without fale, fully without any denial, and fpecdily without
delay, acording to the law of the land.
XVIII. That the trial of fafts where they arife, is one of
the greateft fecurities of the lives, liberties, and ellates of the
people,
XIX. That in all criminal profeeutions, every man hath a
tight to be informed of the accufation againfl him, to have a
copy of the indiftment or charge in due time, if required, to
prepare for his defence, to be allowed council, to be confront-
ed with the witnefies againft. him, to have procefs for his wit-
nefies, to examine the witnelTes for and againft him on oath,
and to a fpeedy trial by an impartial jury, without whole una-
nimous confent he ought not to be found guilty.
XX. That no man ought to be compelled to give evidence
ageinft himfelf in a court of common law, or in any other court,
but in fuch cafes as have been ufually praftifed in this Stale, or
may hereafter be direftcd by the Icgiflaturc.
XXI. That no freemen ought to be taken or imprifoned,
or difieiled of his freehold, liberties or privileges, or outlawed,
or exiled, or in any manner deftroyed, or deprived of his life,
liberty, or property, but by tlie judgment of his peers, or by
the law of llic land.
OF MARYLAND. i^f.
XXri. That exceffive biil ought not to be required, nor cx-
ceiTive fines impofed, nor cruel or unulual puuHliments infli£led
by the courts of law.
XXIII. That all warrants v/illiQut oath or affirmation, to fearch.
fufpefted places, or to leize any perlon or property, are grievous
and opprcffivev and all general warrants to learch lulpofted
places or to apprehend fufpefted perfons, without naming or
delcribing the pli-ce or the p'erfon in IpeciaV, arc illegal, and ought
ftot to be granted.
XXIV. That thei-e ought to be no forfeiture of any part of
the cftite of any perfon for any crime, except murder, ox treafon
againll the States, and then only on conviftion and attainder.
XXV. That a well-regulated militia is the proper and natural
defence of a free government,
XXVI. That {landing armies are dangerous to liberty, and
dught not to be railed or kept without content of tlie legiflature.
XXVII. That in all cales and at all times the military ought
to be under flrift fubordination to, and controul of the civil
power,
XXVIII. That no foldier ought to be quartered in any boufe
in time of peace, without the confent of the owner ; and in time
of war, in fuch manner only as the legiflature fhall direft.
XXIX. That no perlon, except regular foldiers, mariners,
and marines in the fervice of this State, or militia, when in ac-
tual fervice, ought in any cafe to be iubjeft to, or punifhable
by martini law.
XXX. That the independency and uprightnefs of judges are
eflential to the impartial adminiftration of juftice, and a great
fecurity to thfe rights and liberties of the people ; v/herefore the
chancellor and judges ought to' hold their commiflTions during
good behaviour ; and the iaid chancellor and judges fhall be re-
moved for mifbeliaviour, on a c<.)nviftion in a court of law, and
may be removed by the governor, upon the addrefs of the Ge-
neral Aflembly, provided that two-thirds of all the members of
each Ploufe concur in fuch addrels. That falaries liberal, but
not profufe, ought to be fecured to the chancellor and the
judges during the continuance of their commilTions, in fuch man-
ner and at fuch times as the legiflature fhall hereafter direft, up-
on confideration of the circuinftances of this State : no chancellor
or judge ought to hold any other office, civil or military, or re-
ceive fees or perquifites of any kind.
XXXI. That a long continuance in the firfl: executive depart-
raents of power or trull is dangerous to liberty ; a rotation.
Vol. III. H
!■% GENERAL DESCRIPTION
therefore, in tliofe departments, is one of the befl fecuritics of
permanent freedom.
XXXII. That no perfon ought to hold at the fame time more
tlian one office of profit, nor ought any perfon in public truft
to receive any prefent from any foreign prince or fkate, or
fiom the United States, or any of them, without the approba-
tion of this State,
XXXIII. That as it is the duty of every man to worfhip God
in fuch manner as he thinks moft acceptable to him, all perfons
profefling the Chriftian religion are equally entitled to proteftion
in their religious liberty ; wherefore no perfon ought by any
law to be m.olefled in his perfon or eflate, on account of his re-
ligious perfuafion or profeflion, or for his religious praftice,
unlefs, under colour of religion, any mafi fhall difturb the good
order, peace, or fafety of the State, or fhall infringe the laws of
morality, or injui'e others in their natural, civil, or religious
rights ; nor ought any perfon to be compelled to frequent, or
maintain, or contribute, unlefs on contraft, to maintain any par-
ticular place of worfhip, or any particular miniftry ; yet the le-
giflature may in their difcretion lay a general and equal tax for
the fupport of the Chriftian religion ; leaving to each individual
the power of appointing the payment of the money collefted
from him, to tlie fupport of any particular place of worfliip or
minifter, or for the benefit of the poor of his own denomina-
tion, or the poor in general of any particular county ; but the
churches, chapels, glebes, and all the property now belonging
to the Church of England, ought to remain to the Church of
England for ever. And all afts of Affembly lately pafled for col-
iefting monies for building or repairing particular churches or
chapels of ea(c, fli;ill continue in force and be executed, unlefs
the legiflature fliall by aft fuperfede or repeal the fame ; but no
county court fliall ailefs any quantity of tobacco or fum of mo-
ney hereafter, on the application of any veftry-men, or church-
\vardens ; and every incumbent of the Church of England who
hath remained in his parifh, and performed his duty, fliall be
entitled to receive the provifion and fupport eftablifhed by the
aft, entitled, " An aft for the fnpport of the clergy of the
Church of England in this province," till the November court
of this prefent year, to be held for the county in which his pa-
rifh fhall lie, or partly lie, for fuch time as he hath remained
in his parifli^ and performed his duty.
XXXIV. That every gift, fale or dcvife of lands to any
minifter, public teacher, or preacher of the gofpel, as fuch. or to
OF MARYLAND, 51
any religious feft, order, or denomination, or to, or for the fup-
po-t, ufe, or benefit of, or in truft for any minifter, public teach-
er, or preacher of the gofpel, as fuch, or any religious fedl, or-
der, or denomination ; and every gift or fale of goods or chattels
to go in fucceflion, or to take pLice after the death of the fellor
or denor, or to or for fuch fupport, ufe or benefit; and alfo every
devife of goods or chattels to, or for the fupport, ule or benefit
cf any minifter, public teacher, or preacher of the golpel, as luch,
or any religious left, order or denomination, without the leave
of the Icgifiature, fhall be void ; except always any fale, gift,
ieafe or devife of any quantity of land not exceeding two acres,
for a church, meeting, or other houfe of woifhlp, and for a
burying ground, which fhall be improved, enjoyed, or uled
only for fuch purpofe, or fuch fale, gift, Ieafe, or devile, Ihall
be void.
XXXV. That no other teft or qualification ought to be re-
quired on^admifTion to any ofiicc cf trull or profit, than luch oath
of fupport and fidelity to this State, and fuch oath of ofiice as
fhall be direfted by this Conventionj or the legiflature of this
State, and a declaration of a belief in the Chriftian religion.
XXXVI. That the manner of adminiftering an oath to any
perfon, ought to be fuch as thofe of the religious periuafion,
profefQon, or denomination, of which fuch perfon is one, gene-
rally efteem the moft efFcftual confirmation by the attellation of
the Divine Being. And that the people called Quakers, thofe
called Dunkers, and thofe called Mcnonifls, holding it unlawful
to take an oath on any occafion, ought to be allowed to make
their folemn affirmation in the manner that Qu;'.kers have been
heretofore allowed to affirm, and to be of the fame avail as an
oath in all fuch cafes as the affirmation of 0,uc;kers hath been
allowed and accepted within this State, inftead of an oath. And
farther, on fuch affirmation, warrants to fearch for flolen g<wds,
or for the apprehenfion or commitment of ofFcnders, ought to be
' granted, or fecurity for the peace avv-arded ; and Qaykers, Dun-
kers, or Menonifls, ought alfo, on their folemn affirmation
as aforefaidj to be admitted as wiuieffes in all criminal cafes not
C;:pital.
XXXVII. That the city of Annapolis ought to have all its
rights, privileges, and benefits, agreeable to its charter, and the
afts of Affemblv confirming and regulating the fame ; fubjeft ne-
verthelefs to fuch alterations as may be made by this Conven-
tion, or any future legifl iture.
XXXVIII. That the liberty of the prefs ought [o he. invioiu-
bly prefervcd.
52 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
XXXIX. That monopolis are odious, contrary to tlie fpirit
of a free government and the principles of commerce, and on • it
not to be fuffered.
XL. That notitle of nobility or hereditary honours ought to
be granted in this State.
XLI. That the fubfifling refoI\/'es of this and the fevera^ Con-
ventions held for this colony, ought to be in force as laws, unlefs
altered by this Convention, or the legiflature of this State.
XLII. That this declaration of rights, or the form of govern-
inent to be cftablifhed by this Convention, or any part of either
of them, ought not to be altered, changed or aboliflicd by the
legiflature of this State, but in fuch manner as this Convenlioji
fhall prelcribe and direft,
JRAME OF GOVERNMENT.
I. That the legiflature confifl of two difl:in£l branches, a Senate
snd a Houfe of Delegates, which fhall be filled, The General
Assembly of Marylanb.
II. That the Houfe of Dele<Tates fhall be chofen in the fol„
lowing manner : all freemen aboi'e twenty-one years of age, hav-
ing a freehold of fifty acres of Lnd in the county in which they
offer to vote, and refiding therein ; and all freemen having
property in this State above the value of thirty pounds current
money, and having refided in the county in which they offer
to vote, one whole" year next preceding the eleftion, fliall have
a right of fuffrage in the eleftion of delegates for fuch county ;
and all freemen fo qualified fl:iall, on the firfl Monday of Oftober,
feventeen hundred and fcventy-feven, and on the fame day in
every year thereafter, afl"cmble in the counties in wliich they
are refpeftivcly qualified to vote, at the court-houfe in the faid
counties, or at iuch other place as the legiflature fl^iall direft, and
■when affembled^ they {hall proceed to eleft, viva voce, four dele-
gates- for their refpe&ive counties, of the mofl wife, fenfible,
and diicreet of the people, refidents in the county where they
are to be chofen one whole year next preceding the eleftlon,
above twenty-one years of age, and having in the State real or
perional property above the value of five liundred pounds cur-
rent money ; and upon the final ca fling of the polls, the four
pcrions who fliall appear to have the greatcfl number of legal
votes, fhall be declared and returned duly elefted for their ref-
peftive counties.
III. That the flierifp of each county, or, in cafe of ficknefs, hii
deputy, fumm.oning two jufticcs of the county, who arc required
OF MARYLAND. ^3
\p a.ttend for the prefervation of the peace, fliall be tJie
judge of the eleftion, and fm.y adjourn from day to dnvj
if neceffary, till the fame be finiflied, fo that the \uhole
flection fliall be concluded in four days, and fhall make riis
return thereof, under bis har^d, to the chancellor of this State
for the time being.
IV. That all perfons qualified by the charter of the city of
Annapolis to vote for burgeifes, fliall on the fame firfl Monday
of Oftober, feventeen hundred and feventy-feven, and on the
fame day in every year for ever thereafter, eleft viva voce, by
a majority of votes, two delegates, qualified agreeable to the
iaid charter ; that the mayor, recorder, and aldermen of the
faid city, or any three of them, be judges of the eleftion, ap.
point the place in the faid city for holding the fame, and may-
adjourn from day to day as aforefaid, and fliall make return
thereof as aforefaid ; but the inhabitants of the faid city fliail
not be entitled to vote for delegates for Ann-Arundel county,
unlefs they have a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county,
diflinft from the city.
V. That all perfons, inhabitants of Baltirrjore town, and hav-
ing the fame qualifications as eleftors in the county, fliall on the
fame firfl: Monday in 0£lober, feventeen hundred and feventy-
feven, and the lame day in every year forever thereafter, at
fuch place in the faid town as the judges fliall appoint, elect
viva voce, by a majority of votes, two delegates, qualified as
aforefaid ; but if the faid inhabitants of the town ffiall fo de-
creafe, as that the number of perfons having a right of fuff"rage
therein, fhall have been for the fpace of feven years fucceflively,
lefs than one half the number of voters in fome one county in
this State, fuch town thenceforward fhall ceafe to fend twQ
- delegates or reprefentatives to the Houfe of Delegates, until the
faid town fhall have one half of the number of voters in fom^
taie county in this State.
Yl. That the commiflioners of the fjid town, or any three or
more of them, for the time being, fliall be judges of the iaid
election, and niay adjourn as aforefaid, and fliall make return
thereof as aforefaid ; but the inhabitants of the faid town fhall
not be entitled to vote for, or be elefted delegates for Baltimore
county •, neither fliall the inhabitants of Baltimore county, ou|.
of the limits of Baltimore town, be entitled to vote for, or be
ele£led delegates for the faid town.
VII. That on refufal, death, difqualification, ren3naticn or
54 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
removal out of this State, of any delegate, or on his becoming
governor or member of the council, a warrant of clcftion fhall
iffuc by the fpeaker, for the election of another in his place,
of which ten days notice at leaft, excluding tlie day of notice
and day of eleftion, fhall be. given.
VIII. That not lefs than a majoritv of delegates, with
their fpeaker, to be chofen by them by ballot, conftitute an
Houfe for the tran(a£lion of any bufmels, other than that of
adjourning.
IX. That the Houfe of Delegates Pnall judge of the cletSlions
and qualifications of delegates.
X. That the Houfe of Delegates may originate all money
bills, propofe bills to the Senate, or receive thole offered by
that body, and allent, diffent, or propofe amendments ; that
they may inquire, on the oath of witneiTes, into all complaints^
grievances, and offences, as the grand inqueft of this State, and
may commit any perfon for any crime to the public goal, there
to remain till he be difcharged by due courfe of law. They
may expel any member for a great mifdemeanor, but not a
fecond time for the fame caufe. They may examine and pafs
all accounts of the State, relating either to the coUeftion or
expenditure of the revenue, or appoint auditors to fcate or ad-
jufh the fame. They may call for all public or official papers
and records, and fend for perfons whom they may judge necef,
fary, in the courfe of their inquiries, concerning affairs relat-
ing to the public intercft: and may direft all oihce bonds,
which fhall be made payable to the State, to be fued for on
any breach of duty.
XI. That the Senate may be at full and perfeft liberty to
excrcife their judgment in paifing laws, and that they may not
be compelled by the Houie of Delegates either to rejeft a money
bill which the emergency of affairs may require, or to affent to
fomc other act cif legifl.ition, in their confcience and judgment
injurious to the public welfare, the Houie of Delcg.ites fhall
not, on any occafjon, or under any pretence annex to or
blend with a money bill, any matter, clauie, or thing, not
immediately relating to, and neceffary for the impofing, affening,
levying, or applying the tax-s or fupplies to be raifed for the
fupport of government, or the current expcnfes of the State ;
and to prevent altercation about fuch bills, it is declared, that
no bill impohug duties or cuitoms for the mere regulation of
commcrccj or inllicling hnet, fur the reformation of morals, or
OF MARYLAND. 55
to enforce the execution of the laws, by which an incidental
revenue may ariie, (hall be accounted a money bill ; but every
^ bill affellmg, levying or applying taxes or fupplies for tlie
fupport of government, oi- the current expenfes of the State,
or appropriating money in the trcalury, fliall be deemed a
money bill.
XII. That the Houfe of Delegates may punifh, by imprifon-
ment, any perion w'lo fliall be guilty of a contempt in their
view, by any diforderly or liotous behaviour, or by threats to
or abufe of their members, or by any obftruftion to their pro-
ceedings. They may alfo puniib, by impriionment, any perfon
who fliall be guilty of a breach of privilege, by arrefting on
civil procels, or by alTaulting any of their members during their
fnting, or on their way to, or return from the Houfe of Dele-
gates ; or by any aflault of, or obflruftion to their officers, in
the execution of any order or procels ; or by affaulting or ob-
flrufting any witnefs, or any other perfon, attending on, or
on their way to, or from the Houle ; or by refcuing any perfon
committed by the Houfe , and the fenate may exercife the fame
power in fimilar cafes.
XIII. That the treafurers (one for the v/eftern and another
for the eaflcrn fliore) and the commilTioners of the Loan Office,
may be appointed by the Houfe of Delegates during their plea-
fure and in cafe of refufal, death, refignation, dilqualification,
or removal out of the State, of any of the faid commiflioners
or treafurers, in the recefs of the General Afl'embly, the
governor, ■\\ath tlie advice of the council, may appoint and
commiffion a fit and proper perfon to fuch vacant olHce,
and to hold the fame until the Meeting of the next General
Affemblv.
XIV. That the fenate be chofen in the following manner : — •
All perfons, qualified as aforefaid to vote for county deiagates^
fliall, on the firft day of September, 1781, and on the fame
day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, eleSt viva voce, by a
majority of votes, two perfons for their refpeftively coun-
ties, qualified as aforefaid to be elcfted county delegates, to
be eleftors of the fenate ; and the fiieriff of each county, or,
> in cafe of ficknefs, his deputy, (fummoning two juftices of the
county, who are required to attend for the preiervation of the
peace) fhall hold and be judge of the faid elecHon, and make
return thereof as aforefaid. And all perfons qualified as afore,
faid to vote for delegates for the city of Annapolis and Balti-
more town, fliall, on the Icinie firfl Monday of September/ 1781,
^5 GENERAL 1)ESCRIPTI0N
and on the fame day iti every fifth year for ever thereafter, eleft,
ifivd voce, by a majority of votes, one perlun for the faid city
and town relpeftively, qualified as aforelaid, to be eletled a
delegate for the faid city and town reipeftively ; the faid eleftion
to be held in the fame manner as the eleftion of delegate for
the faid city and town ; tihe right to eleft the faid eleftor with
relpe6t to Baltimore town to continue as long as the right to
cle6t delegates for the faid town.
XV. That the faid eleftors of the fenate meet at the city of
Annapolis, or fuch other place as fhall be appointed for conven-
ing the legiflature, on the third Monday in September, 1781,
dnd on the fame day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, and'
they, or any twenty-four of them fo met, fliall proceed to eleftr'
by ballot, either out of their own' body, or the people at large,
fifteen fenators, (nine of whom to be refidents on the Weftern,"
and fix to be refidents on the eaflern fhore) men of the moit
wifdom, experience and virtue, above twenty-five years of age^
refidents of the State above three whole years next preceding-
the eleftion, and having real and perfonal property above the
value of one thoufand pounds current money.
XVI. That the fenators fhall be balloted for at one and the
fame time; and out of the Gentlemen refidents of the weftern'
fliore who fliall be propofed as fenators, the nine who fliall,
on flriking the ballots, appear to have the greatefl; number in
their favour, fhall be accordingly dec^ared and returned duly
ele£le'd ; and out of the gentlemen refidents of the eaflern
fhore v/ho fhall be propofed as fenators, the fix v/ho fhall, on'
ftriking the ballots, appear to have the greatcfh number, in their
favour, fhall be accordingly declared and returned duly elefted ;
and if two or more, on the fame fhore, fhall have an equal
number of ballots in their favour, by which the choice fhall
not be determined on the firfl ballot, then the electors fhali
again ballot before they feparate, in which they fhall be con-
fined to the perfons who, on the firfl ballot, fliall have had an
equal number ; and they who fliall have the greatefl number in
their favonr on the fecond ballot, fliall be accordingly declared
and returned duly defied ; and if the whole number fltould not
thus be made up, becaule of an equal number on the fecond
ballot flill being in favour of two or more perfons, then the
eleftion fliall be determined by lot between thofe who have
equal numbers ; which proceedings of the eleftors fhall be cer-
tified under their hands, and returned to the chancellor for
the time bein<j.
OF MARYLAND; 57-
XVII. That the eleftors of fcnators fhall judge of the quali-
ficntions and elefl;ions of members of their body, and on a con
teffed eleftion fliall admit to a feat, as an elector, fuch qualified
peribn as fliall appear to them to have the grcatefl number of
legal votes in his favour.
XVIII. That the elcftors immediately On their meeting, and
before they proceed to the elcflion of fenators, take fuch oath
of fupport and fidelity to this State, as this Convention or the
Icgifiature fhall direft ; and alfo an oath, " to elcft, without fa-
vour, aftcflion, partiality or prejudice, fuch perfons for fenators
as they, in their judgment and coufcience, believe befh quali-
fied for the office."
XIX. That in cafe of refufal, death, rcfignation, difqualifica-
tion, or removal out of this State, of any fcnator, or on his
becoming governor, or a member of the council, the fenate fhall
immediately thereupon, or at their next meeting thereafter, eleft
by ballot, in the iame manner as the eleftors are above direfted
to chufe fenators, another perfon in his place for the refidue of
the faid term of five years.
XX. That not lefs than a majority of the fenate, with their
piefident (to be chofen by them by ballot) fhall conftitute an
Houfe for the tranfafting any bufinefs, other than that of ad-
journing.
XXI. That the fenate fhall judge of the eleclions and qua-
lifications of fenators.
XXII. That the fenate may originate any other except money
bills, to which their affent or dilfent only fhall be given ; and
may receive any other bills from the Houfe of Delegates, and
alTent, diffent or propofe amendments.
XXIII. That the General AlTcmbly meet anniiallv, on the
firft Monday ot November, and if necelfary oftener.
XXIV. That each Houfe fhall appoint its own officers, and
fettle its own rules of proceeding.
XXV. That a perfon of wildom, experience, and virtue, fliall
be chofen governor, on the fecond Monday of November, feven-
teen hundred and feventy-feven, and on the fecond Monday in
every year for ever thereafter, by the jcnnt ballot of both
Houles, to be taken in each Houfe refpeftively, depofited in a
conference-room ; the boxes to be examined by a joint com_
mittee of botli Houfes, and the numbers leverall^' reported, that
the appointment may be entered ; which mode of taking the
joint ballot of both Houfes fiiall be adopted in all cafes. But
if two or more fhall have an equal number of ballots in their
Vol. III. X
S8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
favour, by which the choice fhall not be determined on the firft
ballot, then a fecond ballot fliall be taken, which fliall be con-
fined to the peiTons who on the firft ballot fhall have had an
equal number ; and if the ballots fhould again be equal between
two or more perfons, then the eleftion of the governor fhall
be determined by lot, between thofe v/ho have equal numbers;
and if the perfon cliofen governor fhall die, refign, remove out
of the State, or refufe to aft (fitting the General AiTembly) the
Senate and Iloufe of Delegates fhall immediately thereupon pro-
ceed to a new choice in manner aforefaid.
^XVI. That the fenators and delegates, on the fecond Tuef-
day of November, one thoufand feven hundred and feventy-
feven, and annually on the fecond Tuefday of November for
ever thereafter, eleft by joint ballot, in the fame manner as fena-
tors are direfted to be chofen. five of the moft fenfible, difcreet
and experienced men, above twenty-five years of age, refidents
in the State above three years next preceding the eleftion, and
having therein a freehold of lands and tenements above the value
of one thoufand pounds current money, to be the council to the
governor ; whofe proceedings fhall be always entered on record,
to any part whereof any member may enter his diffent ; and
their advice, if fo required by the governor or any member of
the council, fliall be given in writing, and figned by the mem-
bers giving the fame refpeftively ; which proceedings of the
council fhall be laid before the Senate or Houfe of Delegates,
when called for by ihem, or either of them. The council may
appoint their own clerk, who fhall take fuch oath of fupport
and fidelity to this State as this Convention or the legiHature
fliall direft, and of fccrecy, in luch matters as he fhall be direfted
by the Board to keep fecret.
XXVII. That the delegates to Congrefs from this State fhall
be cholen annually, or iuperfeded in the mean time by the
joint ballot of both Houfes of Affembly, and that there be a
rotation in fuch manner that at lead two of the number be an-
nually changed ; and no perfon faall be capable of being a de-
legate to Congrefs for more than three in any term of fix years ;
and no perfon who holds any office of profit in the gift of Con-
grefs flinll be eligible to fit in Congrefs, but if appointed to any
luch otfice his feat fliall be thereby vacated. That no perfon
unlcfs above t>venty-one years of age and a refident in the
State more tlian five vears next preceding the eleftion, and
luiving real and pcrfonal cft^ite in this State above the value
cf one thoufand pounds current money, fliall be eligible to fit
ii. Congrefs.
CF MARYLAND. S9
XXVIII. That the fenators and delegates, immediately on
their annual meeting, and before they proceed to any buiineis,
and every j^erfon hereafter ele£ted a fenator or delegate, before
he afts as fuch, fhall take an oath of fupport and fidelity to this
State as aforefaid ; and before the eleftion of a governor, or
member of the council, fhall take an oath, " to elcft without
favour, affeftion, partiality or prejudice, fuch perfon as gover-
nor, or member of the council, as they in their judgment and
confcience believe beft qualified for the office,"
XXIX. That the fenate and delegates may adjourn themfelves
refpeftively : but if the two Houfes fliould not agree on the
fame time, but adjourn to different days, then fliall the gover-
nor appoint and notify one of thofc days, or fome day between,
and the Affembly fliall then meet and be held accordingly ; and
he fliall, if neceffary, by advice of the council, call them be-
fore the time to which they fliall in any manner be adjourned,
on giving not lefs than ten days notice thereof ; but the go-
vernor fhall not adjourn the Afi'embly otherwife than as aforefaid,
nor prorogue or diffolve it at any time.
XXX. That no perfon, unlefs above twenty-five years of
age, a refident in this State above five years next preceding the
eleftion, and having in the State real and perfonal property
above the value of five thoufand pounds current money, one
thoufand pounds whereof at leaft to be freehold eftate, fliall be
eligible as governor.
XXXI. That the governor fliall not continue in that ofiice
longer than three years fucceflively, nor be eligible as governor
until the expiration of four years after he fhall have been out
of that office.
XXXII. That upon the death, refignation, or removal out of
this State, of the governor, the firft named of the council, for
the time being, fhall a£l as governor, and qualify in the fame
manner ; and ihall immediately call a meeting of the General
Affembly, giving not lefs than fourteen days notice of the meet-
ing, at which meeting a governor fliall be appointed, in manner
aforefaid. for the refidue of the year.
XXXIII. Tiiat the governor, by and with the advice and
confent of the council, may embody the militia, and when em-
bodied fliuU alone have the direftion thereof, and fhall alfo have
the direflion of all the regular land and fea forces under the laws
of this State ; but he fhall not command in perfon, unlefs ad-
V'fed thereto by the council, and then only io long as they
1 2
So GENERAL DESCRIPTION
fliali approve thereof ; and may alone exercife all other the exe-
cutive powers of government, where the concurrence of the
council is not required, according to the laws of this State j
and grant reprieves or pardons for any crime, except in fuch
cafes where the law fhall otherwife direft ; and may, during the
recels of the General Affembly, lay embargoes to prevent the
departure of any {hipping, or the exportation of any commo-
cuties, for any ,time not exceeding thirty days in any one year^
fummoning the General Affembly to meet within the time of
the continuance of fuch embargo ; and may alfo order and com-
pel any veflcl to ride quarantine, if fuch vcflel, or the port from
which Are may have come, fliall, on flrong grounds, be fufpefted
to be infeftcd with the plagiie ; but the governor fliall not, on
any pretence, exercife any power or prerogative by virtue of
any law, flatute or cuftom, of England or Great-Britain.
XXXIV. That the members of the council, or any three or
more of them, when convened, fhall conTtitute a Board for the
tranfadling of bufinefs. That the governor for the time being
fhall prefide in the council, and be entitled to a vole on all
queflions in which the council fliall be divided in opinion ; and
^ jn tae abfciue of the governor, the lird named of the council
fliall preiiue, and a'§ fuch fliall alfo vote in all cafes where the
other members difagrfee in their opinion.
-^■^*XV, That in cafe of refufal, death, refignation, difquali-
ncat-iOn, or removal out of the State, of any perfon chofen a
membci of the council, the members thereof, immediately there-
upon, or at their next meeting thereafter, fliall eleft, by ballot,
another perfon qualihed as aforefaid, in his place, for the refidue
pf the year.
XXXVI. That the council fhall have powej to make the
great ieal of this Slate, which fhall be kept by the chancellor
for the time being, and affixed to all laws, commiffions, grants
and other public teftimoniais, as has been heretofore praftiied
in this State.
XXXVIL That no fenator, delegate of Affembly, or member
of the council, if he fliall qualify as fuch, fliall hold or exe-
cute any office of profit, or receive the profits of any ofHce
exerciled by any other perion, during the time for which lie
fliall be elcfted •, nor fhall any governor be capable of hold-
ing any other ofiicc of profii iu this State, while he aft as
fuch ; and no perfon holding a place of profit, or receiving any
part oF the profits thereof, or receiving the profits, or any part
.of the profits, arlfing on any agency for the iupply oi cloathing
OF MARYLAND. 6i
or provifions for the army or navy, or holding any office under
the United StateSj or any of them, or a rninifler or preacher
of the gofpel of any denomination, or any perfon employed
in the regular land Icrvice, or marine, of this or the United
St.ites, fliall have a ieat in the General AlTembly, or the coun-
cil of this State,
XXXyill. That every governor, fenator, delegate to Con-
grefs or Afl'embjy, and member of the council, before he afts
as fuch, fiiall take an oath, " That he will not receive, direftly
or indircftly, at any time, any part of the profits of any office
held by any other perlon during his afting in his office of
governor, fenator, delegate to Cungrefs or Alfembly, or mem-
ber of the council, or the profits, or any part of the profitSj
arifmg on any agency for the fupply of cloathing or provifions
for the army or navy,"
XXXiX. That if any fenator, delegate to Congrefs or AfTcm-
bly, or member of the council, fliall hold or execute any office
of profit, or receive, dire£lly or indireftly, at any time, tlie
profits, or any part of the profits, of any office exercifed by
any other perfon, during his afting as fenator, delegate to
Congrefs or Aflembly, or member of the council, his feat, on
(Conviftion in a court of faw, by the oath of tvi/^o credible wit-
peflTes, fhall be void, and he fhall fuffer the punifliment for
wilful and corrupt perjury, or be baniflied this State for ever,
or difcjualified for ever from holding any office or place of truil
pr profit, as the court may judge.
XL. That the chancellor, all judges, the attorney-general,
clerks of the General Court, the clerks of the county courts,
the regiflers of the land office, and rcgifters of wills, fliall hold
their commiffions during good behaviour, removcable only for
jnifbehaviour, on conviftion in a court of law,
XLI. That there be a regifi;er of wills appointed for each
county, who fhall be commiffioned by the governor, on the
joint recommendation of the Senate and Houfeof Delegates ; and
that upon the death, refignation, di {qualification, or removal
out of the county, by any regifter of wills, in the recels of the
General Alfembly, the governor, with the advice of the coun-
cil may appoint and commiffion a fit and proper perlon to iuch
vacant office, to hold the fame until the meoiing of tlic General
Alfembly.
XLII. That fherilTs fhall be elecled in each county, by
ballot, eveiy third year, that is to lay, two perlons for the
^office of fliciiirf for each county, the cnc pi whcin huvaifr
63 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
the majority of votes, or if both have an equal number either
of them, at the difcretion of the governor, to be commifhoned
by the governor for the faid ofhce, and having ferved for three
years, fuch perfon fiiall be ineligible for the four years next
lucceeding, bond with i'ecurity to be tsken every year as ulaal,
and no flierifF Ihall be qualified to aft before the fame is given.
In cafe of death, refufal, refignation, dilqualification, or remov-
al out of the county, before the expiration of the three years,
the other perfon, chofen as aforefaid, fliall be commifhoned
bv the p-overnor to execute the faid ofTice for the rifidue of
the faid three years, the faid perfon giving bond with fecurity
as aforefaid : and in cafe of his death, refufal, refignation, dif-
qualification, or removal out of the county, before the expi-
ration of the faid three years, the governor, with the advice of
the council, may nominate and commifTion a fit and proper
perfon to execute the faid office for the refidue of the faid three
years, the faid perfon giving bond and fecurity as aforefaid^
The eleftion fhall be held at the fame time and place appointed
for the eleftion of delegates : and the juftices there fummoned to
attend for the preiervation of the peace, fliall be judges thereof,
and of the qualification of candidates, who fhall appoint a clerk
to take the ballots. All freemen above the age of twenty-one
years, having a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county in
which the)'' offer to ballot, and refiding therein ; and all free-
men above the age of twenty-one years, and having property
in the State above the value of thirty pounds current money,
and having refided in the county in which they offer to ballot
one whole yea,r next preceding the eleftion, fhall have a right
of fuffrage ; no perfon to be eligible to the office of flaeriil for
a county, but an inhabitant of the faid county above the age of
tv."enty-one years, and having real and pcrfonal property In th^
State above the vahic of one thoufand pounds current money.
The juftices aforefaid fhall examine the ballot?, and the two
candidates properly qualified, having in each county the majo-
rity of legal ballots, fliall be dcclaied duly elefted for the office
ol flieriff for Inch coaul\'. and retunicd to the governor and coun-
cil, with a tertific.ilc oi t-ie nunibcT of ballots for each of them.
XLIII. That evety perfon who fliall offer to .vote for dele-
gates, or lor (lie eleftion of the fc!iate, or -for the fhcriff. iliall
(if requiied b)- any t'lrce pcrions quJIficd to vote) b-.forc he be
rdinitted to ])olI, take fuch oath or affirnjation of iupport and
fidelity to tills St?.tc, aS thii Coavciillca or the leglQaturc fnall
tliu'Ct,
0 F MARYLAND, 6'^
, XLIV. That a juflice of the peace may he eligible as a fc-
nator, delegate,- ov member of tlie council, and may continue
to a6l as a juftice of (he peace.
XLV. That no field officer of the militia be cliolble as a fc-
nator, delegate, or member of the council.
XLVI. That all \:ivil officers hereafter to be appointed for
the feveral counties of this State, fliall have been refidents of
the county refpeftively, for which they fhall be appointed, fix
months next before their appointment, and fliall continue
refidcnts df their county refpettivcly, during their continuance
in ofnce.
XLVII. That the judges of the General Court, and jufliccs-
of the county courts, may appoint the clerks of their refpeclive
courts, and in cafe of refulal, death, refignation, difqualification,
or removal out of the county, of any of the faid county clerks,
in the vacation of the county court of which he is clerk, the
governor, with the advice of the council, may appoint and
commiffion a fit and proper perfon to fuch vacant office refoeft-
ively, to hold the fame until the meeting of the next General
Court, or county court, as the calc may be.
XLVIII. That the governor for tlie time being, with the
advice and conlent of the council, may appoint the chancellor,
and all judges and juftices, the attorney-general, naval officers,
officers in the regular land and fea fervice, officers of the militia,
legillers of the land office, furvevors, and all other civil
officers of government, (alTclIors, <!:onllables and ovcrfccrs' of
the roads only excepted) and may alfo iufpend or remove any
civil officer who has not a commiffion during good behaviour ;
and mav fufpend any militia officer for one month ; and may
alio fufpend or remove any regular officer in the land or fea
fervice ; and the governor may remove or fufpend any militia
officer in purluance of the judgment of a court martial.
XLIX. That all civil officers of the appointment of the
governor and council, wlio do not hold commiffions during
good behaviour, fiiall be appointed annually in the third week
of November ; but if any of them ffiall be re-appointed, they
may continue to aft without any new commiffion or qualifica-
tion ; and every officer, though not re-appointed, fliall continue
to aft until the peiion wJio ffiall be appointed and commiffiioned
in liis fhcad fhall be qualified,
I^. That the governor, every member of the council, and
every judge and jufLite, bcf^ire they a6i; as fuch, ffiall rerpe6lively
take an oath, '' Tiiat he will not, throusrh favour, aflvftion or
t>i GENERAL DESCRIPTION
partiality, vote for any perfon to office, and that he will vote
for fuch perlbn as in his judgment and confcience he believes
moft fit and bed qualified for the office ; and that he has not
made, nor will make any promlfe or engagement to give his vote
or intereft in favour of any perfon."
LI. That there be two rcgifterS of the land office, one upon
the wellern and one upon the eaRei n fhore ; that Ihort extrafts
of the grant, and certificates of the land on the vC^eftern and
eaftern fhores refpeftively be made in fepafate books, at the
public expenfe, and depofited in the offices of the faid regiftcrS'
in fuch manner as fliall hereafter be provided by the General
AfTembly.
LII. That every chancellor, judge, regifter of wills, com-
miffioner of the loan office, attorney-general, fherifir, treafurer,
naval officer, regiftef of the land office, regifter of the chancery
court and cwcrj clerk of the common law courts, furveyor,
and auditor of the public accounts, before he afts as fuch, fhall
take an oath, " that he will not, direftly or indireftly, receive
any fee or reward for doing his office of
but what is or ffiall be allowed by law : nor will direftly or
indireftly receive the profits, or any part of the profits of
any office held by any other perfon : and that he does not
hold the fame office in truft, or for the benefit of any other
perfon."
LIII. That if any governor, chancellor, judge, regifter of
wills, attorney-general, regifter of the land office, regifter of
the chancery court, or any clerk of the common law courts,
trealurer, naval officers, flieriff, furveyor or auditor of public
accounts, ffiall receive, dircftly or indireftly, at any time, the
profits, or any part of the profits, of any office held by any
other perfon, during his afting in the office to which he is
appointed, his eleftion, appointment and commiffion, on con-
viftion in a court of law, by oath of two credible witneffes,
ffiall be void, and he ffiall fuffer the puniffiment for wilful and
corrupt peijury, or be baniffied this State for ever^ or difquali-
fied for ever from holding any office or place of truft or profit,
as the court may adjudge,
LIV. That if any perfon ffiall give any bribe, prefent or
reward, or any promiic, or any fecuiity for the payment or
delivery ot any money, or any other thing, to obtain or procure
a vote to be governor, fenator. Delegate to Congrefs or Affem-
bly, member of the council, or judge, or to be appointed to
3n\' of the faid offices, or to any office of pmfit or trufl:, now
OF MARYLAND. 65
created or hereafter to be created in this Slnte ; the perfon giv-
ing, and the perlbn receiving the lame, on conviftion in a court
of Inw, fliall be for ever difqualificd to hold any office of truft
or proht in this State.
LV. That every perfon appointed to any office of profit or
truft {hall, before he enters on the execution thereof, tnke the
following o:.th, to wit, " I A. B. do fwear. That I do not hold
myfclf bound ih allegiance to the King of Great-Britain, and
that I will be faithful, and bear true allegiance to the State of
Maryland," and fhali alio lubicribe a declar'ition of his belief ia
the Chrifhian religion.
LVI. That there be a court of appeals, compofed of perfons
of integrity and lound judgment in the law, whole judgment
fhall be final and Conclufive in all cafes of appeal from the Ge-
neral Court, Court of Chancery, and Court of Adm'ralty : that
one perfon of integrity and found judgment in the law be ap-
pointed chancellor : that three perlons of integrity and found
judgment in the law be appointed judges of the court now called
the Provincial Court ; and that the fame court be hereafter cal-
led and known by the name of The General Court; which
court fhall fit on the weftern and eaftern fliores for tranfafting
and determining the bufinefs of the refpeftive fhoreSj at luch
times and places as the future legiflature of this State fliall diretb
and appoint.
LVII. That the flile of all laws runs thus, Be it enaBed. hy
the General AJfembly of Maryland ; that all public comir.iuioas
and grants run thus. The State of Maryland, 8cc. and fliall be
figned by the governor, and attefted by the chancellor, with the
feal of the State annexed, except military commilTions, which fliall
not be attefted by the chancellor, or have the feal of the State
annexed .' that all writs fhall run in the fame ftile, and be tefted,
fealed and ligned as ufual : that all inditlments fhall conclude,
Againji the Peace, Government, and Dignity of the State.
LVII I. That all penalties and forfeitures, heretofore going to
the King or proprietary, fhall go to the State, lave only fuch as
the General Aflembly may abolifh or othcrwile provide for.
LIX. That this Form of Government, and the Declaration of
Rights, and no part thereof, fliall be altered, changed or abolifli,
ed, unlcfs a bill fo to alter, change or abolilh the iainc, fliall pals
the General Ailembly, and be publifhed at leaft three months
before a new elcftion, and fhall be confirmed by the Gert-r:il
Affembly after a nevs' elcftion of delegates, in the Hrft lefTion
after luch new eletlion : provided, that nothing in this Form
Vol. III. K
aa GENERAL DESCRIPTION, &c.
of Government which relates to the eaflern fhore particularly'*,
fball at any time hereafter be altered, unlefs for the alteration and
confirmation there of at leaft two-thirds of all the members of eacli
branch of the General AfTenibly fhall concur.
LX, That every bill paiTcd by the General Affembly, when
engroffed, fliall be prefented by the fpeaker of the Houfe of De-
legates, in the fenale, to the governor for the time being, who
fhall fign the fanie, and thereto afHx the great feal, in the pre-
ience of the members of both Houfes. Every law fhall be re-
corded in the General Court-Office of the weftern fhore, and in
due time printed, publifhed, and certified under the great feal,
to the feveral county courts, in the fame manner as hath beea
heretofore ufcd in this State.
This Declaration of Rights and Frame of Government was
affented to, and pafTod in Convention of the Delegates of the
freemen of Maryland, begun and held at the city of Annapolis,
the 14th of Auguft, A. D. 1776.
EXPENSES OF GOVERNMENT AND TAXES.
The annual expenfes of government are eftimated at about
twenty thouland pounds currency. The revenue arifes chiefly
from taxes on real and perfonal property.
CITY OF
WASHINGTON,
IN THE TERRITORY OF COLUMBIA.
T:
ITE territory of Columbia was ceded to the United States bv
the States of Maryland and Virginia, for the purpofe of eflablifh-
ing a federal city, that might become the permanent feat of the
Federal Government.. This city, now building, is called after
the name of that brave defender of American libertv*and fun-
porter of the rights of mankind, GEORGE WASHINGTON,
who having vindicalexi the rights of his countr-wnen, and con-
tributed to the eftablifliment of his country's independence, has
been called by the voice of gratitude and afFeftion to fill the
highefk office a generous and brave people had to beftow — this
city will therefore (land as the moft honourable monument of
his worth and the people's gratitude that could poffibly be ereft-
ed ; and we truft that when it becomes the feat of government,
which it is to be after 1800, that it will recall to the minds of
future legiflators his virtues, and the principles on vv'hich Ame-
rican liberty is founded, and its government eftablifhed. This
city ftands at the junftion of the rivers Potomack and the Eaftern
Branch, in latitude 38*^ 53' north, extending about four miles up
each, including a tra£t of territory, exceeded in point of con-
venience, falubrity, and beauty, by none in America, if any in the
world : for although the land is apparently level, yet by gentle
and gradual Iwellings, a variety of elegant prolpetls are produ-
ced, while there is a fufRcient defcent to convey off the water
occafioned by rain.
Within the limits of the city «re twenty-five fprings of ex-
cellent water ; and by digging wells, water of the befh quality
is readily had ; befides theie, the flreams that now run tliroucrK
that territory, are alfo to be collcfled for the p'e of the city.
The waters of Reedy branch and of Tiber creek miy alio be
ppp.veyed to the Preiident's houfe ; for the fource of I'ibci cieck
K 2
68 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
is elevated about two hundred and thirty-fix feet above the leveji
of the tide in the faid creek, and the perpendicular height of the
ground on which the capital is to ftand, is feyenty-cight feet
above the level of the tide in the fame : the water of Tiber
creek may, therefore, be conveyed to the capital, and after water-
ing that part of the city, may be defhined to other uleful
purpofes.
llie Eaftern Branch is one of the fafcfh and moft corpmodious
harbours in America, being fufficiently deep for the largefl
fliips for about four miles above its mouth ; while the channel
lies clofe along the edge of the city, and afrords a |arge and
capacious harbour.
The Pototnack, although only navigable for fmall craft, for a
confidcrable diflance from its banks next to the city, excepting
about half a mile above the junftion of the rivers, will never-
thelefs afford a capacious fiimmer harbour ; as an immenfe num-
ber of (hips may ndc in the great channel, oppoFitc to arid below
the city. *
The city, being fituated upon the great pofb road, exaftly
equl-dircant from the northern and louthern extremities of the
Union, and nearly fo from the Atlantic ocean to the Ohio river,
upon the belt navigation, in the midft of the richeft commercial
territory in America, and commanding the moft extenfive inter-
nal reiources, is by far the moft eligible fituatioq for the refi-
dence of Congrels ; and as it is now prefling forward, by the
public fpirited enterprife of the people of the United States, and
by foreigners, it will grow up vyith a degree of rapidity, hither-
to unparalleled in tlie annals of cities, and will probably foon
become tlic admiration of the world, and one of the principal
einpf)riums of American commerce.
The inland navigation of the Potomack is fo far advanced, that
craft loaded with produce now come dov.'n that river and its
leveral branches, from upwards of one hundred and eighty miles
to the gre.'.t falls, which are within fourteen miles of the new'
city. The canals at the great and little falls are nearly com-
pleted, and the locks in iuch forwardneis, that in the courfe
of the prelent year, the navigation will be entirely opened
between tide water and the head brai.clie.s of the Potomack,
which will produce a communication by water bci;ween the city
of Wafhington and the interior parts of Virginia and Maryland,
by means of the Potomack, the Shannandoah, the South
Branch, Opccan, cape Capon, Patterlon's creek, Conoochcaguc,
and Monocaiy, for upwards of two hundred miles, through
OIK- of the liioft healihy, plcafant, and fertile regions in
0 F THE CITY OF IV A S HING TO N. €9
in America, producing, in vaft abundance, tobacco of fuperior
p^uality, hemp, Indian corn, wheat and other fmall grain, with
fruit and vegetables peculiar to America, in vaft abundance,
and equal in quality to any in the Uaited States.
The lands upon the Potomack above the city of Wafhington,
all around it, and for fixty miles below, are high and dry,
abounding with innumerable fprings of excellent water, and are
well covered with large timber of various kinds. A few miles
below the city, upon the banks of the Potomack, are inexhaufti-
ble mountains of excellent free-flone, of the white and red
Portland kinds, of which the public edifices in the city are now
building. Above the city, alfo upon the banks of the river,
are immenfe quantities of excellent coal, lime-ilone, and marble,
with blue flate- of the beft quality.
The founding of this city in fuch an eligible fituation, an4
upon fuch a liberal and elegant plan, will by future generations
be confidered as a high' proof of the judgment and wifdom of
the prefent government of the United States, and whilft its
name will keepfrefh in mind to the end of time, the many virtues
and amiable qualities of the Prefident, the city itfelf will be a
ftanding monument of their public fpirit.
The plan of this city agreeably to the direftions of the Prefi-?
dent of the United States, was defigned and drawn by the cele-
brated Major L'Enfant, and is an inconceivable improvement
upon all others, combining not only convenience, regularity
elegance of profpeft, and a free circulation of air, but every
thing grand and beautiful that can pofubly be introduced into a
city.
The city is divided into fquares or grand divifions, by the
ftreets running due north, fouth, eaft and weft, which form
the ground-\vork of the plan. However, from the capitol, the
Frelideiu's Houfe, and ioinc of the important areas in the city,
run tranlverle aven«£s or diagonal ftreets, from one material
pbjeft to another, which not only produce a variety of charm-
ing profpcfts, but remove that iiifipid famenefs that renders ibmc
other great cities unpleafing. Thefc great leading ftreets arc
all one hundred and fixty feet wide, including a pavement of
ten feet, and a gravel walk of thirty feet planted with trees on
each fide, which will leave eighty feet of paved ftreet for car-
riages. The reft of the ftreets are in general one hundred and
ten feet wide, with a few only ninety feet, except North,
South, and Eaft Capitol ftreets, which are one hundicd and
fixty feet. The diagonal ftreets are named after the refpcftivc
States compofmg the Union, while ihofe running north and
^o GENERAL DESCRIPTION
fouth are, from the capitol eaftward, named, Eaft Firfl Street,
£aft Second Street, &c. and thole weft of it in the fame manner
called Weft Firft Street, Weft Second Street, &c. thofe run-
ning eaft and weft are from the capitol northward named.
North A Street, North B Street, &c. and thole fouth of it are
called South A Street, South B Street, &c.
The fquares, or divifions of the city, have their numbers
inferted in the plan, and amount to eleven hundred and fifty.
The reftangular Iquares generally contain from three to fix acres,
and are divided into lots of from fortv to eighty feet front, and
their depth from about one hundred and ten to three hundred
feet, according to the fize of the fquare.
The irregular divifions produced by the diagonal ftreets ar^
fome of them fmall, but are generally invaluable fituations.
Their accute points are all to be cut off at forty feet, fo that
no houfe in the city will have an acute corner. The lots in
thefe irregular fquares will all turn at a right angle with the
refpeftive ftreets, although the backs of the houfe^ upon them
will not ftand parallel to one another, which is a matter of little
cr no conlequence.
By the rules declared and publifl-ied by the Prefident of the
United States, for regulating the buildings within the city, all
houfes muft be of ftone or brick — their walls muft be parallel
to the ftreets, and either placed immediately upon them, or
\vithdrawn therefrom at pleaiure. Tiie walls of all houfes upon
ftreets one hundred and fixty feet wide muft be at leaft thirty
feet high ; but there is no obligation impofcd to build or improve
in any limited time.
The area for the capitol, or houfe for the legiflative bodies,
is fituated upon the moft beautiful eminence in the city, about
a mile from the Eaftern Branch, and not much more from the
Fotomack, commanding a full and complete view of every part
of the city, as well ys a confiderable extent of the country
around. The Prefident's houle will ftand upon a rifing trround,
not far from the banks of the Potomack, poiTefilng a delightful
water proipeft, together with a commandirjg view of the papitol,
and fome other material parts of the city.
Due louth from the Prefident's houfe, and due weft from
the capitol, run two great pleaiure parks or malls, wliich inter,
feft and terminate upon the banks of the Potomack, and are to
be ornamented at the fides by a variety of elegant buildings, and
houles for foreign minifters, <S:c.
Interlperled through the citv, where the moft material ftreet§
pl'ols one another, aic a variety of open areas, formed in variT
OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON. •ji
ous regular figures, which in great cities are extremely ufcful
and ornamental.
Fifteen of the bcfh of thefe areas are to be appropriated to
the different States compofing the Union ; not only to bear their
refpeftive names, but as proper places for them to ereft ftatues,
obeliflis, or colums, to the memory of their favourite eminent
men. Upon the Imall eminence, where a line due weft from
the Capitol, and due fouth from the Prefident's houfe would
intcrleft, is to be ereftcd an cqueftrain ftatue of General
WAiHiNGTON. The building where Maffachufetts and Georgia
ftreet meets, is intended for a Marine Hofpkal, with its gar-
dens.
The area at the fouth end of Eaft Eight Street is for the
general exchange, and its public walks, &c. — .The broad blacL
line, which runs along part of North B flreet, and, fcparating,
joins the Eaftern Branch at two places, is a canal, which is to
be eighty feet wide, and eight feet deep. The area, where
South G ftreet erodes the canal, is intended to contain a city
hall, and a bafon af water ; there being a very large fpring in
the middle of it.
The area, at the junftion of the rivers, is for a fort, maga-
zines, and arfenals.
At the eaft end of Eaft Capitol Street is to be a bridge, and
the prclent ferry is at the lower end of Kentucky ftreet, where
the great road now crofTes the Eaftern Branch. The Tiber,
which is the principal ftrcam that paftes through the city, is
to be coUefted in a grand refervoir befide the capitol, from
whence vt will be carried in pipes to different parts of the city ;
while its furplus will fall down in beautiful cafcades, through
the public gardens weft of the capitol into the canal. In
various parts of the city, places are allotted for market houfes,
churches, colleges, theatres, &c. In order to execute the plan
a true meridional line was drawn by celeftial obfervation, which
paffes through the area intended for the capitol. This line was
crofted by another, running due eaft and weft, which pafles
through the fame area. Thefe lines were accurately meafured^
and made the bafis on which the whole plan was executed. All
the lines were ran by a tranfit inftrumcnt, and the acute angles
determined by aftual mcafurcment, thus leaving nothing to the
uncertainty of the compafs.
The Prendent of the United States in locating the feat of the
city, prevailed upon the proprietors of the foil to cede a certain
portion of the lots in evqry fituation, to be fold by his direftion,
and the proceeds to be folcly applied to the public buildmgs,
^-jz GENERAL DESCRIPTION, &c.
and other works of public utility within the city. This grant
will produce about fifteen thoufand lots, and will be fulncient,
not only to ereft the public buildings, but to dig the canal,
Conduft water through the city, and to pave and light the
flreets, which will fave a heavy tax that arifes in other
cities, and confequently render the lots confiderably more
valuable.
The grants of money made by Virginia and Maryland being
fufiicient, few of the public lots were fold, till the iyth day of
September, 1793, v/hen the demand was Confiderable, as the
monied men in Europe and America had turned their attention
to this great national objeft.
At the clofe of the year 1792, mofl of the ftreets were run,
and the fquares divided into lots. The canal v/as partly dug,
and the greateft; part of the materials provided for the public
buildings, which are entirely of free-ftone polilhed, and are
now carrying on with all poflible expedition. Several private
houfes were erefted, and a great many proprietors of lots were
preparing to build. The city now makes a noble appearance,
many of the public buildings being in great forwardnefs, or
finifhed, and a great number of houfes built. In the month of
June laft, eleven thoufand artificers, befides labourers, Avere
employed in the different works^
The public lots in the city of Wafhington open a large field
for fpeculation in America, and there is every probability of their
being run up to an enormous price, as the public buildings are
advanced ; for although lands in America, from their quantity
are lefs valuable than thofe in Britain, yet lots in cities generally
fell high.
STATE OF
VIRGINIA.
SITUATION, EXTENT, &c.
T,
HIS State is fituated between o** and 8° weft longitude from
Philadelphia, and 36® 30', and 40^ 30' north htitude. Its
length is about four hundred and forty-iix miles, and its breadth
two hundred and twenty-four. It is bounded on the eafl by
the Atlantic, on the north by a line of latitude, croffing the
eaftern fhore through Watkins's Point, being about 2~j^ 5"/''
north latitude ; from thence by a ftraight line to Cinquac, near
the mouth of the Potomack ; thbnce by the Potomack, which is
common to Virginia and Maryland, to the firlt fountain of its
northern branch ; thence by a meridian line, palTing through
that fountain till it intcrfects a line running eafl and weft, in
latitude 39*^ 43' 42 4" wliich divides Maryland from Pennlyl-
vania, which was marked by Melfrs. Mafon and Dixon ; thence
by that line, and a continuation of it weflwardly to the com-
pletion of five degrees of longitude from the eaflern boundaiy
of Pennfylvanin, in the fame Licitude, and thence by a meti-
dian line to the Ohio ; on the wefh by the Ohio and MifiilTippi
to latitude 36^ 30' north ; and on the fouth by the line of lati-
tude lafl-mentioned. By admeafurements through nearly the
whole of this laft line, and fupplying the unmeafured parts from
good data, the Atlantic and MiOillippi are found in this lati-
tude to be feven hundred acd fifty-eight miles diftant equal
to 13° 38' of longitude, reckoning fifty-live miles and three
thoufand one hundred and forty-four feet to the degree. This
being our comprehenfion of American longitude, that of their
latitude, taken between this and Mafon and Dixon's line is -i^
13' 42 4". equal to about two hundred and twenty-thrse miles
Vol. III. L
74 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
fuppofing a degree of a great circle to be fixty-nine miles,
eight hundred and fixty-four feet ns computed by Caffini,
The^c boundaries include an area fomewhat triangular, of one
hundred and twenty-one thoufand five hundred and twenty-
five fquare miles, whereof, feventy-nine thoufand fix hundred
and fifty lie weftward of the Allegany mountains, and fifty-feven
thoufand and thirty-four weftward of the meridian of the
mouth of the Great Kanha;wa. Tliis Slate is therefore one
third larger than the iflands of Great-Britain and Irelandj
which are reckoned at eighty-eight thoufand three hundred and
fifty-feven fquare miles.
Thefe limits reiult from, ifl, The anticnt charters from the
crown of England. 2d, The grant of Maryland to Lord Balti-
more, and the fubfequent determinations of the Britifli court as
to the extent o-f that grant, ^^d. The grant of Pennfylvania to
William Penn, and a compaft been the General Allemblies of
ihe Commonwealth of Virginia and Pennfylvania as to the extent
of that grant. 4th, The grant of Carolina, and aftual location
of its northern boundary, by confent of both parties. 5th, The
treaty of Paris of 1763. 6th, The confirmation of the charters
of the neighbouring States by the Convention of Virginia at
the time of conRituting their Commonwealth, -jth, The cef-
fion inade by Virginia to Congrefs of all the lands to which
they had title on the north fide of the Ohio.
CLIMATE.
In an extenfive country, it will be expecled that the climate
is not the fame in all its parts. It is reijfiarkable that, proceed-
ing on the fame parallel of latitude weftorly, the climate be-
comes colder in like manner as when you proceed northv/ardly.
This continues to be the cafe till you attain the fummit of the
Allegany, which is the higheft land between the ocean and
the Miffinippi. From thence, defcending in the fame latitude
to the Miffiffippi, the change reveries ; and, if we may believe
travellers, it becomes warmer there than it is in the fame lati-
tude on the fca fide. Their teftimony is fhrcngthcned by the
vegetables and animals Which lubfift and multiply there natu-
rally, and do not on the fca coaft. Thus catalpas grow fponta-
neoufly on the Miflilfippi, as far as the latitude of 37°, and
reeds as far as 38**. Parroqucts even winter on the Scioto, in
the 391.11 degree of latitude.'
OF VIRGINIA. -5
The fouth-wed winds, eaft of the mountains, arc TC\o?i pir-
doinlnant. Next to thefe, on the fea coall, the north-eaft, and
at the moi.mtau^s, the north-wcfl winds prevail. The difler-
cnce between thefe winds is very great. The north-eaft is hwd-
ed with vapour, infomuch that the fait manufafturcrs have
found that their chryilals would not flioot while that blows ;
it occafions a diftreiTmg chill, and a heavinels and depreflion of
the fpirits^ The north-weft is dry, cooling, elafiic, and animat-
ing^ The eaft and fouth-eaft breezes come on generally in the
afternoon. They have advanced into the country veiy fenfibly
within the memory of people now living. Mr. Jeffcrlon reckons
the extremes of heat and cold to be 98*^ above and 6*^ below
o. in Fahrenheit's thermometer.
That fl(.i£luation between heat and cold, fo deftruclive to
fruit, in the Ipring feafon, prevails lefs in Virginia than in Penn-
i"vlvaiiia ; nor is the overflowing of the rivers in Virginia lo
extenfive or fo frequent at that iealon, as thole of the New-
England States ; bccaufe the fnows in the former do not lie
accumulating all winter, to be diflolved all at once in the
fpring, as they do fometimes in the latter. In Virginia, below
the mountains, fnow feldom lies more than a day or two, and
feldom a week ; and the large rivers feldom freeze over. The
fiu£luation of weather, hovv'ever, is fufticient to render the
winters and fprings very unwholefome, as the inhabitaiils dur-
ing thole leafons have to walk in almoft perpetual mire.
The months of June and July, though often the hottcft, arc
the moft healthy in the year. The weather ia then dry and
lefs liable to change than in Auguft and September, when the
rain commences, and fudden variations take place.
On the lea coift, the land is low, generally within twelve
feet of the level of the fea, interfered in all direftions with
fait creeks and rivers, the heads of which form fwamps and
marfhes, and fenny ground, covered with water in wet fea-
fons. The uncultivated lands are covered with large trees and
thick underwood. The vicinity of the fea, and fait ciecks
and rivers, occallon a conftant moifture and warmth of the
atmolphere, fo that although under the fame latitude, one hun-
dred or one hundred and fitty miles in the country, deep
fnows, and frozen rivers frequently happen, for a fnort iealon,
yet here fuch occurrences are confidered as phenomena ; for
thefe reafons, the trees are often in bloom as eaily as the iaft of
February ; from this period, however, till the end of April,
L 2
76 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
the inhabitants are incommoded by cold rains, piercing winds,
and fharp frofts, which fubjefl; them to the inflammatory dil'r
eales, known here under the names of pleurify and pe-
ripneumony.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, MOUNTAINS, RIVERS, &c.
The whole country below the mountains, which are about
one hundred and fifty, fome fay two hundred miles from the
fea, is levelj and feems from various appearances to have been
once waflied by the fea. The land between York and James
rivers is very level, and its furface about forty feet above high
water mark. It appears, from obfervation, to have arifen to its
prcfent height, at different periods far diflant from each otherj
and that at theie periods it was wafhed by the fca ; for near
York-town, where the banks are perpendicular, you firfl fee a
Jlratum, intermixed with fmall fhells, refcmbling a mixture of
clay and fand, ai.d about five feet thick ; on this lies horizon-
tally, fmall white fhells, cockle, clam, &c. an inch or two
thick ; then a body of earth fimilar to that firft mentioned, eighj
teen inches thick ] then a layer of fhells and another body of
earth ; on this a layer of three feet of white fliells mixed with
fand, on which lay a body of oyfter fhells fix feet thick, wliich
are covered with earth to the furface. The oyfter flrells are fo
united by a very ftrong cement that they fall, only when un^
dermined, and then in large bodies, from one to twenty tons
weight. They have the appearance on the fhore of large
rocks.*
Thefe appearances continue in a greater or Icfs degree in the
banks of James river, one hundred miles from the fea ; the
appearances then vary, and the banks are filled with fharks,
teeth, bones of large and fmall fifli petrified, and many other
petrifaftions, fome refembling the bones of land and other ani-
mals, and alio vegetable fubftances. Thefe appearances are not
confined to the river banks, but are feen in various places in
gullies at confiderable dillances from the rivers. In one part of
the State for feventy miles in length, by finking a well, your ap-
parently come to the bottom of what was formerly a water-courie.
And even as high up as Botetourt county, among the Allegany
jnountains, there is a traft of land, judged to be forty thouiand
acres, furrounded on every fide by mountains, which is entirely
* General Lincoln.
OF VIRGINIA, 77
covered with oyfler and cockle flaells, and, by fomc gullies,
they appear to be of confiderable depth. A plantation at Day's
Point, on James river, of as many as one thoufind acres, ap-
pears at a diftance as if covered with fnow, but on examination
the white appearance is found to arife from a bed of clam fhells,
which by repeated plowing have become fine and mixed with
the earth.
It is worthy notice, that the mountains in this State arc
not folitary and icattered confufedly over the face of the coun-
try ; but commence at about one hundred and fifty miles from
the lea coail, are difpofed in ridges one behind another, run-
ning nearly parallel with the fea coaft, though rather approach-
ing it as they advance north-eaftwardly. To the fouth-wefl;., as
the traft of country between the fea coaft and the MUriflippi
becomes narrower, the mountains converge into a fingle ridge :
which, as it approaches the gulph of Mexico, fuhfides into plain
country, and gives rife to lome of the waters of that gulph, and
particularly to a river called Apalachicola, probably from the
Apalachies, an Indian nation formerly refiding on it. Hence
the mountains giving rife to that river, and feen from its
various parts, were called the Apalacian mountains, being in
faft the end or termination onjy of the great ridges pafilng
through the continent, European geographers, however, have
extended the fame north- wardly as far as the mountains extend-
ed ; lome giving it after their feparation into different ridges,
to the Blue Ridge, others to the North mountains, others to
the Allegany, others to the Laurel Ridge, as may be feen in
their different maps. But none of thefe ridges were ever known
by that name to the inhabitants, either native or emigrant, but
as they faw them fo called in European maps. In the fame
4ire£lion generally are the veins of lime-flone, coal, and other
minerals hitherto difcovered ; and fo range the falls of the
great rivers. But the courfes of the great rivers are at right
angles with thefe. James and the Potomack penetrate through
all the ridges of mountains eaflward of the Allegany, which
is broken by no water-courfe. It is in fact the Ipine of the
country between the Atlantic on one fide, and the Miffifiippi
and St. Lawrence on the other. The paffage of the Potomack
throU^ the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the mod flupendous
Icenes in nature. You (land on a very high point of land. On
your right comes up the Shenandoah, having ranged along the
foot ot the mountain an hundred miles to feek a vent ; on your
left approaches the Potomack, in qucfl of a pafTage alfo ; in the
-S GENERAL DESCRIPTION
moment of their junftion, they rufli together againil the
mountain, rend it afunder, and pafs ofi' to the Ic.i. The fiiit
glance of this fcene hurries our fenfes into the opinion, that
this earth has been created in time, that the mountains were
formed firft, tliat the rivers began to flow afterwards ; that in
this place particularly they have been dammed up by the Blue
Ridpe of mountains, and have formed an ocean which filled
the whole valley ; that continuing to rife, they have at length
broken over at this fpot, and have torn the mountain down
from its fummit to its bale. Tlie piles of rock on each hand,
but particularly on the Shenandoah, the evident marks of their
difruption and avulfion from their beds by the mofl powerful
agents of nature, corroborate the impreiTion ; but the difhant
finilhing which nature has given to the pifture, is of a very
dilfcient charafter. It is a true contrafh to the fere ground ; it
is as placid and delightful, as that is wild and tremendous.
For the mountain, being cloven afunder, prcfents to the eye,
through the cleft, a frnall catch of fmooth blue horizon, at an
infinite diflance, in the plain country, inviting you, as it were,
from the riot and tumult I'oaring around, to pafs through the
breach and participate of the cahn below. Here the eye ulti-
mately compofes itfclf; and that way too, the road aftually
leads. You crofs the Potomack above the junftion, pafs along
its fide through the bafe of the mountain for three miles, its
terrible precipices hanging in fragments over you, and within
about twenty miles reach Frederick-town and the fine country
round that. This fcene is woi th a voyage acrois the Atlantic.
Yet here, as in the neighbourhood of the Natural Bridge^
are people who have palled their lives within 4'ialf a dozen
miles, and have never been to furvey thofe monuments of a war
between rivers and mountains, which muff have lliaken the
earth iti'elf to its center. The height of the mountains has
not yet been eflimated with any degree of exaftnefs. The Alle-
gany being the great ridge which divides the waters of the
Atlantic from thole of the Isliffilfippi, its fummit is doubllels
more elevated above the ocean than that of any other mountain.
But its relative height compared with the bafe on which it
(bmds, is not lo great as that of lome others, the counU^ ril-
ing behind the lucceQivc ridges like the fieps of flairs^' The
mountains of the Blue Ridge, and thcte the peaks of Otter are
thought to be of a greater height niealuicd from their bafe
tlian any others in Virginia, and perhaps in North-America,
Fro;ii data, which miy be found a ti^lerable conjcclure, we
OF VIRGIN! I A. *9
fappofe the highcft peak to be about four thoufand feet per-
pendicular, which is not a fifth part of the height of the moun-
tains of South-America, nor one third of the height which
would be neceffary in our latitude to preferve ice in the open
air unmelted through the year. The ri<ige of mountains next
beyond the Blue Ridge, called the North mountain, is of the
greatefl extent : for which reafon they are named by the Indians
the Endlefs mountains.
The Ouafioto mountains are fifty or fixty miles wide at the
Gap. Thefe mountains abound in coal, lime, and free-ft,onc :
the iummits of them are generally covered with a good foil, and
a variety of timber ; and the low, intervals lands are rich and
remarkably well watered.
An infpeftion of the map of Virginia will give a better idea
of the geography of its. rivers, than any defcription in writing.
Their navigation, however, may be imperfefily noted.
Roanoke, l"o far as it lies within this State, is no where
navigable but for canoes, or light batteaux ; and even for thefe,
in fuch detached parcels as to have prevented the inhabitanta
ircm availing ihemfelves of it at all.
James river, and its waters, afford navigation as follows :
the whole of Elizabeth liver, the lowed of thole which run
into James river, is a haibour, and would contain upwards
of three hundred fliips. The channel is from one hundred and
fifty to two hundred fathoms wide, and at common flood tide,
affords eighteen feet water to Norfolk. The Straiford, a fixtv
gun fliip, went there, lightening hei fclf acrofs the bar at Sowell's
Point. The Fier Rcjdrigue, pierced for fixty-four guns,
and carrying fifty, went there without lightening. Craney
Illand, at the mouth of this river, commands its channel tole-
rably well.
Nanfcnohd river is navigable to Sleepy Hole, for velTels of
two hundred and fifty tons : to Suffolk, for thofe of one hun-
dred tons ; and to Milner's for thofe of twenty-five. Pagan
creek affords eight or ten feet water to Smithfield, which ad.
mits veflTels of twenty tons. Chickahominy has at its mouth a
bar on which is only twelve feet water at common flood tide.
A'^effels palling that, may go eight miles up the river; thofe of
ten fjjl draught may go four miles farther, ond thofe of fix
tons'^jjffthen twenty mils farther.
The Appamattox m.ay be navigated as far as Broadways, by
any vcfl-jl which has cro'ucd Hairifon's bar in James liver ; it
Sa GENERAL DESCRIPTION
keeps eight or nine feet water a mile or two higher up to
Fifher's bar, and four feet on that and upwards to Peterfburgh,
where all navigation ceafes.
James river itfelf affords harbour for veffels of any fize at
Hampton road^ but not in fafety through the whole winter ;
and there is navigable water for them as far as Mulberry Ifland.
A forty gun fhip goes to James-town, and, lightening herfelf,
may pafs to Harrifon's bar, on which there is only fifteen feet
water. Velfels of two hundred and fifty tons may go to War-
wick ; thofe of one hundred and twenty-five go to Rocket's,
a mile below Richmond ; from thence is about feven feet water
to Richmond ; and about the center of the town, four feet
and a half, where the navigation is interrupted by falls, which
in a courfc of fix miles defcend about eighty feet perpendicu-
lar : above thefe it is refumed in canoes and batteaux, and is
profccuted fafely and advantageoufly to within ten miles of
the Blue Ridge ; and even through the Blue Ridge a ton weight
has been brought ; and the expenfe would not be great, when
compared with its objeft, to open a tolerable navigation up
Jackfon's river and Carpenter's creek, to within twenty-five miles
of Howard's creek of Green Briar, both of which have then
water enough to float veffels into the Great Kanhawa. In fome
future ftate of population, it is polTible that its navigation may
alfo be made to interlock wilh that of Potomak, arid through
that to communicate by a fhort portage with the Ohio. It is
to be noted, that this river is called in the maps James river,
only to its confluence with the Rivanna ; thence to the Blue
Ridge it is called the Fluvanna ; and thence to its fource, Jack-
fon's river. But in common fpeech it is called James river to
its fource.
The Rivanna, a branch of James river, is navigable for
canoes and batteaux to its interfeftion with the fouth-weft
mountains which is about twenty-two miles ; and may eafily
be opened to navigation through thofe mountains, to its fork
above Charlottefville.
York river, at York-town, affords the bed harbour in the
State for veffels of the largeff fize. The river there narrows
to the width of a mile, and is contained within very high banks,
clofe under which the veffels may ride. It holds fourAthom
water at high tide for twenty-five miles above York to th^nouth
of Poropotank, where the river is a mile and a half wide, and the
channel only fcventy-fivc fathom, and pafling under a high bank.
OF VIRGINIA. %i
At the confluence of P<imunkey and Mattapony it is reduced
to tl-ftee fallumi dcptli, which continues up Pamunkey to Cum-
berland, where the width is one hundred yards, and up Matta-
ponv to within two miles of Frazier's ferry, where it becomes
two and a half fathom deep, and holds tliat about five
miles. Pamunkey is then capable of navigation for loaded flcUs
to Brockman'i* bridge, fifty miles above Planover-town, and
Mattapony to Downer's bridge, feventy miles above its mouth.
Piankatank. the little rivers making out of Mobjjck bay, and
thofe of the eaflern fhore, receive only very fmall veffels, and
tlicle can but enter them. Rappahannock affords four fathom
water to Hobbe's Hole, and two fathoms from thence to Frede-
rickfburg, one hundred and ten miles.
T!ie Potomack is feven and a half miles wide at the mouth ;
four and a half at Nomony bay ; three at Aquia ; one and a half
at Hallooing point ; one and a quarter at Alexandria. Its found-
ings are feven fathom at the mouth ; five at St. George's ifland ;
four and a half at Lower Matchodic ; three at Swan's point,
and thence up to Alexandria ; thence ten feet vv'ater to the falls,
which are thirteen miles above Alexandria. The tides in tlie
Potomack are not very flrong, excepting after great rains, when
the ebb is pretty fi;rong, then there is little or no flood ; and
there is never more than four or live hours flood, except with
long and ftrong fouth v/inds.
The diftance from the capes of Virginia to the termination of
the tide water in this river is above three hundred miles, and
navigable for fliips of the greatefl burthen, nearly that diftance.
From thence this river, obftrufted by four confiderable falls,
extends through a vafl traft of inhabited country towards its
fource. Thele falls are, :fl, The Little Falls, tliree miles
above tide water, in which diftance there is a fall of thirty-
iix feet \ 2d, The Great Falls, fix miles higher, where is a fall
of feventy-fix feet in one mile and a quarter ; jd, The Seneca
Falls, fix miles above the former, which form flrort, irregular
rapids, v.'ith a fall of about ten feet ; and 4th, The Shenandoah
Falls, fixty miles from the Seneca, where is a fall of about thirty
feet in three miles : from which Infl, fort Cumberland is about
one hundred and twenty miles aifcant. The obflruftions v.'hich
are pooled to the navigation above and between thefe falls
src ofiitTie couicquence.
Vol, III. M
33 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Early in the year 1785, the legiflatures of Virginia and Mary-
}and palled afts to encourage opening the navigation of this
river. It was efliirrrated tliat the expenle of the works would
amount to fifty thoufand pounds ftcrling, and ten years were
allowed for their completion '. but the prclident and direftors of
the incorporated company have hnce fuppoled that forty-five
thouland pounds would be adequate to the operatit.)n, and that
it would be accomplifhed in a lliorler period than was ftipulated.
'I'lieir calculations are founded on the progrefs already made,
and the furnniiiry mode eftablilhed for enforcing the colle£lion
of the dividends, as the money may become necelfary.
As foon as the proprietors fhall begin to receive toll, they
will doubtlcfs find an ample compenfation for their pecuniary
advances. By an efhimate made many years ago, it was calcula-
ted that the amount in the commencement would be at the rate
of eleven thoufand eight hundred and leventy-five pounds, Vir-
ginia GUI rency, per annum. Tlie toll mufl every year become
more productive ; as the quantity of articles for exportation
will be augmented in a rapid ratio, with the increafe of popu-
lation and the cxtenfion of fettlenients. In the mean time the
ciTeft will be immediately feen in the agriculture of the inte-
rior country ; ftu" the multitude of horles now employed in car-
rying produce to market, will then be ufed altogether for the
purpofes of tillage. But in order to form juft conceptions of
the utility of this inland navigation, it would be requifite to
notice the long rivers which empty into the Potomack, and
even to take a lurvey of the geographical pofition of the
weflcrn waters.
The Shenandoah, which empties juft above the Blue moun-
tains, may, according to report, be made navigable, at a trifling
expenle, more than one hundred and fifty miles from its con-
fluence with the Potomack ; and will receive and bear the pro-
-duce of the richeftpart of the State. Commilhoners have been
appointed to form a plan, and to cdimate the expenle of open-
ing the channel of this river, if on examination it fliould be
foiuid prafticable. The South Branch, fhill higher, is navigable
in its attual condition neaily or quite one hundred miles, through
exceedingly fertile lands. Between thelc on the Virginia fide
are levcral (mailer rivers, that may with cafe be improHid, fo
as to a (lord a paflTage for boats. On the Maryland fide are the
Moni'C.ily, Antietam, and Conegocheague, fome of which pafs
througli the State of Maryland, and have their fources in Pcnii-
fylvania.
OF I'IRGIXIA. S3
Frorn fort Cumberland, or Wills' creek, one or two good
waggon ronds may be had, where the diflance is from tliirty-
live to forty miles, to the Youghiogany, a large and naviiifabl/;
branch of the Monongahela, which lafl forms a jun6lion with
the Allegany at Fort Pitt.
But by palling farther up the Potomack than foit Cumbe'-.
land, \v'hich may very eafily be done, a portage by a good
waggon road to Cheat river, another large branch of the Mo-
nongahela, can be obtained through a fpace which fome fay is
twenty, otlierS twenty-two, others twentv-five, and none mme
than thirty miles.
When arrived at eitlier of thefe wcflern waters, the navi-
gation through that immenfe region is opened by a thoufand di-
reftions, and to the lakes in leveral places bv port?ges of h-fs
than ten miles ; and by one portage, it is afferted, of not more
than a Tingle mile.
Notwithftanding it was fneeringly faid by fome foreigners
at the beginning of this undertaking, that the Americans were
fond of engaging in fplendid projefts which they could never
accomplifh, yet it is hoped the fuccefs of this firft eiTay towards
improving their inland navigation, will refcue them from tlie
reproach intended to have been fixed upon their ndtion^al cha-
rafter, by the unmerited imputation.
The Great Kanhawa is a river of confiderable note for the
fertility of its land, and ftill more, as leading towards tlie head
waters of James river. Ncverthelefs, it is doubtful whether its
great and numerous rapids will admit a navigation, but at an ex-
pcnfe to which it will recjuire ages to render jts inhabitants
equal. The great obftaclcs begin at what are called the Great
Falls, ninety miles above tlic moiith, below which are only
five or fix rapids, and thefe paffable, wi(h foine difficulty, even
at Tow water. From the falls to the mouth of Green Briar
is one hundred miles, and thence to the lead mines one hun-
dred and twenty. It is two hundred and eighty yards wide at
its mouth.
The I^ittle Knnhawa is one hundred and fifty yards wide at
the mouth. It yields a navigation of ten miles only. Perhaps
jts northern branch, called Junius's creek, which interlocks
with thyweftcrn waters of Monongahela, may one day admit a
fl^orter pallage from the latter into the Ohio.
M a
84 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Befides t'ne rivers we have now mentioned, there are many
others of leis note, neverthelefs the State does not abound with
good fifh ; fturgeon, fhad and herring are the moft plenty ;
perch, flieepfhead, drum, rook fifli, and trout, are common ; be-
fides thefe, they have oyfters, crabs, fiirimps, &c. in abundance.
The fprings in this State are almoft innumerable. In Augufta
there is a remarkable cafcade, it bears the name of the Falling
Spring. It is a water of James river, where it is called Jack-
ion's river, rifing in the warm fpring mountains about twei.ty
yniles foulh-weft of the warm fpring, and flowing into that
yalley. About three quarters of a mile from its fource it falls
over a rock two hundred feet into the valley below. The fheet
of water is broken in its breadth by the rock in two or three
places, but not at all in its height. Between the fheet and
rock, at the bottom, you may walk acrofs dry. This cataratt
will bear no compariion with that of Niagara, as to the quantity
of water compohng it, the fheet being only twelve for fifteen
feet wide above, and fom.ewhat more fpread below ; but it is
half as high again.
SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, Set.
The foil below the mountains feems to have acquired a cha-
rafter for goodriefs which it by no means deferves. Though
not rich, it is well fuited to the growth of tobacco and Indian
corn, and parts of it for wheat. Good crops of cotton, flax and
hemp are alio raifed ; and in fome counties they have plenty
of cyder, and exquifite brandy, diftilled from peaches, whicl>
grow in great abundance unon the numerous rivers of the
Phefapeak.
The planters, before the war, paid their principnl attention
to the culture of tobacco, of which there uled to be exported,
generally, fifly-five thouiand hogflieads a year. Since the revo-
lution they are turning their attention more to the cultivation
of wheat, Indian corn, barley, flax and hemp. It is expeftcd
that this State will add the article of rice to the lid of exports ;
as it is luppoled a large body of fwamp, in t-lie cafternmofl; coun-
)ties, is capable of producing it.
Horned or neat cattle are bred in great numbers in the weft-
ern counties of Virginia, as well as the States loutii of it,
where they have an cxtenfive range, and mild winters, without
any permanent Inows. They run at large, arc not houledj and
OF VIRGINIA. 85
multiply very faft. "In the lower parts of the State a difeafe
prevails among the neat cattle which proves fatal to all that are
not bred there. The oxen from the more northern States,
which were employed at the fiege of York -town, in Oftober
1-781, almofh all died, fometimes forty of them in a night, and
often fuddenly dropped down dead in the roads. It is faid
that the feeds of this difeafe were brought from the liavannah
to South Carolina or Georgia in feme hides, and that the difeafe
has made a progrefs northward to Virginia. Lord Dunmore
imported fome cattle from Rhodc-Ifland, and kept them con-
fined in a fmall pafture, near his feat, where no cattle had been
for fome years, and where they could not intermix with other
cattle, and yet they foon died."
Th^ gentlemen of this State being fond of pleafure, have
taken much pains to raife a good breed of horfes, 2(nd have
lucceeded in it beyond any of the other States in the Union.
They will give one thoufand pounds llerling for a good feed
horfe. Horle-racing has had a great tendency to encourage the
breeding of good horfes, as it affords an opportunity of putting
them to the trial of their fpeed. They are more elegant, and
will perform more fervice than the horfes of the northern
States.
With refpeft to the fubterraneous produftions, Virginia is
the moft pregnant with minerals and folTils of any State in
the Union. Mr. JcfTerfon mentions a lump of gold ore of about
four pounds weight found near the falls of Rappahanock river, ,
which yielded feventcen penny-weights of gold, of extraordinary
duftility ; but np other indication of gold has been difcovered
in its neighbourhood.
On the great Kanhawa, oppofite to the mouth of Cripple
creek, anS alfo about twenty-five miles from the fouthern
boundary of the State, in the county of Montgomery, arc mines
of lead. The metal is mixed, fometimes with earth, and fome-
times with rock, which requires the force of gunpowder to
open it ; and is accompanied with a portion of filver, but too
fmall to be worth feparation undqr any procefs hitherto attemp t-
ed there. The proportion yielded is from fifty to eighty pounds
of pure lead from an hundred pounds of waflicd ore. The
moft ^common is that of fixty to the hundred pounds. The
veins are lumetimcs moft flattering ; at others they diiappcar fud-
denly and totally. They enter the fide of the hill, and proceed
horizontally. Two of them have been wrought by the pub-
g6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
lie. Thefe would employ about fifty labourers to advantage.
Thirty men, who have at the lame time raifed their own corn,
have produced fixty tons of lead in the year : but the general
quantity is from twenty to twenty-five tons. The prefent fur-
nace is a mile from the ore bank and on the oppofite fide of the
river. The ore is firfh waggoned to the river, a quarter of a
■mile, then laden on board of canoes and carried acrois the river,
which is there about two hundred yards wide, and then again
taken into waggons and carried to the furnace. This mode was
originally adoped, that they might avail themfelves of a good
fituation on a creek, for a pounding mill ; but it would be eafy
to have the furnace and pounding mill on the fame fide of the
river, which would yield water, without any dam, by a canal
of about half a mile in length. From the furnace the lead is
traniported one hundred and thirty miles along a good road,
leading through the peaks of Otter to Lynch's Ferry, or Win-
flon's, on James river, from whence it is carried by water
about the fame diflance to Wellham. This land carriage may be
greatly fhortened, by delivering the lead on James river, above
the Blue Ridge, from whence a ton weight has been brought
jn two canoes. The great Kanhawa has confiderable falls in
the neighbourhood of the mines. About feven miles below
are three falls, of three or four feet perpendicular each ; and
three miles above is a rapid of three miles continuance, which
has been compared in its defcent to the great fall of James
river ; yet it is the opinion, that they may be laid open for
ufeful navigation, fo as to reduce very much the portage between
the Kanhaw^a and James river.
A valuable lead mine is faid to have been difcovered in
Cumberland, below the mouth of Red river. The greatcft,
however, known in the weftcrn country are on the MiffifTippi,
extended from the m,outh of Rock river an hundred and fifty
miles upwards. Thefe are not wrought, the lead ufed in that
country being from the banks on the Spanifli fide of the Mifiif^
fippi, oppofite to Kafkaflcia.
A mine of copper was opened in the county of Amherfl:, on
the north fide of James river, and another in the oppofite
county, on the fouth fide. However, citbcr from bad manage-
ment or the povcrtv of the veins, they were difcontinued.
There are feveral iron mines in this State ; a few years ago
there were fix worked ; two furnaces made about one hundred
and fifty tons of bar iron each ; four others ipadc each ffom
OF VIRGINIA. gy
fix hundred to one thoufand fix hundred tons of pig iron
annually. Bcfides thefe, a forge at Frcdcrickfijurgh made about
three hundred tuns a year of bar iron, from pigs imported
from Maryland ; and a forge on Neapfco of Potomack work-
ed in the lame way.. The indications of iron in other places
are numerous, and difperfed through all the middle country.
The toughnefs of the call iron of fome of the furnaces is very
remarkable. Pots and other utenfils, cafk thinner than uiual,
of this iron, may be fafely thrown into or out of the waggons
in which they are tranfported. Salt pans made of the lame,
and no longer wanted for that purpofc, cannot be broken up
in order to be melted again, unlels previouily drilled in many
parts.
In the wellern part of the State, wc are informed, there are
likewife iron mines on Chefnut creek, a branch of the great
Kanhawa, near where it croffes the Carolina line ; and in other
places.
Confiderable quantities of Jalack lead are taken occafionally
for ufe from Winterham, in the county of Amelia. There is
no work eftablilied at it, thofe who want go and procure it for
themfelves.
The country on both fides of James river, from fifteen to
twenty miles above Richmond, and for ieveral miles northward
and louthward is replete with mineral coal of a very excellent
quality. Being in the hands of many proprietors, pits have
been opened and worked to an extent equal to the demand.
The pits which have been opened lie one hundred aud fifty or
two hundred feet above the bed of the river, and have been
very little incommoded with water. The firll difcovery of the
coal is faid to have been made by a boy digging after a cray-filh ;
it has alio been found on the bottom of trees blown up. In
many places it lies within three or four feet of the furface of the
ground. It is conjcftured, that five hundred thouiand bufhcls
jnight be raifed from one pit in twelve months.
In the weftern country, coal is known to be in fo many
places, as to have induced an opinion, that the wh^<le traft
between the Laurel mountain, MifTuTippi and Oliio, yields coal:
It is alio known in many places on the north fide of the Ohio.
The coal at Pittfburgh is of a very fuperior quality ; a bed of
it at that place has been on fire iince the year 1765. Another
coal hill on the Pike Run of Monor.gahela has been on fire for
feveral jcars.
88 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Mr. Jeffcrfon informs us, that he has know one inftance of
an emerald found in this country. Amethyfls ha.ve been fre-
quent, and chryftals common ; yet not in fuch numbers any of
them as to be worth feeking.
There is very good marble, and in very great abundance, on
James river, at the mouth of Rockfifli ; fome ^vhite and as pure
as one might expeft to find on the lurface of the earth ; but ge-
nerally variegated with red, blue and purple. None of it has
ever been worked : it forms a very large precepice^ which hangs
over a navigable part of the river.
But one vain of lime-llone is known below the Blue Ridge 5
its firft appearance is in Prince William, two miles below the
Pignut ridge of mountains ; thence it paffes on nearly parallel
with that, and croffes the Rivanna about five miles below it?
where it is called the South-weft ridge ; it then croffes Hard-
ware, above the mouth of Hudfon's creek, James river, at the
mouth of Rockfifh, at the Marble Quarry before fpoken of,
probably runs up that river to where it appears again at Rofs's
iron works, and fo paffes off^ fouth-weftwardly by Flat creek
of the river Ottor ; it is never more than an -hundred yards
wide. From the Blue Ridge weftwardly the whole country
feems to be founded on a rock of lime-ftone, befides infinite
quantities on tlie furface, both loofe and fixed ; this is cut
into beds, which range, as tlie mountains and fca coafh do, from
fouth-weft to north-eaft, the lamina of each bed declining
from the horizon towards a parallellfm with the axis of the
earth. Mr. Jefi^erlon, being ftruck with this obfervation, made*
with a quadrant, a great number of trials on the angles of their
declination, and found them to vary from 22° to 60'^ ; but
averaging all his trials, the refult was within one-third of a
.degree of the elevation of the pole or latitude of the place, and
much the greatefl part of them taken feparatcly were little dif-
ferent from that ; by which it appears, that thcfe lamina are,
in the main, parallel with the axis of the earth. In fome in-
flances, indeed, he found them perpendicular, and even reclin-
ing the other way ; but thefe \vere extremely rare, and always
attended with figns of convulfion, or other circumftances of
fingularity, which admitted a poiTibilty of removal from their
original pofition. Thefe trials were^ made between Madilon's
cave and the Potomack.
Near the eafiiern foot of the north mountain arc immenle
bodies of Schifl, containing imprerfions of fhells in a variety of
OF VIRGINIA. tg
forms, Mr. JefFerfon received petrified fhells of very different
kinds, from the firft fources of the Kentucky, which bore no
reiemblance to any he had ever feen on the tide waters. It is
iaid, that fliells are found in the Andes, in South-America, fif-
teen thoufand feet above the level of the ocean. This is con-
fidered by many, both of the learned and unlearned, as a proof
of an univerfal deluge. ,
There is great abundance, more efpccially when you ap-
proach the mountains, of flone of white, blue, brown, and other
Colours, fit for rhe chifiel, good mill-ftone, fuch alio as fiands
the fire, and flate-ftone. We are told of flint, fit for gun-flints,
on the Meherrin in Brunfwick, on the Miiliirippi, between the
Ohio and Kafkaflda, and on others of the weftern waters.
Ifinglaf's, or mica, is in fevei-al places ; loadftone alfo, and an
afbeftos of a ligneous texture, is fometimes to be met with.
Marble abounds generally. A clay, of which, like the Stur-
bridge in England, bricks are made, which will refifh long the
aftion of fire, has been found on Tukahoe creek of James river,
and no doubt will be found in other places. Chalk is laid to
be in Botetourt and Bedford. In the latter county is fonie cartii,
believed to be gypleous. Ochres are fouii i in various parts.
In the lime-ftone country are many caves, tiie earthly floors
of which are impregnated with nitre. On Rich creek, a branch
of the Great Kanhawa, about fixty miles below the lead
mines, is a very large one, about twenty yards wide, and enter-
ing a hill a quarter or half a mile. The vault is of rock, from
nine to fifteen or twenty feet above the floor* A Mr. Lynch,
who gives this account, undertook to extraft the nitre. Bclides
a coat of the fait which had formed on the vault and floor,
he found the earth highly impregnated to the depth of fevea
feet in fome places, and generally of three, every bufhel yield-
ing on an average three pounds of nitre. Mr. Lynch havino"
made about a thoufand pounds of the fait from it, configned
it to fome others, who have fince made large quantities. They
have done this by purfuing the cave into the hill, never try-
ing a fecond time the earth they have once exhaufied, to fee
how far or foon it receives another impregnation. At leaft
fifty of thefe caves are worked on the Greenbnar, and there
arc many of them known on Cumberland river.
An intelligent gentleman, an inhabitant of Virginia, fuppo-
fes, that the caves lately difcovered yield it in fuch abun-
dance, that he judges five hundred thoufand pounds of faltpetre
might be colle6tcd annuallv.
Vol. III. ' N
90 GENEP.AL DESCRIPTION
MEDICINAL SPRINGS.
There are feveral medicinal fprings, fome of which are indu-
bitably efficacious, while others feem to owe their reputation
as much to fancy, and change of air and regimen, as to their
real virtues. None of them have undergone a chemical analyfis
in fkilful hands, nor been fo far the fubjeft of obfervation, as
to have produced a reduction into claffes, of the dilbrders which
they relieve ; it is in our power to give little more than an
enumeration of them.
The moft efficacious of thefe are two fprings in Augufta,
near the fources of James river, where it is called Jackfon's
river. They rife near the foot of the ridge of mountains, ge-
nerally called the Warm Spring mountain, but in the maps
Jackfon's mountains. The one is difl:inguifhed by the name of
the Warm Spring, and the other of the Hot Spring. The
Warm Spring iffues v/ith a very bold ftream, fufficient to work
a grift mill, and to keep the waters of its bafon, which is thirty
feet in diameter, at the vital warmth, viz, g6* of Fahrenheit's
thermometer. The matter which thefe waters is allied to is
veiy volatile ; its fmell indicates it to be fulphureous, as alfo
does the circumfhance of turning filver black : they relieve
rheumatiims : other complains alfo of very different natures
have been removed or leffened by them. It rains here four or
or five days in every week.
The hot fpring is about fix miles from the warm, is much
fmaller, and has been fo hot as to have boiled an egg. Some
believe its degree of heat to be leffened : it raifes the mercury
in Fahrenheit's thermometer to 1 1 2", which is fever heat ; it
fometimcs relieves where the warm fpring fails. A fountain of
common water, iffuing within a few inches of its margin, gives
it a fingular appearance. Comparing the temperature of thefe
witli that of the hot fprings of Kamlcatka, of which Krachi-
ninnikow, gives an account, the difference is very great, the
hitter railing the mercury to 200°, which is within 12° of
boiling water. The fprings are very much reiorted to, in Ipite
of a total want of accominodation for the fick. Their waters
are ftrongeft in the hotted months, which occalions their being
vilited in July and Auguft principally.
The fwcet fprings are in the county of Botetourt, at the
caRcrn foot of the Allegany, about forty-two miles from the
warm fprings. They are llill Icfs known. Having been found
OF VIRGINIA. 91
to relieve cafes in which the others had been ineffeftually tried,
it is probable their compofuion is dlfFcrent ; they are different
alfo in their temperature, being as cold as commcm water; which
is not mentioned, however, as a proof of a difi;in6l impregna-
tion. This is among the firft fouvces of James river.
On the Potoniack river, in Berkeley county, above the North
mountain, are medicinal iprings, much more frequented than
thofe of Augufta : their powers, however, are lels, the waters
weakly mineralifed, and fcarcely warm. They are more vihtcd,
becaufe fitunted in a fertile, plentiful and populous country,
provided with better accommodations, always fafe from the lu-
dianSj and neareft to the more populous States.
In Louifa county, on the head waters of the South Anna
branch of York river, are fprings of fome medicinal virtue ;
they are, however, not much ufed. There is a weak chalybeate
at Richmond, and many others in various parts of the country,
which are of too little worth, or too little note to be enumerated
after thofe before mentioned.
We are told of a fulphur ipring on Howard's creek of Green-
briar.
In the low grounds of the Great Kanhawa, feven miles above
the mouth of Elk river, and fixty-leven above that of the
Kanhawa itfelf, is a hole in the earth of the capycity of thirty
or forty gallons, from which iffues conftantly a bituminous
vapour, in fo ftrong a current, as to give to the fand about its
orifice the motion which it has in a boiling fpring. On pre-
fenting a lighted candle or torch within eighteen inches of the
hole, it flames up m a column of eighteen inches diameter, and
four or five feet in height, which fometimes burns out in twen-
ty minutes, and at other times has been known to continue
three days, and then has been left burning. The tlame is un-
fteady, of the denfity of that of burning fpirits, and imells like
burning pit coal. Water fometimes colle£ls in the bafon, whicli
is remarkably cold, and is kept in ebullition by the vapour
iffuing througli it ; if the vapour be fired in tiiat ilate, the
water foon becomes lo warm, that the hand cannot boar it,
and evaporates wholly in a fhort time. This, with the circum-
jacent lands, is the property of Prehdeiit Wafhmgton and of
General Lewis.
There is a firnilar one on Sandy river, the flame of which
is a column of about twelve inches diameter and three feet
high. General Clarke kindled the vapour, (laid about an liourj
and left it burning.
N 2
92 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The mention of uncommon fprings leads to that of Syphon
fountains: there is one of thefe near the interfeftion of the
Lord Fairfax's boundary with the North mountain, not far from
Brock's gap, oii the ftream of which is a grift mill, which
grinds two bufliels of grain at every flood of the fpring. Ano-
ther near the Cow Failure river, a mile and a half below its
confluence with the Bull Pafture river, and fixteen or feventeen
miles from the hot fprings, which intermits once in every
twelve hours. One alfo near the mouth of the North Holftpn.
After thefe may be mentioned, the Natural Well on the
lands of a Mr. Lewis, in Frederick county ; it is fomewhat
larger than a common well ; the water riles in it as near the
furface of the earth as in the neighbouring artificial wells,
and is of a depth as yet unknown. It is faid, there is a cur-
rent in it tending fenfibly downwards ; if this be true, it pro-
bably feeds fome fountain, of which it is the natural refervoirj
diftinguifhed from others, like that of Madifon's cave, by be-
ing acceflible ; it is uled with a bucket and windlafs as an ordiv
nany well,
CAVERNS AND CURIOSITIES.
In the lime-flone country there are many caverns of very
confiderable extent. The moft noted is called Madifon's cave,
and is on the north fide of the Blue ridge, near the interfec-
tion of the Rockingham and Augufta line with the fouth fork
of the fouth.ern river of Shenandaoh. It is in a hill of about
two hundred feet perpendicular height, the aicent of which, on
one fide, is fo fteep, that you may pitch a bilcuit from its
furnmit into the river which wafhes its bale. The entrance
of the cave is, in this fide, about two-thirds of the way up.
It extends into the earth about three hundred feet, branching
into fubordinate caverns, fometimes ai.cending a little, but more ge-
nerally defcending, and at length terminates in two different places,
at bafons of water of unknown extent, and which appear to be
nearly on a level with the water of the river. The water in thefe
bafons is always cool, it is never turbid, nor does it ^"jfe or fall in
times of flood or drouglit. It is prt)bably one of the many
refervoirs with wliich the interior paris of the earth are luppo-
fed to abound, and which yield lupplics to the fountains of
OF VIRGINIA. 93
water, diftinguiflied from others only by its being acceffible.
The vault of this cave is of folid lime-ftone, from twenty to forty
or fifty feet high, through which water is continually percolating.
This, trickling down the fides of the cave, has incrufted them
over in the form of elegant drapery ; and dripping from the
top of the vault, generates on that, and on the bafc below,
flalaftites of a conical form, feme of which have met and
formed maflive columns.
Another of theie caves is near the North mountain, in the
county of Frederick. The entrance into this is on the top of
an extenfive ridge. You defcend thirty or forty feet, as into
a well, from whence the cave then extends, nearly horizontally,
four hundred feet into the earth, preferving a breadth of from
twenty to fifty feet, and a height of from five to twelve feet,
Mr. Jefferfon obferves, that after entering this cave a few
feet, the mercury, which in the open air was at 50°, role to
57° of Fahrenheit's thermometer, anfwering to 11*^ of Reau-
mur's, and it continued at that to the remoteft parts of the
cave. The uniform temperature of the cellars of the obferva-
tory of Paris, which are ninety feet deep, and of all fubterra-
nean cavities of any depth, where no chymical agents may be
fuppoled to produce a faftitious heat, has been found to be
10° of Reaumur, equal to 54^*^ of Fahrenheit. The tempe-
rature of the cave above mentioned fo nearly correfponds with
this, that the difference may be ^fcribcd to a difference of
inftruments.
At the Panther gap, in the ridge which divides the waters
of the Cow and Calf pafture, is what is called the Blowing
Cave. It is in the fide of a hill, is of about an hundred feet
diameter, and emits conftantly a current of air of fuch force,
as to keep the weeds proftrate to the diftance of twentv vards
before it. This current is ftrongeft in dry frofly weather,
and weakefl in long periods of rain. Regular infpirations and
expirations of air, by caverns and filTures, have been probably
enough accounted for, by luppofing them combined with in-
termitting fountains, as they mull of courfe inhale the air
while the relervoirs are emptying themfelves, and again emit
it while they are filling. But a conflant iffue of air, only vary-
ing in its force as the weather is drier or damper, will require a
new hypothcfis. There is another blowing cave in the Cumber-
land mountain, about a mjle from where it croffes the Carolina
line. All we know of this is, that it is not conflant, and
ihat a fountain of water id'ues from it.
94 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Natural Bridge is the moft fublime of nature's works.
It is on the affent of a hill, which feems to have been cloven
through its length by fome great convulhon. The fiifure, jult
at the bridge, is by fome admeafurements two hundred and
feventy feet deep, by others only two hundred and five. It
is about forty-five feet wide at the bottom, and ninety feet at
the top ; this of courfe determines the length of the bridge,
and its height from the water. Its breadth in the middle
is about fixty feet, but more at the ends, and the thicknels
of the mafs at the fummit of the arch about forty feet, but more
at the ends, and ninety feet at the top. A part of this thick-
nefs is conftituted by a coat of earth, which gives growth to
many large trees. The refidue, with the hill on both fides,
is folid rock of lime-ftone. The arch approaches the lemi-
elliptical form ; but the larger axis of the ^llipfis, which would
be the chord of the arch, is many times longer than the
tranfverfe. Though the fides of this bridge are provided in
fome parts with a parapet of fixed rocks, yet few men have
refolution to walk to them and look over into the abyfs. You
involuntarily fall on your hands and feet, creep to the parapet
and peep over it. If the view from the top be painful and
intolerable, that from below is delightful in an equal extreme.
It is impoffible for the emotions ariiing from the fublime, to
be felt beyond what they are here ; fo beautiful an arch, fo
elevated, fo light, and Ipringing as it were up to Heaven, the
rapture of the fpeftator is really indcfcribable ! The filTure
continuing narrow, deep and fi:raight, for a confiderable dil-
tance above and below the bridge, opens a fhort but very plenf-
ing view of the North mountain on one fide, and Blue ridge
on the other, at the diftance each of them of about five miles.
This bridge is in tlie county of Rockbridge, to wliich it his
given name, and affords a public and commodious pnifage
over a vulicv, which cannot be crofied ellewhere for a confi-
derable diftance.* The ilrcam palling under it is called.
Cedar creek. It is a water of j.imes river, and fufficient in
the drieft ieaions to turn a grift mill, though its fountnin is not
more than two miles above. There is a natural bridi^c fimi-
* Don Ulloa mentions a break, fimilar to this, in the province of Angarez,
in Soiuh-Ameriea. It it from fixtecn to twenty-two teet wide, one hundred
and eleven deep, and of one mile and threc-quavtrrs continuance, Enjlifh mea-
sure. Its breadth at top is not fenfibly greater than at bottom.
OF VIRGINIA.
95
lar to the above, over Stock creek, a branch of Pclefon river,
in Wafhington county.
CIVIL DIVISIONS.
This State is divided into eigjity-two counties, and by ano-
ther divifion is formed into pnrifhes, many of which are com-
menfurate with the counties ; but iometimes a county compre-
hends more than one parifli, and fometimes a parifh more tlian
one county. This divihon had rchition to the religion of the
State, a minifler of the Anglican church, with a fixed ialar)',
having been heietofore eftablifhed in each parifh. The names
and fituations of thefe counties are as follow :
WEST OF THE BLUE RIDGF.
Ohio,
Monongala,
Wafhington,
Montgomery,
Wythe,
Botetourt,
Greenbriar,
Kanhawa,
Ilampfliire,
Berkley,
Frederick,
Shenandoah,
Rockingham,
Augufta,
Rockbridge.
BETWEEN THE BLUE RIDGE AKD THE TIDE WATERS,
Loudoun,
Fauquier,
Culpepper,
Spotlylvania,
Orange,
Louila,
Goochland,
Flavania,
Albemarle,
Amherll,
Buckingham,
Bedford,
Henry,
Pittlylvania,
Halifax,
Charlotte,
Prince Edward,
Cumberland,
Powhatan,
Amelia,
Nottaway
Lunenburah,
Mecklenburgh,
Brunfwick.
BET^.VEEN JAMES RIVER AND CAROLINA.
Greenfville,
Dinwiddic,
Chefterficld,
Prince George,
Surry,
Suffcx,
Southampton,
Iflo of Wight,
Nanfemond,
Norfolk,
Princefs Ann,
96
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
BETWEEN JAMES AND YORK. RIVERS.
Henrico, Charles City, , York,
Hanover, James City, Warwick,
New-Kent, Williamfburgh, Elizabeth City.
BETWEEN YORR AAD RAPPAHANNOCK RIVERS.
Caroline, King and Queen, Middlefex,
King William, Effex, Gloucefter.
BETWEEN RAPPAHANNOCK AND POTOMACK RIVERS.
Fairfax, King George, Northumberland,
Prince William, Richmond, Lancafter.
Stafford, Weftmorelandj
Accomac,
EAST SHORE.
Northampton,
THE FOLLOWING ARE NEW COUNTIES.
Campbell,
Franklin,
Harrifon,
Randolph,
Hardvj
Pendleton,
Ruffel.
CHIEFTOWNS.
There are no townfhips in this State, nor any towns of
confequence, owing, probably, to the interfeftion of the coun-
try by navigable rivers, which brings the trade to the doors
of the inhabitants, and prevents the neceflity of their going
in queft of it to a diftance. Williamfburgh, which, till the
year 1780^ was the feat of government, never contained above
eighteen hundred inhabitants, and Norfolk, the mofl populous
town they ever had in Virginia, contained but fix thou-
fand. The towns, or more properly villages or hamlets, are as
follow :
On James river and its waters — Norfolk, Portfmouth, Hamp-
ton, Suffolk, Smithfield, Williamfburgh, Peterfburgh, Rich-
mond, the feat of government, Mancheller, Charlottefville,
"New London. — On York river and its waters, York, New-
caftle, Hanover. — On Rappahannock, Urbanna, Port Roy-
al, Frederickfburgh, Falmouth. — On Potomack and its
waters, Dumfries, Colchefter, Alexandria,- Winchefter, Staun-
ton.
OF VIRGI14IA. 97
There are places at wliich, like feme of the foregoing, the
laws have faid there fhall be towns, but nature has laid there
fhall not ; and they remain unworthy of enumeration. Norfolk
will probably become the emporium for all the trade of the
Chefapcak bay and its waters • and a canal of eight or ten miles,
which will probably foon be completed, will bring to it all that
of Albemarle found and its waters. Secondary to this place,
arc the towns at the head of the tide waters, to wit, Petcrfburgh.
on Appamattox, Richmond on James river, Newcaftle on York
river, Frederickfburgh on the Rappahannc^k, and Alexandria
on the Potomack. From thefe the diftribution will be to fubor-
dinate fiLuationS of the' country. Accidental circumftances,
however, may controul the indications of nature, and in no
inftances do they do it more frequently than in the rile and fall
of towns.
To the foregoing general account, we had the following more
particular defcriptions :
Alexandria.
. Alexandria ftands on the fouth bank of Potomack river in
Fairfax county ; its fitiiation is elevated ar.d pleafant ; the foil is
clay. The original fettlers, anticipating its future growth and
importance, laid out the ftreets upon the plan of Philadelphia
It contains about fix hundred houfes, many of which are hand-
fomely built, and about fix thoufand inhabitants. This town,
upon opening the navigation of Potomack river, and in confe-
quence of its vicinity to the city of Wafhington, will probably
be one of the mod thriving commercial places on the continent.
MOUNT vernOn.
Mount \^ernon, the celebrated feat of Prefiaent WaPnington,
is pleafantly fituated on the Virginia bank of the Potomack,
where it is nearly two miles wide, and is about two hundred
and eighty miles from the fea, and one hundred and twenty-
fcven from Point Look-out, at the mouth of the river. It is nine
miles below Alexandria, and four miles above the beautiful feat
of the late Col. Fairfax, called Bellevoir. The area of the mount
is two hundred feet above the furface of the river, and, after
furnifhing a lawn of five acres in front, and about the lame in
rear of the buildings, falls off rather abruptly on thole two quar_
ters. On the north end it lubndes gradually into extenlive
pafture grounds ; while on the fouth it Hopes more fleeply la
Vol. III. O
gg GENERAL DESCRIPTION
a fliorter di fiance, anrl terminates v/Ith the coacK-houfe, fcaSles^
vineyard, and nurleries. On. either wing is a thick grove of
different flowering forell trees. Parallel with them, on tlie
land fide, are two fpacioriS gardens, into which one is led by
two Terpentine gravel walks, planted with weepirvg willows and
fliady fhrubs. The manfion houfe itfclf (though much embellifii-
ed by, yet not perfeftly fatisfaftory to the chafte tafte of the'
prefent polTeflor) appears venerable and convenient. The fuperb
bsnquetting room has been finifhed fmce he returned home
from the army. A lofty portico, ninety-fix feet in length, fup-
ported by eight pillars, has a pleafing effcft when viewed from
the water ; the whole affeniblage of the gveen-houfe, fchool-houfe,
offices and fervants halls, when feen from the land-fide, bears a
refemblance to a rural village ; efpecially as the lands on that
fide are laid out fomewhat in the form of Englifh gardens, in
meadows and grafs grounds, ornamented with little copfes, cir-
cular clumps and fingle trees. A fmall paik on the margin of
the river, where the Englifh fallow-deer and the American
wild deer are feen through the thickets, alternately with the
veflels as they are failing along, add a romantic and pifturefque
appearance to the whole fcenery. On the oppofite fide of a
fmall creek to the northward, an extenfive plain, exhibiting
corn fields and cattle grazing, affords in fummer a luxuriant
landfcape ; while the blended verdure of woodlands and culti-
vated declivities, on the Maryland fhore, variegates the profpeft
in a charming manner. Such are the philofophic flaades to which
the late commander in chief of the American armies retired from
the tumultuous fcenes of a bufy v/orld, and which he has fince
left to dignify, by his unequalled abilities, the moft important
office in the gift of his fellow citizens.
r R E D r, R I C K S B IT R C 1 1 .
Frederick fourgh, in the county of Spotfylvania, is fituatcd on
the fouth fide of Rappahannock river, one hundred and ten
miles from its mouth, and contains about two hundred houfes,
principally on one flieet, which runs nearly parallel with the
river, and one thoufaud five hundred inhabitants.
R ICHMOND.
Richmond, in the county of Henrico, is the prefent feat of
government, and flnnds on the north fide of James river, jufl at
'he foot of the falls, and contains between five and fix hundred
OF VIRGINIA. 99
houfes, and from five t;o fix thoufand inhulnt.ints. Pnrt of the
houfes are built upon the margin of the river, convenient for
bufinefs ; the reft are upon a hill which overlooks the lowci- part
of the town, and commands an extenfive profpcft of the river
and adjacent country. The new houfes are well built. A large
■ftate-houfc, or capitol, has lately been erefted on the hilL The
luwtr part of the town is divided by a creek, over wiiicli is a
convenient ■bridge. A bridge between thice and four hundred
yards in length has lately been thrown acrols James river, at
the foot of the fall, by Colonel Mayo. That part from Manchei'-
ter to the ifland is built on fifteen boats. From the ifland to
the rocks vi^as formerly a floating bridge of rafts, but Colonel
Mayo has now built it of framed log piers, filled with flone.
From the rocks to the landing at Richr.-iond, the bridge is con-
tinued on frarncd piers filled with Hone. This bridge connects
Richmond with Manchefter ; and as the paffengers pay toll, it
produces a confiderable revenue to Colonel Mayo, who io the
lole proprietor.
The falls above the bridge are feven miles. in length. A noble
canal is nearly, if not quite completed, on the north fide of tlic
river, which is to terminate in a bafon of about two acres, in
the town of Richmond. From this bafon to the wharfs in the
river will be a land carriage of about a mile. This canal is cut-
ting under the direftion of a company, who have calculated the
expenfe at thirty thoufand pounds Virginia money; this they
have divided into five hundred fliares of fixly pounds each.
The opening of this canal promiles the addition of jnucli wealth
to Richmond.
PETERSCURCII.
Peterfburgh, twenty-five miles fouthward of Richmond, (lands
on the fouth fide of Appamattox river, and contains .upv.'irds
of three hundred houfes in Iv/o divifions ; one is upon a clav
cold foil, and is very dirty, the other upon a plain of laud or
loam. There is no regularity and vciy little elegance in Pclerl-
burgh, it is merely a place of bufinefs. The Free Mafons liavc
a hall tolerably elegant. It is very unheakhy, being Ihut out
from the accefs of the winds by high hills on every fide.* Tins
confined fituation has fuch an elFtrft upon the conllitutions of
the inhabitants, that they very nearly refemble tliofe of liarci
* It is afferled, as an undoubted faft, by a nuinber of gentlemen well ac-
quainted with this town, that, in i"^8i, " one child only born in it lir.d arrived
to manhood, and he was a cripple."
O 2
loo GENERAL DESCRIPTION
drinkers ; hence, in the opinion of phyTicians, they require a
confiderable quantity of Simulating aliments and. vinous drinks,
to keep up a balance betAveen the feveral funftions of the body.
About two thoufand two hundred hogfheads of tobacco are
inipefl;ed here annually. Like Richmond, Williamfburgh, Alex-
andria, and Norfolk, it is a corporation ; and Peterfburgh city
comprehends a part of three counties. The celebrated Indian
queen, Pocahoata, from whom defcended the Randolph and
Bowling families, formerly refided at this place. Peterfburgh
and its iuburbs contain about three thoufand inhabitants, .
VILLIAMSEURGH.
Williamfburgh,* formerly the feat of government in Virginbj,
flands upon an elevated, but level fpot, between York and Janiej
river. Oueen's creek on one fide, and Archer's hope creek oii
the other, are navigable for fniall vefiels within a mile of the town:
during the regal government it was propoled to unite them by a
canal pafling through the center of the town ; but the removal of
the feat of government rendered it no longer an objeft of impor-
tance: the town is nearly a mile in length, yet I believe it never
could boaft of more thaii two hundred houfes, or, eighteen hun-
dred inhabitants. Many of the houfes were pleafantly fituated
and though neither ekgant, nor in general built of durable male-
rials, were neat and comfortable; moft of them had gardens; the
main ftrcct running from caftto wcfhis terminated by the capitol.
End the college; neither of them elegant ilrufturcs, though per-
haps eafily diftinguiPnable from ' common brick-kilos.'— Near Xh.p
center of the town there isapleafant fquare of about ten acres,
which is generally covered with a delightful verdure; not far from
this at the extremity of a fmall plain ftretching to the north, flood
the governor's houle, or palace, as it was called : though not very
handiome it was fpacious and connxiouitious ; and in every reipect
plcalantly fituated : it y/as burnt to the ground during the war^
whilft it was occupied as an holpital for the American army.
The houfe of the prefident of the College fliarcd the lame fate,
being alio occupied as an hofpital bv the French arm.y. The lat-
ter has been rebuilt at the expence of the l;^rerich government.
The capitol has haftened to decay from the moment of removing
jthc feat of government, A late act of Aflembly authorifcs the
pulling down one half of it, to defray the charge of keeping the
other half (which is ilill occupied as a difl.ri£t court houic, hotii
for the flulc, and the United Stales) in repair. The hofpl,.ai foi
* By a citi7.cn of Wi]lianii"bui-gli in a letter addrcilcd to tlie pi'Miflu-r^ of i!:e
Ainencaa edition of Wintcrbothium's Kiflory of America-
OF VIRGINIA. tpi
Junaties, a church, the town and county court houfe, and a maga-
zine now occupied as a market houfe, complete the lift of public
edifices : neither of them appears to have been conftru6led with
any view to architcftural fame. — The hofpital for lunatics is cal-
culated to accommodate between twenty and thirty patients in
feparate rooms or cells. They have, I believe, never been alj
£!j£d at the fame time ; the houfe is neatly kept, and the patients
.well attended ; but convalefcents have not fufficient room for free
air and exercile, without danger of making their elcape. The
college, though divefted of three fourths of its revenues at the re-
volution, and wholly diforganized at that period, by the removal
or refignation of moft of the profcfTors, has, fince the peace, been
fuccefsfuUy revived and generally the refort of from thirty to for-
ty ftudents, in philolophy, or in law. Their number appears to
be encreafing at prelcnt, and as the ftudents of law are by no
means fo numerous ys formerly, it creates a prefumption that fci-
ence begins to be more generally cultivated among the citizens at
large. The grammar fchool, which was for a time difcontinued
has beexi revived in the college ; there are about fifty or fixty
boys in this fchool, who are inflrufted by two profeflbrs, and an
ufaer. The ftudents in philofophy and law, board and lodge in
the town. Grammar fcholars, if their parents choofe it, are board-
ed and lodged in college, the expe^ce of which, including
wafhing and tuition is 28/ per ann. or twenty guineas. — There are
fix profciTorfhips— One of moral philofophy, natural philofophy^
and the belles lettres ; one of mathematics ; one of law ; one of
modern languages ; and two of humanity. To the college belongs
an extenfive library, and an apparatus which is probably not exceed-
ed by any upon the continent; the courfe of natural philofophy is
much more comprchcnfive than is ufual in inoft colleges.
In moral philofophy the ftudents are examined from the ablefb
writers on logic, the belles lettres, ethics, natural law, the law
of nations and politics. In mathematics a regular courfe both
elementary and prafiical is purfued. — ^In law a courfe of leftures
is annually deli\'ered on the principles of civil government ; and
on the conftitutions and laws of the federal government of the
United States, and of the State of Virginia. In the modern lan-
guages, French, Iialidn, Spanifli, and German may be acquired ;
moft of the ftudents acc^uire the two foimer. In the Grammar
fchool the Litin and Greek languages are taught as ulual in other
places. The college is fo far from being in a declining ftate, that
^he number of iiudcnts is now coufiderably greater than before
the revtiluti(,in. At iho end of the laft term, viz. about the be-
ginning of tlie picleut month their number were between forty
and hfiy.
i02 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Thiscollege has probably produced its full quota of ir.en of emi-
nence on the political theatre of the United States, Men of high
profenTional charafter in law, phyfic, and divinity, have there alfo
imbibed the elements of fcience; and not a few of them have been
indebted to it, for their whole education.
Not a few private houfes have tumbled down ; others are daily
crumbling into ruins : there are, however, mauy very comfortahit?
houfes left, which have undergone feme repairs, contribute to va-
ry the fcene, and there are ftill fcrme neat gardens and pleafent fi-
tuations ; it ieems to be the general idea of the inhabitants, that
Williamfburgh has feen its worft days. The market, though not
very regular, nor well fupulied, yet furniflies excellent meats and
poultry in their feafons. They have alfo fifn, crabs, oyfters, wild
fowlj and excellent butter, vegetables, and fruits. There never
was much trade in Williamfburgh ; probably little more than at
preient ; the fituation not being very favourable either for exter-
nal or nn exteniive internal commerce; the evidence of its prefent
trade is tobe found in about a doxen floresof Eurc^peanjand Weft-
India goods. A few mechanics, .fuch as blackfmiths, chair-ma-
kers, wheel- Wrights, faddlersandharhefs-makers, boot andfhoema-
kers, and tailors find employment, and a comfortable livelihood
there. There are alfo fome genteel families which form a very
agreeable fociety ; their number is confiderably greater than a
traveller palling through the place, would iuppoio. In fliort,
how contemptible foever, Williamfburgh, arrogating to herfelf
the rank and honours of a metropolitan city, might have appear-
ed in the eyes of a traveller, few villages can boafl a more plea-
lant fituation^ more refpeftable iphabltants. or a more agreeable
and friendly fociety.
YORK-TOM'N.
York-town, thirteen miles eafhward from Vv^illiamlburgh, and
fourteen from Monday's point at llie mouth of the river, is a
place of about an hundred houfes, fuuated on the fouth fide of
/ork river, and contains about fcven hundred inhabitants. It
has been rendered famous, by the capture of lord corx-
WAi.Lis, AND HIS ARMY, on the 19th of Oftobcr, 1781, by the
united forces of France and America.
POPULATION.
In the year 1781, a very inacurate ccnfus was taken. Seve-
ral counties made no return ; but fupplving by tonjufture the
deficiencies, the population of Virginia was then computed at
five hundred and fixty-lcven thouiand fix hundred and four-
teen perfons ; according to the ccnfus of 1790,- the numbers
were as follov/ ;
OF VIRG INIA.
VIRGINIA.
iC>5
COUNTIES, &c.
•-a
.;
s
O Tl
3 faO
S
r3 O
o
a.
a-^
« ^
— :
u3
•a c
12 >-
^
o
? «
»^
CJ
•5
3
«J ra
V-4
O
ra
1^
<!j
^
}
Augufta, the pan
eaft of the north
mountain
Part weft of ditto
Albemarle
Accomack
Amherft - - -
Amelia, including
Nottoway, a new
county
Botetourt, as it~|
ftood previous to j
the formation of S-
Wythe from it |
and Montgomery J
Buckingham
Berkeley - - .
Brunfwick -
Be'dfm-d - - - -
Cumberland -
Cheftcrfield - - -
Charlotte - - - .
Culpepper - - -
Charles City
Caroline - - - ■
,am
pbcU
iJinwiddie
liifcx - . -
Elizabeth City -
Fauquier - - -
b'airfax - - _
Franklin - - -
Fluvanna
Frederick Divifion
tGloucefter
Goochland
GreeniAnlle -
Greenbrier, in- "1
eluding Kanhawa J
Henrico - - - .
1703
2i>97
2056
2247
1665
57-
1790
2177
2235
1697
2,s6:
1274
42,53
1472
178:
885
1285
337-
53"
1799
i23(-
179c
908
39^'
2 6 7 .'i
2138
1266
0805
1597
1028
669
i4^^3
1823!
1537
4547
1529
2266
914
1557
1379
375
509
173'
1347
139^
869
388
298
187
1629
654
4170
15^3
1059
627
1574
Cl'70
343^
q8(
3271
4432
268;
7850
2918
367
1778
3149
2535
6682
1043
3464
2363
2853
66
77
5500
360
2840
1 1
7310
3105
1234
2639
2G07
40
^9
3342 171
4502
3995
721
1 21
106
24
13
132
52
M
369
63
70
3^3
203
251
56i.
18
93
135
34
2 E
116
21c
345
5579
4262
5296
L1307
1259
4168
2932
6776
2754
4434
7487
4816
8226
3141
L0292
248 o
7334
5440
1876
6642
4574
1073
1460
4250
70G;.
361:0
319
/.81c,
§4 13
2473
12585
^3959
13703
18097
10524
9779
19713
1 2827
10531
8153
14214
10078
22105
17489
7685
13934
9122
3450
.7892
1 23^.0
684r
3921
1968:
13498
9053
6362
601^
1 2000
i&i
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
VIRGINIA.
J
ji
>•
^t.4 .
3
-i
^
s
S'S
4J ^
i— * ™
a
tu
COUNTIES, &e.
11
0. 3
V
t \
: -^^
- 1 >>
'^
^
ij
: ^.^
^^
w
^
CO
^
0.
>
-3
'a
0
t'_>^_
fM -a
_<__
00
H
Hanover . - .
1637
1412
3242
240
8223
14754
Hampftiire . .- . -
i66i>
1956
3261
1 ;>
454
7346
Hanifon _ . -
487
579
947
67
2080
Hardy - - - -
1108
2256
3192
411
369
7336
Halifax - - - -
2214
■ 23^20
4397
226
5565
14722
Henry . - - -
1523
: 1563
3277
^(^5
1551
. 8479
Ifle of Wighi - -
1208
1-163
2415
375-
3867
9028
James City - - -
395
359
765
146
2495
• 4070
King William - -
723
732
1438
84
5 1 5 1
8128
King and Queen -
995
1026
213,8
75
5143
9377
King George - -
757
781
^585
86
4157
7366
Lunenburgh - -
1110
1185
2252
80
4332
8959
Loudoun _ - -
3677
3992
7080
183
4030
8962
Lancafter - - -
535
542
1182
M3
3236
5638
Louifa - - - -
957
1024
1899
14
1573
8467
Mecklenburgh -
^857
2015
3683
416
■S762
14733
Middlefex - - -
407
370
754
51
2558
4140
Monongalia -
1089
1345
2168
1 2
^54
4768
Montgomery, as it"^
flood previous to |
the formation of V
2846
3744
5804
6
828
13228
Wythe from it
and Botetourte J
Norfolk - - - .
2650
1987
4291
251
5345
14524
Northampton
857
743
1581
464]
3244
6889
New Kent - - -
605
587
1 199
148
3700
6 2 3 ()
Northumberland
1046
i>37
2323
197
4460
9103
Nanfemond - - -
1215
1 167
235'
180
3817
9010
Orange - - - -
1317
1426
2693
64
442 )
992 1
Ohio
1222
^377
2308
24
281
521 2
i-'riiice Eiward -
1044
1077
1961
3''
3986
8100
Prince William - -
164,)
1797
3303
167
ilO-i
i 161,
Prince George - -
965
8 2i>
1600
267
45' 9
8173
Powhatan - - -
623
548
1115
2 1 1
4325
6822
Pendleton - - -
568
686
1124
1
73
2452
Pittfylvania - - -
2Co8
2447
4083
G ■:•
2979
I 1579
priucels Anne
1 1 6y
1151
2207
6.i
3202
7793
■Richmond
704
697
1517
83
3984
6986
Randolph
2 2 1
270
441
19
95'
Rockingham - -
1816
1652
3200
772
744;.
Of VIRGINIA.
105
V I R G I N I A.
COUr^TTIES, &c.
RuHcl - .•
Rockbridge
Spotlylvania
StafToi-d -
Southampton
Surry
Sh.Tun.indoah
SuiTex - _
Warwick -
Waihington
Weftmoreladd
York - -
0
41
190
682
148
87
5933
4036
559
368
5993
3097
^9
51 "
391
5387
33
8
990
450
114
358
44-'-5
2760
2866
292627
6548
11252
9588
12854
6207
lOJ lO
16^54
1690
5625
. 7722
5233
747610
By comparing the two accounts taken at the above different
periods, It appears, that the increafe in ten years was two hun-
dred and fifty-eight thoufand fix hundred and fcventy-thrce, or
about twenty-five thouland eiglit hundred and fixty-leven per
annum ; allowing for the fame proportional increafe, the prefent
number of inhabitants in this State cannot be Icis than nine hun-
dred thoufmd.
The increafe of Haves, during the lafl fourteen years, has been
icfs than u h:,d been obferved for a century before. The leafca
IS, that about thirty thoufmd Haves periilicd with the fmall-po>c
or camp fever, caught from the Brituli army, or went of? with
them while Lord Cornwallis was roving over that State.
MILITIA.
Every able-bodied freeman, between tlic ages" of fixtcen and
fifty, is enrolled in the militia. Thdie of every county arc for-
med inco companies, and thc!e again into one or 'more b;itfnlions,
according to the numbers in the county: they are commanded
by colonels, and other fubordlnate officers, as in the regular fervice
In every county is a county lieutenant, ^v],o com:rands the
whole militia in his county, but ranks' only ss a colcrei i- the
Vol. III. -p
io6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
field. They hr.vx no general officers always exifling : theie are
appointed occnfionally, when an invafion or inlurreftion happens,
and their commiirion determines with the occafion. The gover-
nor is head of the military as well as of the civil power. The
law requires every militia man to provide himlelf with the
arms ulual in the regular fervice. But this injunttion has al-
ways been indifferently complied with, and the arms they had
have been fo frequently called for to arm the regulars, that in
the lower parts of the country they are entirely difarmed. In
the middle country a fourth or fifth part of them may have fuch
firelocks as they had provided to deflroy the noxious animals
whicli infeft their farms; and on the weftern fide of the Blue
Ridge they arc generally armed with rifles.
The interfeftion of Virginia, by fomany navigable rivers, ren-
ders it almoft incapable of defence : as the land will not fup-
port a great number of people, a force cannot fdon be collcfted
to repel a fudden invafion. If the rfiilitia bear the fame propor-
tion to the number of inhabitants now, as in 1782, they amount
to more tha-n fixty-eight thouiand,
RELIGION AND CHARACTER.
The firll fettlers in this country were emigrants from England,
of the Englifli church, jiift at a point of time when it was
flufhed with complete viflory over the religious of all other
perfup.fions. Poffeffed,as they became, of the powers of making,
adminiftering, and executing the laws, they fhewed equal into-
lerance in this country with their Prefbyterian brethren, who
had emigrated to the northern government ; the' poor Quakers
were flying from perfecution in England. They caff their eyes
on thefe new countries as alylums of civil and religious free-
dom ; but they found them free only for the reigning feft.
Several afts of the Virginia affcmbly of 1659, 1662, and 1693,
had made it penal in parents to refufe to have their children
baptized, and prohibited the unl;;vs-ful aflembling of Quakers ; '
had made it penal for any mafter of a veii'el to bring a Quaker
into the State, and had ordered thole already here, and iuch as,
fhould come thereafter to be impriibned till they fiiould abjur<? ;
the country ; had provided a milder punifliment for their firfl
and fecond return, but death for their third ; had inhibited all
pcrfons from fufTering their meetings in or near their houfes^
entertaining them individually, or dilpofing of books which fup-
poited their tenets. If no capital execution took place there,
OF VIRGINIA. 107
as did in New-England, it was not owing to moderation of the
church, or Spirit oi the legifluture, as may be inferred from the
law itielf ; but to hillorical circumflances which have not been
handed down to us. The Anglicans retained full poffellion
of the country about a ccntur)-. Other opinions began then to
creep in, and the great care ot the government to iupport their
own church, having begotten an eqiial degree of indolence in
its clergy, two thirds of the people had become Dilfcnters at
the coininencement of the late revolution. The laws, indeed,
were ftill opprefiive on them, but the fpirit of the one party
had fubfidedinto moderation, and the other ha.d rilcn to a degree
of determination which commanded rclpcft.
The prelent ftate of the laws on the iubjctl of religion is as
follows; the Convention of May 1776, in their dcclaralion of
rights, declared it to be a trulh, and a natural right, that tlie
exercife of religion fliould be free ; but when they proceeded to
form on that declaration the ordinance of government, inltead
of taking up every principle declared in the Bill of Rights, and
guarding it by legiflative ianftion, they palled over that which
aileried their religious rights, leaving them as they found their.
The fame Convention, however, when they met as a part of the
General AlTcmblv, in Oftober, ^776, repealed all atls of Par-
liament which had rendered crimnial the maintaining any opi-
nions in matters of religion, the forbearing to repair to church,
and the exercifing any mode of worfliip ; and iufpendcd the laws
giving falaries to the clergy, which fuipenfion was made perpe-
tual in October, 1779. Statutory oppreiFions in religion being
thus wiped away, tlie Virginians remain at prefcnt under thole
only impoled by the common law, or by their own aft of Ai-
fembly. At the common law, h^relv vvas a capital ollcnce,
punifnable by burnh.g. Its dehnition was left to the ccclcl;-
aflical judges, before whom the convi£lion w.is, till the Ratute
of the iirft El. c. i. circumlcribed it, by declaring, tliat nothing
fliould be deemed herefv, but what had been ib determined by
authority of tlie canonical fcriptures, or by one of the four firh:
general councils, or by iome other council having for the
grounds of their declai^ation the exprefs and plain words ol the
fcriptures. Herefy, thus circumfcribed, being an oifence at the
common law, their aft of AfTembly of Oftober, 1777. c. 1 y,
gives cognizance of it to the general court, by decidriug, luat
'■ the juriidiclion of that court fhall be general in all matteis
at the common law." The execution is by the writ De kcEreiicd
t-orubarcndo. By their own aft of AlFembly of 1705, c. 30, if a
P g
io8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
peiTon brought up in the Ghriftian religion denied the being
of a God, or the Trinity, or afferted there are more Gods than
one, or denied the Cluiflian religion to be true, or the Scrip-
tures to be of divine authority, he is punifhable on the firll
ohence by. incapacity to hold any ofRce or employment eccle-
faaflical, civil or military ; on the fecond, by difability to lue, to
take any gift or legacy, to be guardian, executor, or adminiilra-
tor, and by three years impriionment without bail. A father's
J'ight to the cuftoidy of his own children being founded in la\y
on his right of guaidianflTiip, this being taken away, ihev may
of couile be levered from him, and put, by the authority of 4
court, into more orthodox hands. This is a fummary view of
that religious fUvoery, under which a people hive been williiig to
remain, who have lavillied their liv.cs arid fortvines for the cfU-
blifhment of their .civil freedom. The error leems not iuffici-
ently eradicated, that the operations of the mind, as well as the
afts of the body, are lubjcfted to |he coercion of the laws. But
rulers can have authority over fuch natural rights only as have
been lubmitted to tiiem. The rights of conlcience were never
fabmitted ; man could not fubmit them ; he is anfwcrable for
them tQ Gcd. The legitimate powers of govejpraent extend
to luch afts only as are injurious to ethers ; bL|t it does me nq
injury for my neighbour to fay there are twenty gods, or no
god ; it neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg. If it be
faidj his teftimony in a court of juflice cannot be relied on,
rejcft it J;hen, and be the fcigma on hifn. Conflraint may mak^
him worfc, by making him a hypocrite, buj; it will never makSj
him a better man. It may fix \\'\ni obllinatcly in his errors, but
will not care them. Realon and free inquiiy are the only
efieftual agents aggiufl error. Give a Iqofe to them, they
will lupport the true religion, by bringing cverv falle one to
their tribunrd, to the tell of their invelligation. They are the
natural enemies of error, and of enor only. Had not th(? Ro-
ip.an government permitted free incjuiry, Chriflianity could
never have been introduced. Had not free inquiry be»en in-
dulged, at the ecrea of reformation, the corruptions of Chrilti-
anitv could not have been purged away. If it be retrained
now, the prelcnt corruptions will be protcttcd, and new ones
encouraged. ^'Vas the government to preicribe to us our medi-
cine and diet, our bodies would \)c in fuch keeping as our louls
are now. Thus in I ranee the emetic was once forbidden as a
medicine, fuid the potatoc as an article of food. Government
is jufl as. injallible too,, when it hxes iyftem^in plij.fics. Galileq
I
OF VIRGINIA. J09
was fent to the inquifition for affirming that the earth was a
Iplicre : the government had declared it to be as flat as a trencher,
and Galileo was obliged to abjure his error. This error, howr
ever, at lens^th prevailed, the earth became a globe, and Defcartes
^ecLned it was whiiled round its axis by a vortex. The go-
verniTicnt in which he lived was wife enough to fee that this
was no queftion of civil jurifdiftion, or we fhould all have been
involved by authority in vortices. In faft, the vortices have
been exploded, and the Newtonian principle of gravitation is
now more firmly eflabiifhed, on the bafis of reafon, than it
would be were the government to flep in, and to make it an
article of neceffary faith. Realon and experiment have been
indulged, and error has fled before them. It is error alone
which needs the fupport of government ; truth can Hand jjy it-
fclf. Subjeft opinion to coercion, whom will you make your
inquifitors ? fallible men ; men governed by bad pafTions, by
private as well as public reafons. And why fubjeft it to coer-
cion ? To produce uniformity. But is uniformity of opinion
defirnble ? No more than of face and flature. Introduce the
bed of Procruftes then, aqd as there is danger that the large men
may beat the fmall, make us all of a fize, by loppinc the former
and flretching the latter. Difference of opinion is advantage-
ous in religion. The feveral lefts perform the ofEce of a cenfor
morum over each other, put is uniformity attainable ? Milli-
ons of innocent men, women, and children, fince the introduc-
tion of Chrillianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined and im-
pnfoned ; yet we have not advanced one flep towards it. What
has been the effect of coercion ? To make one half the world
fools, and the other half hypocrites ; to fupport roguery and er-
ror all over the earth. Let us rcfleft that this globe is inhabited
by a thouland millions of people ; that thefe profefs probably a
thouiand different fyfcems of religion ; that ours is but one of that
thouland ; that if there be but one right, and ours that one, we
fliouldwifh to fee theninehundred and ninety-nine wandering fefts
gathered into the fold of truth. But againft fuch a majority we
cannot effe6l this by force. Reafon and perfuafion are the only
prafticablc iiiRj uments. To make way for thefe, free inquiry mull
be indulged ; and how can we wifli others to indulge it while we
j"efufe it ouriclves. But every ftate, fays an inquifitor, has efla-
biifhed fome religion. We reply, no two have eftablifhed the
fame. Is this a proof of the infallibility of cftablifhments p
Many of the States, particularly Pennfylvania and New-York,
|ipwcvcr, have long lubfifted without any eftablifnment at alL
tio GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The experiment was new and doubtful, when they made it ; it
has anfwered beyond conception ; they flourifh infiniteiy.
Religion is well lupported ; of various kinds, indeed, but all
fufficient to preferve peace and order ; or if a left arifes, whole
tenets would fubvert morals, good lenfe has fair plav, and
reafons and laughs it out of dooi'S, without iuifering the State
to be troubled with it. They do not hang fo many male-
faftors as in England ; they are not more dilluibed with reli-
gious difienfions ; on the contrary, their morality is pure and
their harmony is unparalleled ; this can be afcribed to nothing
but their unbounded tolerance, becaule there is no other cir-
cumftance in which they differ from every nation on earth,
France excepted. They have made tlie happy diicovery, thac
the way to filence religious difpuies, is to take no notice of
them.
The prefent denominations of Clirillians in Virginia arc
Prefbvterians, who are the moft numerous, and inhabit the
weflern parts of the State ; Epifcopalians, who are the moft
ancient fettlers, and occupy the eaftcrn and firft fettled parts
of the State. Intermingled with thcle are great numbers of
Baptifts and Methodifls.
Virp^inia prides itfelf in being " The Ancient Dominion.''
It has produced fome of the moft diflinguiflied and influential
men that have been aftive in cffcfting the two late grand and
important revolutions in America. Her political and ndlitary
character will rank among the fufh in the page of hifi;ory : but
it is to be obferved, that this chara£ler has been obtained for the
Viri»inians by a fevy eminent men, who have taken the lead in
all their public tranfaftions, and who, in fliort, govern Virgi-
nia •, for the great body of the people do not concern themlclves
with politics ; fo that their government, though nominally re-
publican, is, in faft, oligarchical or ariftocratical.
The Virginians who are rich, are in general lenfible, polite,
and hofpiiable, and of an independent fpirit. The poor are
ignorant and abjccl, but ail are of an inquifitive turn. A conii-
dcrablc proportion of the people are much addifted to gaming,
drinkin^y, iwearing, horfe-racing, cock-fighting, and moft kinds
of diffipation. There is a much greater difparity between the
rich and the poor, in Virginia, than in any of the northern
States. Tlie native inhabitants are too generally unacquainted
with bufinefsj owing to their pride, and fallc notio.ns of great-
nefs. Before the revolution they conlidered it as beneath ^
CTcntleman to attend to mercantile concerns, and devoted their
time principally to amufcipcnt. By thcic means the Scotch.
OF VIRGINIA. iii
•people and other foreigners who came among them, became
their merchants, and iuddcnly grew rich.
There muft, doubtlefs, be an unhappy influence on the man-
ners of the people produced by the exiftcncc of llavery among
them. The whole commerce between mafter and. flave is a
perpetual cxercilc of the moft boifterous pafTions, the moft
unremitting deipotifm on the one part, and degrading fubmifiion on
the other. The children fee this, and learn to imitate it ; for
man is an imitative animal. This quality is the germ of all
education in him, from his cradle to his grave he is learning to
do what he fees others do. If a parent could find no motive
either in his philanthropy or his ielf-love, for reftraining the
intemperance of paffion towards his flave, it fliould always be a
fufficient one that his child is prefent : but generally it is not
fufiicient. The parent florms, the child looks on, catches
the lineaments of wrath, puts on the fame airs in the circle of fmal-
ler flaves, gives a looie to his worfi; of paffions, and thus nurfed»
educated, and daily excrcifed in tyranny, cannot but be flamp-
cd by it with odious peculiarities. The man mu/l bs a prodi-
gy wiio can retain his manners and morals undepraved by fuch
circumflances. And with what execration fhould the flatefman
be loaded, who, permitting one half the citizens thus to trample
on the rights of the other, transforms thofe into defpots, and
thefe into enemies ; deflroys the morals of the one part, and the
amor patria of the other. For if a flave can have a country in
this world, it muft be any other in preference to that in which
he is born to live and labour for another ; in which lie mufb
lock up the faculties of his nature, contribute as far as depends
on h)S individual endeavours to the evanifliment of the human
race, or entail his own milcrable condition on tlie endlefs pene-
rations proceeding from him. With the morals of the people,
their induftry alfo is deftroyed. For in a warm climate, no
man will labour for himfelf who can make another labour for
him. This is lo true, that of the proprietors of flaves a very
fmall proportion, indeed, are ever feen to labour. And can
the liberties of a nation be thought fecure when they have re-
moved their only fum bafis, a conviftion in the minds of the
people that thefe liberties are of the gift of God ; that they are
not to be violated but with his wrath ?
It is impofhhle to be temperate and to purfuc tlris fubjccl:
through the various confidcrations of policy, of mords, of
hidory, natural and civil. We muft be contented to hope thev
Will ultiiTiately force their way into every one's mind : a change
iii GENERAL DESCRIPTION
in this State has been perceptible ever fince the eftablillimcht
of the prefent government. The fplrit of the mafter has abated,
and that of the flave arilen from the dufi;, his condition is now-
mollified, and the way at length prepared by the federal govern-
ment for a total emancipation, aind this with the confent of
the mailers, and not by their extirpation. Before the general
'C'-overnment of America undertook the noble tvork of cutting
up flavery by the roots, by laying the foundation of a total
emancipation, the State of Virginia had as a body politic, made
feme advances; and iome private gentlemen had likewiie ex-
erted thcmfelves in a very confiderable degree, in the caufe of
the oppreffed Africans. A Mr. Robert Carter, of Nomina, in
this State, in the year 1790', emancipated no lefs a number than
four hund.ixd and forty-two Haves. This is a facrifice on the
alter of humanity of perhaps an hundred thoufand dollars. Vote:
him a triumph, crown him with laurels, and let the millions
lillen while he fings
" I would not have a flave to till my ground,
To carry me^ to fan me while I fteep,
And tremble when I wake, for all the wealth
That linews bought and fold have ever earn'd.
No : dear as freedom is, and in my heart's
Juft eftimation priz'd above all price,
I had much rather be myself the ilave,
And wear the bonds, than faftcn them on him."*
TRADE AND MANUFACTURES.
Before the war, the inhabitants of this State paid but Httle
attention to the manufafture of their own cloathing. It has
been thought they ufed to import as much as feven-cig'r.ts of
their eloathing, and that they now manufafture three-quarters of
it. We have before mentioned that confiderable quantities of
iron are manufaftured in this State. To thele we may add the
manufafture of lead ; befides which they have few others of
confequencc. The people are much attached to agriculturCj
and prefer foreign manufaftures.
Before the war tiiis State exported, comviunihus annis, accord-
ing to the bed information that could be obtained, as follows ;
* As a proof that thefc arc the fentiments of this gentleman, we beg leavefto in-
troduce t,he following quotation from a letter of his 011 the fiiuation of the Haves,
&LC. in this State, and the abolition of the flave trade, written to a Dilfcnting
Minifter.
»• Th'i folfifrtion o'i flavery rndicetcs vi.rt great depravity of wind," &c.
OF VIRGINIA.
"3
:jrr,)VuU'^r^ Articles.
Ouantity.
Am. in Dollais.
Tobacco
55,ooohlids. ofloolL
3,650,000
Wheat . - - -
800,000 bulhels
b66,66(>
Indian corn _ - -
600,000 bulliels
200,000
Shipping _ _ .
— —
100,000
Mafts, planks, {kantling, 'I
fhingles, ahd ftaves - j
66,666|
Tar, pitch, and turpentine-
30.000 barrels
40,000
Peltry, viz. (kins of deer, "^
beavers, otters, mufk rats, >
i8ohhds.of6oolb
42,000
racoons, foxes, &c.
Pork - - . -
4,000 barrels
40,000
Flax-feed, hemp, and cotton
— —
8,000
Pit-coal and pig iron
— —
6,666|
Peas . . . .
5,000 bulhels , j.,;.
.,-.^. 35 3334-
Beef
1,000 barrels . /^,-
:;;■ 3>333^
Sturgeon, white fhad, her- T
rmg - - J
■ —
3>333t
Brandy, from peaches and \
apples, and whilkey - J
Horfes - - - .
i,666|
1,666^
v R3 o,<;j9C)|*
The amount of exports from this State in the year fucceeding
Oftober 1, 1790, confifting chiefly of articles mentioned in
the foregoing table, was three million one hundred and thirty-
one thoufand two hundred and twenty-leven dollors. About
forty thoul'and hogflieads of tobacco only were exported this
year.
In the year 1758, this State exported feventy thoufand hogf-
heads. of tobacco, whicii was the greateft quantity ever produc-
ed in this country in one year. But its culture has faft
declined' fince' the commencement of the war, and that of
wheat 'taken its plgce. The price which it commands at mar-
Icet willHiot enable the planter to cultivate it. Were the fupply
ftill to depend on Virginia and MaryLind alone, as its culture
becomes more difficult, this price would rife, io as to enable the
planter to furmount thofe difBculties and to. live. But the wel-
fern country on the Mifliffippi, and the midlands of Georgia,
haviri"^ frefh and fertile lands in abundance, and a hotter fun, are
able to underfell thele two States, and will oblige them in time
to abandon the raifing of tobacco altogether. And a happy obli-
gation for them it will be. It is a culture produftive of infinite
* This lum is equal to eight hundred and fifty thoufand pounds Virginia mo-
jiey, fix hundred and iifty-feven thoufand one hundred forty-two guineas.
Vol. 111. O
3J4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
wretchednefs. Thofe employed in it are in a continued ftate of
•fexertion beyond the powers of nature to fupport. Little food of
any kind is raifed by them ; fo that the men and animals on thcfe
farms are badly fed, and the earth is rapidly impoverifhed. The;
cultivation of wheat is the reverfe in every circumftance. Be-
fides cloathing the earth v/ith herbage, and preferving its fertility,
it feeds the labourers plentifully, requires from them only a mo-
derate toil, except in the feafon of harvcft, raifes great numbers
of animals for food and fervice, and diffufes plenty and happinefs
among ^the whole. It is eafier to raife an hundred bufliels of
wheat than a thouiand weight of tobacco, and it is worth more
when produced.
It is not eafy to fay what are the articles either of neceffity,
comfort, or luxury, which cannot be raifed here, as every thing
hardier than the olioe, and as hardy as the Jig, may be raifed in
the open air. Sugar, coffee, and tea, indeed, are not between
thofe limits ; and habit having placed them among the neceffaries
of life with the wealthy, as long as thefe habits remain, they mull
go for them to thofe countries which are able to furnifli them.
COLLEGES, ACADEMIES, LITERATURE, &c.
The college of William and Mary was founded in the time of
King William and Queen Mary, who granted to it twenty thou-
fand acres of land, and a penny a pound duty on certain tobac-
coes exported from Virginia and Maryland, which had been
levied by the ftatute of 25 Car. II. The Affembly alfo gave it,
by temporary laws, a duty on liquors imported, and fkins and
furs exported. From thefe refources it received upwards of
three thoufand pounds. The buildings are of brick, fufficient
for an indifFcreat accommodation of perhaps one hundred ftu-
dcnts. By its charter it was to be under the government of
twenty vifitors, who were to be its legidators, and to have a pre-
fi dent and fix profeffors, who were incorporated: it was allow-
ed a reprelentative in the General AiTembly. Under this char-
ter, a profefTorflaip of the Greek and l,atin languages, a profef-
for of mathematics, one of moral philofophy, and two of divini-
ty, were efhablifhed. To thefe were annexed, for a fixth pro-
feffovflaip, a confiderable donation by a Mr. Boyle of England
for the inllruftion of the Indians, and their converfvon to Chrif-
tianitv:this was called the profcfTorfhip of BrafFcrton, from an
cfl; ite of that name in England, purchafed with the monies given.
The admilhon of the learners of Latin and Greek IiUed the col-
lege with children ; this rendering it difagreeable to the young
gentlemen already prepared for entering on the fciences, they
QF VIRGINIA. Its
defifted from reforting to it, and thus the fchools for mathema-
tics and moral philofophy, which might have been of iome ler-
vicc, became of very little ufc. The revenues too were exhauu-
ed in accommodating thole who came only to acquire the rudi-
ments of fcience. After the prefent revolution, the vifttors
having no power to change thole circumftances in the conflitu-
tion of the college which were fixed by the charter, and being
therefore confined in the number of profelforfliips, undertook
to change the objefts of the profefforfhips. They excluded the
two fchools for divinity, and that for the Greek and Latin lan-
guages, and fubflituted others ; fo that at prefent they fland
thus — a profefl'orfhip for law and police; anatomy and medi-
cine ; natural philoiopky and mathematics ; moral philofophy,
the law of nature and nations, the nne arts ; modern languages ;
for the BrafFerton.
Meafures have been taken to incrcafe the number of profei-
forfhips, as well for the purpofe of fubdividing thoie already
inllituted. as of adding others for other branches of fcience. To
the profelTorfhips ufually effabliflicd in the univcrlitics of Eu-
rope, it would feem proper to add one for the ancient languages
and literature of the north, on account of their conncflion with
our own languages, laws, cufi:oms, and hiftory. The purpofes of
the BrafFerton inftitution would be better anfwered by maintain-
ing a perpetual miffion among the Indian tribes; the objeA of
which, belides inftrufting them in the principles of Chriftianity,
as the founder requires, fhould be to colleft their traditions,
laws, cuftoms, languages, and other circumftanc-es which might
lead to a difcovery of their relation to one another, or dclcent
from other nations. When thefe objcfts are accomplislicd witli
one tribe, the miflionary might pais on to another.
The college edifice is a huge, mifnapen pile ; " which but
that it has a root, would betaken for a brick kiln." In 1787,
there were about thirty young gentlemen members of this col-
lege, a large proportion of which were hw fludents." l"he aca-
demy in Prince Edward county has been erefted into a ct)IJcge
by the name of Hampden Sydney college. It has been a flouriili-
ing feminary, but is now faid to be on the decline.
There are fevcral academics in Virginia ; or.e at Alexandria,
one at Norfolk, and others in other places.
Since the declaration of independence, the laws of \'irgiriia
have been reviled by a committee appointed for the purpole,
who have reported their work to tiie AiT-mbI)' ; one objedl of
this revifal was to diffuic knowledge more generally through the
snafs of the people. The bill for this purpofe " propofes to ky
Q. 2
2i6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
oft every county into fmall diftrlfts of five or fix miles fquare, •
called hundreds, and in each of them to eflablifh a fchool for the
teaching of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The tutor to be •
fupported by the hundred, and all perfons in it entitled to fend
their cluldren three years gratis, and as much longer as they
pleafe, paying for it. Thefe fchools to be under a vifitor, who
is annually to chufe the boy of the befh genius in the fchool, of
thofe whofc parents are too poor to give them farther education,
and to fend him forward to one of the grammar fchools, of which
twenty are propofedto be erefted in different parts of the country,
for teaching Greek, Latin, Geography, and the higher branches
of numerical arithmetic. Of the boys thus fent in any one year,
trial is to be made at the grammar fchools, for one or two years,
and the beft genius of the whole fclefted and continue fix years,
and the refidue difmiffed ; by this means twenty of the beft ge-
niuffes will be taken from the mafs annually, and inftrufted, at
the public expenfe, fo far as the grammar fchools go. At the end
of fix years inftruftion, one half are to be difcontinued, from
among v/hom the grammar ichools will probably be fupplied with
future maflers, and the other half, who are to be cholen for the
fuperiority of their parts and difpofttion, are to be fent and
continued three years in the fludy of fuch fciences as they flrall
chufe, at William and Mary college, the plan of which is pro-
pofed to be enlarged, as has been explained, and extended to
all the ufefvil fciences. The ultimate refult of the whole fcheme
of educatioji would be the teaching all the children of tlie State
reading, writing, and common arithmetic ; turning out ten annur
ally of fuperior genius, well taught in Greek, Latin, geography,
and the higher branches of arithmetic •, turning out ten others
annually, of Itill fuperior parts, who, to thofe branches of learn-
ing, fliall have added fuch of the fciences as their genius fhall
have led them to ; the furnifhing to the wealthier part of the
people convenient fchools, at which their children may be edu-
cated, at their own expenfe. The general objefts of this law
are to provide an education adapted to the years, to the capacity,
and the condition of every one, and direfted to their freedom
and happinefs. Specific details were not proper for the law :
ihefe mud be the bufincls of the vifitors entrufted with its
execution. The firfl: ftage of this education being the ichools
of the hundreds, whereni the great mais of the people will re-
ceive their inftruftioo, the principal foundations of future order
v^-ill be laid here. The firffc elements of morality may be inftil-
led into their minds ; fuch as, when farther developed as their
judgments advance in flrcngth, may teach them how to promote
OF VIRGINIA. ny
their own greatefl happinefs, by fhcwinic; them that it does not
depend on the condition of life in which nature has placed
them, but is always the refult of a good confcience, good health,
occupations, and freedom in all juft purfuits. Thofe whom
cither the wealth of their parents, or the adoption of the State,
fhall dcftine to higher degrees of learning, will go on to the
grammar {chools, which conflitute the next ftage, there to be
inftruftcd in the languages. As loon as they are of a fufficient
age, it is fuppofed they will be lent on from the grammar fchools
to the univerfity, wjiich conftitutes the third and lafl ftage, there
to ftudy thole Iciences which may be adapted to their views.
By that part of the plan which prefcribes the feleftion of the
youths of genius from among the claffes of the poor, the State
will avail itlelf of thole talents which nature has fown as liber-
ally among the poor as the rich, but which perifli without ufe,
if not fought for and cultivated. But of all the views of this law
none is more im.portant, none more legitimate, than that of ren-
dering the people the fafe, as they are the ultimate, guardians of
their own liberty : for this purpole, the reading in the firft ftage,
where they will receive their own education, is propofed, to be
chiefly hiftorical. Hiftory, by apprifing them of the paft, will
enable them to judge of the future ; it will avail them of the ex-
perience of other times ajid other nations ; it will qualify them
as judges of the aftions and defigns of men ; it will enable them
to know ambition under every dilguife it may afTume ; and know-
ing it, to defeat its views. In every government on earth there
is lome trait of human weaknels, fome germ of corruption and
degeneracy, which cunning will difcover, and wickednefs infen-
fibly open, cultivate and improve. Every government degene-
rates when trufted to the rulers of the people alone ; the people
themfelves therefore are its only fafe depofitories ; and to render
even them fafe, their minds muft be improved to a certain de-
gree : this, indeed, is not all that is neccflarv, though it be effcn-
tially neceffary. The influence over government muft be fliared
among all the people. If every individual which compoies
their mafs participates of the ultimate authority, the government
will be lafe ; becaufe the corrupting the whole mals will ex-
ceed any private refources of wealth ; and public ones cannot
be provided but by levies on the people : in this cale every man
would have to pay his own price. The government of Great-
Britain has been corrvipted, becaufe but one man in thirty has a
right to vote for meir.beis of Parliament. The lellers of the go-
vernment therefore got twenty-nine parts out of thirty of their
price cleai%
1x8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The excellent mealures for the difFufion of ufeful knowledge,
which the formentioned bill propofes, have not yet been car-
ried into effeft* And it will be happy if the great inequality
in the circumftances of the citizen* ; the pride, the indepen-
dence, and the indolence of one clafs, and the poverty and de-
preflion of the other, do not prove inluperable difficulties in
the way of their univerial operation.
CONSTITUTION. ,
The Conftitution, which was the firft that was formed in
the whole United States, is as follows :
We, the delegates and reprcfentatives of the good people ®f
Virginia, do declare the future form of government of Virginia
to be as foUoweth :
The legiflative, executive and judiciary departments ftiall be
feparate and diflinft, fo that neither exercife the powers pro-
perly belonging to the other ; nor fhall any perfon exercife the
powers of more than one of them at the fame time, except that
the juflices of the county courts fhall be eligible to either Houfe
of Affembly.
The legillative fhall be formed of two diftinft branches, who,
together, flriall be a complete legiflature. They fhall meet
once, or oftener, e#ery year, and fhall be called, The General
Assembly of Virginia. One of thefe fhall be called, The
House of Delegates, and confift of two reprefentatives to be
cholen for each county, and for the diftrift of Weft-Augufta,
annually, of lucli men as aftually refide in and are freeholders
of the fame, or duly qualified according to law ; and alio of
one delegate or reprefentative to be chofen annually for the
city of Williamfburgh, and one for the borough of Norfolk,
and a reprefentative for each of fuch other cities and boroughs
as may hereafter be allowed particular reprefentation by the
legiflature ; but when any city or borough fliall fo decreafe^
as that the number of perfons having right of fufFrage therein
fliall have been for the ipace of feven years fuccelTively lels
than half the number of voters in iome one county in Virginia,
fuch city or borough thenceforward fliall ceiile to lend a dele-
gate or reprefentative to the Affcmblv.
The other fnall be culled. The Senate, and confifl of
twenty-four members, of whom thirteen fliall conllilute a Houle
to proceed on bufinefs, for whofe election the different counties
fhall be divided into twenty-four diflricls, end each county
GF P'lRGINIA. ■ 119
of the refpeftive diftrift, at the time of the eleftion of it3
delegates, fliall vote for one fenator, who is aftu.TlIy a rcfidcnt
and freeholder within the diflrift, or duly qualified according
to law, and is upwards of twenty-five years of age ; and the
fheriflfs of each county, within five days at farthefl after the
lafl county elcftion in the diflrift, fhall meet at fonie conven-
ient place, and from the poll fo taken in their refpeftive court,
ties, return as a fenator the man who fhall have the greatefl
number of votes in the whole diftrift. To keep up this AfTem-
bly by rotation, the diflrifts fliall be equally divided into four
claffes, and numbered by lot. At the end of one year after
the general eleftion, the fix members elcftcd by the firft divi-
fion fliall be difpLiced, and the vacancies thereby occafioned
fupplied from fuch clafs or divifion by new eleftion in the
manner aforefaid. This rotation fhall be applied to e?ch divi-
fion according to its numbei', and continued in due order annu-
ally.
The right of fuffrage in the eleftion of members for both
Houfes fhall remain as exercifed at prefent, and each Houfe
fliall chufe its own fpeaker, appoint its own officers, fettle its
own rules of proceeding, and direft writs of election for the
fupplying intermediate vacancies.
All laws fhall originate in tlie Houfe of Delegates, to be ap-
proved of or rejefted by the Senate, or to be amended with
confent of the Houfe of Delegates, except money bills, which
in no Jnllance fhall be altered by the Senate, but wholly approv-
ed or rcjcfted.
A Governor, or chief magiftratc, fliall be chofen annually,
by joint ballot of both Houfes, to be taken in each Houfe
refpeclively, depofited in the conference-room, the boxes ex-
amined jointly by a committee of each Houfe, and the numbers
feverally reported to them, that the appointments may be en-
tered (which fhall be the mode of tak'ng the joint ballot of
both Houfes in all cafes) who fliall not continue in that office
longer than three years fucceffively, nor be eligible i.ntil the
expiration of four vears after he ffiall have been out of that
office. An adequate, but moderate falary ffiall be fettltd on liim
during; his continuance in office ; and he ffiall, with the advice
of a council of flate, exci cife the executive powers of govern-
ment, according to the Liv;s of this Commonwealth : and ffiail not,
under any pretence, exercife any power or prerogative by vi-c.ie
of any law, ftatute or cufiom of England ; but he ffiall, with
the advice of the council of futc, have the power of gianting
reprieves or pardons, except wiieic the prolecutioii ffiali
aa GENERAL DESCRlPtlO^
have been carried on by the Houfe of Delegates, or the laxv
fhall otherwifc particularly direft ; on which cafes no reprieve:
or pardon fhall be granted, but by refolve of the Houfe of
Delegates.
Either Houfe of the General Affembly may adjourn them-
felves refpeftively. The governor fhall not prorogue or adjourn
the Affembly during their fitting, nor difTolve them at any
time : but he fhall, if neceffary, cither by advice of the Coun-
cil of State, or on application of a majority of the Houfe of
Delegates, call them before the time to which they fhall fland
prorogued or adjourned.
A Privy Council, ot Council of State, connfting of eight
members, flrxall be chofen by joint ballot of both Houfes of
Affembly, either from their own members of the people at large,
to affifl in the adminiftration of government. They fhall annu-
ally chufe, out of their own members, a prelident, who, in
cafe of death, inability or abfence of the governor, from the
governmerit, fhall aft as lieutenant-governor. Four members
fhall be lufHcient to aft, and their advice and proceedings fhall
be entered on record, and ligned by the members prefent (to
any part whereof any member may enter his diffent) to be laid
before the General Affembly, when called for by them. This
council may appoint their own clerk, who fhall have a falary
fettled by law, and take an oath of fecrecy in fuch matters as
he fhall be direfted by the board to conceal. A fum of money
appropriated to that purpofe fliall be divided annually among
the members, in proportion to their attendance ; and they fhall
be incapable, during their continuance in office, of fitting In
either Houfe of Affembly. Two members fhall be rem.oved.
by joint ballot of both Houfes of Affembly, at the end of every
three years, and be ineligible for the three next years. Thele
vacancies, as well as thofe occafioned by death or incapacity,
fhall be fupplied by new eleftions in the fame manner.
The delegates for Virginia in the Continental Congrefs fhall
be chofen annually, or fuperfeded in the mean time by joint
ballot of both Houfes of Affembly.
The prefent militia officers fhall be continued, and vacancies
fupplied, by appointment of the governor, with the advice of
the privy council, on recommend:itions from the refpeftive
county courts ; but the governor and council fhall have a pow-
er of fidpending anv ofhccr, and ordering a court-martial on
complaint of miibehaviour or inability, or to lupply vacancies of
officers happening when in aftual Icrvice.
Of riRGiMA. 121
The governor rmy embody the militia, with the advice of the
privy council ; and, when embodied, fliall alone have the direc-
tion: of the militia under the laws of the country.
The two Houfes of AlTembly fliall, by joint ballot, appoint
judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals, and General Court,
judges in Chancery, judges of Admiralty, fecretary, and the
attorney-general, to be commlflloned by the governor, and con-
tinue in office during good behaviour. In cafe of death, inca-
pacity or refignation, the governor, with the advice of the privy
council, fhall appoint perfons to fucceed in office, to be approv-
ed or difplaccd by both Houles, Thele officers Ihall have fixed
and adequate falarics, and, together with all others holding
lucrative offices, and all miniflers of the gofpel, of every deno-
mination, be incapable of being elefted members of either Koufe
of Affembly, or the privy council.
The governor, with the advice of the privy council, fliall ap-
point juftices of the peace for the counties ; and in caie of vacan-
cies, or a neceffity of increafing the number hereafter, fuch
appointments to be made upon the recommendatioh of the rei-
pcclive county courts. The prefent afting fecretary in Vir-
ginia, and clerks of all the county courts, Hiall continue in office.
In cafe of vacancies, either by death, incapacity or refignation,
a fecretary fhall be appointed as before direftcd, and the clciks
by the refpeftive courts. The prefent and future clciks
fliall hold their offices during good behaviour, to be judged of
and determined in the General Court. The fheriffs and coro-
ners fhall be nominated by the refpe£live courts, approved by
the governor, with the advice of the privy council, aud commil-
fioned by the governor. The jufticcs fhp.U appoint coiiUdbles ;
and all fees of the aforefaid officers be regulalcd by law.
The governor, when he is out of office, and oth;rs offend-
ing againft the State, cither by mal-adminiitralion, corruption
or other means, by which the fafety of the State may be endan-
gered, flidll be impeach;;ble by the Houle of Delegates ; luch
impeachment to be proi'ccutcd by the attomcy-gcneral, or iuch
other perlon or perlons as the Houfe may appoint, in the General
Court, according to the laws of the land. If found guiky, he
or they fhall be either for ever dilabled to hold any office
under government, or be removed from fuch <^ffice pro tan-
porz, or fubjeclcd to fuch pains or penalties as the law ffiall
dirctl,
■ If all, or any of the judges of the Gencrd Court ffiould^
on good grounds to be judged of by the Houfc of Dclegatci,
Vul. 111. R
122 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
be accnfed of any of the crimes or offences above mentioned,
fuch lioufe of Dekc^tes may, in like manner, impeach the
judge or judges fo accufed, to be profecuted in the Court of
Appeals ; and he or they, if found guilty, fhall be punifhed in
the fame manner as prefcribed in the preceding claule.
Commiflions and grants fliall run. In the name of tke Comvion-
wealth of Virginia, and bear teft by the governor, with the leal
of the Commonwealth annexed. Writs fliall run in the fame
manner, and bear tell by the clerks of the feveral courts. In-
diftments fliall conclude, Againil the peace and dignity of the
Commonwealth.
A tre?furer fhall be appointed annually, by joint ballot of
both Ploufos.
All efcheats, penalties and forfeitures, heretofore going to the
King, fiiall go to the Commonwealth, fave only fuch as the legif-
lature may abolifh, or otherwife provide for.
The territories contained within "the charters erefting the co-
lonies of Maryland, Pennlylvania, North and South Carolina,
are hereby ceded, releafed, and for ever confirmed to the people
of thefe colonies refpeftively, with all the rights of property,
jurifdiftion and government, and all other rights whatfoever,
which might at any time heretofore have been claimed by Vir-
ginia, except the free navigation and ufe of the rivers Potomack
and Pokomoke, with the property of the Virginia fhores and
ftrands bordering on either of the laid rivers, and all improve-
Ihcnts which have been or fhall be made thereon. The weftern
and northern extent of Virginia fliall, in all other refpefts, ftand
as fixed by the charter of King James the Firft, in the year one
thouland fix hundred and nine, and by the public treaty of peace
between the Courts of Britain and France, in the year one thou-
fand feven hundred and fixty-three ; unlefs, by aft of this legif-
lature, one or more governments be eftablifhed weftward of the
Allegany mountains. And no purchafcs of lands fhall be made
of the Indian natives but on behalf of the public, by authori^
of the General Allcmbly.
L A W S.
The following arc worthy of notice, as variations from the
Englifli law.
Debtors unable to pay their debts, and making faithful deli,
very of their whole efFefts, are releafed from their conhnement,
and their pcrfons for ever dilcharged from reftraint for luch
previous debts ; but any property they may afterwards acquire
OF VIRGINIA. 123
will be fubjeft to their credJLors. The poor, unable to fapport
themfelves, are maintained by an aireffinent on the tilheable per-
lons in their parifh. A foreigner oF any nation, not in open
war, becomes naturalifed by moving to the State to refide, and
taking an oath of fidelity, and thereby acquires every right of
a native citizen. Slaves pafs by delcent and dower as lands do.
Slaves, as well as lands, were entailable during the monarchv ;
but, by an aft of the firfl republican AflTembly, all donees in triil,
prefent and future, were vefted with the abiolute dominion of
the entailed fubjeft. Gaming debts are made void, and monies
aftually paid to dilcharge luch debts, if they exceed forty fhil-
lings, may be recovered by the payer within three months, or
by any other peri'on afterwards. Tobacco, flour, beef, pork,
tar, pitch and turpentine, mud be infpefted by perfons publicly
appointed before they can be exported.
In 1785, the AlTembly enafted, that no man flvould be com-
pelled to fupport any religious worfhip, place or minifter what-
foever, nor be enforced, reftrained, molelled or burdened in his
body or goods, nor otherwii'e fufler on account of his religious
opinions or belief ; but that all men fliould be free to profefs,
and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of reli-
gion ; and that the fame fhould in no wile diminifli, enlarge or
«ffe£l their civil capacities.
In Ocluber, 1*786, an aft was palled by the Affembly, prohi-
biting the importation of Haves into the Commonwealth, upon
penalty of the forfeiture of the fuin of a thoufand pounds for
every flave. And every Have imported contrary to the true in-
.■ent and meaning of this aft, becomes free.
R 2
N D I A N A.
LMDIANA, fo cnlled, is a ti-a6l of land King on the Ohio river,
in the State of Virginia, ceded to William Trent and twenty-
two others, bv the Six Nations, and the Shawanefe, Delaware
and Huron tribes, as a corn pen f;vtion for the loiles they had fuf-
tained by the depredations of the latter, m the year i ■763. This
celFion was made in a congrefs of the reprefentatives of the Six
Nations, at Fort Stanwix, by an indenture, figned the 3d of No^
yember, 1768, witneffing, " That for and in conhderation of
eighty-five thoufand nine hundred and hx'teen pounds, ten fhd-
lings and eight pence, York currency, the fame being the amount
cf goods leized and taken by the faid Indians from the fa'.d
Trent, &c. they did grant, bargain, fell, &c. to his Majelly, his
heirs and fucceffors, for the only ufe of the faid William Trent,
Szc. all that tra6l or parcel of land, beginning at the foutherly
fide of the Little Kanhawa creek, where it empties itfelf into
the river Ohio; and running ihence i'outh-eafb to the Laurel
hill ; thence along the Laurel hill until it ftrikes the river
Mor.ongahela ; thence do^vn the ftream of the faid river, accord-
ing to the fcveral courfes thereof, to the fouthern boundary line
of the province of Pennfylvania ; thence weftwardly along the
courfe of the faid province boundary line as far as the fame fliall
extend ; thence by the fame courfe to the river Ohio, and then
down the river Ohio to the place of beginning, inclufively."
This indenture was figned by fix Indian chiefs, in prelence of
Sir William Johnlon, Governor Franklin, of New-Jerley, and ^
the commiiTioners from Virginia, Pcnnlylvania, &.c. making
twelve in the whole.
Since the Indians had an undifputcd title to the above limi-
ted territorv, either from pre-occupancy or conqucft, and their
right was expreisly acknowledged by the abi)ve deed of ccllion
to the crown, it is very evident that Mr. Trent, in his own right,
and as attorney for the traders, has a good, lawful aiid iuhicient
title to the land granted by the faid deed of conveyance.
Tliis matter was laid before Congrcls in the year 1782, and
a committee appointed to confider it, wlio, in May, reported as
follows; "On the whole, your committee are of opinion th.at
0 1 INDIANA. ia:;
the piirdTafes of Colonel Croghan and the Indian company, were
made bona JlcU- for a valuable confideration, according to the
then ui'age and cuftorns of pui-chajing Indian lands from the
Indians, with the knowledge, confent and approbation of the
Crown of Great-Britain, the then government of New-York and-
Virginia, and therefore do recornmend that it be
" R^Jdvid^ That if the faid lands are finally ceded or ad-
judged to the United States in point of jurildiftion, that Con-
grefs will confirm to fuch of the faid purchalers who are, and
fhall be citizens of the United States, or either of them, their
refpeftivc fhares and proportions of iaid lands, making a reafon-
able deduftion for the value pf the quit rents relerved by the
Crown of England."
Notwithftanding this report of the committee, the queftion
could never be brought to a decifiqn before Congrefs, The
Federal Conftitution has, however, made provifion for the deter-
mination of tliis bufmeis, before the Supreme Federal Court.
But previous to an appeal to this Court, the proprietors thought
proper, by their agent, Colonel Morgan, who is alfo a proprie-
tor, to prefent a memorial to the legiflature of Virginia, letting
forth their claims, and praying that the bufineis might be
equitably fettled. This memorial was prelented in November,
1-790; and tlius, we believe, the Indiana bufincfs refls for
the preferito
STATE OF
KENTUCKY.
SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES.
X
HIS State is fituated between 36^^ 30' and 39° 30' north
latitude, and S'* and 15^* weft longitude from Philadelphia ;
its length is about two hundred and fifty miles, and its breadth
two hundred. It is bounded on the north and north-weft by
Great Sandy creek and the Ohio river ; on the weft by
Cumberland river ; on the fouth by the lands laid off from
North-Carolina, called the TenneiTee government ; on the
eaft by Sandy river, and a line drawn due louth from its
fource, till it ftrikes the northern boundary line of North-
Carolina.
CLIMATE.
This country is more temperate and healthy than almoft any
of the other fettled parts of America. In fummer it is with-
out the fandy heats which Virginia and Carolina experience,
and receives a fine air from its rivers. In winter, which at
moft only lafts three months, commonly but two, and is but
feldom fevere, the people are fafe in bad houies ; and the beafts
have a good fupply without fodder. The winter begins about
Chriftmas, and ends about the firft of March, at fartheft does
not exceed the middle of that month. Snow feldon) falls deep
or lies long. The weft winds often bring ftorms, and the eaft
winds clear the fky ; but there is no fteady rule of wsather in
that refpeft, as i^x the northern States. The weft winds arc
fometimes cold and nitrous. The Ohio running in that direc-
tion, and there being mountains on that quarter, the v/eftern
winds, by Iwesping along their tops, in the cold regions of
the air, and over a long tra£l of frozen water, coUeft cold in
their courfe, and convey it over the Kentucky country ; but
the weather is not fo intenlely fevere as thele winds bring with
OF KENTUCKY. ia^;
them in Pennfylvanta. The air and feafons depend very much
on the winds, as to heat and cold, dryncfs and moifture.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, SOIL, AND PRODUCTIONS".
In defcribing a country like this, it is almoft impofTible ta
treat thefe fuhjcAs ieparately without a repetition of the lame
remarks and obiervations ; we, therefore, have preferred blend-
ing them together, and as an attention to the diflerent rivers
which water this State will greatly aflifl: the European reader, in
attaining a proper view of the loil, &c. we fhall firfh mention
the principal of them.
The beautiful river Ohio bounds Kentucky on the north-
weftern fide 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* weft ; and in its courfe it receives
numbers of large and Imall rivers, which mingle with its
ftreams. 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 bottom, and the defcent i& fo gradual, that
the fall does not probably in the whole exceed twenty feet.
In fome places we may obferve it to fall a few feet. When
the ftream is low, empty boats only can pafs and repafs this
rapid ; their lading muft be tranfported by land ; but when
high, boats of any burthen may pafs in fafety. Excepting this
place, there is not a finer river in the world for navigation by-
boats.* Befidcs this, Kentucky is watered by eight fmaller
rivers, and many large and fmall creeks.
Licking River, heading in the mountains with Cumber-
land river, and the north branch of Kentucky, runs in a north-
weft dircftion for upwards of one hundred miles, coUeftincr its
filver ftreams from many branches, and is about an hundred
yards broad at its mouth.
Red R1VER+ heads and interlocks with the main branch of
Licking, and flows in a fouth-weft courfe into Kentucky
river, being about fixty miles long, and fixty yards wide at i!.>
mouth.
* The river Ohio is, beyond all competion, the moft beautiful in the unj.
verfe, whether we confider it for its meandering courle through an immenfe
region of forefts, for its clean and elegant banks, which afford innumerable de-
lightful fituations for cities, villages and improved farms or for tliofe many other
advantages, which truly entitle it to the name originally given it by the French,
of La Beik Riviere. Journal of a Tour in Kefituckey, American Mufeum, for
1792.
t This river is a principal branch of the Kentucky.
t28 GENERAL DESCRIFTION .
Kentucky River, rifes with three heads, from a moun.
tainous part of the country ; its northern branch interlocks with
Cumberland ; runs half way in a wefterly direction, and the
other half north-weflerly. It is amazingly crooked upwards of
two hundred miles in length, and about one hundred and fifty
yard? broad.
Elkhorn, is a ftnall river which empties itfelf into Ken-
tucky in a north-weft-by-weft courfe ; is about fiftv miles long,
and fifty-yards broad at the mouth.
Dick's River, joins the Kentucky in a north-weft direc-
tion ; is about forty- five miles long, and forty-five yards wide
3t its mouth. This river curioufly heads and interlocks its
branches with Salt river, Green river, and the waters of
Rockcaftle river.
Salt River, rifes at four different places near each other.
The windings of this river are curious, rolling its ftreams round
a fpacious traft of fine land, and uniting almoft fifteen miles
before they approach the Ohio, and twenty miles below the falls.
It is amazingly crooked, and runs a vveftern courle near ninety
miles.
Green River, interlocking with the heads of Dick's ri-
ver, as meutioned above, is al fo amazingly crooked ; it keeps
a weftern courie for upwards of one bundled and fifty miles,
and is about eighty yards wide at its mouth, which is about two
hundred and twenty miles below the falls.
Cumberland River, interlocks with tiie northern branch
of Kentucky, as aforefaid, and rolling round the other arms of
the Kentucky among the mountains, in a iouthcrn courfe for
one hundred miles, then in a fouth- weftern courfe for above
one hundred miles, then in a fouthern and fouth-wcftern courle
for about two hundred and fifty more, finds the Ohio four
hundred and thirteen miles below the falls. At NafhviUc this
river is two hundred yards broad, and its mouth three hundred,
having palled through the territory fouth of the Ohio about half
its courle.
The Great Kanhaws, or New river, rifes in North-Carolina,
runs in a northern and tiorth-weftern courle, lor upw-.uds of
four hundred milts, and finds the Ohio four hundred miles
above the falls. It is about five hundred yaids wide at its
motith. 'i'hele two rivers are juft mentioned, being beyond the
limits of this State. Tbey run contrary courfcs, are exceeding
large, and it is worth notice, that Clinch, Holitein, Nolachuc-
ky and French-Broad rivers, take their rile between thefe two,
or rather wtllward of New river, fome of them rifing and
6b KENTUCKY. - 129
jnttrlocking witli it ; and when they meet, form what is called
■th% TennclTee river, which runs a wcitcrn courle, and finds
the Ohio twelve miles brdow Cumberhind river : it is very large,
and h;is Ipacious trafts of fine land.
Thefe rivers; are navigable for boats almofl to their fources,
without rapids, for the greatcfi: part of the year. Frequent
rams in the latter end of the autumn pioduce floods in the Oiiio,
a.nd it is an uncommon leaion wiien one of tiiole floods does not
h.ippen before Chriftmas. If there is much frofly -weather in.
the upper parts of the country, iis waters gencrallv remain low
until they begin to thaw. But if the river is not frozen over,
which is not very common, tlrcre is always water fuflicient for
boats of any fizcj from November until May, when the waters
generally begin to fubfide ; and by the middle of June, in moft:
ieafons, they are too low for boats above forty tons, and thele
muft be fiat-bottomed. The frofl: fcldom continues fo long as
the middle of February, and immediately upon its breaking,
the river is flooded ; this flood may in a degree fubhde, but
for no length of time; and it is from that period until May,
that the boats generally come down tlie river. The diflance of
dcfcending is in proportion to the height of the water ; but the
average diftanee is about eighty miles in twenty-four hours, and
from fixty to one hundred are the extremes ; fo that the mean
time of going in a fiat-bottomed boat from Pittfburgh to the
rapids is between eight and nine days, and about twentv days
more to New-Orleans ; which will make a paifage from Pittf-
burgh to that place nearly a montli.
The little rivulets which chequer this country begin to lef-
fen in June, and quite diiappear in the months of Augufi:,
September and Otlober ; tire ■ autumnal rains, however, in No-
vember replenifli them again. The method of getting a fupply
of water in tlic dty icalon is by finking vvelis, whicli are eafily
dug. and afford excellent water. The want of water in autumn
is the great complaint. Mills that may be iupplied wiili water
eight mouvhs in a year, may be erefted in a thouland different
pl.ices. \\^ind-milis and horie-mills will iupply the other four
monihs.
The banks of the rivers are generally iiigh and compofed of
lime-ftonc. After heavy rains, the water in the rivers rifes
from ten to thirtv feet.
The country in iome parts is nearly level, in others not fo much
to, in others again hilly, but moderately, andni iuch places there
is moff water. The levels are not like a carpet, but interlpeiied
with fmall rifings and declivities, which form a beaut iful prufpeft.
Vol. III. " S
T30 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A great part of the foil is amazingly fertile, feme not fo good,
and fomc poor. The inhabitants diftinguifli its quality by firil,
fecond, and third rate lands ; and fcarcely any fuch thing as a
marfh or fwamp is to be found. There is a ridge where Ken-
tucky rifes, nearly of the fize of a mountain.
All the land below the Great Kanhawa, until we come near
the waters of Licking river, is broken, hilly, and generally poor;
except in fome valleys, and on Little and Great Sandy creeks,
where there is fome firft rate land, but moftly fecond and third
rate : it is fald 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
confidcrable diftance, and is about feven miles from the mouth
of Lime-fhone creek, where is a fine harbour for boats coming
down the Ohio, and now a common landing ; it is fixty-five
miles from Lexington, to which there is a large waggon road.
The main branch of Licking is about twenty-two miles from
Lime-ftone ; on this ftream we find fome firft, but rhoftly 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,
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, with
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.
The Elkhorn lands are much efteemed, being fituated in a bend
of Kentucky river, of great extent, in which this little river,
or rather large creek, riles. Here we find moftly firft i-ate land,
and near the Kentucky river fecond and third rate. This great
traft is beautifully iituated, covered with cane, wild rye, and
clover, and many of the ftreams afford many fine mill feats.
The lands below the mouth of Elkhorn, up Eagle creek,
and toward the Ohio, are hilly and poor, except thofe contain-
ed in a great bend of the Ohio, oppofite the Great Miami, cut
off by the Big-bone and Bank-lick creeks, interlocking, and run-
ning feparate courfes. Here we find a great deal of good land
but lomelhinCT hill v.
OF KENTUCKY. i3t
On Kentucky river we find many fertile val!c^":, or iKittomi
along the river, efpecially towards its rile. l'Iicr» is good land
alfo on Red river, but toward the heads of this and the Ken-
tucky, the foil is broken ; but even here, we find in valleys and
along the 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 ; from about that diflance, as we leave it on either
fide, we approach good lands. The country through which it
winds its courle, for the moft part, may be confidercd as level
to its banks, or rather precipices ; from the brow of which wf
behold the river, three and fometimes four hundred feet deeo
iike a great canal,
Dick's river runs through a great body of firfl rate land
abounding every where with cane, and affords many excellent
mill feats. Many mills are already built on this flream, and will
have a plentiful fuppiy of water in the dryell feafons. The
banks of this river, near its mouth, are fimilar to the banks of
the Kentucky. The feveral ftreams and branches of Salt river
afford excellent mill feats; theie roll themielves through a <Treat
traft of excellent land, but the country from the junftion of
thefe waters, and fome miles above towards the Ohio, which may
be about twenty-five miles, is level and poor, and has abundance
of ponds. For a confiderable diflance from the head of this
river, the land is of the firfl: 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 ftrcam^
This is allowed to be the beft watered part of Kentucky. ()a
its banks we find many fine bottoms, fome fi.rfl; rate, but moflly
fecond and third rate lands, and at fome diflance, many knobs,
ridges, and broken pvoor land. Below a creek called Sinking
creck, on this river, within fifty miles of the Ohio, towards
Salt river, a great territory begins, colled Green river Barrens,
extending to the Ohio ; it has no timber, and little water, but
affords excellent paflurage for cattle. On fome parts of this
river we find abundance of cane, fome fait licks, and fulphureous
and bituminous fprings.
That part of Cumberland river which is in the Kentucky
country, traverlcs a hilly poor land, though in fome parts we find
good foil along its fides. The other rivers mentioned, viz.
Great Kanhawa and TennefTee, are not in the Kentucky coun-
try, and therefore will be treated of in another place,
S 2
132 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The reader by cafting his eye upon tlje map, and viewing
round the heads of Licking from the Ohio, and round the heads
of Kentucky, Dick's river, and down the Green river to the
Ohio, may \ iew in that great compais of above one hundred
miles Iquare, the moft extraordinary country upon which the
fun ever flione.
Soutli of Green river, in the lands referved for the continen-
tal and flate troops ot Virginia, an exceeding valuable lead mine
has lately bsen dii'covered. Iron ore is likewiie found on Rough
creek, a ftream running into this river.
The Oiiio river, the great relcrvoir of all the numerous rivers
that flow into it from both banks, has many fine valleys along
its fides, and we obferve that oppofite to each of thesn there
is a hill, thefe hills and bottoms changing fides alternately. It
only remains under this head to inform the reader that there is
a great body of firft rate lands near the falls or rapids, called
Bear-grafs ; and it will be fufficlent juft to mention, that the
country on the north- writ fide of the Ohio is allowed by all tra-
vellers to be a moll; fertile level country, and well-watered.
The foil of Kentucky is of a loofe, deep black mould, with-
out fand, in the firft rate lands, about two or three feet deep,
and exceedingly luxurious in all its produftions.* In fomc places
the mould inclines to biown ; in lome the wood, as the natural
conlcquence of too rich a loil, is ol little value, appearing like
dead timber and large flumps in a field lately cleared. Thefe
parts arc not ct)nfidcrable. The country in general may be con-
fidered as well timbered, producing laige trees of many kinds,
* As the quality of the land is the great objeft to emigrants, every one mud
be pleafpfl with the foil, and was that the only thing requifite to makf" a coun-
try valuable or plealing, Kentucky would be the rpoft fo in the world, as the
land is no where excelled. After you ajre got fairly into Kentucky, the fc^I
alfumes a black appearance, rich and light in fubftance ; and fliould you vifit the
country in the fpring, you will be furprifcd at finding no leaves under the trees.
The reafon is, the ground is fo rich and damp, that they always rot and difap'pear
with the winter, except where the foil is evidentlv popr for that country. It
then bears the app"arance of ihe better Tort of land in Pennfylvania and Jerfeyj
though differing widely in iubltance, there being no fand to be met with in the
foil of Kentucky.
There is a I'pccies of f.it or fplit limr-ftone that pervades all the countr)', lying
at unequal depths. In the rich and hlack-iooking foil it li^-s ne;ir the furfacr,
and, in general, the nearer the flone ties lo the rurldce, the richer the land is
found to be. At the fame time, the llonc does not, as I expected, impede the
growth of the trees, as they grow every where to an amazing height, e:ccept near
the fait licks, where the influence of the kiline particles feenis to check Llif;r
gi'owth. Amei ican Mujeum, 1792.
OF KENTUCKY. 133
and to be exceeded by no country in variety.* Thofe of the
natural growth, and which are peculiar to Kentucky, are the
iugar tree, which grows in all parts in great plenty, and furnifhes
every family with plenty of excellent lugar. The honey locuft
is curicmfly iurrounded with large thorny Ipikes, bearing broad
and long pods, in form of peas, has a fweet tafte, and makes
excellent beer.
The coflee tree greatly refembles the black oak, grows large,
and alfo be;irs a pod, in which is encloied coffee. The papwa
tree does not grow to a great fizc, is a foft wood, bears a fine
fruit, much like a cucumber in fliape and fize, and taftes fweet.
The cucumber tree is Imall and foft, with remarkable leaves,
bears a fruit much refembling that from which it is namea.
Black mulberry trees are in abundance. The wild cherry tree
is here frequent, of large fize, and fupplies the inhabitants with
boards for all their buildings. Here alfo is the buck eye, an ex-
cellent loft wood, bearing a remarkable black fruit, and fome
other kinds of trees not common ellewhere. Here is great plen-
ty of fine cane, on which the cattle feed and grow fat. This
plant, in general, grows from three to twelve feet high, of a hard
iubftance, with joints at eight or ten inches diftance along the
ftalk, from which proceed leaves refembling thoie of the willow.
There are many cane brakes fo thick and tall that it is difficult
to pafs through them ; where no cane grows, there is abun-
dance of wild rye, clover, and buffalo grals, covering vaft
trafts of country, and aflrording excellent food for cattle. The
fields are covered with abundance of wild herbage not com-r
jnon to other countries ;+ the Shawanefe fallad, wild lettuce,
* Among thfi many accounts that liave ben given of Kentucky, none of them
have done jufticc to the timber. Oak and locuft on the flat lands are common at
five feet diameter. PopLirs growing on the beach lands are fo common at five
and fix feet through, as hardly to be noticed. The beach grows to the thick-
nefs of four or five feet, and both of the laft mentioned to the height of one hun-
dred and twenty to one hundred and thirty feet. Thefe, and the advantage of
pafturc in the woods, conftitute the great excellence of Kentucky. American
MiiJiU7ii, 1792.
+ The ftories told of tlie abundance of grafs in the woods, are in many inftances
true. You frequently fnid b^ds of clover to the horfe's knees-^fometimes a fpecies
of rufhrgrafs, commonlv called the wild rye, from the fimilarity of its ftalk to the
rye fo called among us ; in other places we meet with large tracls of wild cane, very
much efteemed by the wild and tame cattle, it continuing in verdure all the winter.
There is alfo a fpecies of viae, called the pea vinr, from its producing a fmall p od,
jefembljn^ that of the garden peajof whjch both horfesand cattle are extremely lond.
134
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
and pepper gvafs, and many more, as yet unknown to the in-
habitants, but which, no doubt, have excellent virtues. Here
are feen the fineft crown imperial in the world, the cardinal
flower, fo much extolled for its fcarlet colour ; and all the year,
excepting the winter months, the plains and valleys are adorned
with variety of flowers of the moft admirable beauty. Here
is alfo found tlie tulip-bearing laurel tree, or magnolia, which
has an exquifite fmell, and continues to blolTom and feed for
feveral months together.
This country is richcft on the higher lands, exceeding the
fineft low grounds in the fettled parts of the continent. When
cultivated, it produces in common fifty and fixty bufhels per
acre; and it has been affirmed by credible per fons, that above
one hundered bufiiels 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.
Colonel Harrod, a gentleman of veracity in Kentucky, has
lately experienced the produftion of fmall grain ; and affirms,
that he had thirty-five bufhels of wheat, and fifty bufhels of rye
per acre.
In common, the land will produce about thirty bufliels of
wheat and rye, upon a moderate computation, per acre ; and
this is the general opinion of the inhabitants. We may fuppofe
that barley and oats will increafe abundantly ; as yet they have
not been fufficiently tried. The foil is very favourable to flax
and hemp, turnips, potatoes, and cotton, which grow in abun-
dance ; and tlie fecond, third, and fourth rate lands are as
Thefe are fcattered generally through the country, according to the different fcil$,
but are not to be met with univerfally. The woods, however, afford abundance
of food for cattle; and in confequcnce of this abundance, the people pay very
little attention to the making and improving paflure lands. The milk, from this
food is, however, thin, and both that and the butter retain a ftrong tafte of
•weeds. In hot weather, their milk will turn foujr in two or three hours after
milking; but as the cwflom of the country is to ufe four milk, this difadvantage
is not much regretted. American. Mufeum, 1792.
* The great boaft of a Kentucky-man is the quantity of corn that the land will
raife upon an acre, of which one hundred and fevcn bufliels arc tlic grcateft
quantity that I could find afcertaincd to have been produced ; this, in the fall,
fells for fjx-pence a buPacl. The common produce of the foil is fiomfifiyto
eit^hty bufhels an acre, in a favourable feafon. This, upon an average, is
about three times the quantity wo can raife on an acre in the old States; grain
of this kind muft therefore always be low in Kentucky, probably lower tbiiii ijt
prefcnt, when the country couie;. to be more opened. Ibid.
OF KENTUCKY. 133
proper for fniall grain. Every hufbandman may have a good
garden or meadow, without water or manure where he
pleafes.
The old Virginia planters fay, tliat if the climate docs not
prove too moift, few loils known will yield more or better
tobacco.* Experience has proved, that the climate is not too
moift. Great quantities of this article have been exported to
France and Spain, through New-Orleans ; and it is a well-known
faft, that Philadelphia is a profitable market for the Kentucky
planter, notwithflanding all the inconveniencies and expcnfes
of rc-fhipment at New-Orleans, under a Spanifh government.
What advantages then mav not this country expeft from a
free navigation of the Miflinippi, unrcftrained by Spanifh
policy !
Iron ore and lead are found in abundance, but we do not hear
of any filvcr or gold mine as yet difcovered.
There appear to be great natural ftores of fulphur and fait in
this country. A fpring at Boonfborough conftantly emits ful-
phureous particles, and near the fame place is a fait fpring.
There is another fulphureous fpring upon Four Mile creek, a
third upon Green river, and many others in different placesj
abounding with that ufeful mineral.
There are three fprings or ponds of bitumen near Green
river, which do not form a ftream, but diigorge themfelves into
a common refervoir, and when ufed in lamps, anfwer all the
purpofes of the fined oil.
There are different places abounding with copperas, eafily
procured, and in its prefent impure flate fuiScient for the ufc
of the inhabitants ; but 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 cliff of rocks projetting over
it. In its prefent ftate it has the appearance and poffelfes
the virtues of that meneral, and when purified is a beautiful
allum.
Manv fine fait fprings conftantly emit water, which being
manufaftured, affords great quantities of fine fait. There are
five, which in time will become of the utmoft importance, viz.
* No land appears better adapted to the culture of tobacco than that ol Ken-
tucky, and it is no-jv become one of their flaples. At prefent there are but few
orchards ; but as the country opens, they will find it tlicir iirterefl to plant them. —
The flour I have fccn made here is generally black, and not fo good as might be.
expefted. Pofiibly it may be the fault of the mills, or it may proceed from the
richncls of the ground, though it mull be con feifed tlic grain itleinooks well-.
Amcncari Mufium, 1792.
,3^ GENERAL DESCRIPTION
the higher and lower Blue Springs^ on Licking river, from fomc
of which it is faid, iffue ftreams of brinifli v/ater — the Big-bone
lick, Drennon's lick, and Bullet's lick, at Saltfcurgh. The
laft of thefe licks, though in low order, has fupplied this coun-
try and Cumberland with fait at twenty fhilMngs the bufhel,
Virginia currency ; and fome is exported to the Illinois country^
The method of procuring water from thefe licks is by finking
wells from thirty to forty feet deep. The water drawn from
thefe wells is more ftrongly impregnated with fait than the water
from the fea.
The Nob lick, and many others, do not produce water, but
confifi of clay mixed with fait particles ; to thefe the cattle
repair, and reduce high hills rather to valleys than plains.
The amazing herds of buffalo which refort thither, by their
fize and number, fill the traveller with amazement and terror,
efpecially when he beholds the prodigious roads they have made
from all quarters, as if leading to fome populous city ; the vafh
fpace of land around thefe fprings, defolatcd as if by a ravaging
enemy, and hills reduced to plains, for the land near thole
iprings are chiefly hilly ; thefe are truly curiofities, and the eye
can fcarcely be fatisfied with admiring them.
A medicinal fpring is found near the Great-bone lick, v/hich
has perfeftly cured the itch by once bathing ; and experience
in time may difcover in it other virtues. There is another of
like nature near Drinnon's lick.
The weftern waters produce plenty of fifh and fowl.' The
fifh, common to the waters of the Ohio, are a buffalo fifli, of a
large fize, and the cat fifli, fometimes exceeding one hundred
weight. Trout have been taken in the Kentucky weighing
thirty pounds. The mullet, rock, perch, gar fifli, and eel, are
here in plenty. Suckers, fun fifh, and other hook fifh, are
abundant ; but no fliad or herrings. On thefe waters, and
efpecially on the Ohio, the gecie and ducks are amazingly nu-
merous.
The land fowls are turkeys, which are very frequent, phea-
fants and patridgcs. The parroquet, a bird everv way refcmh-
ling a parrot, but much fmaller ; the ivory bill woodcock, of
whitifh colour, with a white plume, flies fcreaining exceeding
fharp. It is affertcd, that the bill of this bird is pure ivory, a
circumflance very fingular in the plumy tribe. The great owl
reicmblcs its fpecies in other parts, but is remarkably different
in its vociferation, fometimes making a ftrange furpiifing noife,j
like a man in the moft extreme danger and d;fE.:ulty,
OF KENTUCKY. i37
Serpents are not numerous, and are fuch as are to be found
in other parts of the continent, except the butl, the horned,
and tlie mockafon fnakcs. Swamps are rare, and conlcqucntly
frogs and other reptiles, common to fuch places. There are
no ("warms of bees, except fuch as have been introduced by
the prelcnt inhabitants ; thefe have increafed and extended them-
lelves in an almt)(l unparalleled manner of late years.
Among the native animals are the urus, or bifon, called im-
properly a buffalo; hunters have affertcd that they have fcen
above one thoufand of thcfe animals at t!ic Blue licks at once ;
fo numerous were they before the firll lettlers had wantonly
fported awav their lives. There dill remains a grcAt number
in the exterior parts of the ("ettlemcut. They feed upon
cine and grafs, as other cattle, and are innocent harmlels
creatures.
There are fhill to be found many deer, elks, and bears, with-
in the fettlement, and many more on the borders of it. There
are alio 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 opoffums. Moft of the fpecies of the domeftic quadrupedj
have been introduced hnce the fettlement, fuch as horles, cows^
fheep and hogs, which are prodigioufly multiplied, lufferca to
run in the woods without a keeper, and only brought home when
WdntcJ.
CURIOSITIES.
Amongfh the natural curiofities of this country, the winding
banks, or rather precipices of the Kentucky, and Dick's river,
dcfervd the firll place. The aftoniflied eye there beholds almoft
every where three or four hundred feet of a folid perpendicular
lime-ftone rock ; in fome parts a fine white marble, either curi-
oufly arched, pdlared, or blocked up into fine building iloncs.
I'heie precipices, as was obferved before, are like ilie fides of a
deep trench or canal ; the land above being level, except where
creeks fet in, and crowned with fine groves of ued ceilar. It is
only at particular places that this river can be croiTed, one of
which is worthy of admiration ; this is a great large road, wide
enough for waggons made by the buff.ilo, 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 arc found in this country amazingly large ; in fome
of which you may travel leveral miles under a fine lime-flone
Vol. III. '1^
^38' GENERAL DESCRIPTION
rock, fupported by curious arches and pillars : in mofl of them
runs a ftrearn of w^ter.
Near the head of Salt river a fubterraneous lake or large pond
has lately been difcovered. Colonel Bowman fays, that he and
a companion travelled in one four hours^ till he luckily came to
the mouth again. The fame gentleman mentions another whictt
onerates like an air furn;u;c, and contains much fulphur. An
adventurer in any of thefe will have a perfed idea of prima:;val
darknefs.
Near Lexington are to be feen curious fepulchres, full of hu-
man ikeletons, which are thus fabricated. Firft on the ground
are laid large broad ftones, on thefe are placed the bodies, fepa-
rated from'' each other by broad ftones, covered with others
which lerve as a bahs for the next arrangement of bodies. In
this order they are built, without mortar, growing ftill narrower
• to the height of a man. This method of burying appears to be
totally different from that now pra-aiied by the Indians.
At a fait fpring near Ohio river, very large bones are found,
far furpaffing the hze of any Ipecies of animals now in Ame-
rica The head appears to have been about three feet long, the
nbs'feven, and the thigh bones about four ; one of which is
repofited in the library in Philadelphia, and faid to weigh feven-
ty-eight pounds. The tufks are above a foot in length, the
grinders about five inches Iquare, and eight inches long. Thefe
bones have attraded the attention of philotophers •, fpecimens of
them have been lent both to France and England, where they
have been examined with the greateft diligence, and found upon
comoarifoa to be the remains of the fame ipecies of animals
■ that^roduced thole other folhl bones which.have been d.ico-
vered in Tartary, Chili, and feveral other places, both of the
old and new continent. What animal this is, and by what
means its ruins are found in regions fo widely different and
xvhere none fuch exifts at prefcnt, is a queftion of more difficult
decifion The ignorant and fuperftitious Tartars attribute ^them
to . creature whom they call Maimon, who, they lay, uiually
rcfidesat the. bottom of the rivers, and of whom ^bey relate
many marvellous ftories ; but as this is an affertion totally divelt.
ed of proof, and even of probability, it has juftly been rejeaed
by the learned •, and on the other hand it is certain, that no
i,:.h amphibious quadruped exifts in the American waters.
The bones themfelves bear a great refemblance to thole ot the
elephant I'hcre is no other terreftnal animal now known large
enouoh to produce tbem. The tulks with which they are
b^th^furniihccl, equally produce true ^3.7. Thcle external
OF KENTUCK Y. 1 39
refemblances have generally made lupcrlicial obfervers conclude,
that they could belong to no other than that quadruped ; and
when they firft drew the attention of tlie world, philoCophers
ieem to have fubfcribed to the lame opinion. But if fo, whence
is it that the whole fpccies has dilappearcd from America ? An
animal fo laborious and fo docile as the elephant, that the indui-
try of the Peruvians (which reduced to Icrvitude and fuhjcfctcd
to education fpecics io vaftly inferior in thofe qunlilies, as the
Lrlama and thePaca) could never have overlooked, 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 fubiift in his wild ftate, and in a flate of ier-
vitude will not propagate ? Theie are dilHcultics fufficient to
ftigger credulity itfelf, and at length produced the inquiries of
Dr. Hunter. That celebrated anatomift having procured Ipeci-
mens from the Ohio, examined them with that accuracy for
which he was fo much diftinguiilied'; he difcovered a confidera-
ble difference between the fliape and flruclure of the bones, and
thofe of the elephant ; he obferved from the for,ni of the teeth,
that they mult have belonged to a carnivorous animal ; whereas
the habits of the elephant are foreign to luch fuftenance, and
his jaws totally unprovided with the teeth neceflaiy for its ule ;
and from the whole he concluded, to the fitisfaftio,n of natu-
ralifls, that thefe bones belonged to a quadruped now anknown,
but to which the name of Mammoth has been given, with what
propriety we will not pretend to fay ; the race is probably ex-
tinft, unlefs it may be found in the extenfive •continent of New-
Holland, whofe receffes have not yet been pervaded by the
curiofity or avidity of civilized man.* Perhaps nothing moic
* Mr. jefTerfon Informs us, tliat a late governor of Virginia, 'having afkcd fomr
delegates of the Delawares, what they knew or had heard refpefting this animal,
the chief fpcakcr immediately put himfelf into an oratorical attitude, and with a
pomp fuited to the fuppofed elevation of his fubjedl informed him, that it was a
tradition hande-d down from their fathers, " That in ancient times a herd o^ them
came to the Big-bone licks, and began an univerfal dcftruftion of the bears, deer,
elks, b.ut'loes, and other animals which had been ci-eated for the ufe of the In-
dians : that the Great Man above, looking down and feeing this, was fo enr;!gcd,
that he feized In's lightning, defcended to the earth, feated himfelf upon a neiglv-
bouring mountain, on a rock, on wh.ich his feat ajid the print of his teet arc ftill
to be feen, and hurled his bolts among them till the whole were flaughtered, exr
cept the big bull, who, prefenting his forehead to the fhafts, fliook them off as
they fell ; but at length milling one, it wounded him in the fide ; whereo:)^
Springing round, he bounded over the Ohio, the Wabafli, the Illinois, aad, iinallv,
*?'. c? the great lakes, where he is living at tliis day.
T 2
140 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
will ever be difcovered than the momorials above related. The
following tradition exifting amohg the natives, we give in the
very terms of a Shawanee Indian, to (hew that the imprelhua
made on their nninds by it muft have been forcible.
Col G. Morgan, in a note to Mr. Morfe, fays, " thefe bones are found only at
t^ie fait licks on the Ohio ; fome few fcattered grinders have, indeed, been found
in other places ; but it has been fuppofed thefe have been brought from the above-
mentioned depofit, by Indian warriors and others who have pafTed it, as we know
many have been fpread in this manner. When I firft vifited the fait lick, fays the
Colonel, in 1766, I met here a large party of the Iroquois and Wyandot Indians,
who were then on a war expedition agaiiift the Chicafaw tribe. The head chief
•was a very old man to be engaged in war ; he told me he was eighty-four years
old ; he was probably as much as eighty. I fixed on this venerable chief, as a
perfon from whom fome knowledge might be obtained. After making him fome
fmall acceptable prefents of tobacco, paint, ammunition, &c. and complimenting
him upon the wifdom of his nation, 'their prowefs in war and prudence in peace,
intimated to him my ignorance refpefting the great bones before us, which no-
thing but his fuperior knowledge could remove ; and accordingly requefted him
to inform me what he knew concerning them. Agreeably to the cuftoms of his
nation, be anfvv-ered me in fabflance as follows :
" Whilft I was yet a boy I paffed this road feveral times, to war againft the
Catawbas; and the wife old chiefs, among whom was my grandfather, then gave
me the tradition, handed down to us, refpefting thefe bones, the like to which
are found in no other part of the country." It is as follows :
" After the Great Spirit firft formed the world, he made the various birds
and beafts which now inhabit it. He alfo made man ; but having formed him
very white, ai d imperfeft, and ill-tempered he placed him on one fide of it where
he now inhabits, and from whence he has lately found a pafTage acrofs the great
water, to be a plague to us. As the Great Spirit was not pleafed with this his
v/ork, he took of black clay, and made what to« call a negro, with a woolly
head. This black man was much belter than the white man, but flill he did not
anfwer the wifh of the Great Spirit, that is, he was imperfeft ; at laft, the Great
Spirit having procured a piece of pure, fine red clay, formed from it the Red
Man, perfectly to his mind ; and he was fo well pleafed with him, that he placed
him on this great ifland, fepaiate from the white and black men, and gave him
rules for his conduft, promifing happinefs in proportion as they [hould be obfer-
ved. He increafed exceedingly, and was perfeftly happy forages; but the foolifh
young people, at length forgetting his rules, became exceedingly ill-tempered and
wicked. In confequence of this, the Great Spirit created the great buffalo, the
bones of which you now fee before us ; thefe made war upon the human fpecics
alone, and deftroyed all but a few, who repented and promifed the Great Spirit
to live according to his laws, if he would reftrain the devouring cnen;y ; where-
upon he fent liglitning and thunder, and deftroyed the whole race, in this fpot,
two excepted, a male ?nd a Irinalc, which he Uiut up in yonder niouutain, ready
to kt loofe agaio, fhould octafion require."
OF KENTUCKY. 141
" Ten thoiifiind moons ago, when nouoht but gloomy forefts
covered tins Lmd of the ileeping lun, long belore the pale men,
with thunder and tire at their command, riiflied on the wings of
the wind to ruin this g.nden of nature ; when nought but the
untamed wanderers of the woods, and men as unreftrained as
they, were the lords of the loil ; a race of animals were in be-
ing, huge as tl\e frowning precipice, cruel as the bloody panther,
fwift as the dcfcending eagle, and terrible as the angel of night.
The pines crnflied beneath their feet, and the lake flirunk when
they flaked their tliirft ; the forceful javelin in vain was hurled
and the barbed arrow fell harmlels from their fide. Forefts were
laid wade at a meal ; the groans of expiring animals were every
where heard, and whole villages inliabited by men were dcftroy-
ed in a moment. The cry of univerlal diftrels extended even to
the region of peaice in the weft, and the good fpirit interpofcd to
fave ti e ni. happy. '1 he forked lightning gleamed all around, and
loudell thunder rocked the globe. The bolts of Heaven were
hurled upon the cru>':l dcflroyers alone, and the mountains
echoed with the bellow ings of death. All were killed except
one male, the ficrccfl: of the race, and him even the artilleiy of
fkies aflailcd in vain. He afcended the bluefl fummit wiiich
fiiades the fource of the Alonongahcla, and roaring aloud, bid
defiance to eveiy vengeance. The red lightning icorclied the
lofty firs, and rived the knotty oaks, but only glanced upon the
enraged monfler. At lenjjth, maddened with fury, he leaped
over the waves c)f tiie wefr, at a bound, and this moment reipns
the uncontrouled monarch uf the wildernels, in defpite of even
Oainipotence itlclf."
CI\TL DIVISIOK'f.S AND CHIEF TOWNS.
Kentucky was originally divided into two counties, Lincoln and
Jeiicilon. It hjs iince been lubdivided into nine, vjz. Jeflerion.
Colonel Morgan adds, " I have every material bone of the anatomy of this
animal, wiih feveral ja>v^ hones in which the grinders are entire; and feveral of
hhe great tufRs, one of w'nich is fix feet long, znA twinty in circumjeraue." Mr.
»Morfe fuppofes fomc miflake in thefe laft worAs, and obferves, that probably the
word iiickcs ought to hjve been added to the twenty.
It has bsffii faid by Mr, Jefferfon, that the grinders of the mammoth arc five
or fix times as large as liiofe of the elephant. Colonel Morg.m fays not ; he ob.
feives, " I have feen the grinder of an elephant as large ajid as heavy as the
largeft of the mammoth; they are indeed thiimer, deeper rooted, and ditfcrenlly
ftiaped, denoting a granivorous animal, whereas the grinders of the mammoth
relemble thofe of a wolf t r dog, aud fhcw them to hji\e been carnivorous."
142 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Fayette, Bourbon,- Mercer, Nelfon, Madifon, Lincoln, V»'ood_-
foid, and Malon. As mofl of thefe counties are very large, it ^
is probable that fub-divifions will continue to be made, as popu- «
Ration increales.
The chief towns are,
LEXINGTON,
Which {lands on the head waters of Elkhorn river, and is-
reckoned the capital of Kentucky. Here the courts are held, _
and buhnefs regularly conduced. In 1786, it contained about
one hundred houfes, and feveral flores, with a good aifortment
of dry goods. It has greatly increaf-d fince.
WASHINGTON.
This is the iliire town of Mafon county, and is the fecond
town in this State.
LEJES-TOWN,
Lees-town is weft of Lexington, on the eaftern bank of Plen-
tucky river ; it is regularly laid out, and is flourifhrng. 1 he
banks of Kentucky river, as before obferved, are remarkably
high, in fome places three and four hundred feet, compoled
generally of flupendous perpendicular rocks ; the confequcnce
is, there are few croffing places ; the beft is at Lees-town,
which is a circumftan.ce that muft contribute much to its m-
creafe.
L O U I S \- 1 L L ?. .
Louifville is at the rapids of Ohio, in a fertile country, an4
promiles to be a place of great trade ; it has been made a port
of entry. Its upheallhinels, owing to ftagnated waters at the
back of the town, has confiderably retarded its growth. In
addition to theie, there is Beard's-town, in Nelfon courrly ; and .
Hariodfburgh, in Mercer county, both on the head waters of
Salt river. Danville, Boonfborough, and Granville, are alio
increaiing towns. Several new tovvnfnips are marked out ;
ihe principal of thefe are, Lyftra, Franklin, and Ohiopiomingo, ,
On ea^h of thefe, towns are laid out, and no doubt can be*
entertained but that a rapid progrcfs will be made in leLtling'
them.
The townfliirj of Lyftra contains fifteen thoufand acres on
the rolling fork'of Salt river, in about 37^" north latitude, and
g^l" longitude weft from London,*' The town is laid out on
* This traa is purchafed by agents, and vcflcd in the hands of trullccs for tlic
Security of the fubfcribcrs.
I
Bemarks
A. Tht, Site o/'ii Chui-rh
B. A" CoUagt.
C. JJ.^ Town //all.
D. U° /'/are o/~ /biiuSfintnt.
a,a.a.a. J)° T/ieAtar/:els,
i4^
Fayette, 1
ford, and
is probabl
lation inc
The ch
Which
reckoned!
and bufin
one hund
of dry go
This i
town in
Lees-t
tucky ri
banks oi
high, in
generally
is, there
which is
creafe.
Louif
promiles
of entry
b;ick of
.addition
Harrodf
Salt riv
increajir
the piin
On caclc
entertaii
them.
The
the rolli
■25i° 1«
» This
fecuriiy o
OF KENTUCKY, *43
■ the Soutli creek of the above fork, on a very eligible plan,- com-
bining every thing neccllary for utility and ornament.
The ftreets, angles, circus and fhore of the creek, to be free
for public ule. The Il.eets to be one hundred feet w>de.
The houles to be buUt regularly, according to the tafte of the
pvourietor, v>pon the ftreets running north and louth, on a line
t...vcnty-hve feet d.ll.nt from the flreet, and upon the ftreets
ruup!n>^ eaft and well, on a line with the ftreets.
The'lown is divided into one hundred and eighty-eight lots,
fourteen of which to be free for the gratuit.nts, as by a parti-
cular arrangement. ■> ,- r i r i #
Twelve lots, u. eli.ihle fituations, to be referved for fuch Tub-
fcnbers as take ten (hares, one lot to each fuch lubicriber.
One lot to be free to the firft fchoolmafter, ana his heirs, cho-
fen and fettled by the freeholders of the townftiip and town
One lot free to the prefident of a college, and his lucceifors.
One lot free to the firft member of Congrels belonging to
Nelloa county, chofen after the year 1794, ^^ a_ rehdence m
Lyftra, provided he builds a houfe thereon, in which cale it is
It i. divided into one hundred and fifty fhares, for each of which a ceruficate
is iiTued on a fta.nped parchment, containing a receipt for the confiderauou
iX which at prefent's twenty pounds, and expreffing the title to the iub-
't,:':lfa.f::powered to grant fourteen lots, in proper fituation. 10
fetal: gratis, and to Ll fourteen lots on the eallfide of ^^^^ ^^^^ 2Z
A »-,^V, . ai.fl fourteen lots on their noith ends in
»hp vear noj., at twentv pounds each ; ana louriecu i^ , , , • ,
h la 95 at thirty po'unds each ; and fourteen lots on their iouth ends in the
veaJi7.6 at forty pounds each; and fourteen lots on the weft fides in the
Z 17P7 at fifty-five pounds each; and fourteen lots on the north-weft cor
year 1797, at niiy mc ^ j, ,,,-V, • and fourteen lots on the north-ealt
ners in the year 1798, at feventy pounds each , and tourteen
corners in the year X799> ^^ --'Y P^"^^ "'^'^•' ^""^ '^"""" ,7 ach and
weft corners I the year 1800, at one hundred and twenty P^^ -^^^j ^f
fourteen lots on the fouth-eaft corners in the y.ar iBoi, ^ "-^^^'^ ^^/^^'^f ^
pounds each ; and twelve of the remaining lots in the year x8o2 at two handr d
pounds each; and the laft twelve lots in the year 1803 ^' ^^^ ^^^l' I'^l^^l
founds each; provided in each year a -;^ ^l^;: X^^:1:::i
hp obtained • and if any ands remain unfold in the yeai io^4' y
e;:iTy divided among! and h-gally conveyed unto, ^e fubfcnbers and theu
heirs as their private propcfy. ■ ■ .„ Kn mid in
As faft as the money arifc. by this re-falc of the lands, it is to be paid
equal dividends to the holders aUbe certificates. ,u • ,,onblp
The agents receive an aliowaSIf five pounds per cent, for ^^^ ^^^^^
All which is more particularly fet forth m the pruucd plan, wh.ch may be
had .raris at the American Agency Office, Thrcadnecdle-ftreet, London.
144 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
granted to him and his heirs ; otherwlfe, the grant is to the next
chofen member who will build on thefe terms.
One IcJt free for the firft fenator, in like manner.
One fot free for the firft judge, provided Lyitra fhall become
a town where courts are held, and the jadge fliall build a houfe
on the lot, in which cafe the grant is to him and his heirs, other-
wife to the next judge who fhnll take it upon tliofe terms.
One lot free to the firft mmifter of the firft church, whatever
the perluafion may be, cholen by the free iuffrages of the free-
holders, and his heirs. And a lot free to the faid firft minifter
and his iucceffors.
One lot free to the firft man who fhall creft a commodiouS;
hotel for the entertainment of travellers, undertake to keep it in
good order and well provided with refrefhments, on reafonable
terms, under the regulation of the police, according to circum-
ftances, providing for the comfort of the traveller, and guarding
ftriftly againft impofition.
Two lots to be free lots for public granaries, to be ufed by
merchants, who will build upon them gratis, till fuch time as the
public occafions fhall call for their appropriated ufe.
The angles marked in the plate a, a, a, a, to be appropriated as
market places ; and the ftrand of the creek to be commodioufly
edified with docks and landings, whenever the unappropriated
public lots fhall bear a price equal to the undertaking, together
with fuch improvements of the navigation in the rolling Fork,
as fhall be found proper and expedient. And from thefe immu-
nities, thofe parts of a lot formed by the Fork of Lyftra creek,
fhall belong to the liberties of the town, to be kept in a neat
manner as a common meadow, upon which every inh .1 ;tant of
the town, and freeholder of the townfhip, fh;dl have the privi-
lege of grazing his horfe the firft night of his coming into the
town, or of his return from a journey, under the infpeftion of an
overieer, taking care to do no injury to fence, or hedge, or i^lirub.
The remaining parts fhall alfo belong to the liberties of the town,
and finally be laid out in fuch lots, with fuch reftraints on the
order of building as fliali preferve the beauty of the whole; and
thefe lots, together with what remains unappropriated hereby, as
hereinafter mentioned, in the year 1804, if not previnuily ioUl
by order of the fubfcribers, to be then conveyed, with what rn.iy
remain, if any, of the townflaip, to the fubfcribers, as their pri-
vate property. 4ftll
M5
com-
5 and
Jfree-
irli^cd
'for ^
r> that
€, fo-
jublic
mark-
Jificcfl
ig the
orned
id for
in ali
hauft-
)r the
price
xtccii
)mmo-
river
better
e city
Gren-
or \vs>
at the
Frank-
;id bv
Icrable
nnring
ll ready"
'cl. A
y, the
c vari-
md in
;r parts
:r, and
ilanncd
iranch-
s tcnvn.
I ft two
granl
chofe
Or
Or
a tow
on the
wife t
On
the pe
holdct
and h
One
hotel
good c
terms,
ftances
ilriaiy
Tw(
mercha
public
The
market
edified
public ]
with fu
as fhall
nities,
fliall be
manner
the tow
lege of
town, o
overieei
The reir
and fina
order of
thefe lot
hereinaf
by ordei
remain,
vate proj
OF KENTUCKY. M5
Eiglity-four lots injhe townfhip are appropriated for tlic com-
mon good and ible ufe of the town, to be fold at fnch time|5 and
on fuch occalions as fli.ill arife and be agreed on by the | free-
holders of the town, for birilding a chu^'oh on the an j.^le marked
A, i'o far as ten lots Ihall oo to tbu purpoic ; nn edifice for ^
•oUef^c on the angle marked B, lo fjr as ten lots Hrall go to that
j.iirpofe ; an edifice for a town hal'' on the angle marked C, fo'
far as ten lots fnall go to tlint purpoic ; and Icvine other public
building, as a theatre or place of anudemcnt, on the angle mark-
ed D, fo far &s ten lots fnall go to th'Vt purpofe.- Thefe edifices
to be handfome and uniform, to be buih. with wings fronting the
carve line which forms the circus ; tho: church to he adorned
with a fteeple, and the other buildings \vith cupolas. And for
doing other works of public utility, fuch as may arife in all
times hereafter, till the \yhole (lock thus appropriated is exhault-
ed ; but as the exigency ariies, fuch lots arc to he f.ld for the
purpofe, indileriminately, according as they Pnall bear a price
adequate to the undertaking.
The townlhip of Franklin contains one hundred and fixtccn
thouland fix hundred and fifty-fix acres, and is m.oft commo-
dioufly lituated between tWo capital branches of tliat fine river
which gives name to the State, the banks of winch are better
peopled tlnn any other part of the State ; on which lie the city
of Lexington, the towns of Boonfonrough, Danville, (>ren-
villa, Lees-town, &c. affording markets to the farmer for his
produce. The river, about two hunch'ed yarns wide at tha
fpot appropriated for a town already planned, to be called Frank-
linville, is navigable for large craft many miles above, and by
the deep creeks into its interior parts for boats of eonfiderable
burthen.
In this townfhip the farmer will have no need of manuring
his grounds for many years to cfime, nature having already
replenilhed the foil with a ftock not focn lo be exlvaufled. A
eonfiderable part of the land is of the, prime qunliiv, th«
Iccond and tliird quaUtics are full flrong enough for the vari-
ous produftions of (lie ftajjles of life for mm and beaii;.
Coal of a (uperior fjtiality abounds within the linuts, and in
■ipots near the waters, and convenient for navig-ition to other narts
uf the country. There are ttvo fait fprings near tlie river, and
a large quantity of copperas. The dclfgned town is planned
for the point at tlie confiuencc of w,: riorui -'.wd middle branch-
es into the main river. IVlaion c<>unrY in v/hicli this town,
fhip. Hands, will doubtkfs fee foon divided into, at leaft two
Vol. III. U
Of KENTUCKY
145
iglj^y- four lots in the townfhip arc appropriated for the corn-
good and fole ufe of the town, to be fohi at Inch timcjs and
luch o'ccalions as fli.ill aril'c and be a forced on by the [free-
Idcrs of the town", for building a chufcli on the an^le miirkcd
, ib far as ten lots Ihall 00 to tb;it purp(^lc ; an edifice for ^
roUec^c on the angle m<ukcd B, lo far as ten lots flrall go to that
ymrpofe ; an edifice for a town haU on the angle marked C, fa
fcU- as ten lots fliall go to. thtrt purpolc ; and foTne other public
building, as a theatre or place of anitdetncnt, on the angle rnuk-
cd D, lb far fvs ten lots fnall g,o to that purpofe.- Thcfe edifices
to he liandlbme and uniform,' to be built with wings fronting, the
curve line which forms the circus ; tlio clurrch to he adorned
with a fl.ecple, and the other buildings \vith cupolas. And for
doing other woiks of public util;t\', fuch as miiy asife in all
limes heveafterj till the \*-hole /lock thus appropriated is exhaufl-
ed ; but as the exigency arifes, fuch lots are to be fold for the
puvpole, indileriminatelv, according as they (hall bear a price
adequate to the undertaking.
The townlbip of Franklin contains one hundred and fixtcca
thouland fix hundred and fifty-hx acres, and is mofl commo-
dioufly lituated between tvv'o capital branches of that fine river
which gives name to the State, tlic banks of which are better
peopled th^ri any other part of the State ; on which lie the city
of Ixxington, the towns of Boonfonrough, Danville, (jrcn-
ville, Lees-town, &c. affording markets to the farmer for his
produce. The river, about two hunchxd yarns wide at the
fpot appropriated for a town already planned, to be called Frank-
linville, is navigable for large craft many miles above, and bv
the deep creeks into its interior parts for boats of confiderable
burthen.
In this tovi^nHiip the farmer will have no need of manuring
liis grounds for many years to come, nature having already
replenifhed the foil with a flock not loon to be exliaufled. A
confiderable part of the land is of the. prii^ie quality, the
lecond and tiiird qualities are full flrong enough for the vari-
ous produftions of ilie ffaples of life for m ui and benfc.
Coal of a iuperior anality abounds tvithin tlie limits, and in
fpots near the waters, and convenient for navigation to othei narts
of the country. There are two fait fprings near t!ie river, and
a large quantity of copperas. The dcligned foWn is planned
for the point at the confluence of the nf>rih nncl middle branch-
es into the main river. Nlalon county in whic!"! this town,
ihip. riands, wiil doubllefs be foon divided iuio, at leaft two
Vol. III. u
f46" GEXERJL DESCRIPTION
more, and one \^ill form a natur;il angle from this point, and pro-
bably be bounded by Red river, and Franklinviile become the
fhire town.
The ftr&ets, angels, circus and crefcents, in this town, to be
free to the public.
The flree^s, which, according to the plan, are one hundred
feet wide, may be reduced to eighty feet, giving equally to the
lots adjoining on each ftde, which are, according to the plan,
one hundred feet wide and two hundred feet deep, and the
l-youfcs to be built regularly, according to the tafle of the pro-
prietors, on a line twenty-five feet diftant from the {Ireets : and
one moiety of each lot to be laid out in gardens, and feparated
from each other, and from the viftas, by fimplc palifades. Thi:>
order of building not to be infringed.
Five hundred lots, to be drown by feme one chofen to repre-
fent the town for that purpole, to be veiled in truflces for the
ufc thereof, and fold at fuch times and on fuch occafions, as may
a rife and be agreed on by the iufPrages of freeholders of the
townfliip and town ; for building public edifices in the angles
within the lines forming the circus and crefcents ; the churches
to be adorned with hand(ome fleepies, and the other public
buildings with fuitablc cupolas, and built with a fufficient degree
of uniformity to give thofe ftruftures a handfome appearance.
Alfo for making common fewers, aqucdufts, market-places,
granaries, piers and landing-places, paving the ftrcets, planting
the viftas with trees correlponding to their names, embellifh-
ing the circus and ctcfcents, planting the public garden, light-
ing, watching and clcanfiiig the town, and doing all fuch mat-
ters as belong to the puliiic good, according to the public agree-
ment ; but thefe lots not to be fold until they bear a fufficient
price for defraying the undertaking, at luch times when it may
be judged expedient.
One hundred and fixteen lots gratis to the fubicribers, one to
each thoul'and acres.
One hundred lots gr;itis to the hrft hundred rcfidcnts,
Twenty-hx lots gratis, formed in the angles of the circus and
crefcents, for the miniftcrs, prefidents, and other oHicers con-
nt-fted with the public buildings.
One hundred lots, to be b.illrted for the purpofc, and vcflcd
in truftees, to be granted by the lullVages of llie people, a?
compliments, accompimying other mm ks of public tftceni, to fuch
peribns as aic or ihatl become rciidents in the town, and liave
OF KENTUCKY. i ;-■
by fome fingular fervices defervecl fuch honours from the free-
men of the townfhip.
Four lots gratis, in fuitablc parts of the town, to fuch pcrfoos
as will build thereon each a handfomc and commodious hotel ior
the entertainment of travellers, and keep it in good order, and
well provided with rcfrefliments for luch guefls, on reafoniible
terms, under the regulation of the police, according to circum-
ftances, providing for the comfort of the travellers, and guard-
ing againfl impofition, and to be affigncd by the proprietor only
on thefe conditions.
Fifty lots, to be balloted for ^he purpofe, and referved for
building alms-howfes, houfes of induftry, corre&iun, &c, as occa-
fion may render expedient.
The viftas to keep their full breadth of an hundred feet.
The pleafure-gardcn to be made botanic, and be under the
care of a profelTor, under whofe difcretion it may be ufed as a
pleafure-gardcn, by fuch of the inhabitants as are willing to con-
tribute towards its embclliniment.
The remaining one hundred and thirty-nine lots to remain the
private property of Mr. Abraham Fowler, who is to make good
to each fubfcriber his full auota of land ; re-cciving from luch
whofe lots fliall exceed the regular quantity of one hundred
and twenty-five, two hundred and fifty, or five hundred acres,
three fhillings per acre for the furplus, and paving to thofe whoic
lots fhall fall fliort of thofe refpective quantities, three Ilidlings
per acre for the deficiency.
It is flrongly recommended, that no place of interment be fuf-
fered within the limits of the town, but that two lots of ten acres
eacli, without the tov/n, be appropriated for that purpofe.
No perfon can fubfcribe for lefs than one tbouland acre?:,
which will entitle him by ballot, i. to a town lot of two luin-
di^ed feet in length, and one hundred feet in breadth ; 2. to two
farms from the divifion neareft the tou'n of one hundr':fd and
twenty-five acres each ; 3. to one plantation from thenext divi-
fion of two hundred arid fifty acres; and 4. to one trafl: in tl.e
tliird divilion of five hundred acres.
The proprietor in America, and his attorney hcrCj are io con-
fcious of the truth of the above (latem.ent, tliat they are willit,':
to relinquifh the iale. provided a confiderable pait of tlie l-md is
not of tlie prime qualities, or what is termed firft-rate land.
On I o piOMi Nco, now forming, will be a mofl capital towr.
fliio and tov/n, veiv advantageoufly fituatcd about twenty niilci:
U 2
i- 4§ GE NE R A L DESCRIE TIO N
from Lystra, and thirty miles bclov/ Louifville, on the river
Ohio, in the county of Nei.soNj in about 37° 30' north latitude^
containing up.wards of one huudred ihouiand acres of prime
land, and is nam.cd, in compliment to Piomikco, one of the
Indian chiefs, a man greatly beloved and refpefted, not crdy by
the Indian tribes but alio by tlie whites.
A gentleman of great refpeaability, the proprietor of the
land, and who has but juft left London, has determined, at his
own expenle of more than one hundred and fifty pounds fter-
linf^, to creft, either in the circus or fome principal part of the
town, a pedeftrian ftatue of Piomingo, habited as an Indian
warrior, in the attitude of delivering an oration in favour of
Liberty : the ftatue and pedeftal, with fuitable ornaments, to
be of Coade's artificial ftone, and will be put in hand as foon as
an eminent and well-known ftatuary has formed a drawing and
model fuitable for the purpofe.
It may not be improper to obferve, that a number of induftri-
ous hufbandmen have voluntarily offered to go out and iettle at
Ghiopiomingo, under the fuperintendance of a gentleman well
verfcd in iurvcying, and competent in other refpects to conduft
ib important an undertaking: it is alfo v^orthy of remark, that
this gentleman's father, at the venerable age of ninety, yet in per-
fe£l health, has determined to accompany his children and grand-
children to this propitious ipot.
The town is to contain upwards of a thoufand houics, forty-
three ftrects, a circus and fevcral capital Iquares, which will be
embelliflied with various fuitable and handfome ftruftures : each
fettler in the towr.fhip will be entitled, in fee fimple, to one
town lot of an hundred feet in width, and three hundred feet
in length : a field of five acres, and another of twenty acres, will
alio be allotted to each of them, and their farms will confifh of
five hundred acres each, which will be granted on leafe for
nine liundred and ninety-nine years ; the three firi't years to be
rent free, on condition of building a houlc and barn on the
premiies, and alfo of bringing under cultivation twenty acres
of the land within the term, and on the fourth year the tenants
are to commence an annual rent of five pounds for every hun-
dred acres.
The tov.-n will enjoy various important privileges and immu-
nities. A college is to be cre&ed for the education of the youth
of the tenantry, and alfo for iuch childrer. of the Indians as they
jtnay chulc-to lend tlulher for inftruftion, and due care will be
taken to inftil into their tender minds the principles of philan-
thropy, moral rcftitude and iociai order, together with fuch
OF KENTUCKY. 14^
branches of fcicncc ; as mny tend to render them ufeful mem-
bers of lociety, for w'nich purpofe the proprietor has appropriated
fifteen hundred acres of land towards tlie endowment of the
infliitution, and alfo fuitable encouragement to fu-ch gentlemen
of erudition and undoubted charafter as may chufe to engage in
fo important a charge.
The houfes in Kentucky, the towns excepted, are fcarccly
.deferving of the name ; which we fhall have the lefs room to
wonder at, when we recolle^l the fliort interval that has elapfed
fince the firft fettlement of the country,
POPULATION.
It is impofTible to afcertain, with any degree of accuracy, the
prelent number of inhabitants ; owing to the numerous accef-
iions which are made almofh every month. In 1783, in the
county of Lincoln only, there were on the militia rolls three
thouland five hundred and Xeventy men, chiefly emigrants from
the lower parts of Virginia. In 1784, the number of inhabi-
tants were reckoned at upwards of thirty thoufand. It is affert-
ed, that at lead twenty thoufand migrated there in the year
In 1799, the numbers flood as follow :
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
K E N
U C K \'
; COUNTIES
o
-a
5 5)
'« 0
1
A X D
£ 5'
" j4
.-
0
1
^ -d
^ al
TOWNS.
_3 >.
~i
1
"i y.
^■^
0
4-J
0
g s
0
u^
0
>
C3 ;
U-,
rU
__? _
CO
^689
^7576
Fayette County,
3241
3878
6738
' 30
Nelfon, - -' - -
2456
2746
4644
34
I2ig
1 1099 [
Woodford, - - -
1767
1929
3267
27
2220
9210
Bourbon, - - - -
164,5
2035
3249
908
7^37'
:Mcrcer, - - - -
1411
^5^5
2691
7
1317
6941 1
iLincoln. - - - -
137s
1441
26^0
S
1094
6548 :
Ijefferfon, - - - -
1008
997
1680
4
876
4565!
;Madifon, - - - -
1231
3421
2383
737
511^:
Mafon, . - - -
431
676
952
208
2267 1
Lexington, in Fay- 1
ette County, - -J
276
203
290
2
63
8341
Waftrington in Ma- "1
fon County, - - J
^^5
95
183
21
462 !
Beard's Town, in ^
85
216
Nelfon County - /
5-
49
1
29
Louifville, in Jef-l
ferfon County -J
49
44
79
1
27
200
Danville, in Mer-1
28
'7°57
cer County, - - J
49
51
22
150
= 0154
28922
114
12430
73677.
What the prefent number of iii'iabitints is, it is almoll; impof-
fible to form any corrcfl eftiinate of, for no calculations can be
made, the number of emigrations haye been fo great from Europe
and the caft.crn States : but perhaps the accoiuit will not err far,
if we rate them at about on^ hundred aud icventy-iivc thou-
fand.
RELIC ION AND CHARACTER.
'i'he Baptills arc the moft numerous ic£l in Kentucky. As far
back as 1787 the\' had fixtcen churches cflabliflied^ befides feve-
ral congregations where chinches were not conftituted; thefe
were th.cn fuppliecl by thirty !nini{lcrs. and by accounts hncc re-
ceived it appears, tliat tj'ieir numbcis li.u'c kept a proportional
2:icreaic with th.'.l ei [ly: Stile. 'J'iicc aie a few l-^pilcu-
OF KENTUCKY. 151
palians and Roman Catholics, and fevcral congregations of Prel-
byterians ; and perhaps lome may be found of ahnoft every per-
luafion. The Baptifls were the firfl; tliat promoted public wor-
lliip in this State ; they formed three congregations near Har-
rod's Station, and engaged Mr. David Rice of Virginia as their
Paftor •, and afterwards formed another large congregarion at
Lexington, the pafloral charge of which they delivered to Mr.
Rankin, alio of Virginia. Tiiefe were the firfh churclies in this
State.
With refpcft to charafter, the people, collefted from different
parts, of different manners, cultams, religious and political fen-
timents, have not been long enough togcthejr to form an uniform
national chara6ler : they are, however, in general, polite, hu-
mane, hofpitable and very complaifant. Among the fettlers
there are gentlemen of abilities, and many genteel families, from
feveral of the States, who give dignity and rcfpcftability to the
fettlement. They are in general, more regular than people who
ufually fettle new countries.
C O M M E R C E.
A convenient fituation for commerce is the grand hinge upon
which the population, riches, and happinefs of every country
greatly depend. Many conceive the fituation of Kentucky to
be unfavourable in this refpeft, and are of opinion, that the beft
channel is from Philadelphia or Baltimore, by the way of Pittf-
burgh, and from thence down the Ohio ; and upon account of
the difficulties and expenfes attending this rout, for which there
is no remedy, that goods would ever be dear, and the crops
not worth removing for iale.* This opinion has been repro-
bated, as the effeft of ignorance of the trade up the MiiTifTip-
pi from New-Orleans, or Mantchac, at the river or gut?
Iberville,
Thofe who are acquainted with America know the MiirifTippi
and Ohio rivers to be the key to the northern parts of the fou-
thern continent. Thcfe are the principal channels through which
* Hitherto tlicra lias not been much more grain raifed than has been confumed
by the inhabitants ; and tlie pcrfons eniigraiing there, together with the trade
down the river, may afford a line profpeft in theory, to individuals, but will
never turn out of any lolid advantage to the public of this fettlement; the diff.-
cultv in returning up the river muft render the voysge terrible. To make head
cgainft the ftream muft be done by dint qf fevere idbour and main ftrength, and
would require exertions which no man woiild ever wifli to make a fecond time,
who was not urged bv ilic induccniciu of gaining a fpfedv fortu:ie thereby-
Jauinaloj' a Tour in Kentucky.
152
GENERAL DESCRIPTION-
that extcnfive region, bathed by their waters, enriched by the
many flreams they receive, communicate with the fea, and may
truly be conhdered as the great paffage made by the Hand of Na-
ture for a variety of valuable purpofes, and principally to promote
the happinefs and benifit of mankind ; among which, the convey-
ance of the produce of that iramenfe and fertile country lying
weflward of the United States is not the leaft. A few obferva-
tions on thefe rivers, and fome others flowing into them, are ob-
jefts fubmitted to the reader's attention, in order to form a juft
idea of the favourable commercial circumftances of this impor-
tant country.
The Ohio river beings at pittfburgh, three hundred and twenty
miles weft of Philadelphia, being there formed by the junftion
of the Allegany and Monangahela rivers, and running a winding
courfe of fouth 60° weft, falls into the Miffiffippi one thoufand
and feventy-four miles, by the meanders of the river below Pitts-
burgh. The only obftruftion to navigation on this river are the
rapids, as difcribed before under the defcription of the Ken-
tucky rivers ; but they are paffcd in fafety when the ftream is
high.
The moft remarkable branches compofing the head waters of
Ohio are Red-ftone creek. Cheat river and Yohogania. Thefe
waters are nax'igable to a conhclcrable diftance above Pittfburgh,
from November until June, and the Ohio a month longer; but
from Great Kanhawa, which is one hundred and ninety-fix miles
and a half below Pittfburgh, the ftream is navigable moft parts of
the year. Down this river quantities of goods are brought, and
fome are conveyed up the Kentucky rivers, others on horfeback
or in waggons to the fettled part, 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 four miles_
Thofe of the Kentucky rivers are much the fame, and with-
out rapids, and are of immenfc value to the country, affording
fiih and fowl, and tranfportation of the produce of the country
to the beft market. Thefe rivers increafc the Ohio more in
depth than breadth. At its mouth it is not more than one
and a half mile in width, and enters the Miniilippi in a louth-
weft direftion with a How current, and a fine channel. This
great river, at the j'unftion with the Ohio, runs in a foutli-caft
dircftion, and afterwards in a fouth-wcft, having been a littlebc-
foi'c joined by a greater river cjllcd I'^lilTouri, wliicli, as before
ob(e!ved, runs in an ca(}.\v;utl diicftion througli Louilian;v,
OF KENTUCKY, 153
and afterwards communicates to the Miffiffippi its own muddy
andmajeftic appearance. The depth is, in common, eight or
ten fathoms, until you approach its mouth, which empties itlelf
by feveral channels into the gulph of Mexico. Here the navi-
gation is dangerous, on account of the many iflands, iand-bars and
lotrs, interfperfed in its mouth, which isabout twenty miles wide.
This difadvantage may be remedied nlmoft in the fame manner
fhat the fhream was difconcerted. The conffift between the fea
and this might v river, which brings down with its flream great
numbers of trees, mud, leaves, &c. caufes them to fub fide and
form fhoals. One of thefe trees, (lopped by its roots or branch-
es, will foon be joined by thoufands more, and lo fixed, that no
human force is able to remove them. In time they are confoli-
dated, every flood adds another layer to their height, forming
iflands, which at length are covered wilh flirubs, grais and cane,
and forcibly fhift the bed of the river. In this manner we fup-
pofe moft of the country on each fide of the Mifliflippi, below
the Iberville, to have been formed, by iflands uniting lo iilands
which, in ai fuccefiion of time, have greatly encroached on the
fea, and produced an extenfive traft of country. If fome of the
floating timber at the itiouths of this river v/ere moved into fome
of the channels, numbers more would incorporate with them
and the current being impeded in* thele, the whole force of the
river uniting, one important channel would forcibly be opened,
and fuflliciently cleared to admit of the moft excellent navigation.
About ninety-nine miles above Orleans is a fort, now called
Mantchac by the Spaniards; formerly Fort Bute by the Englifli,
who built it. Near this is a large gut, formed by the Mifliifippi,
on the eafl; fide, called Iberville; fome have dignified it with the
name of river, when the Milfiflippr, 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 au-
tumn, and from two to four fathoms the remaining part of the
way to lake Maurepas, receiving in its courle the river Amit,
which is navigable for batteaux to a confiderable diftance.
o
Lake Maurepas is about ten miles in lengrh and leven in
breadth ; and there is a paiinge of ieven miles between this and
lake Pontchartrain.
Lake Pontchartrain is about forty miles long, twenty-four
broad, and eighteen feet deep. From th.is lake to the Tea the
channel is ten miles long, and three hundred yards wide; and
the water deep enough to admit large veli'i-is through thcl'e lakes
and their communications. This pL;ce, if attended to, lught be
Vol. HI. X
^54 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
of confqtience to all the weOern country, and the commerce of
Weft-Florida ; for it may realonabiy be fuppofed, that the inha-
bitants and traders of the weftern country would rather trade at
tnis 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 con-
ndenible difference in their voyage, and laves hibour, money and
time. Experience will doubtlefs produce C(mriderable iraprove-
metits, and render the navigation of the Miffiflippi, either by
thefe Inkes, or New-Orleans, nearly as cheap as any other. That
the MilTiifippi can anfwer every valuable purpofe of trade and
commerce, is proved already to a demonftration by experience.
There is reafon to believe that the time is not far diftant,
when New-Orleans will be a great trading city, and perhaps a-
nothcr 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 this mighty river; and tlie difficulty in
afcending it in the fpring, when the floods are high, is greatly
leflened by eddies or counter currents, which moftly run in the
bends near the banks of the river with nearly equal velocity a-
gainft the ftream, and afhft the afcending boats.
From New-Orleans to the falls of Ohio, batteaux, carrying a-
bout forty tons, have been rowed by eighteen or twenty men in
eight or ten weeks, which, at the extent, will not amount to
more than five hundred .pounds expenfe, which experience has
proved to be above one third of that from Philadelphia. It is high-
ly probable that in time thedlftance will be exceedingly fliortened
by cutting acrols bends of the river.
Charlevoix relates, that at Coupee, or Cut point, the river
formerly made a great turn, and iome Canadians, by deepening
the channel of a fin;'ll brook, diverted the waters of €\e. river in-
to it. Tiie inipetuofuy of the ftream was fo violent, and the foil
of !o rich and loofe a. quality, that in a fliort time the point xvas
entirely cut through, and the old channel left dry, except in in-
undations, by which travellers lave fourteen leagues of their
voyage. The new channel has been lounded with a line of thir-
ty fathoms, without finding bottom. Wlien the diftance is fiior-
tened, wlach we believe may readily be done ; the expenles of a
voyage from New-Orleans to the f^ils of Ohio will be very in-
conliderablc. It is known by experience that forty tonsof goods
canriot be taken to the falls of Ohio from Philadelphia, under fix-
teen hundred jjounds cxpenle ; but by '.niprovenients on the iXIif-
fuTippi, with the convenier,ces of the mechanical boats, goods
can be brought from New-Orleaus to the falls for the tenth part
OF KENTUCKY, 155
of that expcnCt ; and if they arc Ibid at one hundred pounds per-
cent, now, when brought from Philadelpliia at expeules ia great,
what may the merchant aiford to fell his goods at,who brings them
fo much cheaper i' liefides, the great advantages arilitig from the
exporting of peltry, and countiy produce, whicli never can be
conveyed to the eaflern ports to any advant ige. It is evident
olfo that the market from which they receive imports, mufl con-
fequentlv receive their exports, which is the only leiurn they
can polTibly make.
By dating the commerce of Kentucky in its proper terms, we
find the expenles luch, that we conclude with propriety, that
that country will ulumately be iupplied with goods as cheap as if
fituated but forty miles from Philadelphia.
But perhaps it will be replied, New-Orleans is in the poiTciU-
on of the Spaniards, who, whenever they pleale, may m.ike u!c
of that fort, and fome others they have on the MiOiilippi, to pre-
vent the navigation and ruin the trade. The pallage through
Iberville is alfo lubjeft to the Spaniards, and, befides, inconveni-
ent ; that ftream continuing fo fhort a time, and in tlie mufLdil-
advantageous iealon.
It will certainly be abfurd to expeiSt a free navigation of the
MiHi'Jippi, whiHl the Spaniards are in poileiTion of New-Orleans;
to iuppofc it, is an idea calculated to impofe only upon the weak.
They may perhaps trade witii the Auiericans upon their owu
terms, while they think it conhftent with their intereft, bat no
friendihip in trade exifts when interefb expires ; therefore, vi'hcn
the weftera country becomes populous and ripe for trade, found
policy ttlls us, the Floridas mufl belong to the Americans,
According to the article of the definitive treaty, they are to have
a free and unmolcftcd navigation of the IvIinilTippi; but exptricn^e
t'ZM hcs vianhind th:it Lreaties are not (i.tu.\iys to !je dtpcndcd upon,
the mod Icjlemn being broken.* Hence v.'e learn, not to put
much faiili in treaties with any of the old governments of
Europe,
Altiioughthe 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 ts,n or
twelve miles would be counted no cliladvantags to the merchant.
Nay, in time, a canal may be broke througlr tlie gut of iberviil!.-
which may divcit the vvaier of the MilfiiTippi tiiat way, and rcu-
* Article 8th of the late difinitive treaty, fays, The navigation of the Mifiiflipp;
river, from its fource to the ocean, fhall forever remain free and UDcn to the iuL-
jects of Great-Briuin and the citizcijs of the United States.
X s
£5^ GENERAL DESCRIPTION
der it a place of the greateft confequence in America; but this im-
portant period is referved for futurity. The trade of Kentucky is al-
ready improving ; we have mentioned that tobacco has been ex-
ported to France and Spain in great quantities throuph New-
Orleans. They have alio erefted a paper mill, an oil mill, ful-
ling mills, faw mills, and a great number of valuable grift mills.
Their ialt woiks are more than fufficient to lupply all their in-
habitants, at a low price. They make confiderable quantities of
fugar from the fugar trees. They have a printing office, and
publifh a Weekly Gazette. Labourers, particularly tradefmer)
are exceedingly wanted here.
LITERATURE.
The legiflature of Virginia, while Kentucky made a part of
that State, made provifion for a college in it, and endowed it
with very confiderable landed funds ; and a library for its uie
\v^s forwardied thither by the Rev, Mr. John Todd of Virginia,
f after obtaining the conjciit of the. Rev. Dr. Gordon J while an in-
habitant of the Maffachufetts State. This library was moflly
formed in the following manner : An epiftolary acquaintance
having commenced between Mr. Todd and Dr. Gordon, through
the influence of their common friend, the Rev, Mr. Samuel
Davis, long fince deceafed ; a letter was received about the end
of 1764, or beginning of 1 '765, from Mr. Todd, in which he
exprelled a defire of obtaining a library and lome philolophical ap-
paratus, to improve the education of lome young perions, who
were defigned for the miniftry. Dr. Gordon being then lettled
at London, upon application obtained a few annual lublcriptions,
•with ieveral donations of money, and of books, which were not
clofed till after March 17&9. During that period he received in
cafli, including his own lublcription, eighty pounds two fliillings
and fix-pencc. The late worthyjohn Thornton, Eiq. contribut-
ed fifty pounds of it, by thehandofthe Rev, Mr, (afterwards Dr,)
"Willon, who alio gave in books ten pounds. Among the con-
tributors ftill living, befidc Dr, Gordon himfelf, are the Rev.
Mr. Towle, Meilis. Fuller, Samuel, and Thomas Statton,
Charles Jerdein, David Jennings, Jonathan Eade, Jofeph Ainf-
ley, and John Field of Thames ftrcet.
Of the money colleftc-d, twenty-eight pounds ten rnillings was
paid to the late Mr. Ribright, for an air pump, microlcope,
OF KENTUCKY. 157
tclefcopc, and prifms, thorough good, but not new. Cafes,
fiiipping, freight, iniunince, &c. at four different periods
came to eight pounds eleven fliillings and fix-pence. I'he forty-
three pounds one fliilling was laid out to the bed advantage in
purchafing a variety of books, which, with thole that were giv-
en, are luppoled to make the main part of the Lexington library.*
Schools are ellablifl"ied in the leveral towns, and in general re>^u-
larly and handfomely lupported.
, RIGHTS OF LAND,
The proprietors of the Kentucky lands obtained their patents
from Virginia, and their rights are of three kinds, viz. Thofe
which arile from military lervice, from fettlement and pre-emp-
tion, or from warrants from the treafury. The military rights
are held by officers, or their reprefentives, as a reward for ler-
vices done in one of the two laft wars. The lettlement and
pre-emption rights arife from occupancy. Every man who, be-
fore March 1780, had remained in the country one year, or
raifed a crop of corn, was allowed to have a fettlement of four
hundred acres, and a pre-emption adjoining it of one thoufand
acres. Every man who had only built a cabin, or made any im-
provement by himlelf or others, was entitled to a pre-emution
of one thoufand acres, where fuch improvement was made.
In March, 1780 the fettlement and pre-emption rights ceaf-
ed, and treafury warrants were afterwards ilTued, authorifing
their polTefibr to locate the quantity of land mentioned in them,
■wherever it could be found vacant in Virginia.
The mode of procedure in thefe affairs may be inflruftive to
the reader. After the entry is made in the land-ofHce, there
being one in each county, the perfon making the entry takes out
a copy of the location, and proceeds to furvey when he pleafes.
The plot and certificate of fuch furvey muft be returned to "the
oflice within three months after the furvey is made, there to be
recorded ; and a copy of the record muft be taken out in twelve
months, after the return of the furvey, and produced to the
affiftant regiftcr of the land-oflice in Kentucky, wliere it muft
lie fix months, that prior locators may have time and opportuni-
ty to enter a caveat, and prove their better right. If no caveat
* As this account of the library is effcntially different from that given by Mf .
Morfe, and every other writer wc have met with, the editor thinks it right to in-
form the public, tliat he iuferts ihc above at the dcfire of the Rev, Dr. Gordon
himielf.
X58 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
is entered in that time, the plot and certificate are fent to tlie
land-ofBce and three months more arc allowed to have the patent
returned to the owner.
CONSTITUTION.
By the conftitution of this State, formed and adopted in 179",
the powers of government are divided into tliree difbinft de-
partments; legiflative, executive, and judiciary. The leg'.fia-
tive power is veiled in a General AiTembly, conllfting of a
Senate and Houie of Rcprelcntatives ; the lupreme executive in
a governor; the judiciar)', in the fupreme court of appeals, and
fuch inferior courts as the legiflature may eftabiilh. 'Ihe repre.
fentatives are chofen annually by the. people ; the fenators and
governor are chofen for four years, by elcftors appointed for
that purpole ; the judges are appointed during good behaviour,
by the governor, with advice of the Senate. An enumeration of
the free male inhabitants, above twenty-one years old, is to be
made once in four years. After each enumeration, the number
of fenators and rcprefentatives is to be ftxed by the legillature,
and apportioned among the ieveral counties according to the
number of inhabitants. There can never be fewer than forty,
nor more than one hundred reprclentatives. The Senate at firifc
confifted of eleven members ; and for the a'ddition of every four
repreientatives, one ienator is to be added. The reprefcntatives
mud be twenty-four years old ; the ienators twenty-leven ; the
povernor thirty ; and all of them mull have been inhabitants of
the State two years. The governor can hold no other office.
The members of the General Alfembly, none but thoie of attor-
ncv at law, juftice of the peace, coroner, and in the militia.
The judges, and all other officers, muil be inhabitants of the
counties for n^hich they are appointed. The governor, mem-
bers of the General .Vilcmbiy, and judges, receive Hated lalaries
out of the public trcalury, from winch no money can be drawn,
but in coniequence of appropriation by law. All officers take
an oath of fidelity to dilclr.irge the duties of their offices, and
are liable to impeachment for miicondutt. Eleftive officers muft
fwcar that they have not ulcd bribery in obtaining their clefctions.
All fri^e male citizcnL^, tv\enty-oue ycais old, having refidtd
in the State tv.'o yeais, or in the county where they oilot lo
vote, one year, have a liglu to vote lor lepreientat'.ves, and for
elcftors oi ienators and governor, and aie privileged from arrcd,
in civil actions, while attsridi-ng tlvat bulinels. The G<meral
Allcinbly meets on the hi it Monday in November each year,
unicib looaei convened by the governor. l:-ach iioulc chooles
OF KENTUCKY'. ^59
its fpcaker and other officers, judges of the qualification of its
members, and determines the rules of its proceedings, of which
a journal is kept and publiflicd weekly, unlels fecrecy be rcqui-
ftte. The doors of both Houfes are kept open. The members
of the Icgifljture, while attending the public bufmels, are pri-
vileged from arreils in civil fictions, and raiiy not be queftioned
elfewhere for any thing faid in public debate. Impeachments
are made by the lower houfe, and tried by the upper. All re-
venue bills originate in the Iloufc of Repreientatives, and are
amendable by the Senate, like other bills. Each bdl palTcd by
both Houies is prclentcd to the governor, who muft fign it if he
approve it ; if not. he mull return it witliin ten days to the
houie in which it originated, if it be not returned, or if, when
returned, it ht re-pailcd by two thirds of both Houfes, it is a
law without his hgnature. The governor has pov>rer to appoint
mod. of the executive officers of the State ; to remit fines and
forfeitures, and grant reprieves and pardons, except in cafes of
impeachment : to require information from executive officers ;
to corivene the General Aifembly on extraordinary occafions, and
adjourn them in cafe they cannot agree on the time themlelves.
He muft inform the legiflature of the ftate of the Common-
wealth ; recommend to them fuch meafures as he fhall judge
expedient ; and fee that the laws are faithfully executed. The
fpeaker of the Senate exerciies the office of governor in cafe of
vacancy. The legiflature has power to forbid the farther im-
portation of flaves, but not to emancipate thoie already in the
State without the confent of the owner, or paying an equivalent.
Treafon againft the Commtrnweaith coniifts only in levying war
againff, it, or in adhering to its encinies, giving them aid and
comfort.
The declaration of rights alTerts tlie civil equality of all .
their right to alter the government at any time ; liberty of
confcicnce ; freedom of eleftions, and of the preis : trial by
jury : the fubordlnation of the military to the civil power ; the
rights of criminals to be heard in tireir own defence ; the right of
the people to petition for the rcdreis of grievances, tobeararms^
and to emigrate from the State. It prohibits unrealonable learch_
es and leizures ; excclTive bail confinement of debtors, unleis there
be pielumption of fraud ; lulpenlion of habeas corpus writ, unlefi
in rebellion or iuvahon ; ex poll iaito laws ; attainder by the
legiflature ; ftanding armies ; titles of nobility and hereditary
diflmftion.
In addition to what wc liave already faid of this State, w.;
ubjoin the foUowiug topographical delcription of the wedern
j6o'
CENEkAL DESCRIPTION,
territory, extracted from the letters of Mr. G. Imlay, wliofe
long refidence in the country furnifhed him with the mod am-
ple means of arriving at a perfeft knowledge of thofe fubjefts on
which he wrote.
" In cafling your eyes over the map of America, you will dif-
cover that its weftern (or middle) country is divided from the
Atlantic country by a chain of mountains which rife in the re-
mote parts of the States of New-York and New-Jerfey, and run
a fouth-wefterly courfe, until they are loft in the flat lands of
Weft-Florida. The weftern country is thofe parts which are
watered by the ftreams running into the MifTiffippi.
" It is about fifty miles over the Allegany mountains, croffing-
the route which General Braddock took from fort Cumberland
near the Potomack, at the defcent into the country of Red-ftone,
on the Monongahela, the fouthern branch of the Ohio. This
iHver rifeS in the fame mountain,' confiderably to the fouthward,
runs nearly parallel with it, the oppofite way, upwards of one
hundred miles, and is navigable for boats nearly to its fource ;
the whole of this country beyond the mountain is extremely
fertile, well watered, and abounding with all kinds of timber
calculated for buil\ding houfes, boats, cabinet work, &c. &c.
The fugar maple tree is intermixed in great quantities. From
the foot of the mountain it is about fourteen miles to Red-ftone
Old Fort, which is on the banks of the Monongahela, and the
ufual place of embarkation of people coming down the Ohio, who
travel Braddock's road : from thence to Pittfburgh is about fifty
miles by water. Large trafts of flat land lay all along upon the
banks of this river, from the Old Fort to Pittfburgh, which are
capable of being made into extenfive and luxuriate meadow
ground.
■*' This country is populous, it being the oldeft fettlement,
and made immediately after taking Fort du Quefne. The
Yohogania empties itlelf into the Monongahela, about fixteen
miles above its junftion with the Allegany river: the country
on this river is more uneven, but in the vallies the foil is ex-
tremely rich. Near to Pittfburgh the country is well peopled,
and there, as well us in Red-ftone, all the comforts of life are in
the grcatcft abiindancii. Flour is manufaftured in as good a ftyle
2S in any part of America ; and butter, cheefe, bacon, and every
kind of provi'aons can be had in the greateft quantity. This
whole countiy abounds in coal, which lies almoft upon the fur-
f.ice of the ground ; tlie hills oppofite Pittfburgh upon the banks
of the Monongahela, which are at Icaft three hundred feet higb,
appear to be one folid bod)' of this mineral.
OJ^ KENTUCKY. 161
** This Jnuft become in time the mofl vahiable grazing country
in nil America fiom the fertility of its foil, its capability of being
formed into extenfive mcaJovvs, and its proximity to the moun-
tains which attrafcl the clouds, and produce that moiflure fo ne-
neccfir.iry to grafs; — bcfidcs which, its litiration is about three
hundred miles from Phila<lclphi3, about two hundred and forty
from Bihimorc, and about two hundred and twenty from the fe-
deral city on the Potomack, a diftance whicli is too great to carry-
by land the bulky articles of hufbandry ; but to which cattle may
be driven with tlie greatcfl eafc.
*' This country has derived no inConfiderable advantage from
the fettlement of Kentucky, and the other iettlcments that are
making on the Ohio and MiflllTrppi, tlie great road of migrating
from the northern States lying through it ; and, indeed, it is
moft co-nvenient, both from Maryland and Virginia, at all fcafons
of the year, provided that there beany thing bulky to carry, the
paffage being for the greateft part by waterjand the Potomack navi-
gable, a few places excepted, to fort Cumberland ; all of which,
obftruftions will be removed in a few years by canals that are cut-
ting. From fort Cumberland it is about fixty miles land carriage
to Red-ftone Old Fort ; but fo friendly lias nature been to this
country, though it is without feas, yet the rivers run in fuch di-
reftions, that there is fcarceany place in all the back parts of Ame-
rica where art may not reduce the land carriage to a very fmall
diflance. I cannot fpeak upon lo general a fuhjeft definitively ;
but I mean to be underftood within fifteen leagues. It it afferted
from the beft authorities, that the land carriage between the Poto-
mack and Ohio may be reduced to Id's than twenty rnilcs.
" Such is the progrefiion of things iri this country, while there
Ts'as apparently no market for its luperfiuous produdlifms, that
every article has fold extremely well, in confequence of the num-
ber of emigrants who have been continually paflTing down the
Ohio.
" Down from Pittfburgh the country is flat on the banks of the
river ; but a little diftance from them it is confiderably broken,
particularly on the north- weftern fide. Much good land, how.
ever, is interfperfed on thefoutli fide as far as the approach to th-
Little Kanhawa, v/here the nature of the foil feems reverfed,
and the good land is then found on the weftern fide upon the
Mufkingum. There are ibme ftrips of rich land upon the Litile
Kmhawa ; but farther up the river, the country is broken a.id
fterile, producing icarce any other timber than the fir-tree, or
pine and knotty black oaks, whicli are generally deemed lymptom.s
of 1 bad foil. This traft of bad laud extends quite into the
Vol. IIL Y
i62 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
mountains in a fouthern direftion, and runs fouth-weflerly as
far as Great Sandy river, witli little or no variation, except on
the bottoms of the Great Kanhawa, which are extenfive and rich.
The bottoms on the Ohio are every where extenfive and luxuri-
ant. On the Vv'eftein hde of the river, the country beyond the
rich vein of land on the Mufkingum is only tolerable, on this
fide of the head waters of the Scioto, which are fuccceded by as
fine a body of land as the imagination can paint. This extends
confiderably nearer to the Ohio, and running weftward quite to
the Miami, now approximates its banks, and difplays in its ver-
dure and variety of majeftic forefts, all that beauty and richnefs
which have been fo much celebrated by travellers who have paiTed
through tliem. The country on the eaftern, except on the banks
of the rivers, is indifferent. There is a body of good land on
Great Sandy, but leaving that in a fouth-wefterly courfe, high,
rugged, and broken hills arifc, which will hardly ever be capa-
ble of cultivation : thefe hills extend between thirty and forty
miles, and open into the fine lands of Kentuckv.
" The eafh fide of the Ohio, for about ten or twenty miles be-
low Whealing, which is about one hundred below Pittfburgh, is ,:
generally well lettled. There are few fettlements on the oppofite i
fhore until you come into the Mufkingum, and the country now
•wears the face of a wildernefs on both fides of the river, there be-
ing no habitations worth notice, except at the mouth of Great |
Kanhawa, until we arrive at Lime-done.
*' Every thing here alTumes a dignity and fplendor I have never
feen in any other part of the world. You afcend a confiderable :
dillance from the fhore of the Ohio, and when you would fuppofe
you had arrived at the fummit of a mountain, you find yourfelf
upon an extenfive level. Here an eternal verdure reigns, and
the brilliant fun of latitude 39°, piercing through the azure hea-
vens, produces in this prolific foil an early maturity, which is tru-
ly aftonifliing. P'lowers full and perfeft as if they had been culti-
vated by the hand of a florifl, with all their captivating odours,
and with all the variegated charms that colour and nature can pro-
duce, here, in the lap of elegance and beauty, decorate the fniil-
ing groves. Soft zepliyrs gently breathe on fweets, and the in-
haled air gives a voluptuous glow of licaUh and vigour that feems
toravifli the intoxicated fenfes. The fwcet fongfteisc-l the forefts
appear to feel the influence of this genial clime, and in more loft i
and modulated tones warble their tender notes in unilon with "I
love and nature. Every thing here gives dcliglit ; and in that '.
mild effulgence which beams around us, we feel a glow of grati-
OF KENTUCKY. 163
tude for that elevation our all bountiful Creator has hcflowed upon
us. Tar from being difgu (led with man for his turpitude or de-
pravity, we feel that dignity nature bellowed upon him at the
creation, but which has been contaminated by the bale alloy of
meannefs, the concomitant of European education ; and what is
more lamentable, is, that it is the coniequence of her very laws
and gnverninents.
" From Lime-done to Licking creek the country is immenfely
rich, and covered with cane, rye grais, and the native clover.
The cane is a reed that grows to the height frequently of fifteen
or fixteen feet, but more generally about ten or twelve feet, and
is in thickneis from the fize of a goole quill to that of two inches
diameter ; fometimes, yet leldom, it is larger : when it is {lender
it never grows higher than from four to feven feet ; it flioots up
in one fummer, but produces no leaves until the following year.
It is an evergreen, and is, perhaps, the moft nomifhing food for
cattle upon earth. No other milk or butter has fuch flavour and
richnefs as that which is produced from cows which feed upon
cane. Horfes which feed upon it work nearly as well as if they
were fed upon corn, provided care is taken to give them once in
three or four days a handful of lalt, otherwife this food is liable to
heat, and bind their bowels, ^hc rye grafs, when it arrives to
maturity, is from two feet and a half high, to three and a half, and
the head and beard relemble the real rye, and fometimes produce
a fmall grain, long and (lender, not unlike rye. Whether culti.
vation would bring it to the fame perfe6lion, I can form no idea ;
it is, however, certain, that it is a very good and valuable grafs.
The clover is in no refpe£l different from the clover in Europe,
bat as it is more coar'e and luxuriant. There is a variety of other
kinds of grais, which are found in different places ; but I have
only mentioned the two former, they being eflcemed the mod va-
luable.
" In order to travel into the interior parts of the State, the
route lies acrcis the branches of Licking creek. There arc leveral
of them which take their rife in the high hills of Great Sandy,
and the I'purs of the Allegany mountain ; they traverie a mod de-
lightful country, and form a jCin6lion a imall didance below the
Lower Blue lick.*
The country from the lick tothcOhio is conriderably]brokcn,but
generally rich, and continues uneven, except on the banks of the
* There are two fait fpringj upon Licking, both of which arc now wovketl
with fuccefs.
Y 2
' i64 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
river quite to the mouth of the Kentucky, which is about anc hun-
dred and ten miles below the mouth of Licking creek, by water,
and feventy above the rapids of the Ohio. Between the mouths
of Licking and Kentucky lies the Great-bone lick, which isjuflly
celebrated for the remarkable bones which are found there, and
which gave name to the place.
" After pafling the Blue lick, the foil, ifpoffible, in.creafes iri
rlchnefs. From thence jto Danville is about fifty niiles. Lexing-
ton lies about midway, and is nearly central of the fincft and
jnoft luxuriant country, peihaps, on earth. From Lexington to
Leeihurgh is about twenty miles ; to Boonfborough it is about
twenty ; the Upper Blue lick nearly thirty. This (quare, which
js nearly fifty miles, comprehends entirely what is called firft rate
land. Leefburgh lies on the Kentucky, about twenty miles from
its mouth by land, apd nearly forty by water. The country be-
tween that and the Ohio is broken, but rich, though it is not
deemed a valuable body of land. The Kentucky is bounded every
where by high rocky precipices, that are generally two hundred
feet and upwards perpendicular, and which make its paffes difh-
cult. Few places on it Jia^e any bottom land, as the rock rifes
moflly contigioias to the bed of the river; which confinement, af-
ter heavy rains, renders it very formidable from the impetuofity
of its current. On alcending the banks of this river, tlie land on
either fide ij equally good for fome diflance above Boonfb^rough;
but adjacent to the mountains from whence the river rifes, the
country becomes broken, Puerile, and of little or no value.
Boonfborough lies on the Kentucky, about fixty miles above its
mouth by lynd, and about one hundred and thirty by water^
From Leefburgh down the river on the fouth fide, for about ten
or twelve miles, the hills are confidcrably high and fleep ; but
\vhen you pais the waters of Drinnon's Lick creek, you fall into
a body of good champaign land, which extends, with little vari"
ation, to the rapids of the Ohio. From Leeihurgh to Danville,
the country for the firft twenty miles is of an inferior rate of land
for this country ; but farther on, you get into the rich coun-
try I have mentioned, comprehended within the iquare of fifty
miles.
" Large bodies of good l;md lie on every fide of Danvii'e for
twenty miles and upwards; but in the courfe from thence to the
rapids of the Ohio, on the waters of Salt river, which takes iis
name frorn a ialt Ipring called Bullit's lick that is on its banks,
about twenty miles from the mouth of the river, the country is in
fomc places broken into ridges of hills, which are in genera^
good land, but not well Vv'atercd. As you approach the rapids
it becomes more level, better wateied, and the full more fertile.
OF KENTUCKY. 165
The country of Bcargrafs is beautiful and rich; as, indeed, is
the land on Goofe and Harrod's creeks. In the fork of the Ohio
and Salt river, which forms a junftion about twenty miles below
the rapids, the country is flat, and interlperfcd with fmall lakes
or ponds, occufioned by the extreme lownels of the banks of the
Ohio in this fork, which, when flooded, overflows the country,
and the water fills thefe ponds periodically, or as often as tliofe
inundations happen, and which are frequent from December
until April. ..^,: .^^^ .
" The rapids of the Ohio He about feven hundred miles be-
low Pillfbursh, and about four hundred above its confluence
with .the JVIilhlTippi, They are occahoned by a ledge of rocks
that firetch acrols the bed of the river from one fide to the
other, in fome places projefting fo much, that they are vifiblc
"when the water is not high, and in moft places when the river
is extremely low. The fall is not more than between four and
five feet in the diftance of a mile ; lo that boats of any burthen
may pafs with fafety when there is a flood ; but boats coming up
the river mufl unload, which inconvenience may very eafdy be
rem.oved by cutting a canal from the mouth of Beargrafs, the
upper fide of the rapids, to below the lower reef of rocks, which
is not quite two miles, and the country a gentle declivity the
whole way.
" The fituation of the rapids is truly delightful. The river is
full a mile wide, and the fall of water, which is an eternal caf-
cade, appears as if nature had defigned it to fliew how inimitable
and flupcndous are her works. Its breadth contributes to its
fublimity, and the continually rumbling noile tends to exhilarate
the fpints, and gives a cheerfulnels even to fluggards. The view
up the river is terminated at the diftance of four leagues, by an
illand in its center, which is contrafted by the plain on the op-
pofite fliore, that extends a long way into the country : but the
eye receding, finds new beauties, and ample luhjtfts for admi-
lation in the rifing hills of Silver creek, which ftretching ob-
liquely to the north-weft, proudly rife higher and higher as they
extend, until their illumined fummits imperceptibly vanilh^
Clarkvillc. on the oppofite fhore, completes the prolpect, and
from its neighbourhood, and fron) the lettlement forming upon
the officers laud, a few years muft afford a cultivated country,
to blend appropriate beauty with the charms of the imagination^
Th^re lies a I'm: 11 ifl md in the river, about two hundred yards
from the eaftern fhc-.o ; between which and the main is a quarry
ef excellent /tone for building, and in great part is dry the latter
■^^iV of fummer. The banks of the river arc never ovcrfiowe4
i66 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
herCj they being fifty feet higher than the bed of the river,
There is no doubt but it will foon become a flourifhing town »
there are already upwards of two hundred good houies built*
This town is called Louilville.
" lu leaving the rapids in a fouth-weflerly dircftion, the coun-
try is flat, it ^ordering upon the country I have deicribed in
the fork of the Ohio and Salt rivcis. After palling the maia
branch of the Salt river near Jiullit's Lick, ten miles dillant, in
the fork of the north and fouth branches, the country becomes
broken and hilly, but between which and the Cumberland road^
that leads from the upper parts of Kentucky, there is a confider-
able extent of fine land; but travelling a few leagues farther
fouthward, vou arrive at extenfive plains, that extend upwards
of one hundred and fifty miles in a fouth-wefi: courfe, and end
cnly when they join the mountainous country. Some few clumps
of trees, and a grove here and there, are the only obftru6tions
to a boundleis horizon. It is pleafant to behc^ld the deer bound-
ing over the fcraggy ftirubs which cover the earth. While the
letting fun gilds thofe extenfive plains, the mild breezes of a
fummer's eve, playing upon the enraptured fenlcs, ioftens the
heart to love and friendfhip. Unpcrceived, upon fome emi-
nence, you may enjoy the iports of wild animals, which here
rove unconcerned lords of the field. Heavens ! what charms
are there in liberty ! Man born to enflave the fubordinate ani-
mals, has long fince enflaved himfelf. But realon at kngth,
in radiant fmiles, and with graceful pride, illumines both
hemifphers ; and Freedom, in golden plumes, and in her trium-
phal car, mufl now relume her long lofb empire.
" We have now arrived upon the waters of Green river ; at
the mouth of which, and between that and the Ohio, lies Her-
derfon's grant of twelve miles l(|uare. The plains extend beyond
the head waters of this river quite into the limits of North-Caro-
lina -, but at the mouth, and for forty miles above, there is a
large proportion of good land, particulaily upon Panther creek*
from the mouth of Green river up the Ohio to Salt river, the
land upon the banks of the Ohio is generally fertile and rich •
but leaving its banks you foon fall into the plain country, which
is confidered as little better than barren land; however, it
js moll likely that it will prove excellent for fheep to feed upon,
the climate being nearly the fame as that of Spain, where the
fined wool in Europe is produced. And though the land is not
reckoned valuable in this country, on account of its comparative
fterility, yet it is of a fupcrior quality to great part of the foil
in the lower part.s of Virgiiii.i, the CaruHna^, and Georgia, It
OF KENTUCKY. 167
abounds with hazel, which, it is well known, never grows kindly
in a poor foil.
" The native flrawherry is found in thcfc plains in the great-
fed abundance, as arc likewile plums of different i'oits ; and, if
we can form ;iny idea of the nritive grape that grows Ipontaneouny
here, and what the fame foil is capable of producing when they
are cultivated, it would appear that no climate or foil in the world
is more congenial to the vine, for I have never tafted more deli-
cious grapes ', and it is the opinion of fome judicious foreigners,
who have vilitcd thefe genial regions, that as g'ood wine as can be
m.\de in any part of the globe, might be produced from the native
grape properly cultivated. There is nothing more common than
to meet with a pleafant wine made here by the fettlers, who know
nothing of the ule of vats, or the degree of fermentation necelTary
to the perfeftion of the art of wine-making. But I flatter
myielf fome progrefs will be made in this bufinefs, as
feveral foreigners have long had it in agitation to undertake
it.
" The country between Green and Cumberland rivers is gene-
rally rich, and finely watered. There is in it a mod valuable
lead mine, and feveral lalt fprings ; and between Green and Salt
rivers there are two of a bitumen, which, when analyzed, is
found to be amber. But, fo much do we (land in need of
chymifhs, and mineralifts, that we remain ignorant of the pro-
perties and value of many foITils which have been difcovered ; and
many continue unknown, I apprehend, from the want of curio-
fityofmen, whofe only objeft feems to be cultivation, and the
fcience of government. Perhaps thefe are the mofl elTential to
the happinefs of mankind in the wild flate which this country is
in. Arts appear to follow population. Neceffity has been the
mother of invention, it is true ; but from the attainment of that
pcrfeftion to which we have arrived in arts and philofophy, wii-
dom and fcience muft go forward; and it is phyfically impoffible
for man again to degenerate to barbarifm,
" When the greateft merit connfts in the exercife of the moft
ufcful and appropriate talents, I think it is likely that the ingenui-
ty of men \vill feel a more lively ftiinulus to the exercife of in-
vention from the love of fame, the love of mankind, and regard
to their own dignity, than it ever yet experienced from ncccffity.
While odi.nis diffinftions exift, and men are rewarded in pro-
portion to their fervility, human nature muft be robbed of half
its rnanlincfs, and confequently men will be flothful. How
many drones do we obferve in every part of Europe, who feed
upon the indullry of the neceffitous. or who woik only as it is
j63 general description
necelTary to their ejxiftence! Such have been the efFefts of the
faftitious duties of man in that hemifphere, that every thing has
become perverted; and governments, inftead of fecuring hp-
pinels to men, have only tended to aggrandize individuals, and
thus has flowed in that debafement of charaftcr which has mark-
ed half tiie inhabitants of Europe with little more dignity than
the monfters of the forcft.
" Cumberland river rifes among the mountains, confidsrably
to the north-eaft, and, after its feveral branches have joined it,
runs a long way fouth, and enters the limits of North-Ca.olina.-
After a courle of half a degree within thofe limits, it turns to
the north-weft, and empties itfelf into the Ohio, at fom'e dif-
tance above its junftion with the MiflifiTippi. The Tenneffee
runs into the Ohio, not a long way below the mouth of Cumber-
land. The Tenneffee is the moft important of the fouthern
branches of the Ohio. Its northern fork, called Holfton, rifes
in the country of the fame name, and, after paffing through Nola-
chucky, is joined by the main or fouth branch. This branch
rifes in the remote parts of the State of Georgia, and, after
traverfing the borders of the Cherokee country, is joined by the
Holfton branch, when it is called the Tenneffee , from thence it
runs fouth-wefterly, quite through the limits of North-Carolina,
and approaches the head waters of the Mobile, which empties
itfelf into the gulf of Mexico, In its eourfc, it is very rapid thus
far : from the material declivity of the high country, which from
mountains gradually fink into a flat, there is a number of falls,
but none of them confiderable. It now turns again to the north-
ward, and from its lazy motion it is obv^ious that there is very
little fall of water from this to the Ohio. This turn conffitutes
what is called the Great Bend of the Tenneffee, or Mufcle Shoal
from the number of flioals in this part of the river that are co-
vered with thefe fliell-fifli. The river is here from two, to three
and a half mites wide. Its importance will conlift in its being the
moft convenient inlet from the upper parts of Virginia and the
Carolinas to the Miffiffippi, it being navigable for boats of forty
tons burthen from Holfton, the falls excepted, where carrying
places will anfwer until there arc canals made, which can be done
witli very little expence.
Holfton is a narrow ftrip of country, furroundcd on every fide
by mountains ; but there is a paffage which winds through
them fo as to admit of a paffage this way, and down the river_
without any difficulty of bad roads whatever. Should you con-
tinue your route by land in the road to Kentucky, you would
have feveral mountains to pafs, and at Icaft two hundred miles
of bad road.
OF KENTUCKY. 169-
After you leave the plains whkh extend into the Cumberland
country, in your courle to theTenneH'e, thecountryis fomewhit
broken, bat moftiy rich. Great part of the land lying between thefc
rivers, and the Ohio and between Cumberlafid and Green rivers,
was in military grants, made by Virginia to their officers and
foldiers, and is e deemed a valuable fituation tor its proximity to
the junction of the Ohio and Miffiirippi, Their grants extend as
low on the MiffilTippi as the partition line between Virginia and
K^orth-Carolina ; all of which is a beautiful country : and the
banks of the river, -which are very high, prevent it from over-
flowing, which is not the cafe a great way lower down.
The land iri the Great Bend of the Tennelfee is very fine ;
but when youapproach' the country of the Chickelaws, it becomes
broken, light, and fandy : and, as you extend to the fouthward,
1 have been informed the foil grows flill lighter, and, except a
large body of good land oh the Milliffippi, and the bottoms of the
feveral ftreams that run into the Gulf and the Mifl'iirippi, it is
little better than Weft Florida, which has been celebrated ia
Europe for its fertility ; but lo fine a country have I been endea-
vouring to dcicribe to you, thatjudging by comparifon, the peo-
ple in Kentucky and Cumbcrliind look upon that asaa indifferent
foil.
" In ten years more, perhaps, a feltlement will be formed fuf-
ficiently populous to become a federal (late in the country into
which I am now going to advance ; the limits of which, from
the conliuence on the Mifiiffippl and Ohip to Detroit, isbetween
five and fix hundred miles ; and taking the medium diftance
between Pittfourg and the mouth of the Ohio, acrf>fs to the Mif-
fiffippi from the Ohio, is very little lefs. The inhabitants of this
immenle dillrift do not, including French, amount to five thou-
laad. The country in this fork (if i may io call it) is various.
Immediately in the fork the land is ikt, and liable to oveiflow ;
but as you advance on either river the brinks rile, and the coun-
try expanding, difplnys a luxuriant loil for a long dillance above
the Wabafli on the Ohio fide, and quite to the Illinois on the
MiffiiTippi fide, which is about two hundred and thiity miles
above its juntlion with the Oliio, and twenty above the mouth
ot rvlillouri. This couritry lies nearly in the fame parallel of lati-
tude of Kentucky. From the mouth of the V^'abaOi, the bottoms
on the Ohio are extenfive and extremely fertile, as is the coun-
try from thence to Pod St. Vincent ; but towards the rapids of
theOhio, beyond the bottoms of this river, the country is con-
fiderably broken, and the ioil in lome places light and indilTercnt,
After leaving Foil bt. \'^iriccijt, in the route to the iUiuois couu-
Vol. III. Z
1^0
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
try, you foon fall into thofe extenfive plains which have been de-
fcribed in iuch glowing colours by Ilutchins. This is certainly
a beautiful country, and the immeni'e number of dter, elk, and
buffalo, which are feen grazing in thofe natural meadows, render
them highly enchanting. The air in this climate is pure, and the
almofl continual unclouded fky tends, not a little to charm the
fenfes, and to render even wildnefs delightful. The country
between Poft St. Vincent and Kafkafkias is flat and plain, with
little variation. As you afcend the Illinois river, the foil grows
more fertile, and on either fide you find immenfe forefhs.
" Detroit lies between kt. 42*^ and 43*^ upon the ftraightS'
which communicate between lake St. Clair and lake Erie, con-
fiderably to the weftward of Pittfburgh. The country lyin^
between them is not remarkable for any thing but: being a wilder-
nefs. The ioil and climate are fuch as would entitle it to the re-
put>-ition of a fine country in any part of Europe, except in win-
ter, when thefroft is extremely fevere, but lefs intenfe than that of
Canada. Quebec lies nearly in the fame latitude as Paris, and
from the defcription which the Emperor Julian has given of the
winters he quartered there, during his command in Gaul, there J
feems to be little difference between the winters of France at that
period, in refpeft to cold, and the prefent winters of Canada,
Perhaps the extent of continent lying to the north-weft, and the 1
immenfe lakes of frefh water which cover it, will not admit of
the climate of that part of America being fo rapidly meliorated^
as the climate of Europe has been by cultivation. However, it
is certain, that as the country has been more opened in America^!
and thereby the rays of the fun have afted more powerfully up-
on the earthy thefe benefits have tended greatly already to foftenj
the winter feafon : io that peopling Canada, for which we are!
much obliged to you, is a double advantage to us. Firft, it isi
fettling and populating a country, that muft, looner or later,!
from the natural order of things, become part of our empireJ
and immediately meliorating tlie climate of the Northern States. I
But to return to Detroit. Ourcourle from thence to the head!
■waters of the Miami is iouth-wefterly. The country for fomel
diftance is flit, and the foil heavy and damp ; but, upon the
watei-s of thofe rivers it is beautiful, and abounds in the gifts ol
nature.
*' The communication between lake Erie andtlic Ohio by watej
this way, will be up the louthcrn bidMchesof the lake, and by!
fhort palfages you arrive upon the waters of tiie (ireat MiamiJ
Scioto and Mulkingum, which are navigable when flooded. Ijt}
mull be obfcrved, that the rivers 1 have been mentioning are noti
OF KENTUC K Y. t^t
navigable, througliout the year, for boats of above ten or fifteen
tons. Great pnrt of the country between this and the Wabafli
ischampaign ; but in travelling towards the rapids of the Ohio
' you pals coniidenible plains, and then fall into a broken and
hilly tra6l of poor land, that continues with little variation until
you approach the rapids, when all the variety and charms which
this river produces, prefent thcmfelvcs again. From Detroit to
the rapids is nearly four hundred miles.
" The rapid population of the weftern country \\?s not only
afto.iifiied Amei ica itielf, but it mufl amaze Europe, when they
enter into the views and increaieof this growing empire. The
firft fettiement on the weftern waters bytiie Englifh was in 1760,
and under the influence of almoft continual Indian wars, tliat
fettl-ement (I am now fpeaking of the upper fettiement on the
Ohio) now contains not lefs than an hundred thoufand fouls. The
State of Kentucky did not make a permanent fettiement before
1780, which now contains not lefs than an hundred thoufand.
The Cumberland lettlement began about this time, but it was at
ieafl three years afterwards before there was lecurity given to that
fettiement, and there are fettled about fifty tlioufand fouls more.
Befidcs the fettiement in the great bend of the Tenntfrcc, which
will join them in their feparation from North-Carolina, the fet-
tiement of Nola Chucka and Fiench-broad, made on the branch-
es of the TennelTee in the years 1782, 1783, 1784. and 1785,
contain between thirty and forty thoufand fouls ; feveral other
fettlements are forming at the Iron banks on the Miffiffippi^ be-
fides thofe upon the weftern fide of the Ohio, which, including
the inhabitants at Poft St. Vincent and the Kafki'Tiiias (I judge
from the beft information) do not fall ftiort of Hl'ty thoufand. I
have not mentioned the number in the fettiement of the great
bend of the TenefTee, as I have not been able to collcfh any iatif-
fa£lory information refpeGing them; but I fuppofe the aggregate
number of fouls in the wellern country is very little, if at all,
fhort of four hundred thoufand. including the fcttlemcnts of Holl-
ton, Chncli river and Powel's valley, which, taken together,
may amount to feventy thoufand fouls, and which are properlv on
the wefR;ern waters,
" The fettleinents on the weftern fide of the Ohio, have been
greatly harraffed and retarded by the Indian war, which has con-
tinued with liitle variation fince 1785 ; but tlie vigorous mea-
fures wh'ch tlieir depredations have obliged Congrels to adopt^
muftend with a permanent peace, or in a few years their provo-
cations will lead to the extirpation of the whole of the Miami
3J)d Illinois tribes. Tiieir prowefs and determined refolutioi!
172 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
ivill, no riou'pt, confiderably annoy our army, whicli, having
been m.oflly recruited from the Atlantic count r^',are not acquaint-
ed with futh dexterity and courage, or indeed habituated to their
manner of fighting : but our numbers have grown too confider^
able ; for defeats only invigorate our meafures, while the lofs of
every man, to nations whole population is fo extremely tardy as
that of the favages of America, is a lamentable confideration.
" In the peopling this country new Slates will naturally arife,
and thus, in contemplating the continent of America, we may
form an adequate idea of what will be the magnitude of its fede-
ral empire. The upper lettlement on the Ohio, though more
populous than the lettlement of Cumberland, is not likely to
become a feparate State fo foon. The greateft part of it is within
the limits of Pennfylvania, and not fo remote from the capital of
that State as the Cumberland fettlement is from the capital of
North-Carolina. The intercourfe is continual, and. the produc-
tions of the country, or at leafl their cattle mav be driven to Phi-
ladephia, &c. as I have oblerved before; and their influence is not
fufficient to procuie them an aft of feparation, fhould they defire
it. In the cafe of North-Carolina and Cumberland, there is little
or no communication between them, nor is it to be expefted that
it evercan b(sthe intercft ot either to continue the conneftion ;
therefore it is moft likely, that diftrift will follow Kentucky in
the links of the great federal chain.
" I mud now proceed upon conjefture, as there are no definite
limits prefcribed by the federal government for the lines of de- .
markation, which are to be the diflerent boundaries or limits of
new States that willaiifc. However, it is eafy, by confulting
natural boundaries, to form a pretty juft idea where will be their
different divifions, I have already rem.arked, that Kentucky
and Cumberland are divided by a line in latitude 3() '-, which will,
be the boundary of Cumberland to the northward. The moun-
tains will moft likely be its eaftern limits ; its iouthern limits will
be, either the partition line continued between North-Carolina
and Georgia, or it will run foutherly, untU it fhrikes.that ridge
of hills which divides the Tenneflee country from the country of
the Chacktaws ; thence a due weft courfe to the Mifliffippi, or
following fome one of thofe branches which rife in thole hills,
and purl'uing its courfe to that river. This will comprehend a
diftrift of country of nearly two hundred miles in length from
eaft to weft, and nearly one hundred and fifty from north to
fouth. I cannot fpeak here with accuracy, as it is that part of
all the weftern counti v wliich is Icaft known.
OF 'KENTUCKY. tfS
The country upon the head \v ntcrs of t'le TcnnefToe, flanrls
next in the lift of advancement. This country includes the
fettlement of HoHlon, the fettlemcnt of Clinch, and the fcttle-
ments of Powel's valley^ which are part in Virginia, and part
in North-Carolina ; bcfides the fetflements of Nola Chncka and
French-broad. Tliis Inft fettlement will be extended to the
borders of the Clicrokee country, which will bind this State to
the fouthward. Itswcftcrn boundary will be Cumberland moun-
tain, which will divide it from the States of Kentucky and
Cumberland. Its northern limits will be the ridges of hills that
divide the waters of the Tenncffee and the Great Kanhawa, and
its eaftern boundary will be the high hills that divide the eaf-
tern from the weftern waters in this part of America, which
are called in Virginia the North mountains, and which continue
their courfe through the Carolinas. This State will be in extent
upwards of two hundred miles from north to fouth, and the
average width from eafl to weft nearly an hundred and fiftv.
" This country has mountains on every fide but the fouth-
"weft, and is interfperfed with high hills in moft parts of ita
The valleys are extremely fertile, and every where finely wa-
tered. The climate in the upper part of the country is not io
temperate as that of Kentucky, though it lies in the fame lati-
tude, which is owing to the neighbouring mountains. Many
parts of this diftrift are well fettled, and cultivation 'Vi'as brought
to fuch confiderable perfeftion, that the inhabitants had it in
,contemplation to become independent feven years fince, under
the diftinG;ion of the State of Franklin. Its population is not
only confiderajble, but its refpcftability in every confideration
will very foon intitle it to the rank of a diftinft State : thou;^h
it may require fome time to effeft a unity of fentiments, and q.
conlolidation of its various and detached fettlements into that
order which the organs of government require.
" Before I leave this fide of the Miffiffippi, I muft beg leave
to digrefs, and fliew what will be the probable deftination of the
Indian nations, who live between the fouthern limits of the
country I have been mentioning, and the Floridas, and which
may amount to thirteen thoufand^ inclufive of men, women and
children.
" The Cherokces are about two thoufand five hundred ; the
Creeks three thoufand five hundred; the Chacktaws are about
fix thoufand ; and the different vagrant nations may amount to a
thouland more,
" Ihe fettlements m^iking in tiie upper parts of Georgia,
ypon the fine lands of the Oconee and Okemulgce rivers, wiU
174 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
in a very few years bid defiance to them in that quarter. The
Georgian troops have already defeated them, and forced them
to be quiet. The fettlement of Frcnch-bi-oad, aided by Holfton,
have nothing to fear from them ; and the Cumberland is too
puiffnnt to apprehend any danger. The Spaniards are in poflef-r
fion of the Floridas, how long they will remain lo, mufl depend
upon their moderation and good manners, and the fettlements at
the Natchez and above, which will foon extend to the iouthern
boundaries of Cumberland ; lo that they will be completely en-
veloped in a few years. Our people will continue to incroach
lipon them on three fides, and compel them to live more do-
jneftic lives, and aflimilate them to our mode of livin". or crofs
to the weftern fide of the MiHifiippi.
" The Genalee countrv lies upon the waters that run into
lake Ontario, and it is expected will be peopled as foon as the
Six Nations of Indians are peaceable. This is a very rich and
fertile traft of country, lying in the remote parts of New-Yorkj
bounded by Pennfylvania to the fouth-eaf!;, by the lakes to the
north-wcfl, and high hills and a wilderneis from the Ohio
country. I have hitherto omitted taking notice of it, as not
properly belonging to the weflern country ; but as I am going
to proceed to partition the country weft of the Ohio into iepa.
rate States, I thought it moft confident to keep up the chain of
connexion ; and without mentioning this diftritl, there would
be a chafm between New-York and the uppcrmofl State upon
the waters of the Ohio.
" Let us now return to the Ohio. That ridge of hills which
divides the waters of this river from that of the lakes running
foufh-wefterly, until they run north-wefterly, and divide the
fources of the Wahafh and Illinois rivers from the fouthern
branches of the lakes, will moft likely mark tlie liniits to the
weft, of the upper States upon the weftern fide of the Ohio.
The ridge of hills which divides the waters of the Allegany
river from thole of the Genalee, will bound it to the noith, the
Allegany river and the Ohio to the eaft, and the Mufkingum to
the fouth. The next State, 1 fliould form between the Mufkin-
gum and Scioto, the Ohio, and that ridge of hills between the
fources of thele rivers and ihole of lake Erie. The third be-
tween the Scioto, the Great Miami, the Ohio, and tlie lame
ridge of hills. The country lying between the Miami. Wabalhj
the Ohio, and the fame hills, I would put into another "Slate >
and the countiy lying between the Wabafti, Ohio, Miriilfip-
pi, and Illinois rivers, I would eftabliih into a fifth State,
OF KENTUCKY. 175
" Between the mouth of the Illinois river and waters of Inke
Miehegan, lies a dillrift of country equally fertile with any
part of the weflern country ; but in the progrelTion of our fet-
tlements, it will be iomc years before any i'ettlcment can be
formed there, except in the fork of ihc MiffiHlppi and Illinois,
which may be erefted into a State, by running a line from a
point, latitude 42*^ 30" upon the MiffifTippi-, in fuch a dire£tion
as to ftrike the head branches of the Illinois. But it is moft
likely that the country on the JMiffiiFippi and Milfouri will be
fettled before this diftrift, though it is confidcred as the empire
of Spain. However* I v.'ill not be io indecorous as to parcel
out the territories of other nations ; it is fufficiently prciump-
tuous to/iave gone fo far as I have.
" I have now marked out the imaginary boundaries of fix
new States, exclufive of thole on the eaftern fide of the Ohio,
the Genafee fettlcment, and without including the country
between the northern limits of Kentucky and Pittfburgh, or the
country between Niagara, Detroit, and the fources of thofe
rivers which run into the Ohio.
" The upper fettlement on the eaftern fide of the Ohio, will
mofl likely follow the Cumberland and Holfton in its indepen-
dence. In peopling the new States, I conclude the lowermofl
will be firft fettled, and confequently the firfk to be admitted
into the federal government. The dillrift of country that will
be laft fettled, in all probabilitv, between the Ohio, the lakes
and the Miffiirippi, to the iouth of St. Anthony's fall, is per-
haps that which lies between Niagara and Detroit, and extending
to the ridge of hills which divides the waters of lake Erie and
Ohio, by reafon of its damp and cold loil. 1'he furrender of
the forts of Niagara and Detroit,^ which I underftand is about
to be done, may increafe the ietllements upon the borders of
lake Erie ; but I think it is not likely that vinhofpitable clime
will find inhabitants, while the genial regions of the Miiliflippi
are in a great mcilure uninhabited.
" It is next neccllary to take notice how, and in what pro-
bable time theie States will be inhabited. The fiifl fettlement
upon the Ohio, and the progreis made in agriculture, were
extremely tardy. But it is neceflary to recolleft, that America
was not only in an uif<!nt (lute at tn.c conclufion ol the war in
i'763, but that the continual wars with the Indians greatly re-
tarded the progrefs of that fettlement •, and. if the lame obllruc-
tions have been givcii to the fcttlcmcnts on the wellcrn fide of
the Ohio, it is ccpially certain that the exhauiled condition of
the nuance? of tlie Usiited-Statcs. r,:;t;l vvii.hir. a year and a half
J75 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
paft, did not permit them to take thofe vigorous meafures necef-t
i'ary to their tranquility ; and that permanent fettlements on that
Cidc of the river, and the increafe of the neceffaries of life, which
are now in greater abundance in the weflerri country than in any
other part of America, will enable them to fupport their fituation
with infinitely more eaf'e than when we were obliged to bring
almoft every thing for ufe over the mountain.
" I have eftimated the number of fouls on the wef^ern waters
at four hundred thoufand. I fhould fuppole from the difpoli-
tion to early marriage, which is general, arid the extraordinary
fecundity it is obferved every where prevails, with the addition,
of the emigrants who may be expeflted from the eafEern States,
that the inhabitants will double once in fifteen years for the next
fixty years to come at leaft, which in the firfl; fifteen years will
be equal to peopling four or five of thefe States; and I think we
may expeft to fee, at the end of thirty years, the whole country
I have been defcribing inhabited.
" It is impoflible that we can experience any thing like po-
verty, for no country, perhaps, upon the globe is fo rich in the
comforts and neceffaries of life. As to wars,' we can have none
after a few years more are paft. The Spaniards may put us to
fome inconvenience for a few years to come ; but in doing this^
they will not only rifk the lofs of New-Orleans, but the whole
of Louiliana, which they connder as the key to Mexico. Thus
fecured from wars, and the inland navigation of the country not
fubjefting us to material loffes in that buiincis ; with the propen-
fity to early marriages, produced by the fimplicity and innocence
of youth, tutored under the pure maxims of virtue and reafon ;
it cannot be confidered as a fanguine calculation, when we add
the additional confideration of'the probable number of emigrants
\vc may receive, that our population will double once in fifteen
years.
"In the weftern territory is found all the variety of foil and
climate necelfary to the culture of every kind of grain, fibrous
plants, cotton, fruits, vegetables, and all lorts of provifions.
The upper fettlements on the Ohio produce chiefly wheat, oats?
barley, rye, Indian corn or maize, hemp and llax. The fruits
are apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums, Itrawberries, ral-
berries, currants, gooleberries, and grapes ; of culinary plants
and vegetables, there are turnips, potatoes, carrots, parinip^,
cymbilinc or I'quafli, cucumbers, peale, beans, afparagus, cab-
baj^es, bioct)li, celery and iallads ; bclidcs which there are me-
lons and herbs of every fort. The provilion coniifls of beef,
pork, mutton, veal, and a variety of poulti}'. luch as ducks?
OF KENTUCKY. i77
Mufcovy riucks, turkeys, geefe, dunghill fowls, and pidgeons.
7"he fuperfluous proviiions are fold to the emigrants, who are
continually paffing through thofe fcttlements in their route to
ihe different diftrifts of country, which I h:ive enumerated. Some
confiderable quantity of fpirits diftilled from rye, and likewife cy-
der, are fent down the river to a market, in thofe infant fettlc-
ments where the inhabitants have not had time to bring orchards
to any perfeftion, or have not a fuperfluitv of grain to diftil into
fpirits. The beef, pork, and flour, are difpofed of in the fame
■way. The flax and hemp are packed on horffs and fent acrofs
the mountains to the inland towns of Pcnnfylvania and Maryland
and, as I hinted before, in a few years, when gracing forms the
principal objeft of thofe fettlers, they will always find a market
for their cattle at Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Alexandria.*
" Thefe fettlements might produce a conliderable quantity of
fugar, but hitherto what they have made has ferved for little more
than home confumption, as every part of the back country, from
latitude 42" to 36'^ and upon the MiffiiTippi, as far north as lati-
tude 45°, produces an abundance of the fugar maple tree as would
be equal to furnifh fugar for the inhabitants of the whole earth •
and to fend to any of the market towns on the Atlantic is too far
to be pi'ofitable, until the canals of the Potomack fhall have been
finifhed. The country produces alio all the pot herbs which.
are common in Europe : feveral kinds of nuts grow in the forefts
fuch as chefnuts, hickory, and black walnufs. The mountains,
hills, and the uninhabited parts abound in deer, wild turkics, and
a fpecies of groufe, called by the Americans promifcuoufly part-
ridge or Pheafant. There is an abundence of wild fowl, as, indeed
is the cafe in every part of the wefbern country.
" Linen and woollen cloths, leather, and hats, for home con-
fumption, are manufaftured with confiderable fuccels. The two
firft articles are only made in families for their own ule ; but the
latter are made by men of profeflfion in that b-ifinels, and are of a
quality that would not dilgrace the manufattures of Eurooe.
Blackfrniths work of all forts, even to making Ere arms, is done
there ; as is alio cabinent work, whecl-wright, mill-wright,
houfe carpentry, joinery, fhoe-making, &c. &c. in fliort, all the
trades, immediately nccelTary to the promotion of the comforts of
new fettlements, are to be found here.
•" After pafTing to the fouthward of latitude 40 degrees, the
climate becomes favourable to the culture of tobacco. It will, no
doubt, grow farther to the north; but neither its flavour is fo aro-
To which may be added Washington.
Vol. III. A a
578 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
natic, or the crop fo certain or produftive. Indeed, the farther
fouth tobacco grows, generally the finer in quality : hence it is,
that the faegars of Cuba are fo much admired for their peculiar
fcent, and the Oroonoko for itsmildnefs. However, this is of
little conlecuence to any country, as it is certain no cultivation is
k) pernicious to the foil, and of lo little real advantage to the cul-
tivator. It continually impoveriflTes the land; and every additional
feafon, inftcad of producing riches to an eflate, tends to beggar it t
everv viftag.e of its growth is mifery and devaflation, and no foil
but one as prolific as that of the Nile, w^ould be capable of pro-
ducing it for any length of time, according to the fyftem which
fias been purfucd in Virgini-s' and Maryland. However, the
whole of the Ohio and MilTiffippi country below latitude 40 de-
grees, is better adapted to produce tobacco in quantity, than any-
other country upon the face o-f tlie globe,
" Kentucky produces, befides t6bacGo, all the different kinds
of grain that I have defcribed in the upper fettlement ; all the,
fruits, with the addition of apricots and neftarines ; thefe and
p^^aches grow here to very great perfeftion, particularly whert
planted upon a light foil, which fhould always be the cafe when
it can be found ; but however extraordinary it may appear, it is
not often the cafe in this diftritt of country,
" Thofc culinary plants, vegetables, &c. I have enumerated
above, are produced in the whole weftern country. In fome
parts they groviT to greater perfeftion than in others, as in this
ehe cucumber, turnips, peas, and many others are much fin«r than
I ever faw any where befide. The cantilope melon is only to be
equalled by thofein Perfta. We are not at the trouble and expcnfe
af forcing; every thing put into the ground of the vegetable kind-
grows in a moft wonderful manner,
" The foil is uncommonly favourable to hemp and Indian corn„
I have knawn twelve hundred weight of the former produced
from an acre ef ground,, and as much as one hundred bufliels of the
latter. This has not only been done from an uncommon fertile
fpotjbut there arc large bodies of land adjoining, which are equal-
ly prolific. I believe that were I to mention upon an average the
produce of the whole country, it would be found to be nearly a?
follows ;
Hemp per acre - - > - Boo cwf.
Indian corn, or maize, ditto - - 60 budiels-
"Wheat, ditto _ . . . oq dlt^o.
Parley, ditto - . . . ^jo ditto.
OF KENTUCKY. 175
Oats ditto . - . . ^o burnds.
Clover and timothy grai's, ditto - 35 cwt.
" Befides hemp and flax for manufafturing, cotton is cultivated
with conlidciablc f'uccefs, particularly in the foulhern parts of the
Slate and Cumberland ; and no doubt in a few years, when our
lettlements extend to the Natchez, cotton will be produced in as
^reat perfection as in the Eaft or Weft-Indies. No foil or climate
can be more congenial to this plant than the regions on the lower-
moft parts of the Miffillippi, We have in our power to promote
ihc culture of filk alfo. The mildnefs of the climate, and the
great quantity of mulbery trees, which are every where inter-
i perfed in our forcfts, render this matter extremely eafy ; but
how far this v/iil be politic, when the ule of filk is going out of
fafhion, is a matter that requires fome confideration. Cotton has
fupplied its place, and its lupcrior excellence I appreliend will
.always make it a more profitable manufailory.
" Tb"" growth of wool will form an important confideration
^vitU ^ The plains I have dclcribed extend quite to the moun-
tainSj 10 that Iheep here may have every advantage which the
flocks of Spain enjoy^ If we can form an idea from the famples
of wool produced in many parts of the country, wc may conclude
that our moft fanguine expe.tlations will be fully anfwcred.
'• The bufFaloe is nearly driven out of Kentucky ; iome are ftill
found upon the head waters of Licking-creek, Great Sandv, and
head waters of Green river. Deer abound in the exteniive fo-
rcfts, but the elk confines itfelf moftly to the hilly and uninhabit-
ed places,
" The rapidity of the fettlement has dri\-en the wild turkav
quite out of the middle countries, but they are found in large
flocks in. ail our extenfive woods.
'• Amidft the mountains and broken countries are great numbers
of groufe ; and fincc the fettlement has been elLblifticd, the quail
by following the trail of grain which is neceliarily Icattered
through the wildernefs, has migrated from the old fettlemfcnfs on
the other fide the mountain, and has become a conftant refident
with us. This bird was unknown here on the lirft peopliwg of
the country.
" There is a variety of wild fowl in every part of this State,
particularly teal, and the fummer duck. The latter breeds with
Aa 2
j8o general description
US : iis incubation is always in temperate climes, which is the rea=
Ion of its being called the iummer duck.
'• The produdlions oi Cumberland are nearly the fame as
thofe of Kentucky, The quality of tobacco is perhaps
iomething better ; but the climate being confiderably warmer,
is not lo favourable to wheat and barky, nor does gralg
grow there io luxuriantly as with us.
" The country below Cumberland foon becomes warm
enough for indigo and rice ; and perhaps thele articles in ^
few years will be cultivated on the Milhfiippi ,;with as muck
fuccels, if not more, than thay ever were in South-Carolina
or Georgia ; particularly the former, as the foil on the Milhihppi
is infinitely more luxuriant than any in the Carolines. Some
effays were made in this buhnels previous to the late war, but the
objedt was abandoned on the deltruttion of the fettlement made
below the Natchez.
" Oranges, and other tropical fruits, grow at the Natchez,
and fome diftance above, to confiderable perfeflion. , There
are a variety of nuts that grow both in Kentucky and Cum-
berland, lome of which are common to both ; the moft re-
markable of them is the Pacane ; all of which have been notic-
ed both by Carver and Jcfferfon. Grapes, plums, goofeberrieSj
and flrawberries, grow alio fpontaneouf.y in the louthcrn parts of
Kentucky, and in moft parts of Cumberland.
" The produce of the weftern country will be nearly the
fame in the fame parallels of latitude throughout; fo that com-j
paring my imaginary States with the lettled country fouth-j
eaft of the Ohio, you will be able to form a juft; idea of]
what they will be capable of producing. But to comprehend]
the obje£t of the commerce of this country, it is firft nc-
ceflary to contemplate it, abounding in all the comforts ofj
life, limited in its variety of climate only by what is not de-
firable ; with a loll lb prolific, a navigation lo extenfiye, and a
fecurity fo permanent, from being inland, that it ieems this vafh
extent of empire is only to be equalled for its lublimity, but by
the objc£l of its aggrandizement.
" Provifions, tobacco, and raw materials, will conftitute the
firfl articles of our trade. Such a quantity of beef, pork, bacon,
butter, cheefe, &c. &c. may be furniflied from this country as
will one day, no doubt, fuinifh the Weft-India illands, and af-
ford relief to the miferable Chineic, whole fcanty portion of ric*^
OF KENTUCKY. ^S^
jS only fufficient to keep foul and body together. Our moun-
tainous c?ountries niuft always prove excellent ranges for herds of
(Cattle ; the grals, in the fummer, allording fufficient food to fat-
ten them, without the expenfe of cultivated me.idows, and the
winters are feldom fevere a:i to require any other food than the
cane and pea-vine.
" The navigation of this country has been much talked of.
The diftancc from one place to another has been computed with
fome degree of accuracy, and the various experiments which
have been made confirm the opinion that its difficulty is merely
imaginary,
" The common mode of defccnding the flream is in flat.-
.feottomcd boats, which may be built from fifteen to five hundred
tons burthen. But, as far as I have been able to judge, I fhould
i'uppofe, that about fifty or fixty tons burthen would be the mofi
.convenient, wieldy, and conlequently fafe, particularly when
".the waters are very high ; for in fuch cafes the rapidity of thp
current makes it difficult to manage an unwieldy mafs with
facility. Thefe boats are built of oak plank, with a certain pre
portion of breadth to their length, i. e. nearly as twelve feet to
forty tons. They are covered or not as occafion may require.
The objeQ; is to build them as cheap as poffible, for their un-
wieldinefs prevents the polTijDility of their returning, and they
can only be lold as plank.
" Several of thefe boats fetting out together, let us fuppofe
^ve, ten, fifteen, or twenty, of fixty tons burthen each, which
would require each fix hands to navigate them : ten boats then
of fixty tons each will employ fixty hands, which will be equal
to navigate up the ftream three boats of five tons each, and would
be more than fufficient to bring back the cargo that the produce
of the ten boats woidd purchafe : as the articles we export are
grol's and bulkv, while we want only in return iuperfine goods :
the coarfer goods of every fort will always be manufaftured in
the country. We alio make our own fait, fugar, fpirits, mal*^
liquor, and fhall foon make our own wine. Thefe boats mufl be
w^orked up with fleam and fails.
" The invention of carrying a boat againfl the flream by the
influence of fleam, is a late improvement on philofophy by a
Mr. Rumfey of Virginia, whole ingenuity has been rewarded
by that State with the exclufive privilege of navigating thole
boats in her rivers for ten years ; and as this grant was given
previous to the independence of Kentucky, the aft of leparaticn
guarantees his right. Some circumflance or other has prevented
his bringing them intoufc. However, therecan be no doubt of his
i82 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
fcheme, for the AiTembly of Virginia had the mod unequivocal
affuranccs before they gave the privilege, in a certificate figned
by General Wafhington and Man Page, Efquire : fetting forth,
that they had feen a boat, they believed to be conflru£led by
Mr. Rumfey, afcend a ftream without the aid of manual labour,
but without mentioning the operating caule, which has fince
appeared to be fteam. If this principle fliould fail (and from
f'uch authority I do not conceive how it is to be prefumed,) I
flatter myielf that philoiophy is capable of fupplying the place
in the appropriation of iome one of the fecrets with which me-
chanics abound.
" In taking a retrofpeftive view of the world, we are for a mo-
ment furprized when we recolleft that fome thoufands of years
had elapfed before printing was invented ; and that the only
way of accumulating the copies of art and genius was by the tardy
method of tranfcribing ; and that the art of navigation was for
nearly as long a time devious, and regulated by no certain laws,
the flars and head lands of difFerent countries being the only-
guides to the adventurous mariner, who often perifhed when the
heavens were obfcured. O Liberty ! how many bleflings haft:
thou brought to America ! Man in promulgating his opinions,
now finds fecurity under the wings of an eftablifhed freedom ;
and the dilmal dungeon, which eclipfed the luminous mind of
the celebrated Italian, would now be ercfted into a fchool for
him to le£lure in, Inftead of a prifon to bewail the miferable
ignorance and depravity of his fellow-creatures. Truth and
reafon have led to this melioration of manners- — it will lead to
more benefits to mankind. — But Ihould we ftill be obliged to row
our boats againfl the ftream, it is not only praBicabk, but eafy,
" The frequent turnings in the Mifliffippi produce in every
bend eddy water ; which, with the advantage the wind affords
(that blowing the greater part of the year from the fouth-welt,
and direftly up the windings of the fiver, by reafon of the va-
cancy between the banks and rifing forefts on either fide, afford-
incr a channel for the current of the air) Is fufficient with failsj
keeping as much as poffible in the eddy water, to carry a boat
fifty miles a day up the ftream.
" To account for thole winds philofophlcally would be ex-
tremely eafy ; but as it is a circumftance notorious from tlie
teftimony of voyagers in the MifilfTippi, and the Ohio, I prclume
the teft of experience will be preferred to any philolophical
dUquifition upon the fubjcft.
" Should this navigation prove too tedious, and no Improve-
fnents appear likely to be made in it, the importing into {h^"
or KENTUCKY, i^
coufttry may be facilitated by another channel, from (he gulf of
M«xico up the Mobile, wl\ich is a lazy current ; from the prin-
cipal branch of which there is but a fliort palTage to a branch of
the TennefTee, when 3'ou will have the advantage of the ftream
quite into the Ohio. I have enumerated this circumflance mere-
ly for the fake of information ; for I have not the fmallcft doubt
of the eligibility of the navigation of the MifiifTippi, which is
proved from the experiments which are daily making.
" The diflance from Pittfbiirg to the Mufkingum is one hun-
dred and fcventy-thrce miles ; to the Little Kanhawa one hun-
dred and feventy-eight ; to the Great Kanhawa two hundred
and eighty-five; to Great Sandy three hundred and forty two j
to the Scioto three hundred and ninety ; to Lime-done five
hundred; to the Little Miami five hundred and ten ; to Licking
creek five hundred and twenty-four ; to the Great Miami five
hundred and fifty; to the Great-bone creek five hundred tind
eighty-two ; to the Kentucky fix hundred and twenty-fix ; to
the rapids feven hundred and three ; to Salt river feven hundred
and twenty-three ; to Green river nine hundred and twenty-two l
to the Wabafh one thoufand and nineteen ; to Cumberhnd river
one thoufand one hundred and thirteen ; to the TennefTee one
thoufand one hundred and twenty-fix ; to the MifiilTippi one
thoufand one hundred and eighty-three ; from thence to New-
Orleans is about one thoufand and five.
" I have mentioned that it is about two hundred and thirty
miles from the mouth of the Ohio up the MiirifTippi to the mouth
of the Milfouri, and about twenty from thence to the Illinois,
which is navigable for batteaux to its fource. From thence
there is a portage only of two miles to Chickago, which is
alfo navigable for batteaux to its entrance into lake Miche-
gan, which is a diflance of fixtecn miles. This lake affords
communication with the river St. Lawrence through lake Erie,
pafhng Niagara by a porta^ of eight miles. The lakes Erie
and Michegan are navigable for vcffcls drawing fix and feven
feet water. This is one of the routes by which the exchange of
commodities between the northern and fouthern parts of this
empire will be facilitated.
" In continuing the plan of intercourfe, it will be found ex-
tremely eafy to pafs through lake Ontario to Wood creek ; up
Wood creek, and by a portage of about three miles, you arrive
at a creek, which in three miles more brings you to Fort Edward
upon the Mcjhawk river, a branch of Hiidfon's river. There are
feveral carrying j)liccs between that and its junftion with Hud-
Ion j but very little Lbour would remove them, and which I
184 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
tave no doubt bat the State of New- York will be judicious
enough to fet early about. It is certain they have ordered luf-
veys to be made, and plans are forming for tlie the removal of
thofe obftruftions. It has been long in embryo with them.* It
was impofUble a plan of lo much utility could efcape that fage
and penetrating politician General Schyler, whofe vafl cflate
lies moftly in that part of America.
" There are alio portages into tiie waters of lake Erie frork
the Wabafli, Great Miami, Mufkingum, and Allegany, from'
two to fixteen miles. The portage between the Ohio and Poto-
mack will be about twenty miles when the obftruftions in the
Monongahela and Cheat rivers are removed, which will form the
firfl objeft of the gentlemen of Virginia v/hen they have com-
pleted the canal on the Potomack.
" The obflruftions to the navigation of the Great Kanhawa
are of fuch magnitude, that it will require a work of ages to
remove them; but if ever that fhould be done, there wil be an
eafy cointfiunication between that and James river, and likewife
•with the Roanoake, which runs through North-Carolina.
But this is an event too remote to deferve any confide ration at
prefent.
" All the rivers in this country of fixty yards wide and up-
wards, are navigable almoft to their fources for flat-bottomed
boats during their floods, and for b.itteaux the greater part of
the year, the Great Kanhawa and little Miami excepted. The
TennelTee has a confiderable fall where it pafTes through Cum-
berland mountain, where there muft be a portage alio. From
thence it is navigable quite to Holfton.
'- The rapids of the Ohio are no obftruftion in high water to
boats ?ointT down the river^ and indeed batteaux may pafs almofl
at any time. There are two fmall rapids in the Wabafh between
its mouth and St. Vincent's, but they are no impediment to
navigation, except at times of low water. The Kafkafkias is a
fmall river which runs into the Mifllffippi below the Illinois,
and is navigable a confiderable way above the plains. The
Mifllflippi is navigable to St. Anthony's falls, without any ob-
ftruftion. Carver defcribes it as navigable above them as far
as he travelled. We have too little knowledge of the MiiTouri
* That State paffed an Aft of Affemnly in July 1792, for removing all the
obftruftions between Hudfon's river and lake Ontario; by which means, when
it is done, there will be aa inland navisjation, taking its various courfes of nearly
iwo thoufand milci iji extent.
OF KENTUCKY, i%c
to form any decided opinion of the extent of its navirfation.
It is. however certain, that it is a more powerful ftrcam than
the Miilifrippi, and in entering that river, it triumphantly
rufhes acrois, and its turbid waters, unmixed, ieem to difdain
a connexion lb inferior. From the bell information that we
haV6' Dfcen able to collcft, it is navigable for twelve or fifteen
hundred miles above its mouth without obPtruftion ; and I
think it is not unlikely, that in fettling the country towards
its fcource, v/e fhall find it is not remote from the fcources
of the flieams running into the Pacific ocean, and that a
communication may be opened between them with as much
cafe as between the Ohio and Potomack, and alfo between the
fettlements on the Miiliflippi and California. This circumftance
is the more likely to happen, as it does not appear that the ridges
of hills which divide the waters of the Pacific ocean from the
waters of the Miffiffippi, are either lo high or i'o rugged as the
Allegany mountains.
" Voii will obferve, that as far as this iramenfe continent
is known, the courfes and eictent of its rivers are extremely
favourable to communication by water ; a circumflance which is
highly important, whether we regard it in a fecial or commercial
point of view. The intercourle of m.en has added no in-
conhderable luftre to the polifli of manners, and, perhaps
commerce has tended more to civillize and embellifh the hu-
man mind, in two centuries, than war and chivalry would
have done in five.
" The federal government regulating every thing commer-
cial, muft be productive of the greateft harmony, lo that
while we are likely to live in the regions of perpetual peace
our felicity will receive a zefh from the aftivity and variety
of our trade. We lliall pafs through ihe Miffiffippi to the
fea — up the Ohio Monongahela and Cheat rivers, by a
fmall portage, into the Potomack, which will bring us to
the Federal city on the line of Virginia Bnd Maryland —
through the feveral rivers I have mentioned, and the lakes
to New Yolk and Ouebec — from the northern lakes to the
head branches of the rivers which run into Hudion's bay
into the Arftic reigions — and from the lources of the Mif-
fouri into the gieat fouth fea. Thus in the center of the
earth, governing by the laws of realon and humanity, we
feem calculated to become at once the emporium and prote£lors
of the world.
Vol. III. B b
i§S GENERAL DESCRIPTION'
"Frequent rains in the latter end of the autumn produce?
ftoods in the Ohio,' and it is an uncommon feafon when one of
thofe floods does not happen before Chriftmas, If there is much
frofty weather in the upper parts of the country, its waters
generally remain low until they begin to thaw : but, if the river
is not frozen over, which is not very common, there is always
water fufBcient for boats of any fize from November until May,
when the waters generally begin to fubfide ; and by the middle
of June, in moft feafons, they are too low for boats above forty
tons, and thefe mull be flat-bottomed. The froft feldom con-
tinues fo long as the middle of February, and immediately upon,
its breaking, the river is flooded ; this flood may in a degree
fubfide, but for no length of time; and it is from that period un-
til May that the boats generally come down the river. The
difl;ance of defcending is in proportion to the height of the wa-
ter ; but the arverage difhance is about eighty miles in twenty-four
hours, and from fix ty to one hundred are the extremes ; fo that
the mean time of going in a flat-bottomed boat from Pittfburg to
the rapids, is between eight and nine days, and about twenty
days more to New Orleans ; which will make a paiTage from
Pittfburg to that place nearly a month. The inundations of the
MiflTiflippi commence fomething later than thofe of the Ohio ;
but it is very certain they begin in March, and fubfide in July,
This is the mofi: proper time to afcend the river, as you avoid
the flioals, have finer weather, but above all, when the water is
high you have ftronger eddies ; and with taking thele advantag-
es, and with dexterous watermen, you may proceed fifty-miles a
day, whicli will bring you back to the rapids of the Ohio in for-
ty days, making a large allowance for contingencies.
"The articles of fugar and fait, though not abfolutely necefla-
rieS of life, have become, from habit, fo effential, that I doubt
if any civilized people would be content to live without them.
The extenfive climate of this country, I believe, is no where
warm enough for the cultivation of the fugar-care with fuccefs ;
and to import it would be too expenfivc by reaion of its great
weight ; but nature has lupcrfeded that ncceflity in the fupply
of the fugar maple-tree. It has been long known that fugar
could be made from the juice of this tree ; but from the imperfeft
knowledge of the bufinefs of fugar-making, the famples from this
liquid were fuch as promifed no great expcftations in future expe-
riments : however, the ncceflity which the people were under
of making it, or doing without fugar, proved, that with care
and proper management, it could be made equal to the fined fu'
gars of the Wefl;-Indies or Brazil. Some famples flicwn to a fu-
OF KENTUC KY. 18 y
gar refiner in Pliiladclpbia, which aftoniflied him, produced fevCr-
jal inftru£lions in the art, which occahoned immediate fuccefs^
The people began to treat tlie fugar-trces more tenderly : and in-
{lead of chopping a large gap in their trunk, as had always been
the praftice, and which was fufficient to deflroy a leis tender tree
the juice was found to ooze as efieilunlly fiom an incifion made
with a fcrew auger of tliree qu.irlcrs of an inch diameter
but this wa,s the fmalleft of all the improvements. All
the means made ufe of in the Weft-Indies for the perftftion of
the art were loon afcertalned arid praftifed : fo that the country is
;iot only equal to fupply itfelf with fugar, but might with increafe
x>f hands, fupply the inhabitants of the globe.
" The fugar maple-tree not only grows in the greateft abun-
dance throughout this country within the limits I have mention-
ed, but it is known to be the hardieft, and the mofl difficult to
deftroy, of all the trees in our forefts, the beech not excepted, by
the plaaterE, v^ho have a method of chopping or gii dling the
trunks of trees about one foot and a half above the ground, in
order to kill them, and thereby they prevent their crops from
being fliaded.
'• It is known, that old trees produce the mod ?.nd the richeft
juice ; and it is alio known, that trees which have been uled for
years are better than freih trees. It is a conmion remark, that
whenever you fee a black tree of this fort, it is a lure fign it is a
rich one. The blackneis proceeds from the incilions m^ide in
the bark by the pecking of the parroquet, and other birds, m the
feafon of the juice rifing, which oozing out, dribbles down its
fides, and ftains the bark, which, in the progreffion of tune, be-
comes black.
" 1 have mentioned ihefe particulars with a view to prevent
your falling into the general error, that the refource of making
fugar from the maple will foon be deflroyed from the very nature
ofproducingit-, believing, as many do, that itisimpoffibleforthetree
to be able to bear the annual wounds which are neceiTary to be
made in its trunk in order to draw off the juice : and that a few
years mull necellarily extirpate them; now, fo far from there be-
ing any danger of that, experience has fliewn, the longer that
they are uied in a proper manner, the more plentiful and rich
will be their juice to a certain age : which v/ill be in piopor-
tion to the lite of thole trees. No exaft eftimation can be
made of that ; but I conclude their decay is aot earlier thanother
trees.
" The feafon of tapping is moftly about the niiddls of February
in Kcnluckv ; but not until the latter end of the month, abcui
B b 2
n
i88 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Pittfbui-ffinthe remote parts of Pennf^'lvania, on theheadbranches of
the Sufquehanna, and Delaware, and in the State of New York.
Frofty mornings and bright funfliine are neceflary to produce
copious exudations. The fea Ton continues in this climate about
fix weeks, when the juice is found to be too thin and poor to
make fugar ; but it is flill capable of making molaffes, fpnits by
difliilation, vinegar, and an agreeable table beer.
" The bufinefs of lugar-making is moflly managed by women
and boys ; the men generally having nothing more to do with it
than to tap the trees, prepare the (hed,-, and different apparatus.
So that our agricultural employments are very little obftrufted by
this bufinefs, which produces fp important an article for domeftic
ufes. The perfeftion to which we have brought our fugirs has
induced many people in the upper parts of the States of New-
York and Pennfylvania to make a bufinefs of it during the feafon
of the juice running ; and confiderable quantities have been fent
to the markets of Philadelphia and York, riot inferior to ihebefl:
clayed French an^i Spanifn iugars.
" The fait fprings that have been found in the fingle State of
Kentucky, under proper management, would be lufficient to
produce fait for all the inhabitants which the weftern country
could fupport. There are at leafl twelve of thofe fprings be-
tween Great Sandy and Cumberland ; the principal of which are
the upper and lower JBlue licks, on Licking creek ; one on the
Great-bone creek ; one on Drinnon's lick creek, about a mile
and a half from the m.outh of the Kentucky ; and Bullit's lick,
on Salt river, twenty miles from the rapids of the Ohio. This
fpring is the firft that was v/orked in the country. The firft
effays in this bufinefs v/ere alio imperfeft, which, however, pro-
ceeded more from poverty than ignorance. The great principle
by which the faline particles are chryflallized, is univerlally
known to be by the evaporation of the humid ; and the greater
the fuperficial furface of that evaporation, the more rapidly the
chryftals will form. But the firft fettlers could not procure fait
pans, and were obliged to ufe as a fubftitute the pots and kettles
they had brought out for doiiieflic purpofes.
Such was the commencement of making fait in this country ;
•which, from its Icarcuy and high price, in fome meafure diicou-
raged the fettlemcnt of the country. However, the great improve-
ments fincc that aera have done away all thofe fears, and fait is
pow manufaftured in plepty, and fold cheap.
OF KENTUCKY, tSg
'•' The water is by no means (o ftrong as fca water. It re-
quires nearly four hundred gallons to make one bufliel of fait,
•which is more by one hulf than would be wanted of fca water
to produce that quantity.
" The water is not collcfted immediately from the fpring.
An area of from five to ten acres round thofe fprings is found
to be impregnated with this mineral, fo that by digging wells
in any part of that fpace fait water is difcovered. From this
circumftance I am of opinion, that by digging pits a body of
earth would be found ftrongly impregnated with fait, from
which the laline particles might be more eafily feparated than
from water ; and it is certain, that if the water receives its
particles of fait from the earth that it paflTes through, fuch eaith
mufl; contain a large proportion of fait, otherwife the flrength
of the water would not be fo confidcrable. However it will
require fome time to determine this matter, as the infancy of
our country will not permit us to fpeculate too largely in experi-
ments that would be attended with heavy expenfes, were they
not to prove fuccefsful.
" Salt fprings have been found in every part of the weflcrn
country, which has been well explored, and I have no doubt
that time will prove every part of it is well fupplied with them.
The manner by which they are moftly found in uninhabited places,
is by the large buffalo roads which lead to them. Whenever
the ramification of thofe roads begin to concenter, it is almofl an
infallible fign that a fait lick is near. Thole animals reforting
to them throughout the temperate part of the year for the benefit
of the fait, make large roads, which leading from the lick,
branch different ways into the country.
" We have various other minerals, fuch as iron, which is the
mofh ufeful, copper, lead, fulphur, nitre, &c. &c. Iron ore
is found in great plenty upon the northern branches of Licking
creek, and likewife upon the waters of Green river. A lead
mine has been worked many years with confiderable profit,
which lies in the country of Montgomery, upon the waters of
the Great Kanhawa. There is another between the Cumberland
and Tenneffee rivers, faid to be very valuable, and its ore moic
pure than any other which has been difcovered in America.
But the lead mine on the MiffifTippi mufi: prove inexhauflible.
It extends from the mouth of Rock river more than one hun-
dred miles upwards. Befides thefe, there are feveral otherss
fome of which lie on the Spanifh fide of the MilFiflippij and
have been ufed for years part. Copper mines have been difco-
vered in feveral places, but the mine on the Wabafli is, peihaps.
190 GENERAL DESCRIPTION,
the riclieft vein of native copper in the bowels of the whole
earth : and no doubt will render all the others of little or no
value. Sulphur isi found in feverai places in abundance ; and
nitre is made from earth which is collected from caves and other
places to which the wet has not penetrated. The making this
fait, in this country, is fo common, that many of the fettlerS
manufafture their own gunpowder. This earth is discovered in
greater plenty on the waters of Green river, than it is in any
other part of Kentucky ; but perhaps flill farther fouthward it
will be found in greater plenty. However, it is fo common in
every part of the country, that it might be made a confiderable
article for exportation, I have heard of black lead mines upon
the head waters of the Kentucky, but I have not been able to
procure any certain information refpe£ling them. But I fhould
conceive tliat there can be little doubt, that when the country,
and particularly the mountainous parts of it, are well explored,
all the ufeful minerals will be found in abundance.
" I have already mentioned the coal mines in the upper parts
of the Ohio country ; befides which there are great quantities
of coal upon the upper branches of the Mifhflippi. It is parti-
cularly favourable that this mineral lies at the heads of our
larger rivers, as it can be fent down with the greatefl facility s
and it is very certain that the great body of it, which
the Ohio country alone contains, is equal to anfwer all the
purpofes for which it may be wanted throughout this extenfive
empire.
" Though the champaign part of this country has no flone on
its furface, yet every where lime-ftone is found from fix to
fifteen feet below it. Moft of the bottoms of our rivulets and
llreams are paved with this flone. It is very eafily calcined,
when it becomes excellent lime. It is alfo convenient for build-
ing, by reafon of its peculiar finoothnefs, and the eafe with
which it may be worked into any form. Befides this flone,
which is the mofl common, every other kind of flone is found
that is either ufeful or ornamental ; fuch as flint, grindftone, and
millflones, of a very good quality, which have been reckoned
equal to French burrs. There is the greatefl plenty of marble
upon the banks of the Kentucky, particularly at Leefburgh.
I have rot feen any that has been polifliedj but judges in that
bufinefs give us the mofl flattering ideas of its quality.
" Clay is very common in every part of this country wliich
is proper for bricks ; and there is a fupcrior kind on the Beech
folk of Salt river, whicli no doubt miglit be manufa£lurcd ir4c>
OF KENTUCKY. 1^2
good porcelain. Carver has mentioned a clay of this fort that
he faw above St. Anthony's falls. Marl, chalk, gypfum, and
Gcres, are found in various parts.
" With refpe£l to Climate in Kentucky you experience a
greater temperature of air than in any country in which I ever
travelled, Fahrenheit's thermometer ieldom falling below 35
degrees in winter, nor rifing above 80 in fummer. The ap.
preach of the feafons is gradual. The fummer continues moftly
to the middle of Oftober. The autumn, or mild weather, gene-
rally continues until Chriflmas. when we have fome cold and
froft until February, when fpring approaches, and by the begin-
ning of March ieveral flirubs and trees begin to fhoot forth their
buds , by the middle of the month, the buck-eye or horle-chef-
nut is clad in its iummer's livery ; and by the middle of April
the foliage of the forefls is completely expanded , which is a
fortnight earlier than the leaves are fliot in Virginia and Mary-
land. Cumberland is proportionally more temperate than North-
Carolina, as Kentucky is than Virginia.'-'
State of
NOR TH-C A R O L I N A.
SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES.
T,
HIS State is fituated between 35° 50', and 36** 30' north-
latitude, and i** and 6** 30' weft-longitude from Philadelphia.
Its length is about three hundred miles, and its breadth one hun-
dred and twenty ; it therefore contains about thirty-four thoufand
fquare miles. It is bounded on the north, by Virginia ; on the
eaft, by the Atlantic ocean ; on the fouth, by South-Carolina and
Georgia ; and on the weft, by a chain of mountains a few miles
to the weftward of the Great Appalachian mountains. This
chain of mountains, taking the whole for a part, has occalionally
been called the Great Iron mountain. All that vaft country
which lies on the weft of the Iron mountain, was furrcndered to
the United States by the State of North-Carolina in the year
1-789. It has fince been erefted into a feparate government^
commonly called the Territoi y South of Ohio, or the TennelTee
government.
The charter limits of North-Carolina were a line, beginning
on the fca fide, at a cedar ftake, at or near the mouth of a little
river on the fouthern extremity of Bruniwick county, and
running thence a north-weft courfe through the boundary-houfc,
in latitude 33*^ 56' to latitude 35°, and on that parallel weft as
far as is mentioned in the charter of King Charles II. to the
original proprietors of Carolina, viz, to the South Sea. Their
northern line begins on the fea coaft in latitude 36** 30', and
runs due weft to the termination of the fouthern line. This
line ftrikes the MilTilhppi fifteen miles below the mouth of the
Ohio. Thefe limits were afcertained and confirmed agreeably
to an order of George II. in council. Great-Britain, by the
treaty of 1763, which was made with France and Spain, fur.
rendered her claim to all the'territory weftward of the Mifliflippi ;
OF NORTH-CAROLInA. 19J
and! tliofe nations, by the fame treaty, granted to Great-Britaini
thehee navigation of ihcMiiriffippi. By the treaty of 1783, between
Spain and Great-Britain, his Catholic Majcfty cxprefsly confirms the
former treaty of 1-763, except fuch parts as are there excepted; con-
fequcntly he confirms to Great-Britain the navigation of llicMif-
fifiippi; and Great-Britain, on her part,' yields to the United
States her entire right to the navigation of the fame river. But
finc€ Spain now claims the exclufive navigation of the MiiTiffippi,
which file had formerly furrendered, it is very probable trhat tlie
United States to whom North-Carolina has ceded her wePcera
territory, may claim the lands on the wefl fide of the MiffiiTippij
■which were within tlie^riginai charter bounds of that State.
C L I M A T £.
The weflern hilly parts of this State are as healthy as any of
the United States. Tlie country is fertile, full of fprings and ri-
vulets of pure water. The air is ferene a great part of the year and
the inhabitants live to old age, which cannot fo generally be faid
of the inhabitants of the flat country. Though the days in lum-
mer are extremely hot, the nights are cool and refrefliing. Au-
tumn is very pleafant, both in regard to the temperature and le-
renity of the v/eather, and the richnefs and variety of the vegeta-
ble produftions which the feafon affords. The winters are fo
mild in fome years, that autumn may be faid to continue till
fpring. Wheat harvefl is in the beginning of June, and that of
Indian corn early in September.
In the flat country, near the fea coafl:, the inhabitants, during
the fummer and autumn, are fubjeft to intermitting fevers, which
often prove fatal, as bilious or nervous fymptoms prevail. Thefe
fevers are feldom immediately dangerous to the natives who are
temperate, or to flrangers who are prudent. They, however, if
fufFercd to continue for any length of time, bring on other diCor-
dcrs, v/hich greatly impair the natural vigour of the mind^ debili-
tate the conflitution, and terminate in death. The countenances
of the inhabitants during thefe feafons have generally a pale yel-
lowiOi c&ft, occafioncd by the prevalence of bilious fymptoms.
I'hey have very little of the bloom and frefhnefs of the people in
the northern States.
It has been obferved that more of the inhabitants, of the, men
efpecially, die during the winter by pleurifies and peripneumo-
nies, than during the warm months by bilious complaints. Thcfc
pleurifies arc brought on by intemperance, and by an imprudent
Vol. III. C c
ig-4. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
e.xpofure to the weather. Were the inhabitants cautious and
prudent in thefe reipcfts, it is nlkdgcd by their phyhcians, that
the)' m'ght in general cfcape the danger of thefe fatal difeafes.
The ufe of flannel next to the fkin during the winter is reckoned
an excellent preventative of the dilcales incident to this cli-
mate.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, SEA COAST, &c.
North-Carolina. In its whole width, for fixty miles from the fca,
is a dead level. A great proportion of this traft lies in foreft, and
is barren. In all the champaign country, marine produ6Vlons are
found by digging eighteen or twenty feet below the furface
of the ground. The fea coafl:, the founds, inlets, and the low-
er parts of the rivers have uniformly a muddy, loft bottom.
Sixty or eighty rniles from the fca, the country rifcs into hills and
mountains.
The feveral rivers in th.is State are the Chowan, formed by the
confluence of the Meherrin. Nottaway, and black rivers ; all of
which rife in Virginia, It falls into the north-wefl corner of Al-
bemarle found, and is three miles wide at its mouth, but narrows
fall as you afccnd it.
The Roanoke, a long rapid river, formed by Staunton river,
which riles in \^irginia, and Dan river, wjjich rifes in South-
Carolina. The low lands on this river, are fubjeft to inundati-
ons. It is navigable only for fliallops, nor for thefe, but about
fixty or feventy miles, on account of falls, which in a great mea-
fure obftruft the water communication with the back country.
It empties, by feveral mouths, into the fouth weft end of Albe-
marle found. The planters on the banks of this river are fuppoied
to be the wealthieft in North-Carolina. One of them it is faid,
raiies about three thoufand barrels of corn, and four thouland
bufhels of peas, annually.
The Cufliai is a fmall river, wiiicli empties into Albemarle
found, between the Chowan and the R.oanoke.
Pamlico, or Tar, a river whicli opens into Pamlico found ; its
courfe is from north-well to fouth-eaPc, It is navigable for veifels
drawing nine feet water to the tuwn of Wafliington. nbout forty
milesfrom its mouth; and for fcows or flats, carrying thirty orforty
liogfheads, fiftv miles farther, to the town of Tarborough. Beyond
this place tlie river is inconfiderable, and is not navigable.
The Ncus. a river which empties into Pamlico (bund below
Newbcrn ; it is uavigiblc lor lea vcfwls about twelve miles above
OF NO RTH-CAROLINA. 193
th^ town of Newbern ; for Icows fifty miles ; and for fm;ill bonts
two hundred miles.
The Trent river, from the fouth-wefl, wb.icli f..Ils intp the
Neus at Newbern, is navig.ible for fea veilels about twelve miles
above the town, and for boats thirty.
There are leveral other rivers of lefs n.ote, amoncr which are
the Palquotank, Perquimins, Little river, Alligator, &c. which
difchcuge themfelves into Albemarle found. All the rivers in
North-Carolina, and, it may be added, in South-Carolina
Georgia, and the Floridas, which empty into the .'ithntic ocean
are navigable by any vclTel that can pals the bar at their mouth.
While the water courfes continue wide enough for vefTcls to turn
round, there is generally a fufficient depth of v^^ater for them to
proceed.
Cape Feat, more properly Clarendon river, opens into the fea
at cape Fear, in about latitude 33° 45'. As you af/ end it, you
oafs Brunfwick on the left, and Wilmington on the riaht.
The river then divides into north-eaft and north-wcfl branches
as they are called. It is navigable for large veflfels to Wilmington,
and for boats to Fayetteville, near ninety miles farther. 'I'his
river affords the bed navigation in North-Carolina. Yadkin riv-
er rifes in this State, and running fouth-eaflwardly, croffes into
South-Carolina, vv'herc it takes the name of Pedce, and paflfes to
the fea below George-town.
The rivers of this State would be much m.ore valuable were
it not that they are barred at their mouths. This circumllance
and tlie coaft furnifliing no good harbours, will prevent the State
from building large fhips, for which they have an abundance of
excellent timber. Several caules have been affigupd for all the
harbours and rivers being barred, fouth of the ChciaDeak, Some
fuppofc the bars arc formed by the current of the long rivets
throwing up the lands, where their rapidity terminates ; others
vvith more probability fay, that a bank is thrown up by the oulf
llream, which runs nearthcfe fliores.
1"hc banks of the rivers in this, and the other neighbouring
States, often overflow after great rains, which does' much damage
to the plantations. A gentleman on the Ipot afTcrts, that he has
feen the water thirty feet below tiie banks of the river, juft after
it had been ten feet above them. This is owing to the narrowncfs
of the mouths of the rivers, which do not afford a lufhcicnt chan-
nel for the waters, accumulating every mile, to dilchargc then."
fclves into the ocean,
C c 2
596 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Pamlico found is a kind of lake or inland fea, from ten to twen-
ty miles broad, and nearly one hundred miles in lengthy
It is Separated from the fea, in its whole length, by a beach
of fand hardly a mile wide, generally co^'ered with fmall trees
or bufhes. Through this bank are feveral fmall inlets by
which boats may pals„ But Ocrecok inlet is the only one
that will admit veffcls of burthen into the diflrifts of Eden-
ton and Newbern. This inlent is in latitude 35^ lo', and
opens into Pamdico found between Ocrecok ifland and Core-
bank; the land on the north is called Ocrecok ; on the
fouth Portlmouth. A bar of hard fand croffes this inlet, on
which, at low tide, there is fourteen feet water. Six miles
■within this bar is a hard fand fhoal, called the Swafh, ly-
incf acrofs the channel. On each fide of the channel are dan-
gerous fhoals, fometimes dry. There is from eight to nine
feet water at full tide, according to the winds on the Swafh.
Common tides rife eighteen inches on the bar, and ten on
the Swafh. Between the bar and the Swafh is good anchor-
incT ground, called the Upper and Lower anchor:tges. Ships
drawing ten feet water do not come farther than the firft
anchoiage, till lightened. Few mariners, though acquainted
with the inlets, ^hoofe to bring in their own vcfTels, as the
bar often fhifts during their abfence on a voyage. North of
Pamlico found, and communicating with it, is Albemarle found
fixty miles in length, and from eight to twelve in breadth.
Core found lies fouth of Pamlico, and communicates with
it. Thcfe founds are fo large when compared with their inlets
from the fea, that no tide can be perceived in any of the rivers
which empty into them, nor is the water fait even in the mouths
of thefe rivers.
Cape Platteras is in latitude 35° 15'. At tlie time of Sir
Walter Raleigh's approaching the Amei icau (hores, the flioals
in the vicinity of Hatteras were found to be extremely dan.
gerous, and no velfels in that latitude ventured v/ithin feven
leao-ues of the land. prom a furvey of the ancient drafts of this
part of the coafl there can be no doubt but the fears of former
navigators were npt without foundation, as thele fhoals are laid
down very large in extent, and in many places covered with not
riore than five or fix feet wster, at a great diilance from the
land.
The conilant experience of the roa (ting trade of the United
States demonIba!cs, either that the ancient drafts were purpofely
0 F NORTH. CAROLINA. 197
falfified in order to deter fcamen from venturing too near a coaft,
witli which they had as yet a very (lender acquaintance, or which
if the vioj'l probabU, that by the ftiong currents hereabouts, which
are only counter currents of the gulph ftream, the fands, which
were originally heaped up in this part of the ocean by fome
ancient convuKion of nature, have been gradually wearing
away, and diminifliing to what we find tliem to be at this
time.
At prefent the out fhoals, which lie about fourteen miles
fouth-weft of the cape, are but of live or fix acres extent, and
where they are really dangerous to velTcls of mt)derate draught,
not more than half that number of acres. On the flioaleft part
of thele there is, at low wukcr, afcout ten feet, and here at times
the ocean breaks in a tremendous manner, Ipouting, as it were,
to the clouds, from the violent agitations of the gulph flream»
which touches the eailein edge of the banks, from wiience the
declivity is fudden, that is to lay, from ten fathoms to no found-
ings. On the fpot abovementioned, which is firm fand, it has
been the lot of many a good veflel, in a gale of wind, to flrike,
and go to pieces. In moderate weather, however, theie Ihoals
may be palled over, if necellary, at full tide, without much
danger, by vellels not drawing more than eight, nine, or ten
feet water.
Froin this bank, which was formerly of vafl extent, and
called the Full Moon Shoal, a ridge runs the whole diftance to
the Cape, about a nortii-well: courle ; this ridge, which is about
half a mile wide, has on it at low tide, generally ten, eleven,
and twelve feet water, v/ith gaps at equal intervals alTordiniT
good channels of about Hi tc;en or fixteen teet water. The moic
noted of thele clianncls, and mod uied by coalling veffels, is
about one mile and a half from the land, and may eaiily be knuwu
by a range of breakers v^hich are always fcen on tlie well fide
and a breaker head or two on the eadern fide, which, however
are not io conllant, only appearing when the lea is confidcfably
agitated. This channel is at lead two and a half miles wide and
might at full lea be laicly palled by the largcft ihips : thele how-
ever rarely attempt it. '1 he common tides iwcll about fix feet,
and always coinc from the louth-call. A little north of the capo
is good anchonng in four or five faihoins, and with the wind to
the weftward, a be, ra^y land in lafety, and even bring ofr caflcs
oi JrcJIi uafer, pier, v ui wnich is to be found every where on
the ueacli, by di^.t^in^ a foot or tzvo, and putting a barrel into ths
Jand,
igS GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Cape Lookout is fouth of Cape Platteras, oppofite Core found;
and has already been mentioned as having had an excellent har-
bour, entirely fdled up with fand fmce the year 1777.
Cape Fear is remarkable for a dangerous fhoal. called from,
its form the Frying-pan. This fhoal lies at the entrance of Cape
Fear river, the fouth part of it, fix miles from Cape Fear pitch,
in latitude 33*' 32'.
There are in this State two fwamps, that have obtained the
names of Great and Little Dilmal,
Great Difnial is on the dividing line between Virginia and
North-Carolina. It is chiefly owned by two companies. The
Virginia company, of whom the Prefident of the United States
is one, owns one hundred thoulan;^ acres. The North-Carolina
■company owns forty thoufand acres. In the midft of this Dif-
mal theic is a lake about leven miles long, called Drummond's
pond. The waters of which in rainy leaions dilchargc tliemfelvcs
to the fouthward into the Pafquotank, and to the north aiid ealV
Ward into the branches of the Nanfemond, Elizabeth river, and
a river which runs into Currituck found ; a navigable canal is
to be dug from the head of the pafquotank to the head of Eliaa-
beth river in Virginia ; the diftance is about fourteen mdes.
This canal will pafs about a mile to the eaflward of Drummond's
pond, and will receive water from that lake ; to pafs through
the lake would not be iafe fur low-fided vcflTels. The company
by whom this canal is to be cut, have been incorporated by the
concurring laws of Virginia and North-Carolina. In Scptcm,
ber, 1791, the fubfcription was nearly full, and the company
cliole ihcir direftors, and other ofhcers. By this canal the
exports of Norfolk nuifh be greatly increafed.
Little Dilmal is in Currituck county on the fouth fide of Albe-
mavle found. This Dihnal had not drawn the public atti ntion
as an objeft of importance before the end of the late war, at
which time it was chiefly taken up. It is now luppofed to
cor.tain one of the mofl; valuable rice eftates in America, In
the uiidih of tliis Dilmal there is a lake of about eleven miles
Jon?, and feven miles broad. In the year 1785, and 1786,
Joilah Collins^ Elq,- of Edcnton, in company with Meffrs,
Allen and Dickinlon of that place, took up near one Iiundred
tliouland acres of land round the hike, for the purpofe of mak-
ing a navigable caiial from the lake to the head of Skiipperiumg
river; the diftance of which is five and a h.df miles. This
canal, twenty feet wide, was finiflied in 1790, and the company
in 1791 railed above one hundred and twenty acres of rice on
OF NOR Til- C A ROL IN A. 1 99
the margin. The natunl channel by wliich the lake ufed to
dilcharge its waters is now ftopped, and the waters pafs off by
the canal. About five hundred yards from the lake, the com-
pany have crctled leveral iaw mills. The water ih tlie lake
is higher than the furfacc of the ground for about half a mile
diftance on both fides of tlie canal ; whence it follows, that the
company can at anv time lay under water about ten'tl-.oufand acres
of a rich Iwamp, which proves admirably fitted for rice.
SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, &c.
On the banks of fomc of the rivers, particularly of tlie
Roanoke, the land is fertile and good, inteilperfed througli tlie
olher parts are glades of rich Iwamp, and ridges of oak land of a
black fertile (oil.
Wheat, rye, barley, oats, and Hix, grow well in the back
hilly country, Indian corn and pulfe of all kinds in all parts.
Ground peas run on the furface of the earth, and are covered
by hand with a light mould, and the pods grow under ground ;
they are eaten raw or roafted, and tafle much like an hazlc nut.
Cotton and hemp are alio confiderably cultivated here, and
might be railed in much greater plenty. The cotton is planted
yearly : the flalk dies with the froft. The labour of one man
will produce one thoufand pounds in the feeds, or two hundred
and fifty, fit for manufacliuring. The country is generally
friendly to the raifing of fliecp, which yield from three quarters
of a pound to twO pounds and a half of wool, which is fhort
and not very fine.
The large natural growth of the plains in the low country is
almoft univeilally pitch pine, wliich is a tall, handfome tree,
far fuperior to tlie pitch pine of the northern States. This tree
may be called the ftaple commodity of North-Carolina. It affords
puch, tar, turpentine, and various kinds of lumber, which
together conffitute at leaft one half of the exports of this State,
Tliis pine is of two kinds, the common and the long-lcavcd.
The latter has a leaf Thaped like other pines, but is nearly half
a yard in length, hanging in large clufters. No country pro-
duces finer %vhite and red oak for flaves. The fvvamps abound
with Cyprus and bay trees. The latter is an evergreen, and is
food for the cattle in the winter. The leaves are fliaped like
thofe of the peacli tree, but larger, Tlie moil common kinds
of timber in the back country arc. oak, walnut, and pine. A
fnccies of oak rrj-ows in the moift. fandv foil, called black iack-
It feldom orows larirer than eiiriu or nine inches diameti'r. It
200 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
is worthy of remark, that the trees in the low country, near
the fea coafl, are loaded with vafl quantities of a long fpecies
ol mofs, which, by ablorbing the noxious vapour that is exhaled
from ftagnated waters, contributes much, it is luppofed, to the
hcalthinefs of the climate. This hypothecs is confirmed by ex-
perience, finoe it is commonly obferved, that the country is
much lefs healthy for a few years after having been cleared, than
while in a ftate of nature.
The mifsletoe is common in the back country. This is a
Ihrub which differs in kind, perhaps, from all others. It never
grows out of the earth, but on the tops of trees. ' The roots, if
they may be fo called, run under the bark of the tree, and incor_
porate with the wood. It is an evergreen, refembling the
garden box wood.
The principal \vild fruit are plums, grapes, flrawberries>
and blackberries.
The country is generally covered with herbage of various
kinds, and a fpecies of wild grafs. It abounds with medicinal
plants and roots ; among others are the ginfeng ; Virginia fnake
root ; Seneca fnake root, an herb of the emetic kind, like
ipecacuana ; lion's heart, which is a fovereign remedy for the
bite of a ferpent. A fpecies of the fenfuive plant is alfo found
here; it is a fort of brier, the ftalk of which dies with the frofl,-
but the root lives through the winter, and flioots again in the
fpring. The lighteft touch of a leafcaiifes it to turn and cling
clofe to the ftalk. Although it fo eafily takes the alarm, and
apparently flirinks from danger, in the fpace of two minutes
after it is touched, it pe.rfeftly recovers its former fituatjon.
The mucipUla veneris is alfo found here. The rich bottoms are
overgrown with canes ; the leaves are green all the winters
and afford an excellent food for cattle; they arc of a Iweetini
taftc, like the ftaiks of green corn, which they in many refpefts
relembie.
There is a long , ridge of lime-done, which, extending in a
fouth-weflerly direftion, erodes the wliole State of North-Caro-
lina. It croffes Dan river to the weftward of the Sawro towns,
crofTcs the Yadkin about fifty miles north-weft from Salifbury
and thence proceeds by the way of King's mountain to the
fouthern States. No lime-ftone has been found to the caftward
of that ridge. A fpecies of rock has been found in fevcral places,
of which lime is made, which is obvioufly a concretion of ma-
rine fliells. The State is tiavciicd nearly in the fame direftion
by an otlicr ftratum of rocks which pafTcsncar Warrenton. It ift
a circumftancc worthy of obfervation, that the fprings of water
0 F NO RTH-CAROLLNA, a©i
on the north- weft fide of the ridge are apt to fail la dry feafons ;
©n tlie fouth-well fide they feldoin fail.
The river Yadkin, where it paffes Salifbury, is about four
hundred yards broad, but it is reduced, between two hills,
about twenty five miles to the fouthward of that town, to the
width of eighty or one hundred feet. For two miles it is narrow
and rapid, but the moft narrow and rapid part is not above half
a mile in length. In this narrow part, fhad are caught in the
I'pring of the ye.ir by hoop-nets, in the eddies, as fall as the
(liij^igert men are able to throw them out. Perhaps there is not
in the United States a more eligible lituatlon for a large manufac-
turing town. Bouts with forty or fifty hogfheads may pals ealily
from thele rapids to (jcorge-town.
CIVIL DIVISIONS.
This State is divided into eight diftrifts which are fubdivided
into fifty-four counties, as follows ;
DISTRICT OF EDENTON.
Chowan, Pafquotank, Plertford,
Currituck Perquimons, Bertie.
Camden, Gates, Tyrrel.
DISTRICT OF WILMINGTON.
New Hanover, Duplin, Onflow,
Brunlv>^ick, Bladen,
DISTRICT OF NEWBERN.
Craven, Johnfton, Wayne,
Beaufort, Pitt, Hyde,
Carteret, Dobbs, Jones.
Thefe three difhrifts are on the fea-coaft, extending from the
Virginia line iouthward, to South-Carolina.
DISTRICT OF HALIFAX.
Halifax, Edgecombe, Franklin,
Northampton, Warren, Nafh.
Martin,
DISTRICT OF HILLSBOROUGH.
Orange, Granville, Wake,
Chatham, Cafwell, Randolph,
Vol. 111. D d
2D2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
DISTRICT OF SAIISBURY.
Rowan, Iredell, Stokes,
Mecklenburgh, Surry, Guilford,
Rockingham, Montgomery,
DISTRICT OF MORGAN.
Burke, Lincoln, Wilkes,
Ruthford.
DISTEICT OF FAYETTE.
Cumberland, Richmond, Sampfon,
Moore, Robifon, Anion.
Thcie five diftrifts, beginning on the Virginia line, cover the
whole State weft of the three maritime diilritls before mention-
ed ; and the greater part of them extend quite acrols the State
from north to fouth,
CHIEF TOWNS,
Newbern^ Edenton, Wilmington, Halifax, Hillfborough, Salif-
bury, and Fayetteville, each in their turns have been the feat of
the General Affembly, At prefent they have no capital. Ac-
cording to the conflitution of this State, the General affemblies
are to meet at any place they think fit on their own adjournments.
The efFeft of this power was fuch as might be expefted, in a (late
where there is no very large city or town nearly central ;' it was
the fource of conf^ant intrigue and difquietude. The Affembly
feldom fat twice in fucceffion in tb^ fame place. The public
officers were fcattered over every 'pa it of the country. You
could feldom vifit the governor, the fecretary, the treaiurer, or
the comptroller, in lefs riding than two or three hundred miles.
Hence records were loft, accounts were badly kept, and the
State from that fingle misfortune, is fuppofed to have loft more
than amillion of dollars. It xvasequally clear toall parties that the
government fliould not be itenirant, and the convention which
met in the year i-ySS, to confider of the new federal conftitution
according to their inftruftions, took this part of their own con-
ftitution into their confideretion, and by a very fmall majority
refolved that the feat of government fhould befixedatlome place to
be agreed on by commiffioner^, within ten miles of Wake court-
houfe. This is a healthy and central fituation. But an aft of the
legiilatuve became necclTary to give effeft to this ordinance, and in
fubfequcnt allenibiics, there has been generally a fimilar majority.
OF NOR TH- CAROL IN A. 203
ihat is to fay, a majority of one or two to oppofe the ordinance.
The profits that might arifc to a few publicans and fhopkecpeis
at iome other town in which the AlTembly n-iight meet, occafion-
ed more atlivity and procured more votes than the patriotic defire
of terminating difputes and fecuring a quiet, orderly, and good
government. For the honour of reafon, by which men fliould
begoverencd rather than by paiTion, it is to be wilhcd that their
legiflatures, in fimilar circumftances, had not afted in a fimilar
manner.
The General AflTembly of the State, at their fcflTion in Decem-
ber, T-^gi, however, palled a law for carrying the ordinance into
efFefcl, and appropriated ten thoufand pounds towards erefting
public buildings.
JJEWBERN.
Newbern is the largeft town in the State. It ftands on a flat
fandy point of land, formed by the confluence of the rivers Neus
on the north, and Trent on the fouth. Oppofite the town, the
Neus is abciut a mile and a half, and the Trent three quarters of a
mile wide. The town contains about four hundred houfes,* all
built of wood, excepting the t; devant palace, the church, the jailand
two dwelling iioules, which are of brick. The palace is a building
erefted by the province before the revolution, and was formerly
the refidenceof the governors. It is large and elegant, two fto*
ries high, w^ith two wings for ofHccs, a liule advanced in front
towards the town ; thefe wings are connefted with the principal
building by a circular arcade. This once handfome and wcil-fur-
nifhed building, is now much out of repair. One of the halls is
now uled for a dancing, and the other for a fchool-room ; which
are the only prefent ules of this palace. The arms of tlie king of
Great Britain ftill appear in a pediment in front of the building.
The Epilcopal church is a fmall brick building, v.'ith a bell. It
is the only houfe for public worfliip in the place. A rum diftil-
lery has lately been erefted in this town. It is the county town
of Cravan county, and has a court-houfe and gaol. The court-
houfe is railed on brick arches fo as to render the lower part a
convenient market-place ; but the principal marketing is done
with the people in their canoes and boats at the river fide,
E D E N T o N .
Edentonis fltuatcd on the north fide of Albemarle found; and
has about one hundred and fifty indifl^erent wood houies, and a
* Ji) Septen^ber, 1791, near one thijrd part of this town was confusic^ by fije.
Dd a
204
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
few handfome buildings. It has a brick church for Epifcopallans.
■which for many years has been much neglefted, and ferves
only to fhew that the people once had a regard, at Icaft, for the
externals of religion. Its local fituation is advantageous for trade
but not for health. It is the county town of Chowan county,
apd has a court-houfe and gaol. In or near the town lived the
proprietary, and the firfl of the royal governors.
WILMINGTON^.
Wilmington is a town of about one hundred and eighty houfesi,
fituated on the eaft fide of the eaftern branch of Cape Fear or
Clarendon river, thirt^'-four miles from the fea. The courfe of
the river, as it paffes by the tov/n is from north to louth, and is
about one hundred and fifty yards wide,
In 1-786 a fire broke out, fuppofed to have been kindled b^'
the negroes, and confumed about twenty-five or thirty houfeij.
The town is rebuilding flowly.
HILLSBOROUGH.
Hillfborough is an inland town, fituated in a high, healthy,
and fertile country, one hundred and eighty miles north-weft
from Newbern. It is fettled by about fixty or ieventy families.
SALISBURY.
S-ilifbury is agreeably fituated, about five miles from Yadkin
river, and contains about ninety dwelling houfes.
HALIFAXo
Halifax is a nent little town : it ftands on the v/efiern bank of|
the Roanoke, about fix miles below the falls, and has about thii;:-
ty or forty dwelling houics.
FAYETTE VILL)
Fayetteville ftands on the weflfideof Clarendon, commonly
called Cape Fear river, and about a mile from its banks. It is
well-built on both fides of a creek, from which the town was
formerly called Crofs Creek. Two fmall creeks unite near th«
town, and an ifland, juft below the junftion, divides the creekj
Some perfon took it into his head that the creeks eroded eacl
other without mixing their waters: and the firangcnefs or mi-^
probability of the thing, as in many other calos, leeins ta.
have been the reafon, why it was believed. ^\ucc. the peace thisi
OF NORTH. CAROLINA. ao5
town has flourifhed, but a confiderable part of it was burnt in
1792. It is fituated on a lettlemcnt of Scotch Highlanders.
WASHINGTON.
Wafliington is fituated in the county of Beaufort, on the
north fide of Tar river, in latitude 35'' 30', diflant from Ocre-
cok inlet ninety miles. From this town is exported tobacco
of the Pcterfburgh, quality pork, beef, Indian corn, peas, bearis
pitch, tar, turpentine, rofm, &.c. and pine boards, fhinglcs and
oak ftavcs. About one hundred and thirty velTels enter an-
nually at the cuflom-houfe in this town.
G R E E N E V I L L E ,
Grceneville, fo called after Major-general Nathaniel Greene,
•5 fituated in Pitt county, on the ibuth bank of Tar river, in
latitude 35O g^f^'diftant from Ocrecok inlet one hundred and
ten miles. At this town there is an academy eftabliflied, called
the Pitt Academy.
TARBOROUGH.
Tarborough is fituated in the county of Edgecornb, on the
fouth bank of Tar river, in latitude 35° 45', diftant from Ocre-
pck inlet one hundred and forty m:lcs. At this town large
quantities of tobacco of the Peterfburgh quality, pork, beef and
iudian corn, are coUeCled for exportation.
POPULATION.
From the marflial's return it appears, that the number of in-
^ Jiabitants, in the year 1791, was tlirce hundred and ninety-
three thoufand ieven hundred and fifty-one, of whom two
hundred and ninety-three thoufand one hundred and ieventy-
nine vere cit-'zens: perhaps there are few inftances of fuch a
rapid increaie of inhabitants as we find in this State ; in the
year 1710, we are well alfured, that the number of inhabitants
in Norih-Carolina did not exceed fix tlioufand : this extraordi-
Tiary increafe nuill arife, in a great meaiure, from the migration
of inhabitunts from other States, or from dillant countries;
but this Will not fully account for the prclent ftatc of popula-
tion in N >i th-Carolina. By examining the return, we find
there are one hundred and forty-feven thouiand four hundred
and ninety-four white male iniiabuants; we alio find, that the
number of males under fixtccn years exceed the number above
2,o6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
•fixteen, by fcven thoufand five hundred and eighteen, which is
about one nineteenth of the whole. This is a very remarkable
faft, as it reipefts the increaie of the human Ipecies. We find
a fmall difference in the States of Delaware, Virginia and
Georgia, in favour of thofe under fixteen. The difterence in
Kentucky is fimilar to that of North-Carolina. In the other
States, the number above fixteen is greateft, and in the feveral
kingdoms in Europe, as far as our information reaches, the
inhabitants abo«\'e fixteen are univerially much more numerous
than thofe under that age. The great diifcrence that appears
in North-Carolina in favour of children, cannot be explained
by fuppoftng that the cliniate is fickly, for we know that fuch
climates are equally fatal to young and old. The idea too of a
iickly climate does not accord with the prodigious increafe . of
inhabitants in this State, nor with another faft, viz. that thevr.
is a confiderable proportion of very old inhabitants in the State.
To explain this we muft oblerve, that the human fpecies, and
all other animals, are found to increafe in proportion to the
comforts of life, and the eafe v.:ith which they can fupport their
progeny, kemove the rigours of an inhofpitable climate, and
the more uniform diffuafive to matrimony, tin apprehended dijfi^
cutty of fupporting a family, and the human fpecies would double
not in twenty but in fifteen years. In North- Carolina, neither
the cold of winter, nor the heat of fummer, are in the back
country at all difagreeable : land continues to be plenty and
cheap ; grain is raifed with fo much eafe, and the trouble of
providing for cattle in winter fo trifling, that a man fupyjorts
his family with half the labour that is required in the cold cli-
mates. Under thefe advantages, we are not to wonder that
people in all ranks of life fhould marry very young ; we have
heard of grandmothers in this State who were not more than
twenty-feven years old.
The following tables fhew the proportion of population in
(the different parts of the State, according to the return made irj
OF NORTH-CAROLINA. -d-f
EDENTON DISTRICT.
COUNTIES.
<o
G
S
;
0-3
«
)-t
"S 5=
6
4J
P-,
Rc;
e pu
U
^
IS
<J is
^
>
.
«j 2
u
«J
o
o
a
^ n
£ -3
;3h
^
M
iZ >.
<:
J^
H
ing town of Eden-
ton, . - - -
Perquimons,
Palquotank, -
Camden, - - -
Currituck,
Gates, - - -
Meitfoid, - -
iiertie, - - -
Tyn-el, - - -
/
i8io
1480
i960
1533
177:
10^88
37
30
1 1
93
216
348
_3/i
25»C
187S
1623
1038
22 10
2442
5141
11 6(
1 0 1 Q
501 ]
5440
5497
403 c
5219
539'^
I 260-
/( 7 ^ /'
N E W B E R N D I S T Pv I C T.
L raven, luciudnij^ ^
town of Newbern. J
Jones,
Johnfton,
bobbs, -
Wayne, -
Pitt, - -
Beaufort, -
Hyde, - -
arte ret. -
73*^
1039
116-
1064
146 1
951
795
T 1 8
Q ^1 '^ "
79^-
1119
1293
1219
150T
9?(
TIC
70-
0 iS ■' 1
154:
2083
247B
2256
29 1
1824
If) 34 8
3i7
3^0^'
70
1681
N
1325
45
1915
37
1557
~i-
2307
129
ib3^
37
io^j8
92
I836
7 ' '-
1 5 900
0-169
4822
5634
6893
6^33
8275
5462
41 20
373^
..S4 0
W I L M I N G T O N DISTRICT.
New-Hanovei , m- "^
eluding Wilm- V
83.
695
1497
67
3738
6831
ington, - - -J
.'ii'unfwick, -
380
398
779
3
1511
3071
•ihden, - - - .
837
80c
168'-
58
1676
5084
Duplin, - - - -
1035
1187
205/
1383
5662
Onilow, - - - .
8-8
OQ'
7 80 1
8.
J 1 ;
17.8
5387
3^Ji^i
40 n^
oo-s:-!
'■>-'' 02.^
S.98 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
FAYETTE DISTRICT.
COUNTIES.
•■O
II
-a
S °
CJ
It
S
u
flj
P-,
u
u
0
<
0
CO
0
H
Cumb.erlana, in- 'I
eluding Fayette- \
1791
1557
3059
83
2i8j
8671
viUe, - - - J
Moore, - - - -
B49
968
157c
12
37'
377°
Richmond,
109!^
1 20f
21 it
5-
5«:
5055
Robifon, - - - -
1131
114!
224..
27-
53l^
5326
Samplon, - - - -
114s
128i
2311
• 14c
118.
6065
Anfon, - - - -
10,'^ -:i
11 8,'
204'
41
- 60?
82b
nJ33
"lO.'-'
1 0 3 r i
-,07.
3 ,020
HAL
I F A
X DISTRICT.
Halifax, includiao '^
town of Halifax, J
183,5
177b
3403
443
65ot
13965
Northampton, - -
133 J
127 ,'-.;
2503
46'-
4409
9981I
Warren, - - - -
1070
1319
2220
6t;
472c
9397
Franklin, - - - -
1089
140c
2316
37
2717
7559
Nafh, - - - - -
1M3
1426
2627
188
2009
7393
Edgecombe, - -
16,59
1870
3495
7c
315''
10255
Martin, - - - -
1 Of^ !l
1000
202?
0'
1889
6080
9194
!Oo8.
18581-.
13^-i
i,5 40L-
04030
H I L L S B
0 R C
> U G I
I DISTRICT
• >range, including 1
Hillfborougo, - J
2433
2709
49 ^ 3
101
2060
1 2 2,1 6
Granville, - -
1,581
1870
30.50
3'£
41 ^'3
logS'.'
Calwell, - - - -
i8pi
2110
3377
7-
2736
1009^
Wake, - - - -
177-
2080
3688
180
24^0
10192
Jhatham, - - - -
175^'
2160
3664
p
163-
9221
Randolph,
1582
^95'-
3266
24
4.S2
7^7'
109:^.5
12893
21958
701
13."'°
,59 :■) 8 ■:!
0 F NO RTII- CAROL IN A.
SALISBUPvY DISTRICT.
209
1X5
ji
^i
3
^
i2
-i ?
—•
I3
a^
2 0-,
P .
6
V
COUNTIES,
JJ ^
^
_c «
-c -i.
IH
^2
^<X5
^
0
^
SJ ?,
U D
-<
H
li.
u<-o
tM
rjd
Rowan, incluJiug 1
Salifourv, - J
3288^
3837
6864
97
174?
15828
Meckleubuigh,
2378
2573
477'
70
1603
11395
Iredell, - - -
1118
1217
2 2 3y
3
858
5435
iMontgomory,
907
1121
1798
5
834
4725
Guilford, - - .
1607
1799
3242
27
' 51^
7191
Rockingham - -
1173
1413
2491
10
; 1100
6107
Surry, - - - .
1.531
1762
3i«3
17
i ^9«
719'
Stokes, . - -
1846
2104
377^
13
787
8528
1 ,qQo8
15826
28366
242
1 8138
' 66480
MORGAN DISTRICT.
Burke,
Wilkes, -
Rutherford,
Lincoln, -
1716
1614
1584
2058
6972
2111
2252
2145
2294
3685
3726
3463
3937
880?.! 14811
595
549
614
935
«ii»
8143
7808
9224
_26q2^_3^3
SUMMARY OF POPULATION.
Edenton Diflrift,
Newborn do.
Wilmington do. -
Fayette do. - -
Halifax do. - -
IliliriTorough do,
S.ililbury do. - -
Morgan do.
8394
8696I
16488
9635 9821
19348
3914; 4049
7801
7046
7335
13352
9194
10084
18586
109;? ;^
1289Q
21958
13908
15826
28366
6972
8802
1481 1
69988
77506
140710J
994
836
215
608
364
701
242
15
19198
15900
10053
5679
25402
13^06
8138
2693
100571
53770
55540
2603
340'-!0
64630
5Q^)^3
664S0
33293
39,^7 ■^i
r
To the return the following note was prefixed :
" The Marfhal begs leave to obfervc, that the afTiflants liav-
ng not returned the numbers of the diflcrent towns leparate
from the counti-es in v>rhich they were fituated, renders it out
Vol. in. E c
no GENERAL DESCRIPTION
of his power to make a dlftinft return of them, but is fatisfied
that not one town in North-Carolina contains more than two
thoufand inhabitants.
What is the prefent number of inhabitants cannot be deter-
mined with precifion ; but, on the mod moderate calculation,
they muft be more tiian four hundred and feventy thouland.
RELIGION AND CHARACTER.
The wefcern parts of this State, which have been fettled
Ivithin the laft forty years, are chiefly inhabited by Prefbyterians
from Pennfylvania, the defcendants of people from the north
of Ireland; and are exceedingly attached to the doftrines, dilci-
pline and ufagCs of the church of Scotland. They are a regular,
indudnous people. Almofh all the inhabitants between the
Catawba and Yadkin rivers are of this denomination, and they
are in general well lupplied with a feniible and learned minif"
try. There are interfperled fome fettlements of Germans,
both Lutherans and Calvinifts, but they have very few minif-
ters.
The Moravians have feveral flourifhing fettlements in this
State. In 1751 they purchafed of Lord Granville one hun-
dred thoufand acres of land, between the Dan and Yadkin rivers,
about ten miles fouth of Pilot mountain, in Surry county, and
called it Wachovia, after an eftate of Count Zinzendorf, in
Auflria. In 1755, this traft, by an aft of Afl'embly, was made a
I'eparate parifh by the name of Dobb's parifh. The firfl Icttle-
ment called Bethabara, was begun in 1753 by a number of the
brethren from Pennfylvania, in a very wild uninhabited country,
which, from that time, began to be rapidly fettled by farmers
from the Middle States.
In 1759, Betliany, a regular village, was Lid out and iettled.
In 1766, Salem, which is now their principal fettlement, and
nearly in the center of Wachovia, was fettled by a colleftion
of tradefmen. The fame conllitution and regulations are efta-
bliflied here as in other regular fettlements of the united bre-
thren. Befides, there are in Wachovia three churches, one in
Friedland, one in Friedb;n-gh, and anotlier at Hope, each of
which has a m.Iniiler of the brethren's church. Tliefe people,
by their induftry and attention to various branches of manu-
fafture, are very ufeful to the country around them.
The friends, or Quukers, have a fettlement at New-Garden
in Guilford county, and levcral congregations at perquimins
OF NORTH-CAROLINA. 211
and Pafquotank. The Melhodifls and Baptifts are numerous
and increafing. Befides the denominations already mentioned
there is a very numerous body of people in this, and in all the
Southern States, who cannot properly be claiTed with any
feft of ChVillians, having never made any profeffion of Chrif-
tianity.
Thfc inhabitants of Wilmington, Newbern, Edenton, and
plalifax diftritls, making about thi-ee-fifths of the State, once
profefTcd ihemfelves of the Epilcopal church; the clergy in
thcfe diflri^i.3 were chiefly millionaries, and in forming their
political attachments, at the commencement of the late war,
perfonal fafety, or real intereft, or perhaps a conviftion of the
impolicy of oppofitg Great-Britain, from whence they received
their falaries, induced them almoft univerfally to declare them^
felves in favour of the Britifh government, and to emigrate.
There may be one or two of the original clergy remaining, but
at prefent they have no particular paftoral charge; indeed the
inhabitants in the diftrifts above mentioned feem now to be mak-
ing the experiment, whether Chriftianity can exift long in a
country where there is no vifible Chriftian church: the Bap-
tifts and Methodifts have fent a number of million a ry preacliers
into thefe diftrifts, and fome of tJiem have large congregations :
it is probable, that one or the other of thefe denominationSj
and perhaps both, may acquire confiilency, and eftablifh perma-
nent churches.
The North-Carolinians are moftly pkuiters, and live from half
a mile to tliree and four miles from each other on their planta-
tions ; they have a plentiful country, no re.dy market for their
produce, little intercourfe with ftrangers, z\}d a natural fond-
nefs for fociety, which induce them to be hofpitable to ftran-
gers.
The general topics of converfation among the men, wlien
cards, the bottle, and occurrences of the day do nat intervene
are negroes, the prices of indigo, rice, tobacco, tic. They
appear to have little tafte for the fciences, Political inquiries
and philofophical difquiiitions are attended to but by a few men
of genius and induftry, and are too laborious at prefent for the
minds of the people at large in this State, Lefs attention and
refpeft are paid to the women here, than in thofe parts cf the
United States where the inhabitants have made greater prf^grefs
in the arts of civilifed life ; indeed it is a truth confirmed by
obfervation, that in proportion to the advancement of civiiizar
tion, in the fame proportion will refpeft for the women be
?ncreafed; fo that the progrefs of civilization irj countries, ift
E e g
212 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
ilates, in towns, and in families, may be marked by the degree
of attention which is paid by HufDands to their wives, and by
the young men to the young women.
Temperance and induftry are not to be reckoned among the
virtues of the North-Carolinians; the time which tiiey wafte
in drinking, idling and gambling, leaves them very little oppor-
tunity to improve their plantations or their minds ; the im-
provement of the former is left to their overfeers and negroes ;
the improvement of the latter is too often neglefcled. Were
the time which is thus wafted fpent in cultivating the foil, and
in trealuring up knowledge, they might be boili wealthy and
learned : for they have a produftive country', and are by no
means deftitute of genius.
Time that is not employed in fludy or ufcful labour, in
every country, is generally fpent in hurtful or innocent exercifes,
according to the cuftom of the place, or the tafte of the par-
tics. The citizens of North-Carolina, who are not better em-
ployed, fpend their time in drinking, or gaming at cards and
dice, cock-fighting or horfe-racing.
A flrange and very barbarous praftice prevailed among the
lower clafs of the people befoie the revolution, in the back
paits of Virginia, North anc|. South Carolinas, and Georgia ;
it was called gouging, and was neither more nor lels than a man
when, boxing, putting ouS; the eye of his antagonift with his
thumb. How quick under a mild and upright govern-
ment, IS THE REFORMATION OF MANNERS I In a particular
county in this State, where, at the quarterly court twenty years
ago, a day leldom pjfled without ten or fifteen boxing matches ,
jt is now a rare thing to hear of a fight.
North-Carolina, as already oblerved, has had a rapid growth
in the year i^IO it contained but about twelve hundred fencible]
men ; it is now, in point of num.bers, the fourth State in thej
Union. Durring this amazing progrcls in population, which I
has been greatly aided by emigrations from Pennfylvania, Vir-'j
ginia, and other States, while each has been endeavouring to in-
creale his fortune^ the human mind, like an unweeded garden,
has been lufFered to fhoot up in wild dilorder. But when we con-J
fidcr, (hat, during the late revolution, this State produced many |
diftir^juiflied patriots and politicians, that fhe fent her thou-
fand?: to tlie defence of Georgia and South-Carolina, and ga\'ej
occ?rional fuccours to Virginia ; when we confider, too, theS
dilSculties fhe had to encounter from a mixture of inhabi-]
tan's, [coIlc6led from different parts, ftrangers to each other.
OF NO RTH-CAROLINA. 215
and intent upon gain, we fhall find many things in their gene-
ral charaftcr worthy of praife.
TRADE AND MANUFACTURES.
A great proportion of the produce of the back country, con-
lifting of tobacco, wheat. Indian corn, &c. is carried to market
in South-Carolina and Virginia. The iouthern interior countries
carry their produce to Chavicfton ; and the northern to Pelerf-
burgh in Virginia. The exports from the lower parts of the State
are tar, pitch, turpentine, rofin, Indian corn, boards, Icantling,
(laves, fiiingles, furs, tobacco, pork, lard, tallow, bees-wax>
myrtle-wax, and a few other articles, amounting in the year, end-
ing September 30th, 1791, to five hundred and t,wenty-four
thoufand five hundred and forty-eight dollars. Their trade is
chiefly with the Weft-Indies and the northern States. From the
latter they receive flour, cheele, cyder, apples, potatoes, ii-on
wares, cabinet wares, hats, and dry goods of all kinds imported
from Great-Britain, France, and Holland, teas, &c. From the
Weft-Indies, rum, fugar, and, coffee.
It is no uncommon thing for the farmer to mark from five hun-
dred to one thoufmd calves in a year. No farther attention is
paid to them till they are fit for flaughter ; then they are taken
up, killed, barrelled and fent to llie M^eft-India market. Their
pork is raifed with as little trouble ; Inrge quantities of which be-
fore the war, were lent to New-England, particularly to Eofton
and Salem.
The late war, by which North-Carolina was greatly convulfed,
put a ftop to feveral iron works. At prefent there are four or
five furnaces in the State that are in hlaft, and a proportionable
number of forges. There is one in Guildford county, one in
Surry, and one in Wilkes, all on the Yadkin, and one in Lin-
coln. The quality bf the iron is excellent.
One paper mill has lately been eretled at Salem by the Mora-
vians to great advantage.
COLLEGES AND ACADEMIES.
The General Afl"embly of l)^rth-Carolina, in December, 1789,
palTed a law incorporating forty gentlemen, five from each di.'l
trift, as truftees of the univerfity of North-Carolina ; to this
univerfity they gave, by a fubfequent law, all the debts due to
the State from fheriffs or other holders of public money, and
which had been due before the year 1783 ; they alio gave it all
2 14 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
efcheated property within the State. Whenever the truaeeafhall
have colkaed a fufficient Turn of the old debts, or from the iale
of efcheated property, the value of which is confiderable, to pay
the cxpenfe of ereaing buildings ; they are to fix on a proper
place, and proceed in the finifhing of them : a confiderable quan-
tity of land has already been given to the univerfity, and the Gen-
eral Affembly, m December, 1791, loaned five thoufand pounds
to the truflees, to enable them to proceed immediately with the
buildings.
There is a very good academy at Warrenton, another at Wil-
liamfborough in Granville, and three or four others in the State,
of confiderable note.
C O N.S T I T U T I O N.
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.
I. That all political power is vefted in and derived from the
people only.
II. That the people of this State ought to have the fole and ex-
clufive right of regulating the internal government and police
thereof.
III. That no man, or fet of men are entitled to exclufivc or
feparate emoluments or privileges from the community, but in
confideration of public fervices.
IV. That the legifiative, executive, and fuprem.e judicial pow-
ers of government ought to be for ever feparate and diftinft from
each Gther,
V. I'hat all powers offufpending hws, or the execution of
ia\ys, by any authority, without the confent of the reprelentatii'es
of the peoplcj is injurious to tlieir rights, and ought not tobe ex-
ercifed.
VI. That elections of members to ferve as reprefentativcs in
General Afiembly ought to be free,
VII. That in all criminal profecutions every man has a right to
be informed of the acculatipn againft him, and to confront the ac-
cufers and witnelfes with other te^iDon^/, apd lliall not be com-
pelled to give evidence ag^infl; hirnfelf,
VIII. That no freeman fnall be put to anfwer any criminal
charge but by indiftment, prefcntmeinj or impeachment.
OF NORTH.CARO L IN A. 215
IX. That no freeman fh.ill be conviftsd of any crime, but by
the unanimous vcrdi61 oF a jury oF go.id and lawful men, in open
court as heretofore uled.
X. That cxceiTive bail fhall not be required, nor excefTive
fines impofed, nor cruel or uauLual punifhments infliclcd.
XI. That gcnei-iil warrants, whereby an officer or meffenger
m;iy be commanded to fearch iulpeftcd places without evidence
of the faft commitred, or to leizc any perlbn or perions not
named, whole olTciices arc not particularly defcribed and lup-
ported by evidence, are dangerous toliberty, and ought not to be
granted.
XII. That no freeman ought to be taken, imprifoned, or dif-
leized of his freehold, liberties, or privileges, or outlawed or ex-
iled, or in any manner dcilroycd or deprived of his life, liberty,
or property, but by the law of the land.
XIII. That every freeman reftrained of his liberty, is intitled
to a remedy, to inquire into the lawfulnefs thereof, and to remove
the fame if unlawful, and that luch remedy ought not to be deni-
ed or delayed.
XIV. "I'hat in all controverfies at law refpefting property, the
ancient mode of trial by jury is one of the bed lecurities of the
I'ightsof the people, and ought to remain facrcdand inviolable.
XV. That the freedom ot the preis is one of the great bulwarks
of liberty, and therefore ought never to be reftrained.
XVI. That the people of this State ought not to be taxed, or
TCade fubjcft to the payment of any impoft or duty, without the
confent of themlelvcs, or their reprefentativcs in General Affem-
bly freely given.
XVI L That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence
of the State ; and as Handing armies in time of peace arcdanger-
dus to liberty, they ought not to be kept up; and that the mili-
tary fhould be kept under ftri6l fubordination to, and governed
by the civil power.
XVIII. That the people have a right to affemble together, to
conlult for their common good, to inftruft their repreien,tatives,
and to applv to the legiHature for rtdrefs of grievances.
XIX. That?il men have a natural and unalienable right to wojf-
fhip Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conic:-
ences.
XX. That for rcdrefs of grievances, and for amending and
ftrengthening the Isws. clc£lions ought to be often held.
2i5 GENEkAL DESCRIPTION
XXI. That a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is
abfolutely necelTary to prefcrve the bleffings of liberty.
XXII. That no hereditary emoluments, privileges, or honours
ought to be granted or conferred in this State.
XXIII. That perpetuities and monopolies are contrary to the
genius of a free ftate, and ought not be allowed.
XXIV. That retrofpeftive hws, punidiing fafts committed be-
fore the exiftcnce of fuch laws, and by them only declared crimi-
nal, arc oppreffive, unjuft, and incompatible with liberty, wb^fe-
fore no ex pojl. faSlo law ought to be made.
XXV. The property of the foil in a free government being one
of the effential rights of tlie colle£live body of the people, it is
necelfary, in order to avoid future difputes, that the limits of
the State (hould be afcertained with precifion ; and as the former
temporary line between North and South-Carolina was confirm-
ed and extended by commiffioners, appointed by the legifla-
tuies of the two States, agreeable to the order of the late King
George II. in council, that line, and that only, fhould be efleem-
edthe fouthern boundary of this State ; that is to Jay, beginning
on the fea fide at a cedar flake, at or near the mouth of Little riv-
er, being the fouthern extremity of Brunfwick Jcounty, and run-
:^iing from thence a north-wefl courfe through the Boundary Houfe
ivhich {lands in thirty-three degrees fifty-fix minutes, to thirty-
five degrees north latitude, and from thence a well courfe, fo far
as is mentioned, in the ch.irtcr of King Charles II. to the late pro-
prietors of Carolina. Therefore all the territory, feas, waters,
and harbours, with their appurtenances, lying between tlie line
above dclcribed, and the fouthern line of the State of Virginia,
which begins on the fea-fliore, in thirty-fix degrees thirty-minutes
north latitude, and from thence runs weft, agreeable to tlie laid
charter of King Charles, are the right and property of the people
of this State, 1%^ be held by them in fovereignty ; any partial line,
urithout the conlent of the legiflalure of this State, at any time
thereafter dircfted or laid out in any wile notliwithftanding.
Provided always, that this declaration of rights fliall not prejudice
any nation or nations of Indians from enjoying fuch huntino-
grounds as may liave been, or hereafter fliall be fecurcd to them
by any former or future legiilature of this State. And provided
alfo, That it fliall not be conflrued fo as to prevent the cdabliOi-
ment ot one or more governir.cnts Vv'cftward of this Stale, by
couierit of the Icgiflature. And provided further, That no-
thing herein contained flaall affefl the titles or ooiTcfiions ofir.-
OF NORTH-CAROLINA. ziy
divlduals, holding or claiming under the laws heretofore in
force, or grants heretofore made by the late King George II. or
his predecellors, or the late lords proprietors, or ^ny of them.
FRAME OF eOVERWMENT,
Whereas allegiance and protcftion are' in their nature recipro*
cal, and the one fliould of right be refufed when the other is
withdrawn ; and whereas George the Third, King of Great-
Britain, and late fovereign of the Britifh American Colonies,
hath not only withdrawn from them his proteftion, but by an
aft of Britifh legiflature, declared the inhabitants of thefe States
out of the proteftion of the Britifli crown, and all their proper-
ty found upon the high feas liable to be feized and confifcated to
the ufes mentioned in the faid aft ; and the faid George the
Third has alfo fent fleets and armies to profecute a cruel war
againfi; them, for the purpofe of reducing the inhabitants of the
faid Colonies to a ftate of abjeft flavery ; in confequ^nce where-
of, all government under the laid King, within the faid Colonies
hath ceal'ed, and a total dilTolution of government in many of
them hath taken place : and whereas the continental Congrel's
having confidered the premifes, and other previous violations of
the rights of the good people of America, have therefove declar-
ed, that the thirteen United Colonics are of right wholly nhfolv-
ed from all allegiance to the Britifh crown, or any other foreign
jurifdiftion whatfoever ; and that the faid Colonies how are, and
forever fhall be, free and independent States: v.^herefore, in our
prefent ftate, in order to prevent anarchy and confufion, it be-
comes neceffary that government fhould be eflabliPaed in this
State ; therefore we, thereprefentatives of the freeman of North-
Carolina, chofen and afl'embled iq Congreis, for the expreis
purpofe of framing a conllitution, under the authority of the
people, moft. conducive to their happinels and ptofperity, do
declare, that a government for this State fhall be eftablifiied \a
manner and form following, to wit :
I. That the legiflative authority fhall be vefted in two diftinO;
branches, both dependent on the people, to wit, a Senate, and
JiousE OF Commons.
II. That the Senate fhall be compofedof repreientatives annu-
ally chofen by ballot, one for each county in the State.
III. That the Houfe of Commons fiiall be compofed of repro
fentatives annually chofen by ballot, two for each county, anil
Vpu III, ff
ai8
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
one for euch of the towns of Edenton, Nevv'bern, Wilir\ir!gton,
Saliibury, Hillfborough, and. Halifax.
IV. That the Senate and Houfe of Commons, afff-rnhlcd for
the purpofe of legifhtion, fhali be denominated, The GtNE-
RAL Assembly.
V. That each member of the Senate flmll have ufually rsfid-
cd in the county in v/hich he is chofen, for one year im-
mediately preceding his ekftion, and for the fame time Hiall
have poflTcfTed and continue to poflfei's, in tiie county which
he reprelents, not lefs than three hundred acres o't land uv
fee,
VI. That each member of the Houfc of Commons fhjll have
ufually refided in the county in which he is choien, for one year
immediately preceding his ekftion, and for (ix months !'h;:il have
poffefled and continue to polfefs in the county which he repie-
fents, not lefs than one hundred acres of land in fee, or fu" the
term of his own h'fe.
VII. That all freemen of the age of twenty-one years, ivho
have been inhabitants of any one county within the State
twelve months immediately preceding the day of any eieCLinn,
and poiTeffed of a freehold within the fame county, of fifty acres
of land for fix months next before, and at the day of ek0.ion,
fhal} be entitled to vote for a member of the Senate,'
VIII. That all freemen of the age of twenty-one years, who
have been inhabitants of any county witliin the State twelve
months immediately preceding the day of any eieclion, and fh '11'
have paid public taxes, fhall be entitled to vote for members of,
the Houle of Commons for the county in v/hich he rchdes.
IX. That all perlons polTelfed of a freehold in any town in
this State having a right of reprtfentation, and alio all Ireemen
who have been inhabitants of any iuch town twelve months
next before, and at the day of election, ana fhall have paid pub-
lic taxes, fhall be entitled to vote for a member to reprefent fuchJ
town in the Houfe of Commons, Provided always, That this
feftion fhall not entitle any inhabitants of Inch town to vote foi
members of the Houle of Commons for the county in Vvhich he
may refide, nor any freeholder in iuch county wl^io reiidcs with-
out or beyond the limits of fuch town, to vote lor a member fol
faid town. .
X. That the Senate and Houfe of Commons when rnet, Ihail eacl
have power to choofe a fpeaker,and other their ofhcers; be judges ofl
OF NO RTH. CAROLINA. 219
this qualifications and eleftions of their members ; fit upon their
own udjoLinvipnis from day to day ; and prepare bills to be paffed
into laws. The two Ui'urcsfliall direft writs of cleftion for lup-
plying intermediate vacancies, and fliall alfo jointly, byballot. ad-
journ therni'elves to any future day and place.
XI. Thar all bills fhall be read three times in each Houfe be-
fore they pals into laws, and be figned by the Ipeaker of both
Hcufes.
XII. That every pcrfon who fliall be chofen a member of tlie
Senate or Houfe of Commons, or appointed to any office or place
of trufl, before taking his (eat, or entering upon the execution of
Iris office, fliall take an oath to the State, and all officers fliall alfo
take an oalli of office.
XIII. That the General Affem/oly fhall, by joint ballot of
both Koijfes, appoint judges of the fuprcme courts of law and
equity, judges of ado^-iralty, and attorney-general, wiio fhall be
commiffionedby tl;c governor, and hold their offices durino aood
behaviour.
XIV. That the Senate and Houfe of Commons fliall have
power to appoint the generals and field officers or the militia,
and all officers of the regular army of this State.
XV. That the Senate and Houfe of Commons, jointly, at
their firft meeting after each annual election, fliall by ballot elcft
a governor for one year, who fliall not be eligible to that office
longer than three years in fix fucceffive years. That no perloa
under thirty years of age, and who has not been a rcfidcnt in
this State above five years, and having in the State a fiechuld
in lands and tenements above the value of one thouland pounds,
fnall be eligible as a governor.
XVI. That the Senate and Houfe of Commons, jointly, at their
fiift meeting after eacii annual eleftion, fliall by ballot eleft feven
perlons to be a council of Hate for one year, who fhall advife the
governor in the execution of his office, and that four mcmabcrs
fliall .he a quo'um. Their adviceand proceedings fliall be entered
in ? journal to be kept for that purpofe only, and figned by the
mcmbeis prclent to any part of which jny member prefent imy
enter his diifent. And fuch journals fliall be laid before the Ge-
neral Aflembly, when calledfor by them.
XVII. That there fliall be a feal of this State, which flinll be
kept by the goveruur, and ufed by him as occafion may lequire ;
Ff
220 CENEkAL DESCniPTION
and fhall be called, The Great Seal of the State of North-Cafotihd^
and fhall be affixed to all grants and commiflions.
XVIIL The governor for the time being fhall be Captain-ge-
neral and commander in chief of the militia ■ and in the recefs of
the General Aflembly fliall have power, b)'- and with the advice
of the Council of State, to embody the militia for the public fafe-
XIX. That the governor for the time being fhall have
power to draw for, and apply fuch iums of money as fliall be
voted by the General Affembly for the contingencies of govern-
ment, and be accountable to them for the fame. He alfo may,
by and with the advice of the Council of State, lay embargoeSj
or prohibit the exportation of any comrnodity, for any term not
exceeding thirty days at any one time, in the recefs of the Gene*,
ral Aifembly ; and fhall have the power of granting pardons
and reprieves, except where the profecution fhall be carried on
by the General Affcmby, or the law fhall otherwife dire6l ; in
which cafe he may, in the recefs, grant a reprieve until the next
fitting of the General Affembly ; and may exercife all the other
executive powers of government, limited and reflrained as by
this Conftitution is mentioned, and according to the laws of the
State. And on his death, inabilty or abfence from the State*
the fpcakerof the Senate for the time being, and in cafe of his death
inability, or abfence from the State, the fpeaker of tire Houfe of
Commons, fhall exercife the powers of government after fuch
death, or during fuch abfence or inability of the governor or
fpeaker of the Senate, or until a nevv' nomination is made "by the
General Affembly.
XX. That in every cafe where any officer, the right of whofe
appointment is by this conftitution veffed in the General Affem-
bly, fhall during their recefs die, or his office by other means be»
come vagant, the governor ffiall have power, with the advice of
the Council of State, to fill up fuch vacancy by granting a tem-
porary commiffion, which fhall expire at the end of the next
feffion of the General Affembly.
XXI. That the governor, judges of the fupreme court of law
and equitv, judges of admiralty, and attorney-general, ffiall have
adequate falaries during their continuance in office.
XXII. That the General Affembly ffiall, by joint ballot of both
Houfes, annually appoint a Treafurer or Treafurers for this
State.
OF NOkTti.CAROLtNA, 221
XXIII. That the governor and other officers offending
againft the State, by violating any part of this conflitution,
mal-adminillration, or corruption, may be profecuted on the
inipeacliment of the General Aflembly, or prefentment of
the grand jury of any court of fupreme jurildiftion in this
State*
XXIV. That the General Affembly fhall by joint ballot of
both Houfes, triennially appoint a fecretary for this State.
XXV. That no perfons who heretofore have been, of
hereafter may be receivers of public monies, fhall have a feat
in either Houfe of General Affembly, or be eligible to any
office in this State, until fuch perfon fhall have fully accounted
for and paid into the treafury all fums for which they may be
accountable and liable.
XXVI. That no treafurer fhall have a feat either in the
Senate, Houfe of Commons, or Council of State, during his
continuance in that office, or before he fhall have finally fettled
his accounts with the public for all the monies which may be
in his hands, at the expiration of his office belonging to the
State, and hath paid the fame into the hands of the fucceeding
treafurer.
XXVII. That no officer in the regular army or navy in
the fervice and pay of the United States, of this or any other
State, nor any contractor or agent for fupplying fuch army or
navy with cloathing or provifions, fhall have a feat either
in the Senate, Houie of Commons, or Council of State, or
be eligible thereto ; and any member of the Senate, Houfe
of Commons, or Council of State, being appointed to, and
accepting of fuch office, fhall thereby vacate his feat.
XXVIII. That no member of the Council of State fhall
have a feat either in the Senate or Houfe of Commons.
XXIX. That no judge of the fupreme court of law or equi-
ty, or judge of admiralty, fhall have a feat in the Senate, Houfe
of Commons, or Council of State.
XXX. That no fecretary of this State, attorney-general, or
clerk of any court of record, fhall have a feat in the Senate,
Houfe of Commons, or Council of State.
XXXI. That no clergymen or preacher of the gofpel, of
any denominatioa, fhall be capable of being a member of
either the Senate, Houfe of Commons, or Council of State,
while he continues in the exercife of the pafloral funftion.
222 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
XXXII. That no p-erfon who (hall deny the being of God,
or the truth of the Proteftant religion, or the divine authority
either of the Old or New Teftament, or who fhall hold
religious principles incompatible with the freedom and fafety
of the State, fhiU be capable of holding any office, or place o
truft or profit in the civil department within this State,
XXXIII. That the juflices of the peace within their ref-
peftive counties in this State, flaall in future be recommended
to the governor for the time being, by the repre'entatives in
General Affembly, and the governor fliall commiffion them
accordingly; and the juflices, when fo commiffioned, fhali hold
their offices during good behaviour, and fhall not be removed
from office by the General Affembly, unlcfs for mifbehaviour,
ablence, or inability.
XXXIV. That there flaall be no eftablifliment of any one
reMgicms church or denomination in this State in preference
to any other; neither fhall any perfon, on any pretence what-
foever, be compelled to attend any place of worfhip contrary
to his own faith or judgment ; nor be obliged to pay for the
purchafe or any glebe, or the building of any houfe of worfhip
or for the maintenance of any minifter or miniilry, contrary
to what he believes right, or has voluntarily and perfonally
engaged to perform ; but all perfons fliall be at liberty to exer-
cife their own mode of worfhip. Provided, that nothing herein
contained fliall be conftrued to exempt preachers of treafonable
or feditions difcourfes from legal trial and pnnifhment.
XXXV. That no perfon in this State fhall hold more than
one lucrative office at any one time. Provided, that no appoint.
ment in the militia, or the office of a juftice of the peace, fhall
be confidered as a lucrative office.
XXXVI. That all commiffions and grants fliall run in the
name of The State of North-Carolina, and bear teft, and be
iigned bv the governor. AU writs ftiall run in the fame man-
ner, and bear tcft, and be fignt-d by the clerks of the refpeftivc
courts. Indiftments fliall conclude, Againji the peace and dig-
nity of the State.
XXXVII. That the delegates for this State to the
Continental Congrels, while neceflfary, fhall be chofen annu-
ally by the General Allcmbly by ballot, but may be fuperfeded
in the mean time in the lame manner; and no pcrlon ffiall be
eletled to ferve in that capacity for more than three years
fucceffively.
XXXVIII. That there fliall be a flieriff, coroner, or coro-
ners, and conllables, in each county within this State.
OF NORTH-CARO LINA, 223
XXXIX. That the perfon of a debtor, where there is not a
ftrong pieiumption of fraud, fhall not be continued in prilon,
after delivering up bond Jide, all his eftnte, real and perlonal,
for the ufe ol his ci editors, in iuch manner as fliall be here-
after regulated by law. All priloners fliall be bailable by luffi-
cient lurcties, unlcfs for capital offences, when the pioof is
evident or the piefuinption great.
XL. That every foreigner who comes to fettle in this State*
having firfl taken an oath of allegiance to the lame, may pur-
chafe, or by other juft means acquire, hold and transfer land,
or other real ellate ; and after one year's relidence ihall be
deemed a free citizen.
XLI. That a fchool or fchools {hall be eftablifhed by the le-
giflatur? for the convenient inflru6lion of youth, with fuch
iahries to the mafters, paid by the public, as may enable ihem
to inftruft at low prices ; and all uieful learning fhall be duly
encouraged and promoted in one 01 more univerlities.
XLII. That no purchafe of lands fhall be made of the In-
dian natives, but on behalf of the public, by authority ,of the
General Affembly.
XLIII. That the future legiflature of this State fhall regulate
entails in Iuch manner as to prevent perpetuities.
XLIV. That the declaration of rights is hereby declared to be
part of the Conftitution of this State, and ought never to be
violated on any pretence whatloever,
XLV. That any member of either Houfe of General
ARembly fhall have liberty to diilent from and proteil; againfl
any a6t or relolve which he may think injurious to the public,
or any individual, and have the reai'ons of his dilTent entered
on the journals.
XLVI. Th^t neither houfe of the General Affembly fliall pro-
ceed upon public buiinefs, unlefs a majority ot all the members of
Iuch Houfe are aftually prefent ; and that upon a motion made and
feconded, the yeas and nays upon any queftion ihall be taken and
entered on the journals; and that the journals of the proceedings
of both Houfes of the General Affembly fhall be printed and made
public immediately after their adjournment.
This Confl:itution is not intended to preclude tlie prefent Con-
grefs from making a temporary provilion for the well-orderino of
this State, until the General Affembly fliall eftablifli a government
agreeable to the mode herein before defcribed.
224 GENERAL DESCRIPTION, &c. ,
This declaration of rights and frame of government was agreed
to and refolved upon by the reprefentatives of the freemen of the
State of North-Carolina, elefted and chofen for that particular
purpofe, in Congrefs afferabled, at Halifax, December 18, 1776,
I
TERRITORY SOUTH of the OHIO,
TENESSE GOVERNMENT.
SirUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES.
T,
HIS part of the territory of the United States is fituated be-
tween 6° 20' and iG"^ 30' weft longitude from Philadelphia,
and 35° and 36° 30' north latitude ; it extends three hundred
and fixty miles in length and one hundred and five miles in
breadth, and contains the whole of the traft of country ceded to
the United States by the State of North-Carolina in the year
1789. It is bounded on the north by the State of Kentucky and
part of Virginia, on the eaft by a range of mountains, which,
ieparates it from North- Carolina,* on the fouth by South-Carolina
and Georgia, and on the weft by the Mifliftippi.
CLIMATE.
The 'climate in general is moderate and healthy. In the traft
Tying between the Great Ifland, as it is called, and the Kan-
hawa, the fummers are remarkably cool, and the air rather moift.
South-weft of this, as far as the Indi.m towns, the climate is much
warmer, and the foil better adapted to the produftions of the
Southern States.
The difeales to which adults are moft liable, are pleurifies,
rheumatifms, and fometimcs, though rarely, agues and fevers ;
fo healthy have been the inhabitants, that from the firft fettle-
n>ent of the country to 1788, not a fingle phyfician had lettled
among them. It is to the inhabitants a real advantage, that they
are ahnoft beyond the reach of thdfe luxuries which are enjoyed,
and thole epidemical difeafes which are confequently frequent
in populous towns on the fea coaft. An inhabitant of this dif-
* This range of mountains are known by the various names ®f the Allegany,
Stone, Yellow, Iron and Bald mountaini..
Vol. Ill G s
226 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
trift writes, " Our phyftcians are, a fine climate, healthy robuft
mothers and fathers, plain and plentiful diet, and enough of
exercife : there is not a regular bred phyfician refiding in the
■whole didria/'
FACE OF THE C O U N T R Y, &c.
Cumberland mountain, in its whole extent, from the Great
Kanhawa to the Tenneffee, confifts of the mofl flupendous piles
of craggy rocks of any mountain in tiie wellern country ; in fe-
veral parts of it, for miles, it is inacceflible even to the IndiaiiS,
on foot ; in one place p?rticularly, near the fummit of the moun-
tain, there is a mcfl remarkable ledge of rocks of about thirty
miles in length and two hundred feet thick, fhewing a perpendi-
cular face to (outh-eafh more noble and grand than any artificial
fortification in the known world, and apparently equal in point
of regularity. Through this fhipendous pile, according to a mO'
dern hypothefis, hzd the waters of all the upper branches of the
Tenneffee to force their way ; the attempt would have been im-
prafticable at any other place than the one mentioned, for more
than one hundred miles eaftwardly. Here then feems to have
been the chafm, left by the Creator, to ccfnvey off thofe waters
which muil othcrwife have overflowed, and rendered ufelefs a
Vaft traft of valuable counirv enclofed within the mountains.
The Tenneffee, called a!fo the Cherokee, and abfurdly the
Hogohege river, is the largeff branch of the Ohio ; it rifes in
the mountains of Virginia, latitude 37**, and purfucs a courfe
of about one thoufand miles fouth and (outh-weff, nearly to latitude
340, receiving from both fides a number of large tributary ftreams
it then wheels about to the north in a circuitous courfe, and min-
gles with the Oliio, nearly hxfy miles from its mouth ; from its
entrance into the Ohio to the Muicle fhoals, a diflance of two
hiindred and fifty miles, tlie current is very gentle, and the river
deep enough, at all fcafons, for tlic largefl row boats : the Mufcle
fhoals are about twenty miles in Icngtih. At this place the river
Ipreads to the width of three miles, and forms a number of illands
and is of difficult paffigc, except when there is a fwell in the
river. From theJe fhoals to tlie whirl or fuck, the place where
the river brc.iks through tlie Great ridge, or Cumberland moun-
tain, is two hundred and fifty miles, the navigation all tlie wav
excellent.
0 F TTI E TERRITO RY S. 0 F OHIO. 227
The Wliirl, as it is called, is in about latitude 35** ; it is reckoned
a greater curiofity than the burfting of the Potomack through the
Slue ridge. The river, whicha few miles abovcishalfa mile wide,
is here com pre ITed to the width of about one hundred yards ; juftas
it enters the mountain, a large rock projects from the noriliern
fliore in an ohliqioe dircftiou, which renders the bed of the river
Hill narrower, and caules a luddcn bend ; the water of the river
is of courie, thrown with great rapidity againll the fouthern
fliore, whence it bounds round the point of the rock and pro-
duces the whirl, which is about eighty yards in circumference.
Canoes have often been carried uilo tlie whirl, and elcaped by
the dexterity of the rowers without damage. In lefs than a
mile below the whirl the river fpreads iijto its common width
and, except the Muicle fligals already mentioned, flows beautiful
and placid till it mingles with the Ohio.
Six miles above the whirl are the Chiccamogga towns, on
tlie banks of the liver, and of a large creek of the iame name ;
from thefe towns to ..the mouth of the Hiwaffee is fixty miles
by water, and about forty by land ; this river is a louth branch
of the Tcnneilee, and navigable till it penetrates the mountains
on its iouth fide. The climate, the fine fprings, and fertile
plains, render the bank^ of this river a moft delightful place
of fettlement. From a branch of the Hiwaffee, called Ainoin,
there is a Ihort portage to a branch of the Mobile, and the
road all the diflance firm and level.
Palfing UD the Tenneflee, fixty miles from the mouth ofth.e
river Hiwaffee, you come to the mouth of Pelefor» or Clinch river
from the north, which is large and navigable for boats upwards
of two hundred miles, receiving in its courfe, befides inferior
ftreams, Powell's river, which is nearly as large as the main
river, and boatable for one hundred miles : this lad-mentioned
river runs through Powell's valley, an excellent tract of country
abounding with fine iprings.
From the Pelefon to the iunftion of the HolHein and Tcnneffce
is computed forty miles ; this lafh is the branch which formeiiy
gave its name to the main river, not from its fize, but from its
notoriety, having on its banks a vaft number of Indian villages,
ind the chief town of Cherokee Indians, called Chota, and was
therefore called Cherokee river ; but the name of Tenneffee lias
Of lite obtained a preference ; it croffes the valley at nearly right
228 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
angles with the mountains, and has on its banks a number of beau-
tiful plains, which are chiefly improved as corn fields by the In-
dians. In 1788, the whites had advanced their fettlements within
ten miles of the Indian villages. Forty miles from the TennefTee
up the Holftein branch, comes in Frank river, vulgarly called
French Broad, four or five hundred yards wide ; thence, purlu-
ing the Holftr.in two hundred miles, you come to Long I Hand,
which is the higheft navigation yet ufed ; thence about one huur
dred miles is the fource of the river. One mile below Long-
Ifland comes in North-Holftein, and twenty miles above it the
Wattago ; the former is one hundred yards wide at its mouth,
and with a fmall expence might be made navigable to Campbell's
Salines, feventy miles farther up. In the Tenneffee aixi its up-
per branches are great numbers offifh, fome of which arc very
large and of an excellent flavour.
The head waters of the Great Kanhawa are in the wcflcrn part
of North-Carolina, in the moft eaftern ridge of the Allegany oc
Appalachian mountains, and fouth of the 36^' of latitude, its
head branches encircle thofe of the Holftein, from which they
are feparated by the Iron mountain, through which it p-iiTes, ten
miles above the lead mines ; thence fteering its courfe along the
foot of the Allegany mountain, until it receives Little river from
the caft, it turns to the north, whicli is its general courlc till it
meets the Ohio. About fixty miles from Little river it receives
Green Briar river from the eaft, which is the only tributary
flream in all that diftancc. About forty miles below the mouth
of Green Briar river, in Virginia, in the Kanhawa, is a remark-
able cataraft. A large rock, a-little elevated in the middle, crcfl'es
the bed of the river, over which the water fhoots and falls
about fifty feet perpendicularly, except at one fide, where the
d^fcent is more gradual.
The Shawanhee, now called Cumberland river, of the fouthern
branches of the Ohio, is next in fizc to the Tenncflce, and ex-
tends eaftwardly nearly as far, but runs in a much more dircfl
courfe ; it is navigable for fmall craft as far as Nafhville ; from
the fouth it receives FLirper's, Coney, Obey's and Clear Fork
rivers ; and from theYiorth, Red and Rock Caflle rivers, befides
many fmaller ftreauis.
Of this territory, above half is covered with mountains which
arc uninhabitable ; fome of thefe, particularly Cumberland, or
Great, Laurel ridge, are the moft ftupenduous piles in the United
States ; they abound with ginfeng and fl:onc coal. Clinch
OF THE TERRITORY S. OF OHIO. 229
tnountijin is fouth of thefe, in which Bui k's garden and Morris's
nob might be deicribed as curiofities.
The Iron mountain, which confhitutes the boundary between
this diflritt and North-Carolina, extends from near the lead
mines, on the Kanhawa, through the Cherokee county, to the
foulh of Chota, and terminates near the fources of the Mobile.
The caverns and cafcades in thefc mountains are innumera-
SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS.
The farmers on Cumberland river, for the fake of dcfcribing
their Innds, diftinguifli them by firft, fecond and third quality.
Land of the firft quality will bear Indian corn or licmp, but it
will not bear wheat without great reduclion. Land of the fecond
quality does not bear wheat to advantage until it has been reduc-
ed by two or three crops of corn, hemp, tobacco or cotton.
Land of the third bears every kind of grain that is ulually Ibwn.
on dry ground in the Atlantic States. It is agreed by all who
have vifitcd the Cumberland fetllemeiit, that one hundred
buflicls of Indian corn are frequently gathered from an acre of
their beft land; fixty or fcventy bufnels from an acre is very
comm.on, but the farmer who expefts to gather iuch a crop mull
be careful, while the corn is ioft, to guard it againft bears and
racoons. Wheat, barlev, oats, lye, buck-wheat, Incliaa corn
pcafc, beans, potatoes, flax, hemp, ' tobacco, indigo, rice and
cotton, have already been planted in that lettlcment, and Lney
j>ll thrive in great perfection : the ufual ciop of cottrn is e.'^ht
hundred pounds to the acre,. the ilaple is long and hue. It i?
alledgcd, liowever, that the lands on the fmall rivers that run
into the ^-liirifTippi. have a decided prefcicncc to thoie < m the
Cumberland river, for the produftion of cotton and ii;'Jii-a.
No experiments have been made on land near the MifFifTippi
within the ceded territory; but tlierc is a iinall fetchmcnt f;iither
down the river, within the limits of the United Su' r^s, on a
funilar ioil, where the growth and quality of cotton is lo rei7,'3rk_
able, that its culture is more profitable than any other crop.
The foil on thofe rivers is deep and light, having a Otu:!! mix-
ture of fand with a black earth ; hence, as the piantc rs alieJge^
it proves favourable to the culture of all kinds of roots, as well
as of indigo and cotton.
The lands on the v/aters of Tcnncffee and Cuiiheihind rivers*
are generally well timbered : in losne places there are gladei of
J.30 CENERAL DESCRIPTION
rich land without timber, but thefe are not frequent nor large,
"J'hc general growth is poplar, hickory, black walnut, buck eye
or the horfe chelnut, iycamore, locufl and the iugar maple.
The under-growih, in many places, is cane fifteen or twenty
feet highj fo clofe together as to exclude all other plants : where
the cane does not abound, ve End led bud, wild plum, f'pice
wood, red and white mulberry, ginleng, Virginia and Seneka
Inake root, angelica, fweet anife, ginger and wild hops. The
glades are covered with clover, wild rye, bufFalo grafs and pea
vine. On the hills, at the head of rivers, we find (lately red
cedars; many of thefe trees are four feet in diameter, and forty
feet clear of limbs.
A few years fince, this country abounded with large herds of
wild cattle, improperly called buffaloes ; but the improvident
or ill-difpofcd among tJie firft fettlers have deftroyed inuititudes
of them out of mere wantonnefs ; they are ftill to be found on
fome of the fouth branches of Cumberland river. Elk, or moole,
are feen in many places, chiefly among tl;e mountains. The
deer are become comparitively Icarcc. io that no pcrlon makes
a bufinels of hunting them for their fl<.ins only. Enough of bears
and wfilves yet remain. Beavers and otters are caught in
plenty in the upper branches of Cumberland a:id Kentucky
juvcrs.
They have pheafants, patridges or quails, and turkies in
abundance through the year. During the winter their walcis
are covered with Iwans, wild geele, brant and cluck. Chc-
fiOi have been caught in thofe rivers tJut weighed above
one hundred pounds, and perch that weighed above twenty
pounds.
The mammoth appears to have been an inliabitant of this
country, as his bones have been dug up by lubourcrs at Camp-
bell's Salines, on North-Hoifi-ein, when finking lajt pits ;
they were froin three to leven feet bclov."^ the furfa^-e t^f the
earth.
Campbell's falines are the only oi^es that have yet been difco-
vered on the upper branches of the TennelTee and on this fide
the wildernefs, thougli great fearch has been made for them*
The traft wjiich contains thefe faliries is a great natural curiofity ;
it was difcovercd by Captain Charles Campbell about 1745,
who was one of the firll explorers pf the weilerri country. In
J 753, lie procured a patent for it from the governor of Vir-
ginia. His fon the late General William Campbell, who behav-
ed fo gallantly in the American war in the years l'-'8o and 1781,
bcca:ne owner of it on his dcat'i. But it wai nut till the ijiiia
0 F THE TERR I tO R Y S. OF Oil 10. ? »i
of his death, when fait was very fcarce and dear, that fait water
was difcovered, and fait made 6y a poor man ; fmce that time,
imder the ciireftion of Colonel Arthur Campbell, it luis been
improved to a confiderable extent, and many thoufands cf
inhabitants are fupplied from it with fait of a fuperior quality, and
at a low price. The tmft confifls of about three hundred acres
of flat mirlh land, of as rich a foil as can be imagined : in this flat,
pits are funk in order to obtain the fait water; the bcfk is found from
thirty to forty feet deep. After pafTing through the rich foil or mud,
from fix to ten feet, you come to a very brittle lime-ftone rock, with
cracks or chafms, through which the fait water iffutfs into the pits,
whence it is drawn by buckets and put into the boilers, whicli are
placed in furnaces adjoining the pits. The hills that furround this
flat are coveied with fine timber, and not far diflant a coal mine
has been difcovered.
Oo Frank river, about thirty miles in a direct line from its
mouth, a large, clear, medicinal fpring has lately been difcovered,
which, on experiment, has been found to relieve various com.
plaints of the human body ; its temperature rather exceeds
blood heat.
On the fame river, nearer its mouth, a valuable lead mine has
been difcovered.
On the banks of the Ilolftein are many mines of iron ore,
of the beft kind, fome of which have been opened and worked
to advantage, and enough might be made to fupply the whole
weftern country: thefe mines are the mofl valuable, as there is
faid to be none or this ore near the Miirillippi, and very little
north of the Ohio.
Up the Hiwaffee river, in the mountains on the fouth fide, a
mine has been difcovered and ore taken, from which, it is faid,
oold was extraftedby an artifl, while the Britifli were in pofTef-
linn of Georgia : it is certain, that hut few Indians know the fpot
and tliole who do are very anxious to keep it a fecret : the gen-
tleman who gave this information has been within view of the
place. I'lie mountain is very high and barren, and has fevcr.-il
of the appearances defcribed by mineralifls. The diicoverv
was made by means of the river undermining the bale of a
large cliff or fpur of the mountain, which occafioned a great
column of the earth or rock to tumble into the water : this
difrupture difcovered the vein of yellow metal at a great
deptli.
agsi GENERAL DESCRIPTION
CIVIL DIVISIONS AND CHIEF TOWNS.
This territory is divided Into two diflrifts, each of which is
again divided into counties rs follows:
WASHINGTON DISTRICT,
Wafhington, Greene, South, of French
Sullivan, Hawkins, Broad.
MERO DISTRICT.
Davidfon, Sumner, Tenneffee.
The chief towns are Nafiiville and Abingdon.
NASHVILLE,
' This is the fhire town of Davidfon county, and is the larged
town in the terrtiory. The courts are held here ; it has two
houfes for public worfiiip, and a handfomely endowed academy,
eftabliflicd in 1-^86.
ABINGDON,
Abingdon is the county town of Walliington county : it con.
tai.ied in in88 about twenty houfes, and was rapidlv increafing :
it is about two hundred and fixty miles from Richmond in
Virginia, in a direct lirie^ and three hundred and ten as the
road runs, bearing a little to the fouth of weft latitude
36° 30'.
ROADS.
The following are the diftances on the new road from Nafli-
ville, in Davidfon county, to Fort Campbell, near the junftion
of Holftein river with the Tennefl'ee.
Miles, Miles .
From Nafhville to Stony
river
9
Smith's creek
6
Big fpring
-
6
Coney river
li
Cedar lick
-
4
Mine lick
9
Little fpring
-
6
Falling creek
9
Barton's creek
-
4
War path
7
Spring creek
-
5
Bear creek
18
Martin's fpring
-
5
Camp creek
8
Blair's fpring
-
5
King's fpring
16
Buck fpring
-
12
Grovel's creek
3
Fountaines
-
8
OF THE TERRITORY S. 0 F OHIO.
233
Miles.
From foot of Cumberland
mountain - 2
Through the mountain
to Emmery's river, a
branch of the Pclefon 1 1
To the Pappa ford of the
Pelelon or Clinch ri-
ver - 12
Total 635
By this new road, a pleafant palTage may be had to the wei-
tern country with carriages, as there will be only the Cumber-
land mountain to pafs, and that is eafy of afcent : and be-
yond it, the road is generally level and firm, abounding with,
fine Iprings of water.
Miles.
To Campbeir
's ftation,
near I-k)lflein
10
To the Great
ifland
100
To Abingdon
in Wafli-
ington county
35
To Richmond
in Virgi-
nia
310
POPULATION.
In 1765, there were but about ten families fettled well of
the Kanhawa, fo many had joined them in 1773, that the
fettlement was erefted into a county, and in 1776, again fubdi-
vided into three. — In 1788, the number of inhabitants was
reckoned at forty thoufand : they mufh have greatly increafed
fince that period — the following is the return made by the
governor in 1791
Vol. III.
il h
234
'GENERAL DESC RIPTION
WASHINGTON DISTRICT.
COUNTIES.
HI
.- a
V «
in
B
3
Ji Is
lU 1-.
1-1 a.>
a.
V
u
u
0
<
>
0
vv aihuigtoii
Sulivan - - -
(ireene - _ -
Hawkins . - _
South of French 1
Broad /
ICO
8ot
68i
179.
124-
237^:
197c
io8l
2524
1993
3580
2921
1627
1 l;
107
40
68
66
535
297
454
807
163
5^r^
4447'
7741
6970
3619
4qoci
8_i6o
12647
2 0';
?. 2 1;6
!2864qj
MERO DISTRICT.
';J.i V lUiOi'i - - -
Sumner - _ -
Tenncffee
t>39
404
235
«56
58.
380
1-88
S54
57^
18
8
42
^59
348
.:3459
21 g6
1387
,..78
1817
2718
68
1161
7042
To this return the following note was perfixed : There are
feveral captains who have not as yet returned the fchedules of
the numbers of their diftrifts, namely ; — in Greene county,
three- — in Davidlon, one — ^and South of French Broad, one dii-
trift.
Though it is manifefl the deficiency in this return Is great,
yet we have not iufficient data to determine it, but we may rea-
fonablv luppole the prelent number of inhabitants to exceed fixty
thoufand.
In 1788, the militia of this diftriil amountedto between feven
and eight thoufand effective men, who were principally armed
^vith rifles. It is fuppofed that their number is increafed to
nearly double fince tbat period.
RELIGION AND CHARACTER.
The Prefbyterians are the prevailing denomination of Chrif-
tians in this dilbiil : they have a Prefbytery, called the Abing-
ton Prefbytery, eflablifhed by aft of lynod, which, in 1788,
OF THE TE R RITO RY S. OF 0 HIO. 235
confifted of twenty three large congregations, who were theti
Supplied by only fix minilleis. There are a-U'o foine of the
Baptids and Meihodift denominations.
Tlie inhabitants of this di{lri6t emigrated chiefly from Penu-
fylvania, and that part of Virginia which lies weft <jf the Blue
ridge. The anceflors of thefe people were generally of the Scotch
nation, fome of whom emigrated firft to Ireland, and from thence
t-o America. A few Germans and Engliflr are intermixed. The
proportion of the whites to the blacks in this diftritl, judging
from the foregoing imperfcit cenfus, is as ten to one. la it88
it was thought there were twenty white perfons to one negro.
The ereftion of this territory into a feparate governmcnl, it is
believedj will tend to leffen the negro population.
There i^ nothing in the charaHer of this people that diflin-
ffuifhes tliem from the fettiers of new countries in general.
Among the bulk of the inhabitants a great fanplicity of manneis
prevails ; duplicity, or the etiquette of cities and populous plac-
es, is unknown among them. If a man deceives another, he is
deemed and called a liar; and it frequently happens that " a
bloody noie" is the confequence. Wreftling, jumping, running
foot races, ajid playing at ball, are the common diverftons.
Dancing is coming into fafliion. Card playing is a rare amufement
The hunting fliirt is flill worn by the militia on duty, and by
hunters in purfuit of game. At home, and at public affemblies,
they drefs like the Virginians.
Great was the damage fuflained by the inJiabitants of tiiis coun-
try during the war, occafioned by the incurfions of the Indians ;
and it is much to their honour, that when they were offered pro-
teftion by the Britifh, in the early ftiige of the war, they nubly
refufed it.
COMMERCE.
As the waters of the Cumberland from Nalhville, and of th<!
Tenneifee from the Mufcle fnoals to the Oliio, are navigable to
the Ohio an Miiriffippi, the people ofcourfe, who live in the
interior of the country, have the fame advantages of water con-
veyance for trade, as thofe who live on the Ohio or Msfliaippi,
to New Oilcans or ellewherc.
Befides, there is another probable avenue through which trade
will be carried on witlr tliis country, whirli is from Mobile up
the waters of the Mobile river as far as it is navigable, theacc by
a land carriage of about fiftv miles, at moft, to Ocochappo creel; ,
' H h 2
2i8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
which empties into the TennefTee at the lower end of the Mufcls
fhoals. The mouth of this creek is the center of a piece of
ground, the diameter of which is five miles, ceded by the fouth-
crn Indians at the treaty of Hopwell, on PLcowee, to the Unit-
ed States, for the eftablilhment of trading pofts.
This country furnifhes many valuable articles of export, fuch
as fine waggon and faddle horfes, beef, cattle, ginfeng, deer
Ikins and furs, cotton, hemp, and flax, which may be tranf-
ported by land ; alfo iron, lumber, pork, and flour, which
might be exported in great quantities, if the navigation of the
Mifliflippi were opened ; but there are few of the inhabitants
who underiland commerce, or are pofleiled of proper capitals ;
of couife it is badly managed : land jobbing engroffes too much
of the attention of the inhabitants. The degraded flate of com-
merce has rendered neceOTary a general attention to home manu-
fatlures : and it is to be hoped that the eyes of the people will
foon be opened to their true intereft, and agriculture, commerce
and manufa£lures, each receive proper attention,
LEARNING AND LITERATURE.
The inhabitants of this diftrift have not been inattentive to
the interefts of fcience. An academy and feveral grammar
fchools have been eftablifhied ; and a fociety, who ftile them-
lelves, " A Society for promoting Uieful Knowledge :" it is of
modern date, but much good is expefted from it. A tafte for
literature is increafing among them.
The government is fimilar to that eftablifl-ied by Congrefs in
the territory of the United States, north-weft of the Ohio. The
governor is the executive, and. in his abfence, the iecretary, and
the governor and three judges the iegillative power in the dif-
trift.
Ihe public revenue amounts to about five or fix thcufand
pounds, raifed chiefly by a tax on fiaves, lands, and horlcs.
INDIANS.
The Indian tribes, within and in the vicinity of this diftrift,
are the Cherokees and Cb.icafaws. The Clierokees h;ive been a
•warlike and numerous nation ; but bv continual wars, in which
it has been their ueftiny to be en^;aged with the north-
ern Indizn tribes, they were reduced, at the commencement of
OF THE TERRITORY S, OF OHIO 237
the }aft war, to about two thoufand figluing men ; fince which
thqy have been reduced more than one half, and have become
weak and puhllanimous.
The Chicafaws, of all the Indian tribes within the limits of the
United States, merit the mofl; from, the Americans, having at all
times -maintained a brotherly attachment to them : tViey glory in
faying, that they never Ihed the blood of an Anglo-American.
There is i'o great an affinity between the Chicafaw and Choftaw
languages, that the common people can converle together, each
fpeaking in his own dialeft. They are a perfonable people, and
have an opennefs in their countenances and behaviour, uncom-
mon among favages. Thefe nations fay, they are the remnant
of a great nation that once lived far to the weft, which was
deflroyed by the Spaniards, for whom they flill retain an here-
ditary hatred. Would it not be the policy of Congrefs to treat
with thefe nations ? and might not a reciprocal friendfhip be
.-Tiutually ferviceable to the Union and the Indians ?
STATE OF
S O U T H-C A R O L I N A.
SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES. I
Ti
HIS State is fituated between 32° and 33' north latitude^'
and 4** and g'^ vvefl longitude from Philadtlphia. Its length
is two hundred miles, and us breadth one bundled and twenty-
five. It is bounded on the north by North-Carolina, on the
eafl by the Atlantic ocean, on the fouth-weft and louth by
Savannah river, and a branch of its head waters called
Tugulo river, which faid rivers divide it from the Stat«s o£
Georgia.*
CLIMATE.
The climate of this State is different in different parts: along
the fea coaft, billious difeafcs, and fevers of various kiiids,
* The boundary line dividing the two States of South-Carolina and Georgia
was long the fubjeft of controverfy ; the former claiming the lands lying ber
tween the North-Carolina line, and a line to run due weft from the mouth of
Tugulo and Keowe? river ; the latter contended that the fource of Keowee river
was to be confidered as the head of Savannah river.
For the purpofe of fettling this controverfy, commiffioners were appointed in
April 1787, by the contending States, veiled with full powers to determine the
controverted boundary, which they fixed as follows :
" The moft nothcrn branch or ftream of the river Savannah, from the fea or
mouth of fuch llrcam, to the fork or confluence of the rivers now called Tugulo
and Keowee, and from thence the moft northern branch or ftream of the laid river
Tugulo. till it interfefts the nothern boundary line of South-Carolina, if the f»id
branch of Tugulo extend fo far north, refervingall the ifiands in the faid rivers Sa-
vannah and Tugulo to Georgia; but if the faid branch or ftream of Tugulo docs not
extend to the north boundary line of South-Carolina, then a weft line to the Mif-
fiflippi to be drawn from the head fpring or fource of the faid branch of Tugu-
lo river, which extends to the liigheft northern latitude, fhall for ever hereafter
form the feparation, limit and botiudary WtACca iL; States of South-Corolina
and Georgia."
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, &c. 339
are prevalent between July and October. The probability of
dying is much greater between the 20th of June and the 20th
of Oftober, than in the other eight months in the year.
One cnufe of thefe dileafes is, a low marfhy country, which
is overflowed for the fake of cuki\''ating rice. The exhala-
tions from thefe (lagnated waters, from the rivers and from
the neighbouring ocean, and the profufc perfpiration of vege-
tables of ?11 kinds, which cover the ground, fill the air with
moiflure : this moillure falls in frequent rains and copious
dews. From aftual obfervation it has been found that the
average annual fill of rai-n for ten years was forty-two inchcsj
without regarding the moiflure that fell in fogs and dews.
The great heat of the day relaxes the bodv, and the agreeable
coolnefs of the evening invites to an expofure to thefe heavy
dews.
The difagreeable effefts of this climate, experience has prov-
ed, might in a great meafure be avoided by thofe inhabitants
whofe circumfhances will admit of their removal from the
neighbourhood of the rice fwamps to healthier fituations, dur-
ing the months of July, Auguft, September, and October ; and
in the word fituations, by temperance and care. Violent
exercife on horfeback, but chiefly, expofure to the meridian
rays of the fun, fudden fhowers of rain, and the night air, are
too frequently the caufes of fevers and other dilbrders. Would
the fportfman deny themfelves, during the fall months, their
favourite amufcments of hunting and fi filing, or confine them-
felves to a very few hours, in the morning or evening ; would
the induftrions planter vifit his fields only at the fame hours ;
«r would the poorer ciafs of people pay due attention to their
manner of living, and obferve the precautions recommended
to them by men of knowledge and experience, mucli ficknefs
and many difl;rening events might be prevented. The
upper country, fituated in the medium between extr>!mc
heat and cold, is as healthful as any part of the United
States.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, SEA COAST, &c.
The whole State, to the diftance of eighty miles from the
fea, is level, and almoft without a fl:onc. In this, diftance, by
a gradual afcent from the fea coaft, the land rifes about one
hundred and ninety feet. Here, if you proceed in a W. N. W.
courle from Chailcfton commences a curioufly uneven country,
prefenting a pro'pedl lomethir.g like that of a high fwelling fea,
240 GENERAL DESCRIPTION,
formed by a prodigious number of fmall fand hills. Some lit^
tie herbage, and a few fniall pines grow, even on this foil.
The inhabitants are but few, and have but a fcanty fubhflence
on corn and fweet potatoes, which grow here tolerably welU
This curious country continues for fixty miles, till you arrive
at a place called the Ridge, one hundred and forty miles from
Charlefton. This ridge is a remarkable traft of high ground, as
you approach it from the fea, but level as you advance north-
wefl; from its fummit. It is a fine high, healthy belt of land,
well watered, and of a good foil, and extends from the Sa-
vannah to Broad river, in about 6"^ 30' weft longitude from.
Philadelphia. Beyond this ridge commences a country exaftly
refjmbling the northern States. Here hills and dales, with all
their verdure and variegated beauty, prefent thcmfelves to the
eye. Wheat fields, which are rare in the low country, begin
to be common. Here Heaven has beffcowed its blefiing with
a moft bounteous hand. The air is much more temperate and
healthful than nearer the fea. The hills are covered with valua.
ble woods ; the vallies watered with beautiful rivers, and the
fertility of the foil is equal to every vegetable produftion.
This, by way of diftinftion, is called the Upper Country,
where are different modes and different articles of cultivation ;
where the manners of the people, and even their language, have
a different tone. The land ftill rifes by a gradual afcent ; each
fucceedinof hill overlooks that which immediately precedes it,
till, having advanced two hundred and twenty miles in a north-
weft dire£lion from Charlefton, the elevation of the land above
the fea coaft is found to be eight hundred feet. Here a moun-
tainous country commences with the Tryon and Hogback moun-
tains ; the elevation of which, above their bafe, is three thou-
fand eiorht hundred and forty feet, and above the fea coaft four thou-
fand fix hundred and forty. From the top of thefe mountains
there is an extenfive view of this State, North-Carolina, and
Georgia : and as no objeft intervenes to obftru6t the view, a
man with telefcopic eyes might difcern veffels at fea. The
mountains weft and north-weft rile much higher than thefe,
and form a ridge wliich divides the waters of Tenneifee and
Santec rivers.
This State is watered by four large navigable rivers, befides a
great number of fmallcr ones, which arc palfable in boats.
The river Savannah wafhes it in its whole length from fouth-
eaft to north-weft. The Edifto rifes in two branches from a
remaikabic ridgs in the interior part of the State. Thcfe
branches unite below Orangeburgh, which ftands on the North
OF SOUTH- CAROL IN A. 241
Fork, and Edilto river, which, having pnffed from Jack-
fonf!)urgh, leaving il on the louth, brandies and embraces Edifto
ifland.
S.intee is tlie lirgefh and longcft river in tliis State: it empties
into the ocean by two mouths, a little fouth of George-town.
About one hundred and twenty miles in a direft line from its
mouth, it branches into the Congarce and Watcree ; the latter
or northern branch paflTcs the Catabaw nation of Ind'ins, and
bears the name of the Catabaw river from this fettlcment to its
fource. The Congaree branches into Saluda and Broad rivers.
Broad river again brandies into Enoree, Tyger and Pacolet
rivers, on the latter of which are the celebrated Pacolet
Iprings.
Pcdee river rifes in North-Carolina, where it is called Yad-
kin river : in this State, however, it takes the name of
Pedee ; and, receiving the waters of Lynche's creek, Little
Pedee, and Black river, it joins the Wakkamaw river, near
George-town. Thcfe united flreanis, with the accelTion of a
fmall creek, on which George-town flancis, from Winyaw
bay, which, about twelve miles below, communicates with
the ocean. All thefe rivers, Ediflo excepted, rife from va-
rious fources in that ridge of mountains which divides the
waters which flow into the Atlantic ocean, from thole which
fall into the MifTitTippi.
The rivers of a lecondary fize, as you pafs from north to
fouth, are "Wakkam.aw, Black river. Cooper, Afiiepoo, and
Combahee. Thefe rivers afford, to the pioprietors of their
banks, a confiderable quantity of tide fwamp or rice land,
flooded from the rivers, except in extraordinary droughts.
In the third clafs are comprehended thofe rivers which
extend but a fhort diftance from the ocean, and lerve, by
branching into numberlels creeks, as drains to take off the
quantity of rain water which comes down from the large
inland ivvamps ; or are merely arms of the fea ; of this kind
are Aflilcy, Stono, Coofaw, Broad, Colleton, May, New, and
Right's rivers. The tide, in no part of this State, flows more
than twenty five miles from the fea.
A company has been incorporated for the purpoie of connefl-
ing Cooper and Santee rivers by a canal of twenty-one miles in
length. The fum luppoled to be necelf^iry to complete this ex-
tenlive woik is fifty-five thouland fix hundred and twenty
pounds fterling. Twenty-five per cent, are allowed by thelcgif-
lature in tolls for all monies advanced by ibuckholdcri, Ths ad-
VOL. Ill I i '
2 42 C E N £ R A L D E S C R I FT 10 N
X'antage of a canal at this place, to one who infpccls a map of the
'C.iri)linns, muft appear to be great, bolh to the public and to the
prop) icfoiE.
'i'he only harbours of note are thofe of Charlcfton, Port Royal,
and George-town. Ciiarlellon harbour is Ipacious, convenient}
and fafc : it is formed by the junS-ion of Alhlty and Cooper
rivers : its entrance is guarded by i^oit Joh.iii jn. Tv/elvc writs
from the city is a bar, over which aie tour channels ; one by the
name of Ship Channel, has eighteen feet water ; another fixteen
ar.d'a half; the other two are for i'mdler velfels. The tides rile
from five lo eii'lit feet. Pnrt Royal has an excellent harboui,
of fu fneient extent to contain the largeit ilcct in the world.
The bar at the cntraricc of Winyavv bay, Vv'liich leads to
George- town, does not admit of veflcjis drawing more than eleven
feet water ; and is, in many rclpccls, a very dangerous place.
This circumftance has proved ■injurious lo ihe grov. th of George-
tov/n, \i liii.Ii is otherwiie exceedingly well lituatcd lor all the
purpoies I'f an extenhve trade.
The lea coall is bordered with a chain of fine fea iflands,
around which the lea ilows, opening an excellent inland naviga-
tion for the conveyance of produce to maiket.
North of Charleflon harbour lie Bull's, Dewec's, and Sulli-
van's iliancls. which form the north part of the harbour. James
ifiand lies oa the other fide of the harbo'ur, oppofite Charlefton,
containing about fifty families. Further ioulh-welt is John's
iiland. hirger than James j Stono river, which forms a conveni-
ent and iafe harbour, divides thefe illands. Contiguous to John's
ifiand, and connctled with it by a bridge, is Wadmelaw ; eaft of
vvliich are r'ls (mall ifles of Key way and Simmon. Between
theie c.r.d Edilto iflrnd is N. Ediilo ifdet, wiiich alfo affords a
good harbour for velfels ufeaiydiaft of water. South of Ediilo
ifland is S. Ediilo inlet, through winch enicr, from the
northward, all the veifcls bound to Beaufort, AiT(..poo, Comba-
hce and Cociavv.
On the fouth-weft fide of St. Helena ifland lies a clufler of
illands, one of the hng^lc ofwliicii is Poit Royal, Adjacent to
Port Pvoyal lie St. Helena, Ladies illand, Paris iiland, and the
iiunting iiiauds, five or i:x in number, bordering on the ocean,
io called fioni liie number of deer and other wild game found up-
on them, A-ii ilielc illands, and fo'mc otheis of Icio nt^te, bclon'g
lo Si. Helena pardli.
Cioihiig Broad river, you come to lliilon Head, the luofh
i'lmhern lea iilauvd in CaiiUiua, Weil and ioulh-vvelh of Hilton
Head lie PicL:.e)'s. Bull's, Dal^ luikie's,, an4 liomejmilltr, inlands,
OF SO U Tli- C A R 0 L I A' A. r j 3
between, wliicli ?nil Ii'i(on Head are Calibogie' river an'l
lound, vvi'.icii form ihe oullet of M^y and New rivers.
son. /'A'D PP.ODUCTIONS.
The foil of this Stare mnv he divided into four k:nrs ; f.i Ir. the
pine barren, which is. valunble Only for its tii-nber. Intcrlncrled
among the pine barren a re trafts of land free of timber, and cvrry
kind of growth but that of grafs. Thefc trafts arc called fav;m.
nahs, conftituting a fecond kind of foil, pi^od for grazing. 1''^^
third kind is that of the fwam;)S anti lo>v grounds on the
rivers, which is a mixture of black loam and fat clay, producing
naturally canes in great plenty, cyprcfs, bays, loblolly pines. &c.
In thefe fwamps licc is cultivated, which conftitutcs the Itaple
commodity of the State. ^The high lands, commonly known by
the name of oak and hiccory lands, conltitute the fourth kind of
foil. The natural growt'h is oak, hiccory, walnut, puie, and lo-
cufl. On ihefe lands, in the low country, Indian corn is princi-
pally cultivated ; and in the back country, belules th's, Lhey ralle
tobacco in large quantities, wheat, rye, bailey, oats, hemp, flax,
cotton, and fdk.
There is little fruit in this State, efpecially in the lower p3r^s
of it. The. oranges aie ch;cfly four; figs are plenty; a few
limes and lemons, pomegranates, pears, and peaches, apples are
icarce, and arc imported from the northern States, ?vklons,
efpecially the water melon, arc railed here in great periec-
tion.
The river fwamps. in whicli rice can be cultivated with any
tolerable degree oflafcty and fucccls, do not extend higher up
the rivers than the head of the tides : and in ellimating the va-
lue of this fpe :ies of rice land, the height which the ^tid; riles is
taken into conhieralion, thole lying v/here it riles to a proper
pitch for overflowin.c; tlie fwamus beintj the moll \-aluable. The
I O 1 o
befl inland fwamps, wh'ch conflitute a fecond Ipecies of ric?
land, are fuch as are furniilied \vith refervoiis of water. Thefe
refcrvoirs are formed by means of large br.nks thrown up at the
upper parts of the iv.-amps, wliCBCc it is conveyed, ,vvheu needed
to the fields of I ice, " ..'
The foil on the illands is generally better adapted to the culture
of indigo than the main, and Ids luited to rice : cotton grows ve*
ry well upon them, Tiie natural growth ia the live oak, whicli is
fo excellent for fnip timber, and the palmetto or cabbage .tree,
the utility of wtiich, in the conn:ruftlon of forts, v/ui experienced
during the late war.
244 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
At the diftance of about one hundred and ten miles from the
fea, the river fwamps terminate, and the high lands extend quite
to the rivers, and form banks, in forne places, feveral hundred
feet above the furface of the water, and afford many extenfive
and delighttul views. Thefe high banks are interwoven with
layers of leaves and different coloured earth, and abound with
quarries of f rcc-ftcne, pebbles, flint, chryftals, iron ore in abun-
dance, filver, lead, fulpliur, and coarfe diamonds.
The iwamps above the head of the tide are occafionally plant-
ed with corn, cotton, and indigo. The foil is very rich, yield-
ing from forty to fifty bufliels of corn an acre.
It is curious to oblerve the gradations from the fea coaft to
the upper cotmtry, with relpeft to the produce, the mode of
cultivation, and the cultivators. On the illands, upon he fea
coait, and for forty or fifty miles back, and on the rivers much
farther, the cultivators are ail flaves. No white man, to fpeak
generally, ever thinks of fettling a farm and improving it for
himielf without negroes. If he has no negroes, he hires himfelf
as overleer to lome rich planter, \yho has more than he can or
■will attend to, tdl he can purchale for himielf. The articles
cultivated are corn and potatoes, which with the fmall rice, are
food for the negroes; rice, indigo and cotton, for exportation.
The culture of this iait article is capable of being mcrealcd equal
to almoft any demand. The foil was cultivated, till lately,
almofl wholly by manual labour. The plough, till fince the
peace, was Icarcely uled : now, the plough and harrow and
other improvements are introduced into the rice fwamps with
great fucceis, and will no doubt become general. In the mid-
dle fettlements, negroes are not fo numerous ; the mafler attends
perionally to his own bufinefs. The land is not properly
fituated for rice : it produces moderately good indigo weed
and fpme tobacco is railed for exportation. The farmer is
contended to raile corn, potatoes, oats, rye, poultry, and a
little wheat. In the upper country, there are but few negroes ;
generally fpeaking, the farmers have none, and depend, like
the inhabitants of the northern States, upon the labour of them-
felves and families for lubiifte'nce ; the piougii is uled almoft
wholly. Indian corn in great quantities, wheat, rye, potatoes
&c. are railed for food, and much tobacco and fomc wheat,
cotton and indigo, for exportation.
Rice ground is prepared, only bv eifcftually fecuring it from
the water, ciicept iomc higher parts cf it^ which arc iometimes
OF SOUTH-CAROLINA. 245
clu<^ up with a hoe, or mellowed by . plough or harrow. When
the rice is young, the oveiflowing of ihe water does not prevent
its srovv'th. Thofc who have water in relerve, commonly let
it in upon their rice, after firfl going through with the hoe,
while it is young, though it is deemed bed to keep out the
grafs by the hoe only. The water is commonly kept on the
rice eight or ten days after hoeing. When the ear is formed,
the water is continued on till it is ripe ; it is hoed three or four
times. When the grals is very thick, a negro cannot hoe more
than one iixteenlh uf ciu acre in a day. From three pfcks to a
bufliiel is fown on an acre. It produces from fifty to eighty
bulhels of rough rice an acre ; one hundred and twenty bufiiels
of roush rice have been produced on one acre ; twenty bulliels
of which make about five hundred pounds, or eight and a
uuarter bufhels clean rice for market. After it is threfhed, it
is winnowed, and then ground in a mill, conflruftcd of twa
blocks in a fimple manner ; then winnowed by a fan conftrufted
for that purpole, then beat in a mortar by hand, or, now gene-
rally, by horfe or water machines, then fifted, to leparate the
whole rice from that which is broken and the flour. The whole
lice is then barrelled in cafks of about five hundred pounds, or
eight and a quarter bufhels. The Imall rice ferves for provi-
fions, and the flour for provender, the chaff for manure, and
the draw for fodder. The blade is green and frefh while the
ear is ripe. The price is in the general from nine fhillings and
four-pence, to ten fhillings and fix-pence a hundred; reckoning
ihe dollar at four fliillings and eight-pence.
CIVIL DIVISIONS.
The proprietors who firft fent fettlers to Carolina, divided it
into counties and pariflies. The counties were generallv named
after the proprietors. No county courts, however, were efta-
bliflied, and this divifion, though for a long time kept up
in the province, became in a great rneafure t)bi"olcte, previous
to the revolution; fince the revolution, county courts have
been eftablifhed, and the State is now divided into diflrifts and
counties, and the counties are fubdividcd ; in the lower country
into pariflrcs, and in the upper country into imalkr or voting
dillritts.
There are feven principal diitri£ls, in which are contained
thirty-five countieSj as. follows :
BEAUFORT XUSIRICT,
On ilic fca coafl Lctwecn Combdtee and Savannah river:
Hilton, Lincoln, Granville.
Slircwfbury,
c HAR- LE s T o :; .0 : ', T r T c T,
Between Santee ^nd Coiiioal'.ee rivers.
, Charleflon, Marion, Colleton,
vVafhington, Bcskelcy, Baillrolomi-w.
CEORGE-TOWN DITRICT.
Between Santcc river and North-Carolina.
Wenyah, Kingilon, Liberty.
Willianifburgh,
ORAKCEBURGH DISTRICT,
Wefl of Beaufoi t Diftritt.
Louifbiirgli, Lexington, Winton.
Orange,
CAMDEN DISTRICT,
Wed of George-Town Diftrift.
Clarendon, Clermont, York.
Richland, Lancaller, Chcller.
Fairfield,
CKERAV.'S DISTRICT,
Wca of George-Town Didria,
Malbovough, Chefterfield, DarlIng(on.
NINETY-SIX DISTRICT,
Comprehending all the other parts oftiie State.
Ahberville, Union, Gienville,
Kdgcfield, Laurens, Pendleton,
Newbury, Spartcnburgh,
Tiie committee appointed bv the act of AiTembly to divide
the diflrifts into counties, were to lay them as neaily furty
miles fquare as was practicable, due regard being paid to fitua-
tions, niitural bcundaries, ccc.
OF SOUTH. CAROLINA. -47
CHIEF TOW N S.
' CHARLESTON'.
Chai Ivjilon is the onlv conlidcr.iblc town la Soulli-Carolina ;
it is lituated on the tongue of hud which is formed by tlic
confluence of Afli-Icy and Cooper rivers, which are large and
navigable, niele rivxrs ininrde their waters iininediattly below
the town, and form a foaciGUS and convenient harbour, which
communicates with the ocean jud below Sullivan's illand: Vs'hich
it leaves on the north, leven miles iouth-eaft ol th.e to\^'n. lu
tl'.cic riveis the tide rifes, in common about Tik feet and
;: lialf.* Tl>e continued a"itation whicli this occafums in the
waters which alniofl furround Charleilon ; the refrefliing fea
breezes wliich arc regularly felt, and the fmoke nfing from fo
nratiy chimneys, rciidcr Chaileilon more heaithy t!uui any part
cf the low country in the louthrrn States. On this account it
is the relort of j^reat numbers o^ gentlemen, Invalids from the
V/cft-India iflaucis, and of the ricli planiers from the country,
■who come here to ipend the fickly months, as tliey are called,
ill nueit of health and of the focial enjoyments which the city
affords ; and in no part of America are the focial blefangs en-
joyed jnorc rationally and libciully than in Charlcfton. Unafleft-
ed hofpitality, affability, cafe in manners and addrcfs, and a
difpidiiion to make tlieir guefts welcome, eafy, and pleafed with
;hemfelves, are charafteriftics of the refpeftable people in
^ harlePLOu.
The land on which the town is built is flat and low, and the
water brackiflr and unwhclefbme. The flrcels from eaft to weft
extend from river to river, and, runiiing in a flraight line, not
only open beautiful profpefts eacii way, but afford excellent
opportunities, by means of fibterraneous drains, for rcmovirjg
all nuifances, and keeping tlie city clean and heahliy. Thefe
flreets are interftfted by others, nearly at rig!;t angles, and
throw tiie town into a number of fquares, wzth dv/clling houfes
in front, and ofhce houles and little gardens behind. Some i>f tlie
ilreets are conveniently wide, but; molt of them are much too
narrow, efpeciallv for io pooulous a cit\', in io warm a tiiu<ate.
Befides their being a nurlcry fur various dileafci. fiom their con_
fitted htuation, ihey have been found extremely inconvenient in
* It is wort'. y of remark, tudt the liue uuiTon^ily lil'cs co:iliafr;iLly higher in
thp night than in the day ; tjlira from ten to twelve inches. The fj6l is cciiaiii ;
lr:C LMUfe is llllkll.(\Vll.
fi48 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
cafe of fires, the deftruftive effefts of which have been fre-
quently felt in this city. The houfes, which have been lately
built, are brick, with tiled roofs. Some of the buildings in
Charlefton are elegant, and mofl of them are neat, airy, and well
furnifhed. The public buildings are, an exchange, ftate houfe
lately rebuilt, armoury, poor houfe, two large churches fo^
Epifcopalians, two for Congregationalifts, or Independents, one
for Scotch Prefbyterians. one for Baptifts, one for German Luthe-
rans, two for the Methodifts, a large houfe for worfhip being
lately finifhed by them, one for French Proteftants, befides a
meeting houfe for Quakers, a Roman Catholic Chapel, and a
Jewifh i'ynagogue.
But littte attention is paid to the public markets, A great
proportion of the moft wealthy inhabitants have plantations, |
from which they receive fupplies of almoft every kind of pro-
vilinn. The country abounds with poultry and wild ducks: their
beef, mutton, and veal, are not of the beft kind. Few fifh are |
brought to market. I
In 1787, it was computed that there was one thoufand fix ]
hundred houles in this city, nine thoufand fix hundred white '
inhabitants, and five thoufand four hundred negroes ; and what
evinces the healthinefs of the place, upwards of two hundred
of the white inhabitants were above fixtv years of age. In 1791,
there were fixtecn thoufand three hundred and fifty nine inha-
bitants, of whom feven thoufand fix hundred and eighty-four
were flaves.
Charlefton was incorporated in 1783, and divided into thir-
teen wards, which chuie as many wardens, from among whom
the citizens elcft an intcndent of the city. The intendant and
wardens form the city council, who have power to make and
enforce by-laws for the regulation oF the c:ty.
BEAUFORT,
Beaufort on Port Royal ifland, is a plcafant little town, of
about fixty or feventy houfes, and two hundred and fiftv inha-
bitants, who are difbinguifhed for their hoipitality and politenels.
The courts which were formerly held here, are now held at Jjj
Coofawhatchie.
CEORGE-TOWN.
(
This town, the feat of juftice in George-town diflriG, flands
on a fpot of land near the junftioji of a number of rivers, which,
when united in one broad ftream, by the name of Winyaw, fall
into the ocean twelve miles below the town.
OF SOUTH. CAROLINA, *49
COLUMBIA.
Columbia, which has lately been made the feat of govern-
ment by the legiilature, (lands jufl; below the jun£lion of Saluda
and Broad rivers on the Congaree. The public officers have,
however, in fome inftances been divided, for the accommodation
of the inhabitants of the lower counties, and a branch of each
retained in Charlefton.
CAMOEN.
Camden, on the Wateree, north-weft of Santee hills, one
hundred and thirty miles north-wefb from Charlefton, is regu-
larly built, upon a good plan ; but a Imall part of it is yet
executed.
fURYSBURGH.
Puryfburgh rs a hilly village, about twenty miles above Sa-
vannah, on the north bank of the river of the fame name. It
was early fettled by foreigners, with a view to the culture of
lilk, which for a while they attended to with fpirit. The
mulberry trees are yet ftanding, and fome attention is ftlU paid
to the making of this article : but the profits of the rice and
indigo have diverted the original planters from almoft every other
purfuit. Befides thefe, are Jackfonborough, Orangeburgh, and
Cambridge, which are all inconfiderable villages of from thirty
to fixty dwelling houfes.
POPULATION.
According to the cenfus of 179I} the number of inhabitants
in this State was as follows :
Vol. III. K k
25©
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
GEORGE-TOWN DISTRICT.
^
«
C 'O
3
COUNTIES
■^ ^
u
■^
IX
1 AND
/ PARISHES.
1
i .-3
Uh -0
g
a;
u
0
<
0
>
to
0
... lal ;Ui,
iO._j
1 O-
l..i V
j
17:;,
2225
Prince George's do.
^34.5
1450
2236
80
665 >
11762
PrinceFrederick'sdo.
907
9 1
^59*
3'-
468,
8135
.„ ;,'
0 ./,
• 0 -
1 1 'J
1 ^ 1 •; !
! ..M20
CHERAWS DISTRIC
T,
Total, - - - .
I770I
1993! 3-^-^''^
.59
,922 C;
1 0706
CAMDEN DISTRIC1
:.
l^auheiu >.^uuuL)',
133.:
187.;
292 c
148'^,
7623
Cbefter do. - -
i44(
1 60.'
2831
47
938
6866
York do. - - .
135C'
161 L
2600
29
9^3
6604
Richland do.
59^
710
1173
14
1437
3930
Clarendon do. - -
444
51'
83c
6oi
2392
Claremont do.
517
84,
108c
211c
4.548
Lancafter do.
1253
1 5 0, -,
207^
68
137c
8865
6302
604 1
8r.o •
' 3^07
1 r-, 0
38265
NINETY-SIX DISTRIC
:t.
Eugchfia <.'uum) ,
^ 3 3 :-;
^57'
.^701
t>5
3010
132^9
Pendleton do.
200-
253.:
A \ 8 ("
3
80...
9,568
Spartanburgh do.
1 8 b y
2173
386(
27
80f-
8800
Abbeville da.
1 q 0 .i
1948
3^"»53
27
16 fit
9197
Lauren's do.
19^9
2270
3971
7
1 i so
9337'
Grenville do.
1 400
,16.7
2861
('
6ofi
650,':!
Union do.
1500
180;;
3121
48
1215
7693
Me wherry do.
1992
20.3,
3961:
1 2
1 144
934"
I 4 0 7 3
1716,5
•^o•y^-\
108'
1 io6q
7 ,'■'. 7 " '^
OF SOUTH-CAROLINA.
BEAUFORT DISTRICT.
COUNTIES
AND
PARISHES.
E =u
£ °
^
0
"ra
P
u
CL,
<i
x:
^
<u
o
s
U.
■J-.
1 2bb
:o^;
4 2 3f
'753
ORANGEBURGH DISTRICT,
\orth ['all, -
SduiIi do.
4 ^
H7'
^^8.
2 1
1 4 0 "
;>o.ic
17c
r 0 > 1
CHARLESTON DISTRICT.
Su Piiiiip'i, Parilh,
St. Michael's do.
St.BarUiolomew'sdd.
St.John's,Boiklevd^
St. George's, Dor- ^
chefter, do. - J
St. Steven's do.
■>t. James's, Santee, ut
St. 1'hoinas do.
.'hrift Church do. -
St. James's, Goolc "[
Creek, do, - (
St. John's, Colle
ton, do.
St Andrew's do,
■)t. Paul's do.
■}
28 1 0
1561
37^^^
625
491
10.7
2o;i
15-
33'
3,3:
31^
604
8.
4,r
100
14c
1 1 c
11)7
14.0
67
i8j
^5t
13^^
27^
15^
1
20-
2Cu
10-;
" /
1 ^l
7'
17
b^
48
10
:C'-C
'J 1 T -
bo
10335
.-,170
302:
2 ,5 o ' .
33-^:
34°,:
^377
2333
= 5 4^
020 ■-'
SUMMARY OF POPULATION.
Cheraws do.
Camdeu do. -
Minety-hx do. -
3eiufort do.
Jrangcburgh do.
Jharlefton do. -
^3,'
^-i'-/
-."^j:
1
1 1 y...
'77'
1993
34 !l '
r.i.
6941
869.1
1 360-
■ .,5^;
^4973
1716,5
3«^32-
19S
1 266
1055
2043
^53
3201
317'
6040
17c
5060
317-
7 ' ^^5
9,50
,8 .5 5 7'*^
37722
m668o
1 80 I
32 liO
886^
I 1 o C t .•
14 236
S93-^-
11 ii8i
7^3-
7684^ 16350
2606
5922
4299
2733
3797
3»3^
2954
2787
531^
2947
3433
^■w R
2 2 1
10706
38-26.:
7372c
^8753
1851c
6698.^
1070941240170
K k a
£§& GENERAL DESCRIPTION
It would be impoffible, without other data than we polTefs^
to determine with any degree of certainty what is the prefent
number of inhabitants in this State; but many circumftances
tend to prove, that it has kept pace in point of increafe with
moft of the other States in the Union ; it cannot, therefore,
at this period, contain lefs than three hundred thoufand.
MILITARY STRENGTH.
There are between thirty and forty thoufand fighting men in
this State. About ten men are kept to guard Fort Johnfon,
on James ifland, at the entrance of Charlefton harbour, by
which no vefTel can pafs, unlefs the mafler or mate make oath,
that there is no malignant diflemper on board. The militia laws,
enafting that every freeman, between fixteen and fifty years of
age, ihall be prepared for war, have been but indifferently
obeyed fince the peace* An unufual degree of military fpirit
however, feems lately to have arilen among the citizens of
Charlefton. A number of volunteer uniform companies have
been lately formed in this city, befides a troop of horfe, and the
ancient battalion of artillery. The military ardour has been
encouraged in this and feveral other parts of the Union by the
fituation of affairs in Europe.
RELIGION AND CHARACTER.
Since the revolution, by which all denominations were put
on an equal footing, there have been no difputes between dif-
ferent religious fefts. They all agree to differ on doftrinal
points, and all agree in promoting the grand duties of Chriftia-
nity tovvard God and man.
The upper parts of this State are fettled chiefly by Prcfbyteri-
ans, Baptills and Mcthodifts, From the moft probahk calculati-
ons it is fuppoled, tliat as to numbers tliey may be ranked as fol-
lows : PrefDyterians, including the Congregational and Indepen-
dent churches, Epifcopalians, Baptifts, Methodifts, &c.
Diffclute pleafures, and luxury of every kind form a grand
feature of the national charaftcr of the Carolinians. We ceniure
not the profufion of their tables ;- it is the profufion of Heaven ;
but to the pleafures of the table they are too much addifted.
Here and in every Ipecies of luxurious indulgence, they feem gal-
loping harfi after tlic diilolute Europeans ; and Imall are the .
powers rcquilitc to dilcern, tha: tliey aic not very far be-
hind them.
The Carolinians fooner arrive at matuiiiy, botli in t1i'~
odies and minds, than the natives of colder ciimaios, Hiey
OF SOUTH-CAROLINA. 253
fcolTefs a natural quicknefs and vivacity of genius, fuperior to
the inhabitants of the north; but too generally want that enter-
prife and perfeverance which are necelTary for the highefl; at-
tainments in the arts and fciences. They have, indeed, few
motives to enterprife ; inhabiting a fertile country, which, by
the labour of flaves, produces plentifully and creates affluence;
in a climate which favours indulgence, eafe, and a difpofition for
convivial pleafures, they too generally reft contented with bare-
ly knowledge enough to tranfaft the common affairs of life.
There are not a few inftances, however, in this State, in which
genius has been united with application, and the effects of their
union have been haappily experienced, not only by this State,
but by the whole Union.
The wealth produced by th-e labour of the flaves, furniflies
their proprietors with the means of hofpitality ; and no people
in the world ufe thefe means with more liberality. Some of the
inhabitants fpare no pains or expenfe in giving the higheft polifh
of education to their children, by enabling them to travel, and
bv other nieans unattainable by thofe who have but moderate
fortunes.
The Carolinians are generally affable and eafy in their man.
ners, and polite and attentive to firangers. The ladies want
the bloom of the north, but have an engaging foftnefs and deli-
cacy in their appearance and manners, and many of them pollefs
the polite and elegant accomplifhments.
Hunting is the moft frfliionable amuTcment in this State ; at
this the country gentlemen are extremely expert, and with lur-
prifmg dexterity purfue their game through the woods. Gaming
of all kinds is more difcountenanced among fafhionable people,
in this than in any of the fouthern States. Twice a year,
ftatedly however, a clafs of fportive gentlemen in this and the
neighbouring States, have their horfe-races. Bets of ten or
fifteen hundred guineas have been fometimes laid on thele
occafions.
Bacchus is much refpefled in this country, and no objeftioa
can be made to the fway of fo mirth infpiring a friend, when
limited by prudence and moderation. But as that feldoms hap-
pens, the objeftions againft this cuftom become ferious and weigh-
ty: it is a fpecies of luxury the moft dangerous, becrufe leading
direftly to all others ; bu't it is a fpecies for which the Carolini-
ans are mofl excufeable. Without the a ffiftance of wine, in all
warm climates, the mind is enervate, the fpirits become languid,
and the imagination barren. It is known to all phyficians, that
^54 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
wine, by its tonic quality, obviates debility induced by climate ;
and that the efFefts of putrid miafmata are deftroyed by its
antifeptic power. Hence the ufe of wine, In warm and fickly
climates, becomes obvious ; and hence a caufe ariles, why the
inhabitants of thole climates are fo generally addi£led to the
bottle.
With the introduftion of luxury in this country, the power
of religion has vilibly declined amongfl all the different
denominations of Chriftians ; but if the Carolinians are not re-
ligious, it may be truly faid, they are not fuperllitious. Theat-
rical amufemements have been introduced and encouraged among
them. Thefe, though they form a fpecies of refined luxury, are,
of many others the leafh dangerous ; their political damage, at
leafh is not fo great; for while they add a polifli to the manners of
the people, they feldom impoverifh the country ; aftors are
generally profufe in living ; they feldom deprive a country of its
cafh : hence money in their hands is not loft ; quite the reverie,
it is put in circulation.
In countries where flavery is encouraged, the ideas of the
people are, in general, of a peculiar caft ; the foul often becomes
dark and narrow, and affumes a tone of favage brutality. Such
at this day are the inhabitants of Barbary and the Weft-Indies.
But, thank God ! nothing like this has yet dilgraced an Ame-
rican State. We may look for it in Carolina, but we fhall be
difappointed. The moft elevated and liberal Carolinians abhor
flavery ; they will not debafe themfelves by attempting to vindi-
cate it ; he who would encourage it, abftrafted from the idea of
bare neceftity, is not a man, he is a brute in human form. For
" difguije. thyfdf as thou wilt, 0 Jlavny, jiill thou, art a bitter
draught;" it is intereft, louder than the voice of reafon, which
alone exclaims in thy favour.
Among their neighbours, the Carolinians ftand accufed of
haughtincis and infolent carriage. Nothing is apparently more
true than this charge ; nothing is really more falle. Surrounded
by flaves, and accuftomed to command, they acquire a forward,
dictatorial habit, which can never be laid afide. In order to
judge of their dilpofitions, we muft ftudy them with attention.
Genuine aff"ability, and generofity, form their diftinguifhing
charafteriftics ; for thefe, for the exercife of hofpitality, and all
the focial virtues, we may venture to aiTert, that no country on •
earth has excelled Carolina.
There is no inftance, perhaps, in which the richer clafs of
people trcfpals more on the rules of propriety than in the mode
of conducing their funerals. That a decent relpeft fhould be
0 F SOUTH-CAROLINA. 2551
paid to the dead, is the natural diftate of refined humanity ;
but this is not done by lumptuous and expenfive entertainments,
fplendid decorations, and pompous ceremonies, which a mif-
guided fafliion has introduced and rendered neceiTary in this
State. Wine, punch, and all kinds of liquors, tea, coffee, cake,
&c. in profufion, are handed round on thele folemn occafions.
In fhort, the Scripture obfervation, " It is better to go to the
houfe of mourning than to the houfc oj Jeajiing," is unintelligible
and wholly inapplicable here, as it is difficult to dillinguifh the
houfe of mourning from the houfe of fealling.
TRADE AND MANUFACTURES.
In the middle, and efpecially in the upper country, the peo-
ple are obliged to manufafture their own cotton and woollen
cloths, and inoft of their hufbandry tools : but in the lower
country the inhabitants, for thefe articles depend almofk entirely
on their merchants. Late accounts from the interior parts of
this State Inform us, that the inhabitants manufafture, entirely
in the family way, as much as they have occafion for ; that cotton
hemp and flax are plenty ; that they have a confiaerable flock of
good fheep ; that great exertions are made, and much done in
the houfhold way ; that they have long been in the habit of do-
ing fomething in family manufactures, but within a few years
pad great improvements have been made. The women do the
weaving, and leave the men to attend to agriculture.
This State furnifhes all the materials, and of the beft kind, for
fhip building. The live oak, and the pitch and yellow pines
are ofafuperior quality. Ships might be built here with more
eafe, and to much greater advantage, than in the middle and
eaflern States. A wantof feamen is one reafon why this bufineis
is not more generally attended to.
So much attention is now paid to the manufacture of indigo in
this State, that it bids fair to rival that of the French. It is to
be regretted, that it is flill the praftice of the merchants concern-
ed in the Carolina trade, to fell, at foreign markets, the Carolina
indigo, of the firfh quality, as French. This country, while it
increales the immediate profit of the merchant, finks the charac-
ter of the Carolina article ; and in one view almoft ne-
cefRtates the trader to continue a practice begun in folly and
knavery.
There has been a vaft confumption of foreign imported arti-
cles ; but the quantities and value of their exports generally
leave a balance iii favour of the State.
£56 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The amount of eScpoi ts from the port of Charlefton, in the
year ending November, 1787,. was then eflimated, from authen-
tic documents, at five hundred and five thoufand two hundred
and feventy-nine pounds, nineteen fhillings and five pence,
flerling money. The number of veflfels cleared from the cuflom
houfethe fame year was nine hundrod and forty- feven, mcafuring
fixty-two thoufand one hundred and eighteen tons : feven hun-
dred and thirty-five ofthefe, meafuring forty-one thoufand five-
hundred and thirty one tons, were American ; the others be-
longed to Great-Britain, Spain, France, the United Netherlands
and Ireland,
The principal articles exported from this State are, rice, indi-f
go, tobacco, fkins of various kinds, beef, pork, cotton, pitch?
tar, rofin, turpentine, myrtle-wax, lumber, naval fhores, cork,
leather, pink root, fnake root, ginfeng, &c. In the mofl
fuccefsful feafons, there have been as many as one hundred and
forty thoufand barrels of rice, and one million three hundred
thoufand pounds of indigo exported in a year. From the 15th
of December, 1791, to September, 1792, one hundred and eight
thoufand five hundred and fixty-feven tierces of rice, averaging
five hundred and fifty pounds nett Vdght each, were exported
from Charleflon. In the year ending September 30th, 1791,
exclufive of two quarters, for which no returns were made, the
amount of exports from this Stale was one million and eight hun-
dred and fixty-fix thoufand and twenty-one dollars.
There is in this State, befides a branch of the national hank, a
bank, by the name of the South-Carilona bank, which was efta-
blifl^ed in 1792, in Charleflon.
STATE OF LITERATURE.
Gentlemen of fortune, before the late war, fent their fons to
Europe for education. During the late war and fince, they have
generally fcnt them to the middle and northern States. Thofe
who have been at this expenfe in educating their fons, have been
but comparatively few in number, fo that the literature of the
State is at a low ebb. Since the peace, however, it has begun to
flourlfh. There are feveral refpeftable academies at Charlefton ;
one at Beaufort, on Port Royal illand ; and feveral others in dif-
ferent parts of the State. 'Ihree colleges have lately been incor-j
poratcd by law ; one at Charleflon, one at Winnfborough, ii
the diftrift of Camden, and the other at Cambridge, ii
the diftrifl of Ninety-fix. Th:; public and private donations foj
i
OF SOUTH-CAROLINA. 257
the fupport of thefe three colleges were originally intended
to have been appropriated jointly, for the erefting and lup-
porting of one refpeftable college. The divifion of thefe do-
nations has fruftrated this dcfign. Part of the old barracks in
Charlefton has been handlbmely fitted up, and converted into
a college, and tlicre are a number of ftudents: but it does not
\'et merit a more dignified name than that of a re-fpcftable aca-
demy. The Mount Sion college, at Winnfborough, is fup-
ported by a refpcftabic fociety of gentlemen, who have long
been incorporated. This inftitution flouriihes, and bids fair
for ufefulnefs. The college at Cambridge is no more than a
grammar-ichool. To^put the literature of this State upon a ref-
peftable footing, nothing is wanting but a fpirit of enterprife
among its wealthy inhabitants.
CHARITABLE AND OTHER SOCIETIES.
Thefe are the South-Carolina, Mount Sion Library, and St.
Cecilia focieties ; a fociety for the relief of the widows and
orphans of clergymen, a medical fociety lately inftitutcd in
Charlefton, and a mufical fociety. At Beaufort and on St.
Helena are feveral charitable focieties, incorporated with funds
to a confiderable amount, defigned principally for the education
of poor children, and which promile, at a future day, to be of
great public utility. What are called Jockey Clubs have
increalcd within a few ycar.^.
PUBLIC REVENUE AND EXPENSES.
The public revenue of this State is, nominally, ninety thou-
fand pounds fterling ; but a great part of this is either not
coUefted, or paid in lecurities, which are much depreciated.
The expenfes of government are about iixtsen thouland Dounds
fterling per annum.
The gi-eat bulk of the revenue of the State is raifed by a tax
on lands and negroes. The lands, for the purpnfe of bein?'
taxed according to their value, are divided into three ^rand
divifions ; the firft reaches from the fea-coaft to the extent
of the flowing of the tides ; the feeond, from thefe points to
the fall of the rivers ; and from thence to the utmoll verge of
the weftern fettlement makes the third. Thefe grand divifions.
for the fake of more exac|-ly afcertaining tlie value of the lands,
are fubdivided into twenty-one different ipscies : the molt
valuable of which is ellimated at fix pounds, and the leafb va-
luable at one IhiUing per acre. One per cent, on the valus
Vol. III. LI
258 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
thus eftimated is levied from all granted lands in the State,
The colletlion of taxes is not annexed t.o the office of fheriff, but
is committed to particular gentlemen appointed for that purpofe
who are allowed two and a half per cent, in Charlefton, a^nd five
per cent, in the otlier parts of the State, on all they colleft'
CONSTITUTION.
The legHlative authority is veiled in a General Affembly,
confifting of a Senate and Houfe of Reprelentatives. There
are one hundred and twenty-four Reprefentatives, and thirty
five fenators appointed among the feveral diftrifts. The
reprefentatives are cho'en for two years, mud be free white
men, twenty-one years old, and have been inhabitants of the
State three years. If refidcnt in the diftrift, they muft have
a freehold of five hu-ndred acres of land, and ten negroes
or real eflate worth one hundred and fifty pounds fherling,
clear of debt ; if non-refident, mufl have a freehold in the
diftrift worth five liundred pounds flerling clear of debt.
The fenators are chofen for four years, and divided into two
clafTes, one clafs being chofen every fecond year. They mud
be free white men, thirty years old, and have been inhabitants
five years. If refident in the diftrift, they muft have a free-
hold worth three liundred pounds flerling, clear of debt ; if non-
refident, a freehold worth one thoufand pounds fhcrling, clear of
debt. Every free white man, twenty-one years old, having
been an inhabitant of the State two years, and been a freeholder of
fifty acres of land or a towri lot, fix months, or having been refi-
dent in the diftrift fix months, and paid a tax of three fhil_
lings fberling. has a right to vote for members of the legiflature.
The Genera-l "AiTcm-blv is chofen on the fecond Monday in
Oftober, and meets on the fourth Monday in November annu-
ally. Each houle chooles its own officers, judges of the qua-
lifications of its members, and has a negative on the other. A
"majority of each make a quorum from day to day, and compel
the attendance of m'.-mbcrs. They arc protetled, in their per-
fons and eflates, during the fefiions, and ten days before and
after ; except in calcs of treafon, felony, and breacli of the peace.
They are paid out of the public treaiury from which no inonev
is drawn but by the legiflativc authority. Revenue b:lls ,ori.
ginate in the lou'er houfe, but may be altered or lejcfted by
the fenate. Army and navy contraftori, and all officers,
excepting officers in the militia, juftices of the peace, and juf-
tices of the county courts wliich have no falarics, are excluded
from the General Alfembly. The clergy arc excluded from
civil offices. The executive authority is veiled in a governor,
OF SOUTH-CAROLINA. 259
chofen for two years, by both houfes of Affembly jointly ; but
he cannot be re-eltftcd till after four yenrs. lie mufl be thirty
years old, have been an inhabitant of the State ten years, and
have an eftate in it worth one thoubnd five hundred pounds
fterling, clear of debt, ilc can hold no other ofEce except in
the militia. A lieutenant-governor is cholen in the fame
manner, for the lame time, and pcffeffing the lame qualifications .
and holds the oHice of governor in caic of vacancy. The go-
vernor is commander in chief of the military force ; has power
to remit fines and forfeitures, and grant reprieves and par-
dons, except in calcs of impeachment : to require informa-
tion of executive officers ; to convene the General Affembly
on extraordinary occafions, and to adjourn them to any time
not beyond the fourth Monday in November next enfuing, in
cafe they cannot agree on the time themfclves. He muft in.
form the General Aflembly of the condition of the State ;
recommended luch nieaiures as he fliall judge expedient ; and
take care that the laws are faithfully executed in mercv.
The legiflature has power to veil the judicial authority in
fuch courts as it fiiaii tnink proper. The judges hold their
eommiffion during good behaviour; tliofe of the luperior courts
are elcfted by joint ballot of both houles of Aflembly; have a
ftated lalary, and can hold no other office. All officers
take and an oath of fidelity to their duty, and to the conflitu
tion of this State, and of tlie United Stjtes ; and for malcon.
duft, may be impeached by the Ilouie of Rcprefentatives,
and tried by the Senate. This conllilution afleits the fuprcmc
power of the people ; liberty of conlcience ; trial by jury ;
and lubordination of the military to the civil power. It ex-
cludes ex pojl falto laws ; bills of attainder ; exceflive bail ;
and titles of nobility and hereditary dillintlion.
The legiilature has power, under certain regulations, to
make amendments to the conftitulicn. And a convention
may be called by a vote of two-lhiids of bcih branches of
the whole repreientation.
This conilitution was ratified June 3d, 1790.
L A \V S.
The laws of this State have nothing in them of a particulat*
natiixeL. executing what ariles from the permiiruin of flavery.
The evidence of a flavc cannot be taken againfl a while man ;
and the mafler who kills his fiave is not punifhable otherwiie
rhan by a oecuniary multl;, and twelve months imurifonnicnt*-
* We are not abfolatly certain, that theic unjufl: dilliudions have not fuice
)jeen done awvy. LdUuf
LI 3
26o GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A commintee was appointed, at the feffion of the legiflature
in 1792, to put in train the bufinefs of revifing and amending
the negroe atl, or the law for governing the flaves. The iffue
has n-:eliorated the condition of the flaves, and afforded an
evidence to the Vv-orld of the enlightened policy, and increaf-
ing humanity of the citizens of this State. Prior to this a
difpofition to foften the rigors of flavery was manifcfled, by
allowing iheai hfh, tobacco, and lummer clothing, which for-
merly was not cuftomaiy. Thus while a \'rftige of flavery
remains the fituation of the flaves is rendered tolerable, and
no doubt can be entertained but that farther ft;cps will be taken
to prepare their minds for tjie enjoyment of that freedom
which the federal government has acknowledged to be their
right, and which they have paved the way for their obtaining.
A law, altering the mode of defcent of intefliate eftates, which
formerly defcended according to the laws of England, v/as paf-
fed in 1792. According to the prefent law, a more equal par-
tition takes place, and more conformable to a republican govern-
ment, to the diftatts of natural affeftion, and the principles of
common fenfe.
By a late regulation, the judges of the court, who before
had a falary of Ave hundred pounds each, and fees, have now
fix hundred pounds and no fees. The cheif juflice has eight
hundred pounds,
PRACTICE OF LAW, COURTS, &c.
From the firfl: fettlement of this country in 1669, to thf
year 1769, a fingie court, called the' court of rom.mon pleas,
was thought (ufficient to tranfaft the judiciil bufinefs of the
State, This court was invariably held at Charleflon, where
all the records were kcfir. and all civil bufincls tranfafted.
As the province increalcd, inconvcnicncies arole, and creatc4
uneaflnefs among the peopl?.
To remedy thele inconvoniencies an a£l was pnfled in 1769,
by which the province wai. divided into fcven diltrifts, which
have been rt^cniioned. T]ie court cf common pleas, invefl;ed
with the povv-crs of the fanie court in England, lat four times a
year in Cliarleflon. By the above-mentioned a£l, the judges of the
court of common picas were empowered to fit as judges of the court of
Icflions, invefl.ed with ti'^e powers of the court of king's bench in
England, in the criniinal jurildiftion. The aft like wife direfted
the judges of the courts of common pleas and feflions in Charlcf-
ton diftrict, to divide, and two of the judges to proceed on what
is called the nojUiern circyit, st.d the other two gn the fputherrj
OF SOUTH-CAROLINA. 261
circuit, diftributing juftice in their progrcfs. Tin's mode of ad-
rniniftcring juftice continued till 1785, when, by the unanimous
exertions of ihe two upper diftrifts, an a6l was pjiUed, eftablifli-
ing county courts in all the counties of the four dillrifts of Cam-
den, Ninety-Six, Cheraws, and Orangeburgh. The county-
courts are empowered to lit four times a year. Before the ellab-
lilhmcnt of county courts, the lawyers all rehded at Charlefton
under the immediate eye of government ; and the Carolina bar
was as pyre as any in the United States. Since this eftablifl-iment,
lawyers have flocked in from all quarters, and fettled' in different
parts of the country, and law-iuits in coniequence have been mul-
tiplied beyond all former knowledge.
DAMAGE BY THE LATE WAR.
The damages which this State fuflained in the late war are thus
eflimatcd : the three entire crops of 17-79, 1780. and 1781, hli of
which were ufedby the Britifh ; the crop of 1782, taken by the
Americans ; about twenty-five thoufand negroes ; many thoufand
pounds worth of plate, and houfhold furniture in abundance;
the villages of George-town and Camden burnt; the lofs to the
citizens direftly by the plunderings and devaflations of the
Britifli army, and indlrcftly by American impreffments, and by
the depreciation of the paper currency, together with the heavy
debt of one million, two hundred thoufand pounds flerling, in-
furred for th.c fupport of the war, in one aggregate view, make
the price of independence to South-Carolina, exclufive of the
blood of its citizens, upwards of three million pounds ftciv
ling.
INDIANS.
The Catabaws are the only nation of Indians in tliis State,
They have but one town, called Catabaw, fituated on Catabaw
river, in latiiude 34'' 49', on the boundary line between North
and South Carolinas, and contains about four hundred aiid fifty
inhabitants, of which about one hundred and f:ity arc fi"htnig
men.
It is worthy of remark, that this nation was long at war with
the fixnaiions, into whole country thCy often pcneiratcd, which
it is faid no otiier Indian nation from the I'outh or weft ever <iid.
The fix nations always confidered them as the bravcff of tlieir
pneroies, till they were furrounded by the fetllements of white
■people, whole neighbourhood, with otlier concurrent caufes.
Jiave rendered them corrupt and enervated.
STATE OF
GEORGIA.
SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES.
A HIS State is fituated between 31*^ and 35° north latitude
and 5° and 16" wefl longitude : its length is fix hundred miles,
and its breadth two hundred ond fifty. It is bounded on the eaft,
by the Atlantic ocean ; on the fouth, by Eaft and Weft Florida ;
on the weft, by the river Miffiffippi ; and on the north and
north-eaft, by South-Carolina, and the lands ceded to the United
States by North-Carolina, or the Tenneffce government.
C L I M A T E, &c.
In fome parts of this State, at particular feafons of the year,
the climate cannot be efleemed falubrious. In the low country
near the rice fwamps, bilious complaints, and fevers of various
kinds, arc pretty unfverfal during the months of July, Auguft
and September, which for this realon, are called the fickly
months.
The diforders peculiar to tin's climate originate partly from the
badnefs of the water, which in the low country, except in and
about Savannah, and fome ether places, where good Iprings are
found, is generally brackilh, and partly from the noxiou§
putrid vapours which are exhaled from the ftagnant waters in the
rice fwamps. Befides, the long continuance of warm weather
produces a general relaxation of the nervous lyftcm, and as a
great proportion of the inhabitants have no necclTary labour to
call them to excrcife, a large fiiare of indolence is tlie natural
coidequcnce; and indolence, elpccially amongll a luxurious peo-
ple, is ever the parent of dilcalc. The imnicnfe quantities of
fpirltuous liquors which are ufed to correft the br.ickinincls of
the water, form a fpecics of intemperance, which too often
proves ruinous to the conllitution. Parents of infirm, fickly ha-
bits, ofteijj in more rcnles than one, have children of their own
OF GEORGIA. 263
likenefs. A confiderable part of the dileafcs of the prefent in-
habitants may, therefore, be coniidered as hereditary'.
Before the fickly fcafon commences, many of the rich planters
remove with their families to the Tea iflands, or fome elevated
healthy fituation, where they refide three or four months for the
benefit of the frefh air. In the winter and fpring, pleurifies,
peripneumonics, and other inflamitory difordcrs, accafioned by
fudden and violent colds, are generally common and frequently-
fatal. Confumptions, cpilepfics, cancers, palfies and appoplexies,
are not fo common among the inhabitants of the fouthern as
northern climates.
The winters in Georgia are very mild and pleafant. Snow is
feldom or never feen. Vegetation is not frequently prevented
by fevcre frofts. Cattle fubfifl well through the winter, without
any other food than what they obtain in the woods and favannahs
and are fatter in that than in any other. In the hilly country, which
begins about fifty, and in fome places one hundred miles from
the fea, the air is pure and falubrious, and the water plenty and
good. From June to September, the mercury in Fahrenheit's
thermometer commonly fluftuates from nS'-' to 00° ; in winter
from 40*^' to 60°. The mod prevailing winds are fouth-weft
andeaft; in winter north-weft. The eaft wind is warmeft in
winter, and cooleft in fummer. The fouth wind, in the fummer
and fall particularly, is damp, fuUry, unelaftic, and of courfc
unhealthy.
In the South-eafh parts of this State, which lie within a few-
degrees of the torrid zone, the atmofphere is kept in motion by
imprelhons from the trade winds. This ferves to purify the
air, and render it fit for refpiration ; fo that it is found to
have a very advantageous efFeft on perfons of confumptive
habits.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY.
The eaftern part of the State, between the mountains and
the ocean, and the rivers Savannah and St. Mary's, a traft of
(^ountry, more than one hundred and twenty miles from north
to fouth, and forty or fifty from eafl to weft, is entirely level,
without a hill or ftone. At the diftance of about forty or fifty
miles from the fca-board, or falt-mirni, the lands begin to bs
more or lefs uneven. The ridges gradually rife one above
another into hills, and the hills jucccflivcly increafing in height,
till they finally terminate in mountains. That vaft chain of
mountains wliich commences with the Katt's Kill, near Hud Ton
river m the State of New-York, known by the names of the
ft64 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Allegany and Appalachian mountains, terminate in this ^tate,
about fixty miles fouth of its northern boundary. From the
foot of this rhountain fpreads a wide-extended plain, of the
richeft foil, and in a latitude and climate well adapted to the
cultivation of mo ft of the Eaft-India produftions.
The rivers in this State ai-e numerous, and fome of them of
the utmoft importance.
Savannah river divides this State from South-Carolina ; its
courfe is nearly from narth-weft to fouth-eafh. It is formed
principally of two branches, known by the names of Tugulo and
Keowee, which fpring from the mountains, and unite fifteen
iniles north-weft of the northerti boundary of Wilkes county.
It is navigable for large velTels up to Savannah, and for boats of
one hundred feet keel as far as Augufta. After riftng a fall jufl
above this place, it is pafTablc for boats to the mouth of Tugulo
river. After it takes the name of Savannah, at the confluence
of the Tugulo and Keowee, it receives a number of tributary
ftreams from the Georgia fide, the principal of which is Broad
river which rifes in the county of Franklin, and runs fouth-eaft
through part of Wilkes county, and mingles with the Savannah
at the town of Peterfburgh and might, with a trifling expenfc,
be made boatable twenty-five or thirty miles through the
bed fettlements in Wilkes county. Tybee bar, at the entrance
of Savannah river, in latitude 31'* 57', has fixteeu feet water
at half tide.
Ogeechee river, about eighteen miles fouth of the Savannah, is
a fmaller river, and nearly parallel with it in its courfe.
Alatamaha,* about fixty miles fouth of Savannah river, has
its fource in the Cherokee mountains, near the head of the Tugu-
lo the great weft branch of Savannah, and, before it leaves the
mountains, is joined and augmented by innumerable rivulets ;
thence it defcends through the hilly country, with all its colla-
teral branches, and winds rapidly amongfr. hills two hundred and
fifty miles, and then enters the flat, plain country, by the name
of the Oakmulge; thence meandering one hundred and fifty miles^
it is joined on the eaft fide by the Ocone, which likewife heads
in the lower ridges of mountains. After this confluence, having
now 'J.iined a vaft acquifition of waters, it allumes the name of
Alataitj-ilia, when it becomes a large majeftic river, flowing with
gentle wiiid'ags through a vaft foicfl;, near one hundred miles,
* Pronounced Oltaraawhaw.
OJF GEORGIA, ■ ^^^s
and enters the Atlantic by feveraL mouths. The north channel,
or entrance, glides by the heights of Darien, on the eaft bank,
about ten miles above the bar, and, running from thence with
feveral turnings, enters the ocean between Sapello and Woif
illands. The fouth channel, which is efleemed tlie largcfl: and
deepefl, after its fepantion from the north, defcends gently,
winding by M'Intolh's and Broughton Iflands ; and laftly, by
the weft coxft of St. Simon's ifland, enters the ocean, through
St. Simon's found, between the fouth end of the ifland of that
name, and the north end of Jekyl ifland. On the weft banks
of the fouth channel, ten or twelve miles above its mouth, and
nearly oppofite Darien, are to be fecn the remains of an ancient
fort or fortification ; it is now a regular tetragon terra*:e, about
four feet high, with baflions at each angle ; the area may contain
about an acre of ground, but the folic which furrounded it is
nearly filled up* There are large live oaks, pines and other trees
growing upon it, and in the old fields adjoining. It is iuppofed
to have been the v/ork of the French or Spaniards. A large
fwamp lies betwixt it and the river j and a confiderable creek
runs clofe by the works, and enters the river through the
fwamp, a fmall di fiance above Broughton ifland. About leventy
or eighty miles above the confluence of the Oakmulge and Ocone,
the trading path from Augufta to the Creek nation crolTes thefe
fine rivers, which are there forty miles apart. On the eaft
banks of the Oakmulge, this trading road runs nearly two miles
through ancient Indian fields^ which are called the Oakmulge
fields; thcv are the rich low lands of the river. On the heights
of thefe low grounds are yet vifible monuments or traces,
of an ancient town, fuch as artificial mounts or terraces,
fquares and banks, encircling confiderable areas. Their old
fields and planting land extend up and down the river, fifteen
or twenty miles from this fite. And, if we arc to give credit
to the account the Creeks give of themielves, this place is re-
markable for being thenrft town or fettlement, when they fat
down, as they term it, or eftablifhed themfelves after their emi-
gration from the weft, beyond the Miffilhprn, their original
native country.
Behdes thefe, there is Turtle river, Little SitiII.5, or St. Ille,
Great Sitilla, Crooked liver, aiid St. Mary's, winch form a
part of the fouthern boundry of the United States. St. Mary'j
river has it fource from a vaft lake, or rather marih, called
Ouaquaphenogaw, and flows through a vaft plain and jtine foreft,
about one hundred and fifty miles to the ocean, with which it
Vol. III. M m
266 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
communicates between the points of Amelia and Talbert's iftan<Jsj,
latitude 30** 44^ and is navigable for velTels of confiderable
burthen for ninety miles. Its banks afford immenfe quantities
of fine timber, fuited to the Weft-India market. Along this
river, ererv four or five miles, are bluffs convenient for veffels
to haul to and to load.
The rivers in the middle and weftern parts of this State, are,
Apalachicola, which is formed by the Chatahouchee and Flint
rivers^ Mobile, Pafcagoula and Pearl rivers. All thefe running
fouthwardly, empty into the Gutph of Mexico. The foremen-
tioned rivers abound with a great variety of fifh, among which
are the mullet, whiting, fheepfhead, cat,^ rock, trout, drum,
bafs, brim, white^ fliad, and fturgeon. The bays and lagoons
are flored with Oyfters and other fhell fifh, crabs, fhrimps, &c„
The clamSj in particular, are large, their meat white, tender
and delicate. The fhark and great black ft.ingray are infatiable
cannibals, and very troublefome to the fifhermen.
The lake, or rather marfb, called Ouaquaphenogaw, lies be-
tween Flint and Oakniulge rivers, and is nearly three hundred
miles in circumference. In wet feafonsit appears like an inland
fea, and has feveral large iflands of rich land ; one of which the
prefent generation of Creek Indians rcprelent as themofl blifsful
fpot on earth. They fay it is inhabited by a peculiar race of
Indians, whofe women are incomparably beautiful. They tell
you alfo that this terreftial paradife has been feen by fome enter-
p'rifing hunters, v/hen in purfuit of their game, who, being loft
in inextricable- fwamps and bogs, and on the point of perifKing,
were unexpeGediy relieved by a company of beautiful women,
whom ihey call daughters of the Sun, who kindly gave them
fuch provifions as they had with them, confifting of fruit and
corn cakes, and then enjoined them to fly for fafety to their own
country, becaufe their hufbands were fierce men and cruel to
flrangers. They farther fay, that thefe hunters had a view of
their fettlements, fuuatcd on the elevated banks of an ifland, in
a beautiful lake ; but that in their endeavoursto approach it, they
were involved in perpetual labyrinths, and, like enchanted land,
ftill as they imagined they had juft gained it, it fcemed to fly be-
fore them. They determined, at length, to quit the delufive
purfuit, and with intKli difficulty eff^etlcd a retreat. When
they reported their adventuries to their countrymen, the young
warriors were inflamed with an irrcfifliblc defirc to invade and
conquer fo charmiri;^ a country, but all their atteuipts had hitherto
OF GEORGIA. 267
proved fruitlefs, they never being able again to find the fpot.
They tell another ftory concerning this requeftcred country,
which feems not improbable, which is, that the inhabitants are
the pofterity of a fugitive remnant of the ancient Yamafes, who
efcaped maflacre after a bloody and dccifive battle between them
and the Creeks. It is certain, that the Creeks conquered and
nearly exterminated that once powerful people, and it is pro-
bable, that they here found an afylum, remote and fecure from
,ihe fury of their pround conquerors.
Befides the St. Mary ; the rivers Sitilla, or St. Illc, and the
beautiful Little St. Juan, which empties into the bay of Appa-
Jachi at St. Mark's, are laid to flow from this lake.*
About fixteen miles from the mouth of Broad river, on its
fouth fide, is what is called the Goofepond, a traft of about
one hundred and eighty acres, covered with living water about
two feet deep ; it difchargcs into the river, and is fed by two
ipringSp
SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, &c.
The foil in this State and its fertility arc various, accord-
ing to fituation and different improvement. The iilands on the
fea board, in their natural ftate, are covered with a plentiful
growth of pine, oak and hiccory, live oak, an uncommonly
hard and a very valuable wood, and fome red cedar. The
foil is a mixture of land and black mould, making what is com-
monly called a grey foil. A confiderable part of it, particularly
that whereon grow the oak, hiccory and live oak, is very rich}
and yields, on cultivation, good crops of indigo, cotton, corn
and potatoes. Thefe iflands are furrounded by navigable creeks,
tetween which and the main land is a large extent of fait marfh,
fronting the whole State, not lefs, on an average, than four or
live miles in breadth, interfeiled with creeks in various direc-
tions, admitting, through the whole, an inland navigation be«
tween the iflands and main land, from the north-eafl to the
ibuth-eaft corners of the State. The eafh fides of thefe iflands
are, for the mod part, clean, hard, fandy beaches, expofed to
the wafh of the ocean. Between thefe iflands are the entrances
of the rivers from the interior country, winding through the
Jow fait marfhes, and delivering their waters into the founds,
which form capacious harbours of from three to eight miles over,
,2nd which communicate with each other by parallel fait creeks,
* Bartram's Travels.
M m 8
£68 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The principal illands are, Shidav/ay, Wafi'aw, Gffabaw, St.
Catharine's, Sapelo, Frederica, Jekyl, Cumberland and Ame
lia.
The foil of the main land, adjoining the marfiies and creekg
is nearly of the fame quality with that of the illands, except
that which borders on thoie rivers and creeks which ft.retch
far back into the country. On thefe, immediately aft,^>; 'you
leave the lalts, begin the valuable rice f^vamps, which, on culti-
A'ation, afford the prefent principal ftaple of commerce. Mod
of the rice lands lie on rivers, which as far as the tide flows,
are called tide lands ; or on creeks and p-articular braaches of
water, flowing in lome deeper or lower parts of the lands, which
are called inland fwamps, and extend back in the country from
fifteen to twenty-five miles, beyond whicii very little rice i^-
•planted, though it will grow exceedingly well, as experiment
has proved, one hundred and twenty miles back from the fea.
The intermediate lands, between thele creeks and river?, are
of an inferior quality, being of a grey foil, covered chiefly
VMth pine, arid a fort of wild grafs and fmjill reeds, which alfor4
a large range of feeding ground for flock both fummer and
winter. Here and there are interfpcrfed oak and hiccory ridges^
w hich are of a better foil, and Dtpduce good crops of corn and
indigo ; but theie are very little elevated above the circumjacent
lands. The lands adjoining the rivers, and, for an hundred
miles in a direft line from the fea, continue a breadth from two
to three or four miles, and wherever,- in that diftance, you
lind a piece of high land that extends to the bank of the river or\
one fide, you may expeft to find the low or fwamp ground pro-
portionably wide on the oppofite fide of the river. This feems
to be an iuvariuble rule till yuu come to that part where the
river cuts the mountains.
The foil between the rivers, after you leave the fea board and
the edge of the fwamps, at the diflance of twenty or thirty
miles, changes from a grey to a red colour, on which grows
plenty of oak and h't-'cory, with a confiderablc intermixture of
pine. In lome places it is gravelly, but fertile, and lo con.
tinues for a number of miles, gradually deepening the reddifli
colour of the earth, till it changes irto what is called the Mulatto
foil, confifting of a black mould and red earth. The compofi-
tion is darker or lighter according ^s there is a larger oi,-_
imaller proportion of the black or red earth in it. The
rnulatto lands are generally fl.rong, and yield luge crops of
wheat, tobacco, corn, &c. To this kind of land lucceeds by
turns a loil nearly black and very richj on which grow larks'.
OF GEORGIA. 269
quantities of black walnut, mulberry, &c. This fuccedion of
different foils continues uniform and regular, though there
are fome large veins of all the different ioils intermixed; and
what is more remarkable, this lucceffion, in the order men-
tioned, ftrctches acrofs this State nearly parallel with the fea
coaft, and extends through the Icveral Stales nearly in the
fame direclion, to the banks of Iludlon river. In this State
are produced, by culture, lice, indigo, cotton, filk, {though
not in large quantities) Indian corn, potatoes, oranges, figs,
pomegranates, Sec. Rice, at preient, is the flaple commodity ;
and as a fmall proportion only of the rice ground is under cuL
ration, the quantity raifed in future muH be much greater
ihan at prefent. But the rapid increafe of the inhabitants,
chiefly by emigrations, whofe attention is turned to the railing
of tobacco, and the vaft extent of land, with a richnefs pf
foil fuited to the culture of that plant, renders it probable,
that tobacco will fhortly become the fi.aple of this State, Cot-
ton was formerly planted only by the poorer clafs of people,
and that only for family ufe. They planted of two kinds, the
annual and the Wefl-Indian ; the former is low and planted
every year ; the balls of which are very large, and the phlo^f
long, ftrong, and perfcftly white. The latter is a tall perennial
plant, the flalk fomewhat ilirubby, feveral of v/hich rife up
from the root for feveral years fucceffivcly, the Hems of the
former year being killed by the winter frofls. The balls of
Weft-India cotton are not quite fo large as the other, but the
phlox or wool is long, extremely fine, filky and white. A
plantation of this kind will lafl feveral years with moderate
labour and care. The culture of cotton is now much more
attended to ; feveral indigo planters have converted their plan-
tations into cotton fields. The tobacco lands are equallv well
adapted to wheat, which may hereafter make an important ar.
tide of commerce.
On the dry plains grow large crops of fweet potatoes, which
are found to afiord a wholefome nourifhment, and from which
is made by difliilation, a kind of whifl^y, tolerably good, but
inferior to that made of rye. It is by properly macerating and
Vi;afhing this root that a fediment or flarch is made, which has
pbtained the name of fago, and anfv/ers all the purpofes of the
^ndian fago.
Mod of the tropical fruits would flourifh in this State with
proper attention. The rice, plant has been tranfplanted, and
alio the tea plant, of which fuch immenfe quantities are con-
fumed in the United States, was introduced into Georgia by
«^ GENERAL DESCRIPTION,
Mr. Samuel Bowen, about the year 1770, from India. Tli«
feed was difTeminated, and t^e plant now grows, without cultis-
vation, in moft of the fenced lots in Savannah.
From many confiderations we may, perhaps, venture to prc-
dift, that the fouth-wePtern part of the State, and the parts of
Eafl and Wefl-Florida, which lie adjoining, will^ i^ fome iix^
ture time, become the vineyard of America.
REMARKABLE SPRIin^G,
In the county of Wilkes, within a mile and a half of the
town of Waihington, is a medicinal fpririg, which rifes from
a hollow tree, four or five feet in length. The infide of the
tree is covered with a coat of matter, an inch thick, and the
leaves around the fpring are incrufted with a fubftance as white
as fnow. It is faid to be a fovereign remedy for the fcurvy,
fcrophulous diforders, confumptions, gouts, and every other
difeafe arifing from humours in the blood. A perfon, who had
a fevere rheumatifm in his right arm, having, in the fpace of
iten minutes, drank two quarts of the water, experienced a mo-
pientary chill, an.d was then thrown into a perfpiration, which,
in a few. hours, left him entirely free frorn pain, and in per-
fea health.
This fpring, fituated in a nne keakhy part of the State, in.
the neighbourhood of Wafhington, where arc excellent accom-
modations, will no doubt prove a pleafant and falutary place of
refort for invalids from the maritime and unhealthy parts of this
and the neighbouring States.
CIVIL DIVISIONS.
Before the revolution, Georgia, like the other fouthern
States, was divided into parilhes, but this mode of divifion is
now abolii"hed, and that of counties has fucceeded it.
That part of the State which is laid out, is divided into
jhree diftrifts, which are fubdiyided iptp eleven counties, a*
foilowh :
1 OWE R EI STRICT.
Camden,
Liberty,
Effiiiffharo.
Glyn,
Chatham,
MIDDLE EISTRICT.
Richrnond,
Bui ke,
Wafhington,
of GEORGIA. 2ji
VPPER UliTRlCT.
Wilkes, Franklin, Green.
CHIEF T O W" N S.
The chief towns are, St. Patrick's, Brunfwlck, Sunbury,
Savannah, Ebenezer, Augufta, Waynfborough, Louifville,
Golphinton, Wafhington, Greeniburgh.
AUGUSTA.
The prefent feat of government in this State is Augufta. ^ It
is fituated on the fouth-wcfl bank of Savannah river, which is
here about five hundred yards wide, about one hundred and
forty-four miles from the fea, andorve hundred and twenty-feven
north-weft of Savannah. The town, which in i -782 contain-
ed but three or four houfes, in 1 ■787 contained two hundred ;
it is on a fine large plain, at the foot of the firft falls in the
river, which in -a dry feafon are four or hve feet in height ; and
as it enjoys the beft foil, and the advantage of a central fitua-
tion between the upper and lower counties, is rifmg faft into
importance. In the vicinity of this town is the remarkable large
bank of oyfter fhells which we have had occafion jbefore to
rsotice.
SAVAN NAH.
Savannah, the former capital of Georgia, flands on a high
fandy bluff, on the iouth fide of the river of the fame name,
and feventeen miles from its mouth. The town is regularly
built in the form of a parallelogram, and, including its fuburbs.
contained, in i^Sy, two hundred and twcnty-feven dwelling
houfes, one Epifcopal church, a Prefbyterian church, a Syna-
gogue, and a court houfe. The number of its inhabitants,
cxciufive of the blacks, amounted at that time to about eighc
hundred and thirty, fcventy of whom were Jews,
In Savannah, and within a circumference of about ten miles
from itj there were, in thw fummer of 1787, about fvvo thou-
fand three hundred inhabitants. Of ihele one hundred and
ninety-two were above fifty vears" of age, and all in good health.
The -dgfi of a lady end her fix children, then living in the
town, amounted to thre^ hnndi'ed and eigl«cv-five years.
272 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This computation, which was aftually made, ferves to fhew that
Savannah is not really fo unhealthy as has been commonly re-
prefented,
SUNBURY.
Sunbury is a fea port town, beautifully fituated on the mairt
between Medway and Newport rivers, about fifteen miles
fouth of Great Ogeechee river ; it is favoured with a fafe,
capacious, and very convenient harbour, defended from thd
fury of the feas by the north and fouth points of St. Helena,
and South Catherine's iflands, between which is the bar and
entrance into the found. Several fmall iflands intervene, and
partly obilruft a diftant view of the ocean ; and, interlocking,
with each other, render the paffjge out to fea winding, but
not difhcult. It is a very pleafant, healthy town, and is the
refort of the planters from the adjacent places of Medway and
Newport, during the fickly months. It was burnt by the Bri-
tifh in the late war, but has fince been rebuilt. An academy
was eftablifhed herein 1788, which, under an able inftruftor,
has proved a very ufeful inftitution.
BRUNSWICK.
Brunfwicic, in Glyn county, latitude 31° 10', is fituated at
the mouth of Turtle river, at which place this river empties
itfelf into St. Simon's found. Brunfwick has a fafe and capa-
cious harbour ; and the bar, at the entrance into it, has water
deep enough for the largeft vefTels that fwim. The town is
regularly laid out, but not yet built. From its advantageous
fituation, and from the fertility of the back country, it
promifes to be hererfter one of the firfl trading towns in
Georgia,
F REDE RICA.
Fredeiica, on the ifiand of St. Simon, is nearly in latitude
31** 15'; it is one of the oldeft towns in Georgia, and was
founded by General Oglethorpe. The fortrefs was regular and
beautiful, conftrufted chiefly with brick, but is now in ruins.
The town contains but few houfes, which ftand on an emi-
nence, if confidercd with regard to the marflics before it, upon
a branch of Alatamaha river, which walhes the weft fide of this
agreeable ifiand, and forms a bay before the town, affording a
fafe and fecure harbour for velfels of the largeft burthens, which
mav lie nionfj the wharf.
OF GEORGIA.
■13
WASHINGTON.
Wafhirigtori, the chief town in the county of Wilts, Is fituated
in latitude 33*^ 22', about fifty miles north-weft of Augufta; it
had, in 1788, a court houfe, goal, thirty-four dwelling houfes,
and an academy, v/hofe funds amounted to about eight hundred
pounds fterling, and the number of ftudents to between fixty and
feventy.
LOUISVILLE.
The town of Loulfville, which is defigned as the future feat
of government in this State, ha-s been laid out on the bank of
Ogeechee river, about feventy miles from its mouth, but is not
yet built.
POPULATION.
The population of this State in 1791 was as follows:
LOWER DISTRICT.
•w
-a
«
a
0 -Tj
e
'p
a
E
in bO
0
•^ ^
ui
eu
COUNTIES.
6^
g 0
^.
«j
S-a
a ^
J5
15 V
^
^ .-
^ >^
t)
*^
s
-
e S
(U «
Ui
g
rt
Z, tj
(t.
^^
^
i: -
<
00
_ H
305
Camden, - . - -
81
44
96
14
70
Glyn,
70
36
87
5
215
413
Liberty, - . - -
426
26^
613
27
4025
5355
Chatham, * - - -
816
480
II 30
112
8201
16739
Effingham, - = .
627
336
711
750
2424
2020
1 160
2637
158
13261
21536
Iv
IIDDI
.E DI
STRICT.
Richmond - - .
1894
1925
3343
39
41 16
f 1 3 1 7
Burke, - - . -
1808
^841
3415
II
2392
9467
WafhingtoH, - - -
947
4649
1024
1885
2
694
4552
479Q
8643
52
7202
25336
Vol. III.
Nn
274
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
UPPER DISTRICT.
COUNTIES.
Free white males of 16
years and upwards.
c
3 .
1 ^
e's
U «J
u
"(3
E
V
1
u
u
&.
t)
«J
0
<
Slaves.
0
Wilkes, . - - -
Franklin, - - . -
Greene, . . - .
5152
225
1027
6404
6740
243
nil
8094
12 160
4'7
1882
180
8
188
7268
156
1377
31500
1041
5405
14459
8801
37946
SUMMARY OF POPULATION.
Lower Diltiitit, - -
Middle do. ...
Upper do. - - -
2020! 1160
4649 4790
6404 8094
2637
8643
14459
158
52
188
13261
7202
8801
21536
25336
37946
13073
14044
25739
398
29264
84818
RELIGION AND CHARACTER.
The inhabitants of this State, who profefs the Chriftian reli-
gion, are of the Preftyterian, Epifcopalian, Baptift, and Methodift
denominations. They have but a few regular minifters among
them.
No general charafter will apply to the inhabitants ^t large*
Collefted from different parts of the world, as interell, neceffity,
or inclination led them, their charafter and manners muft, of
courfe, partake of all the varieties vrhich diftinguifh the feveral
ftates and kingdoms from whence they came. Their is fo little
uniformity, that it is difficult to trace any governing principles
among them. An averfion to labour is too predominant, owing
in part to the relaxing heat of the climate, and partly to the want
of neceffity to excite induftry. An open and friendly hofpitality,
particularly to ftrangers, is an ornamental charafteriftic of a great
part of this people.
Their diverfions are various. With fome, daiicing is a favour-
ite amufement ; others take a fancied pleafure at the gaming
table, which, however, frequently terminates in the ruin of their
happincfs, fortunes, and contlitutions. In the upper counties^
horfe-racing and cock-fighting prevail, two cruel diverfions impoi;-
OF GEORGIA. 2.75
ed from Virginia and the Carolinas, from whence thofc who prac-
tlfe them principally emigrated. But the moil rational and uni-
vcrfal amufement is hunting ; and for this Georgia is particularly-
well calculated, as the woods abound with plenty of deer, racoons
rabbits, wild turkeys, and other game ; at the fame time the woods
are fo thin and free from obftruAions, that you may generally ride
half fpeed in chace without danger : in this amufement pleafure
and profit are blended. * This exercifc more than any other, con-
tributes to health, fits for aftivity in bufioefs and expertnefs in
* The following account of a Georgia planter's metliod of fpending iiis
time is extrafted from the American Mufcum for 1790 :
About fix in the morning he quits his bed, aad orders his horfc to be go*-
ready ; he then fwallows a dram of bitters to prevent the ill effefts of the early
fogs, and fets out upon the tour of his plantation. In this route he takes an
opportunity to ftop at the negro houfes, and if he fees any lurking about home
■whofe bufmefs it is to be in the field, he immediately inquires the caufe ; if no
fufficient caufe be given, he applies his rattan whip to the Ilioulders of the flavc
and obliges him inftantly to decamp. If ficknefs be allcdged, the ncgroe is
immediately Ihut up in the fick-houfe, bled, purged, and kept on low diet, till
he cither dies or gets into a way of recovery. After having examined the over-
leer relative to the welfare of the poultry, hogs, cattle, &;c. he proceeds round
the farm, takes a curfory view of the rice, corn, or indigo fields, and examine*
into the ftate of the fences and other inclofurcs;labout the hour of eight, hij
circuit is fiuKhed, when, before he alights at his own door, a tribe of young
negroes, in the primitive ftate of nakednefs, rulK out to meet him, and receive
the horfe.
Breakfaft being over, he again mounts a frefti horfc, and rides to the county
town, or the firft public houfe in the neighbourhood, where he talks politics,
inquires the price of produce, makes bargains, plays a game at all-fours, or
appoints days for horfe races or boxing matches; about four o'clock he returns
bringing with him fome friends or acquaintance to dinner. If the company be
lively or agreeable, he rarely rifes from table before fun fet. If it be a wet even-
ing, or the weather very difagreeable, cards or convcriation employ him till bed
time. If it be fair and no moonlight, after an early fupper, a fire is kindled in 3
pan, and two or three of them fet out ftored with fome bottles of brandy, pre'
ceded by a negroe who carries the fire, in order to (hoot deer in the woods, as
thefe creatures are fo attrafted by a light, that they cciidantly ftand ftill, and
fix their eyes upon the blaze, by the reflection of which from the cyc-ball they
are eafily difcovered and (hot. Sometimes, however, it happens, that tame cat-
tle that have been turned into the woods to range, are killed by miftake.
About midnight they return, according to luck, with or without game; tlieij.
fhins and faces fadly fcratched, and themfelves fit for nothing but to be put to
bed. This is the general routine of exillence among fuch of the Georgians as live
in the more retired and woody parts of the State. Others have their weekly fo*
cicties, for fentimental and colloquial amufement ; as to trade and bufmefs, it i'-
entij-ely managed by overfecrs and faftors.
N n 3
276 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
war ; the game alfo affords them a palatable food, an^d the flcins a
prpfitable article of commerce.
TRADE AND MANUFACTURES.
The chief atriclts of export arc rice, tobacco, of which the
county of Wilkes only exported, in 1788, about three thoufand
hogfiieads, indigo, fago, lumber of various kinds, naval-ftoieS|
leather, deer flcins, fnake root, myrtle and bees wax, corn, and
live ftock. The planters and farmers raife large flocks of cattle»
from one hundred to fifteen hundred head, and fome more.
The amount of exports in the year ending September 30th,
1791, was four hundred and ninety-one thoufand four huudred
and feventy-two dollars. In return for the enumerated exports*
are imported Weft-India goods, teas, wines, various articles of
cloathing, and dry goods of all kinds. From the northern States*
cheefe, fifh, potatoes, apples, cyder, and fhoes. The Imports
and exports of this State are principally to and frqm Savannah?
svhich has a fine harbour, and is a place where the principal
commercial bufinefs of the State is tranfafted. The trade with,
the Indians in fuis and iKins was very CDnfidcrable before the war^
but has fiace been interrupted by the wars 'n which they hijve beeo
involved. The manufaftures of this State have hitherto been very
inconfiderable, if we except indigo, filk, and fago. The manner
in which the indigo is cultivated and manufadlured is as follows :
the ground, which mull be a ftrong rich foil, is thrown into beds
of feven or eight feet wide, after having been made very mellow*
and is then raked till it is fully piilyerized : the feed is then fown
in April, in rows at fuch a dillance as conveniently to admit of
hoeing between them. In July the firll crop is iit to cut, being
commonly two and a half feet high ; it is then thrown into vats
conftruAed for the purpofe, and ileeped about thirty hours ; aftef
which, the liquor is drawn off into other vats, wh.ere it is beat
as they call it, by whieh means it is thrown into much fuch a
ilate of agitation as cream is by churning. After this procefs, lime
\vater is put into the liquor, which caufes the particles of indigo
to fettle at the bottom. The liquor is then drawn off, and the
fedimeut, \vhich is the indigo, is taken out and fpread on cloths^
and partly dried ; it is then put into boxes and preffed, and
while it is yet foft, cut into fquare pieces, which aie thrown into
%\\c fun to dry, and then pat up in cafl-;s for the market. Tl'ey
have commonly three cuttings a fcafon. A middling crop fc^r
thirty acrcG is one thoufand thiee hundred pounds.
OF GEORGIA. 277
The culture of filk and the manufafture of fago are at prefeftt
but little attended to. The people in the lower part of this
State manufafture none of their own cloathing for themf«:lves or
their negroes : for almoft every article of their wearing
apparel, as well as for their hufbandry tools, they depend on
their merchants, who import them from Great-Britan and the
northern States. In the upper parts of the country, however, the
inhabitants manufafture the chief part of their cloathing from cot-
ton, hemp, and flax; and in general manufadlures are on the in-
ereafe.
STATE OF LITERATURE.
The literature of this State, which is yet in its infancy. Is c®m-
jnencing on a plan which affords the mod flattering profpefts. It
feems to have been the defign of the legiflature of this State,
ps far as poffible, to unite their literary concerns, and provide
for them in common, that the whole might feel the benefit, and
no part be ijeglefted or left a pray to party rage, private preju-
dices and contentions and fonfequent ignorance, their infeparable
attendant. For this purpofe, the literature of this State, like its
policy, appears to be confidcred as one objeft, and in the famg
manner, fubjedl to common and general reghiations for the good
of the whole. The charter, containing their preferit fyftem
of education, was pafTed in the year 1785. A college, wltli
ample and libetal endowments, is inftituted in Louifville, 3
high and healthy part of the country, near the center of the State.
There is alfo provilion made for the inftitution of an academy
in each county in the State, to be fupported frpra the fame funds
and confidercd as parts and members of the fame inftitution, un-
der the general fuperir.tendence and dIrecStion of a prefident and
board of truftees, appointed, for their literary accompliflinients,
from the different parts of the State, inverted with the crflor
mary powers of corporations. The inftitutiong thus compofed
and united is denominated, " The Univerlity of Georgia."
That this body of literati, to whom is intrufted the direftion
of the general literature of the State, may not be fo detached
and independant, as not to poflefs the cbn'Vlence of the State;
?nd, in order to fecure the attention and patronage of the prin-
cipal officers of government, the governor and council, the fpeak-
cr of the Houfe of AlFembly, and the chief juftice of the State,
are affociated with the board of tiuftees, in forne of the great
and more folemn duties of their office, fuch as making the laws,
appointing the preiidsnt, fettling the property, and ' inftituting
4^8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
acadenwes. Thus afTociated, they are denominated, "The Se-
nate ttf the Univerfity, " and are to hold a ftated, annual meet-
ing, at which the governor of the State prefides,
The Senate appoint a board of commiffioners in each county,
for the particular management and direftion of the academy, and
the otter fchools in each county, who are to receive their in-
ftruftioi^s from, and are accountable to the Senate. The reftor
of each academy is an officer of the univerfity, to be appointed
by the tjjrefident, with the advice of the truftees, aad commiflion.
ed under the public feal, and is to attend with the other of-
ficers at the annual meeting of the Senate, to deliberate on the
general ^interefls of literature, and to determine on the courfe of
inflruftiijn for the year, throughout the univerfity. The prefi-
dent haiS the general charge and overfight of the whole, and is
from time to time to vifit them, to examine into their order
and per^ormaBces,
The funds for the fupport of their Inftitutlon are principally
in land?, amounting in the whole to about fifty thoufand acres,
a great part of which is of the bed quality, and at prefent ve-
ry valuable. There are alfo nearly fix thonfand pounds fterling
in bonds, houfes and town lots in the town of Augufta. Other
publifC property to the amount of one thofand pounds in each
county, has been fet apart for the purpofes o^ building and
furniihing tl;£lr refpeftive academies,
CONSTITUTION.
The prefent conftitution of this State was for.med and efta-
blifted in the year 1789, and is nearly upon the pl^n of cbnlUtu,
tion of the United States.
INDIANS,
The MuHiogee, or Creek Indians, inhabit the middle part of
this State, and are the mod numerous tribe of Indians of any
within the limits of the United States: their whole mumber
fome years fince was fcventeen thoufand two hundred and eigh.
ty, of which five thoufand eight hundred and fi:Uy were fighting
men. They are compofed of various tribes, who, after bloody
wars, thought it good policy to unite and fupport themfilve*
againft the Chaftaws, &c. They confift of the Appalachies,
Allbamas, Abecas, Cawittaws, Coofas, Confhacks Coo^aaees,
Chacfihoomas, Natchez, Oconies, Oakmulgies, Okohoys, Pakanas,
Taeiifjjs, Talepoofas, Weetunikas, and fome others. Their ynjoo
OF GEORGIA. 279
has rendered them viftorJous over the Chaftaws, and formida-
ble to all the nations around them. They are a well- raade, ex-
pert, hardy, fagacious, politic people, extremely jealous of rights
and averfe to parting with their lands. They have ;2buiidancc
of tame cattle and fvvine, turkeys, ducks, and other poultry ;
they cultivate tobacco, rice, Indian corn, potatoes, beans, peas,
cabbage, melons, and have plenty of peaches, plumbs-, grapes
ftrawberries, and other fruits. They are faithful friends, but in-
veterate enemies ; hofpitable to itrangers, and honeft and fair
in their dealings. Ni) nation has a more contemptible opinion of
the white men's faith in general than thefe people, yet thev
place great confidence in the United States, and wifh to agree
with them upon a permansut boundary, over which the fou-
thern States fliall not trefpafs.
The country which they claim is bounded northward by about
the 34th degree of latitude, and extends from the Tombeck-
bee, or Mobile river, to the Atlantic ocean, though they have
ceded a part of this traft on the fea coafl, by different trea-
ties, to the State of Georgia. Their principal towns lie in la-
titude 32^, and longitede u'' 20' from Philadelphia. They are-
fettled in a hilly but not mountainous country ; the foil is fruit-
ful in a high degree, and well watered, abounding in creeks and
rivulets from whence they ary called the Creek Indians.*
The Chaftaws, or flat heads, inhabit a very fine and exten-
five traft of hilly country, with large and fertile plains interven-
ing, between the Alabama and MifiifTippi rivers, in the wellcra
part of this Slate. The nation had, not many years ago, forty-
three towns and villages, in three divifions, containing twelve
thoufand one hnndied and twenty-three fouls, of which four
thoufand and forty-one were fighting men.
The Chickafaws are fettled on the head branches of the Tom-
bcckbee, Mobile, and Yazoo riveis in the north-well corner of
* General M'Gillivray, tbe celebrated chief of the Creeks, is a half-blooded
Indian, his mother being a woman of liigh rank in the Creek, nation. He was (o
highly eflcemcd among them, that they iri a formal maimer elefted him their
fovereign, and wfted him with ciinfiderable powers. He has feveral lifters mar-
ried to leading men among the Creeks. Tliis gentlemen would gladly have re-
mained a citizen of tbe United States ; but having ferved under, the Britilh dur-
ing the late war, his proprrty in Georgia, which was confidcrablc was conf.lcal-
.cd. This circumflance induced him to retire among iiis friends the Creeks, fincc
which he has been an aftive and zealous r.artifan in their intereib and police. ,
s,^o GENERAL DESCRIPTION, kd.
the State. Their counti-y is an extenfive plain, tolerably well waL
tered from fprings, and of a pretty good foil. They have
feven towns, the central one of which is in latitude 34° 23"', and
longitude 14° 30' welt. The number of fouls in this nation have
been formerly reckoned at one thoufand fevCn hundred and tWeii
five, of which five hundred and feventy-fivc were fighting men.
mam
WE have rtow with candour and a fincere attachment to'
truth, fketched the hiftory of the feveral States in the federal
union. In order to keep within the bounds profcribed in the plan
firft propofed, the accownts are reftrained as far as pofiible to
thofe fubjefts which We confidered of the grealefl: importance,
and we have aimed fo to arrange the various fubjefts as we
fruft will afford a fatisfadory anfwer to every queftion which
£he European inquirer may put refpefting the government, com"
jnerce, fociety, learning, &c. of the United States. To have
entered into a minute detail of every obje£l that prefented it.
felf to oiiv view would have been comparatively ufelefs, it might
have gratified the curiofiy of a few,^ but the benefits would
have been comparitively fmall to the public. Tq this vve msyadd,
that many of the fcencs would have been Shifting while under
defcription, and the object in itfelf impradlicable with refpeft
to fome of the States. In further purfuing our plan, we {hall
ewdeavour,
ift. To point out a few of die many advantages which Ame-
rica pofTeffes over the different countries of Europe.
2d. What the advantages and profpefts are which an Euro-
pean fettler has prefented to his view. Under this latter head wc
fhall aim to convey all the information we can obtain that may
prove advantageous in the paffage to, or on the arrival at, what
we muil call a LAND OF LlBERTV^.
OF THE
ADVANTAGES
WHICH THE UNITED STATES POSSESS OVER
EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.
w,
IN RESPECT TO GOVERNMENT.
HILE the governments of mofh countries in Europe
are perfeftly defpotic, and while thole which are not a6lu-
ally fuch, appear to be verging f:ift towards it, the govern-
ment of America is making rapid ftrides toward perfeftion ;
it being contrary to all the old governments in the hands
of the people, they have exploded thole principles by the
operation of which civil and religious difqualifications and
oppreflions have been inflifted on mankind, and rejefting
MERE TOLERATION, they have, with a fmall exception, plac-
ed upon an equal footing every church left, and fociety of
religious perfons what foever.
Their laws and government have for their bafis the natu-
I'al and imprefcriptible rights of man : liberty, fecurity of
perion an property, refi fiance againll: oppreffion, doitig what-
ever does not injure another, a right to concur, either per-
fonally or by their reprefentatives, in the formation of laws
and an equal chance of arriving to places of honour, reward
or imployment, according to their virtues, or talents. Thefe
are the principles of their conftitution ; and laws grafted
upon thefe fimple, but fubflantial principles, and a fyftern of legal
jurilprudence organized, and afting accordingly, form the ef-
lence of their government ; and if ever the government
fwerves materially from thefe fundamental principles, the
compaft is diffolved, and things revert again to a co-equal
fldte. By this plain definition of the natiue of laws and
government, every capacity, and every individual of the com-
munity, can judge with precilion of the purity of Icgiflation ;
this produces the moft entire conviflion in the minds of all
men, of the necefhty there is of afting, in every inftance,
according to the code of rcafon and truth. Every m^n in
Vol III O o
282 ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES
America is equally concerned in the welfare and profperity
of his country and its government ; for his own felicity can
only be co-exillent with it. and to fufFcr his ambition to
run counter to the general weal would be madnefs in an en-
lightened commonwealth, as it could only tend to produce
his own eternal diigrace and ruin, where the ge'nius of free-
dom is enthroned in the heart of every citizen.
Europe has long been enQived by forms and authorities :
and while its multifarious la\\s and cuftoms hav'e ferved to
perplex profeiTional men, the fophidry employed in expounding
them has completely bewildered the imagination of its citizens,
and produced an obt'curity of ideas upon the fubjeft of jurifprtu
dence and government, and a depravity of morals which is truly
deplorable.
Pvcligion, or what is called an eftablifhmcnt in Europe, has had
and continues to have its Ihare in rivctting the fetters of igno-
rance. ,The elucidation of truth has been retarded by the t y ran-
NY OF THE chi;pch; for while prujts have oeeri tJie pedagogues
of religion, morals, fcniimtnis, and politics, their interested
vmws have caufed them to flatter thofe governments whofe
interefts it has been to keep the people ignorant, becaufe it
has fecurcd to them the undiflurbed divifion of the fpoils of
the crreat bulk of indulbious citizens, while th'ey were offer-
ing an indignity to the deity as grofs as their fyftem has
been unnatural and unjufl. What can be a greater prefump-
tion, or a higher pitch of arrogance, than prefuming to ar-
raign or judge of the fentiments of men, the propriety of
which* is to be determined before a tribunal in Heaven ?
It is an iniult too grofs to merit a comment. It has been
fubverfive of all good morals, by affording a veil to cover
the hypocrify of the mofl deiigning knaves.
In America this evil has ceafed to exift, the monRer is
deftroycd, the natural alliance of church and ftate is broken,
and the people left to the choice of their own religion, as
well as of their own pailors ; while they revere the former,
will no doubt rev/ard the latter as tliey merit ; they will
make a rapid progrefs in all the focial virtues, while a clafs
of men, who, from being privileged, had become the rurfe
of Europe for more lh:in three centuries, will in America,
from the lols of all priviU-ges hut thofe which arc the re-
ward of piety and virtue, be the means of extending the
knowledge and happincls of the human race.
Ol^£R EUROPE A N N AT 10 NS. 283
In United States, every man who is tajicd has a vote
in the appointment of the rcprcfontativcs of the State in
which he lefidcs, ;.» well as of the gencial government.
Thus the people have the privilege of objcfting to fuch
charafters fur their gtn'ernors as have not the public appro-
bation ; which has the good effcft of producing harmony bctwceti
the government and the people — of obliging men who alpirfe
to the honours of their country to refpeft the public opi-
nion ; and as all the powers of government originate with,
fo they revert to the people ; the judiciary they have re-
ferved to themfclves through the medium of juries. The le-
giflative they intruft to their reprefentatives who are effen-
tially the fame ; and the executive emanates from the Icgifla-
ture, fo that the whole are ultimately refponfible to the
people. The executive to the repreientatives, and the repre-
fentatives, to their conftituents.
A free gevernment has often been compnrcd to a pyra-
mid. This alluiion is made with peculiar propriety in the
fyftem of government adopted by the United Slates ; it is
laid on the broad bafis of 'the people ; its powers gradually
i-ifc, while tliey are confined, in piopovtion as they aftend.
When you examine all its parts, they will invariably be
found to prefcrve that elTcntial mark of free government,
and without which fuch a government ' cannot exifl— a chain
of conneaion with the people. The advantages reluliing
from this fyftem, while thejr are great, will not be confined
to the United States, it will draw from Europe iriany wor-
thy charaaers who pant for the enjoyment of fieedom. It
will induce princes, in order to preferve their lubjeas, to
reflore to them a portion of that liberty of which they have
for many ages deprived them. It will be fublcrvient to tl.c
great dcfigns of Providence with regard to this globe, the
multiplication of mankind, their improvement in knowledge,
and their advancement in happinefs.
Nor are the immutable principles on which the American
government is built, its only advant'age to the peopie at i.-i"ge ;
the fame fpirit that fixed it on the bafis of liberty, h.is con-
tributed to make the ofHccs of government, polls of honour
and not of profit ; hence the American government is admi-
niftered at an exi^enfe fo exceedingly trilling, tliut h.-.d the
alienation been made of the prafticabknefs of it a few- ye.irs
back, it would have obtained no credit. It is a well-known
faa, that the general government of America does not
auipunt to within forty thoufand pounds per annum of ths
O o 2
284 ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES
Englifh penfion lift; and if the government of the feparate
States are added to it, it will not make an addition thereto equal
to what the amount of fuiecure places, would make to the
penfion lift in -Great-Britain ; yet men of charafter and abi-
lities are not waiting to fill its refpective offices ; but ou
the contrary, while the fpiiit of the governnient, by opening
the channel of promotion to every individual, is truly favou-
rable to the growth of genius, a virtuo-.is arnbition to be
inftrumental in promoting the happinels of mankind, always
enfures a fufHcient number of candidates for public conh-
dence.
IN RESPECT OF NATIONAL DEBT.
The debt of the United States is divided into two claftes.
fflreign and domeftic- The foreign debt is compofed, in ca-
pital, of a loan made in France of twenty-four millions of
livers at five per cent. ; another made in Holland, under
the guarantee of France, of ten millions,
dolls,
at four per cent.both amounting in dollars to 6,296,296
Spain at five per cent. 174,011
In Holland, in four different loans , . , , . 3,600,000
Total capital . . 10.070,30-
Intercft to December 31, 1789 1,651,257
Total, capital and intereft 11.721,564.
Domeftic debt liquidated, capital and intereft, to the
31ft of December, 1750 40.414.085
Not liquidated, eftimated at p., 000. 00c
Total, foreign and domeftic , . 5/1,124,464
In the profecution of the Avar eacli individual ftate had
occafion to contra6l a debt of its own. which, for a v?ric-
ty of reafons, it was thought beft that the Congrefs fhould
ofTume and add to the^ general mafs of tiie debt of the United
States,
The fums thus afTumed, which arc fuppofed
to abforb nearly the whole of all tlie ftate debts,
amount in the whole to ....... . 25.000.000
So that the total amount of the prefcnt debt of tlie
United States is 79.124,464
Annual intereft of this linn, ai ftipulatcd .... 4}0^7?444
OrER EUROPEAN NATIONS. 2^5
Thus we fee that the Americans pay leCs than a million fter-
Jing a year including the expenles of their government for
havin* majjitained tlieir liberty : while Great-Britain pays
more than four millions fterling addition?! annual expenfe
for having attempted to deprive them of it ; and by the mea-
furcs taken bv the new government, the Americans arc in
a fair way not only to pay their interefl:, but to fink the
principal of their debt, and that without dire£t taxation.
Thus wliile the European governments draw annually fro
their fubjcfts at lead one fourth of their bona fi c property
to defray the interefl: of their public debt, the citizens of the
Unittd States are fcarce fenfible of any burthen arifing tl-.ere-
frnm ; nay, on the contrary, in its prcfent (late, it is to them s.
real national advantage.*
EQUALITY OF SITUATIOSv',
This is far from being the lead of the advantages M'hich
Ameiica poifeiTes over European nations. In the greater part
* If tlie feciet hiftory of tlie debt contrafied in France were publifhcd :t
?vould difcover the origin of many fortunes wliic h liave aftoniQied us. It is
certain, for inflance, that M. de Vergennes difpofcd of thofe loans at pleafure>
raufed military ftores and merchandife to be turnifhed by perfons attached to
him, and fuffercd not their accounts to be difputed. It is a faft, that in his
accounts with Congrefs, there was one million of livres that he never accounted
for, after all the demands that were made to him. It is likewife a fafi, that out
of the forty-feven millions pretended to be furnifhed in the abo^-e arLiclrs
by France to Congrefs, the employment of twenty-one millions is v.itnout
vouchers.
M. Beaumarchais, in a memoir publifhed fome years ago, pretends to be the
creditor of Congrefs for millions. There is a report made to Congrefs by two
refpeftable members, in which they prove, that he now owes Congrefs fever
hundred and forty-two thoufand four hundred and thirteen livres, and a million
more, if the wandering miilion above mentioned has fallen into his hands.
TheJe reporters make a ftriking pifture of the manoeuvres praclifed to deceive the
Americans.
Scarce a doubt, we think, can be entertained, but when the governincnt iri
France fhall be fecured by external and internal tranquility, it will caufe fome
account to be rendered ot the fums fquandercd in the part which France took
in the American war ; or rather the fums which, inftcad of going to fuccoup
thofe brave ftrugglers for liberty, went to adorn the bed-chambers of an
aflrefs ? Adeline did more niifchicf to the Americans than a regiment of
HefTians.
-So ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES
of Europe the diftance between the higher and h)wer claffes of
fociety is fo great, as to beget on the part of the former a fuper-
cilious haughtinefs, and almoft total negleft of ail the lociai
virtues. The fituatlons in which the priviL-ged ariftocracy of
Europe are placed, may be confidcrcd as hotbeds of vice, igno-
rance and fully — nuricd in principles of tyranny and fuperftition
— born, as many of them are, to the enjoyment of unearned
honours, and riches derived from plunder-^placed in fituations
where they can gratify every luft and every brutal appetite,
almoft without controul — 'and enjoy every advantage that ought
only to be the reward of virtue, without application to honefl
induftry, it is not to be M-ondered at that they are iunk in the
fcale of rational beings, and degraded below the level of virtuous
fociety. Perhaps a more contemptible figure cannot be imagined
if properly confidercd, than what this clafs of men in gene-
ral prefent to our view throughout Europe. Often without a
fingle virtue, rolling at eale in Iplendour and profulion,
preying upon the fruits of honeft induflry, and devouring the
hard-earned morlal of the virtuous peafant. But this is not all,
their depravity of manners and boundleis courfe of diffipation
and debauchery, extend their baneful influence through all
the lower chffes of fociety, and poifcn all the channels of
human happinefs. In America, this cLifs of men are unknown,
the mafs of inhabitants, exclufive of fervanis, confifts of thofe
who Dolfefs in fee fimple from one hui-idred to five hundred
acres of land, aftually in cultivation, together with the tradef-
rnen immedately dependent on agriculture, mcft of whom are
likewife farmers, Avith the floiekcepers and mechanics in the
different towns ; no part of roclety preys on the other, but
all contribute to the general good. A mediocrity of fituation
is pptiiinon throughout the American States ; there are few,
indeed, ^A'hofe incomes will reach two thouiand pounds fler-
iing per ann. and the number nearly as Imal), ■snd perhaps fmal-
li:r, who are reduced to a dependent filualion. This happy
n.cdium is productive of tlie rnoft beneficial confequences to
their morals and their happinefs ; it fupports that fpirit of inde-
pendence and love of liberty v/hich hid the foundation of
tlieir government ; it keeps far diftiint that fervility fo common
to the luwe'r orders of Europeans, and preferves them frorri
the mifcry and wrctchedneis attGivhiiU on foUovviM>r; the vices of
the privileged orders,
0 VE R EUROPEAN XA TIONS. o^j
\'ARIET'/ OF CMMATE, SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS.
The United States poficf's in this rcfpcft an advantage ever
mod of the European kingdoms, for tht-y are n(5t oniy iubjeft
to the gradations from almofl extreme iieat to extreme cold, but
feem capable of fupplying almoit all the produftions of the
earth. Situated in the northern divifion of that extenfive por_
tion of the globe,, between the thirty-fiifl and forty-fixth
degrees of northern latitude ; the extreme length of their terri-
tory is about one thoufand two Imiidrcd and fifty miles, the
breadth ?.bout one thoiifnnd and forty. The fupcrficies are
computed to be fix hundred and forty million acres of land and
\vater : after dedufting the fpace occupied by the capacious lakes
and mighty rivers, which fertilize and accommodate this coun-
try, and occupy above a feveiith part of its furface, there
remain about five hundred and ninety millions of acres of fafl
land.
In fo very extended a fccne as might be naturally expefted,
the fruits of the earth arc many and various : we find even in
the prefent half-tried flate of the capacities of the diflFerent foils
and climates, a lift of invaluable produftions, fome found by
the firft dilcoverers of the country, others introduced by mere
accident, and others tranlported from Europe, during the fimple
flate of agriculture in the lafh century. In the fouthern latitudes,
particularly the States of Georgia, South-Carolina, and North-
Carolina, rice, much fuperior to that of Italy or the Levant,
is raifed in very great quantities. The comparative value of
this grain is twenty-five per cent, in the Englifh markets for
the American, more than the Italian or Levant rice : and
from the ample quantity and goodnefs of American rice, it
appears th^it little, if any Mediterranean rice is now imported
into England, as it has for fome time been omitted in the general
account of prices. The South-Carolina crop alone, of 1785,
appears to have been above one hundred thoufand tierces,
weighing fixty millions of pounds. It is cxpefted that Virginic<
will add this aiticle to her lift of exports, as it is fuppofed a large
body of !w?mp in her mofh eaftern counties is capable of oroduc-
ing it; and mount'iin rice has been raifed by way of exnerlment
in the new country hear tlie head of the Oh'o.
Tobacco is a flaple article of all the States, from Georgia as
far north as M.iryland, including both. X'iiginia alone, gene-
rally exported before the revuluticn, fifly-fivc thoufand hogf-
heads, weighing fifty-five millions of pounds : Maryland thirty
thoufand hogfheads. Tlie Caroiinas and Georgia, which raifed
a~8^ ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES
but little of this artfcle before the revolution, have, of late
years, produced very large quantities : and as Virginia and
Maryland are turning more of their aftention to the cultivation
of wheat, Indian corn, flax, and hemp, the Carolinas and
Georoia wiU probably extend the cultivation of this plant, to
which their foil and climate are well fuited. The foil of Ken-
tucky and the Cumberland and Tenneflee country feems alio to
be eminently calculated for the culture of thjs plant.
Indigo, of an excellent quality, is produced by North-Caro-
lina, South-Carolina, and Georgia* Of this valuable commo-
dity, one million three hundred thoufand pounds weight have
been fhipped from the city of Charlefl;on alone in one year :
but this, and the other two articles before mentioned, are raifed
in much lefs proportions in North-Carolina than in South-Carolina
and Georgia. The uniform of the national troops has been
heretc/fore of blue cloth, as alfo of the militia in general. Their
clergy alfo by their cuftoms v/ear this colour, and it is generally
liked among the mod frugal and rnoft expenfive people. Thefe
cucumftances will no doubt be duly attended to in future laws
and regulations, and will operate very favourably for the indigo
planters, without any expenfe to the country.
Cotton has been lately adopted as an article of culture in
the fouthcrn States; and as the prices of rice, tobacco, and indi-
go decline, it muft be very beneficial to the owners and pureha-
fers of lands in that part of the Union. This article is raifed
with eafe in Spain, every part of which kingdom lies further
north than the Carolinas, and in the fame latitudes as Virginia
Maryland, and the Delaware States. It is alfo raifed in that
partof Afiatic Turkey which lies between Scanderoon and Smyrna,
which are in the latitudes of the three laft States. As the inha-
bitants increafe very rapidly by emigration and the courfe of
nature, it is certain they cannot procure wool from their own
internal refources in fuiBcient quantities. The owners of cotton
plantations niay therefore expeft a conftant and great demand
for this article, as a fubditute for wool, befides its ordinary ufes
for light goods.
Tar, pitch, and turpentine are produced in immenfe quanti-
ties in North-Carolina, which State fhips more of thefe articles,
pHrliculdrly the lafl, than all the reft of the Union. Tar and
pitch are alio produced in the {outhern parts of Jerfey, and
more or lels in all the States fouthward of that.
Be fides thefe, myrtle wax, and thofc two invaluable timbers,
the live uak and red cedar, are peculiar to the Carolinas and'
iOVER EUROPEAN NATIONS. 289
Georgia ; anii they have Indian corn, hemp, flax, boards,
flaves, fliingles, leatlicr, beef, pork, butter, minerals, foffils,
and many other aiticles in common with the middle, or
eaftern States ; alfo fkinS, furs, and ginfeng frem their Indian
country.
The wheat country of the United States lies in Virginia,
Maryland, Delaware, Pennfylvania, New-Jerfey, and New-
York, and the wcftcrnmofl parts of Connefticut, as alfo the
weftern pans of the two Carolinas, and probably of Georgia,
for their own ufe. The chaiafter of the American flour is fa
well known, that it is unnecelTary to lay any thing in commen-
dation of it here. Virginia exported before the war eight
hundred thoulaud buflicls of wheat ; Maryland above half that-
quantity. The exports of flour from Pennfylvania with the
wheat was eijuivalent to one million two hundred thoufand
builiels in 1738, and about two millions of bufhels in 1789,
which, however, was a very favourable year. New-York
exports in flour and wheat equivalent to one million of bufliels.
In the wheat States are aUo produced great quantities of Indian
corn or mize, Virginia formerly exported half a million of
bufhels per ann. Maryland fhips a great deal of this article,
and confidcrable quantities railed in Delaware, Pennfylvania,
Nevv-Jerley, j\ew-York, and Connefticut, are exported ; as
are the wheat and flour of thofe five States, from Philadelphia
and New-York, there being little foreign trade from Deleware
or Jcrley ; and the weflern parts of Connefticut fhipping with,
lets expenfe from the ports on Hudfon's river than thole of their
own State.
PlesTip and flax arc raifcd in very large nuantihes throughout
the United States, And thnuoh South Carolina and Georgia pro-
duce lels than ans' otlier States of thefe two articles, they are
capable of raifing iminen^ie quantities. Georgia, from the ad-
vantage fhe has in the river Savannah, could produce hemp with
the greatefl profit. Large portions of the new lands of all the
States arewell fuitedto hemp and flax.
Though flieep are bred in all parts of America, yet the mofl
populous parts of the middle States, and the eaflern States which
have been long fettled, and particularly the latter, are the places
where they thrive bcfh. In the four eaflern or New-England
States, they form one of the greatefl objects of the farmer's at-
. tention, and one of his furefl iouroes of profit. The demand
for wool, whicii has of late increaled exceedingly with the
growth of manufactures, will add confidcrably to the former
Vol, III. Pp
29 0 ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES
handfome profits of fheep ; and the confumption of meat by the
manufafturers will render them ftill more beneficial.
Horned or neat cattle are alfo bred in every part of
the United States. In the weftern counties of Virginia, the
Carolinas, and Georgia, where they have an extenfive range
and mild winters without fnows of any duration, they run at
large, and multiply very faft. In the middle States, cattle re-
quire more of the care and attention they ufually receive in
Europe, and they are generally good, often very fine. But in
the eaftern States, whole principal objefts on the land have until
lately been pafturage and grazing, cattle are very num.erous in-
deed, and univerlally fine ; cheeie is, of courfe, moft abundant
in thofe States. No European country can excel the United
States in the valuable article of fait provifions. Their exports ]
of this kind are every day increafing ; as the raiung of cattle is
peculiarly profitable to farmers, the greater part of whom have
.more land than they can cultivate even with the plough. Bar-
ley and oats are t)ie produtlions of every State, though leafl
.cultivated to the louthward. Virginia, however, is turning her :
attention to barley, as alfo Maryland, and can raife great quantities.
Mafts, fpars, flaves, heading, boards, plank, fcantling,
and Iquare timber, are found in almofh all the States; but
New-Hampfnire, and the adjoining province of -Maine, which
is connefted with Mailachuletts, are the two mod plentiful -
fcenes ; the flock there feems almoft inexhaullible. In New-
Yoik they abound; and in North-Carolina and Georgia, the ,
pitch pine-plank, and feantling, and oak flaves, are excellent,- >
efpecially in the former. The flock of thefc articles on the
Chefapeak and Delaware bays is more exhauflcd , but yet there
is a great deal on the rivers of both for exportation, befides
abundance for home confumption. Confiderable quantities are
alfo brought to the Charleflon market, but a brge part of them
is from the adjacent States of Georgia and North-Carolina,
When their internal navigation Ilrall be improved, South-Caro-
lina will open new lources of thele articles.
Pot a!id pearl afhfS, have become verv valuable articles
to the land-holders and merchants of the United States :
but their importance was unknown twenty years ago. A
fincrle faft will illuflrate tlie wealth that inay be acquired by
this manufafture. The Stale of Maffachufetts, which has been iet-
tlcd twice as long as the other States on a medium, which contains
about a fiftieth part of the territory of the United States which is
OVER EUROPEAN NATIONS. 291
among the moft populous of them, and confequently muft have far
Icfs wood to ipare than many other parts of the Union, has
neverthelefs fhipped two hundred thouland dollars worth of
thefe two articles in a year. New-England and New-York
have derived great advantage from their attention to pot and
pearl afhes ; but it has hitherto been made in very inconfido-
rable quantities in the States to the fouthward of them : in
mod of them it has been entirely overlooked. New-Jerfey
and Delaware have more forefts than MafTdchui'etts ; and as there
is no part of either of thofe States that lies twenty-five miles
from navigable water, they may venture to expend their wood,
and to depend upon coal. In the other fix States, which lie
fouth of Hudfon's river, the materials for pot afh are immenfe,
as alfo in the State of New-York.
A grand dependence of the eailern States is their valuable
iifheries ; a detail of thefe is unneceffary. It is fufficicnt to fay,
that with a fmall exception in favour of New-York, the whole
great fea fifliery of the United States is carried on by New-
England ; and it is in a variety of ways highly beneficial to
their landed and manufa£luring interefls.
Iron is abundant throughout the Union, excepting New-
England and the Delaware State, though the former are not
deftitutc of it, and the latter can draw it as conveniently from
the other States on the Delaware river, as ^if it were in her
own bowels. Virginia is the State moft pregnant with mine-
rals and foflils of any in the Union.
Deer fkins and a variety of furs are obtained by all the
States from the Indian country, either direftly or through
the medium of their neighbours. Hitherto they have been
exported in large quantities ; but from the rapid progreis
of American manufaftures, that exportation muft diminifh.
The article of pork, fo important in navigation and trade
merits particular notice. The plenty of maft or nuts of the
oak and beech, in fome places, and of Indian corn every where,
occahons it to be very fine and abundant. Two names among
them are pre-eminent, Burlington and Connefticut ; the firlt
of which is generally given to the pork of Pennlylvania, and
the middle and northern parts of Jerfey ; the fecond is the
quality of all the pork north of Jerfey. It may be lafely afhrm-
ed, that they are fully equal to the pork cf Ireland and Bri-
tany, and much cheaper.
Cider can be produced with eafe in confiderable quantities,-
from Virginia inclulive, to the moft noithern States, as alfo in
Pp 2
292 ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES
the weftern country of the Carolinas and Georgia ; but New-
Jerfey and New-England have hitherto paid molt attention to
this drink. An exquifite brandy is diftilled f rom theextenfive
peach orchards, which grow upon the numerous rivers of the
Chefapeakj and in parts of Pennfylvania, and may be made iq.
the greater part of the country.
Silk has been attempted with fuccefs in the fouthernmofl
States, fo far as due attention was paid to it : but is not well
fuited to the nature of their labourers, who, beina blacks, arc
not careful or flcilful ; and there are many other objefts of
more importance and profit in the agriculture of thofe fertile
States. In Conneclicut, where there is a ienfible and careful
white population, and where land is comparatively icarce and
dear, it is found to be prafticable and beneficial. A projeft to
extend the white Italian mulberry tree over all the States has
been formed, by fome perfevering individuals acquainted, with
the propagation of them. A great part of Connecticut ii
already fupplied. An extenfive nurfery has been eftublifiied
near Philadelphia ; another at Princeton in New-Jerley ; and
two more are at thib time commenced on New-York and Long-
Iflands.
Rye is produced generally through all the States north of
the Carolinas, and in the weflern parts of the three fouthern
States. But the detail of American produftions, and the parts
in which they niofi. abound, vv ould be very long. It will there-
fore be fumcient to fay, that in addition to the above capital
articles, the United States produce or contain, ilax-'eed, fpelts
lime-ftone, allum, faltpetre, lead, copper, coal, free-flone, marble-
Hone for wares, potter's clay, brick clay, a variety of fliip-tim.
bcr, fliingles, holly, beech, poplar, curled maple, black walnut,
wild cherry, and other woods iuit;ible for cabinet makers, fliingles
of cedar and cyprefs, myrtle-wax, bees-wax, butter, tallow,
hides, leather, tanner's bark, maple fugar, hops, mullard
iecd, potatoes, and all the other principal vegetables ;
apples, and all the otiier principal fruits ; clover, and all the
other principal graffes. On the fubjeft of their productions
it is only ncceflary to add, that they niufc be numerous,
divcriified, and extremely valuable, as the various parts of their
country lie in the fame latitude as Spain, Portugal, the middle
and fouthern provinces of France, the fertile ifland of Sicily^
and the greater part of Italy, European and Aliatic Tuikcy,
and the kingdom of China, which maintains by us own agiicui-;
^ure more people than any country iu the world bciidc.
i
OVER EUROPEAN NATIONS. 293
From tliefe few oblervations we may form fome idea of
the advantages which the United States poifel's over moft Euro-
pean countries in thele relpefts ; it may be truly iaid, that there
is not a luxury of nature but their foil is capable of yield-
ing, and which the climate in one part or other of their
territory would not bring to perfeftion. They can culti-
vate with eafe every raw material for different manufactures
which the furface of tlie earth yields, and its bowels yield
them every neceflary metal and foffil.
Conneftcd with this, we may mention another advantage
which the States polfels : this is the eale with which the
produce of one State may be conveyed, by water, to ano-
ther, with a very trivial addition of expenfe. There ijj in
this refpeft a finking difi'erence between the navigable wa-
ters of the United States and thole of any country in the
old world. The Elbe is . the only river in Europe which
will permit a fea veiTcl to fail up it for fo great a length
as feventy miles. The Kudfon's, or north river, between
the States of New-York and New-Jerfey, is navigated by
lea veffels one hundred and eighty miles from the ocean ;
the Delaware, between Pennfylvania, New-Jerfey, and the
Delaware State, one hnndred and lixty miles ; the Poto-
mack, between Virginia and Maryland, three hundred miles;
and there are feveral other rivers, bays, and founds, of exr
tenfive navigation, far exceeding the great river Elbe. The
inland beatable waters and lakes are eaually numerous and
great.
When we confider thefe, and extend our ideas to the
different canals already formed, and ftill forming, by which
the mofl important rivers are, or will be united, we may
venture to affert, that no country in Europe does, or pof-
fibly can pofTefs fo completely the advantages of inland na-
vigation ; by this the extremes of the confederacy will be-
come intimately united and acquainted with each other,
and each State will reap from the produce of the whole
nearly the fame advantage as though it polfeffed every re-
fource within itfelf; indeed, no doubt can by a reflcfting
mind be entertained, but that the time is near when a com-
munication by water will be opened with every part of
the Union.
In a country thus circumflanced, producing the great
raw materials for manufaftures, and poffefling unlimited pow-
ers, by water and refources of fuel lubjc£l alio to heavy char-
394 ^^ VANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATZ »\
ges upon the importation of foreign fabrices, to negle£l
manufaftures would, have been alinofl: criminal. Thefe im-
portant ideas have taken full poflfellion of the American
mind. The theory is now every where approved ; and in
New-England, Pennfylvania, and feveral other States, the
praftice has been taken up with confiderable fpirit and
very extenfively purfued.
Thefe are but a few of the advantages Ameriea polTefles
over ahe different nations in Europe, but they are fuch as have
laid the foundation of her prefent, and which infure her
future profperity.
We fliall now proceed to flate as briefly as pofTible the
profpefts and advantages which the European fettler has al-
jnofl the certainty of realizing.
O F T H E
PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
EUROPEAN SETTLER
/iV THE UNITED STATES.
'EFORE we enter on this part of the work, we wifli
to premile to the reader that •^'e (hall proceed with cau-
tion. The numbers that have emigrated to America from
this country have already awakened the- fears of fome,
and the envy of others ', and fome who appear confci-
ous of the confequences that muft follow from a fpirit
of emigration, have thought it their duty to flep forward
and by magnifying trifling difficulties into infurmountable ob-
flacles, attempt to put a ftop to a fyftem, which, though
its effcfts are flow, are not the lefs fure in weakening
the ftrength and refources of the European counties. Hence
flight fkirmifhes with the Indians have been magnified to
the mod tremendous battles. The refidence of a fmall por-
tion of perlons to the levying of a tax in one or two States
has been worked up to a univerTal rebellion throughout the
Union. A fever raging at Philadelphia for a fhort period,
and which is now admitted to have originated in the ex-
pofure of damaged coffee, has been held forth as a proof
of an unhealthy climate throughout the States ; and the in-
temperate zeal of a few individuals has been confidered a
fufiicient proof that the whole body of Americans are
averfe to the prudent and temperate conduft of their govern-
ment. The imprcflions made on the public mind by thefe
means have received additional flirength from a few indi-
viduals, who, like the fpies fent to view the land of Ca-
naan, have, through idlenefs, or attachment to European
dilhpation, cafl away the cluflcrs of grapes, and returned
with an evil report of the land. If we credit thofe, the
^4 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
United States are ruined trade is bad every thing is
dear — all is confufion — the people flaves — and the United-
States unable to furnlfh employment or fupport to thofe
who wifh there to take up their refidence. Thefe and al-
moft ten tboufand other evils are conveyed to us through
the medium of letters inlerted in the daily papers dated
from different parts of America, but which carry with them
internal evidence of being the produftion of hireling
fcribblers, employed for the purpofe of mifteading the un-
thinking mind.
In order therefore to follow this fubjcft through all its
conneftions, and to fet the profpefts of an European fet-
tler in a clear point of view, it will be neceffary to pro-
ceed in the inquiry under fome kind of fyfte.m, that its
different parts may ftand clear and difhinft, and yet form
one connefted whole. As an introduftory part it may there-
fore be neCeffary to reftify fctne miftakcn notions of Eu-
ropeans refpefting the American States.
MISTAKEN NOTIONS OF EUROPEANS.
Many perfons in Europe appear to have formed mlflaken
ideas and expeftations of what is to be obtained in Ame-
rica ; it may therefore be ufeful, and prevent inconve-
nient, expenfive , and fruitlefs removals and voyages of im-
proper perfons, to give fome clear and truer notions of that
part of the world than appear to have hitherto prevailed.
It is imagined by numbers, that the inhabitants of North-
America are rich, capable of rewarding and difpofed to re-
ward all forts of ingenuity ; that they are at the fame time
in a great degree ignorant of all the fciences ; and confe-
quently that ftrangers poirefTing talents in the belles let-
tres, fine arts, &c. mufh be highly efteemed, and fo well
paid as to become eafily rich themielves; that there are al-
fo abundance of profitable offices to be difpofed ofj which
the natives are not qualified to fill ; and that having few
perfons of family among them, Jirangers 0/ Z^iVf A mu ft be great-
ly relpefted, and of courfe eafily obtain the be ft of thofe
©ffices, which will make all their fortunes ', that the go-
vornments too, to encourage emigrations from Europe, not
only often pay the expcnie of perfonal tranfportation, but
give lands gratis to ftrangers. with negroes to wo: k for them,
utcnfils of hufbanclry, and ftocks of cattle. Thele are, in
the general, wild imaginations; and thofe who go to Ame-.
rica with expcftations founded upon them, will furely find
themfclves dil'nppointcd.
CF EUROPEAN r.ETTLEkS. 297
The truth is. that though there tire in America few people
of the defcrintion of the poor of Europe, there are alfo very
few that in K'.rope would be called rich. It is rather, as before
obfeived, a general happy mediocrity that prevails. There arc
few great proprietors of the foil, ar\d few tenants ; moft people
cultivate their own bnds, or follow iome handicraft or merchan.
dife •, very few are rich enough to live idly upon their rents or
incomes, or to pay the high prices given in Europe for paintings,
ftatues, architefture, and the other works of art that are more
curious than uleful. Hence the natural geniules that have arifai
in America, with {uch talents, have in general quitted that
country for Europe, where they can be more fuitably rewarded.
It is triie that letters and mathematical knowledge are in eftcem
tlicre but they are at the fame time more common than is
apprehended : there being already exifting numerous colleges
or univerfiiies, for the mofl part furnifhed with learned pro-
feffors, befides a number of fmaller academies. Thefe educate
many of their youth in the languages, and thofe fciences that
qualify men for the profefiion of divinity, law, and phyfic.
Strangers, indeed, are by no means excluded from exercifinfr
thofe profelhons ; and the quick increal'e of inhabitants every
where gives them an almoft certainty of employ, which they
have in common with the natives. Of civil offices or empl'oy-
ments there are few ; no fupcrfluous ones as in Europe ; and
it is a rule eftablilhed in fome of the States, that no office fhould
be To profitable as to make it defirable for the income. The
thirty-fixth article of the conftitution of Pennfylvania runs
exprefsly in tliefe words : " As every freeman, to preierve his
"independence, if he has not a lufficient eflate, ought to have
" fome profelhon, calling, trade, or farm, whereby he may
" honeftly fubftH;, there can be no neceffity for, nor ufe in.
" ellablifhing offices of profit ; the uiual cffcfts of which are
" dependence and ("erviiitv, unbecoming freemen in the pofTef-
" fors and expeftants, faftion, contention, corruption and dil-
" order among the people. Wherefore, whenever an office,
" through incrcale of fees or othcrwi'e, becomes fo profitable as
*' to occafion many to apply for it, the prcfits ought to be Iclfcn-
" ed by the; legiflalure."
Thefc ideas prevailing more or lefs in all the United States, it
cannot be v.'orth any man's wtiilc to expatriate himfelf in hopes
of obtaininfT a proiitabic civil office in America; and as to mili-
tary offices, ihey ended with the war, the armies being difband-
ed and reduced to a nntional militia. Much leTs is it advileable
f-ir a pcrfon to go ihither who has no oihcr quulity to recommend
Vc!, III. O q
29S PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
him than his birth. In Europe it has, indeed, its value, but it
is a commodity that cannot be carried to a worfe market than to
that of America, where people do not inquire concerning a
Granger, Whai is he? or, Who is He? but What can he. do?
If he has any ufeful art he is welcome, and if he exercifes it,
and behaves well, he will be refpefted by all that know him :
but a rr.ere man of quality, who on that account wants to live
upon the public, by feme office or falary, will be defpifed and
dilrcgarded. The hufbandman is in honour there, and even
the mechanic, becaufe their employments are ufeful. The
people have a faying, that " God Almighty is himfelf a mecha-
nic, the greatefl in the univerfe ; and a man is refpefted and
admired more for the variety, ingenuity and utility of his handy-
works, than for the antiquity of his family. They are pleafed
with the obfervation of a negro, and frequently mention it, that
" Boccarorra (meaning the white man) make de black man
Workee, make de horfe workee, make dc ox workee, make
ebcry ting , workee, only de hog. He de Jiog, no workee: he
eat, he drink, he walk about, he go to fleep when he pleafe, hr
lihb like a gentleman,'^ According to thefe opinions of the
Americans, one of them would think himfelf more obliged to
a gcnealogift, who could prove for him, that his anceftors and
relations, for ten generations, had been ploughmen, fmiths,
carpenters, turners, weavers, tanners, or flioemakers, and con-
fequently, provfe that they were ufeful members of focicty ; than
if he could only prove that they were genflemen, doing nothing
of value, but living idly on the labour of others, mere fruges
rciifumcrc nati,* and otherwife good for nothing, till, by their
death, their eflates, like the carcafe of the negro's gentleman-hog^
come to be rat vh.
With regard to encouragements to flrangers from the Ameri-
can government, thcv are really only what are derived from
GOOD LAVS AND GENUINE LiBEPvTY. Strangers are welcome
becaufe there is room enough fot them all, and therefore the old
inhabitants are not jealous of them ; the laws protcft them fuffi-
ciently, fo that they have no need of the patronage of great men ;
and every one M'ill enjoy fcci.nely the profits of his induftrv.
But, if he does not bring a fortune with him. he muft work and
be indiiilirious if he gains one. One or two years refidence
give him all the ris^lus of a citizen : but the government does
not at prclcnt, whatever it may have done in former times,
i' * Thorr sv a mm-iliT of iis liorn
Mrrrlv \n pat up the cnrn \\'\tt<^.
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 299
liire people to become fettlers, by paying their paflagcs, giving
land, negroes, utenfils, flock or any other kind of emolument
whatfoever. In fliort, America is. a land of labour, and by no
means what the Englifli call LuhbtrUind, and the French, Pays
de Cocagne.
Thofe who defire to underftand the flatc of government in
America, flriould read the conftitutions of the ievcral Slates,-
and the articles of confederation that bind the whole togeth<fr
for general purpofes, under the direftion of one affembiy called
the Congrefs. Thefe conftitutions we have for the mod part
given at length, in our account of the different States in the
Union ; and where that is not done, the reader may relt affured
xhere is no material variation. Thefe conftitutions convey, in
the cleareft manner, the principles and prafticc of the American
government, and furnifli a body of political iafoitnation Icarcely
to be found in any other compofitionSp
MOTIVES TO KMICRATION.
If the above obfervations arc confidered as true, it may natu-
rally be afked, what are thk gexf. ral inducemlnxs to
QUIT EVROPE : OR THE I'URl'OiE Of SETTLING INjA^E^
RICA ?
To this query we fliall, witliout liejitation, reply, thnt the
firft and principal inducement to an European to quit hi^s
native country for America, is the total absence oe anxie-
ty RESPECTING THE I'UTLTRE SUCCESS 0 1' A lAMILY. There
is little fault to find with the government of America, either
ih principle or in pra&icc ; they have very few taxes to pay
and thofe are of acknowledged necefhty, and moderate in amount ;
they have no animofities about religion ; it is a fubjcQ: about
which no queftions are afiicd : they have few rcfpecling poli-
tical men, or political meafurcs : the prefent irritatioq of men^
minds in Great-Britain, and the difcordant Rate of fociety on
political accounts, is not kiiowa tliere. The government is the
government of the people, and for the people. There
are no tythes nor game laws ; and excife lawg upon (pirits onlvj
and fimilar to the Britifli only in name. There are no men of
great rank, nor many of great riches. Nor have the rich J^^^j'.e
the power of opprefTmg the lefs rich, for, r.s we have befor.c
obferved, poverty, fuch as is common in Great-Britain, is a|mpft
unknown , nor are their ftreets crowded wi'tli beggars ; Mr,
Cooper oblervcs, he faw but one only while he was there, anci
that was an Englifhman. Y<hi fee no v/here in Ar-.^sk.: the
O q 2
3qo PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
difgufling and melancholy contraftyi^ coMvion in Europe of vice
and filth, and rags, and wrctchedne Is, in the immediate neigh-
bourhood of the moft wanton extravagance, and the molt ulelcfs
and luxurious parade. Nor are the common people lo deoraved
as in Great-Britain. Quarrels are uncommon, and boxini^ match-
es unknown in their flreets. They have no miliiaiy to keep
the people in awe, nor hired fpies and informeis to pierce the
inmofl receffes of fociety, and to call forth one part of a fatjiily
^gajnft another ; thus delhoying domeftic quiet and public hap-
ptnefs. Robberies are very rare, There was riot a burglary in
Philadelphia during the fever there, though no one fbaid in the
town who could leave it. All thefe are real advantages ; but
fiteat as they are, they do not weigh with us lo much as tiie
iingle confideration firft mentioned.
In England the young rnan flics to proftitution, for fear of
the expenfe of a family eflabliihment, and tiie, more than prcbabU
extravagance of a wife ; celibacy is a part of prudence ; it ii,
openly commended, and as fleadily praftifed aii the voice of
nature will allow. The majiied man, whole paiTions -have been
ilronger, whofe morals have been lel^s callous, or whofe antereil
has furnifhed motives to matrimony, doubts whether 4?ach child
be not a misfortune, and looks upon his offspring with a melan-
choly kind of affeftion, that embitters I'ome of the otherwife
moll pleafurablc moments of his life. There are exceptions to
this from great fucpels in the purlui • of the father ; there are
exceptions from ftronger degrees of parential affeftion ; and the
more fanguine look forward with ftionger hope: but we have
feen too muph not to be fatisFied of the perfe£t truth of this
general pofition. We do not care v/hat may be the lituation in
life of the parents, or the rank to which they belong ; from the
labourer at fix or feven Ihillings per week, and many thou-
lands of fuch there are in Great-Britain, to the peer c^ twenty-r
five thoufand pounds per annum, through many intcVinediate
ranks, we have had too frenuent occaiion to cbiervc this melan-
choly fatl.
In the former inftance, the labourer conloks himfelf, with
tears in his eyes, for the lo(s of his children, becaute hs has one
or more kfs to provide for : and in the lecond inltaace his iord-
|hip retrenches his plcafurcs bccaufe lie has a large family.
In America, particularly out of the large towns, no man of
moderate dcfires feels anxious about a family. In the country,
where the mals of the people dwell, every man feels the in-
(Crciile of his family to be the increafc of his lichcs : and no
OF EUROPEAN STTLERS. 301
farmer doubts about the facility of providing for his Children as
comfgrtably as they have lived, where land is fo cheap and fo fer-
tile, where lociety is fo much on an equality, and where the pro-
digious increale of population, from natural and accidental
caules, and the improving ftate of every part of the country,
lurniflies a market for whatever luperfluous produce he chu-
fcs to raile, without prclcnting iucehantly that tcrnptation to
ditihcial expenle and extravagant competiton fo common and
fo ruinous in European countries.
In Great-Britain, peri'etual exertion, incessaxt, un-
BEMITTING INDUSTRY, DAILY DEPRIVATION OF THE COM-
FORTS OF LIFE, and anxious attention to minute frugality,
are almoft incumbent on a man of moderate fortune, and in the
middle clafs of life : and the probabilities of ultimate fuccefs
are certainly againft a large family. In England, no man has
a right, calculating upon the common chances, to expcft that
five or fix children ftiall all fucceed, however virtuous or in-
duftrious they in.iy be.
In America it is otherwife ; you may reafonably reckon up-
on a comfortable fettlement, according to your fituation in life,
for every part of a family, however numerous. There is no-
thing in European countries equivalent to the taking off this
weight upon the mind of a father of a family. It is felt in
ihe occurrences of every day. Mr. Cooper remarks, he has
feeii with pleafure the countenance of an European emigrant
in America, brighted upon this very comfoi table reficftion ;
a. refleftion which confoles even for lofs of friends, and exile
from a native country.
To perlons in genteel life, and of the clafs which we call
jnen of fortune nearly the lame difficulties occur ; with us
every rank treads fo clofe on the heels of the rank above it, that
an cxcrjs of cxpcnfe above lyicoute, is gentral ; and perhaps the
difficulties of a family are flill greater in the clifs laO; mention-
ed. Temptations to unneceilary expenle, owing to tlie nu-
merous gradations of rank in England, arc perpetual and almoft
unconquerable. With the Americans, man is more equitably
appreciated ; he is eftimated more at what he is and lels at
what he/sems. Something like European jnanncrs, and iome-
thing of the ill effcft of inequality of rici-ics, may indeed be
fuund in the great towns of America, but notlnng like wluit
an inhabitant of tiie old country experiences; and the ina/s of
the people in America are nearly untainted. IIcikc the uce-
dom from artificial poverty, and the univerlal diiluiion of the
common comfjris and conveniences of life.
302 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
In England, if a man has been pecuniarily unfortunate, the
eager crowd prefs on and trample over him, and, once down»
he is kept down. In America, a falfe ftep is not irretrieva-
ble, there is room to get up agam ; aTid the lefs unfortunate
ftumbler looks round at lielure, and without difmay for fome
more profitable path to be purfucd. In England, every em-
ployment is full, we are prelTed and elbowed on all fides :
in America, every employment has room for induflry, and for
many years almoft every fpecics of induftry mull be fucccfs-
ful. In fine, America is a riling country, but there is caufe
to fear, that moft of the European countries are going faft to
ruin and decay.
In America, the expcnfcs of the government are very much
lefs, in proportion to wealth and numbers, than thofe of any
nation in Europe
There is no land tax among the national revenues, nor is there
any interior tax, or exciie upon food, drink, fuel, lights, or
any native or foreign manufafture, or native or foreign pro-
duftion, except a duty of about four pence fterling upon do-
meftic dillilled fpirits. The greateft part of the public bur-
dens are paid by an import duty on foreign goods, which
being drawn back on exportation, it remains only on what
is aftually ufcd, and is in that view the lowefl in the world.
In England, there Is fcarce an article that an individual can eat,
drink or wear, but what is taxed double, treble and fometimes
more than what was its original iatrinfie value.
Trade has been encouraged by a drawback of all the import
<luty on foreign goods, when they are exported, excepting
only a very few commodities of a particular nature, which
are not defired to be much imported into, or confumed, in,
the United States.
A national mint is eflabliflied under the dire£lion of the
ahlefl practical man in the arts and fciences which America
affords, David Rittexhouse. It is provided by law, that
the purity and intrinfic value of the filver coins (hail be equal
to that of vSpain. and of the gold coins to thofe of the flrift-
ePc European naticnis. The g(ivernment of the United States
forecoes all proiit from the coinage ; this is certainly an ho-
neft, a politic and wholefome foibearance, but America is the
firfl that has adopted it.
The banks cilabliflTed in the fcveral cities of Philadelphia,
New-York, Bofton, BaUn-nore, Cliailefton, Alex-uidria, &c. di-
vide a profit of ieven and a half to eight and a half per cent,
per annum * at prefcnt, which is paid half-yearly. The
* ^!ore niiLrht be idid v:ilh trut/i.
OF EUROPEAN SETTLExl.S.
303
interefl of the public debt of the United States is paid eve-
ry quarter of n year with a punftuality abloJute and pcifeft.
Ihcre is no tax on property in tlie funds and banks.
The fliip-building of the United States has been on the
increafe ever fmce the revolution ; it was greater in the year
1753 thnn in nnv former year fince the fettlement of the coun-
try, and it is greater in the current year than it was in the
laft. Generally fpeaking. the art of fhip-building was never
fo well underftood, never To well executed, nor was there ever a
t'me when fo many of the manufnflures rcquifite for the furniture,
tackle, apparel, and arming of veiTcls, were made in the United
States.
The value of the manufjftures of the United States is
certainly greater than double the value of their exports in
native commodities, and much greater than the grofs value
of all their imports, including the value of goods exported
again.
Thefe manufaftures confifl generally of articles of com-
fort, utility and necefTity. Articles of luxury, elegance and
fhcw, are not manufaftured in America, excepting a few
kinds, Manufaftures in general have increafed verv rapidly
lince the commencement of the revolution war, and parti-
cularly in the lad five vcars.*
The exports of the United States have increafed in the lafc
three years from fourteen to twenty per cent.+ Thefe ex-
ports confift, in a great degree, of the mofl ncceffarv food of
man, of working animals, and of raw materials, applicable to
manufaftures of the mnfc general utillity and confumption.+
The exports of the United States are fix times the amount
of the national taxes and duties ; and the amount of the
outward freight of the fhips and vefTels of the United States
at this time, is probably more than equal to all their nation-
* HoutV.old manufaflures are carried on vlthin thp families of almoft all
tiic farmers and planters, and of a great proporlion of the inhabitants of the
villages and towns. This prafticc is incroafing under tlie animating influences
of private intercft and public fpirit.
+ lathe three yfsrs ending Sept. 30. I'Q'i, they increafed from eighteen
•miliiniu and one quarter to twenty fix millions of dollars.
i Thefe is not any duty upon the exportation of the produce of the earth
r..')r can fucli duty be impofed on any exported commodities, but the exportation
of produce may be fufpended or prohibited in cafes of neceffity or policy.
Produce and all other mere! andife may be fr-elv exported in the fliips ar.d
vffffls of all nations, not being alien enemies, without difcrimination.
304
PROSPECTS ANi) ADVANTAGES
al'taxes and duties. The inward freight is confiderable. The
earnings of the ftfhing veffels, in lieu of freight, are alfo con-
fiderable. But the CO afting freights ^re greater in value than
' both the laft.
All fhips and velTels depart ham the United Stnte?, fullj'
laden, excepting a part of the Eaft-India traders ; and a large
quantity of tonnage is employed in the coafling trade ; and
a confiderable quantity in the cod and whale fifheries.
The imports of the United States are lefs in value than
the exports, dedufting the outward freights of their own fhips,
which are returned in goods, the nett fails of their fhips to
foreigners, and the property imported by migraters from fo-
reign countries.
The very great proportion of the irriports, whicli confifts of.
manufaftures from raw materials^ which America can produce,.
affords conflant and inviting opportunities to leffen the balance
againfh the United State in their trade with foreign countries,
holds out A certain home market to fkilful and induftricfus manu-
fafturers in America, and gives the mod flattering expcftations
to the landholder and farmer, of a very increafing demand for
his produce, in which he cannot be deceived.^
Their imports have not been fwelled in proportion to the in-
creale of their population and wealthy The reafon is clear, viz,
the conjtant intfoduBion of new hfavrhe^ of manufaSure amongji
tkem/elves, and a great extenfion of the old branches;.
Their imports for confumption are compofed of mannfaclures
in a much lefs proportion than heretofore, owing to the fame
two caujes.
The imports of the United States have almoU ccafed to exhi-
bit certain articles of naval and military fupply, and others of
the greatefl utility and confumption, owing alio to the fame two
caufe<:.
There imports confift but in a fmall degree of neceiTaries, in
a great degree of articles of comfortable accommodations, and
in fome degree of luxuries ; but their exports connd chiefly
of prime neceffaries, of the utmoft importance to Europeans
with fome articles of mere comfort and utilitv, and fome of lux-
ury. The following will be found to be the quantities of fome
of the principal articles of exportation from the United States,
during the year ending in September, 179-.
•'* WitneTs the fteady price of their produce during the embc.rg'>-
\
vp EUROPEAN Settlers 305
3»M5:'-^55 Bufhelsof grain nnd pulfe, principally wheat, Indian
Corn, rye, beans and peas.
41:75 2 Holies, horned cattle, mules, hogs and flieep.
^■i^9,T-i3 -t^-ifrels of floul-, meal, bifcuit and rice, reducing caflis
of various fizcs to the proportion of flour barrels.
14^:909 Bai-rels of tar, pitch, turpintinc and rofin.
116.803 Barrelsof beef, pork, mutton, iaufages, oyftcrs, tripe,
&c. reducmg cafks of various lizes, to the proportion
of beef and pork barrels.
23^:77^ B.irrels of dried and pickled fiih, reducing them to
barrels of the lanie hze,
948.1 15 Gallons of fpirits, dillilled in the United States.
7,8:23 Tons, 12 cvvts. and 141b. of pot and pearl afhes.
^112.428 Ilogflieads of tobacco.
60,646,861 F.eet of boards, plank and fcantling.
*9'39^2 'l'""S of timber,
18,374 Pieces of timl)er.
1,0.80 Cedar and oak fliip knees.
71,693.863 Shingles.
31,760,70-- Staves and hoops,
191 Frames of houles.
73.318 0.irs, rafters for oars, and hand-fpikes.
48,860 Shook or knock-dov.'a cafks.
52,381 Hc^gfli-'ads of flax-feed.
The exports of the year of wbich the above are a part, amonn-t-
ed to twenty-one millions of dollars; but the exports of the next
fallowing year ending on September 30, 1793, amounted to five
millions more, bemg twcntv-lix millions of dollars. Provifions
and raw materials have greatly encieafed. Of flour alone there
were (hipped one million and thii teen thouiand of c:ifks.
The imports of the United Stales are now generally brought
directly, and not circuitoullv, from the countries which produc-
ed or mmuFaftuied them. China, India Proper, the irtes of Bour-
bon and Maarjtius, Good Ho[)c, the loutheren lettlements of A-
merica and the Weft-Indies, the Wine iflands, and the countries
on the Ivlcd'tei anean and Baltic fcas, Great-Britain and Ireland,
France, the Netherlands and Germany, Spain and Portugal.
Thus their commerce is dlverhhed and pro'perous, and conflfts
in imjjoitiiig for their own coniumplion, and tor exportation, in
the exp()rtir>g, the coafting and inland trades, the Indian trade,
manufattures, flapping, the fiflierics, banking, and iniuranccs on
ilnps cai^iiCSj and i\oLdes. There is no branch of commerce, for-
Rr
3o6 PROSPECTS AlsD ADVANTAGES
eign or domeflic, in which eveiy dij1:ri£t, city, port and indivi-
dual is not equally entitled to be intereiled, *
The commanders and other officers of American fhips are deem-
ed P/Jlful and judicious ; from which caufe, combined with the
goodnefs of their fhips <.nd of their equipment, iniurances upon
their veilcls are generally made in Europe, upon the mofh favour-
able terms, compared with the corrctponding rifques on board of
tke veffels of other nations.
The lawful interefi; of money is fix per cent, per annum, in
moft of the rtates ; in a fevx'- it is feven per cent. ; in one it is
five per cent.
The poor taxes in the United States are very fmall, owing to
the facility with v.'hich every man and woman, and every child,
who is old eirough to do the lightefh work, can procure a com-
fortable fubhfte-nce. The induftrious poor, if frugal and fober,
often place themielves in a lew years above want.
Ilorfes and cattle, and other ufeful beafts, imported for breed-
ing, are exempted by law from the import duty.
The clothes, books, houfhold furniture, and the tools or imple-
ments of their trade or profefiTion, brought by emigrators to A-
merica, are exempted from the import duty, and they may begin
their commerce, raanufafturies, trades or agriculture, on the day
of their arrival, upon the lame footing as a native citizen ; and
there is no greater nor other tax upon foreigners or their pro-
perty in th« United States, than upon native citizens.
Almoft every knov.'n Chriflian church cxifts in the United
States; as alio the Hebrew church. There has not been a dif-
pute between any two fcfts or churches fmce the revolution.
There are no tythes ; marriage and burial fees, glebes, land rents,
pew rents, monies at interefi and voluntary contributions, arc
* The flave trade is abolifhed, and American citizenj cannot lavrfully be em-
ployed therein, and in fonic inftanccs ncgroe flavery ; in otlicrs they have adopt-
ed erficacious meal'ures for its certain, but gradual abolition. The importation
of llavcs is dilcontinucd,and can never be renewed, fo as to interupt the repofe of
Atrica, or endanger the tranquillity of the United States. The fteady ufeof effica-
cious altcrnativijs is preferred to the immediate application of raoic flrong r^m^•
dies, in a cafe of fo much momentai y and intrinfic impoitiiicc.
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 307
the principal means of fappoiting the ck'rgy. Many of them,
arealfo profcflors and teachers in the univerfities, co!le?es, acade-
mies and (chools, for wliich interefting ftations, pious and learn-
ed minifters of religion arc deemed peculiarly fuitable. There is
no provihon in the Epifcopal, P?efbyterian, or independent
church for any clerical perfon or character above n reftor or mi-
nifter of the gofpel ; and this is generally, if not univcri'ally the
cafe. There are lome afiiftant minifters, but no evirates or vicars.
All the lands in the United States are free from tythes, ana
the medium purchafe is not equal to the annual land rents of
Europe; even incliiding in the eflimate the value of the old
improved farms in America, and the great mafs of unimproved
lands.
The produtlions and manufaftures of military fupp'lies and.
articles enable the United States to derive from their own re-
fources, fhips of war, gunpowder, cannon and mufj^tt balls,
fliells, and bombs, cannon and carriages, rifles and cutlalfcs,
grapnals, iron, lead, cartouch boxes, fword belts, cartridge paper,
faddles, bridles, and holfters, foldiers' and lailors' hats, buckles,
fhoes, and boots, leathern breeches, naval ftores, fheathing paper,
malt and fpirituous liquors, manufaftured tobacco, foap, candles,
lard, butter, beef, pork, bacon, hams, peas, bilcuit, and Hour,
and other articles for the land or marine fervice.
•The education of youth has engaged a fliare of the attention
of the Icgiflature of the States. N!ght fchools for young men
and boys, who are employded at labour or bufinefs in the day
time, have been long and beneficially fupportcd, and the ideo of
Sunday fchools has been zealoufly adopted in fome places.
Free fchools for both fexes have increafed, and greater attention
than heretofore is paid to female education.
The people of the United States are ingenious in the inven- ■
tion, and prompt and accurate in the execution of machanifm .
and workmanlhip, for purpofes in Icience, arts, manufafturies,
navigation and agriculture, Rittenhoufe's planetarium, Franklin's
eleftrical conduftor, Godfrey's quadrant improved by Hadlcy,
Ramfey's and Fitch's fleam engines, Lille's rod pen<lulum, and
other horological inventions, ttie conftruftion of Hiips, the New-
Jingland whale-boat, the conllrudion of floar-miiis, the wirc-
R r 2
3o8 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAG ES
cutter and bender for card makers, Folfom's and Briggs's machi-
nery for cutting nails out of rolled iron, the Philadelphia dray
with an inclined plane, M.ifon's engine for exlinguHhing fire,
tlie Conneftitut fteeple clock, which is wound up by the wind^
the Franklin fire place, the Rittenhoulc ftove, Andrrfon'i thrrfty-
ing machine, Rittenhoule's inftrumcnt for taking levels, D<>nnld-
fon's Hippopotomas and balances lock, are a few of the numer-
ous examples.
There is no difcription of men in Americ?, and there are very
trnv individuals in the aftive time of life, who live without lome
purfuit of bufinefs, profefhon. occupation, or trade. All the
citizens are in aftive habits, and all capital flock is kept in
aftioji. *
No country of the fame wealth, intelligence, and civilization,
has fo few meynid iervants, flriftly fpeaking, in the families of
perfons of the greateft property. Family fervants and farming
Iervants, who emigrate from Furope, and who tbntiuue lobcrly
^nd induftrioufly in family or farm fervice, for one, two, or three
years, commenly fine oppoi tiniities to better their fit nations, by
getting into fome comfortable line of dealing, or trade, or manu-
fafturing, or farming, according to their education, knowledge
and qualifications,
America has not, indeed, many charms for the difiipated and
voluptuous part of mankind, but vcrv many, indeed, for the ra-
tional fobcr-minded and difcrcet, It is a country \\'hich affords
great opportunities of comfort and profperty to people of good
property, and thofe of moderate property, and to the induftrious
and honeft poor: a fingular and plcafing proof of which lafl af-
lertion is, that there are very few, if any day lahDurers in the
city and liberties of Philadelphia, of tlie Quaker church. That
religious fociety is veiy r.umerous ; hut the fohricty, induRry,
and frugality which they praftile, enables their prxir ljuk kly to
improve their condition, in a couptrv fo hivoutabie to the poor-
efi; members of the commrmity.
That part of the tradeiiiien and manufacturers who hvc in the
country, generally rcfidc on Imall lots and farirs, of from one
acre to twenty, and not a few ujxjn farms of twenty )o one
hundred and fifty acres, wliich they cultiv.ite at Iciluie times
M'ith their own hantls, their wives, children, fervants, and ap-
prentices, and lometimes by hired kbourors, or bv letting out
fields for a part ot the proihiee to fome neighboin-, who l)as time
or farm hands not fully cmplo)'ed. This union of uianufifturies
* It is probable diat all ilic jewels ;mcl ciiamonds worn b\' the citlz-ns of th?
United States, their wives and daughters, arc Ids in v.:luc tluin tliofc which fomc"
tiines form a part of iIk drel's oi an individual in Icvcial countries of Europe.
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS, "i. 309
^nd farming is found to be very convenient on the grain farms,
but it is ftill more convenient on the grazing and grafs farms,
where parts of almoft every day, and a great part of every year,
can be fpared from the bufinels of the farm, and employed in
Jome mechanical, handycraft, or manufafturing bufinefs Therp
perlons often make domeftic and farming carriages, implements,
and utenfils, build ht)ures and barns, tan leather, manufafture
hats, flioes, hofiery, cabinet work, and other articles of
cloathing and furniture, to the great convenience and advantage
of the neighbourhood. In like manner fome of the farmers
at leilure times and proper lealons, manufacture nails, pot
afh, pearl alh, ftaves and heading, hoops and hand ipikes,
axe handles, maple fugar, &c. The moft judicious planters
in the fouthern States are induftrioufly inftrufting their negroes,
particularly the young, the old, the infirm, and the females,
in manufaftures.
A large proportion of the moPc fuccefsful manufafturers in
the United States are perfons who were journeymen, and in
fome ijiftances foremen in the workfhops and manufaftories of
Europe, who having been fkilful, fober, and frugal, and hav-
ing thus faved a little money, have let up for themfelve$
with great advantage in America, and few have failed to
fucceed.
From this brief fketch we may juftly draw this conclufion,
that the advantages America offers to Euiopean emigrants are
fuch as no country befide can hold forth,
ON THE CHOICE OF RESIDENCE.
Suppoimg an individual from political fentiments or other
circumltances, to have formed a refolution of taking up his
refidence in the United States, a queftion will naturally arife,
what part of America is bed adapted to his purpofe ? The
anfwer to this queflion will certainly depend much on the
dilpofition, circumllances, and purfuits of the perfon himfelf.
Some few circumllances may, however, influence nearly the
whole clafs of Englifh emigrants.
Gutting a country where the church is forced into an unna-
tural conneftion with the ftate, and where religious opinions
are the fubjeft of popular obloquy, and civil difqualifications •,
(uch will ieek in America an afylum from civil pcrfecution and
religious intolerance — fome Ipot where they will fufler no
defalcation in political rights, on account ot theological opi-
nions, and where they may be permitted to enjoy a perfcft
3to PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
freedom oifpecch as well as of fentiment, on the two mod
important lubjefts of human inquiry, religion and politics.
As the people of England have oppoled the fyftem of negroe
flavery, the moft part will have very ftrong, if not infuperable
objcftions, to thofe parts of the continent where flaves are
the only fervants to be procured, and where the praftice of
the country tends to lupport this humiliating diflinftion between
man and man. But as labourers in hulbandry. as well as for
domeftic purpofes, will be neceffary, fome fituation muft be
chofen where fervants may be procured with tolerable facility,
although flavery does not prevail.
As the period of civil commotion and internal warfare, feems
in the opinion of moft perfons, not far diftant in almofl. every
part of Europe, fuch would wifli, we fuppofe, to fix in a place
where they are likely to enjoy the bleflings of peace, without
the hazard of interruption from any circumllances at prefent
to be forefecn. Dreading the profpe6t, however diftant, of
turbulence and bloodfhed in the old country, they will hardly
expofe themfelves unneceflarily to fimilar dangers in the new ;
they will therefore not direft their courfe toward thofe parts of
the continent, where the prefent enmity or uncertain friendfliip
of the American Indians will render peace, proper and perfonal
fecurity in any great degree dubious.
If their fortune is not large, fuch will think it an obje6l to
confider in what way they can improve it ; where and how they
can live moft comfortably upon fmall property and moderate
induftry. If, indeed, a number of people perfonally, or by
reputation, acquainted with each other, with hmilar habits of
life^ and general purfuits, were to quit England together, they
would naturally endeavour to pitch upon a fettlement where
they need not be fo divided as to renounce the iociety they had
been accuftomed to enjoy ; or to accommodate themielvcs
fuddenly to a change of habits, manners, fiiends, and aliociates.
With many of them in middle life, or advanced in years, this
would be a circumftance of importance to their future comfort ;
and therefore no fituation for a number of perfons of this defcrip-
tion could be perfectly eligible, where this accommodrition could
not be procured. It would in luch a cale therefore be defirable
to fix upon fome part of the continent where a large body of
contiguous land could readily be procured at a rcalonable
price. We Iny, at a realouabli: price, bcc.ujie the perlv^ns
who would be likely to quit England for America, iniill, in
our opii.ion, as one principal inducement, have in view tli?
more eafv improvement of a imall fortiinc. and the more cafy
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS, gii
fettlemcnt of a large fami-ly; and it would therefore be expe-
dient that luch a fituation were chofen, and fuch a plan of let-
tletnent adopted, as would hold out a reafonable cxpeftation
of a gradual increaie in the value of that property in which they
fliall be induced to inveft the wreck of their Britini fortunes.
Perhaps the purchafe of land in fome of the American States
is tlie moft fpeedy as well as the moft certain means of improv-
ing a prefent capital ; elpecially to thofe who can give an imme-
diate increafed value, by fettling as neighbours on their own
contiguous farms. In this view, therefore, and for this purpole,
fuch fliould endeavour to procure a large traft, and at a price not
only reafonable, but lo low in the hrfl inftance as to admit of
an early increafed value, by the means of a neighbourhood and
improving refident proprietors. Were fuch a plan to take place,
we have no hefUation in laying, that the perfons adopting it
would fettle in America more comfortably to themfelves, and
more beneficial to their intereft, than if they were to go out as
inluhited, unconncfted individuals.
The next moft adviieable plan for an Englifliman would
be, it he does not mean to follow trade, to go where land
is cheap and fertile: where it is in a progrefs of improvement,
and if pofTiblc in the neighbourhood of a few Englifti,
whole iociety, even in America, is interefling to an Englifli
fettler, who cannot entirely relinquilh the viemoria tcviporis
atlL
Nor is the article of climate unimportant. It will be wifli-
ed, we conceive, thit any fuddcn or violent change fhould,
if poffible, be avoided, and cateris paribus^ that a new-comer
fhould be expoled to greater excels of heat or cold, beyond
what he has been accuftomed to bear, than the difference in
point of natural fuuation between the two countries mufl ine-
vitably produce. The United States contain fo many varieties
of climate, that there is great room for choice in this refucft ;
but we think there will be little doubt with an EngliPnman
about the propriety of avoiding in this article the long
winters of New-IIamprnirc and Maifachufetts, snd the parch-
ing fummers of a part of Georgia and the Carolinas. A
perfeft fimilarilv is neither neccflTuy nor poihblr. and the
human conftitution cahly and fpccdily adapfs itlelf to ilight
variations.
With thefc prelimin-cuy obfervalions in view, let us examine
the inducements which ihc refpcftive States of America prclcnt
■to a Britifli (fmigranl.
,312 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
The fouthern States of Georgia and North and Southi
Carolina fecm at prefent quite out of the queftion, at leaft
they are not fo convenient to an European^ from the extreme
heat of the climate, and the prevalence of the negroe flavery.
The upper part of Georgia, and part of the Carolinas^ may ad-
mit of exceptions ; many have emigrated there, and many con-
tinue to do fo with advantage to themfelves aild families.
The long continued cold of New-Hampihire and Maffachu-
fetts, including Vermont and the province of Maine, appears
highly, though not perhaps equally objeclionable. A man
who has been ufed to a laborious aftive life, who is proud of
independence, who wiflaes to Ihun the haunts of folly and
vice, who would prefer living among a hardy race of indepen-
dent farmers to the poiifhed iociety of large cities, who wiihes
for honeft hofpitality inftead of poiifhed lycophancy, fuch a
man will find in the New-England States an ample requital for
a hard winter. To many, however, it will ieem a mod unplea-
fant circumftance, that fo fmali a portion of the year is afforded
by nature to the farmei", wherein to provide fuftenance for the
remainirig part*
■ In the north-eaflern States, viz. New-IIampfliirc and Mafia-
chufetts, Connefticut, &c. property is much divided,* farms
are fmall, and good land in general dear ; hence purchafes are
not eafily made here, with the lame pro(pe6l of future increafe
in value, which many of the other States afford. Add to this,
that thefe parts of the American continent do tiiemfelyes furnilh
yearly a very confiderable number of emigrants to the middle
and weflern States; they are. " the northern hive" of this
country. And the lame reafons that operate upon the natives
to e*iigrate from thence will be realous alio againftiftn^pfnigra-
tion thither. -v'' '!.-;n :'
The States of Rhode-Ifland, Jerfey, Delaware, New-York,
Pennfylvania, jVIaryland and Virginia, with the fetllements on
the weftern waters, have all of them claims to conlideration on
the prelent occahon.
Rhode-Ifland in point of climate and produtlions, as well
as in appearance, is perhaps the moR. flmilar to Great-Britain of
any. State in ' the Union, The winters arc iomcwhat longer
and more leverc. the fumraers perhaps a little w.rmer ; but it
participaiek^'Vl'itii Great-Britain in iome mealure in the dcfcfts
Conne£lici t contim;, at If aft rixf--tv.-o peifor.s per ftpavc mile.'
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 313
of climalCi being fiom its fnuation ful)je£l to a moifler atmof-
pherc.* than rnany of the other States. The foil of Rhode-
in.ind aHo is too tiiuch improved, and tlie land too much divid-
ed to admit of any larpc contiguous pui chafes as a I'pcculation*
though fingle fyp.iis at a rate comparatively moderate might be
procured htrc. This, however, is owing to a decay of trade
in this part of America, and to the inhabitants thomlclves,
nuitting their fuuations for the profpeft of a more advaut igeous
trade. It it rather adaped for a grazing than a coin country ;
fcanlily timbered, comparatively plentiful in milk, butter, and
cheefe ; but not abounding in what the Americans term good or
rich land. The divihon of property, however, and its preient
tendency rather to decrcnfe than increalc in value, renders it
ineligible for new fct tiers.
The climate of New-Jcrfey, were there no other objcfbions,
is unpleaJant to Europeans, particularly in the Aimmer feafon,
from its eaftern fituation, the ttiany fwamps it contains, and
the ouantity of fea coafl: in proportion to its extent. Mufque-
toes and agues are more' troublefome in this than in many of
the other northern or even middle States ; and in the more
eligible parts of New-Jerfey, property is too much divided, and
too dear to promife fucccfs to an eftablifhment, fuch as we have
alluded to ; many valuable purchafes may, howeverj be made in
this State.
The fame remarks will in a great degree apply to the State
of Delaware, to which aHo there is a farther objeftion arifing
from the illiberality of the religious tefb law, contained in its
conflitution ; not to mention the prefent prevalence of negroe
flavery in that portion of the continent.
The State of NcM'-York feems increafing as rapidl}^ in every
circumftance of proiperity as any other State in the Union^
Pennlylvania excepted, 'i'he city of New-York ranks next to
Philadelphia as a place of trade, and the hack parts of the State
afford, at no very dear pi ice, immenfe trafts of the richefl land.
Neither is the climate in general fo different from that of
Great-Britaiii, as to coallitute any formidable objection to
Britifli fettlers. Its extremes of heat and cold are greater than
in England, but in feme parts a little more warmth would be no
difadvantage ; fc>r although the numerous tnbes of American.
* Thisobfcrvatjon is applicable to the vicinity of New- York alfo, wtiJrPthey
find that wood intended for uie in the foutharn climatfs, cannot be fufficiently
feafoned. In Ppnnfylvania it may. Indeed this remark Will evidently apply
10 the whole northern fea coaft of America.
Vol. III. S f *
^14 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTA(^£3
apples are to be found here in great perfe£lion, the peach, it'
is faid, does not perfeftly ripen at Albany.
Beyond compafifon, the mofl fertile part of this State is the
Geneffee Counti-y J which, fmce the prefent war with the In-
dians, has attra^led a great number of the New-England emi-
grants, who a -year or two ago wefrc induced to travel to the
wefterfi frontier of the Ohio, in fearch of cheaper and better
land than eould Be found in their own country. Indeed, there
does not appear to be much difference in the kind or quality of
the foil, between the firft rate land of the Gencflee and the"
Kentucky territory : whatever differertce there is, may mof£ pro-
bably be attributed to the greater warmth of the climate in the
laft mentioned part of America. If the rnere circumilance, of
richnefs of foil therefore were to determine emigration, a New-
England emigrant might reafonably Hop in the GeneiTee country,
without tiiking fo long a journey as many of bis countrymen
have heretofore done.- . . . ^.
1 o this part or the btate, however, ricn and feriile as it is,
there are ferious and formidable objeftions to many European
fcttlers. The difficulty of procuring iervants in hufbandry, or,
indeed, of any other kind, is very great ; for as the land is but
lately begun to be fettled, the inhabitants, therefore, confill
at prefent almoil wholly of the clafs of firft fettlerS, v/ho depend
chiefly on the labour of thcmlelves and their families for fupport ;
thefe, therefore, will be the only clafs of European fettlers,
labourers excepted, v.'hom this part of the State would fuit^
and peihaps few parts are better adapted to a man whofe family
and connexions Would manage from one to five hundred acres
of land. The fuperfluous produce of the GeneiTee lands will
be fent either to Philadelphia or New- York, by the way of
Albany. The conveyance will be troublefome and cxpeniivc ta
fcoth places,- That part of the GenefTee country, which is
neareft to the Sufquehannah and the Delaware, will find vent
for its produce at Philadelphia. This city will alfo attraft the
produce of a great part of the GeneiTee which from mere
fituation would ieem more in the vicinity of New -York
market, in confequ«nce of the greater exertions making by the
State of Pennfylvania to facilitate the carriage of commodities
by means of new roads and canals, and the improvement of
river navigation. It is evident from hence, as indeed it is from
a fimple infpeftion of the map, that the interior parts of Penn-
fylvania, in the vicinity of the Suiquchannah, where the Innd
for the moll part is extremely fine, have very conhderablc
OF EUROPEAN STTLKRS. 3,5
ajdvantages over the mofl advantageous part of the Gcnefljec traft,
in the facility of tranfporjting produce to market ; the produce
of the interior of Pennfylvania will therefore in all probability
come fifft and cheapeft to market. 7"he prcfent price of lands
in-the Geneffee is nearly %be. fame as in the rich parts of Pennr
fylvania, a hundred and fifty miles nearer to Philadelphia.
It is another unpleafant circumftance attending the Geneflee
country, that it forms the frontier to the Indians, who navi-
gate the lakes along the v^hole traft : indeed many trafts in
the GenefTe territory itfelf are referved by the Indians, At
preffent they are friendly, nor is there m.uch fear of a change 5
and fhould they become otherwife, they will be ultimately
fubdued : but the fiate of intermediate contefl: on fuch an oc-
(Cafion would ill fuit the habits and inclinations of a peaceable
European. Along the Mohawk river, the lands are rich and
heavily timbered, and fell at prefent at a price not fuperior to
the comparative advantages they prefent ; but they are liable to
many of the objeftions which may be made to the GenefToc
country.
It feems evident from thefe circumftances, that this country,
which in other refpefts is the mod eligible part of New-Yoric
State for many purpofes of a new fettler, has numerous difad-
vantages attending it ; difudvantngcs which an American emigrantj
from the thick fettled ftates of New-England, would regard as
triffling, but which, we conceive, will appear in a more formid-
able light to Europeans,
Very few ohjeftions can be mnde to the State .of Pennfyl-
vania. In point of climate, the difference between this part of
the American continent arid Great-Britain is not only very fup^
portable, but perhaps in favour of the former, even to BritiPu
feelings, efpeciaily in the northern and north-vveftern part of the
State. The fummers are foniewhat warmer and the, winters
colder than at London, but the general (late of the air i« more
dry, more plealant, and perhaos equally, if not more healthy.
The fentral fituation of this flate with relpeft to the others, the
prolperous ftate of its treafury, the numerous projeftcd improve-
ments in roads and canals, the poflcfiion of the largefl and irioft
flourifhing city of America, and the fuperior proportion not on-
ly of inports and exports, but particularlv of emigrants of every
clafs that come to the port of Philadelphia, aIt,og(f {.he;: n^^kf . it
probable, that Pennfylvania may fairly be regiaj^4p4"5^?t(^^^?fl'P^''^
fiourifliing State of the Union.
3i6 ' PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
In a general view, Pennfylvania is preferable to New-York,
becaufe the climate is more dry,* and therefore more favour-
able ta health, fornewhat warmer, and theriJfore more favouvablip
to vegatation in ilie former than in the latler State. In Pennfyl.
vania, the government is more itii^^iit ilport thofe public im-
provements tTi'at will force population and th6 fpeedy rife of
lands, its revenues are more p'rodu6tive, and its trealury richer.
In all' other cncumftancfes, Pfehnfylvania is at leaft equal to
New-York, and in thofe enumerated, it has undoubtedly the
preference. But we are not to feek in the fouth-caftdrn line
of this State, either for large trafts of good or cheaf> land.
As you approach the coaft, property is divided, the land is
barren, and the prices high. Neither is the climate in the fouth-
eaflern line of Pennlylvania for two hundred or two hundred
and fifty mile's, from the fea, fo pleafant or fo favourable to
health or to vegetation as in the more northern and north-wel-
tern parts of the State. Thus, in Philadelphia during the two
laft winters, the fnows repeatedly appeared and difappeared ;
frofls fucceeded to thaws, and the roots of the grain Were left
expoled to the feverity of the cold. This inconvenience is'
more frequently experienced by the farmer in the part of Penn-
fylvania approaching to Maryland, and often proves a very le-
rious inconvenience. While in the northern pans of Ndrili-
Vimberland, Lucerne, and Northampton counties, the fnow^'
when it once falls in a quantity, generally remains through the
winter, producing more fettled weather, and protetling the
croos underneatlt.
Moreover, the krgeft unoccupied trafts of land, of courfe the
cheapeft, and beyond comparifon the richeft lands in this
State, are to be found in the northern parts of the counties juft
mentioned, and of Allegany coupty ; that is, generally (peaking^
north of latitude 41*^
With refpe£l to Maryland and Virginia, objeftion? may be
made relative to flave-labour in particular, Thefe Slates are
likewife unpleafantly warm i^ the fummer feafon to an Englifli
.conftitution,, particularly the former ; the impoffibility of
procuring any fervant^ but negroe ilavcs, is an objcilion almofl;
. infuperable (o a generous mind. Add to this, that Philadelphia
^f^.at p,^^(ei;if, a better mrirket for prodiica than Baltimorej particu-
* Tills holds alraoft throughout tlic 'whole extent of the two States ; froiA the
mrttt inland iituation of Peiirifylvaiiia; both •yvitti ■relp'^ft to the Athmtk fejiji
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 317
larly for wheat, which ufually fells a fhilling higher at Philadel-
phia than at the port jull mentioned, which however is in a very
rapid (late of improvement.
The federal city, recently laid out between the forks of the
Potoraack, will, however, give a confiderable increafed and in-
creafing value to the country round it ; and the future refidencc
of Congrefs there, will, in time, make Wafliington city what
New- York and Philadelphia are now, although the ports of Alex-
andria, Baltimore and Annapop.b will long be competitors of
great iinportance. There can be no doubt but perlons may find
and iettle upon plantations in the neighbourhood of Wafhington
city, luflicicnlly extenfive to occupy a moderate capital, and to
which there will be a yearly acceiTion of value, independent of
' Their own exertions, whatever the prcfent price of lands may be.
But ftill, tli£ evil confequences of ftave-labour at prefent remain;
and whether it be owing to one, or to both of thefe caufes com-
bined, there is certainly a want of individual and national ener-
gy, in feveral of the fouthern dates, which we do not find in
the others : the ftile of farming is more flovenly, the individuals
are more idle and dilTipated, and the progrefs of public Improve-
ments in general more fiow than in the flates on the northern
fide. There can be no doubt but the climate contributes fome-
thing to this indolence of diipofition ; but where labour is con-
fined to flavcs, who do not benefit in proportion to their in-
duftrv, and where the white inhabitant regards himfelf as a
different and fuperior being, the general (late of improvement
muft be afFcCted by fuch opinions adopted in theory, and purlued
in practice,
Plencc, whatever may be the cafe as to particular fpots, the
gradual accelTion of value to landed property, from the operation
oi conlLant and regular caufes, neither is, nor can be fo great in
countries of this defcription, as in others where the climate ad-
mits and requires exertion, and where it is thought no difgrace
for a white man to labour.
It is prefumed that the gradual acceflion of value to landed
property, of which we have juft fpoken, will accrue more cer-,
tainly, more fpeedily, and to a larger amount in the States of
Pennlylvania, New- York, and Kentucky, than in either of the
remaining States, on account of the prefent cheapnefs of good
land, and on account of the great refort of European emi-.
grants.
Good lands can be procured in New-York or Pennfylvania
in favourable fituations, at from three half crowns to lialf a
guinea an acre, and a capital employed in the purchaic of fuch
^t8 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
lands will much fooner be doubled, than if the original price
11 ad been two or tb fee pounds fterling per acre. An accelTion
of three half crowns per acre, additional value to the former de-
fcriptionj will produce a duplication of, the capital employed ;
while arv additonal value of three half-crowns per acre to lands
of the latter ditcription, will produce about fifteen or lixteen pe;-
cent only. Moreover, five fliillings or feven fliillings and fix-
pence additional value is much more eafdy given to land of the
lirll kind, and when given is more vilible, more evident at firft
fight, than in the other cafe ; and farther, land of this defcriptior)
muft neceffarily entice pcrlons of fmall property, and derive
confequent value from new fettlers, even though value fhould
^^ot be given, by the gradual population of the countrv itfelf
'It is clear alfo, that otiier caules muft give a great advantage to
the middle States, and render them for fome years eligible fu na-
tions for the employment of time and trouble, as well as capital.
Of the two, perhaps, the preference fliould be given to Pennfyl-
yania, for the reafons already montioned ; and alfo, becaufe the
current of irnprovement is beyond comparifon more rapid in this
than in Nevv-York State; but in both thefe States, emigrants
paiily find plenty of land, rich, cheap, well watered, within tlie
reach of navigation^ under a good government and in a favour-
able climate.
With refpeS; to Kentucky, in point of foil and climate, it
certainly has the preference to any State in the Union. Nature
has given to the regipns of this fair country a fertility fo aflonifh-
inpr, that to believe it, ocular denrjonflratioa becomes neceffary.
To this advantage \ve may add, that of the ninnl)er of European
i'ettlers that have emigrqte4, and which continue to emigrate
thijther, and the eonlequent rapid ftate of irppovement that hac
followed. Lands in and near the towns iri this ftate muft con-
tinue to increafe in their value, and many purchaies m;!y now be
jqade in the new townfiiips with very great advantage to a (ettler ;
fome difficulties there undoubtedly are, ^nc^ fuch muft naturally
be expcftcd in a newly-lettled counfry,
Labourers are fcarce, few if any can be hired but flaves, who
are let out by their owners. Rut a great portion of the prefcnt
inlinbitants, like thofe of the Gcneffee country in New-York,
cultivate the greater part of their osvn lands and live cm the pro-
duce : this muft be the cafe with thofe that will not have ."iny
thing to do with flaves ; but tiiis diFnculty is not peculiar to Kcn-
fuckv, it is common to all ne.vlvrfettled countries. Anr>iher
difficulty an European has to encounter- in- fettling in Kentucky,
is the- great diftancc he has to travel- cfter -landing in America ;
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS) ^io
but tJhis will operate as a difficulty only to fome individuals.
The man whole mind h"a.s gained ftrength i'ufficient to bid tare-
■«vel to European luxuries, or who has been habituated to a
life fecluded from capital towns, will find iittljC ciiiiifftuky iatiiis.
journey. ■■■,-, . , -,
The routes from the different Atlantic States to this country
are various, as may be fuppoicd. Frotn the northern States it
is through the upper parts of Penniylvania to Pittfourgh, and
then down the river Ohio. The diilance from Philadelphia to
Pitilbargh is nearly three hundred miles; from Lancaftcr about
two hundred and thirty. The rout through Redftone and bv
PittllDurgh, both from Maryland and Virginia, is the moft eligi-
ble, provided mtvch baggage is carried, except going, from the
Ibuthern and back counties of Virginia ; then the beft and moH
expeditious way is through the wildernefs. From Baltimore,
pafllng Old Town upon the Potooiack, and by Cumberland
fort; Braddock's road, to P.edftone Old Fort on the Monon- ,,.
gchala. is about two hundred and forty miles ; and from Alex-
andria to the lame place, by Vv/'inchefter Old Town, and then
the fame route acrofs the mountain, is about two hundred and
twenty miles. This lafl mufl be the mod eligible for all Europe-
ans who may wifh to travel to this country, as the diftancc by ,
land is fhorter, the roads better, and the accommodations good ;
i. e. tlaey are very good to Old Town, which is one hundred
and forty miles from Alexandria, and from thence to Redllone
comfortable, and plentifully fupplied with provifions of all forts ;
the road over the mountai-n is rather rough, but no where, in
the leaft difficult to pais.
Travellers or emigrants take different methods of tranfporting
their baggage, goods or furniture, .from the places they may be at
to the Ohio, according to circumftances, or their objeft in com-,,
ing to the country. If a man is travelling only for curofity, or, ,
has no family or goods to ramove, his bed way will be to purch^fe ^
horles, and take his route through the wildernefs ; but provided
he has a fannly, or gouds of any lort to remove, his beft way, then,
•will be to purchaie a waggon and team of horfes to carry his
property to Redflonc Old Fort, or to Piitfburgh, according as he
may come from the northern or foutherh flates. A good wag-
gon will coft, at Philadelphia, about ten pounds, reckoning every , ,
thing in fterling money, for greater convenience, and the hwiCjS,, r^
about twelve pounds each ; they will coft fomething more boti^f^p
at Baltmiore and at Alexandria. The waggon may be cover<54fBit.
■with canvas, and^ ii the choice of the people,^, t{j|^yi?7i2;^ji]ei^iKi «»
320 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
in it at nights with the greateft fafety. But if this mode fhould.
be didiked, there are inns of accommodation the whole diflance
on the different roads. To allow the horfes a plenty of hay
and corn will coft about one fhilling per diem each horfe, fup-
pofing forrage to be purchafed in the mod economical manner,
i. e, of the farmers, from time to time as wanted, and not of inn-
keepers, who muft have their profits. The provifions for the
family may be purchafed in the fame manner; and by having
two or three catrip kittles, and flopping every evening when the
weather is fine upon the brink of fome rivulet, and kindling a
fire, food may be foon dreffed. There is no impediment to
thefe kind of things, it is common, and may be done with tha
greateft fecurity ; and perfons who wifh to avoid expenfe, as
much as pofiible, will adopt this plan. True, the charges at inns
on thofe roads are remarkably reafonable, and the accommodations
very good ; but we have mentioned thofe particulars, as there
are many unfortunate people who emigrate from Europe, to
whom the faving of every fhilling is an objeft ; and this man-
ner of journeying is fo far from being difagreeablc, that in a
fine feafon it is extremely pleafant. To perfons who iiave al.
ways been refident in a town, and enjoyed uninterruptedly the
luxuries of life, it may appear ftrange and novel, but to perfons
habituated to a country life, even in England, there will not
appear any thing hard or degrading.
Provifions in thofe countries through which you travel are
very cheap; beef, mutton and pork, are fomething lefs than
two pence per pound ; dunghill fowls are from four pence
to fix pence each ; ducks eight pence ; geefe and turkies
one fhillincF and three pence ; butter three pence per pound ;
cheefe there is very little good until you arrive in Kentucky ;
flour is about twelve {hillings and fix pence per hundred
weight.
The bed way is to carry tea and coffee from the place
they may fet out at, if it is wifhcd for ; good green tea there
will be from four fhillings and fix-pence to fix (hillings per
pound ; fouchong from three fhillings to five fhillings ; coffee
will coft from one fhilling and three-pence to one fhilling and
fix-pence per lb. lo3f fugar from feven-pence halfpanny to ten-
pence halfpenny. But it is necdlefs carrying much fugar, for
as the back country is approached, the maple iugar is in abun-
dance, and may be bought from three-pence to fix-pence per
pound. Such are the expenfes to be incurred in travelling to
ihis country bv Rcdftonc and Pittfburgb.
Of EUROPEAN SETTRERS:. . 321
The diftr.r.ce which one of thafc wagj^ons may travel one
day with another is little fiiort of t-wcnt-v miles.; fo that it will
be a journey from Alexandria to Redflone Old. ^Fort of eleven
or twelve davs, from Baltimore a dsy or two -longer, and from
Phihdelphia vo PiltlLurgh^ we fliould fuppofe it wou-ld require
nearly twenty days, as the Koads are not fo good as from the
two former places, .
From thefe prices, the expenie of removing a family from
either of the fca ports to the Ohio may be computed with
tolerable exaPtnefi..
The beft lime for fctting out for this country from any of
the Atlantic ports, is the Litter end of either September or
April. I'he autumn is- periiaps the mod eligible of the two;
as it is probable, that the roads acrofs the aiountain wifl be
drier, and piovifions and forage more plentiful and cheap than
in the ipring. i
If this mode fhould not fuit the convenience of the party,
bv realtjn of their not wantinir a wafftron or horfes when they
arrive in this country, they may have their goods carried out
to Redilone Old Fort from Alexandria for twelve fliillings
per hundred weight, and in like proportion from Baltimore
and Pliiladclphia.
At Redftone Old Fort, or Pittfburgh, they can either buy
a boat, which will cofk them about five {hillings per ton,
or freigtit their goods to Kentucky for about one fliilling per
hundred weight. There is no regular bufinefs of this fort ;
but as tlieie are always boats corning down the river, one
fhiiling per hundred weight is the common charge for freight.
But more frequently, when tliere is boat room to {pare, it is
given to luch as are not able to purchale a boat, or have not a
knowledge of tlie navigation. However, thaf is a bufinefs
which requiies no fkill, ajid there are always numbers of people
coining down, who will readily conduct a boat for the lake of
a palTage.
The diftance from Philadelphia* by land to Iventucky is
between feven and eight hundred mdes ; from Baltimore nearly
- Tlie. dillancc in tr.e fettled parts oijy can b'^ computed \vi:h any degree of
"xaclitude; but from the beft jnfurniation that can be colletted, from the rapids
ot the Ohio to Santa Fe is about one thoufand mileS; and from ihence to the i^ity
of Mexico about one thoufand live hundred.
The computed diilance between Nevv-Orlcarr.- and Mexico ii fomeiliing Hior'..
if two thoufand miles, and jbotit the faine to Santj 'i<^.
Vol. 111. 'it
322 PROSPECTS A.YD ADVANTAGES
feven hundred ; nearly fix hundred from Alexandria ; and up-
wards of five hundred from Richmor.d, The roads and accom-
modations are tolerably good to the borders of the wildernefs ;
through which it is hardly pofiible for a carriage to pals,
great part of the way being over high and ftecp hills, upon
the banks of the rivers and along defiles, which in fome places
feem to threaten you at every (lep with danger.* This is the
only route the people coming fiom the upper parts of Virginia
and North-Carciina can take at prefent to v,et in:o the country,
the gap of Cumberland mountain being the only place it can be
palled without the greatefl; difficulty. The opening of the
Tcnncll'ee will afl'urd a convenient commanication with the
MillifTippi. The wildernefs, which was fonneily two hundicd
miles through without a finglc h;ibitation, is reduced from the
fettlement of Powci's valky to nearly one-half of that didance ;
and it is to be expected, that in a few years more, the remain-
der of the diilance will afford fettlements for the accommodation
of people travelling, that route, when a good road may be
mads quite to Kentucky. Ihc canals which are cutting on
the Potomack, and the removal of the obftruft.ons in Cheat
river, will render the paifagc from Alcnandria, or the federal
city, to the Ohio, both cheap and eafy.
Upon tiie arrival of emigrants in the country, they generally
take a view of that part in which it is their ohjeft to lettle,
and according to their circumftances or calling, fix upon lucli
a fituation as many appear 'eligible for their bufinels. Lut
as the greater proportion of the emigrants who lettle in Ken-
tucky are hufbandmen, wc fhall only lake notice of tlieir man-
ner of proceeding and fettling a farm. Land is to be purchaU
ed in every part of the country : the prices arc various accord-
iiitr to the improvements there may be upon it, its quality, and
local fituation ; the general price of land, with lonie improve-
ments, in the neighbourhood of villages, in-m twelve to fifteen
fhillings per acre. Plantations, w-ili orchards and ether im-
provements, may be purchaled from twenty to tweuty-nve
fhillinps per acre ; good la..d without iiuprovemonis, niay be
purchaled from one raiUing and fix pence to eight fliillings
per ditto, which price will be according to its rate or quality
and fituation.
We have noticed only what may be termed fettled country ;
we apprehend no European will be hardy enough to form a
* This road has been confiderably impirdvcd, ar.d a pod now pafics wtrckly
through it from PhiUdclphi* tc* Kcjuuc^y.
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS.
■fettlement in a v/ilrlernefs ; this will be left for the Americans,
n'ho, no doubt, ficm habit, arc heft qualified for that fort of
bufir.efs. Indeed, there arc a number of people \s'ho have fo
long been in the cuflom of removing farther and farther back
as the country becomes fettled, for the lake of himtinp, and
what they tall range for their cattle, which is that of feeding
upon the natural gr^afs, that they fecm unqualified for any other
kind of life. This is favourable to the fettling a wild and
infant country ; and no doubt this difpofition will laft, with
fome, as long as there is left a wilderncfs in America. It is
however certain, that this is advantageous to (ocicty, which will be
bctteied and not hindeied by (uch pe<:uliar habits, lo long as
the^' have new countries to people ; for this adventurous fpirit
tends to accelerate the propagation of domcllic animals of every
fort.
Pcrfons of moderate fortune, upon taking poflTefTion of the
land they intend to form into a plantation, will, doubtlefs, pro-
cure luch a (lock as their circumftances will admit, and tlie
extent of their objcft requires ; but let us fuppofe an induftrious
man already provided with the neceflTarv tools for his agricul-
tural employment, and a little money to buy Itock. In luch a-
iiluation, after building a log-houfe, which will cod liiin little
more than his labour,* he will procure fome dunghill fowls, a
cow, and a breeding fow.
Thetc animals are very prolific in this climate and foil ; and
it is not a fanguine calculation to luppofe the low will have
eight or ten pigs at each litter ; by which means the family
will have pork fuihcient for the next vear, and the year aftcP
they may barter bacon for beef and mutton, which we will
conclude their circumftances have not permitted them as yet
to purchafe, though both may be eaiily procuied at a moderate
price. His labour will have provided him with corn before this
time, and :n tlie extention of his plantation, and the incrcafe of
his cow and ii-ogs, his difiiculties will be over. The inrrea{;ng
ratio of ftock is prodigious, where provifion for them cofls io
littl'- as it does here, and where the fertility of the foil is fo wou-
* A log-houfe is very foon crc£led, and in confequence of the friendly difpofi.
lion which exifts among thpfc hofpitable people, every neighbour will come to
tlie alTiftance of each ether upon occafions of emergency. Sometimes they are
built of round logs entirely, covered with rived afh fhingles, and the interfticcs
Hopped with clay, or lime and fand, to keep out the weatim-. A houfe of this
lort may be made as comfortable and elegant as any other kind oi building, and
is therefore the mod convenient, as it may be crefted in fuoh a manner as to au-
£ vcr the ciicuniftaiices of all defcriptioits of perlans.,
'1' t 2
324 PROSPECTS AND ADVAKTAGES
derful, that it amply repays the lahourer for his toil ; if the
large trees are not very numerous, and a large proportion of them
the fugnr maplp, which is very common, they are an advantage
to the fettler ; it is vcrv liktlv from imperfcft cultivation, that
the ground will yield from hfty to fixty bufhels of corn to the
acre. The fecond crop will be more ample ; and as the fhade
is removed bv cutting the timber away, great part of the land
will produce from ieventy to one hundred bufhels of corn fror^
an acre. This will enable the farmer wiio has but a hnall capital
to increafe his wealth in a moil rapid manner.* His cattle and
hogs will Tind. iulficient food in the woods, not only for therr>
to fubfift upon, but to fatten them. His cows wix\t no proven-
der the greatePc part of the year, except cane and wild clover ;
but he may afford to feed them with corn the 2d year, if he fuid§
it neceffary. His garden, with little attendance, will produce him
all the culinary roots and vegetables necefliiry for his table; and
the prolific increafe of his hogs and poultry will furnifli him
without fear of injuring his flock, with a plenty of animal food ;
and in three or four years his flock of cr.ttlc and fheep will prove
fufficent to fupply him with both beef and mutton, and he mny
continue his plan at the lame time of increaling his flock of thole
ufeful animals. By the fourth year, provided he is induJlrious,
he may have his plantation in lufTicient good order to build a
better houfe, which he can do either of ftone, brick, or a framed
wooden building, the principal articles of which will cofl. him
little more than the lobour of himlelf and domeftics; and he
may readily barter or fell lome part of the luperfluous produc-
tions of his farm, which it will by this time aflord, and procure
fuch things as he may fland in need of for the completion ol his
building. Apples, peaches, pairs, &c, &c. he ought to plant
when he finds a foil or cligabLe fituation to phice tliem in, as that
will not hinder, or in any degree dix'ert him from the objeft of.
his nggrandizemcnt. A few years of indnfny will now make
liin: a man of property', and inlure his cnm!t)rtand indcpenuence
for the remnant of his life, and lay a firni foundation for tiie
future opulence of his family. We have taken no notice of
the game he might kill, as it is more a facrificc of time to an in-
dufli ious man than any real advantage.
o
The bed proof of the truth of thefe remaiks is the pafl pro-
grels of the lettlement of this country, from tlirty flations or
forts, and fmcaky huts, into fertdc holds, blufiiing orchard;, pica.-
* By wcaldi i^ meant the comforts of life.
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 325
pieafant gardens, Luxuriant fugnr groves, neat and commodious
houfes, rifing villages, and trading towns. Ten years have pro-
duced a diirerence in the population and comforts of this coun-
try, which to be pourtrayed in jufl colours would appear mar-
- vellous. To have implicit faith or belief that fuch things have
liappened, it is firil neceflary to be a fpeftator of fuch events.
We have entered into thcfe feveral minutiae in order to afford
as clear a view as poilible to the individual who wiflies to de-
pend on the farm for his fupport, of w+iat part of the continent
he is mod likely to fucceed, agreeable to the plan he may
choofe to mark out for himlelf ; in doing this, we have aimed
at but one objeft, viz. to convey information.
In thofe fituations far from towns and feaports, and which
may be confidercd as but one remove from the lavage wilderncfs,
tKe difiiculties to an European iettier, no doubt, appear greater
than they really are, and the contrail of the inhabitants
with thole of European ftates is greater ftill ; thf? Ame-
" rican farmer has more fimplicity and honefly — we, more art and
chicanery — they liave more of nature, and we more cf the world.
Nature, indeed, formed our features and intellects very much
alike, but while v^^e have metamorphofed the one,- and contami-
nated the other, they have retained and prefervcd the natural
fymbols of both.
While motives fuitable to the fituation of life dircft the man
who depends on the earth for fupport, what part of the States
to fix his relidence in ; men who have to depend on their efforts
in trade, or their exertions, in mechanics and manufaftures, the
fine arts, or what are termed in Europe the learned profelTions,
mud be direfted by different circumflances The mechanic and
manufuclurer, whether he is by the advantage of property en-
abled to begin bufinefs as a mafter, or being diftitute of it, is nc-
ccfTiated to labour as a journeyman, mud take up his refidence
in large cities or towns. With him the progrefs of arts and
rnanufaftures, the flate of focicty, the price of provifions, &c.
are the principal objcfts of inquiry. Lawyers and phyficians,
pnuft likewife make thefe the places of their refidence ; for with
refpcft to the former, whether his line of bufinefs is that of a
conveyancer, a notar^/, or folicitor, no place of any other del-
pription can find him employ, as his whole fupport mud be
drawn from the commerce, or the vices and follies of mankind.
With refpeft to the latter, diffipation alone, in a great meafure,
^i6 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
renders them neceffary. Philadelphia!, New- York, BoOon, Bal-
timore, Charlefton, Georgia and iome other towns of note, will
of courfe be the only places to which eijii^rants of either of the
gbove defcriptions will proceed. In thcle towns the ft:\te of
faciety is much the fame as in the large towns of Great-Britain,
fuch as Birmingham, Briftol, Liverpool, Manchefter, &c.
New- York, for inliance, is the perfeft counterpart of Liver-
pool ; the fuuation of the docks, the form of flreets, the (late of
the public buildings, the infide as well as the outfule of the
houfes, the manners, the amufemonts, the mode of living among
the expenfive part of the inhabitants, all theie circumftances
are as nearlv alike in the towns lall m.entioncd as poflible. In
all the American towns above noticed, there are theatres and
affemblies ; there are, in fhort, precilely what the larger and more
opulent provincial towns of Great-Britain are. Hence alfo we
may eafily conceive, that European comforts and conveniencies are
not fcarce. In faft, we may find in Philadelphia or New-York,
every article of that defcriptlon ufually kept in the fhops in the
£ngllfh towns referred to, in equal plenty, but not, indeed,
equally cheap. To the price of all articles of luxurious fur-
niture, piftures, pier glaffcs, carpets, &c, add one-third to the
Englifh price, and you have the full Americam price. Houfe
rent is alfo much the fame as in the places hitherto compared ;
if any thing, fomewhat dearer in America for houles of the fame
fize and convenience. The houles in the one fet of towns as in
the other, are built of brick and ftone. In the country, houfes-
of equal convenience are as cheap as in the country of Qreat-
Britain.
Provifions, milk and butter excepted, at Philadelphia and
fouthward, are a full third cheaper than in fimilar places pf
Great-Britain. Butter, in Bofhon and New-York, is pheaper
than in Philadelphia, who: e it is from eleven-pence, to one {hil-
ling and three-pence per pound. Cheeie about the fame price
as in England, but perhaps not fo good. Fireing in the great
towns very dear, a chord of hiccory wood, eiglit feet by four
feet, and four feet felling in Philadelphia and New-York, in
the winter, at feven dollaiS. In the country it v/ouid be about
one dollar and a half.
In the fettled country, however, from fifteen to two hun-
dred and fifty miles from the large towns, the il-ite of locietyj
and the fiyle of living, is preferable to the country iifa of Gr«rat-
Britain.
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS 327
With rcfpeft to the federal city, or, as it is called, the city of
Wafhington, though it may in time become the rival even of
Philadelphia, we cannot but doubt the fucccfs of manufafturers
and artiils of any kind who fliould take up their refidencc there
for fome years to come, thoic in the building line and the manu- '
fafture of houleliold furniture exccoted.
Having thus briefly attempted to point out the mull eligible
fituation for European fettlers, it is nccelTary to attend to an-
other quellion which may naturally be afkcd ; and to which we
fhall aim to give as fatistaftory a reply as poffiblc.
\\- H A T CLASS OV EUROPEAN CITIZENS WILL F I N O IT
THEIR INTEREST TO FIX THEIR RESIDENCE
IN THE UNITED STATES ?
One remark, by way of anfwer, may be confidered as general.
America is not a place fuited for the idle, the profligate, the dc-
b.^uchec, nor the dilTipated of any clals ; it is far from a conge-
nial foil for what is termed in Europe a man of plcafure. Thefe
poifonous and obnoxious animals in the form of man, will find
but little encouragement in the United States ; the minds of the
federal Americans arc not corrupted by European fyftems fuf-
ficiently to give a welcome to charafters of this flamp, but, on
the contrary, they arc held in the detcftation they merit. In
America, the terms honour and plealure have difl^ereut meanings
affixed to them than in England ; a man can claim no honour
from his birth or his i iches in that country ; integrity and abi-
lity are the only paths that can lead him to that goal. And with
reipedt to plealurcs, the great body of the Americans know of
none, but what arile from the practice of virtue. Thus their
pleaiures flrengthen the ties of fociety, and contrary to what are
called bv that name in England, add to the Hock of human hao-
plneis, iullead of incieafing its inilery and wrctchednels.
While charaftcrs of the above dclcription will not find any
advantage in migrating lo America, few virtuous and indulhious
perlons will find themlelves dilappointcd in their expectations
of at leafl. a comfortable provifion in their own liae of buiincfs,
though in tliis lefpect fome will have advantage over others.
Merchants, tradehnen, and fhopkcepers will find nio"il of the
large towns in the different dates eligible fituations ; in general,
they afford good water carriage for goods of all kinds, and are
well fituated for an extenfivc connection with the back countries.
328 prospe<:ts and advantages
Men of this defcription, though it is not abfolately neceflfary,
will yet find it their advantage to ferve a kind of local appren-^
ticefiiip, for whatever be tlic previous conneftions or circum-
ftances which induce them to go thither, time is neceffary to ac-
quire a fufficient knowledge of the habits and manners of the
people, of the charafters and fituation of thofe with whom they
are to deal, of the channels of commerce, the articles of barter,
and the other details of bufmeis, which nothing but atlual refi-
dence and local invefligation can fupply. V/ith this, no perfon
of good character and recommendation, with credit on the old
country, can fail to fucceed in the new, Succefs, however, will
be much accelerated by a knowledge of the German and French
languages, in Penniylvania and New-York States in particular.
In Philadelphia every (lore-keeper has the name of his firm and
trade written in German as well as Englifli.
Mafter workmen In every manufafturing and mechanical art,
except thofe of fuperfluous or luxurious kinds, with their jour-
neymen and labourers, mufk fucceed here. The freight, infurance,
and otlier charges of a voyage of three thoufand miles, and
the duties laid there, operate greatly in favour of American fa-
brics. ManufaSlures by lire, water, and emigrating workmen,
muft fucceed even in the mofl agricultural of their flates, and
will meet mith every encouragement in the New-England and
other flates, wliofe lands are nearly full. A regard for the re-
publican mann'';rs of the country, and jullice to Europeans, ren-
der it a duty to warn the manufafturers of fupeifluous and lux-
urious articles, not to emigrate to the United States. Gold,
filver, and other laces, embroidery, jewellery, rich filks and
lilk velvets, nne cambrics, fine lawns, fine m.ufl ins, and articles
of that expensive nature, have few wearers there, and thole
who do wear them, have a predilection in favour of European
and other fereign articles.
There can be no doubt of the fuccefs' of a glafs manufaftory, a
g\jnpowder roanufaaory, a manufaaory of all the heavy kinds of
ironvv'ork, fuch as caftlngs from the ore, bar iron, pig iron, rol-
ling mills, ilitting mills, and the making of nails, and of every ai tide
in the Tnipping line: woollen, linen, except In the heavy and courfe
articles,-Tnd cotton manufa6lurcs, are perhaps dubious, ovv'ing to the
want of hands, though the latter has been attended to with iuc-
cefs. We bcl;evc that no loap boiler, halter, gunlmith, tallow
chandler, whitc-rmith and blackfmith, brafs founder, wheelnglu,
cabinet maker, carpenter, mafon, bricklayer, taylor, flioemakcr,
cooper, tanner, currier, miltller, brewer, diftiller, ladraaker,
ropemakcr, printer and bookbinder, whether mafter or journey-
dF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. " 529
man, can miis of employment there. Even filverfmlths and
watchmakers will find the ftate of fociety not unfavourable
to their trade. Of filverfmiths, mafters and journeymen, there
are reckoned about four hundred in Philadelphia alone. It is
imprafticable to enumerate every trade ; but in general, with-
out fear of erring, we may conclude, that all thofc of common
ufe are now, and will long continue to be in demand there.
The wages of journeymen are confidei-ably higher than in Eu-
rope, and the money of a working man will certainly go far-
ther.
The profeffion of the law is not fo different in any of the
States in America, from what it is in England, as not to afford
a fair chance of fuccefs to any lawyer from the old country*
Vho will fpend a couple of yCa's in attaining the praftice^
and the knowledge peculiar to, and neceffary for the parti-
cular ftatc in which he wifhes to aft. The iees are iu"^.! *•"*
fame as in England. The reports of cafes determined in Eng-
land arc authority, but not precedent. They have great weight,
and are generally decifive, but they are open to obfervation,
to animadverfion, and contradiftion. The law, however, is
a fafhionable, and therefore a full profeffion in America, and
we doubt whether an Englifh lawyer will, in general mend
his pecuniary fituation by removing there ; the lawyers of
great praftice, who all aft as attornies, get from five hun-
dred to two thoufand pounds currency a year. We believe
the profits of none exceed three thoufand pounds. German
and French, if not abfolutely neceffary, are very convenient
to an American lawyer.
The profeffion of phyfic is well filled in America, but there
are many foreigners who praftife : the profeffion we believe
is open, but, unlefs in the cafe of a German or French
praftilioner among the inhabitants who fpeak Englifh imper-
feftly, the American phyficians have, and perhaps juftly, the
preference. Surgeons aie not fo experienced as in Europe,
nor, indeed, do lurgical cafes fo frequently occur. The poor
are lefs expofed to accident and diieaie, and therefore hofpi-
tal praftice is not inftruftive there.
With refpeft to divinity, the States certainly are already in
the poffeffion of teachers, who, .for ability, faithfulnefs, pie,
ty, and virtue, are inferior to none. Of this clafs of men
in the United States, we find none of thofe idle, diffipated,
debauched charafters which European cflablifliments fofter and
cherifh. There are no lordly priefts rolling in affluence,
Vol. III. U u
330 PROSPECTS JXD ADVANTAGES
preying on the i/itals of the poor, and opprefling thofe titcy
were appointed to inftruft. There arc none that can tyrannife
over the confcience of man, and hurl the thunders of a
Tpiritual inquifition round his head, for not believing non-
feniical dogmas, or fubmitting to their tyrannic fway. — No,
the minifters of the gofpt-l in America claim no lordfhip
over the church, but are what they ought to be, inftruftors
and examples of the people ; and as there arc no tithes nor
livings, independent of the people, throughout the States,
but on the contrary, the falaries of the minifhers are en-
tirely dependent on them, and in general not very large
there can be few temptations to men to embrace the mini-
ftry from improper motives. Many divines of different de-
nominations have, however, quilted Europe for America ;
and where charafter and ability have been blended, they
bavs iiivartably luccecded. Certain it is, that where a man
is ambitious of becoming ufeful in fpreading the gofpel, no
part of the world feems better adapted to gratify his wifhes-
an extenfive bacji country, were there are few or no mini--
fters, and an ext^nfive Indian mifTion, prefent themlelves" to
his view, irwlependent of lettled towns and cities, where a
variety of fentiments and increafing population are certainly
favourable to the fettlement of a number of mini fters. Thofe
divines who emigrate from Europe, will probably fuccecd
bed who blend with the minifherial charafter that of a
fchool-mafter, a charafter much in requeft in every part of
the American continent.
With refpccl to literary men, it is to be obferved, that
in America there is not as yet what may be called a clafg
of fociety, to whom this denomination will apply '» fuch,
for inftance, as is to be found in Great-Britain, and indeed,
in moft of the old countries of Europe. A cIjIs whofe
profeffion is literature, and among whom the branches of
knowledge are divided and fubdivided with great minute-
nefs, each individual taking and purluing his feparate de-
partment. Literature in America is, in general, an ainufe.
ment only, collateral to the occupation of the perlbn who
attends to it„ l:i Europe, it is a trade, a means of liveli-
hood.
Certainly the Americans are not inferior in abilities to
the Europeans ; they are comparatively an infant fociety,
and their numbers are comparatively .few; and yet old a^
Great-Britain is in experience, abounding in her eftablifh-
mcnts for the promotion of learning, pre-eminent in repu'
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 55»
tation, and gigantic in her attainments of knowledge and
Icience of all kinds, the ftrippling of the new world, has
taupht her war by Wafhington, and philofophy by Franklin
Rittenhoufe ranks with the beft Brilifli mathematicians and
aftronomers. European diplomaiifts have fhrunk before the
reafoning of Jefferfon ; and the latcft and accuteft of our
political philolophers are more than lufpcfted of being the
difciplcs only of Paine and Barlow, whofc knowledge is
notorioufly the produce of the American fchool— but though
not in abilities, the Americans are inferior to Europeans
in the opportunity of knowledge, their libraries are fcanty^
their colleftions are almoft entirely of modern books ; they
do not contain the means of tracing the hiflory of queliions :
this is a want which the literary people feel very much,
and which it will take fome years effetlually to remedy*
notwithftanding the exertions that have been made, and
are making, to aocomplilh it; the convulf^d ftate of Eu-
rope, and the increafing profperity of America, will, however
contribut-e rapidly to improve their fituation in this rcfpcft^
There is another circumftance alio which has hitherto
tended to keep back the progrefs of letters with the Ame^
ricans. The war brought on much individual, as well as
national poverty; necelhty therefore, as well as the habi.
fcual induftry and frugality of the people, led every body
to attend to commercial purfuits, and their attention was
abforbed in the improvement rather of their pockets
than of their minds. But a great change has taken place
and ere long a new generation will arife, and it is rifing
v/ho will be enabled by the exertions of their parents
to difpenle with inccffant labour — they will begin to feel
the want of, and they will imbibe a tailc for literature,
philofophy, and the fine arts ; the uleful fcienccs will
find their votaries as numerous and as fuccefsful 'in Ame-
rica as in Europe ; even at prefent the literati of -the
old continent ^\vill eafily find congenial fociety in mull of
the great towns of the United States, v
From what has been laid, it may be doubted vv-hether
a man of l^rge incoitic can pleafantly fpend it in Ameri-
ca. A large income is not, indeed, To eaiily fpent there^
as in Europe; there are not fuch variety, nor fuch expen-
five amufements ; nor does an cxpenfivc ftylc of living
procure io m^uch relpcft there as in Great-Britain.* As
* Mr Cooper obfrrvcs, he could not find on enquiry that the moft cxpcn-
Cve pcrfons in Philadelphia and- Ncw-york, lived at aa expcnfe beyeivd twa
itoufaiii pounds ftcrljn^j a yca-r.
sr
PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
we have before obferved, it is not the place for a man
of pleafure, in our acceptation of the word. A man may
however, enjoy all the focial comforts of life as well as
thofe of a more enlarged kind ; he may likewife increafc
his fortune either by judicious purchalcs of land, or by
the public funds, without burdening himfelf with the toils of
the tradefman, or the hazard of the merchant.
Thfofe who buy land on the ejcpc£}:alion of re-felling it
at an advanced price, muft not, however, buy in the
thickly-fettled part of the country, for there land is nearly
at the maximum price it will arrive at for many years:
he muft not buy large trafts, far from all prefcnt fcttlc-
mcnts, unlefs he can force the fpeedy fettlernent of thern
by his own eonneftion and influence. If he can do that
he may buy indeed, any where, ufing common prudence
in chufing the fituation : but if he cannot induce an emigratiori
thither by his own exertions, he muft buy where the
current of population is evidently tending, but where it-
has not yet reached. Certainly, land fpeculations in Ame-
rica, prudently entered upon, are extremely profitable :
made at random they are otherwife.^ If thefe do not fuit
part of the American ftock pays above fix per cent. pcj.
annum, and the deferred ftock above feven.
The American debt is funded in three kinds of ftock?
viz. the three per cent, ftock, the fix per cent, ftockj
and the deferred ftock ; this latter bears no prefent intereft,
but interell at fix per cent, will become payable upon if,
from and after the firft of January, 1801.
In the beginning of June, 1794, the prices of /\mcrican
ftock were ii> London, Per cent. £. s. d.
Six per cent, ftock, ninety pounds per cent,
thus paying an intereft of--------6i3^
Three per cent, fifty pounds per cent. — paying an
intereft of ..__._...----6oQ
Deferred ftock fifty-feven pounds per cent, up-
on which, if compound intereft be reckoned at five
per cent, until 1801, the fifty-feven will amount to
eighty pounds, which therefore will yield - - - 7 10 o
* Purcliafers in this coimlry, and meaning to ftay here, will not find
it their intereft, in general, to embark a portion of property fo fmall as
not to pay for an agent on the fpot, In this cafe, it fliould bq a joint
concern. But fo much caution is requifite to perfons not going them-
felves to America, that we cannot recommend the inveftiture of a fortune
there, unlefs the principal, or fomc of the priiicipah, aft upon pcrfonal
Knowledge. ' '
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 333
Shares in the American bank, which has hither- £. s. d.
to paid eight pounds per cent, at one hundred and
fix pounds per cent, paying an intcrefl; of- - --6150
The furplus revenue of the United States is about one
roillion two hundred thoufand dollars, or two hundred and
fevent,y thoufand pounds fterling per annum ; this is laid out
,on the principle of a finking fund, to difcharge the debt.
But on the whole, it is certainly beft for a man of middling
fortune, that is, perfons of from two hundred and fifty to
five thoufand pounds fortune, to become farmers. We do
not know that large fortunes are to be made by farming
but alTured wc are^ that a moderate fortune may as certain-
ly, eafily, and more pleafantly, produce a common average
profit in that line than in any other.
A hundred and fifty acres of land, with a tolerable houfe
and barn upon it, and fufficient land cleared, for a perfon
immediately to begin as a farmer, may be purchafed in ma-
ny parts at four pounds currency an acre,* payable one-
fifth, perhaps, down, and one-fifth every year, with intereft
We doubt wether this is more profitable, than the purchafe
with the fame money of a large quantity of unimproved
land, if the fettler chufe to encounter the difficulties of
the firft twelve months, which are difficulties to Engliflimen
only ; to Americans they do not appear under that form.
The land thus purchafed is a fpecics of property that
mufl of necelfity receive an annual increafe in value from
the natural population of the country, bijides that which the
induftry of the proprietor may confer upon it ; we think
we fpeak ^vithin compafs, when we f^y that an indullriJus
cultivator, befides making a plentiful livelihood and good
intereft of his capital, will find his farm quadrupled in va-
lue at the end of ten years, if he bought it in any cheap
part of the back country, which was at the time in the
courfe of fettling.
To perfons with a family, the advantages are much on
the fide of farming ; the value of the produce of Ame-
rica is much higher than in England, when the lightnefs of
the taxes, and the cheapnefs and the fertility of the land are
confidercd. Among farmers, there is not, as in great towns
a perpetual temptation to lanneccffary expenfe, or a fl^'le of
living above income; and a man who has lived in the eafe and
plenty of middle life, need not give his Ion a better or a
more certain cftablifhment at letting out in the world
* Not quite fifty Ihillings flcrling
334 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGES
than five hundred acres of land and five hundred pounds
to begin with ; and this, ten years hence, will eafily be
■within the compals of men of moderate fortune, who begin
their American career now.
Many things are [daily prefenting thcmfelves, by which
the profits of land will be greatly inhanced in the United
States. They have hitherto imported a great part of their
drink from abroad, viz, rum, brandy, gin, &c. but they
find, by extending their breweries fo far as to render thefe
fpirituous liquors in part unnecelTary, that they will want
above two millions of bufliels of bailcy for the purpofe,
and large quintities of hops, beJidcs having ule for a fur-
ther part of the immenfe qiiantities of fire-wood and coal,
with which their country abounds. They have alfo obtained
the European cotton mill, by means of which, and a few
of their innumerable mill feats, the owners of lands, in
tlie fix fouthern States, will be called upon to fupply
great quantities of cotton. The movements of a mill for
fpinning flax, hemp, and combed wool, have alfo been con-
flruftcd there, by which the farmers, throug«hout the Union,
will be called upon to iupply further quantities of flax
and hemp, and to encrcale their fhecp. The rolling mill
for iron and other metals, and the tilt liammer for all
large iron work, have been lately brought into extenfive
ufe, and will, no doubt, be ereftcd in all the States. But
the detail of water works, and mechanifm, which may be
introduced into a country, that has, moderately fpeaking,
ten thoufand, and probably nearer twenty tliouland mill
feats, would be endlefs.
The term '" farmer " is not (ynonimous with the fame
word in England, where it means a tenant, liolding of fome
lord, paying near fcven-cighths of the produce in rent,
tythes and taxes: an inferior rank' in life, and occupied bv
perfons of inferior manners and education. In America a
farmer is a lund-owner p'v'-ng no rent, no tytlies, and few
taxes equal in rank to any other in the States, having z
A7oice in the appointiViCul of his legiflators, and a fair chance,
if he defervcs ir, of becoming one himlcir. In (..tl, nine-
tenths of the legiflators of America are farmers.
A man m;iy buy three I'Mndred stores of rich, hut iniimprov-
ed, land at prclcnt, in the well- fettled part of tiie back
country, for thirty fliiilings per acre, currency, payable by
inftalments. In the courlc of a lummer he may, with a cou-
ple of mrn to hrlp him, clear ground enough to maintain
OF iU ROPE AX SETTLERS. 5-5
fome catttle through the winter, and may have a comfortable
lop-houfe built, wliicli he mav improve or enlarge at his lei-
fure. To do this, to put one-third of the whole into an
arable ftate, and to pay the firft and fecnnd inft.ilmcnts, will
cofl him, with the wages of the men, the keep of himself and
a moderate family for twelve months, and the neceffary cattle
and implements of hufbandry to cultivate this quantity pro-
pcilv, about four hundred and fifty or five hundred pounds
fterling.
'Ihe above is the price of prime land in very eligible fitua-
tions, but purchales may be made much lower, and to much
greater advantage, particularly in Kentucky and the wcllern
territorv^ where the population of the country is not fo
greet. We have tlius endeavoured to anfwer, in as brief
and comprehenlive manner as poffible, the leading queftion
which an cmigrator will be inclined to put : there are others
which, though not of equal importance, are not without their
weight, as
What is the Rate of politics in America? — .Is the Common-
wealth of the United States likely to prove durable.
With refpect to the ftate of politics in America they
have among them a few fufpefled royalifts, exclufive of fome
Englifhmen fettled in the great towns, whom the Ameri-
cans regard as unreafonably prejudiced againft their govern-
ment, and infefted with a kind of maladie du pays.
The reft of the Americans are republicans, but of two
claflcj : the one leaning to an extenfion rather than a limi-
tation of the powers of the legiflative and executive go-
vernment ; or, in other words, rather leaning to Britifh than
to French politics; inclining to introduce and extend the fund-
ing, the manufafturing, and the commercial fyftems : In this
plafs rank almoft all the executive ofiicers of government,
with the Prefident at their head ; the majority of the mem-
bers of the fcnates, and the greatcfl part of the opulent
merchants of the large towns: this party is denominated the
Fedcralifts, partly brcaufe they were the chief introducers
and fupporterrs of the prefent federal government, and the
conftitution of 1787', and partly from the very ingenious
feries of letters in favour of that conftitution by Mr. Ha-
milton, termed " The Federalift."
The other party are called, " Anti-fedcrallfts ;" not bc-
caufe they are adverfe to a federal government, or wifh,
like the French, for a lepublic, one and indivifiblc, but in
contradiftion rather to the denomination of the other clafs. The
^g6 PROSPECTS AND ADVANTAGE^
Anti-federalifts, at the time when the prefent American condi-
tution was in agitation, were hoftile to the extenfive powers
given to government, and wifhed for more frequent returns to
the people, of the authority they were to delegate to their
truftees in office. This party objefts to the falaries given to the
officers of government as too large, to the ftate and diftance aL
fumed by fome among them. Not even excluding the Prefident
Wafliington, whofe manners and mode of living, cold, referved ;
and ceremonious, as is /aid, have tended in fome degree to coun- |
teraft the efFefts of his great abilities and eminent fervices. The
Anti-federalifts alfo rather lean to the French theory, though ;
not to the French pradice of politics; and they are averfe to(
what they deem the monopolizing fpirit, and infulting ar-
rogance of fuperiority in England. This fpirit of animofity a-
gainft Great-Brit?iin has been prodigioufly increafed by the part
fhe is fuppofed to have taken in fomenting the Indian war, in
exciting the hoftilities of the Algerines, in feizing the fhips and
obftruaing the commerce of the American merchants, in refuf-
ing or neglefting to give up the pofts upon the lakes, or to
make reparation for ftolen negroes. The conduft of the Britifii
Court has certainly given ftrength to the Anti-federal party,
among whom may now be ranked the majority of the people,
and the majority of the houfes of reprefentatives.
It will be eafy to conjefclure from the preceding account, that
the Federalifts are the ins and the Anti-federalifts the outs of the
American government; and this is in a great degree, but not uni-
verfally true.
With refpeft to the ftability of the American Commonwealth,
there is great probability that its duration will be longer than any
empire that has hitherto exifted : for it is a truth univerfally
admitted, that all the advantages which ever attended any of
the monarchies of the old world, all center in the new ; to-
gether with many others, which they never enjoyed. The
four great empires, and the dominions of Chailemaigne and the
Turks, all rofe by conquefts, none by the arts of peace. On the
contrary, the territory of the United States has been planted
and reared by a union of liberty, good conduft, and all the
comforts of domeftic virtue.
All the great monarchies were formed by the conquefts of
kingdoms, different in arts, manners, language, temper and re-
ligion, from the conquerors: fo that the union, though in
fome cafes very ftrong, was never the real and intimate con-
neftion of the fame people ; and this circumftance principally
accelerated their ruin and was abfolutely the caufe of it in
fome. This will be very different in the Americans. They
TO EUROPEAN SETTLE RS.
353
If i
mported in
Amci
For.
vcffcli
vefTcls.
15
per
cent, ad val.
i6i-
free
free
15
per
cent, ad val.
i6i:
10
Ditto
11*
iQ
cents per pound
1 1
10
per cent, ad val.
1 I
15
Ditto
i6f:
15
Ditto
i6i
56
cents per gallon
6i|.
49
Ditto
53i^
40
Ditto
44
40
Ditto
44
33
Ditto
36A-
30
Ditto
33
25
Ditto
27t
20
Ditto
23 ^
Tin manufa£lures
- — in pigs and plates
Tinftures (lee powders, paftcs, .&.C.]
Toys, not otheru'iie enumerated
Tobacco manuid(5lLjred (other than
Inttff)
Velvets and velverets
Wafers
Waters and wafhcs (fee powders, pafbes,
&c.)
Wines ^ in cajks, bottles, or other vcjfds.
London particular Madeira
London market do.
other do.
Burgundy and Champaign
Sherry
St. Lucar
Lifbon and Oporto
Teneriffe, Fayal and Malaga
All other wines not to exceed thirty
cents per gallon in American vef-
fels, or thirty-three cents per gallon
in foreign veffels ; nor be lefs than
ten, cents per gallon in A.merican
veffels, or eleven cents per gallon
in foreign veffels
On value of the bottles
Wool unmanufaftured
Wood unmanufactured
Wood manufaftuicd (exclufive of ca-
binet wares) 12A per cent, ad val, 13^
All other goods not before particularly
enumerated and delcnbed 10 Ditto 1 1
•-♦-«■< <^^>->->->"
After the 31ft dav of December 1791, no refined loaf or
Inmp fugar fiiall be imported into the United States from any
foreign port or place, except in lliips or veffels of the burthen
of one hundred and twenty tons and upwards, and in caflis or
packages containing c-'.ch not Icfs than lix hundred pounds, on
pain of forfeiting the (aid fliips or veffels, and the loaf and lump
fugar imported therein, -except in fuch calks or puckageSl. as
afoxefdid.
Z z
40 per cent, ad vaJ,
44
10 Ditto
1 1
free
fjec
free
free
354 GENERAL I N F 0 R M A T I o/n
TONNAGF.
Ey a£l of July £o, 1790, to be paid in ten days after entry
and '-^fore clearance.
Cents per tcm.
On veiTrls of the United States from foreign ports 6
On veffcls built in the Ignited States, after the 20th
of Julvj 1-789, but owned in part or wholly by
foreigners — duly recorded, 30
All other veflcls, 50
Every veffcl employed in tranfporting goods coaft-
ways, except fuch veiTols be built in, and belong
to citizens, on each entry, 50
Veffels built in, and bclonoin^ to citizens of the
United States in coafling trade, or fifhcry, pay
once a year, if Hcenied, 6
If not licenfed, pay with goods taken in one Oate,
to be delivered in another, except the adjoining
ftate, on each entry, 6
DUTIES PAYABLE IN
D0I3. Cts
Gold coins of Great Britain and Portugal, of their prc-
fenf ftandard, - - every 2 7 grains i
Gold coins of France, Spain, and the dominions of
Spain, _ - , 2^1 grains 1
Spanifli milled dollars, - - lydwt, 7 grs. 1
Crowns of France - - 18 dwt. 17 grs. 1
BOUNTY.
On every barrel of pickled fifh exported, of the fidieries of the
United States. 18 cents.
On every barrel of-lalted provifions exported, faked within the
United States, 15 cents.
And from and after the flrfh day of January, 1793, an addi-
tion of tv/enty per centum to the allowances refpeftively granted
to the fhips or vellcls employed in the bank or other cod fiflr-
eries.
FEES.
To CoUctlor and Naval Offut'r,
Dois. Ctt.
Entry of a veiTel of lOO tons or upwards, - 2 5Q
Clearance do. do. do. - - 2 50
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 355
Dols. Cu;
Entry of a veflel under 100 tons, - ^ - 1 50
Clearance do. do. do. - - 1 50
Permit to land goods, - - - 20
Every bond taken officially, - - - 40
Permit to load goods, for exportation, for drawback, 30
Jtvery other pfficial document (regifter excepttd) 20
Fees to Surveyor,
For meafurement of a veSTel of 1 00 tons and under, per t«n 1
For do. J 00 to 200 tons - 15O
For do. above 200 do. - - 2co
On each velTcl of 100 tons and upwards, with goods
fubjeft to duty, - - " ' 3
On each veffel under joo tons, with do. - 1 50
All velfels not having goods fubjcft to duty, - 66|'
No vefTel not wholly belonging to a Citizen or Citizens of the
United States, fliall be admitted to unload at any port or place,
except the following, to wit.
N E w-Hamp s H I R E- — P ortfmoKth.: — Mas s ac«u setts — Portr
land, Ealmoztth, A ezu- Bedford, Dighton, Salem, Beverly, Gloucejier,
Nezvhury-Port, Marblehcirtl, Sherburn, Bofion and Charlefiown^
Bath, Frenchman's- Bay, Plymouth, Wilcaffet, Machias, Penob-
fcot. Rhode-Island — Newport ^au-d Providence. Con-
nect i c u T — New- London, Nezu-Havtn. -N e w- Y.o r r — A f &.v
York. Ne w-Je R s e y — Perth A\nI)oy, Bui lington. Fe n n-
SY LVAN I A — Philadelphia. T) e i. \w A^^. ^r-r-H'iL::ington, Ncw-
caftle, Port-Penn. Maryland — Baliimore, Annapolis, Vi-
enna, Oxford, George- Town on Patowmac, Cheflci'-Town, Not-
tingham, Cedar-Point, Town-Creek, Nanjemoy, Digges Landing,
Snow-IIill, Carrolfburgh. Vi rgin ia— Alexandria, Kiniale,
New-Port, Tappahannock, Port-Royal, Frederickfburg, Urbanna,
York-Town, Weft-Point, Hampton, Bermuda piundrcd, City-
Point, Rocket's Landing, Norfolli, Port/niouth. North-
Carolina — IVilmington, Nezvhern, Wafnin^ton, Edenion, aiui
Plankbridge. — - — S out ii— C a r o l i n a — CharUjlon, iiccrgr- Tozin,
Beaufort. Georgia — Savannah, Sunbury, Biunlwick, St.
Mary, and Frcderica.
Nor fhdU any veffel from the Cape of Good Hope, or beyond
the fame, be admitted to en'cr, except at the ports in the above
^i/^ which arc dillinguifhed by Italics.
Z ?. 2
55^
GENERAL INFORMATION
AMOUNT OF EXPORTS.
For the year ending 30th of
September, 1792.
Dollars.
New-HampfTiire
181.407
Maflachuictts -
2,889.922
Rhode- Ifland -
698,084
Connefticut
. - - _
New-Yoik - -
2,528,085
New-Jerfey
23,524
Penniylvania
3,820,646*
Delaware -
- i33'978
Maryland - -
^5550=258
Virginia
3:549'499
North-Carolina
- 503»294
South- Carolina -
2,430^425
Georgia
- 458,973
t
the year ending 50th of;
September, 1793.
Dollars. 1
198,197
3.676,4131
616,416
770,239]
— 2,934.369
54.176
6,958,736
71,242
3.687,119
■ 2,984,317
363:307
— 3.195.874
501,383
26.0:
.7»7
4 .<..<.;{. ,jt>..y..y.,_
The exports of the year ending the 3otli of September, 1793;
went to the relpeftive countries undei mentioned :
Ruffia - -
Sweden
' Denmaik -
Holland - -
Greai-Britaia
Imperial P-orts
Hans-Towns -
France - -
Spain
Portugal
- 5,769
310,427
870,508
3.169,536
8-4315239
1.013.347
792,537
7,050,498
2,237,950
997'59P
Italian Ports - - 220,688
Morocco - - - - 2.094
Eaft-Indics - - 253,131
Africa - - - - 251,343
Weft-Indies - - 399, 55Q
N. W. Coaft of Amer. 1,586
Uncertain - - - 3,986
26.01 1,78
* The exports of Pennfylvania, for the quarter ending the 31ft of December,
1792, were one million ieven hundred and forty ihoufand ii.x hundred and
eighty-nmc dollars.
+ Xot having obtained rorreftly the exports of Conrvfticut for this year, we
have_^not raft up the total aiaotmt.
r
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 357
JR.ENT, PRICES OF LAND, PROVISIONS, &c.
On this article, with refpeft to tlie New-England States, we
are not enabled to add much additional infoimntinn. In the
country parts, provlfions of all kinds, the produce of America,
arc very cheap, in many inftanccs, much below half the price
in the country parts of England, but the general aveiage is
from one third to one half Icls.
•Fifl;i is plenty and cheap beyond any comparifon with the
mofl favourable European markets ; the fea around their coafls,
and the inland rivers, furnifhing an inexhauflible lupplv.
Game of various kinds is alio exceedingly plenty. Some
addition muft be made to the prices of mofl: articles in the
• large towns, owing to the number of Europeans which the
prefent diftrefling fituation of affairs in their own countries
liave driven thither.
With refpeft to the Middle States, we are enabled to adduce
more particular information. The journeys of the Rev. Mr.
Toulmin and Mr. Cooper have afforded information fufficient
to enable us to form a tolerable correft idea of the price of
mofl: articles in thofe parts of the Union ; the places where the
prices are taken being fo fituated as in the general to afford a
medium average,
.VIRGINIA.
Ureanna, upo:;i the Rappahannock in the county of Mld-
dlefex.* — Soil, white, loofe, fandy.- — Price, about one third
cleared, + fifteen fhillings+ per acre of fixty-nine and two-thirds
A'ard iquare. — The rent of corn land, about one fliilling and
fix-pence per acre. — The labour here, as in mofh parts of
Virginia, is by flaves only, either purchafed or rented. They
are hired at from fix to nine pounds a year, the mafl:er finding
provinons and cloathing, and paying the tax, The ufual
allowance to a flave is a peck and half of the meal of Indian
corn per week ; fometimcs pickled and faked herrings or
jnackarel. — The cloathing is very trifling.
The produce of land here is tobacco, wheat, and corn.''" —
* Urbanna lias all the appearance of a deferted village.
+ By cleared is meant, the fmall trees and flirubs grubbed up, and the hr^^ci
trees cut down about two feet from the ground, the (lumps remaining.
^ All the fums are reckoned in flf rling, except otherwi'e mentioned.
^ By corn is meant exclufively Indi?n corn or maize. BIc dc Turquie,
358 GENERAL INFV RMATION
The market is by water direft from Urbanna to Europe. —
Corn alfo, maize, to New-England, Nova-Scotia and to the Vvefl-
Indies ; the price on an average, wheat four fhillings and fix-
pence per bufliel, and corn thirteen flidlings and fix-pence
per barrel of five bufhcls.
Richmond, and the neighbourhood. — Soil; fandy, except-
or! the banks of James river where it is rich. The price of
land from four to fix guineas per acre ; but land by the whole
txaft, including buildings, cleared and uncleared land together,
feldom exceeds, at ten miles diftance from the town, twenty to
forty-five IhiHii.gs per acre. It is reckoned in this, and
many parts of this Slate, an advantage to have a great part of it
in wood, becaufe the culture of tobacco, which has been com-
mon, but is now rapidly giving way to wheat, hascxhaufled the
land fo much, that it is ufed out, and is ge:ierally reckoned at
nothing in the purchafe. Labour here is from one fhilling and
fix-pence to two Ihillings a day, with provifions. In harvelf,
from two fliillings and fix^pcnce to three fl-iiliings and fix-pence
a day. All flave labour. — Indian corn fells here from one fliil-
ling and fix-pence to one fliilling and ten-pence halfpenny per
Winchefher bufhel ; wheat, three fhillings and four-pence to
three fhillings and nine-pence ; barley, two fhillings and feveij-
pence to three {billings ; oats, eleven-pence to one fliil-
ling and four-pence ; rice, from twelve to thirteen fhillings
and fix-pence per hundred pounds ; potatoes, one fhilling and
fix-pence to two fhdlings and three-pence per bufhel ; fiour,
from wheat, per barrel of one hundred and ninety-fix poutids
net, nineteen Ibillings and fix-pence to twenty-two (hillings and
fix-pence; hops, one fliilling and one penny per pound; .cof-
fee, nine-pence to eleven-pence, if bouglit by the cwt. retail,
one fhilling and a penny ; tea, bohea, retail, two ftiillings and
' three-pence ; fouchdng, four fiiillings and fix-pence ; hylon,
feven fhillings and fix-pence per lb. ; by the chcft, bohea, one
fliilling and fix-pence to one fnilling and ten-pence ; hyfon, four
fhillings and fix-pence to five fliillings and three-pence per lb.
chocolate, feven-pcnce to nine-pence per lb. by the box of fifty
pounds weight ; butter, by the cafk of fixty pounds, five-pence
to ieven-pence per lb. chccic, four-pence to fix- vente ; lugar,
brown, by the hoglhcad, thirty-feven pounds ten {hillings to
fixty pounds. Foimcrly it was thirty pounds to thirty-
feven pounds ten fliillings ; retail, fix-pence to eight-
pence per pound : loaf, eleven-pence to one fhilling and three-
pence : treacle, one flAillino and fix-pence to two Ihillings and
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 359
three-pence per gallon by the hog{head. American rum by the
hogfhead, two {hillings and Tevcn-pence to three {hillings per
gallon ; Weft-India, three fhillings and nine-pence to four {hil-
lings and fix-pence-, French brandy, four fhillings and fix-»>enc©
to five fliillings and fevenrpence ; Virginia peach brandy, three
{hillings; apple brandy, two fliillings and leven pence u, three
fhillings; whifkcy, three fliillings ; gin per gallon, three {liillu.gs
and four pence; gin in cafes of four and a half gallons, brought
from Holland, twenty fliillings to i./enty-two fhillings and fix-
pence ; TenerifFe wine, three {hillings per gallon by the pipe ;
Lifbon, fix pounds fifteen {hjUings to feven pounds ten fhillings;
Malaga, five pounds fivfe fhillings to fix pounds fifteen fhillings
per cafe, of thirty gallons ; Madeira, forty-five to fifty guineas
per pipe ; London porter, nine fhillings and nine-pence to ten
fliillings and fix-pence per dozen, bottles included. Beer is not
ufed ; cider, by the ca{k or hogfhead, three-pence to five-pence
halfpenny per gallon. Grafs fed beef, three-halfpence to two-
pence farthing per lb. ftall or winter fed, two-pence farthing to
three-pence; veal, four-pence halfpenny to five-pence ; mutton,
three half-pence farthing to three-pence ; Iamb, four-pence
half-penny to five-pence ; pork, of excellent quality, eleven
fhillings and three-pence to feventeen fhillings per hundred
weight, by the hog ; bacon and hams, three-pence to five-
pence per lb. ; turkeys, one fhilling and fix-pence to three
fliillings and four-pence each ; fait, one {hilling and fix-pence
to one fhilling and ten-pence per bufhel ; foap, by the box,
three-pence three farthings to four-pence halfpenny per lb. ;
candles, by the box, fix-pence halfpenny to nine-pence half-
penny per lb. ; fire wood, (even fhillings and nine-pence to
nine fliillings a cord, that is a load, eight feet long, four feet
high, and four feet broad ; coals, feven-pence three iarthings
per bufliel ; hats, country made wool hats, one fliilling and ten-
pence to four fhillings and fix-pence ; fur hats fifteen fhillings
to twenty-feven fhillings ; flioes, three fhillings and nine-pence
to leven fhillings and fix-pence a pair ; boots, fifteen fliillings
to thirty-fix fliillings ; wages of houfehold male fervants,
negroes, fix pounds to nine pounds a year ; white men,
labourers, thirteen pounds, to eighteen pounds a year ; female
fervants, chiefly negroes, four pounds ten fhillings to fix pounds
a year. Thcfe are to be had cither by purchai'o or by hire from
their mailers; few are free; price of a cow, one pound feven-
teen fhillings and fix-pence to three pounds fifteen fhillings ;
horles fit for the waggon or plow, fev^a pounds ten fhillings
360 GENERAL INFORMATION
to fifteen pounds ; working oxen, nine pounds a pair ; fhcep,
four ftiillings and fix-pence to twelve fhillings each ; waggons
with geer complete for four horfes, that will carry a ton and
an half, twelve to eighteen pounds ; cart for two horfes, feven
to eight pounds.
yUBLISHED RATES AT THE EAGLE TAVERN, RICHMOND,
IN VIRGINIA,
Breakfaft, one fliilling and fix-pence ; dinner with grog or
toddy, two fhillings and three-pence ; cold fupper, one fhil-
ling and fix-pence ; a bottle of porter, one fliilling and ten-
pence halfpenny ; a quart of punch the fame ; a quart of toddy,
one fiiilling and a penny halfpenny ; a quart of grog, eleven-
pence farthing ; a bed room furnifhed, if above flairs, thirteen-
pence halfpenny, or quarter dollar ;* horfes kept at livery, two
fhillings and three-pence per twenty-four hours ; fervanis, two
ihillings and three-pence per day.
Wi N CHEST ER+—Fifh faltcd ; fhad, one pound two fhillings
and fix-pence ; herrings, eighteen fhillings ; ialmon, two pounds
five fliillings per barrel, of two hundred pounds weight each •,
oyflers, when in fealon, two fliillings and three-pence per bufhcl;
fruits ; apples in autumn, nine-pence per bufhel ; at Chriftmas,
one (hilling to one fhilling and fix-pence ; peaches, from ons
{hilling and fix-pence to three fliillings per bufhel ; currants,
two fhillings and three-pence per bufhel, but few ralfed for fale ;
wild fowl and pigeons, few for fale; pheafants, four-pence half-
penny each ; partridges, nine-pence to one fhilling a dozen.
Cloathing at Winchefter about two-thirds dearer than in Lon-
don. Oak cafks of thirty gallons, three fliillings and nine-
pence ; tierces, five fliillings and fix-pence ; barrels, fix fhil-
lings and nine-pence. Building materials ; logs trimmed on
both fides, and delivered at the place of building, fomething
move than one penny per foot ; fcantlings, three farthings per
foot meafured fid: and fide at the faw-mill ; flooring planks, one
inch and a quarter, five fhillings and feven-pence per one hun-
dred feet; one inch, four fhillings and fix-pence per one hun-
dred ; half inch, three fhillings per one hundred ; laths, on
* The-fc prices are higher than in the northern States ; the tables are alfo plen-
tifully fupplied. In the article of breakfaft, all over the American continent,
are included, ham, eggs, ftcaks, -chops, &c. fomc or all of them. You are
not obliged to drink after dinner. You have nothing to give the fervants or
-waiters, la. the attidc of fupper, tea and coifec are ufually included as accom-
p?niments. -' -
+ This )i{\ contaiii-s, in general, articles not mentioned in the preceding lift.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 361'
wKich the covering is nailed, about ten fhilllngs per hundred
feet, running meai'ure ; — cyprefs Ihingles, from ten IhiUings and
two-pence to thirteen fliillings and iix-pence per tliouland, de-
livered at the place of building ; each fliingle covering four, by
fix inches •, — ojk fliingles, one pound one {hilling per one thou-
land, covering ten by four inches ; — chelnut fhingles, twelve
{hillings per thoul;in<J, covering hx by four inches ; — lime, four-
pence half-penny per bufhel ; bricks delivered, eighteen fliillings
per thouiaud ; window gbfs, ten inches by eight, two pounds
nineteen Ihillings a box, containing one hundred feet.
Wages ; one (hilling and three-pence, to one fhilling and fix-
pence per perch, when the work is complete ; when found with
provifions, Flailterers, three-pence per each fquarc yard, when
found ; gl.tziers, three-larthings per light, when found ; paper
hanging, American, two fliillings and three-pence to nine Ihil-
lings per piece, of twelve yards each ; lodging and board in
town, eleven pounds to twenty-two pounds ; in the country,
nine pounds to fifteen pounds per annum.
Norfolk.. — Tiie country about here is very barren; animal
food dear ; vegetables cheap. Houfes of wood are cheaply built :
a houle of two ftories, fix yards by four, will cofl; about fifty
pounds fterling. Horfes cheap to purchafe, but dear to hire ;
the hire ol a horle being a dollar a day ; they go unfhod during
fummer. Board and lodging for adults, in a plain but plentiful
way, four or five dollars a week ; for children, two dollars ;
fervants, three dollars. Board and lodging per annum, thirty-
three pounds fifteen fliillings. The great influx of French
emigrants from the illands having confiderably increaled the
price.
Peaches, one penny and two-pence per dozen ; apples, fix-
pence a peck ; cucumber?, Iwo-pence a dozen ; cydjer, two-
pence half-penny a quart ; milk, fix-pence a quart, owing to
carelelsnels and bad farming ;* bacon, fix-pence a pound. Nor-
folk is about as large as Taunton in Devonfhire, or Wigan in
Lancaihire. Mofl of the houfes of wood ; fame of brick.
A neat houfe, thirty feet by twenty-nine, two ftories high,
with a kitchen on one fide, and a fmoakino room, for bacon,
hams, &c. in the yard, will coft complete, one hundred and
filty pounds. f Drcls of the people much the fame as in
Kngiand ; flaves all barefooted. •
* The cows range at pleafarc in the woods ; no attefilion k paid to their
calving; they are not often milksd above once a day. ; -., ;.
+ Houfes are generally covered vsrith v/oodea Ihingls*, oak ar cyprcfs, plaif .
tered within, aud glazed in faftics.
3 A
$01 Ceneral information
Frederick, and Berkki.ey Counties. — Soil. The befl'
part of the country lies between the waters of the Opekan
Creek, and the Shenrindoah : it is the richeft lime-ftone land
on the enftern waters of this State : it is of a dark grey, and
fuppofed to be much about the fame quality as the third-rate
b.nd in Kentucky. The price of land is from fifteen fliillings
to four pounds an acre, but leldom lo low as fifteen {billings in
the befl part of thcfc counties, i, e. one-half or two-thirds
cleared. A good plot of land of two hundred acres, with a
boufe, orchard, barn, meadow and fpring, may be rented at
forty-five pounds a year.
Labour from five to fcvcn dollars per month, of twenty-fix
%rorking days, with board : white lervants are very fcarcc on
the eallern fide of the valley. — The produce of land, wheat and
C'>rn, — Price of flour here is one guinea per barrel ; the price
has ufuallv been three fliillings, and this year even fix fhillings
and feven fliillings and fix-pence per barrel of one hundred and
ninety fix pounds net, more at Philadelphia than at Baltimoie;
owing to the greater luimber of fliips coming to the former
port.t — The market ; Alexandria, carried in waggons for feven
rnillin<'-s and fix-pence per barrel of flour weighing one hundred
+ Whrn the federal city is fully eftabliflied, wliicli is nearly crrtain, larjfr
capitals, &c. -will probably be employed on the Potomack, and proviQons and
lands rife in the neighbourliood ; Init the difRculty of procuring labourers, and
the obje£lioni to ila,ve labour, will Hill remain.
The opening of the Potomack by the canal, round the falls, will alfo render
it an objcft of importance to capitalifts to embark in commerce at Ale:<andria
er Geori^e-to^vn. At prefen , many boats come down from fort Cumberland
to the Great falls, about ten miles above George-town. Six weck.s work, it i*
computed, will complete the navigation to the mouth of Savage river, the boun-
dary of the propofed plan wellward ; and the canal at tl:e Great falls is cxpefted
to be finifhed in eighteen months.
Whether the Shenandoah will be rendered navigable is a much more queflion- I
able point. The Potomack coinpany have the excluGve right of undertaking the
work, and they have as yet (hewa no ferious 'intention of attempting it. The
obftruftions at the mouth Ov the river are conlidcrablc.
The mouth of Savage river is about forty miles from the Monong^hela.
Boats capable of carrying ten tons weight, or one hundred hogflieads of tiour»
will be ahle to go from thence to Alexandria in four or five day.s ; but it will
take more than double the time to return. It is now common for pcrlons who
fend their produce about Cixty miles, to pay a quarter dollar (one Ihillinj; and
three half-pence} per hundred pounds.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 3^3
an 1 ninety-fix pounds, and the barrel I'cventccn pounds, the
dilLuice of cighiy miles.
Prices of bad in particular places.— Near Chavleflon, within
e';vht miles of the Piitomack, the bell l.uid three pouiuU fifteen
fliillitigs per acre. — Within a mile of the JMnc'tion, and upon
the Shenanuoili, it \\\dy be had for two pounds five Ihillings
and three pounds per acre, as the land is broken and ftony,
thougli fit for wheat. — At Shippand's-town, on the loulh hdc
of tlie Potomjck, it is from two pounds five fhilling^s to three
pounds fifteen fliillings per acre, but it is rot equal to that in
the valley ; it is, however, nearer to the market.*
. MARYLAND.
The neighbourhood of Haggar's town on the Antiftwni creek.
— Soil ; ;i dark-coloured loam fimilar to that on tlic louth fide
of the Potomack, Price of land from fixtcen to twenty-four
dollars, i. c. from three pounds twelve fl-.illings to five pounds
ticjht fliiUings per acre, one half cleared : within eight or tert
miles. — Hufbandmen icarce. Wages one fnilling and fix-pencc
and provifions per day, or five to lix d^illars, i. f. tv/enty-tw*-)
{hillings and lix-pcnce to twcnty-fevcn fiiillings per month. —
The mniket is Baltimore ; where wheat fetches about icven-
pence a buflicl more th:in at Alexandria. The price of taking
flour to Baltimore, fcventy-Bve mile.'-, five flriilings and three-
pence per barrel. It may be fent to Alexandria, eighty miles
for a dollar, one-third of which is for the land cai riage to W'd-
liam-port, eight miles, at the mouth of the Conegoch.eague creek :
but for want of a warehoufc at the Great Falls, this mode of
conveyance is lefs ufeful at prelent than it would othcrwile be.
Ten miles north-well of Haggar's-tov/n, and iipon a part of
the Conegocheague creek, to which the navigation may be
caiily extended. Land, one-half cleared, arid the lelt in wood,
will fetch fix pounds per acre. This creek lias been ufcd alrea-
dy, daring a week or two in the fpring,
PENNSYLVAKIA.
Skippen'srurgh, twenty-one miles fouth of Carliflc.
Soil. A good loam, though not equal probaLlv to that lafh
noticed. — Price cf land two pounds to three puunds ten fail-
* K waggon will go in four days to and from Alexandria, tflatcj here a:-^
Cmail and arc gencraWy cul'.ivated without flavcs.
? A 2
S^4 GENERAL INFORMATION
lings per acre. — Labour, five to fix dollars a month. — Market.
Baltimore, diftance eighty miles.
Carlisle, and its vicinity — Soil ; a loam, as in the other
parts of the valley, A ftratum of flate runs tlirough all the
valley, and is found on one fide of the Opekan creek, in
Virginia ; the Conegochcague creek, in Maryland, and Pcnnfyl-
vartia, and the Conedogwinit creek, in Pennfylvania, where the
foil is much inferior to the lime-ftone foil. The price of land
upon the lime-flone fide of the Conedogv/init, Pennfylvania, is
from three pounds fix fhillings to four pounds ten fhillings per
acre ; being i'n a proportion of meadow and upland. Lands in
general about three miles round Carlifle, though not upon the
creeks, fell from three pounds to three pounds twelve fhillings,
and four pounds ten fliillings per acre, according to its quality,
fuppofing about one-third cleared. Land at a greater diftance,
and within feven or eight miles, at from two to three pounds,
except the low rich meadows, Lnnds nearer the Sulquehanna!^
being richer and nearer market, fell from live to eight pounds,
and within a mile of Harrifburgh, twelve pounds an acre. Land,
with indifferent improvements, near Middletown, the head of
the propofed junftion between the Sufouehannah and tlie Schuyl-
kill, fell from three to four pounds.
Produce — Principally wheat.
Market— Philadelphia.
Expcnle of carriage, by land as yet, fix fliillings per band from
Harrifburgh.*
Near Lancastf r.— Soil ; a durable clay, not liable to be
much injured either by the wet in winter, or the lun in lummer.
The moft indifferent Jand here, with fcarcclv any improvement,
fells at from fix to eight pounds an acre, and often from twelve
to eighteen pounds. + Labour is from eight dollars to ten a
month, and board. Market— Philadelphia.
. ■* The people of Cai'Iiflr I'avr thr riiar;iflrr of being iniiociable, and ji-alous
of new-comers, and always careful that tlicy ftail not have too much influence
in public afFairc.
Harrilburgh and Mitldletown are dcliglitfuliv, and wiih rcfpeft to trade, cli»
gibly fituated on the banks of the Sufquehannah, but are fubjecl: to intermitting
.complaints.
+ At Carlifle and Lancafter, and throughout the Pennfylvania part of the She,
nandoah valley, the Dutch fcttlers rre numerous ; their unremitting induftry and
attachment to place always makes l>nd comparatively dear in llicir neighbQur-
beod.
rO EUROPEAy SETTLERS. 365
Reading, and its neighbourhood, fifty-fix miles from Phila-
delphia.—L;ind at this place lells, in an improved ftate, with
houfc, out-houfes, &c. at from eight to ten pounds currency per
acre, or fix to feven pounds ten (hillings fherling.
SuNBURY AND NORTHUMBERLAND, on the Sufquehannah.—
The houfcs here are partly built of logs, and partly of frame-work,
one or two (lories high, fafhed and glazed, lome of them painted
on the outGdc, all of them neat without, and clean within ; com-
fortable and commodious.
Tiie price of building a log-houfe here, of four rooms on a.
floor, each about twelve feet fquare, one llory high, finiflied
within fide with plain wainfcotting, pannel doors, lock and thumb
latches, glazed windows, &c. complete ; about one hundred and
ninety pounds (Icrling. The log-houles, of found fo uncouth to
an Englifh ear, are as comfortable, as clean, and as convenient, as
any brick or (lone houfe in England. They arc made by placing
logs of trees tranfverfely, one upon the ends of two others, which
are notched to let them in ; the interdices are phiflered, and the
outfide and infide frequently cafed. If the logs are placed upon
flone-work, about a foot from the ground, foasnot to be expofed
to alternate moifture and drought, they will lad half a century or
more very well.
The foil about Sunbury and Northumberland, which, as tlic ri-
ver only divides them, we (peak of together, is a fandy loam, fc-
vcral feet deep near the river, and apparently excellent foralmofh
any kind of vegetation. Their produce here, as in mod other
parts of Pennfylvania, is corn, wheat, oats, rye, buck-wheat, po-
^uoes, and fome little barley. Prices, wheat per bufhel, three
(hillings and nine-pence ; oats, two fhillings to two (hillings and
three-pence ; rye, three fhillings to three fhillings and fix-pence ;
corn, maize, three (hillings ; buck wheat, one fhilling and ten-
pence ; potatoes in the Ipring, two (hillings and fix-pence to
three drillings and nine-pence ; in the autumn, one (hilling and
two-pence io one fhilling and ten-pence a bufhel. Cyder, per
barrel, according to the crops of apples-, in 179,3 it was from
thirteen (hillings and fix-pence to eighteen fhillings; 3792, it
was from fevcn and fix-pence to nine diillings ; beer, none ;
there Avas a brewery at Northumberland fome time ago, but it has
been difcontinucd ; while it was carried on, -ale fold for eighteen
fhillings, and porter three pounds per barrel of thirty-one gallons.
Wages in the town, two (hillings and three-pence a day ;
in the country, one fliilllng and ten pence to two fhillings
366 GENERAL INFORMATION
and thrcc-penc<r, and board. The comsTicn driiik, cyuer, or
whifkey and water.
Beef, three-pence per lb, ; mutton, two-pence to three-
pence ; venifon, two-pence to three-pence ; theie arc bought at
the butchers, or of farmers, who bring meat to town to retail ;
butter at Chriftmas, one fliilling and fix-pence per lb.
A cord of oak fire-wood, three fliilllngs and lix-rjence ; hic-
cory, fevcn fhillings and fix-pence.
Produce of wheat twenty to thirty bufnels an acre. A Mr.
Grant, of Sunbury, one dry fummer, obtained fixty bufhels per
acre, but one-half of this quantity is common. The new lands
?nd the ftony rich lands near the river are too rich for wheat,
and require to be reduced by corn, flax or tobacco. Othcrwife,
unlefs in a very dry fummer, the grain fhoots up into flraw.
Wheat and barley grow bcfl on the tops of the hills, and evea
in flony ground.
Land, in the immediate vicinity of Sunbury, fells from
eighteen to twenty-three pounds an acre. Building lots of one
quarter or half an acre, in Northumberland or Sunbury, from
one hundred to two hundred dollars each. Land, a few miles
diftance, uncleared, twenty-two to thirty fliillings an acre.
Land, with a log-cabin, a hig-barn, and about one-fourtli in-
proved, i. (.. the trees cut duwn, and the underwood grubbed
up, about two pounds five fliillings, or two pounds ten fliillings
an acre.
Two years ago, the land, on which the town of Northum-
berland Hands, is iaid to have been ottered to Iric by the pro-
prietor for two thoufand pounds ; he has fmcc rcfuied ten
thoufand pounds for it.
In 1793, the eftate of the late Lord Sterling ^\'as offered
for fale at feven pounds ten fhillings an acre, which v.'c
apprehend to be the general price of cultiv:itcd l,.i,d, in to-
lerable fituations all thiough this State. Of uncuh ivatcd land
there is very little. The expenie of travelling between Phi-
ladelphia and New-York, both as to carriages and as to hvlng,
is about one-third cheaper than between the metropolis and
sny of the great towns in England.
M E W-YO R K.
At New- York, you pay at the Tontine ccnTec-houfe e-'ght
dollars a week for board and lodging, wine cxccjUed : in the
former refpeft perlons are much better prdvitled than in any
pUce in England, where they pay only tlic fame price. The
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 367
advantngc in point of cheapncfs, for equal accommodations at
an inn. is at Icaft onr third in favour of New- York, beyond
any of the great trading towns of England : board and
lodging at private houlos may be had from five to feven
dollars a week.
At Albany, bo:ird and lodging in a plain family way is half a
dollar a dii)'. Butter, eight-pence a pound ; beef, two-pence
three farthings ; checfc, live-pence ; pork, two-pence three far-
things. An eRate of five hundred acres, two mile's from Al-
bany, and four from Troy, part in woodland, fold in November.,
1753, for three thoufand three hundicd pounds currency, or
eighteen hundred and fifty-fix pounds flerling. For a farm of
fixty acres, about icven miles from Albany, the farmer pays
twenty-five fkipplcs, or eighteen bufhels and three quarters
of wheat, per annum, as rent.
For a farm, not far from the above, about feven or eight miles
' from Albany, coiilifiing of one hundred acres of very rich land,
long -ago cleared, and one hundred acres more not cleared,
having a good brick houfc and a commodious barn upon it, tlie
ov/ner in 1793, afked two thoiafand pounds.
Price? of provifions hereabout and at Skeneftady, which is
inhabited chiefly by Dutch— beef, one penny three farthings
a pound; checle, five-pence; butter, eight-pence half-penny:
apples, one Hiilling and five-pence a bufliel ; wheat, four (bil-
lings >-nd fix-pence ditto.
About ten miles beyond Skcneftady, up the Mohawk river,
beef lells at thirteen flilllings and fix-pence per cwt. ; pork,
three-pence farthing a pound ; turkeys, one fhilling and five-
pence ; geefe. one fhillini; and five-pence ; fowls, eight-pence
half-penny, butter, fix-pence three farthings; fait, eight fliil-
lings per bufliel ; cheele, five-pence a pound ; wheat, four (hil-
lings a bufliel ; wood, three fhiilings and four-pence a cord.
Wages of a labourer, one flailling and fix-pence to two (hillings
in iiimmcr, and fix-pence tliree farthings to one fhilling and three
hUr-nence in winter, per day ; carpenters, one Hiilling and fix-
pence ; maions, two flidlings, befides viftuals.
The canals intended to go from Skencftady lo Albany, and
that which will pal's the falls of the North river and conneQ:
S ualoo^ \\ II h y\n>:iii\'. and t!iat whicli is intended to obviate
the lililc falls oi the Moliawk river, arc ;dl likely to proceed.
368. GENERAL INFORMATION
Lind at the German flats fells from two pounds fifteen fhil-
lings to eight pounds ten fhillings an acre. Land higher up
toward the black river, though good, not above a dollar.
Land near Hartford in Conneflicut, five pounds tea (hillings
to eight pounds ten fhillings an acre.
Land upon one of the branches of the Delaware in New-York
State, was offered for fale in London, in June 1794, for nine
fhillings an acre.
Land near the Mifhoppen and Tufcorora creeks in Penn-
fylvania, about eight miles on the average, from the eafl
branch of the Sufquchannah, belonging to the perfon who
owned the preceding parcel, was offered at the fame time for
eight fhillings an acre in London.
The price of two dollars was afked at the fame period and
place for land near the Loyalfock, between the eafh and weft
bfanches of Sufquehannah : and the lame for land in Luzern
county upon Lehawannock.
In this State the fettlers are more in the habit of ufing the
afhes of their wood to make pot-afh, and diminifh the expenfe
of clearing the land, than they are in Pennfylvania or the
fouthern States. In July 1793, hearth afhes fold for fix-pence
three farthings a bufhel ; field afhes at five-pence half-penny ;
it cofls two pounds four fliillings a ton to make them into pot-
afli ; five hundred bufhels of hearth, or feven hundred of field
afhes, are competed to make a ton of pot-afh, which at New-
York is worth twenty-fevcn pounds, or one hundred and
twenty dollars. But we think this allowance of afhes hardly
fufficient for the purpofe.
From thcfe detached fafts, collefted from the information of
perfons on the fpot, the reader will be enabled to form a ge-
neral opinion of the probable expenfes of a fettler in the Middle
States. It w>ll be oblerved in general, that where provifions
are cheaper in one fituation than another, the advantage is in
the expenditure of an income in nearly the fame proportion as
the diladvantage to the landholder.
With refpeft to the weftern territory, provifions of all kinds,
the produce of the country, arc exceeding low in their price ;
but the great difhance renders European commodities propor-
tionably high, in moft infhances European goods will be nearly
double the price tliey are at Philadelphia.
In the towns and villages of Kentucky, the following are
the avei.'i'.'e prices of fomc of the moll material .rticles : flour
to EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 369
is from fix ftiillings to nine fhiUings per cwt, according to
its qualify ; Inriian corn from nine-pence to one fhilling
per budiil ; beef, three hdlfpence to two-pcncc per lb. ;
veal, two-pence halfpenny ditto ; mutton, three-pence ditto ;
which high price is owing to the general dchre the farmers
have to increalc their ftocks ; pork is from two-pence to -two-
pence halfpenny per lb.; bacon from three-pence halfpenny -to
four-pence ; b.icoii hams from foui-pence to five-pence half-
penny ; ialt beef, two-pence ; hung or dried beef, three-pence.
Ncats tongues, fix-pence each ; buffalo ditto, nine-pence ;
dunghill fowls, diicks, A'luicovy ditto, geefe, turkeys, Guinea
fowls and pii^ieon^, are propoi tionably cheap; butter is from
two-pence hallpenny 10 three-pence halfpenny per lb.; cheelc
from two-pence to three-pence per ditto.
They have a variety of filli in the rivers, the vnoft efteemed
of which are the perch, trout, buffalo fifli and loft turtle.
The perch is in lize from five to twelve pounds, is firm and
fat 111 its fealon, which is from February until July, lihe
trout is caLight from eight to thirty pounds weight. This M\i
is too univerially known and admiied to require any account of
its excellence, particularly as the trout in England is the exaft
miniature of U. The buffalo fifh is in fize from four to eight
pounds, is a very fine fiffi, but inferior to the two former.
But the foft turtle is, perhaps, the mod delicious fidi in the
world, and amply compenfates for their having no other tefha-
ceuus hPa. This turtle is gelatinous, except a imall fl^iell upon
iiS back, about the bignefs of the palm of the hand; the weight
is from fix to ten pounds.
IVIoft people make their own fugar ; but when it is fold, the
price is. from thiee-pence to four-pence halfpenny per pound,
according to its finenels. The bufinels of fugar refining is only
cominencing, which makes it impoffible to fay exaftly what
will be tlie general price of loaf or refined fugar; but we con-
clude It wdl be proportionably low with raw fugar, as the
bufincis can be carried on in this country at lefs expenfe than
in i^hiladelphia and New-York, where the price of the neceffa-
ries of life is fo much liigher. Tea, coffee, chocolate and
fpicjs, are higher here than in Philadelphia. Good green tea
is from five fhillings to eight fhiUings per pound ; imperial
or gunpowder, ten Ihillings and fix-pence; pearl from twelvd
fnillmgs to fixteen fliillmgs ; good fouchong from four fliillings
and Ux-pence to feven fliillings per ditto ; bohea from two
fhlllinos 10 three fhiUings and fix-pence ; coffee from one fliil-
3 S
370 GENERAL i:: FORMATION
ling and nirre-pence to two fbiiliiigs ; cliocolate from one fhil-
ling and fix-pence to one fhillinr; and eight-pence. Spices are
at leafl twenty-five per cent, higher than they are at Philadel-
phia or Baltimore.
In the year 1784, many officers who ferved in the American
Axmv during the late war having lettied in this State with
their families, and ieveral families from England, Philadelphia,
New-Terfey, New-York and the New-England States, the
country loon bcpan to be chequered with genteel peilons, which
operated botii upon the minds and aftions of the back woods
people, who conllituted the firfl emigrants. A tallc for the
decorum and elegance ot the table was foon cultivated ; and the
pleal'urcs of the garden were confidcred not only as ulcful but
airiulincr. Thefe improvements in the comforts of living and
manneis, have awakened a ienle of ambition to inlbutl their
vouth ill ulcful and accompliilied arts. Social yjlealures arc
lik^wife regardv^d as the mod inellimable of human p<)ll'eiru)iis ;
the genius of fricndlhip appears to foiler the emanations of
virtue, while the cordial rcgaid, and lincere deiire of pleafing,
produces the moil haimouiuus efi'cAs. Sympathy is regarded
as the elTeace of tlie human loul, participating of celc.lial mat-
t;:r, and as a ipaik engendered to warm benevolence, and lead
to the raptures of love and rational felicity.
With fuch Icntiments the amulements of this State flow from
the interchaniT'; of civilities, and a reciprocal delire of pleaiuig.
That famenels may not cloy, and make them dull, they vary the
Icene as the nature of ciicumflanccs will permit : the opening
luiino brings with it the prolpecl of their lummer's labour, and
the brilliant fun a£lively warms into life the vegetable world,
which blooms and yields a profuiion of aromatic cidours ; a
ti cation of beauty is now a fe.dl of joy, and to look for amule-
jneals beyond this genial tt)rrent of Iwcets would be a pervcrhou
of nature, and a facrilege againfl heaven.
The feafii of iugar-m.iking occupies the women, whole
rnorninas are cheered by the modulated bulioonery of the mock-
in'^ biid, the tuneful long of the thrulh, and the gaudy plumage
uf the parroquet. Fe'livc mirth crowns the evening. The
bufinets of the day being over, the men join the women in tlie
fuoar groves, where enchantment lecmi lo dwell. The lofty
trees wave their Ipreadiug branches over a green turf, on whole
loft down the mildaela of the evening invites the neighbouring
voulh to fportive play ; -.iwii while the rural Neilors, with cal-
Lulaling iniuds, cuiUcmplai^ tlie boyilh g.in;boU of a growing
TO EU ROPEylN SETTLERS. rj-t
progeny, they recount the exploits of their enrly age, aiirl in-
their entliufiaim forget there are fuch things as decrepitude and
TTiil'ery. Perhaps a convivial iong, era pU-alant narration, doles
the icene.
Rational p!e?rures meliorate the foul ; and hy rnniilinr:?:ini^.
mm to uncontaminatecl felicity, fordid avarice and vicicois habit'i
are deftroycd.
Gardening and fiflilng conflitute fome part of the amiifernents
of both fexes. Flowers and tlieir genera form one of the
ftudics of the ladies; and the embellifliment of their haule'^.
wvth thofe which are known to be lalutary, conflitute a part
of their employment. D(Mnefl:ic cares and mufic fill up the
remainder of tlie day, and locial vilits w thout ceremony or
foim, leave them without ennui or dilgufl. Tlic young men
are too gallant to permit the women to have Icparate amule-
mcnts ; and thus it is that even in Kentucky we find that fauvity
and politenc's of manners univerial, which can only be efFefted
by feminine nolifh.
The autumn and winter produces not Icfs pleafure. Evening
v'fits mofllv end with dancing by the young people, whiJe the
more aged indulge their hilarity, or dificmiuate information in
the diiquifion ot p()!it cs, or lome uleful art or Iciencc.
Such are the amufementE of this country', and Inch the mode
of living, which have for their bafis holpitnlitv, and all the
variety of good things that a luxuriant loil is capable of pro-
ducing, without the alloy of contaminating vice and aitifici;-!
Want.
PREVALEXT DISEASES IN THE UNITED STATES.
All countries have fome peculiar dileafes, arifing from th"?
climate, manner of living, occupations, predominant, paihons,
and other cauies, whofe leparate and combined influence is but
imperfectly known. In North America we may count five ;— -
ncryous difordeis, rhumatifm, intermitting fevers, lois of teeth.
and colds. It is remarkable, that nervous complaints are at
prefent more frequent in Europe than they formerly were.
1 hey (pring in a great meafure from the indulgencies ot a civi-
lilcd life; but in America thefe fiends infefl with leis dilcrimi-
nation on the dwellings of induftry and temperance. Proteus-
like they alTume every fhape, and often bafllle the befl phyhcians.
Their baneful effeft on the mind requires the ferious attention
of le^iflators, divines, and moral philofophcrs : we have often
o B 2
372 GENERAL INFORMATION
witneffed their amazing influence on religious fcntimen^s.
When extreme, they derange the whole fyflem, obfcure the
intellefts, bewilder the imagination, prevent the natural order
and operation of all the pafiTions ; the ioul vibrates betv/een
apathy and morbid fenfibility ; fhe hates when (he fliould love,
and grieves when fhe ought to rejoice; Vae refembles a diiorder-
ed clock, that after along lilence, chimes till you are tired, and
often inftead of one, ftrik.es twelve. Tliefe extremes arc in-
deed rare, but the more general degrees are ftiH analogous, and
produce a great fum of eviL
Slight rheumatic pains are almoft epidemic in fome feafong
of the year. Yet thefc are fcarcely worth mentioning in
compariion to the fevere fits that afflift a great number of per-
fons, even in the earlier parts of life, growing more freq\jent
and violent with age, not feldom attended with lameneis, and
contraftion of limbs.
Fever and ague is here, as in otlier countries, the plague of
marflay and fenny fituations, but M'hat is lingular, it alio vifiis
the borders of limpid flreams. The leffcr degree of it, generally
called dumb ague, is not rare in the mod lalubrious places dur-
ing the months of September and October. Through all the low
countries from north to fouth this difeafe rages in a variety of
hideous forms ; and chiefly doth the fury cjuartan with livid
hue, haggard looks, and trembling fkeleton limbs, embitter
the life of multitudes: many linger under it for yeais, and
become fo dilpiritr.d, as not even to feek any remedy. It is a
foul Iburce of many other difeafes, often terminating In deadly
dropfies and confumptlons.
Premature lofs of teeth is in manv refpecls a fevere •.■misfor-
tune. By impairing maflication. and coniequently digsftion,
it difpofcs for many dilbrders. It injures the pronunciation.
and is a particular difadvantage in a great republic, where fo
many citizens are public fpeakers ; it expofes the mouth and
throat to cold, and various accidents ; it diminiflifs ihe plea-
fure of eating, though not fublime pleafuie of life, and which
we have heard fume perfons veiy emphatically regret. Finally,
it is a mortiiying ftroke to beauty, and as Inch deeply felt by
the fair lex. Indeed, that man muft be a ftoic, who can with-
out pity behold a blooming maiden of eighteen afflifted by this
infirmity of old age ! This confideration is the more important
ns the amiable aHeftions of tJie human foul are not lefs exprelf-
cd bv the traits a-nd motions of tlie lips, than by the beaming
ryCo W'c hiive not mentioned the pains of tooih-ach, bccaule
TO EU ROP £AN SETTLERS.
373
they are not more common or violent in tliis country than in
fome others, where lo(s of teeth is rare ; many pcrfons lierc
lofing their teeth without much pain.
The complaint of catching cold is heard almoft every day, and
in every company. This extraordinary dilorder, little known
in fome countries, is alfo very common in England. An
eminent phyfician of that country laid, that "colds kill more
people than the plague." Indeed, many fcvere diforders ori-
ginate from it among the Americans, as well as amongft Euro-
peans ; it is probably often the fource of the before-mentioned
chronic dileales. When it does not produce fuch effefts, it is
neverthelefs a ferious evil, being attended with lols of appetite,
hoarfenefs, fore eyes, head-ach, pains and fwellings in the face,
tooth and ear-ach, rheums, liftleis langour and lowntjs offpirits :
wherefore Shenfton had forfie reafon to call this uneafinels
a checked perfpiration. .Great numbers in fome parts of the
United States experience more or lefs thefe fymptoms, and arc
in fome degree valetudinarians for one third of the year.
Eminent medical authors have^ indeed, treated of thefe
diftemp,ers ; and fome American phyfjcians deferve applaufe for
their theoretical and praftical exertions. Still it is devoutly
to be wifhed that thefe national evils may draw a more pointed
attention ; the limits of our defign, however, permit only a
few additional remarks.
Thele diflempers frequently co-cxift in the mod unhealthy
parts of the country, and not feldom afllift individuals with
junited force. Compalhon for fuflering fellow citizens ought
in this cafe to animate invefhigation of thofe general and com-
plicated local caufes. The extreme variablencis of the weather
is univerfally deemed a principal and general caufe of colds, and
of the diiorders by them produced; the fall and rife of the
theimometer by 20 and 30 degrees within lefs than four and
twenty hours, diflurbing the {Irongefl conllitutions, and ruin-
ing the weak, A moll important defiderntum is therefore
the art of hardening the bodily fyftem againfl thelc violent
^ impreflions ; or, in other words, accommodating it to the
climate. The general (lamina of (Irength fupport it under the
cxceffcs of both cold and heat ; the latter is, however, the moft
opprefTive, as we can lefs elude it by artificial conveniencies.
The Americans fufFer, efpecially during the fummer four, till
6 a 8, critical extremes, when the thermometer after 86 a 92
degrees falls fuddenly to 60. Could means be found to blunt
thefe attacks on the human conflitution, they would lave mul-
titudes from death and lingering difeafes. Sometimes this crifis
374- GENERAL I K FO P.X AT 1 0 N
hrippens ns l^te ?s medium September, anrl is in a few flivs
fucceeded by the autumnal frc\its ; in iuch cnle weak pcrions
receive a fhock, from which they cannot recover- (kirinp the
autumn, and which aggravate the maladies of the winter, eipe-
cially when it is carlv and rigorous.
Searching for general caulcs of the beforementioned di tem-
pers in the popular diet, the following circumilnncjs flio-uhl
be examined; cxccffivc ule of aniin?l food, cipecinllv pork;
the common drink of inferior Ipiritous Iiq;iors, both foreign
and home made, not to mention a too frequent intemperance
e\-en in the bell kinds; the conflant u'e of tea among the fair
lex, drank generally very hot and jirong, and often by the
pooreft clalTes, of a bad quality.
In the geiu^ral modes of diefs wc plainly dirccrn thefe
defeats: — the tight-bodied clothes, worn bv both lexcs, incr'-aie
the heat of a lultry lummer •, the dole lacinp and cumbcrlome
head-dreilcs of the ladies are efpccialiy injurious to health. Ihc
winter cloathing is too thin for the climates of the nutihein and
middle States, which is for Icveial months at times equally cold
with the north of Europe. Few perfous lufhcicntlv prcferve
their feet from the baneful dimpneis of the (luHi occarK>ned by
the frequent viciflitudcs of hard frofls and heavy lains rhiring
the winter; women generally wear ffufV ihnes : the y\mcncan
leather, tiiough otherwile good, is \'ery Ipong)', a deuil (nvmg
to the precipitate proccls of tannin:. Moi' do-s either Jex guard
the head againfl: the piercing norih-well wind, which, is general
for fiye or llx nnmths : on iourne)'S efpecially, ihe men
fhould exchange their hats for caps that cover the eais and
theeks.
In the modes of lodging iheie itnpronriel ies are (!bre;\'ablc ;
the poorer, or more indolent people, eipecially in tl-.r lels im-
proved parts of the country, frequently dwell in houies that
are open to the fliiving Inow and chilling blaft : go. d houies
often want dole doors ; a chaim of iix or eight inclies near the
floor admits a firojig .current of cold air, which fenlibly aflefts
the legs. Such houJes cannot be lufficiently watm.ed by tlie ■
common hre places; hence the frequent complaint, that the
fore part of the body is almoft roailed, wliile the back is
freezing; a fituation very unnatural, productive of iheiimttifm
and other cliflenq.)ers. The larger towns of Ncrth America
have, with their Ipacious llreets, a number <'f niirovv alleys,
which are peculiarly detrimental ir. a lultry climate, and in co-
operation with the Uovcnly habits of their poorer inmates, are
.nurieries of difeafc.
rO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 375
Among the general cuftoms which may influence healih, the
molt ftriking is an exceffive, and in iotnc cal'es an ill-judged
cleanlincls : the CDiiliniuil Widhing of lioulcs, elpeciallv in
the cold leaion, h*s, we are cunhdent, cofl the lives (d ina-
nv clliniaulc women, and cutaiicd painful du'"'jares oa tlieii'
lainiiics.
In the buiinvd;, of life wc often remark a very irregular
application ; indolence luccceded by luu ry and intenle fatiguc.
This muit particularly injure hufbandiiien, as the neglctt ot
a day may dam ige a precious crop, if it is not cotnpenlated
by exertions, which in the fultiy heat of iumuier are very
Hying to the llrongefl confUtutioas.
As to nervous ddorders, pirilanthroDy compels us to renvark,
that, bcfides tlieir general connection with -i lickly conftitution,
they have in a great meaiure originated ixon\ two lingular cauies.
One is tlic convuliion ot public alfairs during and for lomc
time afier the war, which occaiu>ncd many and great domeftic
diftreil'es. The yatural events of the war are univerially
known, and numberbof virtuous citizens alio feel the dire effects
of tb.e iuccecding anarchy, eipecially in the lofs of property.*
The operations of this caule are, however, continually leflen-
ed bv lime that cures our griefs, or buries them in the grave ;
and iuch evils will under Providence, be for ever prevented
by the new confederation of the United Stat«s. The" other
caalc is that gloomy luperltition dilTetninated by ignorant, illibe-
ral preaches, the bane of locial joy, of real virtue, and a man-
ly lyiiit.T This phantom of darkneis will be difpcUed by the
rays of Icicnce, and liie biii'hl charms of rifing civilization. X
* Not by viokace, but the well kaown diiordcrs of paper money in various
forms.
f Perl^iaps, howevt-r. f re lon-t; it \<'.\\ be found, and univerfally acknowledged,
th^t liie p;-.-valcac; ot nervous diiordcrs in Europe and America is owing to au
ii'.-directed or coirupf. education, particularly anionglt females, where they
11). Ill prcvu.l ; indeed, it li hardly poiUble to coi.tcmplaie the prelcnt fyftem of
education v/ithout bcin^j convinced of this truth. Inftead of forlifyiiig tlic
iniad with I'lntimenLs iiiited to the various vicillitudcs to which we are cxpofcd
i;i this 111- ; inllrad of e:"J arising and cultivating the mind, and preparing it to
meet advcrliiy and profperity without being difinayed at the one, or lifted
up with tiie otiifr, Liie wlioie dttcntioa i,-> paid to exterior accompliiViments ; and
the niiiid aeglcdb'cl, becomes the viftini of unruly paifions, of alFccfation. and a
coatemptible Ipecies ot faife delicacy, or elfe of dcfpondcncv ; either, or all of
winch, ii they ,ire not the iinaiediate cauie, i.re yet the iiiCans by which nervous
Jifordor^ urj l.d i,.d nourilhcJ.
X It is plealing to iee how t';matirifm declines wi h agricultural impvovemerM.
in many new leuieuien;s, and hov/ rermcniem. ui public manners keeps pu-\-
, iih a ;)rafcrencc of enli -l.tcned teacjiers.
076 CENERAL INFORMATION'
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE NATURAL PRODUCE ANfi*
RURAL ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES, &C.
The followinof obfervations and remarks are rtiade with a par-
ticular reference to thofe who may adopt the farming bufincfs,
and of courfe fix their refidence at a diftance from cities and
towns. The United States, if they are truly wife, will continue
to give every poffiible encouragement to agriculture ; and though
it is certainly their wildom to purfue a manufafturing fyftem^
yet it would be highly injurious for them to give it a preference ;
indeed, their great objeft fhould be to make commerce and
manufaftures fubfervient to the caufe of agriculture, and to
make, the latter the bafis of the former. To do otherwife,
would be perverting the order of nature. Agriculture has
made a wonderful progrefs in feveral countries, fince it became
the bufinefs and favourite amufcment of philofophers and men
of tafle ; and the American farmer may r:ap great advantage
from the many excellent writings on this fubjeft, but much
improvement is yet wanting in every part of this noble fcience ;
befides, their local circumftances require in iome cafes peculiar
methods. The United States extend through feveral climates,
and the general irregularity of the fealons mingles the diverfity
of climate in every State ; Pennlylvania, for inftance, has
often within two or three months the climates of Sweden,
England, and Italy. This points out the propriety of adopting
fome pradlices from different countries, and eflablifliing others
as their own.
As men of property and fcience have embraced the occupation
of farmers in America, and as a mjjority of the Houle of
Reprefentatives, if not of the Senate, are of this clais of men,
as well as the prefident, we may realonably expeft tha-t every
attention will be paid to a lubjcft fo important in itfelf, and
whereon fo much of the happinefs of America depends. Be-
fore, however, we offer any obfervations on the theory or
practice of American farming, we fliall endeavour to give as
full and comprehenfive an account as our plan will admit, of
the vegetable productions of the United States; however, as
few perfons in the United States have ftudied natural hiftory as
a fcience, the bcft information on this ful^jt-ft muft be very
imperfe£l ; the following we truft will, however, be found .is
complete as any that is at prefent extant.
'Of EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 33^
will, in their greatefi; extent and population, be one of the
lame people ; the fame in language, religion, laws, manners,
tempers and purfuiis ; for the imall variation in i'ome di drifts,
owing to the fettlement of Germans, is an exception lo very
flight, that in a few ages it will be unKnown.
The Affyrian arid Roman empires were of very flow growth,
therefore laftcd the longed ; but dill their encreal'e was by con-
qued, and the union of difTonant parts. The Perhan and IVIacc-
donian monarchies were loon founded and preiently overturn-
ed ; the former not lading fo long as the Aifyrian, nor a fixth
of the duration of the Roman -, and as to the Macedonians,
it iaded but fix years. This advatitage of a flow growth is
ftrong in favour of the Americans ; the wonderful increafe
of their numbers is the natural effeft of plenty of land, a
good climate, and a mild and beneficent government, in which
corruption and tyranny are wholly unknown. Some centu-
ries are already pad iirice their fird lettlemerit, and many
more will pafs before their power appears in its full fplendor ;
but the quicknefs of a growth that is entirely natural will
carry with it no marks of decay, being entirely different from
monarchies founded by force of arms. The Roman em-
pire pcrifhed by the hands of northern barbarian^, whom the'
maders of the world dildained to conquer ; it will not be lo
with the Americans, they fpread gradually over the whole con-
tinent, infomuch that two hundred years hence, there probably
will be nobody but themfelves in the whole northern continent ;
from whence, therefore, Ihould their Goths and Vandals come ?
Nor can they ever have any thing to fear from the fouth ;
fird, becaufe that country will never be populous, owing to
the podefTion of mines ; lecondly, there are feveral nations and
languages planted and remaining in it ; thirdly, the mod con-
fiderable part of it lies in the torrid zone, a region that ne-
ver yet lent forth nations of conqiierors.
In extent the habitable parts of North-America exceed that
of any of the four empires, and confequently can feed and
maintain a people much more numeious than the Adyrians
or the Romans. Tlie lituation of tlie region is lo advanta-
geous that it leaves nothing to be wilh.ed ior ; it can have no
neighbours from whom, there is a poflibilit^' of art.tck or molef-
tation ; it will poir.?l"s all tlte lolid advantages of the Clxiriele
empire without the fatal neighbourhoyd of the Tartars.
X X
33^ PkOSPECTS AND ADVANTAGtlS
It will have further the fmgvilar felicity of all the advan*
tagas of an ifland, that is, a freedom from the attack of others,
and too many difficulties, with too great a diftance, to en-
gage in cnterprifes that heretofore proved the ruin of other
monarchies.
The foil, the climate, produftion, and face of the continent,
is formed by nature for a great, independent and perma-
nent government : fill it with people who will of themfelves,
of courfe, poffel's all forts of manufaftures, and you will find
it yielding every necelfaiy and convenience of lile. Such a vaft
traft of country, poUeffing fuch fingular advantages, becoming
inhabited by one people, fpeaking the fame language, profcffing
the fame religion, and having the fame manners ; attaining a po-
pulation equal to that of the greateft empire ; fprung from an
aftive and induftrious nation, who have transfuled into them
their own induftry and fpirit, and fcen them worthy of their
original; inhabiting a ioil not dangeroufly fertile, nor a
clime generally conducive to effeminacy ; accuflom.ed to com-
merce; fuch a people mull found a commonwealth as indiffolublc
as humanity will allows Suffice it for England, that fhe will
have been the origin of a commonwealth greater and more du-
rable than any former monarchy 5 that her language and her
manners will flourifh among a people who will one day become
a fplcudid ipcftacle in the vafl eye of the univerie. Tliis flat-
tering idea of immortal itv no other nation can hope to attain.
And here let us make an oblervation, that fliould animate the
authors in the Englifh language with an ardour that cannot
be infuled into any other nation ', it is the plcafmg idea of
living among lo great a people, through almoll a peipctuity of
fame, and wnder almoll an impoffibility of becoming, like the
Greek and Latin tongues, dead •, known only by tiic learned.
Increafing time will bring incrcaimg readers, until their names
become repeated With plcalurc by above an huudicd mil-
lions of people !
Having endeavoured to anfwer what we conceive will be
the leading inquiries of an Earopcan, who has an iiucntion
of removing from his native country to America, we fliall
proceed to offer iuch information, as from the plan laid down
we had not the opportunity of introducing, or at Icall but
11 ghtly, into the pieceding part of the work, or which we
juaged would be befr deferred to the prelent period of it:
in doing this, we Aral 1 endeavour to introduce our infoimation
with a Ipecial iclercnce to that clafs uf einigrators, whole va-
OF EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 335
rious callings may induce them to fettle in towns or cities 5
and to thole who, engaged in rural economy, will take up
their rcfidence in the back country, or the weflern territory :
many parts, however, will be applicable to both, for the far-
mer will in various cafes find himfelf conneftcd with the
cities and towns ; it is there he mufl feek markets for his
ftock, and it is from his labours the towns and cities muft
receive fupplies.
The following tables will prove advantageous to men of
every dcfcription, who have any connexion w^th America,
but particularly to an European fettler.
Si4<*
GENERAL INFORMATION
A TABLE of the Value of funclry Coins, as thcj now pa;'%
in Great-Britain and the United States,
, . . . .
-jN. Hamp-
,Soiiih-
Ca--
Pennrvlva-.Tiire Maf-
^<Jfi.w-York
r-ol
ilia,
and :
Sterling !nia, New- lachufetts,
^anc
N
orth
: G
cor
§:•»•',
NAMES OF COINS
Money of Jerfey,De-
Great-Bri; laware,
Rhode If-
land:;-
Carol
ma..
1
tain,
Marylan.d,
Con. Vir-
gina, &;c'.
'
1 1
-
/. J.
^•
/. .-. d.
/. s. d.
/,
s.
X"
'/:
*.
"d. h
EnglifVi jjuinfas - -
1 1
0
1 15 0
1 8 0
1.
17
4 •
1
1
9i
Englifli tiaif do. - -
O 10
6
0 17 6
0 ;a 0
6
18
8
■0
lO
10 2-
Englifh Crowns - -
0 5
b
084
Ob 8
0
9
0
0
5
2
Englifh half ditto -
0 2
6
042
034
0
4
6
0
2
7
Englifh {hillings - -
0 1
o
0 1 8
0 1 4
0
1
Q
0
1
0 '
Englifh fix-pcnces -
0 0
6
0 0 10
008
0
0
loi
0
0
6 ■
French Louis-d'or -
1 6
o
1 14 6
1 7 6
1
16
' 0
1
1
3
French crowns - -
o 5
o
084^068
0
9
4
0
!i
3
Spanifh dollars - -
0 4
6
0 7 b 0 6 0
0
8
0
0
4
8
Johannes - - - -
3 12
0
6 0 0 4 16 0
6
8
0
4
0
0
Half Johannes - - -
1 i6
o
3 0 0 s 8 0
3
4
0
2
0
0
French piftolcs - -
o i6
o
176120
1
8
0
0
17
6
Spanifh ditto - - .
0 i6
6
1 8 0
120
1
9
0
0
18
0
Doijbloons - - - -
3 6
0
5 12 6
480
5
16
0
3
10
0
Mordores - -
1 7
o
2 5 0 • 1 16 0
2
8
0
1
8
0
METHOD OF REDUCING CURRENCY TO STERLING.
Qurrenc'y in Pennfylvania, New-Jerfey, Delaware, and Maiy-
land, is reduced to fterling by multiplying by three and dividing
by five, one hundred pounds fterling making ■ at par one hundred
and' fixtv-fix pounds thirteen and eight-pence Pennfylvania cur-
rency. That is, a merchant, when exchtinge is at par; will give
a draft on Pennfylvania for the above fiim on receiving one
hundred pounds fterling. At prefent a mercliant in London
will .give_more, and therefore it is advantageous to buy bills
on Ainerica;
CunciKV in New-York, and Nortli-Carolina js reduced to
rierling by multiplving by nine and dividing by hxteen.- Thus
a fhilluig New-York currency is fix-pence three farthings fter-
Currency in Ncw-JIampfliire, MafTachufetts, p.hode-Iiland,
V^irginia, and the weftern territory, is reduced to fterling by
multiplying by three and dividing by four.
Currency in South-Caroliiia and Georgia i'^- reduced to fter-
j.ing by dedutHrrg one twcnfy-fcvcnth,
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS,
34H
A TABLE of the Value of the Gold Coins of the follow-
ing Countries, as eftabliflied by the aft of Congrefs, paffed
Feb. 5th, 1793, viz.
-
1
Fwiice, Spam,
^nd the Dominions
Great- Britain m\ Portugit.
*. of
Spain.
Gc.
ts.
Dwt.
Do!.
Ck.
Gr. Cts.
Dwt.
Dol. Ct*.
I
3
I
0
89
I 3
I
0 87
2
7
2
I
78
2 7
2
I 75
3
Ji
3
2
67
3 11
3
2 63
4
H
4
3
$^
4 H
4
3 50
5
18
5
4
44
5 18
5
4 3^
6
22
6
5
33
6 22
.6
5 25
7
25
7
6
22
7 25
7
6 13
8
29
8
7
I r
8 29
8
7 ^
9
33
9
8
00
9 33
9
7 88
10
37
10
8
89
10 36
I«9
8 76
II
40
11
9
78
II 40
ll
9 63
12
44
12
10
67
13 44
12
10 51
^3
4«
13
1 1
55
13 47
»3
II 39
H
51
H
12
44
14 51
H
12 26
15
SS
15
13
33
15 55
^5
'3 H
16
59
^6
14
22
1 6 58
16
14 r
- 17
63
1,7
15
1 1
17 62
17
14 89
18
67
18
1,6
CO
18 66
18
15 76
»9
70
19
16
89
15 6,9
19
16 64
20
74
20
17
78
20 73
20
17 52
21
78
21
18
67
21 76
21
18 39
22
81
J![2
^9
SS
22 80
22
19. 27
23
85
23
20
44
23 84
23
20 14
24
82
1 24
21
S3
24 87
24
21 2
yALUE of Dollars in Sterling, reckoning the Dollar at 4s. 6d.
Dol.
L. s.
Dol.
L.
t d.
Dol.
L. s. d.
. 100.000=
50,000
=22,500 —
11,250 —
700=
600
= 157
135
10 —
10
9
= 25 —
206
20,000
4,500 —
500
112
10 —
8
1 16 —
10.000
5,000
2,250 —
1,125 —
400
30c
90
67
JO —
7
6
111 6
I 7 —
4-000
3-000
900 —
f^7.5 -
200
100
45
22
10 —
5
4
1 2 6
— 18 —
2,000
1.000
900
• 800
450 —
22$ —
202 10
180 —
50
40
3^
1^0
11
9
6
4
5 —
15 —
10 —
3
2
1
— 13 6
— 9 —
— 4 6
34?
GENERAL INFORMATION
A TABLE of the Value of Cents in Pence,* as compute.4
at the Banks of the United States and North- America.
8
s
c
0
«3
c
Oh
a
1
1
24
^7
47 52
70
76
2
2
25
28
48 53
7^
79
3
3
26
29
49 54
72
80
4
4
27
30
50 55
73
81
5
5
28
31
51 57
74
82
6
7
29
32
52 58
75
83
7
8
30
33
53 59
76
84
8
9
31
34
54 60
77
85
9
lO
1 1
10
1 1
1 2
32
33
34
35
37
38
55 61
56 62
57 63
78
79
80
87
88
89
1 2
13
35
39
58 64
81
90
»3
14
36
40
59 65
82
9^
^7
15
^7
i8
19
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
60 67
61 68
62 6g
63 70
83
84
85
86
92
93
94
95
i8
*9
20
21
22
4^
42
43
45
47
48
64 71
65 72
66 73
87
88
89
97
98
99
21
23
44
49
67 74
90
100
22
23
24
25
45
46
50
51
68 75
6q 77
•
1-160
t adol
ar, 6^
centb.
1-2 QC),
50
Uli'
1-8
do.
^^i
do.
1-2 3 piflaree
n, 10
do.
1-4
do.
25
do.
1 piftareen
20
do.
* That is, pence in currency, wherein oije penny currency is equal to three-
fifths of a penny ftejling.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS,- 343
A TABLE of the Value of Cents in Sterling Money.
Cent equal to o
o
'3
24
-5
>6
27
'-8
'9
io
j 1
i'^
VS
i4
15
i'>
J7
i«
)9
,0
41
i -
13
14
i5
46
t?
;8
.9
o
9
9
10
10
1 1
1 1
o
o
1
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
9
9
lO
lO
1 X
1 1
o
o
1
1
2
far.
2, 1 1
o,3'
2,48
0,6. 1
2,8
0;9'
3.1''
1,28
3^4
1,60
3^7"
0,08
2,24
0,40
2,5"
0.72
2,88
1,04
1,3^
3'5-
1,68
3=^4
--5
0,16
2=3^
0,48
2,64
0.8
2, 9 6
1,12
3:^B
I544
3,(>
l,y()
3.9-
0,24
2,40
2,- 2
c,88
3.C4
1,20
3-3^
1,84
51 Cents cquiil to 2
5^
,53
54
55
36
37
'^9
(.0
61
62
'^3
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
7^
72
73
74
15
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
.,0
91
92
93
94
96
96
97
98
99
f.
^.
M-
2
3
'!,.■■
2
2
2
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
2,48
0,64
2,8c
0;9*
3>i
1,28
0
7
8
3'1--]
1,60
2
8
3,7^^
2
9
1,9-
2
10
0,08
2
10
2,2^
2
1 1
0,40
'-i
1 1
2,5^-
3
0
0
0
0;7-
2,88
3
1
l;0.lj
3
1
3' 20
3
2
1^36
3
3
3
3'5-
1,68
3
3
3.84
3
3
4
5
2,
0,16
3
3
3
5
6
6
^-.32
0,48
2,64
3
3
3
3
7
7
8
8
0:8o
2,96
I5I2
3>28
3
3
9
9
»:44
3^60,
3
10
1^76
3
3
10
1 1
3-9 a
2,08
4
0
0,2^
4
0
2,40
4
1
0,56
4
1
2,72
4
2
o^8
4
2
3^04
4
3
1,20
4
4
4
4
3
4
4
3:3^
1^52
3'(^8
1.8/
CENEkAL J N FORMATION
yOSTACE OF LETTERS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STAtES.
For the p'oftage of any fingle letter to or from any place by
land, not exceeding thirty miles, 6 cents ; over thirty to fixty,
8 cents J over Hxty to one hundred, lo cents; over one hun-
dred to one hundred and fifty, 12^ cents; over one hundred
and fifty to two hundred, 15 cents; over two hundred to two
hundred and fifty, 17 Cents; over two hundred and fifty to
three hundred and fifty, 20 cents ; over three hundred and fifty
to four hundred and fifty, 22 cents; and from every place more
thsin four hundred and fifty miles, 25 cents.
DUTIES
Payable by Law on alf Goods, Wares and Merchandize, imported
into the United States of America, after the laft day of March
171)5. The inward column exhibiting the rates of duties pay-
able on thofe imported in fhips or veflels of the United States,
and the outward column the rates payable on the fame if im-
ported in foreign fhips or veffcls.
If imported in
Amcr. Fof.-
veffcls. vclTels-
Arms, fire and fide, not otherwife
enumerated, or parts thereof 15 per cent, ad val. i6v
Apparatus, philoiophical, fpecially
imported for any leminary of learn-
ing free , free
Ale, beer and porter, in calks or . ';. '....m... .
bottles 8 cents per gJilloii 84-
on value of the bottles 10 per cent, ad vaL 1 1
Artificial flowers, feathers and other
ornaments for women's head dreilcs 15 Ditto i64
Anifeed 15 Ditto i6|
Articles of all kinds of the growth,
produft or manufacture of the
United States, fpirits excepted free free
Anchors lo per cent, ad val. 1 1
Brafs cannon, until the 2 2d day of
May, 1785 free free
. . after May 22, 1795 15 per cent, ad val. i64
teutenague and wire free freC
-iron or fleel locks, hinges, hoes.
anvils and viles 10 per cent, ad val. 1 1
-ali other manufaftures of brafs, 15 Ditto i6-|
Balls and balfams (lee powders,
partes, &c.) 15 Ditto i6|
Beer,, ale and porter in caflis or bot-
tles 8 cents per gsllon 8-J
on value of the bottles 10 per cent, ad val. 1 1
Eiick.s and tile* 15 Ditto i6j
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.
345
If
i-ted
Amer.
vcffels.
Boots
Books blank
Books of perfons who come to refiJe
in the United States
Buttons of every kind
Buckles, flioe and kuec
Biullies
Bullion
Burgundy wine
Carriages, or parts of carriages
Cards playing
■— — w^ool arid cotton
Cables and tarred cordage i
Cabinet wares
"75 cents per pair
lO per cent, ad val.
Ditto
Ditto
20
80
»5
15
2
6
40
15
10
10
7
15
Caps, hats and bonnets of every kind 15
Carpets and carpeting
Cartridge paper
Candles of tallow
of wax or fpermaceti
©hampaign wine
Capers
Canes, walking fticks and whips
Cambricks
Cheeie
China ware
Cinnamon, cloves, currants & comfits
Chintzes and coloured calicoes, or
, muflins, and all printed, ftaincd, or
- coloured goods or manufaftures of
cotton, or of linen, or of both, or
of which cotton or linen is the ma-
terial of chief value
Cocoa
Chocolate
Clogs and golo flioes (fee fhoei)
Cordage, tarred
and yarn untarred
Cofmctics
Coat
Colours (fee painters)
Copper manufaftures
■ in plates, pigs and bars
Compofitions for ihe teeth or gums
(lee dentifiii.e)
Cotiee
Cotton
Cotton or linen manufaftmes, or of
both, or of which cotton or linen is
V y
free
15 per cent, ad val.
*5
10
free
40 cents per gallon
per cent, ad val.
cents per pack
cents per dozen
cents per cwt.
per cent, ad val.
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
cents per lb.
Ditto
cents per gallon
per cent, ad val.
Ditto
Ditto
cents per pound
per cent, ad val.
Ditto
For.
k'effels.
1 1
free
i6i
t6i
11
free
44
22
27I
55
198
161
16^
i6|
i6i
H
44
16X
It
11
i6|
164-
12I
Ditto
^3i
4
3
15
180
cents per pound
Ditto
cents Dcr pair
cents per cwt.
4f
i6i
198
225
15
5
Ditto
per cent, ad val.
cents per bufliel
247I
16L
15
15
free
per cent, ad val.
Ditto
fice
15
per cent, ad val.
16L
5
cents per pound
3io
•i5
Ditto
54^
GENERAL TK' FORMATION
Amer.
veffels
If imported in
the material of chief value, being
printed, ftained or coloured i si. per cent, ad val.
Cotton -lot printed; ftained or coloured lo
Clocks and watches, or parts of cither 15
Coaches, chariots, phectons, chairs,
chaifes, lolos, or oilier carriages, or
parts of either co
Clothing ready made 10
Cloths, books, houfiiold furniture,
and the tools or implements of the
trade or profeffion of perions who
come to refide in the United States free
CutlaiTcs, until the 2 ad day of May,
'795
or parts thereof, after the 2 2d
day of jVIay, 1795
Dates ai-id figs
Dentifrice, powxlers, tinfturcs, pre-
parations and compofitions tor the
teeth or gnms
Dolls, drciled and undreffcd, or parts
thereof
Drugs, medicinal, except thofe com-
monly uled for dying
and woods for dying
Earthen and ftone wares
Offences (lee powders, palles, &c.)
Fans, or parts thereof
Fayal vvine
Fringes commonly ufed by tipholfter-
ers, coachmakers, and iaddlers
Floor clotlis and mats, or parts of cither 15
Fruits of all kinds
Furs of every kind nndreiTed ■
Glals, black quart bottles
window glals
all other glafs, and manufaftures
thereof
Glauber lalts i
Gauzes
Geneva (fee fpirlts)
Ginger
Girandoles, or parts thereof
Gloves and ifiittens of every kind
Gold, filvcr and plated ware
G®ld and niver l.ice
Goods, \vrares, and merchandize, im-
ported direftly from China, or India,
in fhips or velfels not of the United
Ditt(
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
For.
veffels.
1 1
16'-
22
1 1
free
free
free
free
15
per
cent, ad
val.
16^
15
Ditto
.6|
15
Ditto
.61-
15
Ditto
16A
15
Ditto
i6|
free
free
15
Ditto
i6|
15
Ditto
i6i
15
Ditto
164
20
cents per ga
lion
22
15
Ditto
i6i
15
Ditto
J&A
15
Ditto
^6^:
free
free
10
r)itto
1 1
15
Ditto
.61,
20
Ditto
22
00
cents per c\\
•t.
220
10
per
cent, ad
vul.
1 1
15
Ditto
i6{-
20
Ditto
22
15
Ditto
i6i
15
Ditto
i6i
15
Ditto
i6i
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 347'
If imported in
Amrr.
Tor.
vefTi-ls.
ycffels
States, except teas. China ware,
'' and all other articles liable to higher
rates of duties percent, ad val. J2|-
Goods, wares, and merchandize, in-
tended to be re-exported to a fo-
reign port or place in the fame fhip
or vcflVd in which they fliall be im-
ported, and all articles of the growth,
produft or manufacture of the United
States, fpirits excepted free free
Goods, wares, and merchandize, not
herein otherwife particularly enu-
merated and dcfcribed
Glue
Gun powder until the 2 2d day of
May, -'795 ^
after the asddayof May,
30
per
cent, ad
val.
1 T
15
Ditto
i6i
free
free
10
Ditto
1 1
15
Ditto
i6x
'5
Ditto
164
100
cc
nts per cwt.
1 10
free
frffc
1795
Hangers, or parts thereof
Hair powder •
Hemp
Hide •, raw
Houfhold furniture of perfons who
come to rcfide in the United States free free
Implements of the trade or profcffinn
of perfons who come to reilde in the
United States free free
Indigo 25 cents per pound 2-7-1
Iron wire free free
fleel or brafs locks, hinges, hoes,
anvils, and viles 10 per cent, ad val. 11
cafl, flit, or rolled, and all manu-
faftures of iron, fteel, or brafs, or
of which either of thele metals is
the article of chief value, not being
otherwife particularly enumerated
Jewellery and pafle work
Lace of gold and filver
Laces and. lawns
Laces, lines, fringes, taffels and trim-
mings commonly uled by uphol—
fterers, coachnrakers, and faddlcrs
Lampblack
Lapis calaminarls
Leather, tanned and tawed, and all
manufactures of leather, or of which
leather is the article of chief value,
not otherwiie particularly enum.c-
'-cd 15 Ditto i6i
y V 2
15
Ditto
l^
15
Ditto
i6i
15
Ditto
i6i
10
Ditto
11
15
Ditto
164
10
Ditto ,
1 1
free
• free
34^ GENERAL INFORMATION
If imported in
Amer. For.
vGiicls. vcffcls.
Lead and mufket ball, until the 22d
day of May i -795 free fr%,
_ — after May 2 2d 1795 1 cent per pound i-^^'^
all other manufactures of lead, or
in which lead is the chief article 1 Ditto 1 ,'5
Lemons and limes 15 per cent, ad. val. i64
Linen or cotton manufaftures, or of
both, or of which cotton or linen is
the material of chief value, printed,
ftained, or coloured I2y Ditto 13^
< not painted, ftained, or coloured 10 Ditto 11
Lifbon and Oporto wines 25 cents per gallon a-ri
Looking-glaffcs 20 per cent. ad. val. 22
Manufacture? of tin, pewter, and
popper 15 Ditto i6|
• of iron, fheel, or brafs,
not otherwife particularly enumer-
ated 15 Ditto i6-|
" of leather not otherwife
particularly enumerated 15 per cent. ad. val. i6|
of lead not otherwife par-
ticularly enumerated 1 cent per pound i.j'^
— of cotton or linen, or
of both, printed, ftained or colour-
ed ,- i2i per cent, ad val. 13 1
of ditto, not printed,
ftained or coloured 10 Ditto
-of glafs (fee glafs)
-of tobacco (lee fnuff and
tobacco.)
'of wood (fee cabinet wares
and wood)
of the United States., foi-
J rits excepted free free
Mats and floor cloths, or parts of
either 15 percent, ad val. 161
Malt 1 10 cents per bufliel 11
Marble, flate and other ftone, bricks,
■' tiles, tables, mortars and other
utcniils of marble or flate, and
; generally all ftone, and earthen
ware 15 per teut. ad val. i6|.
Madeira wines (fee wines)
Malaga wine 2© cents per gallon 22
^ -Mace - rCl 15 per cent, ad val. i6|
•;>i> tiMedicinal dj?.i@s, except thofe com-
5. m on ly uied'UTi dying 15 Ditto i6|
Merchandize, goods and wares, im-
ported directly from China o.;-
per cent, ad val. i 2^
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.
If imported in
Amrr.
vieffels.
India, in fhips or veffels not of
^the United States, except teas,
China wave, and all other articles
liable to higher rates of duties
Merchandise, goods and wares, in-
tended to be re-exported to a fo-
reign port or place in the fame
fhip or veffel in which they fhall
be imported — and all articles of
the growth, produft or manufac-
ture of the United States, fpirits
excepted free
Merchandize, goods and wares not
herein otherwile particularly enu-
merated and delcribed
Mittens, and gloves of every kind
Millenary ready made
MolaiTes
Mufkets and firelocks with bayonets
fuited to the fame, and mufket-
ball, until the 2 2d day of May
1795. free
or parts of either after the'
349
For
vcffels.
jay-
2 2d day of May 1 795
Mufkets and firelocks without
onets or parts of either
Muftard in flour
Muflins and muflinets printed, ftain-
ed or coloured
not printed, ftaincd or co-
loured
Nails
Nankeens
Nutmegs
Oranges
Ointments, oils and odors (fee pow-
ders, pafles, &c.
Olives
Oil - - i
Oporto and Lifbon wine
Paper hangings
-. writing and wrapping
flieathing and cartridge
Painters colours, whether dry or ground
in oil, except thole commonly ufed
in dying
Pack thread and twine
Jpafle boards, parchment or vellum
15 per cent, ad val.
free
10
per ccr.t. ad val.
1 1
15
Ditto
16^
15
Ditto
16^
3
cents per gallon
3to
free
i6i
15
Ditto
^6i
15
Ditto
^H
12{-
Ditto
^3|
10
Ditto
1 1
2
cents per pound
-T
12
per cent, ad
val.
i3i
»5
Ditto
Ibt
15
Ditto
i6i-
15
Ditto
16I
15
Ditto
.6i
15
Ditto
,6-i
15
cents per ga
Ion
^li
'5
per cent, ad val.
ibi
ID
Ditto
11
J5
Ditto
,6X
15
Ditto
16I
400
cents per cwt.
440
10
percent, ai
val.
1 1
350
GENERAL IMFORM'ATIOX
Phaetons, ©r parts thereof
Plaifter of Paris
Pewter manufaftures
— old
Pepper
Perfumes i
Piftols until the 2 2d day of May
1795 free
or parts thereof after the 2 2d
day of May i '^gg
Piftures and Prints
Pimento
Printing types
Pickles of all forts
Printed, ftained, or coloured goods
or manufaftures of cotton, or of
linen, or of both I 2^
Philolophical apparatus, fpccially im-
ported for any feminary of learn-
ing free
Porter, beer and ale ii7 cafks, or
bottles
on value of the bottles
Powder, gun until the 2 2d day
of May 1795
after the 2cd day of May
If
imported
in
Amer.
For.
veirels
•cfTels.
20
Jer
cent, ad
val.
22
free
free
15
Ditto
1 61
free
free
6
cents per pouad
H
15
per cent, ad
val.
■H
Ditto
8 cents per gallon
10 per cent, ad val.
free
1795
Powders, pafhes, balls, balfams, oint-
ments, oils, waters, waflies, tinc-
tures, effences or other prepara-
tions or compofitions commonly
called fweet i'ccnts, odors, perfumes
©r cofmeticks — and all powdeis or
preparationa for the teeth or gums 15
Plumbs and prunes
Raihns
Raw hides and fkins
Rum (lee Ipiritb)
Salt weighing more than hfty fix
pounds per bulhcl
■ ^ weighing - fifty-fix pounds per
buflicl or lels
Stained, printed, or coloured goods
or manufa&ares of .cciion, or of
Jincn, or of: bcah
Sak petre . . -
Saint Lucar wines
Starch
Slate, flonc. and fione ware
10 per cent, ad, val
free
15
per cent, ad val.
,6X
10
Ditto
1 1
4
cents per pound
4|
]0
per cent, ad val.
1 1
15
Ditto
.61
free
II
free
1 1
15
'5
»5
Ditro
Ditto
Ditto
i6i
i6i
16I
free
free
12
cents per 56 /3.
^3j
12
cents per buGiel
'3i
X2l
free
per cent, ad val.
'3^
free
3^
15
cents per gallon
per cent, ad val.
Ditto
33
161
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.
35*
Sail cloth
Saddles, or parts thereol"
Sattins aind. other wrought filks
Steel 1
Steel, iron or brafs locks, hinges,
hoes, anvils and viles
all other manufa£lures of
ftccl
Sheathing and cartridge paper
Sherry wme
Sea llorcs of fhips or velTeli
Spermaceti candles
Sweet fcents (Ice powders, partes, See.)
Spirits diftilled in foreign countries,
viz.
From Grain —
Firft proof
Second proof
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.
Sixth do.
Frovt other Materials.
Firft proof
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.
Sixth do.
Spirits diftilled in the United States,
imported in the fame Ship or vcffel
in which thev had been previoufly
exported from the United States,
viz.
From inolajfes.
Firft proof
Second do.
Tliird do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.
Sixth do.
From materials of the growth dnd
produce of the United States.
Fu"ft proof
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fiftli c'o.
Sixth do.
If imported in
Amer. For.
vefTcls. vellel'!.
lO per cent, ad val. ii
lO Ditto 1 1
lo Ditto II
oo cents per cwt. iio
lo per cent, ad val. 1 1
15 Ditto i6i
1,5 Ditto i6i
33 cents per gallon 36-J_.
free free
6 cents per pound 6^
15 per cent, ad val. 16^
28
29
31
34
40
50
25
25
28
32
38
46
cents per gallon
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
cents per gallon
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
30T
3li
44
55
2*7 -E
27I
3of
35t
4»±
13
Ditto
»3
14
Ditto
14
15
Ditto
15
n
Ditto
»7
21
Ditto
21
28
Ditto
28
7
Ditto
7
8
Ditto
8
9
Ditto
9
11
Ditto
II
»3
Ditto
'3
iS
Ditis
:8
3^
0£N£RAL INFORMATION
If imported in
Spikes
Silver and plated ware
lace
Shoes and flippers of (ilk
other (hoes and flippers for
men and women, clpgs and golo-
Ihoes
— other rtioes and flippers for
children
Swords and cutlafles until the 2 2d
day of May 1795
Swords, cutlafl'es, or parts of either,
after the 2 2d day of May, 1^95
Stockings
Stone and earthen ware
Soap
Solos and other carriages, or parts
thereof
Sulpher
Sugars, brown
white clayed
ditto powdered
all other clayed or powdered
lump
loaf
other refined
Sugar candy
Snuff
Tables of marble,
Amer.
veffels.
1
15
25
15
lO
cent per pound
per cent, ad val.
Ditto
ceuts per pair
Ditto
Ditto
free
For.
veirels.
27i
i6i
free
and other
flate,
ftone, or parts thereof
Teas from China and India.
bohea
— . fouchong and other black teas
— hyfon, imperial, gunpowder, or
»5
per cent, ad val.
1 61
15
Ditto
161
15
Ditto
164
2
cents per pound
H
20
per cent, ad val.
22
free
free
4
cent per pound
^U
3
Ditto
3to'
3
Ditto
OTS
li
Ditto
^U
H
Ditto
tA
9
Ditto
9^
64
Ditto
7.V
10
per cent, ad val.
11
22
cents per pound
Ml
15 per cent, ad val. 16^
gomee
other green teas
From Europe.
bohea
fouchong and other black teas
— • hyfon, imperial, gunpowder, or
gomce
other green teas
From any other Place.
bohea
fouchong and other black teas
hylon, impcnial, gunpowder, or
gomce
other green teas
Teneriffe wir.a
10
Ditto
15
18
Ditto
27
32
Ditto
50
ao
Ditto
30
IS
Ditto
i.*)
18
Ditto
27
40
Ditto
5»
24
Ditto
30
1,5
Ditto
16^
27
Ditto
^9fo-
50
Ditto
55
30
Ditto
33
I'O
centfe per gallon
22
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 377
FOREST TREES.
Fii.M, uLinus ^Amfric'ana, Of this tree there is but one fpccies,
of \vi\ich I hoc aie tu'a varieties, the wliite and the red. The
inner rind ot b>jth is ILringy and tough, and is frequently ulcd
for the botto:r.s of chairs, and for bed cords. The wood is
not e.'.lilv iplii, and therefore ferves for the na-vcs of wheels.
The bilk of the white elm is ufc-d medicinally for the gravel.
Tlio EuROi'hAN Elm, ulmits campejtrl^, is fo far naluraliicd as
10 propagate itlelf in copies.
Sassai-r.vs, [auras J<J§(iJ'''as^ is commonly found in moid
land. Ii uuca udi^ in this (late, grow to a large fize. Its roots^
baik and leaves have an aromatic imcll. It affords a valuable
ingiedient for beer as well as for medicinal purpofes. The
wood m.ikes handlome bcdlleads, and it is laid that bugs will
not be found in them for levcral years. The spice wood,
Lutrus hc)i;-.Liin, or as it is commonly called kever bush, is
another Ipecics of the laicrus, comm>:<n in New-IIampfhire ;
it is more aromatic than the faiTaJras. In the weflcrn countr)',
its fruit and bark are uled as a fubilitute iov pimento.
Wild ckkkrv. Ol this they have many ipecies, but they
liave not been well arranged and properly diftingufhed.
They are very numerous . 1 land which has been newly
cleared, if not kept down ly culture. The wood of the
largcfi; cherry tree, prunu^J'ii nmana, is very highly efleemed
in cabinet -work^ being of a fir i texture, a Imooth grain, and
a beautiful colour, between red and yellow.
Basswood, or LIME TREE, tilia Avieruana, is fometimes
fawcd into boards, which are vciy white, but loft, and eafily
warped.
Locust, robina pfciido acacia, is excellent fewel. Its trunk
lerves for durable pulls let in the ground, and may be fplit
into t runnels for fliips, which arc equal to any wood for that
purpole. It thrives on landy and gravelly foils, and its leaves
enrich thern. For thcle realons, the cultivation of the locuft
has been thouidit an object worthy of attention, efpecially as
it is a tree of quick growth. For leveral years pafl it ha-J
been injured by a beetle inleft, which bores a hole through
its trunk. Many trc.'s have been entirely killed, and this
circuiiiuanco has proved a diicouragemcnt to their propaga-
tion.
BiRci:. Of this they liavc four fpecics. 1. V^fnirz, betula
s'ba. 'I he bark of thi-. tree is a fubfluncc of a (ihgular kind,
.? C
s8o
G E .V E R A L IKFOR M ATI OX
■ Beach, fagus J^ylvatica. Of tlu's tlieie are three variclies;
the white and the red are ufed as fewel ; the black is ImaU and
.Jough, and is ufed only for withes and Twitches.
Hornbeam, carpinus bctulus, is a fmall but tough tree, and
is uled only for levers, hand fpikes and flakes.
Button wood, platanus occidenialis, is a large tree, but
as tough as the hornbeam : it is ufed for windlalfes, wheels and
blocks^
PixE, pinus. Of this genus they have at leafl feven fpecies,
1. The Whith pine, pinus Jtrobus, is undoubtedly the
prince of the American foreft in fize, age, and rnajeflv of
appearance. More of this (pecies have been produced in New-
Hampfnire, and the eaflern counties of MalTachufetts, than
in all America befides. Thefe trees have a very thin lap, and
- are diftinguifhed by the name of mad pine from the fucceedin^
growth of the fame fpecies, which ar? called laplings. The
bloffom of this and other pines appear about the middle of June ;
ns farina is of a bright yellow, and lo fubtil that it is exhaled
with vapour from the earth, alcends into the clouds and falls
-with rain, forming a yellow icum on the lurlace of th^ water,
which the ignorant erronioufly call fulphur, from the fimi-
larity of its colour.
When a maft tree is to be felled, much preparation is
receffary. So tail a flick, without any limbs nearer the ground
than eighty or a hundred feet, is in great danger of breaking
in the fall. To prevent this, the workmen have a contrivance
which they call balding the tree, which is thus executed. They
know in what (lireftion the tree will fall, and they cut down a
nutnher of fmalier trees which grow in that direction ; or if
there be none, they draw others to the fpot, and place them i'o
that the falling tree may lodge on their branches ; wnicii break-
ing or yielding under its preffure, render its fall eaiy and lafe.
A time of deep fnow is the moft favourable (ealon, a^ the rocks
are then covered, and a natural bed is formed to receive the
tree. When fallen it is examined, and if to appearance it be
found, it is cut in the proportion of three feoi in Icngtli to
every inch of its diameter, for a mad; but if intended for
a bowiprit or a yard, it is cut fhortcr : if it be not found
throughout, or if it break in fulling, it is ciit into logs for the
law mill.
When a mafl Is to be drawn, as jts length will not admi^
of its palTing in a crooked road, a Itraight patli is cut and cleared
for it through the woods. If it be cgt in the neighbourhood of
X large river, it is drawn to the bank and rolled into the waier>
TO EURO PEA N SETTLERS. 381
or in the winter it is laid on the ice to be floated away at the
breaking up of the river in the i'pring. From other fituations
mafts are now conveyed twenty, thirty or forty miles to the
landing-places, ;:it the head of the tide, and as the diftance has
increaled, more lafe and eafy modes of conveyance have been
invented. Formerly, if drawn on wheels, the mafl was raifed
by levers, and hung by chains under the axle. In this cafe it
was necefTary to u.fc very ftroiig and heavy chains, and wheels
o/^xtecn .or eighteen feet in diameter, that the maft, in pafTing,
might be cleared from the ground, which was often encumbered
with rocks and flumps. Now, the common wheels and chains
are ufed, and the largeli ftick, by a very eafy operation, is
raifed on the axle. To perform this, ihe wheels being brought
neir to it, are canted ; the axle being fet in a perpendicular pofi-
tion, one wheel on the ground and the other aloft ; the mzii
is then rolled over the rim and (pokes of the lower wheel, and
faftened to the axle; and when it is thus fixed, a chain, which
is previoufly made fad to the oppofvte fide of" the .upper
wheel, is hooked to a yoke of oxen, who, by a Jerk, bring
down the upper and raii'e the lower wheel, and thus both arc
brought into their proper pofition, with the mafl mounted on
the axle. They u(e two pairs of wheels, one at each end of
the maft ; by which means, it is not galled by friftion on
the ground, and the draught is rendered much eafier for the
cattle.
\\'hen a maft is to be drawn on the fnow, one end is placed
on a lied, fliorter, but higher than the common fort, and refls
on a ftrong block, which is laid acrofs the middle of the flee'
Formerly, the butt-end was placed foremoft, and faftened by
chains to the bars of the fled, which was attended by this
inconvenience ; that in fidelong ground, the flick by its rolling
would overfet the fled, and the drivers had much difficulty
either to preven.t or remedy this diiafter, by the help of levers
and ropes. The invention of the fwivel-chain precludes this
difficulty. One part of this chain is faftened to the tongue of
the fled, and the other to the fmalleft end of the maft, by means
of a circular groove cut in it; one of the intermediate linka
is a fwive!, which, by its eafy turning, allows the ftick to rol)
from fide to fide, without overturning the fled. In del'cendinc
a long and deep hdl, they have a contrivance to pre\'ent the
loid from making too rapid a delcent. Some of the cattle are
placed behind it; a chain whicn is attached to their yokes is;
brought forward and faftened to the hinder end of the load, and
tlie refinance which is made by thefc cattle checks the deicent.
gSo
G E N E R A L IN FOR M AT 10 .V
■ ^ZACn, fagus Jylvatica. Of tin's there are three varielies;
the white and the red are ufed as fewcl ; the black is Irnall and
i.ough, and is ufed only for withes and fwitches.
Hornbeam, carpinus bctulus, is a imall but tough tree, and
is ufed only for levers, hand fpikes and ftakes.
Button wood, platanus occidentalism is a large tree, but
as tough as the hornbeam : it is uled for wintilaires, wheels and
blocks.
■ PiN'E, pinus. Of this genus they have at lea ft feven fpecies.
1. The WHixr, pike, pinus Jlrobus, is undoubtedly the
prince of the American foreffc in fize, age, and majeflv of
appearance. More of this fpecies have been produced in New-
Hampfnire, and the eaftern counties of MalTachufetts, than
in all America befides. Thefe trees have a very thin (ap, and
are diftinguifhed by the name of mad pine from the fqccecding
growth of the fame fpecies, which ar^ called (aplings. The
blolTom of this and other pines appear about the middle of June ;
hs farina is of a bright yellow, and lo fubtil that it is exhaled
with vapour from the earth, alcends into the cloijds and falls
with rain, forming a yellow fcum on the iurface of the water,
■which the ignorant erronioufly call lulphur, from the fimi-
larity of its colour.
When a mad tree is to be felled, much preparation is
recelTarv. So tall a fUck, without any limbs nearer the ground
than eighty or a hundred feet, is in great danger of breaking
in the fall. To prevent this, the woikmen have a contrivance
which they call bedding the tree, which is thus executed. They
know in v^^hat direiflion the tree will f.dl, and they cut down a
number of Imaller trees VN'hich grow in that dii cttion ; or if
there be none, they draw others to the Ipot, and place them (o
that the falling tree may lodge on their branches ; wnicii bre;-.k- •
ing or yielding under its prelfure, render its fajl eaiy and iafe, A
A time of deep fnow is the moft favourable feaion, a> the rocks 4
are then covered, and a natural bed is formed to receive the
tree. Wlicn fallen it is examined, and if to appearance it be
found, it is cut in the proportion of three feel in Icngfli to
every inch of its diameter, for a mad; but if intended for
a bowiprit or a yard, it is cut fhiutcr : if it be not tound
throughout, or if it break in falling, it is cut into logs for the
law mill.
When a mafl Is to be dra\A'n, as its length :vill not admij;^
of its paiTing in a crooked road, a llraigiu path is cut and cleared
for it through the woods. If it be cgt in the neighbourhood of
t large river, it is drawn to the bank and rolled into the water^
TO EUROPEA N SETTLERS. 381
or in the winter it is laid on the ice to be floated away at the
breaking up of the river in the fpring. From other fituations
mafts are now conveyed twenty, thirty or forty miles to the
landing-places, jt the head of the tide, and as the diflance has
increaled, more lafe and eafy modes of conveyance have been
invented. Formerly, if drawn on wheels, the mad was raifed
by levers, and hung by chains under the axle. In this cafe it
was necefTary to ufc very ftrong and heavy chains, and wheels
of dxtecn. or eighteen feet in diameter, that the maft, in pafTing,
might be cleared from the ground, which was often encumbered
with rocks and flumps. Now, the common wheels and chains
are ufed, and the largell ftick, by a very eafy operation, is
i-aifed on the axle. To perform this, ihe wheels being brought
near to it, are canted ; the axle being fet in a perpendicular pofi-
tion, one wheel on the ground and the other aloft ; the ma,lt
is tlien rolled over the rim and fpokes of the lower wheel, and
faftened to the axle ; and when it is thus fixed, a chain, which
is previoufly made faft to the oppofite fide of the .upper
wheel, is hooked to a yoke of oxen, who, by a jerk, bring
down the upper and raife the lower y/heel, and thus both arc
brought into their proper pofition, with the maft mounted on
jthe axle. They u(e two pairs of wheels, one at each end of
the mad ; by which means, it is not galled by fri£lion on
the ground, and the draught is rendered much eafier for the
cattle.
\\'hcn a maft is to be drawn on the fnow, one end i.s placed
on a lied, fliorter, but higher than the common fort, and refls
on a ftrong block, which is laid acrofs the middle of the flee'
Formerly, the butt-end was placed foremoft, and faftened by
chains to the bars of the fled, which was attended by this
inconvenience ; that in fidelong ground, the ftick by its rolling
would overfet the fled, and the drivers had much difficulty
either to prevent or remedy this dilafler, by the help of levers
and ropes. The invention of the fwivel-chain precludes this
difficulty. One part of this chain is faftened to the tongue of
the fled, and the other to the fmalleft end of the maft, bv mean*;
of a circular groove cut in it; one of the intermediate links
is a fwivel, which, by its eafy turning, allows the ftick to roll
from fide to fide, without overturning the fled. In del'cending
a long and fteep hill, they have a contriv-ince to prevent the-
loTd from making too rapid a delcent. Some of tlic cattle are
placed behind it ; a chain which is attached to their yokes is
brought forward and faftened to the hinder end of the load, and
tlie rcfiftance which is made by thefc cattle checks the deicent.
382
GENERAL INFORMATION
This operation is called tailing. The mofl dangerous circum-
ftance is the pafiing over the top of a fharp hill, by which means
the oxen which are neareft to the tongue are fometiines Cufpend-
cd, till the foremoft cattle can draw the maft lo far over the
hill, as to give them opportunity to recover the ground. In
this cafe the drivers are obliged to ufe much judgment and care,
to keep the cattle from being killed. There is no other way to
prevent this inconvenience than to level the roads.
The beft white pme trees are fold f(}r mafts, bowfprits and
yards, for large fhips.* Thofe of an inferior fize, partly un-
found, crooked or broken in falling, are either fawn into planks
and boards, or formed into canoes, or cut into bolts for the
ufe of coopers, or Iplit and fhaved into clapboards and fhingles.
Boards of this wood are much ufed for wainfcoting and cabinet
work ; it is of fmooth grain, and when free from knots, does
no injury to the tools of the workmen ; but the foftnels of its
texture lubjefts it to fhrink and fwell with the weather. The
fapiing pine, though of the fame fpecies, is not io firm and
fmooth as the veteran pine of the foreft, and is more fenlibly
afFefted by the weather.
• Douglafs, vol. ii. p 53, fpeaks of a white pine, cut near Dunftable in
1736) ■which was "ftraight and found, feven feet eight inches in dismeter, at
the butt end." He alfo fays, that when 'Colonel Partridge' (formerly Lieu-
tenant-Governor of New-Hampfhirr) ' Had the maft contraft, he fcnt home a
few of thirty-eight inches, and two ol forty-two inches."
Mr. Belknap obtained from the books of the late contraflor, Mark Hunking
Wentworth, Efq. dcceafed, the following account of the lize »nd value of fuCh
{licks as he fent to England for the ufe of the navy.
Mafts.
Yards.
ling
Diameter 1 Ster
ling
Diameter
j S'.er
in inches. ' va
ue.
in inches.
1 va
ue.
£■
s.
/
i.
25 »3
a
»5
0
0
«6 16
0
i6
0
0
£7 18
0
37
6
10
28 S3
0
18
q
0
•9 28
0
19
1 1
4
1 30 35
10
20
'4
10
21 44
0
31
:>i
10
32 56
0
22
21
0
33 70
0
23
25
10
34 90
0
24
3^
0
Bowfprits.
Diameter
Stci
ling
in inches.
va
ue.
£■
s.
25
2
10
2b
3
0
27
3
14
28
b
2
29
15
0
30
21
0
31
2 b
0
32
29
0
33
32
0
34
40
0
33
4'-
10
3^
4 5
0
N. B. It muft be obfcrvedj that all thcTe were hewn into the proper (hape
9f fore the iinal dimcnfions were taken, which dctcinjintd thei^r vfiluc.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. ' 383
The ftumps and roots of the ma ft pine are very durable. It
is a common faying, that " no Tnan ever cut down a pine, and
*' lived to fee the ftump rotten." After many years, when
the roots have been loulcned by the froft, they are, with much
labour, cut and dug out of the ground, and being turned up
edgeway, are fct for fences to fields, in which ftate they have
been known to remain Jound for half a century. A coUeftion
of thelc roots would make an impenetrable abbatis^ which nothing
but fire could eafily deftroy.
Before the revt)liuion, all white pines, excepting thofe grow-
ing in any towufliip granted before the twenty-firft of Septem-
ber, 1722, were accounted the king's property, and heavy
penalties were annexed to the cutting of them, without leave
from the king's furveyor. Since that event, thele trees, like
all others, are the property of the landholder.
2. The YELLOW PIEE, p'uius pincu, is harder and heavier
than the white, but never grows to the fame fize ; its planks
and boards are ufed for the floors of houfes and the decks of
fliips.
3. The PITCH PINE, pinus ttzda, is the hardcft and heavieft
of all the pines ; it is lometimes put to the fame ufes as the
yellow pine ; but at prefent the principal ufe of it is for fewel.
When burnt in kilns, it makes the beft kind of charcoal;
its knots and roots being full of the terebinthine oil, afford a
light furpafTing candles ; its loot is collected, and ufcd for lamp
black. The making of tar from it is now wholly difufed. For-
merly, when it was made, the method was this : a piece of clay
ground was cholen ; or if luch could not conveniently be had,
the earth was paved with ftone or brick, in a circular form,
about twelve or fifteen feet in diameter, raifed in the middle
and a circular trench was drawn round it a few inches in depth.
The wood being cut and Iplit, was fet upright in a conical pile,
and covered on every fide with fods, a hole being left open at
the topj where the pile was let on fire. The confined heat
melted the rcfinous juices of the wood, which flowed out at
t \e. bottcn into the circular trench, and was condu61ed, by
other gutters, to holes in the earth, in which were fet barrels
to receive it. Turpentine is collcfted from every fDecies of
the pine, by boxing tiie trees ; that from the white pine is the
purcft -, it iomctimes diflils from the tree in beautifully tranlbo-
rent drops.
4. Tiie i.,\9.CH. pimts larix, is the only tree of the terebin-
thine quality whicli flieds its leaves in autumn. Its turpentine
is faid to be the fame with the Burg'jndy pitch.
384 GENERAL INFORMATION
5. The FIR pinus balfamea, yield a fine balfam, which is
contained in fmall blifters on the exterior furface of its bark.
This balfam is ufed both as an external and internal medicine.
The wood is coarfer and more brittle than the pine, and is Icl-
dom cither hewn or fawn,
6. Spruce, pinus Canadenfis ; of this they have two varieties,
the white and the black. The zvhite fpriice is tall and flender,
its grain is twifting, and when ftripped of its bark it will
crack in a warm fun ; it is the word wood for fewel, becauie
of its continual fnapping ; in this refpeft it exceeds hemlock and
chefnut^ both which are remarkable for the fame ill quality ; it
is fometimes formed into oars for large boats, but is inferior to
afli ; it is often ufed for fpars, for fencing ftufF and for fcaffold-
ing ; for all which purpofes its form and texture render it very
convenient, as it is ftraight and tough, and may be had of any
fize from two inches to two feet in diameter. The l;lack fpriice
is ufed only for beer ; the young twigs of it are boiled till the
bark may eafily be ftripped from the wood, and being fweetencd
with molaffes, make one of the moft pleafant and wholefome
beverages which nature affords : of this fpruce is made the ei-
fence which is as w*ll known in Europe as in America.
7. The HEMLOCK, pinus abes, is, in ftature, the next tree
to the mafl pine ; it grows largeft in fwampy land, and is very
flraight ; its grain is coarfe, and is not eafily fplit or hewn,
but is fawed into plauks, joifts and laths ; its chief excellence
^n building is, that it holds a nail exceedingly well ; it makes
2ood flooring for bridges and barns, and the round timber is
very durable in wharfs and dams : the bark is excellent for
tanning leather. The balfam of the hemlock is ufed medicinally,
but it cannot be coUefted in any great quantities.
Vv^'hite cedar, or arbor vit^, thuja occidenialis.
Juniper, or red ced au, jixniptrus Virpniana, it produces
the juniper berry.
The white cedar of the fouthern States, aiprcffus thyoides, is
a very different tree from the white cedar of the northern
States ; but the red cedar is the fame in all the States ; it is a
juniper, and is a fpccies of that in European which produces
thejunipcr berries : the wood of the red cedar is more durable,
when fet in the earth, than any other wood growing in
America.
They have another fpecies of juniper, junipcrus faMna,
which does not rife more than eighteen inches from the ground ;
but the branches extend horizontally feveral yards, and form,
in open paflurcs, an extenfive bed of evergreen: the leaves
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 385
^re mixed '.vith oats, and given to horfes to JcRroy the worms,
-vvliicl) infcfl their bowels.
Cypress, cupri-Jjus dijiuha, fovmd only in the fouthcrn States,
uTcd for fliingles and other purpofes, grows in I'wamps and
very l^irgc.
Whitk \yii.\.o\v,falix alba, is originally an exotic, but
now well naturalifed and much propagated. " The bark of this
tree is ufcd as a fubftitute for the corttx Feruviana," or Pe-
ruvian bark.
Sw.AMP w iL I. a w, fiilix J this is the firfl: tree that fhews
its bloiloms in tl^c Ipring ; and in iomc feaions its white
flowers exhibit a delightful appearance, when all the neigh-
bouring trees remain in their wintry hue.
Poplar or aspek, populus tremida. This tree is more
frequently found in opener clear land than in thick woods;
it is of Ouiclc wrow'th ; the wood is white, loft and Imooth ;
it is ulcd ior IjIIs and heels of flioes, and for fome kinds
of turned work.
Black poplar, or Balsam trle. This is a beautiful forefb
tree, of a large fize and quick growth, very proper for walks
and fhades ; its buds, in the fpring, are full of a rich balfam,
refembling ihe bali^m of Peru : as the buds expand the balfam
dilappears.
Of the MAPLK they have tlirce fpecies : 1. The white, acer
ncgioido ; the wood of this tree, eipecially that which is cuiled
in its grain ; is much uled in cabinet woi k ; it is firm and fmooth;
it takes a fii-.e polifli, and may be ftained of the colour of black
walnut or mahogany, 2. The red, accr rubruvi, grows in
fwamps, and is fit only for fuel. 3, I'hc black or rock maple
exceeds the others in this refpeft, being of a very clofe textuie,
hard aiid heav)', even when pcrteflly dry. But the grand ex-
cellency of this tree is the faccaririC qi\ality of its fap, which has
obtained for it the name of sugar maple, accr faccharinuni.
Of ASH they have two ipecies. 1. The white ash, f rax i-
71US excelfwr J this, in g'jod land, grows to the fize of three feec
in diameter; it is very tall, ilraight and tough; its leaves and.
bark are ar^ antidote to the venom of the rattle-fnake ; the wood
is c;.:fily ri-'en, and makes durable' rails for fences ; it is alfo
formed into oars and hand-ipikes, and leives for the frames of
ploughs, carts, lltighs and riding carnages, and for the handles
of many ufeful tools in agricultural and mechanical employ-
ments, 2. The otiicr ipecies is black ash, fraxtnus Amcrica-
'i::, of which the k i-: d and yei. lov.- are varieties. Splints of
3 ^
3S6 GENERAL 1 N F 0 R M ATIO N
the wood of afh are obtained by p'-miding it with a maul, and
are employed in making bafkcts and brooms : this knowledge
was probably derived from the Indi^Mis. The roots of
yellow afh aie uled by turners for the making uf plates and
bowls.
After going through the catalogue of foreft tJ^ees, it may be
proper to obierve, tliat hH woods which grow on high land
are more fiirn and fohd. and better for timber or fuel, than
thoie which grow in iwamps : the fame difTLrer.ce may gene-
rally be oblerved between thole in the open grounds, and thi Ic
in the thick flaade in th.e forcfl. The pine is an exception to
this remark : but whether the immenfe age or hiperior fiature
of the foreft pine be the caules whicli render it -more firm than
that which is found in the paftures, cannot at prefent be aicer-
tamed.
From feveral expeiiments made by the Count de BuILm, it
appears, that the wood ot trees, llripped of their baik in tlie
fpnng, and left to dry ftanding till they are dead, is harder,
heavier and ftronger, more lolid and dutable. than that of trees
felled in their bark ; and that the fappy part of wood without
bark is riot only fl:ronger than the common, but much more
fo than the heart of w-od in bark, though Ic's heavv : the
phyhcal caufe of this augmentation of ftrengfh antl lolidity be
thus explains : '•'I'leels increalc in fize by additional coats of
new wood, which is formed from the running fap between the
bark and the old wood. Trees ftrippcdof their baik form none
of theie new coats, and though they live after the bark is taken
ofl, thcv do not grow. The lubflancc dtftined to form the new-
wood, finding itielf flopped and obliged to fix in the void places
both of the lap and heart, augments the folidity and conie-
qucntly the flrength of the wood."*
Befidc the im.mienfe quantity of living wood with which the
foreft abounds, nature hath provided an ample ftore oi' that
foftil, ligneous fubftance, called peat. It appears to be formed
of the deciduous parts of trees and fhrubs, preierved in a pecu-
liar manner in the eai th ; it is ulually found in iwamps between
or under hills, where it has been accumulating for many ages ;
the decayed vegetation of one period having lervcd as a ioil \n
•which another growth has taken root and come to maturity.
In the town of Dover, in New-Hampfliire, are two Iwamps,
* Nat. Hlfl. Vol. V. p. 267. It imift be obferved, that his experiments
wtre TT.ade on oaks.
TO LU RO PE A V .V E f TIE RS. 3S7
which, within the lift twenty five ycarSj have been clcired of
the (lumps and loots uf the latcll giowth, which were pine
;uul heinlork. In di^;.'-^ing them up .inotiiei tier of Humps wms
iouiid under tlieni, the roots of which were loutid ; and in
lome inftiuces a third flump iiupCdieJ under the leccuid. In
luch iwiiinps is f<nuid the peat, in whicli the ih;;pe of twigs,
bark, and lea\'es, is very appurent, but on pielluve it is conloli-
dated into a loft fatty fubftance : this being dug in ("pits of a
proper (i/:e, and dried becomes valuable fuel ; of which, thougii
at prelent little uie is made, yet poitcrity will doubtlels reap
the benefit.*
* The following letter on'tlT=r fubjcci: of peat, though in oppofuion to the
above principal of its origin, will need no apology for its infertion ; it appears
to us fuf&ciently important to claim the attention ol the naturalill, and calcu-
lated to proiiioie an inquiry that may be attended with many bcnefi..ial conle-
quencfs :
•• I »cry much doubt your doftrine of /jm^ It appears to me to be a (uh-
Rancs Jill generis. Deciduous parts of trees and fhrubs arc often foi:nd mixed
V. ;thit. But its inflammable property, 1 conceive, docs not depend on the
iTii"rc adventitious colleftions of decayed vegetables ; for although peat is found
i;; places tavourable to iuch colleclions, yet it is not found in every place where
thofe coUeftions have been made. Befidcs, in all the pe.t I have examined,
there are numerous fibres of a fingular conllruttion, variouily ramiiied ; ip. fome
kinds they are extremely tine, in others as large as a pack.tliread. When the
peat is firll taken from the pit, the threads may be traced a conhderable length,
and, when waQied, they have an appearance which has induced ine to iulpedl
a vegetable organization. If they are a living vegetable; they feein to form t!ie
Jink, between the vegetable and foilil kingdom. It feems moil probable, if
thofe fibres are not vegetable fui generis, they may be fibrous roots of a bed of
fome particular fpccies of mois, upon which dierc has been a large coUcftion of
matter, which has buried them a certain depth under ground, where they are
not fubjeft to putrefaftion. But there feems to be an inflammable foliil in tlie
compolition of peat, different from the earth commonly found in fimiiar places.
I am told, fome peat appears to be entirely a folFil, tb.ongh ! ha\e never le;'ii
any iuch. It is as eafy to conceive of luch a foilil as cf pit-coal. If the ioihl
contains the inflammable principle, it is not derived from deciduou.s vegetable*.
Have you never heard of its growing again where it has been dug out ? One of
my neighbotivs has often told me, that a ditch was dug through a meadow iu
his farm many years ago, where there is a body of peat; that the d'-pih of'ths
ditch exceeded the depth of the peat; and that the peat has pufked out on both
fides fo as nearly lo meet in the center, but the fides of the ditch above and below
remain much the fame, except ioijie little chajige which the length of tune ha*
produced. I have not feen the place; but were 1 aiTurtfl of this fatt, I fhoiild
be inclined to believe the fibres to be living vegetables, and the foiTil to be poU
felled of the properly of fpar, with regard to the incri;afc of its bulk; and thj:
fhefc two lubilances were mutually dependent on eatii other.?'
MS. lata oj Dr. UuUir to M-. Bdkn.ip.
3 I> 2
388
GENERAL INFORMATION
FLOWERING
Xjlobe flower,
Pigeonberry,
Virginia dogwood,
Conel,
Red-flowered honeyfuckle,
White American honeyfuckle,
American tea
Cherry honeyfuckle,
Virginia fcarlet honeyfuckle.
Dwarf cherry honeyfuckle.
Evergreen Ipindle tree,
Virginian itea.
Stag's horn fumach,
Black haw,
Blackberried elder,
Redberried elder.
Scarlet-flowered horfe chefnut,
Judas tree,
Great laurel, - -
Dwarf laurel,
Thyme-leaved marfli clRus,
American fenna,
Rofe bay tree.
White pepper bufh,
Red-bud andromeda,
Bog evergreen,
Carolina red-bud,
Carolina iron-wood tree,
Carolinian fyrianga,
Sorbus tree,
Mountain afh, - " -
Service tree,
Medlar tree,
Sweet-cented crab apple-tree.
Meadow fweet.
Queen of the meadows,
Canadian Ipiraca,
Vv'ild rofe,
Pennfylvanian fwamp rofe,
Superb rafpberry,
Carolian Fothergilla,
Tulip tree.
TREES, SHRUBS, &C.
Cephalanthus Occidentalism
CifTus ficyoides,
Cornus florida,
Cornus Canadenfis,
Azalea nudiilora,
Azalea' vifcofa,
Ceanothus AmericanuSj
Lonicera dierviUa,
Lonicera Virginiana,
Lonicera Canadenfis,
Ei4onymus AmericanuS,
Itea Virginica,
Rhus typhinum.
Viburnum prunifoliurrij,
Sambucus nigra,
Sambucus Canadenijs,
^iculus pavia,
Cercis Canadenfis,
Kalmia latifoiib,
Kalmia angufti folia,
Ledum thymifolium,
P^hodora Canadenfis,
Rhododendrum maximum^
Andromeda arborea,
Andromeda racemofa,
Andromeda calyculata,
Andromeda nitida,
Andromeda plumata,
Phlladelphus inodorus,
Sorbus aucuparia,
Sorbus Americana,
Mefpilus Canadenfis,
Mefpilus nivea,
Pyrus coronaria,
Spirica falicifolia,
Spiroea tomentofa,
Spiraea hypericifolia,
Rofa Carolina,
Rofa paluftris,
Rubus odoratus,
Forthergilla gardcni,
Liriodendrum tulipifera.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLE RS,
389
Evergreen tulip tree,
Climing trumpet flower,
Virginian ftewartia,
Franklin tree,
Locuft tree,
Role-flowered locufl tree,
Swamp willow.
Red-flowered maple,
Plane-tree,
Poplar^
Catalpa, w
Umbrella,
Swamp laurelj • -
Cucumber tree^
Portugal bay, -
Red bay,
Laurel of the weftern country,
Wild pimento,
SafTafras,
Honey-locuft,
Fringe or Inow-droD tree.
Barberry,
Holly,
Cockfpur hawthorn.
Spindle-tree,
papaw,
Candleberry myrtle^
pwarf-laurel.
Ivy,
Trumpet honeyfucklej
Upright honeyfuckle,
Yellow jafmine,
American aloe,
Sumach,
Poke,
l-iong mofs,
Magnolia grandiflora,
Bignonia radicans,
Stew'artia malacodendron,
Franklinia alatamaha,
Robinia pfeudo acacia,
Robinia rofea,
Salix cinena ?
Acer rubrum,
PlantaniAS occidentalis,
Liriodendron tulipifera,
Populus heterophylla,
Bignonia catalpa.
Magnolia tripetala,
Magnolia glauca,
Magnolia acuminata,
Laurus indica,
Laurus borbonia,
Qu, fpecies ?
Laurus benzoin,
Laurus fallafras,
Gleditfia,
Chionanthus Virsfinica,
Berberis vulgaris.
Ilex aquifclium,
Crataegus coccinea,
Euonymus EuropasuS,
Annona triloba,
Myrica cerifera,
Kalmia anguflifolia,
Kalmia latifolia,*
Hedera quinquefolia,
Lonicera fempervirens,
7\zalea nudiflora,
Bignonia fempervirens,
Calycanthus floridus,
Agave Virginica,
Rhus, Qu. fpecies ?
Phytolacca decandra,
Tillandfia Ufneoides.
Called ivy with us.
3$o GENERAL INFORMATION
WILD FRUITS.
Black currnnt, - - Rihes nigrum,*
Goofeberry, - _ Ribes groi!ulHria,+
Prickly goolebeny, - Ribes cyii"ll> ui,
Grapes, - - Vitis,
I'he bLick grape, - Vitib l.ibiulca,
Fox grape, - - Vitis vu!pma,.t
Barberry bufh, - Berberis vulg.iris,
Whortleberry, - - Vaccinium liguftriiuj'.n,
Ditto, - - Vaccinium uliginolum,
Blueberry, - - Vaccinium corymbolum,
V/hite wliortleberry, - Vaccinium alburn,^
Indian goofeberry, - Vaccinium froiidoium.
Long-leaved whortleberry, Vaccii.ium {t.^mineum,
Craneberry, - - Vaccinium o>;ycocco.s. n
Tne BLACK CURRRANT, ribei n'^grum, is a native of the American fwainps,
and is much improved by culture ; it is not much ufed as food, but is an excel-
lent medicine for a fore mouth and throat. An excellent wine may be made
from the fruit; we have drank iome of the age of feven years cqu^l to the beil
flavoured port.
+ The WILD GoosEBERRV, TWes grojfularia, is very common in the borders
of woods, and has been greatly meliorated by cultivation,
X Of grapes they have two fpecies. The black gf ape, vilis I ibrufra. and the
FOX GRAPE, viti^ vulpina. Of thefe there are feveral ■ arieties. Froni tlie fpeci-
meus of foreign grapes, which ripen in their garden^, there is fufficicnt realon to
believe that the culture of vines, in favourable fituations, might be attended with
fuccefs. This opinion is corroborated by the judgment of foreigners occafion^
ally refident in America. Wine, and in large quantities, has lately been made
by the French people at their new fettlement on the Ohio river, from the native
*;rapes, without any kind of cultivation. They coilefted the grapes promifcu^
oafly fron> all the varieties growing in that country. By leparating them, wines
oi diiferent, and no doubt Come of them of a much belter quality, might have
been made. The native grape is propagi'.ted with great eafe ; its growth is lux-
uriant, overfpreading the higheit trees in the forcfts, and by proper attcntioji
would afford an ample fupply of wines in the northern as well as foutliern States.
The principal difficulty fcems to be the want of a proper knowledge of the
procefs in making wine, arid preparing it for ufc. As far as poflible to remedy
this, and to render the cultivation of the vine and the makin'j; of wines moF*> xn
objeft ot attention, we fhall in another pait of this work enter more fully into
the fubje(St.
\ The Americans have feveral fpecies of whortleberf-v, vaccin/vm corymbe-
Jum, which grow in great abundance, and ferve as wholelomeand paiaiablc food;
fome of them are dried for winter.
II The craneberry, laccinium oxycarccs, is a fruit peculiar to y\merioa. The
common fpecies grows on a creeping vine in meadows. The Luanchcs of tlie
vine take root at the joints, and overfpread the ground to the extent of an acre.
The berrjcs hang on very flcndcr (talks; at full they aje v/hite, but turn red .u
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 3^1
Yellow plum, - - Prunus Americana,
BcTtch plum, - Prunus maratlma,
CMierokc-c plum, - Prunus lylvellris fruftii mijori.
Wild plum, - - Prunus iylveftris fruftu iniuoii,
L'lrge bliick chci ry, - Prunus nigra,
purple chcrrv. - - Prunus Vitginiana,
M'lH red chert V. - Prunus rubra, -
D\v;uf or chojk cherry, Prunus CanadenfiSj
Moiintsin chcriv, - Prunus montana,
Scrvicp-tree, - - Melpilus Canadenfjs,
Branibl'bcrry, - - Rubus occidentalis,*
Siu'teat blackberry or bumble-
kites, - - Rnbus fruticofns,
Briar blackberry, - Rubus moluccanus,
Dewberry, - - Rubus hilpidus,
Common ralpberrv. - Rubus idscus.f
Smooth-ftalkcd lalpberry, Rubus Canddcnfis,
Superb ralpberrv, - Fv.ubus odoratus,
Strawberry, - Fiagaria velca.|
Scarlet {Irawbenv. - Fragriria Virginiana, ]eSA
Mulberry, - - iMorus nigra,
Red mulberry. - Morus rubra,
Crab apple, - P)uus cqronaria. ||
they ripen, and wlicn fall grown ar" of the fize of a cherry. They yield an
agreeable acid juice, and, when ftewed and made into a jelly, are extremely
cooling in a fever, and a delic'ous fauce at the table. They may be kept a long
time in water, and fuifcr no injury from the froft. They are frequently fent
abroad, and aie highly rcfrefhing at fea. The beft way to preferve them for lono^
voyages, is to put them up clean and dry, in bottles clol'ely corked. There is
another fpccies of craneberry, which grows in cluflers on a bufh, but it is not
fo large nor fo common as the other.
* The BRAMB1.EBER..RY, lulus occideittaUf . Tlie running blackberry,
ruius mo/uccan^s. The upright BLACiciiER r y, tu5!is frulkofus, are alfo very
common, elpccially in the newly cleared land, and afford an agreeable rcfrcfh-
njent.
+ The common raspskrry, ruhus idiziK, is found ia the moft exuberant
plenty in the new plnniations,, and in the old, by the fides of fields and roads.
The superb»raspberry, luhui Canadenfis, is larger and more delicate. Its
bloITom is purple, and its leaves are fometimrs a foot in diameter.
:}: The stravvberry, f^agaria vej'ca, in iome parts of the country, is very
luxuriant in new fields and pallures, but it is capable of great improvement by
cukiv.ition.
S The native f rawbcrry is much improved by cultivation, and produces a
largT and bettcr-lljvonrrd fruit than the exotic.
II This is a genuine and diftinft fpccies of the apple; it grows in all parts of
North-America wiiich have been explored, from the AtlaaUc as far wcli as the
&EMERAL iNFORMATIOM
POISOKOUS PLANTS.
The following indigenous vegetable proctuftions, under cer-
tain circumftances, operate as poifons ; fome of which, howe-
ver, have been brought into medicinal ufe, and repute for the
'., .cure of diforders attended with fpafmodic a£Fe6Uons. IIem-
LOCK, cicuta ; the thorn apple, datura firaynonium j the
HENBANE, hyofcyuvius niger J and the night %HAt>z, folanuvi
nigrum. Other poifonous plants, are tlie ivy, htdtra litlix i
■ the CREEPING IVY, or, as it is called by fome, mercury,
rhus radicans, the juice of which ftains linen a deep and indeli-
ble black; the swamp sumach, rhus toxica dendrum ; the
WATER elder, viburnum opulus j the herb Christopher,
aBca fpicata : the stinking snakeweed, cUJfoftia trijoliata :
and the white hell£bor£, veratrum album.
nut fruit.
White oak, - Quercus alba^
Red oak, and feveral other fpe-
cies with fmallcr fruit, Quercus rubra.
Black walnut, - Juglans nigra.
Butternut, or oilnut, Juglans catharticaj
White, or round nut hiccory, Juglans alba.
Shag-bark hiccory, Juglans cineria,*
Chelnut, - - Fagus caflanea,
Chinquipin, or dwarf chefnut, Fagus pumila.
Beech nut, - - Fagus lylvatica, "
Hazlenut, - - Corylus avellaiia,
Filbert, - - Corvlus cornuta.
We may here mention the paccon or Illinois nut, — -juglans,
alba, foliolis lanceolatis, acuminatis, fcrratis, tomentofis, Iruftu,
minore, ovato, compreffo, vix. inlculpto, dulci, putamine, tener-
rimo. — Jejfcrjon. This nut is about the lize of a large, long
acorn, and of an oval form ; the Ihell is eafily cracked, and the
kernel fliaped like that of a walnut. The trees which bear this
fruit grow, naturally, on the MilRflippi and its branches, louth
of forty degrees north latitude. They grow well when planted
in the fouthern Atlantic States.
MiffiiTippi ; its blofToms arc remarkably fragrant; its fruit fmall, pofTening prr-
"'' haps of all others the keenrft acid. The European crab is a very difEcrent fruit.
It makes an excellent vinegar, and the cyder made from it is much admired by
thofe who "profefs to be connoiffeurs in that article.
* The latiie, probably, as Clayton's Scaly bark hiccory of Virginia,— jugbns
alba cortice fqiiaitidfo.'' ••...,'
to EUkOPEAt7 SkTTLEkS, 393
EXOTIC FRUITS.
Of thefcj apples are the moft common in the United States,
They gro\Ar in the grcateft plenty and variety in the eallern and
middle States; and the cyder which is expreircd from them,
affords the moft common and wholelome liquor that is drank by
the inhabitantSi
The other exotic fruits dre pears^ pcacheSj quinces, tiftulber-
ries, plums, cherries, currants, barberries, all of which, ex-
cept quinces and barberries, they have many fpecies and varie-
ties. Thele, with a few apricots and neftarines, flourifh in the
eaftern States, and are in perfeftion in the middle States.*
The exotic fruits of the fouthern States, befides thofe already
mentioned, are figs, orangeSj and lemons.
MEDICINAL PLANTS.
Aihong the native and uncultivated plants of New-England,
the following; have been employed for medicinal purpoies :
Water horchoundj - Lycopus Virginica,
Blue flag, •* - Iris Virginica,
Skunk cabbage, - Arum Americanum, Catelb. a,D4
Dracontium foetidum, Linn,
Partridge berry, - Mitchella repcns,
Great, and marfh plantain, Plantago major et maritime.
Witch hazel, - - Hamamelis Virginica,
Hound's tongue, - Cynogloffum officinale,
Comfrey, - - Symphytum officio.
Bear's ear fanlcle, * Cortufa gmelini,
Applcperu, - - Datura ftrammonium.
Bitterlweet, '■ - Solan um dulca-mare,
Tivertwig, or Amer. mazerion, Celaftrus fcandens,
£lm,+ - - Ulmus Americana,
Great laferwort, & wild angelica, Laferpitium trilobum, et latifo-
lium,
Angelica, or Amer, mafterwort, Angelica lucida,
'* " In regard to tree fruit," fays Dr. Tenny of Exeter, in Ncw-IJ^mp-
fhirc, in a letter to Dr. Belknap, " we are in too northern a climate to have k
" of the firft quality, without particular attention. New-York, New-Tcrfey,
*' and Pennfylvania, have it in pcrfeftion. As you depart from that traft, either
" fouthward or northward, it degenerates. I believe, however, that good fruit
" might be produced even in Ncw-Hampftiire, with fuitable attention."
Belknafs Hijlory N. H. Vol, IIJ. .p. j^©,
+ The bark of the fweet-clm is a moft excellent mucilaec.
3E
394
GENERAL INFORMATION
Water elder,
Elder,
C'hickwecd,
Pettimorrcl, or life of man,
Sarfaparilla,
Marfh rofemary,
Sundew,
Solomon's feal,
Adder's tongue,
Unicorn,
Sweet flag,
Several ipecies of dock,
Biftort,
Spice wood, or fever bufh,
SalTafraS,
Confumption root,
Rheumatilm weed,
Mou fe ear,
Gargit, or n<.okc,
Wild hyffop,
Agrimony,
Virburnum opulus,
Simbucus nigra,
AHina media,
Aralina racemofa,
Aralia nudicaulis ?"
Statice limonium,
Drofera rotundifoli,
Convallaria ftellata '/
Convallaria bifolia,
Aletris farinola,
Acorus calamus,
Rumex,
Polygonum bidorta,
Laurus benzoin,
Laurus faffafras,
Pyrola rotundifolia,
Pirola minor,
Cerafhium vifcofum,
Phytolacca decandria,
Lythrum hylopis,
Agrimonia cupatoria.
Common avens,orheib bennet, Geum Virginia,
Water avens, or throat root, Geum rivale.
Blood root, or puccoon,
Celandine,
Yellow water lily.
Pond lily.
Golden thread, or mouth root,
Liverwort,
Crowsfoot,
Germander,
Catmint, or catnip,
Head Betony,
llorfemint, Ipearmint, water
mint, and pennyroyal.
Ground ivy, or gill go over the
ground.
Hedge nettle,
Horehound,
Motherwort,
Wild majorum, • -
Wild lavender.
Wood betony,
Sanguinaiio Canadenfis,
Chclidonium majus,
Nympha;a luten,
Nymphaca alba,
Nigella?
Aneipone hepatica,
Ranunculus Pennlylvania,
Teucrum Virg,
Nepea catarita,
Betonica officinalis,
Mentha fpicata, viridis, aquatica,
et pulegium,
Glecoma hederacca,
Stachys lylvatica,
Marrubium vulgare, ,
Leonorus cardiaca,
Origarum vulgare, '• "
Trichollcma ?
Pidicularis Canadenfis, ,
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.
ShepTicrds's purfc, or pouch.
Water ere {Tes, •-
Cranes biil,
Marfh mallow.
Mallow,
Succory, -
Burdock,
Devil's bit, « _ _
The root refembl.es the Europe-
an devil's bit,
Tanley, . , .
Wormwood,
Life evcilafting,
Colts foot,
Golden rod,
Elecampane,
Mayweed, - - »
Yarrow, , _ _
American pride,
Three other (pecies of lobelia.
Thalapfpi hurfa paftoris,
Sifymbrium nafturtium.
Geranium macrorhizuni.
Althaa officin,
Malva rotundifolia,
Crcpis harbata,
Aftium lappa, '
Serratula amara,
3^5
A
Scabiofa fuccifa,*
TanacetuRi vulgare,
Artcmifia abfmthiani,
Gnaphalium odoratilfimum >'
Tufhiago farfara,
Solidago Canad.,
Inula helenium,
Anthemis cotula,
Achillea millefolia.
Lobelia cardinalis,
Lobelia dsjrtmanna, kilmii, et
fphilitica.
Arum Virginia,
Urtiqa urcns,
Dragon root.
Stinging nettle,
White walnut, butter nut, or
oilnut, - - _
Swamp willow.
Sweet gale, - •
White h-ellcbore, or pokeroot, Veratrum album,
Moonwort,
Juglans cathartica,
Salix cincrea ?
Myrrca gale,
Female fern,
Hearts tongue,
Spleenwort,
Black maidenhair,
Arfmart, _ - _
Pink rootjf - _ _
Senna, _ _ _
Clivers, or goole grafs,
Palma Chrifti,
Several Ipecies of mallow,
dian phyfic,
Ofmunda luneiia,
Pteris caudata,
Aiplenium fcolopendrium,
Afplenium falicifolium,
Alplenum adiantum.
Polygonum fagitatum. Linn.
Caffia liguftrina,
Galium Ipurium,
Ricinus,+
In-
Spirsea trifoliata,
♦ From which circumflance the Englifh name has probably bccn,a,pp!ipd Jo
t-hi's plant. ,0.i():> '...
+ An excellent vermifuge.
J from which the cafter oil is exprcffcd.
3 E 2
3,^ GERERAL INFORMATION
Euphorbial ipecacuanha^, plcu-
rify root," * - ATclepias decumbens,
Virgina fnakc root, ■» AriftolocKia ferpentaria.
Black fnake root, r Aftasa racemola,
Seneca rattle- fnakc root Polygala Senega,
Valerian, - ,^^ ^?f. * Valeriana locufta radiata,
Ginfeng, - - j- Panax quinquefolium,
Angelicas _ - - Angelica fylveftcris,
Caffaya, - - r Jatropha urens.
CULTIVATED GRASSES.
All the graffes, cultivated in the middle, and New-Englan<i
States, are found growing indigeous. It is not improbable,
however, that feme of them may be naturalized exotics. TKe
following are the principal graffes fown in the Cjultivated ground,
or in any way propagated for feed and hay ;
Herd's grafs, or fox tail, AJopecurus pratenfis,*
Blue grafs, _ - - Alopecurus geniculatus,
Many fpecicS of bent, Agroftis,
Rhode-Ifland bent, - Agroftis interrupts,
The finall and great Eng, grafs, Poa trivialis et pratenfts,
, Wire grafs, Poa compreffa,
Fowl meadow grafs, - Poa aviaria, fpiculis fubifloriSj+
Red and white clover, . Trifolium pratenfe et repens.
The graffes of Virginia, according to Mr. JefFerfon, are
lucerne, faint foin, burnet, timothy, ray, and orchard grafs,
red, white, and yellow clover ; greenfwerd, blue grafs and
crab grafs. South of Virginia very little attention is paid to
•, the cultivation of graffes. The winters are fo mild, that th(B
i' icattle find a tolerable fupply of food in the woods, ,..,.;■ ,•
NATIV15 GLASSES.
Befides the cultivated graffes, the States of New-England
jibound with a great variety which are found growing in their
native foils and fituations, many of which have not been def-
cribed by any botanical writers. The fmall experiments which
, have been made, fufHciently evince that feveral of them make
* This is reckoned the beft grafs the Americans have, is a native, aud I'uppefr
ed to be pecuHarto the eaflern and middle States.
+ " The fowl meadows, on Neponfit river, between Dcbham and Stoughton,
" are confidcred by feme a curiofity. A large tra6l of land is there cleared an^
" f'^we'3 With "an excellent kind Of grafs, withoat the afMahce of man.^' '
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS^_ 397
fixccUcnt hay. They might be greatly improved by cultivation,
and are highly worthy the attention of farmers. THofe which
are found moft common are the following, viz.
The vernal grafs, - - Anthoxanthum odoratym, j
Timothy, or bulbus cat's tail '•
grafs _ . - Phlcum pfatenfc.
Several fpccies of panic grafs, Panicum,
Several fpecics of bent, - Agroftis,
Jiair grafs, - - - Aira aquatica,
Numerous fpecics of ^oa — qua-
king grafs, feveral fpecics, Briza,
Cock's foot grafs, - - Daftylis glomcrata,
Millet, ■ ~ r - Milium effufum^
^efcue grafs, many fpecies, Fcfluco,
Oat grafs, - _ _ Avena fpicata.
Reed grafs, feveral fpecies, Arundo,
Brome grafs, - - Bromus fquarrofus,
Lime grafs, » - - Elymus hyfkrix.
Barley grafs, r - Hordeum pratenfc,
Pog's, or couch grafs, - Triticum rcpens, ^
Jvlany fpecies of rufh grafs, Juncus, ~"
Numerous fpecies of carex, in
frefii and fait marfhy ground,
Several fpecies of beard grals, Andropogan,
Soft grafs, _ > > Holcus lanatys et odoratus.*
PULSE AND HORTULINE PLANTS AND ROOTS.
Befides thofe tranfplanted from Europe to America, of which
they have all the various kinds that Europe produces, the folr
lowing are natives of this country :
Potatoes, - - - Solanum tubcrofum,
<G round nuts, a fort of potatoe, probably a fpecies, highly felif)i?
ed by fome people.
Tobacco, - _ - Nicotiana,
Pumpkins, . _ » Cucurbita pepo,
.Cymlings. - - - Cucurbita verrucofa,
Squafhes, , , . Cucurbito melopepo,
Cantelope rnelons, beans, peas, hops. Probably others.
* Befides thefe, there arc many valu,abjc j^aiJcSj -wkjichj at ,p>:;cfertf , Vct noifc
(cfcxi^ts.
39^ GEA'ERAL INFORMATION
■i '•
, ->\-: • ^UtTIVATED GRAIN.
Indian corn, zca mays, a native grain of North- Aracrira,
The varieties of this grain, occafioned by a difFcrence in foil,
cultivation, and climate, are almofl endlefs.* Winter and fum-
mcr rye, fecalc cerealc, hybcrnum et vernum, the anly fpecies
cultivated by the American farmers. The winter rye fucceeds
ben: in ground newly cleared, but fummer rye is fretjuently
lown ill old. towns, where the land has been long iinder cul-
tivation. The winter and fummer rye are the lame Ipecics,
forming two varieties ; but the winter and fummer wheat arc
two diftinft fpecies. Several fpecics of barley are cultivated;
the mofl common is the fix^ ranked hojdcum hcxaflichon ;
and the two, ranked hordcum deftichon. The wheat p-rinct-
pally cultivated are the winter and fummer triricum hybe mum
et a:flivum. .Qats^ avpna faliva. 3"^^^^ wheat,, polygonum
fagopirum.
In the Southern State?, as far north as Virginia, M'here the
lands are fuitablc, befides the grain already mentioned, they
cultivate rice. "Thi^ grain was brought into Carolina firft by-
Sir Nathaniel Johnfon, in 1688 ; and afterwards more, and of
a different kind, probably a variety, was imported by a fbip
from Madngufcarj in 1696 ; till which, time it was not much cul-
tivated. It fucceed? ,\yeU alfo on the Ohio river, where it is
planned bo|ll.on th;C high and low grounds, and in the fame field*
with Indian corn and other grain. A gentleman who had plant-
ed it feveral years in his garden, informed Dr. Cutler that it
yielded at the rate of eighty bufheis an acre. At Marietta, it
has anfwcrcd the moft Inn^uinc e«pe6l.itions of the i;nhabi-
tants, producing equal to any other grain, w.ithout being at
any time overflowed with water. The doftor himlui^f iaw it
growing in a very flourifhing llatc, on high land, but it had not.5
at the feafon he law it, .began Xo bluom. It wits laid not lo be
C(f the fame fpecies of Carolina rice, its probably the wild rice,
which we have been informed grows in plenty, in fome of the
interior parts of North-America, and, is the nioft valuable of
all fpontaneous produ©;ions ok the counti-y. In Pciinlyivania
^ Of all the different kinds of Indiaji corn, botanifts have been able to fin^
\nH. one fpecies. The dit^ercnce in this ^f«i/J of plants is probably accidental,
owing to the above mentioned caufes. It is poffible, bovtvcr, that among theft
varieties, fpfciJU charafters may yet be found. What, is culled the /pi icd India*
Cfi'n. is probably only a vuritty. The plant commonly known in the^outhern
States by the name of Oui)UJ. corn, is of the family of gralTes, as arc rye, whea,t^
^larley, oats, &:c.
TO EUROPEAN SETtLEkS.
399
grows a fort of grainy called by the Gcrmzn^f pelts, which refem-
felcs wheat, and is a very valuable grain.
The above lifts are aH of them imperfect, and many of them
contain but a lm;ill proportion in their reipeftive claifes of the
produce <if the States ; they are, however, all that can be pro-
cured till Dr. Cutler and Dr. Mitchell finifli the work they have
undertaken, and thus bring us better acquainted with the vege-
table produftions of America.
,?f(To the foregoing wc iubjoin a catalogue of fuch foreigrr plant's
as • have not been cultivated, or at moft but partially, in the
United States, but; which are worthy of being encouraged in
America for the purpofes of medicine, agriculture and commerce.
From a pamphlet by John Ellis, F. R. S. prcfentcd by the Ho-
nourable Thomas Penn, Eiq. to the American Philolophicai S;5-
ciety, through tlie hands of Samuel Powell, Ef(j.
Latin N'amffs.
Rubia peregrins
Rubi^ tincto-
rum
Quercus fuber
Quercus a? gi-
lops
Quercus galli-
i e ra
Eriglifh Names i Obfervations.
I'urkey madder Tlie firft is iuppoled to be the
Dyers madder*
Coik-bearing
oak
Avellaneaof va-
Icnida oak
Gall-bearing
oak
iame that is ikow cultivated lA
Smyrna for a crimlon dye.
Grows in the louthern parts of
France, Spain, and Portugal.
The cups of the acorns, which
are very large, and u(ed in dy-
"V?j grow in Greece and Na-
tolia, particularly inthe iiland
of Zia in the Archipelago,
where lournefort lays thej
gather in one year 5000 cwt.
Gills from Aleppo and Smyrna.
This oak is not yet known in
England : the acorns may be
brought over in wax, and lent
lo liic louthern Stales.
* This plant is a native of the warmed parts of Europe, and is belter calcr^.
late-d fur the climate of the foutliern States tlian cither of Holland or Englandt
■where it is £ultivated ; but principally ia the former, from whence England i-s
chiefly fupplied with this valuable dye. The chemilts fay, arui with reafon,
tJat the warmth of the climate exalts the colour. If fo, it niav be well worth
utteution to encourage the planting ot to valuable an article of commerce in a
climate and full that leems io much brttcr adapted to it, where the land is cheap,
and \vhere vegetation is fo much quicker and more luXuriaiit; and ■v^hile thev
cncgurage the growth of it. they may li^vt: the advantage of manufatlurmg this
valuable comnioditv at home.
400
GENERAL INFORMATION.
Latin Names.
Carthamus tine-
torius
Rhamus cathar-
ticus minor
Hhamus faxa-
tilis
Oka Europa
Sefamum orien-
tale
Goffypium her-
baceum
Coflypium hir-
futum
Salfola foda
Salfola fativa
and chenopo-
dium mariti-
mum
Ceratonia fili-
Piflachia vera
Piftachia tere-
binthus
Plftachia lentlf-
CIJS
f nglifli Name*. Obfervationli
SafRower Much ufed in dying, grows iH
Egypt.
Buckthorn that Ufed by painters and dyers |^
produce yel- both thefe plants product
low berries of berries fit for this purpofe.
Avignon
Olives of feve- For oil ; thefe grow in France,
ral varieties J Spain, & Italy, Young plants
and ripe fruit of the French
and Spanifh forts, may be car-t
ricd from thence.
Oily grain Propagated in the Levant for
oil, which does not foon grow
rancid by keeping.
TwQfortsof an- Both thefe kinds of annual cof^
nual cotton ton are yearly fown in Tur-
key, and would grow well ijs
Georgia, Carolina, Virginia^
&c.
Thefe kinds of Thefe are fown yearly in fields
glaffwort for near the fea in Spain, for mak-
barilla ing barilla, for foap, glafs, &c*
Locufl tree, or The pods are ejjeellent food for
St. John's hard working cattle, and ufed
bread for this purpole on the fea
coaft of Spain, where they are
eafily propagated from feeds
or cuttings.
Piflachia tree
Chio turpen-
tine tree
Maftic tree
They are propagated about
Aleppo, where the femald
or fruit-bearing ones are in-
grafted on flocks raifed from
the nuts.
This kind of turpentine is ufed
in medicine.
Gum maftic from the ifle of Scio ;
as this tree, commonly called
lentifcus, is doubted to be the
genuine maftic tree, leeds of
the true kind may be procur-
ed from the ifle of Scio.
TO EUROPEAN SETl^LERS.
401
Latin Naraej.
r*Styrax offici-
nale
Convolvulus
icammonia
Aori'ji^. *.-
- Papavenfomni-
«'ii>Teriam--
Caflia fenna
Croton fcbife-
ruin
Englifh Names
Gum florax tree
Gu«i fcammonv
True opium
poppcy
Alexandrian
purging fenna
rallnw tree of
China
This tree grows in dtalyj SyirJa,
and India; , but the warmer
climates yield the bed gum.
Seeds of the plant, from whentte
this excellent drug is procur-
ed, were lent imo Englatid
from Aleppo, by the late Dr.
Alex. Rullcl : it bears the cli-
mate very well, and- .produces
feed in hot lummers, but re-
quires the warmer climates of
Carolina, Georgia, Sec. to make
the gum rehn that flows from
it a bene»ficial article of com-
merce. It is ft* . frequently
adulterated in Turkey, thgt, to
have it genuine, it is well worth
propag'.ring in the U. States.
This is recommended to be fowa
in the louthern States for the
fake of obtaining the opium
pure.+
This grows in tipper Egypt, and
is brought from thence to
Alexandria • it would not be
difficult to procure the feeds
of this ufeful drug;
This plant grows in moid places
in China, and is of great ule
in that country.
'yf* There is a refinous jnke, which by age hardens into a folld brittle refin, of
~i pungent, warm, balfamic tafte, and very fragrant finell, not unlike the Aorax
calaniita, heightened with a little ambergris, which is produced from the ftyrax
aceris folio of Ray, or liquidambar ftyraciflua of Linnaeus Spec, plant. 1418,
which grows in perfeftion in the Flondas. Tiiis, Dr.l^ewis, ia his Mitena
.Jkdedica, p. 553, fays, might be applied to valuable medicinal purpofes.
f' The French, in Du Prati' hiftory of I.ouilianna, fpeak with rapture of its heal-
fhg qualities, aild the high eileem it i% in among the Indians of P"lorida, on ac-
count of its infinite virtues : it is known to the Englifb by the name of the fweet
gum tree, and to the French by the name of copalm. This is well worth the
Attention of phyficians, as they can have it geniiine, whereas the ilora.x from tnc
eaft is oficn adulterated. ■ ',
t
; L + The feed of this fpecies of poppy is recommended by a p^iician of grtat
^eninence as pjroperfor the lame purpofes of meaicine as fweetalmoiids are ufcd.
ai'is «bferwd not to have the Icafi degree of a n;ircotic quiiiiy 1:1 it,
id.- , . 3 F
-oicrc: 1. ..■■.", .
4^2
GENE R A L IN E 0 R M AT 10 N
Latin ^v^ames.
Rhcurn palina-
C ilarnus rotaiig
pterocarpus
draco dracx
na draco
Dulichos fi'ja
Laurus callia
LauriiS cinamo
mum
Laur. camphofcj
Englifli Na;nes.
True rhubarb
Three forts o''
gum dragon
or dragon's
blood
A kind of kid
bean, called
duidlu
Cillialigneatrec
Cinnamon tree
Jamphue tree!
Obfcrvations.
rhe feed of this plant was bro't'
to England by Dr. Mounfey,
F. R. S. from Molcow, and ap-
pears by experiment to be the
genuine true rhubarb of the
fi-jops, and is a mod valuable
acquifition to a country, as it
will grow well in a deep rich
foil, inclining to a Tandy or
gravelly loam, but not in too
wet a fituation, and may be
cultivated in the warm parts
of the States.
1, From a kind of cane in the
Eaft- Indies. 2. From Java and
Surinam. 3. I'rom the Canary
and Madeira iflands.
Ufed for making foye.* or In-
dian ketchup. See Kiempff,
Ainoenitat.
Grows in Sumatra.
In Ceylon, Guadaloupe, and ia
mod of our newly ceded
iflands.
In Japan, and in Sumatra, now
in England in the green houics
* The method of preparing Eaft-India foy?, or India ketchup.
Take a certain meafiire, for inllance a gallon, of that fort of kidney beans,
called daidiu by the Japanefe, and caravances by the Europeans; let them be
boiled till they ;»re foft ; alfo a gallon of bruilcd wheat or barley, but wheat
makes the blackell foye, and a gallon of'comuion fait. Let the boiled cara- aiices
be mixed with the bruifed wheat, and be kept covered clofe a day and a night in
a warcn place, that it may ferment ; then put the mixture of the caravances and
■wheat, together with the gallon of fait, into an earthen veffel, with two gallons
and a half of common water, and cover it up very tloi'e. Tlie next day ftir it
about well with a battering machine or mill (ruUiulnmj for feveral days, twice
or thrice a day, in order to blend it more thoroughly together. This work muft^
be continued two or three montlis, then ftrain off and prefs out the liquor, an<i
keep it up for ufe in wooden velfels; the older it is the clearer it will be, and of
fo much more value. After it is preffed out, you may pour on the remaiujng
mafs more water, then ftir it about violently, and in fome days aitcf you may
prefi out more foye.
+ The camphirc from Sumatra is greatly preferable to that of Japan ; we are
not certain wiicthcr it is from a different fpecies of tree, but it fcems well worth
TO EURO PEA N S E TTL E R S.
403
Latin Name*.
Cycas circinalis
Amyris Cii«ad-
eniis
Arundo iiambo
Anacardus Ori-
entalis
The
Englifli Names.
Saga palmi tree
True balm of
Cilead tree*
The true bam-
boo cane
Siam varnifh
tree, called
j tcnrack by
tlic Japanel'e
Obiervation«.
about London. It will gro\v
freely wbcre oranges .md le-
mons do.
In J-'Va, and the warmell parts
of the Eaft-Indies.
Lately dilcovcrcd in Arabia bv
Dr. FvJifkall, and dclcribcd
by Dr. Linna;us in a Ltc dil-
(ertation.
Of great ufe in China, and
might be alio in the Aiueiican
Statcs.t
I'he fruit of this is the Malacca
bean, or maiki'ng nut, and the
Oriental anacardium of the
fhops. This i-s the common
varnilb of the Eaft-Indies, as
defcribed by Kjempfler.
From Japan and China. See
Ka^mpff. Aniccnitates, p. to.J
inquiring iBlo, as thf efFefts of proportionable ijuantitks in'medicinc art- fuf-
^rifmgly different, perhaps it maybe owing to the great ditrtrence of heat m
the climates.
* We have ia tlie iflaitd of Jamaica, a fancies of tree of tliis genus, called bv
LiimsL-us amyris balfamifera. Sec Species Plantarum, p. ^g5. Sir Hans Sioant-
ia his Hiftory of Jamaica, vol. II. p. 24, calls this tree lignum rhodium, from
the odoriferous fmcll of its wood when burnt, which it diffules a great way; for
which reafon he believes it to be the tres that afforded the agreeable {cent w^jich
Columbus perceived an the fouth fhore of Cuba, upon the difcovery of that
idand, as is mentioned by leveral hitlorians. Dr. Pat. Browne in hit Hiflory of
Jamaica, p. ga8. calls this tree white candlewood, nr rnfewood, and com-
mends it much; lie fays it is very refmcms, burns freely, and affords a moft
agreeable fmell ; and that all the parts of this tree are full of warm and acroma-
tic particle*. — Qarre. Whether it is not worth while to cxu-act the balfam, as
it agrees fo near in character and genus v.ith that jiioii valuable drug the ball'am
of Mecca ?
f The French had brought this moft ufeful plant from the Eaft-Indics to
their Weit-India iilauds j a few roots have been got from thence to Greuiida,
and will perhaps in time become familiar in our illands. But too much pains
cannot be tit.en in the propagation of this plant, as its ufes are manifold and ex-
acnfive, botb in building, and all kinds of domcftic iuib-uments.
X It is affcrtcd by fome people, that the green tea and the boliea tea are tw<»
^iS'erent fpecies, but without foundation ; they are one and tlic fame fpL-ties. It
is the nature of the Coil, the culture and manner of gDihering and dryiu" the
leaves, that makes the difference ; for take a green tea tree and plant it in the bo-
hea country, and it will produce bohea tea, and lb the contrary. This is a f^ft'
attefted by gentlemen now in London, that have relidcd many years in China
an>d who have had great e.xperience in tbis article — This plant h&s been lately ob-
tained, aftd grows well in Georgia, <5cc. as it is become a valuibic artf.le of
sonnincrce, i: Ihould be encouraged to the utmo^
3 F is
404
GENERAL INFORMATION^
Latin Namfs. f
Gardenia Flo-
rida
Englifh Names.
Umky of the
Chinele
Magnifera In-
dica
Mows papyri-
fera
Cinchona offici-
nalis
Dordcnia con-
tray erva
Smilix farfapa
rilla
Copaifera offici-
nalis
Toluifera halfa-
mum
Hymcnea cour
baril
Eaft-India man-
eo tree
Paper mulberry
tree
Jcfuits
tree
bark
Contrayerva
root
Sarfapariila root
Balfam copaiva
tree
Ballam tolu
tree
The locuft, or
gum copal
tree, for the
fined tranf-
parent Vur-
nifh
Obfervations.
Ufed in dying fcarlct in China.
The pulp that furrounds the
feeds, gives in warm water a
mofl excellent yellow colour,
inclining to orange. See Phi-
lolophical Tranla^ions, vol.
lii. p. '654, where there is an
exaft figure of it.
This excellent fruit is much
efteemed in the Eaft-Indies,
and it is laid there is a tree of
it now growing in the ifland
of Madeira. By the defcrlp-
tion which Dr. Solander gives
of this fruit, at Rio Janeiro, in
Brazil^ it is not lo good as the
Eafk-India fort.
Ufed for making paper in China
and Japan. See Kismpff.
Amoenit. p. 467. This has
been fome time in the Englifh
gardens.
This grows at Loxa, in the pro-
vince of Peru : and could it
be obtained lo as to be culti-
vated in the American States,
would he of infinite advan-
tage.
This grows in New Soain, Mexi-
co, and Peru.
It is brought from the bay of
Campeachy, and the gulph of
Honduras, where it grows in
plenty, and might eafily be
propagated in the foutheru
States.
In Brazil and Martinico.
This tree grows near Carthagena,
in South-America.
This tree is known to yield the
true gum copal, and that the
difference between this and
gum anime, may be owing to
foil and heat of climate ; it
grows wild in the American
ifiands, the Mulquito (liore,
and in Terra Jnmao
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.' \fxs-_
Latin Names. f nglifli names. Obfervati«ns.
Jalapium offici- True jalap
narum
Blxa orellana
Arnotto, for dy-
ing
Mimofa Senegal Gum Senegal
tree
Mimofa Nilotica
Ficusfycomorus
Ij^icus Carica
Vitis apyrena
Fraxinis ornus
Gum arable
True fycamore
of Zacheus
Turkey figs
Currants, or Co-
rinthian grapes
Calabrian man-
na afh*
Amygdalus
communis
Capparisfpinofa
Sweet almonds
Caper tree
This plant is fuppofed by fome
to be a kind of bindweed or
convolvulus, that grows near
Mexico ; by others it is tho't
to be a fpecies of Marvel of
Peru. As we are uncertain of
the genus, it is well worth in-
3uinng into, as a mod uleful
rug, in order to propagate it
in the States, particularly the
loutljern.
This grows in all the warm cli-
mates of America. The French
cultivate it, but what the Spa-
niards fend is much richer in
colour, and more valuable.
This grows in Egypt, and in Se-
negal.
In Egypt, from whence the
feeds may be procured.
This is reckoned the moft du-
rable timber known. The
repofitories of the mummies
found in Egypt, are made of
this timber.
Figs grow in the grcateft perfec-
tion in Carolina, and would
become a valuable trade ii
they had the method of cur-
ing them as in Turkey.
The cuttings of this vine might
be procured from Zant.
This is worth trying in the
fouthern colonies, where the
heats are violent in the Iwm-
mer. It is common in Eng-
lifli nurfery gardens.
Thcfe would grow to great pcr-
fe6lion in the fouthern States,
This fhrub requires a rocky foil
to grow in, as it is found about
Marleilles and Toulon.
* There is no drug fo liable to adduUcration as tliis ; and therefore it is a
Biedicine fo frequently in ufe among per font of tender conflitutions, cfpecially
>oung children, great care Ihould be taken to have it genuioc^
4o6 GENERAL INFORMATION'
Latin Name*. i Enslidi Names. 1 Obfervations.
Punica grana-
tum*
Lichen roccell:
Ciftus ladanife-
ra
Bubon galba-
num
Paflinaca opo-
ponax
Amomum car-
damomum
Curcuma longa
Aftragalus tra-
gacantha
Cucumis coly
' cintKis
Gentiana lutea
Similax China
Pimpinella anl-
fum
Gambogia gutta
Qucrcus cocei-
fepa
Myrrha offic.
Benzionum
offic.
Ammuniacum
ofilc.
Baliaraum Peru-
vian um
Olibavuim Thus
malcalum
Balauftians orjThis tree would thrive extrcme-
the bkifToms ly well in the iouthern States,
of the double and yield a profitable article in
flowering 1 their blofioins. Plants of this
pomegranate j kind are to be bought from moft
IEnglifli nurferymeii.
It is poiTible this valuable plant
vTtLu, yjx wi . may be found in the American
chell ifiands, as well as in the Ciua-
ries and Cape Verd iflands.
Gum labdanum I" Spain and the ArchipcLigo,
Gum galbanum
Gum opoponax
Cardamums
Tumerick
Gum traga-
canth, or gum
dragon
CoIoquintida,ori'In Africa
bitter apple
In Ethiopia,
In Sicily.
In the Eafl IndicvS.
In the Eaft-Indies.
In the fouth of France and in
Sicily.
Genti^
China root
Anile (eeds
Gamboge
Alkermes oak
Gum myrrh
Gum Benjamin
Gum ammoni-
ac um
Natural balfam
of Peru
Frank incenfe
In the Alps, Appennines, and
Pyrenees. To be had of the
nurlerymen in Englind.
In China and in New-Spain,
In Egypt.
In the Eaft-Indics,
About Marleilles and Toulonp
In Abyffinia.
In Sumatra and Java,
In Africa.
In Peru,
In the Upper Egypt and interior
I parts of Africa,
* The Cmglf fiowfrlng, or fruit-bearing; pomegranate, will afford the moft
grateful addition to the fruits of the Stales, and a valuable mcdicin*. The vipe
fruit full of feeds ijS to be met with at the Englifh fruit fhops in thf winter if^
fon ; from the feeds of fuch fruit this tree may be cafily propagated.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.
4<h
f
Latiu Names. | Englifn Names.
Nux mofchala
offic.
CMiyo^hylus
aiDmalicuS
piper nigrum
Garciniamong^-
ftona
Lechee
Ipecacuanha
Ferula affa foe
tida
Nutmegs with
mace
Cloves
Pepper
Afangoftcens
Lechee of Chi
na
Ipecacuanha of
the fhops, oi
Brazilian root
Affa feet I da, or
devil's dung,
called hing in
the. Malay lan-
guage
ObfcrratioB*.
1 Amboyna.
.a the M./lacca iilands,
Sumatra.
.\ moil delicious fruit, grows in"
Java, and in leveial parts of
the Eaft-Indics.
This fruit is highly commendetl
by all perlons who have been
in China.
A very uleful medicine, and
worthy of attention to propa-
gate ; it will grow in any
warm climate.
The gum of this plant is much
ufed in medicine. KaempfF,
535 ^"'i 536.
To this catalogue may be added liquorice, faffron, and aloe*
focotrina, as well as many others of equal importance.
We fhall here fuhjoin lome direclions for carrying over feeds
and plants fiom diflant countries in a flate of vegetation.
Many valuable trees and plants grow in diflant countries, as in
Europe, and particularly in the northern provinces of China,
about the latitude of forty degrees, which would thrive well
in North-America, more elpeeially in the middle and foulhern
States, which lie about the fame latitude. But as the dillancc
is great, the manner of preferving the feeds properly, fo as to
keep them in a Hate of vegetation, is an affair of confiderable
conlequence and fome difficulty ; the following hints are there-
fore oifcrcd for that purpofc.
In the firft place it ou-ijht to be carefully attended to, that
the feeds fhoulJ be perfectly ripe when they are gathered ;
and they Ihould be g-.thered, if poffible, in dry weather ; after-
wards they fliould be (pread thi-n on paper or matts, in a dry
aiiy room, but nut in lunlhine. The time neceifaiv for this
operation will vary according to the heat of the climate, or
fealon of the year, from a fortnight to a month, or perhaps two
may be ueceilary : the hotter the feafoi., the lefs -time will fuf-
ftce. This is to cjiry off" their fuperlluous moifture, which, if
•%i8 GE'NERAL INFOkMA Tt&N
confined, would imrfiediately turn to mouldinefs, and end iti
rottennefs.
As there are two methods that have lucceeded, and put the
Americans in poffeflion of leveral young plants of the true
tea-tree of China, we fhall mention them both, in order to
aflifl the colleftor in conveying the feeds of many valuable
plants.
The firfh is by covering them with bees-wax in the manner
fcxplained in Phil. Tranfaft. vol. lviii. p. -75.
It principally conlifks in chuhng only luch feeds as are per».
feftly found and ripe. To prove this, fome of them mud be
cut open to judge what fituation the reft may be in, taking
care to lay afide any that are outwardly defeftive, or marked
with the wounds of infefts. When a proper choice of them
is made, they fhould be wiped extremely clean, to prevent any
dirt or moifture being inclofed ; each feed then fliould be rolled
up carefully in a coat of foft bees-wax half an inch thick ; the
deep yellow Englifli bees-wax is the beft. When the number
intended to be inclofed are covered, pour fome bees-wax melted
into a chip-box of feven inches long, four broad, and three
deep, till it is above half full ; and juft before it begins to har-
den, while it is yet fluid, put in the feeds rolled up in rows
till the box is near full ; then pour over them fome more wax
while it is juft fluid, taking care when it is cold to ftop all the
cracks or chinks that may have proceeded from the fhrinking of
the wax, with fome very foft wax ; then put on the cover of
the box, and keep it in as cool and airy a place as poflible.
The method of inclofing tea feeds fingly in wax, and bring-
ing them over in that ftate, has been praftifed for fome time ;
but few have fucceeded, owing to the thinnels of the coat
of wax, or putting paper firft round them, or inclofing them
too moift.
To this we add a method that promifes fuccefs for carrying
plants from difl'erent parts. As there is a good deal of dilfer-
ence in climates, it will be necelfary to obferve, that plants
from warm climates fliould be put on board fo as to arrive in
warm weather, otherwile they will be deftroyed by the cold ;
and the ever-grcens, which are the moft curious, muft be fent
in the winter months, while their juices are inaftive, fo as to
arrive before the heits come on. If the plants fent were plant-
ed in pots or boxes, and kept a year, they might be carried
©ver with very little hazard; or even if they were firft tranf-
planted from the woods into a garden, till they had formed
roots, they might be fent with much more fafety.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 409
The (ize of the boxes that will be moft convenient for {low-
ing them on board merchant fliips, where there is very little
room to fpare, Ihould be three feet long, fifteen inches broad,
and frotTi eighteen inches to two feet deep, according to the
fize of the young trees; but the fmallell will be moft likely
to fuccecdj provided they are well rooted. There mud be a
narrow ledge nailed all round the Infide of the box, within fix
inches of the bottom, to fallen Inths or packthread to form a
kind of lattice-work, by which the plants may be the better
lecA.ired in their places. If the plants are packed up juft before
the fhip fails, it will be fo much the better.
"VVhen they are dug up, care mull be taken to preferve as
much earth as can be about their roots ; and if it fliould fall oflF,
it mull be i'upplied with more eartli, fo as to form a ball about
tliC roots of eacli plant, which mud be furrounded with wet
mofs, end carefully tied about with packthread, to keep the
earth about tlie roots moid: perhaps it may be neceffary to in-
dole the mofs with fome paper or broad leaves, that the pack-
tluead may bind the mois the clofer. Loamy earth will con-
tinue moid the longed. There mull be three inches deep of
wet niols put into the bottom of the box, and the young trees
placed in rows upright dole to each other, duffing wet mofs in
the vacancies between them and on the luiface ; over this, leaves
Ihould be put to keep in the moiftuie, and over them the
laths are to be fadened crofs and crols to the ledges or pack-
threads to be laced to and fro, to keep the whole deady and
tight. The lid of the box fliould be either nailed down dole,
or may have hinges and a padlock to iecure it from being open-
ed, as may be found neceilary, with proper directions marked
on it to keep the lid uppermod. There mud be two handles
fixed, one at each end, by which means there will be lefs dan-
ger of didurbingthe plants. Near the upper part of the ends
of the box there mud be leveral holes bored to give air; or, in
making the bpx, there may be a narrow vacancy left between
the boards of one-third of an inch wide, near the top, to let
out the foul air ; and perhaps it may be necellary to nail along
the upper edge of thele openings, lid. or dips of fail-cloth, to
hang over them, to Iecure the plants from any fpray of the fea ;
and at the fame time it will not prevent the air from pading
through. Boxes with plants packed in this manner mufl be
placed where the air is free, that is, out of the way of the foul
air of the fliip's hold.
The following method of prefcrving feeds from turning ran-
cid fiom their long confinement, and the heat of the clunates
3 G
410 yGENERAL INFORMATION
which they may pafs through, was communicated feme year^ ffgo
by the celebrated profefTor Linnaeus, of Upfal, in Sweden.
He advifes, that each fort of feed fhould be put up in feparatc
papers, with fine fand among them, to abforb any moifture *
dried, loamy or foapy earth may be tried. Thefe papers, he fays,
ftiould be packed clofe in cylindrical glafs, or earthen velTels,
and the mouths' covered over with a bladder, or leather tied faft
Jound the rims. He then dircfts that thefe vefiels, with the
feeds in them, iliould be put into other velTcls, which fhould
be fo large, that the inner veffel may be covered on all fideSj for
the {pace of two inches, with the following mixture of ialts.
Half common culinary lalt ; the other half to confifl of two
parts of faltpetre, and one part of fal-ammoniac, both reduced
to a powder, and all thoroughly mixed together, to be placed
about the inner vettel, rather moid than dry. This he calls a
fcfrigeratory, and fays, it will keep the feeds cool, and hinder
putrefiftion. Perhaps if frnall tight boxes, or calks or bottles
of feeds were inciofed in cafks full of falts, it might be of the
fame ufe, provided the fnlts do not get at the feeds : and as
fal-ammoniac may not be eafily met \vith, half common fait, and
t^ie other half laltpetre, or common fa!t alone, might anfwer the
fame end. But it would be very neceffary to try both methods,
to know whecher the latter would anfwer the purpofc of the
former, as it would be attended with much lefs trouble, and
might prove a uleful method to feedfmcn, in fending feeds
to warm climates,
^he fmallcfl feeds being very liatle to lofe their vegetative
power by long voyages through warm climates, it may be
worth while to try the following experiment tipon luch kinds
as are known for certain to be lound. Dip fome Iquare pieces
of cotton cloth in melted wax, and while it is foft and almoft,
cold, drew the furface of each piece over with each fort of
fmall feed, then roll them up tight, and inclofe each roll in
fome foft bees-v/ax, wrapping up each of them in a piece of
paper, with the name of the leed on it ; thefe may i^e cither
furrounded as before with Ialts, or packed without the Ialts in
a box, as is mod convenient.
The feeds of many of the fmall fucculent fruits may be
carried from very diftant parts, by prelFing them together,
fqueezing out their watery juices, and drying them in fmall
cakes gradually, that they may become hard ; they may be then
wrapt up in white writing paper, not fpongy, as this is apt to
attraft and retain moifture ; but we believe it will be found,
that a covering of wa.x ^vill be better than one of paper.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 4^*
The Alpine ftrawberry was firft fent to England in a letter
from Turin to Henry Baker, E(q. F. R. S. by prelling the
pulp with the feeds thin upon paper, and letting it dry before
they were inclofed. The paper mulberry from China was
brought to England about the year 1754, much in the fame
manner.
Thefe hints may prompt to try the larger fucculent fruits ;
for inftance, the mangoes, lechees, and others of this kind,
if their flefliy part, when they are very ripe, was brought to
the cojififtence of raifins or dried figs, it would keep their
kernels plump, and in this ftate they might be better preierved
in wax than by any other method yet known. The lame me-
thod may be ta'ied for flower feeds and other ornamental plants
for gardens, which have been but li'tle attended to in the
United States, and which therefore an European (hould furnifh
himfelf with if he means to refide in tiae country part of the
Union; the fame attention may be neccffary to flones and kei>
nels of choice European fruits.
METHOD O? CLEARING AND CULTirAXlNG NEW lANDS,
Several methods of raifing a crop on new land have been
praftifed in the New-England States; the caGcft and cheapeft
was origiuaily learned of the Indians, who never looked very
far forward in their improvements : the method is that of gird-
ling the trees, which is done by making a circular incifion
through the bark, and leaving them to die Handing: this opera-
tion is perform.ed in the fummer, and the ground is Town in
Au^uft, in general with winter rye, interniixed with grafs.
The next year the trees do not put forth leaves, and the land
having yielded a crop, becomes fit for pafluie. This method
helps poor fettlers a little the firft year; but the inconvenience
of it is, that if the trees are left {landing, they are continually
breaking and falling with the wind, which endangers the lives
of cattle; and the ground being conflantly encumbered by the
falling trees, is kis fit for mowing ; io that if the labour be
not eS'eftually done at once, it muJi be done in a fucceffion of
time.
Some have fuppojid, that the earth, being not at once, but
by degrees expofed to the fun, preierves its moifturc, and does
not become To hard; but the experience of the bed hufband-
men has exploded this opinion. The more able fort of huf-
bandmen in the New-England States, therefore, chufe .the me-
thod of clearing the land at firft, by cutting down all the trees
without exception. The mofl eligible time for this opcratioa
3 G s
412 GENERAL INFORMATION'
is the month of June, when the fap is flowing and the leaves
arc formed on the trees : thefe leaves will not drop from the
fallen trees, but remain till the next year, when, being dry, they
help to fpread the fire, which is then fet to the trees. This is
done in the firft dry weather of the lucceeding fpring, and
generally in May ; but if the ground be too dry, the fire will
burn deep and greatly injure the ioll. There is therefore need
of judgment to determine when the wood is dry enough to
burn, and the foil wet enough to refift the aftion of the fire ;
much depends on getting what is called a good burn^ to prepare
the ground for planting. To inlure this; the fallen trees arc
cut and piled, and the larger the pile the better chance there is
for its being well burned. But if the land be intended for
pafture only, the trees are cut down, and after the fire has de-
flroyed the limbs, grafs is Town, and the trunks of the trees are
left to rot, which, in time, turn to good inanure, anci the paf-
ture is durable.
Some hufb.andmen prefer felling trees in the winter, or very
early in the fpring, before the inow is gone. The advantage of
this method is, that there are fewer fhoots from the fhumps of
the felled trees, than if they are cut in the fummer ; thcfe {hoots
encumber the ground, and mud be cut out of the way or de-
flroyed by fire. The difadvantage of cutting trees iji the win-
ter is, that they will not dry fo foon, nor burn fo well, as thofe
«:ut in the fummer with the leaves on : belides, the month of
June is a time when not only the trees are cilieft t& be cut, but
the feed js in the ground, and people can better attend to this
labour, than when they are preparing for their fpring work, or
have no't finiflied their winter employments : the days too are
then at their greatcd lengih, and more labour can be done in
the courfe of a day : this labour, however, is often paid for by
the acre jather than by the day ; and the price of felling an
acre is from one to two d(;liais, according to the number and
fize of the trees.*
The burning o* trees generally dePcroys the limbs and fmaller
trunks; the larger logs aic left fcorthcd on the ground, and
fometimes ferve to lence the field. After the fiie has had its
efFcft, and is fucceeded by rain, tJien is the time for planting.
No plough is ufed, nor is it pofljbie for one to pals among the
roots and flumps, but hole;; are made with a hoe in the loofa
foil ar^d afhes, in which, the leed being dropped and covercflj
*' Belknap's Hiftory of Nevv-HaBipfliiff.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 413
is left to the prolific hand of nature, 1:0 other culture bcin»
neceirary or prafticable, but the cutting of the fircweed, which
Ipontaneoufly grows on all burnt land. This fircweed is an
annual plant, with a lucculent ftalk and long jaoaed leaf; it
grows to the height of five or fix feet, according to the ftrength
of the afhos : it bears a white flower, and has a wintred feed
which is carried every where by the wind, but never vegetates,
except on the afhes of burnt wood; it exhaufis the ground and
injures the fii ft crop, if it be not fubducd, but after the fecond
year dilappears. About the fecond or third year another weed,
tailed pigeonberry, fucceeds the fiteweed, and remains till the
grais overcomes it : it riles to tlic height of three feet, fpreads
much at .the top, and bears bunches of black berries, on which
pigeons feed.
When the trees are burnt later in the fummer, wheat or rye
is fown, mixed with the feeds of grais, on the new land ; the
feed is icattered on the furface, and raked in with a wooden or
iron tooth-rake, or a hoe. The hufbandman kiTows on what
kind of land to expcft a crop from this mode of culture, and
is ieldom dilappointed. Sometimes a crop of Indian corn is
raifed the firft year, and another of rye or \\'heat the fecond
year, and the land is fown with grals, which will turn it into
pafture, or be fit for mowing, the third year. The firfh crop,
in lome land, and the two firft crops in any good land, wilL
repay the expenie of all the labour. It is not an uncommon
thing for people, who are ufed to this kind of liufbandiy, to
b.ring a tra^l of wildernels into grafs for the two fii ft crops, the
owner being at no expenfe but that of felling the trees and
purch^mg the grals leed, . Many hufbandmcn in the old towns
buy lots of new land, and get them cleared and brought into
grals in this way, and pafture great numbers of cattle ; the feed
is excellent, and the cattle are loon fatted for the market.
Hufbandmen differ in their opinions concerning the advan-
tages of tilling their new land the lecond year ; loinc iuppole,
that mixing and ftirring the earth does it more good than the
crop inju;es it : others lay, that one ciop is lufficicnt before
the land is laid down to grais ; and that if it be lown with grain
and gials, as loon as it is cleared, the large crops of grals which
follow, will more than compenlate for one crop of grain.
When the leeding with grafs is ncgleftcd, tlie giojnd becomes
xnolTy and hard, and niuft be plouglicd before it will receive
feed. Land thus itjwn will not produce grals lo plentilully as
tjjat which is feeded immediately after the ii;c has run over it :
414 GENERAL INEORMATION
befides, this neglefted land is generally overfprcad with cherry
trees, rafpberry bufhcs, and other wild growth, to fubdue
which much additional labour is required. In good land, the
firft crops of hay are, on an average, a ton to an acre. That
land which is intended for mowing, and which takes the com-
mon grafs well at firft, is ieldom or never ploughed afterwards ;
but where clover is Town, it muft be jiloughed and fceded every
fourth or fifth year: good land, thus managed, will average
two tons of clover to the acre.
Such is the procefs of clearing and cultivating lands in the
New-England States, for a further view of the produftions of
which the reader is referred to the hiftory of thole States.*
A few additional remarks, however, may be neceilary on the
fubjeft of tree fruit. Thefe States are certainly too far north
to have it in perfection, t. e. of the firft quality, without par-
ticular attention. New-York, New-Jerlcy and Pcnnlylvania,
have it in perfe£lion. Depart from that traft, either iouthward
or northward, and it degenerates. We believe, however, that
good fruit might be produced even in New-Hampfliire, with
fuitable attention : a proof of this is, that (ometiraes they have
it. In theorizing on the fubje6L three things appear to us
particulaily ncccfl'ary, all which are totally negleftcd by the
generality of Am.erican hufbandmen. The irji, after procuring
thrifty young trees of the beft kinds, and grafting fuch as
require it» is to chuie a fituation for them, where they may-
have the advantage of a warm rich foil, and be well fheltered
from the chilling blafts of the ocean. The /tcond is to keep the
trees free from fuperfluous branches, by a frequent ufe of the
pruning hook, and the earth always loolc about their roots.
The t/iird is to def^iid the trees from infefts, particularly thofe
which by feeding on the fruit render it fmall and knotty, as
we frequently find apples and pears; or by depofiting their
eggs in the embryo, occafion its falling < ff before it comes to
jnaturity, as is obfervable in the various kinds of plums. But
sjrioft of the farmers go on in the path traced out by their an-
ceftors, and are generally averie to making experiments, the
refult of which is uncertain, or to adopting new modes of huf-
bandry, the advantages of which are in the fmallcft degree pro-
hlematical. There are few cultivators among thciu who »heO-
j-ii.e, and ilill fewer \\ ho read and think.
■■■ ■ * Ve!, n.
TO EU ROPEAN SETTLERS, 415
In the middle States, when a fettler fixes on a fpot of land,
t\'hich he uiually buys, paying for it in g;tles, his firft care is to
cut down a few trees to build his log-'ioufe. A man can cut.
down and lop from twenty to thirty in a day of the fize proper
for the purpofe. Thele form the walls of the building. In
general, the log cabins of this kind are fuch as half a dozen
men will cafily fiiiilh in three or four days. Ten guineas worth
of labour thus einyloyed, will lodge a family quite as com-
fortable as in the better kind of cottages in England.
He then proceeds to grub the land, i. e. to tcike up the fmall
(Trees, Ihoots, and underwood, by the roots : thefc are burnt
■Mpon the ground.. In a general way this may be contrafted for
at aboi»t twenty {hillings an acre. It is generally reckoned to
cofh ufually five days woik of a man to whom, as it is very hard
work, the pay is three fliillings a day, finding him in viftuals,
and allowing him a dram of whifkey morning and evening.
The price of this kind of work will eahly be conceived tc)
vary according to circumftances. Where land is heavily tim-
bered with trees of two or three feet diameter, as it is about
the heads of the creeks, and on the ifiands of the Sufque-
hannah, the underwood is in fmall proportion, but tJie expenfe
of clearing much greater.
The land being grubbed, the trees immediately about the
houfe are cut down, and for the prefent another portion is
girdled only. This procefs, deflroying the vegetation of the
branches, lets in the light and «ir fufficiently to enfure a crop
the next feafon. The trees cut down are fplit into a kind of
rail for fences, which are irnde by laying thcfe pieces angular-
wife one on the top of another, to the height of fix or feven in
number, much in the lame way as the logs of a houfe are laid
on each other, but flanting in alternate direftions. A pofb and
rail fence is not tliought of till fome years afterwards. In ne^w
land, after grubbing and girdling, i. e. taking up the under-
wood, and cutting through tlie bark of the larger trees in a
circle all round tlie trunk, which prevents the leaves frora
growing next iealon ; he plows about two inches and a half
deep, then acro'.s; then lows the feed ind harrows it. Upor\
the average of his land, his crop of wheat is not above twelve
bulhels per acre ; of oats fr^m fifteen- to twenty.*
* In Enoland we apprehend, tlie average wlieat crop per ftatute acre is at leaft
twenty bulhels. The average of the Ifle of Wight in 1793, was at lead tliirty-
five bufhels. The average of the whole State of fcnnfyJvania cannot b^ reck-
oned at above ten or twelve. Maryland the fame. This is owing to the negleft
of manures, to the repeated working of the fame greuad with crops of grain till
4i6' GENERAL INFORMATION
The trees cut down are never rooted up. The value of diC
land gained will not pay the expenfe of doing this. They arc
cut off about eighteen inthes or two feet from the ground. The
lide roots are obftruflions to the plough for about two years,
when they are completely rotted. The flumps in New-York
and Pennfylvania States do not rot away completely under ten
years ; in \^rginia and Maryland this happens in about feven.
It appears, that by cutting off the tree a few inches below the
furface of the ground, and covering the (lump with mould, the
expenfe would not be much increaled, the deformity, which is
indeed a great one in an American landfcapc, would be prevent-
ed, and the procefs of putrefaftion accelerated. We never
heard of but one perfon, Lord Stilling in New-Jerfey, who had
his trees rooted up ; and we are inclined to think it was done
at an expenfe much beyond the convenience gained.
The expenfe of clearing heavily timbered land is confider-
able, fometimes to the amount of five and fix pounds per acre
but the great fertility of this kind of land affords ample recom-
pence. In general the whole expenl'e is not forty fjiillings an
acre. One-half or two-thirds of the expenfe of clearing land
in New-York State is repaid by the pot-afh obtained in burning
the wood. In Pennfylvania, and the fouthern States, the back
fettlers arc not fo much in the prnftice of this ufeful method.
The land furveyors have four pounds per thoufand acres for
furveying a tratl of land, and making return of it ; but as the
owner finds labourers and provifions, thele, with other inci-
dental expenfes, will make the cofh of furveying altogether
i.bout twenty fhillings per hundred acres.
Planters of any confequcnce frequently have a fmall diflillery
as a part of their efhablifliment. A Mr. White on the banks of
the Sulquehannah near Sunbury, has one which may fcrve as a
fpecimen of this kind : he has two ftills, the one holding fixty
the other one hundred and fifteen gallons. To a bulliel and a
half of rye coarfely ground, he adds a gallon of inalt and ;^a
handful of hops ; he then pours on fifteen gallons of hot water,
and lets it remain four hours, then adds fixteen gallons and a
half more of hot water, making together a barrel of thirty-one
it will b?ar no morr, and to the very flight labour they bellow upon their tillage.
It mull be confider^d alfo, that much of the land is occupied by the lUunps of
trees not rotted, and never grubbed up.
But though in America lefs grain is produced per acre than in England, they
get more per man. There, land is plentiful and labour fcarcc. In En;^land it
is the reverie. Hence the accuracy of ilritifk, and careleiTnefs of American-
cultivation
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 417
gallons and a half; this is fermented with about two quarts of
yea ft. In fuinmer the fersnentation hfls four days, in winter
fix •, of this wafli he puts to the amount of a hogfliead in the
larger ftiU, and draws off about fifteen gallons of weak fpirit,
which is afterward reftified in the imaller ft.iU, feldom more than
once. One bufhel of rye will produce about eleven quarts of
falcable whifkey, v/hich fetches per g^illon four fliillinos and fix-
petice by the barrel. Wiiifkcy m England isulually a Ipiril drawn
from oats. The rye produces the bafis of gin.
We have no doubt but barley could be well grown, and well
malted and brewed, in almoit any part of America ; and beer
might be more generally introduced. The Aineriican imail beer,
as well as the porter, is at preient very good ; and as there is
no exciie upon rnalt, nor upon malt-liquor -, as grain is cheap,
and the materials of a brewery to be had for little or nothing, it
is rt^ther furprifing that breweries are not more generally efta-
blilhed.
The beft view of the hufbandry of the middle Str>tes, and the
cleareft ideas on thefubjfft. may be obtained from oblervations
on a farm of a medium extent — luch ^ one occurs at Paxtang, in
the State of Pennfylvania, in the poffeffion of a Mr. M'AUifter,
a fpirited and intelligent farmer; and as his place will afford a
favourable fpecimen of an American plantation, we fliall detail
his eftablifhment.
His /i2?'TO is about three hundred acres, near the river ; a fandy
foil, earlier ir vegetation by ten days or a fortnight than the
higher lands at a diftance. About one third of this quantity is
in cultivation, the reft in wood.
Tl.e rotation of his crops are grain ; then clover mown twice
the firft year, and once the fecond year. In autumn, it is turned
in, and grain again, ot lome kind, iown upon the lame land.
He manures for his crops either witli dung, with afhes, or with
plaifter of Paris. It does not appear that he has any fyftem of
proportion between cattle and land, for the purpofe of procuring
a regular fupply of manure. The plaifter of Paris he procures
in the ftone from Philadelphia, formerly at feven, now at twelve
dollars per ton: he grinds it at home; one ton yields twenty-
fourbufhels. The French plaifter'of Paris is much the beft; the
Nova-Scotia pLiifter is not io good. It will not anlwer at all as
a manure upon wet lands, but anfvvers well on hot I'andy foils
which it prclerves moifter than they would otherwiie be during
the heats of fummer. He lows the plai/fter in powder with cio-
. ver, five or fix buflieis to the acre.
3 H
4ig GENERAL I]^ FORMATION
His average produce is of wheat and rye about twenty-three
bufl-icls to the acre, corn, (maize) and oats about thirty bufhels.
Weight of a bufhel of wheat from fixty pounds, which is the
market weight, to fixty-five pounds; of rye about fifty-erght
pounds ; oats about thirty-five pounds ; corn, the white flint
Icind Town the firft week of May, about fixty pounds per bufhel.
The gourd-feed, maize, yields larger crops, but it is a late
grain^
By means of his plaifler manure he obtains at two mowings,
per annum, three ton and a half of hay per acre. The hay is
ready to be (tacked ufually the day after it is cut.
His prices of produce and labour are to hufbandmen twenty-
five pounds a year, with board, wafhing, and lodging ; or fix
dollars a month, or two fiiillings and fix-pence a day in common,
and three fhillings in harvefi; time. For mowing an acre he pays
three fiiillings, finding viftuals and a pint of whifky, or four
and fix-pence without finding any thing elfe. Women in reap-
ing have as much wages as men, but at bay-making only fifteen-
pence a dav, and their viftuals. The price of wheat is fix fiiil-
iings and fix-pence a bufhel ; maize three fiiillings and nine-
pence ; rye four to five fhillings ; oats two to two fhillings and
fix-pence ; buck-wheat two fhillings and fix-pence ; falted pork
thirty-three fhiliings per cwt.
His ploughs are the common light ploughs' of the country.
I>rill ploughs are little in ufe : in mofi; parts, the flumps of trees
would prevent their being ulcd. He has rejefted the hoe-
plough : firfi:, becaule he finds it cuts off too many of the young
fibres of the plants ; and fecondly, becaufe the land is too dry to
require the furrow. In lieu of the hoe, he harrows the ground,
without re-garding the grain, fo as to lay it quite flat and deftrcy
the ridge and furrow. This, he f^ys, has been the praftice in the
neighbourhood for two years pafl, with fuccels.
\n feeding his cattle, he makes it a rule to give them as much
as they will eat. The cows, befides clover-hay, and Timothy-
hay, have potatoes mixed with ground Indian corn, and the wafh
of the diftillery. The hogs the lame. His cows, however,
even in fpring do not yield above five or fix quarts of milk at
a meal. Here, as almoft every where in America, Indian corn is
the food the of the poultry.
Inllead of the chaff-Cutting machine, which be now ufes, he
propoles to bruife the hav between two miil-ftones, of which
the edges come contaft : he has tried this in a finall way, and
finds the hay much better and more expcditioufly cut tiian by
the chaff cutter.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 419
His fences are partly the common flake fence of the country,
which we have before drfcribefl, of wood Iplit into lengths of
lix or feven feet, and three or four inclics Icantling, and laid
upon each other angular-wife: partly a chcvaux de fiize fence
of wood liuck in the ground, and partly the common poft and
rail fence. He has tried thorn and privet hedges without fuc-
cefs. He then turned his attention to the prickly locufl as aia
iindigenous plant of the country- Tlic leeds of this tree are
contained in a pod like a bean, and it is extremely common in
Pennlylviuiia. He ran a furrow with a plough about two or three
inches de£p, round his orchard, drilling in the leeds nnd cover-
ing them ; but from the want of a ridge being previoully tlirowra
up, lome heavy rains, which fucceeded in about ten days, waflied
away a great many of the iceds, and rendered the fence incom-
plete. Thole flanding are about four years old, from the leed.
They arc as thick as a man's arm, at about a" foot from the
ground, and eight or nine feet high ; and h.id tlicy been dubbed,
would have been a very complete ft^nce, but the rains having
fpoiled the firft plan, he neglcftcd them. The one-year (hoots
of the locuft-tree laid along the furrow^ would have thrown out
fprouts. Perliaps this would be the caficft method of planting
them for a hedge. M'Allifi,er lays, that were he to go i^pon a
new farm, of a thoufand acres for inftancc, of uncleared land,
his firft objcft Ihould be to cut a road of about two rood in width
all round the eiUte. The heavy wood he would cut up for
fences or fire wood, or luch other purpofes as it might be fit for ?
the brufh wood he would lay in two piles on each iide this new
road : between thele he would fov/ or plant locuft, and by the
time the brufh wood was rotten, the locuft would be a fence.
The next operation fhould be to plant an orchard, and ere£l a
faw mill. Thcfe ideas appear to be judicious.
His garden produces very fine grapes and ftiawberries. The
drv fandy land there leems well adapted to the cultuie of the
vine. A German in his neighbourhood, who polfeiles a very
fmall farm, has made every year lately three or four barrels of
wine, which M'AUifter, who has tailed it. thinks very good.
He has no doubt whatever of the pra6ticability of making good
wine in Penniylvania. This agrees with other information of
perfons, who having fucceeded iu the Imall way, are planting re-
gular vinevards. Indeed there is a iocietv formed at Philadel-
phia for the promotion of the culture of vineyards, and there
does not appear the flighted obftacle to the iuccels of the at-
jiempt. Certainly the Rhine grape, which promilcs fair at Sir
42© GENERAL INFORMATION
Richard Worfley's vineyard in the Ifle of Wight, is much more
likely to fucceed in the middle and (outhern States of Americs.
M'Alliftcr's orchard contains thirty acres of ground, and one
thouiand fix hundred apple trees, part of them planted eight,
and part thirteen years ago. They are two rood, thirty-three
feet, apart. The year, 1793, was a very bad year for apples,
and he' made only fifteen barrels of cyder ; the year before he
made fix hundred barrels, and if 17Q4 proved a good year, he
expefted to make one thouiand fi'^om his orchard. He fuppofes
his trees in this cafe likely to vield (en bufliels of apples on the
average. Perhaps this is the Icaft troublelome and moil profita-
ble application of the ground. When the general appearance of
the orchard has a red tinge, the trees are healthy. Againft the
grub he ufes a decoftion of tobacco. He has leveral peach trees,
but they have not long been planted. But one plum tree of the
damafcene kind, and a few pear, or apricot, and no neftarine
trees. He gives fixpence a piece for apple and peach trees, about
three or four years old, that is fit to plant out. Peach trees grow
about the thicknefs of the thumb, and four or five feet high in
one year, from the flonc, and bear fruit in four years from the
ftone. Cyder ufually fells at ten fhillings and twelve fliillings
per barrel, of thirty-one gallons and a half, but 1793 being a bad
year, it ibid for three dollars per barrel, ?. e, thirteen Ihillings
and fix-pence fterling, one pound two fhillings and fix-pence
currency. His ryder-prels coiififts of two caft-iron cog wheels, ,
about one foot diameter, with ilanting cog?, turning vertically;
thefe he means to change for wooden wheels, owing to the action
of the acid upon the iion : they are fed with apples by a hopper ;
the motion is given by a horie moving round. The mafh of
apples thus produced, is put into a kind of cafe, and preifed
not by a icrew, but by one end of a maily beam, which is forced
down by means of the ottier end being railed by a lever. A
man deprcflfes the lever, which laifes the neareft, and depreffes
the fartheft end of the beam. Hie juice is thus forced upon a
a platform about feven feet (quare, with a groove all round, and
an outlet for the juice from one of the- grooves : the beam is
about twenty-five feet long, and about fifteen inches fquare ; the
frames in which it moves, about twenty feet high ; he lometimes
finds a difficuhy in clearing his cyder, which he has not yet
conquered. In England tliis is not an eaiy part of the proccis
nor is the beft mode of doing it fettled among the cyder makers.
In the warmer climate of America, the liquor will be ftill more
liable to ipontaneous fermentation after being once fined. The
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 421
cyder, however, of Pennfylvania, is much (uperior, in flavour
at leaft, to the Brilifli.
He has a fifli-pond of two or three acres, in which he keeps
all the kinds of tifh which the river produces. The wafte water
from the filh pond is applied to feveral purpoies, particularly to
irrigate a quantity of meadow ground at half a mile, diflance.
The Americans feem more alive to the benefit of irrigation than
any other kind of agricultural improvement.
He has a diftillery, much on the fame plan as that already no-
ticed ; it is managed by a profcfTed diftiller, who receives one
third of the ipirit produced for his trouble.
He has a fmokery for bacon, hams, &c. it is a room about
twelve feet Iquare, built of dry wood, a fire place in the middles
the roof conical, with nails in the rafters to hang meat intended
to be fmoked. In this cafe a fire is made on the floor in the
middle of the building in the morning, which it is not necefl'ary
to renew during the day : this is done four or five days fuccef-
fively. The vent for the fmoke is through the crevices of the
boards. The meat is never taken out till it is ufed. If the walls
are of ftone, or green wood, the meat is apt to mould.
His faw mill, which coft about one hundred pounds, confifts
of an underfliot water wheel, with a crank, which in its revolu-
tion moves one faw in a frame up and down. Another move-
ment is annexed, by which a ratchet wheel is puflied on, and
this moves the logs forward in a frame ; to the frame are annexed
pins, which, when the faw has paffed through the log, throws
the works in and out of geer ; one law working one thoufand
f^et a day, is as much as that neighbourhood can at preicnt keep
emoloyed, and the machinery is le(s complicated than if it worked
more faws, and is about fufficient to keep one man employed in
attending it, fupplying it with logs, and removing the planks as
they are cut. This lawyer has for wages fix-pence per one
hundred feet ; in eighteen hours the faw will cut two thoufand
two hundred feet. M'Allifl;er receives from two fiiillings to
two fiiillings and fix-pence per one hundred feet. He purchafe^
the logs from people who live up the country, and they fend
them down in rafts : he pays from two fiiillings and fix-pence to
three fhillings a piece for logs of from fifteen to twenty feet
long, and about a foot diameter; they come down in rafts con.
fifting of from fifty to one hundred logs broad, and one eight or
ten feet longer, than the reft, failened acrols the reft with withy
4^2 GENERAL INFORMATION
twigs; the projefting ends of the long crofs log anlwer for the
purpofe of (teering by.
His grift mill coft about eight hundred pounds ; he lets it out
to a tenant. A load of. wheat i^ fixty bku!"hels, whicii cofts
twenty-five fhillings grinding, the farmer having the offal, i. e.
the feconds, middlings, and bran. The waiie in grinding is about
twelve pounds per cwt. Sixty bufhf.ls of wheat mike twelve
barrels of flour, of one hundred and ninety- fix pounds each,
liett, i. e, fomewhat more than tliree buflicls to one cv/t. The
offal is worth about three pounds a load : barrels coil about one
{hilling and eight-pence each ; if too gre«n, they turn tlie flour
four. The offal pays the expenle of grinding and barrels. Flour
fells at Philadelphia for about forty-five fliillings a barrel.* It
is fent thither from Paxtang, M'^Allifler's, by way of Newport,
at ten fliillings a barrel.
The details given r&fpcfling Mr. M'Alliiler's cftablifliment
may appear long, but wc were anxious to convey clear ideas of
the aftual'ftate and mode of living of the American planters, of
which this is a fair, though a favourable ipecimen. Comfortable.
as it is, M'Allifter, like almoft all the Ainericans, having im-
proved the land he occupies, is not fo attached to the (pot as to
be unv/illing to remove to the v/ildernefs of the back country,
to fee a new creation of the iame kind form around him, the
produce of his own exertions.
In the bed cultivated parts of the middle States, the courfe
of crops appear to be :
Firfl. --Indian corn, Town from the mj'ddle of May to the firft
week in June, in hills about four feet apart each way, dropping
three or four feeds in a hole. This is ufuriUy gathered off time
enough to few wheat in the f,;!!- of the year, though the Indian
.corn will fl:and without damage into the winter.
Second crop is wheat, for which the ground is prepared by-
two hoe plowings between the corn in the preceding fummer,
the plough going up one fide of a ridge and down the other,
and the iame tranlverfely, which earths up the corn (maize)
in the form of a hiilock. The wheat is reaped at the ulual
time, in the latter end C'f the iummer. In the l[)r!ng of this
fccond year, however, clover is Town among ihe wlieat, and
when the latter crop :s gotten off the ground, a f(^w cattle are
* In the iatter end of the 3 ear 1793, at PLiiade'phiaj it, had rifen to iorty-
fevcn and i orty.-eij/ht ilaiilir.gs.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 423
turned into the clover for a fhoit time, juft to top it, but not to
eat it dole.
Third and fourth ysBr, clover mown twice in each year. Af-
ter the laft mowing in the autumn of the fourtli year, the ground
is plowed and fallowed till May, when in the fifth year, Indian
corn comes on again.
Sometimes rye or winter barley is fubftituted for wheat, and
fometimes oats for Indian corn, in which cale the oats are iown
in April. Frequently the ground is made to yield a,n autumnal
crop of buck wheat, making tv/o corn crops in one year, in
which cafe the buck wheat is iown in June, before the wheat
harveft, and is cut jufl before the November froits. The fall,
autumnal, crops are ufuaily iowrsi as near the middle of Septem-
ber as pofliblc. There, as in England, white clover is the pro-
duce of lime-flone ioil.
In the fouthern States, and what is called the weftern terri-
tory, the method of preparing and cultivating new lands is fvmi-
lai- to the middle Slates, except in the cultivation of tobacco,
r^e, indigo, &c.
CULTURE OFTQB A ceo.
With refpeft to the culture of tobacco, it is an art that
every planter thinks he is a proficient in, but which few rightly
underftand. A man who wiflies to make fine tobacco, fhould be
very particular in the choice of his feed ; \vz mean as to the
kind. We do not know a greater variety of any kind of vege-
table than of tobacco ; from the (weet-fcented ; the bed fort, to
the thick-jointed, a coarfe kind of tobacco, but of which we
think the moil can be made. We would recommend to a gen-
tleman who would wifh for the reputation of a good planter, to
cultivate the true Iwect-lcentcd.
When he has chofen his iced, let him prepare the beds in
As'hich he intends to low it, veiy fine ; when thus prepared,
they mufh be burned wiih corn flalks, in oider to deflroy the
feeds of weeds and grafs, which, even when he has done the
bed with his beds, he will find very tioubleiome and difficult to
extirpate. The beil time for lowing the feed is as early after
Chriflmas as the weather will permit. When fown in beds, pie-
paied as above directed, which fhould be done as foon as pcfiible
after they are burned, inltead of Taking in tlie Iscd, tlie beds
fhould either be patted with boards, or gently trodden with nak-
ed feet. This being done, the next care is the covering them
warmly with cedar or pitic brufl:!, to defc<nd :hc young plants
from the froft.
424 GENERAL INFORMATION
After all his trouble and care, the planter's hopes are often
blailed by a little fly, which frequently deflroys the plants when
they firft come up, and very often when they are grq.wn to a
Hioderate fize ; no certain remedy againft them has yet been
difcovered : we have, indeed, heard, that fulphur will deftroy
them, and we believe it will ; but it muft be often repeated, and
will be too expenhve. We think that a pretty ftrong infufion
of faflafras root bark, fprinkled frequently over the beds, would
•deftroy thole infefts ; and we judge io, becaufe its effefts have
been experienced upon the lice, a kind of fly that infefts cab-
bages. Drought will aUo deftroy the plants, even where they ^rc
large in the beds ; the planter fhould, therefore, before the
drought has continued too long, water his plants night and morn-
ing, until he has a good rain. From thefe enemies to plants,
the necelTity of having ieveral beds difl'erently fituated, fomc
convenient to water in fwamps, and lome on high ground well
expofed, will be feen. Thofe plants at a proper fize. as oppor-
tunity offers, are to be tranfplanted into hills at three feet
diftance.
Here it may be neceiTary to give fome direftions as to prepar-
ing the ground to receive the plants, and to notice what kind of
foil is beft adapted to tobacco. The fame kind of land that is
proper for wheat, is fo for tobacco, neither of them delighting
in a fandy foil. We do not think a clayey ftiff" foil will fuit
tobacco ; however, let the foil be ftiff^ or light, it ought to be
made very rich, by cow-penning it on the fward, or by Ipreading
farm-yard manure over it, except it is ftrong new land. We
would recommend that the hills fliould be made in the autumn,
and at about the diftance of three feet, or three and a hzflf in
the row and ftep ; by this means it has a larger furface expofed to
the froft, which will aiTift in the pulverifing and fertilizing it ;
a good hand may very well tend from ten to twelve thouland hills
of frefli light land, or from fix to ten thoufand of ftiff land ;
and we believe where the planter depends upon manuring his
land for a crop, he will find it difficult to get even five thouland
hills properly manured. I'p' ^'^
• If the planter has time to turn over, in the month of Febru..
ary, the hills which were made in the fall, he will find his advan-
tage in it ; but we Icai ce believe that time will be found.
If the tobacco feed has been fown early in good beds, and
thofe beds properly attended to, the planter may expeft to plant
his hills^ from them in May. The earlier tobacco is planted the
betterj as it will not be fit to cut in lefs than three months ; by *
' TO EV RO PEAN SETTLERS, 425
^ilanfing early, tobacco will be houfed m Auguft, a month by-
far the bell in tlie whole year to cut it, as it then cures of a
fine bright nutmeg colour, and will have a much better Icent
than later tobacco. Whdn the plants arc laige enough to fet out^
the tobacco hills mufl be prepared by re-working them, breaking
the clods very fine, and then cutting oil' the top of the hill, fo
as to have it broad and low ; it is then common to clap the hoe
upon the top of it, which breaks the fmall clods*
Having turned as many hills as it is convenient to plant at
one time, the planter iliould wait imtil a rain comes, ever lo
little of which, at this leaion of the year, will be l"uHicicnt»
provided the plants can be drawn from the beds without break-
ing. The plants will more readily extend thcii" roots, if fet
out after a moderate rain, than if planted in a very wet feafon.
The planter Ihould never prepare more hills than he can plant
the next feafon, as frelh tinned hills are bcR for the plants, lii
this manner proceed until the whole crop is planted. Perlons
may continue to plant every leaion until the laft of June, but
we think they have very little chance of making good tobacco,
if they have not their whole quantity planted by that time-
After the crop is pitched or planted in the manner dirc6ted,
it will require the cloleft attention. The tobacco has at this
period a very dangerous enemy in a fmall worm, called the
ground- worm, which riles from the ground, and makes great
havoc among the young and tender plants, by cutting oif and
eating the leaves quite into the iiill. It lometimes happens, that
the crop muft be replanted five or fix times before it can be got
to {land well. The planter mud then watch the flrll riling of
the worm, and every morning his whole force mufh be employed
in fearching round each plant, and dcllroying it. When the
tobacco begins to grow, the planter mult carefully cut down the
hills flielving fioiu the plants, and take every weed and Ipire of
gials from around the plants, without diftuibiug the roots. They
will, after this weeding, if the weitther be ieaioiable, grow
rapidly. When they have fpread over the hills pretty well, and.
a little before they arc fit to top, about four of the under leaves
fnould be taken off ; this is called priming, aiid tlicn the tobacco
mull have a hill given to it.
As foon as 'A can be topped to ten leaves, it mufl be done, and
thishy a careful hand well uled to ihe buhneis : he Ihould luft'er
h;s thumb nails to grow to a goniiderable length, that he may
take out the imall bad from the top without biuiiing, leavin"-
3 I
4aS G £ NE RAL TNFG R M ylTION
ten leaves behind in the fiift or leconcl topping, or until it grows
too late for the plant to lupport fo many leaves ; then to fall to
eight, and even to fix : but this the Ikilful topper will be the
beft judge of, as it can be only known from experience. The
tobacco is now attacked by another enemy, as dangerous and as
de'lruftive as any ; it is th-i horn-worm, of a green colour,
which frrows to a large Rzc, and, if lufFered to ftay on the
plant, will deftroy the whole. The firft glut of them, as the
planters call it, will be when the tobacco is in the Hate above-
mentioned ; and hands muft: be almoft ccnftantly employed in
pulling them off and preventing their increaie ; but if the planter
fi>'.s a flock of young turkeys to turn into the field, they will
eileclually dciiroy thefe worms. The planter muft again hill
vip his tobacco and lighten the ground between the hills, that
the roots of the tobacco may extend themielves with eafe. Im-
mediately after topping, the tobacco begins to throw out fuck-
ers between the leaves where they join the ftalk ; thele firould
be carefully taken off, for if they are fuffered to grow, they
greatly exhauft the plant. Not long after the firfl glut of worms
tomes a fecond, in greater quantities than the former, and muft
be treated in the lame manner.
Tobacco, thus managed, will begin to- ripen in the month
of Auguft, when it is to be cut, as it ripens, in oidcr to be
houled : but the planter, if he is not a judge himlelf, or not
able to attend to it, fliyuld have a very ikilful let of cutters,
who know well when tobacco is ripe ; for if it be cut before it
is full ripe, it will never cure of a good colour, and will rot in
ihe hogflread after it is prized. The tobacco, when ripe, changes
its colour and looks grcyifh ; the leaf feels thick, and if preffcd
between the finger and thumb will eafily crack ; but experi-
ence alone can enable a perion to judge when tobacco is fully
ripe.
We thiak the bcfl: time to cut tobacco is the afternoon^
when the fun has not povv^er to burn it, but only caulci the
leaves to be fupple, that they n^ay be handled without breaking ;
it fliould then remain on the g-round all night ; th? next morn-
ing, after the dew is oft", and before the fun has power to burn
it, it muft be picked up, but there lliould be no appearance
of rain the preceding night ; for Ihould a heavy rain fall upon
the tobacco, when lying on the ground, it will injure it grcatlvi
by filling .it with grit, and perhaps bruifing it. iobacco is
indeed generally cut in the morning, but in this caie it muR be
Watched very nari-owiy, and picked up, and put in Imall heaps
I
I'uhliili'il lix Sniilli Uccd ainl "W^aylaud Kevr-York
TO EUROPEAN SETTLE RS. 4^7
^^n the ground, before it begins to bam ; for if it be fcoichcd
by the lun it is good for nothing.
There arc different mcth.ods taken in the management of to-
bacco immediately after being cut, and icfficiently killed by
the fun for handling : fome hang upon fences until it is near-
ly half-cured before they carry it to liang up in houfcs built for
the purpofe ; but this mode we cannot approve of, as tlie leaves
are too much expofed to the lun, and are apt to be injined. A
much better melliod is, to have fcairdds made dole 10 the houfe
intended to cure the tobacco in : and having a lufficieut number
of tabacco flicks, of about four feet: and a half long, and an inch
thick, to bring in the tobacco fiom the held, and putting from.
ten to fourteen or fifteen plants upon a lt:ck, to hx the flicks up-
on this icaffold, about nine inches one from another. There the
tobacco fhould remain until the leaves turn yellow. By this
method lire iun is prevented from coming to tiie leav«es, and the
rays only fall on the flalks. After remaining a iufhcient tune,
the flicks Ihould be removed with the tobiicco on iheni, in ti-e
houfe, and be fixed where they are to remain until the tc-
bacco be fully cured.
The lioufes built for the tobacco fliould be from thirty tc9
fixiy feet long, and about twenty feet wide -, the roof to have
wind beams about four feet diflance to hx the flicks on, and
c^ntriveu at proper ipaces to receive tlie wliole of the tobac-
co until the houle is full ; To that there Ihouid be a Ipace
of fix inches between the tails of the upper plants and heads
of the lower, for the air to pals througli.
If a perfon has houfe-room enough, wc would advii«, that
the tobacco fiiould have no fun, bat be carried into the houfe
immediately after it is killed, and there hung upon the flicks.
But, in this ca!e, the plants fhould be very tew on the ft'cks
and the flicks at a greater diflance from eacii other, for lubac-
co is veiy apt to be injured in the houfe if hung too tlo.'e
in a gfeen flatc. If a crop could be cured in this way, with-
out iun, its colour would be more bright, and llie flavour liner,
the whole juices being pielerved uncxlialed.
When tlic tobacco is fully cured in the houfe, wlrlclr may-
be known by the colour of the leaf and the diyn>-ls c;f the
ftem, it may be then flripped fiom the fblk, when 11 is m a pio'
per llate, that is, in a iealon which m.oiilr'ns it io a^ U Cuubo.
handled. As loon as the tobacco is lo pliaal, that it can le.
handled without breaking the leaves, it is lo be flruck Irom the
flicks, put in bulk until it is flripped from the flalk ; whuh, in
3 I 2
428. GENERAL INFORMATION
the earlier part of tlie year, f}}oulcl be immediately done, left the
ftalks, \\»hich are green, fhould injure the leaf, if the tobaccQ
IS too high in cafe when it is ftruck, it will be apt to rot when it
gets into a fweat. One thing fliould be particularly attended to^
and that is, it fhould be fhruck as it firlt comes into cafe, for
if it hangs until it is too high, or moift, and you fhould wait
wntil the moifkure dries away to the flate we adviie it to be
^ when you ftrike it, it will moil certainly, when in bulk,
Setyrn to. its full ftate of moifture ; and therefore it fliould
hang until it is perfeftly dry ; and you are to wait till another
lealon arrives to put it in proper cafe,
•^sL • ■;
t'.The next thing to be done after the tobacco is ftruck is tp
fti'ip it; and here particular attention is necelTary : all the in-
diflerent leaves are firft to be pulled from the ftalk, by for-
ters well acq^jainted with the buhnefs, and tied by themielvess
to be afterwards flemmed. The plant, with the fine leaves, is
to be thrown to the (trippers; they are to ftrip off the leaves,
snd tie up five leaves in a bundle, of equal goodnefs. When
you have got enough for a hogihead, which we fiiould advife
not to be more than a thoufand weight, it Ihould be imme-
diately packed up with very great care, and prized. The hogf-
heads fliould be made of ilaves not exceeding forty-eight in-
ches long, and the head Qught not to be more than from thir-
ty to tiiirty-twp inches in diameter. No direftions can be giv-
en here for the packing, it can only be learned from practice.
If more , tobacco, tiian here recommended be prized into a hogf-
h'ead, without much care it will be apt to be bruiled, a cii..
cumftance which fliould be carefully avoided.
P N THE CULTURE OF INDIGO-
As the culture of this plant is in a manner confined to par-
ticular parts of the United St^jtes, tlx oblcrvations thereon will
be conciie ; as, however, it may ere long be attempted, and
certainly with a great probability of fucceis, in ionie parts of
the finithern States, M'here it has not as yet been tried,
the introduftion of thefe remarks will need no anology.
:* The indigo tree is a ftraight and rather bufliy plant; from
its root ariles a ligneous brittle ftcm, of the height of tM^o
fitet, branching from the beginning, while on the infide, and
covered with a greyifli bark : the leaves are alternate, com-
poi>ed iof'i'ie'ssers^, "iraall leaves diiuoied in two rows along ^
« iu ^bI:^Q ^Ai- avl:^];
rO EUR.OPEAN SETTLERS. 429
iiommon tulla, which is terminated b^' a fmglc foliolum, and
furnilhed at its bafis with two iinall membranes, which are called
ftipulse : at the extremity of each branch arilc clufters of rcd-
clilh papilionaceous flowers, rather imall, and compoicd of a,
number of petals : the ftamina, to the number of fix, and the
piililj furmounted with a fingle ftyle, are arranged as they are
in mofl of the herbaceous flowers : the piftil is changed into
a Imall rounded pod, (lightly curved, one inch in length, and
a line and a half in breadth, full of cylindrical, fliiauig and
brownifli feeds.
This plant requires a light foil, well tilled, and never de-
luged with water ; for this reafon fpots are preferred which arc
Hoping, beeaufe this pofition preierves the indigo plant from
the ftagnation of the rain, which might deftroy it, and from
inundations, that might cover it with a prejudicial flime. Low
and flat grounds may alio be employed for this culture, if chan-
nels and ditches are made to draw off the waters, and if care
be taken to plan-t them only after the rainy fealon, which often
occafions overflowings. The feed is fown in little farrows made
by the hoe, two or three inches in depth, at the dittance of a
foot from ea,ch other, and in as itraight a line as poflible. Con-
tinual attention is required to pluck up the weeds, which
would loon choak the plant. Though it may be lown in all
feafons, the Ipring is commonly preferred, Moifturc cauies
this plant to Ihoot above the iurface in three or tour days : it
is ripe at the end of two months. When it begins to flower, it
is cut with pruning-knives, and cut again at the end of every
lix Vv'eeks, if the weather be a little rainy : it lads about two
years, after wliich term it degenerates ; it is then plucked up and
planted afrefh.
As this plant foon exhaufts the (oil, beeaufe it does not ab-
ibrb a futhcient quantity of air arwi dew to moiften the earth, it
is of advantage to the planter to have a vaft ipace wl«iich may
remain covered with trees, » till it becomes neceflary to fall them,
in order to make room for the indigo ; for tiees are to be conh-
dered as lyphons, by means of which the earth and air reci-
procally communicate to each other their fluid and vegetating
fubftance ; lyphons, into which the vapours and juices being
alternately drawn, are kept in equilibrium. 'i'iius while' the
fao al'cends by the roots to the blanches, the leaves diawn in
the air and vapours, which circulating throagli the hbies of tlie
^ree defcend again into the earth, and reflore to it in dew what
it lofes in fap. It is in order to maintain this reciprocal influ-
ence, that when there arc no trees to preicrvc the fields in a
430 GENERAL INFO RM ATI 0 N
proper ilate for the fowing of indigo, it is cuftomary tocover
thole which are exhauftcd by this plant with potatoes, or
lianes, the creeping branches of whicli prcieivo the fielhnela
«f tlie earth, while the leaves, when burnt, renew its fertility.
Indigo is diftinguilhcd into feveral fpecics, of which only
two are cultivated : the true indigo, which is the fort we
have feeen fpcaking of, and the baftard indigo, whicii differs
from the former, in having a much higher, more woody> and
more durable ftem ; in having its foliola longer and narrower,
its pods mo»e curved, and its leeds black. Though the fivft be
fold at a higher price, it is ulually advantageous to cultivate
the other, becaufe it is not io frequently renewed, is heavier,
and yields raore leaves, the produce of which is, however, Icis,
from any equal quantity. The firft will grow in many different
foils ; the iecond fucceeds, bed in thefe Vv^kich are mofl cxpoied
to the rain. Both are liable to great accidents in their early
flaie. They are fometimes burnt up by the heat of the iun,
or choaked by a web with which they are furroundcd by an
infcft peculiar to thefc regions. Sometimes the plant be-
comes dry, and is deftroyed by another very common infeft ;
at other times, the leaves, which arc the valuable part of
the plant, are devoured in the Ipace of tvvcnty-iour hours
by catcrpillers. This laft misfortune, which is but too com-
mon, hath given occafion to the laying, that " the planters
of indigo wept to bed rich, ajld role in the morning totally
ruined."
This produ9:ion ought to be gathered in with great precau-
tion, for fear of making the - farina that lies on the leaves, and
which is very valuable, fall oft" by fhaking it. When gathered,
it is thrown into the fteeping-vat, wnich is a large cub hlled
with water. Jiere it undergoes a fermentation, which in twenty-
four hours at fartheft is completed, A cock is then turned,
to let the water run into the Iecond tub, called the mortar or
pounding-tub. Tire (leeping-vat is then cleaned out, that frefli
plants may be thrown in ; and thus the v/ork is continued with-
out interruption.
The water which iiath run into the pounding-tub, is found
impregnated with a very lubtle eartii, which alune conilitutes
the dregs or blue fubftance that is the objeft of this procefs,
and which muft be ieparated fiom the uieieis lalt of the plant^
becaufe this makes the diegs iwim on the lurface. 'i"o eftttt this,
the. water is forcibly agitated with wooden buckets that are
full of holes, and hxcd to a long handle. This part ^f the
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. ^3t
prccefs requires the grriatcft precaution. If the agitation be dif--
continued too loon, the pnrt that is ufed in dying, not being I'uf-
f.ciently feparated from the fait, would be loft. If on the other
hand, the dye were to be agitated too long after the complete fe-
paiation. the parts would be brought together again^ and form a
new combination ; and the fait re-afting on the dregs would ex-
cite a lecond fermentation, that would alter the dye, ipoil its co-
lour, and make what is called burnt indigo. ThejTe accidents
are prevented by a clofe attention to the lead alterations that the
dye undergoes, and by the precaution which the workmen take
to draw out a little of it from time to time in a clean vcffel.
When they perceive that the coloured particles colleft by fepa-
rating fiom the reft of the li<^uor, they leave off fliaking the
buckets, in order to allow time to the blue dregs to precipitate to
the bottom of the tub, where they are left to iettle till the water
is quite clear. Holes made in the tub at different heights are then
opened one after another, and this uleleis water is let out.
The blue dregs remaining at the bottom having acquired the
confiftence of a thick muddy liquid, cocks are then opened,
which draw it off into the letfler. After it is ftill more cleared
of much fuperfluous water in this third and laft tub, it is drained
into lacks ; from whence, when water no longer filters through
the cloth, this matter, now become of a thicker confiftence, is
put into cliefts, where it entirely lofes its moifture. A't the end
of three months the indigo is fit for fale.
ON THE- CUJ.TURE OF RICE.
The culture of this plant, like the former, is confined to cer-
tain individual States. Low fwampy lands are the only fituations
that have been deemed to ofler a prolpeft of luccels from its cul-
tivation ; but as fuch fituations are frequently found in the nev.'ly-
fettled parts of the Uuiorl, a i<'w obiervations on it will not be
foreign td our objeft of afloiding every polfible information to
Kuropean fettlers.
Rice is a plant very much rcfcnibling wheat in fhape and co-
lour, and in the figure and dilpoiition of its leaves. The panicle
which terminates the ftem is compolied oi imall flowers, di{tin6l
from each other, which have four imequal Icales, fix ftamina, and
onepiftil, lurrounded with two ftyles: this piftil becomes a white
Iced, extremely farinaceous, covered wiih two interior Icales,
which are largei, yellowifli, covered with light alpcnties, and fur-
nilhed with levcral lalient coftas. the middle one of which tcr-
riiujates iuan elongated cxticmily. This plant thrives heft in
43a GENERAL 1 ^ F d It M AT I O'N
low, damp and marflhy lands, when they are even a little ovef-
flowed^ The period of its difcovery is traced to the remoteft an-
tiquity. ,
- Egypt, imfortunately for Itfelf, firfl attended to it; The per-
nicious effeS: of this culture, rendered the country the ~mo ft' un-
healthy in the known world ; conftantly ravaged- by ^^pidemical
diforders, and afflifted with cutaneous difeafes, whichpaiied fron?
that region to the others, where they have been perpetuated du-
ring whole centuries, and where they have been only puj.a .ftop
to by the contrary caufe to that which had oceafioned them ; to'
"^vit, the drying up of the marfhcs, and the reftoring of mubrity
to the air and to the waters. China and the Eaft-Indies niuft ex-
perience the fame calamities, if art doth not oppole prefervatives
to nature, whofe benefits are iometimes accom.panied with evils ;
or if the heat of the torrid zone doth not quickly difpel the damp
and malignant vapours wliich are e.khaled from the rice grounds.
It is a known faft, that in the rice grounds of the Milaneze, the
cultivators are all livid and dropficaL
A great degree of tlie unhealthinefs of part of Georgia and
South-Carolina is attributable to the fame caufe. Could the wild,
or as it is termed, the mountain rice, be improved by cultivation:
fo as to fuperfedc the culture of that grain in fwamps, it would
be a material beneiit to lociety ; from experiments that have been
made, there is fomc reafon for hoping this may ere long be the
cafe,
ON THE CULTURE OF HEMP.
Hemp is as profitable a produftion as any the earth furniiheSj
and in point of utility, yields to few ariicles whatever. The
manufafture of it employs numbers of individuals, a great por-
tion of whom are women and children, and it finds a conilant
employment for the farmers otherwile leifure time._ Its advan-
tages, either raw or manufaftured, are, indeed, great Jo the. .farmer
and merchant ; but as many American farmers manufatlurea con-
fiderable poJtion in their own families, the importance of the
cultivation thereof is ftill farther maaifeft.
. The ufual height of the plant, when growing, is from five to
fix feet, but this varies very confiderably according to circum-
flanccs. That which is cultivated near Bifchwiller, in^Allacc,
rsTpmcti^rhes more than twelve feet high, and upwards of three
itiches in' circumference, the ftalk's being fo deeply rooted, that a
v'eiy ftrong man can fcarce pull them up. Mr. Arthur Young,
m-ar-'four through C :ttrii6i),:;i in Spain,' fays, thai: where fne coun-
sel ill
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 438
try is well watered, the crops of hemp are extraordinary', and
that the plants generally rile to the height of Icven feet. In
Italy hemp is generally cultivated, though the Ublognefe only can
pretend to any I'upenority in the management of it. It is there
iown upon their bell land, which are rich ftrong loams, and on
which they are at all poffible pains to procure a fine friable fur*,
face. For manure ihcy ufe dung, pieces of rotten cloth, foathersj
and horns brou<rht from Dalmatia. The plant, however, may be
cultivated upon ground of every kind ; the poorer land produc-
ing that which is finer in quality though in fmaller quantity^
whereas fnx>ng and rich land produces a great quantity, but
coarfer ; it does not cxhauft the laud on which it grows like flar^
whence it is probable, that if properly managed, and care taken
in the cultivation, it might be found to luperlcde flax entirely.
A Suli'ex manufafturer, who writes on this luhjcft in the Annals
of Agriculture, informs us, that it may be railed for many years
fucceflively on the fame ground, provided it be well manuret^.
An acre requires from nine to twelve pecks, according to the na-
ture of the foil ; the latter being the moft ufual, though a varia-
tion in the quality of the ioil makes an alteration both in the
quantity and quality of the hemp. An acre produces on an aver-
age thirty-fix or thirty-eight flone. The Abbe Brulle, in a trea-
tiie upon the culture and management of hemp, printed by order
of the Lords of the Committee of Council for trade and foreign
plantations, informs us, that the fealon for fowing extends from
the 25th of March to the T5th of June. The feed ought always
to be fown thin, not exceeding two bufhels to an acre, and if you
have the advantage of a drill plough, dill lefs will anfwer. As
there are two kinds of hemp, the male and female, of Vv'hich
the former only produces feed, fome regard muft be had to this
circumftance. In lome parts of England, the male and female
are pulled together about thirteen weeks after the fowing, but in
others they are frequently feparatcd. This laft method is recom-
mended by the Abbe Brulle, who, for the more eafy accom-
plifliment of it, dircfts that little paths fiiould be made length-
wife through the field at about feven feet diftance from each
other, to allow a palfage for the pcrfon who pulls up tlic female
hemp from among the other, the latter requiring lo ftand mOic
than a month after for the purpofe of ripening the feeds. The
female henip is known to be ripe by the fading of the flowers •
the failing of the farina fecundans, and fome of the flalks turn-
ing yellow. After the whole of this kind is pulled, it muft be
manufa6tured according to the direftions hereafter given and
3 K
434 GENERAL INFORMATION
ought to be -worked, if poflible, while green ; the hemp thus
produced, being much finer than that wliich is previoufly dried
The reaioH of this is, that the plant contains a great quantity of
glutinous matter, which being once dried, agglutinates the fibres
in fuch a manner, that they can never be afterwards perfcdly
feparated ; the female hemp, however, is al^yays in fmaller quan-
tity than the male, and therefore where the crop is large,, it will
be impoflible to work the whole as faft as it is pulled or cut. If
is known to be ripe by the ftems becoming pale ; but it mufl be
remembered, that hemp of any kind will be much Icis injured by
pulling the plants before they are ripe, than by letting them ftanci
too long.
The male hemp being flripped of its leaves, &c. as aftei'wards
dire£led, will loon be dry for ftoring by the heat of tke • at-
mosphere, though iometimcs it may be neceffary to ufe artificial
means ; but where thele are uled, the utmoft care inuft be taken
hemp, when dry, being exceedingly inflammable. The Itoied
or dried hemp mufl be fleepcd and treated in every other refpeft
as though it had been green ; whence it is evident, that this ope-
ration ought never to be ufed but in caies of neceffity. It is
like wile, difficult to make hemp which has been dried previous to
its being fteeped, lo white as that which has been worked green.
With regard to the perfecting of hemp feed for a fublequent
feafon, it would leem proper to let apart a piece of ground for
this purpoie ; for M. Aimcn, from forty plants railed in the com-
mon way, had only a pound and an half of feed, though the plants
from which it was taken m.ight be deemed fine ; whereas, from a
iingle plant which grew by itlelf, he had ieven pounds and an
half. Some are of opinion, that by putting the cluftcrs which
contain the hemp feed to heat and fweat, the qualuy is improved ;
as many of thole feeds which would ptherwile withei^ and die,;
inay thus arrive at perfe&ion. This, however, leems to be very
problematical, as there are no experiments which ihow that leeds,
when leparated from the vegetable producing them, have any
power of meliorating themlelvcs.
. After the hemp is pulled, it muft be taken in large handfuls,
cutting off the- roots, though this is not abiolutely ncceffary, the
leaves, feeds, and lateral branches, being dreffed oft with a wooden
Iword or ripple. It is then to be made up into bundles of twelve
liandfuls each, in order to be fteeped, like flax, in water. This,
or lomethihg fimilar, is abfolutely nccclTary, in order to fcpaiate
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 455
the baric, which is properly the hemp, from the rred or woody-
part. This operation is called water-retting j but lometimcs »
JDiere expofure to the air is fubftitutcd in its place, turning tllfe
hemp frequently during the time it is expofed : this is called dcuf'
Totting, but the former method is univerlally deenied prefemblci
Such hemp as is dehgned for feed is fcldom water-retted, though^
in the opinion of the manufafturer already quoted, it would be
better if it were fo. Dew-retted hemp is generally ftackcd and
covered during the winter ; in January and February it is Iprcad
upon meadow land, and whitens with the froll and inow, though
it is always much inferior to the other, and proper for coarier
yarns only.
The length of time required for ftceping hemp is various,
and a complete knowledge of it can only be attained by praftice.
It is uiual to continue the immerfion four, five, or fix days ;
Handing water is preferred, and the fame water will flcep
hemp three times during the feafon, but the Hrft has always
the beft colour. The Abbe BruUe prefers clear and running
water, efpeclally if overhung with trees. The bundles are
to be croirwife upon each other, taking particular notice of
the manner in ^vhich they lie when put in, that they may be
taken out without difficulty. His time of fleeping is from fix
to eleven days ; and here we mud oblerve, that it is much
better to let it remain too long in the water than too fliort a
time. The fiendercfi; hemp requires the moft foaking. The
operation is known to be finifhed by the reed ieparating eallly
from the bnrk.
After the hemp is thoroughly fteepcd, the next operation is
to feparate the bark from the reed or woody part ; and this
may be done in two ways, viz. either pulling out the reed
from every llalk with the hand, or drying and breaking it like
flax. The Abbe Brulle is very particular in his direftions for
this laft operation, 'vhich he calls reeding, and whicii may be
performed either in a trough under water, or upon a table^
The whole, however, may be reduced to the following, viz.
prelling down the bundles either in the trough or on a table by
proper weights, to Keep the hemp fheady on the middle or top
end ; then beginning at the upper part of the bundle, pull out
the reeds one by one. As you proceed, the rind which remains
will prefs ciolely upon the remaining unreeded hemp, and keep
it more fleady, fo that you may take two, four, or even fix
ftalks at a time. The weight is then to be removed from th^
top, and all the pieces of reed which rcr~.ain there having brck-
3K ':
436 GENERAL INFORM A TI0a7
<sn ofF in the former operation, are to be taken out. Laftly, the
iniddle. weight is to be taken off, and any fmall pieces which
remain there taken out. If the reeding is performed on a
table, the bundle mufb be weeded frequently, though flightly ?
a continual dropping of water would perhaps be the belt
method. - .
After the hemp is reeded, it mud next be freed from the
mucilasinous matter with which it dill abounds. This is don©
by pouring water through it, fqueczing out the liquid after
every affufion, but taking care not to let the threads tAvift or
entangle each other, which they are very apt to do. "The Abhe
is of opinion, that foft loap fliould be diffolved in the laft
water, in the proportion of an ounce to three pounds of dry
hemp; which though not abfolutely neceffary, contributes
-much to the foftening and rendering the hemp cafy and plea-
fa nt to drefs.
Hemp is broken by machinery, after being {teeped, in a
manner fimilar to flax, but the inflruments generally ufed for
this purpofe are all worked by the hand. That which breaks in
the operation is called JJiorts, and is about half the value of
-.long hemp.
, Beating of hemp is the next operation, which formerly was
performed entirely by hand, but now in mod places by 3
water mill, which rifes three or four heavy heaters that fall
upon it alternately ; the hemp being turned all the while by
boys in order to receive the ftrokcs equally. The finer it is
required to make the tow, the more beating is neceffary. It is
then dreffed or combed by drawing it through heckles formed
like the combs of wool manufafturers, only fixed. Sometimes
f it is divided into two or three forts of tow, and fomctimes in
common heavy work, the whole is woiked together into one
fort ; the prices varying from fix-pence to one fhilling and fix*.
^ pence per pound.
ON THE CULTURE Or FLAX.
The following particulars with regard to the manner of
• raifin^ flax, has been for fome years pad warmly recommended
by the trudees for iifheries, manufadures, and improveir^cnts
■ in Scotland.
A flvilful flax raifer always prefers a free open deep loam,
and all grounds that produced the preceding year a good crop
• a of turnips, ^.cabbage, potatoes, barley, or broad clover;' or
have been fovm.erly laid down rich, and kept for fome yeah in
padure. , ,
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.
43-7
A clay foil, the fecond or third crop after being limed, will
anfwer well for flax ; provided, if the ground be flill fliff, that
it be brought to a proper mould, by tilling after harveft, to cx-
pofc it to the winter frofts.
All new grounds produce a flrong crop of flax, and pretty free
of weeds. When a great many mole-heaps appear upon new
ground, it. anfwers the better for flax after one tilling.
Flax feed ought never to be (own on grounds that are either
too wet or dry, but on fuch as retain a natural moifture; and
luch grounds as are inclined to weeds ought to be avoided, unlefs
prepared by a careful fummer fallow.
If the feed be fown early, and the flax not allowed to fl:and
for feed, a crop of turnips may be got after the flax the fame
year ; the fecond year a crop of bear or barley may be taken .
and the third year, grafs feeds are fometimes fown along with
the flax feed. This is the method moftly praftifed in and about
the counties of Lincoln and Somerfet, in England, where great
quantities of flax and hemp are every year raifed, and where
thefe crops have long been capital articles. There, old ploughed
grounds are never Cown with lint feed, unlefs the foil be very
rich and clean.
If the ground be free and open, it fliould be but once ploughed,
and that as fhallow as poflible, not deeper than two inches and
a,n hajf. It (hould be laid flat, reduced to a fine garden mould
by much harrowing, and all flones and fods fiiould be carried
off.
Except a little pigeon's dung for cold or four ground, no other
dung fliould be ufed preparatory for flax, becaufe it produces
too many weeds, and throws up the flax thin and poor upon the
ftalk.
Before fowing, the bulky clods fhould be broken, or carried
off the ground ; and flones, quickenings, and every other tiling
that may hinder the growth of the flax, fliould be removed.
The brighter in colour, and heavier the feed is, lb much the
better ; that which when bruifed, appeais of a light or ycllowi/h
green, and frcfh in the heart, oily and not dry, and Imells and
taflies fweet, and not fufly, may be depended upon,
Dutch feed of the preceding year's growth, for the mofl part
anfwers bcft: ; but it feldom fucceeds if kept another year. It
ripens fooner than any other foreign feed. Philadelphia feed
produces fine lint and few bolls, becaufe fown thick, and an-
swers bed in wet cold foils. Riga feed produces coarfer lint,
aad the greatell quantity of feed. Scots feed, when Veil win-
O* G£NE RAL ■ TN FOR M ATIOM
nowcd'and kept, and changed from one kind of foil to another,
fomcfeimes. antwers, -j^retty weH, bat fhould be fown thick, as
many of its grains are bad, and fail. It fprings well, and its flax
is fooner ripe than any other: but its produce afterwards is ge-
nerally inferior to that from foreign feed.
The quantity of lecd fown fliouid be proportioned to the con-
dition of the foil ; for if the ground be in good heart, and the
feed fown thick, the crop wdl be in danger of falling before' it
is ready for pulling.
The time for fowing flax feed is from the middle of March to
the end of April, as the ground and fcalon anfwers; but the
eirlier the feed is lown, the iels the crop interferes with the corn
harvell.
Late fown flax feed may grow long, but the flax upon the ftalk
wilt -fee thin and poor.
After fowing, the ground ought to be harrowed till the feed
is well covered, and then, fuppofing the foil, as before men-
tioned, to be free and reduced to a fine mould, it ought to be
rolled.
When a farmer fows a large quantity of feed, he may find it
V proper to fow a part earlier and part later, that in the future
operations of weeding, pulling, watering and grafTing, the work
jnay be the eafier and more conveniently gone about.
It ought to be weeded when the crop is about four inches
long. If longer deferred, the weeders will fo much break and
crook the ftalks, that they will never perhaps recover their
(craightncfs again ; and when the flax grows crooked, it is more
liable to be hurt in the rippling and (wingiing.
Quicken grafs fhould not be taken up, for being flrongly
rooted, the pulling of it always loolens a deal of the flax.
'If there is an appearance of a fettled drought, it is better to
<3cfer the weeding, than by that operation to expole the tender
roots of the flax to the drought,
'When the crop grows fo fhott and branchy, af; to appear more
valuable for feed rhan flax, it ought not to be pulled before it be
thoroughly ripe ; but if it grows long and not branchv, the ieed
fliould be dih^egardcc), and ail the attention given to the flax. In
the lafl; cafe it ought to be pulled after the bloom has fallen,
vvfhen the ftjlk begins to turn yellow, and before the leaves fall,
arrd the bells turn hard and fhai p-pointed.
When the flialk is (mall, and carries few bolls, the flax is fine ;
but' ther flalk' of'coj'rfe llix is grofs, rank, branchy, and carries
rsianv bolls, • '
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS: 45^^
- When the flax has fallen and lies, luch as lies ought to be im-
tncdiatclv pulled, whether it has grown enough or not, as other*-
uiie vt will rot altogether. .
When p<nts of the lame field grow unecjii illy, lo that fome
parts are ready for palling hchMC other part.s ; only what is read)*
fhould be pidled, and the reft; flioald be luliercd to ftaud till
ready.
The flax-raifer ought to be at pains to pull, and keep by itfclf-
each different kind oF lint which he finds in his field ; what, is
both long and fine, by itlelf; what is borh long and coarle. by
itfelf ; what is both lliort and fine, by itielf ; what is both fhort
and coaric, by iticll ; and in like manner eveiy other kind hjr,
itfelf that is of the lainc fize and qiMlity, If the different kindsit
be not thus kept iepuate, the flax mufh be much damaged in the
watering and other I'uccerding operations.
What is covninouly cA\cd under growth, may be neglefted.as
ufelefs.
Few perfons that have fecn pulled flax, are ignorant of the-
method of laying it in handfuls* acrols each other, which gives
the iLix lufficient air, and keeps the handfuls feparate and ready
for the rippler.
If the flax be more valuable than the feed, it ought by no
means to be ftackcd up, for its own natural juice affills it greatly
in the watering; whereas, if kept long unwatered, it loies that
juice, and the harle adheres ib much to the boon, that.it requires
longer tirHC to water, and even the quality of the flax becomes,
thereby harfher and coarler. Bcfides the flax flacked up over-,
year, is in great danger from vermin and other accidents ; the
water in Ipring is not fo loft and warm as in harveft, and ne-ar
a year is thereby loft of tlic ule of the lint :. but if the fl..x be
ij) fhort and branchy as to appear moll valuable for iced, it
ought, after pulling, to be ftjoked and dried upon the field, as,
is done ■with corn ; then flacked up for winter, nppled in ipring j
aiid after fhelling, the feed fliould be well cleaned from bud
feeds, &c.
After pulling, if the flax is to be regarded more than the feed,
it fliould be allowed to lie fome hours upon the ground, to dry
a little, and fo gain iume firrnnels, to prevent the Ikin or harle, .
-which is the flax, from rubbing ofF in the rippling ; an opcra-
ticm which ought by no means to be ucgkfttd, as the bolls, if
put into the water along _\\ith flax, breed vermin thcie, and
othervviic Ipod the water. The bolls alio prove vciv invonvc-
nient in the grafTing and breaking.
440 GENERAL INFORMATION
The handfuls for rippling fhould not be great, as that endan-
gers the lint in the rippling comb.
After rippling, the fiax-raifer will perceive, that he is able
to aflort each fize and quality of the flax by itfelf more exaftly
than he could before.
A running ftream waftes the lint, makes it white, and fre-
quently carries it away. Lochs, by the great quantity and
motion of the water, alio wafhe and whiten the flax, though
not fo much as running ftreams. Both rivers and lochs water
the flax quicker than canals.
But all flax ought to be watered in canals or ponds, which
fhould be dug in clay ground if poflible, as that foil retains
the water beft , but if a firm retentive foil cannot be got, the
bottom or IJdes of the canal, or both the bottom and fides,
may be lined with clay ; or, inftead of lining the fides with
clay, which might fall down, a ditch may be dug without
the canal, and filled with clay, which will prevent both ex-
traneous water from entering, and the water within from run-
ning off.
A canal of forty feet long, fix broad, and four deep, will
generally water the growth of an acre of flax.
It ought to be filled with frefli foft water from a river or
brook, if poflTible, two or three weeks before the flax is put in,
and expoied all that time to the heat of the fun. The greater
way the river or brook has run, the fofter, and therefore the
better will the water be. Springs, or fhort-runs from hills, are
too cold, unlefs the water is allowed to fhand long in the canal.
Water from coal or iron is very bad for flax. A little of the
powder of galls thrown into a glafs of water, will immediately
difcover if it comes from minerals of that kind, by turning it
into a dark colour, more or lefs tinged in proportion to the quan-
tity of vitriol it contains.
The canal ought not to be under fhade 5 which, befides keep-
ing the fun from foftening the water, might make part of
the canal cooler than other parts, and fo water the flax un-
equally.
The flax-raifer will obferve, when the water is brought to
a proper heat, that fmall plants will be rifing quickly in it,
numbers of fmall infefts and reptiles will be generating there,
and bubbles of air rifing on the furface. If no fuch figna ap-
pear, the water is either not warm enough, or is otherwife
uniit for flax.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 4^t
Mofs holes, when neither too deep nor too (liallo\v',''Tr6'quently
an!\ver well for watering flax, when the water is proper, ^s be-
fore delcribed. ,3V(->5T 5fKiqqi. V.!U
I'he proper feafo^^■or watering llix is from the erid dfjti^
to the end of Auguft. ■■•^^•'
The advantage of watering flax as foon as poffible after pull-
ing has been already mentioned.
The flax ,being forted after rippling, as before mentioned,
fhould next be put into beets, never lar2er than a man can grafp
with both his hands, and tied very flack with a band of a few
ftalks. Dried ruihes anfvver exceedingly well for binding flix,
as they do not rot in the water, and may bs dried and kept for
uie again.
The beets fl^iould be put into the canals or ponds flope ways,
er half ftandiitg upon end, the root end uppermoft. Upon the
crop ends, when uppermoft, there frequently breeds a deal of
vermin, deftrudive of the flax, which is effeftually prevented
by putting the crop end dovvnmoft.
Tlie whole flax in the canal ought to be carefully covered
from the fun with divots; the graffy fide of which fliould be
next the flax, to keep it clean. If it is not thus covered, the
lun will dii'colour the flax, though quite covered with water.
If the divots are net weighty enough to keep the flax entirely
under v/ater, a few flones may be laid above them. But the
flax fliould not be preiTed to the bottom. J to lay.
When the flax is lufEciently watered, it feel* foft to the gripe,
and the harle parts ealily with, the boon or fliow, which lafl: is
then become brittle, and looks whitifli. When theie figns are
found, the flax fhould be taken out of the water, beet after beet ;
each gently rinfed in the water, to cleanfe it of the naftinels
which has gathered about it in the canal ; and as the lint is thea
very tender, and the beet flackly tied, it mull bs cajrefuUy and
gently. ;ha.nQled. ;i:Vi.Co .
Great care ought to be taken that no part be overdone ; and
as- the coarfeft waters fooneft, if different kinds be mixed toge-
tlier, a part will be rotted, when the reft is not iufficiontly wa-
tered^
When flax taken out of the canal is not found lufEcrcntly
watered, it may be laid in a heap for twelve, eighteen, or twentv-
four hours, which will have an eff^eft like more watering •; but •.
this operation is nice, and may prove dangerous ia unlkilfu^ t^
hands. ..v''
442 GENERAL INFORMATION
After the fljx is taken out of the canr.l, frcPa fia>;. diQuld
Tiot be put a fecond time into it, until the former water be run
off, and the canal cleaned, and fupplied with freili water.
Short heath is the bcPc field for grafung flax, as when wet, it
faftens to the heath, and is thereby prevented from being
blown away by the wind. The heath alfo keeps it a little
above tlie earth, and fo expofcs it the more equally to the wea-
ther,. When fuch heath is not to be got, links or clean old lea
ground is tlie next bell. Long grafs grounds fliould be avoided,
as tiie grafs growing through tlie lint frequently Ipcts, tenders,
or rots it ; and grounds expoied to violent winds fnould alfo be
avoided.
The flax, v/hen taken out of the water, mud be fpread very
tlun upc5n the ground, and being then very tender, it mufl be
gently handled. The thinner it is fpread tl"'.e better, as it is
then tlie more equally expofcd to the weather. But it ought
never to be fpread during a heavy flrower, as that would wafli
and wade the harle too much, which is then exceflively ten-
der, but loon after becomes firm enou^^h to bear the rains^
which, with open air and iunfhine, cleans, fofiens, and purifies
the harle to the degree wanted, and makes it blifler from the
boon. In fiiort, after the flax has got a little firmnefs by being
a few hours fpread in dry Vv'cather, the more rain and funfhine
it gets the better.
If there be little danger of high winds carrying off the flax,
it will be much the better for being turned about once a we;k.
If it is not to be turned, it ought to be very thin fpread.
The fpreading of flax and hemp requires a deal of ground, but
amply repays by enriching it greatly.
The fliilfiil flax-raifer fpreads his lirft row of flax at the end
of the fxcld oppofite to the point from whence the moil violent
wind common'y comes, placing the root ends foremoit ; he
makes the root ends of every other over-lap the crop ends of
the former row three or four inches, and binds down the lad
row with a rope ; by which means the wind does noi eafily
get below the lint to blow it away : and as the crop ends are
feldom. i'o fully watered as the root ends, the aforelaid over-
lapping has an cffcft like giving the crop ends m.ore watering,
Eiaperiencc only can fully teach a perion the figns of fiax being,
lufHciently gralTed ; then it is of a clearer colour than former-
ly, the liarlc is bliftercd up, and eafily parts with the boon,
which is then become very brittle. The whole fhould be fuf-
ficieully gaiffed before any of it is lifted ^ for if a part be lifted
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 443
fooner than the red, that which remains is in great danger
from the winds.
A dry day ought to be chofcu for taken up the flax ; and if
there be no appearance of high wind, it ftiouid be loofed from
the heath or grafs, and let loole lor lo:ns hours, to make it
thoroughly dry.
As a great quantity of flax can fcarccly be all equally water-
ed and graffed, and as the different qualities will bed appear
at lifting the flax off the g'afs; therefore at that time each
different kind fliould be gathered together, and kept by iifeif,
that is, all of the fame colour, length and quality.
The fmaller the beets it js made up in, the better for dry-
ing, and the more convenient for flacking, houfing, &e. and
ia making up thefe beets, as in every other operation upon flax
it is of great confcquence that the lint be laid together as it
grew, the root ends together and the crop ends together.
With refpeft to the drefTing of flax, for m^ny ages it was
the praftice to feparate the boon or core from the flax, which
is the bark of the plant, beating it with a mallet, or more
dexteroufly with the break, a fimple and more convenient me-
thod than the former.
Thefe methods of breaking the flax arc, however, flow and
very laborious. A water mill was invented in Scotland about
forty years ago, which, wltii fome late improvements, makes
great difpatch, and in fl-iilful and careful hands gives fatisfaftion.
It has been generally conflruCled to break the boon by three
dented rollers, placed one above the other. The middle one
of which, being forced quicikly round, takes the other two
along with it, and one end of 'the handfuls of the flax being
by the workmen direfted in between the upper and middle
rollers, the flax is imm.ediately drawn in by the rollers ; a curv-
ed board or plate of tin behind the rollers direfts the flax to
return again between the middle and undermoll rollers ; and
thus the operation is repeated until the boon be fufHciently
broke. Great weights of timber or flone at the ends of levers,
prefs the upper and under rollers towards the middle one.
The fcutching, wiiich was formerly done by hand, is Ijke-
wife carried on by the mill in the following manner : four
arms, fomething like hnnd-i'cutchers, proje£l from a perpfti-
dicular axle ; a box around the axle indoles thefe proje£ling
fcutchers ; and this box is divided among the workmen, each
having fuificient room to ftand and handle his fl<ix, which,
through flits in the v.pper part and lides of the box, they hold
Q L 2
444 G EifrK'At ''I'NF ORMATIOX
in to the flroke of the fcutchers, which moving round horizon-
tally, ftrike the flax acrofs or at right angles, and fo threfli out
or clear it of the boon.
The breaking of the fl.ix by rollers is fcarcely fubjc6t to
any objeftion, but that it is dangerous to workmen not iuffi-
ciently on their guard, who fometimes ailotv the rollers to take
hold of their fingers, and thereby their whol^ arm is inftantly
drawn in : thus many have loft their arms. To avoid this dan-
ger, a break, upon the general principles jof the hand-break
before deicribed, has been lately adapted to water machinery,
and uied in place of rollers. The horizontal ftrokc of the
fcutchers was long thought too fevere, and Vi/afteful of the
flax ; but very careful experiments have difcovered that the
\vafte complained of muft be charged to the unflcilfulnefs or
negligence of the workmen, as in good hands the mill carries
a^vay nothing but what, if not fo fcutched off, muft be takea
cff in the heckling with more lofs, both of time and flax. But
to obviate this objeftion of the violence of the horizontal
fcutchers, an imitation of hand-fcutching has lately been appli-
ed to water. The fcutchers then projeft from an horizontal
axle, and move like the arms of a check red, ftriking the flax
neither acrofs nor perpendicularly do^^'O, but floping in upon
the parcel exaftly as the flax is fhruck by the hand-fcutcher.
This floping flroke is got by raihng the fcutching ftock iome
inches higher than the center of the axle, and by raifing or
lowering the flock over which the flax is held, or fcrewing it
nearer to or farther from the fcutchers, the workmen can tem-
per or humour the flroke almoft as he pleafes. S'^ t: io
A lint-mill, with horizontal fcutchers upon a ptertfendicular
axle, requires a houfe of two flories, the rollers or break being
placed in the ground ftoiy, and the fcutchers in the loft above ;
but a mill with vertical fculliers on an hoVizontal axle, requires
but one ground ftory for all the machinery.
Another method of breaking and fcutching fla!x, mere ex-
peditious than the old hand methods, and more gentle than
water mills, has alfo been invented in Scotland. It is much
like the break and fcutchcr giving the floping flroke bft
deicribed, moved by the foot. Tiie trcddle is remarkably
long, and the loutchers arc fixed upon the rim of a fly whcel^
The foot break is alio affifled in its motion by a fly.
Thefe foot machines aie very uleful where there are no water
mills, but they are far inferior to the mills in point of expe-
dition^ I
^TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS,_ 445
The next operation that flnx undergoes after fcutching is
heckling. The heckle is lirmly fixed to a bench before the
workman, who ftrikcs the fLix upon the teeth of the heckle
and draws it through the teeth. To perfons unacquainted
with this kind of work, this may feem a \rcry li'nple operation ;
but, in faft, it requires as much pradicc to acquire tlie flight of
heckling well, and without waifling tlic flax, as any oilier ope-
ration in the wliolc manufafture of liipn. They ule coaifer
and wider teethed heckles, or finer, according to tlic quality
of the flax, generally putting the fljx through two heckles
a coarfer one firft, and i.ext a fine one.
The following obfervations, firft publiflied in the Gentle-
man's Magazine for June 178-7, leem worthy of very particular
attention, and may not therefore be improperly fubjoined as a
ii.ipplement to the prefent article.
'• The intention of wateilng flax is, in my opinion, to make
the boon more brittle or friable, and by foaking, to diflblve
that gluey kind of fap that makes the bark of plants and trees
adhere in a fmall degree to the woody part. The bark of flax
is called the harle, and when Icparated from the ufelcfs woody
part, the boon, this harle itfelf is called flax. To effeft this fepa-
ration eafily, flie praftice has long prevailed, of foaking the flax
in water to certain degree of fermentation, and afterwards dry-
ing it. For this foaking fome prefer rivulets that have a fmall
current, and others flagnant water in ponds and lakes. In both
methods the water afts as in all other cales of infufion and ma-
ceration; after two or three weeks it extracts a great many
juices of a very ftrong quality, which in ponds give the water
an inky tinge and oftenfive Imell, and in rivulets mix in the
flream and kill the fifh. Nay, if this maceration be too lono-
continued, the extrafled and fermented lap will completely kill
the flax itlelf. For if mftead of two or three weeks, the new
flax were to lie ioaking in the water four or five months. I
premme it would be good for nothing but to be thrown upon
the dunghill ; both harle and boon would in time be comoletely
rotted ; yet tiie harle or flax, when entirely freed from this
fap, and manufactured into linen, or into ropes, might lie m.any
months unucr water without being much damaged ; as linen,
It may be wailied and ftecped in fcalding water twenty times
\vithout lofing much of its flrength, and as paper, it acquires a
kind of ir.coi J Liptibiiity. '"!,'' / ! t
'• It appears then effential to the right management of hew
Haxj to get rid of this pernicious vegetative Hil?, and to mace-
446 GENERAL INFORMATION
rate the boon ; but from the complrtlnts made againfl: both the
methods of watering now in u^e^ there is reafon to think that
there is ftill great room for improvement in that article. In
rivulets, the vegetative fap, as it is diffolved, is carried ofF by
the current, to the deftruftion of the fi'h. Tiiis prevents
the flax from being ftained ; but the operation is tedious, and
not complete, from the uncertainty of knowing when it is
jufl enough, and not ioo much, or perhaps from neglcft. In
ponds, tha inky tinge of t!ie water often ferves as a kind of
dye to the flax, which imbibes it fo ftrongly, that double the
labour in bleaching will hardly bring the linen made of luch
flax to an equality in whitenels v.'ith linen made of flax unting-
ed. This Icems to be equally unwife as though we were to
dve cotton black firfl:, in order to whiten it afterwards. Thefe
ponds, behdes, become a great nuilance to the neighbour
hood ; the impregnated water is often of fuel) a pernicious
quality, that cattle, however thirfty, Vv^ill not drink of it,
and the effluvia of it may perhaps be nearly as infeftious as it
is cfFenfive. If this effluvia is really attended v/ith any con-
tagious effefts in our cold climate, a thing worth the inquiring
into, hov/ much more pernicious mufh its effcfts have been in
the hot climate of Egypt, a country early noted for its great
cultivation of flax ?
" I have often thought that the procefs of watering might
be greatly improved and fliortened by plunging the new flax,
after it is rippled, into icalding M'ater ; which, in regard to ex-
tracting the vegetative fap, -would do in five minutes more than
could water would do in a fortnight, or perhaps more than cold
water could do 2t all, in rcfpcft to the clearing tha, plant of fap.
Rough almonds, when thrown into fcrdding water, are blanch-
ed in an inflant ; but perhaps a fortnight's macerating thofe
almonds in cold water would not make them part io eafily
with their fl^ins, winch are the fame to them as the harle is to
the flax. Where tea leaves to be infufed in cold water a fort-
nioht, perhaps the tea produced by that infuhon would not
be fo good to the tafle, nor fo fhrongly tinged to the eye,
as what is efFePted by fcalding water in five minutes. By
the fame analogy, I think, flax or any frnall twig would
be made to part with its bark much ealicr and quicker
bv being dipped in boiling water than by being fleeped in
cold water,
" Ihis refiedion opens the door for a great vai'iety of new
experiments in regard to flux. I would therefore reconv
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 447
men(i to gentlemen cultivators ami farmers, to make repeat-
ed trials upon this new fyfceni, which would foon ascertain
whether it ought to be adopted in praftice or rejefted. One.
thing, I think, we may be certain of, that if the Egyptians
watered their flax in our common manner, they undoubt-
edly watered it in very warm water, from the great lieat
of their climate, which would probably make them reglc6t
to think of water heated by any other means than th::t of
the lun. A good general praftice can only be cRabliflied
upon repeated trials. Though one experiment may fail, ano-
ther with a little variation may fucceed ; and the importance
of the objeft defired to the obtained will juftify a good de-
gree of perfcverance in the profecution of the means. In
this view, as the Cliinefe thread is faid to be very f}:rong, it
would be worth while to be acquainted with the practice
of that diilant nation, in regard to the rearing and manufactur-
ing of flax, as well as with the methods uled by the Flem-
ings and the Dutch.
" Boiling water, perhaps, might at once clear the new flax
from many impurities, which, when not removed till it be laua
into yarn, are then removed with difliculty, and the lofs of lub-
ilance to tlie yarn. Why fhould not the longitudinal -fibres of
the flax, before they be fpun into yarn, be made not only as fine
but as clean as pofhble ? Upon the new fyftem propofed, the
aft of bleaching would begin immedialelv after the rippling oi
the flax, and a little done, then, might perhaps fave much of
what is generally done after the Ipinning and weaving. To fpin
dirty flax with a view of cleaning it afterwards, appears to be
the fame impropriety as tiiough we were to referve part of the
drefiing given to Icaiher till after it is made into gloves.
" Should the plunging of the flax into the boiling water not
fuflice to make the boon britll; enough, as I am inclined to
think it would not, then tlie common watering might be added ;
but in that cafe probably half the time ufuidly given to this wa-
tering would fuflice, and the flax might then be laid in clear
rivulets, without any apprehcnfion of its infefting the witer and
poifoning the fifli, or of being difcoloured itfelf ; for the boiling
water into which it iiad been previoufly put, would have cx-
trafted all the poilonous vegetative lap, which I prcfume is
what chiefly difcolours the flax or kills the fifli.
" Oa the fuppofition that the uic of boiling water in the pre-
paration of flax may be found to be advantageous and profita-
ble, I can recolleft at prcfent but one objeftion - agninft its
being generally adopted. Every fl:x grower, it may be laid.
448 GENERAL INFORMATION
could not be. -expeftcd -tx> have conveniences fur boiling watei'
fufficient for the purpofe ; the confumption of water would be
'gt&at, arid^fome^ additional expenfe would be incurred. In
"anfwt-.r to- this I fhall oblerve, that I prefume any additional
fcixpenfe'^ w6i5ld be more than rei^nbur fed by the better market-
able |rrice of the flax; for otherwife any new improvement,
if it will -not quit coft, muft be dropt, were it even the
fearching. after gold. In a large cauldron a. great deal of
' flax might be dipt in the fame water, and the confttEoptiga
perhaps would not be more than a quart to each fheaf, :. %H^t^
a large houfehold pot would be capable of containing , one
fheaf after another ; and I believe the whole objcftion would
be obviated, were the praftice to prevail as in Flanders ajqd
•Holland, that the flax-grower and lliix-dreffer fliould be tvyo
■:diilin£t profefuons.
. " I fhall conclude with recommending to thofe who are in-
clined to make experiments, not to be dilcouraged by the fail-
ure of one or two trials. Perhaps the flax,, inftead juH plung-
ed into the fcalding water, ought to be kept in it five minutes,
perhaps a quarter of an hour, perhaps a whole hour» .Should
-five minutes, or a quarter of an hour, or an hour, not l^e fuffi-
cient to make the boon and harle eafily feparate, it might per-
Jiaps be found expedient to boil the flax for more than an
hour; and Jlich boiling when in this ftate, might in return
lave feveral hours boiling in the article of bleaching. If is
not, I think, at. all probable- that the boiling of the flax with
the boon in it would prejudice the harle ; for in the courfe 6f
its future exifhence, it is made to be expofed twenty or forty
times to this boiling trial, and if not detrimeintar in fhe one
cafe, itistobie prefumcd it would be detrimental in the other.
Perhaps, after the boiling, it would be proper to pile 'up the
ll'ax in one heap fur a whole day, or for half a day, to occafion
fomc fermentation ; or, perhaps, immediately after the boilirig,
it might be proper to wafh it with cold water. The great
X)bjcft, when the flax is pulled, is to get the harle from the
feobn with as little lofs and damage as pofiible ; and if this is
accoinplifhed in a more complete manner than ufual, conlide-
Vable labour and expenfe will be faved in the future manufaftur.
ing juf. tlie flax. On -this account I think much more would
^e- gained than loft, were the two or three laft inches of the
^'oots of the Items to be chopped ofl^, or dipt off, previous to
the flax being either watered or boiicd. When the flax is wa-
•tcrcd, cave ihould.be taken not to Iprcad it out to dry, when
there is a hazard of its being exsoFed in its wet ibtc to froll.'^
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 449
ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE VINE.
in feveral preceding parts of this work we have mentioned
the advantages the United States poirefs for the culture of tlie
vine, and, of confequence, for the making wines of a fuperior
kind ; as the attempts made have in many parts fucceeded, and
as many American farmers have attended to it of late, we
fhall need no apology for introducing the following effay on
the culture of the vine, and the making and preferving of win^s
fuitcd to the difl'erent climates of the United States.
Whoever confiders the general climate of North-America,
the foil, the ieafons, the lerenity and dryneis of the air, the
length and intenl'eners of the heat, the fair' and moderate wea-
ther that generally prevails in the fall, wheft grapes are com-
ing to rnaturity, and arrive at their greatcft perfeftion \ whoever
compares the ptelent ftate of the air, wiih what it Vv-as formerly,
before the country was opened, cleared and drained, will hnd,
that they are every year fail advancing to that pure ;iMd peric8:
temperament of air, fit for making the heft and richell wines of
every kind.
Such has been the bounty and goodnefs of heaven, that
there are Vines adapted to every countiy, to every region,
from fifty degrees both north and fouth latitude down to the
equator \ and the countries beyond thefe may ealily be lupplicd
by traffic, fo that all the Tons of men may partake of this
general, this univerfal bleffing.
It is not every vine that is fit for every country t fome are
earlier. Tome are later ripe; fome are tender and delicate, and
will not ftand the feverity of winter ; others are hardy and robuft,
and will ftand any v/eather. Hereafter we fhall range them in
proper and diftinft claffes, and adapt the different forts by name
to the ditferent climates in America, where they may be propa-
gated with lafety and to the be ft advantage.
A vine, from a flick or cutting, begins to bear fruit the
third year, the fourth year it bears morCj and the fifth year
the planter may makd wine ; and from that time until it attains
the full age of man, it increales in value and yields a richer
^vine ; and, if from the beginning the vine is carefully pruned^
duly manured and properly cultivated, it will amply reward
for all the labour, cxpenle and care, beftowed on it, and will
-hold good above- an hundred years, as moll writers affirm ; but
then it muft be tended by a careful and ftead^ hand, for it will
Vol. III. ' 3 M
A50 G ENE R A L IN FO R M A TION
not bear to be flighted or neglefted : if the ground is not manur-
ed and kept in good heart, the vine will bear no fruit ; if the
filanter neglcHs to cultivate the foil and keep it clean, the fruit
■will be" knotty and ftuved, and will not come to maturity ; if
he fuiFcr 'tte ftakes or props to fall, and the vine to fprawl on
the grolarid, tire fruit will not ripen, but remain auftere, and
v.'ill not make good wine. Wine is too rich a juice to be made
from a barren ' foil, or by lazy idle llovens ; fuch men ihould
never un-dei'take a vineyard ; they not only hurt themlclves,
but hinder others, who are lit for the undertaking, from mak-
ing the attempt. If a vineyard does not fuccccd, the fault is in
the man, not in the vine : it will flourlfli and proTper under a
careful and difigent hand, but it will degenerate and run v.iid
under the hand of iloth and idlenel's. A gentlemeti of Rome,
who took great delight in vineyards, fome of which' "he hacj
railed with his own hands, wrote a very elegant piece upon the
culture of wines, and in the m.oft pathetic terms recommends
it to the people of Italy, as the mofl profitable as well as agree-
able and amufmg undertaking. Among many other encourage-
ments, he tells them this fhory : " Pavidius Veterenfis, a neigh-
bour of my uncle, had a vineyard and two daughters. Upon the
marriage of one of them, he gave with her as her dowry one-
third of his vineyard ; and then doubled his diligence, and
cultivated the remainder fo well, that it yielded him as much as
the whole had done before : upon the marriage of the other
daughter, he gave with her one other third of his vineyard ;
and now haying but one-third part of the whole left, he I'o
manured and cultivated it, that it yielded him full as much as
the whole had done at firft."
This ingenious author accufes many of his countrvmcn of
having begun this work with leeming refolution, and of having
canied it. on for iome time with aliiduity, but before they had
brought it to perfeftion they flagged, and for want of ftciidinefs
and a little longer pcrieverance. loft their monev, their labour,
and all their prolpefts. At the fame time he proves to a demon-
ftration, friotn bxatl: and minute calculali'ms, the great advantages
of vineyard;?^ notwithftanding the great expcn'e the Romans
were at in ^ buildings, incloiures, workmen and magnificent,
works, and brings his own vineyards, which were well known
as proofs of all he had laid.
We fliall take the liberty to conclude this introduftion with
a fliort but pleallng defcription of the vine, which Cicero, in
his beautiful trsft upon old age, puts into the moutli of Cato :
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 451
'' The vine, that naturally runs low, and cannot rear itfelf
without a I'upport, is fur this end provided with tendrils, by
vhich, like lo many hands, it lays hold on et'^cry thing it
meets with that may ralfe it, and by thelc aids it .expands
and becomes lo luxuriant, that to, prevent its running out
into ui'elels wood, the drelTer is obliged to prune oil its lu-
perfluous wandciing branches ; after which, from the {land-
ing joints, in the enluing fpring, the little bud called ths
gem puflies out the new flroot whereon the tender young
grape is formed; which gradually fwellirg by nourilhment
from the earth, is at firft auftere to the taflc, but guarded
with leaves around, that it may neither want due warmth,
nor fuPi'er by too fcorching rays, it ripens by the fun's enli-
vening beams, and acquires that delicious fweebnels and bcau-
fiful form, that equally plcafes both the taflie and the eye ;
and then enriches the v/orld with that noble liquor, the ad-
vantages of which I need not name. Yet is not the fenfe
of thefe, nor of all the advantages of hufbandry, that ib near-
ly affeft us, £S the pleafure I find in their culture alone ; fuch
as ranging the vines and their fupporting perches in exaft and
even row'S, in arching and binding their tops, lopping off
the woody and barren, and training the fruitful branches to fup-
ply every vacancy, and then contemplating the beauty and or-
der with the procefs of nature in the whole."
The firft thing neccffary to a good vineyard is a proper
plot or piece of ground ; its fituation fliould be high and dry
free from fprings and a wet Ipongy foil ; its afpvift or front
fhould be towards the fouth and louth-eaft : though the ground
be not a hill, yet if it be high, open and airy, and gradual-
ly afcending towards the fouth or fouth-caft, it will do very
well : if it be a fruitful hill, it will do belter ; but if it be
a mountain, with a rich foil, it will be bcfc of all, for the
higher the vineyard the richer the vine.
The foil mod natural to a vineyard, and fuch as produces
the Iwecteft grapes, and the richeft and ftrongeft wine, is a
rich mould mixed with fand : the newer and freflier the ground
the better •, iuch a loil may be found on a rihng ground and
on fome hills, but veiy leldom on the hdes of mountains *
for here the foil is generally ftilf and ch:\'cy, lb ordered by
Providence, as being Icfs iubjeft to be waTncd away bv Jraid
rains; but this ftiff foil on the fide of mountains diliers great-
ly from clr.y grounds below the winds and aij-y'^tid t!he.{';j;i'jj
heat, fo uiy and warm it, that it becoincj ii 'proDcii'b;?<ij fo'-
452 G£NE'^JI; INFO R MA TION
vines, atid i«i3cl€i¥l» tlifete-*fcoi^'~-prc5lific and produ£live of the.
richeft wrn^s.-^' ^intijd sis ^scis aSriw xUiw.,. hsctavoj. sne .y-
A ricvj \virife Tcnr%ii5?ed^ ~wrth""gf^^^ a- Tandy ■mould in-
terlpeiied with large ftones or with fmall loofe rocks, are alf©
ver^' fftVpe9^Ifert^¥3^iiieyard : rocks and -ftones,- if the foil be
goody ■^*^rm ahd^-'dry," are no difadvantage to vines; on the
contrary they^fefleft great heat" to the fruit, and thereby con-
tribute"'towards perfefting the wine, efpecially ^ if they are
en- lifing" ground, on the declivity of a hill, or on the fidc;
of a mountain : it is tiiie they are attended with fome incon-
yeniencies f it is more difficult to keep fuch a vineyard clean,
to ftake it Well, to range the vines in proper order and re-
^:gmSi^^ToiTn, to dung the ground, and gather in the vintage.
jBltt'ithen, thefe rocks and ftones will make a good, clofe,
ftrdng and lafting fence. On the fides of hills and moun-
ting the)P^8 abfolutely neceffary to make low rough walls
along the lower fide of the vines, to preferve the good foil
from waOiing away. They ferve alfo to keep the ground moift
iri^Fiit dry times, when, but for them, the loil would be parch-
ed up along fuch fteep grounds. In fliort, there would be
no iiich thing as raifing vineyards on fuch grounds, where it
hot for rocks and ftones. for as it is necefiary to keep the foil
loofe "^and mellow, it would all walh away with hard rains,
if hoi prevented by forming a kind of rough wall of ftones
along the lower fide of each row of vines, Again, fuch lands
are cheap, being unfit for other purpofes, generally yielding
l)Ut little 'timber or grafs. T4iey may therefore be purchaled by
poor people, who could riot aftbrd^ to go to the price of good
land. Laftly, thefe fteep hilk and mountains alway^s yield the
j-icheft "wines, the value and price of which will- compenfate for
ariy extraordinary labour.
If tlie g.-cund be worn and out of heart, it muft be renewed
and helped with dung, with frefh mpuld, with Creek mud,
with the. rich foil that lodges along the fides of brooks or
jiyers, or that fettles in low places at the foot of hills or
mountains, or by foddering cattle or fhecp upon it with good
ftore pf ftraw, fait hay, or corn ftalks, &c. or by penning fuch
cattle upon it and plowing all under it as deep as m»ay be, till
^ii:,lD&'iriad'e''Tufficieniry rich, or by any other method that mall
l)cft f^ai't the owner,
\. if the ground is ftiff, it may be mended by good ftore of
isQci^.afnes/jltjotj'the rubbifb and mortar of old buildings, well
poupded, efpecially if fuch mQiUx be made of lime and fen4'
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS: 45^,
by the duft and fmall coal of coal kilns, a|\d tha ftarth that
they are covered with when they are burnt, lea fand or fine
gravel, and. fowl's and fhsep's dung, or the old dung of near
cattle, .
After the ground is brought into good heart, and has becUr
deep ploughed or dug and well harrowed, fo as to be quite.,
■mellow, it fhould be well fcciircd with a good dole fence,
iufficicntly ftrcng to prevent the intrufion of cattle and
liogs, for on this depends much of the luccefs af^^ ^the whoJ^
plantation. -, fir,, j ,..,-,- - \r,
The next ftep to be taken is to provide a fufficient flock of
vine cuttings, not ©nly enough to plant the vineyard, but a ItnalL
nurfcry too. If theic cannot be had all at once, the planter
fliould begin to lay up a year ©r two beforehand, and plant
them in his nurfery in even rows, at four inches diflance, and
the rows three feet afunder, that they may be hoed and kept
clean ; in this cafe he fhould fcatter Tome fhort ftraw and chaff
between the rows to keep the ground moid an^ the weeds
down. The ground of the nurfery fliould be in good heart,
but by no means fo rich as the foil of your vineyard ; if it is^
when the plants are removed into the vineyard, they will
feldom flourifh or become fruitful. The reafon of planting the
cuttings fo clofe in the nurfery, is to prevent their fhooting their
roots too far into the ground, which would render them very
difficult to take up without damaging the root, and more tedious
to plant out.
Various forts of vines fhould not be planted in one vineyard,
if it is meant to make good wine. The moft experienced vige-
nerons affert, that grapes of one fort make the beft wine ; that
if they are mixed they hurt the wine, by keeping it conftantly
upon the fret by means of their different fermentations. Be
that as it may, we fliould recommend this pra£lice for reafons
that operate more ftrongly, which are, that the more fimple and
pure wine is, the more perfeft it is in its kind. Three different
wines may be all good in kind, and veiy agreeable whilfl
tliflinft, but when mixed together become quite the reverfe, and
the whole be fpoiled. If a vineyard contains one acre of
ground, it fliould have but two forts of grapes in it, if it is
meant to make a profit of it by felling the wine; if it con-
tains two acres we advife to have four forts in it ; and if it
contains three or four acres we fhould not chuie more : but if
it contains fix, eight or ten acres, perhaps it might be proper
to -have a greater variety; but then preference iKquld be given
^ ■ ' ■ ■■ ■■■■'■■ ■■■■'■■>' '^ '("■'•^-"!!-' ;hjbajjQ:j
454 GENERAL INFORMATION
to thofe kinds that make the befl wines, and fuch as do not
come in . at the fairie time, from whence the planter v/ould reap
■many advantages : — he would not be over hurried in the time
of vintage, nor run the riik of having feme fpoil upon his
hands, whilft he was making up the refl ; again, if a fcafon
proved unfavourable, and feme were cut off by the inclemency
ef the weather, others, that were later ripe, might efcape the
injury. It is certainly befh to plant each lort in a diftinft
quarter by itfelf, to avoid confufion, and to reap every advan-
tage.
The next thing to be confidered is the quality of the vines
to be made choice of. This muft be limited and adapted to
the climate where the vineyard is planted. The moft hardy
a.id carlicft ripe will befl fuit tlie molt northern Ssates,
we mean thole" of Ne ..-Ilampfaire, Maffachufetts, Rhode-
Iflmd, Connefticut, &c. The vines proper for theie countries
are,
The black auvernat. The blue clufter,
The black Orleans, The miller grape.
Theie four make the beft Burgundy.
The black Hamburghj The melie blanc,
The red Hamburgh, The white Morillon,
The white mufcadine, The white auvernat,
Ti^e muicadelb, The grey auvernat.
All thefe are ripe early in September.
All the foregoing forts will do very well for New- York,
Nevv-Jcriey and Pennfylvania ; we mean for the clear and open
parts of thefe countries ; to v/hich may be added the following
forts, which are recommended for trial, they being more tender,
but ripen in September ; they Ihould be planted in a warm part
of' the vineyard :
The chaffelas blanc, called The red frentinlac,
the royal mufcadine, The black Lilbon,
The malvois or malmfcy, The white Lifbon,
The -^rev fior.tiniac. The chaffelas noir.
Ail the foregoing forts will do very well for the States o*
Marvland, Virginia and North-Carolina, to which "ar« added
Lfie following, and recommended fof trial, but they muft have a
warm place* ■'• jd-i > »•
The white frbftti«iac, The black damafk,
Thcmalrnfcy iriiifcat,- ' The cliicanti of Italy, which
The claret graipe of Bouvdcaux, makes a rich wiue much ad-
Thenwhite Oporto, mired in Italj'.
The bkck Oporto, -
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 455
All the befoi-e-mentioncd forts will do well in Soutli-Caro-
lina, and in the colonies ftill farther fouth, particularly in
the rich foils of Kentucky, &c. To v/hich may he added the
follov/ing, as being ftill more tender and later ripe :
The raifm mufcat, The white mufcat of Alexandria
The Alicant and Malaga ral- The gros noir of Spain,
fin grape, The Si. Peter's grape.
Tiie red mufcst of Alexandria,
In many parts of Vnginia, Ncu'th and South-Carolina, and.
in Georgia, what ftrength nature aflbrded the foil has been
exhaufted by tobacco, Indian corn, rice, &c. However, thofc
grounds that lie near to rivers and creeks, may eallly be re-
cruited ; for thefe rivers abounded with rich mud, whicl^. is
the beft kind of manure for fuch lands, and it would be no
great expenls to procure a fufEcient quantity of it to cover a
piece of ground large enough for a vineyard, efpccially as it
may be done at fuch times when other bufinefs is not very ur-
gent : this mud muft lie fome time upon the ground before it is
mixed with the foil, at leafh a fummer and a winter ; for at firfl;
it will bake very hard, and be very crude ; but the winds, dew5,
rains and frofts, with the help of the fun, ^vill fweetcn, mellow,
and bring it into a proper order ; then it muft be equally foread
and well mixed with the foil. Thus may the land be recruited,
and kept in good heart, from time to time, and from a barren
uielefs piece of ground, it may become profitable both to the
«wner and his country.
The nature and quality of the vines being confidcrsd and
made choice of to fuit the country, the next thing neccffaiy is,
to make choice of 1 uch parts of a vine, for cuttings to plant,
as may be moft likely to grow and flourifh, and alfo to product!
healthy and fruitful vines, on wliich the fuccefs and profits
of a vineyard very much depend. All parts of a vine are net
equally good and fit for plants ; all branches that have not
borne fruit, all fuckers, lateral and fecondary branches, end
cfpecially the long running barren branches, fliould be avoided ;
thele difterent forts- ieldom produce fruitful vines; the cuttings
fhould be cholen from the teeming part of the vine, from among
thofe branches that v.'ere let spart fgr bearing fruit; and among.
thefe fuch as are fnort-jointed, and have been moft fruitful the
laft lummer : they fliould be cut do'^-n cloi'e to tl-ie old wooo\
for thcie the wood is ripcft and moft firm. The iipper part of
the lame branch is Icfs ripe, more looie and fpongV, more apt
t-o fail, and very faldom raak^s fo firm and laftinga vir,e. Kowe^
456 GENERAL INFORMATION
ver, where vines are fcarcc, and men have not thefc advantages
of choice, they muft do the befl; they can. Thef© branches
muft be trimmed and cleared from the lateral or fccondary branch-
es ; but in doing this, great care muft be taken not to wound
tlie buds or eyes, which a carelefs hand is very apt to do. If
the bud be bruifed witli the back of the knife, fo that the
eotton that lies under the thin bark that covers the bud, and is
wifely intended to prelerve it from the injuries of the weather,
be rubbed off, the bud will perifli. Therefore, as tlie buds lie
clofe to thei'e lateral branches, and are in fo much dinger of
being wounded, it is beft and fafeft to cut the branches off a
little above the height of the bud.
Theie branches thus trimmed fliGuld remain whole and at
full length till the next April, which, in the northern States,
is the beft time for planting. They fhould be feparated from the
plant fome time in September, or as foon as the vintage is over,
that being the beft time for the trimming of vines, becaufe the
wounds which the vine receives are healed up, and fecurely
clofed from the feverity of the winter fcafon. If this work is
left till February or March, the vine fuffers by the frefh wounds
in long rains, fleets and frofts that follow ; or if the weather
is favourable, it grows faint and is exhaufted by excefs of bleed-
ing.
The beft way for preferving the cuttings through the win-
ter, and which we therefore recommend for a general praftice,
is as follows : At or near the north-weft corner of the vine*
yard or garden, the fence being good and clofe, a fmall trench
ihould be dug five or fix inches deep and wide, and fufficiently
long to contain all the branches. In this tliey fhould be planted
thick and clofe with the butt ends down, and the trench filled
up with the earth that came out of it, preflTed down v/ell with
the hand all about the bottom of the branches; the earth fliould
rife two or three inches above the furface of the ground, to
prevent the water from fettling about the vines, which would
rot them. If the cuttings are of various forts the planter fhould
be careful to diftinguifh them from each other by their proper
names. Before the planting of the vines in this manner, two
or more crotches, according to the quantity of vines, fhould be
driven down at about three feet from the trench, and parallel
\v'ith it, upon which poles Ihould be laid to lupport the upper
part of the branches about twelve or fifteen inches from the
ground ; thus they will lie Hoping without touching the ground,
which prefcrvcs them from growing mouldy and from rotting.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.
457
The vines then fhould be covered wirthilraw,. laid kngthuays
upon ihcxn up and down a lillle beyond the trcneh, !<> thdt the
■ -water is carried off beyond tlve foot ofthe vines Uy this llraw
roof J- and. yet the iliaw niuft not- be laid on too thick, left it
coniiivyse- moid too long apd. occafioi) mouldjnefs, Acrofsthe
. top and bottom, polos fhould be laid, and faftcned down to
prevent the lliaw.from blowing away. Thus they fliould re-
mam till Ipiuig. , ,
Jlri.tjic beginning of April, when reader* for planting, the wea-
ther being moderate and calm, tlie froft out of the' cfouhd.
.' ■' 'V •-' . '^ . ' ■■■■•■■■ r '■ -. ° *
*i^nd nature teeming with frefli vegetation, then the' branches
fliould be cut for planting. If one cutting from every branch
is fufficient for tlie purpofe, tlien the lower part flibuldbe cut
about twelve or fourteen inches long. But aS it i& ir.bft likely
that the planter will not have enough of thcie, hc'inufi; make
two or three cuttings of every branch, not ' lefs ■tH!iti-''a- foot
long ; 'and having a trench made ready, place them"ln it clofs
together, the butt or lower end down, and cover their, up W'ith
earth to the upper eye, till he Is ready to plant, carefully plac-
ing every fort by thcmfelves, with a label denoting the kind.
This dlreftion is calculated for New- York, ' N-et^jJericy, and
Penrifylvania. The more northern States will be a month
later, and the more fouthern colonies will be at I'eaft a month,
fome two months earlier; planters mud therefore conduft them-
fcl.'SS accordingly. In tivelelafl States, we would recommend
the cuttings to be longer,, that they may be planted deeper,
the bfetter to prclerve the vines from excelFive heats and
droughts.
- The gr<imnd being, well manured, and brought into good
heart if old, or being naturidiy rich if new, and having been,
at leaft twice, deep ploughed and well harrowed the fummer
before, in the fall of the year it fliould be deep ploughed
the. third time, acrofs the hill or riling ground, and lie rough
, juft aS: it is ploughed all winter, which will greatly prevent
wafhing, and the frofts will mellow it and prepara it the better
for yegciation.
In the ,{p''ing of the y:ear,, as, foorv as the ground is dry, it
fliould be well harrovv-ed both ways, and with a f|ia,t;p iron tooth
j^, harfpw .lai,d,d,ovYn, .fn^ooth, ,3nd evep ; and this gcrieral caution
1^1 Ihould be attended .to, 'nevpr to" ineddle with tlie ground of
the /vineyard when it is wet, or even rhoirt at trip, nay,' tho
planter fjiould avoid as much as polTihle vvalkimx^n at fiicli a
L time. jHis ovvh experience will focn 'teach; 'Kim''the'i'earori of
' ihlsr caution 'i'i^o'r lie Will -S-ti'd', 'ih^ii ike' lis^tfej^^iiti liore open
458 GENERAL INFO RMATION
and loofe the foil of a vineyard is kept, the mere his vines will
flourifh, and the more fruitful they will prove.
When the ground is in proper order, the planter fnould pro-
vide a Imall flake of four feet long for every vine, and begirt
to lay out his vineyard in the mod regular manner the nature
and fhape of the ground will admit of. If he means to plough
and harrow his vineyard with a Imall lingle horfe plough and a
fmall corn harrow, he fliould leave a border of ten or twelve
feet on each fide of every iquare to turn the horfe upon, left he
tramples upon and deftroys the outfide vines. There will be na
need af fuch borders along the upper or lower fide of the
fquares, unlefs he chule it for the lake of regul uity ; becaufe
the vineyard fiiould never be ploughed up and dc>\vn hill, but
tranfverfely, for if it is it will be gullied, and tiie rich foil wafli-
ed away by hard rains.
The foUowing method oi laying out a vineyard, we think,
is as ealy, as regular and as expeditious as any, for a long Iquarc
or a four-fquare piece of ground : Lay it out in as many iquaresj
at leaffe, as there are difFerent kinds of grapes to be planted :
the fquares being laid out, plant the young vines in regular
order, at about eight feet diflance from each other. This we
think the beft diflance for them to fland, but variations may be
made according to the will of the planter.
If the vineyard is large enough to divide into four, fix or
eight fquares, or more, according to the different forts of grapes
dcfigned to be planted in it, and not ftraitened for room, the
planter will find it very convenient, on many occafions, to have
crols walks of twelve feet between the fquares, not only to
turn upon when ploughing, but for carting in of manure, and
placing it conveniently for dunging the vines, which will be a
laving of labour, befides being attended with many other advan-
tages.
The ground being prepared, and having as many vine cut-
tings as can be planted in half a day, foaking in rich dung
Vv'ater, in a pail, which ferves befl to keep tlie plants upright,
the butt ends being down, holes mufl be dug at proper diftances
larger or fmaller, according to fancy or judgement ; for it maiters
fiot fo they are deep enough to contain the plant. And liere we
wifh to clear up a point, which has led many people into mil-
takes and rendered this work exceedingly tedious, that is, the
throwing into the holes, in which the vines are planted, rich
mould mixed with old dung, thinking that this muft be a great
advantage to the vine : this is a miftaken notion, for as foon as
its roots flrike.beyond this rich mixture, into the common foil,
which is many degrees poorer and colder, the conlequence is,
the roots recoil and fliiink back at coldnefs and poverty they
had not been ufecl to, and the vegeutioa is flopped, and the
TO EU ROP EAX SETTLERS. 4^9
plant deffcneratcs and becomes barren ; and if the plant is ex-
amined at bottom, it will be found, that inftead of extending its
roots to their ufiial length, it has (liot out a great number of
linall fibres like threads, whicli extend no farther than the good
mould ; and thefe being quiic iiilLifHcient toanlu'cr the demands
of nature, the plant perifhes, or remains in an inaftive and
barren ft^te. Whereas, had the vine been planted in the com-
mon loil at fiift, it would have met with no alteration, no fud-
den change to che<-k its growth. This is fufficicnt proof, that
the loil ihould be well mixed and good, for the vine profpcrs
in a warm, fruitful foil, but proves unfruitful and pcriflics in a
foil cold and barren : yet a foil may be too rich, or made too rant
bv manure, and this extreme fhould alio be avoided. But to re-
turn to planting the vines ; the holes being dug according to the
mind of the planter, a (lake fhould be driven on one fide of
the hole, and the vine then planted with the foot let forward
from tlie ftake, and bent a Ijttle, fo as to bring it gently up
ajainll it, but one eye only fliould remain above the iurface of
the ground : the bud or eye muvl not touch the ftake, but look
from it : the earth, mixed well together, fliould be preffed gent-
ly about the vine, till the hole is almoft full, and the reft
thrown in lightly without prelling, fo that it may rile up to the
eye of the vine, which ought to be about two inches above the
common furface. By this means the vine will be preferved
from drying winds and tiie hot fun till it begins to grow. Some
place four or five paving Hones about the loot of the vine, not
lo dole but that the roots may fhoot out between them, and
thefe they fay, and we think with reafon, condenfe the air in
hot dry leafons, and nourifh the vine with moiflure, and cool
and refrefh it when parched with excefiive heats. In the
northern colonies, the vines fhould be planted on the fouth lide
©f the Hakes for the fake of the iun : in the fouthcrn colo-
nies, they fhould be planted on the north fide, to avoid too
great heat. 1 he upper eye only fhould fhoot out branches,
from which the head of the vine is formed. If any flioots
fhould rile from below, which fometimes is the cafe, the fooner
they are removed the better ; theie are called luckers, and very
much exhaufl the viae.
When the vineyard is planted, if there are any cuttings re-
maining, they ftiould be planted in a nurfery, or along the nortls
fide of the flakes, for there will be occahon for them, as many
of the vines will fail, and the iooncr their places arc iupplicd
the better. If lome of the vines do not fhoot till July, they
fhould not be given up, as they may grow notwitkflanding ;
many have not fhot till Auguft, and yet have done well. FilU
ing up all the vacancies, where the vines have failed or mifcar-
ificd, is ablolutely neceli'ary to be don;: as loon as poiTtblc, either
3 N 4
4^0 GENE R A L IN FO R M AT 10 N
tlie foil after the vines were planted, with pbnts from the nur-
fer)% if the pl';mter has any growing; or the next Iprmg, with,
cuttings, which is the belt leaion for planting them ; for having
no root, they iuffer greatly in the winter fer.lon, and if planted
in the fall, moil of them periih. If the vai;aricies fliould by any
means be negkftcd for three or four years,' the planter will find
it very difficult to raile thrifty and flourifning vines in fuch pla-
ces afterwards; becaufe, by this tune, the neighbouring vines
having fhot their roots all round the Ipot where the young vine
is to be planted, will lo draw away the nourifhment, and en-
tani.'lc the fmall tender roots that firfl fhoot from it, that it will
not be able to fhoot forward and flourifli. Some, for this rea-
fon, plant two cuttings in a hole, lell one fhould mifcarry. To
this the chief objeftion is, that hereby the regularity and uni-
formity of the vineyard is hurt, many of the vines ftanding out
of the line. For in a well-regulated vineyard the vines fhould
be ;ilvvays arranged in regular rows. If fome of the vines prove
weak the firft iummcr, and do not recover flrength the iecond,
though manured and cultivated well, they fliould be rooted
out, (for in fuch cafe they very feldom are worth raifing) and
healthy vines planted in their Head out of thq nuifery.
In digging up the plants from the nurfery, care fhould be
ufed that they may be taken up without wounding or bruifing
the roots, and having a pail or fmall tub half full of rich dung
water, the plants fhould be put with the roots downward into
that, to prelerve them from the lun and drying winds, which
would foon parch and dry up thefe young tender roots and kill
the vine. When the planter has dug up about a dozen or
twenty plants, he fliould then proceed to planting, which mufl
be done in the following manner. The holes being dug deep
enough and iufficiently wide for the roots to be fpread in
at full length, fome loofe earth flrould be thrown in, and ipread
over the bottom of the hole. The plant fhould then be fixed
near the flake, fo high that the little branches may rile an inch
or two above the lurface of the ground. The roots, it M'ill be
perceived, for the moft part grow in rows, one above another.
The upper roots of all, which are called the day roots, muft
be cut away ; the under roots of all muft then be fpread at full
length, and covered with earth, then the next muft be ferved
in the fame m^anner, and (o on till all be regularly extended
and covered. This is purfuing nature, which is generally the
beft dircftor. The earth alfo by this means will belter fet-
tle about the roots, and the viiies in tiic ipring will grow
and fiourifh as if they had not been movc'J or tranlplanted.
The vines being ail planted as above diiefted, and the vine
cuttings, with one bud only hbuve ground, and that alnioft co.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLE RS. 46*1
V€red with light earth, to preferve them from fuffering from
heat and drying winds till they begin to grow ; this upper bud
only will fhcot out branches, and the lower ones will throw
out roots : and lliis is much better than having two or three
buds above ground, and branches growing from them all, which
only ferve to weaken the vine, and hinder the forming of a
good head, which is the firll and chief point to be well fe-
cured.
We now proceed to the management of the vine in its in-
fant ftate, upon which will very much depend the after fuc-
ceis of the vineyard.
There are but two ways of forming and managing of vines
to advantage for vineyards, by flakes or elpaliers. As for wall
fiuit, the vines that arc fixed to walls mull be managed in the
fame manner as thofe which are defigned for efpaliers, that is, the
head of the vine is at fn fl formed about three feet from the
ground. But this we fhall particularly explain when treating
of the management of vines for efpaliers; we fhall begin with
the proper culture of vines that are defigned for flakes.
In this cafe, the head of the vine is formed near the furface
of the ground : this method is now generally praftiied through-
out wine countries, and indeed it is the only method proper
for countries where the frofls in winter are fo hard as to hurt
vines, by which means the next year's crop is deflroyed. There
is no way to prevent this but by covering the vines in winter^
which cannot be done when fixed upon frames or efpaliers
without great difficulty and labour, as well as danger to the
vine.
The firil fummer after the vine is planted, there is no-
thing to do, but to tie up the little branches to the flakes with
a foft band, as loon as they are grown about a foot or fifteen
inches long, which will fave them from being torn oflF by
hard winds, which would endanger the vine ; befidcs, they
grow the flronger and the better for it, and are out of the
way of the hoe, the plough and the harrow. The ground fhould
be kept clean and free from weeds and grafs, for they are great
enemies to vines, and if the ground is kept mellow and loofe,
the vines will grow and flourifli the better. If the planter has
any litter, fliort ftraw and chafF, the fhives of broken hemp or
flax, the chaft of flax feed, the dufl and chaff of buckwheat, and
the flraw trod fine with horfes when it is dry, any or all of
thefe fpread over the vineyards after it is hoed or ploughed
and harrowed, will keep down the grafs and weeds, keep the
ground moifl and light, and greatly preferve the good loil from
wafhing away. If this is done the firfl three or four years, it
v\-ill greatly forward the vines, bring the ground into good heart,
462 GENERAL INFORMATION
and finely prepare it to produce good crops, by keeping It looftf,
airv and light.
In the month of Saotember, when the leaf begins to wither
and fall off, which is the beft time for trimming of vines, the
planter fhould cut down all the branches to one good bud each
and remembering, that the lowermott bud next the old wood
is called the dead eye, and never reckoned among the good bud.s.
When the vines are thus trimmed, a careful hand fliould take
;»'vay the dirt from the foot of tlie vine, about four inche^
down, and cut away all the upper roots that appear above that
depth. Theie flaould be taken away every fall for the fird three
years. The bcfk way is, not to cut them off cloie to the bo-
dy of the vine, but about a flraw's breadth from it, as they
■will not be [o apt to fjrow again as when cut clofe, Thele up-
per or day roots greatly weaken the vine, and hinder tiie low-
er roots from extending and firmly fixing themfelves below, on
■which greatly depends the flrength. firmnefs and durablenefs,
of the vine, and alio its fruitfuloeis. Befidcs, by the roots run-
ning deep, the vine is prelerved from perifhing in long, tedious
droughts. The foot of the vine fhould be left open after the
day roots are cut away, that it may dry and harden, till the hard
frofls come : then the holes fhould be filled again, and the head
of the vine covered with chaff and Ihort ftraw mixed, or with
bog or fait hay, or with horfe litter that is free from dung and
grafs feeds; for thefe fhould be carefully kept out of a vine-
yard, which will fave the libonr of rooting out the grafs that
would fpring from thsm. Soms cover the head of the vine with
earth wlien they fill up the holes; but this is wrong, as it
greatly endangers the vine, the ground, in warm rains, moulding
and rotting the vine. For the fame reafon, the planter fhould
fufFer no dung to be among the draw, hay or horle litter, with
which he covers his vines, as the heat of the dung, in warm
rains or muggy warm weather, will mould and rot them ; the
cooler and drier they are kept, the better. When the planter
trims his vines, if he finds that anv of them have failed, which
js very common, he fhould plant others in their room immediately,
if he has any plants of the fame fort growing ni his nurfcry ; if
liOt, he fliould without delay, provide cuttings of the fame kind,
and preferve them till ipring, as before dircfted, and plant them
jn the vacant places, that the vineyard may be full and com-
plete as foon as pofTible.
The fecond fummer the planter will find more branches fhoot-
rng from the heads of his vines than did the firft iummer ; and
here the fkill of a vigneron is neceffary for fjrmlnt^ the head
in the beft thanner. The befl method is to let the fhot)ts grow
till they are ten or twelve inches long, then to chulc eight that
arc ihort-jolnted and much of a fize that grow on all lides of the
vine, and llrike ofF all the reft. If one branch among tlic whole
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 46^
number appears much more thrifty tlian the reft, the planter
may perhaps be tempted to lave it ; but in this caic Jiiseye l"hould
not ipare, for it will draw to itlelf the chief nouriihuictit of the
vine, and deflroy, or at Icafl much \vcr.k>:n the ie{l of the
branches, and alter all will bear but liiilc fruit, for the fhort-
joinied biaachcs prove the beil bearers, and thele ftandinu oa
all lid.s of the head, preUrve the vine in full Ihcugth and
vigour. For this vealon, the rounder the head of the vine is
formed, tiic Letter: if the brautiies arc lulieicd to grow only
from one lide ol the head, the other hue lutieis gre.uly, and is
apt to perilh.
/ This year there fhould be two ftakcs to a vine, one on each
fide, to which the braneiics ihould be falt^ncu ; by '.his means
they arc ipread at a dilUnce from each otnei, and gtow the
ftrongcr ; ihe lun, air and. winds, come to eveiy pait, me wood
lipeus well, tne bud* hil, and they aie the better piepaied to
become fiuufui in due tune; wneieas, wnen they aic iiuu^led
all together, and faiLeiicd up to one itakc, they luftcr greatly
for Want of llie lun and air to dry them, after raina, iniits and
heavy dews; and in cloic, damp weather, Iney oilen miluew
and rot. Another reaion tor tynig up the branches hugiy to the
flakes on each lide, as loon as lii>.y are long enou.h, is to pre-
vent them from being torn off by liard winds, which would ruin
the vines. I'he vineyard ihouid al.vays be kept clean and free
from weeds and grais ; and the dryer the ground is, and the
hotter the weat;ier, the more cfFe6tually they are deltroyed, by
hoeing, ploughing and harrowing. ISut the planter Ihouid re-
member, never to meddle wah ms ground wnep it is wet for
in luch cale he does moie huit than good.
This fecond luinmer the mam branches fliould be fufFejed to
grow about hve feet long, and then tne ends of ihcjii be nip-
ped off, in order to keep them withm proper bounds and t»
hinder them from growing wild. The iateral or lecoiidary
branches fliould be nipped off at the end when they are about
a toot long, the nephews alto Ihouid be nipped off wheii iney
are about iix inches long. This is much bener than tlie takii.g
all tiiele Imaller branches clean away, which is the piattite of
fome ; for when thele are taken clean away, the main branches
evidently fufier, they grow fLi, and appear dulorieu ; winch
plainly fhews, that nature is deprived of lointthing that iseUen-
tially necelTary to her \vell being. It is quite neceikiy to nip
•ff the ends of the main branches, when tney are giovvn about
five feet long, as they grow the larger and ftroiig.r, the wood
ripens the better, the lower buds aie belter hilcd and prepared
for bearing fruit. Befides, the vines become habituated to a low,
humble Ihte, and their tendency to cliinb and mount up above
every thing that i» near them is ciiccked, by which means thcj
464 GENERAL INFORMATION
bear fruit v/ithin reach. Some time after the tops of the main
branches are nipped off, they will fhoot out a fecond tiine, and
then they generally throw out, from near the end, two branches
inftcad of one ; thefe mufh be nipped off; at the fame time the
lateral or fecondary branches muft be looked to and nipped, if
any of them are fhooting out again.
In the fall of the year, as loon as the leaf begins to wither
and fall off, which happens earlier or later, according to the.
weather, the brandies fhould be again cut down to one good bud
each, the earth taken away round the heads of the vines, as
before diiefted, the day roots cut off, and the vine managed jufl
in the fame manner as in the fall before. As fome of the forward
vines will bear fruit the thii'd year from planting, and as it is
natural for the planter to defire fruit, and eipecially to know
what fort, and how good, the different vines will bear, to fatisfy
his curiofitv, we would advife him to fet afide two or three of
each fort of his moft thriving vines for that purpofe, and inilcad
of cutting down all their branches to one bud each, like the reft,
leave two branches on each of thefe vines, with two or three
good buds on each, which will fhew fome fruit for the fatisfac-
tion of his curiofity. But we would perfuade him to prevent
the reft from bearing fruit till the fourth year, and the weaker
vines till the fifth, for the vinevard will make him ample fatis-
faftion for this piece of felf-denial, as it greatly weakens a vine,
ind indeed any other fruit tree, to bear v/hen fo young ; and
however fond moft men may be of their vines bearing much
fruit, the overbearing of vines is allowed, on all hands, to hurt
them greatly. To prevent which, in wine countries, where it
is common to leafe out vineyards to hufbandmen, whom they call
vignerons, they have very ftrift laws, obliging them to leave
only four, fix, or eight bearing branches on a vine, according
to the age of the vineyard, the ftrength of the vines, the good-
nefs of the foil, and the cuftom of different countries where
good wines are held in repute, to prevent their hurting the
vines, and the reputation of their produce. Theie vignerons
are likewife obliged, after three fruitful years, if lo many hap-
pen lucceffively, to let their vineyards reft one year without
bearing fruit, that they may have time to recruit and gadier frelli
ilrength.
The third fummer the planter fliould manage his vines in
the fame manner he did the fecond, tying up all the branches
to the ftakes, one above another ; only of thole vjnes that are
to bear fruit, the fruit-bearing branches fliould be tied up above
the reft, that the fruit may have the benefit of the iun, the air
and winds, all which are neceffary to bring the fruit to maturity.
This year a third ftake fhould be previded, which Ihouid be
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. \Ss
drove down in the fpring, juft on the north fide of the vine,
upon a line with the reft. To this ftukc the branches that bear
fruit, there beins bat few of them, will be beft faftened, be-
caufe there will be the more room for the branches of relerve,
which are to bear fruit the next year, to be diftiiuftly faftencd to
the fide ftakes. Tiicle branches of relervc are now of great im-
portance to the owner, as tl\.e next crop will depend upon tlie
right management of them. They fliould, therefore, be care-
fully tied up at proper diftances to the Tide ftakes, that they may
grow well, that the wood may ripen, and the buds may be well
filled. When they are grown above five feet long, the emds muft
be nipped oft, and the lateral branches kept ftiort, and the
nephews reftrained, if they grow too long. As to the few
vines that bear fruit this fummer, the fruit-bearing branches
fliould be nipped off five joints above the fruit, and the fide
branches and nephews kept fliort, as above direfted.
In the fall of this third fummer, two of the beft fhort-joint-
ed branches of referve fliould be faved, one on each fide of the
head of the vine, for bearing fruit the next year : the reft
Ihould be cut down to one good bud each. If iome of the
vines be very ftrong and flouriihing, the planter may prefcrve
four branches for bearing fruit, but by no means more, one on
each quarter of the vine. As to the branches on the few vines
that bore fruit this year, they muft be cut down to one good bud
each -, for the fame branch fliould never be fufiered to bear fruit
two following years, unlefs the trees fall fhort of branches of
referve, in that cafe the planter muft do what neceflity requires,
and let the old branches bear a fecond time, but they feldom or
never bear large clufters, nor fair fruit. Thole vines that bote
fruit this year, Ihould not have above two branches on each left
for bearing fruit the next year, by which means their ftrength
will be prcierved from being exhawfted when young ; in conic-
ffluence of which they will laft the longer, and bear fruit the
more plentifully. The reft of the management is the fame v/ith
that of the laft year; except that fome time in the latter end of
November, or fomewhat later, if the hard weather keeps off, a
fmall long trench on each fide of the vine fhould be dug with a
hoe, and the branches that are kept for bearing fruit. Lid down
gently into them, and covered over with the earth. The part
which appears above ground muft be well covered with ftraw,
bog, or talt iiay ; and, indeed, if the whole that is buried were
ajlfo covered .in the iame manner, with ftraw. i:c. it would be
465 GENERAL INFORMATION
belt ; for the branches being of an elafhic nature, they are very
ept, upon tl'ie thawing of the ground, to rife Vv'ith their backs
above the ground, and remain expofcd to tha vv^eather, by which
means the crop is often loft, which a fmall covering of ftraw or
hay will prevent. If any of them fhould be too ililf to bend
down, then ftraw fhoujd be bound round them and the ftake.
In the ipring of the fourth year, the branches that have been
prele.-ved for bearing fruit, fhould be carefully trained up to
the fide ftakes, the higher the better ; the branches that Ihoot
out from the head this Ipring, which are called branches of re-
f?rve, and are defigned to bear fruit the next fucceeding year,
faould be tied up to the ftakes below the fruit-bearing branches,
and one or two to the middle ftake, if there is room, for often-
times the fruit-bearing branches occupy the middle as well as thd
fide ftakes, and efpcciaily in a plentiful year. The management
of the vine in its bearing ftate calls for a clofe and particular
attention. Some gentlemen, and thole who have written be ft
upon this fubjc6l, recommend the taking away all the lateral
or fecondary branches and the nephews, clolc to the body of
the fruit-bearing branch, and to leave only the main leaves of
that branch, thinking, by this method, that all the nourilhrnent
of the vine is tlirown into the fruit. They alio order the top
of the branch to be taken ofi within three joints of the upper-
moft clufter of grapes. Others again are lor following nature,
and fufFering all the branches to extend thenafelves as they will.
Thefe we look upon as two extremes, and think that a middle
way is the beft, moft rational and fafeft. The lateral branches,
the leaves and nephews, are luppoled by naturalifts to draw off
the crude and thin juices, and to hinder them from entering and
fpoiling the fruit, and alfo ferve for the circulation of the air
through all the parts which is necclfary to vegetation, and for
bringing the fruit to perfeft maturity. That this is lo, or how
it is, we are not fo well acquainted with the operations of na-
ture as to determine; but this we know, that when thefe imaller
branches are takeri clean away, the mam brandies, inftead of
growing round, full and plump, which is their natural ftate,
become hard, flat, and diftorted, and have an unnatural appear-
ance. Befides thefe branches, when kept within proper bt^unds,
ferve to fhade the fruit from the fcorching rays of the fun, and to
fcreen them from violent winds, from hail and beating rains,
from damps and fogs and cold night dews, which aic all injuri-
ous to the fruit, as well as the cold dry north-eaft winds, and
the cold driving north-eaft dorms. But this'ihouid not lead
TO EUROPEAN-: i^ETTLERS. 467
into the other extreme, for if the vine is left to itfelf, and all
thefe branches fufFcred to gi'ow, it will run wild and ruin iilelf
bv its own excels. Tliis Is the method of managing vines when
the head is foriTicd near the ground, and wiiicli is now praftiled
in moft vine countries in vineyards, except fomc parts of France,
where they are ftill fond of efpaliers, .md tV:'. metlicd vaw^. be
continued as lono- as the vines laft, which rnoii: wx.icis affiim,
will be above one hundred years. As to tlie management of
vines in gardens, againft walls, and for forming of fhady places,
and many other ways to pleafe tke humour and fancy of the
owner, that is not to be legarded, it h:.i no relation to vineyards,
though the leading obierv?tions reipe6ting cuUing, &c. will
equally apply to them.
VVe have been informed that it is the praftice of fume to cut
all the branches down, and to truft to new fncoLs for bearing
of fruit ; and we have read the fame account in a treatile pub-
lifhed by J?mcs Mortimer, Efq, fellow of the royal iocicty, in
the year 1707, but thei'e accounts are lb vague, 10 general aad
fuperficial, without entering minutely into any particulars, that
no dependence can be placed upon them ; nor can any man fioni
the account form a judgment of the mrmner of doing it. How-
ever, from tkcnce we have taken a hint, and propole a method
which mav be worth trial. In the fall of the third year of the
vine's age, inftead of faving two or four branches for bearing
fruit, cut down thefe to two buds each, and the reft cut down
to one bud each ; the upper buds of thefe branches that have
two, are defigned to bear fruit the; next year, the lower buds
and the buds of all the refl; are defigned for fruit the year after,
and therefore if any fruit fhould appear upon them, it Ihould be
taken away as foon as the cluftcr appears ; in the fall of the
fourtli year, all the branches that have borne fruit ihoidd be cut
clean away, and thofe only left that did not bear fruit ; and theu
according to the ftrength of the vine, as many of thclc may be
cut down to two buds, as in judgment it is thought the vine
ought to bear, the reft, fliould be cut down to one, always remem-
bering that the branches that have but one bud, and the under
bud of thofe that have two, are to bear no fruit. When the
vines come to be ftrong and able to bear it, ali the branches
fhould be cut down to two buds, and then there will be e:ght
bearing branches in one year, which are quite enough for the
ftrongeft vines ; however, if the planter has a m.md to ftraia
his vines, and to try how much they will bear, he may cut as
many branches as he thinks fit down to three bucj^s, two of
3^2
468 GENERAL INFORMATION
which may bear fruit, while the under huds are kept far
branches of referve. In the fall, all the fruit bearing branches
fhould be cut clean away, for no branch lliould be left to bear
for two years. If this method fliould fucceed, and the planter
think it preferable to the method firft laid down, we mean that
of prefcrving branches of retcrve to be laid down and <;"overcd
in winter, which is the German method, and the general prac-
tice of the Rhine, &c, then, in order to bring the older vines
into this method, he Ihould cut down the fruit-bearing branches
to one bud the firft year, and the branches of relcrve to two or -
three buds each, as the vint:s appear able to bear it. In this the
planter mufb form his judgement from the ftrength of the vine,
the goodnels of the loil, the diftancc of the vines from each
otlier, and the quantity of fruit they have borne the three pre-
ceding years : for vines muft have time to reft and recruit, if
they are meant to laft, and to bear again with vigour.
For the co^vering of thele vines in the winter fealon, we would
adviie a handful of foft hay, that is free from grafs-leeds, to be
kid on the head of the vine, and a flight box made of rough
- cedar boards, or of pine, be put over the head, which will be a
fafe and iufRcient covering : otherwife a {inall Iheaf of ftraw,
bound well round the ftake, and the bottom brought all round
the head of the vine, and. fecured by a band from blowing open,
will do very well. The vines fliould not be covered till hard
weather is ready to fet in, and they fhould be dry when co-
vered.
Before we proceed to the management of vines for the frame
or elpalier, it may be neceffary to offer a few obfervations of a
general nature, which all who grow vines will find it their in»
tereft to attend to.
When vines are trimmed in the fall, which they ought to be,
as lOon as the vintage is over, or as loon as the leaf withers and
falls off, they feldom bleed, and never lo as to hurt them. If
vines have been ncglcfted and not trimmed in the fall, and this
AA'^ork muft be done in the Ipring, it fliould be done in Februa-
rv, if good weather happens, or early in March, If it is done
later, they Vv'ill bleed too much, and endanger the crop. Sear-
ing the wound as loon as it is made with a hot iron, it is fnid,
and we think with reaion, will prevent the bleeding. In tmn-
niing, keep about two inches from the bud, or halfway between
bud and bud, that the upper bud that is left may be free from
danger. The rule is, to cut floping upward, on the oppofite
fide to the bud, but this is no kind of lecurity to the eves below.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, ^69
If, therefore, fearing every wound with a hot iron be thought
too much trouble, another remedy is, to wafir the branches that
are wounded and bleed, and elpeciaily the buds, with a rag dip-
ped in warm water, without touching the wound, wliich in eight
©r ten days will (lop of itlclf ; the liquor forming a fliff jelly
upon tiie wound, like coagulated blood, and diyiug by degrees
heals up the wound. The wafliing muil be deferred till they
have done bleeding : unlefs this is done, the buds will be endan-
gered. For fo glutinous is the fap, that it binds up the bud it
reaches, that the leaves cannot open and unfold at the time of
vegetation. In cutting oif large limbs from old vines, it fome-
times happens that ants fail upon the pith, eat their way m,
and make a hollow, where the water fettles and rots it. In this
cafe the remedy is, to cut iuch branches dole down to where
it is iolid and green, and it will bark over and heal.
It is common for large buds to Ihoot out two or three branches
each, but only one on each fhould be fuffered to grow ; if fruit
is expcftcd on them, the planter ftiould be careful not to ftrike
them oft' till he knows which is moft fruitful. Vines that are
cloie planted, in a vineyard, cannot be expefclcd to bear fo much
fruit as iinglc vines, or as thola that are planted at a diftance.
Their roots are too much confined, fo that they cannot gather
nouriflimcnt inlo imall a compais of ground, to fupport and bring
to perfection a large quantity of fruit ; and this is a lufficient
realon for rcftiaining them, and for limiting the number of bear-
ing branches, if it is meant to make good wine, to keep the vines
in full vigour, and to preferve them for many years ; but the
deficiency is fully made up by a greater number of vines, and
the planting them dole, enables the planter the better to keep
them lo\v.
Vnies that bear black or red grapes generally fhoot forth a
greater number of branches, and more vigorous, than thole that
bear white grapes, and therefore the latter require more cautioa
in trimming, and more care in the cultivation and manao-ement
«f the foil, that it be kept clean and in good heart.
When vines have been covered with earth during the winter
fcafon, they fhould not be uncovered in the Ipring, till the hard
frofls are over, and then it fhould be done in a fair, warm day
that they may dry before night, for if they fhould freeze before
they are dry, it would greatly hurt, if not ruin the crou.
In traj^lplanting vines or trees of any kind, it has by loii"- ex-
perience been found, that removing them in the fali, after the
Jeaf is fallen, is much furer and fafcr than doing it in the fpiintr •
4/0 GE NE R A L I N FOR M A TIO iV
for if tress are well ftakcd, fo as to ftand firm againfl hard winds,
the ground will be fo well packed about the roots, that they will
grow in the fpring as if they liad not been removed, and are in
iio danger, if a dry leafon fliould happen (efpecially if lome horJe
litter or old hay be thrown roi:nd them in the fpring, fo as not
to toi ch the ftem.) Whereas if they are removed in the Ipnng,
and a drought fucceeds, before the ground is well fettled about
the roots, many of them wjU mifcany.
As vines are beft planted upon riiing grounds to prevent too
mv'.cli wet, and as ii is ncccffary to keep the loil loole and mel-
low, it thereby becomes more liable to be wafhcd away by hard
rains, which is a great injury to a vineyard ; now if by any
means tiiis inconveniency can be avoided, it is a great point
gained, and therefore it deierves the particular attention of ihe
planter : {c^reral ways have been tried, fo as neither to injure
tlie vines nor hurt the crop. The following method, where a
perfcn has the conveniency, will, we believe, be found elfec-
tual. Lay broad flat fhones, not exceeding two inches in thick-
nefs, clofe along the lov/er lldc of the vines, after the ground
has been made loofe and mellow. Thele Hones being broad,
and not very heavy, do not prels hard upon the roots of the
vines, nor pack tlie ground too dole. They refleft great heat on
the vine and fruit, which helps to bring to maturity; they
preierve the foil from walhing away, they keep the ground moift
in the drieft times, and hinder too much wet irom penetratn~ig
dov/n to the roots near the head of the vine, which chiefly occa-
fions the burding of the grapes when they are near ripe, after
a fhower of rain. To prevent this evil is one rcaion for cutting
, away the day roots, which extend themfeives along near the fur-
face of the ground. But where fuch flat ftones are tiot ealy to
be had, vv'e would rccoiv.mend fiiort ftraw mixed with chaff, the
fliicvcs of flax and hemp, the chaff of flax feed, or old half-
rotted lak, or bog hay, free from grals feeds, fpread thin between
the rows. On tlie fide of fteep grounds, of hills and moun-
tains, ffones in proportion to the defcent, or logs of wood,
where fl.oncs are not to be had, muft be laid along the lower fide
of the vines, to keep the foil from wafliing avyay, which other-
wife it will do, to the great damage, if not the ruin of the vine-
yard, and therefore in beginning a vineyard, in fucii a fituation,
this is an eflential part of the coff.
A vule^■;u■d will thrive the better, and the crops v/i!l be more
fure, ir it is well icreened by a good fence, buildings, mountain,
or Ll:ick copie of v.'ood at a fnr.Ui diftance, from thoic points
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 471
that lie north-caft and north ; tlic winds from thofe quarters, in
the fpring of the year, being very unfriendly to vines. But then
a vineyard fhould be quite open to all the otlier points of tlie
compal:. ; for vines fuccecd bcPi in an open, clear, pure, wana
air, free from cold dimps, fogs, mills, and condenfcd idr, arifit.g
from bogs, fwamps, and wet clay grounds, and fiom large tracts
of neighbouring woods. The north-weft winds in America, aiay
indeed, rather advantageous to a vineyard ; for although tliey are
extremely cold in winter, and occafion fevere irofts, yet as the
vines are then covered, they do them no harm. Befides, thole
winds are gencrallv drying, and feldom bring wet ; in the fprin-T
a/id iummer they aie always cool, and help to brace up, harden,
and confirm the loaves and tender new fhot branches of all
trees and vegetables, which othcrwilc would rcuiain languid and
weak.
There are three fcafons when a careful and experienced vir-
neron fhould deny acceis to his vineyard ; firft, v/hen the ground
is wet. becaule then the weight of a man prelles down and packs
the earth too clofe and. hard upon the roots of tlie vines. Se-
condly, when the vines are in bloffom, becaufe if they are then
difturbed by handling, fliaking, or rubbing againft them, the
farina or nae dud that is formed ou the blofl'om, which impreg-
nates or gives life to the fruit, is flraken off and the fruit mif-
carries. Thirdly, when the fruit grows ripe, becaufe the temp-
tation is too ftrong to withft:and, and pcrlons will pluck off th«
faireft, ripefl: grapes, \\"hlch injures the whole bunch, and cer-
tainly is a great injury to the owner, for the fairefi: grapes make
the richeft and fineft flavoured wines.
With refpeO; to the management of vines upon efpaliers, it
muff be remembered, that this is a practice only fit for fouthera
or very warm climates, where tlie winter frofts are not fo fevere
as in more northern regions ; for as they are to ftand cxpolcd
to all weathers, the germ or bud, f:om which the grapes fpring,
are apt to be chilled and deffvoycd by the leverity of a fliarp
feafon, and elpecially by moift fticking luows freezing hard on
the branches.
The firft year the young vines are trimmed and managed ia
the fame manner as before dirctled.
The iecond year, when they always ffioot forth a greater num-
ber of blanches, is the time for m:iking choice of the beft bran-
ches for ffandards ; the planter fnould therefore fct apait tw«
of the beff fiiortjointcd branches on each vine for tliat purpole,
that one may be fccuied in calc the otl>er flioidd fail, as thefe
kranclies when young are fubjcft to many accidents.
472
GENERAL INFORMATION
Having chofen two branches for ftandards, he fhould train
them up as ftralght as poffible, one on each fide of the ftake, to
which, when they are grown about fifteen inches long, they
fliould be bound with a foft band : as they grow longer, they
fhould be bound a fecond and third time ; and when tliey are
grown up to the top of the ftake, which fhould be five feet high,
the ends fhould be nipped off that they may grow thicker and
ftronger. When the planter has taken away the tops of the
vine, it will fhoot out two branches at the top inftead of one ;
theie muft alfo be nipped off and kept fliort, but none of the
lateral branches muft be taken away till the time for trimming
them. In the fall, when the vine leaves begin to wither and fall,
one of thefe ftandards from each vine fhould be cut away clofe
to the ftock, leaving the other, which will be out of danger ; all
the branches ai:id nephews muft be trimmed from it, and the top
cut off within three feet and an half of the ground, leaving
four buds at the top, and cutting off all the ends of the buds
below them ; all thefe wounds will be healed before the hard
weather comes on ; the two upper buds will be the arms of the
vine, the two lower buds will be the two fhoulders, and juft un-
der thefe the vine is faftcned to the efpaliers, and is called the
head of the vine.
Tiie third fummer the efpaliers being regularly fet up fix feet
high, in a line with the vines, the pofts being of feme lafting
wood, as red cedar, locuft, or mulberry, which are ultimately
the cheapeft ; or for want of thefe, of good thrifty cliefnut,
that is not worm-eaten ; and being firmly fixed in the ground,
in the middle fpace between vine and vine, the rails, four in
height, muft be well nailed to them, and placed on the north
fide of the vines, the lowermoft about three feet from the
ground, or juft beneath the lowermoft bud on the vine, the vine
muft be faftened with a ftrong band to a ftake firmly fixed down
near the root of the vine, and faftened to the name near the
lower rail, the four buds rifing above it. Wlien thele buds
flioot forth their branches, they mulL be regularly trained up to
the rails above, and faftened to them with a iott band ; as ioon
as they are long enough to reach the firft above them, they muft
be faftened to that, and fo to the next, &c. as they grow, and
this muft be done by a careful hand, becaufe thefe branches at
firft arc very tender ; if they fliould be neglefted till they are
grown longer before they are tied, they will be in great danger
of being torn off by hard winds, which will greatly damage the
viae. When the branches are grown up to the top of the
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 473
^rame, the ends muft be nipped ofF even with it, and when
from the tops they fhoot forth again, they mud again be taken
off and kept down even with the frame. Tlie hiteral branches
and nephews alfo mud be kept within proper bounds, and not
fufFered to grow "too h)ng, for iotnc of their fide branches will
ileal away to a great length, and rob the vine of its flrength.
If any fruit fiiould appear this year, which mav h;ippcn, it
ihould be taken away as foon as it appears, and lelf-denial will
be amply rewarded the fucceeding year.
In the fall of this third year, the lateral branches and ne-
phews muft be carefully cut away from the main branches, fo
as not to hurt or rub again ft the lower buds with the back of
the knife, which is frequesiily done by cutting off the branches
too near the germ or bud. For if the thin bark that coveis the
bud be rubbed off, under which is a loft warm covering of a
kind of cotton, to prelerve it from cold, the wet gets in, freezes
and deftroys the germ. The four main branches that fprung
from the four buds, fliould now be cut down to two good buds
each ■, befides the lower bud next the old wood, which is never
looked upon as a good bud, though the planter will be obliged
fometimes to make ule of it. In cutting off the main branches,
care flaould be taken to cut flanting upvvard, fo that the wound
appears in the fhape of the nail of a man's finger, and the Hope
fhould be on the oppofite fide of the bud, that if it '.hould bleed
it may drop free of the bud ; this is the rule on which \vc have
given our opinion before. In cutting, care fhould be taken not
to approach too near the bud that is left, left you endanger it,
by letting in the cold air and wet upon it, before the wound caa
heal.
The chief point in managing thefe vines, is, the providing
branches of relerve for recruiting the arms in fuch manner as to
confine the vine within the compafs of the frame, for if new
arms are railed from the old ones, the vine will foon outflioot
the frame. The planter muft, therefore, leek for new arms
from the fhoulders ; if a branch grows in a proper place, any
where between the arms and the head, and happens to be broken,
it fhould be cut down to hvo or three good buds, as ioon as it
is dilcovered : this is called a keeper, and very well lupplies
the place of a branch of relerve.
We above direfted to cut the four main branches that grew
from the lour buds, down to two good buds each, but this is
defigned for the ftrong vines only ; ihofe that are weak, muii
be cut down to one good bud each branch, by which means
5 P
474 GENERAL INFORMATION
they will gnther flrength the better, and if any fruit fliould ap-
pear on the weak vines in the fourth, or even the fifth year, it
fhould be ftruck off as foon as it appears.
The fourth year, when the vines are trimmed in the fall, the
arms may be cut down to one good bud each, inftcad of being
taken clean awav, for the vines being yet youtig and low, theie
two buds will in a manner become part of the {houlder.fi, being
fo near them; thefe will bear fruit the next, which is the fifth
year, and then the two lower buds that grew on the branches
which ipiung from the fhoulder may be laved for branches of
refcrve, by taking away the fruit as foon as they appear, and
thefe will be:u- fruit the year after, which is quite fuflicient.
The fixth year the planter may have three good buds on each
branch for bearing fruit, and the feveuth year he may have four
buds on each branch, which will make eight bearing branches,
which, as before oblerved, are thought by the beft judges to be
quite fufficient for the flrongeft vines, if it is meant to make
good wine ; and to this number vignerons are generally con-
fined.
Vines that are defigned for efpaliers muR; be planted further
afunder than thofe that are intended for flakes, for as they rife
much higher with the ftcm, they require more nourifnment, and
more room to extend tlseir roots ; ten feet is by no means too
much : twelve would be better.
One general rule is neccITary to be laid down in order to give
voung vine-drelTers a clear idea of the nature and manner of
trimming vines, which is a proce fs to young beginners; the
voung wood that grew this year, mufl; be prelerved for bearing
fruit the next year, and thofe branches that did not bear fruit
are better for the purpofe than thofe that did.
When the arms have borne fruit, they fhould be cut away in
the fall of the year, as foon as the vintage is over, provided
there are branches of referve growing on the fboulders to fupply
their places : but if the trees have failed in thefe, notwithfland-
ing all attempts to procure them, the planter m.ufl then do what
neceffity requires, and cut the arms down to two, three, or four
good buds each, according to tlie flrength of the vine, remem-
bering not to fuffcr any fruit to grow on the branches that ipring
from the lower bud on each old arm, thefe being now ablolutcly
necelfary for branches of referve, in order to recruit the arms
the next year. According to thefe rules, vines on efp:diers mufl
be conllantly treated.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. ^-r
As fome of the fouthern States have a hot far.dy foil, and ni-e
fubjeft to great heats and parching droughts. \vc fliall here ofler
a few thoughts and dircftions which we imagine moft likely to
render the vineyard fuccelsfui in thele hot parching countries.
Firfl, we think it will be found neceffary to {hade the youn^
vines the fird two or three years, during the hot dry fcafons,
by driving down firmly in the ground branches of trees thick
let with leaves, on the fouth fide of the vines ; thefe are better
than mats, or pieces of thatch work, as the air and winds can
pals more freely through them ; it will alio be nccelf.uy to wa-
ter the young vines twice a week, during the hot dry fcafons,
in the evening, that the water may have the whole night to
loak down to the roots of the vines, to cool and refrefa them;
the branches in thefe hot countries fliould not be tied up to th:r
flakes, but fliould be fufFcred to run on the ground to fhads and
keep it moift and cool. Thefe vines muft be trimmed in the
fame manner, as thole which are dcfigned for flakes, as loon as
the leaf falls, or the vintage is over. The third year, inftead
of fixing flakes to fallen up the branches, fhort crotches fhould
be drove down about fix feet afunder, and pretty flrong poles
laid acrofs upon them, fo that they may lie about fourteen
iiiches from the ground, arid fb near to each other, that the
branches of the vines may conveniently run upon the poles
without dipping down and running upon the ground ; if the
ends of the vines fliould run beyond the fides of ihis bed of
poles, they mufh be turned in and confined to their proper beds,
becaufe it will be neccflary to have a walk or path of two feet
wide between the different beds to regulate the vines, to cut'
aw^y the luxuriant fuckers, to gather in the vintage, and to trim
the vines.
This bed of poles fliould be fo placed, as to extend three feet
on each fide of the row of vines, fo thst the lows of vines
{landing eight feet afunder, there will be a path of two feet be-
tv/een row and row for the necelTary purpofcs before mentioned.
Particular care fhould be taken not to take away too many
branches from thefe vines, unlefs there fliould happen an un-
common wet feafon, nor to keep them too fliort, becaufe they
are defigned to fhade the ground as much as poffible, in order
to keep it cool and moifl, which is neceffary for the growth of
the vine, and for bringing the fruit to perfc6lion ; but then in
the beginning of Augufl, or about a month before the different
forts of fruits begin to grow ripe, each in their proper time, the
lateral branches fliould be taken away, and the tops of the main
3 P 2-
476 GENERAL INFORMATION
branches cut off; but this muft he done, not all at once, but
by degrees, Hccording to the dryne(s or wetnefs of the feafon,
for tlie purpole of doing this is to let in the fun and the air,
which, at this feafon of the year becomes neceffary to bring the
fruit ti) p '.rfeft maturity ; the wetter the fealon at the latter part
of the lummer, the more branches muft be taken away, and the
fliorter the main branches mud be cut^ and if neceffarv mofh of
the leaves mud alfo be plucked off; the fruit will ripen the bet-
ter, and make the richer wine, and this may be done without,
any injury to the vines.
The fame marjJgement v/ith regird to the thinning the
branches and the leaves at this fealon of the year, is neceffary
for vines that are faftened to Rakf^s or cfpaliers, in order to
meliorate and haften on the full ripenefs of the fruit ; the lon-
ger white grapes hang on the vines, even after they are ripe, if
the fealon prove dry, the richer wine they make. But it is
otherwife with the black grapes, when they are full ripe, they
niuft be gathered, and the wine' made ; if not, they rot and dry
away fuddenly, and perifli in lefs than a week.*
We Tnall now take notice of the different foils and manures
that are befh for vineyards ; a vineyard planted on a piece of
good ffcronpr new ground needs no manure the firfl feven years.
The heft manure for a vineyard is fuch as is warm and free from
grafs lecds ; fowl's dung of every kind, except water fowl ;
loap afhes, or other afhes fprinkled thinly between the rows of
vines, but not too near themj for this manure is very^ hot and
* The Portuguefe farm the head of the vine near the ground, but whether
through careleflnefs, the love of eafe, or the want of proper materials, we can-
not determine, but they have a method peculiar to themfelves of managing tlieii*
vines ; they drive crotches into the ground, upon which they fix ftrong poles,
which lie about three feet from the ground, fome more, fome lefs, according to
the fleepnefs of the hill, for their vineyards generally grow upon the fides of
hills and mountains. The branches of the vines, when grown long enough,
they throw over the poles and faflen them ; they trim them and nip off the ends
<5f the branches according to art, and in the beginning of autumn, they cut
away the lateral branches and nephews at different times, and by degrees pluck
away all fuperfluous leaves, fo that the fruit becomes much expofed to the fun,
the air and winds, that they msy arrive at full maturity. They then gather them
and take away all the rotten and unripe fruit, throw them into the vat and tread
them, which fufficicntly done, they take them out and prefs them as dry as they
«an ; they then turn the hufks into the vat a fecond time, and although they
appear quite dry, yet tliey trample them over fo long, that the very hulks leem
to dilTolve into wine, this they prcfs a fecond time, and this is laid by for the
pcheft Madeira wine, which in other cownlries is dafneii with water, and ni9A?
into a thjn wiae for cominon ufc.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 477
fharp ;* the rich foil that is wafhed down and lettles along the
fides of brooks and rivers, and in many low places along roads
and highways ; fea fand, mixed with common loil that might be
taken up along the highways, would make an excellent m;inure ;
in fhort, fand of every kind, mixed in large proportions with
good foil, is very nourifhing to vines, for thoie vnics produce
the fwecteft and richcfl; grapes, and tJie ftrongcft Mnd bed fla-
voured wines, that grow in rich fandy foils ; the moi tar of old
buildings, that has been made of lime and fand, pounded fine ;
the duft of charcoal, the fmall coal and the earth that the ooal
kilns are covered with when burnt ; the foot of chimneys; the
fmall cinders and black dirt found about fmiths {hops; all thefe
are excellent manures for loomy or clay grounds, to warm, to
open and to dry them, and efpecially if a large quantity of land
be mixed with it ; creek mud, or the mud along the fides of
rivers, thrown on in the fall, or thrown up and fweetened all
winter and laid on in the Ipring, is a rich manure for fandy
lands, or ff)r clay and loomy lands, if mixed with a good quan-
tity of fand. All warm rich untried earth, is excellent, io is
ilreet dirt of cities.
The foil cannot be too frefli for a vineyard, provided it is
not too rank, and therefore a frefh new foil, that has never
been ploughed, at leaft not in many years, i'S always recom-
mended jjs mofl proper for a vineyard, A clean, light, warm,
rich foil, that has a great mixture of iand, is befl ; a rank,
heavy, ftubborn foil is not good, it is apt to rot the vines, un-
lefs it lies high along the fouth and fouth-ead fides of hills and
mountains ; the drynefs of the fituation, and the intenfe heat of
the fun, greatly alter fuch a foil, and meliorate it ; they open,
warm and fweeten it, by drawing out its cold, four, bitter na-
ture, and render it fit for the richefl productions, io that here
the ftrongefl and higheft flavoured wines are made.
The Roman frame, which ferved inllead of efpaliers in an-
cient times, was plain, cheap, and frugal, fit for farmers, and
fuch as every farmer may procure without expenfe on his own
plantation. It confided of ftrong dakes, or ftnall pods, fixed
well in the ground in a drriight line fix feet high, and three,
rows of poles tied fad to them one above another, and fifteen
inches apart, the upper pole being four, five, or fix feet from
the ground, according to the age of the vine ; over the upper
* This manure is befl. fpread on the ground in the fall, that it may mix with
file foil and be properly tempered before the heat ol the next iummcr oomw on,
Qtherwjfe it will burn up the plants.
47S GENERAL INFORMATION
pole the bearing branches were laid, looking toward the fouth,
and were faftened. to the pole, and this they called precipitating
a vine : when the branches were grown long enough, they were
faftened to the middle pole, and then to the lowermoft, and
when they came near the ground they were cut off. The
branches were regularly difpofed fo that each might have the
benefit of the fun and air, by being faflened to flakes driven
down at certain diftanccs along the frame, they were trimmed and
managed in other reipefts juft in the lame manner as thofc di-
rcfted for efpaliers ; and indeed from tliefe frames the efpalier
was taken.
The materials proper to make bands of to bind the vines to
the flakes are, tlie Iweet flag, otherwife called the calamus aro-
maticus. I Thefe long flat leaves cut in June, and dried in the
fhade, and then bundled up and kept in a dry place for uie,
do very w^ell, but then they muft be made wet when ufed.
The long fiat leaves of reed, the rufhes and three Iquare that
grow in marfliy or meadow gi-ound, prelerved and uled in the
•€3me manner, do as well.
From thcie neceflary direftions for planting and managing
vines and vineyards we proceed to the making of wines ; a
fubjeft which, thorgh Tnort and eafy, calls for great nicety and
exaftnefs. The making, fermenting and preferving of wine,
is a myftiery to the people of moft, countries, but when the me^
thods of managing the procefs are brought to light and explain-
ed, nothing appears more fimple and eafy. Introduftory to
this work, it will be neccffary to give fome direttions about
gathering the grapes.
We have already obfcrved, that the black grapes differ from
the white in the manner of ripening, but whether grapes are
black or white, they mud be fully ripe before they are gather-
ed, otherwife tliey will not make good wine : they (hould be
gathered in a fair, dry day, when they are perfeftly dry, and
aljl the rotten and unripe grapes muTc be taken away from every
.clufter, for they fpoil the wine : if the vintage is lart^e and
inore grapes are gathered than can be maTned and preiTed out
in one day, care Hiould be tuken that they are gathered with-
out bruihng, for bruiled grapes foon contrail an unfavory tafte
and hurt the wine in proportion ; if they are mafaed the lame
day tliey are gathered, the bruifmg will do no hurt ; neverthe-
leis, \vc advife the gathering of them with care.
The black grapes ar^e belt known to be ripe, v.'hen a few of
the fcrwardeft grapes begins to fhrivel and dry ; then they
fhould be gathered and made into wine as fall as poffible.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 479
If white frofts happen before fome of the grapes are fully
ripe though very near it, fo as to want no farther feeding, there
need not be any apprehenfions about them, they may Rill hang
oh the vines, for they will grow ripe, rich and high flavoured,
notwithftanding ; but then they mufl be gathered before the
weather is io cold as to freeze them ; the light fiofts that on-
ly kill the leaves do not hurt the fruit, unlefs it be fuch as
are late ripe ; thefe fliould be carefully covered from all frolls,
they fiiould grow again ft walls or board fences fronting the
fouth or fouth-eaft, and at night be covered with mats, oV
frames thatched v/ith ftraw, which fhould be I'o contrived as to
be fet up to cover the fruit or let down at plealure.
A ijretty correal; judgment may be formed of the goodnefs or
badncfs of v/ine, and of a plentiful or thin vintage, by the fea-
fons of the year ; if the fpring and former part of the fummer
prove generally dry ; with moderate refrefhing rains at inter-
vals ; if the fealon in Auguft and September prove hot and
drv, if in the month of June the weather prove calm, lerenc
and dry, when the vine is in bloirom, and the fruit is forming,
the vintage will in general be plentiful, and the wine rich and
good : but if at the time of bloffoming the fealon Ihould prove
wet and ftormy, the y.'inds high and bluftering ; if the fpring
is cold, wet, and backward ; if the latter part of the fummer
and fall is ftormy, raw and wet, the vintage will be thin, and
the wine bad ; when this happens, it will be neceffary to boil
one-half of the muft, and to manage it as hereafter direfted.
As the wine made from black grapes has a different manage-
ment from that made from white grapes, we fhall begin with
the white : — thefe muft be gathered, as before mentioned, in a
fair day, wlien the grapes are perfcdlly dry ; and both the rot-
ten and unripe fruit carefully plucked off from every bunch ;
the clufters muft then be thrown into the vat, and tlioroughly
mafhed ; for the more they are trampled and mnflied the better :
about Paris they let the murk, that is, the fkins, ftalks, muft
and all, ftand together in the vat eight and forty hours, and
then prefs it off, but in other parts of France they prefs off as
foon as the grapes are mafhed. The laft method we fhould
prefer, provided the hufhs are mafhed or trod over again in the
Portuguefe manner, otherwife we fliould prefer the method prac-
tifed by the people about Paris, for this reafon, becaufe there is
a rich pulp that adheres to the fkin of the grape, which is net
leparated bv the firft treading ; but by lying eight and forty
hours in the murk, and the Vc<t covcicd dole, which is the
48p GENERAL INFORMATION^
praftice, a pretty ftrong fermentation is begun and Contir^ued
fome time, which partly diflfolves and partly loofens this rich
pulp, which then chiefly comes away by prefling ; however,
we are of opinion, that the treading of thefe hufks after tl\s
fermentation, the mud having firft run off into the receiver,
would do the work more effeftuaJly if they were well preffed
after it. But then this caution muft be attended to, that if
vines are young, which always afford a thin, weak wine, or if
the fealons have been wet and bad, fo that the juices are not
rich, in thofe cafes the muft fhould be boiled before any fer-
mentation, in order to prelerve the wine, in that cafe the Por-
tuguele method fhould be purlued, becauic the boiling of wine
after the fermentation has begun would entirely fpoil it ; the
fweet muft only, as it runs from the treading into the receiver,
fhould be boiled. The firft and fecond preffing being mixed
together, is put into hogfheads, which fhould be filled within
four inches of the bung, that it may have room to work and
ferment, the calks being placed in fome warm room or dry
cellar. Then having a fmall fpile fixed in the middle of the
head of the cafl-i, the thiid or fourth day a little of the wine
fhould be drawn in a glafs, and if it is pretty fine, drawn off"
immediately into a clean dry well-fcented cafk, the larger the
better, fo there is wine enough to fill it within two inches of
the bung ; it muft then be ftopped dole, leaving only the vent-
hole open for a iecond fermentation •, after a few days it will
work a fecond time, but not fo much as at the firft. If the
vin2 is ftrong and good, which may be known by the age of
the vineyard, and the goodnels of the leafons, it will be beft to
leave the bung-hole open for this fecond working, in which
cafe the wine will be the better; for ftrong wines require a
greater fermentation than weak, and the ftopping of the bung-
hole is a check upon the working, and prevents weak wines
from fpending themfelves too much, which muft greatly hurt
them ; on the contrary, if ftrong wines have not a thorough
working, they are apt to grov/ thick and ropy, which hurts
them as much the other way ; by this the wine-maker may form
a proper judgment whit degree of fermentation is proper for
the wine that is under woiking, and govern himielf accord-
ingly. Three or four days after the ieeond fermentation besins,
which fliould be carefully watched, the wine fhould be ag:un
tried in h glais, and if it is pretty fine, a Iwcet cafli. fhould be
prepared, and a good large brimftone match burned in it ; as
foon as the match, is burnt out, whilft the calk is full of fmoke.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 481
tlie wine fliould be diawn ofF in^o it, the cr.ik filled to the
brim, and bunged up tight and the vent-hole Hopped ; the
fmolce of the brimftone will hinder any fartlier fermentation :
this is called Humming : a mortar of clay and horfe-dung, mixed
up with flrong flax-Iced ten, fhould then be made, and th.e
bung and vent-hole covered dole \vith it, and then it fliould
ftand till it is fit to fell or to ufc.
When the wine-maker firft racks off his wine, if he has any
old'v.'inc that is rich and good, of the fame kind or coloiu", ha
fhould put four or fix gallons of it, and two gallons of good
brandy into the cafk, (this quantity is iufficient for an Englldi
hogfliead) and then rack off the wine into it for the firft time ;
this will greatly flrengthen and preiervc the wine, and if it is
weakj it will hinder too great a fermentation the iecond time,
and fo preferve the purer Ipirits frotii flying off.
When wine is in fermentation, all the grols parts are thrown
iip to the top of the calk or vellel that h ferments in, and there
meeting the air, they undergo a very great change, they contract
a harflinefs and become rancid. If then they are iufiered to p?is
down through the body of the wine, which they certainly will
do as foon as the fermentation is over, they will communicate
thofe evil qualities to the wine, and it muft be a ftrong wine in-
deed that will (land fuch a fhock, and if the wine is weak, it
will foon turn four ; if the wine is ftrong, and has a fufiicient
flock of native fpirits to defend it" from thofe bad impreffons,
yet it will contraft an unfavoury harfhnefs which will not be re-,
moved for fome time, nor will it he fit for drinking till age has
fmoothed and made it mellow^, For this realbn it is that wine
fliould be drawn off both times before the fermentation is quite
over 5 and as to weak wines, they fhould by no means work to»
much either time, three days are quite Iufficient for each work-
ing ; flrong wines fhould work, longer for the realon abovs af-
iigned ; they are better able to ftand it ; befides, it prevents ropi-
nefs, and they fine the fooner and better for it.
We now pafs on to the making of red wines from the black
grapes. In France, red wines are managed in the following man-
ner : the whole of one or even two days treading or mafl-iing,
when the vintage is great, is throv/n into a large vat, the muft,
ftalks, fkins and all, and ftands in fome warm diy place or cellar.
The vat is covered clofe with fheets or blankets, or bolh, and
thus it remains, from four to feven or even ten days, according
to the coldnefs or heat of the weather. This is done to obtain a.
ftrong fermcntatioiij in Order to give a deeijcr colcur to the wine,
3 h
^52 GENERAL INFORMATION^
and this is the only end propoled by it ; the mamger of thfs
work viiits the vat twice a day, and ia a ghifs views the colour
of the wine and tailes it ; if the tinfture is not deep enough to
his uiiad, he knows by the tafte of tlie wine, wliether ii will
ftand a longer fermentation ; if It will not, he contents himlclf
With the colour it has, and draws and prelTcs it otl, and fills it
into cafks, leaving about two inches from the bung for a iecond
feimentationa When tlie iecond fermentation !i. over, which
generally happens iii four or five dciys, he then draws it off into
clean well-lccnted calks, and adds to it fix gallons of good old
wine, and iwo gallons of biantly, to an Englifh hogfhead, winch
contains from lixty to fixty-three gallons. Where the fame kind
of wine is nut to be had, he makes uie of port wine,* He then
fills the cafl^ quite full and bungs it up tigiiE, leaving only me
vent-hole open to let out the generated air.
This management of red wines, which perhaps, with little
variation, is alnioil; as ancient as tlie making of wine in France^
delerves fome attention and a dole examination, inafinuch as
we are fylly perfuadGd, that it is capable of an effential impiove-
mcnU
To underfland the nature of this pioccifs rightly, it muft bs
remembered that, befides the main pulp or core of the graue.
which is white in black grapes as well as others, tiiere fticks
to the inlide of the fkin a confiderable body of rich pulp, which
is pGrfc<:ily red, uf a deeper die in lome than in others; this
pulp ffivcs the colour to the grape, according to the lightneis
or deepneis of its tincture : thus we lee lome grapes of a light '
red, lome of a full red, and lome of a deep red ; ioine again are
ilmoft black, fome quite black, and lome of ,a fnining jet : this
lame pulp alfo gives the tincture or colour to the wine, for
the fame grape is capable of making white wine as well as red
wine i if the main core, which is firft trod out, be only ulcd,
the wine will, be white ; thus they make white Burgundy, &c.
but if the red pulp be mixed with it, it makes it of a rich pur-
ple colour. As this is a clear cale, and lies expoled to every
difcerning eye, the great point of improvement to be gamed,
is to dlifolve or extratl this rich pulp, without injuring the
wine. That the preient method is the belt and moft efftftual
to that purpofc, we can by no means think ; rhe violent fermen-
* When we l'.jy, " where the Lme kind of wine is not to be had, he makes
ufe of Portugal wines," this is mentioned with a view to the United Slates,
not that the Frencli make ufc of kith wiuci, fot Uicy always have uuou^h of
ihcir own of the lame kuid.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 483
txtion tliroiigli wiiich the wine is made to p.ifs, in rider (o pro-
cure the tinfturc, muft cxhauft the Ipirits in a very great degree,
and leave the body weak and fnbjcft it to harfanefs, to t\irn ea-
ger or vapid in a {hort time ; thele wines grow worlc not better
by age : many inftnnccs of this kind we meet with in the French
clarets, among which, where one hogdiead proves good, found
and v.'holefome, ten, not to fay twenty, prove harf!-; and difagree-
ablc. Thefe confiderations have led many to think, that the
pvelent management calls for a reformation. The following ex-
periment was made fomc voars back in New-Jerfey. which feems
to have anlwered : in a clean (lone pot, wide and open, contain-
ing two gallons, was fqueezed as many Burgundy grapes as nearly
filled it, with the liquor and fkins ; the flalks left out. It flood
in a dry room covered with a coarfe dry towel four double,
four days and nights fermenting; it was' then ftrained off and
the fKins very well maflied -vvith the hand ; by this means there
was obtained a full deep tinfture of that kind of purple that is
peculiar to the Burgundy wine ; it was then left to ferment
in a large caie bottle : after the firPt and lecond fermentations
were over, there was found about a quart of rich iedimcnt at
the bottom, and a pretty thick flviu fonTied on the top ; the fmcll
was very plcal'ant and truly vinous, the juft indications of a
found, healthy wine. By this experiment it appears, tliat three
days fermentation, allowing the fir ft day for heating, which is
preparatory to fermentation,* is fufficient to obtain a tinfture,
with the help of fqueezing the fkins a lecond time, without
injuring the wine ; it was found, that v/hat red pulp remained
adhering to the Ikins, feparated from them very eafily, and by
the corour of the wine, before the fecond fqueezing, that the
fermentation had dilfolved moft of this pulp, or extracted a
great part of its tinfture. From this procels tlicie is rcafon to
conclude, that if the hi^ilks or Ikins, after four days lying in
the murk, were taken out and thrown into the maih vat,
and heartily trod over again, and eipeciaily if fome of the
muft; or rather wine, (for it is wine afier fermentation) was
now and then thrown over the, hulks, as they are tramp-
ling it in order to wafli away the pulp, that a full tinfture
might be obtained without treating the wine, as the prclent m.an-
ner is, and without running fo great a rifle of ip6iling it.
As tl'.is is a very important point, upon the right management
of which depends the goodnels of the wine, and as a farther
* Th^ Jcgrers of h;at are m?ntio:-.cd by Boerhaavc, IIOiTiiiSn an J oiiicrs.
3 Q 2
4^4 GENERAL INFORMATION
improvement is hereby deilgned, we have dwelt tho longer upon
the fubjeft, and therefore hope it will not be confidered as a
Uiele's digreflion.
Wine made from young vineyards is always thin and weak,
and lo are wines from old vineyards, when the ieafons have
been cold, ftormy and v.'et, and without lome aiTiitance they
will not hold found long ; this afliftance is given two ways,
either by the help of fome old flrong wine, one fourth part at
leall, and four gallons of brandy to an Englifh hogfhead, or if
that is not to be obtained, then half of the muft fhould be boil-
ed away to one-half of -its quantity, that is, if one-half of the
piuft contains forty gallons, that mufl be boiled away to twenty,
this greatly enriches it, and makes it of the conftftence of li-
quid honev : as foon as it is cool, mix it Vvith the reft of the
muft, and let it ferment together, and then manage it as other
Vv'ines : when a vineyard comes to be ten or tv/elve years old, it
will yield much ftronger wines.
The boiling of muft is managed in the following manner,
which fhould be carefully attended to ; the copper or kettle
being well cleaned, the infide fhould be rubbed over with a
woollen rag dipped in fweet oil, which preferves the wine from
contracling a naufeous, copper or brafs tafte ; the muft fnould be
then thrown in, and a gentle fire kindled under the copper with
bruflr or fmall iplit wood, the copper ftanding fo high that the
wood need not touch the bottom of it ; for if at any time the
wood touches the bottom of the kettle or copper, the wine will
be burned, which will fpoil it ; it llrould therefore be ftirred
often from the bottom, and the fcum. taken off" as it rifes till
clear-, the muft boiled away is called delrutum, or the rob of
grapes. If there is a negleft in raiimg the iediment from the
bottom of the copper, it will burn and fpoil the wine, as it
turns it bitter.
And here v.-e muft caution eveiy one who attempts to make
wine, to be ftrifily careful to have all the vefTels and inftruments
made ufe of in this work perfectly clean and fweet • for if they
have anv four, unfavoury or offenfive Irnell, they will communi-
cate it to the muft and ipoil the wine ; and every thing that has
an ofFenfive or difagreeable fraell Ihould be removed from the
place where wine is made, and from the cellars where it i» kept ;
the. cellar ought to be dry and warm, for damps or wet hurt
wines exceedingly : it muft alio be free from muftinefs, and, in
good weather, the windows next the fouth and weft fhould be
opened, to admit the warm dry air, which will pievtnt muftiuQii
and dangerous dumpSj
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 485
Kogfhcads well bound with iron are the only fafe cafks for
•wine ; if old wine pipes, or hogflieads with wooden hoops, arc
trulled, it is ten to one but they deceive ; they confcantly want
repairing every year, but iron-bound cafks will hold many years
without any expenle at all, (o that in three years time they be-
come by much the cheapeft cafks, we mean for Ibnding cafks,
out of which the wine is racked into other callus for lale ; but
then as foon as they are empty the lees ihould be taken out, and
faved for difhilling into brandy, and the lame day the cafk filled
with water, or elfe they will be deftroyedby a fmall worm, which
will pierce it like a heve.
Every man that has a vineyard fhould have a flill and good
worm, that he may diftill all tire lees, the hufks and tlie Icum
into good brandy, which he will want for the prefervation of
his wines ; the lamQ ftill will do to make peach brandy and the
fpirits of cyder, which will foon pay for it, A ftiU that holds a
barrel is quite large enough, unlels his vineyards and orchards be
veiy large indeed.
We now pafs to the different management of wine after fer-
mentation ; one method we have already mentioned : fome, after
the fecond fermentation, leave the wine in the fame cafk upon
the lees, and adding the old wine and brandy to 'it, they ftop up
the bung-hole, and leave only the vent-hole open to let out the
generated air, till the month of March, filling up the cafli from
time to time as the wine fubfides or waftes, and then draw it oH'
into a clean, well-fcented and well fhummed calk, and flop all
clofe with mortar.
Others again, in the month of March, before they rack it oil
and ftum it, roll the cafk backward and forward in the cellar to
mix the lees thoroughly with the wine, thinking thereby to
communicate the ftrength of the lees to the wine, and then let
it fland and fettle till it is fine, and rack it off into clean well-
flummed cafks, and flop and plaifter all up clofe.*
* It is proper to notice, that the lees of ftroiig wines may be of advantai'e,
and communicate fome ftrength to weak wines, that are racked oil upon them,
but it does not thereiore follow, that all lees are beneiicial to the wines that
produce them; for, as we have already obferved, the lees in the time of fer-
mentation, beirrg thrown up to the top of the velTel, there lueet with the air,
and being expofed to it for four or five days, contraft a liarfn and raacid nature,
if they do not grow quite four ; and then fubfiding, as foon as the fermentation
is over, and lettling to the bottom of the calk, where they are left for the wine
to feed upon, we leave any man to judge what kind of food this niuft be, and
what manner of good it can communicate to the wine. But fo rigid and arbi-
trary is cuftom, that ic is even looked upon next to rebellion, to deviate or dc-
fjrt fiom the cufloms of our fathers. The cyder made in America for above
42G GENERAL INFORMATICS
It will be no doubt obfervccl, that we have been filcnt in th]^,
cfTiiy, about vine; that arc natives of America ; the reafon is,
they have in part already been noticed, and their quulities in ge^-
neral defcribed : they are in general fuppcfcd to be much more
untraftiblc than thole of Europe : they arc -^-ery hardv, and will
ftand the frame, for they brave the I'evereft ftorms and v/inter
bhits ; they fhrink not at fnow, ice, hail or rain ; the wine they
afford is firong and gr 4<)
The fox-grape, v/holc berries are large and round, delights
rr^on. in a rich fandy loam ; here they grow verv large and the
berries are fweeteft ; but they will grow- in any groTinds, wet or
dry ; thofe that grow on high grounds generally become white,
?nd the colour alters to a dark red or black, according to the
lownels or watnefs of the ground : the fituation, we think, muft
greatly aifeft the wine, in flrength, goodnefs and colour; the
berries are gencrailv ripe the beginning of September, and when
. f'lHv ripe they foon fall avv-ay : thus much we have obierved as
they groAV .wild ; what alteration they may undergo, or how
much they may be im.proved by proper foils and due cultivation,
tve cannot lav.
There is a fmall black grape, a fize bigger than the winter
g'-apc, that is ripe in September ; it is plealant to eat, and makes
a very pleafant wine. Thele are well v>'orth cultivating, as is
the grane of Scioto and the newly-difcovered grape of Indian
river in Maryland, which promiles to be a valuable acquiiition
to the vineyard.
The froft, or winter g''-pe, is knov.-n to moil; pcrfons ; both
the bunches and berries are imall, and yield but little juice, but
the richnefs of the wine may make up for the Imallnefs of the
quantity; the taftc of the grape is auftere till pretty hard frofts
come and then it takes a favourable turn and becomes very fweet
and agreeable : this vine fhoots forth great numbers of P.ender
branches, and might do very well for the louth and iouth-eari:
lides of a fummer-houl'e or clofe walk, if all the ufelcls ^nd bar-
ren brandies were cut away. The vines of America, in general,
onf" hnndv"d ■s-'-ars va^; ronftantly fpnil'.ni by- this miilakc. Evrry man that
rnskf^s cydT vfrv wfU knows, how i'oon the piiniicc cirr'apts and grows innr
bv bpin"- expoffd to thr air, and yet r.o man in .lU that tiine ever pr.r'\entrd the
pumice, after fermentation, from fettlin;; down throu;.;h the whole body of
cvdrr, but thrre Irfi it to r^iDain for his cydfr to feed upon .ill winter, and in-
deed all the next fiunmrr too, if it lafled fo loner, and the owner complained of
the hardnel's of h's cyder, and i'o did every body elfe that drank it; and yet
'.his long remained w;thoat a remedy, h"caiifc it had been the- culfom of iheti
♦ather?,
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 487
are fit for fhrong high efpaliers, but tlicy mv.ft be watched nai-
vowiy, and evciy unncceirary aud unpioliiablc biaucH lakca
away.
The native vines- of the northern and middle States have a
covering of baik of io tloie and firm a texture, that they i^and
all weatners without injuiy ; tlicy fear nothuig but a froft ^fter
they put forth the tender bud. We know that cold wmdb and
waiter blafts have a great cilctl upon llie human body, thcv braco
up and coniinn ail the lolids. liardcn and llrengthcn tiic whoii
fraine, and render a man active, briik and lively : thty havvi
Lkewiie a wonderful tlFLft upon the brute creation •, tl^e cover-
ing of Iheqp, cattle and horics, m hot eoundies, is veiy thia
and cool, remove them into a cold region, Iheep loon ac-iuire *
coveiing of wool, .hories and cattle a thick coat of hair. Why
then fiiould not vines, by being tranlplanted from a warm into
a cold region, acquire a hrmneis and covering luitable to theif
new htuation ? W^e believe, by a proper management, that tin y
may by degrees be inured to colder countries, but fuch a hardi-
neis inuft not be luppoted to be acquired all at once bat by
being, winter after winter, a little more and more expoled to tiio
levcrities of tlie weather : they may thus in a few years be, in a
great meafuie, reconciled to almoll any climate ; late ripe fiuiti.,
however, will i:ot do as yet to the r.crthward of tlie capes of
\'irginia ; it is the early ripe fruits that the middle States mult
cultivate, till the climate becomes more temperate by the coun-
irv's being cleared farther back ; none that ripen much after
Otiiober will luit at preient, and the latcll they raiie, Iho^ild
ainve at full maturity by the end of November.
ox TIIE CLLTCRi: OF SUGAR MAPI-i:. OCC.
The rtcer facchariiiKm of Lmnajus, or the lug:ir maple, as
before oblerved, grov/s in great quantities ii\ the weilern couii-
l/ics of all the middle States of tlie Amciican Union. Tlune
which grow in New-Yoik and Penn'ylvania yield the fugar ia
a greater quantity than thoie which giow on the waters of the
Oliio. 1 heie trees arc geneially found mixed with the beach,
licmlock, \\rhitc and water aih, the cucumber tree, linden, alpen,
butter nut, and wud cheny tiees : they iometmies appear iji
groves covering hve or iix acres m a body, but they are commonly
interlpcried with lomc or all of the forelh trees which have been
mentioned. From thirty to lihy tiecs are geneially found upon
an acre of ground. They grow chicily in the richeft ioils, and
frequently in Ilony giuund. Springs of the puicil water iibound
^U GENERAL INFORMATION
in their neighbourhood. They are, when fully grown, as tall aS
the white and black oaks, and from two to three feet in diamc-*
ter;* they put forth a beautiful white bloffom in the fpring be^
fore they fliew a fmgle leaf; the colour of the blolfora diilin-
guifhes them from the acer rubrum, or the comm-on maple,
which affords a bloilom of a red colour. The wood of the fugar
maple is of an inflammable nature, and is preferred upon that
account by hunters and lurveyors for fire-wood. Its fmall
branches are fo much impregnated with fugar as to afford fuppart
to the cattle, horfes and. Iheep, of the firft fettlers during the
winter, before they are able to cultivate forage f®r thafpurpofci
Its aihes afford a great quantity of pot-afh, exceeded by few or
perhaps by none of the trees that grow in the woods of the
United States.
The tree is fuppofed to arrive at its full growth in the woods
in twenty years.
It is not injured by tapping : on the contrary, the oftener it
is tapped the more iyrup is obtained from it. In this refpe6t
it follows the law of animal fecrction. A fingle tree has not
enly furvived, but flouriflied after yor(>'-^?('o tappings in the fame
number of years. The effefts of a yearly difcharge of liip from
the tree in improving and incrcafing the fap, is demon ftiated
from the fuperior excellence of thole trees which h?»ve been
perforated in an hundred places, by a fmall wood-pecker which
feeds upon the fap. The trees, after having been v/ounded in
this way, diftil the remains of their juice on the ground, and
afterwards acquire a black colour. The -fap of thefe trees is
much i'vveeter to the tafte than that which is obtained from trees
which have not been previoufly wounded, and it affords more
iugar.
From twenty-three gallons and one quart of fap procured in
twenty hours from only two of thefe dark-coloured trees, Arthur
Noble. Eiq. of the State of New-York, obtained four pounds
iind thirteen ounces of good grained fugar.
A tree of an ordinary fize yields,- in a good feafon, from
twenty to thirty gallons of fap. from which are made from five
to fix 'pounds of fugar : to this there are lometimes remarkable
<?jcccptions : Samuel Low, E!q. a juflice of peace in Montgo-
* Karon La Hontan, in his voyage to North-Amcnca, gives the following
account of the maple tree in Canada. After defr.ribing the bbck cherry tree,
fomeof which, he fays, are as tall as the lofticft oaks and as big as a hogthcad,
he adds, " The maple tree is much of the fame height and bulk : it bears no
tei'emb lance to that fort we have in Europe."
r 0 E U R. 0 ? E A N SETT L E R S, 489
inety co^mty, in the State of New-York, informed Arthur
!Moble, Efq. th;it l:c made, twenty pounds and one ounce of ibgar
between the 14th .md 23d of April, in the year 17S9, from a
linglc tree that had been tapped for icveral lucccliive v'crirs
before.
From the influence which culture h3S upon foreft and c)thcr
trees, it has been fuppoled, that by traniplanting the fugar miple
tree into a garden, or by dcllroylng luch other trees iis Ihcitcr it
from the rays of the iun, the quantity of the lap ini'lht be in-
crealed, and its quality much improved. We have heard of one
fnft which favours this opinion ; A farmer in Nt)rthaniptoa
county, in the State of Pennfyivania, planted a number uf tlieie
trees about twenty-feven years ago in his meadow, from leis than
three gallons of the Tap of winch, lie obtains every year a pound
of lugar. It Was oblerved formerly, that it required five or fix
gallor:is of the lap of the trees which grow in the woods, to pro-
duce the fame quantity of fugar.
The lap diftils fi'om the zvood of the tree : trees which have
been cut down in the winter for the fupport of the domeftic
awimals of the ncv/ iettlcrs, yield a confiderabte quantity of i3i>
as loon as their trunks and limbs feel the rays of the iun in the
Ipring of the year.
It IS in coniequence of the fap of thefe trees being equally
difluled through every part of them, that they live three years
after they are girdled, that is, after a circular incihon is made
through the bark into the fubftance of the tree, for the purpoie
of dcftroying it.
It is remarkable, that grafs thrives better \inder this tree in a
meadow, than m fituat'ious expoled to tlie coaftant atlion of tire
fun.
The feaibn for tapping the trees is in February, March and
April, according to the weather which occurs in thele months,
JVarm days and frojly nights are moft favourable to a plentiful
difcharge of lap.* The quantity obtained in a day from a tree is
from five gallons to a pint, according to the greater or Icfs heat
of the air. A JVIr. Low informed Arthur Noble, lifq. that he
♦ The inilupncf of the v/cathcr in nicreafm^ and leiTeniug the di(thar"-e of
the fap iroin trees is very rcmiorkable.
Dr. Tonge fuppoled long ago (i^hilofophioal Traafaclioiis, No. 68,) t!mt
changes in the weather of e'^ery kind might be better alceriaiiied by the dif-
charge of fap from trees than by weather glalT-s. I have teen a ioiirnal of the
rfie6ts of heat, coid, moidure, drought and thuadcr, upon t'ne difchar^es from
the fu^ar trees, which diipofes me to admit Dr. Tun^e"* Ojiinion. Dr. Killi,
3 I^'
490
GENERAL 1 N F 0 R M AT I G I't
obtained near three and twenty gallons of fap in one day, (April
14, 1789) from the fingle tree which was before mentioned.
Such inflanccs of a profufion of fap in fmglc trees are, however,
not very common.
There is always a fiifpenfion of the difcharge of fap in the
night if a frofh fucceed a warm day. The perforation in the
tree is made with an ax or an auger ; the latter is preferred from
experience of its advantages : the auger is introduced about
three-fourths of an inch, and in an alcending dire6lion, that
the fap m.ay not be frozen in a flow current in the mornings or
evening.?, and is afterwards deepened gradually to the extent
of two inches. A Ipout is introduced about half an inch into
the hole made by this auger, and projects from three to tv.'elve
inches from the tree. The fpout is generally made of the fnu-
mach,* or elder, + which generally grow in the neighbourhood
of the fugar trcL-s. The tree is firft tapped on the fouth fide j
when the difcharge of its fap begins to lefTen, an opening is
made on its north fide, from which an increafed difcharge takes
place. The fap flows from four to fix weeks, according to the
temperature of the weather. Troughs large enougir to contain
three or four gallons made of white pine, or wiiite aih, or of
dried v/ater alli, afpen, linden, J poplar or common maple, are
placed under the fpout to receive the fap, which is carried every
day to a large receiver, made of either of the trees before men-
tioned,, From this receiver it is conveyed, after being drain-
ed, to the boiler-
To preferve the fap from rain and impurities of all kinds, it
is a good pradlicc to cover the troughs witli a concave board,
with a hole in the middle of it.
It remains yet to be determined, whether fome artificial heat
may not be applied fo as to increale tlie quantity and improve
the quality of the fap. Mr. Noble informed Dr. Rufh, that
he faw a tree, under which a farmer had accidentally burnt
fome brufh, which dropped a thick heavy fyrup refembling mo-
laffes : this fa£t may probably lead to fomething ufeful hereafter.
During the remaining part of the fpring months, as alio in the
fummer, and in the beginning of autumn, the maple tree yields
a thin fap, but not fit for the manufaftory of lugar : it affords a
pleafant drink in harveft, and has been ufed inltead of rum, in
fome inftances, by thofc farmers in Conneclicut, whofe anccflors
have left to them here, and there, a fugar maple tree, probably
to fliade their cattle, in all their helds. Mr. Bruce delcribes a
drink of the fame kind, prepared by the inhabitants of Egypt,
* RuHi. + Sai-nbacus Canadenfis. X Liriodcndrum tulipifenx.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLER.^. 451
by infufing the fiig?.r cane in water, wliich he dccUres to be
*' tlic moft rcfrefliing drink in the world.'"*
There are three methods of reducing the Tap to fugnr :
First, By freezing it. This method has boon tried for mnny
years by a Mr. Obadiah Scott, a farmer in Luzerne county, in
Pennfylvania, with great fuccefs. lie lays, that one-third of a
given quantity of fap reduced in this way, is better than one-
half of the feme quantity reduced by boiling. If the froft
(hould not be inteirle enough to reduce the lap to the graining
O loo
point, it may afterwards be e-\pofed to the aftion of the fire for
that purpolc.
Secqsoly, By Jponta7i:^oi(i evaporation. The hollow flump
of a maple fugar tree, which had been cut down in the fpring,
and which was found Ibmc time afterwards filled with fugar,
firfl; luggefted this method of obtaining fugar to our farmers.
So many circumftances of cold and dry weather, large and flat
vcifels, and above all, fo much ti«ie, are necclTary to obtaiti
fut^ar, by either of the above methods, that the mod general
method among the farmers is to obtain it.
Thirdly, By boiling. For this purpofe the following fafts,
which have been afcertained by many experiments, delervc at-
tention :
1. The fooner the fap is boiled, after it is colleftcd from the
tree, the better ; it fliould never be kent longer than twenty-
fom- hours before it is put over the fire.
2. The larger the velfel is in which the fap is boiled, the more
fugar is obtained from it.
3. A copper vefl'el affords a fugar of a fairer colour than an
iron veffel.
The lap flows into wooden troughs, from \vhich it is carried,
and poured into {lore troughs or large ciTL^rns, in the fliape of
* Baron La Hontan gives the following account of the fap of the fugar maple
t/fee, when ufed as a drink, and of the manner of obtaining it : •• The tree
yields a fap which has a much pleafanter tafle than the befi; lemonade or cherry
Water, and makes the wholefomefi drink in the world. This liquor is drawn
by cutting the tree two inches deep in the wood, the cut beaig made floping to
thr: length of cen or twelve inches ; at the lower end of this gafh a knife is
thruil into the tree flopingly, fo ti.at the water runs along the cut or gafn, as
through a gutter, and falls upon the knife, which has fome vefiels placed un-
derneath to receive it. Some trees will yield five or fix bottles of this water in
a day, and fome inhabitants of Canada might draw twenty hogfheads of it in
one day, if they would thus cut and notch all the maple trees of their refpeftive
plantititjas. The gafh does no harm to the tree. Of this fap they make fugar
and fyrup, which is fo valuable, that there can be no better remedy for fortify-
ing the flomach ; it is but few of the inhabitants that have the patience to make
them, for as common things are flighted, fo there are fcarce any body but chil-
dren that give thamfelvcs the trouble of gafhing thefj tree*."
3 R 2
49S GENERAL INFORMATION
9 canoe ox large manger, made of whife afn, linden, bafs wood^
or white pine, from which, it is conveyed to the kettle in which
it is to be boiled. Thefe ciftcrns, as well as the kettle, are ge>,
viieially covered by a flied to defend the fap from the rain. The
I'ugar is improved by {training the fap through a blanket or cloth,
either before or after it is half boiled. Batter, hog's hrd, or
tallow, are added to the fap in the kettle, to prevent its boiling
over ; and lime, eggs, or new milk, are mixed with it, in order
to clarify it. Clear fugar, however, may be made without the
addition of either of them, A fpoonful of flacked lime, the
white of one egg, alid a pint of new milk, are, the ufual pro-
portions of thele articles, which are mixed with fifteen gallons
of lap. In lome famples of m^ple lugar, clarified with each of
the above articles, that \n which milk alone was uied, had an
evident fiiperiorlty in noint of colour.
The fugar after being lufiiciently boiled is grained and clayed,
and afterwards refined, or converted into loaf lugai-. The me-
thods of conducing each of thefe procelfcs is fo nearly the fame
with thofe which are ufed in the manufaftory of Weft-Indifi
iugar, and are lo generall)- known, that %vc need not ipend any
time in deicribing tliem.
It has been a lu^jeft of inquiry, whether the maple fugar
might not be improved in its quality, and increaled in its quan-
tity, by the eftabliOr'nent of boiling houfes in the lugar maple
country, to be condufted by affociated labour. From the fcatr-
|;eied litu-ition of the trees, the difficulty of carrying the lap to
a great di 'lance, and from the many expenfes which inufl accrue
from lupporting labourers and horles in the woods, in a feafon
of the year in which nature affords no luftenance toman or beaf?:,
we are diipofed to believe, that the moft produftive method
both in quantity and profit of obtaining this fugar, will be by
the labour of private families. For a great number of years,
many hundred private families in New-York and pennfylvama
have iuppiied themielves plentifully with this fugar during the
whole year. We have heard of many families who have made
from two to four hundred pounds in a year; and of one man
who fold, fix hundred pounds ail made by his own hands in one
fealon.*
* The following receipt, publifhcd by William Cooper, Efq. in the Albany
Pazei-te, fully efldblirnes this fa£t.
" Received, Cooper's Town, April 30th, 179O, of William Cooper, fixteen
f pounds, for fix hundred and forty pounds of fugar, made with iny ovjn hands,
" without any afTiffaiice, in lefs than four v/eeks, betides attending to the other
" bufincfs of my farm, as providing fire wood, taking care of the cattle, &c.
" John Nicholls. Witnefs, R. Smith."
A fingle family, coa/iiling of a man* and his two fons, on the map'.c fugar
lands between the Delaware and Sufquehaniiah, made one thoiiianq. eight huu-
df ed pound,s of maple fugar in one feafon.
rO EUROPEAN SETTLE US. 493
Not more knowledge is neceCTary for making this fugar tlian
cyder, beer, lour krout, &c. and yet one or all of theie aie
made in moft of the farm houfes of the United States. I'he
kettles and other utenfils of a farmer's kitchen will ierve moft
of the purpofes of making fugar, and the time required for the
labour, if it deferves that name, is at a feafon when it is impof-
lible for the farmer to employ himfelf in any fpeties of agricul-
ture. His wife and all his children above ten years of age,
moreover may allift him in this bLifinefs, for the profit of the
weakeft of them is nearly equal to that of a man when hired for
that purpole.
A comparative view of this fugnr has been frequently made
with the fugar which is obtained fi om the Weft-India fugar cane,
with refpeft to its quality, price, and the poilible or probable
quantity that can be made of it in the United States, each ot
which we fliall confidcr in order.
First. The quality of this fugar is neceffarily better than
that Avhich is made in the Weft-Indies. It is prepared in a
feafon when not a fingle infeft exifts to feed upon it, or to mix
its excrements with it, and before a particle of duft or of the
pollen of plants can float in the air. The fame obfervation can-
not be applied to the Weft-India fugar. The infcds and worms
which prey upon it, and of courfe mix with it, compoie a page
in a nomenclature of natural hiftory. We fhafl fay nothmg of
the hands which are employed in making lugar in .the Wcit-
Indies, but that men who work for the exclufive benefit of
others are not under the fame obligations to keep their perlons
clean v/hile they are employed in this work, that men, women
and children are, who work cxclufively for the benefit of them-
fclves, and who have been educated in the habits of cleanlinefs.
The faperior purity of the maple i'ugar is farther proved by its
leaving a lefs fediment when dilTolved in water than the Weft-
India lugar.
It has been fuppofed that the maple fugar is inferior to the
Weft- India fugar in ftrength. The experiments which led to
this opinion we fufpeft have been inaccurate, or have been made
with maple ftigar prepared in a flovenly manner. Dr. Rum ex-
amined equal quantities by weight of both the grained and the
loaf fugar, in hyfon tea, and in coiTee, made in every relpeft
equal by the minuteft circumftances that could affetl the quality
or tafte of each of them, and could perceive no inferiority 111
the ftrength of the maple fugar. The liquors which decided
this queftion were examined at the fame time by Alexander
Hamilton, Efq. fecretary of the treafury of the United States,
Mr. Henry Drinker, and feveral ladies, who all concurred in
the above opinion.
494 GENERAL INFO RM ATI ON
Secondly. Whoever confiders that the fugar maple tree
grows Ipc/utaneouily without cultivation, that the Americans
have many miihoRS of acres in their country covered with them,
that the tree is improved by repeated tappings, and that the
fugar is obtained by the frugal labour of a fnrmer's family, and
at the iame time confiders the labour of cultivating the fug.ar
cane, the capitals funk in fugar works, the firit coft of flavcs
and cattle, the expenfes of pnwifions for both of them, and in
fome inftances the additional expenie of conveying the fugar to
a market in ail the Weft-India iflands, v/ili not hefitate in be-
lieving that the maple fugrir may be manufaftured much cheap-
er, and iold at a leis price than that which h made in the Well-;
Indies.
Thiriily. The refources for making a fufhcient quantity of
this fugar, not only for the conlumption of the United St-ites,
but for exportation, will appear from the following facls.
1'here are in the States of New-York and Pennlyivania alone,
at ieaft ten millions of acres of land Vv-hich produce the iugar
maple tree, in the proportion of thirty trees to one acre. Now
fuppofing all the perlons capable of labour in the family to con-
hll of three, and each pcrlon to attend one hundred and fifty
trees, and eacli -tree to yield five pounds of fugar in a feafon, the
producl of the labour of fixty thouiand families would be one
hundred and thirty-five million pounds of fugar; and allowing
tlje inhabitants of the United States to compoie fix hundred
:'ioufand families, each of which confumed two hundred pounds
of iugar in a year, the whole confumption would be one liun-
dred and twenty million pounds in a year, which would leave a
balance of fifteen million pounds for exportation. Valuing thq
fi.jgar at fix-ninetieth? of a dollar per pound, the fum faved to
the United States would be ' eight million dollars by home con-
iumption, and the fum gained by exportation would be one mil-
lion dollars. The only part of this calculation that will appear
improbable is, the number of families fuppoi'ed to be employed
in the manufittory of the -'ugar, but the difficulty of admitting
tiiis fupoofition will vaniih when we confider, that double that •
number of families are employed every year in making rvder,
the trouble, riihs and expenles of which are all much greater
than vhole of making maple iugar.
But the profit of the maple tree is not confined to its fugar ; it
aifoids an agreeable molafi'es, and a;i excellent vinegar. Ihe fap
which is iuilable for thefe purpoics, is obtained after the lap
which afFords the fugar has ceafcd to flcnv, io that the manufac-
tories of thele different products of the maple tree, by fuccecd-
ing, do not interfere with each other. The mciafi'cs may be
made to compoie the bails of a phafant lumjner htcy. The fan
To EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 403
tot the mnple is moreover cnpable of affording a fpirit. but we
hope this precious juice will never he proilituted bv Amcric.ui
citizens to this ignoble purpoi'e, Should the ufc of tugzr diet
become more general in America, it may tend to Icffen (he incli-
nation or fuppofed nccclTity for Ipirits, for a rclifn for luaar in
diet is feldom accompanied by a love of ftrong drink. It is the
fugar which is mixed with tea which makes it fo generally difn-
gf-ceable to drunkards; but a diet coniifting of a plentiful mix-
ture of fujsar has other advantages to lecommcnd it, which we
fhall briefly enumerate'.
First. Sugar affords the grc.ateft quantity C)f nourifiiment ia
a given quantity of matter of any fubftance in nature; of courfe
it may he preferved in lels room in our houfes, and may be con-
fumed in lefs time than more bulky and lei's nourii'liing aliment.
It has this peculiar advantage over moll kinds of aliment, that i£
is not liable to have its nutritious qualities afTeftedby time or the
weather, hence it is preferred by the Indians in their excurfions
from home. They mix a certain quantity of maple fugar, with
an equal quantity of Indian corn, dried and powdered, in its
milky ftate. This mixture is packed in little baflcets, which are
frequently wetted in travelling, without injuring the fugar. A
few fpoonfuls of it mixed with half a pint of fpring water, af-
ford them a pleafant and ftrengthening meal. From the degrees
of ftrength and nourifhment which are conveyed into animal
bodies by a fmall bulk of fugar, we conceive it might be given
to horfes with great advantage, when they are ufcd in places or
under circumftances which make it difficult or expenfive to
fupport them with more bulky or weighty aliment, A pound oF
fugar without grais or hay, we have been told, has fupportej
the ftrength and Ipirits of an horfe, during a whole day's labour
ill one of the Weft-India iflands. A larger quantity given alone
has fattened horfes and cattle during the M'ar before laft in Hif-
paniola, for a period of feveral months, in which the exporta-
tion of fugar, and the importation of gi'ain, were prei'ented bv
the want of fliips.
Secondly. The plentiful ufe of fugar in diet is one of tiie
bcR; preventatives that has ever been difcovered of the difeafes
which are produced by worms. Nature feems to have implanted
a love for this aliment in all children, as if it were on purpofe
to defend them from thofe difeafes. A gentleman in Philadelplua
who early adopted this opinion, by indulging a large family
of children in the ufe of fugar, has preferved them all from the
dileales ufually occafioned by worm.s.
Thirdly. Sir John Pringle has remarked, that tlie plag'ue
has never been known in any country where fugar compofes a
material part of the diet of the inhabitants. We think it pro-
bable that the frequency of malignant fevers of all kinds has
496 GENERAL INFORMATION
been leflfened by this diet, and that its more general ufe would
defend that clafs of people who afe moft fubjeft to maligriant
fevers from being fo often affefted by them.
Fourthly, In the numerous and frequent diforders of the
breaft, which occur in all countries, where the body is expoled
to a variable temperature of weather, fugar affords the bads of
many agreeable remedies : it is ufeful in weakneffes, and acrid
delluxions upon other parts of the body. Many fafts might be
adduced in favour of this alfertion. "We fhall mention only
one. which, from the venerable name of tlie perfon whofc cafe
furnilhed it, cannot fail of commanding attention and credit.
Upon Dr. Rufh inquiring of Dr. Franklin, at the rcqueft-,of, ^
friend about a year before he died, whether he had found any re-
lief from the pain of the ftone from the blackberry jam, of which
he took large quantities, he told him that he had, but that he
believed the medicinal part of the jam rcfided wholly in the lugar ;
and as a rcafon for tliinking fo, he added, that he often found the
fame relief by taking about half a pint of fyrup, prepared by
boiling a little brown fugar in water, juft before he went to bed,
that he did from a dofe of opium. It has been fuppofed by lome
of the early phyficians of America, that the lugar obtained from
the maple tree is more medicinal than that obtained from the
Wefh-India fugar-canc ; but this opinion is, perhaps without
foundation ; it is preferable in its qualities to the Well-India
fugar perhaps only from ils fuperior cleanlineis.
Cafes may occur in which lugar may be required in medicine,
or in diet, by pevfons who refuie to be benefited, even indi-*
reftly by the labour of flaves. In fuch cafes the innocent
jnaple fugar will always be preferred.*
It has been faid that fugar injures the teeth, but this opinion
now has fo few advocates, that it does not deferve a lerious
refutation.
To tranfmit to future generations all the advantages which
have been enumerated from the maple tree, it will be r^eceffary.
to proteQ; it by law, or by a bounty upon the maple fugar,
from being dcftroyed by the fettlers in the maple country, or to
traufplant it from the woods, and cultivate it in the old and
improved parts of the United States. An orchard confilling
of two hundred trees, planted upon a common farm, would
yield more than the fame number of apple trees at a diflance
"^ Dr. Knowles, a phyfician of worthy cliarafter in Loadon, had occafion-
to reGominend a diet to a patieni. of which fugar coinpofed a material part..
His patient relufed to fulinut to his prefcription, and gave as a reafon for it^
that he !iad wimcffed fo much of the opprefiioii and cruelty which wf re exer-
cifed' upon the flaves, who made the fu^ar, that he b?.d made a vow ncvjr to
tafte ;he produfl; of their mifsxy as Joiig as he lived.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS.
from a market town. A full grown tree in the woods yields
five pounds of fugar in a year. If a greater expofure of a tree
to the aflion of the fun has the fame effefts upon a maple that
it has upon other trees, a larger quantity of fugar might rcafona-
bly be expcfted from each tree planted in an orchard. Allow-
ing it to be only Icven pounds, then two hundred trees will
yield one thoufand four hundred pounds of fugar; and deduft-
ing two hundred from the quantity for the confumption of the
family, there will remain for fale one thoufand two hundred
pounds, which at fix-ninetieths of a dollar per pound, will yield
an annual profit to the farmer of eighty dollars. But if it fhould
be found that the (hade of the maple does not check the growth,
of grain any more than it does of grafs, double or treble that
number of maple trees may be planted on every farm, and a
profit proportioned to the above calculation be derived from
them. Should this mode of tranfplanting the means of obtain-
ing fugar be fuccefsful, it will not be a new one. The lugar
cane of the Weft-Indies was brought originally from the Eaft-
Indies by the Portuguefe, and cultivated at Madeira, from whence
it was tranfplanted direftly or indireftly to all the fugar iflands
of the Weft-Indies.
It were to be wiflied that the fettlers upon the fugar maple
lands would fpare the fugar tree in clearing their lands. On a
farm of two hundred acres of land, according to our former cal-
culation, there are ufually fix thoufand maple trees. If only
two thoufand of thofe original and ancient inhabitants of the
woods were fufFered to remain, and each tree were to afford only
five pounds of fugar, the annual profit of fuch a farm in fugar
alone, at the price formerly mentioned, would amount to fix
hundred and fixty-fix dollars, one hundred and fift)'- dollars of
which would probably more than defray all the expenfes of
making it, and allow a plentiful deduftion for family ufc.
According to the ufual annual profit of a lugar maple tree,
each tree is worth to a farmer two dollars, and two-thirds of a
dollar, exclufive therefore of the value of his farm, the two
thouland fugar maple trees alone confer a va' .e upon it of five
thoufand three hundred and thirty-thre dollars, and thii-ty-
ninetieths of a dollar.
It is faid that the fugar trees, when deprived of the fhelter
and fupport they derive from other fpreft trees, and liable to be
blown down, occafioned by their growing in a rich, and of
courfe a looie foil. To obviate this, it will only be ncccffary to
cut off fome of their branches fo as to alter its center of gravity,
3 S
4'9§ GENERAL INFORMATION
and to allow the high winds to have an eafy paffagc through
them. Orchards of fugar maple trees, -which grow with an
original expofure of all their parts to the aftion of the fun, wilt
riot be liable to this inconvenience.
In contemplating the preCent opening profpefts in human
affairs, we are ted to expeft that a material part of the general
happinefs which Heaven fecms to have prepared for mankind,
will be derived from the manufaftory and general uie of maple
fugar, for the benefits which we flatter ourlclves are to refult
from it, will not be confined to America ; tlfey will, we hope,_
extend themfelves to the interefts of humanity in the Weft-
Indies. Vy'^ith this view of the fubjett, we cannot help con-
templating a fugar maple tree with a fpecies of afFeftion and
even veneration, for we have pcrfuaded ourfelves to behold in
it the happy means of rendering the commerce and flavery of
our African brethren in the fugar iflands as unnecelfary, as it
has always beer, inhuman and unjuft.
To the above we add a copy of Mr. Botham's account of the
method of manufafturing fugar in the Eaft-Indies, extraftcd
from the report of the committee of the Britifh privy councii
on the fubjeft of the flave trade, but we fhall infert only fuch
parts of it as will throw light upon the method of manufafturing
the maole fugar which has been mentioned, and to fhow how
much it is to be preferred in point of economy to that which is
«fed in the Weft-Indies,
" Having been for two years in the Englifli and French Wcft-
india iflands, and hnce cundufted fugar e dates in the Eaft-
Indies ; before the abolition of the flave trade was agitated in
parliament, it may be delirablc to kno\v that fugar of a fupcrior
quality and inferior price ^o that in our iflands, is produced in
the Eaft-Indies ; that the culture of the cane, the manufa£ture
of lugar and arrack, is with thefe material advantages carried or^
by free people, China, Bengal, the coaft of Malabar, all pro-
duce quantities of fugar and fpirits ; but as the moft coKfidcrable
growth of the cane is carried on near Batavia. I fliall explain the
improved manner in which fugar eftates ai'e there conduftcd.
The proprietor of the ePtatc is generally a wealthy Dutchman,
who has ercftcd on it fubftantiai mills, bailing and curing houfes.
He rents this eftaie to a Chinefe, who reftdes on it as a fupcrin-»
tendant ; and this renter, iuppofmg the cftate to con lift of three
hundred or more acres, re-lets it to freemen in parcels of fifty or
fixty on thcfc conditions ;
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 499
'• That they fhall plant it in canes, and receive i'o inuch per
pecul of one hundred and thirty-three pounds and a half for
every pecul of iugar that the canes flrall produce.
" When crop time comes on, the fuperintendant collcfts a
fufficient number of pcrfons from the adjacent towns or villages,
and takes off his crop as follows ;
" To any fet of tradefmen who bring their carts and buflF.does,
he agrees to give fuch a price per pecul to cut all his crops of
canes, carry them to the mill and grind them.
" A fecond to boil them per pecul.
*' A third to clay them and bafket them for market per pecul.
'' So that by this method of condufting a fugar eftate, tlie
renter knows to a certainty what the produce of it will cofl him
per pecul. He has not any permanent or unneceiTary expenfe ;
for when the crop is taken off, the tafkmen return to their fev.c-
ral purfuits in the towns and villages they came from, and there
only remain the cane planters who are preparing the next year's
crop. This, like all other complex arts, by being divided into
feveral branches, renders the labour cheaper and the work more
perfe£lly done. Only clayed fugars are made at Batavia ; thefe
are in quality equal to the bed fort from the Weft-Indies, and
are fold fo low from the fugar cftates as eighteen fhillings fterl-
ing per pecul of one hundred and thirty-three pounds and a
half. This is not the felling price to the trader at Batavia, as
■ the government there is arbitrary, and (ugar fubjeft to duties
impofcd at will. The flrabander exacls a dollar per pecul on
all fugar exported. The price of common labour is from nine-
pence to ten-pence per day. By the method of carrying on
the fugar eftates, the taflimen gain confiderably more than this,
not only from working extraordinary hours, but from being
conlidercd artifls in their feveral branches. They do not make
fpirits on the Iugar eftates ; the molalTes are feut for fale to Bata-
via, where one diftillery may purchafe the produce of an hun-
dred eftates. Here is a vaft laving and reduftion of the price
of fpirits ; not as in the Weft-Indies, a difi,illery for each eftate;
many ceriter in one, and arrack is fold at Batavia from twenty-
one to twenty-five rix dollars per leaguer of one hundred and
fixty gallons ; lay eight-pence per gallon.
" The improvement in making the cane into fugar in Batavia
keeps pace with that in its culture. Evaporation being in pro-
portion to the furface, their boilers are fet with as much of it as
poffible ; the cane juice, with temper fufficient to throw up its
icipiuitics, is boiled down to the conliltcnce of a fyrup ; it
3 S 2
5QO GENERAL INFORMATION
is then thrown up into vats calculated to hold one boiling, then
fprinkled with two buckets of water to fubfide its foul parts ;
after flanding fix hours, it is let off by three pegs of different
heights into a fingle copper with one fire ; it is there tempered
again, boiled up, and reduced to fugar, by a gentle fire. It gra-
nulates, and the fugar-boiler dipping a warad into the copper,
ftrikes it on the fide, then drops the fugar remaining on it into
a cup of water, fcrapes it up with his thumb nail, and is by this
means able to judge to the utmofh nicety of the fugar having
its proper degree of boiling : the vats or receivers mentioned
are placed at the left hand of a let of coppers; after running ofr
for boiling all that is clear, the remainder is paffed through a
flrainer on the outfide of the boiling houfe ; what is fine is put
into the copper for fugar ; the lees are refevved for diftilHng.'*
We fliall clofe this part of our work with a few obfervations
on thole inquiries in natural philofophy which appear at pre-
fent mofb beneficial to the United States of North-America, and
beft calculated for the promotion pf human happineis.
INQUIRIES RELATIVE TO RURAL ECONOMY.
On the tillage of the United States the following remarks ap-
pear very interefting : — The fuccefTion of fevere frofts and deep
thaws during winter in all the northern and middle States make
a variety of drains neceffary in mofh foils and fituations ; yet an
almoft general negleft of this deftroys a great part of the feed:
a judicious treatile on the forms and courfes of iuch drains would
be very ufeful. A large portion of the arable lands in Penn-
fylvania, and fome other States, being hilly, is detrimentally
wafhcd by heavy rains in every feafon of the year ; efpecially
the manure is thereby totally lofl. This would be much pre-
vented by tranlverle ploughing in a proper degree of horizontal
inclination, which may be traced by computing the force and
quantity of the water.
The Indian corn*: is an elTential article among Ameriqaq
grains, and peculiai ly fuitable to an extenfive country. It mighp
be railed at fo moderate a price as to bear exportation to Europe^
in the northern parts of which it would be very valuable, as
nourifhment for doxnellic animals during the long winters. The
* Maize or zeji.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 501
mode of planting this grain by four or five feeds together on
hills, at the diftance of leveral feet, appears lefs reafoiiable from
the confideration, that one part of the ground is left vacant,
while the other is overcharged ; that the contiguous ftalks mull
impede each other ; that their Ipindling height, and dole pofi-
tion, fubjefts theni more to the high winds, which not unfrc-
quently i'weep down whole fields. "VVe are informed by the
natives of Italy, that in that country the corn is planted fo as
to cover the ground equally, with convenient intervals for
weeding.
The culture of meadows has gained a confiderable pcrfeftion
in the middle States, but is ftill capable of much improvement.
A mode of banking effeftually againft the floods that often ruin
the beft mavfh-meadows, has not yet been difcovered : in open
iituations, a clofe row of fome aquatic trees, beyond the bank, is
indifpenfable for breaking the force of a flormy tide. The Ame-
ricans want grafTes tliiat will flourifla in dry and fandy foils : fuch,
for example, as w^ere lately introduced in Spain, and are laid to
have proved fo beneficial to that dry and warm country.
The heat of the fummers is unfavourable to grafs, where the
ground, though fertile, has not a degree of moifture ; it is there-
fore advifeable to try, whether barley, rye, or wheat, if cut young,
would make good hay ; and whether a fecond crop, or the fuc-
ceeding pafture, may help to make a full compenfation for an
eventual harveft ? We have heard this method much recom-
mended by fome cultivators in Europe, The divifion of paf-
ture grounds by enclofures is generally neglefted. Clean feeding
is an advantage of admitting cattle, horles, and flieep in rota-
tion, that deferves attention.
The value of land, and clofe neighbourhood, makes good
fences neceffary in old fettlements. Worm-fencing, and fimilar
expedients of infant cultivation, fhould never be feen ; they occa-
^on loffes, vexation and" contention. The regular frames of
rails and boards would be much improved by hardening againft
heat and moifture : to render the lower part of the poft more
durable, burning, encrufting with mortar, and foaking in fait
water, are expedients partly uled, and worthy of trial. Live
hedges are in general preferable to any, but yet very rare, though
the country prelents many fhrubs ©f promifmg qualities.
The vaft domains of the United States can vie with any coun-
try in the variety, utility, and beauty of trees and flirubs. Their
flately forefts are a national trcafure, deferving the felicitous care
502 GENERAL INFORMATION'
of the patriotic philoiopher and politician : hitherto they have
been too much abandoned to the axes of rude and thoughtlefs
wood-choppers. What perfon of lenfe and fcelin? can, without
indignation, behold millions of young oaks and hiccories de.-
ftroyed, to make bonfires in open fmoky houfes, or trucked in
the cities for foreign toys ? Some parts of Europe were thus laid
wafle in former centuries, and the'preient generation mufi with
great labour and expenfe repair the ravages of their forefathers.
In many parts of America a preiervation and increafe of the tim-
ber for :Fuel, and other dom'cilic ufes, renders thele queries im-
portant. What trees are of the c^uickeft growth ? At what age
they do increale moft? What is the proper diftance between
them ? Wiiat is the beft mode of prunuig, for promoting the
growth, and taking off all iuperflucus branches ? What kinds are
fuitable to difiercnt foils? What fpecies thrive bell together? A
judicious lopping of the branches, thinning dole tlie clumps of
trees, and clearing the ground of underwood, will make many
woodlands good pafcures, and form them into beautiful |)arks.
This management would alio improve the quality of timber by
procuring the benefit of lun and air: the want of this may be
regarded as one principal caule of the fponginefs of their tim-
ber, which defecl, fo inimical to durability, ftrength, and pre-
fervation of a given form, is farther increafed by a too coiAmon
ignorance or* negleft of the proper feaion for felling the mate-
rials of building, furniture, ftaves, and various utenfils. Some
valuable trees and flirubs are yet obicurely known ; among thefc,
the fo called coffee tree,* in the wellern country, that bears a
hard nut, th,e kernel of which is generally ufed by the inhabi-
tants as a iubftitute for coffee ; the native plum trees on the Mif-
fiffippi,' faid to be far fuperior to thofe in the middle States; the
newly diicovered and much extolled grape of Scioto.f Many of
thole which have long been familiar to the Americans, ftill pof-
lefs ufeful qualities little explored. Oil might be extraftcd from
acorns, and efpccially from the large and grealy Ipecies of the
chcfnut oak ; as lately, though but in few places, is done from '
the various kinds of v/alnuts. Spirits -may be diftilled from the
bcrrie* of the red cedar, which fo much refembles theje of the
European juniper. Wine, far better than what is generally
done, can be made from the late grapes. From all kinds
fii grapes, the Perlimon fruit, the berries of the four gum,+
and white tliorn..^ the crab apple, tiie wild pears, plums
•* Guilai:id!a. f A branch >^i tlie Oliio. X Nytla. '-, Crus gaily.
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. ^^gj
and cherries, with hmilar fruits ; fpirituous liquor, and
vinegar, may be obtained. The -white thorn will, if.it can be
kept elofe and lo^v, make an impenetrable and beautiful hedge,
by its long, fharp, and folid fpeai^s, and by its clufleiing blolluins
and large red berries. The new experiment of grafting foreign
kinds on tlieir native grape vines, laid to be very promifmg,
may prove a good prefcrvative agarnft the rigour of winter. In
all probability many fpccies of leaves would make good fodder
for cattle, if gathered in the proper fcv^fon, and well cured ; this
expedient is praftiicd in the north of Europe,* is of great impor-
tance to one half of the American States, which have. r.ccordii:T
to filuation, no paflure for five or feven months. Finoliy we
may fincercly wifli that the owners of venerable woodlands mi!zht
regard them as principal ornaments to tlieir country ; and while
they clear a part for tlie purpoles of agriculture, leave thofe hills
crowned with towering pines and ftately oaks ; fufFerino- like-
wife the groves of tulip trees and magnolas to wave am.ono- yel-
low harvefls and blooming meadows. In fome of the old
countries, many gentlemen would purchafc fuch rural charms at
any expenfe, but muft wait till the evening of life for the fliade
of their plantations ; is it not then deplorable, that fo many
American farmers daily deflroy what their offspring of better
tafte will deeply regret ! This evil might in a great meafure be
iefTened by_ a treatife on ornamental planting, adapted to the
prefcnt circumftances of tliat country.
Half a century ago, philofophers thought it beneath them to
inveftigate the economy of domeftic animals. By this ridiculous
pride, European countries have fuftered mucli. The Swcdiui
Baturalifts were roufcd near thirty years ago, to a ferious atten-
tion, by a peftilence among horfes and horned cattle, which
deftroyed many thoufands in lom.e provinces. In America this
important fcience has been much neglefted. Not to enlarge
upon a lubjcft, which cfpecially concerns agricultural focicties,
we fnall only mention tv/o or three particulars. America is not
unfavourable to horles ; yet thofe of good quality are not very
common in many of the States, becaufe the natural hilicry of
thefe noble animals is but little cultivated. Thev arc often
. difabled by want of proper care, and perifh bv various disorders,
efpccially by f welling in the throat, cholic, and the bots.f
* Afpin leaves, for example, are a pleafing and ^aJutary food far !ior:"fs.
■f A kind of worms that devours their acaw.
^04 GENERAL INFORMATION
Sheep thi-ive well in fome parts, but in others they die by
dozens, without the owners knowing or inquiring into the
caufe*
Horned cattle fuffer much when expofed to the winters cold,
which dcftroys their hoofs even under the thirty-ninth degree.
But they and horfes are afFefted by excefs of heat in fummer i
which not feldom caufes a fever, difcernable by their want of
appetite, dullnefs, and a yellow tinge of the mouth and eyes^
The bed European treatife on domeflic animals v/ill more or
Ifefs apply to divers parts of the States.
Goats would be very valuable in the rocky woodlands of
America, as they are in thofe of Europe. They are very hardy ;
their maintenance is cheap, as they browfe fummer and winter
on moft kinds of trees and fhrubs ; they yield a great quantity
of rich milk ; and their fkins are very uleful. The Angora
goat, whofe gloffy hair is a material of the mohair, may alfo
thrive as well in America as in Sweden, where it was intro-
duced by the patriotic Aftronomer.
Good orchards eminently unite the ufeful and pleafmg, gratify-
ing, through the greater part of the year, the tafte, the fcent
and fight. Hortic,ulture was an early objeft in America, and
has made conhderable progrels. At prefent their firft care fliould
be, to prevent diilempers of the fruit trees, of late become very
alarming. Peach trees, have till within twenty or tiiirty years
been very fiourifhing : fome Englifh writers relate with amaze-
ment, that the Americans fatten their hogs on this fruit, which
is lo coftly in the north of Europe ; and it is true, that many
common farms abounded fo far in a promifcuous colleftion of
better and worfe. But at prefent the peach trees are few, and
generally in a fickly condition, through the greater part of the
country. Of this one principal caufe is a fly, that depofits her
eggs within the ftem near the ground, which produce a great
number of worms, who quickly conlume all the lower bark.
Moft kinds of plum trees are liable to decay, and the fruit is
defhroved by a fpecles of fly; but the ravages of this inleft have
been for a long time. Pear trees have never, indeed, flouriflied
well, but of late far lefs : lome afcribe the blights of them to
lightning, and hang pieces of iron in the branches, to anlwer
the purpofe of ele£lric rods. In fome places lately, cherry and
apple trees have been attacked by various diilempers, which
caufe the fruit to rot, and the limbs to decay in rapid fuccclTion
till the tree dies. This gangrene in fruit trees bears a ftrong
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 505
refembknce to the mortification of members in the human
body ; the corruption fpreads quickly over a large limb, and
amputation is tlie only prcfervative of the tree yet kncnvn.
The lols of peach of;chards is a conridcr.ible diradvant;ige, as
their early bloom is the principal beauty of Ipring ; and the
fruit is not only very pleahng, both green and prclcrvcd, but
alfo yields by diftiUmg an agreeable and wholefome liquor, well
known by the name of peach brandy. The apple orchards
claim a folicitous care, merely as great ornaments of the coun-
trj' ; much more fo as they fupply a great article of d;et and
falutary beverage, equal to feveral ipecies of wine. An Ame-
rican treatife on fruit trees is wanted, which would fhow how
far the befl; Englifh authors are applicable to divers parts of the
United States ; give a full account of all the beft fruits there
cultivated, with their variation from local caufes ; collc£l all
the various names of the fame fruit, and fix one as national,
to prevent a confufion that often fruflrates information, be th
foieign and domeftic.
F;fh ponds are uleful decorations in places diftant from lakes
and rivers ; and it is matter of wonder why this advantage is
not derived from ponds and ftreams which are io common: a
ulelefs and unwholefome fwamp may thus be changed into an
elegant improvement.
PHYS I CO-MATHEMATICAL INQUIRIES.
Machines for abridging human labour are efpecially defired
in America, as there can be no competitioia between them and
the arms of induftrious labour, while thcle liave full employ on
her extenfive lands, which muft be the cafe for ages. Agricul-
ture has the fiift claim to the exertions of mechanical genius, as
the principal fource of national proiperity. Extent of territor)',
improved by artificial induftry, muft yield a great quantity of
produ£ts at fo cheap a rate as to bear exportation to very diflant
markets. It is moreover a weighty confideration to the humane
philofopher, that agricultural mechanifm would in the foutlicra
States lupnly the labour of flaves. Among important dcfiderata
we may place thefe : — A machine for fowing broad caft, lo as to
fpread the grain even and in proper quantity ; another for cut-
ting drains, and making banks bn'JReir extenfive marlh mea-
dows ; an apparatus for clearing newlands, which ought to be
a compound of coulters, faws, axes, andTcrews, fo thafihe trees
may be pulled out of the ground; cut in coViven'rerit piccfcs, and
heaped ; a better inftrument for-reaping than"tht commori fitkle,
3T
5o^ GENERAL INFORMATION
fuch, for example, as th-e cradling fcythe of northern Europe;
temporary flieds cf eafy arid light conftruftion for the preferva-
tion of the reaped grain in v/et feafons,
Tlie many fiiipvvrecks that happen on the extenfive, and of-
ten ftormy coaft of America, render diving beils very necei-
lary ; thefc machines are yet but little known.
A plenty of naval fbores," and numerous ports, render fhip
building an important brancli of national indullry. This noble
art, which has long been cultivated with fuccefs, would ftill be
much improved by more expeditious modes of hauling timber,
and of preparing the main pieces for the finifliing workmanfhip.
An extenfive inland navigation by locks and canals, is now
become a great objcft of legillative care in feveral States ; it is to
be hoped, that fuch perlons may be entrufted with theie impor-
tant works, as have a perfcfl theory of hydraulics, and a prac-
tical knowledge of local circumftances, among which the force
of ice in winter, and of rainy torrents in iummer, are to be
duly eflimated.
As many new towns and villages will gradually rife with the
increafing population of the country, their fituation and form
Jliould be chofcn with a view of permanent circumftances. A
fure fupply of v/ater is one great obje£t. If the advantage of
ports is defired, inquiry fhould be made whether the prefent
water-courfes are likely to continue ; as in the old countries,
feveral towns have been innnerled, and others left far within
land, by the increafe or diminution of the water, or by the
chimg'^ of the channels. Health and conveniency require le-
veral open fquares, v/ide ftreets, and a direftion of them calcu-
lated for fheltcr in the winter, and for fhade and ventilation in
the fervent fummer months.
Architefture claims the follov/ing rem.arks :— The portion of
houfes ought to fecure the fanning fummer b'-eeze, and er-icluds
the wintry blaft. Another obje£b fhould be to exclude from
fum.mer rooms, the burning fun, during the hotter part of the
day. Entries throughout the houfe are very common, but not
generally in dircftions that befh anfwer thefe purpoles,' The
length, and by frequent intervals, feverity of winter in the
northern and middle States, makes warm rooms not only agree-
able, but in a degree necel&ry. For this purpofe, the moft
improved chimneys and iion iloves arc inade(juale expcdi^snts ;
efpecially as the open kind of thelc, though the more pleafant,.
yet confume a great quantity of wood. The ftoves whicli have
Jong, bsea in ufe through Sweden,' and a part of the neighbour-
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 507
ing countries, are unqueflionably the bcfl ever yet dcvifcd ;
tliey warm the room uniformly with a quarter of the wood re-
quired for thele laft mentioned, are free from any difagreeable
fteams, and have the appearance of elegant furniture.* Larger
farms require feveral buildings, efpecially in caUI countries
where ftore-houfes and warm dwelhngs for doineflic animals are
necelTary. If all thefe flniftures are formed on regular plans
calculated for the value of eftates, and refpeftive local circum-
flances, the ufeful and agreeable may be united in a very high
degree : a well-written treatifc on this fubjeft would be very
valuable.
To form with fpced and conveniency an accurate map of the
United States, aftronomical obfervations ought to determine the
latitude and longitude of thofe places which are moil efifentiai
to the figure of the whole country, or to the iuuation of cer-
tain parts in a political and economical view-.
INQUIRIES IN NATURAL HISTORY.
Natural hi (lory, like a faithful guide, leads us through the
myflerious mazes of nature, and opens to our enraptured eyes
her fubllme and beautiful wonders. How many precious plants
are as defpicable weeds trod under foot in every part of the
world ! how many new qualities are from time to time difco-
vered in produftions which have been known for centuries in
countries long ago perluftrated with this facred lamp ! what
treafures may we not then expeft in this new and vafl divifion
of the globe ! in the forefts of a thouland miles hitherto tra-
verfed only by favage tribes and mercenary traders ; in the
lakes, fome of which are inland feas, and rivers that wander
through feveral States before they meet the ocean I negleft of
natural hillory under circumftances fo alluring would indicate a
want of rational tafte. The great Linnaeus wiflied that he could
have explored the continent of North-America ; may this wirti
animate American philolophcrs !
The vegetable realm claims their firfh attention. They fhould
begin with a refearch of the flores it offers for the prclcrvation
and recovery of health. The frequent appearance of trees,
flirubs and plants, whoie tafte and (cent or analogy with v/cll-
known pharmaceutics is very promiling, would leud us to ex-
* They are conftrufted by an iron grate-work, and panes of a fine clay fitted
therein, which are vaniifncd according to tafte and abilit)'. At Bethlehem in
Pennfylvania, aij inferior kind of thefe arc already in ufe.
3 T 2
5o8 GENERAL IN FO RM AT 10 N
peft a very confiderable ilock of native materia rnedica. Bu^,
although above an hundred of thefe fpecies are, or .have been,
more or Ids in ufe among the inhabitants, very few of them
are well known as to the extent and peculiarity of their qua-
lities, and a very fmall number is adopted either by the apothe-
caries or regular phyficians. On this viexv the following expe-
dients merit attention— to fubftitute indigenous medicines of
equal value for thole imported, which by quantity or pries
cauie a great national ex penfe, and that are liable to adultera-
tion or depreciation by age ; to point out the beft native plants
in local diitrifts, with fixed names, clear dei'criptions, and accu-
rate medical inftruftions, for fafe, convenient and general ufe;
to appreciate the merit of thole drugs which are efteemed I'pe-
cifics in the worll epidemic or particular diftempers. Colleft-
ing all the bctano-medical information at preient attainable, we
may judge what plants are mofl interefling, in wliat degree they
are known, and how this knowledge may probably be moft im-
proved : the Indians have feveral remedies againft the dileafes
and accidents arifmg from the climate and their favage rnqde of
life ; as fevers, rheumatifm, wounds, bruifes, icalding, chil-
blains, bite of venomous ferpents ; befides emetics, cathartics,
iudonfics, and dietics. Thefe have the fanftion of time and
fimplicit}'. It is alfo generally believed, that they poffeis very
iu'.portant iecrets, of which only a few extraordinary fpeci-
mens are related with plaufible authenticity. In domeflic prac-
tice, particularly of the country people, we obferve medical
plants of general falubrity, ufed as detergents, tonics, fudorifics
and l.Txatives ; and others of particular virtue in rheumalifm,
feveis, peroral ailments, yilceral obflruftions, ulcers, external
hurts, poiions, female complaints, and difeafes of children.
Am.ong the great number of thefe popular drugs, particular atr
. tention is due to thofe that are recommended by their falutary
effefts, attelled by the patients or other penons of credit ; ^nd
moie lo, wlien the teftimonial is attended with the precife llate-
ment of fafts. In cale of defeftive information, we may ej^pect
valuable qualities in thofe vvhich are in vogue over large didrifts 5
becaule this general efteeni cannot be owing to imitation in a
country, where intercourfe between diflant places has till of
iatc been veiy limited, and where botanical curiofily is yet very
rare. The medical plants which America has in common with
other countries, poliels the fame virtue, under variations from
climr.te and local circumlliaices ; the too common opimon of
• their inferiority wiil often be char-gcd by a'i'jlr liiai. 'jDiflereut
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 509
fpecies alfo piomife a reward of examination from the generic
llmilarity; when thele are aftualiy in u!e among the people of
the country, the probability of their vahie is the greater.
An apphcation of thefe principles will bring the followincr
plants to particular notice ; agrimony, potent illa-quinquefoliurn,
polygonum-biftorta, gentiana, fumaria, angelica, cochlearia, eryfi-
mum ofhcinale, arum, fymphitum, inula campana, afarum, alt
grow in the northern and middle Stales, and are the fame with
or near a-kin to thole claffed among the bed fimples by Dr. Cul-
len in his Materia Medica.* The gentiana growing in the
glades of Pennlylvania, is by Dr. Schoeph eflecmed the befl of
their ieveral fpecies. The arum of North- America is gencially
called Indian turnip, from its ancient value among the Indians,
and often ufed with other ingredients by the country people in
that general debility coniequent on tedious fevers, Ihe befh re-
commended remedies againll intermittent fevers are coxnus Jloridu^
dogwood ', quercus phellos, live oak ; perhmon ; \oi\icers Jy mphorir
carpos ; by their barks ; pyrola viaculata, with the Indian name
pipj^'cva ; i'ainbucus C anaclaifis j laurus (zJiivaLis, fpicewood, Ben-
jamin tree, benzoin. The firft is more generally known ; a decoc-
tion of the bark has, in many cafes, been efleftual ; it is by fome
deemed equal, when frelh, to the Peruvian. + The fecond is
much valued in the iouth, its native place ; that of perfimon in
North-Carolina, and of lon'icera Jj'iuphuncarpos in Virginia, j An
infufion of the plant pyrola viaculata has been frequently uicd for
fome years in Pennlylvania, under the name o^ pipfijjcvj,^ The
fambucus Cariadcnjis, red berry elder, is by the Indums called the
Jever-bujli ; a decoftion of its wood and buds being of ancient re-
nown among them,|] The laurus crjlivalis, fpice-wood, Benjamin
tree, is alio diilinguiihed with that name by the people in. the
* Compare this book wiili Dr. Schocph's and John Baytram's notes to Sliortr's
Mcdiciiia iiritannica, reprinted in Philadelphia, 1751.
+ Kalm fays, that in Wcft-Jcrfey many were cured by the bark of the root
who had in vain tried the Peruvian : in that fickly country Dr. N. Collin, of
^ennfylvania, made ufe of ii, and thinks it worthy of a full trial.
^ Called St. Peter's wort, Indian currants ; a fpecies of honeyfuckle. See
Arbuft. Amer. of Marflial.
§ See ditto : a fpecies of winter-grccn.
II Gefchiehte der Mifiion der Evangelifchea Bruder unter den Indiancrn in
^'o;d America, by Loikiei, publilhed 1787.
Sio GENERAL INFORMATION
northern parts, for the falutary decoftion of its wood and leaves.*
The bark of the hriodendron, tulip tree, is alio very generally
efleemed a gccd fubftitute for the Peruvian, efpecially that of
the root. We may oblerve on thele and other febiifuges, that
the variety probably corrclponds with the diverfity of the fe-
vers, which is very confiuerable, from latitude, leaion, and per-
fonal conflitution : thus, for example, the above fpice-wood is
of peculiar benefit in that moderate but tedious kind, called y/i^eo
Jevcr, which is almoll continual.
Againfl rheumatifm thele are worthy of trial : the root, in de-
coftion, of zxdWz fpinoj a, angelica tiee ; the cones of pinus j??-o-
bus, white pine ; the twigs and roots of magnolia glaicca^ fwamp
faffafras, both in decoftion and bath ; the frefh bark of juglans
alba, hickory, applied externally, is much ufed by the Indians. f
Dyfentery has been cured by the bark and gummi of liqui-
dambar ftyraciflua, fweet gum ; cynoglolTum Virginianum, foliis
amplexicaulibus ovatis, hound's tongue ; triolleum anguJliJoUutn^
flonbus oppofitis pedunculatis ; the root of v/hite oak in pow-
der.
Antidropfical, well recommended, are the leaves of callicarpa
Amcficana :X the root, in decoftion, of aralia nudicaulis, loliis
binis ternatis ; that of laifafras in extraft.
Cholic is removed by the oil of the above fpice-wood ber-
ries ; the flatulent and hyfleric kinds, eminently fo by angelica
lucida; foliolis asquaiibus ovatis inciio-lcrratis, called therefore
belly- ach root.
The beft among pleuritic remedies muft be in^ pkurijy root, fo
much extolled in Penniylvania, delcribcd by Schoeph aiclepias
tuberofa, foliis alternis lanceolatis, caule divaricato pilofo ; ano-
ther aiclepias bears high value in Maryland, called alfo butterjly
root ; the afclepias cieiumbens, plcurify root, menlioned by Mr,
JefFerfon in his notes on Virginia, muft be one of thefe. The
biirk and berries of the above miagnolia, either in decoction, or
infufion of fpirituous liquors, is generally ialutary in thoie great
colds which aflcft the fides, back and breail with Y^minl Jtitehcs^
attended with febrile chills and ocneral laagour.
* Memoirs of the American Academy, &c. printed in Bofton, 1785.
+ They drive the pain hom one place to another until it breaks out in a
blifter : this bark burns the flun, as it were. Lofkiel. In New-England a ipe-
cies of pyrola called rheumatifm weed, and pne of aletris named unicorn, are
reputed very efficacious ; the latter in the chronic rheumatifm. Mem. A. Ac
% A Ihrub growing in the fouthcrn States. Arbuit. Am,
TO EUROPE/IN SETTLERS, 511
Anthehnintics are the chenopodium,* and the fpigella Mary'
landira, caule tetragouo, foliis omnibus oppoiitis, Carolina pink,
a fouthern plant, it will deftroy the worms, but caution in the
dofe is requifite.
Spiraea trifotiata, foliis ternatls fcrratis fubajqualibus. Horibus
fubpaniculatis, ipecacuanha, Indian phyhc, baumont root, is an
effeftual and fafe emetic. Podophyllum pdtatum, foliis pel tat is
palmatis. May apple, is lately coming into praftice as a laxative
by an extraft of the root that removes its emetic quality. + Con-
volvulus panduratiis grows in the middle latitudes ; and in the
louth fome fpecies fimilar to the convolvulus jalappa, not well
explored.
Ulcers and cancerous fores are frequent among thofe whofe
humours are vitiated by perennial fevers; in a variety of reme-
dies thefe deferve notice: iris vcrficolor, aflies of magn. glauca,
in form of plaller, and a ftrong bath of faffafras root, have
cured ulcerated legs. The root of faururus cer>iui(s, foliis cor-
ditis petiolatis, amentis folitariis recurvis, lizard-tail, bruifed
and applied as a poultice to fore and impoftumate breads will
ripen and heal them. A fpecies of nigella, called gold ihr&ad,
Indian juouth root, is an excellent remedy for an ulcerous
mouth. J: In New-England a fpecies of gcum, zvatcr-avens,
throat root, curs all, is an efteemed remedy for ulcerated (ore
throat : a dccoftion of the root is both a gargle and drink. ^
Rumex acetojdla, floribus dioicis, foliis lanceolato-haftatis, Jour
dock, cancer root, is recommended againft, inveterate ring- worms;
this is biennis and found over the whole country : the juice is
mixed with vinegar ; (Schoeph) another is mentioned in the
Bofton Memoirs, the root of which in decoftion is ufed in foi'e
throat. The phytolacca decandra, floribus decandris decagynis,
■poke, has of late given promifing experiments in the cure of
cancers; the juice of the berries is infpiffated by the lun ; the
-fOung fprouts in fpring are eaten as afparagus, but grown too
far they are violently cathartic ; this bulh is common through-'
out the States.
* Jerufalem oak.
f The iirfl grows in the northern and middle States, the latter in thefe and
tlie fouthern ; it bears on a flalk. of two feet a yellow fruit like a lime, of a
fwcctifh tafte.
:|: Loflcicl. Mem. of tlie American Academy ; the root is like a ball of Ihir.J-
in;^ thread.
^ Floribus nutantibus, fruflu oblongo, ariftis plumofis ; pov/dcr ot the roct
is ufed by the Canadians in fever and ague. A:n. Ac.
5»2
GENERAL INFORMATION
Prefer vatives again ft venomous fnakes feem to be fcattefed
over the whole country, and they merit full inx'efi,ig?.tion, in
order to provide prompt remedies, in every place, and againft^-
diirerent kinds of ferpents, efpecially in the new fettlements.
Convolvulus purpureiis, purple bind-ioeed, is very powerful, if it
is true that the Indians can handle rattle-fnakes after anointing
the hands with its juice, as Catefby relates ; this grows in the
fouth. A fpeeies of juffis^ is mentioned in the cited memoirs^
as growing in the northern countries near the haunts of rattle-
Inakes, called rattle-fnake plantain. The hieracium vcnqfum,
foliis cuneiformibus hirtis, fcapo nudo crafTilTimo erefto, grows
from the north to Virginia inclufively ; is called poor Robin's
plantain, and faid to fruftrate the bite both of the rattle-fnakc
and of his fuppofed prccurfor the pilot-fnake. Erigeron, like-
wife called Robert's plantain in Pennfylvania, is defcribed by
Dr. Schoenh thus, " radix repens; folia radicalia ovata, baft
attenuata, dentata dentibus paucis a medio ad apicem glanduli-
feris, obtufa, pilofa, venis paucis. Scapus biuncialis, pedalis,
flriatus, villofiis, uniflorus, &c. &c." Dr. Otto, a refpeftahle
pra£titioner, informed him, that the herb ought to be given in
a plentiful decoftion, and alfo applied with the root to the
wound. The herb of folidago virgd aurea, golden rod, is ufed
in the fame manner.* The root of -Attris farinofa is taken in
powder, or bruife'd and fteeped in liquor ; this root is called
ftar-root, blazing ftar, devil's bit, and greatly efteemed both by
the Indians and the people of feveral States for many quaRtics.f
The polvgala Senega is well known. The plantain of Negro
Casfar we juft mention, with a wifh that an authentic account
could be obtained of the experiments for which "he obtained a
public reward. Many credible teftimonies agree in the faft,
that the Indians have extraordinary fkill in curing the bites of
ferpents ; but whether any fpecific antidote is known appears
doubtful : the plants in ufe aft, however, as powerful fudorifics
and ablorbents ; a narrative on this fubjeft would here be too
prolix for our plan.
* Schoeph der«ribcs it as kirfuta, radice am,irs : Bartram as " having {lender
purple llalks, rifing a toot high, with a fpike of fine yellow flowers, for near
one-third part oF the length of the plant," fays it is much extolled.
+ Bartram fpeaks of it principally as a " remedy in grievous pains of the
'pov/els ;" and fays, it has a ftalk eighteen inches long, with a fine fpike of white
flowers fix iaches in length, blooming in June, and growing plentifully iq the
hack parts of the country.
to EUROPEAN SETTLERS, 513
Of late years madnefs of dogs has been more frecjucnt ; the
fwertia difformis, recommended by Clayton, fiioniu be tried.*
In the fearch of new medicines, fpicy trees and bahny ever-
greens are particularly inviting. The fwamps of the low-
country abound in plants of aromatic (cent ; the magnolia
glauca, fo frequent ii them feems to hold out her fragrant lilies
and crimfon berries to the fkcleton-prey of Stygian vapours 5
probably her lovely fifters are alfo compnirionnte.+
Indigenous efculents claim attention in ieveral views. Thofe
roots, hevbsj grains and barks, that in cafe of need can lupport
life, may be ufeful to travellers in the wilderneis, and to troops
that carry on an Indian war; the lavages make this uie of the
inner bark of the elm, and the soots of aralia nudicaulis. The
fallads of many kinds, gathered in divers parts of the countiy
during fpring, fhould be generally known. Several wild fruits
might be improved by culture, as walnuts, crab-apples, papawsj
cnnona, plums, grapes, perfimons, honeylocuft, gicditjia triacan'
thos ; fome pcrfons have planted orchards of this and made plenty
of metheglin from the fweet pods. While the fugar maple is of
late juftly valued, its kindred alio merit more attention : we are
credibly informed, that in Canada equally good fugar is made from
the weaker juice of the red maple, a tree that abounds through
all the States. The chefnut oak is laid by Schocph to yield in
fpring a copious agreeable drink ; other trees may have fi*milar
faps. Aromatic plants deferve notice ; the barks of young lafia=
fras and of calycanthus Jloridi'.s+ much refemble cinnamon ; the
acorus calamus is under name of Ipice-wort, uled in MaffachufettSi
The plants ufed as tea in divers parts delerve examination : the
cajjine, called South fea tea tree, is obfcurely known, but has long
been famous among the Indians.^
Many vegetable dies are already in ufe, both amorig the In-
dians and the inhabitants ; fome of them are alio recorded by
writers, but a colleftion of fcattered praftice, and a lelcftion of
the beft in every kind, are yet wanted. In this branch, the
praftice of other countries may slfo be adopted : thus the rhus
* See Gron. Virginia.
+ Serpent. Virg. Sarfapaiilla, &c. wantij no mention ; fevcral cannot here find
room.
X Called Carolina allfpice.
§ They call it yaupan, and drink an infufionof the leaves in copious draughts^
both as a dietetic and inebriating. It grows near the fea in the fuuthern States,
ten or twelve feet high.
3U
514 GENERAL INFORMATION
toxicodc:'.dron vernix, varnifh tree, poifon afii, is probably the
fame with the vahiable fpecies of Japan.*
Sans, roots, leaves, flowers, barks, may be ufcful in a variety
of modes ; for example — ^The roots of ffifculus pavia, fcarlct liorfe
cliefnut, and of jucca filamentofa, fdk grafs, arc ufcd for foap ;f
chefnuts can be prepared for the fame ufe. The two kinds of
myrica, candle berry myrtle, are known ; the melia azedarach
grows in the fouth, under the name of bead tree, but its berries
are not yet in ufe for tallovv', as in Japan. J The aiclepias, called
fflk-Tveed, has a fine white down in its pods, which in Maflachu-
fetts is carded and 'pun into vcrv good wick-yarn. While oaks
abound, an extracl of tlieir barks mighi:, as an article in tanning,
be a valuable export.
Vegetable medicines for cattle are very intcrefllng ; a critical
comparilon of European treatll'es, with what is written and prac-
tifed in America, will point out the beft.
The beauties of the American flora are yet difplayed only to
thofe admirers, who have fought them, in fields and woods, from
fpring to autumn, in northern and fouthcrn climes, in the grand
magniflora, and the humble lily of the valley. Many of the wild
flowers would adorn gardens, and embellifh groves and meado-A's :
but a great part of thefe are known only in their native places,
and fome have not even obtained a vernacular name. Flowery
fhrubs are gradually coming into more notice ; and fome of the
Hnefh will endure the winter of Pennfylvania ; the chionanthus,
/now drop, fringe tree, calycanthus floridus, bignonia radicans,
trumpet flower, and the beautiful Franklmia, all grow well near
Philadelphia. <^ Several of the trees moft agreeable by foliage,
bloom, or lofty growth, have a fpontaneous wide lange, and others
will, under a fkilful hand, pafs their natural limits. jj
* By the travels of Prof. Thunberg, we find great analogy between Japaii
and North-America : thus the perfimon grows there : the cones Ox^ tlie alder ar6
in common ufe for black dye.
+ Thcy grow in the fouthern States.
\ An oil is prcfied which becomes' equally folid with tallow. Thunkerg.
\ The laft is iia Mr. Bartram's garden from fifteen to twenty leer h'gh. and
has not been afltfted with five fevere winters within twelve years, though its
native place is Georgia. The flowers rre large and fragrant, with liiy-likc
pctala', and a tuft of gold-coloured llamina.
11 Bignonia catalpa llouriflics in and beyond Pemifjlvania,
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 515
Our remarks on the animnl domiiins fhall begin v/i(h the
fmall tribes, bccaul'e fome of thcic do remarkable mii'chicf.
The Hcffian ily has for Icvcral years made great havoc in the
wheat fields tluough all the middle States,^ and the canker
worm?, caterpillers. and other vermin, lay waflc the orchards ;
iome remedies will liopefully refult from the inquires, of late,
begun in ieveral places. Ilofls of locufts fome years infeft the
woods, and caule coniiderable damage by dcvourin-/ tlic leaves
of trees over large diftricls, 'nany of which decay when thus
cxpofed to the burning fun ; they lie in the ground for a period
of years, not yet afcertaincd ; appear in the latter part of the
Ipring, when tlie oaks are in perfecl folia-^e, and in a few weeks
dilappear.f
Venomous infers are rare, and obfcurcly known, as they
feem confined to the woods. A Ipecies of thcle, called moun-
tain fpider, that haunts the inner parts of the louthorn States,
is laid to be large, ftrong enough to take fmall birds m the net,
and by his fling to produce violent pains at the heart, inflammi-
tions with alternate cold fweats, treitiors, frenzy, and deatJi,
if proper cure is not obtained. In the middle Slates there is
a black fpider, whofe bite caules great pains and a tranfient
blindnels, but is not mortal. A large ant, with a long
fling, common in Maryland and farther Ibuth, is alio very
noxious.
Among the handfome infcfts in America, the fire fly is the
fii ft ; thouiands of thcfc illuminate the lummer nights, and by
their gambols in the air, preient a Iky full of falling ftars i^
but the Americans know not where thefe lamps arc hid in the
long winter nights.
-A finking mechanifm is remarkai>le in the Iiorn beetles of
various kinds, and eipecially in the wood fawer, who with
two curve inwardly dentatcd prongs, can cut olT fmall t\/igs
of trees. We venture to add a zoophyton in the Ohio countrv,
* I^cftliiig in the joints of the flalks they bite it off before t'lC grain is ripe.
t Tlicy facm to extend far, as many hundreci acrfs upon the Oiiio are faid to
V>' fpoiled by them ; yet is their depredation local and varying, fo that diftcrent
yy,ui& have their turn ; they were in Pennlx'Uanid eighty years ago, and with the
ia.nc qualities, as we find by old Swedil'a records, v/hich alio add that the
l;idi,;ns ted upon them.
:J Thunberg defcribes thyfe of Japan in the fame maimer, u..dcr the nan:e cf
Iqipi'yis japonka.
2 U 2
5i6 GENERAL INFORMATION
which alternately is vegetable and animal.* But without fucli
extraordinary phasnomenon, the economy of the numerous
little animals is wonderful enough to awaken our attention,
efpecially in this country, where it is yet unexplored.
Tliirty or foi ty fpecies of Ihakes are counted, but feveral are
very imperfeflly known, efpecially thofe which are rare or local.
The horn fnake is now feldoin feen, but many accounts'kg^ree,
that the fpur of his tail is fo venomous, as to kill young trees,,
if by accident it flrikes them. The king inake of the fouth
is not feen, we believe, far north. The double-headed fnake
may be a monflrous produftion ; but two Ipecimens of it arc
found in New- England, aod two more are now in Mr. Peale's
mufeum: that fome kinds of ferpents charm birds and fquirrels
is a faft, but in what manner we know not. Fortunately the
fmaiicr number is venomous, but which Ipecies fhould be avoid-
ed, is an interefting queftion ; though the green fnake, imper-
ceptible in the grals, is hannlefs, iome that occafionaliy come
near houles, are not lo.
On quadrupeds in general, two inquiries are interefting ;
%vhat is the fpecific difference fi"om thofe of the fame genus in
the eaflern world? And how doth the fame fpecies vary in
America under different latitudes ? In the fiifb the tygers and
panthers require particular notice ; in the lecond the bear,
which frequents the interior country from north to fouth ; and
the panther, which has -alio a wide range. Among thofe pecu-
liar to North-Am.erica, the mooie deer is yet, we believe,
undefcribed, and known to few perfons below the fouth of
Canada. + The opoffum, common in America, and long known
for fmgularities, is yet unexplored in the greatefl of all, to wit,
that the female breeds her young at her teats within the faiie
belly : many perfons in diftant quarters affert they have feeri
thein adhering to the teats when fmall as a pea. The vaft
mammoth is perhaps yet ftalking through the weftern wiider-
* This was communicated to Dr. Nicholas Collin, reftor of the Swedidi
churches in Peunfylvania, by a refpe6cable miflionary, who had long been among
f:he Indians, and had feen this animal, but would not have his name mentioned,
as the matter may appear incredible ; it is three or four inches high, and afier
having crawled about the woods, is fixed in the ground, becoming a plant with
a Item through its mouth, &c. It is analogous to the vegetable fly of Do^ninica,
),hat buries itCelf in the ground, dies, and fprings up like a young coffee' plant,
for 'vbich it is uffcn miftaken, until the root upon examination is -found t"oP be
t'.ie head feet and body of the animal. Sec the Natural HiQvr^ vj BoMrntca, by
Thcmcis Af^ood, j'uldi/Iicd 1791.
t Some years ago one was exhibited in Philadelphia ; it i> a large animal with
very high fare legs, a ihort neck, &c. ' '
TO EUROPEAN SETTLERS. 517
nefs ; but if he is no more, his remains fhoiikl be carefully
gathered, and attempts made to find a whole fl'ieleton of this
giant, to whom the elephant is but a calf.
The great herds of buffaloes in the weftern count ly arc a va-
luable national poffeflion, a wanton deflruflion of them fhould.
be checked, and trial .of domeftication would, perhaps, be both
prafticable and uleful.
The great number of birds in the old fettlements have been
delcribed, but many equivocally, and our knowledge of theiy
habits is in general very hnall. The Americans fhould not indif-
creetly dcflroy thoie deemed of no value; who knows what part
is afiigned to tliem in the economy of nature ? Perhaps the nu-
merous tribes of woodpeckers lave many trees fi'om deftruftive
w^orms. As to the uleful and ornamental birds, they demand
proteftion againft licentious and greedy tyranny ; the beautiful
gnd melodious birds diminifh fall, and the turkeys, once fo abun-
dant, have long ago been drove into tiie remote woods.
General knowledge of the hihes of America is very limited
and confuled ; of thole in the wellern waters wc have only re-
ports ; there never has been frpm eye witnefs a tolerable account
of the cat-filh, that weighs from feventy to one hundred pounds.
Thole proper in fifh ponds cannot be lele£led without knowing
what kind of water, food, &c. they require.
Natuiai hiftory demands efteem from American feminarics of
learning ; and honorary degrees in this puriuit would be much
better bellowed than on miniftei^s of the golpel, the only good of
which is, to increalc the privilege of, and beget a blind venera-
tion for a clais of men who ought to be diftinguiflied from fo-
ciety by nouung but their fuperior piety and virtue : the prin-
cipal leminaries ihould immediately form botanical gardens, on a
plan io liberal as gradually to receive all the trees, flirubs, and
plants moil valuable in every relpeft. Ivluleums are alio very im-
portant, for exhibition of both native and foreign produtlions.*
Finally, it is necelTary to fix general names for every vegetable
and animal of public utility, that great numbers may receive and
impart information.
METEOROLOGICAL INOUIR lES.
Changes in the almofphere have fuch important confcquences
on the ahairs of human life, that the art of prognoflicating them
* That of Mr. Pea'c in Pliiladelphia, commenced a few years ago, is by his
laadable care comin<5 into reputation both at home and abroad, and merits tlic
public pa'roii^je.
o
CEl^ERAL INFORMATION
is very beneficial. It has of late years been cultivated with wrcat
afliduit)' in various parts of Europe, and the leries of obfervations
will gradually form a fyftem that may at leall unite probable con-
jcftures Vi^ith much certain knowledge. Several circumftances of
the United States point out correl'ponding inquiries — they are
fubjeft to fuddcn gufts of wind, and fome toi-nados that rapidly
pafs over a fpace of one or two hundred miles : from the begin-
ning of fpring till the fetting in of winter, thefe occaiion many
unhappy accidents on their extenfive coafts and ample navigable
liters. Their tranticnt ftrokes are, ho\\-ever, not comparable to
thofe fevere ftorms that generally vifit the Americans two or
three times in that feafon : after thefe, the gazettes announce nu-
merous d^eplorable flripwrecks, and other dilafters ; cominfr from
the eaft with heavy rains, thsy generally caufe inundations, which
overflow a vaft extent of meadow grounds, on the lengthy ri-
vers and winding creeks, and fometimes damage wharfs and llores
of coinmercial towns. A foreiight of all thele would enable them
to elude their fury : vcffcis might flay in port, or feek a flielter ;
roerchan-dilc might be fccurcd ; the liay might be removed, and
the cattle, which fometimes periflies by the fuddsn rife of the
water, in fummer the iudden gufts happen generally towards
eveninp", after a fultry calm for fome hours : when attended with
tliunder and rain, warning is given by the riling clouds : thole
with a clear fl>:y are leis frequent, and preceded only by light ed-
dies in the air for fome minutes. The tornados are probably an-
nounced by fome remarkable fymptoms, though their happily rare
occurrences has prevented attoition ; the air is, we believe, very
j'l.1i:i"v for tv/o or three, days, and on the laft, fom-ewhat hazy with
tremulous light breezes from the weft.. The eafterly ftorms are
iillicred in by the gradual thickening of the clouds and increafe
of the wind for many .hours.
The irregulaiity of the Icalons is a gi'eat impediment in the bu-
!incfs of ioclal life ; the fallacious appearance of an early Ipring
o'lten invites the hulbandman and gardener to planting and low-
in?, which will be injured by fevere Irofts and cold rains. The
beginning of winter varies alfo by icveral weeks: after the firft
of December, mild weather is often changed into cold, that
within two or three days fills the rivers of the northern and
middie Slates witli ice, by whicii veiTcls outv/ard bound are de-
tained, and thofe coming on tlie coaft iuffer feverely. A grcatej:
diladvantags of this variation is, uncertainty of the ieeding time,
en which m.ich depends tiie future crop ; if it is too early, ilie
iuxuriiuice ^.'f autumr.al vcgctaticn exhauils the rout ;. if too late.
TO eOrope a n s e t r LER S, ,5 , ()
it cannot acquire fufHcient fiimncfs to bear thc'fiofl:.. Tlie Ame-
ricans have two prognoftics of winter which arc founded in na-
ture : the migration of wild geefe fnows that the northern waters
are freezing, and that they may expect fevcre north-wcftcily
winds: abundance of rain, by cooling t,he air and wetting the
earth, prepares both for the imi)rc{Ti<.!n of t lie fi oils ; incrcaling
number of partridges, phealauts, and other ground birds in the
popitlous parts, with the appearance of bears, doth alfo ind'cntc
that the wellcrn woods are already covered with fnow. Mihl
winters are always iuccecded by cold fprings. Early thunder is
a fure token of immediate cold weather fi)r a w^eek or two. The
progrefs of the vernal fealon would jnoft probably appear froni aji
accurate Calcndatium Flor,t j the bloom and foliation of iome
trees being unfolded, not by an otcafioiial warmth of the air, but
by a gradual penetration of the heat to their deep roots, proves
at leaft an afcendancy of the vernal temperature not eaiily over-
come bv the northerly gales. ^
The fudden alterations of cold and heat throughout the year,
would often be leis injurious to health, by forefeeing them : ge-
neral rules are thcfe, exceflive warmth for the fealon feldom con-
tinues above a few days, and quickly changes into the oppolitc
extreme : fine days in winter, fpring, and latter part of autumn,
are immediately fucceeded by cold and vvet, rain or fnow, accord-
ing to leaion and latitude; wherefore they are called weather
breeders,
EXD OF THE THIRf) VOLUME.
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