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32X

biblioth^nv^o,

Le St^minGi: dJ>./^ /Jc.3C,
2, rue de Wj^.v^^i'^dh^
pu^c 4, QUF4

HISTORICAL,

TOPOGRAPHICAL, AND DESCRIPTIVE

VIEW

OF THE

UNITED STATES

AMERICA,

ANr OF

UPPER AND LOWER CANADA.

WITH AN APPENDIX,

Containing a brief and comprehensive Skct,:>. of
TH£ PRESENT STATE OF

MEXICO AND SOUTH AMERICA,

AND /LSO OF THE
»^»IV. ,.,B«. „ ,„. ^^^ ^^^^^

COLLECTED, ARRANGED, AND DIGESTED,

BV E.^ACKENZIE, , r-v' •

'A^ C./^ of Hash,ngio„, and seven Jne Enf^ar'' ^
SECOND EDITION.

Hontion :

fVBLimSDBY O. VIRTUE, 20, IVY LANS PX«r^»^g ^ 'j£. ^^

1830.

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PREFACE.

America, j>ince she conquered her independence,
has risen into importance with a rapidity unparal-
leled in the iiistory of mankind. In her plains and
forests an industrious, enterprising, and intelligent
population are daily creating new and extensive
communities, and exhibiting the whole mystery of
the generation as well as the growth of nations.
The spectacle is imposing and instructive, notwith-
standing the senseless ravings of animosity, or the
affected sneers of a despicable enmity.

This marvellous empire already embraces a range
of territory above thirty times the extent of Great
Britain ; and will, within one hundred and twenty
years, if population increases in the same ratio as it
has lately done, contain upwards of four hundred
millions of human beings ! Yet, even then it would
not be equally populous with England. Without

-t»Mr» Tinte

PREFACE.

supposing tlie intervention of some great and im
probable poH.iea. convulsion, no rational argute:;
?' ^ "'■«""• "'■y "- -P't-O and populftion o
n iUreT"; '°""' ""' P-8--ei; accumulate.

uo L 1 ^Zy ""'"' °' "■^'' '^""^ -<» ""oc-
cupied land be brought into cultivation

•Where.' exclaims a popular journalist, Ms this
prod,g,„„s mcrease of numbers, this vast extension
of domm,on, to end? What bounds has Nature
set to the progress of this mighty nation ? Let our
jealousy burn as it may; let our intolerance of
America be as unreasonably violent as we please-
t.ll .t .s plam that she is a power, in spite of us*
rapidly nsmg to supremacy ; or, at least, that each
year so mightily augments her strength, as to over-
take by a most sensible distance, even the most
formidab e of her competitors. In foreign com
»erce, she comes nearer to England than any other
maritime power; and already her mercantile navy
.s within a few thousand tons of our own ' If she
goes on as rapidly for two or three years, she must
overtake and outstrip us.'

But instead of viewing every step America ad-
vanees m renown with absurd and groundless dis-
may, England ought to rejoice in the growing
strength and happiness of her daughter, who ha!
become respectable and glorious by exercising the
virtues of her parent. Their interests, whether
moral, pohfcal, or commercial, are inseparablv

'**"*"*r*'*«tJ-...«Hi*, ...1

PEEFACE.

it and im-
argument
ulation of
Jcumulate,
and unoc-

, *h this
extension
IS Nature

Let our
?rance of
e please;
te of us,
hat each
to over-
he most
^n com-
»y other
le navy

If she
le must

ica ad-
sss dis-
rowing
ho has
ig the
hether
arablv

united;* and should hordes of barbarians again
threaten the existence of liberty and civilization in
the west of Europe, America may become the right
arm of British strength, or perhaps the last asylum
of British liberty. 'When the nation,' says Dr.
Smollett, *is enslaved by domestic despotism, or
foreign dominion; when her substance is wasted,
her spirit broken, and the laws and constitution of
England are no more ; then these colonies, sent off
by our fathers, may receive and entertain their sons,
as hopeless exiles and ruined refusees.

The writer has no intention of exhibiting emi-
gration in a tempting and illusive point of view.
Such attempts are certainly blameable, though their
consequences are far from being alarming; for,
under ordinary circumstances, the emigrants from
any community must always bear a small proper-
tion to the whole population. After all, says Dr.
Smith, man is of all luggage the most difficult to
be transported. *In truth, he takes such root
wherever^ has been planted, that, long after al-
most all nourishment has been extracted from it,
we find him cling to the bare rocks, and rather

* The eminent importance of the American trade is evinced by
the fact, that of the whole exports from the United States in 1816
one half went to Great Britain and her dominions ; and in 1815 the
amount of goods imported was eighty-six millions of dollars, of
which seventy-one millions was imported from Great Britain and
her dependencies !

,1N»

._i^B;)=-

rnEFACE.

wither tli^n be torn away, ft is in vain to remind
Inin how bleak tlie sky, how scanty the nutriment,
how exposed to tempests the position. We find
him rebuilding his cottage upon the half-cooled lava
M/iiick has swept all his possesions away, and obsti-
nately refusing to quit a spot of earth which the
perpetual conflicts of the elements hardly leave at
rest for a day.' He knows all his privations, his
sufferings, his risks; but he deems it all not too
high a price for the endearing idea of home — the
love of country — and the thousand ties of society
and friendship. Thus has Providence, by a power-
fid instinct, provided against an excess of emigration.
Let not the dissipated, the ambitious, the petu-
lent, or the discontented, deceive themselves, and
wander into other climates and situations in search
of happiness. • The wilds of America will yield no
repose to their perturbed spirits. The fiends will
migrate with them.'

However, the industrious labourer, the mechanic,
the farmer, the man of moderate capital, and the
father of a family who feels solicitous about settling
Lis children ; in short, all those who are prepared to
encounter the numerous privations and incoive-
niences of emigration, in order to enjoy the p\ v
and acknowledged advantages which America ollliS
to adventurers, will find this work a Faithful
ANT? Useful Guide. And this is extremely diffi-
cult ob^ais^, notwithstanding the numerous, ex-

b^iii,j.iHa.

*rlt*i4!.**— — .,

PR£FAC£.

VII

pensive, and valuable works recenflv published on
the subject. Travellers ana emigrants have viewed
America with different feelings. Some observe
every object with delight and admiration, while
others experience all the chagrin of disappointment.
It, however, has been the aim of the editor to com-
pare with candour the contradictory evidence of
different writers, and to draw such conclusions as
the case seemed to justify.

The editor has also paid particular attention to
the rate of wajres and of the markets, the expences
of living, the comparative advaiitages of different
states and settlements, and the cautions necessary
to be observed by new settlers. The present state
of the wealth and resources, and of the commercial
regulations of the United States, is drawn entirely
from authentic docunents.

The judicious reader will readily appreciate the
attention and diligence employed in compiling this
work, and acknowledge the value of the original
matter which it contains ; and which embraces the
substance of upwards of one hundred letters lately
received by different individuals from their corres-
pondents in America. Some gentlemen have been
in the habit of collecting copies of interesting letters
from the New Worid; and the liberality with
which the editor has been fiivoured with the loan of
their MSS. merits liis best thanks, and will in the
proper place be acknowledged.

vni

rilEFACK.

In collecting, materials for this compilation, the
editor has consulted every recent and valuable pub.
lication on the present state of North America, and
to which references will occasionally be made Ex
elusive of the information derived through private
channels, he has been most indebted to the following
able and instructive works, viz.—

Morse's American Geography

Maclure's Geology of the United States of America.

Imlay and Filson's Account of Kentucky

Grej's iMters IVom Canada, 1806, 7. and 8

Bnsteds Resources of tlie United States

^tll^il^'r"' ";'. ".r"'"'^ "■"•"«'' *» "»■■'«' states ^r I8I8,

't:t^-::orc:„''„r„rr8t^^----p«-e

Moms Birkbeck-s Notes on a Journey in' ALrica, "s,":

■ ■ — Letters from the Illinois, 1818.

l^earon's Sketches in America, 1818.

'/.

CONTENTS.

South America ." Jg Nation of America . 25

Boundaries .

Extent

Divisions

Climate

Seasons

Face of the Country

Agriculture .
Rivers

UNITED STATES.

35 Cataracts

36 Canals
S7 Forests

39 Swamps

40 Mineralogy

?; Jl^^Jneral Waters

41 Botany

42 Zoology
ib. Natural Curiosities

STATES AND TERRITORIES.

Extent and Boundarieis

l;ace of the Country
Rivers '

Manners, &c.
Chief Towns

New England.

80 Natural Productions

■A^ew Hampshire.

nf I'"?.'^? «n<l Resources

94 Rehgion

lb. Government

95 History

49
52
55
54

ib.

84
86
89

96
ib.
ib.
07

CONTENTS.

Massachusetts.

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners
Chief Towns
Trade and Resources

Page

100

ib.

102

ib.

109

Religion

Education

Government

Islands

History

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners

Situation and Extent ,
Natural Geography
Population and Manners

. JOistrkt of Maine.

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners
Chief Towns
Trade and Resources

116

ib.
118

Trade

Government
History

Vermont.

119 Chief Towns

ib. Trade and Resources

120 Government

Rhode Island.

123
ib.
124
125
127

Education
Religion
Government
History

Page
109
110
ib.
Ill
112

lis

ib.
ib.

121
ib.
ib.

127
128

ib.

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners
Chief Towns * .
Education . ■ .

Connecticut.

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Maimers
Cliief Towns
Tbde and Resources

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners
Chief Towns

129
ib.

131
ib.

133

Trade and Resoui-ces
Religion
Government
History

New York.

136 Education .

ib. Religion

138 Government

140 Islands

149 History , [

New Jersey.

154 Trade and Resources
ib. Education and Religion

155 Government

156 History _ , ,

133
134

ib.

149
150
151
ib.
152

157

158

ib.

r
c

CONTENTS.

Page
109
110
ib.
Ill
1J2

IIS
ib.
ib.

121
ib.
ib.

127
128

ib.

1S3

ib.
ib.

149
150
151
ib,
152

157

158

ib.

Situation and Extent
Natural Geograpliy
Population and Manners
Chief Towns

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Canal

Population .
Chief Towns

Pennsylvania.

Page

15.9
160
164
166

Trade and Resources
Education and Religion
Government
History

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Divisions

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and^Manners
Chief Towns

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners
Chief Towns
Trade and Resources

Situation and Extent
Natural Geogi-aphy
Population and Minners
Chief Towns

Delaware.

188 Trade and Resources

189 Education .
ib. Religion

ib. Government

190 History

State of Ohio.

191 Population .

ib. Trade and Resources
195 Government

Indiana.

208
ib.

Towns, &c.
Government

Maryland.

210 Trade

ib. Education and Religion

212 Government

213 History

Virginia.

217 Education .

ib. Religion ,

220 Government

222 History
224

Kentucky.

228

ib.

229

231

Trade and Resources
Education and Religion
Government
History ,

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners
Chief Towns

North Carolina.

2,'?9 Trade and Resources
Education and Religion
Government
History ,

ib.

241

242

Page
184

ib.
186

ib.

190
ib.
ib.
ib.

191

206
ib.
ib.

fi09
ib.

215
ib.
ib.

216

224

225

226

ib.

236

237

ib,

ib.

243

ib.

244

ib.

CONTENTS.

South Carolina.

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners
Chief Towns

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners
Chief Towns
Trade and Resources

TJic Fhridas

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners
Chief Towns

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population and Manners
Chief Towns ,

Upper Louisiana

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population

Page

246

ib.

252
254

Trade and Resources
Education and Religion
Government . .

History

Georgia.

260 Education

ib. Religion

262 Government

263 History
265

Tennessee.

272 Trade and Resources

ib. Education and Religion

27.^ Government

274 History

Louisiana.

276 Trade and Resources

ib. Religion

279 Government

280 History

Mississippi.
288 Chief Towns
ib. Trade and Resources
290 Government ,

Alihama Territory.
Situation and Extent 292 Commerce

Natural Geography ib. Government

Population . 294 History

Towns . , 295

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population

Situation and Extent
Natural CJeography
Population ,

Page

257

258

ib;

259

ib.

a67
ib.

269

274
275

ib.

283
ib.

284
ib.

287

291
ib,
ib.

205

296

ib.

299

300

ib.

Illinois.

296 Towns
ib. Government
299 History

Michigan.

301 Chief Towns . SOS

ib. Manufactures and Commerce ib.

303 History . . 304

CONTENTS.

Missouri Territwy.
Page

304 Chief Towns

305 Commerce .
S06 Government

XUI

Page

306

308

ib.

Situation and Extent
Natural Geography
Population

North-west Territory.

Situation and Extent 309 Population and Manners 312

Natural Geography ib. Towns . . 313

Columbia Settlement .... 313

Columbia Territory.

Situation and Extent 316 Georgetown . 3«8

Natural Geography 317 Alexandria . Jb

^?P"™^. • 318 General Description of Wash.

City of Washmgton ib. ington . . sgg

State and Resources

Population
Education, Arts, &c.
Manners and Habits
Religion .^ .
Public Linds
Agriculture
Manufactures
Commerce

337
339
347
374
385
388
395
400

Canals and Turnpike Roads 413

Advice to Emigrants.

Directions respecting the

Voyage . . 445

On the Preservation of

qftlie United States.

Post-office Establishment
Federal Government
Territorial Governments
Judiciary

Revenue and Debt
War Department
Navy Department .
Mint Establishment
Historical Summary

454
456

Health
The best Mode of Settling
Prices of Land, Labour,

and Provisions . 463

— at New York „ ib.

Philadelphia . 470

— — Alexandria . 472

— — Pittsburg . ib.

Ohio . . 473

Albany . 474

— — Western Country ib..
State of New York 477

Prices in Pennsylvania

Kentucky

Illinois

•— — New England
Civil Rights of Settlers
Prospect? of Emigrants

— Gentlemen

— Farmers

— Merchants and Manufac-
turers

— Mechanics

— Labourers

— Artists
Conclusion

415

41S

420

423

425

428

431

435

436

477
479
480
481
482
4d4
ib.
504

531
533
5S4
542
544

«*V CONTENTS,

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

Divisions

Extent

Climate and Seasons

Natural Geography

Population

Manners and Customs

Language

Towns

Commerce .

New Brunswick ,

Nova Scotia

Cape Breton

Prince Edward's Island

Newfoundland

Bermudas

Canada.

546 Religion

ib. Government

54.9 Military Force

551 Revenue

552 History

55(i District of Gabpe

ib. Remarks
562

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

Extent

Climate

Face of the Country

Rivers

Lakes

Mountains .

Botany and Zoology

Mineralogy

Natural Curiosities

Population .

Manners and Customs

576

Language . ' ,

577

Education

ib.

Cities

ib.

Trade

578

Religion

579

Government

580

Army

581

Navy

582

Revenue

583

'1.

History

Page
545

563
ib.

ib.

ib.
567
568

569
570
571
572
573
673

ib.

587
ib.
588
590
59^

59S

597

ib.

598

SOUTH AMERICA.

Spanish Dominions.

Extent and Boundaries

Zoology

Botany

Mineralogy

Population .

Manners and Customs

606 Language

607 Cities

608 Commerce

609 Government
61 1 History
612

614
615

631
635
636

CONTENTS.

Page
545

56s
ib.

565
ib.
ib.

567

568

569
670
571

572
573

573

Extent and Boundaries
Mines
Agriculture
Population and Manners
Chief Towns

French Dominions

Portuguese Dominions.

Pdse Page

6o6 Trade and Commerce 685

667 Government and Revenue 687

672 Army
676 History

677

Demerary
Esaequebo .

Paraguay/
Patr^^wiia
Islands

NATIVE TRIBES

English Dominions.

691 Berbice
695 Surinam

ib.
ib.

689

695

698

ib.

699

701

587
ib.
588
590
592
594
59s

597

ib.

598

6'1<!.
6J5

631
6S5
6S6

DIRECTIONS FOR PLACING THE PLATES:.

Map of the United States^
Falls of Niagara
The Rock Bridge
Country round Pittsburg
Mount Vernon
City of Washington
Capitol of Washington
Bank of the United States
American Stage Waggon

To face the Title.

177

319
320
325
416

GENERAL

VIEW OF AMERICA.

PREVIOUS to entering upon a detailed description of the
great American commonwealth, it will be proper to take
a general view of the extensive continent of which it forms a
part, and of the epochs of the various discoveries.

America, or, as it is frequently denominated by way of emi-
nence, the New World, has, in many respects, been pecu-
liarly favoured by nature ; and seems destined, in the course
of human affairs, to assume an important rank, both natural
and political.

The first circumstance that strikes us on viewing the New
World is its immense extent. It constitutes a new hemisphere,
larger than either Europe, Asia, or Africa, the three noted
divisions in the ancient continent ; and is not much inferior in
dimensions to a third part of the habitable globe.

The division of this continent into two parts, called North
and South America, is strongly marked by the hand of nature,
in a narrow isthmus, and by a great variety in the languages
and manners of the original inhabitants. The general consi-
deration of this quarter of the globe will, therefore, receive far
more clearness and precision by being thus divided. Those
authors who blend the whole into one description confound
their topics by a heterogeneous mixture.

GENERAL VIEW

The southern limit of the America,) continent is clearly esti
mated from the strait of Magelhin ; but the northern extent is
not ascertamed with cqnal precision. Its limit u.ay extend to
HO deg., or perhaps to the pole. The journics o." Hearne
and Mackenzie have, indeed, imparted sonic idea of its confines
on the Arctic ocean; but Jklfin's bay remains to be explored,
except the late discovery ships have effected ptirt of this desi-
deratum in geo^rraphy. Amidst existing uncertainties, it will,
however, be sufficient to estimate the nortlK,>rn limit of America
from the lUd deg. of north latitude ; a space of VM dcg. In
houth America the greatest breadth is from cajx' Blanco in
the west to St. Koque in the east, which, according to the
l>est maps, ,s 48 tleg. Hut in the north the breadth may be
computed from the j^romontory of Alaska to the most ear.ten,
lunnt of Labrador, or even of CJrecnIand, which would imd
more than a third part of the estimate. In British miles the
length of America may be estimated at 8800 ;. and the breadth
of North America at 4400, and that ot the southern continent
at 3200.

XORTH AMERICA.

Climate— The climate of North America is extremely va^
nous, as may be ccmceived in a region extending from the
vicinity of the equator to the arctic circle. In general, the
heat of summer, and the cold of winter, are more intense than
m most parts of the ancient continent. The predominant
winds are here from the west; and the severest cold is from
the north-west. The middle provinces are remarkable for the
unsteadiness of the weather, particularly the quick transitions
from heat to cold. Snow falls plentifully in Virginia, but sel-
dom bes above a day or two; yet after a mild, or even warm
day, James river, where it is two or three miles in breadth,
ha.s m one night been clothed with ice, so as to be passed by
travellers. Such surprising alterations seem to proceed from
the sudden change of the wind to the north-west. The pro-
vinces of South Carolina and Florida are subject to unsuffcra-
ble heat, furious whirlwinds, hurricanes, tremendous thunder,

sa.„

OF ami: RICA.

and fatal lightnings; ami tlie sudden changes of the weather
are alike pernicious to the human frame. A violent tuffoon
happened near Charlestown in 1761, appeann<r like a column
of smoke, with a noise like thunder, ploughing the very beds
of the rivers, and diffusing universal destruction throughout
its progress. Few opportunities have yet arisen for accurate
accounts of the climate in the western pjuts of North America.
That of California seems to he in general moderate and plea-
sant, though somewhat ijuommoded by the heat of summer.
In lat. ;j9 dcg. the land has a most barren and wintry appear-
iance, even in June : the gloom is increased by frequent fogs,
and the glaciers seem perpetual.

Inland A'm.¥.— Among the inland seas of North America
may be mentioned the gulfs of Mexico, California, and St.
Lawrence; with Hudson's and Bafliirs bays. Of all these
spas the gulf of Mexico is the most celeL.ated, as lying in a
more favourable climate, and presenting at its entrance that
grand archipelago of North American islands called the West
Indies. IVom this gulf a singular current sets towards the
north-easl: this current, called the gulf stream, passes to the
banks of Newfoundland, and is supposed to proceed from the
accunmlation of watci-s by the trade wind. It is distinguished
from other parts of the ocean by the gulf wee I ; is eight or
ten degrees warmer ; never sparkles in the night ; and, when
It arrives in cool latitudes, produces thick fogs. The trade
wind, or diurnal sea breeze, is from the east and its collateral
l)onits, with little intermission, for nine months in the year,
To the south of the gulf of Mexico is the bay of Hondurasi
well known in the annals of English connnerce. The opposite
shore presents the gulf of California, which seems an estuary
of two large rivers.

The gulf of St. Laurence is the well known estuary of a
river of the same name, generally frozen from December to
April. This noble gulf is closed by the island of Newfound-
land, and by numerous sand banks, particularly what is called
the Great Hank. This celebrated. fishing station is more than
400 miles m length, by about MO in breadth ; the water being
Jioni 2^ to 50 fathoms, with a great swell, and frequently a

■ ! ■

iJH

1£

GENERAL VIEW

?]■

^n;

thick fog. The chief fishery begins on tht* 10th of May, and
continues till the end of September; the greatest number of
cod fish taken by a single fisherman Imng 12,000, but the
average is 7000: the largest fish was four feet three inches
m length, and weighed 46 pounds. M«re than 500 English
vessels commonly fish on the bank. By a late regulation, the
Americans are prohibited from fishing here; but permission
IS given to the subjects of Louis XVI I L There are also
great fisheries on the banks which lie off the coast of Nova
Scotia.

Hudson's sea extends from the entrance westward 1050
British miles; thus exceeding the Baltic in length as well as
breadth. The shores are generally rocky and precipitous, and
the climate almost the perpetual abode of winter. Davis' gulf
or sea may be considered as part of Hudson's sea, and proba-
biy joins the Arctic ocean. Bafiin's bay is 870 British miles
in length, and nearly as much in breadth.

Lakes.—The lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron, consti-
tute one large inland sea, which might be called the sea of
Canada, or that of Huron. This expansion of water is about
350 miles in length, and more than 100 at its greatest breadth.
Lake SirpERiOK is not less than 1500 miles in circumference.
The greatest part of the coast seems to consist of rocks and
uneven ground. The water is pure and transparent; and the
bottom generally com{X)sed of large rocks. There are several
islands, one of which called Minong is about GO miles in
length : the savages suppose that these islands are residences
of the Great Spirit. More than SO rivers fall into this lake,
some of them of considerable size. The chief fish are sturgeon
and trout; the latter is caught at all seasons, and said to
weigh from 12 to 50 pounds. This ]!m-t of the sea of Canada
opens into the lake Huron, by the straits of St. Mary, about
40 miles in length, and in some places only one or two miles
in breadth; with a rapide towards the norlh-wesbextremitj',
which may, however, be descended by canoes ; and the pros' ^
pects are here delightful. The storms on this large expanse
of water are as dangerous as tliosp on the ocean, the waves
breaking more quick, and running nearly as high. The

^•^P'"*- "■>

4N*

OF AMERTCA.

May, and
iunil)er of
', but the
ree inches
Enghsh
ation, the
)crmis8ion
! are also
of Nova

ard 1050
as well as
tous, and
avis' gulf
id proba-
tish miles

1, consti-
lic sea of
Is about
breadth,
iiference.
x;ks and
and the
3 several
miles in
sidences
lis lake,
turgeon
said to
Canada
, about
'o miles
remity,
e pros- ^
expanse
! waves
The

circumference of that part called lake Huron is said to Ix;
about 1000 miles; and on the northern side are some island*
called Mauatulan, implying the place of spirits. Another
short strait leads into tlie third lake, called Michauan, also
navigable for ships of any burthen. When the population of
North America shall have diffused itsi-lf towards the west,
these lakes may become i.lie seata of flourishing cities, and of
arts and sciences now unknown in Europe. Their latitude
corresponds with that ol' the IJlack sea and tlie gulf of Venice;
nor are the rigours of the Baltic here to be apprehended!
From the descriptions, it does not appear that these lakes are
ever impeded with ice.

The lake of Winnipeg or Winipic may also well aspire to
the name of an inland sea: but it yields considerably to the
great Slave lake, or ra.'her sea, a recent discovery, from which
Mackenzie's river extends its course to the Arctic ocean. The
Slave sea, according to Mr. Arrowsmith's maps, is about 200
miles in length, by 100 at its greatest breadth.

The smaller lakes shall be briefly described in the divisions
of territory to which they belong. It may here suftice to ob-
serve, that there are probably above 200 lakes of considerable
size m North America; a singularity which distinguishes it
from any other portion of the globe.

Rivers.— A\l the features of nature in America are upon a
grand scale. The rivers are peculiarly noble. The source of
the Mississippi has been traced to thrve small lakes above lat
47 deg. and it enters the sea in lat. 29 deg. after a comparative
course of about 2000 British milts. Nay, of late, the so nves
of the Missouri (the chief stream) have been detected abuut
3000 British miles more remote. The account of this noble
river shall he transcribed from a recent system of Amtrican
geography, by Mr. Morse, who must have had several oppor-
tunities of being well informed.

' The Mississippi receives the waters of the Ohio and Illi-
nois and their numerous branches f,„m the east; and of the
Missouri and other rivers from the west. These mighty
streams united are borne down with increasing majestj^
through vast forests and meadows, and discharged into the

GENEKAL VIEW

I I!

gulf of Mexico. The j:^eat Icnot], and uncommon (ler)th of
tins nvcr, says Mr. Hutchins, and the excessive muddiness
and sulnbnous quality of its water after its junction with the
Missouri, are very singular. The direction of the ciiannel is
so crooked, th.it from New Orleans to the mouth of the Ohio
a distance which does not exceed 460 miles in a straieht line'
IS about 856 by water. '

' In the spring floods, the Mississippi is very high, and the
current so strong, that it is with difficulty it can be ascended;
but this disadvantage is remedied in some measure by eddies
or counter currents, which are generally found in the bends
close to the banks of the river, and assist the a.scending boats.
Ihe current at tJus season descends at the rate of about five
miles an hour. In autumn, when the waters are low, it does
not run faster than two miles ; but it is rapid in such parts of
t^ie nvcr as have clusters of islands, shoals, and .sand banks.
1 he circumference of n,any of these shoals being several miles,
tiie voyage is lonocr, and in some places more dangerous, than
in the spring. The merchandise necessary for the commerce
of the Upper Settlements, on or near the Missi.ssippi, is con-
veyed in the spring and autumn, in batteaux, rowed by
eighteen or twenty men, and carrvin^- about 40 tons. From
New Orleans to the Illinois the voyage is commonlv performed
ui eight or ten weeks. A prodigious number of i;iands, some
of winch are of great extent, intersperse that misrhty river
Its waters, after overflowing its banks below the river Ibber
ville on the east, and the river Itouge on the west, never re-
turn within them again, there being many outlets or streams
by winch they are conducted into the bay of Mexico, more
especially on the west side of the Mississippi, dividin.r the
country into numerous islands. These shigularitics distiiKruish
It from every other kiu.wn river in the world. The island of
New Orleans, and the lands opposite, are to all ap})earaiice of
no long date, having evidently been formed bv the mud and
trees carried down the river, and having an appearance similar
to the Delta in 3'-gypt.

* Nothing can be asserted with certainty respecting the length
of the river. Its source is not known, bqt supposed to be

on depth of
nruddincss
on with tl)e
i channel is
f the Ohio,
raight line,

:h, and the
ascended ;
by eddies,
the bends
ding boats,
about five
nv, it does
I'h parts of
md banks,
eral miles,
rous, than
I'onnnerce
|>i, is con-
rowod by
IS. From
;)ertbrjnod
ids, soniu
hty river,
er Ibber-
nevcr re-
•r streams
ico, more
idin<r the
istinguish
island of
arance oi'
mud and
L-e similar

be length
ed to be

OP AMERICA. ts

upwards of .'iOOO miles from the sea as the river runs. We
only know that from St, Anthon/s falls in lat, 45 deg. it
ghdes with a pleasant clear current, and receives many larc^e
and tributary streams, before its junction with the Missouri,
Hithout greatly mcreasing the breadth of the Mississippi,
though they do us depth and rapidity, Th. muddy JLl
of the Missouri discolour the lower part of tire rivi, till it
empties into the bay of Mexico. The Missouri is a longer,
broader, and deeper river than the Mississippi, and aftbrds a
more ex ensue navigation ; it is, in fact, the prim>ipal river,
contributing more to the common stream than does the Mis!
sissippi.

' The slime, which the annual floods of the river Mississippi
leave on the surface of the adjacent shores, may be compared
wuh that of the Nile, which deposits a similar manure, and for
many centuries past has insured the fertility of E^rypt When
its banks shall have been cultivated, as ihe ex^eJlency of its
soil and temperature of the climate deserve, its population will
equal that of any other part of the world. The trade, wealth,
and power of America may at some future period depend, and
perhaps centre, upon the Mississippi. Whoever will for a
moment cast his eye over a map of the toun of New Orieans
and the m.mense country around it, and view its advantageous
situation, must be convinced that it, or some place near it

tririd^'"'" "^ '^'" ^"'"'^ "" "' '^' S-atest marts in
' The Ohio is a most beautiful river. Its current crontle
waters clear, and bosom smooth and unbroken by rocls an.l
lipids, a single instance only excepted. It is one quarter of a
mile wide at ort Pitt; 500 yards at the mouth of the .reat
Kanaway; l^oo yards at Louisville; and the rapids htlf
mile m some tew places below Louisville; but its general
breadth does not exceed Got) ,.,...rk. t i • *

is nnf 4.00 1 , ^ ' ^" '"""' P'"^'^'" '^S width

■s not 400 and in one place particularly, far below the rapids,
It IS less than iM). Its breadth in one place exceeds Im
yards; and at us jimction with Hie Mississippi, nvithor river
's more than 900 yards wide.'

GENERAL VIEW

^^' I;

1^^ I

Mr. MoMc Ntntua the prt'cifio mt'RRviremciit of the length of
the onio, with all its windings, from fort Pitt to itn junction
with the MiHsi«8ip|)i, amounting to 1188 miles. The inun-
dationN conmionly hegin with April, and subside in July. A
vewel drawing t\*elvo feet woter might safely navigate fitim
Pittsburg to the seo. Two great rivers imite to form the
Ohio, namely, the Mcmongahela and the Allegany, both of
them subNervicnt to navigation.

From this it api)ears that the Missouri is the ehief river of
what is ealled the Mississippi. Charlevoix has described the
conriueneo as the grandest m the world. Each river is about
half a league in breadth ; but the Missouri is the broadest
and most rapid ; and Mr. Hutchins observes, that the natives
still call it Mesehasipi. The same author adds, that the Mis.
Boun ' allbrds a more extensive navigation, ond is a longer,
broader, and <leepcr river than the Mississippi.'

The noble river of St. Lawrence is universally regarded as
the second in North America, being not less than 90 miles
wide at its mouth, and navigable for ships of the line as for as
QuelK'c, a distonee of 400 miles from the sea. Near Quebec
it is five miles in breadth ; and at Montr eul from two to four.
Tluaigh there be .some rapids, yet this grand river may be
considered os navigable to Kingston, and the lake Ontario,
7^8 miles fnnn the sea. It is difficult to define the precise
source of the St. Lawrence, though that name be generally
confi>icd to the river issuing from lake Ontario; while the
Nigara, which flows from the lake Erie, is regarded as a dis-
tinct stream. The length of the St. Lawrence may therefore
be above 700 British miles, the breadth being the grand
characteristic.

The other chief rivers in North America are the Saskashawin,
the Athabasca, tlif Unjiga or Mackenzie's river, the Rio Bravo,
which flows into the gulf of Mexico; that of Albany, which
joins Hudson's bi»y : Nelson river and Churchill river are also
considerable streams which flow into that sea; but their geo-
graphy is far from being perfect. The same observation must
bo extended to the Oregjui, or great river of the west, which

OF AMERICA.

roiilincd by n clinin of mountuiiis, runs soutli, till by n western
btMid it join the Pacific. Hut the (hHCovery of the wcHtern rc-
gioiiH of America may cliscloHc some considerable HtreamH in
that quarter.

Mmntnim.—Tlu' centre of North America seems to present
o vast fertile plain, watered by the Missouri and its auxiliary
streams. On the west, so far as jli-scovered, a ran^e of moun-
tains proceeds from New Mexico in a northern direction, and
joins the ridge called the Stoney mountains, which extend to
the vicuiity of the o>'ctic «)ceon. The Stoney mountains are
said to be about {J50() feet above their base, which may per-
haps I)e ,'iOOO feet above the sea. In general, from the ac-
counts of navigators who have visited this coast, it seems to
resemble that of Norway, being a wide alpine country «f great
extent; while the shore, like that of Norway, presents innu-
merable creel and islands. This alpine tract, from the vStoney
mountains aid Mackenzie's river westwards to the source of
the Oregan ond Heering's strait, may perhaps contain the
highest mountains in North America, when explored by the
eye of science. On the jiorth-eusl, Greenland, Labrador, and
the countries arcnind Hudson sea, present irregular masses
covered with eternal snow, with black nuked peaks, resembling
in form the spires of the Alps, but of far interior elevation,
mountains generally decreasing in heig'it Upwards the pole.
Mr. Mackenzie observes, that a high ridge passes south-west
from the coast of Labrador to the source of the Iftawas, divid-
ing the rivers that fall into the St. Lawrence and Hudson's
bay. The Stoney mountains run jjarallel with the Pacific
(Hiean from Cook's tiilry to the river Cv)luinbia, where they are
more distant from the coast and less elevated.

The m«»st celebrated mountains in North America are those
called the Apalachian, passing through the territory oi the
United States from the south-west to tlie north-east. Accord-
ing to the best maps, they ct>mntence on the north of Georgia,
where they give source to many rivers running south to the
gulf of Mexico; and to the Tencssee and other rivers running
north. There are siveral collateral ridges, as tlie Iron or Hald
mountains, the White Oak mountains, and others; the exte-

(iKNEUAL VIEW

Thp A n "T"'"^''* ^'"« '^' Cun,be.rlu,„l mountains
The Apaiachmn Cham thence extends through the western
erntory of Virginia accompanied with its collateral r dge
he breadth of t e whole being often 70 miles, and pn,cS
thrcHigh Pennsylvanm; then passes Hudson ri;er ; aid after
M^ards rises to more elevation, but seems to expire n the coun
try of New Brunswick. The chief summits ^ar o be in

: CZ ""' ^r^^^-P^'^-' -•-- the Wht mounJi
are by some reported to be 9000 feet above the sea Rnf if
njay well be afHrmed that they cannot much exted 4000 fl

^f theltZn ''' ^'''''''' " ""'' '-' «'- ^'^ ^^^y

rJh" 'V'''"''""" f '"•" ""'"y ^''"^ ^^^^^ about 900 geogra-

excep the Norwegian alps. In no chain perhaps are the col
lateral ndges more distinct; and a naturalist would at once
pronounce that the central, or highest, must be granitic the
nex sclustose, and the exterior belts calcareous, "^^r^gh

ed mt probably does not exceed 3000 feet above the sea-
nnd they are often clothed with forests.

The mountains in the i.sth.nus, as well as those in the west
ern part of North America, are certainly of far superior elTa

contments, the highest mountains are towards the west, as
their most precipitous sides uniformly front the west and sot th
But o the isthmus, the kingdom of Mexio, and CahZ «

in ^Z\'V^1 """"' ''"'''"« '•"^ P^^""^'- ^^«t"re8 of nature
in Jie North American continent. The botany, mineralo J
and ^ocilogy of this grand division of the New ^"7; lit

SOUTH AMERICA.

C/hmf c.~~Thc boundaries and extent of this division of tho
"- continent have been already explained. TtTmaL tf

OF AMERICA.

moiinlains.
10 westeru
ral ridges,
i proceeds
and after-
i the coun-
r to be in
mountains
a. But it
1000 feet :
he futility

geogra-
Jountains,
•e the col-

1 at once
nitic, the
he height
ascertaiti-

the sea;

the west-
or eleva-
and new
west, as
id south.
ihfbrnia,
5 clearly

f nature

eralogy,

will be

r of the

1 of the
maty of

the southern extremity, extending far beyond tiiat of Africa,
is exposed to all the horrors of the antarctic frosts ; and Terra
del Euego in the south lat. of 55 deg. seems exposed to the
almost perpetual winter of Greenland in norlii lat. 70 dog.
Patagonia, consisting mostly of open deserts and savannas,
with a few willow trees oti the rivers, seems to enjoy a tempe-
rate but rather cool climate. On proceeding towards the
north, the great chain of the Andes constitutes real zones and
climates, which strangely contradict the theories of ancient
geographers ; the chief inconveniences of the torrid zone being
extreme cold on the mountains, and extreme moisture in the
plains. Near Callao the months of October and November
form the spring. In Peru what is called summer is the dry
season, often extremely cold ; and the rainy season is called
winter. The former begins in May, which is nearly the be-
ginning of winter in the lower parts, and continues till Novem-
ber, when the slight fogs, called winter in the vales, begin to
disperse. On the mountains winter begins in December, which
in the plains is the first month of summer; and a journey of
four hours conducts the traveller from one season to another.
At Quito, situated between two chains of the Andes, on a plain
of remarkable elevation, the month* from September to May
or June constitute the winter, and the other months the sum-
mer ; the former being exposed to almost constant rains, which
are also frequent, but at longer intervals, during the summer
season. At Carthagena the winter, or rainy season, extends,
on the contrary, from May to November; and the sunimer,
or dry season, from December to iVpril. At Panama the
summer begins rather later, and ends sooner. At Lima, in a
southern latitude corresponding with the northern of Cartha-
gena, the heat is far more moderate ; and spring begins with
December, winter with July : the sunmier is in February, the
autumn in May.

In general, the Cimfined regions on the west of the Andes
are dry, the clouds being arrested by their summits ; while
the wide countries on the east of the chain are exposed to tor-
rents of rain, from the eastern or trade winds blowing over
the Atlantic. In Iba/il the rainy season begins in March or

GENERAL VIEW

II E(

tit

I H

April, and ends in August, when the spring begins, or rather
the summer ; the distinction being only between wet and dry
seasons.

Lakes.-^No part of the globe displays so great a number of
lakes as North America; and the soutiifrn part of the new
continent is perhaps equally remarkable by their rarity. Many
supposed lakes, as that of Zarayos or Sharayos, in the course
of ihp river Paraguay, only exist during the annual inunda-
tions, which are on a far grander scale than those of the Gan-
ges, and may be said to deluge whole provinces. In the most
northein part the lagoon of Macaraybo is remarkable, being a
circular bason about 100 British miles in diameter, receiving
numerous rivers and rivulets, and communicating with the sea
by a considerable creek. The celebrated lake Parima, called
also Paranapitinca, or the White sea, is represented by La
Cruz as more than 100 British miles in length by 50 in breadth.
This size, and even its existence, have been doubted, as it was
the seat of the noted city El Dorado, the streets of which were
paved with gold ; a fable which seems to have arisen from a
rock of talc reflecting, like a mirror, the golden rays of the sun.
In Amazonia and Brazil there do not appear to be any
lakes of consetpience. That of Titiaca, in the kingdom of
Peru, is regarrled as the most important in South America.
Ullna says that it is of an oval figure, the circumference about
240 miles ; and the depth 70 or 80 fathoms. It receives ten
or twelve rivers and several rivulets; but the water, though
not saline, is nauseous, being probably tainted with sulphur
or bitumen. It contains two kinds of fish, and is frequented
by geese and wild fowl. In an isle of this lake. Mango Capac,
the founder of the Peruvian monarchy, reported that the sun,
his father, had placed him, with his sister, and consort, Oello ;
and here a temple was dedicated to the sun, the most splendid
in the kingdom, and profusely decorated with plates of gold
and silver. On the Spanish invasion, these treasures are said
to have been thrown into the lake.

A few small lakes are found near the course of the river
Parana ; and towards the south of Chili there are .some of
considerable size.

OF AMERICA.

Rivers. — The river of Amazons, so called from a female
tribe inured to arms, discovered on its banks by the first navi-
gators, but more properly by a native term, the Maranon, is
celebrated as the most distinguished river, not only in South
America, but in the whole world : and this reputation is no
doubt just, when its magnitude is considered. The source is
not yet absolutely ascertained. The original and proper Ma-
ranon is supposed to be the Apuriinac, which joins another
large river west of the great lake Titicaca, south lat. 16 deg.
30 min. This noble river, in struggling through the Andes,
must afford many striking scenes still lost to scientific observa-
tion, Ulloa calculates the course of the Maranon at 3300
miles ; but it is probably much more. Like the Missouri and
St. Lawrence, the Maranon is discoloured with mud. The
breadth at the Portuguese boundary is said to be a league,
but it is generally about two miles; and no bottom is found at
103 fathoms. The effect of the tides is perceivable at the dis-
tance of 600 miles, but Condamine thinks that the swell is
occasioned by the progress of the tide the preceding day. The
banks are generally crowned with vast forests of lofty trees,
among which are many of a rare and medicinal nature. Ser-
pents of prodigious size are found in the marshes, and alliga-
tors are also common. It seems certain, from the disquisition
of Condamine, that some fe iiale warriors still exist towards
the north of this great river. After it has received the Shingu,
the breadth from shore to shore cannot be discovered by the
eye. Near its mouth the Bore rises from twelve to fifteen feet
in height ; and the noise of this irruption is heard at the dis-
tance of two leagues.

The Rio de la Plata, or river of Silver, is the conjunct flood
of the Paraguay, the Pilcomayo, the Parana, and the Urucuay.
The main streams are the Paraguay and the Parana ; and it
would seem that the latter is the longest and most considerable,
rising in the great mine mountains of Brazil, lat. 19 deg., and
bending south, then west, till it receive the Iba Parana, after
which it bends south-west till it is joined by the Paraguay,
while the conjunct rivers are still called the Parana by tlfe na-
tives, and the Rio de la Plata by the Spaniards. The grand

9»

GENERAL VIEW

1 1 .

cataract of the Parana is in lat. 24 deg. not far from the city
of Cuayra; but is rather a series of rapids, for a space of
tjvelve leagues, amidst rocks o! tremendous and singular forms.
This noble river is also studded vith numerous islands; and
the Spanish vessel^ navigate to the town of Assumption, about
1200 miles from the sea. The breadth of the estuary is such,
that the land cannot be discovered from a ship in the middle
of the stream.

The third great river in South America is the Orinoco, of a
most singular and perplexed course. According to La Cruz
It rises in the small lake of Ipava, north lat. 5 deg. 5 min •
and thence winds almost in a spiral form, until it enter the
Atlantic ocean by an extended delta opposite to the isle of
Trinidad ; but the chief estuary is considerably to the south-
east of that island. Many rivers of great size flow into the
Orinoco; and in addition to its singular form, there are other
remarkable peculiarities, rhore exists a communication be-
•^ tween the Orinoco, the Maranon, and the Black river; a cir-
cunistance so uncommon, that when it only had been asserted
by Spanish authors, it was rejected by geographical theorists
as contrary to the usual course of nature. Little doubt can
now remain concerning these wonderful inland navigations,
thus prepared by the hand of nature, and which, in the posl
session of an industrious people, would render Guiana, or New
Andalusia, one of the most flourishing countries in the worid.
The other rivers of South America are comparatively of
small account, the chief being the Magdalena, running north
to the Caribbean sea; and that of St. Francis, which waters a
great part of Brazil. To the south of the great Parana there
is the river Mendoza, and the Rio de los Sauzes, or river of
Willows; followed in the furthest south by the Chulclau and
the Gallegos, the last entering the Pacific opposite to the Ma-
louin or Falkland islands.

Moi()ifa'ms.~The mountains of South America constitute
some of the grandest objects in natural geography, being not
only the most lofty on the face of the globe, but intermixed
with volcanoes of the most .sublime and terrific description.
The extent is also prodigious, the Andes stretching in one line

OP AMERICA.

irom the .;a .es of Isidro and Pikres, in the southern extremity
of the continent, to the west side of the gulf of Darien, a space
cf not less than 4600 miles, as they generally follow the wiod.
ings of the coast, at the medial distance of about 100 miles.
1 he chief summits are near the equator, not far from the city
OT Quito. -^

The highest part of the American alps is Chimbora/o, about

lUO miles south of Quito. It is computed to be 90,280 feet

above the level of the sea. The next i„ height is supposed to

be the volcano called Cotopasha, estimated at about 18 600

teet, about 25 miles lo the south-east of Quito. Humboldt, a

French naturalist, says there are three remarkable chains of

mountains, which proceed from west to east, parallel to the

equator. Several branches extend northward from the great

chain m the high plain of Quito. The greatest height in the

province of St. Marta is 14,000 feet. Several mountains of

this Cham are perhaps equal in height to Mont Blanc; perpe-

tually covered with snow, and often pouring from their sides

streams of boiling sulphureous water; and the highest peaks

are solitary amidst mountains of little height. That of Merida

is near the plain of Caracas, which is only 260 feet above the

^a. Ihe second chain divides the waters that fall into the

E«quibo and Orinoco; and is inhabited by a number of sa

vago tribes, little or not at all known in Europe. The third'

Cham unites the Andes of Peru and Chili with the mountains

of Brazil and Paraguay.

Between these three great ridges are, according to our au-
thor, three immense rallies; that of Orinoco, that of the river
of Amazons, and that of the Pampas of Buenos Ayres, from
19 to 52 deg. south hit., all opening to the east, but shut on
the west by the Andes. The middle valley, or that of the
Amazons, is covered with forests so thick, that the rivers alone
form roads; while those of Orinoco and Pampas are savannas
or grassy plains, with a few scattered palms; and so level*
that sometimes for 800 square leagues there is no inequalit,;
above eight or ten inches in heiglit.

On reviewing the grand physical features of the New World
Its fine adaptation for commercial intercourse is very striking'

GENERAL VIEW

^«i\-

* The gulf of Mexico,' says Dr. Robertson, ' which flows in
betAveeii North and South America, may be considered as a
Mediterranean sea, which opens a maritime commerce with ail
the fertile countries by which it is encircled. The islands
scattered in it are inferior only to those in the Indian archipe-
lago, in number, in magnitude, and in value. As we stretch
along the northern division of the American hemisphere, the
bay of Chesapeake presents a spacious inlet, which conducts
the navigator far into the interior parts of provinces no less
fertile than extensive ; and if ever the progr. -s of culture and
population shall mitigate the extreme rigour of the climate in
the more northern districts of America, Hudson's bay may
become as subservient to commercial intercourse in that quar-
ter of the globe, as the Baltic is in Europe. The other great
portion of the New World is encompassed on every side by
the sea, except one narrow neck, which separates the Atlantic
from the Pacific ocean ; and though it be not opened by spa-
cious bays or arms of the sea, its interior parts are rendered
accessible by a number of large rivers, fed by so many auxili-
ary streams, flowing in such various directions, that, almost
without any aid from the hand of industry and art, an inland
navigation may be carried on through all the provinces from
the river de la Plata to the gulf of Paria. Nor is this bounty
of nature confined to the southern division of America ; its
northern continent abounds no less in rivers which are naviga-
ble almost to their sources, and by its immense chain of lakes
provision is made for an inland communication, more extensive
and commodious than in any quarter of the globe. The
countries stretching from the gulf of Darien on one side, to
that of California on the other, which form the chain that
binds the two parts of the American continent together, are
not destitute of peculiar advantages. Their coast on one side
is washed by the Atlantic ocean, on the other by the Pacific.
Some of their rivers flow into the former, some into the latter,
and secure to them all the commercial benefits that may result
from a communication with both.'

OP AMERICA.

li flows in
jered as a
ce with all
he islands
n archipe-
we stretch
jhere, the
I conducts
ces no less
ulture and
climate in

bay may
that quar-
ither great
ry side by
e Atlantic
;d by spa-
i rendered
my auxili-
at, almost

an inland
inces from
lis bounty
lerica; its
re naviga-
in of lakes
; extensive
be. The
le side, to
;hain that
ether, are
n one side
le Pacific,
the latter,
may result

UI8C0V3RY AKD ANCIENT POPtJlATION OF AMERICA.

America was first discovered by the Norwegians in the year
982, when these adventurers visited Greenland, which, it is
now universally admitted, forms u part of this grand division
of the earth. This was followed, in the year 1003, by the dis-
covery of Vinland, which seems to have been a part of Labra-
dor, or Newfoundland. The colony of Vinland was soon
de9troye<l by intestine divisions ; btit that in Greenland conti-
nued to flourish till maritime intercourse was impeded by the
encroaching shoals of arctic ice. Though tlie first European
colonies in America were thus lost, the Danes asserted their
right by settlements on the western coast, called New Green-
land, to distinguish it from the original colony on the eastern
shores, or what is called Old Greenland.

After this there seems a long pause, for no further discovery
in America has hitherto been traced, by the utmo.st exertion of
learned research, till the time o" Colon. But the Portuguese
discoveries in the fifteenth century had gradually enlarged
knowledge and encourag d enterprise. The Canary islands
appear to have been faintly known to the Spaniards about the
middle of the fourteenth century : and the Normans of France,
in the usual enterprising spirit of their progenitors, had made
piratical excursions as far as these isles. Their discovery, so
far to the west, proved an important motive to the further re-
searches of Colon ; who was also instigated by the numerous
Portuguese discoveries in Africa, where the cape of Good
Hope had been seen by Diaz in 1486.

Colon, or, as he is usually called, Columbus, sailed from
Spain in quest of the New World on Friday the 3d day of
August, 1492. On the 1st of October he was, by his reckon-
ing, 770 leagues west of the Canaries. His men began to mu-
tiny, and he was forced to promise to return in three days, if
land d:d not appear. Fortunate presages soon arose, as land
birds, a cane newly cijt, a carved piece of wood, and the branch
of a tree with fresh red berries. These and other symptoms
2 D

GENERAL VIEW

induced Colon to order the ships to Uc to in the evening of ilic
11th of October, in the certainty of seeing land on the npprouch
of daylight. The night was passed in gazing expectation ; and
a light having been observed in motion, the cry of land! land!
resounded from the headmost ship. With the dawn of Friday,
October 12th, a beautiful isle appeared, two leagues to the
north. Te Deum was sung with shouts of exultation, and
every mark of gratitude and veneration to the admiral. Colon
was the first who landed, to the great astonishment of the na-
tives, who regarded their visitors as children of the sun, tl»c
astonishment on both sides being indescribable. The first dis-
covery was one of the group called the Bahama isles, being the
Cat island of our mariners.

In his second voyage he discovered several of the Caribl)ee
islands ; and in his third voyage he fell in with an island which
he called Trinidad, and viewed the estuary of the Orinoco.
He then returned to Hispaniola, or St. Domingo ; and in Oc-
toljer, 1500, was sent back to Spain in chains !

When Colon arrived at the West Indies, he conceived that
he was in the neighbourhood of Japan ; and the name of India
was imposed in a new and improper sense. The discovery of
Vinland could scarcely have been known to him ; and that of
Greenland was so remote, that there was no room for a sug-
gestion that this region formed a part of a prodigious continent.
As to the Atlantis of Plato, and the ridiculous Welsh tale of
Madoc, which Southoy has succeeded in rendering interesting,
they cannot deprive Colon of ouo atom of his glorv

Ojeda, an officer who had act )iiipanied Colon in his second
voyage, sailed to America with four ships in 1499, but disco-
vered lixtle more than Colon had done. One of the adven-
turers was Amerigo Vespucci, a I'lorcutiue man of science,
eminently skilled in navigation, who jierhaps acted as chief
pilot, an (rffice on sucii oxj)editions of high account, and pro-
bably only inferior (o that of commodore. On his return,
Amerigo jMihlished the first description that had yet appeared
of any part o^ the new continent : and the caprice of tame has
assigned to him an honour above the renown of the greatest
conquerors; that of indelibly impressing his nv^me upon this

OF AMERICA.

«r

vast portion of the earth. It is idle to accuse his vanity, vrhith
never couUl tiave cstabliwhed such a claim : it was, on the con-
trary, the i^moraiit and thoughtless gratitude of others, which
alone ooukl Jrnve itnpoHcd tlie appellation, from regard to the
first man ol" letters who had disclosed this discovery to the ge-
neral eye, as it seems before to have been concealed by jealousy
and intngiH' ; and the name is, at any rate, better than that of
New Holland, or New South Wales, assigned in our own more
enlightened times : nor (lf> we esteem it any want of gratitude
to C!«)k that no land has yet received its denomination from
his name. Ab the titles of tlje three other quarters of the
world sj)reatl, by mere accident, from small districts, so when
the name of America was imposed there was not the most dis-
tant idea of the prodigious extent of the territory ; and it was
only understood that this appellation was given to a large
island. If any continent were adjacent, it was understood to
be the liU'ge land of India.

Cabral, on his voyage to the East Indies in 1500, accident-
ally discovered Brazil : and in 1613, Vasco Nugnez de Balboa
descried, from the mountains of the isthmus, the grand Pacific
(x:ean ; and he afterwards waded into the waves, anr ' t(X)k pos-
session of it in the name of the Spanish mtxiarch. I'his disco-
very seems to have terminated the vain expectation that America
formed part of Asia.

It seems unnecessar} trace with minuteness the other
epochs of discovery in this quarter. In 1515 the continent
was exf^ored as far as Kio de Plata ; but even in 1518 little
was known concerning Hs western parts ; ami twenty-six years
had elapsed sinct the first voyage of Colon, before the existence
was rumoured of the empires, or kingdoms, of Mexico and
Peru. Hispaniola and Cuba still continued to b< the chief
seats of the Spanish power. In 1619, Cortez, with eleven
small vessels, containing 617 men, proceeded to the lunquest
of Mexico, which was accomplished in 1521. Magalhaens, at
the same time, having exploretl the Pacific ocean, the ciiscovery
of the western coast of America became a necessary conse-
quence. After many reports concerning the riches of Peru,
that country was at length visited in 1526 by Pizarro, at the

GENERAL VIEW

... «.

head of 36 cavalry and 144 infantry: and in ten years that
empire was divided among his followers. In 1543 the first
Spanish viceroy appeared in Peru.

In North America the epochs of discovery were more
slow.

In 1497, Giovanni Gaboto, a Venetian, called by the Eng.
lish John Cabot, who had received a commission from Henry
VII., in the view of tracing a nearer passage to India,
discovered Newfoundland, so called by his sailors; and in-
spected the American shore as far as Virginia: but this land
forming merely an obstacle to his wishes, he returned to
England.

In ISOO, Corte de Real, a Portuguese captain, in search of
a north-west passage, discovered Labrador, which he appears
to have so called from the seeming industry of the natives.
Florida was discovered by Ponce, a Spanish captain, in 1613.
The powerful kingdom of France had hitherto taken no
sliare in these discoveries ; but in 1524, Francis I. sent Vere-
zano, a Florentine, who examined a great part of the coast of
North America.

In 1534, Francis I. sending a fleet from St. Maloes, to esta-
blish a settlement in North America, Cartier the commander,
on the day of St. Lawrence, discovered the great gulf and river
to which he gave the name of that saint. In the following
year he sailed about 300 leagues up this noble stream to a great
cataract, built a fort, and called the country New France.

The Spanish captain Soto proceetled in 1589 from Cuba to
complete the conquest of Florida. He travelled northward to
about lat 35 deg., but died in 1542, and was buried on the
bank of the river Mississippi.

In 1540i Jean de la Roque, lord of Roberual, a gentleman
of Picardy, was appointed lieutenant-general of the new lands
of Canada, Hochelaga, and Saguenay, who soon returned
without success. Koherual again went in 1543. In 1556 the
French also attempted a settlement in Brazil. The industrious,
and venerable Ilakluyt has published the accounts of these
F^viuh voyages; and though merely a private clergyman,
pi I Imps (lid more than any potentate to promote a shnilar spi-

OF AMERICA.

rit in England. The other French voyages during this cen-
tury were of little moment.

It will now be proper to consider the progress of the chief
settlements.

In 1576, Frobisher, in search of a north-west passage, dis*
covered the straits which retain his name.

In 1578, Sir Humphrey Gilbert obtained a patent for set-
tling lands in America; and, in 1583, he discovered and took
possession of the harbour of St. John and the country to th«
south, but was lost on his return. The voyage of Drake round
the world served to kindle the enthusiasm of the English ; and
Raleigh obtained a patent similar to that of Gilbert.

Two small vessels dispatched by Raleigh in 1584 unfortu-
nately bent their course to that coontry now called North Ca-.
rolina, instead of reaching the noble bays of Chesapeake or
Delawar. They touched at an island, probably Ocakoki, si-
tuated on the inlet into Pamlico sound; and afterwards at
Roanoke, near the mouth of Albemarle sound. These vessels
returned to England, with two of the natives ; and Elizabeth
assigned to this region the name of Virginia, an appellation
which became laxly applied to the British settlements in North
America, till it was confined to a different country from th«
original Virginia.

In 1585, Raleigh sent a small colony, under the command
of Sir Richard GrenviUe, who settled in the isle of Roanoke, a
most incommodious and useless station, whence they returned
m 1586. He m^de other unsuccessful attempts to colonize
the country, and afterwards resigned his patent to some mer-
chants, who were contented with a petty traffic. At the death
of Elizabeth, 1603, there was not one Englishman settled in
America ; and the Spaniards and Portuguese alone had formed
any establishment on that vast continent.

The venerable Hakluyt, anxious that his countrymen should
partake of the benefit of colonies, procured an association of
men of rank and talents for this purpose; and a patent was
granted by James I., April the lOth, 1606, that monarch be-
mg wholly unconscious that he was about to establish an inde-
pendent and mighty empire. The bay of Chesapeake wag

GENERAL VIEW

%
,■5

<iitt«wered in 1607 ; and the firet lasting settlemeat v/as tbund-
ed at James Town, in modern Virginia. Captwn Smith, who
•fterwards pabliBhed an acoouat of his voyages, displayed re-
markable spirit and enterprise : yet the colony was about to
«*ura to England when lord Delawar arrived in 1610 ; and
though he remained only a short time, yet his prudent conduct
^miy established the settlement.

The dieooveiy and progress of the other English settlements
will be noticed whera we come to the desa^rtion of the difFereirt
Ameriom states. Here k may be sufficient briefly to state the
epochs flxf a few other remarkable discoveries, rather uncon-
nected with these settlements. In 1685, John Davis, an ex-
perienced tjavigator, visited the western coast of Greenland,
and explored the narrow sea, absurdly enough called Davis's
strait, whHe it is as wide as the Baltic. On anothop voyage he
proceeded as far north as the island of Di^o, and the opposite
shores of Greenknd, which he named London coast. He also
dwcowered Cumberland strait ; €md, upon the whole, the three
voyages of this nav^ator are of great consequence. His fur-
thest point of discovery appears to have been Sanderson's
Hope, lat. 78deg., whence turning to the west he was impeded
by ^elds of ice.

In 1607, Hudson made his first voyage ; and is said to have
proceeded along the eastern coast of Greenland as far as lat. 82
deg. ; but probably not above lat. 80 deg., or the furthest ex-
tremities of Spitzbergen. On his voyage in 1610, Hudson
discovered the straits which bear his name ; and that inland
aea, approaching the Baltic m size, which has, however, been
oaUed Hudson's bay.

In 1616, some public-spirited gentlemen sent captain Bilot
to attempt a north-west passage. William Baffin sailed w ith
him as pilot : and this voyage is one of the most singular in
the 'vhole circle of geography. He is said to have proceeded
in an inland narrow sea as far as 78 deg. ; though the accurate
amd learned Pinkerton doubts the fact. Some curious disco-
veries have, however, been just made in the arctic seas by
captain Ross, who fell in with a party of Indians that were
so ignorant of the world, and the existence of other men.

OF AMERICA.

v/as found-
>niith, yrbo
splayed re-
8 about to
L610; and
nt conduct

ettlemeotB
e difFerent
> state the
er uncon-
is, an ex-
rreenland,
d Davis^s
iToyage he
i opposite

He also
the three

His fur-
nderson^s
impeded

1 to have
as lat. 82
thest ex-
Hudson
t inland
er, been

in fiilot
led M ith
gular in
oceeded
accurate
IS disco-
seas by
lat were
;r menj

as to suppose that the Enghsh hnd descended from the
moon !

Mr. Hearne, under the direction of the Hudson's bay com-
pany, in an expedition which lasted from the 7th of Decemb^,
1770, to the 30th of June, 1772, proceeded from Prince of
Wales's fort, on the Churchill river, in lat. 58 deg. 47J min.
north, and long. 94 deg. 7^ min. west of Greenwich, to the
mouth of the Copper-mine river, which, according to some
accounts, is in lat. 72 deg north, and long. 119 deg. west from
Greenwich ; but is laid down by others in lat. 69 deg. north,
and long. 112 deg. west from Greenwich. But the Hudson's
bay company, acting upon a contracted policy, did not render
all those services to the subject of American geography which
might have been expected. The enterprising spirit, however,
of certain Canadian traders, afterwards united under the name
of the North-west company, amply supplied the deficiency.
Prior to the year 1789, they had extended riieir discoveries
and estal V iauents along the munerous lakes and rivers situ-
ated nc il M' that high tract of country whicl) divides the
Mississippi and Missouri waters from those which run towards
the north and east, to within a short distance of the Rocky
mountains.

In the sununer of the year 1789, Mr. M'Kenzie made a
voyage from fort Chcpavyan, on the lake of the Hills, in lat.
58 deg. 40 min. north, and long 110 deg. 30 min. west from
Greenwich, by the way of the Hare river, Hare lake, and a
river by which this lake discharges its waters, since called
M'Kenzie's river, to the mouth of that river, where it falls
into the North sea, in lat. 69 deg. 14 min. north, and long.
135 deg. west from Greenwich.

Mr. M'Kenzie again, in the year 1793, penetrated from an
establishment on the Peace river, in lat. 56 deg. 49 min. north,
and long. 117 deg. 35 min. west from Greenwich, to the Pacific
ocean, in lat. 52 deg. 24 min. north, and long. 128 deg. 2 min.
west from Greenwich.

By the discoveries above alluded to, and those occasionallv
made during the rapid settlement of the country and the pro-
gresf >i' enterprise, the principal divisions of this northern con-

8« GENERAL VIEW

tinent have been explored and become known. The unknown
and unexplored countries (except so far as the surveys made
by navigators of the coast of the Pacific ocean, and the imper-
fect accounts of the travellers who have ascended the Missouri,
have furnished information) comprehend the tract enclosed by
this ne, containing, in breadth, 1000 miles, and in length
about 1800 miles in a direct line ; and, by the way of the
Missouri and Columbia rivers, nearly twice that distance.

In the year 1804, the American government sent out a corps
of discovery under the command of captains Lewis and Clarke,
of the ermy of the United States. They passed from the
mouth of the Missouri, through the interior parts of North
America, to the Pacific ocean, and have materially illustrated
the geography of that river. Major Pike, in 1805, successfully
explored the course of the Mississippi, and in a second expe-
dition, penetrated the interior of Louisiana, surveying the
whole of those majestic waters which rise in the rocky moun-
tains of that district, and run westward into the Missouri and
Mississippi. The recent and splendid contributions of M.
Humboldt to our scientific information respecting the equinoc-
tial regions can hardly be ranked with the expeditions of dis-
covery above mentioned ; but we shall not fail to avail ourselves
of them in the progress of this work.

Inhabitants. — The next topic which occurs is the ancient
population ; but our knowledge of the American languages is
still so imperfect, that the subject is involved in great doubts.
None of the native nations of America displays the smallest
trace of the oblique eyes, and other remarkable features, by
which the inhabitants of eastern Asia are distinguished. Far
from this, Pallas, Lessops, Tooke, and other skilful enquirers,
have pronounced that the Techuks and Koriaks undoubtedly
proceeded from America, as they have not one Asiatic li-
neament.

It is to be regretted tiial, neither in North nor South Ame-
rica, have the languages hccni couiparcd, analysed, and classed,
as has been done Avith reoard to the numerous tribes subject
to Russia and China, iience, instead of solid knowledge, we
are overwhelmed with petty dislinctions, and names without

OF AMERICA.

ideas. Upon one point only do investigators seem to be agreed,
that the friendly and helpless people in the furthest north,
called Esquimaux, are the same race with the Samoieds of
Asia, and Laplanders of Enrope. These, with tlie Peruvians
and Mexicans, Dr. Forster chuses to consider as strangers who
have settled in America.

•The curious question concerning the population of America,'
says Pinkerton, 'can only be duly examined after the various
dialects have been compared with those of Africa ; for to those
of Europe or Asia they certainly bear no resemblance. To
trace the population from the north of Asia, not to mention
the positive contradiction of facts, would be an unnecessary
restriction of the subject, as the progeny of so cold a latitude
is ever found rare^ feeble, and unenterprising; while if we'
consider the proximity of Africa, and the many co])per colour-
ed nations which are there to be found, there will be little rea-
son to hesitate concerning the i)rogress of the Africans to
America, as well as to New Holland. This resource alone
remains; for it has already been seen t!iat the lanoua"0 of the
Malays, who extended themselves so far to the oast of Asia,
has no connexion with that of the Americans Amidst the
wonderous dreams of antiipiaries, it is surprising that none has
attempted to prove that the Mexicans and Peruvians were de-
scendants of the Carthagenians, who fled to the Heaperides in
their abhorrence of the lloman yoke.'

Dr. Robertson has enumerated several strong reasons which
render it highly probable that America was not peopled from
any civilised part of the ancient continent. He supposes that
the Esquimaux proceeded from the north-west of Europe, and
the other inhabitants of America from the north-east of Eu-
rope. This supposition is corroborat«Hl by the ingenious cap-
tain Burney, who considers Reering's strait not as the separation
of two groat continents, but merely as the entrance to a vast
bay. Mr. Bailey, the astronomer, who, with captain Burney,
accompanied the celebrated Cook in his voyage of discovery
northward, also conceives that Beering's straits is an inland
sea. This opinion of the actual junction of the Old and New
World simplifies the question of how the latter was peopled ;

Q4i

GENERAL VIEW, &c.

iii

unless it be found, on investigating the American languages,
that they have, as Mr. Pinkerton conjectures, originated in
Africa.

The present population of this immense continent does not
probably exceed thirty-^ix millions; by which calculation
North America will contain twenty milliofis, and South Ame-
rica sixteen millions.

Having exhibited all the great features of American geo,
graphy, it now remains to turn our attention to that most im-
portant portion of the North American continent called the
UNION. Observations which cannot with propriety be intro-
duced in a General View, will be inserted when we come to
treat of the respective states and territories that compose this
colossal empire.

guages,
lated in

loes not
culation
h Ame-

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DESCRIPTION

OF THE

PHYSICAL FEATURES,
CLIMATE, AND NATURAL PRODUCTIONS

OF THE

UNITED STATES.

Boundaries. JN the treaty of peace, concluded in 1783, the
limits of the United States are thus defined : —
♦ And that all disputes which might arise In future on the sub-
ject of the boundaries of the said United States may be pre-
vented, it is hereby agreed and declared, that the following are
and shall be their boundaries, viz. From the north-west angle
of Nova Scotia, viz. That angle which is formed by a line
drawn due north from the source of St. Croix river to the
highlands, along the said highlands, which divide those rivers
that empty themselves into the river St. Lawrence, from those
which fall into the Atlantic ocean, to the north-westernmost
head of Connecticut river ; thence down along the middle of
that river to the forty-fifth degree of north latitude ; from
thence by a line due west on said latitude, until it strikes the
river Iroquois or Cataraquy ; thence along the middle of the
said river into lake Ontario, through the middle of said lake,
until it strikes the communication by water between that lake
and lake Erie ; thence along the middle of said communication
into lake Erie, through the middle of said lake, until it ar-
rives at the water communication between that lake and lake
Huron ; thence through the middle of smd lake to the water

VIEW OF THE

!^'

communication between that lake and lake Superior; thence
through lake Superior northward of the isles Koyal and Phil-
lipeaux to the Long lake ; thence through the middle of said
Long lake, and the water communication between it and the
lake of the Woods to the said lake of the Woods ; thence
through the said lake to the most north-western point thereof,
and from thence, on a due west course, to the river Mississippi ;
thence by a line to be drawn along the middle of said river
Mississipjji, until it shall intersect the northernmost part of the
thirty-first degree of north latitude. South, by a line to be
drawn due east from the determination of the line last men-
tioned, in the latitude of thirty-one degrees north of the equa-
tor, to the middle of the river Apuiachicola, or Catahouche ;
thence along the middle thereof to its junction with the Flint
river ; thence straight to the head of St. Mary's river ; and
thence down along the middle of St. Mary's river to the At-
lantic ocean. East, by a line to be drawn along the middle of
the river St. Croix, from its mouth in the bay of Fundy to its
source; and from its source directly nordi, to the aforesaid
highlands, which divide the rivers that fall into the Atlantic
ocean from those which fall into the river St. Lawrence, com-
prehending all islands within twenty leagues of any part of
the shores of the United States, and lying betwocn lines to be
drawn due east from the points where the aforesaid boundaries
l)etween Nova Scotia on the one part, and East Florida on the
other, shall respectively touch the bay of Fundy and the At-
lantic ocean, excepting such isles as now are, or heretofore
have been, within the limits of the said province of Nova Scotia.'
Eivtent.—The United States are situated between 25 deg.
50 min. and 49 deg. 37 min. north lat., and between 10 deg.
east and 48 deg. 20 min. west long, from Washington. The
most northern part is bounded by a line running due west from
the north-west corner of the lake of the Woods, and the south-
ern extremity is the outlet of the Rio del Norte. The eastern
extremity is the Great Menan island, on the coast of Maine ;
and the western extremity is cape Flattery, north of Colum-
bia river, on the Pacific ocean. Their greatest extent, from
north to south, is 1700 miles, and from east to west, 2700.

UNITED STATES.

Their surface covers more than 2,500,000 square miles, or
1,600,000,000 acres.

In 1788, the number of square acres in the United States
amounted to 283,800,000, of which only about 1,250,000
were cultivated ; and in 1808 to 600,000,000, of which about
2,500,000 were in a high state of cultivation. At the present
time, the American writers estimate them at the enormous in-
crease of 1,600,000,000 acres. Of this it can only be remark-*
ed, that the accession of Louisiana and the lands cleared
westward hardly account for so vast an addition of territory.

Div'isions. — There appear to be now nineteen United States
of North America, including Indiana, and six Territorial Go-
vernments, so called, as not being yet regularly organized into
states, but under the general government of the Union ; dis-
tributed into the following four grand divisions ;

I. T?ie NortJiern, New England, or Eastern States.

Vermont,

New Hampshire,

Massachusetts, including

the District of Maine ;
Rhode Island)
Connecticut.

II. The Middle States.

New York,
New Jersey,
Pennsylvania,

Delaware,

Ohio,

Indiana.

III. The Southern States.

Maryland,
Virginia,
Kentucky,
North Carolina,

South Carolina,
Georgia,
Tennessee,
Louisiana.

IV. Territorial Governments.

District of Columbia,
Mississippi Territory,
Missouri ditto.

Illinois Territory,
Michagan ditto.
North-west ditto.

VIEW OF THK

The folktwing table will shew the extent of territory within
the Union, and the inc-rease of population which has taken
place during twenty-seven recent years.

States.

Square MiU-s.

Number of InliabitantH.

1790. 1 IHIT.

Vermont -
New Hampshire
Maine - \
Massachusetts J
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Delaware -
Maryland -
Virginia - \
Kentucky - J
North Carolina -
South Carolina -
Georgia

Western Territories
Districtof Columbia
Tennessee -
Ohio

Louisiana -
Indiana
Mississippi
Illinois Territory
Michagan ditto
Missouri ditto

10,000

9,800

31,750

8,500

1,700

4,500

54,000

6,500

48,700

1,800

14,000

75,000

5^,000

49,000

32,700

64,000

100
63,000
45,000
49,000
38,000
55,000
66,000
47,500
1,987,000

85,539
141,885

96,540
378,787

68,825
237,946
340,120
184,139
434,373

69,094
319,728
747,610

73,677
393,751
240,073

82,548

35,691

296,450
302,733
318,(;i.7
564,392
98,721
319,568

1,486,739
345,822
986,494
108,334
502,710

1,347,496
683,753
701,224
564,785
408,567

37,892
489,624
394,752
108,923

86,734
104,550

39,000
9,743

68,794

Total -

2,814,550

3,929,336

10,405,547

In estimating the extent of such immense regions, accuracy
is not attainable ; but perhaps the above calculation may not
be far from the truth. However, after making every reasona-
ble deduction, the survey before us offers matter for reflections

UNITED STATES.

the most consolntory and hnprossive. England contains one
luuidrcd and eighty persons to a scjuarc milo ; and when the
territories at present comprchetided in tlio Union shall hea.nie
equally populous, the population will amount to Jive hundred
millions! while few writers on Statistics have vewtured to esti-
mate the inhabitants of Europe at more than one hundred and
seventy millions. This shews the futility of the European
royal associations for the purpose of impeding the march of
knowledge, and of restoring the age of ignorance and supersti-
tion. The people of the Western Hemisphere will soon be
qualified, whatever may happen in the Old World, to support
and defend the ark of science and liberty.

Climate. — The climate of the United territories, as already
mentioned, is chiefly remarkable for suddiu transitions from
heat to cold, and the contrary. The wind from the north-east
is violently cold, as it passes a wide expanse of the frozen con-
tinent. In the plains on the cast of the Apalachian chain the
summer heats are immoderate ; and in some places even ice
will not preserve poultry or fish from putrefaction. Towards
the mountains the climate is salutary, even in the southern
states, as is evinced by the bloom of the damsels in the back
settlements of Virginia. In the northern states the winter is
longer and more severe than in England, hut the summer heat
more intense. A north-east wind commonly attends rain,
while on the west side of the Apalachian mountains a south-
west has that efl'cct. In Georgia the winter is very mild, snow
being seldom seen, and the east wind is there the wannest.

This excessive heat of the i)lains must be regarded as one
cause of that fatal pestilential malady called the yellow fever,
which first appeared at Philadelphia In 1793, and "has since tod
frequently repeated its ravages in various cities of the com-
monwealth. Several medical men have treated this subject
with considerable care and ability, but do not seem to have
examined whether any similar disease was Ixtore known on
tire continent, and what method of cure was practised. Alzate,
in his fugitive remarks on the natural history of Mexico, has
mentioned an epidemical distemper, called in the Mexican lan-
guage matlazahualt ; but at Vera Cruz, Carthagena, and other

i'l'

VIEW OF THE

places, known by the name of the black ^7'\' J'^;;;':!;!
ihief scnurpe of the kingdom of Mexico. In 173b and 17. 7
it swept away alcove one-third of the inhabitants ot the capital ;
and in 1761 and 176a it almost depopulited the kmgdom.
Alzate thinks that this disorder proceeds from the bile mixing
will, the blood, the patient often bleeding at the nose and
mo- ith ; and a relapse is extremely dangerous. He dissuades
purgatives and bleedin,., as when used for other disorders they
superinduce the matlarMhualt, which in Mexico always begun
among the Indians, and was chiefly confined to them May
not this disorder be as much allied with the yellow fever as
the black and yellow javmdice ? The Spanish physicians might
at any rate be consulted, as they have long been accustome<i to
the American maladies ; and it is hoped that this hint may not
be unsubservient to the interests of Ivimanity.

AVa.vw.»- The seasons in the United Slates generally cor-
respond with those in Europe, but not with the equality to be
exiLcled on a continent; as, even during the summer hea s,
sinole days will occur which require the warmth of a hre. 1 he
latiUide of Labrador corresponds «ilh that of Stockholm, and
that of Canada with France ; but what a wide difference m the
temperature ! Even the estuary of the Delaware is generally
frozen for six weeks every winter. Nor does the western coast
of North America seem warmer than the eastern. 1 he nume-
rous forests, and wide expanses of fresh water, perhaps contn-
bate to this comparative coldness of the chmate, wluch may
m-adually yield to the progress of population and industry. In
fact, a favourable change in the climate is already very per
centible In the oldest cultivated parts of the country, the
cX\ in winter has sensibly decreased, the 5«iow has dmnmshed,
and the frosts are neither so severe nor of so long a continuance

""' Fa7<fihe Country.-Tho face of these extensive territories
is not so minutely diversified as might have been expected the
features of nature being here on a larger and more umform
scale than in Europe. Nor are there any scenes of classical or
historical reminiscence, which transport the mmd to remote
centuries, and impart a crowd of relative ideas. The abun.

UNITED STATES.

dance of tiinlM?r, and tlio diversity of the foliage, contribute
greatly to enrich tht- landscape ; hut it is here reputed n weed,
and the planter seldom spares trees near his habitation, as the
r(K>ts having no great room to spread or penetrate, they would
be dangerous during a violent wind. ' What a beautiful
country, not disgraced by a single tree,'' is an idea purely
American. The landscape is less ennobled by lofty mountains
than by rivers of great magnitude; and is fr^iuently injured
by the barren aspect of large rields, which have ba-n exhausted
by the culture of tobacco, and which scarcely produce a weed
or a pile of grass. The northern provinces, called New Eng-
land, are generally hilly, us they approach llie skirts of the
Apalachian chain, which has, by ."'■ xrilit situilituile, been called
the spme of the l ' nited territo' y. The vales in these northern
regions are thickly clothed wi h wood, . vx\ often pervaded by
considerable rivers; and marr u-(nantt> eilscades are formed
by x'ivulets falling from the reck w'.'It; towards the shore the
land is level and sandy. In Virguiia, a central state, the Blue
mountains, and other ridges of the Apclachian, add great
charms and variety to the prospect, which is further enlivened
by many beautil'ul plants aiul birds, particularly the hunmiing
bird, sucking the honey of various flowers, and rapidly glanc-
ing in the sun its indescribable hues of green, purple, and gold.
Here a plain from 1.50 to 200 miles in breadth, reaching from
the mountains to the sea, is studded with the villas of rich
proprietors, the ancient hospitable country gentlemen of the
United States. Similar levels appear in the Carolinas and
Georgia. IJeyond the Apalachian ridges extends another rich
plain of amazing size, pervaded by the muddy waves of the
Mississippi, which does not appear to be table land, but on
nearly the smne level with the eastern plain. In Kentucky
the surfiice is agreeably waved with gentle swells, reposing on
a vast .bed of limestone ; and a track of about twenty miles
along the Ohio is broken into small hills and narrow vales.

Soil. — The soil, though of various descriptions, is generally
fertile, often, on the east of 'he Blue mountains, a rich brown
loamy earth, sometimes a yellowish clay, which becomes more
and more sandy towards the sea. Sometimes there are consi-

VIEW OF THE

r*^'i

clcrahlo marshes, and what are called salt meadows, and spots
called barrens, which, even in the original forests, are found to
be bai-e of trees for a considerable space. On the west of the
Apalachian chain the soil is also generally excellent ; and in
Kentucky some spots are deemed too rich for wheat, but the
product may amount to sixty bushels an acre : and about six
feet below the surface there is commonly a bed of hmestone.
The vales in the northern states are also very jjrotluclive.

Agriculture. — In agriculture the Americans are well skilled,
and arc eager to adopt the advantages of English experience.
It is computed that thrcc-tburths of the inhabitants of the
United States are employctl in agriculture. This free and vi-
gorous yeomanry may well be regarded as the chief glory of
any state; and commerce will impart sufficient opulence to
enable them to promote every possible improvement. In the
year 1816, the value of agricultural pmducts exporlfrd amount-
ed to the sum oi' Jifty-three miUhm.i, three hundred and fifty-
four thousand dollars. Ikit this subject must be reserved
until we come to treat of the present state and resources of the
I Jniok, when it will receive an attention commensurate with
its vast importance.

Rivers. — The chief rivers in the United Stfrtes have already
been described in the brief general view of North America ;
but a few additional particulars may be here noticed, and an
account given of those of a more confined course, which parti-
cularly belong to the United territory.

The Mimssippi generally affords fifteen feet of water, from
the mouth of the Missouri to that of the Ohio ; but, in time of
flushes, a first-rate man-of-war may descend with safety. The
mean velocity of its current may be computed to be four miles
an hour. Its breadth is va sous, from one and a half to two
miles : its mouth is divided into several channels, which continu-
ally change their directiou and depth. The ArTiansaw, which
runs into this migkty river, has been recently explored by major
Pike, who computes its course, from its junction with the Mis-
sissippi, ab ;,it north lut. .'J4 (leg. 10 min., to the mountains, at
1<)81 niiios. jiiid thence to its source, 192 additional miles. It
leceivcs sc < ral rivers, navigable for upwards of 100 miles.

UNITED STATES.

The Missouri, with its eastern branches, waters five-eighths
of the United States. It rises in the Rocky nioiuilains to the
north-west of Louisiana, in north hit. 45 deg. 24 niiu., and
reckoning from its most extreme branch, the JeH'erson, joins
the Mississippi after a course of above 3000 miles, in west
long. 90 deg. and north lat. 39 deg., wlien, forming one mighty
stream, they pursue their way conjointly to the gulf of Mexico.

The Ohio, less sublime and majestic in its course than those-
already noticed, is also less interrupted in its navigation. Its
general breadth is about 600 yards ; but it varies from 300 in
the narrowest to 1200 in the widest part. The coicse of the
Ohio, from fort Pitt to its junction with the Mississippi, fol-
lowing all its windings, is, by Morse and other Aniericiin geo-
graphers, computed at 1188 miles. This river commences at
the junction of the Alleghany and Monongehala rivers. It
has been described as, beyond competition, the most beautiful
river in the world : its meandering course through an immense
region of forests ; its elegant banks, which afford innumerable
delightful situations for cities, villages, and improved farms;
with its various other advantages, well entitle it lo the name
originally given it by the Fi-ench of ' La belle Riviere: Since
that period, the Ohio has greatly improved both in beauty and
utility. The inunense forests which once lined its banks have
gradually receded; cultivation smiles along its borders; nu-
merous villages and towns decorate its shores ; and it is not
extravagant to suppose that the time is not far distant when its
entire margin will form one continued series of villages and
towns. Vast tracts of fine country have comnuuiication with
the Ohio, by means of its tributary navigable waters ; extraor-
dinary fertility, marks the river bottoms; and the superior
excellence of its navigation has made it the channel through
which the various productions of the most extensive and fertile
parts of the United States are already sent to market. At its
commencement at Tittsport, or Pittsburg, it takes a north-west
course for about twenty-five miles; then turns gradually to
west-south-WL'st ; and having pursued that coursi; for about
500 miies, winds to the south-wci^t for nenily KiO miles; then
turns to the west for about 2(50 miles more ; thence south-west

VIEW OF THE

i '

for 160, and empties itself into the Mississippi in a south di-
rection, nearly 1200 miles below Pittsburg. In times of high
freshes, and during the flow of ice and snow from the Alle-
ghany and other mountains, vessels of almost any tonnage may
descend this river : it is never so low but that it may be navi-
gated by canoes, and other light craft not drawing more than
twelve inches water. The highest floods are in spring, when
the river rises forty-five feet ; the lowest are in summer, wlien
it sinks to twelve inches at the bars, ripples, and shoals, where
waggons, carts, &c. frequently pass over.

The largest stream that flows into the Ohio is the Tennessee
river, whose remotest sources are in Virginia, iiorth lat. 'i^
ileg. 10 min. It runs about 1000 English miles south and
south-south-west, receiving considerable accessions of minor
waters on each side, and then turning circuitously northward,
blends itself with the Ohio at about 60 miles from the mouth
of that river. It is navigable for vessels of large burden to the
flistance of 250 miles from its junction with the Ohio.

The Alleg'ftamj nver rises in Pennsylvania, on the western
side of the Alleghany mountains ; and after running about 200
miles in a south-west direction, meets the Monongehala at
Pittsburg, and the united streams now form the Ohio. In
this course it is increased by many tributary streams. Few
rivers exceed the Alleghany for clearness of water and rapidity
of current. It seldom i'ails to mark its course across the mouth
of the Monongehala, in the highest freshes or floods, the water
of the latter bemg very muddy, that of the former very clear.
In liigh floods, the junction of these rivers presents a pleasing
view ; the Moiiungehala fl«)wiug sometimes full of ice, the Al-
leghany transparent and free. Its banks arc delightfully in-
terspersed with cultivated farms and increasing towns. In a
ooiu'se of 80 miles, however, from a place called EnvaltV De-
feat to Freeport, it is full of eddies, rapids, rocks, and other
dangers, to avoid which requires the utmost attention. In
some of the rijiplcs the water runs at the rate of ten miles an
hour; and a Ijoat will go at the rate of twelve miles, without
any other assistance than the steering oar. The waters of this
river are recommended by the medical practitioners of Pitts-

UNITED STATES.

hxirg, both for the purjjoses of bathino; and of drinking ; but
the peciliar mcdicinMl (lualities of the Allcghnny water are,
pei-haps, more to be attributed to the faitli of those who use it'
than to any inherent character of superior salubrity.

The MonongeJmla river rises at the foot of the Laurel
mountain, in Virginia ; thence, through various meanderings,

(passes into Pennsylvania, receiving in its course the Cheat and
Yougheogheny rivers, and many smaller streams. It has al-
ready been stated that this rivor unites with the Alleghany at
Pittsburg. Twelve or Hfteen miles from its mouth, it'is about
300 yards wide, and is navigable for boats and small craft,
particularly in autumn and spring, when it is generally covered
with what are called trading and family boats; the former
loaded with flour, cider, whiskey, apples, and various kinds of
wrought materials; the latter carrying furniture, domestic
utensils, and agi-icultural instruments, destined lor Kentucky
and New Orleans.

Another principal river of North America, and the most
considerable one in the eastern states, is the Conmctkut. It
rises in the highlands to the south of \ew I^runswit^ west
long. 7« deg. and north lat. 4.5 d^g. 10 min. After a h . .'ring
course of eight or ;<n miles, it has fbur separate falls; and
turnmg west, keeps dose under the hills which fbrm the
northern boundary of the vale through which it runs. The
Amonoosack and Israel rivers, two j)rincipal branches of the
Comiecticut, fall into it from the east, between the latitudes 44
and 45 deg. IJetween the towns of Walpole on the east and
Westmmster on the west side of the river, are the Great falls.
The whole river, compressed between two rocks, scarcely thirty
feet asunder, shoots nith amazit,g rapidity into a broad basin
below. Over th.se falls, a bridge, KJO feet in length, was
built m 1784, under which the highest floods may pass with-
out ddliculty. This is the first bridge that was erected over
this noble river. Above Dcerfield, in Massachusetts, it re-
aves Feerfield river from the west, and Miller's river from
the east; after which it turns westerly, in a sinuous course, to
iMghtmg falls, and a little after tumbles over Deerfield falls
which are impassible by boats. At Windsor, in this state \t

VIEW OF THE

receives Farmington river from the west; and at Hartford
meets the tide. From Hartford it passes on in a crooked
course, until it falls into Long island sound, between Saybrook
and Lyme. The length of this river, in a straight line, is nearly
300 miles. It is from 80 to 100 rods wide, 130 miles from its
mouth, where there is a bar of sand, which considerably ob-
structs its navigation. On this beautiful river,, whose banks
are peopled almost, if not now entirely, to its source, stand
numerous well-built towns.

Charles River has its sources, five or six in number, in the
state of Massachusetts, on the south-east side of Hopkinton
and HoUiston ridge. The main stream runs north-east, then
north and north-eastwardly, round this ridge, until it mingles
with Mother-brook. The river thus formed runs westward,
passing over numerous romantic falls. Bending to the north-
east and east, through Watertown and Cambridge, and pass-
ing into Boston harbour, it mingles with the waters of the
Mystic river at the point of tlie peninsula of Charlestown. It
is navigable for boats to Watertown, seven miles.

Taunton River rises in the Blue mountains, forming the
p icipal drain of the country lying east of those mountains.
Its course is about SO miles from north-east to south-west;
and is navigable for vessels to Taunton. It finally empties
into Narragauset bay, at Tiverton, The rivers Concord,
Mystk, Medford, Ipswich, and many others, contribute to the
beauty and commercial interests of Massachusetts.

To the state of New York belongs the noble stseam called
Hudson River, and frec|iiently North River. It rises in a
mountainous country, between the lakes Ontario and Cham-
plain. In its course, south-easterly, it approaches within six
or eight miles of lake George; then, after a short course east,
tui-ns southerly, and receives the Sacondago from the south-
west, within a few miles of the Mohawk river. The course of
the river thence to New York, where it enipties itself into
York bay, is almost uniformly south. Its whole length is
about iioO miles.

Tho banks of Hudson, or North river, especially on the
i\ tstcrn side, as far as the highlands extend, are chiefly rock\

UNITED STATES.

cliffs. The passage through the highlands, which is sixteen or
eighteen miles, affords a wild romantic scene. In this narrow
pass, on each side of which the mountains tower to a great
height the wind, if there be any, is collected and compressed,
and blows continually as through a bellows: vessels, in pass-
mg through It, are often compelled to lower their sails. The
bed of this river, which is deep and smooth to an astonishinff
distance through a hilly, rocky country, and even through
ndgos of some of the highest mountains of the United States,
must undoubtedly have been produced by some mighty con
vulsion of nature. The tide flows a iew miles above Albany •
to which place it is navigable for sloops of eighty tons, and for
ships to Hudson. About 60 miles above New York the water
becomes fresh, and is stored with fish of various kinds The
advanta^s which this river affords to the inland trade of the
state, and those which, by means of the lakes, it renders to the
trade with Canada, are very great. These have been consi,
derably enhanced since the invention of steam-boats, of which
there are several, of amazing size, on this river, on which that
memorable invention was first successfully tried, in the year
1807. Some of them, though equal in length to a ship of the
hne travel through the Narrows, and along the whole course
of this nver from New York to Albany, at the rate of seven or
eight miles an hour, against wind aud tide. The distance it
IS said, has been run down the stream in seventeen hours • for
merly an uncertain voyage of three or four days, or even I
week or two, according to the state of the winds and tides
The average time is twenty-four hours. Ferry-boats, propel'
led by steam, and so constructed that carriages drive in and
out at pleasure, may be observed at every lai^e town on Z
fine river. These convenient vehicles are likel, to supersede
the use of bridges on navigable waters. They are, in fact a
sort of flymg-bridge, with this advantage over the numerous
and costly structures of that kind which now span the bro d
sui ace of the Sus,uehannah, in the interior of^entvh^'
-they do not require such expensive repairs; thev may be
secured from the effects of sudden floods; and, wh^t is of far
more importance, they present no obstruction to navigation

I I

VIEW OF THE

The growing population jf the fertile lands upon the northern
brai:t? -sof the Hudson must annually increase the amazing
wedth that is conveyed by its waters to New York. In al-
most every point of view, this river is one of the greatest utility
in the United States.

The Onondago river nses in a lake of the same mm, aad,
running westerly, falls inta lake Ontario, at Oswego. With
the exception of a fall, which occasions a portage oi twenty
yards, this riv >r is navigable lor boats from its mouth to the
head of the lake; thence barieaux go up Wood cr&.'v, almost
to fort Stauwix, whence tlieiX; is a ^^cKaga of a mile to Mo-
hawk river. Towards the head waters of thi" river salmon
me caught in great quantities.

The Mohazok riv- v rises to the northward of foil Stanwix,
about ei^ii' miles from Sable river, a water of lake Ontario*
and runs ; nitb,.Jy 50 miles to the fort; then eastward 110
miles, and, uitev if t.vi\ iisg inany tributary streams, falls into
North river, i.y Jree mouths, opposite to the cities <,f Lausin-
burg anil l'ii.y, from seven to ten miles north of Albany.
This is a very fine river, and is navigable for boats iu'arly the
whole of its course. Its banks were formerly thickly settled
with Indians, but now cultivation and civilization have ren-
dered its course a busy scene of mercantile pursuit and in-
creasing population.

The Delaware, the Susqiiehanmh, Tyoga, Seneca, Genesse,
and the north-east branch of the AllegJtany river, all belong to
the state of New York ; and such is the intersection of the
whole state, by the various branches of these and other rivers,
that there are few places, throughout its whole extent, that are
more than fifteen or twenty miles from a navigable stream.

The river Savannah divides the state of Georgia from South
Carolina, and pursues a course nearly from north-west to
south-east. The freshes of this river will sometimes rise from
thirty to forty feet perpendicular above the actual level of the
stream.

The New Piscataqua, having four extensive branches, all
of them navigable fur small vessels, furnishes the cor/tnience-
nient of a line, which, drawn from its northern head. i>>i.t>l it

With

r^o.,

UNITED STATES.

meets the boundary of the province of Quebec, divides New
Hampshire from the province of Maine. The Mtrrimak, re-
markable for two considerable falls, AmasVaig and Pantucket,
bears that name from its mouth to the confluence of the Pemi-
gewasset and Winipisikee rivers, which unite in about lat, 43
deg. 30 min. The first of these rivers forms the only port of
New Hampshire. Great Bay spreads out from Pjscataqua
river, between Portsmoudi and Exeter.

Columbia River is the principal stream which has been ex-
plored on the uorth-west coast of Aincricu. It is called, by
the Indians, Tacoutche-Tesj;e, and is formed by innumerable
streams fronj the Rocky mountains, rising bLtwecn the 43d
and 53d deg. of north lat. The piincipal stream has a course
of 700 British miles to the ocean, which it enters at north lat.
4(> deg.

Cataracts.— Some of the chief wonders of this western he-
misphere are found in its cataracts, or falls, which do not con-
siht of single streams precipitated from hill to vale in picturesque
beauty, as in the Alps, but of whole rivers tossed from broken
mountains into immense basins below. The first in magni-
tude are . -

Tha Cataracts' nf Xiagara, between tlie lakes Erie and On-
tario, distant about eighteen miles from the town of Niagara,
and situate upon a river of the same name. These falls may
ho regarded as presenting one of the most interesting of all the
phenomena in the natm-al world. ' At Qu^enston,' says lieu-
tenant Hall, 'seven miles from the falls, their sound, united
with the rushing of the river, is distinctly heard. At the dis-
tance of about a mile, a white cloud, hovering over the trees,
indicates their situation: it is not, however, until the road
emerges from a close country into the space of open gi-ound
immediately in their vicinity, that the white volumes of foam
are seen, as if boiling up from a sulphureous gulf Here a
foot-path turns from the road towards a wooded cliff. The
rapids are beheld on the right, rushing, for the space of a mile,
like a tempestuous sea. A narrow tract descends about sixty
feet down the cliff, and continues across a plashy meadow,

3 Cr

I) II

VIEW OF THE

.■^

through a copse, encinnhered with m-m^p, nf i; .

cated from which I f^,n,i '" '"''"f ' «f '"nestone; cxtri-

very point wh e' tL r v T "' '" ™^' «'"^' «^ ^''^

The r7pid motio of h TvirZT """" '•'" ^^'^ "'^^-

tain clouds, ahuost mr llT^' "?"'"« ""•^' ^'^^ '^'"""-

itself is totterir ' • o ' '•"''' """^ *''"^ ^''^ -^l^

gum which v«;ioJ :;rjr^^;';*i'^^"'"'^^^^

bent over ii ,„ ,„„.l, ,1,' , ? " *wmlmg waters, I

cf .l,o.,e reature/;;'!: : wifcir'Nl.'rf S"vt"''°"-""^
Amid hor wiWost «ene,, ton,perin~. " f"''«^" '", ^""■^'

»nd „,aki„„. |,e„„^ .i^^P;";;,- '"lne« w„h beauty,

by'w« ^i!*:;'r >"^ -'' '■*'' "■= '''»^'" ««".

Si.^ VVeW b tele ,h! ■ ','" '"^^' ""■ f""' "*' "«• 'Ml

-.»■ i,i, exeni,,,,., t„ Zi"Tzy:'r '"* ": '" '>'■'•^■

-V be ea,n/en::.::« ; '^r^Zt^TT '"T""'^^

good one cf thirty =,eps, „,.'„,„„, f &;',;,*','' " '"■^
l»tli IS a ,„ii„l, one ,1V,.,. .1. <■ ■'^ " '"™"'' 'be

."».:;r.bt\'::;:i: ;:r;,: ':!';r -^U

attention may be criv.n tr t1 • ^^ ^"" ""'^»vidod

may ol gui'i, tr this imposjnjr sw-ttcln id.

Sensatipi.ofaweasIdrewiie-uMt ' . tl . ^ ^ " '''^ "

into the dark dwellings of ^ j^^: ^ r't' Sda"!''"""^'
appearance onlv • \t il ,-,,. -n . "»^ the dangeris in

, ,. , ""v » ," IS possihe to pen.'trafp K.>f o f

•'^b.nd,„eeurtni„,andi„thes, r T- trhL:':;!

UNITED Si TES.

footing is good, and the s|)a(i' sn-iciently broad and free:
there is not even a necessity for ti ^uide ; two eyes uinply suf-
fice to point out all that is to be seen or avoided.'

The most slitpendous of these cataracts is that on the British,
or north-western side of the river Niagara, which, from its re-
semblance to the shape of a horse-shoe, has received the appel-
lation of ' the Great, or Horse-shoe fall / but this name is no
longer trictly applicable. It has become an acute angle, and
the alteration is estimated at about eighteen feet in thirty years.
The height of this fall is 142 feet. ]Jv the two others (for
there are three falls, owing to the circum^tjuice of small islancjs
dividing the river Niagara into three collateral branches) are
each about 160 feet in height. The largest has been reckoned
at about 600 vards in circumference. The width of the island,
which separates the 'Gieat falP from the next in magnitude,
is estimated at about 350 yai The second lall is said to be

only five yards wide. The next island may be estimated at
about thirty yards iu size; and the third, commonly called the
' Fort Schioper fall,' is about 350 yards. According to these
calculations, the islands l)eing included, the entire extent of the
precipice is liiS5 yards in width. It is suppo.sed that the wa-
ter carried down these falls amounts to no less a quantity than
670,^55 tons per minute. A kind of white ibani surrounds
the bjttoin of ' Fort Schioper fall,' and rises up in volumes
from the rocks : it does not, however, as at the Horse-shoe fall,
ascend '^we in the form of a cloud of smoke and mist, but the
•pray > ab.ndant that it descends like rain upon the oppo-
site bank 4' th - river. The whirlpools and eddies immediately
below are so dangerous as to render tl>e navigation completely
anpraciuable for six miles. The river Niagara, above the
falls, however, is navigable by boats and canoes as far as fort
Chippaway, which is abo,., three or four English n, irom
them. But, on approachin. learer, the waters are in sue
state of agitation, as to reqi; i the boat or canoe to be kept u.
the middle of the stre.un, and, < ithout skilful management,
would inevitably dash it to destruction. The uMcldle of Sep-
tembe! is considered ,is the ni' - 1 pleasant time .. the year for
the examinuti. uf these celebrated tkUs, the surrounding h^

•^

M )

VIKW OF THE

rests being richly variegnted with the autumnal colouring. At
this season the tiavdler is not exposed to th. danger of nieet-
uig with noxious reptiles and insects of* the eountry, which
completely disappear in the chilly nights.

St. Anthom/s Fallt, in the river Mississippi, are situated
about ten miles from the inouth of the river St. Pierre, which
joins the Mississippi from the west. These falls were first
discovered by Loin Hennipin, in the year 1680, and received
their present name ironi that traveller, wiio was the first Eu-
ropean ever seen by the natives in these parts. The river fallj<
perpendicularly above thirty feet, and is alxmt 250 yards in
width. The rapids, which are below, in tlu space of about
JOO yn-ds, render the descent apparently greater when ,t is
viewed at any considerable distmiee. These falls are so pecu-
liarly situated as t<, bo approachable without any obstruction
from a hill or precipice; and the whole surrounding scenery is
singularly pleasing.

The Cohez, or falls of the river Mohawk, between two and
three miles from its entrance into -North river, area veiy great
natural curiosity. The river, above the falls, is about 300
yards wide, and approaches them from the north-west in a
rapid current, between the high banks on each side, and pours
the whole bcKly of its water over a perpendicular rock of al^)ut
40 feet in lieight, which extends quite across the river like a
mill-dam. The banks of the river, immediately below the falls
are about 100 feet high. From a noble bridge, erected in
1794 and 1795, the spectator may have a grand view of the
Cohez ; but they have the most romantic and jjicturesque ap-
pearance fioni Lausinburg hill, alwut five miles east of them
The river, immediately below the bridge, diviiles into three
branches, which form several large islands.

Canals.-The rivers and lakes of North America are in
many places connected together by Cabals, which furnish an
artificial assistance to the coininunif:ation established in other
instances by Nature. The principal interior canals, which
have been already completed in the United States, are, the
Mzddkscv canal, uniting the waters of the Merrimak river
>viUi the harbour of Boston; and the canal Caronddet, ex-

UNITED STATEiJ.

tending fVoni Ikyou St. John to the fortifications or ditch of
Nt'w Orleans, ntid openinir an inliind communication with lake
Pontchartroin.

On the 17th of April, 1816, and the IStli of April, 1817,
the state legislature of New York pawed acts appropriating
funds for opening navigable communications between the lakes
Erie and Champlain and the Atlantic ocean, by means of ca-
nals connected with the Hudson river. This magnificent un-
dertaking is already begun, and promises to make effectual
jjrogress under the auspices of governor Clinton. We have
before us, at this moment, the official report of the canal com-
missioners ; but the extent and the capabilities of these works
will be noticed at greater length, when we come to sj)eak of the
physical resources of the United States.

Fm-ests. — Alwriginal forests are so numerous throughout
the United territory, that none seem to be particularly distin-
guished. There does not appear to exist, on the whole conti-
nent of America, any of those sandy deserts which are so
remarkable in Asia and Africa. There is, on the contrary, an
exuberance of water even in the most torrid regions ; which
might be added as a proof of the theory that this continent has
more recently emerged. Even the volcanoes in South America
often pour down torrents of water and mud, and no where
occur the sandy ruins of plains, after the fertile soil has been
t( tally lost, or the rocky skeletons of ancient mountains. The
large tract in the eastern part of Virginia and North Carolina,
called the Dismal swamp, occupies about 150,000 acres; bull
it is entirely covered with trees, juniper and cypress on the
more moist parts, and on the drier white and red oaks, and a
variety of pines, l'he.se trees attain a prodigious size; and
among them there is often very thick brushwood, so as to ren-
der the swamp impervious, while other forests in North Ame-
rica are commonly free from underwood. Cane reeds, and tall
rich grass, soon fatten the cattle of the vicinity, which are
taught to return to the farms of their own accord. In this
swampy forest bears, wolves, deer, and other wild animals
abound ; and stories are told of cl dren having been lost, who
have been seen, after many years, in a wild state of nature.

IJI!

VIEW OF THE

Some parts are «o dry as to bear a horse, while some are over-
flowed, and others so miry that a man would sink up to the
neck. A canal has been led through it ; and, even in the dry
parts, water of the colour of brandy, as is supposed from the
roots of the jumpers, gushed in at the depth of three feet In
the northern part the timber supplies an article of trade, while
in the southern rice is found to prosper ; and in the neighbour-
hood none of these diseases are known which haunt other
marshy situations.

Swa7np,.-Gvorg\a presents a singular marsh, or in the wet
season a lake, called Ekansanoko, by others Ouaquafenoga, in
the south-east extremity of the province. This marshy lake is
about 300 miles in circumference, and contains several large
and fertile isles, one of which is represented by the C eek In
dians as a kind of paradise, inhabited by a peculiar race, whose
women are incomparably beautiful, and are called by them
daughters of the sun. These islanders are said to be a remnant
ot an ancient tribe, nearly exterminated by the Creeks. Such
events may not have been uncommon among savage tribes •
and the more industrious people who erected the noted forts
may have been passing, like the Mexicans, to a comparative
state ot civihzation, when an unhappy defeat, by more savage
tribes, extinguished their name and power. That the natives
have no memory of such transactions is not matter of wonder
for their traditions can scarcely exceed a century or two at the
utmost. "^

Minerahg'^^.--This most important subject has not yet been
Illustrated m the manner it deserves. Every substance pre-
Clous to mdusti7 has been found in abundance; and there is
no doubt but that further researches will discover the more
rare and beautiful productions of nature.

Volney, who wrote on the climate and soil of America, makes
a suppositious division of the United States into five distinct
regions,-.tl,e granitic, the sandstone, the calcareous, the sea-
sand, and river alluvions.

The granitic commences at the mouth of the river St J aw
rence and ends at Long island. It is mixed with sa.dsione
and limestone, m New Hampshire and Maine, except the White

UNITED STATES.

5:i

B are over-
up to the
in the dry
I from the
feet. In
ade, while
leighbour-
unt other

in the wet
Penoga, in
hy lake is
fral large
- eek In-
ce, whose

by them
I remnant
s. Such
e tribes;
ted forts
nparative
'e savage
e natives

wonder,
vo at the

yet been
mce pre-

1 there is
he more

), makes
distinct
tile sea-
it. I.&W-

wdstone

2 White

mountains in New Hampshire, which are granite. The river
Mohawk appears to be the dividing line of the granite and the
sandstone ; but in the river Sus(juehannah some granite is
found ; and at tVe base of the south-west chain of the White
mountains in Virginia.

The whole of the Apalachian mountains are sandstone ac-
cording to this arrangement ; and, towards the north-west, the
sandstone ends in slate and marl. The Katskill mountains are
of the same sandstone as the Blue ridge.

The calcareou . region commences at the west of the Apala-
chian mountains, and runs to the Mississippi, and, as some
have supposed, to the Rocky mountains. This stratum lies
horizontally, at depths proportioned to the depositions of soil.

The region of sea-sand runs along all the shore from Long
island to Florida. It is bounc'ed towards the land side by a
seam of granite, full of large mica, or rather talc ; and this
boundary runs ur.interruptedly along the coast fnmi the west
bank of the river Hudson to the river Roanoke in North Ca-
rolina ; its breadth is from two to six miles, its extent 500.
This boundary generally marks the limits oi" the tide, and fre-
quently occasions falls in the rivers. The land between the
granite ridge and the sea varies in breadth from 30 to 100
miles, and is evidently sand recendy brought by the ocean,
whose limits were originally determined by this hill of granite.
The bare rocks projecting into the sea are granite, which seems
to indicate that the sand bx'ought in by the sea mcrclv covers
rocks of this description.

The region of the river alluvions extends from the granitic
ridge to the base of tiie sandstone mountains ; hence it appears
that the ridge of granite in the xVpalachian chain is narrow and
lower than in the sandstone.

Mr. Maclure has ivccntly published much highlv intorestino-
intbrmation on this important department of science, and seems
to have studied the geology of the United States with great
succes.s. According to this writer, throughout the "reatest
part of tiie northern and north-eastern states, the sea washes
the primary rocks ; but at Long island there connncnces an
tlluvial fonnutioH, which, increasing in breadth as it stretches

l.-^l

I. u

'f^

VIEW OF THE

southward, covers a great part of both the Carolinas and Geor-
gia, and almost the whole of the two Floridas and Lower
Louisiana. This vast alluvial formation is bounded on the
east by the ocean, and by a line commencing at the eastern end
of Long island and passing through Philadelphia, Washington,
Richmond in Virginia, Halifax in North CaroHna, Columbia in
South Carolina, Augusta on the Savannah, and thence to Nat-
chez on the Mississippi. The tide water ends in all tlie rivers
from the Mississippi to the Roanoke at the distance of from 30
to 120 miles from the western limits of the alluvial formation ;
from the Roanoke to the Delaware, the tide penetrates through
the alhivial, and is stopped by the primitive rocks. In all the
northern and eastern rivers, the tide runs a small distance into
the prinjitive formations. In the southern states the alluvial
formation is elevated considerably above the level of the sea ;
hut OS it approaches the north, it rises very httle above it.

On the western side of the great range of mountains, there
is a long narrow zone of transition rocks, beginning on the
eastern side of lake Champlain, and extending in an undulating
line in a south-westerly direction, to a point between the Ala-
bama and Tombigbee rivers, in about 34 dcg. north lat. and
about 85 deg. west long. It is generally broadest where the
primitive formation is narrowest, and vice versa; and runs
from 20 to 100 tnilcs in breadth.

On the north-west of those transition rocks commences an
immense region of secondary rocks, extending beyond lake
Superior to tlic north, and some hundred miles beyond the
Mississippi to the west, not far distant from the foot of the
Stoney mountains, forming an area of about 1500 miles from
east to west, and about 1200 miles from north to south.

The volcanic fires which constitute so grand a feature in the
geological history of South America, have not extended their
doniiiilon to the northern continent, nor have any productions
been (hscovcred which indicate that volcanoes have at any time
existed there.

Of the primitive roc^ks granite forms but a small part; but
it is found both on the tops of the mountains and in the plfiins.
There are many varieties of it, in regard to the size oi' itb con-

UNITED STATES.

IS and Geor-
and Lower
ided on the
eastern end
Vashington,
Columbia in
Mice to Nat-
11 the rivers
: of from 30
formation ;
tes through

In all the
istance into
the alluvial
of the sea ;
>ove it.
ains, there
ing on the
undulating
tn the Ala-
th lat. and
where the

and runB

imences an
A'ond lake
)eyond the
foot of the
miles from
itii.

ture in the
nded their
reductions
t any time

jiart ; but
ihe plains,
of its con-

stituent parts ; and it is occasionally mixed with hornblende.
The granite generally divides into rhomboidal masses, and,
except in some very small-grained varieties, there is no appear-
ance of stratification. It is frequently so far decomposed as to
have lost the adhesion of its particles, to the depth of !30 or 40
feet below the surface ; each crystrl is in its place, and looks
as if it were solid ; but when you take it up, it falls into sand.
Gneiss extends over a half of the primitive formation. It in-
cludes in a great many places beds from three to three hundred
feet tliick, of a very large-grained granite, which run in the
same direction, and dip as the gneiss does.

Within the limits of what may be termed the primitive
country, there are found several partial and detached formations
of the transition and secon^-lary rocks. A transition formation
occupies nearly the whole of Rhode island, and runs from
Rhode island to Boston, lifteen miles broad. There is a range
of secondary rocks, extending, with some intervals, from the
Connecticut to the Rappahannock rivers, a distance of nearly
400 miles ; and in width, g-enerally from fifteen to twenty-five
miles. It appears to belong to the old red sandstone formation
of Werner. A formation of transition rocks runs nearly south-
west from the Delaware to the Yadkin river, from two to fifteen
miles broad, consisting of beds of blue, gi'ey, red, and white
small-grained limestone, alternating with beds of greywacke
and greywacke slate, quartzo.se granular rocks, and a great va-
riety of the transition class. jVIuch of this limestone contains
so much small-grained sand, as to resemble a dol >;iiii.e ; and,
in many places, considerable bedsof fiue-gi'ained white marl)le,
fit for the statuary, occur. About ten or twelve miles west of
Richmond in Virginia, there is a coal formation, lying upon,
and surrounded by primitive rocks. It is situatetl in an ob-
long basin, from twenty to twenty-five miles long, and about
ten miles wide, having the whitish freestone, slaty clay, &c.
With vegetable impressions, as well as most of the other at-
tendants of that formation.

Great varieties of mineral substances are found in the primi-
tive formation; and, from the uumber aiieady lound, in pro-
portion to the limited researches that have been made, it is

VIEW OF THE

probable that, in so great an extent of rocks of a crystalline
structure, almost every mineral substance discovered in similar
situations elsewhere will be, found in this country. Metallic
substances art- found in considerable abundance in the primi-
tive rocks— iron, copper, manganese, and cobalt. The general
naUire of metallic repositories in this formation appears to be
in beds, disseminated through the rock, or in lying masses.
Veins to any great extent have not been discovered in any part
of this formation.

The immense basin to the west of the Alleghany mountaihs,
through which so many mighty rivers flow, is wholly composed
of secondary rocks, without having their continuity interrupted
by any other formation, except the alluvial deposites on the
banks of the large rivers. The stratification is almost perfectly
horizontal.

The alluvial country, eastward of the Alleghany mountains,
is composed of beds of sand, gravel, and clay, differing in their
nature, according to that of the adjoining rocks, from the dis-
integration of whicli they have been pro<luced. They contain
both animal and vegetable remains, which are found to the
depth of nearly a hundred feet below the surface. Considera-
ble ban.i-s of shells, mostly bivalves, run parallel to the coast,
nnbedded frequently in a soft clay or mud, resembling that in
which the livii.,T animal is now lound on the sea shore, and
which makes the supposition jwobable that they are of the
same species.

Coal exists in several parts of the United States in great
.ibundance. We have already spoken of the vast series of coal
strata westward of the Alleghany range, and of an extensive
coal formation near Richmond in Virginia. In Pennsylvania,
it is found near the west branch of the Susquehannah ; in va-
rious places west of that branch ; also on the Juniata, and on
the waters of the Alleghany and Monongehala. In Connecti-
cut, a coal formation, commencing at Xewhaven, crosses Con-
necticut river ut Middletowp, and, embracing a width of
several miles on each side of the rWer, extends to some distance
above Northampton, in Massachusetts There are also indi-
cations oi coal m ilu states of New York and New Jersey. In

.-it^itt

UNITED STATES.

. crystalline
i in similar
. Metallic
the pritni-
^he general
pears to be
ng masses,
in any part

mountaihs,
f conj posed
nierrupted
ites on the
3t perflactly

mountains,
ing in their
)ni the dis-
ey contain
ind to the
Considera-
the coast,
ng that in
ihore, and
ire of the

s in great
'ies of coal
extensive
nsylvania,
ih ; in va-
a, and on
Connecti-
Jsses Con-
width of
le distance
also indi-
rsey. In

Rhode island anthracite is found, accompanied by arfjillaceous
sandstone, shale with vegetable impressions, &c, similar to the
usual series of coal strata. The coal at Middletown, in Con-
necticut, is accompanied by a shale which is highly bituminous,
and burns with a bright flame.

It abounds with very distinct and perfect impressions of
fish, sometimes a foot or two in length ; the head, fins, and
scales, being perfectly distinguishable. A single specimen
sometimes presents parts of three or four fish, lying in different
directions, and between different layers. Tlie fish are some-
times contorted, and almost doubled. Their colour, sometimes
grey, is usually black ; and the fins and scales appear to be
converted into coal. The same shale contains impressions of
vegetables, sometimes converted into pyrites.

Neither Mr. Cleaveland nor Mr. Maclure give us anv in-
formation respecting the extent to which the coal has been
wrought in any of the numerous places where it has been
found, or the thickness of the seam,s. A scarcity of wood for
fuel must be felt before coal will be sought after with much
spirit ; and there is probably still wanting in the United States
that profusion of capital which can be risked in the uncertain
operations of mining.

Iron is found in the United States in a gr^at variety of
forms, and is worked to a considerable extent. In the year
1810, there were 530 furnaces, forges, and bloomeries, in the
United States, 69 of which were in the orate of New York ;
and the iron manufactured at Ancram, New York, is said to
be superior, for many purposes, to the Russian and Swedish
iron. It is made from a hematitic brown oxide Mr. Maclure
informs us, that there is a bed of magnetic iron ore, from eight
tc twelve feet thick, wrought in Franconia, near the White
hills. New ILunpshire ; that there is a similar bed in the di-
rection of ihe stratification, six miles north-east of PhiUpstown,
on the Hudson river; and, still following the direction of the
stratification, that thr saru' ore occupies a bed nearly of the
same thickness at llh-,^ wood Mount 1" ?asanc, and Suckusanny,
iu New Jersey; losing itself, as it approaches the end of the
primitive ridge, ntai Blackwater- a range of nearly 300 miles.

^ g-T-mg 1 1 in »l ,_; m

VIEW OF THE

This immense deposite of iron ore is conUiined in gneiss, and
is accompanied by garnet, epidote, and hornblende. In the
state of New York, magnetit: iron ore is found in immense
quantities on the west side of lake Champlain, in granitic
mountains. Tlic ore is in beds, from one to twenty feet in
thickness, and generally unmixed with foreign substances:
large beds of this ore extend, with little interruption, from
Canada t.» the neighbourhood of New York. Clay ironstone
is met with in considerable quantities, In Maryland, there are
extensive beds of it three miles south-west of Baltimore, com-
posed of nodules formed by concentric layers. Bog iron ore
occurs in such abundance in many places, as to be smelted to
a great extent.

Copper in the native state, and most of its ores, have been
found in different ])arts of the United States ; but there are no
mines of this metal except in New Jersey, and these do not
appear to be worked with nuich success.

X-ead lijis been discovered in a great variety of lorms ; and
there are several extensive mines of it. In [Jpper Louisiana,
at St, Genevieve, on the western bank of the Mississippi, tliere
are about ten mines. The ore, which is a tulphuret, is found
in detached nasses of from one to five huiidred pounds, in al-
luvial deposites of gravel and clay, immediately under the s*»il ;
and sometimes in veins or beds, in limestone. One of tJie mines
j)roduces annually about 245 tons of ore, yielding OG'i per cent.
There are miiies also at Perkiomen, in Pennsylvania, 24 miles
from Philadelphia. The ore is chiefly a sulphuret ; but it is
accompanied by the carbcmatc, phosphate, and molybdate. In
Massachusetts, there is a vein of galena, traversing primitive
rocks, six or eight feet wide, and extending twenty mileft from
Montgomery to Hatfield. The ore affords from 50 to 60 per
cent, of lead.

Gold ha« only been found in North Carolina, It occurs in
grains or small masses, in alluvial earths, and chiefly in the
gravelly beds of brooks, in the dry season; and one mass wan
found weigiiing 28 IIjl In 1810, upwards of 1(340 ounces of
this gold, ecjual in value to 24,(J8y dullius, ha^l Ix-cn received
at the mijtit of the United States,

UNITKD STATES.

gneiss, and
de. In the
in immense
in granitic
enty feet in
substances :
ption, from
ly ironstone
d, there are
more, com-
og iron ore
! smelted to

have been
here ai*e no
liese do not

brms; and
Louisiana,
sippi, tliere
;t, is found
inds, in al-
er the soil ;
if the mines
')'i per cent,
a, 24 miles
; ; but it is
luiate. In
I' primitive
mileh from
) to 60 per

t occurs in
efly iij the
:; mass way
I ounces of
'Xi receixed

Native silver, in small cpiantities, is met with at different
places, but iu no other Ibrm. Mercury and tin have not been
found. Cobalt occurs near Middlctown iu Connecticut; and
a mine of it was at one time worked. Manganese and anti-
mony are found in several situations. Sulphuret of zinc is
found in considerable (juantity in Miu-yland, Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, and Massachusetts. In New Jersey, a new va-
riety of this metal has been discovered, in such abundance,
that it promises to be a very valuable acquisition to the United
States. It is a red oxide, composed, of oxide 76, oxigen 16,
oxides of manjranese and iron 8. It is reduced without diffi-
culty to the metallic state.

The chromate of inm, both crystallized and amorpheus, (kv
curs in different situations; particularly near Baltimore, and
at Hoboken, in New Jersey. This mineral is employed to
fiu'nish the chromic acid, which, when united with the oxide
of lead, forms chromate of lead — a very beautiful yellow pig-
ment, of which there is a manufactory at Philadelphia. It is
sold under the name of chromic yellow, and is employed lor
painting furniture, carriages, kc.

We have before noticed the vast extent of limestone of dif-
fereal species that is spread over the United States ; and profes-
sor Cleaveland c rfwd lin College, in an Elementary Treatise
on Mineralogy and ii ology, enumerates several varieties of
the primitive limestones in the eastern states, which are used
as marble in ornainental architect ure anH in sculpture ; but he
remarks lliat the state of the arts has not yeV caused them to
be extensively quairied, or even 'ittio'ently explored. Some
of the Vermont uuul)les are as whitf -^o i.ii'^ ('arrara, with a
grain intermediate between that of tlie Carrara and Parian
marbles. At IMiddlebury, in Vermont, during the years 1809
and 1810, J20,000 feet of slabs were cut by one mill, containing
65 saws; and tlie sales of marble, during the same period,
amounted to about 11,000 dollars. In Rhode island it is
found snow white, of a fine grain, translucid, and perfectly re-
sembles the Carrara marble.

Gypsum, or [)laster stone, is found in Virginia, Maryland,
and Connecticut. It is very abundant in several parts of the

r' ?•

VIEW OF THE

ot the Umled Sta e», .t l,„ 1«„ f„„n,l an important artide of
Rock «.lt l,„» not lutkrto l«n,lis„m.ml; b„ttl,erc.re

"L:::/21X' '■"""' '-^ ™^"'« ""' "• ''-" .'.1-

»U fete, o ca|„l f„ .avins be™ fonncrly ,I,e resort of

w. d antmal, to M „„. ,„, i,„,,reg„a.ea witl, ,l'. ,„,.. T W^e
pungs are cl„e% I„„,kI i„ ,|,e eonntry „o,„.ar,l of tl,e I
l^hany „on„ta,„s, near the rivers whiel, flow into tl,e 01^

Hon alr^rntt:^ ""IT"'",'' """ "" «'^" «^l-" f"'-

-. 300,0*0 ie'ot'^ait a :„r 't;:"?,""" ^""'"^,"

11 , . "'^'1- siniiuaiiy. i lie whole (luantitv oF sflf

N,tra of potasi,, or .saltpetre, is met will, in ,x.nsiderabie
abundance. Mr. ,;le„vel„nd gives the ,;,llowi„g de^ript ,„„f
the plaees where ,t„ principally obtained. ^

tueK fi Tr" "™" "'""'' "'"'""'' in the state of Ken-
tucky f„rn,sh largo quantities of niue. The earths which e.,,t
.n.i.e cavern, and which eo„,„i„ both ,he ni.rate of po.a
and the n.tra.e , hn,e, are hxiviated ; and the lixivinn, is .hen

n a,e o/ h„,e ,s deeo„,p„sed. After due evapora.ion, ,he
nure ,s penn.tted .„ erys.alhxe. .,ne .„ the „,o» remar ah L
of .hese cvern, ,,, n, Madison county, on CrooW creek, abo
60 n,le „„„ ,.^„„, l.e.,i„f,„„, This cavern Jx.ends

ern^ely .rough a hill, and aftl.rds a convenien. ,,„s., « " '

generally abou. 40 fee,, aod i.s average heigh,' ,„. ^t

One bushel o( ,he ear.h in .Ins cavern con.n.onlv vieW, fro,

o:;:::ti::'d;r'';"i"^ """•"•'' --'■'-'«■'" >*-

UNITED STATES.

(is

' Kentucky also furniahes nitre under a wry different form,
and constituting what is there called the rock ore, which i^ in
fact a sandstone richly impregnated with nitrate oi" potash.
These sandstones are ger xljy situated at tlie head of narrow
valleys which traverse H.k .sides of steep hills. They rest on
calcareous strata, and sometimes present a front from 60 to
100 feet high. When broken into small fragments, and thrown
into boiling water, the stone soon falls into sand, one bushel of
which, by lixiviation and crystallization, frequently yields 10
lb. and sometimes more than 20 lb. of nitrate of potash. The
nitre obtained from these rocks contains little or no nitrate ojf
lime, and is said to be superior for the manufacture of gun^
powder to that extracted from the afore-mentioned earths.

' Masses of native nitre, nearly pure, and weighing several
pounds, are sometimes found in the fissures of these sandstones,
or among detached fragments. Indeed, it is said that these
masses of native nitre sometimes weigh several hundred pounds.
Similar taverns occur in Tennessee, and in some parts of Vir^
ginia and Maryland.'

With the exception of the red oxide of zinc, and the native
magnesia, discovered by Dr. Bruce, no simple minerals have
hitherto been discovered in the United States that were not
already known to exist in oth r parts of the world. There are
some of the simple minerals, however, which are Ibund in a
state of great perfection, such as the cyanite, green tourmaline
and rubellite, melanite, precious serpentine, garnet, and beryl.
A mass of native iron has recently been found near Ked river
in Louisiana. The form is irregular ; its length being three
feet four inches, and its greatest breadth two feet four inches-
its weight exceeds 3000 lb. Its surface is covered with a
^ blackish crust, and is deeply indented. It is very malleable
and compact; but is unequally hard, some parts being easily
cut by a chisel, while others have nearly the hardness oi' steel
Its specific gravity is 7-40. It contains nickel, and is less
easily oxidated than purified iron. This is rendered particu-
larly interesting, by its containing in its interior octahedral
crystals, which may be easily cut by a knife, and are striated

r..

VIEW OF THE

■s

■« K

like magnetic iron. The l.trgest crystal is more than half air
inch in length.

Amethysts are found in Virginia ; but it is prob; )le fliat the
emerald mentioned by Mr. Jefferson is t)uly a g, jon ( «tal.
No mincralogic discovery has been made in Georgia, besides a
bank of oyster shells, 90 miles from the seu.

Mineral Waters. — There are several mineral waters, of va-
rious virtues, in different provinces of the United States, but
none of distinguished eminence like Bath, or Ai.\-la-Cliapelle.
In the province of Vermont, or the Green mountain, ihere ifi
a remarkable sulphureous spring, which dries up in vo or
three years, and bursts out in another place. There are seve-
ral mineral springs in Massachusetts, but little frequented, and
there is another at Stafford in Connecticut. Those of Sarato-
ga, in the province of New York, are remarkably copious, and
surrounded with singular petrifactions. They are considerably
frequented, as well as those of New Lebanon in the same
country. New Jersey boasts of some chalybeate waters ; and
near Isle creek in Pennsylvania on the river Alleghany, or
Ohio, there is a spring which yields petroleum, said to be use-
ful in rheumatic complaints. Two warm springs occur in Vir-
ginia, one 'if them 112 deg. Thesi- are called the springs of
Augusta; bvit others more frequented are near the river Poto-
mak \
general

burning for some time. The salt springs in Kentucky also
deserve mention ; and there are others in the province of Ten-
nessee. In Georgia, near the town of VVashiugtoh, there is a
remarkable spring rising from a hollow tree, which is encrusted
with matter probably calcareous.

Botany. — A country that experiences on the one frontier the
severity of the Canadian winters, and on the other basks in the '
full radiance of the Wdst Indian summers may naturally be
expected to contain no small variety of native plants So nu-
merous and important indeed are they, as to render it impos-
sible, in a work not devoted particularly to the subject, to
notice them as they deserve ; we must therefore be contented

%. hiturainous spring was discovered on the estate of
^v.shington, which easily takes fire, and continues

: V .'i,S

UNITED STATES*.

et>

m half air

le that the

•n ( «tal.

besiiles a

?r8, of va-

tates, but

-Cliapelle.

1, there is

in vo or

> art' -.eve-

nted, and

of Sarato-

oious, and

nsiderably

the same

ters; and

ghany, or

to be use-

ur in Vir-

springs of

iver Pt)to-

estate of

continues

ucky also

e of Ten-

there is a

encrusted

•'A

ontier the

sks in the *

turally be

' :

So nu-

it impos-

Libject, to

contented

with the sell, n of such alone as, from then n
beauty, have th strtmgi laim to our attention.

The iKitam jf these staies, including the Flori. , r,r. in
other words, o. the wholo ttM^Jon extending eastward fr(,ni the
Mississippi to the ocean, and soutliHard from the river Si
Lawrence with its lakes to the gulf of Mexico, may be divided
into those vegetables wliich are common to the whole county,
and those that occupy only particular parts.

The most generally tliffusod species auiong th. timber trees
are the willow-leaved oak growing in the .swamp . . (!.,■ chesnut
oak, which in the southern states attains an ei ize, ami

is almost as valuable for its sweet farinaeeM is as for its

wood ; the vhitf oak ; tile red and the Mn. scxt to these

in rank are two kinds of walnut, the black. 1 the white or
hiccory esteemed for its oily „uts. The chrs.u,i and beech of
Europe are also found abundantly in the American forests.
The tuhp ' eeand sassafras laurel, more impatient of cold than
the preced appear as shrubs on the Canadian borders, rise
into trees tf,. midland states, mul on the warm banks of the
Altahama atta-n the full perfeclu of stateliness and beauty.
The sugar maple, on the contrary, is seen only o , j. northern
sides of the hills in the southern states, and' increases both in
size and frequency in the more bracing chmate of the New
England provinces. The sweet gum tree, the iron wood, the
nettle tree, the American elm, the black poplar, and the tacca-
mahacca, appear m every state of the Union wherever the soil
IS suitable, without being much affected by variety of climate
Ihe light sandy tracts, both wet and dry, are principally inha-
bited by the important and useful family <.f pines : of these the
chief species are the Pennsylvan" n fir. ,i,e common and the
hemlock spruce fir; the black, the wh e, and the Weymouth
pme ; and the larch : nearly allied ' . hich are the arbor vit»,
and the jumperus virginiana, the red cedar of America. The
smaller trees and shrubs that are dispersed in all parts of the
United Si tes, among a multitude of others, consist of the fol-
lowing; the fnnge tree, the red maple, the sumach and poison
oak, the red mulberry, the persimmon plum, and robinia pseu.
dacacia, and the triple-thorned acacia.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

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IS?

1.0

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1-25 i 1.4 i 1.6

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Photographic

Sciences

Corporation

1^'

^<b

40'

<b^

^6\

"<b

¥'•

73 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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[I, ! U

I ^

VIEW OF THE

Such of the conniion herbaceous plants and low shrubs as are
best known to the generality of readers, from their introduction
into the gardens of Great Britain, are the coUinsonia, used by
the Indians against the bite of the rattlesnake, several gay spe-
cies of phlox, the thorn-apple, the Pennsylvanian lily and
martagon, the biennial ot-nothera, with many species of aster,
monarda, and rudbeckia.

The mountainous ridges are not sufficiently high to be rich
in alpine plants ; their climate, however, is sensibly cooler than
that of the plains, on which account those of the south are in-
habited by tbc vegetables of Pennsylvania and the northern
states, while the highlands of these abound in the plants of
Canada.

But the glories of the American flora are principally confined
to Viroiuia and the southern states : it is here that the unfad-
ing verdure of the wide savannas, the solemn magnificence of
the primeval forests, and the wild exuberance of the steaming
swamps, offer to the astonished admiration of the botanist every
thing that by colour, by fragrance, and by form, can delight
the senses and fix the attention.

Among the vegetables that inhabit the low shores of the FIo-
ridas, Georgia, and South Carolina, may be distinguished the
mangrove tree, the only shrubby plant that can flourish in salt
water, the fragrant and snowy-flowered pancratium of Carolina,
and the splendid lobelia cardinalis.

The low ridges of calcareous soil running parallel with the
rivers, and rising from the level savannas into extensive lawns
and swelling hills, are generally covered with open or entangled
woods, except where they have been converted into tillage by
the industry of the inhabitants. In these rich tracts grow the
lofty palmetto, the evergreen oak, the sweet bay, the benzoe
laurel, the common laurel, the white shading broom pine, and
the red cedar. The strait silvery columns of the papaw fig,
I'isiiig 'a the height of twenty feet, and crowned by a canopy
of broad sinuated leaves, form a striking feature in this deli-
cious scenery ; while the golden fruit and fragrant blossoms of
the orange, here realize the ancient traditions of the groves of
the Hesperides. Superior, however, to all these is the tower-

UNITED STATES.

ing magnificence of the great magnolia : in tliis rich marley
soil it rises above a hundred feet, with a perfectly erect trunk,
supporting a shady conical head of dark green Mixgu : from
the centre of the coronets of leaves that terminate the branches
expands a large rose-shaped blossom of pure white, which is
succeeded by a crimson one, containing the seeds of a beautiful
coral red colour, and these falling from their cells remain for
several days suspended from the seed-vessel by a silky thread,
six inches or more in length, so that whether in this state or in
blossom it is second to none for grandeur and beauty.

The level plains by the sides of ri\ers, and therefore gene-
rally in a flooded state during the whole rainy season, arc called
savannas. The trees that grow upon them are of the aquatic
kind, such as magnolia glauca, or beaver tree, American olive,
and gordonia lausianthus, silvered over with fragrant blossoms :
these are generally either single, or grouped together into small
open groves, while the larger part of the meadow is overgi-own
with long succulent herbage, intermixed with shrubs and plants ;
the candleberry myrtle, with numerous species of azaleas, kal-
mias, andromedas, and rhododendrons, arranged by the hand
of nature into thickets and shrubberies entwined and over-
arched by the crimson graiiadilla, or the fantastic clitoiia, here
display their inimitable beauties in full luxuriance. The sides
of the pools and shallow plashes are adorned by the bright
cforulean flowers of the ixia, the golden blossoms of the canna
lulea, and the rosy tufts of the hydrangia, while the edges of
the groves, and tlio dubious boundaries of the savannas, rising
imperceptibly towards the forests, are fringed by innumerable
gay varieties of the phlox, by the shrinking sensitive plant, the
irritable dionjea, the glowing amaryllls atamasco, and the im-
penetrable ranks of the royal palmetto.

The swamps are at all rimes, even in the height of summer,
for the most part under water, and are distinguished from the
rest of the country by the crowded stems of the cane, the li<dit
foliage of the tupelo tree, the taccamahacca, the fringe tree,
and the white cedar. This last is perhaps the most pictnrestuic
tree in all Ameritn : four or five enormous buttresses or rude
pillars rise from the groiuid, and unit,- in a kind of arch at the

ai*a*?SS5«l»5S»

«8

VIEW OF THE

height of about sevtn feet, and from this centre tliere springs
a straight column eighty or ninety feet high, without a branch :
it then divides into a flat umbrella-shaped top, covered with
finely divided leaves of the most delicate green. This platform
is the secure abode of the eagle and the crane ; and the oily
seeds contained in its cones are the favourite repast of the par-
roquets that are constantly fluttering around.

Hundreds more of interesting plants yet remain, and we
might go on to describe with unabated pleasure the profusion,
of various coloured lupines and dwarf palmettos that relieve
the'dusky hue of the pine forests in which they live ; the wild
vines, the gourds, the bignorias, and other climbers that dis-
play to the sun their fruits and glowing blossoms above the .
summits of the tallest trees ; we might describe the tent-like
shade of the plantanus, the regal splendour of the crimson-
flowered horKc'-qhesnut, and th'i hunibler, less obtrusive, yet
not less exqaisite beauties of the meadia, the spigelia, and
gaura; but these our Hmits will not admit: it is enough for
the present purpose to have sketched some of the characteristic
features in the botany of a country, the most accessible of all
the warmer climates to the investigati(m of European science.

Zoo/a£.7/.— The domestic zoology of the United States nearly
< orrespomis Mith that oi" the parent country, with some few
shades oJ" diH'ercikc" in size and colour. Among the larger
wild animals mav he mentioned thi^ bison, large herds of which
used to be sei-u near the Mississippi, and they were (mce
\ery numerous in the western parts of Virginia and Pennsyl-
vania. The mtisk Iniji and cow only appear in the more
vv estern regions, beyond the 3Ii.ssissippi. Among the animals
now lost arc clas.sed the mairimoti), whose enormous bt.Jies are
p.'irtieiil.'irly IouikI near the salt springs upon the Ohio; and
leofh of the hippopotamus are said to have been dug up in
T-ong island: but the labours of a late French natm-alist have
tvMU'ed that sucli remains oi'ten belong to animals lono- since
exlii-paled, and ol' which he has traced more than twenty kinds.
The mammoth of America, though armed with tusks of ivory,
has hctn supposed to be even i'wv or six tinus larger than the
^'lephant; but the bones are probably the same with tho,se of

UNITED STATES.

there springs
out a branch :
covered with
rhis platform
and the oily
St of the par-

ain, and we
he profusion.

that relieve
ve ; the wild
•ers that dis-
is above the .
the tent-like
he crimson-
trusive, yet
oigelia, and

enough for
^aracteristic
ssible of all
m. science,
tates nearly
I some few

the larger
-Is of which

were (jncc
1 Pennsyl-

the inore
he animals

belies are
3hio; and
dix^ up in
ralist have
long since
(Uty kinds.
.s of ivory,
r than the
h those of

the supposed elephant found in Siberia. The moose deer are
become extremely rare, and will probably in no long time be
utterly extirpated, as the wolf and boar have been in Britain.
The black mocse tleer are said to have been sometimes twehre
feet in height, while the species called the grey seldom exceed
the height of a horse. Both have large palmated horns, weigh-
ing thirty or forty pounds. Mr. Pennant mentions a pair that
weighed fifty-six pounds, the length being thirty-two inches.
The moose deer is only a large species of the elk, "and is found
in the northern parts of the United States ; while the rein deer
mhabits the northern regions of British America. The Ame-
rican stag rather exceeds the European in size, and is seen ia
great numbers feeding in the rich savannas of the Missouri
and Mississippi, where there are also herds of thui kind called
the Virginian deer.

In the northern states are two kinds of bears, both black ;
but that carnivorous animal called the ranging bear is found
in all die states, as is the wolf Several kinds of foxes are also
seen : and the wolverine seems a kind of bear. The animsi
most dreaded is the catamount, or cat of the mountains, found
in the northern and middle states, and is probably the same
with theptima of Pennant, which he says is sometimes in North
America called the panther. One killed in New Hampshire
was six feet in length, and the tail three ; but the length of the
leg did not exceed twelve inches. The cougar is about five
feet in length, and in the southern states is called the ti«rer:
but it is well known that the ferocious animals of the new con^
tment are totally different from those of the old, there bein^r
neither lions, tigers, leopards, nor panthers, in the whole extend
of America. A German missionary, who resided twenty -two
years m Paraguay, describes the tiger of that country as marked
with black spots, sometimes on a whitish, sometimes on a yel-
lowish ground; and says that as the lions of Africa far exceed
those of Paraguay, so the African tigers greatly yield in si/e to
the American; which may be just, as the rJyal tiger seems
peculiar to Asia. But he adds that he has seen the skin of a
tiger three ells and two inches in length, or equal to that of a
large ox. This animal easily carries off a horse or an ox • and

VIEW OF THE

:'' J ■

V !l ' J

seems to exceed in size any American beast of prey admitted
in the system of Buffon, whose fondness for theories is often to
> lamented; and h\H Jaguar, or American tiger, seems only
a dimmutive species. Captains Lewis and Clerk frequently
encountered the white and brown bear in the north-west intl
nor; an animal of a most ferocious description : they also saw
herds of antelopes, bufFalot>s, and wolves.

The lynx, the ocelot, and the margay, are smaller beasts of
prey, of the cat kind. These and many other animals supply
furs. The beaver is well known from the fur, and the singu-
lar formation of his cabin, built in ponds for the sake of secu-
rity ; but he seems to feed on the twigs of trees, and not on
fish, as commonly supposed. This industrious animal is found
m all the states, and is somewhat imitated by the musk rat
which likewise builds his hut in shallow streams. Some kinds
of raonkies are said to be found in the southern states. The
morse, or sea cow, and the se^}, used to frequent the northern
shores; and the manati, common in South America, is said
sometimes to appear on the southern coasts : this animal, which
has fore feet like hands, and a tail like a fish, wl.ile the breasts
of the female resemble those of a woman, seems to be the mer-
r;aid of fable.

Among the birds there are many kinds of eagles, vultures,
owl , and numerous sorts called by iluropean names, thouo-h
gener^Uy different in the eye of the naturalist. The biro called
a turkey is peculiar to America, and abounds in the north.
They were brought from Mexico to Spain, and from Spain to
England about 1524; the African poultry, or meleag-rides o{
more ancient authors, being Guinea fowls. There are also
birds which resemble the partridge, ptarmigan, and quail, of
Europe. Virginia abounds with beautiful birds, among which
is the humming bird, as already mentioned, while the wakon
resembles the bird of paradise : and it may be conceived that
vast varieties of aquatic birds crowd the numerous lakes and '
rivers, the largest being the wild suan, which .sometimes weighs
thirty-six j)ounda.

.Upwards of vnv hundred and thirty American birds have
»K»ii .•tiiuuerat('<l. dikI liiiniy of thoni described by (\itesbv.

UNITED STATES.

Jefferson, and Carver. The following catalogue is inserted to
gratify tlie curious, to inform the inquisitive, and to shew the
astonishing variety in this beautiful part of the creation.

The Blackbird

Razor-billed ditto

Baltimore Bird

Bastard Baltimore

Blue Bird

Buzzard

Blue Jay

Blue Grossbeak

Brown Bittern

Crested Bittern

Small Bittern

Booby

Great Booby

Blue Peter

Bullfinch

Bald Coot

Cut Water

White Curlew

Cat Bird

Cuckow

Crow

Cowpen Bird

Chattering PloverorKildeeRed-eyed ditto

Crane or Blue Heron Finch Creeper

Yellow-breasted Chat

Cormorant

Hooping Crane

Pine Creeper

Vellow-throated Creepe:
Dove

Sheldrach or Canvass Duck
Buffels head ditto
Spoon bill ditto
Summer ditto
Blackhead ditto
Blue-winged Shoveller
Little Brown Duck
Sprigtail

White-faced Teal
Blue-winged Teal
Pied-bill Dobchick
■Eagle
Bald Eagle
Flamingo

Fieldfare of Carolina, or Robin
Purple Finch
Bahama Finch
American Goldfinch
Painted Finch
Crested Fly-catcher
Black-cr^,p ditto
Little brown ditto

Ground Dove
Duck

Ilathera Duck
Round-crested ditto

Slorm Finch

Goat Sucker of Carblina

Gull

Laughing Gull

Goose

Canada Goose

Hawk

Fishing Hawk

Pigeon Hawk

Night Hawk

VIEW OF THE

Ni;l

The Swallow-tailed Hawk

Hangbird

Heron

Little white Heron

Heath-cock

Humming-bird

Purple Jackdaw, or Crow
Blackbird

King Bird

King-fisher

Loon

Lark

Large Lark

Blue Linnet

Mock-bird

Mow-bird

Purple Martin

Nightingale

Noddy

Nuthatch

Oyster-catcher

Owl

Screech Owl

Amer. Partridge, or Quail

Pheasant, or Mountain

Partridge
Water Pheasant
Pelican

Water Pelican
Pigeon of Passage
White-crowned Pigeon
Parn)t of Paradise
Pariiquet of Carolina
Haven
Rice-bird
Red -bird

Summer Red-bird
Swan

Soree

Snipe

Red Start

Red-winged Starlinjj

Swallow

Chimney ditto

Snow-bird

Little Sparrow

Bahama ditto

Stork

Turkey

Wild Turkey

Tyrant

Crested Titmouse

Yellow ditto

Bahama ditto

Hooded ditto

Yellow Rump

Towhe Bird

Red Thrush

Fox-coloured Thrusli-

Little Thrush

Tropic Bird

Turtle of Carolina

Water-wagtail

Water-hen

Water-witch

Wakon Bird

Whetsaw

Large white bellied Woodpecker

Large red-crested ditto

Gold- winged ditto

Red-bellied ditto

Hairy ditto

Red-headed ditto

Yellow-bellied ditto

Smallest-spotted ditto

Wren

UNITED STATES.

Some of the troga are of remarkable size ; and the tortoise,
or turtle, supplies a delicious food, while the alligator is not
unknown in the southern rivers. Of serpents Mr. Morse enu-
merates near forty kinds found in the United territories ; Vir-
ginia, in particular, producing great numbers. The rattlesnake
is the largest, being from four to six feet in length, and is one
of the most dreaded. Among the fish are most of those which
are esteemed in Europe ; and among those that are peculiar
may be mentioned that large kind of white trout found in the
lakes.

Natural Curiosities.— The natural curiosities of the United
States are numerous, and have been investigated with that
laudable attention, which has been particularly directed by the
English towards such interesting appearances. The following
account of the irruption of the Patomak through the Blue
mountains is from the pen of Mr. Jefferson.

' The passage of the Patomak through the Blue ridge is
perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature. You
stand on a very high point of land. On your right comes up
the Shenandoah, having ranged along the foot of the mountain
an hundred miles to seek a vent. On your left approaches the
Patomak, in quest of a passage also. In the moment of their
junction, they rush together against the mountain, rend it
asunder, and pass off to the sea. The first glance of this scene
hurries our senses into the opinion, that this earth has been
created in time, that the mountains were formed first, that the
rivers began to flow afterwards, that in this place particularly
they have been dammed up by the Blue ridge of mountains,
and have formed an ocean which filled the whole valley ; that
continuing to rise, they have at length broken over at this spot,
and have torn the mountain down from its summit to its base.
The piles of rock on each iiand, but particularly the Shenan-
doah, the evident marks of their disruption and avulsion from
their beds by the most powerful agents of nature, corroborate
the impression. But the distant finishing which nature has
given to the picture is of a very different character. It is a
true contrast to the fore ground. It is as placid and delightful
as that is wild and tremendous. For the mountain being cloven
4 K

VIEW OF THE

irl 1! ,

|V1

" s

asunder, slie presents to your eye, through the deft, a small
catch of smooth blue horizon, at an infinite distance in the plain
country, inviting you, as it were, from the riot and tumult
roaring around, to pass through the breach, and participate of
the calm below. Here the eye ultimately composes itself; and
that way too the road happens actually to lead. You crosa
the Patomak above the junction, pass along its side through
the base of the mountain for three miles, its terrible precipices
hanging in fragments over you, and within about twenty miles
reacli Trederick town and the fine country round that. This
scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic. Yet here, as in
the neighbourhood of the natural bridge, are people who have
passed their lives within half a dozen miles, and have never
been to survey these monuments of a war between rivers and
mountains, which must have shaken the earth itself to its centre.'
In the township of Tinmouth in Vermont, on the side of a
small hill, is a very curious cave. The chasm, at its entrance,
18 about four feet in circumference. Entering this you descend
104 feet, and then opens a spacious room, 20 feet in breadth
and 100 feet in length. The angle of descent is about 46 de-
grees. The roof of this cavern Is of rock, through which the
water is continually percolating. 1 he stalactites which hang
from the roof appear like icicles on the eves of houses, and are
continually increasing in number and magnitude. The bottom
and sides are daily incrusting with spar and other mineral sub-
stances. On the sides of this subterraneous hall are tables,
chairs, benches, &c, which appear to have been artificially
carved. This richly ornamented room, when illuminated with
the candles of the guides, has an enchanting effect upon the
eye of the spectator. If we might be indulged in assigning
the general cause of these astonishing appearances, we should
conclude, from the various circumstances accompanying them,
that they arise from water filtrating slowly throujh the incuml
bent strata ; and taking in its passage a variety of mineral
substances, and becoming thus saturated with metallic particles,
gradually exuding on the surface of the caverns and fissures,'
in a quiescent state, the aqueous particles evaporate, and leave
the mineral substances to unite according to their affinities.

cleft, a small
t; in the plain

and tumult
[larticipate of
!S itself; and
You cross
side through
»le precipices
twenty miles
that. This
; here, as in
lie who have

have never
n rivers and
to its centre.'
the side of a
its entrance^
you descend
: in breadth
bout 45 de-
h which the
which hang
ses, and are
rhe bottohi
lineral sub-
are tables,

artificially
inated with
t upon the
1 assigning

we should
ying them,
the incum-
of mineral
c particles,
d fissures,
, and leave
* affinities.

ill

BNOHAVED FOR MArXENZJE'?? iVMERIC'A ''

VIEW F THE Bock Bhioge .

//.•t^At'ef.3/cct. Sy,nn f^O ^//, TAicimjS cj- the arch 40 do.

UNITED S'I'ATES.

At the end of this cnvo is a cirriilar hole, fif'tocn feet deep, nj)-
parently hewn out, in a conical form, cnlarj^ing gradually a»
you descend, in the form of n sugar loiif At the lx)ttoni is ii
spring of fresh water, in continual motion, like the boiling of u
pot. Its depth has never been sounded.

In the county of Rockbridge is a remarkable natural bridge
of rock, from which the county takes its nante. ' This bridge,'
says Mr. Weld, • stands about ton miles from Fluvanna river,
and nearly the same distance from the Blue ridge. It extend*
across a deep cletl in a mountain, which, by some great con-
vulsion of nature, lias been aplit asunder front top to bottom,
and it seems to have been left there purposely to afford a ])as-
sage from one side of the chasm to the other. The cleft or
chasm is about two miles long, and is in some places upwards
of aOO feet deep ; the depth varies according to the height of
the mountain, l)eing deepest whore the moimtuin is most lofty.
The breadth of the chasm also varies in different places : but
in every part it is uniformly wider at the top than towards the
bottom. That the two sides of the chasm were once united
appears very evident, not only from projecting rocks on the
one side corresponding with suitfible cavities on the other, but
also from the different strata of eai'th, sand, clay, &c. being
exactly similar from top to bottom on both sides : but by what
gi'eat agent they were separated, whether by fire or by water,
remains hidden amongst those arcana of nature which we vainly
endeavour to developc.

' The arch consists of a solid mass of stone, or of several
stones cemented so strongly together that they appear but at.
one. This mass, it is to be supposed, at the time that the hill
was rent asunder, was dri^wn across the fissure, from adhering
closely to one side, and beitig loosened from its bed of earth at
the opposite one. It seems as probable, I think, that tlie niksa
of stonp forming the arch was thus forcibly plucked from one
•ide, and drawn across the fissure, as that the hill should have
remained disunited at this one spijt from top to bottom, and
that a passage should afterwards have been forced through it
by water, The road leading to the bridge runs through a
tbicK wood, 4n4 up a hill ; having ascended which, nearly at

VIEW OF THE

' M'

the top, you pause for a moment at finding a sudden disconti-
nuance of the trees at one side ; but the amazement which £lls
the mind is great indeed, when on going a few paces towards
iht part wliich appears thus open, you find yourself on the
brink of a tremendous precipice. You involuntarily draw
back, stare around, then again come forward to satisfy yourself
that what you have seen is real, and not the illusions of fancy.
You now perceive that you are upon the top of the bridge ; to
the very edge of which, on one side, you may approach with
safety, and look down into the abyss, being protected from
falling by a parapet of fixed rocks. The walls, as it were, of
the bridge, at this side, are so perpendicular, that a person
leaning over the parapet of rock might let fall a plummet from
the hand to the very bottom of the chasm. On the opposite
side this is not the case, nor is there any parapet ; but from
the edge of the road, which runs over the bridge, is a gradual
slope to the brink of the chasm, upon which it is somewhat
dangerous to venture. This slope is thickly covered with large
trees, principally cedars and pines. The opposite side was
also well furnished with trees formerly, but all those which
grew near the edge of the bridge have been cut down by dif-
ferent people, for the sake of seeing them tumble to the bot-
tom. Before the trees were destroyed in this manner, vou
might have passed over the bridge without having had any
idea of being upon it; for the breadth of it is no less thail
eighty feet. The road runs nearly in the middle, and is fre-
quented daily by waggons.

* At the distance of a few yards from the bridge, a narrow
path appears, winding along the sides of the fissure, amidst
immense rocks and trees, down to the bottom of the bridge.
Here the stupendous arch appears in all its glory, and seems
to touch the very skies. To behold it without rapture, indeed,
is impossible ; and the more critically it is examined, the more
beautiful and the more surprising does it appear. The height
of the bridge to the top of the parapet is 213 feet by admea-
surement with a line ; the thickness of the arch 40 feet ; the
span of the arch at top 90 feet ; and the distance between the
abutments at bottom 50 feet. The abutments consist of a

. ~'-**i,.„^.*»

UNITED STATES.

e, a narrow
ure, amidst

solid mass of limestone on either side, and, together with the
arch, seem as if they had been chiselled out>by the hand of
art. A small stream, called Cedar creek, running at the bot-
tom of the fissure, over beds of rocks, adds much to the beauty
of the scene.

* The fissure takes a very sudden turn just above the bridge,
according to the course of the stream, so that when you stand
below, and Ijok under the arch, the view is intercepted at the
distance of about 50 yards from the bridge. Mr. Jefferson's
statement, in his notes, that the fissure continues strdgfat, ter-
minating with a pleasing view of the North mountains, is quite
erroneous. The sides of the chasm are thickly covered in
every part with trees, excepting where the huge rocks of lime-
stone appear.

* Besides this view from below, the bridge is seen ' > very
great advantage from a pinnacle of rocks, about 50 fet. oelow
the top of the fissure ; for here not only the arch is seen in all
its beauty, but the spectator is impressed in the most forcible
manner with ideas of its grandeur, from being enabled at the
same time to look down into the profound gulf over which it
passes.'

In Vermont there is a remarkable impendent ledge of rocks,
about 200 feet high, on the west bank of the river Conn: -ticut.
Rattlesnake hill, in New Hampshire, presents a stalactitic cave ;
and near Durham is a rock so poised on another, as to move
with one finger; a natural remain of a ruined hill, though in
England it would be called druidical. The rivulet in Massa.
chusetts, enlled Hudson's brook, has excavated in a fantastic
manner a large rock of white marble. The falls of the river
Powow, in the same province, are not only curious in them-
selves, but present many grotesque mills, and other monuments
of industry; and a similar appearance occurs on the river
Pautukit in Rhode island. In Connecticut is a cave which
was for some time the retreat of Whaley and Goffe, two of the
judges of Charles I. : and in the town of Pomfret is another,
rendered remarkable by a humourous adventure of general
Putnam.

^j^PK>t-,

^^2

VIEW OF THE

In the province of New York a rivulet runs under a hill
about 70 yards in diameter, forming a beautiful arch in the
rock ; and there is a stalactitic cave in which was found the
petrified skeleton of a large snake. The falls of the Mohawk
river, called Cohez, are more remarkable for the width of the
stream, than from the height of the descent. There is a beau-
tiful cascade in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, over a semicir-
cular rock of marble. In Pennsylvania there are also some
remarkable caves, one of which resembles a church with pillars
and monuments. In the territory on the north-west of the
Ohio, the savannas, or rich plains, extend for 30 or 40 miles
without any tree ; they are crowded with deer, wild cattle, and
turkeys, and often visited by bears and wolves : but this dis-
trict is chiefly remarkable for a number of old forts, of an ob-
long form, with an adjoining tumulus or tomb. As the
Mexicans have a tradition that they passed from the north,
these forts may perhaps be remains of their first residence, or
of some nation which they subdued. In the western part of
Maryland theie are said to be some remarkable caves : and
others occur in Virginia, particularly that called Madison's
cave, on the north-west side of the Blue ridge, extending about
300 feet into the solid limestone. The blowing cave emits a
strong current of air, particularly in frosty weather. In Ken-
tucky, the banks of the river so called, and of Dick's river, are
sometimes 400 feet in height of limestone, or white marble ;
and there are said to be caverns of some miles in length, thus
rivalling the celebrated cave in Carinthia. The territory on
the south of the Ohio (Tennessee) presents a remarkable ledge
of rocks in the Cumberland mountains, about 30 miles in
length, and 200 feet thick, with a perpendicular face to the
south-east. The whirl is more grand than the irruption of
the Patomak through the Blue ridge : the Tennessee, which a
few miles above i half a niile wide, contracts to 100 yards,
and forces its way through this outer ridge of the Apalachian,
forming a whirlpool by striking against a large riK-k. In
Georgia the chief curiosity is a large bank of oyster shells, 90
miles from the sea, to which it runs nearly parallel : if the

UNITED STAT^

river Savannah never passed in that aircction, it is probable
that the land has gained so far on the ocean. So late as the
year 1771 there was an excellent harbour, which might receive
one hundred ships in a good depth of water, at cape Lookout,
North Carolina. It is now entirely filled up, and is solid
ground.

Such are the most striking features of nature in this exten-
sive empire; where, if there be no interesting objects of anti-
quity, yet the lovers of the sublime and beautiful in the creation
may find sufficient to contemplate and admire.

'- .\

PARTICULAR ACCOUNT

OF THE SEVKKAL

STATES AND TERRITORIES

COMPREHENDED IN THE

UNITED STATES.

£ i-

^t •*

1, '^ I

if 1

NEW ENGLAND.

gEVERAL things are common to all the states east of New
York. Their history, religion, manners, customs, and cha-
racter; their climate, soil, productions, and natural history,
are in many respects similar. These considerations have led
to the following general description of New England.

Extent. — This fine province is in length 350 miles, by a me-
dial breadth of 140.

Boundaries. — New England is bounded, north by Canada ;
east by Nova Scotia and the Atlantic ocean ; south by the At-
lantic and Long island sound ; and west by New York. It
lies in the form of a quarter of a circle. Its west line, begin-
ning at the mouth of Byram river, which empties into Long
island sound, at the south-west corner of Connecticut, latitude
41 deg., runs a little east of north, until it strikes the 45th de-
gree of latitude, and then curves to the eastward almost to the
gulf of St. Lawrence.

Civil Divisions. — New England is divided into five states,
viz. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode '. ^and, Connecti-

VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES.

cut, and Vennont. These states are subdivided into counties,
and the counties into townships.

Face of the Country^ Mountains, Sfc. — New England is a
high, hilly, and in some parts a mountainous country, formed
by nature to be inhabited by a hardy race of free, independent
republicans. The mountains are comparatively small, running
nearly north and south in ridges parallel to each other. Be-
tween these ridges flow the great rivers in majestic meanders,
receiving the innumerable rivulets and larger streams \vhich
proceed from the mountains on each side* To a spectator on
the top of a neighbouring mountain, the vales between the
ridges, while in a state of nature, exhibit a romantic appearance.
They seem an ocean of woods, swelled and depressed in its
shrface like that of the great ocean itself. A richer, though
less romantic view, is presented, when the vallies, by industrious
husbandmen, have been cleared of their natural growth ; and
the fruit of their labour appears in loaded' orchards, extensive
meadows covered with large herds of sheep and neat cattle,
and rich fields of flax, corn, and the various kinds of grain.

These vallies, which have received the expressive name of
interval lands, are of various breadths, from two to twenty
miles ; and by the annual inundations of the rivers which flow
through them, there is frequently an accumulation of rich, fat
soil, left upon their surface when the waters retire.

There are four principal ranges of mountains passing nearly
from north-east to south-west, through New England. These
consist of a multitude of parallel ridges, each having many
spurs, deviating from the course of the general range ; which
spurs are again broken into irregular, hilly land. The main
ridges terminate sometimes in high bluffs heads, near the sea
coast, and sometimes by a gradual descent in the interior part
of the country. One of the main ranges runs between Con-
necticut and Hudson's rivers. This range branches, and
bounds the vales through which flows the Housatonick river.
The most eastern ridge of this range terminates in a bluff" head
at Meriden. A second ends in like manner at Willingford,
and a third at New Haven.

VIEW OF THE

f >

In Lyme, on the east side of Connecticut river, another
range of mountains commences, forming the eastern boundary
of Connecticut vale. This range trends northerly, at the dis-
tance generally of about ten or twelve miles east from the river
and passes through Massachusetts, where the range takes the
name of Chicabee mountain ; thence crossing into New Hamp-
shire, at the distance oi about twenty miles from the Massachu-
setts hne. It runs up into a very high peak, called Monadnick,
which terminates this ridge of the range. A western ridge
continues, and in about latitude 43 deg. 20 rain, runs up into
Sunipee mountains. About 50 mile« further, in the same
ridge, is Mooscoog mountain.

A third range begins near Stonington in Connecticut It
takes its course north-easterly, and is sometimes broken and
discontinued ; it then rises again, and ranges in the same di-
rection into New Hampshire, where, in lat. 43 deg. 25 min.,
it runs up into a high peak, called Cowsawaskoog. "

The fourth range has a humble beginning about Hopkinton,
m Massachusetts The eastern ridge ol' this range runs north,
by Watertown and Concord, and crosses Merrimack river at
Pantucket tails. In New Hampshire it rises into several high
peaks, of which the White mountains are the principal. From
these White mountains a range continues north-east, crossing
the east boundary of New Hampsliire, in lat. 43 deg. 30 min.,
and forms the height of land l>etween Kennebeck and Chau'
diere rivers.

These ranges of mountains are full of lakes, ponds, and
springs of water, that give rise to numberieas streams of various
sizes, which, interlocking each other in every direction, and
falling over the rocks in romantic cascades, flow meandering
into the rivers bebw. No country on the globe is better wa-
tered than New England.

On the sea coast the land is low, and in many parts level and
sandy. In the vallies, between the forementioned ranges of
mountains, the land is generally broken, and in many places
rocky, but of a stroiig ricii soil, capable of being cultivated to
frood advantage, which also is the case with many spots even
on the tops of the mountains.

■■A.<"

til'

UNITED STATES.

JRi7)ers. — The only river which will be described under New
England is Connecticut river. It rises in a swamp on the
height of land, in Int. 46 deg. 10 min. After a sleepy course
of eight or ten miles, it tumbles over four separate falls, and
turning west, keeps close under tlie hills which form the north-
em boundary of the vale through which it runs. The Arao-
noosuck and Israel rivers, two piincipal branches of Connecticut
river, fall into it from tlie east, between the latitudes 44 and
45 deg. Between the towns of Walpole on the east, and
Westminster on the west side of the river, are the great falls.
The whole river, compressed between two rocks scarcely f30
■feet asunder, shoots with amazing rapidity into a broad bason
below. Over these falls, a bridge 160 feet in length, was built
in 1784, under which the highest floods may pass withtnit de-
triment. This is the first biidge that was ever erected over
this riol)le river. Above Deerfield, in Massachusetts, it re-
■ceives Deerfield river from the west, and Miller's river from
the east; aftei* which it turns westerly in a sinuous course to
Fighting falls, and a little after tumbles over Deerfield fails,
which are impassable by Iwats. At Windsor, in Connecticut,
it receives Farmington river from tlie west ; and at Hartford,
meets the tide. From Hartford it passes on in a crooked
course, until it falls into Long island 8t)und, between Saybrook
and Lyme.

The length of this river, in a straight line, is nearly 300
miles. Its general course is several degrees west of south. It
is from 80 to 100 rods wide, 130 miles from its mouth.

At its mouth is a bar of sand which considerably obstructs
the navigation. Ten feet water at full tides is found on this
bar, and the same depth to Middleton. The distance of the
bar from this place, as the river riuis, is 36 miles. Alxne
Middleton are several shoals which stretch quite Jicross the
river. Only six feet water is found on the shoal at high tide,
and here the tide ebbs and flows but about eight inches. About
three miles below Middleton, the river is contracted to about
40 rods in breadth, by two high mountains. Almost every
where else the banks are low, and spread into fine extensive
meadows. In the spring floods, which generally hapjicu in

li^'

'f .'«>Mr^.;^^pl»^

VIEW OF THE

ir^si

<• f^

May, these meadows are covered with water. At Hartford
the water sometimes rises 20 feet above the common surface of
the nver, and liaving all to pass through the above-mentioned
strait, It IS sometimes two or three weeks before it returns to
Its usual bed. These floods add nothing to the depth of water
on the bar at the mouth of the river; this bar lying too far oft'
in the sound to be affected by them.

On this beautiful river, whose banks are settled almost to its
fiource, are many pleasant, neat, well-buil. towns. It is nuvi-
gable to Hartford, upwards of 50 miles from its mouth ; and
the produce of the country, for 200 miles above, is brought
thither in boats. The boats which are used in this business
are flat-bottomed, long, and narrow, for the convenience of
going up the stream, and of so light a make as to l,e portable
in carts. They are taken out of the river at three different
carrying places, all o^ which make fifteen miles. Sturgeon,
salmon, and shad are caught in plenty, in their season, from
the mouth of the river upwards, excepting sturgeon, which do
not ascend the upper falls; besides a variety of small fish, such
as pike, carp, perch, &c.

Natural Productions,- The soil, as may be collected from
what has been said, must be very various. Each tract of dif.
iorent soil is distinguished by its pecuhar vegetation, and is
pronounced good, middling, or bad, from the species of trees
which It produces ; and one species generally predominating in
each soil, has originated the descriptive names of oak land ;
birch, beech, and chesnut lands; pine barren ; maple, ash, and
cedar swamps, as each species happen to predominate. Inter-
mingl'd with these predominating species are walnut, firs, elm,
hemlock, magnolia, or moose wood, sassafras, &c. &c. The
best lands produce walnut and chesnut ; the next, beech and
oak ; the lands of the third quality produce fir and pitch pine ;
tlienext, whortleberry and barlierry bushes; and the poorest
produces nothing but poor marshy imperfect shrubs, which is
the lowest kind of mfrutcw vegetation.

Among the flowering trees and shrubs in the forests, are the
i-ed flowering maple, the sassafras, the locust, the tulip tree,
^he chesnut, the wild cherry, prune^ crab, sloe, pear, honey-

UNITED STATES.

suckle, wild rose, dogwood, elm, leather tree, laurel, hawthorn,
&c, which in the spring of the year give the woods a most
beautiful appearance, and fill them with a delicious fragrance.

Among the fruits which grow wild, are the several kinds of
grapes, which are small, sour, and thick skinned. The vines
on which they grow are very luxuriant, often overspreading
the highest trees in the forests. These wild vines, without
doubt, might be greatly meliorated by proper cultivation, and
a wine be produced from the grapes equal, if not superior, to
the celebrated wines of France. Besides these, are the wild
cherries, white and red mulberries, cranberries, walnuts, hazle-
nuts, chesnuts, butter nuts, beech nuts, wild plums and pears,
whortleberries, bilberries, gooseberries, strawberries, &c.

The soil in the interior country is calculated for the culture
of Indian corn, rye, oats, barley, flax, and hemp, for which
the soil and climate are peculiarly proper ; buck-wheat, beans,
peas, &c. In many of the inland parts wheat is raised in large
quantities ; but on the sea coast it has never been cultivated
with success, being subject to blasts. Various reasons have
been assigned for this. Some have supposed that the blasts
were occasioned by the saline vapours of the sea ; others have
attributed them to the vicinity of barberry bushes ; but per-
haps the sandiness and poverty of the soil may be as efficacious
a cause as either of the others.

The fruits which the country yields from culture are, apples
in the greatest plenty ; of these cider is made, which consti-
tutes the principal drink of the inhabitants ; also, pears of va-
rious sorts, quinces, peaches, from which is made peach brandy,
plums, cherries, apricots, &c. The culinary plants are such as
have already been enumerated.

New England is a fine grazing country ; the vallies between
the hills are generally intersected with brooks of water, the
banks of which are lined with a tract of rich meadow or inter-
val land. The high and rocky ground is, in many parts, co-
vered with honcy-suckle, and generally affords the finest of
pasture. It will not be a matter of wonder, therefore, that
New England boasts of raising some of the finest cattle in the
.world ; nor will she be envied, wheji the labour of raisins; them

i -i

. '.s-

fr 1

9m VIEW OF THE

is taken into view. Two months of the hottest season in th«
year, the farmers are employed in procuring food for their
cattle; and the cold winter k spent in dealing it out to them.
Manners and CW.!oot.s.— New England is the most populous
part of the United Stutes; the greater proportion of which
consists of a strong and healthy yeomanry and cultivators of
the .oil. They are almost universally of English descent.
Learning, from the establishment of hcIkkjIs in every township,
IS very generally difFusi-d among all ranks of people ; so that a
person who cannot read and write is rarely to be found. Like
all people who are confined to a domestic" life, they have been
accused of an impertinent inqulnfivemsn. Their politics ren-
der tliem independent, proud, and dictutorial ; from which ori-
ginates that restless, liticrjous complaining spirit, which forms
a dark shade in the character of New Englandmen 'J'hev
have been depicted in the following manner by an American
writer.

^ The New Englanders are generally tall, stout, and well-
built. They glory, and perhaps with justice, in possessing
that spirit of freedom, which induced their ancestors to leave
their native country, and to brave the dangers of the ocean,
and the hardships of settling a wilderness. Their education,
laws, and situation, serve to inspire them with high notions of
liberty. Their jealousy is awakened at the first motion toward
an invasion of their rights. They are indeed often jealous to
excess; a circumstance which is a fruitful source of imaginary
grievances, and of innumerable groundless suspicions, and uii-
just complaints against government. But tl^se ebullitions of
jealousy, though censurable and productive of some political
evils, shew that the essence of true liberty exists in New Eng.
land ; for jealousy is the guardian of liberty, and a character-
i?tic of i\iie republicans. A law, respecting the descent of
estates which are generally held in fee simple, which for sub-
stance is the same in all the New England states, is the chief
foundation and protection of this liberty. By this law, the
possessions of the father are to be equally divided among all
the children, excepting the eldest son, who has a double por-
tion. In this way is preserved that happy mediocrity among

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«7

tiie people, which, by inducing economy and industry, remoYci
from them temptations to luxury, and forms them to hab'ta of
solH-iety and temperance. At the same time, their industry
and frugality exempt them from want, and from the necessity
of submitting to any encroachment on their liberties.

' The people of New England generally obtain their estates
by hard and persevering labour : they of consequence know
their value, and spend with frugality. Yet in no country do
the imligent fare better. Their laws oblige every town to
provide a competent maintenance for their poor, and the ne*
cessitous stranger is protecteti and relieved from their humane
institutions. It may in truth be said, that in no part of the
world are the people happier, better furnished with the neces-
saries and conveniences of life, or more independent than the
farmers of New England. As the great iKxly of the people are
hardy, independent freeholders, their manners are, as they
ought to be, congenial to their employment, plain, simple, and
unpolished Strangers are received and entertained among
them with a great deal of artless sincerity, friendly and .un-
formal hospitality. Their children, those imitative creatures,
to whose education particular attention is paid, early imbibe
the manners and habits of those around them ; and the stranger,
with pleasure, notices the honest and decent respect that is paid
him by the children as he passes through the country.

' As the people, by representation, make tlieir own laws and
appoint their own officers, they cannot be oppressed ; and living
under governments in which lew have lucrative places, they
have few motives to bribery, corrupt canvassings, or intrigue.
Real abilities and moral character unblemished, are the qualifi-
cations requisite in the view of most people for officers of public
trust. The expression of a wish to be promoted is the direct
way to be disappointed.

' The inhabitants of New England are generally fond of the
arts, and have cultivated them with great success. Their col-
leges have flourished beyond any others in the United States.
The illustrious characters they have produced, who have dis-
tinguished themselves in politics, law, divinity, the mathematics

H ''

View of the

p8TUi!44l»rJy in poet,, oviii«e the truth of th«.«e observations.

' M«ny of the womtTi of New England are Im.ulHome. They
gcoerally have fair, fresh, and healthful countenances, mingled
mtb «uch female softness ad delicacy. Those who have
had the advantages of a g,K)d eilucation (and they are consi-
derahly u(.i,i. ...us) are genteel, easy, and Treeable in their
manners, and an uprightly and sensible in conversation. They
are early taught to manage domestic concerns with neatness and
economy. Ladies of the first rank and fortune make it a part
of then- daily business to superintend the affairs of the family.
Employment at the needle, in cookery, and at the spinning
wheel, with them is honourable. Idleness, even in those of
independent fortune, is universally disreputable. The women
in the country manufacture the greatest part of the clothing of
their families. Their linen and woollen cloths are strong and
decent. Their butter and cheese is not inferior to any in the
world. '

' Dancing is the principal and favourite amusement in New
England ; and of this the young people of both sexes are ex-
tremely fond. Gaming is practised by none but those who
cannot, or rather will not find a reputable employment. The
gamester, the horse-jockey, and the knave, are equally despised,
and their company is avoided by all who would sustain fair and
irreproachable characters. The odious and inhuman practices
of duelling, gouging, cock-fighting, and horse-racing, are
scarcely known here,

' The athletic and healthy diversions of cricket, foot-ball,
quoits, wrestling, jumping, hopping, foot-races, and prison-
bass, are uiiversally practised in the country, and some of
them in the most populous places, and by people of almost all
ranks. Squirrel-hunting is a noted diversion in country places,
where this kind of game is plenty. Some divert themselves
with fox-hunting, and others with the more profitable sports of
fishing and duck-hunting: and in the frontier settlements,
where deer and fur game abound, the inhabitants make a lu-
crative spirt oi' hinting them.

«*!**■-•

>lf

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the fine arts,

servations.

ime. They

les, mingled

i who have

jy are consi-

ble in their

ion. They

ieatne8S and

ikc it a part

the family,

be spinning

in those of

rhe women

clothing of

strong and

any in the

(nt in New
xes are ex-
those who
lent. The
y despised,
lin fair and
n practices
acing, are

foot-ball,
nd prison-
d some of
almost all
try places,
;hemselves
B sports of
ttlements,
nake a lu-

•In the winter beason, while the grjund is covered with
snow, which is commonly two or lijree months, sleighing is the
general diversion. A great part of the families thn^ughout tho
country are furniihed with horses and sleighs. 'he young
people collect in parties, and with a great deal of social)ility,
resort to a place of rendezvous, where they regale themselv 9
for a few hours with dancing and a social supper, and then re-
tire. These diversions, as well as aU others, are many times
carried to cxsess. To these excesses, and a sudden exposure
to extreme cold after thr- exorcise of dancing, physicians have
ascribed tho cjuiumptions, which are so frequent among the
young people lu Nv v England."

Hiatoty. — New England owes its first settlement to religious
perscculion. Soon after the commencement of the reformation
in England, which was not until the year 1534, the protestants
were divided into two paities ; one the followers of Luther, and
the other of Calvin. The former had chosen gradually, and
almost imperceptibly, to recede from the church of Rome;
while the latter, more zealous, and convinced of the importance
of a thorough reformation, and at the same time possessing much
firmness and high notions of religious liberty, were for effect-
ing a thorough change at once. Their consequent endeavours
to expunge from the church all the inventions which had been
brought into it since the days of the apostles, and to introduce
the ' Scripture purity,' derived for them the name of Pubitans.
From these the inhabitants of New England descended.

During the successive reigns of Henry VIII., Mary, Eliza-
beth, and James I., the protestants, and especially the puritans,
were the objects of bloody persecution ; and thousands of them
were either inhumanly burnt, or left more cruelly to perish ia
prisons and dungeons.

In 1602, a number of religious people in the north of Eng-
land, finding their ministers urged with subscriptim, or si-
lenced, and themselves greatly oppressed with the commissary
courts and otherwise, entered into a solemn covenant with each
other, < to walk with God and one another, in the enjoyment
of the ordinances of God according to the primitive pattern,'
whatever it mi^ht cost them.

;V 1!.

VIEW OF THE

Among the ministers who entered into this association, was
Mr. Ilohinson, a man of eminent piety and learning, and the
father of New England.

In 1608, Mr. Robertson\s church moved to Amsterdam in
Holland, and the next year to Leyderv, where they lived in
great friendship and harmony among themselves and their
neighbours, until they removed to New England.

As early as 1617, Mr. Robinson and his church meditated
a removal to America. Their raotives for this were, to pre-
serve the morals of their youth ; to prevent them, through
Want o*" employment, from leaving their parents, and engaging
m business unfriendly to religion; to avoid the inconveniences
of mcorporating with the Dutch ; and to lay a foundation for
propagating the gospel in remote parts of'tlie world. Such
Were the true reasons of their removal.

Their agents went to England, and in 1619 obtained of the
Virgmian company a patent of the northern parts of Virginia ;
but the king could not be prevailed ujwn to grant them liberty
of conscience. However, at last he agreed to connive at their
nonconformity. Mr. Brewster, a minister, headed the first
band of adventurers, who on the 9th of November, after a
dangerous voyage, arrived at cape Cod. It is alleged by the
historians of the time, that the Dutch had bribed the master
to create various delays, and to land them thus far north, to
discourage them from venturing to the place of their destinatio».
As they were not within the limits of their patent, and con-
sequently not under the jurisdiction of the Virginia company,
they concluded it necessary to establish a separate government
for themselves.. Accordingly, before they landed, having on
their knees devoutly given thanks to God for their safe arrival,
they formed themselves into a body politic, by a solemn con-
tract, to which they all subscribed, thereby making it the
basis of their government. They chose Mr. John Carver, a
gentleman of piety and approved abilities, to be their governor
lor the first year. This was on the 1 1th of November.

Their next object was to fix on a convenient place for settle-
ment. In doing this they were obliged to encounter numerous
difficulties, and to suffer incredible hardships. Many of them

UNITED STATES.

were sick io consequence of tlie fatigues of a long voyage—
their provisions were bad— the season was uncommonly cold —
tlie Indians, though afterwards friendly, were now hostile— and
they were unacquainted with the coast. These difficulties they
surmounted ; and on the 31st of December they were all safely
landed at a plaxie, which, in grateful commemoration of Ply-
mouth in England, the town which f hey last left in their native
land, they called Plymouth. This is the first English town
that was settled in New England.

In some of their excursions in search of a suitable place for
settlement, they found buried several baskets of Indian corn,
to the amount of ten bushels, which fortunately served them
for planting the next spring, and perhaps was the means of
preserving them from perishing with hunger. They made
diligent enquiry for the owners, whom they found, and after-
wards paid the full value of the corn.

Before the end of November, Susanna, the wife of William
White, was delivered of a son, whom they called Peregrine.
He is supposed to have been the first child of European ex-
tract born in New England.

The whole company that landed consisted ol" but 101 souk
Their situation was distressing, and their prospect truly dismal
and discouraging. Their nearest neighbours, except the na-
tives, were a French settlement at Port Royal, and one of the
English at Virginia. The nearest of these was /500 miles from
them, and utterly incapable of affording them relief in a time
of famine and danger. To add to their distresses, a general
and very mortal sickness prevailed among them, which swept
off forty-six of their number before tlie opening of the next
spring.

On the 3d of November, 1620, king James signed a patent
incorporating the duke of Lenox, the marquisses of Bucking-
ham and Hamilton, the earls of Arundel and Warwick, Sir
Francis Gorges, with thirty-four others, and their successors,
styling them, 'The council established at Plymouth in the
county of Devon, for the planting, ruling, ordering, and go-
verning of New England in America.' To this council he
granted all that part of America which lies between the 40th

'■il

VIEW OF THE

I' : J (■■-

and 45th degfees of north latitude. This patent is the great
civil basis of all the grants and patents by which New England
was afterwards divided.

The Plymouth council retained the power vested in them
by the crown until the year 1635, when they resigned their
charter. Previous to this, however, the council had made se-
veral grants of land to adventurers, who proposed to settle in
New England. They granted New Hampshire to captain
John Mason, in 1621 ; the province of Maine, to Sir R. Gor-
ges, in 1622 ; and Massachusetts bay to Sir Henry Roswell
and five others, in 1627.

In defiance of every difficulty, the colony gradually increased
in strength. The Indians were conciliated, several quaker and
baptist refugees fled to within the Plymouth bounds, and in
1629 another company of Leydeners came over. New Eng-
land now began to flourish ; and in forty years from this time,
one hundred and twenty towns were settled and forty churches
established. This rapid increase of the population was occa-
sioned by the persecution of the puritans in England, and the
inroads made upon the civil liberties of the subject ; and which
induced lords Brook, Say and Seal, the Pelhams, the Hamp-
dens, and the Pyms, to obtain and settle upon large tracts of
land in New Enjiland.

The jealousy of the Dutch, and the successive plots of th«
suri-ounding Indians, in 1643 compelled the cofonies of Ply-
mouth, Massachusetts, and New England, to enter into an
alliance and confederacy for their mutual defence. Two com-
missioners from each colony formed a. congress, and were con-
sidered as the representatives of * The United Colonies of New
England.' It is worthy of remark, that this arrangement
seems to have been exactly copied in the confederation agreed
upon by the United States in 1778.

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is the great
ew England

ited in them
signed their
ad made se-
l to settle in
to captain
Sir R. Gor-
iry Roswell

ly increased
quaker and
lids, and in

New Eng-
n this time,
ty churches
n was occa-
id, and the

and which
the Hamp-
ge tracts of

plots of th«
ies of Ply-
:er into an
Two com-
l were con-
des of New
rangement
ion agreed

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

J^EW HAMPSHIRE is situated between 42 deg. 42 min.
and 45 deg. 13 min. north latitude, and 4 deg. 23 min.
and 6 deg. 10 min. east longitude. Its greatest length is 182,
and its greatest breadth 92 miles. Its area is 9800 square
miles, containing 6,272,000 acres.

Civil Divisions, — The state is divided into six counties, and
219 townships, of six miles sqUare each.

Natural Geography.'— The state has about 15 miles of sea
coast, fr; m whence it extends in breadth, and is generally level
towards the sea, rising gradually from 20 to 30 miles, when the
mountains commence, and these are more lofty than in any
other part of the United States ; the White mountains being
visible 30 miles out at sea, and computed by Dr. Belknap at
10,000 feet by Mr. Williams at 7800. There are several
lakes in the state, but none of any great importance, except
Winnlpiseogee, near the centre, 24 miles long, and of unequal
breadth, from 3 to 12 miles. It is full of islands, and being
navigable in summer, and frozen over in winter, it proves a
considerable convenience to that part of the country. The
principal river is Connecticut, which is the boundary line be-
tween this state and Vermont. The Piscataqua is the boun-
dary line, for a little way, between this state and the district of
Maine ; and forms the harbour for the only shipping port in
New Hampshire. There is a singular curiosity in the state
called the Notch, which is a pass through the mountains, at
one place only 22 feet wide ; and, being bounded by rocks al-
most perpendicular and of great height, presents a scene strik-
ingly picturesque.

The soil, near the sea coast, is in some places sandy, but
near the banks of rivers generally good, as is likewise the case
in the valleys among the mountains. The mountains are,

VIEW OF THE

irr

jnany of them, rocky and barren ; but others are fertile on the
brows, and nearly all are covered with timber.

The climate is healthy ; but the winters are long and severe
and there are great extremes of heat and cold. Mr. Belknap
has observed the thermometer at 18 deg. below 0, and in sum-
mer It has risen to nearly 100 cicg. : its average is about 4>8 or
6U deg. Snow lies on the ground from three to four months
and the use of sleighs, during that period, is general. The
spnng IS rapid ; and the summer and fall are generally pleasant
Agriculture k the chief business of the state, and is weU
conducted. The principal products are beef, pork, mutton,
poultry wheat, corn, and other grain; butter, cheese, flax,
hemp, hops, vegetables, apples, peai's, &c.

The minerals quoted are, ochres, isinglass, crystals, sul-
phur, freestone, lead, black lead, and copper; but the most
valuable IS iron, which is found in many places, and is wrought
m considerable quantities.

Popj^^eojz^-The population of this state, in 1817. amount-
ed to 296,450, being above SO to the square mile. Although
this appears but a thin population, yet it is io be observed that
a great part of the state is covered by mountains, which are in-
capable of cultivation. The sea coast, valleys, and fertile
spots, are said to be tliickly settled; and these places have
kept pace m improvement with the other New England states
Manners, ^-c.-^The inhabitants are represented as hardy
robust, and active. They are in general well educated; and
the population is not mixed with negroes or foreigners from
the different states of Europe.

IMiM:ation.-^la the township of Hanover, in the western
part of this state, is Dartmouth college, situated on a beautiful
pknn, about half a mile east of Connecticut river. It was
named after the right honourable WiUiam earl of Dartmouth
who was one of its principal benefactors. It was found(>d by
Dr. E^eazer Wheelock in 1769. It is supported by a grant of
80,000 acres of land. It has, in the four classes, about 130
students, under the direction of a president, two professors,
and two tutors. It has twelve trustees, who are a body cor-
porate, invested with the powers necessary for such a body

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The librnty is elegant, containing a large collection of the most
valuable books. Its apparatus consists of a competent number
of useful instruments, for making mathematical and philost)-
phical experiments. There are three buildings for the use of
the students ; one of which was erected in 1786, and is not yet
finished. It is 150 feet in length, and 50 in breadth, three
stories high, and handsomely built. It has a broad passage
running through its centre from end to end, intersected by
three others. In front is a large green, encircled with a num-
ber of handsome houses. Such is the salubrity of the air, that
no instance of mortality has happened among the students
since the first establishment of the college.

At Exeter there is a flourishing academy, and at Portsmouth
a grammar-school. All the towns are bound by law to sup-
port schools.

Chief Towns. — Portsmouth is much the largest town in this
state. It stands on the south-east side of Piscataqua river,
about two miles from the sea, and contains about 6000 inha-
bitants. The town is handsomely built and pleasantly situated.
Its public buildings are a court-house, two churches for con-
gregationalists, one for episcopalians, and one other house for
public worship. Its harbour is one of the finest on the conti-
nent, having a sufficient depth of water for vessels of any bur-
then. It is defended against storms by the adjacent land in
such a manner, as that ships may securely ride there in any
season of the year. Besides, the harbour is so well fortified by
nature, that very little art will be necessary to render it im-
pregnable. Its vicinity to the sea renders it very convenient
for naval trade. A light-house, with a single light, stanr i at
the entrance of the harbour.

Exeter is a pretty town, fifteen miles south-westerly from'
Portsmouth, on the south side of Exeter river. It has a har-
bour of eight and a half feet water, and was formerly famous
for sliip-building. Dover Neck, which makes a part of the
town of Dover, is situated between two branches of Piscataqua
river, and is a fine, dry, and heaithy situation ; so high as to
command the neighbouring shores, and afford a very extensive
and delightful prospect.

M-^wr* •>rsn\MSr^—

VIEW OF THE

t IS

•i »

V'^

. 1'i'

Concord is the seat of government, and contains 2060 inha-
bitants. Dover contains 2062; Amherst, 2150; Hanover,
1920; Keene, 1645; Charleston, 1634; Durham, 1128;
and there are three others, containing from 500 to 1000.

Small villages and farm houses are numerous, and the coun-
try is pretty well supplied with good roads, and some elegant
bridges, of which the chief is across the Piscataqua, seven miles
above Portsmouth. It is 2600 feet long, and cost 68,000
dollars.

Trade and Resources.— By an act of congress, which passed
in 1798, in New Hampshire, 3,749,061 acres of land were va-
lued at 19,028,108 dollars. In 1814 and 1815, the value of
houses and lands, as revised by the assessors, was 38,745,974
dollars, which is nearly at the rate of nine dollars per acre.

The net revenue of New Hampshire, in 1815, was 92,316
dollars. The registered tonnage employed in foreign trade
amounted to 24,532, and the enrolled coasting trade to 205J|.
The country people generally manufacture their own cloth-
mg, and make considerable quantities of tow cloth for exporta-
tion. The other manufactures are ashes, maple-sugar, bricks,
jiottery, and iron ware.

A great part of the surplus produce of this state is carried
to Boston, which prevents it from making a great figure in the
scale of exports ; the amount, in 1805, was 608,408 dollars,
but it seldom exceeds half a million. All the export trade
centres at Portsmouth.

Rclig'hn.—Thc churches in New Hampshire are principally
for congregationalists ; some for presbyterians and baptists,
and one for episcopalians. Ministers contract with their pa-
rishes for their support. No parish is obliged to have a minis-
ter ; but if they make a contract with one, they are obliged by
law to fulfil it. Liberty is ever given to any individual of a
parish to change their denomination ; and in that case they are
liberated from their part of the parish contract.

Govenmcnt— The government is founded upon a bill of
rights, declaring that all men are born equally free and inde-
pendent; and that all government originates from the people:
that every man has a right to worship God according to the

UNITED STATES.

dictates of his conscience: that all elections ought to be free;
and that every inhabitant of the state, having the proper qua-
lifications, has an equal right to elect, and be elected, into
office:- that there shall be no hereditary rights, and that the
press shall be free.

The exercise of the government is vested in a legislature,
consisting of a senate and house of representatives; a governor
and council to execute the laws ; and a judiciary to promote
justice between man and man. The senate consists of thirteen
members, chosen annuaily by the people; each member must
be possessed of a freehold estate of 200/. The representatives
are apportioned according to the population, every town which
has 150 rateable polh being entitled to one representative;
having 450, they are entitled to two. They are also elected
annually, and must be possessed of" a freehold of 100/. The
governor is in like manner elected annually, and must be pos-
sessed of a freehold of 500/. There are five counsellers, who
are chosen amuially, who must be possessed of freeholds of 300/.

The following extract from the constitution ought to be ge-
nerally known.

' Knowledge and learning, generally diffused through a
community, being esnential to the preservation of a free go-
vernment; and spreading the opportunities and advantages of
education through the various parts of the countiy, i being
highly conducive to promote this end ; it shall be tile duty of
the legislators and magistrates, in all future periods of this go-
vernment, to cherish the interest of literatuie and the sciences,
and all seminaries and public schools, to encourage private
and public institutions, rewards and immunities for the pro-
motion of agriculture, arts, sciences, ccmimerce, trade, manu-
factures, and natural history of the country ; to countenance
and inculcate the principles of humanity and general benevo-
lence, public and private charity, industry and economy, ho-
nesty and punctuality, sincerity, sobriety, and all social affec-
tions and generous sentiments, among the people.'

Histori). — The lir.st discovery made hy the English of any
part of New Hampshire, was in 1614, by captain John Smith,
who ranged tlie shore from Penobscot to cajie Cod ; and in this
5 ■ N

88 VIEW OF THK

route discovered the river Piscataqua. On his return to Enfr.
' land, he pubHshed a description of the country, M'ith a map ni'
the coast, which he presented to prince Charles, who cave it
the name of Ne7v England.

In 1C21, captain John Mason obtained from the council of
Plymouth, a grant of all the land from the river Naumkeag
(new Salem) round cape Ann, to the river Merrimak, up each
of those rivers, and from a line connecting the furthest sources
ot them mclusively, with all islands within three miles .)f the
coast. This district was called Mariana. The next year,
another grant was made to Sir Ferdinando Gorges and Mason'
jointly, of all the lands between the Merrimak and Sagadahok
extending back to the great lakes of Canada. This grant]
which includes a part of the other, was called Lacania.

Under the authority of this grant, in 1623, a settlement was
made at Little harbour, near the mouth of the Piscataquu.
^ In 1629, some planters from Massachusetts bay, wishing to
form a settlement in the neighbourhood of Piscataqua, procured
a general meeting of the Indians, at Squan.scot falls, where
^mththe univerml voment of tU',r subjects, they purchased of
t/ie Indian dueft, for a valuable consideration, a tract of land
comprehended between the rivers Piscataqua and Merrimak,
and a line connecting these rivers, drawn at the distance of
abm.t 30 miles from the sea coast. The same year, Mason
procured a new patent, under the common seal of the <:oiuicil
ot Plymouth, of the above-.nention.^d Indian purchase.

In 1635, the Plymouth amipany resigned their charter to
the king; but this resignation did not materially affect the
patentees under them, as the several grants to compauios and
individuals were mostly confirmed, at some subsequent period,
by charters from the crown.

In April, 1641, the principal settlers of Piscataqua, by a
formal instrument, resigned the jurisdiction of the whole* to
Massachusetts, on conditi<m that the inhabitants should enioy
the same liberties with their own people, and have a curt of
justice erected among them. The property of the whole patent
of Portsmouth, and of one-third of that of Dover, and of all
the improved lands therein, wa*i reserved to the lords and gen-

'W.*!*.

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tlemen proprietors and their heirs for ever. These reservations
were acceded to on the part of Massachusetts ; and what is
extraordinary, and manifested the fondness of the government
for retaining them under their jurisdiction, a law of Massachu-
setts, declaring that none but church members should sit in the
general court, was dispensed with in their favour. While they
were united with Massachusetts, they were governed by the
general laws of the colony, and the conditions of the union
were strictly observed. During this period, however, they had
to struggle with many difficulties. One while involved, toge-
ther with Massachusetts, in a bloody war with the Indians;
and repeatedly disturbed with the warm disputes occasioned
by the ineffectual efforts of Mason's heirs to recover the pro-
perty of their ancestor. These disputes continued until 1679,
when Mason's claim, though never established in law, was pa-
tronised by the crown, and New Hampshire was erected into a
separate government.

In the year 1691, Mason's heirs sold their title to their lands
in New England to Samuel Allan, of London, for SHBOl. ; and
in 1692, colonel Samuel Allan was commissioned governor of
New Hampshire. Eight years after, he came over to America ■
to prosecute his claim, but died before the affair was concluded.
The inhabitants about this time suffered extremely from the
cruel barbarity of the Indians: Exeter, Dover, and the fron-
tier settlements, were frequently surprised in the night; the
houses plundered and burnt ; the men kiJled and scalped ; and
the women and children either inhumanly murdered, or led
captives into the wilderness. The first settlers in other parts
of New England were also, about this time, harassed by the
Indians; and it would require volumes to enumerate their
particular sufferings.

Although New Hampshire was under the jurisdiction of the
governor of Massachusetts, yet they had a separate legislature.
They ever bore a proportionable share of the expenses and le-
vies in all enterprises, expeditions, and military exertions, whe-
ther planned by the colony or tne crown. In every stage of
the opposition that was made to the encroachments of the Bri-
tish parliament, the people, who ever had a high sense of li-

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herty, chwrf'iilly Im)io their part. At the commencement of
hostilities, intleed, witile their council was appinltHi hv royal
mamlamuK, their ardour was checked hy these crown officers.
But when treed Irom this rentruint, they flew eagerly to the
American standard when the voice of their country tieclorcd
for war; and their troops had a lar^« share of the hazard and
fatigue, as well as of the glory, of uccomplinhing the late
revolution.

MASSACHUSETTS.

^li

, i't >

Situation and E.vtent ]yj[ASSACHlTSETTS is situated I>e-

tween 41 dcg. 13 niin. and 4^ dog.
52 min. north hit., and JJ dcg. S8 min. and 7 deg. cast long.
Its extreme length is 190 miles, and its greatest breadth 100.
Its stjunro contents is 8500 miles, iK'ingalwut 5,440,000 acres.
Bounded northwardly by New Hampshire and Vermont , west
by New York; southwardly by Connecticut, Rhode islanil,
and the Atlantic ; east by the Atlantic and Massachusetts bay.
Natural Geography. — The face of the country is strikingly
diversified. The coast on the east side is indented with bays,
and studded with islands, which afford ample harbours for
shipping, and support a hardy race of sailors and fishermen.
Toward the middle the surface is agreeably uneven, and the
west swells out into mountains, some of which are of consider-
able height. The state is well watered, abounding in rivers
and small |a!.es.

Merrimak river, before described, runs through the north-
eastern part of the state. Charles river rises from five or six
sources, on the south-east side of Hopkinton and Holliston
ridge. The main stream runs north-east, then north and
north-eastwardly, round this ridge, until, in Natick township,

UNITED STATES.

lUl

it mingles with Mollier brook, which Ih a anisidcrable branch
of Charles river. The river, thus lorintil, runs westward,
tumbling in ihllH across the Koiith-west einl of iJrooklyn IuIIh,
and pa.ssing ntar Frunjinghani pond, riui» north-east to Cam-
bridge ; hence winding round in a sinuous course, falls into
Boston harbour. Taunton river risen in the Hlue mountains,
which lie back oi Milton and Braintree, and forms the princi-
jMil drain of the country lying cast of these mountains : the river
runs nearly a straight course south-west, under the foot of the
mountains, to Tiverton on Narragansett bay. Concord fiver
is formed by three branches, one issuing from Framingham
pond, and the other two from the mountains about Marllk).
rough. These strbams united run north, and fall into the
Morrimak river, a little below Tantucket falls.

Mystic and Medford rivers run fr<mi north to south into
Boston harbour. Ipswich river, rising in Wilmington in Mid-
dlesex county, runs east and then north east into the Atlantic
at Ipswich. Westfield river, from the north-west, empties into
Connecticut river at Springfield. A little above, the Chicabee
from the north-oast empties into the same river. Deerficid
river rises in Vermont, and naming southwardly through Wil-
mington, Charlemont, and between Sheiburne and Conway,
enters and passes through a large tract of the finest meadow in
the world. In these mountains it receives Green river from
the Mountains, which is about four rods wide : hence thev pass
on together, in a broad smooth stream, about three miles into
Connecticut river.

The only capes of note on the coast of Massachusetts are,
cape Ann on the north side of Boston bay, and cape Cod on
the south. The latter is the terminating hook of a promon-
tory, which extends far into the sea, and is remarkable for
having been the first land which was made by the first settlers
of Plymouth on the American coast in 1620. In the barb of
the hook, which is made by the cape, is cape Cod harbour.
This promontory circumscribes Barnstable bay, and forms.
Barnstable county. This county is almost an island. The
isthmus which connects it to the continent is between Sandwich
bay on the north, and Buzzards bay on the south. The dis-

lot

VIEW OF THE

,'V 1,

: i

tance between them is but six or seven miles. Herring brook
almost crosses this neck or isthmus, so that a canal of about one
mile only would insulate the county, and save several hundred
miles dangerous navigation in passing from Newport to Boston,
and l)e otherwise nrf immense advantage to trade. Such a canal
has been talked of for more than an hundred years past. The
eastern coast of this promontory is subject to continual changes.
Large tracts of sand bank, in the course of 40 or 50 years, by
the constant accumulation of sand and mud, occasioned by the
coil f,nd recoil of the tides, have been transformed into solid
marsh land. The sand banks extend 200 miles into the sea,
forming dangerous shoals.

The soil of Massachusetts is various. Towards the sea coast
it is sandy and barren ; in the interior it improves ; and toward
the western parts, where the country is hilly, it is best adapted
for grazing. Wheat crops are not abundant, but it produces
Indian corn, rye, barley, and oats. Vegetables and fruit come
to great perfection, and are of much value in the state. Flax
and some hemp are cultivated ; and hops grow luxuriantly.

The climate is very much a.ssimilated to that of Rhode island,
Toward the west, the winters are more cold and severe than on
the coast, but the weather is more steady, and the whole is
healtiiy.

The principal mineral is iron, of which the state produces a
great quantity. A copper mine has been discovered; and
there are considerable quantities of clays and ochres, and slate,
marble, and limestone.

Population. — In 1817, the population of this state was esti-
mated at 564,392, which yields above 66 persons to a square mile.
Manners, <^-c. — The inhabitants of Massachusetts are de-
scribed as being extremely cleanly, industrious, and contented.
The I'emales, in |)articular, appear to great advantage, having
a glow of health, an air of cheerfulness, and a neatness of as-
pect, not to be surpassed. Though much attached to subjects
of religion, they are in general liberal, and cultivate the bene-
volent affections.

Chief' ToKms.—lioston is an irregular built town, situated
on a peninsula whose surface is broken by small hills ; and.

5..,- «''»

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108

except where the isthmus appears In si^ht, seems completely
environed by a beautilul river. It cannot boast of much uni-
formity and elegance; but, with resptot to situation, it is ex-
tremely beautiful.

Boston bears considerable resemblance to an old city in
England. It is two miles in length, but of unequal breadth,
bemg 720 yards at the broadest part. It contains atiout 4000
dwellmg-houses, many of which are built of wood, besides a
great number of store-hoitses.

From an elevated part of the town, the spectator enjoys a
succession of the most beautiful views that imagination can
conceive. Around him, as far as the eye can reach, are to be
seen towns, villages, country seats, rich farms, and pleasure
grounds, seated upon the siunmits ol" small hills, hanging on
the brows of gentle slopes, or reclining in the laps of spacious
valleys, whose shores are watered by a beautiful rive-, across
which are thrown .several bridges anil causeways.

That p(,rti(m of the town called West lioston contains most

of the dwelling houses of the gentry and principal merchants.

A number of these elegat)t buildings of red ))rick have within

thc^efew years been ereeted ; and wide spacious rtret^s, con-

wstmg of hatidsome private houses of similar construction, are

yet formmg throughout that end of the town. These streets

are mostly in the vicinity of Heaeun hill, a rising ground of

considerable elevation, situate behind the new stat*.-house On

this hdl a monumental pillar is erected, with a gilt eao-Je at the

top, bearing the arms of the United States. On the%edestal

of the column are inscripti.His commemorating the most re,

raarkable events of the revolution.

The new state-house is, perhaps, more indebted to its .situa-
Tu , .1 ^^"^''""'^^ appearance it exhibits, than to any merit
of the buildmg itself. It is built up<,n part of the rising ground
upon which Beacon hill is situated, and fronts the mrk an
extensive common planted with a double row of trees along the
borders. The lower part of the building is constructed in a
plain and simple style of architecture, with red brick, and sur-
mounted by a large circular dome of the same materials, co.
loured yellow. The whole has a neat and ornamental appear-

104

VIEW OF THE

\ ( ■

U, if I

Ml'

<i ,■

ance; but if stone had been substituted for brick, it would
then have been a structure worthy of admiration, and honour-
able to the people of Boston.

The park was formerly a large common, but has recently
been enclosed, and the borders planted with trees. On the
east side there has been for many years a mall, or walk, plant*
ed with a double row of large tress, somewhat resembling that
in St. James's park, but scarcely half its length. It affords
the inhabitants an excellent promenade in fine weather. At
the bottom of the park is a branch of the harbour ; and along
the shore, to the westward, are several extensive rope-walks
built upon piers. At high water, boats and barges can be ad-
mitted between the walks, which are all roofed in, and have
large brick warehouses at the eastern end. Considerable quan-
tities of excellent cordage are manufactured at these walks,
and form an article of exportation to the other states. In the
street next the mall, at the upper end of the park, there is a
stand of hackney coaches, superior in every respect to vehicles
of that description in London.

The other part of Boston, which may with propriety be
called the Old Town, is the seat of trade and commerce, and
contains numerous streets, lanes, and alleys, crowded with
stores, shops, warthouses, wharfs, and piers ; taverns, coffee-
houses, and Morter-houses; insurance offices, banks, and state
buildings ; churches, chapels, and meetings.

Of late years, considerable improvements have taken place
in East Boston. Towards the harbour, an extensive range of
lofty warehouses liave been erected upon India wharf: they
are built of red brick, with much neatness and uniformity."
Offices for the merchants are below, and the upper part of the
building is appropriated to the reception of goods, A short
distance from these warehouses to the northward, is Long
wharf, or Boston pier, which extends from the bottom of State-
street, upwards of IToO feet into the liarbour. Its breadth is
above 100 feet. On the north side of this immense wharf is a
range of large wareh()uses,extending the w liole length of the pier.
jVlong the water side ihere is a great number of other piers,
which extend a conNicierable way into the harbour; these form

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UNITED STATES.

105

as many open docks, or slips, which admit vessels of almost
every size and draught of water up to the very doors of the
houses. Viewing this sight from an eminence, it has a singu-
lar and beautiful effect ; the crowded masts and figging of the
vessels appear in the midst of the streets, and the colours of all
nations are seen flying over the tops of the houses.

Boston is well paved, and has cxi;cllent foot-paths of flag
stones. The streets, which in the old town are generally nar-
row and irregularly laid out, arc for the most part clean and
in good order. The markets are situated near each other,
close to the water side ; and are supplied with every descrip-
tion of provisions in the greatest plenty, and at a moderate
price. But they are crowded and confined by the surrounding
buildings, and the narrow lanes in the vicinity. This, together
with the number of shabby shops and ale-houses in the neigh-
bourhood, gives to this part of the town an unseemly appear-
ance, which is still further increased by the litter and confusion
unavoidable in a market place.

The bridge connecting Boston and Charlestown is a sur-
prising work. It is of wood, with a draw for the admission of
vessels, and is 3483 feet in lengdi, and 40 feet wide. On the
same river, and not above two miles further up the country, is
another bridge of this nature, 1.503 feet long, and 42 in width.
The principal manufactures of Boston are, sail-cloth, cordage,
hats, wool and cotton cards, pot and pearl ashes, paper hang-
ings, plate and common glass, loaf sugar, tobacco, chocolate,
and an immense quantity of playing cards, on which they coun-
terfeit the English figures with great exactness. Above forty
distilleries are employed in making that detestable spirit called
Yankee rum ! which is used in preference to that agreeable
and nutritious beverage, malt liquor, two breweries for which
can barely be supported by this large town and its populous
vicinity.

The population of Boston, according to the census of 1800,
was 24,937 ; about three years after, it amounted to 28,000 ;
and very lately was computed to be upwards of 35,000. The
majority of the people are congregalionalists ; the remainder
consist of episcopaliiuis, baptists, quakers, univiisalists, lloman

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ihi ^

m i ■ '

; :t

catholics, and Sandemanians. They have twenty places of
worship, of which n^-^e belong to the congregationalists, and
/bur to the episcopalians.

'Sundays are observed,' says a late traveller, 'with the
strictest decorum ; the town appears as if completely deserted ;
and scarcely a person is seen walking the streets, except in go-
ing to or coming from a place of worship. This strict observ-
ance of religious duties disposes a stranger to judge favourably
of the moral character of the people ; nor has he any reason to
alter his opinion, until he hears of so many unfortunate females
in the cities.'

The inhabitants are distinguished for their domestic habits,
regularity of living, integrity in their dealings, hospitality to
strangers, strict piety and devotion, and respect for the moral
and social virtues ; upon which depend the happiness and well
being of a community.

Several daily and weekly newspapers, and a few magazines
and reviews, are published in Boston. Like those of other
towns, the newspapers are attached to the principles of the two
parties which at present divide the people ; and in their poli-
tical animadversions, they are by no means tender of the cha-
racter of their opix>nents. The fanatical spirit of this city
seems gradually to subside; and Mr. Burke observes, after
narrating the witchcraft delusion, 1692, in which so many in-
nocent people perished by the bigotry of two clergymen called
Encrease and Cotton Mather, 'that the peo{)le there are now
grown somewhat like the rest of mankind in their manners,
and have much abated of their persetniting spirit.' This citv
is even already ranked ■by some among the most pleasing and
sociable in the United States.

The amount of tonnage owned by the port of Boston in
1810 was 149,121. The number of vessels that enter and
clear out annually is innnense, caiiying on a trade to Europe,
the East and West Indies, and China, besides a very extensive
coasting trade. The exports annually from this port probably
amount to upwards of t{,0()(),000 do'llans. There are in Bos-
ton three incorporated bunks, besides a branch of the United
States' bank, whose joint capitals atnouut to upwards of

!«. t^.

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UNITED STATES.

107

3^,000,000 dollars ; and there are three or four insurance of-
fices, with capitals of 3 or 400,000 dollars each.

There are a uumber of public societies in Boston, among
which may be mentioned the American Academy of Arts and
Sciences, Massachusetts Historical Society, Uoston Library
Society, Agricultural Society, Mechanic Society, Marine So^
ciety, Charitable Fire Society, Humane Society, Medical So-
ciety, Dispensary, and the Female Asylum. Public education
is on an excellent looting; there are eight or nine public
schools, supported at the expence of the town, which are ac-
cessible to all the members of the comtr unity, free of expence ;
they are managed by a committee of twenty-one gentlemen,
chosen annually, and are under good regulations. Besides
these, there are a number of private seminaries, at which all
the various branches of education are taught ; and, upon the
whole, Boston may challenge a competition on this branch with
any city in Europe, Edinburgl in Scotland perhaps excepted.

Salem \s, next to Boston, the largest town in Massachusetts,
and one of the earliest settled in the state It is situated on a
peninsula formed by two branches of the sea, called North and
South rivers, and consists of about 1500 houses^ and contained,
in 1800, 954-7 inhabitants. The houses are built partly of
wood, and partly of brick ; and many of them are uncommonly
elegi :t. The principal public buildings are a court-house,
five congregational churches, and one each for quakers and
episcopalians. Salem carries on a very extensive shipping
trade, more business being done here in that line than in any
town in the New England states, Boston excepted. There is
a ship-yard in Salem, and a considoable manufactory of sail-
cloth. A bank has been long established. The inhabitants
are said to be industrious and frugal, and the appearance of
the town indicates a considc-^ble accumulation of wealth'. Sa-
lem is remarkable as being the residence of Mr. Gray, reputed
the g* atest ship-owner in America, having a vast number of
square-rigged vessels, many of which are in the India trade.

Camhndge is handsomely situated, and contains a univer-
sicy, which is reputed the best literary institution in the United
States. It was established in 1638, and has now four large.

108

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buildings, with accommodations sufficient to contain upwards
of 200 students, who attend it annually, and are instructed in
all the various branches of human knowledge. The library is
very extensive, and the philosophical apparatus is said to be
the most elegant and complete of any in America. Five pro-
fessors and four tutors discharge the dutieu of the university,
which is generally well attended by students. The village of
Cambridge contains about 1000 inhabitants. The houses are
mostly built of wood. The public buildings are, besides the
university, a court-house, an episcopal and a congregational
.church.

Worcester is a pretty place, and said to be one of the largest
inland towns in the state. It is the capital of a county to
which it gives the name, and is situated in a pleasant valley,
mostly on one street, which is broad and handsome. The
houses are generally of wood, painted white ; and are in num-
ber about 400. The inhabitants amount to about 2500. The
jiublic buildings are, a court-house, jail, and two congregational
churches. They have a pretty extensive inland trade at this
place, and the printing business has been long established hero
by a Mr. Thomas, who is reputed to be the oldest printer in
AiMerica. It is proposed to open an inland navigation between
tlijs place and Providence, distant about 40 miles; and if it
iihould take place, it is supposed that it will be attended with
gnat advantage.

Springfield is a handsome and thriving town, situated on
the east side of the Connecticut river, 97 miles from Boston.
It contains about 1500 inhabitants, who carry on a considerable
inland trade, and have established a respectable manufactory
of fire-arms. The public buildings are a court-house and u.
congregational church.

Brookfield is a beautiful town, situated on the Quebang
river, and in a rich, fertile country, which also contains great
quantities of ir„,i ore. Of the remainder of the towns, the
most important is Marblehead, a sea-port, containing upwards
of 5000 inhabitants. NewhurypoH is a handsome sea-port,
CO taining nearly 6000 inhabitants, and has several manufac-
tories, and a large shipping trade. Ipswkh contains 3000

:-r»ii

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■ .m i mii^.^.tiv ^ "

UNITED STATES.

109

inhabitants ; and Concord, a flourishing town on Concord river,
is remarkable as being the place where the provincial congress
lield their deliberations durin^ the war. Taunton, Norths
ampton, Stockbridge, PittitfieM, and Barnstaple, are all towns
of considerable note. The state is intersected in every direc-
tion with good roads, and the bridges are numerous and very
important.

Trade and Resources. — The amount of the internal revenues
of Massachusetts in 1815 was 528,455 dollars, and the num-
ber of carriages taxed was 14,184. The value of lands and
houses, as stated by the assessors, amounted to 143,765,560
dollars, which made the average value of land equal to 18 dol-
lars per acre.

By the returns of the same year, the gross amount of duties
on merchandise was 6,168.448 dollars. The registered ton-
nage employed in foreign trade was 199,659, and the enrolled
tonnage employed in the coasting trade was 2995, besides ves-
sels under 20 tons.

The greater part of tha manufactures have already been

enumerated in the account of Boston ; but it may be noticed,

that, in the interior, there is a vast variety of domestic rnanu-

Jactures ; and several others upon a larger scale, particularly

of woollen and cotton.

The exports of the state are, provisions, timber, ashes, flax-
seed, bees' wax, fish, oil, saddlery, cabinet work, boots and
shoes, nails, tow-cloth, iron utensils, glass, spirits, &c. The
imports are, British manufactures, tea, wine, silks, spirits,
coffee, cotton, &c. Commerce is pursued with an ardent spirit
m the state; and it is said that Massachusetts owns more ship,
ping than any other state in the Union. The state has very
extensive fisheries, the product of which is annually of great
value. , ■

Rel}ffion.~-The legislature of this state are empowered to
re(juire of the several towns to provide, at their own expence,
for the performance of public worship, and to require the at-
tentluuce of the subject (m the same. But these affairs are
managed by each religious sect in its own way, who are not
suffered to interfere with the civil rights of their neighbours,

110

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so that the sting is drawn out of the tail of the scorpion of re-
ligious discord. No sect is elevated above another; jnd all
have reason to be thankful for the blessings they enjoy, in the
protection of equal laws. The great body of the churches are
established on the congregational plan.

Education, Sfc. — Dr. More says, 'According to the laws of
this commonwealth, every town having 50 household«rs or Dpi
wards, is to be provided with one or more schoolmasters, to
teach children and youth id read and write, and instruct them
in the English language, arithmetic, orthography, and decent
behaviour ; and where any town has 200 families, there is also
to be a grammar school set up therein, and some discreet per-
son, well instructed in the Latin, Greek, and English languages,
procured to keep the same, and be suitably paid by the inha-
bitants. The penalty for neglect of schools, in towns of 50
families, is 101. ; those of 100 families, 9M. ; and of 150, 30/.
Besides the college of Cambridge before mentioned, there are
several respectably endowed academies. Those established at
Newbury, Andover, Leicester, and Hingham, deserve particu-
lar mention.

Gorvernment. — The commonwealth of Massachusetts is di-
vided into 14 counties, and subdivided into 355 townships.
The whole country is divided into districts, of about six miles:
square each, and these are called towns, whether they be
thickly settled or not, The arrangement of these towns is-
somewhat assimilated to the parishes in Scotland, having each
a separate jurisdiction within itself, which regulates the affairs
of religion and of education, and makes provision for the poor.
They are also of great importance in the elections, which are
conducted throughout the whole state in one day, the people
voting in their respective towns, which has a tendency to pre-
vent all bustle and confusion.

The state govex'nnient is vested in "a senate and house of re-
presentatives, styled the General Court; a governor, lieute-
nant-governor, and council. The senators are 40 in number,
and are elected annually in districts ; and the voters must be
possessed of a freehold estate of the value of 3/. or any estate
of the value gf 60/. The representatives are elected annually.

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Ill

in townships: every corporate town containing 150 rateable
polls elects one, those containing 375 elect two, those contain-
ing 600 elect three, and so on, making 225 the number for
eyery additional representative. The electors must be pos-
sessed of the ^ame property as for senators, The governor is
styled Am excellence/, and must be possessed of a freehold of
1000/. He is elected annually by those qualified to vote for
senators and representatives. The lieutenant-governor is styled
his honour, and must have the same qualifications, and be
elected in the same manner as the governor. The council
consists of nine persons, chosen from the senators by joint bal-
lot of the senators and representatives.

Islands.— Among the islands that border upon the extensive
coast of this state are, Kappawak, Martha's Vineyard, and
Nantucket. Kappawak, now Duke's county, and the neigh-
bouring isles, were discovered as early as 1602, by Bartholo-
naew Gosnold. In honour of queen Elizabeth, he called a
cluster of small islands near the cape, Elizabeth isles. To an-
other neighbouring island he gave the name of Martha's Vine-
yard Duke's county is 20 miles in length, and about four in
breadth. It contains seven parishes. Edgarton, which' in-
cludes the island Chabaquidick, is the shire town. This little
island IS about half a mile from the harbour, and renders it
very secure. This county is full of inhabitants, who, like their
neighbours at Nantucket, subsist principally by fishing. They
«end three representatives to the general" assembly, and one
senator.

Nantucket lies south of cape Cod, about 30 miles from the
coast and IS about 15 miles in length, and two or three in
breadth. Before the revolutionary war, this small island had
65 ships, ot 4^75 tons, annually employed in the northern.
«nd 85 ships of 10,200 tons, in the southern fishery. From
1787 to 1789, it had only 18 .ships, of 1350 tons, in t'he i o uT
ern, and 1 8 ships, of 2700 tons, in the southern fishery For
many years past, this fishery has been carried on from this
sand and from New Bedford, a large commercial and flou-
rishing town on the coast, m its neighbourhood, and has em-

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VIEW OF THE

ployed from 15,000 to 18,000 tons of shipping, principally in
the Southern seas.

History.— In 1628, the first regular settlement was made in
the Massachusetts near Salem by Mr. Endicot. Two years
after this, 1500 people arrived froii. England, amongst whom
were several persons of distinction. These were followed by
several others, aniongst which were Messrs. Cotton, Hooker,
and Stone, three of the most famous pillars of the church,
Mr. Cotton settled at Boston, and the other two at Cambridge.
Mr. Hooker and 100 others removed in 1636, and settled at
Hartford, on Connecticut river,

' In 1636,' says Mr. Morse, ' Mrs. Hutchinson, a very ex-
traordinary woman, who came to New England with Mr. Cot-
ton, made great disturbances in the churches. Two capital
errors widi which she was charged were, "That the Holy
Ghost dwells personally in a justified person ; and that nothing
of sanctification can help to evidence to beitevers their justifi-
cation."" Disputes ran high about the covenant of works, and
the covenant of grace, and involved both the civil and religious
affairs of the colony in great confusion. The final result was,
a synod was appointed to be held ut Cambridge, in August,
1637, where were present both ministers and messengers of
churches and magistrates, who, after three weeks' disputing,
condemned, as erroneous, above eighty points or opinions, said
to have been maintained by some or other in the country.
The result was signed by all the members but Mr. Cotton.
In consequence of this, JMrs. Hutchinson and some of her
principal followers were sentenced to banishment. She, with
her husband and family, shortly after removed to Aquidnick,
(Rhode island) where, in 1642, Mr. Hutchinson died. She
being dissatisfied with the people or place, removcil to the
Dutch country, beyond New Haven ; and the next year, she
and all her family, being sixteen souls, were killed by the In-
dians, except one daughter, who was carried into captivity.'

The year 16;iT was distinguished by the Tequot wars, in
which wore slain five or six hundred Indians, and the tribe
almost wholly destroyed. This struck such terror into thr

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Indians, that for forty yeais succeeding, they never openly
commenced hostilities with the English.

In 1640, the motives for emigration to New England ceased,
by a change in the affairs of England. The population of this
colony then amounted to 21,000: and the present inhabitants
are mostly the offspring of these original settlers.

The religious prejudices of the colonists were the source of
violent disputes and great cruelties. In 1648, they were in-
fected with the fear of witchcraft; and Margaret Jones, of
Charleston, was accused of having so malignant a quality, as
to cause vomiting, deafness, and violent pains by her touch.
She was accordingly tried, condemned, and executed. The
scrupulousness of the people appears to have arisen to its
height in 1649, and was indeed ridiculous. The custom of
wearing long hair, 'after the manner of ruffians and barbarous
Indians,' as they termed it, was deemed contrary to the word
of God, ' which says it is a shame for a man to wear long hair.'
This expression of the apostle Paul induced this pious people
to think 'his custom criminal in all ages and nations. In a
clergyman it was peculiarly offensive, as they were required in
an especial roanner to go patentibus mtribm, with open ears.
The use of tobacco was prohibited under a penalty ; and the
smoke of it, in some manuscripts, was compared to the smoke
of the bottomless pit. The sickness frequently produced by
smoking tobacco was considered as a species of drunkenness,
and hence what we now term smoking, was then often called
' drinking tobacco ' At length, some of the clergy fell into the
habit of smoking, and tobacco, by an act of government, « was
set at liberty.'

This was succeeded, 1656, by a persecution against the
quakers; and though none were actually put to death by
public execution, yet many were confined in prisons where
they died in consequence of the rigour of the law. King
Charles II. also, in a letter to the colony of Massachusetts,
approved of their severity. The quakers were undoubtedly
enthusiasts, as the following instances will testify. « Thomm
Newhouse went into the meeting-house at Boston with a couple
of glass bottles, and broke them before the congregation, and

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threatened, Thus will the Lord break you in pieces. Another
time M. Brewster came m with her face smeared as black as a
coal. Deborah Wilson went through the streets of Salem
naked as she was born.' But the quakers were used with the
most unjustifiable severity, which, from exciting sympathy, in-
creased their numbers. These unhappy disturbances conti-
nued until the friends of the quakers in England interposed,
and obtained an order from the king, September 9, 1661, re-
quiring that a stop should be put to all capital or corporal
punishments of his subjects called quakers. This order was
prudently complied with, and the rMsturbances by degrees
subsided.

In 1692, the colony obtained, after many disputes with the
mother country, a new charter^ which was productive of much
good, particularly in diminishing the power of the clergy.
During the same year, the spirit of infatuation respecting
witchcraft was again revived in New England, and raged with
uncommon violence. Several hundreds were accused, many
were condemned, and some executed. Various have been the
opinions respecting the delusion which occasioned this tragedy.
Some pious people have believed there was something super-
natural in it, and that it was not all the effect of fraud and
imposture. Many are willing to suppose the accusers to have
been under bodily disorders which affected their imaginations.
It is very possible that the whole was a scene of fraud and im-
posture, began by young girls, who at first thought of nothing
more than exciting pity and indulgence, and continued by adult
persons, who were afraid of being accused themselves. The
one and the other, rather than confess their fraud, suffered the
lives of so many innocents to be taken away through the cre-
dulity of judges and juries. At last, the witch-finders grew
bold, and accused some of the judges of exercising infernal
arts. The rich were now struck with alarm, and the persecu-
tion ceased.

From 1675, when Philip's war began, to 1713, five or six
thousand of the youth of the country had perished by the
enemj, or by distempers contracted in the service of their
country. The colonies, which usually doubled their inhabit-

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unts in five and twenty years, had not at this time double the
number which they had fifty ^ears before.

In 1721, the 8malI-|)ox made great havock m Boston and
the adjacent towns. Of 5889, who took it in Boston, 884 died.
Inoculation was introduced upcn this occasion, contrary, how-
aver, to the minds of the inhabitants in general. All orders of
men, in a greater or less degree, condemned a practice which is
now universally approved, and to which thousands owe the
preservation of their lives.

In 1745, according to a proposal and plan of the governor
of this colony, Louisburg was besieged and taken. The pos-
session of this place appeared necessary for the security of the
English fishery, and prevented an attack upon Nova Scotia,
which the French had meditated and threatened.

The reduction of Louisburg by a British colony surprised
Great Britain and France, and occ^ioned both powers to form
important plans for the next year. Great Britain had in view
the reduction of Canada, and the extirpation of the French
from the northern continent. France, the recovery of Louis-
burg, the conquest of Nova Scotia, and the destruction of the
English sea coast from Nova Scotia to Georfna. Great prepa-
rations were accordingly made by both monarchs. A very
formidable French fleet sailed for the American coast; a Bri-
tish squadron was long expected to oppose them, and to pro-
tect the colonies ; but expected in vain. The colonies were ia
immediate and immirient danger. Fortunately for them, the
French fleet was rendfered unfit to accomplish their design, by
a violent storm, which damaged most of the ships so much,
that they were obliged to return to France, or retire to the
West Indies to refit.

After this, nothing material occurred in the colony until the
general revolution, in ^hich Massachusetts acquired a consi,
derable share of glory.

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DISTRICT OF MAINE.

Situation and Extent. nHHIS diNtrict is bounded on the

north-west by the high lands which
separate the rivers which fall into the St. Lawrence, from those
wliich fall into the Atlantic ocean ; on the east by the river St.
Croix, and a line drawn due north from its source to the said
high lands, which divides this territory from Nova Scotia;
on the south-east by the Atlantic ocean ; and on the west by
New Hampshire. This division is of great extent, being about
850 miles long by about 102 broad, and contains 81,750 square
miles.

Natural Geography. — St. Croix is a short and inconsidera-
ble river, forming the eastern boundary of the United States.
It falls into Passamaquoday bay. Penobscot river rises in
some ponds in the heart of the country, and passing through
several small lakes, it tumbles for near two miles over falls,
which effectually prevent any further marine navigation. To
these falls, which are about 60 miles from the sea, this river is
navigable for vessels of 100 tons. It empties into Penobscot
bay.

Kennebek river rises from a little pond in the high lands,
in north lat. 45 dieg. 20 min. Its general course is from north
to south. It is navigable for vessels of 100 tons to Hallowell,
60 miles from Small point, at the mouth of the river.

Sagadahok, which, properly speaking, is but the main west-
ern branch of the Kennebek, rises in lat. 44 deg. 50 min.
north-eastward of the White hills, in lake Umbagoog. Pea-
body river and another branch fall into this main stream from
the east side of the White hills. Its course is south about 26
miles, then east-north-east 60, when it meets a second mmn
stream from the north-east, 34 miles from its source. Hence
the river runs into Merry Meeting bay ; from thence, with the

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•Mvatersof the Kennebek, which Irkewlse foil into this Imy, ^ith
several otlier stimll streams, it passes off to the sea, IG nale»,
by the name of Kennebek, or Hagaduhok river.

Saco river has two sources, which soon unite ; and the river,
keeping in a general south-eastern course ^'or 60 or 70 miles,
passes between Pepperillborough and Hiddetbrd townships,
into Saco bay, near Winter harlwur. Marine navigation is
stopped by Saco foils, seven or eight miles from the 8<!a. At
these falls, which are about 20 feet in height, are the greatest
board-works in this part of the country. The river here is
brr>ken by small islands in such u manner as to afford a num-
ber of fine saw-mill scuts. Besides these are a number of
smaller rivers.

The sea coast is indented with innumerable bays. Those
worth noticing are Penobscot bay, at the mouth of Penobscot
river, whicli is long and capacious. Its east side is lined with
a cluster of small islands. Casco bay is between cape Eliza-
beth and cape Small Point. It is 25 miles wide, and about 14
in length. It is a most beautiful bay, interspersed with small
islands, and forms the entrance into Sagadahok. It has a suf-
ficient depth of water for vessels of any burden. Wells bay
lies between cape Neddik and cape Porpoise.

AgamemticuB, a noted land-mark for sailors, is alwut eight
miles from the sea, in lat 4a deg. 16 min mii lies in the
township of York, a few miles westward of tv cils.

The heat in summer is intense, aiul the cold in winter
equally extreme. All fresh water laker, ponds, and rivers,
are usually passable on ice, from Christma until the middle of
March. The longest day is fifteen iiours and sixteen minutes,
and the shortest eight hours and forty-four minutes. The
cUmate is very healthful. Many of tlie inhabitants live ninety
years.

On the high lands are oak in stime places, but not plenty,
maple, beech, and white birch. The white birch in this part
of the country is unlike that which grows in other parts. It
is a fine large tree, fit for many uses. Its bark, which is
composed of n great number of thicknesses, is, when separated,
smoother and softer than any paper. The clay lands produce

" ■ta fet^^lt ** ' J^I. ' .' J yiiUMlM

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fir. The timber of this tree is unfit for use, but it yields the
balsam which is so much admired.

Iron and bog-ore are found in many places, in great plenty,
and works are erected to manufacture it into iron. There is a
stone in Lebanon, whicii yields copperas and sulphur.

Population,— The population of this district in 1817 amount
ed to 318,647, which is ten persons to a square mile.

Manners^ Sfc. — The inhabitants are a hardy, robust race ;
and being early taught the use of the musket, are expert
marksmen, and form a very useful luiiitia.

Chkf' T^owns. — Portland is the most considerable town, and
contains nearly 5000 inhabitants. It is situated on a penin.
sula, and has an excellent and capacious harbour. Ship-build-
ing and the fishery constitute the chief employment of the
inhabitants. York is the second in importance, and is a place
of considerable business. Hallowell, Wisca^set^ and Machias
are considerable places, to say nothing of Passamaqmddy^ a
sort of Land's End in Cornwall, or Johnny Groat's House, .it
the very extremity of the Union, and which sends out a consi-
derable number of small vessels.

Trade and Resources. — The principal trade consists in lum-
ber and fish, of which the inhabitants carry great quantities to
the sea-ports of America, and to the West Indies. The ma-
nufactures are principally of the domestic kind,

Government. — The Disteict of Maine is politically con-
nected with Massachusetts ; but as the population is rapidly in-
creasing, a separate government may probably be soon demanded.
History.— T\\e first settlement made in the province of
Maine was about the year 1630. Disputes with the proprie-
tors and the Massachusetts court, and war with the Incjians,
harassed the colonists so much, that in 1675 all the settlements
were in a manner broken up and destroyed. Several rein-
forcements arrived after this ; but the whole country, down to
the year 1702, exhibited a continued scene of killing, burning,
and destroying. Even so late as the year 1748, persons were
murdered and captivated by the Indians in many of the towns
on the sea coast. Since that time, the inhabitants have lived in
peace, and their numbers and property are rapidly augmenting.

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VERMONT,

Situation and Extent. yERMONT is bounded north, by

Canada; east, by Connecticut ri-
ver, which divides it from New Hampshire; south, by Mas-
sachusetts; y/esl, by New York. It is situated between 42
deg. 42 min. and 45 deg. north lat , asicl 3 deg. 38 min. and
6 deg. 27 min. ea.st long. It is 166 miles long, and its great-
est breadth is 93 miles. Its area is about 10,000 square miles,
or 6,400,000 acres.

Natural Geoffrapht/.—Thh state, on the east side of the
mountain, is watered by Paupanhoosak, Quechey, Weld's,
White, Black, and West rivers, which run from west to east
into Connecticut river ; and west of the mountains by the river
Lamoil, over which is a natural stone bridge, seven or eight
rods in length, by Onion river and Otter creek, which empty
by one mouth into lake Champiain, 20 or 30 miles south of
St. John's. Otter creek is navigable for boats 50 miles. The
lands adjacent are of an excellent quality, and are annually
enriched by the overflowing of the water, occasioned by the
melting of the snow on the Green mountains.

A chaiij of high mountains, runni^.g north and south, divides
this state nearly in the centre between Connecticut river and
lake Champiain. The height of land is generally from 20 to
80 miles from the river, and about the same distance from the
New York line. The natural growth upon this mountain is
hemlock, pme, spruce, and evergreens; hence it has always a
green appearance, and on this account has obtained the de-
scriptive name of Mons Ver, Green mountain.. On soifte high
parts of this mountain, snow lies till May, and sometimes till
June.

The country is generally hilly, but not rocky. It is finely
watered* and affords the best of pasturage for cattle. On the

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banks of the lak^s, rivers, and rivulets, are interspersed many
fine tracts of rich land. The heavy growth of timber, which is
common throughout the state, evince the strength and fertility
of tlie soil. Elm, black birch, maple, ash, and bas*-wood,
grow in the moist low ground ; and the banks of the rivers are
timbered principally with white pine, intermingled with vales
of beech, elm, and white oak. The inhabitants cultivate wheat,
rye, bai'ley, oatSj Indian com, &c. The com, however, is
frequently cut off by the early frosts, especially on the moun-
tains and hills.. That which grows on the banks of the rivers
is not so frequently injured. Flax is raised in considerable
quantities, and the soil is good for hemp. Potatoes, pumpkins,
and garden roots and vegetables, grow here in great plenty.
Large quantities of sugar, of a good quality and flavour, are
made from the sugar maple.

Iron is found in abundance throughout the state. Lead,
copperas, flint, and vitriol have been found ; and the west side
of the state abounds with marble.

This state is extremely healthy. Snow begins to fall com-
monly in the beginning of November, and is generally gone by
the middle of April. During this season, the inhabitants
usually enjoy a serene sky, and a keen, cold tar. The ground
is seldom frozen to any great depth, be'mg covered with a great
body of snow before the severe frost? begin. In the spring,
the snow, in common, is gradually dissolved by the warm in-
fluences of the sun. In this way the earth is enriched and
moistened, and spring advances with surprising quickness.

Population.— The population of Vermont in 1817 amounted
to 296,450, which is above 29 persons to a square mile. Al-
though it is off the sea coast, far from a market, and without
any populous towns, yet its inhabitants have nearly doubled
within the last SO years.

Manners. — Most of the inhabitants of this state consist of
emigrants from Massachusetts and Connecticut, except one
settlement formed by people from Scotland. The Vermonters
are represented as being hardy, robust, full-featured, and florid
irt their complexions : as they are mostly all agriculturalists or
mechanics, tlicy are independent in their sentiments; and their

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wants being mostly supplied among themselves, they are not
subject to great vicissitudes of fortune, and are generally
wealthy m proportion as they are industrious.

Chief 7W»*.— Bennington is the principal town in Vermont.
It IS situated in the south-west corner of the state; near the
foot of the Green mountain. Its public buildings are a church
for congregationalists, a court-house, and jail. It has a num-
ber of elegant houses, and is a flourishing town. Near the
centre of the town is mount Anthony, which rises very high in
the form of a sugar-loaf. The assembly commonly hold their
sessions at Windsor.

Montpellier is the seat of government, and contains 1500
inhabitants; Bennington, 2250; Windsor, 2200; Rutland,
2130; Newbury, 2000 ; Manchester, 2000; Newfane, 1700-
St. Albans, 1400; Middlebury, 1260; Burlington,' 1100;'
St. Hero, 1000; Craftsbury, 1000; Brunswick, 1000.

Trad£ and Resources—The chief business of this state is
agriculture; and great qup.^t'es of beef, pork, butter, cheese,
and wool, are raised for > .,, t. The principal manufactures
are of a domestic kind, consisting of wool and flax for family
use. Iron is manufactured, and also a considerable quantity
of pot and pearl ashes.

The principal external trade is with Canada, which, during
the late war with Great Britain, was carried on to a great ex-
tent. The state has likewise a convenient channel of commerce,
through the medium of its rivers, with New York, Hartford
and Boston. '

The value of lands and houses in this state, as revised by
the assessors in 1815, was 32,461,120 dollars; and the ave-
rage value of land was 6 dollars 40 cents. In the same year,
the gross amount of the customs was 245,195 dollars

Government—The state is divided into twelve counties, and
24o townships of six miles square. In every township is a
reserve of two rights of land, of 350 acres each ; one to be ap.
propriated for the support of public schools, tlie other to be
given ,n fee to the first minister who settles in the township.
A part of the townships were granted by the governor of New
Hampshire, and the of ^r part by th^t of Vermo»t. In those
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townships granted by the former, a right of land is reserved
for the support of the gospel in foreign parts ; in those granted
by the latter, a college right, and a right for the support of
county gi'animar schools, are reserved. In these reservations,
liberal provision is made for the support of the gospel, and for
the promotion of comn. n and collegiate education.

The territory compoung Vermont was long claimed by the
adjoining states of New Hampshire and New York ; but the
inhabitants wished it to become an independent state in 1777,
and the Green mountain hoys^ as they were called, took a very
active part in the war of the revolution ; but they did not suc-
ceed in establishing their claim of independence till 1791j when
they were admitted, a 14th state, into the Union. The con-
stitution was adopted in 1793, and Vermont now sends two
senators and four representatives to congress.

The declaration of rights is nearly the same as that of New
Hampshire ; but they have an article declaring that no male
born in the country, or brought over sea, can be held in bond-
age after 21, and no female after 18 years of age.

The plan of government is legislative, executive, and judi-
ciary. The legislative power is vested in representatives,
chosen annually ; every free male of 21 years and upwards,
who pays taxes, having a vote. The executive is vested in a
governor, lieutenant-governor, and council of twelve, chosen
annually, in like manner : and in order ' that the freedom of
the commonwealth may be kept inviolate for ever,' a council
of censors is chosen once in seven years, whose duty it is to see
that the constitution has been preserved inviolate ; whether the
taxes have been paid, and the public monies properly disposed
of; whether the public servants have done their duty, and the
laws been duly executed: and they are empowered, if they
judge it necessary, to call a convention, to meet two yeai'S after
their sitting, to revise and amend the constitution.

UNITED STATES.

BHODE ISLAND.

Situation and Extent. JJ^HODE ISLAND is bounded on

the north and east by the common-
wealth of Massachusetts; on the south by the Atlantic; and
on the west by Connecticut. These limits comprehend what
has been called Rhode island and Providence plantations. It
is situated between 41 deg. 22 min. and 42 deg. north lat., and
5 deg. and 5. deg. 50 min. east long., being 45 miles in length,
and 43 in breadth, and contains 1700 square miles, or 1,088,000
acres.

Natural Geoffraphi/.— Providence and Taunton rivers both
fall into Narragansett bay, the former on the west, the latter
on the east side of Rhode island. Providence river rises in
Massachusetts, and is navigable as far as Providence, 80 miles
from the sea. One branch of Taunton river proceeds from
Winisimoket ponds; the other rises within about a mile of
Charles river. In its course, southerly, it passes by the town
of Taunton, from which it takes its name. It is navigable for
small vessels to Taunton. Common tides rise about four feet.
Narragansett bay is 33 miles in length from south to north,
and towards Newport about 12 miles in breadth, including the
islands which it embosoms, of which the principal are, Rhode
island, Canonicut, Prudence, Patience, Hope, Dyer's, and
Hog island. It receives the waters of Providence, ' Taunton,
and Patuxet rivers ; and contains five harbours, besides those
of Newport and Providence. Its banks are clad with settle-
ments, and there are a number of pretty little towns, the view
of which from the water has a fine effect.

In the town of Bristol is mount Hope, which is remarkable
only on account of its having been the seat of king Philip, and
the place where he was killed.

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The face of the country is agreeably uneven, some places
being hilly, but not mountainous. It is, generally speaking, a
country for pasture and not for grain. It, however, produces
corn, rye, barley, oats, and flax, and culinary plants and roots
in great variety and abundance. Its natural growth is the
same as in the other New England states. The western and
north-western parts of the state are but thinly inhabited, and
are barren and rocky. In the Narragansett country, the land
is fine for graizing. The people are generally farmers, and
raise great numbers of the finest and largest neat cattle in
America. I'hey keep large dairies, and make butter and
cheese of the best quality, and in large quantities, for exporta-
tion. Narragansett is famed for an excellent breed of pacing
horses. They are strong, and remarkable for their speed,
and for their excellency in enduring the fatigues of a long
journey.

Iron ore is found in great plenty, and the state abounds
with limestone and marble. Some copper ore and loadstone
have also been found ; and there are several mineral springs,
but of no great importance.

The climate is salubrious and healthy ; but the winters are
sometimes long and severe, commencing in November, and
ending in March or April. There is a very short spring, but
the summer and autumn are delightful. Volney remarks on
this subject, 'Were I obliged to select the most favourable
spot in America as the place of my abode, my choice would
fall upon the southern point of Rhode island.'

Population. — The population of Rhode island in 1817
amounted to 98,721, which is 98 persons to a square mile.

Manners. — The inhabitants of this state are generally pro-
prietors of the farms they cultivate, and are therefore inde-
pendent. The inhabitants of the towns are merchants, manu-
facturers, mechanics, seamen, and fishermen. The lands are
not entailed, and hence there are no aristocracy, but indepen-
dence is easily attained by industry. The women are said to
be very polite and beautiful ; and the state being esteemed the
Eden of America, is much resorted to by strangers, which
gives a peculiar openness and urbanity to their manners.

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125

There are still a few Indians scattered through the country ;
but their ill-constructed and miserable huts exhibit but a small
remove towards civilization.

Chief Tozms.— Newport is situated on the south-west point
of Rhode island, in lat. 41 deg. 29 min. It extends alwut a
mde from north to south, along Narragansett bay, and is about
one-third of a mile in breadth, rising, as it proceeds from the
water, by a considerable ascent. Ihe streets cross one another
at right angles, and are al! well paved. Tiie number of inha-
bitants, by the census of 1810, was 10,071, and the number of
houses is about 1600, chiefly built of wood, and painted white.
The public buildings are, a state-house, academy, public li-
brary, four baptist churches, two for congregationalists, and
one each for episcopalians, quakers, Moravian^, and Jews.

The si'uation of this city is beautiful, and the salubrity of
the climate is proverbial, in consequence of which it becomes a
great resort for strangers, particularly from the southern states,
during the summer season. It is also noted for the excellent
supply of provisions in its market, particulany offish, of which
there is said to be 50 or 60 different kinds. The packets
which ply between this place and New York, a-.id Providence,
are of great service to the city and to the public. They are
generally under excellent regulations, and afford better accora-
raodations and travelling at a cheaper rate than is to be iound
in most places of the world. The distance from hence to New
York is about 200 miles, which is often sailed in little more
than 30 hours; and the fare, including bed and provisions, is
only nine dollars. From hence to Providence, 30 miles, it is
one dollar.

Newport is a favourable situation for commerce, and has one
of the most safe and commodious harbours in the world. On
the opposite side of the harbour is Goat island, on which there
is a fort and military station. The trade of Newport is prin-
cipally in shipping; and there is a manufactory of cotton, and
one of duck, both of which are said to be in a thriving state.

Providence, the capital of Rhode island, is beautifblly situ-
ated on the head of Narragansett bay, and is divided into two
parts by the Providence river, over which there is a good

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VIEW OF THE

bridge, with a draw in it, to allow vessels to pass. The wc«t
side of the town is low, but the east side rises, by a rapid
ascent, to a considerable elevation. The number of inhabit-
ants, in 1815, was 11,6*00, and they are rapidly increasing.

* In its appearance,' says a late English traveller, ' it com-
bined the attractions of Southampton and Doncaster. There
are manufactories in the neighbourhood. All places of public
social worship are, in the state of New York, called churches ;
not, as with our dissenters, chapels. In these states, the old
English distinction of " church," and " meeting-house," conti-
nues. Here is an excellent market-house, a roorkhou/ie, four
or five public schools, an university ivith a tolerable library, a
public library, and an hospital. Several of the churches are
very handsome : they, as well as many private houses, arc built
of wood, painted white, with green Venetian shutters, present-
ing a neat elegance very superior to our smoky brick buildings.
I have not seen a town in Europe or America, which bore the
appearance of general prosperity equal to Providence. Ship
and house-builders were fully employed, as indeed were all
classes of mechanics. Tlie residents are native Americans.'

The college is situated on the hill, and conmianding a fine
view of the town, bay, shipping, and country for many miles
round. The building is of brick, with a slated roof, 150 feet
long, 46 wide, and four stories high ; and contains lodgings for
upwards of 100 students. It has a valuable philosophical ap-
paratus, and a library containing upwards of 8000 volumes.
Providence has a pretty extensive shipping trade, and sends
very large ships to the East Indies and other distant parts of
the world.

The other principal towns are. South Kingston, situated on
the west side of Narragansett bay, nearly opposite Newport,
and contains 3000 inhabitants. Bristol is pleasantly situated
on the bay, about half way between Providence and Newp(»rt,
and contains 1678 inhabitants. It has a little shipping trade.
Warren is a flourishing little town, containing about 1600 in-
habitants. It is on the west side of the bay, on the Warren
river, and carries on a biisk coasting and foreign trade. Little
Compto7i, East Grecnxoich, and Compton, are also growing

-f

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127

towns. Tlie state is supplied with good roads and bridges,
some of which have been constructed on an ingenious plan,
and at great expence. No canals have yet been made, but se-
veral are projected.

Trade and Resources. — This state is very favourably situ-
ated for commerce, of which it has a large share. The exports
are grain, flax-seed, lumber, horses, cattle, beef, pork, fish,
poultry, onions, butter, cheese, spirits, and cotton and Hnen
goods. The imports are European aud India manufactures,
West India produce, and logwood.

The manufactures are cotton and linen goods, bar and sheet
iron, steel, nails, anchors and other iron work for shipping,
sail-cloth, paper, rum, &c. The cotton manufacture is ex-
tending ; but it is yet in its infancy, and, being subject to a
competition with the organized manufactures of Britain, it
must be attended with a considerable degree of inconvenience,
and perhaps of risk.

The writer above mentioned says, 'At Pautucket, four
miles from Providence, are 13 cotton manufactories; six of
which are on a large scale. They are not the property of
individuals, but of companies. I visited three of these.
They had excellent machinery ; not more than one half of
which was in operation. Children from six to ten years
of age, of both sexes, are paid Gs. 9fZ. per week ; ditto eleven
to sixteen, lOi-. per week ; women, 12*. ; men, 27*. to 31*. Gd.
Very few of the latter are employed. Several of the manufac-
tories of this place are situated on a fine fall of water, 50 feet
in length, and passing through several chasms in a rock which
extends across the river.'

The value of houses and lands in Rhode island, as equalized
by the assessors in 1815, was 20,907,766 dollars. The value
of land was estimated at 89 dollars an acre. The moss
amount of the duties of merchandise, at the same time, was
287,167 dollars. The registered tonnage in foreign trade was
29,019, and the tonnage employed in the coasting trade 539.

Education. — The state of education is said to be considera-
bly behind that of the other New England states, but is im-
proving. The chief seminary is the college at Providence,

1S8

VIEW OF THE

already mentioned ; and there is an academy at Newport, un-
der good regulations, besides various seminaries throughout
the state.

Religion. — There is no distinction made on account of reli-
gious opinions; but every niiin worships G(xl in any way his
conscience dictates, without interfering with his civil rights.
There are several benevolent and useful societies in the state,
among which may be noticed one ' for the abolition of the slave-
trade, and for the improvemeut of the African race.'

Gnvcrmiient. — The state is divided into five counties and 30
townships, The legislature consists of a governor, deputy
governor, ten senators, and a representative from each town-
ship. They are cho.sen by the people twice every year, and
they hold two sessions annually.

History. — The men who fled from their native homes to
Massachusetts, to avoid persecution for their religious senti-
ments, were no sooner settled than they began to imitate their
tyrants, by enforcing an uniformity of opinions. This induced
Mr. lioger Williams, a minister, and twenty others to fly from
their Christian brethren, and to seek an asylum amongst the
more merciful Indians in Rhode island, about the year 1635.
These fugitives built a village, which they called Providence,
and were soon joined by many others, particularly quakers and
baptists. But being destitute of a patent, or any legal autho-
rity, Mr. Williams went to England as agent in 1643, and by
the assistance of Sir Henry Vane, jun. obtiiined of the earl of
Warwick (then governor and admiral of all the plantations)
and his council, ' a free and absolute charter of civil incorpora-
tion, by the name of the incorporation of Providence planta-
tions in Narragansett bay.' This lasted until the charter
granted by Charles II. in 1663, by which the incorporation
was styled, ' The English colony of Rhode island and Provi-
dence plantations in New England.'

The free and liberal toleration established in this island
soon brought it into a highly flourishing state. The inhabit-
ants, during the revolution, acted with great spirit, and pro-
duced the second general in the field.

UNITED STATES.

!wport, un-
throughout

unt of rcli-
iny way his
uivil rights,
n the state,
)f the slave-

itics and 30
lor, deputy
each towii-
I year, and

e homes to
gious senti-
mitate their
his induced
to fly from
imongst the
year 1635.

lOVIDENCE,

[uakers and
egal autho-
i43, and by
• the earl of
)Iantations)
1 incorpora-
nce planta-
the charter
corporation
and Provi-

this island
'he inhabit-
t, and pro>

CONNECTICUT.

Situation and Extent. ^HIS state is bounded on the ncrtJi

by Massachusetts ; on the east by
Rhode island ; on the south by the sound, which divides it
fporn Long iaJand ; and on the west by the state of New York.
It is situated between 41 and 42 deg. north lat,, and 8 deg. SO
min. and 5 deg. east long. Its greatest length is 83 miles, and
its greatest breadth 72. Its area is 4600 square miles, or
2,880,000 acres.

Natural Geography.— T:\ie principal rivers in this state are,
Connecticut, Housatonick, the Thames, and tlieir branches.
One branch of the Housatonick passes through a number of
pleasant tovns, and empties into the sound between Stratford
and Milford. It is navigable twelve miles to Derby. A bar
of shells at its mouth obstructs its navigation for large vessels.
In this river, between Salisbury and Canaan, is a cataract,
where the water of the whole river, which is 150 yards ide,
falls about 60 feet perpendicularly, in a perfectly white sheet.
A copious mist arises, in which floating rainbows are seen in
various places at the same time, exhibiting a scene exceedingly
grand and beautiful.

The Thames empties into Long island sound at New Lon-
don. It is navigable 1 4 miles to Norwich landing. Here it
loses its name, and branches into Shetucket on the east, and .
Norwich or Little river on the west. Little river, «bout a
mile from its mouth, has a remarkable and very romantic ca-
taract. A rock, ten or twelve feet in perpendicular hraght,
extends quite across the channel of the river. Over this the
whole river pitches, in one entire sheet, upon a bed of rocks
below. Here the river is compressed into a very narrow chan-
nel between two craggy cliffs, one of which towers to a consi-
derable height. The channel descends gradually, is very
crooked, and covered with pointed rocks. Upon these the

180

VIEW OF THE

water swiftly tmnhles, foaming with the most violent agitation,
15 or SJO rods, into u broad buson which spreads before it. At
the liottom of the perpendicular falls, the rocks are curiously
excavated by tlie constant pouring of the water. Some of the
cavities, which are all of a circular form, are five or six feet
deep. Th' suKxithnoss of the v\ .i»t above its descent; the
regularity mid bptiuty of the perpendicular fall ; the tremen-
dous roughness of the other ; and the craggy, towering clift*
which im|HMids the whole, present to the view of the spectator
a scene indescribably delightful and majestic. 0~( this rivtr
are some of the finest situations for mill seats in New England,
and (I lose iunnediately below the falls, occupied by Lathrop's
mills, are perhaps not exceedetl by any in the world. Across
the mouth of this river is a broud, commodious bridge, in the
ibrm of a wharf, built at a great oxpence.

Shetucket river, the other branch of the Thames, tumblee
over many falls, and affords a vast ntimber of mill seats. This
river is fed by liinnberless brooks from every part of the adja-
cent country. At the mouth of Shetucket is a bridge of tim-
ber, 134 feet in length, supported at each end by pillars, and
kept up in the middle by braces on the top, in the nature of
an arch.

Naugatuk, Farmington, Mill, and West river, and North
Haven river, are too small to merit a particular description.

The face of the country is agreeably uneven. To the south
the coast extends along the sound the whole length of the state,
and has many fine inlets, which are highly advantageous to
conunerce. Towards the north-west the couatry swells out
into high, broken, hilly lands, but there are no mountains.
: This hilly country is said to be very romantic. The state is
remarkably well watered, abounding in small streams.

The soil is various, some parts being poor and sandy, and
some very fertile ; generally speaking, there is a great deal of
good land, and the state is remarkably well calculated for
grazing.

The climate is subject to great and sudden changes, passing
to the extremes of heat and cold ; but it is very healthy, and
the state abounds with remarkable instances of longevity.

UNITED STATES.

igitatiun,
c it. At
curiously
lie of the
• six feet
;eiit; the
t tremen-
iring clift'
spectator
this rivtr
England,
Lathrop''s
Across
je, in the

, tumbles
ts. This
' the adja-
re of tim-
Uars, and
nature of

nd North
•iption.
the south
' the state,
ageous to
swells out
nountains.
he state is

uidy, and
•at deal of
ulated for

is, passing
ilthy, and
jvity.

Iron ore is found In the

copper
o'jantities.

and y.iiic, have also

great abundance ; and lead,

iscovered, though in no great

.'en found, but not in suHicient (juan-

Pit-coal has bei
tky to induce the inhalntunts to dig for it. There are a nunu
lier of mineral springs in the state : the most important is in
Lichfield county, which is highly impregnated with carlxmic
acitl gas and hulphuratcd hydrogen gas, and is said to be very
useful in curing vniious diseases, particularly dyspejjsia, rheu-
matisi 1, and those of the cutaneous kind.

Papulation. — The number of the inhabitants in this state ui
1817 was 349,568, which is nearly 78 persons to a square mile.
MannerH. — Tlie population of Connecticut con?" ,. . .^f farm-
ers, mechanics, manufacturers, miiu-stersof relig'an, i^u tutors
of youth, doctors of medicine, and lawyers. T le- :* ur*? m. 'idle
people to l)e seen, although it is said that Uw maiiV are axtfj.^
in the learned professions ; and Connecticut st- n cui a full
pro{)ortion of luminaries annually, to enlighten other states

The absence of want and po\'erty in this state, clearly evinces
the evils that arise from the feudal system, and the law of pri-
mogeniture. It contains no overgrown estates, and exhibits no
revolting scenes of wretchedness and misery, The cultivators
are a hardy, industrious race, whose labour is rewarded in
• peace, and health, and sweet content,'

It must, however, be confessed, that they have created evils
which tend to embitter the happiness wliich a superficial ob-
server might conclude they pi^ssessod. The clergy are nume-
rous, and constitute a kind of selfish, overbearing aristocracy;
while their rage i'ot theological disputation generates the worst
passions amongst their flcxiks. This infatuation is, however,
nipidly abating; but it has probably been the origin of that
litigious disposition, which ragos here as well as in tlu' states of
Massachusetts and Rhode island, Every trivial di.spute must
bo settled according tP law; which renders it an inviting
pr<)ti?s.si(m,

Chief Toicns. — Hartford is a handsome city, the capital of
Connecticut, and is, uiteniutdy with Newhaven, the seat of
legislation for the state. It is situated on Connecticut river,
at the head of sloop navigation, 50 miles above Loner Island

ist

VIEW OF THE

*i f

sound. It is r^^larly laid out, the streets crossing one {mo
ther at right angles ; but they are not paved. The city con-
sists of about 400 houses, and contains between 3 and 4000
inhabitants. The public buildings are, the state-house, an
elegant edifice, two congregational churches, and one episcopal
church. The citizens carry on an active commerce, in all the
products of th^ state, to the southern states and the West In-
dies ; and they have a large share of country trade. Consi-
derable manufactures are carried on with spirit, and are
increasing. The markets are well supplied with wholesome
provisions, which are sold at reasonable rates.-

Newhaven is a handsome city. The surrounding scenery
is very fine, «nd the situation pleasant, and favourable for
commerce. It is built on a considerable bay, on Long island
souiid, and covers part of a pretty extensive plain, having a
r? ver on each side of it. The streets cross one another at right
angles, and there is a square in the middle, round which are
the public buildings, which have a very handsome appearance.
They are, the colleges, state-house, three congregational, and
one episcopal church. The college is esteemed one of the best
seminaries in the United States, and, by the citizens of New-
haven, is considered the very best. Tho city contains nearly
6000 inhabitants, who carry on a very active trade with New
York and the West Indies ; and they have established consi-
derable manufactures, which are said to be in a thriving state.

There are three other incorporated cities^ viz. New London,
Norwich, and Middletown. Nerv London is handsomely situ-
ated on the Thames, and has an excellent harbour and exten-
sive trade. It contains upwards of 3000 inhabitants, and has
a bank, and three houses for public worgbip. Norwich is on
the same river, at the head of navigation, and ^as numerous
manufactures and an extensive trade. It contains nearly 3000
inhabitants, and has a court-house, a bank, an insurance com-
pany, an academy, and three places for public worship. Mid-
dletown, situated on Conr cticut river, 15 miles below Hartford,
contains about 2000 inhabitants, and carries on a considerable
trade. There is a bank, an insurance company, a court-house,
and two places for public worship in the city. Lichf.eld is a

UNITED STATES.

I8S

fine town, containing upwards of 4000 people. It is beauti-
fully situated in an elevated part of the state, and has a court-
house, meeting-house, and academy. Wethersjield is the oldest
town in the state, and is remarkable for the culture of onions.
The other villages are numerous, the whole state being studded
with them, containing from 500 to 1500 or 2000 inhabitants j
among others may be mentioned Danbury, Windham, . Had-
dattiy and Tolland. The houses are generally built of-wood,
on a handsome planj and are painted white ; which gives the
country an air of great cleanliness and neatness. This enter-
prising little state first set the example of making turnpike
roads in New England ; and these and other good roads are so
abundant, that travelling is facilitated in all directions. There
are a number of bridges in the state, some of them constructed
at great expence, which are of great utility.

Education.— EA\xcaLi\on is upon an ex-ellent footing, and the
school fund is more ample than that of any other state. The
college at Newhaven, which is named Yale college, was found-
ed in 1700. The present college edifice, which is of brick,
was built in 1750, and is 100 feet long, and 40 feet wide, three
stories high, and contains 32 chambers, and 64 studies, conve-
nient for the reception of 100 students. The college chape],
which IS also of brick, was built in 1761, being 50 feet by 40,
with a steeple 125 feet high. In this building is the public
hbrary and the phUosophical apparatus. The college museum,
to which additions are constantly making, contains come great
natural curiosities.

Academies have been established at Greenfield, Plainfield,
Canterbury, Norwich, Windham, and Pomfret. The law
directs that a grammar school shall be kept in every county
town throughout the state; but the great, popular, and per-
manent advantage on this branch, arises from the establishment
of schools in every township, being an arrangement similar to
the parish schools in Scotland, and which produced similar ef-
fects; a general diffusion of knowledge, 'steady habits,' and
sobriety of manners'.

Trade and Resources. —Th^ fm-mers of Connecticut and
s ^st, gviiviaiiy uifsseii III doth oi their tnuuuiac-

\\ ' -I

'iijil

134

VIEW OF THE

ture, whifjli is substantial and good ; and there are considera-
ble and very important manufactures, on a larger scale,
througl. out tlie state, viz. woollens, linens, cottons, leather of
every description, hats, stockings, paper, wire, liells, soap,
candles, oil, cltxks and watciies, earthen and sione ware,
chaises, harness, &c.

The state has a very considerable coasting and foreign trade.
The exports are principally to the West India islands, consist-
ing of live stock, timber, grain, fruit, fish, and provisions.
The imports consist of manufactured piece goods of the finer
kinds, wines, and groceries.

The value of houses and lands, according to the return of
the assessors in 1815, amounted to 88,5.'}4,971 dollars; the
land being vali.ed at 'M dollars per acre. The duties on mer-
chandise was 217,28{} dollars. There was employed in foreign
trade 'W,4752 tons, and in the coastiiig trade WIS.

Reunion. — In religion, the form of church government is
generally ccngrogational or prcsbyterian ; but every other
forni nifiy be freely exercised without molestation, if it is not
in direct variance with the general opinion. The episcopalians
are respectable; and the baptists are numerous. There is
scarcely any other sect worth mentioning.

Govcr7iment.~'rhe form of government is derived from the
ancient charter ; by which the legislative authority is vested in
a oH)vcrnor, deputy governor, twelve assistants or counsellers,
and the ri-prcsentatives of the people, styled the General As-
sembly. They are divided into two branches, of which the
govornor, deputy governor, and assistants form one, and the
representatives the other: and no law can pass without the
concurrence of both. 'J'lie governor and assistants are chosen
annually ; and the representatives, who must not exceed two
for each town, are chosen twice each year. The suffrage is
universal, every freeman who is of age having a vote, without
regard to jiropcrty.

H'i.stoiij.—'V\w first grant of Connecticut was made by the
I'lyuiouth council, to tlie earl of Warwick, in 1030, and con-
firini'd by his nmjesty in council the same year. The year
followin""', the tarl assigned this grant to lord Say and Seal,

%l:.

:on»idera-
rer scale,
leather of
ills, soap,
tne ware,

ign trade.

8, consist-

irovisions.

the finer

return of
liars; the
s on mer-
in foreign

rnmcnt is
■ry other
f it is not
^copalians
There is

from the
vested in
unscllers,
neral As-
vhich the
, and the
thout the
re chosen
<ceed two
luft'rage is
;, without

ie by the

and con^

The year

and Seal,

UNITKI) STATES. j^^

lord Brook-, and nine others. No English settlo.nents were

TZlt ;" ^'""f ^" ""' ''' ''^'''^ ^^"- --^

a tract 1 "u?'.. ^""^' rf''^' "' ^"' P"-'P«' -^-«
a tract of land at the mouth of IJttle river in Windsor built

a house and ortified .t, and ever after maintained tS rig
ol soil upon the river. '^

The same year, u little before the arrival of the English a
companyof Dutch traders came to Hartford, and bui fhol:
wicl they called ^h. Ilirse of G..lIIoj., and erected a small
fort n. winch they planted two cannon. The remains of Til
S|;den,ent are still visible on the bank of Con^c: c t i
lh,s was the only settlement of the Dutch in ConnecticuTTn
those ancient times. '"«cucut m

In 1684 lord Say and Seal, &c. sent over a small number
of men, who bu.lt a fort at Saybrook, and held a trea^yT^th
the Pe<,.u,t Indians, who, in a formal n^.nner, gave Tthe
^ ghs . t e,r nght to Connecticut river and the adfacent to^n
try. In the year followmg, a number of persor^ came «n^
«ettle<l m Hartford, Wethersfield, and Wind J

In the year 1637, the colonists took the field airainst th.
Indmns. All tl. males of a whole tribe were 1^^^"^^^
^•w that escaped; a..d the women and children we e e„Tt!
Bennudas, and .sold for slaves! Two years after, the fir!^
c urd» was formed at Newhaven, the members of vl ul. ^
al tlnngs u. con.mon, and fi.rmed themselves into a eivi lur
winch deeded all things according to the law of Moses '

Ihe Instory of Connecticut exhibits the san.e intolerance
;^norance and nustaken zeal, as that of their neig bours'
^^^ypMned the useof tobacco, and persecuted the oua" '
Inlbba, tins state obtained a charter from Charts iVhu;

:^^^:;:^T f ""^"'^ ^f^^-^^^p^^y, u^t ti. pjt^

often extended they knew not where ; and the j)eople of Con
nc. .cut construed their charter literally, and paL ' .t New
\ork, made purchases of land from the Indians o^ the DeL
-re nver, w.thm their supposed limits, which they conce d
extended to the South sea. JJut after many diLtes th^
state ceded to congress all their lands west of Pennsykoit
except a reserve of <!(} ,^11.. ..,,,..„„ ""'> ^^"""^^

19»

VIEW OF THE

In 1672, the laws of the state were revised, printed, and
every family was obliged to purchase a copy. They have
since been judiciously revised and simplified. During the re-
volution, the people were very active and suffered greatly.

NEW YORK.

Situation and Extent. 'J'HIS interesting state is situated be-
tween 40 deg. 33 min. and 45 deg.
north lat,, and 3 deg. 43 min. east, and 2 deg. 43 min. west
long. ; its extreme length, from east to west, being 340, and
extreme br*adth, froia north to south, 317 miles ; but it is
very irregular. The squaJre contents amount to about 54,000
square miles, or 34,560,000 acres. This flourishing state is
larger than both England and Wales, the extent of which is
computed at 49,450 square miles.

New York is bounded on the south-east by the Atlantic
ocean ; on th east by Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Ver-
mont ; on the north by the 45th degree of latitude, which di-
vides it from Canada ; on the north-west by the river Iroquois,
or St. Lawrence, and the lakes Ontario and Erie ; and on the
south-west and south by Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Natural Geography.— There is a vast variety in the face of
the country. From the highlands, about 50 miles above New
York, the state is hilly, in many places mountainous; and tlic
hills continue to the extremity of the state northward, and to
Utica westward : from thence to its western extremity, nearly
300 miles, there is a most elegant country, rich and well wa-
tered, having spurs of the Alleghany mountains on the one
side, and on the other the lakes Ontario and Erie, two of the
finest sheets of water in the world. The lakes are so nume-
rous, and having been before described, the bare mention of

UNITED STATES.

187

:ed, and
ley have
y the re-
ally.

lated be-
l 45 deg.
cnin. west
S40, and
but it is
It 54,000
g state is
• which is

Atlantic
and Ver-
which di-
Iroquois,
ad on the
sey.

he face of
bove New
; and tlic
d, and to
ty, nearly
i well wa-
ll the one
two of the
> so nume-
nention of

the names of the most important must suffice in this place.
Besides the large lakes, there are lake Champlain, lake George,
Oneida, Onondago, Skeneateless, Owasca, Cayuga, Seneca,
Cannndagua, and Chataughque.

The principal rivers are the Hudson, the Mohawk, the
Oneida, and the Genesee. The head waters of the Alleghany,
Susquehanna, and Delaware rivers, are also in the southern
part of this state.

The state abounds witii iron ore and lead ; copper and zinc
have been found in various places. Silver has been found,
but in no great quantity. Marble abounds, and is of an ex-
cellent quality. Freestone and slate are in plenty. Plaster of
Paris is found in great variety, and is used with good effect as
manure. Isinglass and sulphur are common in many places :
and coal has also been found, but in no great quantity. The
salt springs at Onondago are very strong, and produce an im-
mense quantity of that useful article. There are many sul-
phur springs, and several air springs, which last are probably
the gas arising from the combustion of pit coal : there is a me-
dicinal spring at Lebanon, which affords a pleasant bath, at
the temperature of 72 deg., and is much frequented ; but the
most remarkable springs in this state, or indeed in the United
States, are those of Ballston and Saratoga. These waters are
highly medicinal, and are of great efficacy in dyspepsia and
other complaints; and are much frequented in the summer
season.

The soil, in such an extent of country, must be various.
The southern and eastern part is a dry gravel, mixed witli
loam, and is not very rich ; the mountainous part is pretty
well tdapted for grazing, and there are rich valleys on the
rivers. The whole of the northern and western part is rich
and fertile, except a small portion bordering on the state of
Pennsylvania, which, however, is interspersed with fertile lands.

The climate is various. In that part which lies to the south
of the highlands, it is remarkably changeable ; it experience*
all the vicissitudes of heat and cold, and sometimes a change
of 30 degrees in the course of 24 hours. Among the moun-
tains, and along lake Champlain, towards Canada, the wintera

138

VIEW OF THE

!■ \

are long and se\<"?, and the summers are sometimes very
sultry and hot. In the western district, the climate is more
temperate, and the winters are subject to a good deal of rain ;
but the whole country is Iicalthy, the neighbourhood of ponds
and undrained morasses excepted. The winter commences
about Christmas, and ends with February ; but March and
April are sometimes cold montli.s.

Population. — The total population of this state in ISS'T
amounted to 1,486,739, which is 27 peijions to a square mile.
In 1790, the population was only 340,120, so that in fS7 years
it has beea more than quadrupled.

Manners and Customs. — The society in this state h very
much mixi u'. To the west the n. yority are New Englandert; ;
while th:. city and south ;ra part of the state, and along tho
Hudson and Mohawt rsvers are mostly of Dutch, Scottish,
and Irish extraction. "KiMiu, m describ ug the Dutch in this
state, observes, that this }..-ple ixre every where well known
for their avarice and selfi''-^'r.i'S. Tilsey are unhospitable, and
never disposed to obligt h«3'ond a prospect of interest.' An
American writer on this passage says, ' The design of the
Dutch, in coming to this country, was not to improve their
minds, nor to erect public seminaries of science, but to increase
',beir fortunes. Thus did their darling passion, and the un-
happy circumstance of their situation, debar them from emi-
nentOj or even progress, in the field of science. A want of
schools ;ind seminaries furnished with able instructors of their
own nation ; their ignorance of the English language ;
and their national pride, have all conspired to keep them in
thfir native ignorance of every mental improvement. This
will account for many unfavourable peculiarities in their^an-
ners and customs.'

* It is not to be doubted,' continues this writer, * that there
are many bright geniuses among them, who, through the dif-
ficulties of obtaining an education, have remained unpolished
and unimproved. There are many indeed who, by their assi-
duous application, surmount every obstacle, burst through the
cloui that overshadows them, and shine with distinguished
lustre in the first offices of church and state ; and their lustre

I {

i I

UNITED STATES.

139

nes very
is more
of rain ;
of ponds
inimenccs
arch and

in 181T

sare mile.

S7 years

e i': very
glanders: ;
along the
Scottish,
ch in this
ill known
able, and
est.' An
;n of the
ove their
> increase
d the un-
roiTtt emi-
^ want «f
•s of their
anguage ;
p them in
It. This
heir^an-

that there
h the dif.
npolished
their assi-
rough the
jnguished
jeir lustre

is brightened by being contrasted with the total darkness in
which others are involved; for, from the causes already as-
signed, no people are so ignorant as the lower class.

* Another cause of their unsociability and apparent reserve,
in encoisraging and associating with strangers, is their want of
enterpnso. Their neighbours, more enterprising, emigrate
at,d rea|i dsc fruit of those advantages which their local situa-
tion puts in their own power. This excites jealousy and rival-
ship. The balance of this rivalship they see is against them.
The preservation of their interest and of their dignity rails
them to unite in opposing their rivals. But it is evident that
their union and friendship, in this regard, have too often their
prime source in intei-est, are continued through interest, and
have interest for their ultimate object. The intended effect of
this union is in a great measure lost, through the natural jear
busies and clashing interests of heads of families and their
parties; for although they are all combined by the general
bond of national prejudice, national customs, and national reli-
gion, they are split into numerous and warm parties. And
among them, he who has the greatest interest and the strong-
est party, not he who has the most merit, is the greatest man,
the most honourable man, and the best qualified for public
office. In their meetings, they are ever led to think and say
the worst of their opponents, and recal all the little circum-
stances of burlesque, malice, or mistake in them, which persons
of more liberal sentiments would wish charitably to veil and
bury in oblivion. Thus it is that the practice of slandering
and injuring each other's characters becomes common, and
iurnishes a great part of their daily conversation ; while that
sweet and friendly intercourse which mends the heart, and that
dignified and sensible conversation that improves the mind, are
almost wholly neglected.'

The labouring classes are generally well clothed, and have
an air of independence and carelessness not usually seen in
England. I'he dress of the genteeler classes is more slovenly
and loose than that of men in the same rank in this country.
Tiie ladies are handsome, but have not that animated glow of
heajth which distinguishes the liritish fair, Ijut this subject

1 1

^ 1 i

"■WS-*^*";^

140

VIEW OF THE

f';! {I

will be considered more at length, when we come to draw a
portrait of the American character.

Chief Toums. — New York, the capital of the province, is
situated on a promontory, on the extremity of York ibland, at
the mouth of Hudson river, a noble and picturesque stream.
The bay is about nine miles long, and three broad, without
reckoning the branches of the rivers on each side of the town.
From the ocean at Sandy Hook to the city is not more than
28 miles. The water is deep enough to float the largest vc:.
sels. Ships of 90 guns have anchored opposite the city.
There they lie land-locked,, and well secured from winds and
storms ; and fleets of the greatest number have ample nytaca
for mooring.

New York is the first city in the United Stales for wealth,
commerce, and population ; as it also is the finest and most
agreeable for its situation and buildings. It has neither the
narrow and confined irregularity of Boston, nor the monoto-
nous regularity of Philadelphia, but a happy medium between
both. When the intended improvements are completed, it will
be a very elegant and commodious town.

The Broadway and the Bowery road are the two finest ave-
nues in the city, and nearly of the same width as Oxford street
in London. The first commences from the Grand Battery,
situate at the extreme point of the town, and divides it into
two unequal parts. It is upwards of two miles in length,
though the pavement does not extend above a mile and a
quarter: the remainder of the road consists of straggling
houses, which are the commencement of new streets already
planned out. The Bowery road commences at Chatham street,
which branches off from the Broadway to the right, by the
side of the ps^rk. After proceeding about a mile and a half,
it joins the Broadway, and terminates the plan .vhich is in-
tended to be carried into effect for the enlargjjment of the
city.

The houses in the Broadway are lofty and well built.
They are constructed in the English style, and dift'er but little
from those of London al the west end of the town ; except
that they are universally built of red brick. In the vicinity of

%^'

■77 -■*» ■ - _ '_ ;■:•— "^T^"-*!^-.""

»««SS»*»»'«= '<»«*(»•■

UNITED STATES.

141

the Battery, and for some distance up the Broadway, they are
nearly all private houses, and occupied by the principal mer-
chants and gentry of New York ; after which the Broadway is
lined with large commodious shops of every description, well
stocked with European and India goods, and exhibiting as
splendid and varied a show in their windows as can be met
with in London. There are several extensive book stores,
print shops, music shops, jewellers, and silversmiths ; hatters,
linen drapers, milliners, pastry cooks, coach-makers, hotels,
and coffee-houses. The street is well paved, and the foot-
paths are chiefly bricked. In Robinson street, the pavement
before one of the houses, and the steps of the door, are com-
posed entirely of marble.

This fine street and the other principal ones are thus de-
scribed by Mr. Melish. * Broadway is the finest street in the
city ; and from its importance and great beauty, it merits a
particular description. It commences at the Battery, on the
south-west point of the city, and runs in a north-east direction
about two miles and a half, where it forms a junction with the
Bowery road. The breadth of this street, including the side
pavements, is about 80 feet, and it is regular, during its whole
length. It is ornamented with rows of poplar trees on each
side, and a number of public buildings are situated on it, par-
ticularly, the custom-house, trinity church, St. Paul's church,
the city public buildings, the mechanics' hall, and the hospital.
The street rises by a gradual ascent from the Battery, about
half a mile, and is at its greatest elevation opposite the city
buildings. Its course is through the highest part of the island.
Greenwich street is next in importance: it rises also at the
Battery, and, running nearly due north upwards of two miles,
connects the city with the village of Greenwich. Pearl street
is one of the most important in the city, in point of trade : it
rbes also near the Battery, and runs nearly parallel with the
East river to Cherry street; from thence it runs to the north-
ward, and falls into Chatham street. Cherry street is a conti-
nuation of Pearl street, and runs along the East river till it is
terminated by a bend of the river. Bowery lane is upwards
of 100 feet wide, riseg at Chatham street, and, connected with

■

1 if

lln

^i(.IHH

N^R^H

wJi

. .-u.^. .. .*...^^

142

VIEW OF THE

the Boston road, forms a junction with Broadway, as btfore
mentioned. The other most important streets are Wall street,
where the most of the banks ami public oflices are situated,
Chatham-street, where the the: 'od, Front street,

Water street, and f\road str '

* That part of the city whuli lias been recently laid out on
East river is constructed on a handsome plan, the streets cross-
ing one another at right angles ; and there are several public
squares. Of these there are by far too few in the city, and
they hardly merit notice. The Battery before mcriiojui! is •
pretty piece of ground, and commands an elegant view of the
bay, islands, narrows, and shipping; but it is quite small,
consisting of a f w acres only.'

A court-house on a large scale, and worthy of the improved
state of the ci*y, lias recently been built at the end of the park,
between the 1 i .>adway and Chatham street, in a style of mag-
nificence unequalled in many of the larger cities of Europe.
The exterior consists wholly of fine marble, ornamented in a
verv neat and elegant style of architecture; and the whole is
surmounted by a beautiful dome, which forms noble orna-
ment to that part of the town, in which are also situated the
theatre, -mechanic hall, and some of the best private houses in
New York. The park, though not remarkable for its size, is,
liowever, of service, by disp]:iyin<x the surrounding buildings
to greater advantage; and is also a relief to the confined ap-
pearance of the streets in gen. ral. It coiiiists of about four
acres, planted with elms, planes, willows, and catalpas; and
the surrounding foot-walk is encompassed by rov of poplars:
the whole is inclosed by a woe i pa^uig. Tlii.. city has its
Vauxhall and Ranelagh ; but they are poor imitations of those
near London. They are, however, pleasant places of recrea-
tion for the inhabitants. •

The other public buildings are, the Federal hall, college,
coffee-house, hospital, prison, bridewell. Theie are seven
episcopal churches; five presbyterian, two "itch, 'hree me-
th(xlist, two baptist, and two quaker uioc .g-' ises; one
German, one Lutiierau, and one French ( iviniuc church ;
one sew'flta and one Scots reformed church ; yue church each

^s:

UNITED STATES.

143

for unlversnlists, congrcgationalists, Moravians, and Africans;
and one Jewish Hynngo^ue.

There are thirty -one benevolent institutions in New York.
Upward- of twenty newspapers are puhlished in this city,
nearly half of whieh are daily puperv*; besides several weekly
and monthly magazines and essays. A public library is also
estabhsheii here, which ( -nsists of about 1{),0()0 volumes
many of them rare and valuable books. The building which
contams them is situated in Nassau street, and the trustees arr
incorporated by an act of the leoislature. There are also
three or four public reading-rooms and circulating libraries,
which are supported by some of the principal booksellers, from
the annual subscriptions of the inhabitants. There is a mu-
seum of natural curiasities in New York, but it contains no-
thing worthy of particular notice.

There are a number oi' schools in the city, and the college,

in which two of the professors are Scotsnien, is reckoned a

very excellent seminary of education. To the north of the

city, near Greenwich, stands the state prison, modelled upon

the plan of that of I'hiladelphia ; and it is said to l)e one of

the most benev.Icnt institutions ever established in any country.

The water side is lined with shipping, which lie'alono- the

wharfs or in the small d<« ks called slips, of which therl are

upwurc.s of twelve f- vards (he East river, besides numerous

piei 4. The wharf lar^- and <ommodious, and the ware-

houses, which an .early -w I aldings, are lofty and sub-

stantial. The merchants, -brokerb, &c. have their offices

uj front on the ground floor of the. irebouses. These ranges

of buildings and wharfs ext= iid from the Grand Battery, on

both .des of the town, up the Hudson and East rivers, 'and

encompass the bouses with shipping, whose .est of masts

gives a stranger a lively idea of the immense traci,. which this

cit) carries on with every part of the globe. New York ap-

pea , to him the Tyre of the new world.

An intelligent English traveller thus le-scribes his Hrst ira.
pns^.ons on l;,uding in New York. 'I have wdkcd alone
through the streets, for the pnrpos<> of fomiino ,.„ .udependent
judgment. Every object is new. 1 hardly da.e trust myself

144

VIEW OF THE

i :H

in forming conclusions : one most ilieering fact is indiKputa1)I««
the absence of irremediable distross. The street population
bears an aspect esscnlinlly different from that of London, or
Jorge English towns. One striking feature consists in the
number of blacks, many of whom are finely dressed, the flmialeB
very ludicrously so, showing a partiality to white muslin dresses,
artificial flowers, and pink shoes, I saw but few well-dressed
white ladies, but am informed that the greater part are at pre-
sent at the springs of Halstan and Saratoga. The dress of the
men is rather deficient iu point of neatness and gentility.
Their appearance, in common with that of the ladies and cjjil-
drcn, is sallow, and wi,at we should call unhealthy. Our friend

D tells me that to have colour in the cheeks is an infallible

criterion by which to be discovered as an Englishman. In a
British town of any importance, you cannot walk along a lead-
ing street for half an hour without meeting with almost every
variety of size, dress, and appearance among the inhabitants;
whilst, on the contrary, here they seem all of one family ; and
though not quite a "drab-colotucd creation,"" the feelings they
excite are not many degrees removed from the u iiinteresting
sensations excited by that expression. The young men are
toll, thin, and solemn: their dress is universally 'rowsers, and
very generally loose great coats. Old men, in our English
idea of that phrase, appear very rare.

< Churches are numerous and handsome : the interior of one
which I have just visited in Broadway is truly elegant, being
fitte<i up with more taste, splendour, and, I presume, expence,
than many in London. Several hotels are on an extensive
scale ; the City Hotel is as large as the London Tavern ; the
dining, and some of the private rooms, seem fitted up regard-
less of expence. The price of boarding at this establishment
is, I understand, cheaper than where I reside. The shops (or
stores, as they are called) have nothing in their exterior to re-
commend them : there is not even an attempt at tasteful dis-
play. The linen and woollen drapers (dry good stores, as
they are denominated) leave quantities of their goods loose on
boxes in the street, without any precaution against theft.
This practice, though a proof of their carelessness, is also an

UNITED STATES.

145

liNputabl«,
3opuIation
ondon, or
sts in the
he fi*nmle»
in dresses,
;ll-dres!ied
are at pre-
reJB of the
gentility.
i and ciul-
Dur friend
I infallible
lan. In a
ng a lead-
nost every
Itabitants;
-nily ; and
lings they
nteresting
; men are
*ser8, and
r English

rior of one
mt, being
, expencc,

extensive
vern ; the
jp regard-
iblishment
! shops (or
irior to re-
isteful dis-

stores, as
Is loose on
inst theft.

19 also an

evidence an to \\\c poUtknl Rtatc of society worthy of attention.
Masses of the population cannot be unemployed, or robbery
would here be inevitable. A great number of excellent pri-
vate dwuHin;^'s arc built of red jjainted brick, which gives them
a peculiarly u, at and clean appearance. In Broadway and
Wall street trees arc planted by the .side of the pavement.
The city-hull is a large and elegant building, in which the
courts of law are held. In viewing this structure, I feel some
objections which require further observation either to remove
or confirm. Most of the streets are dirty : in many of them
sawyers are preparing wood for sale, and all are infested with
pigs, — circumstances which indicate a lax police.

' Upon the whole, a walk through New York will disappoint
an I'iUgli Innan : there is, on the surface of society, a careless-
ness, a laziness, an unsocial indifference, which freezes the
blood ami disgusts the jutlgment. An evening stroll along
Broadway, when the lam})s are alight, will please more than
one at noonday. The shops then look rather better, though
their proprietors, of course, remain the same : their cold indif-
ference may by themselves be mistaken for independence, but
no person of thought and consideration will ever concede to
them that they have selected a wise mode of exhibiting that
dignified feeling. I disapprove most decidedly of the obse-
quious servility of iiany London shopkeepers; but I am not
prepared to go the length of those in New York, who stand
with their hats on, or sit oi: lie along their counters, smoking
segars, and s|»itting in every direction, to a degree offensive to
any nmn of decent feelings.

' The j)revalence of Dutch names tells me I am here a
stranger ; but this impression is often counteracted by viewing
the innncnse quantities of British manufactured goods, \\\\.\\
which the shops are crowded, as also the number of English
works which are advertised, and such placards as "Hone's
Hiot in London," " Prince's Russia Oil," " Uee- es and Wood-
yer's Colours," and "Day and Martin's Blacking."'

Another traveller observes, ' The situation of N .v York I
should reckon very healthy ; yet it is sometimes dreadfully
afflicted with sickness; which circumstance, I am rather in-

14()

VIEW OF THE

i; '.

clined to think, arises from a defect in the police, which does
not seem to be conducted in a manner becoming the wealth and
' splendour of this fine city- The buildings are, in many places,
too crowded : many of the wharfs are ill constructed, and some
of the docks project into the city, especially from the East
river, to the great annoyance of the inhabitants. The common
sewers are incomplete, and there is no supply of fresh water to
sweeten and purify the streets; but, beyond all, they have
adopted the system of sinking necessaries, which accumulates
such a collection of latent filth, that tlic steams of it are some-
times perceptible at two miles distance.'

The commerce of New York is of great importance, and is
in a high state of prosperity and progressive improvement.
There are Irequently about GOO vessels in the harbour at one
tinif. The monies collected in New York, for the national
treasury on the imports and tonnage, have for several years
amounted to one-fourth of the public revenue. The popula-
tion at present is estimated at 120,000; though in the year
lGi)7 it only amounted to 4!302. The number of deaths is at
least one thirtieth^ whereas the deaths in London are only
about a /z/?«7/i part of its population. It must, however, be
observed, that suicides are much more numerous in New York
than in London.

There are about 4000 negroes and j)eople of colour in New
York, 1700 of whom are slaves. These people are mostly of
the methodist persuasion, and have a chapel or two of their
own, with preachers of their colour ; though some attend other
places of worship, according to their inclination.

Alhanij is the scat of government of the state of New York,
and is situated on the west side of the Hudson river, at the
head of tide water, 180 miles from the sea. It runs nearly a
mile along the river, and abo it half a mile back from it. The
city is di\ ided into streets, s<>me of which are spacious, but
others rather narrow and irregular. They arc, however,
pretty convenient, and there is a line of excellent wharfs and
warehouses. The houses amount to about 1500, and the in-
habitants to nearly lf2,C00. 'J'he houses are mostly built of
brick, and many of them are elegant. The state-house stands

,^/

UNITED STATES.

147

on an elevated situation at the head of State street, and is a
very handsome building, with most splendid and convenient
apartments for the legislature to meet ^i. The old state-huusc
is also in State street, and is occupied by the several different
public offices. The other public buildings are the arsenal,
powder-house, city library, three banks, ten churches, two
market-houses, two masonic lodges, a theatre, and (Jook's
reading-room, an institution probably better supplied with
newspapers, and other periodical publications, than any other
in the United States.

The city is well supplied with water. There are two excel-
lent springs three miles to the westward, from whence it is
conveyed in pipes to every part of the city. Lots hi the prin-
cipal streets are as high as in New York, and tl>e rent of
houses and stores is in proportion. This being tne great
mart, in which the trade of an ext'nisive back country centres,
it is well supplied with provisions; but the outlet to the great
commercial city, New York, is so easy, by the fine river Hud-
son, that all articles which can be easily shipped are kept pretty
high.

The principal manufactures of Albany are those of grain,
brewing, and distilling. There are no manufactories of cloth
in the city, but there are several in the neighbourhood, and
there is a disposition in the citizens to encourage them, though
apparently against their interest, the trade of the city being
almost wholly commercial. The principal trade is b; the
river, on which is sent down grain and provisions, timber,
malt liquors, and spirits ; and they receive in return groceries,
dry goods, hardware, and crockery, to supply a great part of
tiie coimtry. American manufactured glass, however, begins
to make a prominent appearance in the warehouse ; and they
will, no doubt, feel the advantage of other articles of American
manufacture soon. Albany, from its situation, must be always
a place of extended connnerce. At present it suffers by the
re-action of an overstrained liireign connnerce ; but tliat will
be but temporary. Internal manufactures and commerce, be-
ing once organized, will more than compensate for the loss of
the other,

148

VIEW OF THE

The citizens of Albany are very mixed. The original set-
tlement was by the Dutch, and their descendants form a very
prominent part of the society. Of Scottish settlers there are a
great many, and the rest are principally New Englanders. In
such an assemblage, we may naturally look for industry and
enterprise, and a general attention to education and the im-
provement of the mind, all of which are very perceptible in the
citizens. There are good mechanics in all the different
branches. The schools are numerous ; the library and read-
ing-room have been already noticed. Two newspapers are
published, each twice a week, which have a pretty extensive
circulation. That the place is healthy, appears in the counte-
nances of the ladies, many of whom arc handsome, with beau-
tiful florid complexions. That it is cold in winter is indicated
by the general use of stoves, and the quantities of fuel that are
collected for sale.

Hudson, is of modern construction, and consists of one very
lone street. The houses are of wood or brick ; many of them
built with taste, and all spacious and commodious. Shops
and warehouses are numerous, and there are several large inns.
It has every appearance of a thriving settleinent ; and its si-
tuation is elevated and advantageous for commerce. There
are several large brick warehouses near the wharfs for the re-
ception of goods ; and a great niafiy small vessels sail continu-
ally upon the river between this town and New York. Ship-
buHding is carried on here ; and vessels of 3 or 400 tons come
mto the harbour. The population of this flourishing place is
at present esliniated at about 5000.

Skenedady is 16 miles north-west of Albany, in Albany
county, situated on the banks of the ]\Ioliawk river. The
town is compact and regular, built principally of brick, on a
rich flat of low land, surrounded with hills. T'le windings of
the river through the town and the fields, which are often
overflowed in the spring, afford a beautiful prospect about
harvest time. As it is at the foot of navigation on a long river,
which passes tiu-ough a very fertile country, and is the medium
of all the western trade through the lakes, that comes down
the Hudson, it must grow rich in proportion as the country

UNITED STATES.

149

vnest of it populates. It at present contains between 6 and
7000 inhabitants.

The other most important towns and villages are Nerchurgf
Poughkeepsie, Troy, Lans'mghurgh, and Wateyford, on the
Hudson ; Utica^ Herkimer, and Ro7ne, on the Mohawk ; and
Skeneatchss, Geneva, Canamdagua, and Buffalo, to the Avest-
ward. The house's are generally substantially built, and are a
good deal similar to those in the New English states. The
roads, bridges, and canals are numerous, and of great im-
portance.

Trade and Resources. — The manufactures of the state are
considerable and increasing; particularly the articles of glass,
ashes, iron ware of various descriptions, leather of all kinds,
hats, carriages, paper and printing, pottery ware, umbrellas,
mathematical and musical instruments. From what has been
said of New York, it will be seen that the commerce of this
state is very extensive.

The internal revenue in 1815 amounted to 1,223,231 dol-
lars, and the value of houses and lands to 273,120,600 dollars;
land being valued at G^ dollars per acre. The increase of the
value of property in this state, in the course of fifteen years,
has been from 100,000,000 to 270,000,000.

In 1815, the gross amount of duties on merchandise was
14,867,311 dollars. The registered tonnage employed in fo-
reign trade was 180,664, and the tonnage in the coasting trade
2240.

Education. — There are many flourishing academies and
grammar schools, lately established in the state; Init many
parts of the country are either unfurnished with schools, or the
schools which they have are kept by low ignorant men.

Kings college, in the city of New York, was principally
founded by the voluntary contributions of the inhabitants of
the province, assisted by the general assembly, and the corpo-
ration of Trinity church, in the year 1754, aroyal charter be-
ing then obtained, incorporating a number <;f j^entlemen therein
mentioned, by the name of ^' The Governors of the College of
the Province of New Y(;rk, in the City of New York, in
America ;" and granting to them and their successors for ever,

[! ;•

i I

150

VIEW OF THE

amongst various otlier rights and privileges, the power of con-
ferring all such degrees, as are usually conferred by either of
the English universities The building consists of an elegant
stone edifice, three complete stories high, with four stair-cases,
twelve apartments in each, a chapel, hall, library, museum,
anatomical theatre, and a schofil <br experimental philosophy.
It is situated on a dry gravelly soil, about 150 yards from the
bank of Hudson's river, which it overlooks; commanding a
most extensive and beautiful prospect. This college is now-
called CoLUMUTA COLLEGE, and, since the revolution, has been
placed under the superintendence of 24 trustees.

There are several academies in the state. One is at Flat-
bush, in King's county, on Long island, four miles from
Brooklyn ferry. It is situated in a pleasant, healthy village.
The building is large, handsome, and convenient, and is called
Erasmus hall. 'J'here is another very flourishing academy at
East Hampton, on the east end of Long island. 13esides these,
the state can boast of several excellent grammar schools.
There is one at Kingston, in Ulster county ; one at Goshen,
in the county of Orange ; two at Albany ; one at Skenectady ;
one at Lansinyburgh ; anil another at West Chester. There
are also schoolo erected in many parts of the state, which are
mainlaiiied by the voluntary contrihiulons of the parents.

Religion.. — A late \v)-iter thus expi-esses himscli' upon this
interesting topic. ' There is no state religion, and no govern-
ment jirosccution for conscience sake. The prcsbyterian and
episcopalian, or church of England, sects take the precedence
in numbers and in respectability. Their ministers receive
from a to 8000 dollars })er annum. All churches are well
filled : they aj){)ear the iashionable j)iaces for d'lsplai) ; and the
sermons and talents of the minister offer ne\ er-ending subjects
of interest when social converse has been exhausted. The
perfect e(iuality (.fall >octs seems to have deadened parly feel-
ing: controversy is hut little l.nowii. The great pr. )portion of
att'udants at any particular ciiurch appear to select it either
because they are ac(|uaiiitrtl with the |«-eacher, or that it is
frequented by faslii(.nal)le company, »r their great grandmo-
ther went there bef'^re the revolution, or t)ecause (what will

UNH'ED STATES.

151

generally have a greater weight than all these reasons) their
interest will be promoted by so doing.

'Licences are not necessary for either the preacher or place
of meeting. According to the constitution of the state of New
York, no minister of the gospel, or priest of anv denomination,
can ever hold, any civil or niilitary office or place within the
state. In 1806, a law was passed, authorising any religious
dcnommation to appoint trustees, for the purpose of superin-
tending the temporal concerns of their respective congregations.
These trustees become by that act a body corporate, and ca-
pable of all legal transactions, on behalf of the congregation :
they are allowed, on the part of the whole, to hold estates,
winch may produce 3000 dollars annually. The episcopalians
diifer, I believe, in nothing from their csiaUlshcd brethren in
England, except that riiey do not form a part of the state :
they have their bishops, &c. as in Great Britain. Ministers of
all parties are generally ordained: they are exempt from mill-
tary service.'

Gover7ment.~'Vhc government of the state is vested in a
governor, lieutenant-governor, senate, and house of representa-
tives. The governor and lieutenant-governor are elected for
three years, the senators fbr four, and the assembly-men are
chosen annually. The necessary qualifications for the electors
are, six mondis residence in the state previous to the election •
the possession of a freehold of ^0/. value, or to have rented I
tenement of the value of 406-. yearly; and to have been rated
on the polls, and actually paid taxes to the state.

Islands.— Long isIaAd, a part of the state of New York, is
chiefly occupied by farmers: their populous capital affords a
ready market for produce. This island in length is 1^0, and
m breadth 12 miles. It is divided into countie!s, two of which
retain the names of royi^lty ; the fir.st beiiig called King's, and
the second Queen s county— such inveterate tyrants are ancient
customs. The west end has a good soil., and is in a state of
moderate cultiv.ition : the east has a considei^.ole porf-.^n of
«andy plains. The introduction of ^r,p>:;m, and other im-
provements in their mode of agrieulLu.v, have much increa.sed
the annual produce. Within the last 14 yeans, farms have

ill

' I,

.S t' >

15fi

VIEW OF THE

risen in value 25 per cent. Land is worth from 3/. 7*. 6f?. to
33^. 15.9. per acre. A choice of farms may now be purchased
in this island at from 15/. 15*. to 22/. 10*. per acre, including
necessary buildings. Farniers do not live extravagantly : few
of them have money in reserve. The high price of labour,
indifference of the soil, and general want of capital, must cause
a long contini'.ance of this state of things. The agriculturist,
who alone can, in this island, entertain rational hopes of profit,
must have sons that will work, and be himself among the fore-
most by labouring with their own hands. Their being no tax
upon horses, their labour is preferred, and mules and asses are
seldom if ever used.

This inteiesting island, which is called the garden of Ame-
rica, is separated from the city of New York by East river,
which, at the ferry, is about one-third wider than the Thames
at Greenwich.

Staten island lies nine niiles south-west of the city of New
York, ami i'ovmsi Richmond county. It is about 18 miles in
length, anil between six and seven in breadth. The land, in
general, is hilly and uneven; but there is some good level
ground on its southern exti'emity.

Yorl- island is 13 miles long, and from one to two miles
wide. The port and city of New York ii. situated on its
southern end, and is closely built from shore to shore. This
is a most delightful district ; and the scenery, particularly on
the margin of the East river, i& ])leasing and diversified. It is
thickly studded with country seats and gardens ; and the fruit
is so plentiful, that people are at liberty to pull apples, &c. on
the road side. As most of the genteel families have country
retreats, where they reside during the hot or sickly season,
beautiful and handsome seats are rapidly multiplying, and the
value of property increasing.

/f;.v/o;yy.— Hudson river was fir.st o.scovercd by Henry
Hudbon. an Englishman, ■.\lio .x)ld his claim to the Dutch. A
few years after, several merchants ui Holland joined and built
a fort near Albany, wliich they called fort Orangi% In 1615.
a Ibrt was built on the site of the present city. IJut, in 1()()1-,
the colony was surrendered to colonel Nicolls, who lauded at

UNITED STATES.

153

the head of 300 British soldiers. The name of the city was
how changed from New Amsterdam to New Vork, and fort
Orange was called Albany, in honour of his royal highness
James duke of York and Albany,

In the year 1673, the Dutch retook this settlement ; but it
was restored at the peace in the following year. The English
had ht^pily succeeded in retaining the friendship of the six
Indian tribes inhabiting the territory west of Albany ; but in
the winter of 16*90, the French sent 200 soldiers and a party
of Indians to attack Skenectady, in order to detach the confe-
derate tribes from the British interest. For twenty days they
marched through the snow, carrying their provisions on their
backs. Such was the extreme distress to which they were re-
duced, that they had thoughts of surrendering themselves pri-
soners of war. But their scouts, who were a day or two in the
village entirely unsuspected, returned with such encouragino-
accounts of the absolute security of the people, that the enemy
determined on the attack. They entered, on Saturday night
about eleven o'clock, at the gates, which were found unshut ;
and, that every house might be invested at the same time, di-
vided into small parties of six or seven men. The inhabitants
were in a profound sleep, and unalar-ned, until their doors
were broke open. Never were peoj,!- It i more wretched
consternation. Before they were risen U-v.a their beds, the
enemy entered their houses, and began the perpetration of the
most inhuman barbarities. No tongue can express the cru Ci-
ties that were committed. The whole village was insi^^arJv in
a blaze. Women with chikl were ripped open, and th.Ir hi
fants cast into the flames, or dashed against the pasts of hi
doors.' Sixty persons perished in the massacre, and 27 were
carried into captivity. The rest fled naked towards Albany,
through a deep snow which fell that very night in a terrible
storm ; and 95 of the fugitives lost their limbs in the flight,
through the severity of the frost. The news of this dreadful
tragedy reached Albany about break of day, and universal
dread seized the inhabitants of that city, the* enemy being re-
ported to lie IWO strong. A party of horse was immediately
dispatched w Skenectidy, an.l a kw Mohawks then in town,

154

VIEW OF THE

fearful of being intercepted, were with difficulty sent to apprise
their own castles.

In 1709, this province expended large sums in preparations
to reduce Canada ; but not being properly seconded by the
r^nglish government, the enterprise was abandoned. In the
following year, governor Hunter arrived with 3000 Germans,
who had fled from a religious persecution, which opened the
road for emigration from that part of Europe.

Excepting internal disputes between the episcopalians and
presbyterians, and struggles against the extension of the French
interest amongst the Indians, nothing material occurred in this
state until tlie revolution.

"''*., ■

NEW JERSEY.

Situation and Extent. '^'EW JERSEY is situated between

39 deg. and 41 deg. 20 min. north
lat., and 1 deg. 30 min. and 3 deg. 5 min. east long. It is
bounded on the east by Hudson's river and the sea ; on the
south by tlic sea; on the west by Delaware bay and river,
which di\ide it from the states of Delaware and Pennsylvania ;
and on the north by a line drawn from the mouth of Mahak<
kamak river to a point ?:; Hudson's river in lat. 41 deg. Its
length is 145 miles, and its breadth 60. It contains 6500
s(piare miles, being 4,160,000 acres.

Natural Geography. — The state extends along the sca-coaftt
upwards of 100 miles, which, with the exception of the high-
land of Never Sink, is low and sandv ; but it is more elevated
and more diversified towards the interior. The northern part
swells out into high lands, and, towards the extremity of the
state, there are considerable mountains. The principal rivers

UNITED STATES.

155

have been already noticed, and there are no other of any note,
though small streams are numerous, and supply the state
abundantly with mill seats.

The climate is strikingly different in the different sections of
the state. In the northern part there is clear * vied weather,
and the winters are excessively cold, but the whole is very
healthy : in the southern part, particularly towards the extre-
mity, the climate approaches to that of the southern states,
and is subject to very sudden changes.

About one-fourth part of the state is sandy and barren:
there are in the southern parts extensive pine barrens, and
cedar swamps. Large tracts of salt meadow run along Dela-
ware bay, and the rivers which fall into the Atlantic. Along
the rivers and small streams in the interior of the state there
is much good land ; and the hilly district abounds with fertile
valleys.

The state abounds with minerals; producing iron, lead,
copper, gypsum, coal, and slate ; and there are several useful
clays and ochres.

Population.— The population of New Jersey in 1817
amounted to 345,822, which is above 53 persons to a square
mile.

Manners, <§•£•.-— The inhabitants of this state are -i collection
of Low Dutch, Germans, English, Scotch, Irish, and New
Englanders, or their descendants. National attachments and
mutual convenience have generally induced these several kinds
of people to settle together, which has tended to preserve their
peculiar national manners, customs, and character. Religion
has also contributed to render this difference more striking :
the presbyterian, the quaker, the episcopalian, the baptist, the
German and Low Dutch Calvinist, the metliodist, and the
Moravian, have each something peculiar in their worship, dis.,
cipline, or dress. Besides, the people in West Jersey tr«do
to Philadelphia, and of course imitate their fashions, and im-
bibe their manners. The inhabitants of East Jersey trade to
New York, and regulate their fas!)ions and manners according
to those of New York : so that the difference in regard to
fashions and manners between East and West Jersey, is nearly

156

VIEW OF THE

■l>k

I I

as great as between New Vork and Philadpl()hia. On the
whole, tlie people ol this state arc in general sober, frugal,
and industrious ; though not icinarkablc for activity and in-
telligence.

Chief Toxcns. — Trenton is the capital of New Jersey, and
is situated on the Delaware river, 30 miles from Philadelphia,
and 66 from New York. It is a handsome little town, con-
taining about 200 houses. The public buildings are the state-
house, a court-house, an episcopal church, a presbyterian
church, a quaker meeting-hpuse, and methodist meeting-house.
Trenton h"idge, which crosses the Delaware, being one of the
most elegant in tlje United States, merits a particular descrip-
tion. It consists of Kve arches of 194) feet sjjan each, built of
white pine, and supported on strong stone piers : the whole
length is 970 feet, the breadth 3(). The arches are elevated
over head by substantial rafters, and the platform, or carri^tge
way, is suspended by these arches, and forms a plane the
whole length of the bridge. Above the top of the arches the
roof is covered in, so as to secure the whole from the Aveather ;
and the carriage way is divided into two sections, each of which
is appropriated to travellers in one direction. At the entrance,
passengers are dii'ected to i ,k;' the road on the right nand.
UiJon the whole, this is a \C:v\ elegant piece of architecture.
It was commenced in li-C'l. and is the plan of a mechanic of
the name of Burr. In tiic i' i;j;hbourhood of this state are se-
veral pleasai,: seats, finely situated on the banks of the Dela-
ware, and ornamented with taste and elegance.

Burlington extends three miles along the Delaware, and is
20 miles above Philadelphia by water, and 17 by land. The
river is here about a mile wide, and under shelter of Mittinni-
cunk and Burlington islands, affords a safe and convenient
harbour. Part of the city is built upon the latter island,
which is connected by bridges and causeways with the main
land. The principal streets are spacious and ornamented with
trees. Here is an excellent jail, a court-house, and two mar-
ket-houses. This port is well situated for trade; but is too
near the opulent city of Philadelphia to admit of any consider-*
able increase.

UNITED STATES,

PertJi Amboy took its name from .! mes Dr.immond, earl of
Perth, and Ambo, the Indian word ar point -id stands on
a neck of land incUided between J' iritan rivei and Arthur
Ki'll sound. Its situation is high u d healthy. It lies open
to Sandy Hook, and iia^ one of the best harbours on the con-
tinent. Vessels from sea may t f ler it \n ,„ ,, tide, in almof=t
any weather. Great elfoits have been made, and legislativ
encouragements offered, to render it a place of trade, but with-
out success. It was formerly the capital of East Jersey.

Brunswick is an incorporated city, containing alM)ui 8000
mhabitants. The gi.ater part of it is low, and it is not very
handsome, but seems to be iinj)roving. It was originally set-
tled mostly by Dutch people, and there are three Dutch
churches. The other pubHc buildings worthy of notice are,
the couruhouse and acadeniv ; which last is said to be a very
thrivintr semi ry. The lands in the neighbourhood appear
rough >d cKy; but they r;r pretty good crops, particu-
larly of gr ss, which has, throu; . the whole of this district,
flourislied very much of late, in .on-^equeuce of the application
of plan "Paris.

Neioark is a beautiful town, regularly laid out in broad
streets, on a fine plain, and contains nearly 2000 inhabitants.
The public buildings are two places for public worship, a
court-house, and academy. Considerable manufactures are
carried on here, particularly of leather. The inhabitants have
likewise a pretty extensive inland trade; and have a bank to
facilitate their commercial operations. The country is well
cultivated in the neighbourhood, and Newark is remarkable
for the goodness of its cyder, of which a large quantity is made
annually.

Six miles from Newark is Elizabetlitorcn, containing two
churches and an academy. It is a pretty little place, ar die
land in its neighbourhood is fertile and well cultivated.

Trade and Iiesources.~Thh is neither a manufacturing nor
a commercial state. Though ...any attempts have been made
to encourage the trade at Amboy and Burlington, yet the
merchants of New York and Philadelphia continue to be the
factors for New Jersey. The principal articles of manufacture

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WEBSTER, NY. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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158

VIEW OF THfi

are iron, leather, glass, and paper, of which large quantities
are exported. But the resources of the state consist mostly of
agricultural produce ; though the unenterprisuig habits of the
fanners prevent the adoption of new and useful iknproveinents.
The produce of the state is wheat, rye, barley, oats, Indian
corn, potatoes and other vegetables, and a vast quantity of
fruit ; and butter and cheese are made in great quantities, for
the supply of the New York and Philadelphia markets.

The value of houses and lands, by the returns of the as-
sessors in 1815, was 98,612,083 dollars ; the average value of
land being 35 dollars per acre. The internal revenue
amounted to 211,705 dollars; the gross amount of duties
upon merchandise was only 17,666 dollars, the tonnage em-
ployed in foreign trade 2465, and in the coasting trade 2668.
■Education. — The general dissemination of knowledge through
the state has not been attended to according to its inipurtance.
There are numerous seminaries for the higher branches of li-
terature ; but the state seems defective in common schools.

Religion. — The presbyterians, quakers, and baptists, are
very numerous in this state. There are also many that belong
to the episcopalian, Moravian, inethodist, and Dutch reformed
churches. But, according to the law, none ai'e compelled to
attend or support any worship contrary to their own judgment.
Government. — The state is divided into 13 counties and
100 townships. The government is vested in a governor, le-
gislative council, and general assembly. The council consists
of one member, and the assembly of three members, from
each county, chosen annually by the people. The governor
is chosen annually by the council and assembly. Ilie qualifi-
cation for a voter is 50/. The state is prospering, and in-
creasing in population and wealth.

Hi.itory. — The first settlers of New Jersey were a number
of Dutch emigrants from New York, who came over between
the years 1614 and 16.'^i0, and settled in the county of Bergen.
Next after these, in 1627, came over a colony of Swedes and
Fins, and settled on the river Delaware. Tlie Dutch and
Swedes, though not in harmony with each other, kept posses-
sion of the country many years.

s quantities
jt mostly of
nbits of the
iroveinents.
iits, Indian
^[uantity of
tntities, for
kets.

of the as-
ge value of
jl revenue
: of duties
«nage em-
rade 26G8.
ge through
niportance,
iclies of li-
schools,
iptists, are
hat belong
li reformed
impelled to
judgment,
unties and
vernor, le-
cil consists
bers, from
; governor
he qualifi-
»;, and in-

a number
;r l)et\veen
jf Bergen,
wedes and
)utch and
.'pt pohses^

UNITED STATES. 159

bv^thf r!\^ V *' ^^''^'' "• S^^"^^' «" the territoo^, called

York .^rt 1671 ^'^'l'"'^' *° ^'^ ^^'^^''- '"^^'^^^^^
1 ork, who, in 1674, had this grant confirmed by a new patent

^raldT!/'"'- ''''' ''""^ ^«« ^-'^^^ = West J Jy was
Salem /nW /r '"'"'"'"'"S ^"«'"' ° ^"'^^^'■y ^«s settled at

Prietors- whti' .; ".^^^' ^^t Jersey was sold to 24 pm.
pneiors, which division caused so mucli confusion that thi-
propnetors surrendered the government to the cn^^ n in 17^2
m which state it continued till the revolution. '

PENNSYLVANIA.

Situation a^td Ea:tent. rfHIS fine state is situated between
I . J „ , ^9 ^^S- 43 min. and 42 deff. nort^

a. and 8 deg. 20 „i„. e„„, .„a 3 <,eg. 30 n,i„. weft Zg

Maware, Maryland, and Virginia; and on the west by a me.
nd.an i,„e, drawn fr„™ the ,ern,i„a,i„„ of 5 degrees of 1„„^.

.1 tf "° ''""'''' "" '"«"' '■•<"" " P«" of Virsinia

fte Western Territory (so called), and fro J. tract ofTn^

gress The north-west comer of Tennsvlvania extends about

of the old French fort at Prc^ue isle. This state is 380 miles

160

VIEW OF THE

long from east to west, and 162 miles broad ; and contains
48,700 square miles, being 31,168,000 acres.

Natural Geography. — The face of the country is remarka;-
bly diversified. Tlie south-east part, to the distance of about
60 or 70 miles from Philadelphia^ is an undulating country,
swelling in some places into considerable hills ; but it is not
mountainous. The mountainous region then commences,- and
extends across the country about 120 miles. The mountains
are generally in long chains, running north-east and south-weet.
Between the chains, the country is rough and hilly ; but there
are many fine vallies, and the whole i.boonds with picturesque
scenery. To the north and west of the mountains, the coan-
try is elevated, abounding with hills, valleys, and rich scenery^
wiiich continue about 120 miles, to the extremity of the state.

The country is jeniarkably well watered. Lake Erie is si-
tuated on the nortivwest, and the Delaware bay on the south-
east, by both of which there are fine outlets, the one affording
direct and speedy communication with the Atlantic ocean, the
other communicating with it by the more advantageous course
of the river St. Lawrence ; while it is a link in the chain of
an inland navigation, extending through the lakes upwards of
a thousand miles. To the south-west the state communicates
with the Ohio, having an outlet, through the Mississippi, to
the gulf of Mexico ; and from the middle there is an outlet
through the Susquehannah to the Chesapeake bay.

The Delaware is the principal river of this state. From the
mouth of Delaware bay, at cape Henlopen, to Philadelphia, is
reckoned 118 miles. So far there is a sufficient depth of water
for a 74 gun ship. From Philadelphia to Trenton falls is S5
miles. This is the head of sloop navigation. The river is
navigable, for boats that carry eight or nine tons, 40 miles
further, and for Indian canoes, except several small falls or
portages, 150 miles. At Easton it receives the Lehigh from
the west, which is navigable 30 miles. The tide sets up as
high as Trenton falls, and at Philadelphia rises generally
about six miles. A north-east and east wind raises it higher.
On cape Henlopen stands the light-house, with a few other
houses. Opp)sile the light-house, on the Jersey shore, 12

UNITED STATES.

lAt

id contains

is remarka;-
ice of about
[jg country,
>u-t it is not
(lences,- and
• mountains
south-west.
; but there
picturesque
, the coan-
ich scenery^
of the state.
; Erie is si-
1 the south-
le affording
; ocean, the
eous course
he chain of
upwards of
mmunicates
ssissippi, to
is an outlet

From the
ladelphia, is
pth of water
n falls is 35
'he river is
s, 40 miles
nail falls or
^high from
e sets up as
■s generally
;s it higher,
a few other
^ shore, 12

mdes, ,8 i»pe May. Between these capes is the entrance into
Delaware bay. The entrance into the river is 20 mUes further
up, at Bombay Hook, where the river is fou» ,or five milea
wide. From Bombay Hook to Reedy island is 20 mdes.
This island is the rendezvous of outward bound ships in au-
tumn and spring, waiting for a favourable wind. This river
IS generally frozen one or two months in the year so as to pre-
vent navigation. At Philadelphia it is about a mile broad.
Ihe banks are level and covered with wood; and the lands
rise to a considerable height at a distance, aiFording in some
places pretty good views.

The Schuylkill rises north-west of the Kittatinny mountains,
through which it passes into a fine champaign country, end
runs, from Its source, upwards of 120 miles in a south-east di-
rection, and falls into the Delaware three mUes below Phila-
delphia. It IS navigable from above Heading, 85 or 90 miles,
to us mouth There are three floating bridges thrown acros^
tt, made of logs fastened together, and lying upon the water.

I be jLehigh rises among the mountains, between the Dela-
^are and Susquehannah, and running a very crooked passage,
emerges from the mountains about 50 miles from i^s sourS
and from thence runs through a fine country 30 miles, during
which It IS navigable to Easton, where it falls into the Delaware
The Susquehannah is a noble river, and appears on the
map hke a large crooked tree, with numerous branches. The
head waters of the^eastern branch are numerous, and rise in
the state of New \ork, not far from the waters of the Mo-
hawk river Passing into the state of Pennsylvania, it makes
a remarkable bend, called appropriately the Big- Bend; from
thence it makes a stretch into New York, and passing to the
westward, about 40 miles, turns again to the southward, and
passes into the state of Pennsylvania, where it forms a junction
with the licga river at Tioga point. It then runs a south-
east course about 70 miles; when making a sudden bend, at
a nght angle. It runs a south-west course, about 80 miles, and
unites with the western branch at Northumberland. The
mens now nearly half a mile broad, and. flows through the
mountains, nearly a south course of 40 miles, to where it re

)

162

VIEW OF THE

eeives the Junita river. From thence it makes a considerable
bend to the eastward, and running about 10 miles, it emerges
from the mountains above Harrisburg ; and keeps a south-east
eov\fse about 80 miles, when it falls into the Chesapeake bay.
■ The Tioga river has its head waters partly in Pennsylvania,
and partly in New York, where some of the streams approach
within a few miles of the waters of the St. Lawrence. These
all unite in New York state, towards the Painted Post, and
run a south-east course of nearly 40 miles, to the junction
with the Susquehannali.

The western branch of the Susquehannah is formed by
many streams, beyond the Alleghany mountains, some of them
apfn-oaching within a few miles of the waters of the St. Law-
rence, and others within a few miles of the waters of the Ohio
and Mississippi, and runs a very circuitous course, upwards of
200 miles, principally among the mountains, to its junction
with the east branch. *> >.« 'Vt^-n'

.The Junita river rises on the Alleghany mountains, near
the head waters of the Conemaugh, a branch of the Ohi^', and
passing through the mountains to the eastward, by a very
serpentine course, it falls into the Susquehannah as aforesaid,
its length being nearly 200 miles.

.*:The leng'h of the Susquehannah, from the Chesapeake bay
to the head of the eastern branch, is upwards of 450 miles ;
and the whole river, including its branches, waters a country
nearly 200 miles square. It is navigable for large vessels only
a few miles, and there are many islands, rocls, and falls, which
obstruct the navigation for boats; but it is presumed that
these can be removed, and that, by the aid of some locks and
canals, it can be rendered navigable, almost to the source of
the eastern branch. The western branch is navigable for boats
nearly 150 miles, and the Junita river nearly 120. From this
short account, the importance of improving the navigation of
this fine river will be readily inferred.

The Alleghany river rises on the highest land in the state,
to the westward of the mountains, within a few miles of the
head waters of the. Genesee river, and the western branch of
the Susquehannah. It is here called Oswaya creek, and runs

insiderable
it emerges
south-east
peake bay.
insylvania,
3 approach
«. These
Post, and
e junction

'ormed by
ne of them
f St. Law-
f the Ohio
ipwards of
s junction

ains, near

Ohi( I, and

by a very

aforesaid,

peake bay

ISO miles ;

a country

essels only

ills, which

imed that

locks and

source of

e for boats

From this

ligation of

the state,

lies of the

branch of

and runs

UNITED STATES. jes

a north-west course into the state of New York, and passing
agam mto the state of Pennsylvania, it receive; Z'.ZZ
Conewongo creek and Chataughque lake. From thenle 1
runs a wmdmg course, but generally south-west, to Franklin
wh.re u receives the waters of French creek. From thence h
runs a circuitous course about 100 miles, receiving in its pro.
r-«.anytnbutary streams, particularly TobyWreekTS
K^hkemanetas nvers, and at Pittsburg forms a junction with
*he Monongahda, which together constitute the Ohio.

1 he Alleghany is a navigable river, and the navigation is
^nt^nued through French creek to Waterford, from^whence
there is a portage of only 14 m:Ies to lake Erie. The naviga-
tion IS extended into the country 20 or 25 miles, by the Kish
ikeman'etas river. ^

i^l^^r'^'^'^'^^r' ^" ^''S'"^«' "^^^ ^h* Laurel moun-
lains, and, running by a meandering course about 70 miles
passes into this state; soon after which it receives thVwat:
of Cheat river. From thence it continues, by a serpentine

Where it forms a junction v uh Yoxhiogeni, and thence runs

smouu: a^d f""'";f '"f Morgantown, 100 miles fr J
its mouth; and from thence by small boats 40 miles farther.

^;^J««^^'-» branch is also navigable in high water.

The Yoxhiogeni rises in Maryland, and runs a course east
of north about 40 miles before it passes into this state. From
tence It runs a north-west course, and, passing the Laurd
hi 1 and Chesnut ridge, forms the junction with the Mcnonl

Tht:^ ZT'V fr"^' ^^"^"^' l>eingabout toZ.

Ihe soil to the east of the mountains is generally good and
a considerable part of it is bedded on limeLiie. Y^ the
mountains the land is rough, and much of it poorfbuTCre
are a great many rich and fertile valleys. To^the ;e' of tl !
mountains the soil is generally excellent. '

The climate is very various. On the east side of the Alle
ghany mountains it is pretty similar to Jersey, alrea y " .'
scribed It is, IP common with the other countries east of the
mountains, subject to great and «udden.cbanges; b^t it il

«f!

164

VIEW OF THE

f If

considered mote settled than immediately on the sea>board,
and is perfectly healthy. The winter commences about the
20th of December, and the spring sets in about two weeks
earliftr than at New York, Among the mountains there is a
sharp atmosphere, with a clear, settled sky. There is frost
almost every month in th^a year in some places ; and the ex-
tremes of heat and cold are considerable. The winters may
be reckoned a month longer than to the eastward. The whole
region is healthy. — The country beyond the mountains has a
temperate climate, with a considerable portion of cloudy wea-
ther; and the winters are more humid and mild than on the
Atlantic. '(!^#» fWi) xu *i •:)»?•♦«>«

The agriculture of the state has improved rapidly, and is in
an advanced state. The staple article is wheat, of which the
quantity manufactured into floiir annually is immense. It is
reckoned the best in the United States, and surpassed by none
in the world. The mountainous district is pretty much ap-
plied to raising stock. The breed of horses is reckoned the
best in the United States. Sheep have of late greatly in-
creased, and thrive remarkably well. All the grains, grasses,
and roots common to the other states thrive here. The stock
of fruit, particularly peaches, is excellent ; and some progress
has of late bieen made in the cultivation of the vine.

This state is well supplied with iron ore ; and coal abounds
in many places, particularly in the western country. Slate is
found in several places ; and marble and freestone, of an ex-
cellent quality, are found in great abundance. Limestone is
also in great plenty; and some copper and lead have been
found, but not in sufficient quantity to be wrought. There
are many mineral springs in the state.

Population. — The population of this state in 1817 amounted
to 986,494, which is above 20 persons to a square mile.

Manners^ 8)'C.—A late writer, in speaking of the manners of
the citizens of Philadelphia, says, ' The habits of the people
are marked by caution and secresy. Although the eyes and
ears of a stranger are not insulted in the openness of noon-day
with evidence of hardened profligacy, I have, nevertheless,
reascm to believe in its existence to a very great extent ; though

sea>l)oard,
about the
wo weeks
there is a
re is frost
id the ex-
nters may
I'he whole
ains has a
)udy wea-
an on the

, and is in
which the
se. It is
i by none
much ap-
:oned the
reatly in-
, grasses,
rhe stock
I progress

1 abounds
Slate is
of an ex-
lestone is
ave been
. There

miounted
le.

anners of
le people
eyes and
noon-day
ertheless,
; though

UNITED STATES. j^

perhaps there is no Philadelphia parent would say to me what
a respectable mhabitant of New York did: "There is not a
iather m this city but who is sorry that he has got a son."

1 here is, of course, here no rank of society correspondent
to the peerage, or the «;m«Wo„,« in England ; but there are
many who keep carriages, have truly elegant houses, and su-
perb furniture These are called of the "first class;" and
although they have not the pomp or the titles, they have the
pnde of an aristocracy. The small and middling tradesmen
CIO not make much exertion, live easily, save no money, and
appear to care nothing about either the present or future If
they find business getting bad, they do, what is called, "sell
out, and pack up for the " back country." The labourer and
mechanic are independent, not in purse, but in condition.
Neither they nor their master conceive that any obligation is
conferred by employing them. They live weU, and may al-
ways have a dollar in their pockets. Men are here indepen-
dent of each other: this will shew itself even in half an hour's
walk through the streets of Philadelphia.

• The dress of the gentlemen is copied from the fashions of
i-ngland ; that of the ladies from France,-who very modestly
believe, and indeed have no hesitation in declaring, that they
combme the excellences of the French and the English charac.
ter, without possessing the defects of either. For myself I
can trace no resemblance to the former, unless it consist in kid
gloves and artificial flowers; nor to the latter, except in a
fondness for lady Morgan's writings, and an admiration of
Jord WeUmgcon's achievements. Could American ladies be
content to despise instead of copying the vanity of their coun-
trymen, and take a few practical l^^ssons from the English
temale m the management of domestic concerns, and the culti-
vation of their minds, then indeed their fine forms might be-
come peculiarly interesting, at least to the man of sense.'

About one-third of the inhabitants are friends and episcopa-
hans chiefly of EngHsh extraction. The Irish are mostly
presbytenons, and are very numerous: they inhabit the west-
era and frontier counties. The Germans compose at least
one-fourth of the whole population of the state: they are ge-

VIEW OF THE

nerally employed in ngriculture, and are (listinnruishcd for in-
dustry and frugality; but the jKwrer class are extremely
ignorant and superstitious. Tliey mostly reside in the neigh-
bourhood of Philadelphia.

Mr. Fearon says he « pa.s.sed through an extensive, fertile,
well-cultivated, and beautiful tract of Ian 1, called the " Great
Valley." Farms in ihlH district are chiyfly owned by Dutch
and Germans, and their descendants. They consist of from
SO to 200 acres, each acre worth 200 dollars (45/.), and are
cheaper at that price than the 50 cent and dollar and half
lands, which encumber other parts of the eastern states. The
substantial barns, fine private dwellings, excellent breed and
condition of live stock, and superior cultivation of the "Great
Valley," place it decidedly in advance of the neighlxjuring
land.s, and put it fairly in competition with Old England.
The proprietors are wealthy. They have the reputation of
being practical opponents of the desolating system of paper
money, by keeping their hard cash safely locked up in their
" old country" boxes. Be this as it may, their property, un-
like that of their fellow citizens on the sea-side, has not va-
nished into air by the late mighty political changes. They
have l>een blessed by heaven with excellent land and good
markets ; and although their progress in the acquirement of
" this world's goods" has not been like the rise of Jonah's
gourd, neither has it shared the fate of that transitory plant'

Chief Towns.— Philadelphia is situated between the Dela-
ware and Schuylkill rivers, about four miles above their junc-
tion. It is laid out on an elegant plan, with streets crossing
one another at right angles, and extends between the two
rivers, being upwards of two miles in length from east to west,
and a little more than one mile in breadth. There are large
suburbs to the north and south, on the Delaware river called
the Northern Liberties, Kensington, and Southwark; and
these extend upwards of a mile to the north, and half a mile
south of the city, making the extreme length on the Delaware
river nearly three miles. But the city is closely built to the
westward only about a mile ; the buildings on the remaining
pert, towards the Schuylkill, being very thinly scattered. It

UNITED STATES.

ilu-d for 111-

extremcly

I the neigh-

ive, tbrtile,
the " Great

by Dutch
list of from
I), and arc
ir unci lialf
atcs. The

breed and
the " Great
■ighbouring
1 England,
putation of
n of paper
up in their
►perty, un-
las not va-
jes. They

and good
lirement of
of Jonah''3
>ry plant.'

1 the Dela-
their junc-
ts crossing
;n the two
ast to west,
•e are large
ivcr called
ivark ; and
half a mile

2 Delaware
uilt to the

remaining
ttered. It

18, however, rapidly filhng up in that direction. High or
Market street 'in about 100 feet broad, and running the whole
length ot the city, is terminated' by the Schuylkill bridge to
the west. A street of equal breadth, caUcd Broud street,
crosses it in the middle, where there is a large area, called
Centre square, on which the water works are buUt. The
streets ruiuiing parallel to High street are named after various
trees said to have been found on the ground on which they are
laid out. To the north are Mulberry, Sassafras, and Vine;
to the south, Chesnut, Walnut, Locust, Spruce, I'ine, and
Cadar. The cross streets are uumbercd aca^rding to situation
from the rivers, thus, Front, Second, Third, and so on, to
Thirteenth, on the Delaware side; and from Front to Eighth,
on the Schuylkill side. Mulberry street Is 60 feet wide, and
all the other streets are 50. It was the intention of the bene-
volent projector of the city that Front street, on the Delaware,
should have been the eastern boundary, and that the space
between that and the river should have been converted" into
public ground, useful and ornamental to the city ; but this
elegant plan has given way to the avidity for commercial oain
and this spot is now thickly built up with wharfs, warehouses*
and dwelling houses; which form a street on the low ground
along the margin of the river, called Water street. In the
original plan there were a great number of public squares, but
several of them have also been infring."d upon, though tliere
are still many left, which are very ornamental to the city.

An English writer observes that the city, on approaching it
by water, looks extremely well; which impression is, howev -
dissipated on coming nearer, 'as nothing is visible from h..
water but confused heaps of wooden storehouses, crowded
upon each other, the chief of which are built upon platforms
of a.tificial ground, and wharfs which project a considerable
way into the river. The wharfs are of a rectangular form
and built of wood; they jut out in every direction, and are
well adapted for the accommodation of shipping, the largest
merchant vessels being able to lie close alongside them Be-
hind these wharfs, and parallel to the river, runs Water street
Ihis IS the first street which you usually enter after landing,

168

VIEW OF THE

! J-'

and it does not serve to give a itranger a very favourable opi-
nion either of the neatness or conimodiousness of th . public
ways of Philadelphia. It is no more than 20 feet wide; and
immediately behirvd the houses, which stand on the side far-
thest from the water, a high bank, supposed to be the old bank
of the river, rises, which renders the air very confined. Added
to this, such stenches at times prevail in it, owing in part to
the quantity of filth and dirt that is suffered to remain on the
pavement, and in part to what is deposited in waste houses, of
which there are several in the street, that it is really dreadful
to pass through it. It was here that the malignant yellow
fever broke out in the year 179J3, which made such terrible
ravages; and in the summer season, in general, the street is
found extremely unhealthy.'

The city is composed almost wholly of brick houses, covered
with slate or shingles ; and they are generally ornamented with
marble steps, with soles and lintels for the doors and windows ;
which form an elegant contrast with the brick, and add much
to the beauty of the buildings. Some of the public buildings
are wholly composed of marble, and others are much orna-
mented with it, which gives the city an elegant and even mag-
nificent appearance.

The public buildings are very numerous. The bare men-
tion of a few of them will be sufficient to convey an idea of the
importance of the city. The state-house, with the court-
houses and philosophical hall adjoining, the dispensary, alms-
house, hospital, jail, carpenter's hall, college, academy, library,
two theatres, four banks, five quaker meeting-houses, six pres-
byterian churches, three episcopal churches, four Roman ca-
tholic churches, three methodist churches, and one each for
German Calvinists, German Lutherans, Swedish Lutherans,
Moravians, baptists, unitarians, Jews, and universalists.

The State-house is remarkable as being the place from
whence the independence of the United States was first pro-
claimed ; and the legislature of the United States held their
meetings in the adjoining buildings, while Philadelphia waa
the seat of the general government, When the legislature of
Pennsylvania continued at Philadelphia, they held their meet-

UNITED STATES.

100

urable opi.
th public
wide; and
be side far-
leold bank
d. Added
5 in part to
nuin on the
I houses, of
ly dreadful
ant yellow
leh terrible
be- street is

es, covered
lented with
I windows ;
add much
c buildings
luch oma-
even mag-
bare men-
idea of the
the court-
sary, alms-
ly, library,
s, six pres-
Koman ca-
le each for
Lutherans,
lists.

place from
IS first pro-
5 held their
elphia was
»islature of
their meet-

iags in the state-house; but the neat of governmect has In^en
removed to Lancaster, and that building now contains Pcalc's
museum.

There are three markeUhouses in the city, the principal of
which is in "igh street. It is a very handsome building,
•bout a quarter of a mile in length, and is well supplied with
provisions. The price of provisions is somewhat cheaper than
in New York. Ueef, mutton, and oal, may be quoted at
from 6 to 8 cents per pound; and, generally speaking, all
other articles of domestic protluction may be quoted as one^
fifth cheaper than in the latter city.

The markets are large and well supplied : the chief is in
Market street. The time of sale is from daylight to two
oYlock from the 1st of April to the 1st of September, and
from daylight to three o'clock the remainder of the year. No
butchers are allowed to kill in the city, nor arc live cattle to
b<! driven to the city markets.

The water-works of this city are excellent. The building
which contains the reservoir is in the Centre square, being the
most elevated ground in the city. It occupies a square of 60
feet ; from the middle there is a circular tower, 40 feet in dia-
meter, and CO feet high, which contains the reservoir; and
this tower is terminated by a dome, v.hich gives it a very
handsome appearance. The water is conveyed to this building
from the Schuylkill, a distance of nearly a mile, through a cir-
cular brick tunnel, of six feet diameter, having a fall of six
inches towards the Schuylkill. The water is received from
the Schuylkill into a substantial basin and canal, and from
thence is raised by a steaui engine to the level of the aqueduct,
which conveys it to the Centre square. It is there received
into another bacin, and thence, by another steam engine, is
elevated to the circular tower, from whence it issues through
wooden pipes, in all directions, to supply the city.

The whole expence of the works was about 150,000 dollars

(33,750/. sterling.) The work was undertaken by the corpo.

ration, who raised the funds partly by a tax, and partly by

loan, allowing the subscribers to the loan six per cent, interest

8 Y

VIEW OF THE

i-^i\-:

{.if

for their money, and the use of the water free for three years,
for every 100 dollars subscribed.

The city is supplied Avith water by contract, and the con-
tractor is obliged to supply three millions of gallons per day,
if required. The annual expence is six thousand dollarfe for
one million of gAllons per day ; and for any additional quantity*
up to two millbns, the expence is at the rate of half that sum
'I'he engine is' 40 horse power, and can raise, if necessary, four
KliHlions and a half of gallons per day ; so that the supply
must be abundant for every purpose.

The water :% soft and good ; but it is not filtered, and is, of
course, sometimes muddy, though never so much so as to ren-
der it unfit for use ; and it is always wholesorne. It is of great
importance to these works that they are the property of the
public, and not subject to individual speculation, in consequence
of which the supply is liberal, and there are fountains in every
street, to which the whole public have access. The water can
be used for watering the streets, or extinguishing fires, as often
as may be necessary ; while every householder, by paying a
reasona})le compensation, can have a hydrant in any part of
his premises that he pleases, even to the attic story. In short,
this water is a great luxury, and is of incal mlable advantage
to the health, as it certainly is to the convenience and comfort
of the community.

The supply of cities with water is a subject of great im-
portance ; and it is to be hoped that the inhabitants of other
places in the United States will profit by the laudable example
set them by the citizens of Philadelphia, and the happy effects
which have resulted frorti it. The power of the steam engine,
properly applied, can send water to any city, and cities are
generally sufticiently opulent to bear the expence.

The PiiiLADKi-PHiAN HOSPITAL, for its airiness, for its con-
venient accommodation for the sick and infirm, and for the
neatness exhibited throughout every part of it, cannot be sur-
passed by any institution of the kind ir? the world. The plan
of the building is in the form of the letter H. It is two stories
high, and underneath the whole are cells for lunatics. Per-

UNITED STATES.

sons labouring under any disorder of body or mind are received
into this hospital, excepting such as have disefses that are
contagious, and of a malignant' nature; such .patients, how-
ever, have the advice of the attending physicians gratis, and
are supplied with medicine from the hospital dispensary. The
'hospital stands within the limits of the city, but it is more than
a quarter of a. mile removed from any of the other buildings.
There are spacious walks within the inclosure for such of the
patients aa are in a state of convalescence.

The Bettering house, which is under the care of the
overseers of the poor, stands in the same neighbourhood,
somewhat farther removed from the houses of the city. It is
a spacious building of brick, with extensive walks and gardens.
The poor of the city and neighbourhood are here furnishe«^
with employment, and comfortably lodged and dieted. Dv
ring the severity of the winter season, many aged and reduced
persons seek refuge in this place, and leave it again on there-
turn of spring. Whilst they stay there, they are under very
little restraint, and go in and out when they please: they
must, however, behave orderly.

The poor-laws are administered by sixteen citizens, who are
chosen annually bt/ the corporation, to superintend the provi-
sion for the poor. They are empowered, with the approbation
of four aldermen and two justices, to levy an assessment not
exceeding, at any one time, lOOxients (4*. 6d.) on 100 dollars
(221. 10s.), or one per cent. ; nar more than three dollars per
head, on every free man not otherwise rated. The average
annual number of paupers supported in alms-houses of this
city is 1600 ; the expence of keeping them 70,000 dollars a
year ; the produce of the poor-tax for the city and county of
Philadelphia 100,000 dollars.

The jail is a spacious building of common stone, IOC feet in
front. It is fitted up with solitary cells, on the new plan, and
the apartments are all arched, to p.-event the communication
of fire. Behind the building are extensive yards, which are
secured by lofty walls. Thi prison is well regulated. Its
object is to receive the vicious, and, if possible, to reclaim them
to virtue ; and is an admirable contrast to the sanguinary pu-

Its

VIEW OF THE

nishments of old governments, who, for even pecuniary of-
fences, send thein off* to the other world to be reclaimed there.
This institution does not admit offenders till after conviction,
when they are received from the different parts of the state.
It is hence called the State-prison. When a criminal is re-
ceived, his name is put upon the record, or, to use a commer-
cial idea, he becomes a partner in the concern, and an account
is accordingly raised for him in the books. Inquiry is then
made what he can do ; if he can work at any trade, he is taken
to the apartment where that branch is carried on, and has his
task assigned him. If he can work at no trade, he is sent to
saw marble. As a stimulus to industry, the convicts get credit
in the books for the proceeds of their labour, and are debited
with the expence of their board and clothing, which, however,
is not very expensive, as every thing is conducted upon an
economical plan; and when they are released, should their
earnings be more than the expence of maintenance, the balance
is paid to them.

Almost every trade is carried on in the prison ; and the in-
stitution is so organized that every necessary of life is attended
to by the convicts themselves : baking, cooking, scrubbing the
rooms, and so on ; and every thing is kept remarkably clean.
The food is wholesome and nutritive, consisting of Indian
meal, bread, and meat. The drink is molasses and water;
and no spirituous liquors are admitted within the walls of the
pris(m.

There is a separate apartment for the reception of female
convicts, where the various parts of female labour are carried
on, and it is otherwise under the same system of management
as that for the males.

This benevolent institution is inspected twice every week by
twelve persons appointed 'br that purpose, who are chosen
annually from amongst the citizens of Philadelphia. Nor is it
a difficult matter to procure these men, who readily and vo-
luntarily take it upon them to go through the troublesome
functions of the office without any fee or emolument whatever.
They divide themselves into committees ; each of these takes
it in turn, for a stated period, to visit every part of the prison ;

UNItED STATES.

173

Liniary of-
Med there.
x)iiviction,
the state,
luial is re-
ft commer-
in account
iry is then
he is taken
ad has his
! is sent to
i get credit
ire debited
, however,
i upon an
ouid their
he balance

md the in-
s attended
jbbing the
ably clean,
of Indian
nd water;
alls of the

of female
ire carried
anagement

■y week by
ire chosen
Nor is it
ly and vo-
'oublesome
, whatever,
these takes
the prison ;

and a report is made to the inspectors at large, who meet toge-
ther at times regularly appointed. From the report of the
committee an opinion is formed by the inspectors, who, with
the consent of the judges, regulate the treatment of each indi-
vidual prisoner during his confinement. This is varied accord-
ing to lus crime, and according to his subsequent repentance.

' The keeper,' says a late traveller, ' accompanied me into
every apartment, giving, as we proceeded, the most full expla-
nations. The scene was novel, and I iiad almost said delight-
ful ; but a recollection that I was viewing the consequences of
vicious pursuits, checks the expression, and draws a tear for
the weakness of humanity : yet I could not but be pleased,
and highly so, on drawing a comparison between what I saw
here, and what I have witnessed in the London prisons. Here
instead of the prisoners passing their time in idleness, or in low
debauchery and gaming, all was sobriety, life, and activity. A
complete manufacturing town was in fact collected within the
narrow precincts of these otherwise gloomy walls. The open
court was occupied by stone-cutters, chiefly negroes. It would
appear, on first seeing this department only, that these were
either more vicious, or more hardly dealt with in the courts of
law, than their white countrymen. But the true reason of
their numbers in the yard is, that £ew of them being mechanics,
they are set to labour upon those things for which they are
fitted, and which they can undertake with little previous in-
struction. The rooms in which the mechanic arts are carried
on have a very great proportion of whites, so that crime would
by no means seem to be monopolized by our Jarker brethren.
The produce of the labour of prisoners nearly supports the
whole of this extensive establishment. Some have earned a
sufficiency by their own work to enable them to commence
business on the expiration of their term of confinement. Those
who conduct themselves with industry and propriety receive a
remission of part of their sentence. Several have become ho-
nest and useful members of society. When the jailor spoke to
the prisoners, they addressed him with confidence, but with
prvopijr respect. He is a plain intelligent man, liberally, though
not psofusely paid for his services.* To have offered him mo-

lit

174

VIEW OF THE

ney for his trouble, would, I am sure, have been considered an
insult. What a contrast does such a man afford to our prison-
keepers, the majority of whom are j)erhaps greater criminals
than those over whom they tyrannize. One fact, in connection
with the prison, I have omitted to mention ; and as it is a
characteristic trait of national character, it ought to be record-
ed — white criminals will not eat with the negroes, the latter
therefore have a separate table ! ! !

' The medical reputation of the gentlemen connected with
this establishment would be highly estimated in the first Eu-
rojiean cities,.'

The library, founded by Franklin about the year 1731, now
contains more than 14,000 volumes in all the various branches
of literature, a philosophical apparatus, and a good beginning
towards a collection of natural and artificial curiosities, besides
landed property of considerable value. The building is ele-
gant and commodious, and has a statue of Franklin in front,
the donation of the late Mr. Bingham. The library is divided
into shares of 40 dollars each ; but the number is unlimited.
The subscribers are at present upwards of 500. Besides the
purchase of the share, each subscriber pays two dollars annu-
ally, to the support of the institution.

The library is open every day, except Sunday, from two
o'clock to sunset, and the subscribers may either read in the
library, or be accommodated with books to read in their houses.
The rule relative to strangers and non-subscribers is very libe-
ral. T'^oy may have the use of the books in the library, while
it is open, free of expence, or, on depositing the value, may
borrow l)ooks and peruse them at home, on paying a small
sum for the use of them.

Peale's museum contains an extensive collection of the cu-
riosities usual in such establishments, divided into three de-
partments. The mammoth skeleton complete is a most
tremendous object. There are several quart bottles filled
with ashes of the paper called 'Continental money.' This
was the circulating medium of the revolution, and by the
means of which they carried on that glorious struggle. Here
is TallcyraiidV, oath of allegiance to the United State* in his

isidercd an
>ur prison^
r criminals
connection

as it is a
be iccord-

thc latter

ected with
! first £u-

1731, now
s branches
beginning
es, besides
ing is ele-
n in front,
is divided
unlimited,
ksides the
lars annu-

from .two
ead in the
eir bouses,
i very libe-
•ary, while .
alue, may
ig a small

of the cu-
three de-
ls a most
ttles filled
;y.' This
id by the
;le Here
ate« in his

UNITED STATES. 175

w'Tniri'"^',?.? r^P"^^^^ ^"P' which was sent
from England m 1775, for the use of the British army!

Chi' ""TT r^^'- ^"P ^^' ^^''y ^'^J-J *1'1- Co-
Chase, ,n the hand wrU.ng of the gallant and interesting An-

in thiresM V K " '"" '''^" ''^ ^^-"^-"- ^^^'- Aaits
in this establishment are very numerous, including uiose of

Amcncans of great, down to those of very limited^celebrity

l-r esUey. The style of their execution is but little creditable
to the talents of the artist (Mr. Peale), and would seem to be
bdow the s^ndard of his ability, if we judge at least from the
specimen which he has given in a fine portrait of Napoleon,
a^ter David ; where by the way, he has committed tirel
of substituung an American horse, marked by the very lone
shaggy hair near the hoofs, by which they are distinguished^
The pamtingot the Anaconda, which was exhibited in Spring
Gardens is now here, at the house of Mr. Earl. It i^ cer-
tainly a hrst-rate production.-Mr. Sull/s collection of paint-
ingsis small but select. They are chiefly of his own execE.

d^Jw. r -I ^'r ^''' '' " ^'^^^y respectable institu-
t on which, without the pietence.and puff of its sister esta-
bhshment m New York, possesses a most decided superLri^
There are numerous excellent paintings, and a hall of statuary,

ApTlt &c.'' '"'"" '^"""'"^ "^ ^^""^' '^' ^^^^^^''^

This city is under great obligations to the quakers, who

thi! U rj.-°"V^ '^' """"^'•^ "^ '^'' P^P'^' d'ff^rent from
what IS to be found m most other places of equal extent. They
are industrious and sober; and, though sufficiently commei^
ml they do not conduct their business in the same da^hin.-
s^le which IS done by some commercial cities; but confine
themselves w.thm bounds, and secure what they gain. Edu!
cation IS on an excellent footing : besides the larger seminaries
there are numerous academies and schools throughout the city!
The arts and sciences have been long cuhivated. A Philosl

mIT^ T '?'^"''' " '''' y^'' 1^^^' -^ t'-y have
published several volumes of their transactions. The other

societies of greatest importance are, the College of ITiysicians,

176

VIEW OF THE

■ir

J t.

instituted for the purpose of promoting medical, anatomical,
and chemical knowledge ; the Pennsylvanian Society for pro-
moting the Abolition of Slavery, and the Relief of free Negroes
unlawfully held in Bondage ; the Pennsylvania Academy of
Fine Arts; the Agricultural Society; Premium Society; a
Society for alleviating the Miseries of public Prisons ; Hu-
mane Society ; Marine Benevolent Society ; St. Andrew's So-
ciety ; Scots Thistle Society ; St. Patrick's Society ; Hibernian
Society; St. George's Society; Welsh Society; French Be-
nevolent Society; German Society. The Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania is established here, and there are 15 or 16 lodges
of free-masons.

The police of the city is said to he better regulated than that
of any other on the continent. It appears to be much better
than New York. There are public scavengers, who clean the
streets at stated times, and the side pavements are generally
washed every morning. These are broad, and generally well
paved with brick; and, the streets being lined with rows of
trees, a walk through the city in a summer morning is delight-
ful. The city is elevated 50 or 60 feet above the river, in
consequence of which there is an ample descent for the water ;
and the streets are well supplied with common sewers, which
serve to carry off the filth; and they are kept- sweet by the
supply of fresh water from the water-works, which is constant-
ly pouring into them from every part of the city. This sup-
ply of water also keeps the streets pure by running along the
gutters, so that almost every street has a little stream on each
side of it ; and this circumstance, though apparently trivial, is
probably of more importance than is generally imagined.

There are fourteen constables and two high constables,
whose busijiess it is to perambulate the streets, which they do
with a mace in their hands, and to examine all suspicious look-
incr persons. If such refuse to give a satisfactory account of
themselves, they are taken before the mayor. There are 36
watchmen who cry the hour (to imitate which, subjects the
offender to immediate imprisonment), and six other who visit
their l)oxes to see that they perform their duty. The whole
are under the direction of a captain, who attends to receive

latomicaU
J for pro-
j Negroes
!ademy of
ociety ; a
ans; Hu-
Irew's So-
Hibernian
•ench Be-
Loclge of
16 lodges

[ than that
uch better
» clean the

generally
erally well
th rows of
is delight-
i river, in
the water ;
Drs, which
eet tsy the
9 constant-

This sup-
f along the
im on each
^ trivial, is
[ined.

constables,
ch they do
cious look-
account of
lere are 36
iibjects the
>r who visit
The whole
s to receive

El^'CJLU'ED mm ^L^VKK^ZT&'ti Am&MVA.

'Si,

'I.J

lii

{

iiU

"\^IE'^rof thp C'DPNTIRY a-».n.,dl PlTTSBrilHO;

UNITED STATES.

177

vagrants, rioters, and thieves. Watchmen are paid fourteen
dollars (^s.) per month, fourteen-pence extra for every lamp
under their care, and are supplied with a great coat : they tire
fined for neglect of duty. The cost for lighting and watching
Philadelphia is 26,000 dollars per annum. Circumstances
have recently occurred, which, if true in all particulars, would
prove the magistracy to be as corrupt as that of London in the
days of Fielding.

The manufactures of this city are rising into great import-
ance. The principal are leather of every description, a great
variety of wood and iron work, ships, ropes, fermented and
distilled liquors, earthen ware, tin plate, hats, stockings, and a
vast variety of cloths of various descriptions. The printing
business is better established here than in any other place on
the continent, and gives employment to a great number of pa-
per-mills, and all classes connected with the book trade:
printers, type-founders, engravers, oookbinders, and booksel-
lers and stationers.

The accommodations in the inns and taverns of this city are
very indifferent : but strangers usually go to private boarding
houses, of which there are nearly 2000. It is only since the
year 1779 that any public amusements have been suffered ;
the old corix)ration being mostly quakers. There are now two
theatres and an amphitheatre. The new theatre is tolerably
handsome, and well supported.

The population of this city in 1817 was estimated at
130,000; and still new buildings were erecting in different
parts of the suburbs

The next considerable place in this province is Pittsburgh
distant above 850 miles from Philadelphia. It is the gate of
the western empire, and has risen into importance with a ra-
pidity almost unparalleled. It is situated at the confluence of
the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers, the junction of which
forms the Ohio. It extends about three quarters of a mile
along the Alleghany river, and about half a mile along the
Monongahela. The site of the town is narrow, being hem-
med in by hills to the eastward, about half a mile from the

'^- -■■— "v-'-*^.*^

178

VIEW OF THE

mi.

! ;:

lit Mi

Alleghany river ; but there is room for it to extend along that
river two miles.

Tlie town was first laid out in 1765 ; but was surveyed and
laid out on a new plan in 1784). The plan was meant to ac-
commodate the town to both rivers ; but it is by no means so
well design- I as it might have been. The streets are gene-
rally too narrow, and they cross one another at acute angles,
which is both hurtful to the eye and injurious to the buildings.
The value of the situation may be determined by a notice of
the progress of the town. In 1800 it contained 2400 inhabit-
ants ; in 1807 it contained about 500 houses ; and in 1810 it
contained 11 stone buildings, 283 of brick, and 473 of frame
and log : making in all 767 ; and the number of inhabitants
was 4768. I'ittsburg has, of course, nearly doubled its popu-
lation in ten years ; and there is every probability that this
ratio will continue for a considerable time to come : so that
Pittsburg will in all probability become one of the largest
towns in America.

'This town,' says Mr. Fearon, 'is interesting in several
points of view : from its natural situation, being at the termi-
nation of two, and the commencement of a third river, which
has a direct communication with the ocean, though at the al-
n)ost incredible distance of 2500 miles ; its scenery, which is
truly picturesque ; its exhaustless possession of that first-rate
material for manufactories, coal; its original situation as an
early military post, and remarkable for two defeats of the Bri-
tish, more especially that of general Bradock by the French
and Indians, in which the great Washington first distinguished
himself, though but a youth and only a militia colonel ; and
lastly, its present importance as being the connecting link be-
tween nezo and old America ; and though it is not at present a
" Birmingham,"" as the natives bombastically call it, yet it cer-
tainly contains the seeds of numerous important manufactories.
The published accounts of this city are so exaggerated and out
of all reason, that strangers are usually disappointed on visit-
ing it.'

. Agricultural produce finds here a ready and an advantage-
ous market. Farming, in this neighbourhood, is not the most

UNITED STATE. 179

profitable mode of omplo/ms capital ; l,„t it i. here, as in all
other parts of the union, an independent n,ode of life The
farmer must labour hard with his own hands. The 'help'
Hivjeh he pay^ for will be dear, and not of that kind to be re-
lied on, m the mode of its execution, as in England. This
may not proceed from a worse state of character, but a differ,
erne vi condition, as compared with our working class. Thev
are pa.d about fourteen dollars per nmnth, and board. In
many instances they expect to sit down with the master, to
ive as well, and to be upon terms of equality with every
branch of the family ; and if this should be departed from, the
^ythe and the sickle will be laid down in the midst of harvest
1 here IS a class of men throughout the ^te3tern country, called
merchants, who, in the summer and autumn month^, collect
flour, butter cheese, pork, beef, whiskey, and every species of
formmg produce, which they sent in flats and keel-boats to the
New Orleans market. The demand created by this trade,
added to a large domestic consumption, insures the most re-
mote farmer a certain market. Some of these speculators
have made large fortuqps.

In the coal hills, the mineral is found in a horizontal posi-
tton, lying at present above level. It is worked by adits or
openings into the side of the hills, which draw off' the water,
rhe stream being boarded over, the coal is wheeled out in

!Z::: " Th"^'^^' '"'" "' °^^^'^^"^''"^ «^^- -^« --horse
inS ^''%"«Sg«"« ^r'^ ->thout wheels, and the horses.

the least start, nothing can save them from destruction.

Itain falls here almost incessantly. The smcke is also ex-

aspect ; though it is said to be very healthy. The diseases are
bihous remittent fevers, rheumatic an.oug the aged, a few cases
of bronchoc-ele which affects the theroid gland S" C^^Z
nflammatory sore throat in wet weather. Medical aid is easy
of attamment. though not always of the most valuable kincl
1 here is of doctors, as of lawyers, too large a supply, and of
course many of them very inefficient. I .aJL ^ I
also a surgeon, prepares his own medicines, and practises in

\sl

\l.^

!''

1 >

180

RV OF THK

rvcry departmH of ihe proi ^•^ion : ipnerally they are neither
6o well educnte<i, nor in uuch respectable circumstanceA, «* our
rncdicnl men.

Besidri the supply of the town and 'country round with ma-
nufactureB, IMx^burg hab a vast export trade, principally down
the Ohio. Ah Jii y[t tter part of the nianufactiuf «*« are in a
progressive state of imj, ovement, workmen can Imrdly go
wrong by coming to this place. They are sure of work an<i
good wages at all times. The followirig new branches of ma-
nufacture might be established to advantage : chaise and chair
making, upholstery, piano-fortes and other musical instru-
ments, stocking frames ; and the following are susceptible of
augmentation: cotton and wool spinning and weaving, and
stockmg-making.

The manufacturing interest of Pittsburg is that of the
United States. Many of the manufactories originated during
the late war, and all of them flourished during its continuance.
At present they are generally upon the wane. A document
was ir^ied from their committee in 1817* setting forth their
distM m the strongest language — from which it would appear
to eq'ial that of our manufacturing classes, even during the
worst period of their sufferings. Mr. Ephrim Porllund, the
prothonotary of this town, presented Mr. Fearon with the fol-
lowing list of manufactories up to January, 1818, published
by the authority of the committee.

UNITED STATES.

Mannfactorm in and near the city 9/ Pi shurg^ in the State
()/' Penm tylvania^ in the Year 1817.

NunibtT

Munufacturcti.

1
I
18
3
3
1
S

Auffur-mnker ...

BelTows-makcr ...

Blacksmiths < . .

Brewers - • _ .

Brush-maker!) ...

Button-muker - - .

Cotton-spinners nnd cnrtJers -
11 Copper-smiths j>nd tin-plate- 1
workers ... J

Cabinet-mdkfrs - - .

Cnrrier ....

Cutlers ....

Iron-founders - - .

Oun-smiths and bridlebit makers

Flint-glass manufacturers
3 Green (window) ditto .
2 Hardware . . - -

Hatters ....

Locksmith ....

Linen ....

Nail

Paper - . - _

Pattern - - - .

Plane ....

Patten ....

Rope manufacturer

Spmning machine

Spanish Brown - . _

Sliver plater - - .

2 Steam-engine-makers -

6 Saddlers - _ . _

5 Silversmiths and watch-menders
14 Shoe and boot ...

7 Tanners and curriers ■•
Tallow-chandlers
Tobacc .!'i: ij

Waggon-makers ...
Weavers - - . .
Windsor chair . - .
Woollen - - _ .
Wire-drawer ...

White Lead ...

Total number of workmen, 1280.-
1,8.06,396 Dollars

7
1
2
4
3
2

7
1
1
7
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1

4
4
5
2
3
2
1
1

of Men
emplnyed.

6
3

JOO

17
109

9
23
30
12

Yearlj
Amount

Dullnn.

S,r>()0

10,000

7.'"', 100

72,000

8,()00

6,250

95.5lb

200,000

40,000
12,000

2,400

180,000

13,800

110,000

130,000

18,000

44,640

12,000

25,000

174,716

23,000

1,500
57,600

8,000
15,000

6,000

6,720
20,000
125,000
86,000
12,000
120,000
58,800
32,600
21,000
28,500
14,562
42,600
17,000

6,000
40,000

-Ditto, amount.

182

VIEW OF THE

Mr. Fearon, when at Pittsburg, says, ' At Messrs. Page and
Hal<ewcirs glass warehouse I saw chandeliers and numerous
articles in cut glass of a very splendid ilescription ; among the
latter was a pair of decanters, cut from a London pattern, the
price of which will be eight guineas. It is well to bear in
mind, that the demand for these articles of elegant luxury lies
in the taesfcrn states ! the inhabitants of eastern America being
still importers from the "old country." What interesting
themes of reflection are offered by such facts to the philosopher
as well as to the politician ! Not thirty years since, the whole
right bank of the Ohio was termed the «* Indian side." Spots
in Tennessee, in Ohio, and. Kentucky, that within the life time
of even young men, witnessed only the arrow and the scalp-
ing-knife, now present to the traveller articles of elegance and
modes of luxury which might rival the displays of London
and Paris ; while, within the last half century, the leasts of
the forest, and man more savage than the beast, were the only
inhabitants of the whole of that immense tract peculiarly de-
nominated the "Western Country;" which is now partially

inhabited, and promises soon to be generally so, by man ci- *

vilized man, possessed of the arts and the pursuits of civilized
lite. It is already the refuge of the oppressed from every
other nation. May it become the seat of enlightenment, of
private virtue and public liberty ; and it may then, hut not till
then, expect to rank among the greatest, the most powerful,
and the most respected of the nations of the earth !

' The rapid and unexampled progress of this country, pre-
sents a valuable and an extraordinary political lesson to the
world at largo. It shows us what a nation may become when
the principles of its government are clieap and liberal, when its
resources are called forth, and its jwwers expanded by the
nieaiis of a system emanating from the people, and not re-
pressed by establishments whose only recommendation is their
antiquity, nor compelled to contribute towards the support of
a eystcui which deprives tlieni of the legitimate reward of their
industry. Hut to return to less speculative and more practical
detail.

UNITED STATES.

183

' The state of trade is at present dull ; but that there is a
great deal of business done must be evident from the quantity
of " dry goods" and " grocery stores,*' many of the proprietors
of which have stocks as large as the majority of London retail
dealers. They are literally stuffed with goods of English ma-
nufacture, consisting of articles of the most varied kind, from
a man's coat or a lady's gown, down to a whip or an oyster
knife. Rcnts^ of course, vary accortiing to situation : houses
in the best stands for business arc from 400 to 800 dollars per
aiuiuni; others are from 150 to 050: two ro<mis, or a very
small house a short distance from town, would be 80 dollars
per annum.

"• It is difficult to form a judgment whether there is an open-
ing in any of the present established businesses. One fact
strongly in favour of the stability of the town is, tMt tliere has
not been a hankruptcij in it fur three years ! ! ! a singular con-
trast this with New York, in which the last pubhshed list of
insolvents contained upwards of 400 names.'

Lancaster is situated on a fertile plain, Ga miles to the west-
ward of Philadelphia. It is built on a regular plan, the streets
crossing one another at right angles. The houses ar« mostly
constructed of brick, but some few are of stone. The inha-
bitants amount to 5405, and are mostly of German origin.
The public buildings are seven places for public worship, a
court-house, jail, and market-house ; and there is a poor-house,
a very humane institution, situated on the Conestoga creek, a
mile from the town. The principal mamifactures are fire-arms,
particularly rifle-barrel led guns; and there are several tan-
yards, distilleries, and breweries. This is, at present, the seat
of government tor Pennsylvania, but, by an act of the legisla-
ture, -it is to be removed to Ilarrisburg; and 39,000 dollars
have been appropriated to erect public buildings there.

Harrishirg is situated on the east branch of the Susque-
hannah, 97 miles from Philadelphia. It is handsomely laid
out on the plan of Philadelphia, having four streets running
parallel with the river, named Front, Second, and so on ; and
these are crossed by others at right angles, called Mulberry,
Chesnut, Market, Walnut, Locust, and Pine. The houses

184

VIEW OF THE

Hli

are mostly built of brick, and have a good appearance, and the
town is rapidly increasing, particularly since the act of legisla-
ture constituting it the seat of government for the state. The
inhabitants of the township amount to 2287. There is an ele-
gant court-house and stone jail built ; and the public buildings
for the accommodation of the state government, now erecting,
will be the most elegant structures in the state, Harrisburg
was laid out in 1785, and has made great pi igress ever since;
and from its commanding and central situation, it will, in
all probability, become one of the largest inland towns in
America.

Carlisle is situated on a large plain, having somewhat ihe
ap]x>arance of Lancaster. It is regularly laid out, with streets
crossing one another at right angles ; and contains, by the last
census, 2491 inhabitants. The houses are partly built of
brick and partly of wood, and have a very respectable appear-
ance. The public buildings are, a college, a court-house, jail,
and five places for public worship. The college is named
Dickenson, in honour of a gentleman of that name who was its
foinider, and is esteemed an excellent seminary of learning.
Its funds are about 10,000 dollars in certiiicates, and the state
made a grant in stipport of it, of 10,000 acres of land. A
philosophical apparatus, and library, consisting of nearly 3000
volumes, are attached to it. Dr. Nesbit, a Scots gentleman of
high estimation, was several yeare president of this college.
There are a j)rincipal and three professors, and the students
amount to above one hundred.

York and Reading' are also considerable towns, and are in-
creasing in wealth and population.

Trade and Resources. — Pennsylvania is said to be one of the
greatest manufacturing states in the Union. Domestic manu-
factures are general throughout the state ; but there are many
maiuifactures on a large scale, some of which may be enume-
rated. Of iron there are about 80 furnaces, besides numerous
forges, slitting mills, and trip hammers. Of wood, all sorts of
furniture, and implements of husbandry. Of leather, boots,
shoes, saddles, bridles, harness, &c. Of wool, a variety of
cloths, stockings, antl hats. Together with a variety of other

;i.

;e, and the

of legisla-

ate. The

J is an ele-

buildings
\' erecting,
[arrisburg
ver since ;
it will, in

town» in

ewhat the
ith streets
)y the last
/ built of
le appear-
ouse, jail,
is named
ho was its
learning.
I the state
land. A
arly 3000
tlenian of
s college.
! students

are \n-

>ne of the
:ic manu-
are many
e enume-
lumerous
11 sorts of
T, boots,
ariety of
of other

UNITED STATES.

185

articles, such as malt liquors, spirits, glass, ashes, maple-sugar,
musquets, powder, shot, balls, cannon, bells, &c. &c.

The exports consist principally of grain, flour, iron utensils,
Hax-seed, soap and candles, lumber, beef, pork, &c. The
pnncipal articles of export to Britain arc grain and flour, and
some cotton from the southern states. The imports consist of
I'-ast and West India and China goods; wine, gin, &c. from
the contment of Europe ; and manufactures from Britain ; of
which the quantity imported is immense, and is yearly increas-
ing. 1 he value of imports is about 12,000,000 dollars annu-
ally, of which those from Britain are a full half; from whence
we may infer the utility of the trade to both countries, and the
importance of a good understanding between them.

According to the report of the assessors, the value of houses
and lands m tins state in 181.5 was estimated at 346,633,889
dollars; the land being valued at 29 dollars an acre. The
gross^ainoiuit of duties on merchandise in the same year was
/p6/ 150 dollars. There were 77,199 tons of shipping em-
ployed m foreign trade, and 650 tons of small vessels employed
in the coasting trade. '

Educatwn.~Therc are four colleges, besides a number of
academies, in this state. A large tract of land is appropriated
for the establishments of free schools; yet many of the Ger-
mans and Irish are extremely ignorant.

Rd}ff}o)i.—We have already mentioned the prevailing sects
m this province, which consist of quakers or friends, presbyte-
nans, episcopalians, German Lutherans, and Moravians. The
latter are of German extraction, and are collected in distinct
societies under peculiar laws. Nazareth, Bethlehem, fend Litiz
are their principal settlement.. The tunkers, dippers, or tum-
blers arc a harmless sect of German baptists. The men wear
the AAHiite I< narsMress, and the women that of the nuns; and
both, like them, take the vow of celibacy. When thev break
this vow and marry, they are obliged t.) leave their cells and
hve amongst the married people: they mostly reside at
l^^phrata, in the county of Lancaster. The Mennonists are
also Germans; they reside at Germantow...

a A

186

VIEW OF THE

W i

1 '

Government. — The civil government is Tested in a legisla-
ture, consisting of a senate and house of representatives. The
senators are chosen for four years, and the representatives an-
nually, by the people. The executive authority is vested in a
governor, who is also elected by the people, and holds his office
for three years. The constitution declares, ' That all men are
born equally free and independent ; that all power is inherent
in the people ; that jdl men have a natural and indefeasible
right to worship God according to the dictates of their own
consciences, and no man can of right be compelled to attend,
erect, or support any place of worship, or to maintain any mi-
nistry, against his consent; that no human authority can, in
any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of con-
science, and that no preference shall ever be given, by law, to
any religious establishment, or modes of worship ; that elec-
tions shall be free and equal; that trial by jury shall be invio-
late ; that no law shall ever be made to restrain the liberty of
the press ; that the people shall be secure against all unwar-
rantable searches, and excessive bail shall not be required;
that the legislature shall provide by law for the establishment
of schools throughout the state, in such a manner as the poor
may be taught gratis , the arts and sciences shall be promoted.'
All this is certainly very excellent in theory ; but a late in-
telligent traveller, who examined the poHtical machine of this
slate with great attention, gives a very unfavourable opinion of
the mode of its operation. It appears that the governor has
the gift of from forty to fifty offices, amongst whicli are those
of recorder, alderman, and indeed every minor as well as im-
jx)rtant civil occupation. The office is therefore an object of
severe contest ; and each of the different contending parties
endeavour to secure the choice of impectors of the ballot to
their own friends, as upon this they judge of the i-eault of the
''general election !

The whole state is divided into 37 counties, and upwards of
500 townships.

History. — Pennsylvania M'as granted by king Charles II. to
"William Penn, son of the famous admiral Penn, in considera-

* ' ' ■ i

UNITED STATES.

1 a legisla-
ves. The
tatives an-
rX'sted in a
is his office
ill men are
s inherent
idefeasiblc

their own

to attend,
in any nii-
ty can, in
its of con-
by law, to

that clec-
1 be invio-

liberty of
all unwar-
required ;
iblishment
s the poor
jromoted,'

a late in-
ine of this
opinion of
'ernor has

are those
•ell as im-

object of
ig parties
; ballot to
■ult ()f'thc

pwards of

•les II. to
:onsidera-

tion of his father's services to the crown. Mr. Penn's petition
for the grant was presented to the king in 1680 ; and after
considerable delays, occasioned by lord lkUimore"'s agent, who
apprehended it might interfere with the Maryland patent, the
charter of Pennsylvania received the royal signature on the
4th of March, 1681. To secure his title against all claims,
and prevent future altercation, Mr. Penn procured a quit-claim
deed from the duke of York, of all the lands, covered by his
own patent, to which the duke could have the least pretensions.
This deed bears date, August 21, 1682. On the 24.th of the
same month, he obtained from the duke, by deed of feoffment,
Newcastle, with twelve miles of the adjacent territory, and the
lands south to the Hoarkills. In December following, Mr.
Penn effected an union of the lower counties with the province
of Pennsylvania.

The first frame of government for Pennsylvania is dated in
1682. By this form, all legislative powers were vested in the
governor and freemen of the province^ in the form of a provin-
cial council, and a general assembly. The council was to con-
sist of T.l members, chosen by the freemen; of which the
governor, or liis deputy, was to be perpetual president, with a
treble vote. Onothird of this council went out of office every
year, and their seits were supplied by new elections.

The gcnoial asseml)ly was at first to consist of all the free-
men, afterwards of 200, and never to exceed 500.

In 1683, Mr. Penn ofiered another frame of government,
in which the number of representatives was reduced, and the
governor vested with a negative upon all hills passed in assem-
bly. By several specious arguments, the people were per-
suaded to accept tl'iis frame of government.

Not long after, a dispute between Mr. Penn and lord Balti-
more required the former to go to England, and he committed
the administration ol"governnieiit to five connnissioners, taken
from the council. In 1686, Mr. Penn required tlie commis-
sioners to dissolve the frame of government; but not being
able to effect his purpose, he, in 1688, appointed captain John
Bakewell his deputy. From tliis jieriod, the proprietors usu-
ally resided in England, and administered the government by

;||

188

VIEW OF THE

III f

ii i-'.

deputies, wlio were devoted to their interest. Jealousies arose
between the people and their governors, which never ceased
till the late revolution. The primary cause of these jealousies
was an attempt of the proprietary to extend his own power,
and abridge that of the assembly ; and the consequence was
incessant disputes and dissensions in the legislature.

In 1693 the king and queen assumed the government in
their own hands ; and three years after, a new form of govern-
ment was established. In 1701, the proprietor, Mr. Penn,
granted a charter of privileges, which continued till the revo-
lution. The Indians, about the same time, confirmed the
grants of land made to the proprietors in former years. Al-
though the government of the proprietaries was abolished at
the revolution, yet they still possess many large tracts of ex-
cellent land.

DELAWARE.

Sittiation and Extent. lyHE state of Delaware is situated

between 38 deg. 29 min. and 39
deg. 47 min. north lat., and 1 deg. 15 min. and 1 deg. m min.
cast long. It is bounded on the north by the territorial line,
which divides it from Pennsylvania ; on the east by Delaware
river and bay ; on the south by a due east and west line, from
cape Henlopen in lat. 38 deg. 30 min. to the middle of the
peninsula, which line divides the state from Worcester county
in Maryland ; and on the west by Maryland, from which it is
divided by a line drawn from the western termination of the
southern boundary line, northwards up the said peninsula, till
it touch or form a tangent to the western part of the periphery
of the above-mentioned territorial circle. Its greatest length

UNITED STATES.

189

is 100 miles, and greatest breadth 37 ; its area being about
1800 square miles, or about 1,152,000 acres.

Natural Geoffrapli^.— The face of the greater part of the
country is level, abounding with swamps and stagnant water ;
but toward the northern part it is more elevated, and near its
extremity there is a considerable chain of hills. There are
numerous creeks in the state, but no rivers of consequence.
The principal one is Brandywine creek, which falls into the
Delaware at Wilmington, and on which there are numerous
mills and manufactories.

The soil, in the southern part, is low and sandy, and en-
tirely free of stones ; in the northern part it is niore diversified,
and mixed with clay and loam.

The climate partakes of the configuration of the country.
The southern part has a humid atmosphere, often foggy and
unwholesome ; but it is mild and temperate in winter. The
northern part is agreeable and healthy.

The greater part of the inhabitants of this state are devoted
to agricultural pursuits, and they have rendered it very pro-
ductive. The principal produce is wheat, rye, Indian corn,
barley, oats, and flax. Grasses are abundant, and thrive very
luxuriantly, furnishing food for many cattle ; and every sort
of vegetable, common to the states already desci'ibed, thrive
well here.

CamL—A canal was projected across this state and part of
Maryland, to form a junction between the Delaware and Che-
sapeake, and it is partly cut; but the woi-k was stopped for
want of funds. It may probably be well that it is so ; for it
was projected on too small a scale, and, in process of time, will
probably give way to one that will admit of sloop navigation.
There cannot be a finer situation for a canal. The dfstancd
between the Delaware and Chesapeake is only about 18 or 20
miles, and the country is nearly level, so that few locks will be
requisite; and were a canal cut, it would form a connection
between two of the finest rivers in America, and be a link in
the chain of an internal navigation of vast extent.

Population, <Sf.— The population of this state in 1817 was
108,334, which is 60 persons to a square mile. There are no

190

VIEW f)F THE

obvious charactcristit'al diflfbrcncos between the khabitants of
this state and the I'onnsylvanians.

Chief Towns. — There are no towns of much importance in
this district. Dover, in the county of Kent, is tlie scat of go-
vernment. It stands on Jones' creek, a few miles from the
Delaware river, and consists of about 100 houses, principally
of brick. Four streets intersect each other at right angles, in
the centre of the toAvn, whose incidencies form a spacious pa-
rade, on the east side of which is an elegant state-house of
brick. Tbo town has a lively appearance, and drives on a
considerable trade with riiiUulelphia. Wheat is the principal
article of export. The landing is live or six miles from the
town of Dover. Newcastle, Wilmington, Letoistown, and
Georgetown, are lively, thriving little towns.

Trade and Resonrcea. — Flour is the principal manufacture
carried on in the state. The mills on Brandy wine creek are in
great perfection, giving employment to upwards of 600 hands;
and they manufacture upwardsof half a million of bushels an-
nually. The other articles consist principally of iron, paper,
and lumber. In these a very extensive trade is carried on,
principally with the other states and the West Indies.

The value of houses and lands in this state in 1817 was
14,493,6^0 dollars, the land being valued at V6 dollars per
acre. The gross revenue was 43,282 dollars. There were
7543 tons of shipping employed in foreign trade, and 742 in
the coasting trade.

Education. — A very considerable fund is appropriated by
the state to the support of schools, which are pretty numerous,
and there are two flourishing academies ; one at Wilmington,
and the other at Newark.

Jic/igion. — Prosbytcrianism is the principal religion in this
state. The e]>iKcopalians are also numerous; and there are
some quakers, biptists, and members of the Swedish church.

Government. — Delaware is divided into three counties and
24 districts, called linndreds. The constitution guarantees
equal rights to all the citizens, without regard to projierty or
religious opinions. The government is vested in a governor,
a senate, and house ol' representatives, which are elected by

mk \

JJJ LllllS

UNITED STATES.

191

bitnnts oi"

jrtance in
L'at of go-
froni the
rincipally
mgles, in
icioiis pa-
>-h()use of
ives on a
principal
i'rom tlie
orcn, and

nnfactnre
eok arc in
)0 hands ;
ishels an-
n, paper,
irried on,
i.

1817 was
ollars per
lere were
tid 742 in

riated by
lUmerous,
Iniington,

on in this
there are
church,
mtics and
uarantces
ojierty or
governor,
k'cted by

ballot, and 'every zohite freeman, of the age of 21, who has
resided in the state two years next before the election, shall
enjoy the riglit of an elector. The sons of jjersons so qualified
shall, betwixt the ages of «1 and 22, be entitled to vote, though
they have pr.id no taxes.'

IIistorij.—T\m state was first settled by a colony of Swedes
and Finns about the year 1627; but in 1055 they were dis-
possessed by the Dutch. After the capture of New York by
the English, tiie authority of the Dutch was superseded ; and
this state in 1074, which was then called the New Netherlands,
was granted by Charles II. to his brother the duke of York,
who sold it to William Penn. The three counties which con-
stitute this state were therefore considered as part of Penn-
sylvania until the revolution, when it was declared an inde-
pendent state.

STATE OF OHIO.

Situation and Extent. 'pHIS state is bounded on the north

by lake Erie and Michigan terri-
tory ; on the south and south-east by the Ohio river ; on the
east by Pennsylvania ; and on the west by the Indiana terri-
tory. It extends from north lat. 38 (leg. 30 min. to 39 deg.
57 min., and'from 3 deg. 25 min. to 7 deg. 37 min. west long.
Its length is 228 miles, and its breadth 227; its square con-
tents about 45,000 square miles, or 28,800,000 acres.

Natural Geography. —ThaX fine river the Ohio has been
already described. It is 795 miles from Pittsburg to the falls,
and its medium breadth is 650 yards. It receives the waters
of very considerable rivers between the fall and the Mississippi,
viz. on the Kentucky side. Salt river, navigable 50 miles;
Green river, navigable 160 miles; Cumberland river, naviga-

192

VIEW OF THE

.;i s

l!i 1i

ble 300 or 400 miles ; and Tennessee rivt/, navigable 1200 of
1400 miles: on the Indiana side, liliic river, navigable 40
miles; and thd \VabasIi, navigable upwards of 200 miles.
The velocity of the current depends upon the quantity of wa-
ter, which is exceedingly various. In s[)ringand fall, particu-
larly in spring, it rises to the astonishing height of from 40 to
60 feet, when the velocity is augmented in proportion. The
greatest velocity scvms not to exceed four miles an hour. The
Ohio abounds with a great variety of fish, among which are
cattish, pike, perch, and sturgeon ; and on the banks are great
numbers of wild turkies, geese, ducks, pheasants, partridges, &c.

The Miami o<^ the lakes runs through the northern part of
the state, and a|)})ears to be a very interesting river, with rich
banks. It rises in the Indiana territory, a little beyond the
state line, where there is a portage of eight miles only to the
Wabash. I continues a north-east course to fort Defiance,
where it is joined by the Au Glaise river, a considerable stream
from the southward, which rises near the head of the Great
Miami. From fort Miami the river runs a north-east cour.se
of 60 miles, when it falls into lake Eric, through Miami bay.
The bay extends about 12 miles into the interior of the coun-
try ; is from half a mile to three miles wide, and deep enough
for vessels of 30 or 40 tons. The river is navigable for long
boats more than 100 miles.

The section of country bounding on the Ohio river,
from 25 miles on either side of Cincinnati, and extending
back about 100 miles directly north, to the late Indian
boundary line, (which, according to treaty, is now extin-
guished,) is generally an excellent body of land, and is well
settled, though but small improvements are yet'made, except
in a few particular places near towns. The land is closely
timbered, except near the head waters of the two MJamis,
where there is a beautiful champaign country. The prairies,
or natural meadows, are here of considerable extent. Grazing
is the chief occupation of the inhabitants. The price of land
varies very much, according to situation and the proximity of
townsliips. Farms which are called improved can be bought
at from 8 to 30 dollars per acre : the improvements often con-

ii «mw».'. '

UNITED STATES.

sist of the erection of rough log buildings, and about from 12
to 20 acres under niiddlino; cultivation. Huildings are in-
cluded in the price per acre. The next class of farms have
from 20 to 50 acres under cultivation : the proportion of arable
and wood is about two-thirds, of meadow and pasturage nearly
ciiual pro|)ortionH. Any of the land is here capable, by cul-
ture, of lieing turned into meadow. Limestone abounds': coal
and iron have not yet been discovered, except in the eastern
part of the state.

There are large prairies in Ross county, on the north branch
of Paint creek, near Chillicothe ; these prairies arc from five
to eight miles square : in them there is not a shrub to be seen.
They produce a grass growing thick, and about four feet high,
whicl. makes excellent fodder: it is similar to Massachusetts
uplaud grass, and is there called English hay. These prairies
are filled with herds of cattle fattening for the Baltimore and
Philadelphia markets, which are sold in this state, on the hoof,
for about three dollars per hundred weight. The chief ex-
pence of pasturage consists in a man's wages to look after the
herds, twice a week, giving them salt, &c.

The banks of the Ohio are general! y heavily timbered. The
principal kinds of timber are oak, hickoiy, walnut, mulberry,
chesnut, ash, cherry, locust, sugar-trcej &c. ; and the syca-
more, towering above the whole, grows here to an astonishing
size. ' I noticed,' says Melish, ' the remains of a very large
sycamore tree in the neighbourhood of Pittsburg, and I saw
most surprising specimens on the banks of this river. I did
not measure any of them ; but the editor of the Pittsburg Na-
vigator, to whose testimony full faith may be given, mentions
that he measured several from 10 to 16 feet in diameter. A
gentleman from Marietta told him that he knew of one 60 feet
in circumference, and that, in the hollow of another, he had
turned himsL-lf round, with a pole in his hand 10 feet long.
Into the hollow of another 13 men rode on horseback, in June,
1806, and the fourteenth was only prevented by the skittish-
ness of his horse !'

The trees produced by the best class of land are honey-
locust, black walnut, and beech; bv second quality, suo.*i-
3 2B ' ' "

'lAi

ic n

194

VIEW OF THE

tree, sycamore or butter-wooti, and white-wood, used lor
building and joiners' work ; the third quality produces oak.
Throughout this state there is little under or brush-wood,
caused by the height and spreading tops of the trees, which
prevent the sun penetrating to the ground, and nourishing in-
ferior articles of vegetation.

With regard to the seasons, they are said to have severe
winters of from three to four months, with a keen dry air, and
cloudless sky; duringsummer excessive heat, (thermometer in
the shade, 80 to 96 deg.) with heavy dews at night ; springs,
cold and heavy rains; autumns, fine, followed by * Indian
summer; which is truly deliglitful. In this state there is
scarcely an elevation which can be called a hill, with exception
of slight bluffs on the margin of rivers. The dreary monotony
of limited views of such endless uniformity produces sensaticms
of the most depressing melancholy. The atmosphere, after a
hot day, causes head-aches, which frequently terminate in an
intermittent fever. A man's being sick, (the term applied to
every species of illness,) is as common in this country, as being
in distress is in England. ' In regard to healthiness of situa-
tion,' says a late writer, ' there is considerable variety, as the
appearance of the inhabitants will in somp measure indicate ;
though as a general characteristic, I would say, there is a want
of sound regular health, at least if our English ideas of ruddy
cheeks are to be taken as a criterion. The people are of a tall,
vault?/ aspect, and seem, even during their most active occu-
pations, to be the victims of fever and ague.

* Of the existence of minerals, and to what extent and va-
riety, at present but little is known. Judging from the beds
of the rivers, and quality of the water, I should presume that
coal must be abundant. Salt is found in several situations,
particularly ou the Kenhaway. The common order of the
strata is, first, sandstone, then limestone, argillaceous schist,
and coal. The wild animals are neither numerous nor trou-
blesome ; though the wolf and the squirrel are still depreda-
tors: but the sport afforded in capturing them, and the
addition which the flesh of the latter makes to the family

:.,jmlmmt'

UNITED STATES.

195

stock of prov'iHions, compensate for their lawless invasions of
the riglits of property.''

Ohio in a new settled country, and has long been the fa-
vourite district to which the current of emigration has been
directed. We have hitherto avoided giving any particular
direction or ^dvice to the emigrant, as we intend to rcssrve
this subject, and to make it a distinct article. We, will, how*
ever, in this place give some account of the dift'erent districts
into which this state is dividcti, and an enumeration of the
chief towns in each.

Districts.
Connecticut Reserve,
Steubenville District, .

Zancsville District,

Marietta District,

Ohio Company's Purchase,

Chillicothe District,

Virginia Military Lands,

Symmes' Purchase,

Cincinnati District,

Chief Towns.

Warren.

Canton, New Lisbon, Steuben-
ville, St. Clairsvillc.

New Philadelphia, Coshocton,
Zanesville.

Marietta.

Athens, Galliopolis.

Newark, Worthington, New
Lancaster.

Franklinton, Chillicothe, Zenia,
West Union, Williamsburg.

Lebanon, Deerfield, Hamilton,
Cincinnati.

Dayton.

Symmes' Purchase is one of the most judicious that has
ever been made in the state of Ohio. It lies between the two
Miami rivers, about 20 miles in breadth ; and extends from
the Ohio into the interior of the country, about 30 miles. It
contains one of the best bodies of land in the whole state, and
is now nearly settled up. Land is consequently pretty high,
and may be rated at five dollars per acre, uncleared. In this
purchase, like that by the Ohio company, there is a reserve
for a school, and another for a church.

The Cincinnati District is situated to the westward of
Symmes' purchasp, and the United States land-office is in Cin-

I' *

106

VIEW OF THE

j '\

cinnati. This district is partly in the Indiana territory, but
mostly in the state of Oliio, and contains a body of most ex-
cellent land. It is bounded on the west by a line drawn tVom
opposite the mouth of Kentucky river, to where the Indian
north Iwundary line intersects the western line of the state of
Ohio, and contains alwut 3000 square milos. ,
• These two districts constitute what is called the Miami
country, which, in point of soil, climate, and natural advan-
tages, is probably inferior to none in the United States, and
few are equal to it. The soil of this district is reckoned, upon
the whole, as the best in the state of Ohio. It is rated, in the
state books, in this way: in 100 parts, G are first rate, 70 s&.
cond rate, and J»4 third rate land. The face of the country Js
agreeably uneven, but not mountainous; and the country has
a plentiful supply of useful minerals, particularly iron. There
are also several mineral springs.

The whole of this country has been settled up in little more
than 20 years, and it will att'oid an idea of the valtre of the
country to state, that the inhabitants, of course mostly all emr-
grants, now amount to nearly 40,000. Hamilton county, a
small district, consisting of little more than 300 square miles,
contains upwards of 15,000, being more than ^O to the square
mile.

The town of Ctnciiinnf} is elegantly situated on a first and
second bank on the north side of the Ohio river, along which
it extends nearly half a mile, and as far back in the country.
The site of the town is elevated from 70 to li>0 feet above low
water mark, and iS never overflowed. The land and water
around it exhibit a very haiulsonie appearrmee. The Ohio is
• here three quarters of a mile wide ; and Licking river, a con-
siderable stream in Kentucky, falls into it right opposite. The
streets, ot Oir.i-innati are broad, crossing one another at right
angles; and the greater part of the houses being of brick, it
has a very handsome appearance. The streets, however, are
not yet paved, except the side walks, on which account they
are unpleasant in muddy weather; but that is an evil which
will soon be remedied. Cincinnati was laid out about 21 years
ago, since which it has made rapid progress, and now contains

■I ,

\ s

The

UNITED SDATES.

197

about 400 houses, and ^283 inhabitants. The public build-
ings are, a court-house, jail, bank, three market-houses, and
some places for public worship, two cotton factories, and some
considerable breweries and distilleries. The taverns are not
numerous, but there are upwards of 30 dry goods stores, in
which fiom 200,()(K) to 250,000 dollars worth of imported
goods are disposed of annually.

This is, next to Pittsburg, the greatest place for manufac-
tures and mechanical operations" on the river, and the profes-
sions exercised are nearly as numerous as at Pittsburff. There
arc masons and stone-cutters, brick-makers, carpenters, cabi-
net-makers, coopers, turners, machine-makers, wheel-wrights,
smiths and nailors, coi)per.smiths, tin-smiths, silver-smiths,
gun-smiths, clock and watch-makers, tanners, saddlers, boot
and shoe-makers, glovers and brceches-makers, butchers, ba-
kers, brewers, distillers, cotton-spinners, weavers, dyers, tailors,
printers, bookbinders, rope-makers, tobacconists, soap-boilers,
candle-makers, comb-makers, painters, pot and pearl ash-
makers.

These branches are mostly all increasing, and afford good
wages to the journeymen. Carpenters and cabinet-makers
have one dollar per day and their board ; masons have two
dollars per 1000 for laying bricks and their board ; when they
board themselves, they have about four dollars per 1000,
Other classes have from one to one dollar twenty-five cents
per day, according to the nature of the work.

Porter brewing could be augmented, but it would first be
necessary to have bottles, as the people here prefer malt liquor
in the bottled state. A manufactory of wool hats would pro-
bably succeed, and that of stockings would do remarkably well,
provided fratue smith-work were estiiblislied along with it—
not eke. As the peojilo arc becoming wealthy and polished in
their manners, probably a manufactory of piano-fortes would
do upon a small scale.

The VittGiNiAN AIn.iTARY Lands are lumnded by the In-
dian bouiulary line on the north, by the Ohio on the south,
by the Cincinnati district and Symmes' purchase ou the west,
and by the Chillicothe district on the east. It is about 120

ii:

'•'^^'— - -

198

VIEW OF THE

If «

miles long, and nearly 60 bn>a(l; and contains upwards of
6000 square miles, or nearly 4,000,000 of acres. The princi-
pal settlers are from Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and
Jersey ; the inhabitants amount to about 48,000, and are ra-
pidly increasing in number, in wealth, and improvements.
The country in the immediate neighbourhood of Ciiillicothe is
really beautiful. The plain on which it stands, consisting of
about 10,000 acres, is as level as a bowling-green ; and it is
bounded on the west, north-west, and south-east by pretty
high hills, from whence there are charming views. The
Sciota is a clear stream, about 200 yards broad, with a gra-
velly bottom, and ab«>unds with fish, so that it is both useful
and ornamental to the town.

The town ChUlkothe is built on these lands, and is laid
out on a pretty large scale, and a great number of out-lots are
attached to it. The plan is regular, the streets crossing one
another at right angles, and every square is divided into four
parts by lanes crossing one another also at right angles, and at
equal ilistances between the streets. This must be a great
advantage, as it gives the j)ossessor of every lot a back entry.
The streets are 66 feet wide, the alleys 16^ ; the lots contain
tour acres each.

Chillicothe was one of the first settled towns in the state of
Ohio, and was for a considerable time the seat of government ;
it now consists of about 250 liouses, and contains 1360 inha-
bitants, of whom 126 are free people of colour.

The public buildings are a court-house, jail, academy, three
churches, and a market-house. There are two rope walks,
one cotton factory, one wool factory, one nail factory, one pot-
tery, several distilleries, and four tan yards, and these are all
thriving establisinnents. There are good mechanics in all the
other branches calculated for the country. There are six ta-
verns and nineteen stores ; and this is a very general market
for the surplus produce of the country, consisting mostly of
iiour oi' an excellent quality, pork, &c. A great proportion of
the inhabitants are from Virginia and Maryland, and a num-
ber from Pennsylvania ; there are but few New Englanders or
foreigners.

UNITED STATES.

Chilucothe Disteict is bounded by Canton distri

the nortlj ; by Zanesvillc dist

ict on

- 'ict and the Ohio companv's nur-

chase on the east; by the Ohio river south; and by the Vir-

S- "!f '7 ^""t "" '^'' '"'''-^ ''^'''^ ^'^ ^-i^^d from
Ch I,cothe chstnct by the Scioto river. The length from
nortl, to south .s 145 n.iles, and the breadth from east to w.,st
4.^: It contams about 5000 square miles, or about 8,900,000
acres. The northern part, being nearly one-third of this dis-
tr ct, ,s p,rt of the United States mihtary land's, and is ccne-
rally a good soil. Part of it is level and marshy ; but it is free
trom swamps, and, being nearly all appropriated to a^rricul-
ture, will soon be drained and healthy. It abound? with
springs of exclleut water, and numerous rivulets. To the
south of this runs a stripe of land about three miles broad, and
4.^ m.les long, whu-h was appropriated , the relief of such as
had to abandon their settlements in th. time of the war, and
take refuge m other places, and is thence called refugee land
It IS also good land ; but there is a large swamp in the middle
of It, between Walnut creek, a branch of the Scioto, and Lick-
nig creek, a branch of the Muskingum. From thence to
Clilhcothe IS an undulating country, abounding in hill and
dale and so rontmues to the Ohio, the hills increasing in si^e
as the country approaches that river. The soil is in general
good throughout the whole tract, the best of it being alfn. the
Ohio and bcoto rivers, which for that reason has the .re^test
number o ..ttlements; but the whole is settling rap.;
There are largo beds of limestone and f ivestone in tL distri ^"
and these are interspersed with beds of day, which retain the
ovTw T T""''^'' ''-''' ''^ -untry a prefere

The whole is well watered, abounding in springs and small
streams, having excellent situations for mill seatl ; the Ol^o
washes It on the soutl. a distance of CO miles; and the Scil
washes It on the west its whole length. The Scioto is a very
beautiful stream. It has a hne gentle current throughout iti
whole course and is navigable for keel-boats to Chillico the
and for smaller craft nearly to it. source. There are T ral

)(

200

VIEW OF THE

mineral springs? in the district ; the chief are a salt spring, and
a sulphur spring, not far from Chillicothe.

The Ohio Company's Purchase extends along the Ohio
river, including its windings, about 140 miles, but in a direct
line it is only about 70. It extends west fn)ni Marietta 48,
and north about 12 miles, the whole length from south to
« orth being 80 miles. The area is about 1700 square miles,
containing al)out a million of acres. The territory is laid out
into townships of six miles square, and in each there is n re-
servation of 640 acres of land for a church, and as much for a
school ; and two townships near the centre of the purchase, oi»
Hockhocking river, have been reserved for a college. On this
reserve AtluMis is now built.

This tract was purchased from the United Slates for one
dollar an acre, and the company were principally guided \u
their clioice of the situation, by the commercial advantages
which aiipeared to result from having the command of several
fine rivers, particularly the Ohio and Muskingum ; without
perhap;i duly reflecting that agi'iculture takes the precedence
of commerce. Before there can be trade there must be some-
thii)^' to trady in. (,'ertaiu it is they fixed upon one of the
worjt situations in the state of Ohio, and, notwithstanding the
clujapntss of the purchase, most of the proprietors have found
it a losing concern. The })opulation is increasing, but not
nearly in an equal degree to other parts of the state. Tiie
inhabitants amount at present to about 12,000. The climate
is very agreeable, and is quite healthy. The whole district
abounds with finely variegated scenery.

Tiie largest town in this district is GalUDjwl'ifi, which is
beautifully situated on a second bank of the Ohio. It is laid
out (m a good plan : there is a square of eight acres in the
centre, and the buih' ng ground is divided into squares of five
acres each, by streets of 66 feet wide, crossing each other at
right angles. The number of bouses is about 70, and the irv-
habitai.' < 5300 The public buildings are a coi.-L-house, and
the academy ; which last is to c(mtain a room for a churcli,
one for a militarv academv, and one for .i laiisonic hall.

.^■■»»ia.MM^-^^ .;^P > r- ^ ...*- 2J

UNITED STATES.

SOI

Maiiietta District is situated between the Steubenville
district and the Ohio company's purcba;ie. It extends into the
interior of the country about 30 miles, and contains about 860
square miles. The Ohio washes it on the south-east about 60
miles. The soil here is much superior to the Ohio company's
lands. It is handsomely watered, the principal river being the
Little Muskingum ; and though it is only about half as large
as the company's purchase, it contains nearly as many inhabit-
ants, and is more likely to increase.

The town of Marietta is very handsomely situated at the
confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, of both of
which it commands a fine view. That part of the town which
lies next the Ohio is elevated above the bed of the river 45
feet ; and yet, such is the rise of die water in some seasons,
that it has been twice flooded ; on which account the town has
lately increased most towards the north-west, on a second
bank, and a considerable number of buildings have lately been
erected on the opposite side of the Muskingum, which is some
feet higher than the lower bank on the east side. The whole
is handsomely laid out, and there is a greater portion of public
ground for walks than is to be found about most of the towns
in this country.

Marietta, for a number of yeai-s, flourished in a very emi-
nent degree, increasing in commerce, wealth, and splendour;
and, though nearly 2000 miles from the ocean, ship-yards were
erected, and ship-building carried on with spirit. But, of late,
its commerce and ship-building has ceased, and it is now a dull
place, though inhabited by a gay, lively people, mostly native^
of Massachusetts. Its population is 1463. It contains a
number of handsome buildings on the Massachusetts plan,
which is elegant, light, and comfortable. The principal pub-
lic building is a very handsome church. A bank was esta-
blished in 1807, and also a steam-mill. There are several
taverns and stores. ■

Zanesville DisTEiCT is bounded on the north by Canton
district, on the south by the Ohio company's purchase, on the
east by Steubenville and Marietta districts, and on the west by
Chillicothe district. Its length, from south to north, is about

2 C

\d\

S02

VIEW OF THE

i *?«

12 miles ; its breadth is about 50 miles ; and its area about
3600 square miles, or 2,304,000 acres.

Upwards of two-thirds of this district is occupied by the
army lands, and a small portion is refugee lands. The face of
the country is beautifully diversified. To the south, along the
Muskingum, the hills are pretty high and rough ; to the north
the surface is agreeably uneven, with some pretty high hills ;
to the north-west it is more level. The soil is various, but a
great portion of it is good ; the bottoms on the rivers are very
rich, and the hills are generally covered with a strong mould,
which answers well for wheat. The whole is abundantly sup-
plied with freestone, limestone, iron ore, and inexhaustible
beds of coal.

The district is remarkably well watered. The Muskingum
runs through it from one extremity to the other. The natural
timber is very fine,- and of gieat variety. The chief kinds
may be noticed ; oak, walnut, hickory, cherry, sugar-maple,
poplar, elm, ash, sycamore, honey-locust, &c. Fruit-trees of
every kind thrive remarkably well : peach trees, raised from
the stone, bear fruit in three years. Grain, grass, and vege-
tables, are raised in abundance. The climate is healthy and
agreeable. People from the eastprn state say that the summers
are not so oppressive as in Vermont and Massachusetts, while
the winters are generally so mild, that cattle mostly graze in
the fields.

It is little more than twelvQ years since this district began
to settle, and it now contains about 20,000 inhabitants. The
people are very mixed. The greater part are from Pennsyl-
vania, and the remainder mostly from Virginia, Maryland,
Jersey, and New England.

Zanesville, the chief town, is situated on the Muskingum
river, about 64 miles from the Ohio by land, and from 70 to
80 by water. This town was laid out in the year 1804. Five
years afterwards it contained 92 houses, and 600 inhabitants :
it now contains about 250 houses, and upwards of 1200 inha-
bitants. The whole township contains ,^J154. Many of the
houses are built of brick, and a few of stone.

UNITED STATES.

203

Steubenvillk District extends from the Connecticut re-
servation on the north to the Marietta district on the south, a
distance of 7^ miles ; and its extreme breadth at the north end
is 00 miles, at the south end 42. Its area is about 2900
square miles, and embraces nearly four counties, containing
about 42,000 inhabitants, all settled here within 20 years.
The Ohio river washes the eastern part of the district upwards
of 60 miles, and in all this distance, except in the bottoms, the
country on the margin of the river is rather rough ; but fur-
ther back there is much good land, and the settlements on it
are numerous and very important; it is remarkably well wa-
tered, there being upwards of 20 streams that run into the
Ohio, besides those that run into the Muskingum and lake
Erie ; and the head waters of all these being situated in the
district, shows that it must be an elevated country. These
rivers are mostly fed by springs, and they drive a great quan-
tity of machinery. The timber is oak, hickory, walnut, ma-
ple, cherry, locust, &c.

The town of Steuhenville is situated on an elevated second
bank of the river. It was laid out in 1798, and consists now
of nearly 200 dwelling-houses, and 880 inhabitants. The
buildings are handsome and commodious, a great many of
them being of brick. The public buildings ai*e, a court-house,
jail, church, a bank, a land-office, post-office, and printing-
office. There are seven taverns, and twelve stores \ and the
town is increasing, but not rapidly.

Canton Distuict was lately purchased from the Indians,
and extends from the Tuscarawa river about 68 miles to the
westward, and from the Connecticut reservation to the north
boundary of Zancsville and Chillicothe districts, its average
breadth being 28 miles. Its area is about 1800 square miles,
or 1,152,000 acres.

The district is nearly all level, and fit for cultivation, but it
is in many parts very muddy, a circumstance common in the
districts situated on the head waters of the rivers in this state.
On this account it is difficult to make good roads, and it re-
quires a pretty thick population to drain the country, and
make it agreeable ; but there is a sufficient descent for carry-

,' Mf

S04

VIEW OF THE

ing off the water, and this will be a very desirable country
some time hence. It is abundantly supplied with springs, and
streams of pure water. There is a great deal of prairie or
meadow land intersp«rsed through it. T''e principal timber
is walnut, poplar, ash, elm, oak, sugar maple, and hickory.
The soil is well adapted to the culture of grain, grass, tobaccq,
hemp, &c.

The Connecticut Western Resekvation is bounded
by lake Erie on the north ; by Steubenville and Canton dis-
tricts on the south ; by Pennsylvania on the east ; and by a
line drawn through the middle of Sandusky bay on the west.
It is in length about 122 miles, its average breadth about 45;
and its area is about 5349 square miles, or 3,423,360 acres.

The face of the country is generally level, in some places
nearly flat, and in others swelling out into gentle hills, of
which the greatest is the ridge that divides the wafers of the
lakes from those of the Mississippi. To the south of these i^
a gentle descent towards the Ohio; and in the tract to the
north, which is by far the greatest, there is a similar descent
towards lake Erie. The soil is generally loam intermixed
with clay, and sometimes with gravel. Very little of it can be
called the best, but it is nearly all fit for cultivation, and it
answers well for grazing : it also raises grain, vegetables, and
fruit, in abundance. There are considerable beds of freestone
throughout the district, and coal and iron are also found, but
in no great abundance ; though several iron-works are in ope-
ration, and it is presumed that a plentiful supply of both could
be found if properly sought for.

It is most beautifully watered on the north by the lake, and
there are a number of very useful rivers. The principal
stream that runs to the south is Beaver creek, a very imjwrt-
ant one, which drives a great quantity of machinery. The
whole district is well supplied with springs of good water, and
there are several salt springs, sulphur springs, and one of a
bituminous substance, that burns like oil.

The principal timber is oak, chesnut, beech, maple, walnut,
hickory, sycamore, and in some places pine ; but the last is
not common here, and is hardly to be found any where else in

fTiim^mmmf.

mssms^ss

UNITED STATES.

905

the state. The climate is tempernte, and the seasons are nearly
assimilated to others already noticed in the state ; but there is
a circumstance which renders the country here not so healthy
as that farther south. The prrvailing winds are from the
south, particularly in summer and fall, and these, as they blow
over the high lands of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, are
clear and elastic in all the soiiihcrn part of the state, which is
hilly and undulating. Towards the head waters of the rivers,
however, the country becomes flat and marshy, in some few
places, indeed, swampy, and the south winds reach this district
loaded with the effluvia arising from these marshes and swamps.
The effect produced is greatest about the Cayahoga river, op-
posite to which the lands at the head waters are most flat ; to-
wards the west they get more elevated, and the elevation is
greater still to the eastward ; and this may in part account for
the fever being more common in Portage county and Cayahoga
county, than any where else in the district. There are, how-
ever, no marshes or swamps but what may and will be drained,
when the country is settled up ; and the whole will then be a
very fine climate^ and a most agreeable place of residence.

The claim of Connecticut to this territory was founded
upon the charter of the state, granted by king Charles II. of
England, in 1662 ; which defined their boundaries to be the
line of Massachusetts on the north, Narraganset bay on the
east, and thence 130 miles broad to the South sea. This was
interpreted to be the Pacific ocean, and of course included a
part of the state of New York, a considerable portion of Penn-
sylvania, and thence along the state of Ohio and the territories
to the westward. The state of New York resisted the claim,
and succeeded. In Pennsylvania a number of settlements
were made under Connecticut titles, which occasioned a dis-
pute, that was referred to cMigress, and by them to commis-
sioners, who reported against the Connecticut claim. To the
westward Connecticut yielded her claim to the United States,
with th« exception of the territory in question, which being
accepted by congress, the matter was settled. In 1793, the
legislature granted 500,000 acres of the western pai't of it to
indemnify the sufferers by fire during the war, and thia tract

'".J^^S-""

20«

VIKW OF TIIK

IH cnllcd tlir Virc laiiils. In 170^, tlicy sold tlic icinaiiuKr to
Oliver I'luIpN and otlurs, for 1 ,y()(),()()() dollms; which is iip-
proprifiti'd for thp support of sch()(»ls within the Ntatc. The
j)urchaHerR of tho lands made a divihion of the |)r(ij)crty, and
the Ki'ttli-nu'ntN coinjuciiccd a sln>rt tinio after, and have hcen
poinfT on iirclty rapidly hincc the year 179!), hy emifrrarion
from the New Kiigiand wtates, prinei|wdly from the state of
Connrctient. Thp district is now divided ifito rIx comities,
and contains l(),(Hy inhahitanls The people have ;reiierally
the fni|j,al, industrious hahits of the Now Knjriand Htates, and
nre civil in their luaiiiu-rs, and moral in their deportment.
Education is <r«>iii'rally attended to, and they seem also to he
religions, althousih the thin statu of society does not admit of
many churches or clerf»y.

There are as yet hut ivw villages in this district. Warren
is the chief, and it is hut jv small place. The houses are niostly
of W(X)d, a great part of them indeed heing log houses.

Popufation. — In 1H17, the inliahilants of this ntnlv amount-
ed to .'M)4,7r)5i persons, which is nearly four persons to a square
mile. The popuhitiou is rapidly increasing, and it is .supposed
will he nearly douhled in ten years. A ironsiderahle part of
the state is slill inlmhited hy the Indians; hut as daily en-
croachments are making upou their territory, their niuubcrs
must naturally decrease.

Trmh' and Ncwiirces. — This being a new settled country,
the manufactures are mostly of the domestic kind. The im-
ports are nearly every description of English goods, and scant
French and India. They are received hy way of New Or-
leans, IJaltimore, or Philadelphia. The exports are Hour,
beef, pork, and butter.

The value of houses and cleared land in this state, in 1815,
w.is stated at ()],'M7,'.ll5 dollars; and 505 dollars were ex-
pended above the sum collected for duties imposed upon mer-
chandise. The vessels belonging to this state are all small,
and employed in internal trade.

(iovernmeiU. — The government is legislative and executive,
with power to provide ior, and regulate the judicial and mili-
Iflry •gthority.

^?<J„Jd.'«C.

tTNITED STATES.

207

Tlu< le^iNliiliii'c coiihistH of Iwo hraiiclicH ; a senate and liou.se
of rfjiri'si'iilutivcH. The represcntativv'S must not exccftl 72
nicnibcrs, and arc clioNon animal ly by tlie people, in which
every i'n.'e white male who is n citizen of the Dnilc.l States,
and has ri-siiled a year in the state, and j)aid taxes, shall have
a vote. The represcntutives must have the same quuliiications,
and he {i5 years of a«»:c.

The senators are chosen biennially by (jualjficd voters for
roprescntalives, and one half vacate their seats every year.
'I'hey shall never be less than one-third nor more than one-half
of the reprcHentatives. They must, besides the other (jualifi-
cations of the representatives, have resided two years in the
country, and be tiO years of age.

The governor is chosen by the electors for the members of
the general assembly for the term of two years, and is not eli-
gible for more than six years in eight. He must be 30 years
»f age, and have been a citi/en of the United States 12 years,
and an inhabitant of the state foiu* years.

The judicial power is vested in a si.uremc court, in courts of
common pleas for ej^ch county, in justices of the peace, and
such other courts as the legislature may appoint. The su-
preme court consists of three judges, apjwinted by the assem-
bly, who hold their offices for seven years. The courts of
common pleas consist of a president and associate judges,
chosen in like manner, and for the like term. A justice court
is held in each township, and the justices are elected by the
inhabitants of the respective- towns, and continue in office three
years. The powers and duties of the justices are from time to
time regulated and defined by law. This last regulation is a
peculiar feature in the local jurisprudence of the state, and
goes far to do away all i)etty litigation.

The justices originally had cognizance of all cases where the
sums did not exceed .'30 dollars. Uy an act of the legislature
their powers were extended to cases not exceeding 50 dollars,
which gave rise to a very singular transaction in the state.
The judges of the supreme court refused to put the law in
execution, alleging that it was contrary to the constitution of
the United States. They were impeached by the house of re-

f08

VIEW OF THE

1 •

!ft

presentatives ; but it requires two-thirds of the senate to con-
vict, and they were saved by a very narrow majority. The
legislature, to mark their disapprobation of the conduct of the
judges, raised the sum from 50 to 70 dollars ; and when the
seven years for which they were appointed expired, they were
not re-elected. The justice courts have now cognizance of all
cases where the sums do not exceed 70 dollars.

The legislature of this state, like many other similar ones,
are too fond of making laws, and interfering with the private
affairs of individuals. Swearing is prohibited by law, at the
rate of a dollar for an oath ; and the law is strictly put in ex-
ecution. Illegitimate commerce between the sexes is also pro-
hibited, under pretty heavy penalties; and a law has lately
been enactc<l to enforce the marriage covenant, in cases where
people are disposed to plead a disannullment on the score of
religion.

INDIANA.

SHuation and Extent. JNDIANA is situated between north

lat. 37 deg. 47 min. and 41 tieg. 50
min., and west long. 7 deg. 40 min. and 10 deg. 45 min. Its
greatest length is 284 miles, and its breadth 155. Its area is
38,000 square miles, or 24,320,000 acres.

Natural Geography. — The face of the country is hilly, not
mountainous ; and the scenery is said to be rich and varie-
gated, abounding with plains and large prairies.

The principal river is the Wabash, which is said to be a
beautiful stream, 280 yards broad at Its outlet, and navigable
upwards of 220 miles. It rises neai the boundary line between
the state of Ohio and Indiana, about 100 miles from lake Erie,
where there is a portage of only eight miles between it and the

UNITED STATES.

J209

Miami of the lakes. Its

[irlv south-west, and the

course is

tlistunce it runs, including its windings, is not less than 500
miles. A great many tributary streams flow into it, tiie chief
of which is White river, upwards ol' 200 miles long. Tippa-
canoe river, near whic!) are the largest settlements of Iiulian.s
in the territory, falls into the Wabash ; and it is near the out-
Jet of that river where the Prophet is at present collecting hi»
forces.

The soil is said to be generally rich and fertile. The cli-
mate is delightful, except in the neighbourhood of marshes,
chiefly conflned to the lower parts of the territory.

The settlements commenced about 22 or 93 years ago,
and have made considerable progress, though they have been
retarded by the settlement of the fertile and beautiful state
of Ohio, which is situated between this and che old states.
The greater part of the territory is yet subject to Indian
claims. Where they have been extinguished, and the white
settlements have been made, it is divided into four counties,
and 22 townships, the greater part of which are on the Ohio ;
and some few on the Wabash and "White-water river. The
inhabitants amounted, by the census of 1800, to 5641 ; they
now amount to 86,734, being an increase of 81,093 in 17 years.

The agriculture of the territory is nearly the same Ui that
of the state of Ohio. Every kind of grain, gra ., and fruit
comes to maturity; and towards the southern part of it consi-
derable crops of cotton are raised, though only for domestic
use.

Towns.— The principal town is Vbwen ■tes, on the Wabash.
It is an old settlement, and the inhabitants are m. stly of French
•xtraction ; they amounted, by last census, to 670.

Trade. — As the inhabitants make nearly all their own cloth-
ing, they have little external trade. What little they have is
down the river to New Orleans.

Government. — The constitution or government in this new

country is similar to that of the other neighbouring states,

excellent in theory, but too often vile and corrupt in practice.
It declares, in pompous language, that all men are free ; but
if their skins be black, they are not included in this declara-

9 D

210

VIEW OF THE

tioii, slaves being necessary for the ease and comfort of the
freemen of Indiana.

We will now proceed to view the Southern States of the
Jnion, agreeably to the arrangement we have adopted.

MARYLAND.

Situation and Extent. 'T'HIS state is situate^ between 38

and 39 deg. 43 min. north lat.,
and 2 deg. east and 2 deg. 30 min. west long. Its extre|Tie
length from east to west is 212 miles, and its extreme breadth
from north to south is 123 ; but it is very irregular. |t is
computed to contain about 14,000 square miles, or 8,9fi0,00p
acres, of which about one-fourth is water.

Natural Geography. — The face of the country is reiparka-
bly variegated. It is bounded on the south-west by the river
Patomak to its extremity; and the fine Chesapeake bay, with
its numerous waters, passes through the middle of it. On the
east side it pi'esents a coast of about 35 miles to the Atlantic
ocean : the eastern shore is low, level, and sandy. The coun-
try continues to rise by a very gentle ascent, but is generally
level to Baltimore ; it then swells out into a hilly country, and
the western part stretches across the mountains.

The Chesapeake bay has already been noticed ; but it merits
a more particular description, from its vast importance to this
state, and indeed to the United States generally. This bay is
formed by the outlet of the Suscjuehannah river, where it re-
ceives French creek, and a number of smaller streams; it is
there about seven miles broad, and so continues to near the
branch that leads up to Baltimore ; from thence it assumes
various breadths, from ten to fifteen miles, during a course
downwards of about 70 miles, to near the Patomak river;

UNITED STi^TES.

211

from thence it stretches out to 25 or 30 miles, during a passage
of 90 miles more, and finally passes into the Atlantic ocean by
an outlet of 20 miles broad : the whole course, from north to
south, is nearly 200 miles, and it receives in its passage the
whole waters of this state, nearly the whole of the eastern part
of Virginia, a great part of those of Pennsylvania, and some of
Delaware; exhibiting, upon the whole, a greater confluence of
waters than is to be seen in the United States, or almost in the
world. The principal rivers in Maryland that run into this
bay, besides the Susquehannah and Patomak, are the Patapsco
and Patuxent, on the west side ; and on the east side, Elk
river, Sassafras, Chester, Choptank, Nanticoke, and Poco-
moke, the last of which issues out of Cyprus swamp. There
are numerous islands in the bay, and the waters abound with
various kinds of fish. The state is generally well watered, and
abounds with mill-seats.

The soil is very various, and a great portion of it is but
poor: towards the eastern shore it is low and sandy, abound-
ing with swamps : in the interior there are many fertile spots ;
but the greater part of the land is poor until you pass the first
ridge of mountains, where there is a fertile valley of twelve or
fourteen miles broad : from thence the soil is pretty much as-
similated to the mountainous district of Pennsylvania.

The climate is as various as the soil : the eastern part is
pretty similar to Delaware, indicated by a pale, sickly colour
in the inhabitants. It improves as the land gets hilly, and
among the mountains is delightful, the summers being coolicl
by fine breezes, while the winters are tempered by a southoi-i;
latitude, which renders them much more mild than to the
northward.

Maryland is well supplied with iron ore, and some coal has
been found, but not in sufficient quantity to make it mi object
«f importance.

This is the first state in which there is a material diff'erence
f)f agriculture from the northern states: still, however, the
staple crop is wheat ; but they raise a considerable quantity of
lobaocu, and some cotton, though none of the latter for ex-
portation. All the other grains, grasses, and roots, that grow

It I

ill's

212

VIEW OF THE

in the northern state, flourish here ; and the sweet potatoe, a
root belonging to a warm climate, comes to considerable
maturity.

Population. — According to the returns made in 1817, the
population of this state amounted to 502,710, which, when the
proportion of water is subtracted, will be about 45 persons to
a square mile.

Manners^ S^c. — The inhabitants of this state are distin-
guished for that gaiety, extravagance, and hospitality, which
is usually exhibited by slave masters; but this character is
only applicable to the inhabitants of the most populous dis-
tricts. Those who reside in the more remote parts of the
state ' live (says an American writer) very retired and unsocial
lives. The effects of this comparative solitude are visible in
the countenances, as well as in the manners and dress, of the
country people. You observe very little of that cheerful
sprightJiness of look and action which is the invariable and
genuine offspring of social intercourse. Nor do you find that
attention paid to dress, which is common, and which decency
and propriety have rendered necessary, among people who are
liable to receive company almost every day. Unaccustomed,
in a great measure, to these frequent and friendly visits, they
often suffer a negligence in their dress which borders on slo-
venliness. There is apparently a disconsolate wildness in their
coimtenances, and an indolence and inactivity in their whole
behaviour, which arc evidently the effects of solitude and sla-
very. As the negroes perform all the manual labour, their
masters are left to saunter away life in sloth, and too often in
ignorance. These observations, however, must in justice be
limited lo the people in the country, and to those particularly
whose poverty or parsimony prevents their spending a part of
tlipir time in populous towns, or otherwise mingling Avith the
►voi'ld.'

The Baltimorians lay claim to a superior reputation for en-
terprise and bravery ; and, it must be confessed, they appear
entitled to it, judging from their shipping, much of which is
engaged in hazardous pursuits, together with the speculative
hnprovcnients of their town, and their having, by superior ac-

...t.-rfSBn — -_

UNITED STATES.

213

tivity, supplanted Philadelphia in part '>*'the western country
trade ; yet the merchants of this city are said to be deficient in
capital. Of their bravery, history will speak when recording
their gallant and successful defence of their city, though at-
tacked by the combined naval and military forces of England.
Chief Towns.— Baltimore stands on the north side of the
river Patapsco, which may rather be regarded as a creek of
the great bay of Chesapeake, and has rapidly risen to its pre-
sent consequence. The situation is rather low, but it has
been rendered by art tolerably salubrious. A creek divides it
into two parts, Baltimore town and FelFs point, to the latter
of which vessels of 600 tons can sail ; but only small vessels
can come up to the town. The bason, as it is called, is very
capacious, and capable of holding 2000 sail.

At the commencement of the American war, Baltimore was
but an inconsiderable village; bnt such has been the rapidity
of its growth, that it is now t' . rth commercial city in the
United States. The houses a . .mostly built of brick, and
many of them are elegant: the principal public buildings are,
thirteen places of public worship, a court-house, a jail, three
market-houses, a poor-house, the exchange, theatre, observa-
tory, assembly-rooms, and library. The manufactures of Bal-
timore are considerable, and consist chiefly of ships, cordage,
iron utensils, paper, saddlery, boots and shoes, hats, wool and
cotton cards, &c. In the adjoining country there are nume-
rous mills, furnaces, and forges, which contribute much to the
trade of the city.

There are several religious sects, the most numerous of
which are Roman catholics. Episcopalians, baptists, presby-
terians, methodists, and quakers, have each a respectable num.
ber of partisans; and an unitarian church is now building.
The architecture of several of the churches displays first-rate
talent; and it seems not a little surprising, that such ability
should have been overiooked by the conductors of the national
buildings at Washington.

Although this city 70 yepvs ago consisted of only ten houses,
»t now contains 60,000 inhabitants; and as it is the emporium
of the state, it must necessarily increase in wealth and import-

214

VIEW OF THE

ance. A gr'eat portion of the export trade Is flour, much of
which is received from the state of Pennsylvania, through the
medium of the Susquehannah river ; and the citizens have a
brisk trade in importing and . shipping foreign articles, parti-
cularly West Indian produce— rum, su^ar, and coffee. A
gteat portion of the imports are manufactured goods from
Britain, and, having the supply of an immense back country,
this is an increasing trade. Many of the people in the western
states give Baltimore the preference to Philadelphia ; it is 50
miles nearer to Pittsburg than the latter city, which has a na-
tural tendency to secure a preference ; and the inhabitants of
Maryland, who seem to appreciate the importance of this
trade, have acted with a laudable zeal in making good roads.
The trade of Baltimore is facilitated by three banks, having
all ample capitals. One is a branch of the bank of the United
States.

The affairs of the city are under the management oT a city
council, consisting of two branches, and a mayor. The police
seems to be under good regulations, and the streets are kept
very clean, which secures good health to the citizens. Educa-
tion is pretty well attended to ; and the citizens are said to be
hospitable and industrious. The men rank as correct men of
business.

North and east of the town the land rises, and affords a fine
j)rospect of the town and bay. Belvidera exhibits one of the
finest landscapes in nature. The town, the point, the shipping
both in the bason and at FelPs point, the bay as far as the eye
can reach, rising ground on the right and left of the harbour,
c grove of trees on the declivity at the right, a stream of water
breaking over the rocks at the foot of the hill on the left, all
conspire to complete the beauty and grandeur of the prospect.
■ Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, and the wealthiest
town of its size in America. It is situated just at the mouth
of Severn riyer, 30 miles south of Baltimore. It is a place of
little note in the commercial world. Tlie houses, about .'iOO
in number, are generally large and elegant, indicative of great
wealth. The design of those who planned the city, was to
have the whole in the form of a circle, with the streets, like

UNITEp STATES.

%iS

radii, beginning at the centre where the stadt-house standjn,
and thence diverging in every direction. The principal part
of the buildings are arranged agreeably to this awkward plan.
The stadt-house is the noblest building of the kind in Amprica.
There is a college, a theatre, and two places of public worship
in the city. It has a harboqr. though no great commerce ;
but, being a pleasant place, it is the Residence of a great many
wealthy people.

Fredericktown is a large inland town, containing a court*
house, jail, academy, mgrket-house, and seven places of public
worship. The inhabitants are about 6000 ; and the town h^s
Coqsiderab(le ra^nuff?ct,ures and inland trade. HafferstoWTif
situated beyond the mountains, coijitajus 2100 inhabitants.
I^esides these, there are a, greater number of smaller towns and
villages, cor^ti^ining from 100 to 1000 inhabitants. A great
number of th? farm-houses are built of wood, and they are
not so substantial, nor so elegajit, in general, as those in
PcHinsylv/mia.

Tradel^c. — The value of houses, lands, and slaves, in this
state, in 18,15, was estimated at 122,577,573 dollars; the land
bein^ valued, at 20 dollars per acre.

The ^rade and manufactures of this state have been noticed
in the account of Baltimore. The duty on merchandise in
1815 produced 4,202,463 dollars. The tonnage employed,
in foreign trade amounted to 88,161, and ip thje coasting trad^
to8529.

Education. — There are considerable funds appropriated to
thp support of education. There are five colleges, and a
number of very respectable academies in the slate, and com-
mon schools in every county.

Religion. — The Roman catholics, who were the first settlers
in Maryland, are the most numerous religious sect. Besides
these, there are protestants, episcopalians, English, Scotch,
and Irish presbyterians, German Calvinists, German Luther-
ans, friends, baptists, methodists, Mennonists, Nicolites, or
new quakers.

Gorjernmetit. — The state is divided into 19 counties. The
civil government is vested in a governor, senate, and house of

i i

S16

VIEW OF THE

delegates, all chosen annually. The qualification to vote lor
delegates is a freehold of 50 acres of land, or property to the
value of 30/. currency. The principles of government are si-
milar to those of Pennsylvania.

History. — Maryland was granted by Charles I. to Cecilius
Calvert, baron of Baltimore, in Ireland, June 20, 1632. The
government of the province was, by charter, vested in the pro-
prietary ; but it appears that he either never exercised these
powers alone, or but for a short time. The hon. Leonard
Calvert, esq., lord Baltimore's brother, was the first gpvernor,
or lieutenant-general. His lordship evinced his wisdom, and
the liberality of his religious opinions, by providing for the free
exercise of all other religious opinions in the colony. In 1642,
one Ingle excited a rebellion, and three years passed before
order was restored. Under the government of Cromwell, the
exercise of the Roman catholic religion was restrained ; which
must have been felt extremely oppressive, as the first and prin-
cipal inhabitants were Catholics. In 1692, the protestant re-
ligion was established by law. At the commencement of the
revolutionary war, the state was declared to belong to the citi-
zens, who delegated five of their number to the first congress.
The state constitution was framed in 1776, which, with a few
trifling amendments, still continues. When the independence
of the United States was acknowledged by Eiigland, Henry
Harford, esq., the natural son and heir of lord Baltimore, pe-
titioned the legislature of Maryland for his estate; but his
petition was not granted. Mr. Harford estimated his loss of
quit-rents, valued at twenty years purchase, and including
arrears, at 259,488/. 5*., dollars at 7«. Qd. ; and the value of
his manors and reserved lands at 327,441/. of the same money.

UNITED STATES.

«17

the

VIEGINIA.

Siiuatim and Extent y I.RGINIA* is situated between 36

deg. 30 min. and 39 deg. 43 min.
north Jat., and 1 deg. east and 6 deg. 25 min. west long. The
extreme length of the state from east to west is 442 miles, and
the extreme breadth from the North Carolina line to the Penn-
sylvania hne is 235; but it may be observed that there is a
small part ^f the state that stretches along the banks of the
Ohio, to the west of Pennsylvania, about 60 miles long, and
on an average 10 broad; and there is another small part,
about 55 miles long and 12 broad, to the east of the Chesa-
Fake. The area is computed at 75,000 square miles, being

wo/a^' '^'^ ^' *''' ''''"^^ '''^"^ "f S"*^'"' computed at
77,^43. The number of acres in Virginia is 48,000,000.

Natural Geography, ^^^^.^ face of the country is somewhat
assimilated to Pennsylvania, including Jersey, Delaware, and
Maryland. The eastern part extends along the sea coast
about 115 miles, of which the outlet of the Chesapeake, al-
ready noticed, occupies 20; and this elegant confluence of
waters, so often referred to, forms a great variety in this part
of the state. From the sea coast to the head of the tide wa-
ters about 100 miles, the country is mostly \^v^\, and abounds
with swamps. From thence to the mountains it is agreeably
uneven, and affords delightful prospects. The mountainous
district IS about 100 miles in breadth, and the ridges continue,
as in Pennsylvania, to range from north-east to south-west.
iJeyond the mountains the country is much variegated, liere
swelhng out into considerable hiUs, there subsiding into agree-

re™ Tf " ''''• '''""^'' "''">' ""'^-^^'^^ '^-^- l--" -ade in the

Zr T T '""" ""*' '"^ *''"^' ""^ '»»^ '^-'^ <=°^^^^ --h valuable
and interesting infohnation. ».""*"«:

10 2E

iti8

VIEW OF THE

able va I.os; and so continues to the Ohio, about 60 miles.
The Alleghany chain .s the ridge which divides the waters of
the Atlantic from the Mississippi, and its summit is more ele-
vated above the ocean than that of the others: but its relative
height compared witli the base on which it stands, is not so
grea , because the country rises behind the successive ridges
Jike steps of stairs. ®

The whole of the Atlantic rivers have been already noticed ;

bv tt Oh'" 7'. '^^' ^^^^ '' ''^'^''^ '- the westward
by the Ohio upwards of 240 miles, and the Great Sandy river
forms the boundary, for upwards of 100 miles, between it and
Kentucky The most important river to the westward is the
Great Kanhaway. 'a nver of considerable note for the fertility
of Its lands, and still more, as leading towards the head waters
of James river. Nevertheless, it is doubtful whether its great
^.d numerous falls will admit a navigation but at an exp^ence
to which It will require ages to render its inhabitants equal.
The great obstacles beg-in at what are called the great faUs 90
mi^s above its mouth, below which are only five or six rapids.

From r Tr ^ '''''' ""'^ ^•'^^"'^•^' ^-'•' «' l--^ter
From the falls to the mouth of Greenbriar is 100 miles, and

Uience to the lead mines 120. It is 280 yards wide at its

The little Kanhaway is 150 yards wide at the mouth, and
IS navigable for 10 miles only. '

The Shenandoah river rises in the interior of the country

and running a north-east course, of about 250 miles, throu/h

he great Limestone valley, parallel to the mountains, falls in!

he Patomak just above the Blue ridge. The junction of the

olTof tZ fi r'^' '^'""^^ ^^" ^'"^ '''^S'' '« ««id to be
one of the finest scenes in nature, and has been described in
our general view of the United States

There are a great variety of minerals and mineral springs in
the state. Iron is very plentiful, and several mine; of lead
have been opened Some copper, black-lead, and precious
stones have been found, and in one instance gold wa's disco!
vered. Limestone ,s plentiful, and coal is abundant at Rich,
mond, in some places among the mountains, and in the western

1P»,

UNITED STATES.

219

country. Of the mineral springs, the warm and hot springs
and the sweet spring, are the most remarkable. They are
situated near the sources of James river, at the foot of the Al-
leghany mountains, about 42 miles apart. They are now well
known, and much resorted to. There are sulphur springs in
several places ; and on the Kanhaway river, 67 miles from its
outlet, there is a very remarkable air spring.

The soil in the low part of the state is sandy, except on the
banks of the rivers, where it is very rich. Between the head
of the tide- waters and the mountains, it exhibits a great variety,
and a considerable portion is good. Among the mountains
there is a great deal of poor land, but it is interspersed with
rich vallies. Beyond the mountains the soil is generally rich
and fertile.

The climate of Virginia is very various, and is subject to
great and sudden changes. In the greater part of the country
below the head of the tide-waters, the summers are hot and
sultry, and the winters mild. From thence to the foot of the
mountains the air is pure and elastic, and both summers and
winters are several degrees of temperature below the low
country. Among the morntains, the summers are delightful,
though sometimes the heat is very great. To the westward
the climate is temperate, the summers being cooler and the
winters warmer than on the sea coast, Except in the neigh-
bourhood of stagnant waters in the low country, Virginia has,
upon the whole, a healthy climate.

The state has of late been considerably improved by roads,
but in that branch much remains to be done. The canal con-
templated by Mr. Jefferson between the waters of the Chesa-
peake and Albemarle sound has been cut. It is 16 miles in
length, and answers a most valuable purpose. Considerable
miprovcments have been made upon the navigation of the
Shenandoah river ; and there are several very important roads
and canals projected.

The principal branches of agriculture for exportation are
wheat and tobacco ; and the farms produce in plenty, Indian
corn, rye, barley, buck-wheat, &c. Hemp and flax are abun-
dant, and considerable quantities of cotton are raised in the

^-^^SMMmx

S20

! '

VIEW OF THE

southern part of the state. Indigo is cullivated with success,
and the silk-worm is a native of the country, though not much
attended to. The fields hkewise produce potatoes, both sweet
and common, turnips, parsnips, carrots, pumpkins, and ground
nuts ; and of grasses, there arc clovers, red, white, and yellow,
timothy, ray, greensward, blue grass, and crab grass. The
orchards abound in fruit; apples, pears, peaches, quinces,
cherries, nectarines, apricots, almonds, and plums. The do-
mestic animals thrive well, horses, cows, sheep, hogs, poultry ;
and there is a great variety of wild game.

Poptilation.— The population of this state in 1817 .mounted
to 1,347,496, which is 18 persons to a square mile.

Manners, Sfc.—The character of the Virginians has been
often described; but all writers agree in ascribing most of
their errors and crimes to the system of slavery established
amongst them. An English writer says, that * the climate and
external appearance of the country co'nspire to make them in-
dolent, easy, and good-natured ; extremely fond of society,
and much given to convivial pleasures. In consequence of
this, they seldom show any spirit of enterprise, or expose
themselves willingly to fatigue. Their authority over their
slaves renders them vain and imperious, and entire strangers
to that elegance of sentiment which is so peculiarly character,
istic of refined and polished nations. Their ignorance of man-
kind and of learning exposes them to many errors and preju-
dices, especially in regard to Indians and negroes, whom they
scarcely consider as of the human species; so that it is almost
impossible, in cases of violence, or even murder, committed
upon those unhappy people by any of the planters, to have
the delinquents brought to justice; for either the grand jury
refuse to find the bill, or the petit jury bring in their verdict,
not guilty.

'The display of a character thus constituted will naturally
be in acts of extravagance, ostentation, and a disregard of eco-
nomy : it is not extraordinary, therefore, that the Virginians
outrun their incomes; and that having involvt.l themselves in
difficulties, they are frequently tempted to raise money by bills
of exchange, which they know will be returned protested, with

UNITED STATES.

SSI

10 per cent, interest. The public or political character of the
Virginians corresponds with their private one: they are
haughty and jealous of their liberties, impatient of restraint,
and can scarcely bear the thought of being controled by any
superior power.

* Ihe women are, upon the whole, rather handsome, though
not to be compared with our fair countrywomen in England.
They have but few advantages, and consequently are seldom
accomplished ; this makes them reserved, and unequal to any
interesting or refined conversation. They are immoderately
fond of dancing, and indeed it is almost the only amusement
they partake of: but even in tliis they discover great want of
taste and elegance, and seldom appear with that gracefulness
and ease which these movements are so calculated to display.
Towards the close of an evening, when the company are pretty
well tired of country dances, it is usual to dance jigs; a prac-
tice originally borrowed, I am informed, from the negroes.
These dancer, are without any method or regularity. A gen-
tleman and lady stand up, and dance about the room, one of
them retii lug, the other pursuing, then perhaps meeting, in
an irregular fantastical manner. After some time, another
lady gets up ; and then the first lady must .Mt down, she I) >-
ing, as they term it, cut out. The second lady acts the same
part which the first did, till somebody cuts her out. The
gentlemen perform in the same manner. The Virsinian la-
dies, excepting their amusements, and now and then a party of
pleasure into the woods to partake ofa barbacue, chiefly spend
their time in sewing and taking cure of their families. Thc-y
seldom read, or endeavour to improve their minds. However,
they are in general good housewives; and though they have
not, I think, quite so much tenderness and sensibility as the
English ladies, yet they make as good wives, and as good mo-
thers, as any in the world.' This character was drawn from
personal observation, and, in general, appears to be just.

'The young men,' another traveller observes, 'generally
speaking, are gamblers, cock-fighters, and horse-jockies. To
hear them converse, you woulil imagine that the grand point
of all science w^s properly to fix a gaff, and touch, vith dexte-

! Si

■'^

222

VIEW OF THE

If!

rlty, thf tail of a cock while in combat. He who won the last
match, the last ganii , or the last liorso-race, assumes the airs
of a hero or CJermun potentate. The ingenuity of a Locke,
or the discoveries of a Newton, are considered as infinitely in-
ferior to the accomplishments of him who knows when to
shoulder a blind cock, or start a fleet horse ' A spirit for lite-
rary enquiries, if not altogether confine*.! to a kw, is, among
the body of the peopl , evidently subordinate to a spirit of
gaming and barbarous sports. At almost every tavern or or-
dinary on the pubic road there is a billiard table, a backgam-
mon table, cards, and other implements for various games.
To these public houses the gambling gentry in the neighbour,
hood resort, to K-ill time, which hangs heavily upon them ; and
at this business they are extremely expert, having been accus-
tomed to it from their earliest youth. The passion for cock-
fighting, a diversion not only inhumanly barbarous, but
infinitely beneath the dignity of a man of sense, is so pred')-
minant, that they e\ en advertise their matches in the public
newspapers This dissipation of manners is the fruit of indo-
lence and luxury, which arise from the system of African
slaverv.

Chief Towiu. — UicJimond is handsomely situated on James
river, inmiediately below the falls. It is a large elegant city,
consihting of more than 1200 houses, and contains about
10,000 inhabitants. The state-hou'e stands on an eminence,
and is considered the hund.soniest building in the state, having
spacious apartments for the meetings of the legislature, and
commodious rooms for the transaction of the public business of
the state. The other public buildings are, the court-house,
jail, and theatre, two places for public worship, a free mason's
hallj and three tobacco warehouses. Richmond is situated in
a fertile healthy country, and is well supplied with provisions;
and it is flourishing in manufactures and commerce. There
is an armr-iiry in the neighbourhood, said to be the best in the
United States. The city is remarkably well situated for mill-
seats ; some of the finest flour-mills in the state have lately
been erected, and the quantity of flour manufactured annually
is immense. There are abo rolling and slitting mills, oil-mills,

\vmi»'-'

UNITED STATES. $23

and several others; and several extensive distilleries and
breweries. Richmond carries on a considerable trade, princi-
pally 111 tobacco and flour, with many places of the United
States, particularly New York, which in return supplies it with
dry goods and groceries. The inhabitants here, like those in
the sea-ports, are mostly dressed in British manufactures, and
are very gay. Gambling is the lavouritf diversion of the peo-
pie, and is constantly practised without the smallest degree of
secresy. ' On alighting at a tavern,' says Mr. Weld, < the
landlord immediately asked what game was most congenial to
my inclinations, as he could conduct me, according to my wish,
either to a faro, hazard, or billiard table. These app i.Mits
are always crowded with gamesters, and the door tre Oi,l -
shut to exclude the lowest order of the people, whc, however
contrive to find a similar amusement at some peti, I.. use of
accommodation. The taverns being thus infested is a ( .oee.
able circumstance to a traveller who is blest with a different
bent of inclmation, as every room is considered common, and
the place where a stranger wishes to seclude himself from the
eye ot public observation, is always the most frequented.'

NorJi)lk is a large town, containing nearly the same number
of inhabitants as Richmond. It is a place of very extended
commerce, principally in flour and tobacco, and its commerce
and population will probably continue to encrease for a long
perioti. Mr. Jefferson remarks, in his Notes, 'that it mH
probably be the emporium for all the trade of the Chesapeake
bay and its waters, and a canal of eight or ten miles will bring
to It all that of the Albemarle sound and its waters.' But it is
to be observed, that the Chesapeake bay and its waters are
navigable a long way into the interior of the country, in conse-
quence of which, probably no single town or city will be the
emporium for all the trade; it will be divided among many.
We accordingly find numerous towns upon these waters, of
which the f(jllowing may be noticed.

On Rappahannoc, Urbanna, Port Royal, Falmouth. Fre~
dencJcshiirg is situated on the south-west side of this river It
IS regularly laid out, the streets crossing one another at right
angles, and consists of about 300 houses, containing about

li-i

'Ji

If.

SS4)

VIEW OF THE

\li

1600 inhabitants. The principal public buildings are an epis-
copal church, an academy, court-house, and jail. It carries on
a coniderahle trade, principally in flour and tobacco.

On Patomak and its waters, Dumfries, Colchester, WincJies-
ter, Staunton.

On York river and its waters, Yorl\ Newcastle^ Hanover.

On James river and its waters, Portsmouth, Hampton, Suf-
folk, Smitlifield, WilUamshurg, Mancliestcr, Charlottesville.
Petersburg is situated on this river, immediately below the
falls, and h a place of conside'rable wealth and importance,
carrying on a great trade in tobacco and flour, a considerable
portion of which is with New York. The population, in
1800, was ilOM free people and 1481 slaves. The population
is said to be composed principally of Irish people, and they
are distinguished for frank liberal manners, and high-spirited
patriotism. The principal public buildings are, two places
for public worship, a court-house, jail, and free mason's hall.
The market is well supplied with provisions ; and there are
numerous mills in and about the town.

There is no very important town in the western part of the
state. Wheeling; on the Ohio, will probably increase more
than any other.

Trade and Resources.— The interior trade of this state was
never of much im)X)rtance. The manufactures are mostly of
the domestic kind ; and such is the attachment of the Virgi-
nians to agiiculture, that there is no doubt they will continue
for a considerable time to exchange the raw material for the
manufacture of foreign nations.

The value of houses, lands, and slaves, in this state in 1815,
by the assessors' return, was 263,737,699 loUars; the average
value of land being estimated at 4 dollars 15 u nts per acre.
The gross revenue arising from dutiv-s on merchandise was
1,254,144 dollars. The shipping employed in foreign trade
amounted to 31,152 tons, and in the coasting trade to 6549

tons.

Education.— -There are two colleges in the state; one of
them the college of Willhm and Mary, very liberally endowed.
There are several academics and schools in each county ; and

s are an €piS'
It carries on
«co.
ter, WincJieS'

?, Hanover. .
amptorcf Sitf-
harloUesville.
\y below the
1 importance,
I considerable
opulation, in
he population
pie, and they
high-spirited
B, two places
I inason"'s hall,
ind there are

m part of the
increase more

this state was
are mostly of
of the Virgi-
will continue
aterial for the

state in 1815,
; the average
^ nts per acre,
rchandise was
foreign trade
trade to 6549

state; one of
rally endowed.
1 county ; and

UNITED STATES.

925

there are numerous teachers in private families, as tutors.
The means, in short, for educating the wealthy are ample,
and extensively applied ; but the system seems to be defective,
so far at the mass of the people are concerned, and that im-
portant branch deserves tlie early attention of an enlightened
legislature; as the pride, the independence, and the indo-
lence of one class, and the tlioughtleSsness and poverty of
the other, present formidable obstacles to the progress of
knowledge.

Religion. — The first settlers in this state were English epis-
copalians, and they seemed to emulate the bigotry and intole-
rance of their presbyterian brethren in New England. But
the vigilance and activity of the government in supporting the
established church begot security and indolence in the clergy ;
people of various religious opinions began to creep into the
state ; and, within a century, the episcopalians found them-
selves subdued by superior spirit and determination.

An act passed the Virginia assembly, in the beginning of
1786, in which it is declared, that, being ' well aware that Al-
mighty God hath created the mind free ; that all nttcmpts to
influence it by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil
incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and
meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the holy Au-
thor of our religion, who being Lord over both body and mind,
yet chose not to propagate it by coercions in either, &c. Be
it therefore enacted by the general assembly, That no inan
shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious wor-
ship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, re-
strained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shah
otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief;
but that all men shall be free to profess, and by arguments to
maintain their opinions in matters of religion ; and t^at the
same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil
capacities.'

The episcopalians, or, as Mr. Jef!erson calls them, the

Anglicans,' have, comparatively, but few ministers among

them ; and these few, when they preach, which i^ seldom more

than once a week, preach to very thin congregations. The

O T,^

■;■ '¥>'if^ ■* ' ■ '^^^'S^^S^^wftw^iiAftSI^?^^., p,.

.aai

VIEW OF THE

presbyterians, in proportion to their numbers, have more mi-
nisters, who officiate oftener, and to larger audiences. Th»
baptists and m^thodists are generally supplied by itinerant
preachers, who have large and promiscuous audiences, and
preach almost every day, and often several times in a day.
The bulk of these religious sects are of the poorer sort of peo-
ple, and many of them are very ignorant, (as is indeed the case
with the other denominations,) but they are generally a moral,
well-meaning set of people. They exhibit much zeal in their
worship, which pears to be composed of the mingled eft'u-
sions of piety, enthusiasm, and superstition.

Government. — The following are the outlines of the form of
state government :

' The executive powers are lodged in the hands of a go-
vernor, chosen annually, and incapable of acting any more
than three years in seven. He is assisted by a council of eight
members. The judiciary powers are divided among several
^urts. Legislation is exercised by two houses of assembly ;
the one called the 7' Juse of Delegates, composed of two mem-
bers from each county, chosen annually by the citizens pos-
sessing an estate for life in 100 acres of uninhabited land, or
25 acres with a house and lot on it, or a house or lot in some
town. The other, called the Senate, consisting of 24 members,
chosen quadreoia ly by the same electoi-s, who, for this pur-
pose, are distributed into 24 districts. The concurrence of
both houses is necessary to the passing of a law : they have
the appointment of the governor and council, the judges of the
superior courts, auditors, attorney-general, treasurer, register
of the land-office, and delegates to congress."'

The state is divided into an eastern and western district, and
90 counties.

History. — We have already noticed the first settlement of
Virginia. On the arrival of lord Delaware in 1610, the colony
acquired permanency and respectability, which was further
increased by a young gentleman named Rolf, who married the
daughter of an Indian chief. In 1621, the company of pro-
prietors obtained a charter for settling the government of the
state; but shortly after, the king and company quarrelled,

UNITED STATES.

8£7

more nu-
es. The
itinerant
nces, and
in a day.
rt of peo-
i the case
y a moral,
il in their
gled effu-

le form of

■> of a go-
any more
;il of eight
ig several
assembly ;
two mem-
;izens pos-
1 land, or
ut in some
! members,

this pur-
urrence of

they have
iges of the
^r, register

istrict, and

and, by a mixture of law and force, the latter were ousted of
all their rights, without retribution, after having expended
- 100,000/. in establishing the colony, without the smallest aid
from government. King James I. took the government into
his own hands. Both sides had their partisans in the colony :
but the people of the colony in general thought them-
selves little concerned in the dispute. But they did not re-
main so long. The northern parts of their country werfe
granted away to the lords Baltimore and Fairfax, the first of
tliese obtaining also the rights of separate jurisdiction and go-
vernment. And in 1650, the parliament, considering itself aS
standing in the place of their deposed king, and as having
succeeded to all his powers, without as well as within the
realm, began to assume a right over the colonies, passing an
act for inhibiting their trade with foreign nations. This suc-
cession to the exercise of the kingly authority gave the first
colour for parliamentary interference with the colonies, and
produced that fatal precedent which they continued to follow
after they had retired, in other respects, within their propet
functions. When this colony, therefore, which still maintain-
ed its opposition to Cromwell and the parliament, was induced,
in 1651, to lay down their arms, they previously secured their
most important rights, by a solemn convention.

This convention was, however, infringed by subsequeftt
kings and parliaments, until the revolution, which the Virgi-
nians supported with great energy and success. They still
maintain great influence in the public councils, and haVe
thereby incurred the jealousy of their neighbours.

ttlement of
the colony
'as further
narried the
my of pro-
fient of the
quarrelled.

, ji<i; i 1gi»a »«ii...<iaifc. ; -^^^v.

m i

SS8

VIFW OF THE

KENTUCKY.

Siimtim and Extent. |^ENTUCKY is situalcd between 36

deg. 30 min. and .ti) deg. noxili
lat., and 5 and 12 deg. west long. Its greatest length is 328
miles, and it;, jrreatest breadth 183. Its area is 5S,000 square
miles, or 33,a}ii .000 acres.

Natural Gti.graphi/. — 'j'hp face of the country is generally
uneven, some of it rough au^i 'vilv ; and towards the east there
are considerable spurs of the A!ie^,;%M}Y mountains, which di-
vide the state froni Virginia. '/ : Ohio river washes the state
to the north and north-wei*, 871 uiAss ; avyl the Mississippi on
the west, 57; the Curriberla.rid and Tennessee rivers pass
partly through it. Big Sandy river forms the boundary line
a considerable way on the east ; and Licking river, Kentucky
river, IloUing river, iii\J Green river, are all very considerable
streat i^. There is a va-it variety of small streams, and the
state hm the appearance of being well watered ; but in some
places it is inot. The srtratum under the soil is limestone,
throughout ilio wliole state : it has a great depth, and seems
to be chequered with innumerable fissures, which let the water
pass. On this account, there are some places where water is
nut to he found in summer, and the greater part of the rivers
have worn down their beds from 100 to 300 feet below the
surface of the earth. From the circumstance of the rivers
being so confined between high banks, they roll down their
waters to a great depth in freshets : it is no uncommon thing
for the Kentucky river to rise from 40 to 50 feet.

T-he state is said to be rather defective in iron, the most
useful of all the metals : but there are, notwithstanding, nu-
merous iion forges. Marble is found in the state, but is not
plentiful: coal is found in some places; and a few specimens
of lead, copperas, and alum have b .i.u found : limestone is a

UNITED STATES.

betwecri 36
deg. jjovJh
igth is 3S8

000 squa :<;

s generally
D east there
, which di-
es the state
ssissippi on
rivers pass
mdary hne

Kentucky
onsiderable
s, and the
tut in some

limestone,
and seems
t the water
;re water is
r the rivers
t below the

the rivers
down their
imon thing

I, the most

nding, nu-

biit is not

1 specimens
destone is a

most plentiful commodity. There are various mineral springs,
I.>ut the most useful are the salt springs ; though they are now
of less impoi (..'i.nce, since the discovery of the valuable salt
r,priug;; upon t!<e Kanhaway.

The soil n this state has all the gradations from the very
hdst tc the vei ^ worst; but there is, upon the whole, a great
body of good soil in the state. The general character is clialk,
covered with a stratum of vegetable earth from eight to twelve
feet in depth. A want of water in the summer season is much
felt, except in the vicinity of great rivers and their principal
dependeiit streams.

Iiidian corn is raised here in vast abundance, and almost
without labour. Stock of various kinds is raised for the New
Orleans, southern, and Atlantic markets. Pork is well fed,
and of excellent quality. Beef is also of good quality, and the
stock has received considerable attention by the n)ixture of
English breeds.

The climate is more steady than in the eastern states, and is
upon the whole favourable. Heat and cold do not go to ex-
tremes ; the thermometer in summer being seldom above 80
degrees, or in winter below 25. The climate is said to agree
well with English constitutions.

PoptilatUm.—The population of this state in 1817 amounted
to 683,753, which is rather more than 13 persons to a square
mile. In 1790, the population was estimated at 73,677. As
the emigrations are still going on, and likely to continue, par-
ticularly from the southern states, the inhabitants will yet
greatly increase, though probably not so rapidly as heretofore.
The insecurity of the land-titles, and the slave trade, are so
many barriers in the way with the people from the northern
states, from whence there is the greatest degree of emigration ;
and there being so much fine land to the westward, a number
of the poorer people will go there, where they can get land
cheap. However, it is to be presumed that this latter circum-
stance will have a tendency to improve the morals of the state,
as it will purge it of many of the pioneers.

Manners, <S^c.~The character of the inhabitants of this state
js always represented in a most unfavourable light. A late

UMMMMHC

230

VIEW OF THE

traveller, who viewed the United States as the garden of Edeti,
and the people as the elect of the earth, confesses that the vice*
of gaming and swearing are carried to a most inconceivable
height. ' At Frankfort,' says he, « I saw a vagabond in the
penitentiary, who had picked out his neighbour's eyes ; and a
man who sailed down the river with us told me he saw a fight,
in which the combatants grappled one another with their teeth :
one lost his lip, and the other his nose. In Kentucky, and
indeed in the western country generally, there is a vast ma-
jority of civil, discreet, well-disposed people, who will hold the
lawless and disobedient in check, and in time correct the mo-
rals of the whole. Slavery is no doubt hurtful to society, but
it is probably more ameliorated in this state than in any other
part of the world. Indeed, so much is this the case, that the
blacks are generally as well fed, and nearly as well clothed, as
the white people ; and it is questionable whether they work so
hard. A gentleman of very excellent information told me that
he did not think the produce of their labour was equal to their
maintenance. To me it appeared that they were better fed,
better lodged, and better clothed, than many of the peasantry
in Britain. Still, however, slavery, under any amelioration, is
a bitter draught; and though thousands in all ages have been
made to drink of it, it is no less bitter on that account. The
insecurity of land titles has also been much against the state,
not only by preventing emigrants of property from going to it,
but also by encouraging litigation, a most baneful circumstance
in any country; but it is to be remarked that the legislature
have lately taken measures to place this business on a solid
and respectable form.

' Being sprang from the state of Virginia, the manners of
that people have given the tone to those of this state, whicli
appears in a spirit of high independence, quick temper, and
frank generosity. The only serious evil that I had to com-
plain of in my journev through the country arose from the
proneness of many of 'the natives to swearing. This vice is
too common; and though 'tis true that "it will neither break
a man's leg, nor pick his pocket," yet it may stun his ears
most unmercifully. This was literally the case with me: I

UNITED STATES.

SSI

of:Bdett,
t the vice*
mceivable
nd in the
es ; and a
w a fight,
leir teeth :
icky, and
, vast ma-
1 hold the
;t the mo-
iciety, but
any other
', that the
ilothed, as
;y work so
Id me that
al to their
)etter fed,
peasantry
ioration, is
have been
int. The
; the state,
roing to it,
■cum stance
legislature
on a solid

manners of
ate, whicti
mper, and
id to com-
; from the
Chis vice is
ither break
m his ears
rith me: I

found the country as bad, in that respect, as Ireland itself.
Indeed, it appears to me that there is a considerable similitude
between the Irish people and the Virginians, in more respects
than this : frank, affable, polite, and hospitable in a high de-
gree, they are quick in their temper, sudden in their resent-
ment, and warm in all their affections.'

Another English traveller says, ' I do not feel myself com-
petent to confirm or deny the general claim of the Kentuckians
to generosity and warmth of character ; of their habits I would
wish to speak with diffidence ; that they drink a great deal,
swear a great deal, and gamble a great deal, will be apparent
to a very brief resident. The barbarous practice oi ffmiging^
with which they are charged, I have not seen occur, though I
have good reason to believe in its existence. They have also
another practice, nearly akin to this, called " gander-pulling."
This diversion consists in tying a live gander to a tree or pole,
greasing its neck, riding past it at full gallop, and he who suc-
ceeds in pulling off the head of the victim, receives the laurel
crown. I think I have heard of a s\vm[a.v pastime as practised
in Holland ; but these are not to be taken as ttmnixed charac>
teristics.

' On leaving Kentucky, I have to regret that so much re-
mains to be done for the habits of the people, and to feel from
my soul the most sincere sorrow, that men who can form a
theoretic constitution, in which it is declared, that " men when
they form a social compact are equal ; that no man or set of
men are entitled to exclusive, separate public emoluments or
privileges from the community, but in consideration of public
services ; that all men have a natural and indefeasible right tp
worship God according to the dictates of their consciences ;" I
cannot, I say, but feel sorrow that men who can in theory lay
down such principles, can in their practice continue, and even
boast of the most demoralizing habits, treat their fellow crea-
tures like brute beasts, and buy and sell human beings like
cattle at a fair.'

Chi^' Toxs^ns. — Lexington is the seat of justice of Fayette
county, and is situated in the heart of a most beautiful country,
on a branch of Elkhorn river. It is one of the earliest settle-

"^mimmmbk

2S2

VIKW OF THE

\ 1

ments in the western country, and is coeval with the battle of
Lexington, the news of which having reached the early stttlers,
they conferred on it the pr(>sent nanu »'. '<>:•: " ice flcjurished
in a wonderful degree, and no im, 'S'll inhabitants.

By the census of 1800, it contained *i4iUiJ, so that it 1ms nearly
doubled its population in 10 v* ,s; and as it is increasing in
manufactures and wealth, and the adjoining country rapidly
settling up, there is every probabiHiy that it will increase in
the same ratio for a considerable time to come. T-fyia-'toii
has a very neat court-house, market-house, jail, four churches,
and a bank. There is a very excellent seminary of learning,
under the managemrn)t of special trustees, which is supported
by alwut 70,000 acres v)f land; and there is a public library,
a valuable establislimen*, with a youth's library attached to it.
Three newspapers ai'e published in the town, and papers are
received by mail fron^ all quarters of the union. There are a
number of valuable manufactories ; and a steam-mill was re-
cently p'.«t in motion, which is of great advantage to the town
and neighbourhood. There are four principal ta\ rns, all
under good management, and there are about 30 retail stores,
and two book-stqres.

The principal inanufacturt;; of Lexington are of hemj), to
which the labour of the black pef>ple is well adapted, and of
which the country yields amazing crops, at the low price of
four dollars per cwt. ; being at the rate of 18/, sterling per
ton. There are thirteen extensive rope-waiks, /ive bagging
manufactories, and one of duck. The manufactures f hemp
alone are estimated at 500,000 do; <. '1 le other ^ incipal
manufactories are, eight cotton factories, three woollen manu-
factories, and an oil-cloth factory. The other professions are,
masons and stone-cutters, brick-makers, carpenters, ^nbinet-
makers, coopers, turners, machine-makers, sniitlis, nailori;,
copper and lin-smiths, brass-founders, gun-smiths, <\ver~
smiths, watch-makers, tanners, curriers, saddl boof and
shoe-makers, butchers, bakers, brewers, distil'* ; ung-
makers, dyers, tailors, tobacconists, aoap-boiler: ana.vflaak-
ers, brush-mah crs, potters, painters, confectioners, glovers and
breeches-makers, straw-bonnet-makcrs, and hatters. As this

UNITED STATES. Mt

place is rapidly increasing, manufactures are so of course;
workmen are moMly always in demami, the more so as indus-
trious journeymen very soon become masters.

♦The woollen manufactoiv; says a recent traveller, 'the
steam gnst-nnll, and a glass-house, are on a tolerably large
scale : the tw. ibrmer are said not to pay the proprietors. In
the mam street, English goods abmind in as ^eat profusion
as m Cheapside. A first-rate shop sells every thing; keeps a
Stock ot from «0 to 30.000 dollars; annual returns may be
50,000 dollars, upon half of which they give from 6 !.> 18
months' credit. Some of their goods they import direct from
England, but more commonly purchase at Philadelphia; their
journey for which purpose, to and irom that ity, occupies
them three months: goods average 50 days in arriv A

house at Pittsburg advances money in payment of carriage,
and attends to the j ..ceipt of the goods by waggon and their
shipment by boats, for which the aealer here pays 5 per cent
commission. The credit which they receive at Philadelphia is
from SIX to seven months; but they can seldom pay at the
specified time, aiJ are then charged 7 per cent, interest.
Shopkeepmg has been very profiuble, but it certainly is now
overdone: all complaa that rade is extremely dull. I re-
mark wim appears to i; -> an luiiversal and most important
error . all the store 'oo large a stcn^k : by this means,
tradesiaen, in every mtry, exp ed to lose as much as
by bad debts. Some of ihe U.. nformeu .habitants are of
opinion that cotton, woollen, linen, a, x-king-making would
succeed, if large capital, with c petent and varied skill, were
employe ; but m i.iese opinion. I place little confidence.

« The imports are, nearly every des. ription of En .h goods
and some French and India: these are received via '4 Or*
leras, 'altimore, or Philadelphia;, chieflvthe two la . cities
The t ,orts are fiour, beef, pork, and buttr.-. 1 ,e town
contains two chartered banks and one unch tered, all in re-
spectabu credit; a branch of 'The United States' Ban.- is
also juM established there; thg paper money system has gone
beyond all bounds throughout the vvestiW country. Specie

• G

', /

fSi

VIEW OP THE

of the smallest amount is rarely to be ueen, and the little which
does exist is chieiiy cut Spanish dollars, which are divided into
bits of 50, 25, and laj cents. Notes ofS\d., 6jrf., 18d., and
2.». 2rf. are very common ; indee<l they constitute an important
part of the circulating medium.''

' The town is built upon the mmM of Philadelphia ; and
shoidd it ever become as large, whitl 1 think not improboble,
its whole appearance will be more pleasing. There are live
churches lielonging to methodists, episcopalians, presbyterians,
quakers, and baptists: two others, large in size and handsome
in apjKarance, are now o'octing. The school-house, when the
whole plan is complete<l, will be a fine and extensive structure.
In the first apartment, on the ground-floor, the J^ancasterian
plan is already in successfid o))eration : I counted 150 scholars,
among whom were children of the most respectable persons in
the town ; or, to use an Amei'icaii phrase, " of the first stand-
ing." The school-house is, like most e'^tablishments in this
country, a joint stock concern. The terms for education, in
the Lancasterian department, arc, to share-holders, 11*. Sd.
per quarter; others, \3s. 6d. There are in the same Huilding
three other departments (not Lancasterian) ; two for instruc-
tion in history, geography, and the classics ; and thv superior
department for teaching languages. Males and females are
taught in the same rooms, but sit on opposite sides. The
terms for the historical, &c. department are, to share-holders,
22.?. (yd. per quarter; others, 27*. There were present 21
males and 19 females. In the department of languages, the
charge is, to share-holders, 36*. per quarter; others, 45*.
Teachers are paid a yearly salary by the company : these
men are, I believe. New Englanders, as are the schoolmasters
in tlie western country generally.

' I also visited a fjoor half-starved, civil schoolmaster : he
has two miserable rooms, for which he pays 22*. 6d. per
month : the number of scholars, both male and female, is 28 :
the terms for all branches 13*. 6d. per quarter : he complains
of great difficulty in getting paid ; and also of the untameable
wsubordwati(m of his scholars. The superintend ant of the

-^ti^.

•■ ,'^fPp^HwiP''**'''^

i>immim ..dje;mm

little which
Jivided into
., \Qd., and
1 important

;lphia; and
m probable,
ire are five
esbytsrians,
1 haiKl»ome
e, when the
e structure,
.ancasterian
50 scholars,
; persons in
first stand-
»nts in this
ucation, in
rs, 11 J. 3rf.
ne building
for instruc-
Ih superior
Pemales are
ides. The
ire-holders,
present 21
juages, the
thers, 45*.
any : these
loolmosters

master: he
Is. 6d. per
lale, is 28 :
i complains
untameable
lant of the

UNITED STATES.

235

Lancflsterian school informs me, that they c(Mjld not attempt
to put in practice the i^reator part of the puiusbraonts as dU
rected by the founder of that system.'

Since part of the works were published, tVoni which the above
account is extn. t;d, the population of this place has greatly in-
creased, and at present anjounts to about 10,000. But this
rapid advance cannot continue, as property is as high here as
in Philadelphia, and all occupations arc filled. The future
progress of this town, though certain, must be gradual.

The country for 20 miles round Lexington is remarkably
beautiful and fertile, and will probably become very populous.
Louisville is situated opposite the falls of the Ohio, on an
elevation of 70 feet above the river, and extends along it from
Bear Grass creek nearly half a mile. Its breadth is about half
that distance. It is regularly laid out, with streets crossing
one anoth.r at right angles; but the principal buildings are
confined to one street. It consists of about 250 houses, many
of them handsome brick buildings. Being a place of great
resort on the river, it has an ample number of taverns and
stores. Except the manufacture of ropes, rope-yarn, and cot-
ton-bagging, which are carried on with spirit, there are no
other manufactures of importance at Louisville, and the trades-
men are such as are calculated for the country. The price of
labour here is nearly tl e some as at Cincinnati Some articles
of provision are dearer, this being a more convenient port for
shipping than anv al>ove it Flour sells for 5 dollars 60 cents
per barrel ; mcj. 50 cents per cwt. Boarding is from 1 dollar
25 cents to 2 dollars per week, Louisville, being the princi-
pal port of the western part of the state of Kentucky, is a
market for the purchase of all kinds of produce, and the quan-
tity that is annually shipped down the river is immense.

' As to the state of society,' observes Melish, ' I cannot say
much. The place is composed of people from all quarters,
who are principally engaged in commerce; and a great num.
ber of the traders on the Ohio are constantly at this place,
whose example will be nothing in favour of the your, ; and
slavery is against society every where. There' are several

wmmmm(tiMme,.yf-KxaKl

iriiia>if%r'*"^'- ^^■^■'-

236

VIEW OF THE

,'iS

schools, but none of them are under public patronage ; and
education seems to be but indifFerently attended to. Upon the
whole, I must say, that the stats of public morals admits of
considerable improvement here; but indeed I saw Louisville
at a season when a number of the most respectable people
were out of the place. Those with whom I had business were
gentlemen, and I hope there are a sufficient number of them
to check the progress of gaming and drinking, and to teach
the young and the thoughtless, that mankind, without virtue
and industry, cannot be happy.'

This town is favourably situated for trade, being the con-
necting link between New Orleans and tlip whole western
country. It must soon take the lead of Lexington in extent
of population, as it has already done in the rapid rise of town
property, the increase of which since the year 1814 is said to
have been 200 per cent. The population of this town is from
4 to 5000. Good brick buildings are fast increasing. One of
the hotels (Gwathway's) is. said to be rented at 6000 dollars
per annum : from 150 to 200 persons dine at tliis establish-
ment daily. About every tenth house in the main street is a
doctor's: yet this place is said to be improving in health.
The prevalent diseases are fever and ague ; besides whSch, the
common disorders of this state are, consumption, pleurisy,
typhus, remittent and intermittent fevers, rheumatism, and
dysentery.

Besides these towns, there are seven containing 400 inhabit-
ants and upwards, viz. Beardstown, 821 ; Winchester, 538 ;
Russelville, 532; Georgetown, 529; Versailles, 488; Dan-
ville, 432; Newport, 4^3: there are ten containing from 200
to 400 ; and thirteen containing from 100 to 200.

Trade and Resources.— The trade of tlivs state has become
of some importance. In 1816, there were shipped 30,000
hogsheads of tobacco, 80,000 barrels of flour, and above a
million gallons of whiskey. The export of cordage, yarn, and
bagging, has materially decreased in consequence of European
competition. There is a class of tradesmen who purchase
agricultural produce, and the-j convey it to Orlenns.

■I,.:', ^t,^>.*^*^fe',*-;-.^pi^'-' . ''"ji-

UNITED STATES.

937

f>nage; and
Upon the
Is admits of
' Louisville
able people
isinesR were
>er of them
lid to teach
hout virtue

ng the con-
)le western
n in extent
ise of town
4 is said to
»wn is from
g. One of
[)00 dollars
s establish-
1 street is a
in health.
wh*ich, the
, pleurisy,
itism, and

)0 inhabit-

stor, 538;

88 ; Dan-

from 200

as become
fd 80,000
1 above a
yarn, and
European
purchase

The value of houses, lands, and slaves, in 1815, was esti-
mated at 87,018,837 dollars, the land being valued at 4 dol-
lars per acre.

^t«Yi^ion.-The legislature of Virginia made provision for
a college m Kentucky, and endowed it with very considerable
landed property. The state of education is improving. The
terms are various : the best is 45/. per annum, including board.
Schoolmasters of talent and respecta. ility are in demand in
Kentucky. Instances exist of their realising from 700 to 1400
dollars per annum,

Relig-hm.—The baptists are the most numerous sect in this
state. There are also several presbyteriau congregations, and
some few of other denominations. But rational religion is at a
very low ebb among the Kentuckians. '^

Governmevt. -This state is divided into 54 counties The
government consists of three parts; legislative, executive, and
judiciary. The legislature consists of a house of representa-
tives, the members of which are chosen annually; and a se-
nate, of which the members arc elected for four years, one
tourth being chosen every year. Every />,, male above 21
years of age has a vote for the representatives, and also for the
goverm>r, who is elected for four years, and is ineligible to fill
that office for seven years thereafter. The judiciary is vested
ma supreme court, and such inferior courts as may be ap-
pointed by law, and the judges hold their offi.es during good
behaviour. 1 he constitution declares, among others, the fol-
lowing fundamental principles: all power is inherent in the
peop.e; all men have a right to worship God according to the
dictates of their own consciences; all elections shall be free

stllTete'"' ""''"'' '"" '^" '"^' '^'''' printingpre.es
Hhtor^.-The first white man we have certain accounts of
who discovered this province, was one James M'Bride, who in
company with some others, in the year 1754, passing down the
Ohio in canoes, landed at the mouth of Kentucky river, and
there marked a tree, with the first letters of his name, and the
date, which remains to this day. These men reconnoitered
tl>e country, and returned home with the pleasing new. of then-

—MP '

'Hi.

; iT'.il

238

VIEW OF THE

i ^L

discovery of the best tract of land in North America, and pro-
hah\y in the world. From this period it remained concealed
till about the year 1767, when one John Finley and some
others, trading with the Indians, travelled over the fertile re-
gion now called Kentucky, then but known to the Indians by
the name of the Dark and Bloody Grounds, and sometimes
the Middle Ground. This country greatly engaged Mr. Fin-
ley's attention. Some time after, disputes arising between the
Indians and traders, he was obliged to decamp ; and returned
to his place of residence in North Carolina, where he commu-
nicated his discovery to colonel Daniel Boon and a few more,
■who conceiving it to be an interesting object, agreed in the
year 176'd to undertake to explore it. After a long fatiguing
march, over a mountainous wilderness, in a westward direction,
they at length arrived upon its borders ; and from the top of
an eminence, with joy and wonder, descried the beautiful
landscape of Kentucky. Here they encamped, and some went
to hunt provisions, while colonel Bimju and John Finley made
a tour through the country, which they found far exceeding
their expectations, and returning to canip, informed their com-
panions of their discoveries. But in spite of this promising
beginning, this company, meeting with nothing but hardships
and adversity, grew exceedingly disheartened, and was plun-
dered, dispersed, and killed by the Indians, except colonel
Boon, who continued an inhabitant of the wilderness until the
year 1771, when he returned home.

About this time, Kentucky had drawn the attention of se-
veral gentlemen. Dr. Walker of Virginia, with a number
more, n.ade a tour westward for discoveries, endeavouring to
find the Ohio river ; and afterwards he and general Lewis, at
fort Stanwix, purchased from the Five Nations of Indians the
lands lying on the north side of Kentucky.

Cok)nel Henderson, of North Carolina, being informed of
this country by colonel Boon, he and some other gentlemen
held a treaty with the Cherokee Indians at Wataga, in March,
1775, and then purchased from them the lands lying on the
south side of Kentucky river, for goods, at valuable rates, to
the amount of 6000/. specie.

*'#*;.

UNITED STATES.

S39

2a, and pro-
d concealed
/ and some
le fertile re-
Indians by
i sometimes
id Mr. Fin-
between the
id returned
he comniu-
a tew more,
reed in the
ig fatip;uing
d direction,
I the top of
e beautiful
I some went
^inley made
r exceeding
1 their com-
> promising
It hardships
1 was plun-
jept colonel
ss until the

ntion of se-
a number
ivouring to
I Lewis, at
Indians the

informed of
gentlemen
, in March,
ying on the
)le rates, to

Soon after this purchase, the state of Virginia took the
alarm, and disputed colonel Henderson's right of purchase, avS
a private gentleman of another state, in behalf of himself.
However, for his eminent services to this country, and for
having been instrumental in making so valuable an acquisition
to Virginia, tliat state was pleased to reward him with a tract
of land at the mouth of Green river, to the amount of 200,000
acres; and the state of North (^iroHna gave him the like
quantity in Powel's valley.

In 1790, Kentucky was, with consent of Virginia, formed
into a separate state, and adopted a state constitution, which
was revised and auiended in 1799. The state was admitted
mto the union in J 792, and sends two senators and six repre-
sentatives to congress : the latter are now to l)e nearly dou})led,
in consequence of the increase of population.

NORTH CAROLINA.

Situation and Extent. ]S^ORTH CAROLINA is situate

between north lat. 33 deg. 47 niin.
and 36 deg. 30 min., and 1 deg. east and 6 deg. 45 min. west
long. Its greatest length, from east to west, is 472, and iti
greatest breadth, from north to south, is 188 miles. It con-
tains 49,000 square miles, 31,360,000 acres.

Natural Geography. —The face of the country is much di-
versified. To the east and south-east, there is a sea coa.t of
nearly 300 miles, indented with a great number of bays, the
prmcipal of which are Albemarle and Pamlicoe sounds, which
receive the greater part of the rivers. On the outside of these
sounds are some of the most remarkable capes in AtL^rica,
cape Hatteras, and cape Lookout, and to the southward is
cape Fear. -The whole country below the head of tide water.

lllL' ^1

•«?«M•"!^«^r

;S;!WM«r«ifc._. »l^i-.j»H»s J

VIEW OF THE

1 ■

i i

about 100 miles into the interior, is low and sandy, abounding
in swamps, and prcHents an evident appearance oFhaving been
at one period overflowed by the sea. The country from the
head of the tide waters, towards the mountains, ia agreeably
uneven, and much improved in value. . Among the mountains
it is exactly similar to the state of Virginia; but being a few
degrees to the south, the value of the country is improved, and
the seasons in that district are delightful.

The state is, upon the whole, well watered. The rivers fall
into the Atlantic ocean, and have been all noticed. It is sup-
posed that the state is well supplied with valuable minerals,
particularly in the mountainous district. Iron ore is very
plentiful, and gold has been found in considerable quantities.
There are various mineral springs.

The soil of North Carolina is very similar to that of Virgi-
nia. The low pan of the state, which is a considerable portion
of It, is low, sandy, and barren, abounding in pine trees ; and
the swamps, which are very large, produce cedars and bay
trees. There are, in this district, good tracts of meadow land
along the rivers, which are well cultivated, and produce abun-
dantly. From the head of the tide waters to the mountains,
the soil improves, and is very various. The mountainous dis-
trict is very similar to that in Virginia,

The climate in the low covnitry is subject to great and sud-
den changes, and is of^cn unhealthy in the fall. Generally,
the winters are uiild, but very changeable. The spring is
early, but subject to occasional frosts. The summers are hot
and sultry, and the autumns are serene and beautiful ; but the
exhalations from the decaying vegetable matter in the marshes
and swamps are very injurious to health. In tlie upper coun-
try, the weather is more settled, and, being free from swamps,
is healthy. Among the mountains, the climate is remarkably
pleasant.

The country is generally covered with herbage of various
kinds, and a species of wild grass. It abounds with medicinal
plants and roots. Among others are the ginseng, Virginia
snake root, Seneca snake root, an hr-rb of the emetic kind, like
the ipecacuanha; lion'» heart, which ** « w/vei^ign remedy for

UNITED STATES.

y, abounding
' having been
itiy from the
is agreeably
le mountains
t being a few
(1 proved, and

he rivers fall
1. It is sup-
ble minerals,
ore is very
le quantities.

hat of Virgi-
rable portion
e trees ; and
ai's and bay
ueadow land
•oduce abun-
s mountains,
titainous dis-

eat and sud-
Generally,
he spring i?
mers are hot
ful; but the
the marshes
upper couu-
om swamps,
remarkably

e of various
th medicinal
ug, Virginia
ic kind, like
I remedy for

the bite of a serpent. A species of the sensitive plant is also
found here : it is a sort of brier, the stalk of which dies with
the frost, but the root lives through the winter, and shoots
again in the spring. The lightest touch of a leaf causes it to
turn and cling close to the stalk. Although it so easily takes
the alarm, and apparently shrinks from danger, in the space of
two minutes after it is touched, it perfectly recovers its former
situation. The mucipula veneris is also found here. The
rich bottoms are overgrown with canes. Their leaves are
green all the winter, and afford an excellent food for cattle.
They are of a sweetish taste, like the stalks of green corn,
which they in many respects resemble.

Population.— i:he number of inhabitants in this state
amounted in 1817 to 701,224, which is about 14^ persons to
a square mile.

Manners, ^c— The state of society is somewhat similar to
Virginia. The inhabitants are mostly farmers and planters,
and their frankness and hospitality are mixed up with all the
vices that distinguish slave masters. Temperance and Indus-
try are not to be reckoned among their virtues. Their time is
, usually consumed in drinking, idling, and gaming. Even the
Sunday is devoted to the convivial visitings of the white inha-
bitants, and the noisy diversions of the negroes. The women,
except in some of the populous towns, have very little inter-
course with each other, and are almost entirely destitute of the
bloom and vivacity of the north.

Time that is not employed in study or useful labour, in
every country, is generally spent in hurtful or innocent exer-
cises, according to the custom of the place, or the taste of the
parties. The citizens ox' North Carolina, who are not better
employed, spend their time in drinking, or gaming at cards or
dice, m cock-fighting, or horse-racing. Many of the interiudes
are filled up with a boxing match ; and these matches fre-
quently become memorable by feats oi gouging.

The delkatc and entertaining divershn. ''\nth propriety

called gouging, is thus performed. When two boxers are

weaned with fighting and bruising each vUicv, they come, as

it is called, to close quarters, and each endeavours to twist his

15 S H

242

VIEW OF THE

fore-fiiigers in the ear-locks of his antagonist. When these
are fast clenched, the tliumbs are extended each way to the
nose, and the eyes gently turned out of their sockets. The
victor, for his expertness, receives shouts of applause from the
sportive throng; while his poor cijeless antagonist is laughed
at for his misfortune.

' The general topics of conversation among the men,' says
an American, « when cards, the bottle, and occuiTences of the
day do not intervene, are negroes, the prices of indigo, rice,
tobacco, &c. They appear to have as little taste for the sci^
ences as for religion. Political enquiries, and philosophical
disquisitions, are attended to but by a few men of genius and
industry, and are too laborious for the indolent minds of the
people at large. Less attention and respect are paid to the
women here, than in those parts of the United States where
the mhabitants have made greater progress in the arts of civi-
lized life. Indeed, it is a truth, confirmed by observati&n,
that in proportion to the advancement of civilization, in the
same proportion will respect for the women be increased , so
that the progress of civilization in countries, in state.s, in towns,
atid in families, may be marked by the degree of attention
which is paid by husbands to their wives, and by the youn«-
men to the young women.'

Chief Towns.— Newbern IS situated at the confluence of the
Nuse and Trent rivers, on a level point of land, somewhat re-
sembling Charieston, South Carolina ; and it carries on a con-
siderable trade with other places in the state, and the West
Indies. The population is about 4000, of whom above one
half are slaves.

Wilmington is the most commercial town in the state. It is
situated at the junction of the two branches of cape Fear river, *
35 miles from the sea ; and, being the place of depdt for a
large back cour.try, it carries on a considerable trade, foreign
and domestic. The town contains about 2000 inhabitants.
The houses are mostly built of woou, and the town has suffer-
ed severely from fire at various times.

Edcntofi, on Albemarle sound, is one of the oldest towns in
the state, and was formerly the seat of the royal governors.

!IJ

UNITED STATES.

When these
ich way to the
sockets. The
lause from the
list is laughed

lie men,' says
iTences of the
- indigo, rice,
ite for the sci-

philosopliical
of genius and

minds of the
'e paid to the

States where
le arts of civi-

observati&n,
zation, in the
increased , so
tes, in towns,
■ of attention
)y the young

ftuence of the
somewhat re-
ries on a con-
nd the West
im above one

; state. It is
le r ear river,
' dep6t for a
•ade, foreign
inhabitants,
n has suffer-

lest towns in
1 governors.

It is favourably situated for trade, but is low and uuhealthy.
It contains about 750 inhabitants.

The other towns of most note are, Washington, Tarho-
rough, and Hillsborough, on the Tar river ; Halifax, on the
Roanoke ; Salem, on the Yadkin ; Morgantown, on the Ca-
tawba ; and Beaiiford, near cape Lookout. The population
of these places is from about 300 to 700 ; and there are many
villages containing from 100 to 300.

The roads and bridges are yet in an imperfect state, and
much remains to be done to make travelling comfortable.

Trade and liesaiirces. — The inhabitants produce on their
farms every necessary of life. The principal commodities for
sale are, tar, turpeqtine, pitch, rosin, timber, bees' wax, corn,
cotton, and tobacco. Almost every family in the country
manufacture their own clothing, so that the British trade to
this state is not great, nor important. The greater part of it
is carried on through the medium of Charleston, or the north-
ern states.

The value of houses, lands, and slaves in this state, in 1815,
amounted to 03,723,031 dollars, the land being estimated at
two dollars and a half per acre. The duties on merchandise
were 357,804 dollars. There '.vere, at »■''- savae time, 25,826
tons employed in foreign trade, and 3234 ii. tj e coasting trade.

Education. — The North Carolinians are in general so much
absorbed in divssipated pursuits, that the improvement of theii"
minds is usually neglected. Considerable efforts hav.i, 'nw-
ever, been made to place education on a respectable footing .«,
university has been founded, and endowed by the state; ai:il
there are several respectiible academies. But the most import-
ant branch, that which has for its object the general diffusion of
knowledge, has been neglected until of late. In 1808, how-
ever, an act passed the legislature to establish common schools
throughout the state, which, if tbllowed up, will produce good
effects.

Relig'mn.~V\-c\\o\\& to the revolution, most of the inhabit-
ants of this «£ate professed themselves of the episcopal church ;
but when tlve clergy emigrated in consequence of their attach-
nicijt to lili^land. the people never thought it necessary to

I it )

: i

VIEW OF THE

have their places filled up. There is now very little appear-
ance of religion existing. The baptists and methodists have
indeed sent a number of missionary preachers into vatious
districts, and in some instances they have been tolerably suc-
cessful. The Moravians have several flourishing settlements
in this state, and a number of Irish presbyterians have settled
in the western parts.

Government. — The legislative authority is vested in a senate
and house of commons, together styled the General Assembly,
and chosen annually. Senators must be possessed of 300
acres of land ; representatives of 100. The electors of sena-
tors must be possessed of 50 acres of land ; and of i-epresenta-
tives a freehold in some town. The exeuutive is vested in a
governor, elected by the general assembly, and he is not eligi-
ble to serve more than three years in six. He is assisted by a
council of state, consisting of seven persons, elected bv the as-
sembly annually. The judiciary consists of a supreme court,
a court of equity, and a court of admiralty. The judges are
appointed by the assembly. This state is divided into eight
districts and 60 counties.

IIist07'7/.— The history of North Carolina is less known than
that of any of the other states. The first permanent settle-
ment was made about the year 1710, by a number of Palatines
from Germany, who had been reduced to circumstances of
great indigence by a calamitous war. The proprietors of Ca-
rolina, knowing that the vahie of their lands depended on tlie
strength of their settlements, determined to give every possible
encouragement to such emigrants. Ships were accordingly
provided for their transpoitation ; and instructions were given
to governor Tynte to allow 100 acres of land for every man,
woman, and child, free of quit-rents for the first ten years ;
but at the expiration of that term, to pay one penny per acre,
annual rent for ever, according to the usages and customs of
the province. Upon their arrival, governor Tynte granted
them a tract of land in North Carolina, since called Albemarle
and Bath precincts, where they settled, and flattered themselves
with having found, in the hideous wilderness, a happy retreat
from the desolations of a war which then raged in Europe.

' ''^""^S^^wS-.' '1!j?^ ,.

^^ M JifT ^ fflfey^'^''

UNITED STATES.

2iS

tie appear-
jdists have
ito vatious
erably suc-
settlements
ave settled

in a senate
Assembly,
ed of 300
rs of seiia-
representa-
I'ested in a
s not eligi-
sistcd by a

by the as-
enie court,
judges are

into eight

mown than
lent settlc-
f Palatines
istances of
tors of Ca-
ded on the
iry possible
iccordingly
were given
;very man,
ten years ;
y per acre,
customs of
te granted
Albemarle
themselves
■)py retreat
ilurope.

In the year 1713, a dangerous conspiracy was formed by
the Coree and Tuscorora tribes of Indians, to murder and
exjjcl this infant colony. Tliey managed th'^=" conspiracy
with great cunning and profound secresy, Th.j' surrounded
their principal town with a breast-work, to secure their fami-
lies. Here the warriors convened to the number of 1200.
From this place of rendezvous they sent out small parties, by
different roads, who entered the settlement under the mask of
friendship. At the change of the full moon, all of them had
agreed to begin their murderous operations tlie same night.
When the night came, they entered the houses of the planters,
demanding provisions, and pretending to be offended, fell to
murdering men, women, and children without mercy or dis-
tinction. One hundred and thirty-seven settlers, among whom
were a Swiss baron, and almost all the pcor Palatines that had
lately come into the country, were slaughtered the first night.
Such was the secresy and dispatch of the Indians in this expe-
dition, that none knew what had beflillen his neighbour until
the barbarians had reached his own door. Some tew, how-
ever, escaped, and gave the alarm. The militia assembled in
arms, and kept watch day and night, until the news of the sad
disaster reached the province of South Carolina. Governor
Craven lost no time in sending a force to their relief. The
assembly voted 4000^. for the service of the war. A body of
600 militia, under the command of colonel Barnwell, and 366
Indians of different tribes, with different commanders, march-
ed with great expedition through a hideous wilderness to their
assistance. In their first encounter with the Indians, they
killed 300, and took 100 prisoners. After this defeat, the
Tuscororas retreated to their forti/ied town, which was shortly
after surrendered to colonel Barnwell.

After this, the infant colony remained in peace, and conti-
nued to flourish under the general government of South Caro-
lina, till about the year 17i^9, when the proprietors vested
their property and jurisdiction in the crown, and the colony
was erected into a separate province, by the name of North
Carolina, and its present limits established, by an order of
George II. In 1785, the inhabitants of the counties of Sulii-

i I

•' i

> 1

246

^ lEW OF THE

van, Washington, and Greene, erected themselves into a nrw
state, by thr; name of the New State of Franklin ; but, after
many warm disputes, which lasted nearly three years, their
pretensions to independence were relinquished. North Caro-
lina was greatly distinguished for spirit, activity, and bravery,
during the revolutionary war.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

lUi

Situation and Extent. nHHIS state is situated between north

iat. 32 deg. 6 min. and 35 deg.,
and west long. 1 deg. 30 min. and 6 deg. 25 min. Its extreme
length from east to west is 236, and breadth from north to
south 210 miles; and it is wi.uiputed to contain an area of
32,700 square miles, being .QO.lt ir;,000 acres.

Natural Geography.- '-"juth Carolina has a sea coast on the
Atlantic, extending nearly 9.*}'^ miles, to which all its rivers
flow. The angle of the coast is from north-east to south-west ;
and nrnrly parallel with this, at about 120 miles from the
coast, the first high land commences. The whole of the inter-
mediate space is nearly a continued level, the angle of ascent
being so trifling, that the rise at the extremity does not exceed
1 5 or 20 feet. From the commencement of the high lands the
face of the country is variegated, and agreeably uneven, swell-
ing sometimes into considerable hills ; and this continues to the
north-west extremity of the state, where it is bounded by the
mountains.

The state is remarkably, well watered. The Savannah river
forms the boundary line between it and Georgia, through its
whole course. This river has been noticed ; besides which
there are —

•i

rito a nrw
but, after
(ars, their
>rth CJaro-
1 bravcM-y,

rccn north
35 deg.,
ts extreme
1 north to
m arc . of

aast on the
its rivers
juth-west ;
I from the
■ tlie inter-
! of ascent
not exceed
I lands the
ven, swell-
nues to the
led by the

mnah river
:hrough its
ides which

UNITED STATES.

Santee, the largest river in South arolina, formed by
tAvo very large streams, the Congeio nd Waten . , in the in-
terio/ of the country. Thence running upward- of 1 00 miles,
tn an cast-south-east direction, it divides, and falls into the
Atlantic ocean by two channels not. far apan. The Wateree
rises at the'foot of the mountains in North Carolina, where it
is denominated < le Catawba, and, pursuing a south-east course
IS joined by many tributai streams, and fornjs a junction
with the Congeree, upwards of 200 miles from its source.
The Congeree rises also in North Carolina, within a few miles
of the Catawba, and pursues a south-east course about 70
miles, when it crosses the state liii. , ai 1 runs due south about
50 miles; it then runs sonth-east about 130 miles, and forms
the junction aforesaid. In it passage through South Caroli-
na, it receives orrfeat many tnl)utary streams, some of which
are largi rivci-s, particularly ili, vpcr, Euneree, and Reedy
rivers.

The Gnat Pedee is a fine i\ u ^ river; next to t' - San-
tee, the lar st in South Carolina. It rises in North Ca ..lina
among t!)e mountains, and lias in that state the name of Yad-
kin river. From thence it continues a south-east course, and
at'ter being joined by large tributary streams, particularly
Little Pedee, Lynches creek, and Black river, it falls into the
sea, 12 miles below Georgetown. Its whole length is upwards
of 300 miles, and it waters an extensive tract of country. It
is navigable for sea vessels to Georgetown, and for smaller
vessels 100 miles higher up. It flows with a strong current.
Its banks are said to be fertile; but in the low country are
very unhealthy.

Coope»and Ashley river, which forma junction at Charlc -
ton. Cooper river rises about 50 miles north-north-w of
Charleston, not far from the Santee river. It is a mile vide,
nine miles above Charleston, and is navigable to its source,
from whence there is a canal to uie Santee. Ashley rjver rises
to the north-west of Charleston, and derives its principal im-
portance from the circumstance of its forming part of the har-
bour of that city.

? \]

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

1.25

■r 111^

^ US,

III 2.5
12.2

2.0

1.8

U IIIIII.6

^>^

"*>

Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 873-4503

m ^

' ''•»iiiiiMWSIiMK^^4iMiiiK

248

VIEW OF THE

Edisto river rises near tho extremity of the low country, and
runs a south-east course, including its windings, of 150 miles,
when it enters into the Athuitic, by two principal channels,
called north and south Edisto. The space between them
forms the Edisto island.

Cambahee river rises near Edgefield court-house, and run-
ning a south-east directijm, upwards of 130 miles, falls into St.
Helena sound.

Coosaw river rises in Orangeburg district, an'^. running a
south-east course, through Black swamp, falls into Broad river,
which last is an arm of the sea, in some places seven or eight
miles broad, and forms, at Beaufort, one of the finest harbours
in the United States. Beaufort and St. Helena islands are
formed by the confluence of these rivers and inlets ; and there
is a spacious entrance by Port llepublican, formerly termed

Port lloyal.

The whole of the low country presents an oven regular soil,
formed by a blackish sand, and pretty deep in those places
where there are no stones. Seven tenths of it is covered with
pines of one species, which, as the soil is drier and lighter,
grow loftier and not so branchy. In some places they are in-
terspersed with oaks. The pine barretis are crossed by little
swamps, in the midst of which generally flows a rivulet ; and
they have different degrees of fertility, indicated by the trees
that grow on them. In the upper country, the most fertile
lands are situated upon the borders of the rivers and creeks ;
the lands that occupy the intermediate spaces are much less
fertile. The latter are not much cultivated ; and those who
occupy them are obliged to be perpetually clearing them to
obtain more abundant harvests. The forests are chiefly com-
posed of oaks, hickory, maples, and poplars. Chesnut-trees do
not begin to appear for GO miles on this side of the mountains,

M'-chaux, who travelled through this country in 1803, says,
•Columbia is about 120 miles from Charleston. For the
whole of this space, particularly from Orangeburg, composed
of 20 houses, the road crosses an even country, sandy and dry
durino- the sunimiT; whilst in the; ivafutnn and winter it is so

UNITED STATES.

948

covered with water in several places, for the space of eiglit or
ten miles, that the horses are up to their middles. Every two
or three miles we met with a miserable log-house upon the
road, surrounded with httle fields of Indian corn, the slender
stalks of which are very seldom more than five or si.\ feet high,
and which, from the second harvest, do not yield more than
four or five bushels an acre. In the mean time, notwithstand-
ing its sterility, this land is sold at the rate of two dollars per
acre.""

The extensive and dreary forests called pine barrens, which
abound in this state, are thus described by Mr. Lambert, an
English traveller : ' On entering the road leading from
Charleston to Savannah,' says he, ' I iievor felt myself more
disposed for gloomy reflections. A habitation is seldom seen,
except at intervals of 10 or 12 miles, or when yoa approach a
savannah or swamp ; for the plantations are all settled a con-
siderable distance from the road, and paths of communications
are cut through the woods ; so that, in travelling through the
southern states, you are enveloped in almost one continued
fore t. A contrary practice is adopted in the northern and
middle states, where a succession of farms, meadows, gardens,
and habitations, continually meet the eye of the traveller ; and
if hedges were substituted for rail fences, those states would
very much resemble some of the English counties.

* The pine barrens are without any stones on their surface,
for 80 miles or more from the sea. The land rises by an al-
most imperceptible ascent to that distance, where the elevation
is said to be near 200 feet above the level of the ocean, and
forms the boundary between the middle and lower parts of the
state. Through this tract of country the pine barrens have
little or no underwood, some species of shrub oak excepted,
the ground being generally covered with coarse wild grasses.
This is probably not its natural appearance, but is caused by
the custom of burning the dry grass in the spring, in order to
hasten early pasturage, at the same lime destroying the young
shrubs, which would otherwise shoot up and form a thick un-
derwood between the pines. From this practice, the f(irests
frequently exhibit on each side the laad a dismal appearance,

S I

:i i .\

I'liti iirtlij iiii

- --^Sii-^ te--i»i*-^

350

VlJiW OJ:' THE

V I

from the great number of trees half burnt and scorched antl
blacked by the fire ; others lying on the ground, or ready to
fall with the first high wind ; and in several places it is rather
hazardous travelling in stormy weather. Almost every week
the driver of the stage coach has to cut away large trunks or
branches that havfe fallen across the road ; or, if there is an
opening sufficiently wide among the trees, he chooses rather to
go round tlian trouble himself to use his axe. ,

• ' The pines are chiefly of the pitch and yellow species, and
grow to the height of 190 feet and more, with a handsome
straight stem, two-thirds of which, upwards, are free from
branches. They make excellent masts and timbc Ihr vessels,
and yield abundance of pitch, tar, rosin, and turpentine.
The stumps of several which have been cut down were covered
with the resinous matter that had been extracted from the top
by the heat of the sun. Where the soil improves, which is
sometimes the case even in the midst of these barrens, the
eye is relieved from the monotonous solemnity of the lofty
pine, by a variety of other trees, consisting principally of live
oak; red, white, and chesnut oaks; hickory, elm, beech,
maple, &c. and numerous shrubs, plants, and flowers. In
several places, natural hedges are formed of the shrubs and
underwood that escape the ravages of fire ; these are intermin-
gled with a variety of flowers, among which the honeysucklesj
woodbines, and yellow jessemines are most conspicuous. When
I passed, they were in full blossom, and the flowers at once
pleased tlie eye, and impregnated the air with their delightful
odours.

' As I proceeded on my journey, the pine trees, which have
their branches towards their summits, formed a complete grove
over my head, and almost excluded the sky from my view :
in the morning this shady walk was extremely pleasant, but as
the day began to close I would willingly have preferred a less
gloomy retreat. Every step I took was still the same, and
nothing disturbed the solemn silence of the forest, save the
whistling murmurs of the wind, the skipping of a few deer
across the road, and the rustling of the black snakes amid the
grass and fallen bianches of the trees. Now and then, indeed.

UNITED STATES.

S51

rched and
r ready to
t is rather
very week
trunks or
here is an
s rather to

ecies, and
handsoms
free from
or vessels,
urpentinc.
re covered
m the top
, which is
rrens, the

the lofty
illy of live
m, beech,
wers. In
hrubs and

intermin-
eysucklesj
is. When
PS at once
delightful

hich have
ilete grove
my view :
nt, but as
rred a less
same, and
save the
few deer
i amid the
Q, indeed,

the crash of an enormous pine tree tumbling to the earth would
ruffle the stillness which prevailed, und arouse me from a reve-
rie of tliought into which I had fallen, as I pensively measured
my steps through the gloomy wilderness ; but the sound, after
reverberating for a few seconds, died away in distant murmurs
through the woods, and all was again silent.'

The climate in the low country is materially different from
that in the upper country, the former being much less conge-
nial to health than the latter. The summers are exceedingly
hot and sultry, and the heat abates but little, except in the
evenings and mornings, till past the middle of October. From
the first of July to that period, the country is in many places
subject to much sickness, particularly bilious fevers, agues, &c.
The fall weather is generally beautiful, and continues till past
Christmas ; the average temperature is greater than an Eng-
lish summer. The winters are generally mild, and there is
very little frost, but the weather is sometimes subject to great
and sudden changes. The spring commences about the mi^l-
dle of February, and they have often green peas in the market
by the middle of March ; but the weather intermits very much
till about the first of May, when it gets steadily warm, and
continues increasmg with the season till September, when it
begins to abate. Almost every person who can afford it, re-
moves to a more healthy situation during this period, and a
vast number go to the northern states in summer, and return
in the fall. The period of going north is mostly from the
middle of May till the middle of July, and of returning, from
the middle of October till the middle of November. The
anxiety that prevails during that period is extreme; and when
it is over, the inhabitants congratulate one another with the
full prospect of 10 or 11 months being added to their exist-
ence. In the upper country, the summers are much more
temperate, and being removed from the swamps, there is no
sickness. Towards the mountains, the climate is delightful.

The principal mineral is iron, which, indeed, is found in
great plenty in all the states ; and gold, silver, and copper oies
have been found here. Marble has been found in some few

'*» ^J^'IW^^ ' fjW ' g ;..,, «>»;*,_ •

S5S

VIEW OF THE

places, and also black lead. There are several valuable mine-
ral springs in the state.

Population.— The population of thia state in 1817 amounted
to 564,785, which is upwards of 17 persons to a square mile.

Manners, Sfc. — The character of the Carolinians has been
well described by a late traveller. He acknowledges that the
planters are hospitable, but always in want of money. ' When
they receive cash in advance,' says he, ' for their crops of cot-
ton or rice, it is immediately squandered away in the luxuries
of fashion, good eating or drinking, or an excursion into the
northern states ; where, after dashing about for a month or
two, with tandems, curricles, livery servants, and outriders,
they frequently return home in the sta^e coach, with scarcely
dollars enough in their pocket to pay their expences on the
road. If their creditors of ten or a dozen years standing be-
come clamorous, a small sum is perhaps paid them in part,
unless the law interferes, and compels them to pay the whole
debt and as much for costs. Thus the planter proceeds in his
career of extravagance, which in the midst of his riches ren-
ders him continually poor. With an estate worth 200,000
dollars, he has seldom a dollar in his pocket but what is bor-
rowed upon an anticipated crop : hence it may be truly said,
thnt he lives only from hand to mouth.

'Unlike the farmer and merchant of the northern states,
who are themselves indefatigably employed fi'om morning to
night, the Carolinian lulls at his ease under the shady piazza
before his house, smoking segars and drinking sangoree;
while his numerous slaves and overseers are cultivating a rice
swamp or cotton field with the sweat of their brow, the pro-
duce of which is to furnish their luxurious master with the
means of figuring away for a few months in the city, or an ex-
cursion to the northward. Property thus easily acquired is as
readily squandered away ; and the Carolinian, regarding only
the present moment for the enjoyment of his pleasures, runs
into extravagance and debt.

' The merchants, traders, and shopkeepers of Charleston
are obliged to lay a profit, frequently of 150 to 200 per cent.

UNITED STATES.

and more, upon their goods, for the long credit which tJie gen-
try are accustomed to take. Where they meet with good pay-
ments, they seldom fail to realize an independent fortune, for
they sell nothing under 50 per cent., even for ready money :
but it often happens that, after they retire from business, they
have a number of debts to collect in.'

'The Carolinians,' observes our author, 'are particularly
expert at rifle-shooting ; and articles, instead of being put up
at vendue, are often shot for, with rifles, at a small price each
shot, which is a more useful and honourable mode than the
practice of rafliing adopted in the lower country. This me-
thod of disposing of goods is worthy of imitation in England,
and would soon render the people excellent marksmen.

' In the southern states, the incomes of the planters and
farmers are various, ranging from 80,000 to 40 dollars. Very
few, however, receive incomes of the magnitude of the former
sum. Many receive from 12,000 to 20,000 dollars per an-
num ; but the majority of the planters are only in the annual
receipt of from 3000 to 6000 dollars.'

Like all other inhabitants of a warm climate, the Carolinians
arrive sooner at maturity than the natives of colder regions.
They possess great quickness and vivacity of genius ; but the
ladies are pale and languid, though the softness and delicacy
of their appearance and manners render them very engaging.
' There is perhaps no instance,' sajs Mr. Morse, 'in which
the richer class of people trespass more on propriety than in
the mode of conducting their funerals. That a decent respect
be paid to the dead, is the natural dictate of refined humanity ;
but this is not done by sumptuous and expensive entertain-
ments, splendid decorations, and pompous ceremonies, which
a misguided fashion has here introduced and rendered neces-
sary. In Charleston and other parts of the state, no persons
attend a funeral any more than a wedding, unless they are
particularly invited. Wine, punch and all kinds of liquors,
tea, coffee, cake, &c. in profusion, are handed round on these
solemn occasions. In short, one would suppose that the reli-
gious proverb of the wise man, " It is better to go to the house
of mourning than to the house of feasting," would be unintel-

..^.__.it-ji«

i*i

!■ ;

1 <

254

VIEW OF THE

Hgible and wholly inapplicable here, as it would be difficult to
distinguish the house of mourning from the house of feasting.

' The Jews in Charleston, among other peculiarities in bu-
rying their dead, have this : After the funeral dirge is sung,
and just before the corpse is deposited in the grave, the coffin
is opened, and a small bag of earth, taken from the grave, is
carefully put under the head of the deceased ; then some pow-
der, said to be earth brought from Jerusalem, and carefully
kept for this purpose, is taken and put upon the eyes of the
corpse, in token of their remembrance of the holy land, and of
their expectations of returning thither in God's appointed
time.''

C?iief Towns. — Charleston is built upon a level sandy soil,
and is elevated but a few feet above the height of spring tides.
The .streets extend east and west between the Ashley and
Cooper rivers ; atid others intersect at right angles from north
to south. From its open exposure to the ocean, it is subject
to storms and inundations, which affect the security of its har-
bour. The city has alho suffered much by fires : the last, in
1796, destroyed upwards of 500 houses, and occasioned
300,000/. sterling damage.

The number of dwelling-houses, public buildings, and ware-
houses, &c. at present in Charleston, is estimated at 5000.
With the exception of Meeting street, Broad street, and the
Bay, the streets are in general narrow and confined. They
are all unpaved ; and in blowing weather whirlwinds of dust
and sand fill the houses, and blind the eyes of the people.
The foot paths are all constructed of bricks ; but a few years
ago not even this convenience existed.

The houses in the streets near the water side, including that
part of the town between Meeting street and the street called
East Bay, are lofty and closely built. The bricks are of a
peculiar nature, being of a porous texture, and capable of re-
sisting the weather better than the firm, close, red brick of the
northern states. They are made in Carolina, and are of a dark
brown colour, which gives the buildings a gloomy appearance.
The roofs are tiled or slated. In this part of the town the
principal shopkeepers and merchants have their stores, ware-

tit s,%t. ^,1

UNITED STATES.

Sffff

difficult to
)f feasting.
itic8 in hu-
ge is sung,
, the coffin
e grave, is
some pow-
d carefully
;yes of the
md, and of
appointed

sandy soil,
pring tides.
Ashley and
from north
t is subject
T of its har-
;he last, in
occasioned

, and ware-
d at 5000.

el, and the
ed. They
ids of dust
the people,
a few years

luding that
itrect called
ks are of a
pable of re-
brick of the
re of a dark
appearance,
le town the
ores, Avarc-

houses, and counting-houses. Houses here bear a very high
rent: those in Broad and Church streets for shops, let for up-
wards of 300/. per annum; those along the Bay with ware-
houses let for 700/. and more, according to the size and situa-
tion of the buildings. The shipping, as at New York, lie
along the wharfs, or small docks and slips along the town.

The houses in Meeting street and the back parts of the town
are many of them handsomely built; some of brick, others of
wood. They are in general lofty and extensive, and are sepa-
rated from each other by small houses or yards, in which the
kitchens and out-offices are built. Almost every house is fur-
nished with balconies and verandas, some of which occupy the
whole side of the building from top to bottom, having a gal-
lery from each floor. They are sometimes shaded with Vene-
tian blinds, and afford the inhabitants a pleasant cool retreat
from the scorching beams of the sun. Most of the modern
houses are built with much taste and elegance; but the chief
aim seems to be, to make them as cool as possible. The town
is also crowded with wooden buildings of a very inferior de-
scription.

T!n-ee of the public buildings, and the episcopal church of
St. Michael, are situated at the four corners formed by the
mtersection of Broad and Meeting streets, the two principal
avenues in Charleston.

The principal public buildings, besides those which have
been already enumerated, are, the exchange, a large respecta-
ble bui ding situated in the East Bay, opposite Broad street;
a poor-house; a college, or rather grammar-school ; a theatre;
and an orphan-house. This latter building is worthy of the
city of Charleston. It contains about 150 children of both
sexes, and the annual expe ce for provision, clothing, firewood,
&c. IS 14,000 dollars, which is defrayed by the legislature of
the state of South Carolina.

The market of Charleston is well supplied, and the expence
ol living nearly the same as at New York. The population
IS reckoned about 28,000, of whom 20,000 are negroes and
people of colour.

'»*^,«M««HW«"

^*^^P^

25G

VIEW OF THE

There arc a great number of Jews settled in Charleston ;
and they hvc principally in King street, wlierc their shops are
crowded together, and exhibit as motley a lollcction of clothing
and wearing apparel us can be found in Houndsditch or Rag-
fair. They are sufficiently numerous to have a synagogue:
and one company of the volunteer militia is formed entirely of
Jews. They are, as is the case in most countries, nionied
people : and on their sabbaths the young Jewesses walk out
in fine flowing dresses, that would better suit the stage or
ball-room than the street.

Of the traders and shopkeepers settled in Charleston, a great
number are Scotch, who generally acquire considerable pro-
perty, by close and persevering habits of industry ; after which,
they most commonly return to their native country. There
are also several Irisii traders, but their number is far inferior
to the Scotch. There are no white servants in Charleston.
Every kind of work is performed by negroes and people of co-
lour.' The importations of Africans into the States ceased by
law on the 1st of January, 1808. This caused, about the
time of the prohibition, a rise in the price of slaves, who are
usually disposed of by auction.

During the wars of the French revolution, Charleston was the
metlium of the greatest part of that trade which has been carried
on between the French West India islands and the mother
country, under the neutral flag of the United States. The
number of vessels that entered the port of Charleston in 1801
amounted to 1274, of which 875 belonged to that port; the
rest were chiefly British vessels. At the time the embargo
reached Charleston, the number of vessels in port were, ships
78, brigs 42, schooners and sloops 85 ; total 205.

Columbia, on the Congeree river, 120 miles from Charles-
ton, is the seat of government, and is a place of considerable
trade. The number of its houses does not exceed 200 , they
are almost all built of wood, and painted grey and yellow;
and, although there are very few of them more than two sto-
ries high, they have a very respectable appearance. The m-
habitants of the upper country, who do not approve of sending

"Kaa&n;;-jiMfc

UNITED STATES.

harlestoii ;
shops are
jf clothing
:l\ or Rag-
f^nagogue :
entirely of
's, nionied
s walk out
e stage or

on, a

great
[jrable pro-
Iter which,
•y. There
far inferior
Charleston,
eople of co-
s ceased by
about the
;s, who are

iton was the
)een carried
the mother
ates. The
ton in 1801
t port ; the
le embargo
were, ships

m Charles-
jonsiderable
200, they
ind yellow;
lan two sto-
e. The in-
e of sending

their provisioiiH to Charleston, stop at Columbia, where they
dispose of them at several respectable shops established in the
town.

Georgetown is situated at the confluence of Podee and Black
rivers 12 miles from the sea, and contains about 2000 inhabit-
ants. It is the only sea port in South Carolina, except
Charleston, and has a considerable trade, particularly in rice,
of which it is said that the lands in its neighbourhood produce
Sy.OOO tierces annually. The houses are mostly built of wood,
and are but indifferent. The principal public buildings are,
a court-house, jail, an ejMscopal chui^ch, a presbyterian church,
one for baptists, one for methodists, and a flourishing academy.

Trade and Resources. — While agriculture is so much at-
tended to, and the means of engaging in it so easy, it is not
surprising that fevf direct their attention to manufactures.
Some years ago a cotton manufactory was established near
Statesborough, which bid fair to rise into consideration. It
was, however, soon perceived that the price of labour was too
great to permit its goods to stand any competition with those
of similar qualities imported from Great Britain: consequently
the proprietors were obliged to discontinue their operations.
A numerous population and scarcity of lands must first be ex-
perienced in a country before its inhabitants will resort to ma-
nufactures, while a more eligible mode cf subsistence exists.
In the upper country, however, necessity has obliged the in-
habitants to provide for their respective wants from their own
resources, in consequence of the difficulty and expence of con-
veying bulky articles from the sea coast into the interior. The
traveller there soon becomes accustomed to the 1; immifig mu-
sic of the spinning-wheel and the loom. Cottons and woollens
of various descriptions are made in sufficient quantities for
domestic use; and if we except the articles of salt and sugar,
the people in the upper parts of the state may l)e considered
mdepend:;nt of foreign support; for carpenters, snsiths, ma-
sons, tanners, shoemakers, sadlers, hatters, millwrights, and
other tradesmen, are conveniently situated throughout the
country ; and the materials necessary for the»r respective pro.,
fessions are met with in abundance.

^' I

■,1,>.«J,A».£ ,4 «,-«*■

VIEW OF THE

.i ^

In every part of this state cotton h prwlucwl. Rice and
Indian corn also grows in abundance in th>* low Hwamp}/ dis-
tricts, and quantities of tobacco are annually exported from
Charleston.

The total value of lands, tiouscs, and slaves, in 1816, wos
estimated at 123,416,51 a dollars, the average value of land
being stated at 8 dollars per acre. The gross duties of mer-
chandise were 1,466,907 dollars. The shipping employed in
foreign trade amounted to 122,^0 tons, uid in the coasting
trade to S87 tons.

Education. — The operation of slavery to so great an extent
produces, of course, the same effects here aa in other places ;
but the people have considerably improved in education and
morals since the revolution. It wa.^ customary, for a long pe-
riod, for the more wealthy planters to send their sons to Eu-
rope for education ; and even now they frequently send them
to the northern states ; but the practice is gradually declining,
and the desire has become general to have respectable semina-
ries in the state. A college has been founded, and very re-
spectably endowed, at Columbia; and there are several other
colleges and academies throughout the state. The towns are
pretty well supplied with common schools; but they are de-
fective in the country ; and this branch of education, being the
basis of the morality of the state, deserves the early attention
of the legislature.

Religion,. — The stnte of religion is nearly the same as in
North Carolina. The high country is mostly settled by pres-
byterians, baptists, and methodists ; but upon the sea coast,
the inhabitants generally profess to be episcopalians.

Government, — South Carolina is divided into 86 judiciary
districts, and some of these are subdivided into parishes. The
civil government is, like that of the other states, legislative, ex-
ecutive, and judiciary. The legislative power is vested in a
general assembly, consisting of a senate and house of repre-
sentatives. The senators are chosen for four years, and one
half vacate their seats every two years : they must be 35 years
of age, and possessed cf a freehold estate of the value of 300/L
sterling, ck-ar of debt ; and the electors must be possessed of

UNITED STATES.

S59

[lice and
mp)f di»-
ted i'rom

815, wns
a of land
» of mer-
ploycd in

! COOKtilU^

an extent
;r places ;
atiun and
I long pe-
ts to Eu-
icnd them
declining,
le setnina-
d very re-
eral other
towns are
ey are de-
being the
f attention

ame as in

d by pres-

sea coast,

i judiciary
hes. The
ilative, ex-
'ested in a
! of repre-
s, and one
)e 35 years
nc of 300t
•ossessed of

SO acK?fi of land, or a town lot, or have paid a tax of three
shillings sterling. The representatives must be 21 years of
age, and be possessed of n freehold estate of 150/. clear of
debt ; and the electors niu^t have the same qualifications as
for H-nators. The executive government is vested in a go-
vernor, chosen for two years, by the legislature; and the qua-
lifications to fill that office are, that he be 30 years of age, and
be possessed of 1500/. sterling. The judges of the superior
courts, commissioners of the treasury, secretary of state, and
surveyor-genend, are all elected by the legislature.

Hhtory.— In 1662, Charles II. granted to lord Clarendon,
and others, a tract of land extending from north hit. 99 deg.
to 36 deg. 31 min., and from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean,
which they called Carolina. The first pemianent settlement
was made at Charleston, under their direction, in 1669, for
the government of which the famous Mr. Locke drew up a
constitution. It was aristocratical and impracticable, though
very ingenious in theory. Three classes of nobility were to
be established, viz. barons, cassiques, and landgraves. The
first to possess twelve, the second twenty-four, and the third
forty-eight thousand acres of land, which was to be unalienable.
During the continuance of the proprietary government, a
period of 50 years (reckoning from 1669 to 1719), the colony
v,as involved in perpetual quarrels. Oftentimes they were
harassed by the Indians, sometimes infested with pirates, fre-
quently invaded by the French and Spanish fleets, constantly
uneasy under their injudicious government, and quarrelling
with their governors. But their most bitter dissensions were
respecting religion. The episcopalians, being more numerous
than the dissenters, atte^npted to exclude the latter from a seat
in the legislature. These attempts so far succeeded, that the
church of England, by a majority of votes, was established by
law. This illiberal act threw the colony into the utmast con-
fusion, and was followed by a train of evil consequences, which
proved to be the principal cause of the revolution. Notwith-
standing the act establishing the church of England was re-
pealed, tranquillity was not restored to the colony. A change
i)( government was generally desired by the colonists. They

'.\

lii'ifiWIIIIiliif 'III II

260

VIEW OF THE

found that they were not sufficiently protected by their pr»-
prietary constitution, and effected a revolution about the year
1719, and the government became regal.

In 1728, the proprietors accepted 22,500/. sterling from th*
crov/n, for the property and jurisdiction, except lord Gran-
ville, who resc-ved his eighth of the property, which has never
yet been formally given up. At this time the constitution was
new modelled, and the territory, limited by the original char-
ter, was divided into North and South Carolinas. From this
period the colony began to flourish. It was protected by a
government, formed on the plan of the English constitution ;
and between the years 1763 and 1775, the number of inhabit-
ants was more than doubled.

South Carolina took an early and decided part in the strug-
gle for independence, and sent delegates to the first congress.
In 1790, she adopted the present state constitution ; and now
sends two senators and eigiit representatives to congress.

GEORGIA.

Situation and Extent. QEORGIA is situated between north

lat. 30 deg. 30 min. and 35 deg.,
and west long. 3 deg. 50 min. and 9 deg. 5 min. Its extreme
length from north to south is 305 miles, and its extreme
breadth 259. its area is about 64,000 square miles, or
40,960,000 acres.

Natural Geoffraphy.—T\m state, like the Carolinas, is na-
turally divided into two districts, the upper and the lower; of
which the boundary is re»narkably well defined. Augusta is
on this line, on the Savannah river, from whence it passes to
the westward by Louisville, and, at the extreuaty of the state,
passes the Flint river, about the latitude of 32 deg. The re-

their pr»-
; the year

T from th»
rd Gran-
has never
:ution was
uial char-
Prom this
cted by a
istitution ;
>f inhabit-

the stiug-
; congress.
, and now
ress.

veen north
d 35 deg.,
ts extreme
;s extreme
miles, or

nas, is na-
lower; o(
A.ugusta is
it passes to
f the state,
, The re-

UNITED STATES.

S6I

spective portions are so much assimilated to South Carolina,
that it is unnecessary to describe them here. The state has a
sea coast of 190 miles, which is indented with bays and inlets,
and studded with islands, well known by the name of Sea
islands. In the southern part there is a portion of Eokefa-
noke swamp, one of the most remarkable in the world. To
the north-west are the Alleghany mountains, which terminate
in this state.

The state is remarkably well supplied with rivers and smalt
streams. Savannfdi river is one of the most important in
America. Its head waters consist of two small rivers which
rise near the mountains, and form a junction about 220 miles
from the sea; from thence it runs a south-east course, and
falls into the ocean 17 miles below Savannah. It receives se-
veral small streams in its progress, and is the b. Jary line
between Georgia and South Carolina, during its whole course.
It is navigable for ships of any burthen to within three miles
of Savannah; for ships of 250 tons to Savannah; and for boats
of 100 feel keel to Augusta. Above Augusta are the rapids,
and, after passing them, the river can be navigated 80 miles
higher, in small boats, to the junction of the head waters. It
inay be remarked that through the medium of this river a con-
siderable part of the produce of South Carolina ia carried to
the Savannah market. It abounds with fish, and the water is
soft and good ; but the country on its banks is by no means
healthy, especially in the lower part of the state.

The Ogeethe river rises a little above Greensburgh, 200
miles from Savannah, and pursuing a south-east course, falls
into the Atlantic, 25 miles south of Savannah.

The Altahama is composed of a number of branches, of
which the largest is the Oconee. It rises near the mountains,
about 300 miles from Savannah, and running a south-east
course, is joined by the Appalachy, and thence continues its
course, augmented by a great number of tributary streams, till
it forms a junction with the Oakmulgee, 100 miles from the
ocean j from thence it runs an east-south-east course, and falls
into the Atlantic beiow Darien, to which it is navigable for
large veseelq.

^.,' .?!H!«i*i»*-

OfiO

VIEW OF THE

The Oakmulgee is a large river rising near tlie A}))>alacliy,
from whence, to its confluenoe with the Oconee, it runs up-
wards of aOO miles. The Little Oircoche is a considerable
river, and falls into the Altamalia, from the northward, after
this junction.

The Chatahonchy is a very large river, and forms the west-
ern boundary of Georgia from the Florida line, 125 miles up
the country. It rises at the foot of the mountains, near the
head of Savannah river, and runs south-westwardly, above 200
miles, to where it forms the state line. From thence it pur-
sues a course a little east of south, to Florida, where it forms
a junction with Flint river, and assumes the name of Apala-
chicola. From thence it runs a south by east course, 80 miles,
to the gulf of Mexico, which it enters by several mouths.

Flint river is al)out 300 yards broad, and 12 or 15 feet
deep. It rises near the Oakmulgee river, and runs, with a
clear getitle current, a course to the west of ^uth, upwards of
200 miles.

St. Mary's river rises in Eokefanoke swamp, and running
about 100 miles by a very crooked course, but east upon the
whole, forms the boundary between the United States and
East Florida, <hiring its whole passage, and falls into the sea
at St. Mary's, where it forms a good harbour.

The soil and climate are both assimilated to South Carolina.
There is a great proportion of good land in upper Georgia,
and the sea islands are numerous and rich. Lower Georgia,
being farther to the south, is a little warmer than South Ca-
rolina.,

Population. — The number of inhabitants in Geor^a in 1817
amounted to 408,567, whicli is nearly 6J persons to a square
Biile. In 1790, the population did not exceed 64,000 persons.

Manners^ S(c. — No general character will apply to the inha-
bitants at large. Collected from different parts of the world,
as interest, necessity, or inclination led them, their character
and manners must of course partake of all the varieties which
distinguish the several states and kingdoms from whence they
came. There is so little uniformity, that it is difficult to trace
any governing principles among them. An aversion to labour

:)}>alacliy,
runs up-
isiflerablc
jrcl, after

the west-
miles up
near the
ibove 200
ce it pur-
? it forms
af Apala-
80 miles,
Uhs.

r 15 feet
IS, with a
iwards of

I running
upon the
tntes and
to the sea

Carolina.
Georgia,
Georgia,
outh Ca-

a in 1817
a square
I persons,
the inha-
be world,
character
ies which
ence they
t to trace
to labour

UNITED £T , ES.

is too predominant, owing in part to the relaxing heat of the
climate, and partly to the want of necessity to excite industry.
An open and friendly hospitality, particularly to strangers, is
an ornamental characteristic of a great part of this people.

Their diversions are various. With some, dancing is a fa-
vourite anuisement. Olhors take a fancied pleasure at the
gaming table, which, however, Ircquently terminates in the
rum of their happiness, fortunes, and constitutions. In the
upper counties, horse-racing and cock-fighting prevail, two
cruel diversions imi^rted from Virginia and the Carolinas,
from whence those who practise them principally emigrated.
But the most rational and universal amusement is hunting;
and for this Georgia is particularly w^U calculated, as the
woods abound with plenty of deer, racoons, rabbits, wild tur-
kies, and other game; at the same time, the woods are so thin
and free from obstructions, that you may generally ride half
speed in the chace, without danger. In this amusement plea-
sure and profit are blended. The exercise, more Uian any
other, contributes to health, and fits for activity in business
and expertness in war; the game also affords them a palatable
food, and the skins a pr(;fitable article of commerce.

Chief Towns.— Savanrmh is situated in 32 deg. 8 min. north
latitude, on a high sandy bank, or bluff, on the south side of
the Savannah river, 17 miles from the sea. The city is laid
out on an elegant plan, and is about a mile in length from east
to west, and about a quarter of a mile in breadth. It consists
of 30 streets, 16 squares, and 6 lanes, containing about 1000
houses, and 5500 inhabitants ; of vhom about 2500 are slaves
1 he public buildings are, a court-house, jail, academy, bank-
ofhce, and five places for public worship. There has lately
been built a very handsome exchange, with a spire and obser-
vatory, from whence vessels may be Seen out at sea 10 or 12
miles. The situation of Savannah is favourable both for health
aud commerce. The bluff on which it is built is from 50 to 70
feet high, so that there is a fine descent to the river This
bluff is a bed of very fine sand; and by digging wells about
00 or 70 feet dei'p, a supply of excellent water is procured,
probably a filtration from the river. The streets are broad

■'™*^BWH!"*"-.

$64

VIEW OF THE

and airy, and the city, being only 17 miles from the sea, fre-
quently enjoys a sea breeze, which is cool and refreshing in
■the summer season.

The 1 ouses are mostly bailt of wood, and stand separate
from ear;h other, divided by court yards, except in two or
three streets, where they are close built, many of them with
brick, and contain several shops and stores. One large range
of -brick buildings stands near the market-place, and at a dis-
tance has the appearance of an hospital. The principal street
is that called the Bay, where there are several very good
hor.ses of brick and wood. Some contain booksellers', grocers',
and drapers' stores ; others are private dwellings. This range
of buildings extends nearly three quarters of a mile along the
town ; and opposite to it is a b-^autiful walk or mall, planted
with a double row pf trees, the same as those at Charleston.
This agreeable promenade is situated near the margin of the
height or bluff upon which the town stands; and the mer-
chants' stores, warehouses, and wharfs, for landing, housing,
and sliipping of goods, are hiult immediately below, along the
shore, forniing in some degree a sort of lower town. From
the height there is a fine commanding view of the Savannah
river as far as the sea, and for several miles above the town.
About the centre of the walk, and just on the verge of the cliff,
stands the exchange, a large brick building, which contains
some public offices ; and an assembly room, where a concert
and ball are held once a fortnight during the winter.

Augusta is situated on a handsome plain, on the south side
of Savannah river, 127 miles from Savannah, and contains
about 2400 inhabitants, of whom above one half are slaves.
The public buildings are, two churches, an academy, a court-
house, jail, a market-house, and several public warehouses.
The town is at the head of large boat navigation, and carries
on a very extensive and profitable trade, both with Savannah
and the back country. Many of the merchants are wealthy,
and import their goods ; and the greater part of the others
purchase in New York. The town was originally settled by
emigrants from Scotland : but the society is now very mixed,
and probably those of Irish extraction are the most numerous.

UNITED STATES.

ftes

sea, fre-
shing in

separate
. two or
lem with
ye range
at a dis-
)al street
ry good
grocers',
lis range
(long the

planted
larleston.
in of the
the mer-
housing,
ilong the
I. From
savannah
;he town,
f the cliff;

contains
a concert

louth side
1 contains
re slaves.
, a court-
irehousee.
nd carries
Savannah
5 wealthy,
;he others
settled hy
ry mixed,
Ojuraerous.

The inhabitants are in general well-informed, and have a con-
siderable taste for literature. They are affable in their de-
portment, and polite and hospitable to strangers. , , j.

The country round Augusta is agreeably diversllied, and
well cultivated. The whole plain on which Augusta stands is
remarkably fertile ; and towards the south-west, the country
rises into considerable hills, interspersed with fertile plains, re-
markably favourable for the culture of cotton; and the cotton
plantations are in a Very thriving state. This is reckoned the
boundary between the high and low country. The falls in
the river are three miles above Augusta, and immediately on
leaving the town for the westward, the great contrast between
this and the low country is seen : in place of swamps, marshes,
and sandy deserts, the senses are gratified by high risino
grounds, rich verdure in the woods, and clear streams of water.
The river is here 500 yards broad, and very deep.

Besides Savannah and Augusta, there is, on the Savannah
river, a little town called Petersburg; and in the interior, be-
tween the Savannah and Ogeeche, is Washington. Both these
are thriving places. On the great Ogedche, there are, besides
Louisville, Sparta and Greensburg. On the Altahama and its
waters, Darien, a new seaport, Milledgeville, the new seat
of government, and Athens, the seat of a college. On St.
Mary's river is the town of St. Mary's, at the southern extre-
mity of the state.

Trade and Resources.— The valuation of the property of
the state of Georgia, subject to the direct tax, amounts to
57,746,771 dollars, 16 cents, of which considerably more than
one half is raised on the valuation of slaves.

The exports in 1810, were 2,424,631. The- chief articles
of export are live stock, maize, rice, tobacco, indigo, flour,
sago, tar, naval stores, canes, leather, deer skins, snake root,
myrt|p, and bees wax.

The imports consist of foreign merchandise, brought directly
from France and England ; and also from New York and
Philadelphia. The New England states furnish butter, cheese,
fish, potatoes, onions, apples, cyder, shoes, and New England
rum. Between St. Mary's and tjio neigliboining island of
l^ <2 T.

-»■ *««*«*

266

VIEW OF THE

Amelia, an active smuggling trade was canned on during the
late war. English merchandise was landed there, and after-
wards sold as Spanish to the Americans.

Education.— A great degree of attention has been paid in
Georgia to education ; and very considerable funds have been
appropriated to the ' upport of it. The college at Athens is
amply endowed, and provision is made for establishing and
keeping up an academy in every county in the state. In the
towns, there are very good common schools ; but the state is
yet defective as to the establishment of these most useful se-
minaries throughout the country. It should be mentioned,
however, that in this, and all the southern states, the popula-
tion is too thin to admit of the estabiishment of schools upon
the plan of the townships of the northern states. By looking
at die census, it will be seen, that in this state, for example, a
township of six miles square, or 36 square miles, only contains
about 112 persons ; from which if we deduct the proportion of
black people, it leaves only 75 ; and this number would not
be sufficient to support a school. On the other hand, there is
much waste land, and those districts that are settled up, often
contain much more than this proportion ; swuetimes, indeed,
a sufficient number for the purpose mentioned.

The constitution declares, that ' arts and sciences shall be
promoted, in one or more seminaries of learning; and the le-
gislature shall give such further donations and privileges to
those jJready established, as may be necessary to secure the
objects of their institution.'

Religion, — On the subject of religion, it is declared, that
Mio person within the state shall, upon any pretence, be de-
prived of the inestimable privilege of worshipping God in a
manner agreeable to his own conscience, nor be compelled to
attend any place of worship, contrary to his own faith and
judgment ; nor shall he ever be obliged to pay tythes, taxes,
or any other rates, for the building or repairing any place of
svorship, or for the maintenance of any minister or ministry,
i-ontrary to what he believes to be right, or hath engaged to
ilo. No religious society shall ever be established in this state
in preference to any other : nor shall any |)erson be denied the

UNITED STATES.

2()7

during the
and after-

>n paid in
have been

Athens is
ishing and
e. In the
the state is

useful se-
(iientioned,
he popula-
lools upon
By looking
example, a
ily contains
oportion of
■ would not
[id, there is
i\ up, often
es, indeed.

;cs shall be

and the le-

irivileges to

secure the

:lared, that
nee, be de-
T God in a
ampelled to
1 faith and
tlies, taxes,
iny place of
»r ministry,
engaged to
in this state
; denied the

Enjoyment of any civil right, merely on account of religious
principles.'

Government. — The state is divided into 24 counties, and
these compose two judiciary districts. The civil government
is vested in an assembly, consisting of a senate and house of
representatives, a governor, and a judiciary. The assembly
are elected annually, and all free white persons, who are of
age, and who have paid taxes, have a vote. The governor is
appointed for two years by the legislature. The judges are
sleeted by the legislature for three years.

History. — The settlement of a colony between the rivers
Savannah and Altahama, was meditated in England in 1732,
for the accommodation of poor people in Great Britain and
Ireland, and for the further security of Carolina. Private
compassion and public spirit conspired to promote the benevo-
lent design. — Humane and opulent men suggested a plan of
transporting a number of indigent families to this part of
America, free of expence. For this purpose they applied to
the king, George 11. and obtained from him letters patent,
bearing date June 9th, 1732, for legally carrying into execu-
tion what they had generously projected. They called the
new province Georgia, in honour of the king, who encouraged
the plan. A corporation, consisting of 21 persons, was con-
stituted by the name of the trustees, for settling and establish-
ing the colony of Georgia, which was separated from Carolina
by the river Savannah. — The trustees having first set an ex-
ample themselves, by largely contributing to the scheme, un-
dertook also to solicit benefactions from others, and to apply
the money towards clothing, arming, purchasing utensils for
cultivation, and transporting such poor people as should con-
sent to go over and begin a settlement. They did not confine
their charitable views to the subjects of Britain alone, but
wisely opened a door for the indigent and oppre.ssed protestants
of other nations. To prevent a misapplication of the money,
it was deposited in the bank of England.

The trustees for Georgia granted land as a military fief,
and established such regulations as proved most pernicious to
the growth and prosperity of the colony. Besides the large

*i-a

*♦',

VIEW OF THE

sums expended for its settlement by these gentlemen, 36,000?:
was granted by parliament for the same purpose. A number
of Scotch and German labourers were sent over ; but all the
hopes of the corporation were vain. Their injudicious regula-
tions and restrictions— the wars in which they were involved
with the Spaniards and Indians— and the frequent insurrections
among themselves, threw the colony into a state of confusion
and wretchedness too great for human nature long to endure.
Their oppressed situation was represented to the trustees by
repeated complaints ; till at length, finding that the province
languished under their care, and weary with the complaints of
the people, they, in the year 1752, surrendered their charter
to the king, and it was made a royal government. Great had
been the expence which the mother country had already in-
curred, besides private benefactions, for supporting this colony ;
and small have been the returns yet made by it. The vestiges
of cultivation was scarcely perceptible in the forests, and in
England all commerce with it was neglected and despised.
At this time the whole annual exports of Georgia did not
amount to 10,000/. sterling.

In the year 1740, the Rev. George Whitefield founded an
orphan house academy in Georgia, alx)ut 12 miles from Savan-
nah. — For the support of this, in his itinerations, he collected
large sums of money of all denominations of Christians, both in
England and America. He afterwards made his assignment
of the orphau-house in trust to the countess of Huntingdon.
Soon after his death a charter was granted to his institution in
Georgia, and the Rev. Mr. Percy was appointed president of
the college. Mr. Percy accordingly came over to execute his
office, but, unfortunately, on the 80th of May, 1775, the
orphan-house building caught fire, and was entirely consumed,
except the two wings.

From the time Georgia became a royal government, in 1752,
till the peace of Paris, in 1763, she struggled under many diffi-
culties, arising from the want of credit, friends, and the frequent
molestations of enemies. The good effects of the peace were
sensibly felt in the province of Georgia. From this time it
began to flourish, under the fatherly care of governor Wright.

UNITED STATES.

969

36,000?.
k. number
Lit all the
IS regula-

involved
jrrections
confusion
3 endure,
ustees by
I province
plaints of
ir charter
Jreat had
Iready in-
is colony ;
e vestiges
s, and in

despised.
I did not

lunded an
»ni Savan-
I collected
IS, both in
ssignment
intingdon.
titution in
esident of
xecute his
1775, the
lonsumed,

:, in 1752,
fiany diffi-
B frequent
>eace were
is time it
r Wright.

During the late war, Georgia was over-run by the British
troops, and the inhabitanU were obliged to flee into the DciKh-
bounng states for safety. The sufterings and losses of her
cmaens were as great, in proportion to their numbers and
wealth, as m any of the states. Since the peace, the progress
of the population of this state has been astonishingly rapid
Its growth in improvement and population has been checked
«»y the hostile irruptions of the Creek Indians.

' — U-j-a"

THE FLORIDAS.

THE Floridas has now become a province of the United
States ; and must prove an invaluable acquisition, whether
we consider the cecession m a natural, or political point of view
It has been effected by a master-piece of ,k>Hcy, and rausi
cause some agitations in many of the European courts. The
Amencan government dispatched agents to visit the states in
South Amenca, which were shaking off the Spanish yoke, and
lest this should be a precursor to the acknowledgment of their
mdependence, Spain agreed to surrender the Floridas. This
event was also no doubt accelerated by a party of the American
army, by way of employing themselves, seizing upon the key
of this country, which shewetl, that whenever the order was
issued. Its conquest could be easilv effected. What makes
this bargain more valuable to the States, is, that the purchase,
money ,s to be paid by the government to its own citizens for
past injuries leceivcd from Spain.

What the consequence of this immense addition of empire
and sea-coast may be, it would not be difficult to conjecture
Commanding the gulf of Mexico, and brought now into the
neighbourhood of the West India islands, and with a powerful
and growing navy, these colonies would fall within the grasp

■^s^stsstri

-;-<lt.

tiM A

tio

VIEW OF THE

of America, or be revolutionized at the beginning of the very
first war that may commence between the two countries. At
least, the soil and climate of the FloridaR are so excellently si-
tuated for the growth of West India produce, that the enter-
prising citizens of the United States will soon become powerful
'•ompetitors with the English planter in the markets of Europe.
Florida is boundcvl on the north by Georgia, on the east
by the Atlantic, on the south by the gulf of Mexico, and ort
the west by the Mississippi. East Florida extends much fur-
ther south than West Florida ; the gulf of Mexico washing the
western coast from 25 to 30 deg. north lat. ; whereas the most
southern part of West Florida is in north lat. 29 deg. 30 min.
The form of East Florida is triangular, the base towards the
north being 16*0 miles in breadth from east to west, near the
southern extremity about 40, and about 350 from north to
south. Along the coasts the bays of small islands are nume-
rous. The soil near the sea coast is sandy and barren, but
further inland it improves. The productions are chiefly rice
and indigo. West Florida is about 3S0 miles from east to
west, and from 40 to 80 in width from north to south ; on the
w&st it is bounded by the river Mississippi, and on the east
by Appalachicola. The country is pleasant, and the soil is
exceedingly fertile, so that the inhabitants have sometimes two
or three harvests of maize in the same year. Towards the
coast it is flat, but rises gradually into hills, which are covered
with verdure and large trees, such as white and red oak, mul-
berry, magnolia, pine, hiceory, cypress, red and white cedar, &c.
Orange and lemon trees grow here without cultivation, and
produce better fruit than in Spain and Portugal. They have
also vines, which yield grapes equal in size and flavour to the
best muscadine; and they have abundance of other fruits of
excellent flavour. The cabbage tree furnishes a food that is
pleasant and wholesome. Cotton is produced in great plenty ;
as well as flax and hemp. Among the richer productions of
the country we may reckon cochineal and indigo. The coasts
furnish oysters and amber. The rivers abound in fish, but
are molested by alligators. In the western parts are nume-
rous herds of cattle and flocks of sheep : hogs also, whose

UNITED STATES.

' the very
ties. At
llently tti-
:he enter-
powerful
f Europe.
1 the east
}, and oA
nuch fur-
ishing the
i the most
r. 30 min.
wards the
near the
north to
ire nume-
rren, but
hiefly rice
m east to
h; on the
the east
he soil is
times two
yards the
e covered
oak, mul-
cedar, Szc.
tion, and
'hey have
lur to the
fruits of
od that is
it plenty ;
jctibns of
'he coasts
fish, but
re nuine-
o, whose

flesh acquires an excellent flavour from the acorns and ches-
nuts on which they feed, are nume.ous. In the forests and
deserts arc found several species of wild beasts, and also a
variety of birds. In summer the air is very hot, but in seve-
ral places it is pure and wholesome ; the winter is commonly
temperate, though the cold sometimes destroys the orange
trees. The rivem are covered with ice.

The principal town in West Florida is Pensacola, and in
J^ast 1? lorida St Augustine. The population of West Florida
18 very mconsiderable ; Mobile and Pensacola together not
fiontaming above 1500 souls. The interior of East Florida is
httle known, and only inhabited by a few Creeks or Seminols.
—The town of St. Augustine in East Florida is less healthy
than some have supposed it to be; but the climate, and also
the general appearance of the country, would be much im-
proved, ii' industry and labour were bestowed upon it, and
the inland marches properly drained.

This country is said to been discovered by Sebastian Cabot
m the year 1496, 18 years before it was known to the Spani-
ards ; but received its name from John Ponce, who, sailing
from Porto Rico in 1513, landed here in April, when the
country appeared in full verdure and bloom. Florida has
frequently changed its master; in 1564, the French took pos-
session of some pm-t of it, but they were driven from their
settlements in the following year by the Spaniards, who then
iX J" ."'■'" establishments for themselves. In the. year
1763 Florida was ceded to Great Britain in exchange for' the
Havannah, winch had been taken from the Spaniards. Whilst
the English were in the possession of it they divided it into
two governments, viz. East and West Florida, separated by
the Appalachicola. During the American war, boih the Flo-
ridas were reduced by the Spaniards, and guaranteed to ^he
crown of Spam by the definitive treaty of 1783

This country has now added more splendour to the star
spangled banner of the United States.

mimm

VlKW OF THt;

T E N N K S S E K.

satiation and Extent. 'THE state of Tcnessee is situated be-
tween 35 deg. and 36 deg. 30 min.
of north lat. and 4 deg. 26 min. and 18 deg. 9 min. west long,
from Washington. It ih bounded on the north by the states
of Kentucky and Virginia; south by the states of Mississippi
and Georgia, and the Ahbama territory ; east by North Caro-
lina, and west by the river Mississippi. The boundary line
on the south side is the parallel of 36, on the north side the
parallel of 36, 30, and on the east the Alleghany mountains,
which separate the state from North Carolina. Its length
from east to west is 445 miles, and its breadth from north
to south 104. Area 63,000 square miles, or 40,320,000 acrts.
Natural GeorapJii/.—The state of Tennessee is marked by
bold features. It is washed by the Mississipiii on the west,
anil the fine rivers Tenessee and Cumberland, pass through it
by very serpentine courses. Tl*e western part is mostly level,
the middle, like Kentucky, hilly but not mountainous; the
eastern part, known by the name of East Tennessee, is wholly
among the mountains. These mountains are a continuation of
the ridges which pass through the northern states, and are
said to be very beautiful ; the country among them forming
the most delightful residence of any in the state, in consequence
of which it is rapidly settling. Besides the principal rivers
already alluded to, there are a great number of lesser rivers and
small strcanus but they are all tributary to the Tennessee and
Cumberland, except a few of no great length that run into
the Mississippi. None of the waters of this state run to iIk
eastward, but the head waters of the Tennessee interlock with
the rivers of Georgia, which determines the boundary be-
tween those t«>-> and North Carolina to be the highest land
in this pari, ot ^ . lit'-vl States.

UNITED STATES.

273

uated l)C-
r. 30 mill,
west long,
the iitates
lissiHsippi
>rth Caro-
idary line
I side the
lountains,
ts length
om north
OOO acrfes.
larked by
the west,
through it
»8tly level,
lous ; the
is wholly
nuation of
, and are
n forming
nsequence
pal rivers
rivers and
lessee and
, run intc
run to the
rlock with
ndary be-
yhest land

Iron ore is found in abunci .nee in this state, md a consider-
able part of the country is, bke Kentucky, be Jded on lime-
stone Copperas, alum, nitre, lead, and some liver have i. n
lound ; and p.t-coal is supposed to be plenty thnmgh the
state, but, owing to the quantity of wood, it is not much
sought for. Saltpetre is an article of commerce, and there arc
several salt-springs which supply the state with that necessary
article. Some othor mineral springs have been discovered.

The soil IS diffcn-Mt in different parts of the country. In
iJ^ast lennc,.ee the kvA .s good along the banks of the" river,
and in the valley? ; the mountains are poor in soil, but they
afford good pasture for sheep and cattle. In the middle part
the flo,l , . pretty similar to that in Kentucky, and the low lands
m the western parts are composed of a rich black vegetable

The climate in East Tennessee, among the mountains is
delightful. The heats of summer are so tempered by the
mountam air, that in point of climate this is among the most
desirable residences in all the United States. The middle
part has a climate very similar to Kentucky, but, being farther
to the south, it is warmer, and more congenial to the culture
ot cotton, and other articles raised in the southern states. The
western part being low, the air in summer is hot and moist,
and the people are a good deal subject to fever and ague, and
biJious fever, during the fall.

Population.~ln the year 1817, the number of inhabitants
m this state amounted to 489,624, which is above 7f persons
to a square mile. Amongst these there are about 50,000
slaves.

Manners, Sfc.—The population of this state, consisting
chiefly of emigrants from the Carolinas, Virginia, and
Georg'a; from ihe New England states and Europe, has
scarctij. any uniform character. They are said to be some-
what rough in their manners, but high-spirited and hospitable.
A taste for reading prevails among many of them ; and be-
sides the Bible and newspapers, Salmagundy , the Olive Branch,
and the History of the Late War, are works in great request.
They cherish in their hearts a love of liberty, and a strong

2 M

1 1:

21i

VIEW OF THE

attachment to their country. They are all good horsemen^
and expert at the rifle. Their stockings, clothes, and bed-
ding, and even their candles and shoes, are generally of do-
mestic manufacture. Gaming is not so common as it was,
since the law was passed, disqualifying persons convicted of
praetisinu' it from holding any civil or military office for five
years, and fining him in fifty dollars besides. Licensed tavern-
kee|)ers take an oath not to permit gaming in their houses.
The practice of duelling has ceased, since the act passed against
it by the asseird)ly, subjecting the j)arties to outlawry.

Chief Tuions. — The principal towns are Knoxville, in East
Tennessee, anil Nashville, in West Tennessee. Knoxville is
the seat of government, and contains about 1000 inhabitants.
Nashville is situated on the Cumberland river, and is a place
of considerable commerce particularly in dry goods, groceries,
and cotton. There are a considerable number of smaller
towns, but they are of no great importance.

Trade and Rcsour.ses. — The value of houses and lands in
this state in 1815, was estimateil at !3i,415,971 dollars, and
the gross vahie of nianufactiu'es in the preceding year was
stated at 4,000.000 of dollars.

The exports consist of cotton, tobacco, hemp, horses, live
cattle, Indian corn, pork, fowls, potatoes, flour, saltpetre, flax,
deer skins, ginseng, lumber, iron. The great staple produc-
tions arc sahpetre, tobacco, cotton, hogs, and cattle. The
imports consist chiefly of dry goods and groceries imported in
waggons to East Tennessee from Philadelphia and Baltimore,
and to West Tennessee by land to Pitsburgh, and thence
down the Ohio and up the Cumberland river. Orleans sugar,
and some articles oi' groceries, are imported thence by the
Mississippi : the freight was 5| dollars per hundred weight by
common boats, but is probably reduced since steam-boats were
established. Nashville, situated on the south side of the Cumber-
land river, 190 miles from its mouth, with a population of
800 inhabiiant.i, lias 27 mercantile stores. The great channel
of trade is the Mississippi, and Sew Orleans the place of de-
posit Other channels of shorter communication with the
Mobile tide water have been projected ; between the Hudassee

UNITED STATES.

275

horsemeHir
and bed-
lly of do-
is it was,
ivicted of
:e for five
ed tavern-
ir houses,
cd against

?, in East
loxville is
habitants.
is a place
groceries,
)f smaller

:l lands in
llurs, and
year was

)rses, live
etre, flax,
e pi'oduc-
le. The
I ported in
Baltimore,
id thence
ms sugar,
;c by the
*v eight by
loats were
Cumber-
jlation of
,t channel
ice of de-
with the
Hudassee

and Coosee rivers for the country of East Tennessee, and be-
tween, the Occachappo and Tonilwickby for West Tennessee.
Ediicathn.—There are four incorporated colleges, three of
which in East Tennessee were incorporated by the territorial
government, and a donation of 100,000 acres of land was
granted by congress for their support.

I{clig'iu7i. —The religious dmouiinations in this state are
Presbyterians, baptists, Roman catholics, protostants, cpisco-
J)ahans, and methodists. Acconling to the report of the
general convention of baptists, held at Philadelphia, in May
1817, the number of their churches in Tennessee was 169, of
members 9704.

Government.— Thi^ state is divided into East and We^t
Tennessee, East Tennessee is only one fourth jwrt of tlio
state, and is subdivided into 17 counties. West Tennessee
is subdivided into 21 counties.

The constitution of this state declares, ih.it all power is in-
herent in the people— that all men have a right to worship
God according to the dictates of their consciences, and that no
preference shall ever be given by law to any religious esta-
bhshment— that elections shall be free and equal;— and that
the trial by jury shall remain inviolate.

The government is legislative, executive, awl judicial.—
The legislature consist of representatives and senators, who
are chosen for two gears, and must be possessed of 200 acres
of land in the county for which they are chosen. The gover-
nor must be possessed of 500 acres of land, and is also elected
lor two years. All free n.ales of 21 years of age, who pay
taxes, have a vote. The judiciary is vested in such superior
and inferior courts as the legislature may appoint; the judges
are appointed by the legislature, and hold their offices ilurino-
good behaviour. '^

Histor,j.~T\m country, which formed apart of Carolina,
according to the second charter of Charles II. was inhabited
by the Cherokee Indians, by whom the first cohmists, consist-
Hig of above 60 families, in the year 1754, were nearly de-
stroyed. Their settlements were not renewed till 1774, when
the Indians, refusing to join the British siniulard, were »:-

V ^

» I

4l?

S76

VIEW OF THE

tacked and driven towards the Kenhawa. The country then
belonged to North Carolina, and delegates, in 1776, were
sent from this district to the convention held for the purpose
of fotining a state constitution. In 1789 it was ceded by
Carolina to the United States, and in 1796 was received into
the federal union, and a constitution formed and ratified by
the free inhabitants.

LOUISIANA.

Situation and Extent. HTHIS is an immense territory,

bounded by the Mississippi on
the east ; by the Spanish possessions on the west ; by Orleans
territory and the gulf of Mexico on the south, and on the
north by the British possessions. It extends from the gulf of
Mexico, in lat. 9.8 deg. to 48 deg. north, and from west long.
12 deg. 50 min. to 35 deg. ; being 1494 miles long, from north to
f5outh, and, though the western boundary has not been clearly
ascertained, the breadth may be assumed at 886 miles. Its
area may be computed at nearly 985,250 square miles ; but
th.e state of Louisiana proper contains only 49,000 square miles.

The following estimate was made in 1814, the state being
divided into three great sections: 1. The north-west section,
including Red river and the Washita country, of 21,649
square miles, 12,700 inhabitants ; 2. The south-west, includ-
ing those of Opelousas and Atakapas, 12,100 square miles,
13,800; 3. The south-east, including New Orleans and West
Florida, 12,120, 75,200. In all, 101,700.

Natural Geography/. — In such an amazing extent of terri-
tory the face of the country must be exceedingly diversified.
Towards the south the land is low, and in many places over-
flowed by rivers. To the north it becomes elevated, in many

UNITED STATES.

377

ntry then
76, were
i purpose
ceded by
;ived into
itiiied by

territory,
ssippi on
y Orleans
d on the
le gulf of
vest long,
n north to
m clearly
liles. Its
liles; but
are miles,
ate being
it section,
f 21,649
t, includ-
ire miles,
md West

of terri-
iversified.
CCS over-

in many

places swelling out into large hills; and towards the west
there are very lofty mountains.

The rivers are numerous and extensive, and form a remark-
able feature in the geography of this country. The Mississippi
washes it on the east, including its windings, upwards of 2000
miles, and it has in the interior some of the finest rivers in the
world.

The principal river is the Missouri, which, indeed, is the
largest branch of the Mississippi. The sources of this river
are still unknown, although one of its branches was navigated
by Lewis and Clarke 3090 miles, where it is inclosed by very
lofty mountains. Below this 242 miles, there is a confluence
of three different branches of the head waters, in lat. 45 deg.
23 min. ; from thence the river appears to bend considerably
to uie north-ward, the great falls being in lat. 47 deg. 3 min.,
distant from the mouth of the river 2575 miles. These falls
are 18 miles long, and in that distance descend 362 feet. The
first great pitch is 98 feet, the second 19, the third 48, the
fourth 26, and other pitches and rapids make up the quantity
above mentioned. In lat. 47 deg. 24 min., the river forms a
junction with another nearly as large, and it is here 372 yards
broad. In lat. 47 deg., 2270 miles from its outlet, it is clear
and beautiful, and 300 yards wide. At 1888 miles from its out-
let It is 527 yards wide, its current deep, rapid, and full of
sand bars. At 1610 miles a fort has been erected, called fort
Mandan. in lat. 47 deg. 21 min. ; and here the winters are
represented as being very cold. From thence to the mouth
the navigation is very good, the current being deep and rapid,
and the water muddy. Us breadth is various, from 300 to
«00 yards; and at the outlet in 38 deg. 45 min. it is about
700 yards broad. In its progress it is augmented by a vast
number of streams, the principal of which are Yellow Stone
Little Missouri, Piatt, Kanzas, and Osage. '

The Moin, a very considerable river, falls into the Missis-
sippi about 200 miles above tiie Missouri, and below the falls
of St. Anthony, in lat. 45 deg., St. Peter's river, a very large
stream, falls into the Mississippi.

S78

VIEW OF THE

St. Francis rises near St. Louis, and running nearly a south
course, upwards of 350 miles, falls into the Mississippi, in lat.
44 deg. 45, min., by a channel 200 yards broad. It is said to
be navigable 200 miles,

Arkansas is a very large river, rising in Mexico, and run-
ning a south-east course, falls into the Mississippi, in lat.
33 deg. 45 min. ; being navigable 300 or 400 miles.

Red river, and Black river, are two very large streams,
rising between the lat. of 35 and 36 deg., about 100 miles
apart; and running nearly 600 miles, they forni a junction
about 23 miles from the Mississippi, which they enter in lat.
31 deg. 5 min , 1014 miles below the Missouri.

There are a great number of rivers to the westward, falling
into the gulf of Mexico; but owing to the country being little
known, they do not seem to have excited much interest. One
of the principal is the Sabine, the western boundary of the
Orleans territory.

The territory is said to abound in valuable minerals, of
every description : but the branch that seems to have excited
greatest attention is the lead mines, near St. Genevieve, which
yield annually a vast quantity of that useful conunodity.

The soil and climate of Louisiana arc said to be similar in
every respect to that of the countries lying parallel to it east
of the Mississippi. Near that river the soil is rich, and the
climate temperate ; but it becomes more cold to the westward,
and towards the mountains the cold is represented as being
very severe: the soil being sterile, and the brooks in many
places strongly inipregnatcil with salt.

The climate of this country varies in different parts. From
the sea to point Coupi'e it seldom snows, nor does it ever freeze,
except in the months of December and January and when the
wind is from the north or north-west. It appears to be well
ascertained, that there is here less heat and more moisture
than in similar latitudes on the eastern continent, and tlie
climate is generally very mild. In winter the thermometer
seldom falls more than two degrees below the free/ang point.
In Juiv there are heavv rains and thunder, and the heat is

UNITED STATES.

279

in lat.

then at its maximum ; but it continues without much diminu-
tion till the close of September, the thermometer ranging be-
tween 80 de^^. and 87 deg., and sometimes rising above 90 deg
The most unhealthy months are August and Septemlier, when
the miasma exhaled from decaying animal and vegetable mat-
ters~are most abundant, and most injurious to the human
frame. At this season bilious disorders prevail, especially in
new settlements. A more familiar idea of the climate of this
country may be derived from the developement of its vegetable
productions. About the 1st of February peach and plumb
trees, peas, and strawberries, are in blossom. About the 1st
of March, the trees generally are in leaf, or in blossom. Peas
are ripe towards the middle of June, and the earlier fruit be-
fore the close of July. Spring regularly commences with
southern breezes, the warmth of which is so favourable to
vegetation, that it is here more advanced in April than in
May, m the northern states. Hurricanes were experienced
m 1780 and 1794, in the month of August. The wind blew
with violence during twelve hours, and so retarded the current
ot the Mississippi, that it overflowed its banks, and inundated
the country from two to ten feet, as high as the English turn.
Ihese storms were accompanied with thunder, and with hail-
stones of uncommon size. In 1802 the engineer who directed
the works of fort Plaquemines, situated at the distance of
twelve or thirteen leagues from the sea, was drowned in his
cabin, by a sudden rising of the waters. The workmen and
garrison found refuge in the most elevated part of the %rt.
where there was from two to three feet water.

Populat;on.~\n the year 1712 the colony of Louisiana
consisted of 400 whites and 20 negro slaves. In 1817 the
population was estimated at 108,923, which is not much above
two persons to a scjuare mile.

Mmtncrs, c^-.-The character of the people in this coun-
try will be given in our description of the capital, New Or-
Ifans. They are gay and lively, and their manners are
pretty much assimilated to those of the French. But the
brutalizing effects of slavery tend to corrupt the morals of all
classes.

h i

280

VIEW OF THE

Chief Towns. — New Orleans is situated in lat. 2^9 deg. 67
min., and it is regularly laid out, the streets crossing one
another at right angles ; but they are narrow, being generally
not more than 40 feet in breadth. The houses in the princi-
pal streets are built of brick, but the others mostly of wood.
The middle of the streets are unpaved, and, in wet weather,
are verv muddy; but the town is well supplied with good
side pavements. The city extends nearly a mile along the
river, and is about half a mile broad. There is a squure in
the centre, which is covered with grass, and contains the
cathedral and town-house. There is a market-house of con-
siderable extent, and it is well supplied with vegetables, but
the meat and fish are said to be poor.

The city lies below the surface of the river, on which there
is an embankment, called a levee to defend it and the adjacent
country from being overflowed. This levde, is of great extent,
running more than 130 miles up the country, and on the top
of it there is an excellent dry road. A plan has lately been
agreed upon for supplying the city with water from the Mis-
sissippi, which will add much to the comfort and health of the
inhabitants.

A winter residence in this city is said to be very pleasant ;
but it is generally sickly in summer, and many of the people
leave it for two or three months. As it is, however, the great
mart for receiving the commodities which are shipped from the
Mississippi river, it will always continue to be a place of great
trade, and will increase, probably, to a greater extent than
any sea-port in America.

Except in domestic manufactures, which do not appear to
be carried on to a great extent, there are no material manufac-
tures here, and in all probability the trade of this place will
continue for a long time to be an object of solicitude to the
manufacturing districts ; particularly Pittsburg, and Lexing-
ton, in Kentucky ; and on the other hand, from the increase
of cotton and sugar, a great trade will always be supported
between New Orleans and the cities on the Atlantic. The
direct exports of 1810 amounted to 1,897,522 dollars; but it
is to be observed, that the greatest part of the exports are bv

UNITED STATKS.

the way of the eastern states, no part of which is entered at
the custom-house.

'The French language,' says a recent traveller, ' is still
predommant in New Orleans. The population is said to be
J0,000; two-thirds oF which do jiot speak English. The
appearance of the people too was French, and even the ne-
groes evinced, by their antics, i„ rather a ludicrous mannnr,
their connection with the natives of that nation.

The general manners and habits are very relaxed. The
first day of my rt^sidence here was Sunday, and I was not a
Jmle surprised to find in the United States the markets, shops,
theatre, circus, and public ball-rooms open. Gambling-houses
ifiron^r the city : „:! coffee-houses, together with the exchan-e,
are occupied from morning until night by gamesters. It is sakl,
that when the Kentuckians arrive at this place, they are in
their glory, finding neither limit to, nor lu.nishment of their
excesses. The general style of living is luxurious. Houses arc
degantly furnished. The ball-room, at Davis^s hotel, I have
never seen exceeded in splendour. Private dwellings partake
ot the same character; and the ladies dress with expensive
elegance. The sources of public amusement are numerous
and varied.

'1 visited the theatre: it is an old building, about two-
thirds the size of the little theatre in the Haymarket The
play was John of Calais, well performed by a French com-
pany to a French audience. At a tavern opposite I witnessed
a personal conflict, in which I suppose one of the parties was
dirkd. Ihese things are of every-day occurrence; and it is
not often that they are taken cognizance of by the police.

' I was present at a criminal trial : the pleadings were a
mixture of French and English. The jury consisted of ten
French and two Americans. The counsel were equally
divided, being two of each language : the judge was American.
Ihe trench counsel requested leave to quote the code
Napoleon, which was granted, on condition that he should
explain to the French part of the jury that it was not law,
adduced it on the same principle that he would

the works of a poet, merely to illustratr ],i.s ideas.

t
iu 1

9 N

The

S82

VIEW OF THE

W-

English law is the law of Louisiana, with such additions as
local circumstances have rendered necessary; one of which
that was cited upon tiiis occasion, is a law against biting off'
the Car, the nose, tearing out the eyes, &c.

♦ Provisions are of very bad quality, and most enormously
dear. Hams and cheese from England, potatoes, butter, and
beef from Ireland, are commoii articles of import. Cabbages
are now ten-pence per head; turkeys, three to five dollars
each. Rents are also very extravagant. Yet to all men
whose desire only is to be rich, and to live a short life but a I
merry one, I have no hesitation in recommending New Orleans.''

In 1808, the professions and trades at New Orleans were
as follows; merchants, 60; printers, 7; innkeepers, 9; pro-
fessors, (> ; apothecaries, 5 ; lawyers, 24 ; physicians and sur-

geons, 18; dentists, 2.

The inhabitants of this city are sensible of the advantages
resulting from their connection with the United States, and
though composed of men of every country in Europe, they
are united by the strongest zeal in support of the government.
Free trade is found to be far more advantageous than mono-
poly ; trial by jury is acknowledged to be preferable to military
law ; and elective authority far more desirable than the abso-
lute rule of a military commander. In ihe course of a very
few years, the population of the city of New Orleans has in-
creased from 10,000 to 30,000 ; and many of the proprietors
who were in a state of indigence under the dominion of Spain,
have risen to sudden wealth by the rise on the value of land,
which followed the change of government. Among the new
buildings are a legislative hall, a hall of justice, and an office
of insurance. Two banks and an inland navigation company
have bec!i established ; and what is still of greater iuiixirtance,
a college or seminary of learning. There are five weekly
newspapers ; the Courier, and the Ami de,s- Lois; in French,
and the Louisiana Gazette, the Orleans Garxttc, and a Price
Ctu-rent, or Comvicrcinl Register, m English.

This city enjoys the most advantageous situation of any
place upon the face of the earth, and as it must become the !
j,nnn(l emporium of all the interior regions of North America, !

UNITED STATES.

283

it will probably surpass the most flourishing city in ancient
times and dispute the palm of eminence with the proudest
capital in Europe. The English ministry in their late bolci,
thougli unsuccessful attempt to seize upon this place, seemed
Ito acknowledge its vast importance.

Trade and licmurce.s. —Tho surplus productions of an im-
niense country watered by the Ohio, Missouri, lied river, and
other great branches of the Mississippi, will naturally descend
to New Orleans, and l)e thence transported to Mexico or the
West Indies. Besides, there will l)e a constant exchange of
commodities with the more northern states. In 1804, the
exports from New Orleans amounted to l,6*00,f5G2 dollars.
The quantity of sugar imported into the United States, in
1802, from Louisiana and the Floridas, amounted to
1,576,933 pounds. In 1809, the exports were, cotton,
3500 bales; sugar, 12,000 barrels; tobacco, 3000; flour*
250,000.

The exports of this state, says the author of the Western
Gazetteer, already exceed those of all the New England states,
by more than 150,000 dollars a-year. Between 300 and 400
sea vessels arrive and depart annually ; 937 vessels of all de-
nominations departed during the year 1816, from the Bayou
St. John, a port of delivery in the district of Mississippi.
The tonnage of these vessels is calculated at 16,000 tons;
they are chiefly employed in carrying the produce of that part
of the Floridas belonging to the United States, consisting of
barks, coals, cotton, corn, furs, hides, pitch, planks, rosin,
skms, tar, timber, turpentine, sand, shells, lime, &c. The
produce received at this city from the upper country is im-
mense, 594 flat-l)ottomed boats, and 300 barges, have arrived
within the last year from the western states and territories.
The quantity of sugar made on the Mississippi alone, is esti-
mated by a late writer at 10,000,000 of pounds; .«0,000 bales
of cotton wore exported in 1812.

Religion.— ThQ clergy, before the late cession of Louisiana,
consisted of a non-resident bishop, who had 4000 dollars a-year,
from the revenue of certain bishoprics in Mexico and the isle
ol Cuba; of two canons, with a revenue each of 600 dollars;

!•}

i284

VIEW OF THE

and of 33 cures, of wliich five were for New Orleans, and 20
for the different parishes of the provinces, having each from
f}6'0 to 480 (loUars a-year. All these disbursements, except
the pay of the bishop, and the expences of the chapel, were
•paid l)y the treasury of New Orleans, and amounted annually
to the sum of 13,000 dollars. The convent of Ursulines,
established in 1727, by the Company of the West, for the
eiiucation of female orphans, contained, a few years ago, 28
nuns. The establishment is under the direction of 13 religieti-
tes. In the same building, a public school has been established
for the instruction of day-scholars, at a dollar a-year, of whom
the number, at the above period, was 80.

Government. — The territory of Louisiana, as ceded to the
United States, has been divided into two territorial govern-
ments, Upper and Lower Louisiana. It is the latter which
we are now treating u])on, and which is also called the Orleans
Territory. It is divided into 12 counties.

In January 181 P, a convention of the representatives of the
people met at New Orleans, and framed and signed a constitu-
tion, which was afterwards approved by the congress of the
United States. This constitution resembles those of the other
states of the Union, though more precautions seem to ha,x
been taken against corruption and abuse of power. The legis-
lative authority is vested in a house of representatives and a
senate. The electors consist of every free white male citizen,
who has attained the age of 21 years, who has resided in the
county in which he votes one year next preceding the election,
and who has paid state tax the last six months prior thereto.

The judicial power is vested in a supreme court and inferior
court. The jurisdiction of the former extends to all civil cases,
when the matter in dispute exceeds the sum of 300 dollars.
The judges of both hold their office during gjod behaviour.
The supieme court consists of not less than three, nor of more
than five judges, the majority forming a quorum. The salary
of each is fixed ;it 5000 dollars. The state is divided into two
districts of appelate jurisdiction, the eastern and western.

History. — The existence of the Mississippi was first made
known to the French c-olonists in Canada, by the Indians,

UNITED STATES.

S85

alK,ut 1060. lu the year 1080, Do la Salle, in hopes of find-
ing an easy route to the Southern ocean, by this great river
passed down the Illinois, and descended with some of hil
party to the Mexican gidf; while father Hennepin, a Fran-
mean friar, Duean, and others, ascended 300 leagues to the
fail* ot St. Anthony, by the Ohio. The former took jx,sse3.

T 'f '" r'""*'"^ '" '^' "'''"^' "*'^*''-' "^'"K; «"d returning to
Montreal, he proceeded to France to solicit his permi.ssion to
enter the Mississippi by «ea. Encouraged in this enterprise,
he sa. ed for the gulf of Mexico, but, owing to the low situal
tion of tlie coast and strength of the current, he was carried
consRlerably to the west of this river, and disembarked at the
mouth d the Guadaloupe, in the bay of St. Uernard, in the
year 1 ,84. He planted the French standard on the river
Colorado, or the Aux Cannes, and shortly after fell a victim
to the perfidy of his n.en ; but «ome of his companions return-
ed to Canada.

In the year 1G96 the Spaniards, jealous of the discoveries
of the l-rench, established Pensac<,la, to the east of the river
Perduio. 1 he first who entered the Mississippi by sea was
Le Mon.e d Hibbervilk, a Canadian naval oLer^of Z7t
reputation who, in 1G99, laid the foundation of the first co-
lony at Biloxi. In order to people the country there were

^hohad btjen labourers; who received cattle and grants of
land, and were provided with cattle, poultry, and grahi. The
colony was transferred in 1702 from Biloxi to the isle of Dau-
phin, but did not prosper. In 1708 new colonists were sent
from France under the direction of the commissary D'Arta^-
nette, and two years afterwards isle Dauphin was plundered
.y the English. Several different settlements were afterwards
formed in these vast regions ; and in 1718, New Orleans, which
previously cc.ns.sted of a i'..- hovels was extended under the
chrection of De la Tour. For some time, French criminals
and women of l,ad fame were imported ; but this practice was
soon discontinued. At length the impolitic expulsion of the
Jews, and the hostility of the Indians caused a dissolution of
the company who claimed this colony.

S8G

VIEW OF THE

In 1762, tlic cabinet of Versailles, fearing thnt the loss of
Iier northern possessions in Canada would bring about that of
the country of TiOuisinna, the eolony, by a secret treaty, was
ceded to Spain, as an indemnity for ex{)enceH incurred during
the war ; and at the same time, the Floridas were made over
to England In 17()4, Don Antonio de ITIloa arrived ut New
Orleans in (jualitv of Spanish governor, with a detachment of
troops; and finding that the inhabitants were strongly inclined
to remain under the French domination, and that the expences
of the government would far exceed the amount of revenue,
he wrote to his court against the cession, and remained two
years in the country without taking possession ol" it in a formal
manner.

In the year 17()9, Olteilly, in quality of governor and
intendant general, arrived with 4500 regular troops, a good
train of artillery, stores, and ammunition, with which he drove
away all the English protestants and Jews, prohibited all
commerce cxcejit with Spain and her islands, and established
a court martial for the trial of the French officers who remain-
ed, five of whom were shot, and seven sent to confinement for
ten years in the Moro castle at the Havannah. This conduct
inspired a general indignatit)n against him, and the colony was
happilv delivered from his violence by his removal in 1770.
In 1780, the English fort of Mobile surrendered to the Spanish
governor, which led to the reduction of Pensacola, in conse-
quence of which. West Florida fell into the hands of Spain.
In 1795, a treaty was entered into between the United States
and Spain, by which a line of boundary was agreed to, and
the free navigation of the river secured. In 1798, all the
Spanish posts to the north of the fJlst degree were evacuated ;
and the year following, the line of demarcation between Spain
and the United States was settled by commissioners. Not-^
withstanding these treaties, Spanish privateers and ships of
war committed spoliations on the commerce of the United
States ; and the free navigation of the Mississippi, and the
right of deposit at New Orleans, was refused. This induced
tlie president of the United States to prepare a force on the
river Ohio to act against this colony, whicli, however, from a

UNITED STATES.

887

vhangc of political circumstances, was disbanded in 1800.
The year following, Mr. JcfferNon, who was called to the pre^
mdoiicy, demanded from Spain the- execution of the treaty;
and she, unwilling to conjply, and fearing a rupture, sold the
colony to the French republic, ,.n the Slst of March, 1801.
The French expedition, prepared in the ports (if Holland for
the purpose of taking possession of this country, was prevent-
ed from sailing by an English scjuadron ; and the French go-
vernment sold it on the ik\ of April, 1803, to the United States,
for the sum of fiO,0()0,000 of francs, in which sum was to be
included the amount of debts due by France to the citizeuf? of
ihc United States.

Upper Louisiana.

This territory in agriculture and produce does not vary
from the neighbouring countries. It is divided into the fol-
lowing districts : St. Charles, St. Louis, St Genevieve, cape
Gerardeau, New Madrid, Hopefield, and St. Francis, and the
settlements on the Arkansas.

The territory of Orleans being more favourably situated for
trade, and a tlisposal of their produce, this territory has as
yet made no very rapid progress in improvements. The chief
settlements are near the Missouri, and along the Mississippi
to New Madrid ; with some on the Arkansas and St. Francis.
St. Louis is the capital, and contains 1500 inhabitants. It
is situated on the Mississippi, in lat. 88 deg. 38 min., in a fine
healthy country, on a bed of limestone, having rich settle-
ments around it. It is increasing in population and wealth ;
and several manufactories have been recently established.

Si. Charles, a handsome village, is situated on the left bank
of the Missouri, IS miles from St. Louis, by an excellent
road, leading through a rich country. In 1807, it contained
500 inhabitants, chiefly French; but many Americans have
lately settled in it. St. Genevieve contains about 1200 inha-
bitants, and is increasing in population and wealth ; having
about 20 stores, ami being the deposite of the produce of the
iead mine.s.

'.*. i>

't' r;

f88

VIEW OF THE

Gerardeau is a small town, situated on an eminence on the
right side of the Mississippi, and contains from 30 to 40
houses only ; but it has a fine back country, and is improving.
There is a post road from this place to fort Massac and the
mouth of the Cumberland river.

Neiv Madrid is beautifully situated on the Mississippi ; but
contains a few houses only.

The government is the same as the territories east of the
Mississippi, and to accommodate the white inhabitants, black
men are kept in slavery by the laws.

iMi

■rsi^sHW

MISSISSIPPI.

Situation and Extent. 'J' HIS state was admitted into the

ITnion on the 1st of March 1817.
It is situated between 30 deg. and 35 deg. of north lat., and
between 11 deg. and 14 deg. 30 min. west long, from Wash-
ington. Il^^ boundaries, us determined by the act of congress,
are North by the southern boundary line of the state of Ten-
nessee to the river of the same name, following its channel to
the junction of Bear creek. East, by a direct line drawn
from this point to the north-west corner of the county of
Washington ; and thence runnino; due south to the gulf of
Mexico. Smith by the Mexican gulf to the most eastern
junction of Pearl river with lake Borgne, (including all
islands within six leagues of the shore,) up this river to the
31st deg. of lat., and along this parallel to the Mississippi
river. West, by the Mississippi river. Length, from north
to south about 340 miles; Breadth, 150, containing nearly
55,000 square miles.

Natural Geographij.—A' chtxin of islands stretch along the
coast, which is indented with hays, and intersected by numc-

f "

UNITED STATES.

889

rous water courses. From the mouth of Pearl river to the
entrance of Mobile bay, the distance is about 100 miles.
Twenty-five miles east of the former is the bay of St. Louis,
10 miles in length, and four in breadth. In general, the
soil and appearance of the country are very uninviting, and
have been described by the French writers in the most un-
favourable colours. But these accounts apply only to the
sea-coast, where the banks of the rivers, to the distance
of 20 or 25 miles, are nearly on a level with its waters, and
the surface being sandy or marshy, and liable to inundation,
it is ill fitted for agricultural purposes ; but beyond this dis-
tance, or the 31st deg. of lat., the soil along the Pearl and
Pascagoula rivers, from one to three miles in breadth, and
known in the country by the name of Swamp, is rich and
productive, covered in its natural state with a fine growth of
different trees, cotton-wood, gum, oak, bay, laurel, and mag-
nolia, intermixed, in the more elevated parts, with lofty cane,
and, in the low, with cypress. Between these borders the
soil, to the distance of 100 miles, is generally sandy, and
covered with the long-leaved pine ; but above this again the
surface gradually rises with a deep vegetable mould, which
nourishes a fine growth of poplar, oak, hickory, black walnut,
sugar maple, buck-eye, elm, hack-berry, &c. Towards the
northern line of demarcation, the surface is more unequal, and
more fertile ; it is of the colour of ashes, and capable of yield-
ing many successive crops without manure. The rocks are
calcareous, with some mixture of flint, slate, and sandstone.
The whole surface between the Mississippi river and Yazoo
branch, to the Tennessee river, is rich, well watered, and
healthy. The author of the Western Gazetteer considers the
country bordering on this last river, for 100 miles above and
below the Mussel Shoals, and for 40 north and south, as the
garden of North America, and unquestionably the most fa-
vourable to longevity and human enjoyment. The soil is
adapted to corn, sweet potatoes, indigo, cotton, esculent vege-
tables, and fruit. Even wheat will yield a good productive
crop. But it is the excellence of the waters, mildness and
healthfulness of the climate, and proximity to the navigable
13 2

i H

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^R :i i',^H|

win

11 i'iffl

f 1

1 I^H

1 '' w^^l

1 i 'J^H^H

39a

VIEW OF THE

waters of Tennessee "nd Toinbigbee, that render it the most
desirable to new settlers of any of the states or territories with-
in the hiTiits of the Union.

The course of the river Mississippi, along the western fron-
tier, is 572 miles. The Tennessee river forms the north-
eastern boundary, to the junction of Bear creek, a distance of
about 50 miles. Pascagoula river runs south 250 miles
through the central parts of the state to the gulf of Mexico,
where it forms a broad bay. Pearl river, which separates this
state from that of Louisiana, is navigable to the distance of
150 miles from its mouth, but its entrance is obstructed by
trees and logs, and has only seven feet water. Yazoo river
rises from several sources near ihe northern boundary of this
state, and runs in a south-west course to the Mississippi,
which it enters nearly at right angles in lat, 32 deg. 28 min.,
112 miles above Natchez, with an outlet 280 yards wide.
The Bayou Pierre runs into the Mississippi 40 miles above
Natchez ; and above this two other streams, called Cole's
creek and Catharine's creek, each 40 yards wide. Homochitto
river rises near Pearl river, south-east of Natchez, and falls
into an old channel of the Mississippi above Loftus's heights
in lat. 31 deg. 12 min. It is a fine stream 60 yards wide.
There are a number of other streams and creeks. The whole
navigable waters of this territory form a total extent of 2742
miles. Coal is said to be found on the Tombigbee, Tennessee,
Black Warrior, and other streams.

The two great articles of culture are cotton and Indian corn.
Cotton is planted in the latter end of February and beginning
of March. The average produce per acre is 1000 pounds in
the seed. Maize is planted from the 1st of March to the 1st
Qf July, and is of a fine quality in this state, the busliel in
many parts weighing 70 pounds. Rice is raised in the southern
parts. Wheat, rye, and oats, do not thrive so well as in the
northern states, and are not cultivated except for the use of
the establi hniont. Horned cattle are so numerous, that some
fiirmers have from 500 to 1000 head.

Population. — The population of this territory does not ex-
ceed 50,000 persons, of whom nearly one half are slaves.

UNITED STATES.

291

Chief Tmans.—NatcJie^, situated on the bank of the Mis-
sissippi, in lat. 31 deg. 33 inin., about 300 miles above New
Orleans, contains about 150 houses, belonging chiefly to cotton
planters, some of whom have a revenue of from 5000 to
30,000 dollars a-year. The plantations extend to the distance
of 20 miles. East of this town, and near to the }X)ssessions of
the Choctaw Indians, the progress of society is evinced by the
publication of two weekly newspapers. To the north-cast of
Natchez, on the upper branches of St. Catherine's creek, is
Sefterstotm, or Ellicotvilk\ consiring of 15 or 20 houses.
On the middle, and between the two principal branches of
Cole's creek, which unite 15 miles from its entrance into the
Mississippi, stands the town of Greenville, the capital of Jef-
ferson county, consisting of between 60 and 70 buildings,
including the court-house, church, and post-office. A few
miles, in a south-western < Section, is the village of Union-
town, which is yet incon&iderable. Two miles below the
mouth of the Bayou Pierre is Broxonsburg', where a few fami-
lies live; and, at the distance of 30 miles from its junction
with the Mississippi, is Port Gibson, the chief town of Clai-
borne county, containing about 60 houses, with an academy.
On Big Black river, which is 12 miles above the former, the
81 f elements extend to the distance of 40 miles along its branches.
Twenty -seven miles above the junction of this river, on the
upper side of the great western bend of the Mississippi, is
situated the village of Palmyra, established by emigrants from
New England. Twenty-ftve miles higher up, on the undu^
lating fertile surface of the Walnut Hills, are fine cotton plan-
tations.

Trade and Resourses.—}^ atchez is the only place of con,
eidorable commerce. Be f, pork, and corn, are sent to Mobile
and Pensacola, from the eastern parts, through the channel
of *\e Tombigbee. The surplus productions of the western
parts pass through the Mississippi.

Government. — The convention, for the purpose of forming
a constitution and state government, was composed of repre-
sentatives from each county, chosen by all the free white male
citizens, of 21 years of age, who had resided within the terri^

S9S

VIEW OF THE

tory one year prievous to the election, and paid county or
territorial tax. This convention, consisting of 48 members
from the 14 counties, met at the town of Washington, on the
first Monday of July, 1817. The constitution is similar to
that of the neighbouring states.

ALIBAMA TERRITORY.

t' "sill

^ituatim and Extent. »pHIS territory, including nearly one

half of the former Mississippi terri-
tory on the eastern side, and situated between the 30tli and
3.5th deg. of north lat., was established by an act of the
American congress, dated the 3d of March, 1817, with the
ibllowiiig boundaries : From the point where the Perdido river
intersects the 31 st degree of latitude, in an easterly direction,
to the western boundary line of the state of Georgia; along
this line to that of the southern boundary of the state of Ten-
nesf-ee; thence westerly to the Tennessee river, and by its
channel to the mouth of Bear creek ; thence by a direct line to
the north-west corner of Washington county ; and from this
point, in a southern direction, to the gulf of Mexico, including
all the islands within six leagues of the shore. It has the state
of Mississippi on the west, Tennessee on the north, Georgia on
the east, and the province of West Florida on the south. Its
area is not properly ascertained, but probably exceeds 40,000
square mil*"?.

Natural Geography.^The largest river of this territory,
running from north to south, is the Mobile. It is a fine
stream between 300 and 400 yards in width; the current
clear, and running at the rate of two miles an hour. Its two
great branches, which are known by the names of Tallapoose
atid Cooee, unite at the distance of about 415 miles from the

UNITED STATES.

S93

outlet of the Mobile. It has from four to five feet water to
the junction of the Alibair a and Tombigbee, a distance of 4d
miles. The Alibama branch is always navigable for vessels
drawing six feet water to Fort Claiborne, 60 miles ; and there
is from four to five feet water 150 miles higher up to the
mouth of the Cawhaba, which falls in on the western side, and
thence to the junction of the Cooseand Tallapoose, 160 miles,
there is three feet of water in the shallowest places, affording
a good navigation, except along two ripples, which skilful wa-
termen pass safely by directing the boat with poles.

Alwve one half of this territory is poor pine land. To the
east of the Alibama river, the soil is generally sandy, and co-
vered with pines, except along the water courses ; and in some
places it is intersected with rich limestone meadows, and
ridges of well-timbered land. Colonel Parmentier remarks,
that, ascending the river from the town of Mobile, you see the
lands on both sides constantly overflowed. The first dry
lands are 21 miles alwve the mouth of the river. Here are
traces of clay, mixed in layers, or rather in oblique veins, with
the sand. Throughout the 31st degree of latitude the swamps
are amazingly produciive. Between these marshes or swamps
and the ferruginous hills, there is a middle tract, rising by a
gentle ascent, the soil of which is a blackish earth, thickly
spread with small flint stones, or round quartz. The upper
region contains an infinite number of siliceous stones, covered
with iron in a sulphureous state. The streams also, which
flow through it, contain this mineral in a dissolved state. The
soil of the borders of the Alibama (called pine lands) produces
maize, cotton, and sugar. Above and below the confluence of
this river with the Tombigbee there are extensive swamps,
liable to inundation ; and a tract of poor stiff' clay extends
along their borders, a mile in breadth, terminating in a sandy
soil. About 50 miles above the union of these two rivers, the
high broken lands commence, and extend 60 miles northward,
covered with oak, hickory, cedar, and poplar. The best soil
for agriculture is between the Alibama and Tombigbee rivers.
Between the waters of the Alibama and those of the Conecah
there is a waving plain, 80 miles in length and 20 in width

ill

294;

VIEW OF THE

with a dark clayey rich soil, well timbered and watered. Be-
low this it is gravelly and broken, to the extent of 20 miles,
where the pine barrens couimence. Around the sources of
Limestone creek there is a tract of rich land, 20 miles in
length and eight in breadth, well watered, and covered with
various kinds of trees, of which the dogwood is the most abun-
dant, and hence the lands are known by this name.

A chain of mountains runs across this territory (m the south-
ern side of the Tennessee river, from its banks near the mouth
of Bear creek to Fort Deposit on the eastern side, where it
takes a northern direction across the river and the northern
line of boundary. The breadth of this chain opposite Mussel
shoals is about 50 miles, in many places it rises to half a n)ile
above its base, and is every where impassable for waggons,
The hills and mountains are all calcareous, except the summit
of the last, which consists of sandstone. The hills contain a
great quantity of iron ore.

In the low southern parts of this country the heat is very
great. The climate of the inland and upper parts resembles
that of Georgia.

The ^vild animals are, the panther, bear, wild cat, deei,
beaver, otter, fox, racoon, scjuirrel, hare, and rabbit. Alliga-
tors, from twelve to fifteen feet long, abound in the rivers ;
snakes in the marshy and woody places.

The Creek Indians, known also by the name of Muscogees,
reside chiefly on the waters of the Alibama and Chatahouche ;
where, before the late war, they counted 30 towns ; but, du-
ring that period, their number was greatly reduced. The po-
pulation is now about 20,000.

Population. — The present population of the territory is
estimated at 50,000. The emigration is chiefly from Georgia,
the Carolinas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The American
government lately ceded 100,000 acres of land on the Tom-
bigbee, near the junction of the Black Warrior branch, to a
French company, at two dollars an acre, payable in fourteen
years, on condition of their introducing and cultivating the
vine and the olive ; but this colony has since removed to the
frontier country between the United States and Mexico.

% 1 1*

UNITED STATES. ^g

Towns. jThoc\ner town is Mobile. It is situated at the
entrance of the nver of the same name, on a fine plain, about
20 feet above the usual rise of the water. When taken pos-
session of by the Americans, it contained about 200 houses
Since that pericd the population has increased daily, and it
will probably become a great commercial place, the centre of
trade of an immense country, extending to Tennessee and to
the frontiers of Georgia. In July, 1817, the population was
be ween 1000 and 1500. The houses are of wL, and gene-
rally one story high. Pensacola, however, affords a better
road for vessels, as they are sheltered from every wind- and
the depth of water on the bar at its entrance, which is never
less than 21 feet, will admit men-of-war of 60 guns. The port
of Mobile is the only place in the whole bay which ves^ls
drawing twelve feet water can approach. Those that draw
from ten and a half to eleven feet water sail up Spanish river
about two leagues, and descend Mobile river to the town
which requires but a few hours. Vessels of greater draught
come withm one or two leagues of the town, where they dis-
charge and take in their cargoes. A quay is now constructing,
at he eastern extremity of which there will be nine feet wate^
at low tide. Between Mobile bay and Pensacola, a distance
ot 70 miles, the country is yet a desert. A village has been
lately planned, at the mouth of the Tensaw river, on a drv
ekvated surface, where there are fine springs. St. Stepheni
the present government, is situated on the west side of Tom-
bigbee river, 80 miles above the town of Mobile, and at the
head ot sloop navigation ; it contains about 50 houses There
IS an academy, with 60 or 70 students, a printing-office, and
fifteen stores. The situation, which is well fitted for trade, is
found to be healthy.

Comrnerce.-lt was stated in the American journals of April,
1817, that the importations of the preceding year, at Mobile
from Boston, New York, and New Orleans", chiefly by sea'
were estimated at 1,000,000 of dollars; that, during tlie last
SIX momhs 1700 bales of cotton had been shipped there.
Ihe trade oi Maddison county will centre in this place.

( ,'

VIEW OP THE

Govemmmi.— The country watered by the Alibama ia
formed into a district, under the name of Washington, the
extent of which, excluding Indian lands, is estimated at
33,000 square miles. It is suL.Uvided into eight counties.
The governor and secretary are appointed by the president of
the United States, with the advice and consent of the senate.

Histortf.—lw 1800, this country (including the present state
of Mississippi) was placed under a separate territorial govern-
ment. In 1813 (April) the country situated to the west of
Perdido river, being included in the cession of Louisiana, was
taken possession of by the United States ; and that portion
east of Pearl river was annexed to the Mississippi territory.
In September, 1816, a tract of 13,000 square miles, situated
on both sides of the Mussel shoals of the Tennessee river, was
ceded by the Indians to the United States.

ILLINOIS.

Situafion and Extent fpHIS territory is situated between 36

deg. 57 rain, and 42 deg. 30 min.
north lat., and contains an area of 66,000 square miles, or 42
millions of acres. Its length from north to south is 380 miles,
and its breath from east to west 206 miles. It has the north-
west territory on the north ; the state of Kentucky and the
Missouri territory on the south and west ; and the state of In-
diana on the east.

Natwal Geography.— The chief rivers are the Illinois,
Kaskaskias, and Stony rivers, all admitting of boat navigation ;
and the Wabash, which divides this territory from Indiana.
The Illinois river rises near the south end of lake Michigan,
ond is formed by the waters of the Theakiki and Plein rivers.

UNITKD STATES.

897

which unite in north )a.. 41 deg. 48 min. Thence it pursues

a south-west course of nearly 500 miles to its junction with the

Mississippi, 18 miles above that of the Missouri, and 84 north

of the mouth of the Kaskaskias. The Illinois is 400 yards

wide at its mouth, is boatable to the Little Rocks, 60 miles

from the Forks or extreme branches, and 270 from its outlet.

The next river of this territory, in point of magnitude, is

the Kaskaskias, which issues from the meadows to the south

of lake Michigan, and falls into the Mississippi 84 miles south

of the Illinois, after a south-south-wcsterly course of 200 miles,

130 of which from its mouth it is navigable for boats and small

craft. It runs through a rich country abounding in extensive

meadows covered with the richest pasture.

The southern part of this territory between the Mississippi
and the Ohio is very level, and is, in some parts, subject to
inundation. This increases the depth and fertility of the soil,
and renders it even too rich for many agricultural purposes.
A tract extending from the mouth of the Wabash, and along
the Mississippi, 80 miles in length and five in breadth, is of
this description, and is very unhealthy. The rest of the coun-
try is very similar to Indiana, but more picturesque, particu-
larly between Vincennes and St. Louis, where rich meadows
and beautiful woods alternately present themselves. Along
the Little Wabash, the soil of the prairies is a rich fine black
mould, inclining to sand, from one to three or four feet deep,
lying on sandstone or clayey loam, and remarkably easy of
cultivation. Between the Kaskaskias and Illinois rivers, 84
miles distant, the surface is level till within fifteen miles of the
latter, where it terminates in a high ridge. Charlevoix de-
scribes the north-western partj which he visited as rich, beau-
tiful, and well watered. The climate being very temperate,
cattle and sheep would multiply prodigiously ; and the wild
buffaloes might be tamed, and great advantages might be
drawn from a trade in their wool and hides. The high
grounds continue along the eastern side of the Kaskaskias river,
at a small distance from it, to the Kaskaskias village, five miles
and a half. The sides of some of these hills fronting the river
are in many places perpendicular, and appear like solid piccva

2 P

l!l I

.i 4 J

VIEW OF THE

(".

■'./

of stone masonry of various colours, figures, and bIzcs. Thr
low land iK'twoen iliese hills and tlu> river Mississippi is level;
ithe soil rich, yieidiu^^ sliruhs and iVagrant flowers, which,
added to the nuinher and extent of meadows and ponds inter-
Kpersed through the valley, render it exceedingly lK.'autiful and
agreeable. The lands between the Illinois and Mississippi
rivers arc rich ahuost beyond i)arallel, (covered with large oaks,
walnut, &c. and not a stone is to be seen except uj^on the sides
of the rivers. Above the Illinois lake, the land on both sides,
to the distance of 27 or 3(^ miles, is generally low and ful. of
swann)s, some a mile wide, border.nl with fine meailous ; and
in some places the high land approaches the river in points r"
narrow necks. The alluvial .soil of the rivers, the breadth of
which is generally in ])roporlion to their magnitude, varying
from ;iOO or 400 yards to more than two miles, is so wonder-
fully fertile, that it has proiluceil fine crops witliout manure
for more than a century. Keyond this, the dry mi-adow land
without trees, rising from ;J0 to 100 feet above the former,
stretches to the distance of from one to ten miles. The whole
meadow ground of the Illinois river is supposed to contain an
area of l,iiOO,000 acres. The north-western parts arc hilly
and broken, abounding in ponds and swamps, called icrf prai-
rh'.s', but well watered and wooded, and containing tracts of
fertile soil.

Copper ^ore is said to have been discovered on Mine river,
which joins the Illinois, l!20 miles from its mouth. Millstones
were formerly made by the Ereuch, of a rock which forms a
rapid in the Illinois river. Alum was found on a hill, near
Mine river. Coal was observed extending half a mile along
the hijih bank of the north-western side of the Illinois river.
According to Ilutchins, quarries of limestone, freestone, and
marble, exist along the Mississippi, from between the Ohio and
ti.e Kaskaskia. White clay is found in the beds of the Illinois
and Tortue. The .salt works, on the Saline river, (26 miles
below the mouth of the Wabash,) furnish annually between
200,000 and ;>00,000 bushels of salt, which is sold at the works,
at from 50 to 75 cents per bushel.

UNITKl) STATKS.

2U9

' What wns sa)(: nl' the c liniato of Indiana applies almost
wiiially to Illinois. WintLT is on the whole an agiccahK- so».
son. Kxtr. 111.' col.l mvurs only when the wind sets in (Wnu
the north-wost, the tlu-rnK.n.eter the., fallinir to 7 (.r 8 de;;.
I)el.)w /en,; |,nt when it shifts to any other (|warter, mihl
weuthir and sunshine rctufn, with the thermometer freciiiently
above />() de(r. in iju. shade.

Popiilnth>i,.^-\i, 1810 the population was e,>tinuited at
VZ,m> persons. In 1S19 it was estin)ate(l at a(),()(H); the rn-
tio oHnerease hein^r ;j() p^r eent. per annum.

y'w74v;j,y.-..TirfH heingf a newly settled territory, it contains no
towns of any conseciuenee. Shmvna'Umm, or' SliawamrUno,
where onee slo.«| a vilhigc of the Indians of tijis name, is situ-
ated „n the Ohio, 1h.|(,w the Wabash, and was laid out at the
expenee of the United States. It was injured I.v an inu-ula-
tioninthe spring of 181. H, which swept "away thV Km-hmises
and drowned the eattle. The inhabitants escaped in boats.
It now eon.^ams !iO or 40 families, who live in cabins formed
ot trees or lo/rs, and subsir^. by the manufacture of salt. There
are several other villages, which may swn become places of
some importance.

hx thiw autumn of 1817, Mr. IJirkbeck, an intelligent and
cnterpnsmg I'lnglish far«,er, removed to this country, and set-
tied m the south-east parts, between the (4reat and i.ittlc Wa-
bash, at a spot to whieh he has given the name of English
I ran-te. In his « Notes on America,' and ' Letters from Illi-
nois/ he has given a just and striking description of the face of
the country, its soil, productions, mode of culture, and capaci-
ties of miprovemcnt ; and he has pointed out the great advan-
tages It otfers to settlers, especially t<. labourers, and farmers
ot small capital. The extensive circulation of these works has
attracted an extraordinary degree of attention to his settlement;
and the very iivvourable account he has given of the country,
with the confidence reposed by those who know him, and by
those who have read his Notes, in his judgment and agricul-
tural skill, have induced numbers to emigrate to the nei<»h-
bourhood, both fnmi lOngland and the United States, "it

■44»

'■/i:

800

VIEW Ol THE

appears, from a variety of notices in the American journals,
that population is increasing in this quarter with great rapidity.

Commerce.— f^umhers of cattle are raised in the lertile soil
called ' the Great American Bottom,' between the Kasknskia
and Illinois river, for the markets of Baltimore and Philadel-
phia. Horses of tl.a Spanish breed are also raised for sale.

Governmcut—The government of this territory was esta-
blished by acts of congress, dated yd of February, 1809; and
congress passed an act on the 18th of February, 1818, author-
izing the inhabitants of this territory to form a constitution
and state government, and to be admitted into the Union, on
an equal footing with the original states. The convention to
be chosen for this purpose, were to meet on the first Monday
of August, 1818. Slavery is abolished by law, and by act of
6th February, 181^.

History.— The first settlements were made by the French
at Kaskaskias, Kahokia, Fort Massac, and other places, which
are still inhabited by their descendants, though the country
was under the dominion of the British from the year 1756 to
the treaty of peace with the United States. The Indians then
inhabiting and claiming this territory were the Kaskaskias, the
Sacks and Foxes, and the Piankashaws. In 1803, the first
tribe ceded to the United States a tract of 12,000 square miles
from the mouth of the Ohio to that of the Illinois, and 80
miles in breadth from the Mississippi. Since this time several
other secessions have taken place, until the state swelled to iti
present extent.

UNITED STATES.

801

MICHIGAN

Situation and iJatot/.jyjiCHIGAN, formerly Wayne conn-

ty, was eroctt'd into a territory with
a separate government in 18()i5, witJj the following li»)its:
north, by the straits of Michillhiiakinac ; west, by lake Michi-
gan ; south, by a line running from east to west, which sepa-
rates it from the states of Ohio and Indiana; east, by lakes
Huron and St. Clair, to lake Erie. The southern line has not
yet been accurately fixed. It is situated between 41 deg. 50
min. and 45 deg. 20 min. of north lat., and 5 deg. 12 min. and
9 deg. west long, from Washington. It includes a surface of
47,500 square miles, 30,400,000 acres. Its length from south
to north is 250 miles, its breadth from east to west 160 miles.
This territory forms a peninsula bounded on the north, east,
and west sides by the great lakes Michigan and Huron.

Natural Geography. — This territory is nearly environed by
the great lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan, and a great num-
ber of small pieces of water are intersnnviud throughout the
interior parts. The total extent of navigable waters, including
rivers, is 1789 miles.

The surface has a gentle elevation from the westen and
northern borders towards the middle, which is generally level,
and without hills or mountains. Extensive meadow lands
stretch from the banks of the St. Joseph's to lake St. Clair,
some of which, called ■ high prairies/ are equal in quality to
those of Indiana, and are of very different soil from the low
prairies, which are sandy or marshy. Other parts are covered
with extensive forests. The lands on Saganaum river are of a
good quality ; meadow lands extend from its banks to the dis-
tance of four or five miles. Thence to Flint river, fifteen
miles, the country is level, the soil excellent, and covered with
trees; thence to the Huron river the surface is waving, cover-

{ \

302

VIEW OF THE

cd with oak without underwood, and interspersed with lak«s,
resembling the county of Cayuga in the state of New York.
From Huron to Detroit the soil is rich, but low and marshy.
The soil of the banks of the rivers St. Joseph's and Saganaum
is of an excellent quality. Along the straits of St. Clair there
are fine meadows interspersed with rich wood lands. The
banks of the Huron and Rouge rivers are also very fertile and
well wooded. Those of Swan creek are low and unhealthy
within a mile of the lake, beyond which there is high and good
soil. That of the uplands of Kocky and Sandy creeks is poor
and sandy. The alluvial soil of the rivers Ilaisin and Miami
is excellent near their outlets ; but at some distance beconjcs
light and sandy. Along a considerable part of the coast of
lake Michigan are sandy eminences, formed near the mouths
of the rivers by the action of their current operating against
the swell of the lake. Along the vvestern shore of lake Huron
there is a narrow tract of poor soil, from half a mile to a mile
in breadth. It is believed that this territory contains twenty
millions of acres of excellent soil, of which eight millions have
been ceded by the Indians to the United States, who have
sold above 200,000 to dlH'erent individuals.

The banks of Kocky creek and other streams are calcareous.
On two branches of the Saganaum river there are salt springs,
which, it is believed, will be sufficient for the use of the terri-
tory, and all the settlements on the upper lakes.

The northern hituallou of this country would seem to indi-
cate a considerable degree of cold ; but it is found to be so
modified by the waters of the lakes, that the winter is warmer
than in some more southern latitudes. The season commences
about the middle of November, and lasts till the middle of
March ; and the Ice on the rivers and borders of the lakes,
during this period, is generally strong enough to support
slcdiies. There is but little snow. Towards the state of In-
diana, the climate resembles that of the western counties of
New York and Pennsylvania; but along the coast of lake
Huron, the winter commences two weeks earlier than at De-
troit. Lake St. Clair is frozen over every year from l^eceni-
ber to February. According to the observations of general

i^\

UNITED STATES. 303

Wilkinson made in 1797, the thermometer between St. Clair
and M,ch,lhmackmac never rose higher at noon tlmn 70 deg ,
and m the mornmg and evening it often sunk to 46 deff

P./;./«^ia«.--The population of this territory, which is

hiefly of French origin, has not increased so rapidly as might

have been expected from its salubrity and advantageous com.

.erc.al sUuat.on. In I800 there were about 3000 inlbitantT;

m 1810 he number did not amount to 5000. I„ 1816 it was

estimated at 12,000, exclusive of Indians.

Chief Towm.-Dctroit, situated on the western side of the
strait eighteen miles above Maldon, and six below the outlet
or ake St. Clair, contains more than 300 buildings. About
hal the population is of French origin, the rest from different
par s of Europe and the United States. It was originally de-
tended by a strong stockade, which was burnt down in 1806
several wooden quays, or wharfs, project into the river. Thai
of the United States is 140 feet long, and the water is deep
enough f;,r a vessel of 400 tons burthen. The public build-
ings consist of a council-house, prison, and store. The last is
cvf three stories 80 feet in length, and 30 feet wide. AnotLr
sU,re IS now building. The present Roman catholic chapel
to be rep aced by a new one of a large size. A college I to
Tre l''^' here, and the building l.as already comL ed
rhere IS a printing office, and formerly a newspaper, called
t e 'Michigan Essay,' was issued from Utica, b 't t has b e„
discontinued for want of enconrageinent

Manufacticrcs and Commercc.-The manufactures of this
territory, m 1810, amounted to 37,018 dollars; but the p "
gress was chec ed during the war by the ravLges .f U e'[ -"

lIZl T"'' "r "^"'1 '" ^^^^ '''"^"""^^^' ^° '^«15 dollars.
In 181. the exports in cyder, apples, and fish, amounted to

tT T "" y^'V ^'1''''^'"--^-- are ports c^

b f^pork h'^'T "" '■"", '"' ^^^^^"f «'-' and consist of
oeet, pork, cheese, butter, and whiskey.

S04

VIEW OF THE

History. — This country, when first discovered by the whites,
was occupied by the Hurons, jimny of whom, about the year
1648, were converted to Christianity by the Jesuit missiona-
ries, who erected a chapel at the falls of St. Mary, and another
on the island of St. Joseph. About the year 1670, the Hu-
rons were defeated and dispersed by their implacable enemies,
known by the name of Six Nations ; and at the close of the
American war, this territory was occupied by different tribes,
whose warriors amounted to 3500. In 1663 Louis XIV. sent
a small number of troops to this territory to protect the trade
in furs, and some years afterwards a fort was built at Detroit,
and another at Michillimackinac, by which means the traders
were enabled, notwithstanding the opposition of the Iroquois,
to extend this commerce to the borders of the Mississippi ; but
these advantages were lost by the war of 1756, which deprived
the French of all their North American possessions ; and this
territory falling into the hands of the English, was ceded to
the United States by the peace of 1783, and was placed under
the protection of a governor, with temporary regulations ex-
tending to all the country north-west of the Ohio. The Eng-
lish fort of Detroit was also ceded in 1796, and the peninsula
received the name of Wayne county. In 1805, a distinct
government was established under its present name.

MISSOURI TERRITORY.

SHmtion and Extent. 'pHE Missouri territory extends from

the Mississippi on the east, to the
Rocky mountains on the west, and from the gulf of Mexico ou
the south, to Canada on the north. It lies between 29 and
49 deg. of north lat., and 13 deg. 50 min. and 32 dog. of west
long, from Washington Its length, from south to north, is

UNITED STATES.

305

about 1400 miles, and its breadth, from east to west. 886

ost^e^r :;r " ^"^ ^^ ^'^" ^^^'^^^ ^"- -'-' -

the^M;'"^ «^'%'Vvzp%.-The country upon the north side of
the Mi.soun nver consists of fine rich meadows, or hills
covered wuh a tolerable good soil, and thinly wooded. Fo
he distance of 200 or 300 miles, from the rivfr Mississippi to
the base of the Rocky mountains, the whole country if one
contmued pran.,e, or level surface, except along the rivers, the
alluvml soil of which is considerably lower than the surrou^d^
mg country, and the breadth in proportion to the magnitude
ot he river. The Missouri river is generally from 150 to 300
feet below the level of the surface.

The countiy south of the Missouri, and along the Missis-
s.pp., from the mouth of the Arkansas to the head of Ti-
wappaty Bottom about the mouth of the Ohio, a distance of
nearly 450 miles, ,ow and level. The high grounds
commence about t V. . . miles below cape Girardeau, from
which a Cham of hms stretches across th^ country to the sT
Francs, dividing the lower from the upper country. The low
lands are generally well wooded, the high grounds very thinly,
and scarcely a shrub is seen on the natural meadows. On the
northern bank of the Osage river there is an extensive tract of
rich alluvial soil ; that on the opposite side is inferior, but it
opens inco a fine fertile plain, which is seen to great ad;antage
loin the summit of some high mounds or insulated hills near
the Indian village. * From this eminence,' says Mr. Brown, a
surveyor, ' I am persuaded that, turning round, I could sur-
vey 500 square miles, and nearly all of the first quality ; tim-
ber and sprmgs only are wanting to make this the fin'est part
of the world I have yet seen.' From this point towards the
woody country a distance of 130 miles, the land becomes
gradually less fertile to the streams of the Grand river of the
Arkansas, which runs in a western direction. But, upon the
whole this immense tract of country is wild and uninviting

Lead ore IS very abundant in this country ; it is said to ex-
i t^'r^ " '-'^'^^^^'^-^^i^ngth, and 200 in breadth,
tiom St. Genevieve to the mines of the Sack and Fox Indians

2 Q

}

) M\

306

VIEW OF THE

on the Mississippi. Iron ore on the rivers St. Francis, Mara-
raek, and Osage, and in the country watered by White river.
Above Cedar island, 1075 miles from the mouth of the Mis-
souri, where the alluvial soil terminates, the brown iron ore
appears on the s ;vface, and prevents vegetation. Copper, a
short distance beiow the falls of St. Anthony. Zinc— The
blend ore of this metal is found in the pits formed for working
the lead mines. Pyrites are found on the borders of the Wa-
shita river. Spar crystallized in caves and subterraneous
places from the river Missouri to that of the St. Francis.
Limestone abounds in the elevated country. Coal, a large
body near the mouth of the Missouri, and at the foot of the
bluffs on the Osage river ; and, according to hunters, on the
Little Missouri and Yellow Stone rivers. Alum, nitre, salt-
petre, ochres, salt, &c. is found in various parts.

Deer and wild horses are numerous in this country, and
travellers say that flocks of buffaloes, from 40,000 to 50,000,
are seen together. The soil is well adapted for the growth of
wheat and maize. Hemp is indigenous, and grows to the
hei<'ht of eleven feet. About 1500 weight may be obtained
from an acre.

The climate of the parts of this territory already settled, si-
tuated between the 33d and 4.0th degrees of north lat., is sub-
ject to extremes of heat and cold, similar to tho.se which are
experienced in the Atlantic states; but they are here of much
shorter duration, and the general temperature is mild and
agreeable. The changes are not so sudden as in the eastern
st'ates, and the north-west wind, which brings a chilling cold,
.seldom continues more than eight hours. Spring opens with
lieavy rains, which are frequent till the 1st of May, when they
cease till the 1st of August; and, during this period, the wea-
ther is warm, with frequent thunder and lightning.

Population.— The population of this territory in 1817 was
estimated at 68,794, including slaves and civilized Indians.

Chief To7c/hs.—T\ui town of St. Louis, situated in 38 deg.
;J0 min. north lat., and 12 deg. 51 min. west from Washing-
ton, extends two miles along the western side of the Mississip-
pi, at the distance of 14 miles below the mouth of the Missouri,

UNITED STATES.

{J07

»nd 18 above that of the Maramck, and about 1350 above
New Orleans. It was founded in 1764. There are three
streets parallel with the river. Most of the houses are built
of limestone, with a garden or park inclosed with a stone wall.
In 1816, the population of the town of St. Louis was about
2000. The number of dwelling-houses in Maich, 1817, was
from 3,50 to 400. Some of the lands near St. Louis are ex-
tremely fertile.

Herculaneum, a village of ^00 inhabitants, established by
colonel Hammond and major Austin, is situated on the borders
of the Mississippi river, at about an equal distance from St.
Louis and St. Genevieve, at the mouth of the Joachim river.
Boats are built here ; there are several mills in the vicinity ;
and a patent shot factory has been lately established by Mr.
Matlock, on the edge of a rock, wliei'e there i.s a fall for the
shot of aOO feet perpentlicular.

The village of St. Genevieve, situated about three miles
above the mouth of Gabarre creek, in lat. 57 deg. 51 rain.,
contained, in 1816, 350 houses, an academy, eight or ten
store.^, and it had a road leading to the lead mines. The an-
nual imports were then estimated at 150,000 dollars, A
tract, extending five miles along the bank of the river, and
containing 7000 acres, is owned by the inhabitants in common,
and called the ' Common Field.'

On Big river, which traverses the tract where the lead mines
are wrought, there are several compact settlements, of which
the largest is Bellevnc, situated at the distance of SO miles
west of the town of St. Genevieve. Other small establishments
extend 50 miles up the Maramek, and to the waters of the St.
Francis. Farm-houses are established on the navigable streams
of this district; the la Vase, Saline, and Apple creek. Lead
and salt are the chief articles of export. The annual produce
of the former is estimated at 1,525,000/.

The village of St. Charles^ on the borders of the Missouri,
about 24 miles from its mouth, and 25 from St. Louis by
land, contains about 1000 Inhabitants. T!ie houses extend a
mile along the river, under a hill, which prevents an extension
of the town in :in opposite direction. This establishment was

308

VIEW OF THE

founded in 1780, by Creoles and Canadians. It is the resi-
dence of a numerous class of watermen, called engcigees.

The prosperity of New Madrid, situated on the west bank
of the Mississippi, in 36 J deg. north lat., was impeded in 1811
by an earthquake. There are several other settlements and
villages in this territory, which do not merit a particular de-
scription.

Commerce. — Peltry is the principal article of trade in this
district. The annual average quantity of this article, from the
year 1789 to 1804, a period of fifteen years, was as follows :
Castors, 36,900 lbs., valued at 66,8^0 dollars. Otters, 8000
—37,100. Bear skins, 5100—14,200. Buffalo skins, 850—
4750. Racoon, wild cat, and fox skins, 28,200—12,280.
Martins, 1300—3900. Lynx, 300—1500. Deer skins,
158,000—63,200, Total, 203,750. The average yearly va-
lue of the goods sent up the Missouri river, during the same
period, was 61,250 dollars, which yielded an annual profit of
27 per cent.

Government. — The act of the congress of the United States,
providing for the government of this territory, was passed in
June, 1812. The executive power is vested in a governor,
appointed by the president and senate of the United States,
for the term of three years. This magistrate is commander-
in-chief of the militia, superintendent of Indian affairs, and is
invested with power to appoint and commission all public offi-
cers, not otherwise provided for by law ; to grant pardon for
offences against the territory, and reprieves for those against
the United States ; and to convene the embly on extraordi-
nary offences. Delegates to congress are to be elected by the
citizens at the time of electing their representatives to the ge-
neral assembly, to have the same powers, privileges, and com-
pensation, as are granted to delegates of other territories.

UNITED STATES.

809

NORTH-WEST TERRITORY.

situation and E.Ttent.q>mS territory is bounded on the

north by lake Superior, and the
water communication between this lake and the Woods, and
from the north-west corner of the lake of the Woods by a
direct line to Red river, which it strikes a little below the
junction of the Assiniboin.; on the south I)y the Illinois terri-
tory, from which it is separated by the parallel of 42 dec^. 30
K.in. ; on the east by lake Michigan and the channel between
lake Huron and lake Superior; and on the west by the Mis-
sissippi river to its sources, and thence by the waters of the
Ked river to the junction of the Assiniboin, which separates it
trom the Missouri territory. It is situated between 42 deff
30 mm. and 49 deg. 37 niin. of north lat., and between 7 deg
and 20 deg. west long. Worn Washington. Its i,readth, at the
latitude of 46 deg., from east (o west, is 48(» miles. Its length
IS very unequal Area, about 147,000 square miles, or
94,080,000 acres. -

Natural Geofr^aphy.-.li is difficult to imagine a finer situa-
tion, with regard to water communication, than that of the
North:west territory. Lake Superior, on the north, is con-
nected with lake Michigan on the east, and with a chain of
small lakes, extending to the lake of the Woods. The Mis
sissipp, extends along the western side ; and beyond its sources
IS Reamer of lake Winnipig, running in an oppo.site direc-
tion Ihe interior is intersected by numerous rivers, flowing
m different directions, from sources near each other, into lakes
bupermr and Michigan, and the river Mississippi, and admit-
ting ot an easy communication, by means of short canals. The
upper parts are studded with small lakes.

Fox river, a branch of the Illinois, which rises in the south-
eastern parts, is navigable 1 3o miles. Chicago river is an arn;

ill

310

VIEW OP THE

of lake Michigan, at the distance of a mile from which it di-
vides into two branches, both of which, as well as the main
cliannel, are from 15 to SO yards wide, and have water suffi-
cient for the passage of large vessels, except on the bar at the
entrance. Green bay, the northern extremity of whirh is
called Noquet's bay, is an arm or branch of lake Michigan,
running parallel with it, liiO miles: the interjacent land is
from 20 to 40 miles broad. The breadth of Green bay varies
from six to 30 miles. This bay has water sufficient for vessels
of JiOO tons burden, and affords an easy and safe navigation.
Fox river, (called sometimes Outagamy,) which it receives at
the south-western extremity, is 400 yards wide at its entrance,
witli three fathoms water, and is navigable 160 miles to Win-
nebago lake, through which tliis river passes to its outlet in
Green bay. The river St. Louis, which falls into West bay,
at the bottom of the lake, rises near some of the eastern ex-
treme branches of the Mississippi, and is navigable 150 miles
from its mouth, near which, and towards its source, the North-
west company have established several trading houses.

The Red, Swan, Muildy, and a ninnber of other rivers, in-
tersect this country in every direction. The Ouisconsin takes
its rise about the 45th degree of latitude, near the source of
the Montreal river of lake Superior, and north of that of the
Fox river, with which it runs in a soutliern direction, separated
l)y a high ridge to near the Carrying place, where it takes a
tiouth-westcrn direction, to its junction with the Mississippi, in
lat. 43 deg. US min., a distance, in following its course, of 240
miles. It is more than 100 yards wide at the (Carrying place,
and about half a mile near its outlet; and, throughout all
this distance, it 'flows witli a smooth, but strong current."
When the water is low, the navigation is impeded in some
places by bai'^ of sand. The traders of Michillimuckinac send
their goods through the channel of the Fox and Ouisconsin
rivers to the Mississippi. The southern parts of this territory
arc watered by Rock river, which is said to rise near Green
bay of lake Michigan, and run a course of 450 miles, for 300
of which it is navigable. Numerous lakes are interspersed
♦ tiifuinhour. the interior of this torritr)ry, which are generally

UNITED STATES.

SIX

The whole extent of na-

the sources of the principal rivers,
vigable waters exceeds 8100 miles.

This territory, stretching across 13 degrees of longitude and
7 ot latitude, encircled and intersected by lakes and lar^^e ri-
vers, has a great variety of soil. Near the north-westevn parts
must be the most elevated point of land between the Atlantic
ooast the gulf of Mexico, and Hudson's bay; for here, within
JO miles of each other, the St. Lawrence, Red, and Mississippi
rivers have their sources, from which they flow to those seas
m an eastern, northern, and southern direction respectively,
each traversing a space of more than 2000 miles. Carver de!
scribes « the land on the south-east side of Green bay of lake
Michigan as but very indifferent, being overspread with a
heavy growth of hemlock, pine, spruce, and fir trees; but ad-
joinmg to the bottom of the bay, it is very fertile, the country
m general level, and affording many fine and extensive viewi^.'
On the western side of the territory, below the falls of St. An-
thony the high lands and prairies have the appearance of a
tolerably good soil; but above this parallel, Pike has remark-
ed, that It gradually becomes poorer. Two-thirds of the ad-
jacent country between the river Des Corbeaux, or parallel of
45 deg. 50 min., and Pine river, is so covered with small lakes,
that It IS impassable except in bark canoes. Along the water
courses ai^ clumps of oak, ash, maple, and lynn; and num-
bers of elk deer and buffalo are seen. Fron; Leech lake to
the sources of the Mississippi river, the whole face of the
country IS described by Pike 'as an impenetrable morass, or
boundless savannah.' The highest mountains are those south
ot the Carrying place, between the Fox and Ouisconsin rivers
which Carver ascended, and ' had an extensive view of the'
country. For many miles nothing was to be seen but sepa-
rate hills, which appeared at a distance like hay cocks, beinff
.without trees. Groves of hickory and stunted oaks covered
some ot the vallies.'

Silver ore has been found on ihe south side of lake Superior.
The lead mines of Dubuque (the name of the proprietor) ex-
tend from within a k^v miles of the Mississippi, to the distance
"t ..7 or 28 leagues between the Ouisconsin and Rocky

f ii

*»ii

di2

vt;;w of the

branches, occupying a breadth of from one to three miles.
The annual produce of metal is from 90,00() to 30,000 poimdw.
Cojjper ore and native copper seem to abound on the southern
coast of lake Superior, and on the banks of some of its tri-
butary streams.

The elevation and northerly situation of a great portion of
this territory indicate a considerable degree of cold, which,
however, is modified by the great masses of water of lakes Su-
perior and Michigan. Carver was struck with the luxuriant
growth of the wild rice, which is not seen to the east of lake
Erie, and scarcely ripens near its waters. (Jn leaving Michil-
limackinac, in the spring season, though the trees there have
not even put forth their buds, yet you arrive here in 14 days,
and find the country around the bay covered with the finest
verdure. According to the same traveller, the north-west
wind, which brings intense cold to the New England states, is
much less severe in this country.

Population. — The number of white inhabitants of this terri-
tory is yet inconsiderable, but no enumeratic^n was made in
1810, and we have not been able to procure satisfactory in-
formation on the subject. A tract of about 8,000,000 of acres
of this territory is claimed by the heirs of the late captain Jo-
nathan Carver, in virtue of a deed in their possession, granted
and signed by two of the chiefs of the Naudowessie Indians,
the 1st of May, 1767.

Manners, ^-c— The people belonging to the colony on
Green bay are extremely polite and courteous, strictly pre-
serving the manners of their forefathers, the French. The
women, nine-tenths of whom are of Indian origin, are modest
in their manners. Their costume is grotesque, wearing print-
ed calico short gcwns, petticoats of strouds, and mocassins.
The men, with few exceptions, have partly adopted the man-
ners of the Indians. Their dress is that worn by the French
people of Detroit. At the carrying place, between the Fox
and Ouisconsin rivers, 3,50 milt? east of the falls of St. An-
thony, two or three familes of French origin are established,
who charge the extravagant sum of 30 cents per cwt. for the
transportation of goods; for a canoe, five dollars; a boat.

UNITED STATES. 313

three. It is said that the United States propose to establish a
military post here.

Towtts.— Hero are no towns of any consequence. The
Prmrte^les Chiena, or Dog meadow establishment, on the east
T "* * ;^0"'«^^o"«in. an^l about a mile from its outlet, con-
Hi«t8 ot 00 houses, or about 400 inhabitants, who are chiefly
o\ trench origin, with a mixture of Indian blood. These
houses form a village of two streets, though some of them are
scattered along the surface, to the distance of four or five miles
in spring and autumn this is a place of resort for the white
traders and Indians, whose number is sometimes equal to that
ot the mhabitants.

THE COUNTRY

BETWEEN

THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS

^ 'I

AND THE

PACIFIC OCEAN.

THESE vast regions will soon be settled by the enterprising
and restless inhabitants of the United States. Already
has a settlement been formed at the mouth of the Columbia
where it joins the Pacific ocean, and which promises to become
a place of great importance. The area of this country is esti-
mated at 224,000 square miles.

The Rocky mountains were so named by the hunters, on
account of thrir steep and rugged appearance. They form a
part of the great chain which extends from the str.-.its of Ma-
gellan, nearly to the polar circle. The American exploring

2 R

VIEW OF THE

party not having a barometer, were unable to ascertain their
heights ; but the pt'r|H;tual snow on their summits indicates an
elevation of 8000 or 9000 feet.

Another great rhain of mountains, nearly parallel to the
former, and distant from them about 80 leagues, stretches
across the country, near the coast. The most elevated parts
rfthif' chain, Mount Jefferson and Mount Hood, botween the
44th and irdi parallels, are also covered with perpetual snow.
These mountains, which have hecii seen by all the navigators
who have visited this coast, extend more than 300O miles from
Cook's Entry to Calilbrnia. Between these cwo great ridges
runs another less elevated range, in a south-west direction,
towards the 45th deg. of north lat., where it terminates in a
level plain. Another stretches, in a north-western direction,
across the Columbia river, towards the great chain which run-
parallel to the coast. IJetween the Rocky mountains and
those near the sea, the country is a wide and extensive plain,
without woods, except along the narrow elevated borders of
the water courses. Towards the With parallel, this tract ex-
tends nearly 400 miles fnmi east to west ; near the 53d paral-
lel, where it was observed by Mackenzie, it is contracted to
200 miles ; and here the uneven surface and woods commence.

Columbia river, which traverses the country situate between
the two great chains of mountains, runs first in a north-west,
and afterwards southern direction, to the 4()th deg. of lat.,
where it takes a westerly course to the Pacific ocean, into
which it discharges its waters, a little above the 46th deg. of
lat. The great tributary streams of the Columbia are Clarke's,
Lewis, and the Multnomah rivers. The Columbia, receiving
its waters through these different channels, and from very re-
mote sources, is of considerable magnitude, several hundred
miles fVom its mouth. At the junction of Lewis river, which
is nearly 400 miles from the sea, in lat. 46 (kg. 15 jnin., its
width is 960 vards; and farther down it is from one to three
miles, embracing a number of islands, some of which are of
considerable extent. Above the mouth of Lewis river there
are remarkable falls, where the descent, in 1200 yanls, is 37
feet 8 inches, and the rapids extend from three to four miles.

UNITED STATES.

8li

In this descent the whole iriuss of waters passes through a
channel of black rock, half a mile lung, and not more than 45
yards in widtl). Hcyond the limits of the tide the waters wi« e
12 feet higher in spring than in NovtnilH^r. The Columbia,
like the Missouri river, has, in some places, washed away its
banks, and formed new channels ; and this, perhaps, accounts
for the remarkable fact noticed by lA'wis and Clarke, that near
the Kiesnowee river the trunis of large pines are found stand-
ing upright in the bed of the river, rooted in the soil at the
bottom, though the waters were ^0 feet in depth at the time,
(the middle of April,) and arc in no season less thnn 10. Near
Lewis river the waters of the Columl)ia are sn clear, that thi-
salmon are seen at the dej)th of from 15 to 20 ''*^et.

The other rivers which discharge thf ,r watei > "nto the Pa-
cific ocean in tile adjacent countr^y oi th o; tUn Cc'imbia, are
the Clatsop, Chimiook, and Killamuck. i'lie It*/, which is
100 yards wide, is rapid, but navigable itf* hole length, and
serves as the great channel of trade.

On the west side of the Rocky mountains, the country, for
several hundred miles in length, and about 50 in breadth, is a
high level plain, thinly interspersed with groves of the long-
leaved pine. In descending, the soil gradually becomes more
fertile, and, in many parts, is of an excellent quality. The
.soil, in general, throughout this country is very good. The
Columbian valley, watered by the river, is shaded with groves
of trees. The temperature is mild, and the soil so fertile, that
it is supposed to be capable of giving subsistence to 40,000 or
50,000 persons. The adjacent highlands are also fertile,
having a dark rich loamy soil, and susceptible of cultivation.
One great advantage is the wood, which is sufficiently abun-
dant to supply the wants of a considerable population.

The shore of the Pacific is low and open, \vitli a grassy sur-
face ; but the inner side of the ridge of mountains which runs
parallel therewith, is covered with thick timber

The climate of this region is milder than in the same paral-
lel of the Atlantic states.

The length of the route by which Lewis and C'larke travel-
led to the I'iiiific ocean was 41i{4 miles: but on their return,

316

VIEW OF THE

in 1806, they came from Travellers' Rest creek directly to the
falls of the Missouri river, which shortens the distance from
the Mississippi to the Pacific ocean to 3555 miles. Two thou-
sand five hundred and seventy-five miles of this distance is up
the Missouri to the falls of that river ; thence passing through
the plains, and across the Rocky mountains, to the navigable
waters of the Koc skooskee river, a branch of the Columbia, is
340 milej. Two hundred miles of this distance is a good road ;
140 miles over a mountain, steep and broken, 60 miles of
which was covered several feet deep with snow, at the end of
June. From tiie navigable part of the Kooskooskee, they de-
scended that rapid liver 73 miles, to its entrance into Lewis
river, passed down that river 154 miles, to the Columbia, and
which conducted them to the Pacific ocean, at the distance of
413 miles. The tide-water met them in the Columbia, 180
miles from the sea. The total distance descending the Co-
lumbia waters was 640 miles, making a total of 3555 miles, on
the most direct route from the mouth of the Missouri to the
Pacific ocean.

COLUMBIA TERRITORY.

Situation and Extent ^HE territory of Columbia, which

formed a ^art of the states of Vir-
ginia and Maryland, became the permanent seat of govern-
ment in the year 1801. This territory, extending on both
sides of the Patomak, contains a surface of ten miles square,
of which the diagonals are north and south, and east and west.
The south angle * at Fort Columbia, .situated at Jones's
point, at the mouth of Hunting creek, on the left bank of the
Patomak .

.U...

UNITED STATES. qi^

Natural Geo^aphy.-The Patomak, which has already
Wndescnbed traverses the territory of Columbia. Frol
Washington to Us mouth, in the Chesapeake bay, it is naT
gable for the largest frigate, a distance, in follo.vi .fg it Z^"

te! t.^^h ^r rT''^'"^'"" '''^' ''^''' the common tide

Tde n m^^^^^^ '' ''" '"' ^^ ^ ^"^^^^ «*• the Patomak,
n^ade m 1789, it was ascertmned, that at the distance of 15

S above the city of Washington, this river is 143 feet
h gher than at tide water; that from the mouth of Savage r

knH ?' . "f ''" ^'""'^ ""^ Maryland, to Fort Cumber-
land, a distance of 31 miles, the descent is 445 feet, or 14> per
mde; and from Fort Cumberland to tide water a dis ance
of 187 miles, the descent is 715 feet, or 3-82 per mile By a
;::?•" m I8O6, at the expence of the'patomak coL!
pany, it was ascertained, that the Shenandoah river from
Its mouth to Port Republic, has nearly the same breadth du
nng all this distance of .00 miles, in wU the clliu is but"

The Paiomak company, by whom the navigation of the

Xo I'lrr^M' T '"^^^P"'-^^^^ ^- this'pur^se by
1784 1 T \ ^^'y^^^^ and Virginia, passed in thenar

consisted of 701 T^i' • u ""^"^^ '^P'*^'' «^ ^^ock,

creek, to 500 dollars T\rl Conegocheague

shall 'have bin ompleted^ "P""' "'"" '''' ^°^^

dollars. ^"""Pi^ted, have been estimated at 20,000

In a national point of view, this work will be of .rea^ ad

tiifBriiltv „f „ "J" "acts, imirerto unknown fron, in.

*fl.cu].y of con,mu„,cat,o„, will b. rendoml ncccsiblc and

318

VIEW OF THE

inviting to every speculation, whether of a scientific or com-
mercial nature.

The distaaoe from Washington to the Upper or Matilda
fails of the Patomak on the Virginia side, is about 14 miles.
The perpwidicular descent of the falls is 76 feet, but the rapids
extend for several miles up the river. The scene is wild and
magnificent. The romantic scenery of the Great falls, 59
miles from Washington, is seen most to advantage from the
Virginia side, and is scarcely to be equalled. There is a stu-
pendous projecting rock covered with cedar, where one may
sit and gaze at the waters dashing with impetuosity over the
rugged surface. At the close of winter, vast masses of ice,
rolling over the rocks with a hideous crashing noise, present a
scene truly sublime.

The surface of the district of Washington is beautifully ir-
regular and diversified ; in some parts level, in others undu-
lating or hilly, and intersected by deep vallies. The soil is so
various, that it is not easy to give an exact idea of its composi-
tion. On the level banks of the Patomak there is a deep
alluvion formed by the depositions of this river, and containing
fragments of primitive mountains, pyrites, gravel and sand,
shells, and the remains of vegetable substances. The stone
with which the basons of the Patomak canal are lined is a spe-
cies of sandstone, similar to what is found in coal beds. Ihe
rock employed to form the foundation, or base, of the houses
of Washington, is a species of gneiss, composed of felspar,
quartz, and mica, ^a leafy texture, owing to the abundance
and disposition of the mica.

The fishes which inhabit the river Patomak, at and near
Washington, are sturgeon, rock-fish, sliad, gar, eel, carp, her-
ring, pike, perch, mullet, smelt. In a distance of about 100
miles above and below Washington, 4U0,0()() barrels of her-
rings are caught annuaHy, of which a considerable quantity
are cured and exported. Tho}- are salted without being gut-
ted, and the blood mixes with the brine, which in a few days
is poured off, when the herrings are taken out, washed, and
salted anew. The fisheries continue during the month of
April. In 17<i8 an act was pa.^sed by the legislature, which.

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UNITED STATES.

S19

in 1798, became a permanent law, to prevent the destruction
of vounff fish by wears or dams.

it is a prevailing opinion throughout the United States, that
the climate of the district of Washington is unhealthy ; but
this opinion is not formed on good grounds, for .t is certam,
that in no season is it visited by habitual or endemical disease
^ The best proof of the salubrity of a place is the longevity ot

^ its inhabitants. During autumn bilious fever sometimes pre-

vails; but, at tlii^' season, it is common to other parts oi the
United States. In winter chronical diseases often occur, occa-
sioned by the sudden changes of weather, which check perspi-
ration ; but these are not confined to this c.ty. In July the
heat is often oppressive; but it is believed, on good grounds,
that the dimate has been improved by the clearing of the
country, and that the extremes both of heat and a.ld are now
less violent than formerly. During the last ten years, the
avera-e depth of the snow has not exceeded eight or ten
inches, though it was much greater in the memory of persons

still living. . n r, ^ u-

Pomlation— The population of the territory of Columbia
in 1800 was 14,093; in 1810 it amounted to 24,023; that ot
the city was 8208; of Georgetown, 4948; of Alexandria,
7227 ; of Washington county, exclusive of towns, 2135 ; that
of Alexandria county, 1325. In 1817 Georgetown and
Washington were supposed to contain 20,000 inhabitants,
and the whole district 30,000.

;ov^

,\^

City of Washington.

The city of Washington is situated on the Patomak, at the
confluence of this river with its eastern branch, which formerly
bore the name of Annakostia, in lat. 38 deg. 55 min. north,
and in long. 76 deg. 53 min. from Greenwich.

From Washington to Pliiladelphia the distance is 144 miles.

To Baltimore, *^

To Richmond, ^^2

To Annapolis, , - - - - 40

/ I

3^0

VIEW OF THE

The raei-* !";j la! line which passes through the capitol w&s
drawn by Mr. Ellieot. The longitude was calculated by Mr.
Lambert.

It IS scarcely possible to imagine a situation more beautiful,
healthy, a;id convenient, than th it of Washington. The gen-
tly undulating surface produces a pleasing and varied effect.
The rising hills on each side of the Patomak are truly pic-
turesque; the river is seen broken and interrupted by the
sinuosities of its course, and the sails of large vessels gliding
through the majestic trees which adorn its hmk^i, give addi-
tional beauty to the scenery.

Tiie site of the city extends from north-west to souUi-east
about four miles and a half, aid from nocth-east to south-west
about two miles nm] a half. The houses are thinly scattered
over this space; < :e greatest number are in the Pennsylvania
avenue between tlit. capih i nd the president's house, from the
latter towards Geoigrto'nn, ,,nd near the barracks and navy,
yard on the eastern buiicj. Tl>e public buildings occupy the
most elevated and convenient situations, to which the waters
of the Tiber creek may be easily conducted, as well as to every
other part of the city not already watered by springs. The
streets run from north to south, and from east to west, cross-
ing each other at right angles, with the exception of fifteen,
named after the different states, and which run in an angular
direction. The Pennsylvania street, or avenue, which stretches
in a direct line from the president's house to the capital, is a
mile in length, and 16*0 feet in breadth; the breadth of the
narrowest streets is fnnn 90 to 100 feet.

The plan of this city, of which we have given an engraving,
is universally admired. T!ie most eligible places have been
selected for public squares and public building. The capitol
is situated on a rising ground, which is elevated about 80 feet
above the tide water of the Patomak, and 60 or 70 above the
intermediate surface. This edifice will present a front of 650
feet, with a coKtnnade of 260 feet, and 16 Corinthian columns
31 J feet in height. The elevation of the dome is 150 feet;
the basement story 20 ; the entablement 7 ; the parapet 6^ ;
the centre of the building, from the east to the west portico, u

UNITED STATES.

ii&l

240 feet. The ceiling is vaulted, and the whole edifice is to
l)e of solid masonry of hewn stone, which, in appearance, re-
sembles that known by the name of the Portland stone. The
centre, or great body of the building, is not yet commenced,
but the two wings are nearly finished The north wing,
which contains the senate chamber, has the form of a segment,
with a double-arched dome, and Ionic pillars. It is adorned
with portraits of Louis XVI. and Mary Antoinette. Under
the senate chamber arc commodious rooms for the library, and
the judiciary courts of the United States. The south wing,
containijig the hall of representatives, and rooms for transact-
ing business by committees, is of a circular form, adorned with
94 Corinthian pillars, behind which are galleries and lobbies
for the accommodation of those who listen to the debates.

The foundation was laid in 1794, the north wing was finish-
ed in 1801, the south wing in 1807. The interior was origi-
nally of wood, which soon decayed ; and to substitute stone, it
became necessary to change the whole arrangement. This
magnificent edifice is the joint composition of several artists ;
Thornton, I.atrobe, Hallet, and Hatfield.

The post-office is a large brick building, situated at about
equal distances from the president's house and the capitol.
Under the same roof is the patent-office, and also the national
library, for the use of members of congress. In the first of
these departments are upwards of 900 specimens pf native me-
chanical genius. This would appear to afford decisive proof,
that Americans are not deficient in inventi.ve talent. The
library is small, consisting of but 3000 volumes; but it is se-
lect and well chosen, and includes various classes of literature,
having been the property of Mr. Jefferson, fi)r which he ob-
tained from the United States ^0,000 dollars. The former
library, containing from 7 to 8000, was destroyed by our en-
lightened countrymen. So great has been, at some periods,
the depreciation of property in this city, that in 1802, what
had originally cost ^00,000 dollars, was sold for .^^5,000. This
decay continued to go cm, until the visit of general Ross, and
the subsequent signature of peace: sinct; that time it seems to
Jiave risen, like the pluenix from the flames, and is onee more

Ji S

3aji

VIEW OF THK

partially increasing in prosperity. There arc now a number
of two and three story brick buildings, iH>ne of which are lui-
inhabited; and also some small wooden houses, though, ac-
cording to the original T>lf u, nojie were to be built less than
three stories high, an?' nl' < > \,nv marble steps. But the

childish folly of this < i.e \as boon subverted by the natural

course of events; an! though the existence of 'lower orders;
even in the capital of the republic, may not accord with the
vanity of its legislators, they ought to be told, that neither
prosperity ncr population can be possess.- 1 ',v any nation with-
out a due admixture of the natural dusitea of society.

The president's house consists of two stories, and is 170
feet in length, and 85 in breadth. It resembles Lcinster-
house, in Dublin, and is much admired. Even the })oct
Moore styles it a 'grand edifice,' a ' noble structure.' The
view from tlie windows fronting the river is extremely beautiful.
Ont of the objects embraced by the original plan v/as the
establishment of a university, on an extensive scale, for the
whole Union. A communication was made on this subject by
the president to the congress in 1817.

The public oflices, the treasury, department of state, and ot
war, are situated in a line with, and at the distance of 4,50 feet
from, the president's house. These buildin<is, of two stories,
have 1J20 feet in front, 60 in breadth, and 1(5 feet in height,
and are ornamented with a white stone basement, which rises
six or seven feet above i he surface. It was originally pi uposed
to form a communication betweea these oHices and the house
of the president, a plan which was afterv rds abandoned. ^

The jail consists of t ston("-, and is >0by21^eet. The
uifirmary is a neat buiuimg. There are three coumiodious
market-places, built at the expence of the corporation.

The public buildings .-:., the navy-yard ure the ban icks, a
work-shop, and three large brick buildings for th<? reception of
naval stores. The barracks, constructed of '; ;ck, arc 600 feet
in length, 50 in breadth, and 20 ii' height At the head of
the barrack-yard is the colonel's hout whi > is neat and cc
niodious. The work-shop, planned ' L l)e, is 900 feet m
length.

UNlTi:!) ST ATI

dS3

riie puti'iit office, constructed according to the plan of J.
Ilobiin, es(j. (who fnined the prize for that of the president's
house,) consists of three stories, and is 120 feet long, and 60
feet wide. It is ornamented with a pediment, and six Ionic
pihiHtcrH. Fr(Mn the eminence on which it stands, the richly
wooded hillb rise on every side, and present a scene of un-
iH|uaMcd heiiMty.

The inhabitants of the city form a body, politic and corpo-
rate, under the title of ♦ Mayor and Council '■ Washington.'
The council, consisting of 12 members, not uudor 25 years of
oge, is elected annually by the free while male inhabitants aged
21 or upwards, who have paid taxes the year preceding the
election, and is divided into two chambers, the first of which
has seven, and the second fivi members. The fhies, penalties,
and forfeitures imposed by the c i il, if not exceeding 20
dollars, are recovered, like small debts, before a magistrate ;
and if greater than this sum, by an action of debt in the dis-
trict-coi ' It of Columbia. In 1806, the corporation passed an
act to establish an infirmary, for which the sum of 2000 dollars
was appropriated, and trustees appointed for the superinten-
.lence of this establishment. In August, 1810, a sum not ex-
ceeding inoO lollars was appro|)riated, for the support of the
intJun and nist ased; and the corporation have allotted certain
squart . (numbered 109 and 1026) for places of interment,
whit a are situated at a proper distance from the populous part
of the city Vo ollars are the price of a grave.

The canui, hich runt, through the centre of the city, com-
mencing at the muu h of the Tiber creek, and connecting the
Patdinak wiui its eastern branch, is nearly completed. Mr.
Law, (brother to the late lord Ellenborough,) the chief pro-
moter of this undertaking, pn ses to establish packet-bo"'
to run between the Tiber creek ;i ' the navy-yard, a convey-
ance which may be rendered mo conomical and comfortable
than the hackney-coach. This anal is to be navigable for
bouts drawing three feet vaier. If the nett profits exceed 15
per cent, osi the sum expended, the excess is to be j d to the
mayor and city council.

!)«4

VIEW OF THE

The Patomuk \mdgc was built under the direction of a
t-ompniiy, or board of conutiisnioners, and the funds wero raised
by a subwTiption consisting of 20()0 shares, at 100 doMars per
share. The exiwnces of the work aniounted to 96,000 doUars,
and consequently the real value of a share was 48. The
bnd^re, which is covcre<l with planks of white and yellow pine,
IS a mile in length uul is supported by strong piles, from 18
to 40 feet, accordi.ig to the depth of tlie water. A neat rad-
ing separates the foot from the horse-way. Hy .ueaiis of a
simple crank and pulley, the draw-bridge, for the passage of
vessels, is raised by the force of one individual.

Th tolls are high: a four-horse carriage, 1^ dollar; a two-
horse carriage, 1 dollar; u four-horse waggon, 62^ cents; u
two-horse waggon, 37^ ; a gig, 3C • ; „ horse, 18^ ; a man,
Oj. The toll ot 1810 amounted to 9000 dollars. The inte-
rest of the stock has risen to eight per cent. After the lapse
ot bO years, the corporation will be dissolved, and the bridge
become the property ol (he United States.

It was an unf^.rtunate circumstance, that, in planning this
city, some provision was not made fi>r preserving the fine trees
which coveretl the soil, in those situations where they would
have been useful or ornamental. The whole of the natural
wood has iKen cut down, aiid its place is very poorly supplied
by some few Lombai-dy poplars, which afford neither shatk
nor shelter. This is an error which nothing but time can
repair.

The patent office is under the direction of Dr Thornton, a
uative of the West Indies, now a citi/en of the United States
who has a salary of 200O dollars per annum. To obtain a
patent for an art or machine, the inventor, if a citizen of tlie
United States, declares upon oath, before a justice of the •
county where he resides, that he believes himself to \k the
true inventor; and he gives a description of this art or ma^
oJune, and the use to which it is applied, accompanied, if ne^
cessary, with a drawing, in a letter addressed to the secretary
of state of the United States; and this description is inserted
I'l ih« patent, lor which the sum of 30 dollars is paid to the

t-4

33
'•Ji

direction of a
ids wern rained
00 do Mars per
16,000 dollars,
as 48. The
d yellow pine,
piles, fronj 18
A neat rail.
y means of a
the passage of

lollur; u two-
(i^l cents; u
18^ ; a man,
s. The inte-
ifter the lapse
rid the bridge

))lAnning this
the fine trees
c they Mould
r the natural
orly supplied
ieither shade
}ut tune can

Thornton, a
'^nited States,
To obtain a
itizen of tin?
jstice of the •
If to lie the
i art or ma
inied, if ne-
the secretary
>n is inserted
paid to the

UNITED STATES.

325

treasury department. If the applicant is not a citizen of the
United States, he must declare on oath, that he has resided
therein more than two years. The copy-right of books, prints,
maps, &c. is secured by depositing a copy thereof in the clerk's
office of the district court, where the author or proprietor re-
sides. This is recorded and published in one or more news-
papers, during four weeks, commencing within two months of
the date of the record. The right is thus secured, for the
space of 14 years, o the citizens or residents of the United
States ; and by a renewial of those formalities, it is extended to
their executors, administrators, and assigns, for another term
of 14 years. The patents =ssued from the 1st of August,
1790, to the 1st of January, 180J, were 698; and the amount,
received at the treasury department for patents, from 1801 to
1809 inclusive, was upwards of 27,000 dollars.

Exclusive of the bank of the Unit-d States, there are seven
banks in the district of Coluu.bia. The Marine Insurance
Company of Alexandria was incorporated in 1789, with the
power of having a capital of 12,500 shares, at 20 dollars a
share, or 250,000 dollars.

By an act of the city council, in December, 1804, the pub-
lic schools of the city are placed under the direction of a board
of thirteen trustees, seven of whom are elected annually by the
joint ballot of the council, and six by iixlividuals who contri-
bute to the support of the schools. The net proceeds of taxes
on slaves and dogs, of licences for carriages, and hacks for or-
dinaries and taverns, for selling nines and spirits, fbr billiard
tables, for hawkers, and pedlars, fbr theatrical and other pub-
lic amusements, are employed for the education of the poor of
the city.

There avc two academies in the city, under the direction of
the corporation, which were established by the voluntary con-
tributions of the inhabitants, and are supported by the corpo-
ration. In these two seminaries there are generally from 120
to L50 scholars, including (hose who pay fbr their tuition.
1 he houses are large and commodious, and were intended to
be the germ of a national university, in conformity to the plan
described in the last will of general Washington. There are

te-.

sac

VIEW OF THE

besides, twolvo <»r more schools in (lifTiTpnt pnrts of tho city,
whoro tho terms of tuition «ro inulor <ivp dollars per tiiiarter.

The catholic collegt'ofCJeorjifeiown, which was trriied, .nid

is supported, by suhscription, conuiieiicod in the year 1790,

under the direction oF the ilu!orporate^^ cathoHc clergy of tho

state of Maryland. It is a fine brick building, consinting of

three stories, in length loJJ feet, and liii in breadth, and is fit.

ted for the reception of ii(H) stu«k'nts. Tho terms of tuition

are as follows : Students above twelve years of age pay ^50

ilollars; and under that age, 200; those who attend tho

classes pay 250, owing to extraordinary expences, and some

pnrlicidar indidgencies. The payments are made half-yearly

in advance. T«) be admitted as a pensioner, the student must

be a Houittn catholic. If a protestant, he boards in a house

convenient to the college, where he enjoys equal ailvantages

with the catholics, except as to admission to the instruction

and exercises^ of the Roman religion. The students are in-

fltructed in the English, French, Latin, and Greek languages;

in geooraphy, arithmetic, algel)ra, geometry, and the different

branches of classical education. Public examinatiojis are

holden four times a year.

A free school has been lately established by subscription, to
he conducted according to the plan of Mr. Lancaster, who has
engaged to send two masters from England for its superin-
tendence and direction.

A pid)lic library has been lately established, by the sid).
scription of (200 individuals, at twelve dollars each ; ond the
dirccttirs of this ass(K;iation have obtained an act of incorpora-
tion, with powers suitable to the direction of the establishment.
Mr. IJoyle, a painter from Baltimore, cx)llects objects of natural
history, to form a mu ;eum.

There is no reading-room at Washington, which is perhaps
owing to the profusion of newspaper.s received there by mem-
bers of congress, from all parts of the Union. In lhl7, seven
newspapers were published in the district. In one of these,
the National Intelligencer^ the acts, and sontetimes the opi-
nions, of the government are first communicated to the public;
and it is owing to this circumstance, that, in Europe, it is ge-

IINITKI) STATKS.

nemlly lonmdciod uh tltu ovfiim of ilio cxoinitivo luithority.
ThiN impel- is |Mil»liNluul lluici' ii wock. Othor two nr<« on the
Hunic Hnilc; two appi'iir vviu'klv, mid two (luily.

OrHociolit'H tlici'i! Aic, (lie IIiiiiihiic Socioty, tln' W/wliirigion
Whig Society, two intiHoii lod|<i'H, the ('ohiinhiuii InHlitiilo
louiuK'd ill 1817, and the ('ohiinbiaii A/^ricuhiiral Hoi'iuly.
This hist consists of 200 mcinbciN, who pay one (h)llar a year
each, which is expended in pn'miuiii« Corllie best cattle, cloth,
llaiiiiels, stockings, caifHits, &c. The Aiui-rican .Sfx^itly lor
(!oIonising Free I'eople of ('oloiir was estahliHlicd in the end
oi' 181G. Its object iH to prociM'^^ u Nitiiulion on llip wentern
coast of Africa, to which free people of colour may, w'liU their
own consent, be tr/'iispdrted.

There are did'erent sects, and a great variety of religions
opinions, but no dissension. The annual Mulary of a clergy nmii
at Washington is about 1000 doHaiH, with « sniall niuiisioti
and lot of land, — a provision which is said to be inadecpiale to
the sn|)port of a (iunily ; aiul it is probably owing to lliin cir-
cunistauce, that two cleigyinen, the on" a prirsbyterian, and
the other a l)aptist, have clerkships in the treasury defiarl mem
The laws of Virginia and Maryland, in lelation to the clergy,
admit of no external badge? or distinction of their order in the
ordinary inlercoiirHe of lile, but only in flic exeniHe of their
sacred functions in their respective places of divuie worshif).
Elsewhere, and at ot,her times, it is as impossible t<> distinguish
them from the crowd, as to rceo/rni/,e I'icir plac'-h of worwhip,
which arc without steeple, cross, lieli, or other diHtinctlve hign
of religimiM appropriation. By an act of December, 179:, for
the suppressicm of vice, and punishing the disturbers of reli-
gious worshi(», persons offending in these respects are liible to
fine and imprisonment, aiifl to be Ix^uiid over to good beltavi-
our. For profane swearing and drunkenuess, the p«malty ii»
Hii cents; and for labouring on Sunday, I dollar and lo cents,
applicable to all [»ersons, and especially fr, iipfinftitices, set vants,
and slaves. For adultery (of whii !i there iv warcely an ex
ample) the punisfmienl is ui) dollars; for fbrnieation (whicfi in
too common) one half of this sum.

ass

VIEW OF THE

In 1815, there were in Washington nine physicians and
twoapotheear.es, who were also physicians; thJr T b the
cu,^.s^a dollar a V.SU; in the country it is regulated by the

Georgetown is finely situated on the northeast side of the
■ Patomak nver It is divided from Washington by Rock

Georgetown from Alexandria is ten mil.s; and there is a
. patetTaT""'" '''^"^" ^'"^ ^^" places by means of a

70nn ^T' '^" PT'^''^"" "*' Georgetown was upwards of
r w ^TV ^'' ^"'" ''^'''''^ «" ^'''''^ this port and
the West Ind.s. Mr. Scott, in his Geographical Dictionary,
informs us that the exports of 1794 amounted to m,9U
dollars. Flour and other articles are transported to Alexan-
dria m vessels which do not draw more than nine feet water

Ihe houses of Georgetown, which are chiefly of brick, have
a neat appearance. Several were built before the streets were
ormed, which gave rise tu an observation from a French lady,
that Georgetown had houses without streets,- Washington
sreets wuhout houses. The bank is a neat building. The
churches, under :he direction of trustees, are plain and with-
out o -1 ament.

Alexandrm may be considered the port of V^Ta^hinffton
from which it is distant only about seven miles. It was for'
merly named Belhaven, and is pleasantly situated c*^ the Vir-
ginia, or west side of the river Patomak. The streets, like
those of Philadelphia, run i„ straight lines, and intersect each
other at right angles. The houses are of a neat construction.
Those erected at the expence of the public are, an episcopal
church, an academy, conrt-honse, bank, and jail. Alexandria
ha« carried on a considerable commerce with New Orle'uis
and also with the East and West Indies, and some European
ports. The warehouses and wharfs are very commoflious.
Vessels of ;50U tons lie .n the basons. Some have sailed from
this port with 1200 hogsheads of tobacco o;: board.

There have bc-vn ni.-my failures among the principal iner-
ihants of this place, in coMeqaer.ce -jf losses abroad, or unfor-

UNITED STATES.

329

3mns, and
fee in the
Jd by the

de of the
by Rock
stance of
here is a
eans of a

wards of
port and
ctionary,
128,9^4
Alexan-
water.
ck, have
ets were
ch lady,
ihington
f. The
id with-

lington,
was for-
:he Vir-
!ts, like
!ct each
ruction,
jiscopal
fandria
>rle'ins,
ropean
odious.
i from

il iiier-
unlbr-

tunate speculations. Those who carry on business at present
employ their capitals in a more cautious manner.

Manufactures are yet in their infancy. Two manufactories
of cut nails have been lately established, and several of woollen
and other cloths. House rent is cheap, for, except along thfy
basons, it is not more than six per cent., and in some places
not half that sura. By a census taken in 1817, tl)e inhabit-
ants were found to be, — whites, 5513 ; blacks, 2046, (of whom
1047 vvere free.) Total, 8153. In this year a lottery was
authorised by congress, to raise funds for building a peniten-
tiary, a city-hall, and two Lancastrian schools.

There are ah'eady live churches, protestant, presbyterian,
catfaolic, methodist, and baptist. In the academy there arc
40 scholars, 35 oi' whom learn Latin and classical literature,
and Hi reading, writing, and arithmetic. There are nine or
ten physicians, but there is no medical society. Any person
may exer.ise this profession. In the town the usual fee is a
dollar per visii ; and five dollars to and within the distance oi
ten miles.

Having noticed Alexandria and Georgetown, which may
justly be considere'1 as appendages to Washington, we will
nov/ return to the description of this city.

The celebrated Moore has humourously described tlie fede-
ral city :

' This famed metropolis, where fancy sees
Squai'es in morasses, obelisks in trees.'

And even Mr. Mcllish, who panef,'y rises every thing Ameri-
can, says, ' Being told that we were entering Washington city,
I continued looking for the houses for some little time ; but
seeing none, I thought I had misunderstood the gentlem.an
who made tlie remark, and turning round for an explanation,
he told me, laughing, tliat we were almost in the very middle
of it, and asked if I illd not see the capitol a little before us.
I did, indeed, see a st"U ly edifice, but no other appearance of
a city. Soon after thir., tjie stage stopped, at Steele's liotel,
nearly opposite the uipitul, where I took •lodgings.''

2 T

330

VIEW OF THE

i i

However, this city is not so despicable as has been repie-
sented ; thougli its increase cannot be rapid. ' Here,' observes
au EngHsh traveller, ' is fine natural scenery, but no decidedly
great natural advantages ; little external commerce, a barren
soil, a scanty population, enreebled too by the deadly weight
of absolute slavery, and no direct means of comnjunication
with the western country. For the apparently injudicious se-
lection of such a spot, upon which to raise the capital of a
great nation, several reasons are given. Some have even gone
30 far as to attribute to general Washington the influence of
pecuniary interest, his property being in the neighbourhood.
IJut the most common argument adduced in support of the
choice is that it is central, or rather that it was so ; for the
recent addition of new states has removed the centre very far
west, so much so indeed, tiiat the inhabitants of Lexington
affirm, that their town must on that ground soon become the
capital ; and even the people of St. Louis, in tlie Missouri,
put in their claim, that city being said to be gtvtgraphically
the exact centre of the Union. But assununs that Washinjr-
ton were central, I do not see much validity in the ai'giiment;
— at least if we arc to be influenced in our judgment by ,uiv
country in the old world — where is the important nation whose
capital is placed exactly in the centre of its dominions ? Spain
is perhaps the only country which can be adduced, and no very
favourable conclusion can be drawn from such an instance:
though unquestionably if rivers and soil, if roads and canals,
all united to recommend that situation, it would be in some
other respects extremely convenient ; but this not being the
case, the knowledge of Euclid must be dispensed with for
something of more practical, though perhaps more vulgar
utility.

' There may be other objections to this capital : among
them I would venture to suggest, that the legislators and
rulers of a nation ought to reside in that city which has the
most direct communication with all parts of their country, and
of the world at large ; they ought to see with their own eyes,
and hear wit'' their own ears, witliout which, though possessed
of the best intentions, they must often be in error. News-

UNITED STATES.

331

paper communications, letters, and agents, are but substitutes,
and sometimes very poor ones ; besides which, I conceive that
mere expedients should not be admitted in national legislation.
Unless the city increases with a rapidity unsanctioned by the
most sanguine anticipation, the American law-makers will be
half a century behind what they would become by a residence
in New York or Philadelphia. Another objection to Wash-
ington may suggest itself to some minds, in its neighbourhood
to Virginia. The " Virginian dynasty," as it has been called,
is a subject of general, and I think very just complaint
throughout other parts of America. This state has supplied
four of the five presidents, and also a liberal number of t)ccu-
pants of every other government office. The Virginians very
modestly assert, that this monopoly does not proceed Irom
corrupt influence, but is a consequence of the buoyancy and
vigour of their natural talent. Without entering into the
controvei'sy, whether or not seventeen states can supply a de-
gree of ability equal to that of Virginia single-handed, I must
express my want of respect for a state in which every man is
either a slave-holder, or a defender of slavery — a state in which
landed property is not attachable for debt a state in which
human beings are so'u in the streets by the public aucticmeer,
are flogged without tri, i :.t tlic mercy of their owner or his
agents, and are killed alniost without punishment;-- yet those
men dare to call themselves democrats, and friends of liberty !
— from such democrats, and such friends o< libetiy. ^ood Lord
deliver us !'

A late intelligent traveller, (lieutenant i»t)],) speaking of
the city and the proposed university, savs^ 'The plan sup-
poses an immense growth ; but even if this were attainable, it
seems doubtful how far an overgrown luxurious capital would
be the fittest seat for learning, or even legislation. Perhaps
the true interest of the Uni(m would rather hold Washington
sacred to science, philosophy, and the arts ; a spot in some de-
gree kept holy from commercial avarice, to which the members
of the different states may retire to Iweathe an atmosphere un-
tainted with local prejudices, and find golden leisure for pur-
sues and speculations of public utility. Such fancies would

332

VIEW OF THE

be day tireaiiis elsewhere, and are so perhaps here ; but Ame-
rica is y<nin<i; in tho ciireer of knowledge ; she lias the light of
fornu'r ages, and the sufferings of the present to guide her;
she has not crushed the spirits of the many to build up the
tyranny of the few, and the eye of imagination may dwell
upon her smilingly."'

The ground of Washington was originally the property of
private individuals, who, by an arrangement with the govern-
ment, ceded one half to the public, in consideration of the en-
hanced price of the other, by virtue of this cession. Four
thousand five hundred lots, each (-ontaining 02(i5 superficial
feet, are the property oi' the nation, and have been estimated
at 1,500,000 dcllars. Some of those lots have been sold ut 45
cents per foot, though the conniion price is from 8 to 15 cents,
depending on the advantages of situation. Near the centre
market several have been purchased at ^3 cents. The ori-
ginal price of lots was from JiJOO to 800 dollars each, which
shows that their value has considerably diuuuisliod. This has
been owing to different causes, and particularly to the project
of some eastern nienibers of congress to transfer the seat of
government to some other |)Iaco. The value of this property
has also suffered by litigntioii. In 1804, several purchasers
refused to pay to the commissioners of the government the
sums stipulated in the deed of sale, which were to be dis-
charged, according to agreement, at certain fixed dates. In
consequence of this refusal, the commissioner^^ ordered the lots
to be sold to the highest bidder, and ihoy weie repur-
chased by the former pro|)rietors tor one-tenth of the original
cost; by whi< h circumstance the government experienced a
loss of 70,00t'* dollars. The supreme court, to whom the case
was submitted, decided in favour of the proprietors, alleging,
that, as a remedy had been sought in the sale of the lots, the
government could not have recourse to another, and it also
became responsible for the expences of the law-suit, amounting
to JiJOOO dollars. The proprietors united in support of their
mutual interests, which were defended by the ablest lawyers,
except the attorney-general, who st(X)d alone in the behalf of
the govermnent.

UNITED STATES.

339

but Aine<
the light of
guide her;
uild up the
may dwell

property of

he govern-
1 of the en-
lon. Four

superficial
I estimated

sold itt 45
o 15 cents,
the centre
The ori-
ich, which
This has
the project
he seat of
5 property
purchasers
nment the
to be dis-
iates. In
ed the lots
;ie repur-
le original
.'rienced a
n the case
, alleging,
G lots, the
nd it also
imounting
rt of their
t lawyers,
! behalf of

A house, consisting of three stories, 26 feet in front, and 40
feet deep, completely finished, costs from MK)0 to 6000 dollars.
A house of two stories, of the same length and breadth, is va-
lued at from .'5000 to 4000 ({'''vn.

The rate of house-rent is proportioned to the expenceof the
materials of its construction, and the advantages of its situa-
tion. Hricks cost i'rom 5] to 6^ dollars per thousand. Their
dimensions, as fixed by an act of the corporation, are OJ, 4J,
2f inches.

Calcareous stone, of a bluish colour, is brought from the
neighbourhood of Georgetown, and purchased at a cheap rate.
Unslacked lime costs from 2 to 2| dollars per barrel. Wood
is cheap ; pine and oak are brought from the easleni shore of
the Chesapeake. A good bricklayer is paid at the rate of
three dollars for every thousand l)ricks. Some of the houses
are covered with slate, though generally with boards, culled
shingles, the use of which ought to be prohibited, on account
of their combustible nature. Wood is chieHy emplovetl for
fuel, and oak and hickory are preferred, which are sold at the
rate of fotu- dollars per cord, except during an tuuisually se-
vere winter, when the price has been from six to seven dollars.
By an act of the corporation, a cord of wood must be eight
feet in length, four in breadth, and ' well stowed and packed.'
A good dray-horse can be purchased at Washington for 60, a
saddle-horse for 130, and a milch-cow for .'35 dollars.

The whole exports for the district of Columbia, for the year
ending ,'iOth September, 1817, were 1,768,658 dollars, of which
1,689,102 were domestic produce, and 79,556 foreign.

The inhabitants of Washington are social and hospitable.
Respectable strangers, after the slightest introduction, are in-
vited to dinner, tea, balls, and evening parties. Tea parlies
have become very expensive, as not only tea, but coffee, negus,
cakes, sweetmeats, iced creams, wines," and liquors, are often
presented; and, in a sultry summer evening, are found too
palatable to be refused. In winter, there is a succession of
family balls, where all this species of luxury is exhibited.

Both sexes, whether on horseback or on foot, wear an um-
brella in all seasons: in summer, to keep off the sun-beams;

8S4

VIEW OF THE

('.

in winter as a shelter iTom the rain and snow ; in spring andf
autumn, to interce|>l the tk'ws of tlic evening. Persons of all
ranks canter their horses, which movement fatigues theani aal,
and has ;•" ungraceful apparance. At dinner, and a tea
parties, the ladies sit together, and seldom mix with the gen-
tkunen, whose converoation naturally turns upon jiolitical suh-
jects. In almost all houses toddy is offered to guests p few
minutes before dinner. Gentlemen wear the hat in a carriage
with a lady as in England. Any particular attention to a lady
is readily construed into an intention of marriage. Boarders
in hoarding-houses, or ir taverns, sometimes throw off' the coat
during the heat of summer ; and in winter the shoes, for the
purpose of warming the feet at the fire ; customs which the
climate only can excuse. In summer, invitation to tea parties
is made verbally by a servant, the same day the party is given ;
in winter, the invitation is more ceremonious. The barber
arrives on horseback to perform the operation of shaving ; and
here, as in Europe, he is the organ of all news and scandal.

On the subject of manners, Mr. Fearon says, ' Tea parties,
and private balls, are now very frequent. Mr. Bagot, the
English ambassarlor, and his lady, are particularly assiduous
in their attenti"-)^ all classes, and maintain a strict conform-
ity with the hahjus fii'thc plaee. Their cards of invitation are
left at my boardiin;r house for different gentlemen every day.
The speaker (Mr Clay) gives public periodical dinners. A
drawing-room is held weekly at the president's house : it is
generally crowded. There is little or no difficulty in getting
introduced on these occasions. Mr. Munroe is a very plain,
practical man of business. The custom is shaking, and not
the degrading one of kissing, hands. Conversation, tea, ice,
music, chewing tobacco, and excessive spitting, afford employ-
ment for the evening. The dress of the ladies is very elegant,
though that of the gentlemen is too frequently rather ungen-
tlemanly.

' The theatre is a miserable building. I have attended se-
veral representations in it by the same company which I saw
when in Pittsburgh. Incledon has been here — the Washing-
ton critics think him too vulgar, and also an indifferent singer !

UNITED STATES.

iury

ke of

which is

idles are

* In this city I wii sscd also the exhibitions of Sema '
the ludiiin juggJcr, from I.oi. n. My chief attention as
directed to the au(' nee; their disWief of the possibili^ of
perfor tiling the numerous fcu:s advertised, and their incon-
ceival)le astnujshment at witnessinfj the actual achieveinent,
appeared extreme, — api-roaching almost to cliildish wonder
and astonishment.

' The few private families to which I have had intro(hiction8,
do not evince n more accurate knowledge of that Engl ^h word
conifnrf than I have remarked elsewhere; indeed, ' \ uld
class them a century inferior to Boston, and 'i '
behind New York. The boarding-houses and in
the same charucteristiLS. I first applied at the cli
Davis's T ilian Queen tavern: most of the dooi
bi-oken ; the floor of the eoffce-rooni is strewed with bricks
and mortar, caiised by the cruml)liiig of the ceiling; and the
character of tli < unmodations is in unison with this unor-
ganised stale ol .iiigs: the charges are as high as at the very
first London hotel '

In the s mmerof 1814, this metropolis was taken possession
of l)y an English naval and land force, which set tire h> tlie
capitol, president's house, public oifices, and navy-yard. The
moveable property destroyed at the latter place has been esti-
mated at 4-1 7,74,') dollars; the loss sustained in buildings and
fixtures at 91,42,5; the expenccs of rebuilding at 62,370; in
all, 571,5f38 dollars. The loss sustained by the partial de-
struction of the capitol, president's house, and other public
edifices, has been estimated at 460,000 dollars ; in all,
1,031,538 dollars. The superintendent of tb public build-
ings, in his report, dated the 29th of (/ctobi ., 1814, gave the
following statement of their cost down to tljc date of their de-
struction : —

North wing of the capitol, including the foundation walls of both
wmgs, and of he centre or main building, and of alterations and

„ repairs, i57,:m dollars.

houtli wmg of the capitol, . . . .'329,771.
President's house, - - . . . 3M,334>
I'ublic offices, 9:i,C)l'i

'^°^^^> 1 /J 15,1 09 dollars.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

A,'^ „ «^

i^ fc

1.0

I.I

1.25

Vii

1.4

2.5
2.2

1^ IIIIIIO

1.8

1.6

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Photographic

Sciences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 8724503

336

VIEW OF THE, &c.

* Upon a second visit to tlie capitol,' says Mr. Fearon, « I
explored nearly all its recesses. Marks of the late conflagra-
tion are still very apparent, while the walls bear evidence of
public opinion in relation to that transaction, which seems to
have had the singular fate of casting disgrace upon both the
Americans and British. Some of the pencil drawings exhibit
the military commander hanging upon a tree; others repre-
sent the president running off without his hat or wig; some,
admiral Cockburn robbing hen-roosts: to which are added
such inscriptions as, " The capital of the Union lost by cow-

ardice •" " Curse cowards ;■" " A sold the city for 5000

dollars ;" " James Madison is a rascal, a coward, and a fool ;"
" Ask no questions," &c.'

An English emigrant, in a letter to the editor, after repro-
bating in severe terms the Gothic barbarity of general Ross,
exultingly observes, that the Englishmen employed in repair-
ing the damages he effected were nearly as numerous as those
that followed him.

(1
t
s
ti
c
d

s:
a
I
&
h

earon, *I
conflagra-
vidence of
h seems to
(1 both the
gs exhibit
ers repre-
ig; some,
are added
Jt by cow-
for 5000
da fool r

fter repro-
^ral Ross,
in repair-
is as those

GENERAL VIEW

OF THE

PRESENT STATE AND RESOURCES

OF THE

UNITED STATES.

OF THE POPULATION OP THE ITNITED STATES.

•pHE enumeration or census of the inhabitants is made every
ten years. The heads of families, •r free persons of six-
teen years of age, are obliged to render a true account, on pain
of forfeiting the sum of twenty dollars ; and as a check upon
the returns, a schedule of the local enumeration is exhibited in
some public place. A return is made, on oalh, to the secre*
tary of state of the United States; and a copy is filed by the
clerks of the districts, or of the superior court*. Neglect of
duty, or misrepresentation on the part of the marshal or secre-
tary, is punished by a fine of 800 dollars; on that of the as-
sistant, 200. The act providing for the last census (1810)
allowed nine months for its execution, commencing the 1st of
August of the same year, which was afterwards extended to
eleven months. The whole expence of the enumeration Has
been estimated at 40,000 dollars.

The following estimate of the popufetion of the British
Americsr colonies in 1738, inserted in Marshall's Lif* ot
Washington, was deduced i^rom militia i«ollsj poll tfexesj bill9
of mortality, and' other documents- oMisidifwed afrcowwjt
1« 2 U

^V""^

338

VIEW OF THE

I'f

Nova Scotia, -

•*

5,000 inhabitants

New Hampshire,

30,000

Ma«>8achusetts Bay,

220,000

Rhode Island,

35,000

Connecticut, -

100,000

New York, -

.- -

100,000

The Jerseys, -

60,000

Pennsylvania and Delaware,

250,000

Maryland,

85,000

Virginia,

85,000

North Carolina,

«■

45,000

South Carolina,

30,000

Georgia,

6,000

Total,

1,051,000

The population of the United States territory, at different
periods, was as follows: In 1753, 1,051,000; in 1780,
2,051,000; in 1790, 3,929,326; in 1800, 5,308,666; in
1810, 7,239,903. The increase in the first ten years was
1,878,326; in the second, 1,379,340; of the last, 1,931,237.
It appears that the population has more than doubled every
twenty years smce the period of the first American establish-
ments. According to the enumeration of 1810, there were—

Free Whites, under 10 years of age,
of 10, and under 16,
of 16, and under 26,
of 26, and under 45,
of 45, and upwards.

Males.
1,035,278
468,183
547,597
572,347
364,736

Females.

981,426

448,324

561,668

544,156

338,378

Difference.
53,852
19,859
14,071
28,191
26,358

The number of free people of colour is stated to be 186,446

The number of slaves, - . _ . j igj gg^

In Europe, generally, the proportion of marriages to the
population has been estimated at 1 to 120; that of births, 1
to 27; and that of deaths, 1 to 30. In the United States,
the marriages are as 1 to 30 ; the births as 1 to 20 ; and the
deaths as 1 to 40. The yearly births have been estimated at
5| per 100; the yearly deaths at 2J per 100. The popular

ants.

t different
in 1780,
3,666 ; in
years was

1,981,237.
Jed every
establisii-
re were —

Difference.
53,852
19,859
14,071
28,191
26,358

186,446
1,191,364

?s to the
births, 1
d States,
and the
mated at
'■ popular

UNITED STATES.

339

tion of ^he city of New York was ascertained with great ex-
actness in 1805, anii the number of male white inhabitants
was 35,384 ; of females, 36,378. The annual augmentation
of slaves is about 2J per 100. Of 7,239,903, the whole po-
pulation in 1810, 1,191,364) were slaves, and 186,446 free
persons of colour. The slaves belong chiefly to Maryland,
Virginia, Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky, in which states,
taken collectively, they form nearly one-third of the popula-
tion. In Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, there
are no slaves, and very few in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
By the last census, there were but 108 in the former, and 310
in the latter place.

The whole number of slaves. In 1 800, was 896,849

In 1810, - - . - 1,191,364

Increase in ten years, - 294,515

It appears from the different enumerations tirade according
to the population acts of congress, that the increase is at the
rate of three per cent, per annum ; in other words, that the
population doubles every 23 years ; and it is probable that it
will preserve this rate of hcrease for a hundred years and
more, owing to the immense extent of country yet unpeopled.
In 1810, it amounted in round numbers to 7,000,000; in
1833, it will be 14,000,000; in 1856, 28,000,000; in 1879,
56,000,000; in 1902, 112,000,000; in 1925, 224,000,000.
This last number, scattered over u territory of 3,000,000 of
square miles, would average about 70 to each mile, a popula-
tihn similar to that of Massachusetts proper, and about the ave-
rage of Europe.

ON THE STATE OF EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND THE ARTS,

The progress of the Americans has been greater in the use-
ful arts than in the fine arts, or the sciences, though their ad»
vances in the latter are respectable, considering the shortness
of their career. The state of knowledge and education gene-
rally have been mentioned in the course of the work.

940

VIEW OF THE

The ttdumtion of youth, which is so essential to the wall,
heing of Boc^eiy, and to ihe developement of national wealth,
has always been a primary object of public attention in the
Uwted States. Since the year 1800, especially, great addi-
tions have been made to the number of schools and academical
insutuuons; to the funds for supporting them, and to aU the
means for prov.d.ng instruction, and disseminating information,
m im, the number of colleges had increased to 25, that of
academ.es to 74. Those institutions are incorporated by the
Jgislature of each state, and are subject to its inspection,
though placed respectively under the direction of boards of
trustees.

In the western states congress have reserved 640 acres of
the public land in each township for the support of schools,
besides seven entire townships of 23,040 acres each, two of
which are situated in the state of Ohio, . nd one in each of the
states and territories of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missis.
sippi. «nd Louisiana. In the state of New York, in 1811, the
tund for common schools, subject to the disposal of the Icfiis.
lature, amounted to half a million of dollars, giving an annual
revenue of 86,000 dollars. The school fund of The state^f
Connecticut amounts at present to a yery large sum.~
Since the year 1800 the number of American students of me.
dione graduating in Ibreign countries, ha* considerabjy dirai.
ni8bed, the medical schools of Philadelphia and New York
having acquired a high reputation. The period of college
^udy ,8 four years. Several medical journals are puWished at
Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and Baltimore; and there
are Amancan editions of the most celebrated medical works of
i^urope. Nev publications of celebrity, in all departments of
literature, are immediately republished ; and a quarto volume,
which costs two guineas in London, may be purchased in
America, in a neat octavo form, for the same number of dol-
J«r«. The Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews are regularly
republished, and circulated to a great extent. Throughout
the New England States the schools are supported by a public
tax, and are under the direction of a committee. In these se-
minaries the poor avd the rich are ec?ucated togeUier, and are

UNITED STATES.

341

to the wall,
onal wealth,
ition in the
great addi.
i academical
id to all th«
information.
25, that of
ated by the
inspection,
f boards of

40 acres of
of schools,
9ch, two of
each of the
ols, Missis-
n 1811, the
)f the Icgis-
i an annual
Ihe state of
ge sum. —
ants of roe-
rabiy dimi-
New York
of college
ublished at
; and there
al works of
irtments of
•to volume,
rchascd in
ber of dol-
! regularly
hroughout
Jy a public
n these se-
T, and »re

taught reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, and geography.
In other parts of the Union also, schools are provided for the
education of the poorer class. The system of Lancaster has
been lately adopted in different places. Various societies have
been lately established for the advancement of knowledge;
particularly of those branches which are connected with agri-
culture, arts, and manufactures. I he American Philosophical
Society at Philadelphia has already published six volumes on
scientific subjects. An Athenaeum, on the plan of that of Li-
verpool, has been lately established at Boston. In the space
of ten days a subscription of 40,000 dollars was collected for
the use of this establishment. The American Academy of
Arts and Sciences at Boston has published one volume of
Transactions. The New York Society for the promotion of
agriculture, arts, and manufactures, has published four vb-
lumes. The Philadelphia Society for promoting agriculture
has published two. The Georgetown Society has published
one on husbandry and rural affairs.

The Americans have already given proofs of a taste for
painting. The names of West, Copely, Trumbull, Stewart,
Vanderiyn, Jarvis, Wood, Allston, I.eslie, Peale, SuU),
Morse, Earle, and Todd, the first eight historical and landl
scape, the last portrait painters, are well known in Europe.
Academies for the cultivation of the fine arts have been lately
estabHshed at Philadelphia and New York. Plaster casts of
the principal antique statues, with a few pictures, have been
procured from Paris for both institutions. Those of the latter
were presented by the emperor Napoleon, on his being ap-
pointed a member. The liberal spirit which fosters these
establishments does great honour to citizens, most of whom
are merchants.

The museum at Philadelphia has been lately enriched with
a variety of objects in natural history, of which the most strik-
ing is the skeleton of the mammoth. Within a few years the
soil and productions of the United States have become the
subject of philosophical research, and lectures on chemistry,
mineralogy, and botany, are delivered in the cities of Phila-
delphia. New York, and Boston.

342

VIEW OF THE

i.i

L, I-

1 -1 ' i i

The number of copies which are sold of puf)lic works of va-
nous kuids affords one of the most striking proofs of the pro-
gress of knowledge; and the newspaper press i, the great
organ of communication in America. In this description of
literature the United States are entitled to take precedence of
all other countries, at least so far as relates to number Tn
the begmnmg of the year 1810 there were 364 newspapers in
the United States, 25 of which were printed daily, 16 thrice a
iveek, 33 twice, and 262 weekly. Before the American revo-
lution there were but nine newspapers in the United States.
In the state of New York there are 100 printing establish,
meuts, and 70 gazettes. The annaal aggregate amount of
newspapers is estimated at 25,200,000. The following table
will show the number in each state:

New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, .
Rhode Island,
Connecticut,
Vermont, •
New York,
Pennsylvania,
Delaware,
Maryland,
New Jersey,
Virginia,

12
38
7
11
14

71
2

21
8

North Carolina, < - lo

South Carolina, - iq

Georgia, - - - is

Kentucky, - - 17

Tennessee, - . g

Ohio, - . , J 4

District of Columbia, 4

Indiana territory, - 1

Mississippi do. - - 1

Orleans, - - - lO

Louisiana, • . j

In the month of May, I8I7, the whole number of newspapers in
the United States was about 500, the number printed weekly
250,000. "

In 1792, the whole number of newspapers in Great Britain and
Ireland was 213.

The expedition-, under Lewis and Clarke, and major Pike,
have made valuable additions to geography; and the vessel
now (May, 1819) ready to sail on a voyage of discovery, shews
the anxiety of the government to promote the interests of sci-
ence. The congress has also ordered a trigonometrical and
maritime survey of the American coast.

In mechanics the Americans have been particularly inven-
tive. The number of patents issued at the patent office, from

H s

•*-^v

UNITED STATES.

349

'orks of vn-
of the pro-
I the great,
scription of
jcedence of
mber. Tn
I'spapers in
16 thrice a
rican rcvo-
:ed States,
establish,
imount of
wing table

10
10
13
17
6
14
4
1
1
10
1
spapers in
1 weekly,

ritain and

ior Pike,
le vessel
y, shews
s of sci-
ical and

y inven-
;e, from

the Ist of January, 1812, to the Ist of January, 1813,
amounted to 236. The machinery of flour-mills has several
ingenious contrivances not known in Europe. The machines
for making cotton cards, and for the manufacture of nails, are
no less useful to the country than creditable to the inventorr .
Two Americans are candidates for the prize of a million of
francs, offered by the French government for the best machine
for spinning flax. The saving of manual labour by one of the
American machines is said to be four-lifths, but the conditions
of the prize require nine-tenths. The ginning machine, for
separating cotton from the seed, has been of incalculable value
in reducing the cost of cotton by a vast suving of manual la-
bour. The method employed of lighting the interior of Ame-
rican merchant vessels, and vessels of war, by means of cylin-
ders of glass placed in the deck, is found to be very useful at
sea. A new apparatus for the distillation of salt water on
board of vessels at sea, invented by major Lamb of New
York, has Iwen found so superior to the contrivances formerly
in use, that it has been adopted by the English navy board
for the public ships. The American machinery for making
boots and shoes by means of iron wire or nails has been lately
employed in England ; and an idea may be formed of its eco-
nomical advantages from the circumstance of its being able to
furnish a pair of shoes in a quarter of an hour.

Perhaps, of all tife American inventions, the application of
steam to inland navigation is the most splendid, and promise*
to be the most useful, especially to the country which gave
it birth. Steam-boats now ply on the Hudson, Delaware,
Patomak, Savannah, Ohio, Mississippi, and nearly all the
other navigable streams in the United States. Boats of 150
feet in length, and 30 to 50 in breadth, are propelled at the
rate of eight or ten miles an hour in still water. The slowness
of navigation on the great rivers by sails and oars renders the
steam-boat invaluable. Among other purposes, it is employed
to tow large vessels against the wind and current, and it is
used as a ferry-boat at New York and other ports. The
steam frigate, constructed at New York according to the plan
of the late Mr. Fulton, is 14.5 feet long, 55 feet broad, and

844

VIEW OF THE

-1

'li

has an engine of 120 horse power, movin^^ with a velocity
back^rards or forwards at the rate of three miles and a half an
hour. The wheel is placed in the centre, and is protected by
the sides, which are six feet in thickness; in other parts they
are four and a half. This frigate is to carry 30 cannon, and
w considered as impregnable. The steam-engine of Evans,
now employed in the United States, is considered both more
economical and more simple than that of Watt and Bolton.

The Americans excel in the erection of bridges ; and in
Bhip-building they are now decidedly superior to the European
nations, even to those most renowned for skill in maritime
affairs. Their public buildings are not numerous, because
they are yet but young as a nation. Even foreigners admit,
however, that the capit.l at Washington, the bank of Penn-
sylvania, and the city-hall of New York, are very fine edifices.
The last was lately finished, and cost 538,000 dollars. The
com of the United States riv.^ls that of France or of England
m neatness of execution.

Dramatic exhibitions have made a rapid progress in the
United States within the last ten years. Twenty years ago,
great struggles were made against this species of recreation.
The clergy of various denominations petitioned several state
legislatures to suppress theatrical amusements, as immoral and
profane. In Connecticut this opposition Jiad complete success.
The principal theatre of that state, in the city of Hartford,
was converted into a church, and actors are still subject to ex-
communication. In Massachusetts the church and the stage
for a long time maintained a doubtful struggle. Plays were
interdicted, but recitations or lectures were allowed ; and the
playei-s, obliged to accommodate their proceedings to this ab-
surd restriction, announced plays under the name of lectures.
Thus a tragedy or comedy was advertised in such terms as
these: 'A Moral Lecture; the affecting History of Jane
Shore, as narrated in dialogue by the celebrated Rowe;' ' The
entertaining tale of the Poor Soldier, as told in song and dia-
logue by the facetious O'Keefe.' By a spirited effort, how-
ever, in the legislature, the laws against plays were abolished ;
and a theatre was erected in Boston in the year 1798. About

Ui^

^ jI(J»»iHK»*t»_ .

UNITED STATES.

346

1 « velocity
id a half an
rotected by
r parts they
annon, and
I of Evans,
both more
1 Bolton,
es; and in
; European
n maritime
IS, because
ners admit,
k of Penn-
ne edifices,
lars. The
»f England

ess in the
years ago,
recreation,
veral state
imoral and
^e success.

Hartford,
ject to ex-

the stage

i*ldys wei-e

; and the

to this ab-

f lectures.

terms as
' of Jane
ire;' 'The
r and dia-
brt, how.
ibohshed ;
About

1808, great improvements were made in the style of building
and decoration in the American theatres, which began then to
rival the theatres of the old world.

All the best new pieces on the British stage are transmitted
to America with great rapidity ; and in dresses, decorations,
and style of criticism, a great similarity obtains between the
two countries. There are slight differences, however, in the
customs of the audience. Ladies and gentlemen are never
expected, as a point of etiquette, to wear full dref^s in the best
boxes. It is usual for females to sit in the pit in the southern
states, but in the northern and middle states they are never
permitted to be seen there. The passion for spectacle, and
for the exhibition of horses and elephants on the stage, is as
prevalent in America as in London. In propriety of decora-
tion and costume the Americans are particularly defective;
they dress with great splendour, but seldom correctly. The
late celebrated Mr. Cooke, who died in America, remarked
that the Americans timed their applauses better than any peo-
ple in the world. With respect to original plays they are very
deficient; and, indeed, this species of production cannot be
expected to thrive in a country where all the branches of au-
thorship lie under great discouragement. Becides, the ma-
nagers can procure plays without difficulty from England, and
have nothing to pay for the copyright ; yet many plays bav*
been written and acted with success in America.

The pay of authors is governed by the same rules as in
England, but there is a great preference given to plays from
the mother-country ; and the sterling dramas of the English
stage, especially the works of Sbikespeare, seldom fail to bring
full houses The celebrated j iors on the American stage
have almost exclusively emigrated from. England. The first
of any decided reputation was the late Mr. Hodgkinson, ori-
ginally from Bath, who was excellent in every variety of the
scene, from the highest tragedy to tlie lowest farce. The latf
Mrs. Warren, celebrated as Miss Brunton in Covent-Garden,
was the female wonder of tragedy in America tor many years ;
and two comedians, lately deceased, by the names of Twaits
and Harwood, were long at the head of the comic department.

2 X

84()

VIEW OF THE

f; I

Mr> PenncI v,nn k very deserving tragedian, and for some
•vearH conteHted the palm of superiority w,th Mr. Cooper who
remained master of the fiilo, and at present takes the lead in
'the American drani;i. Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Blissot, M'- Ber-
nrird,, Mrs. Hilson, and Mrs. Darby, all from England, also
enjoy a high rank at preseht on the American boards. Mr
Jolm Howard Payne, the young tragedian knowt, in Europe
and America under the title of the American Roscius is the
only native who has ever enjoyed a very high degree of suc-
cess. His first apiJearance at New York, February 24, 1809
at the age of sixteen, produced an effect equalled by a similar
debut a short time before in England. The pay given to the
best regularly engaged actors does not exceed from 30 to 40
dollars per week. The l,enefits of such prformers may pro-
duce them froh, 800 to 1500 dollars in addition. Mr. Cooper
rece.vc>s 125 dollars weekly, and half the profits of every ^.
venth night, on his regular engagement at New York. When
he travels, of course the profits vary with the attraction-
sometimes he has received 3000 dollars for thirteen nights'
performance. Mr. -Howard Payne has gained for 26 succes-
sive nights' performance in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Rich-
mond, above 5000 dollars.

Jhe English language is spoken with as great purity by the
different classes of society in America as by the correspondina
classes in England; while the strongly-marked dialects of
Scotland and England, and even of the English counties the
s6urce ot so many barbarisms and corruptions, have no paral-
lei in the United States. A Yorkshire or Lancashire peasant
lis scarcely intelligible to a Londoner; but in no district of
America, not even in the extreme west, where savage and ci-
vihzed hfe mingle, is there a language spoken not perfectly
intelligible to an English ear.

' There are, however, some peculiar phrases in general use,
^hich may properly be called Americanisms. The following
IS given as a specimen from Mr. Mellish : « I was diverted,'
feays he, ' by a dialogue between the two drivers, in which the
•word ^-v.^yv cxcurred .^o frequently, that I could hardly hear
any thmg ^Ise. ^i I ^uess this string's not long enough."

tp^atm-"^^'

' f:d£''-::i.-

UNITED STATKj^.

nd for some
Co()()er, who
;» tin' lead in
ot, Mr. Ber-
itigland, also
•onrds. Mr.
n in Europe
•scius, is the
'gree of suc-
ry 24, 1809,
•)y a similar
given to the
»in SO to 40
rs may pro-
Mr. Cooper
of every se-
rk. When
attfaction ;
teen nights'
t" 26 succes-
, and Kich-

irity by the
■responding
dialects of
unties, the
e no paral-
ire peasant
district of
ige and ci-
t perfectly

;neral use,
! following

diverted,'
which the
irdly hear

enough."

"Oyes, I guess it is."-- "Oyos, I gucvs J'il make it, do."^.
«' There, — I guess you have fixed it." " Yes, I guess yoi{
guess right."' But llic departure ol" the learned from llu;
pure idioms of the English language is not considerable.
When the antipathy against this country ran high during tlio
American revolution, it was proposed to drop tlie use of the
English tongue and chuse anotlier, when a wag recommended
the adoption of llie Hebrew .

Of all fi, reign countries, it is only in America that the choice
productions of English genius are sought after and appreciated.
On the continent of Europe nothing but English works of sci-
ence and practical utility are extensively known, as in fact it
is these alone which, in any language, can be thoroughly un-
derstood by foreigners, ('ourses of lectures on English litera-
ture are to this day read in continental universities, in which
none of the distinguished authors who .mve appeared within
the last 50 years are ever mentioned. Long before the title of
an English work, in some untranslated quotation from a re-
view, is announced at Leipsig, at Paris, or at Home, it is re-
printed at Boston, Philadelphia, or New York, and read on
the banks of the Ohio or Mississippi. This conununity of
language the American ought also to prize as one of his noblest
privileges, since it affords him access to a literature more ad-
vanced than his own can be in the nature of things ; and if it
be his first boast that he is the countryman of ^^',ishington and
Franklin, it should be his second, that his forefathers were
countrymen of Shakespeare and Milton, and ' that Chatham's
language is his mother-tongue."'

MANNERS AND HABITS.

The people of the United States have not that uniform cha-
racter which belongs to ancient nations, upon whom time, and
the stability of institutions, have imprinted a particular and
individual character. The general physiognomy is as varied
as its origin is different. English, Irish, Gerinan, Scotch,
French, aiid Swiss, all retain something of the first stamp,
which belongs to their ancient country. A marked distinction,

41/

34S

VIEW OF THE

ill

. > ^,

howet^r, exists betwe«ii the inhabitants of the maritime and
commercial towns, and those of the country. The former
perfectly resemble the citizens of the great towns of Europe.
They have all the luxury and vices of an advanced civilization.
Those of the country, who lead an agricultural life, enjoy all
that happiness which is procured from the exercise of the so>
tial virtues in their primitive purity. Their affections are
constant; felicity crowns the conjugal union; respect for pa-
ternal authority is sacred ; infidelity on the part of the wife is
almost unknown; divorce is rare; mendicity and theft un-
common.

An Englishman may easily be distinguished by his gait and
appearance from an American. The latter have a heavy
loungmg, indifferent kind of manner, indicative of ease and
carelessness. « Their whole appearance,' says a judicious ob-
server, *is sallow, and what we should call unhealthy. Our

?T"1,^~~ *"'"' """ ^''''^ ^" '^^^^ ^«'«'"* •" the cheeks is an
mfalhble cntenon by which to be discovered as an English-
man. In a British town of any importance, you cannot walk
along a leadmg stivet for half an hour without meeting with
almost every variety of size, dress, and appearance among the
inhabitants; whilst, on the contrary, here they seem all of one
family; and though not quite a "drab-coloured creation,"
the feelings they excite are not many degrees removed from
^e uninteresting sensations generated by that expression
The young men are tall, thin, and solemn : their dress is uni-
versally trousers, and very generally loose great coats. Old
men, m our English idea of that phrase, appear very rare.'

In such an extensive country, partaking of very different
local circumstances, the manners and morals of the community
must e::hibit a great variety. Generally speaking, every state
has its own peculiar features : and the subjects alluded to have
been noticed in the view of the various states and territories.

There is a material difference in point of character between
the people of the northern states and those to the southward ■
there also exists a considerable spirit of rivalry, jealousy, and
opposition between them. The frrmer (speaking in general
terms) are a plain, honest, and industrious people: regular

UNITED STATES.

849

in their habits, punctual in their payments, and strongly at-
tached to agricultural and commercial pursuits. But the
southern planter acquires his wealth not by the sweat of ku
brow like the New Englander, but by the labour of his w-
ffroes. He lolls at his ease in the shady retreat, drinking,
smoking, or sleeping, surrounded by his slaves and overseers,
who furnish him with the luxuries of life, without the neces-
sity of his leaving the piazza. The northern merchant, on
the contrary, is strenuously exerting himself from morning till
night; exercising his faculties, expanding his mind, and en-
larging his ideas by continual intercourse with people of every
nation, and correspondence in every quarter of the globe.
The planter is deprived of these opportunities of mixing with
the world, and acquiring an extensive knowle<ige of the inte-
rests (A' trade. Hence he suppos< that to raise a crop and
sell it sufficiently benefits the country ; nor can he conceive
what difference it will make, whether it is taken away in a
ship of his own nation or that of a foreign state. He also
looks upon the merchant or trader with contempt, as a mere
plodding fellow who is making a fortune by his assistance ; he
even hates him, when by careful industry and economy the
merchant can leave off business, and becomes, by the aid of his
superior wealth and abilities, a more important personage in
society than himself Such are, in all probability, the causes
whicii have created the existing spirit of rivalry, jealousy, and
opposition, between the northern and southern states; and
which, if not quickly extirpated, may one day or other occa-
sion a separation of the Union.

The higher and middling classes of tl>e Americans, who
reside chiefly in the large towns or their neighbourhood, hve,
generally speaking, in a more luxurious manner than the same
description of people in England. Not thai their tables are
more sumptuously furnished on particular occasions than ours ;
but that their ordinary meals consist of a greater variety of
articles, many of which from too frequent use may, perhaps,
become pernicious to the constitution. The constant use of
segars by the young n-en, even from an eariy age, may also
tend to impair the constitution, and create a stimulus beyond

U
%

350

VIEW OF THE

that which nature requires, or is capable of supporting. Their
dread of the yellow fever has induced a more frequent use of
tobacco of late years; but it is now grown into a habit that
will not be. easily abandoned. The other classes of the com-
munity, who reside in the interior and back part of the coun-
try, are often obliged to live upon salt provisions the greatest
part of the year, and sometimes on very scanty fare ; besides
which, they generally dwell in miserable log huts, incapable
of defending them effectually from the severity of the weather.
Those ^yho have the means of living better are great eaters of
animal food, which is introduced at every meal ; together with
a variety of hot cakes, and a profusion of butter : all which
may more or less tend to the introduction of bilious disorder^,
and perhaps lay the foundation of those diseases which prove
fatal in hot climates. The effects of a luxurious or meagre
diet are equally injurious to the constitution, and, together
with the sudden and violent changes of the climate, may create
a series of nervous complaints, consumption, and debility,
which in the states bordering on the Atlantic carry off at least
one-third of the inhabitants in the prime of life.

The general mode of living for those who do not keep
house, is at hotels, taverns, or private boarding-houses. There
are generally two public apartments, one for a sitting, the other
a dining room. The lady of the house presides; the other
ladies, who are boarders, being placed on her left. The hours
are,— breakfast, eight o'clock; dinner, half past three; tea,
seven ; supper, ten. American breakfasts are celebrated for
their profusion ; presenting eggs, meat of various kinds, fish,
and fowls. The charge is usually two dollars per diem, ex-
clusive of wine.

The Americans are much addicted to dissipation. Mecha-
nics and tradesmen swallow daily an enormous quantity of
spirits, so that a temperate man will, even in the morning,
feel the smell of liquor emitted from almost every person he
meets in the streets. Even in the country, peaches grow in
such profusion that brandy is made at a small cxpence ; and
as almost every house is lurnished with a still, inebriation is
very common. Those who can resist the temptations to in-

^ JITED STATES.

351

wrting. Their
frequent use of
ito a habit that
5es of the codi-
irt of the coun-
ts the greatest
^r fare ; besides
lUts, incapable
of the weather,
great eaters of

together with
:ter: all which
ious disorder^,
!S which prove
3US or meagre
and, together
ite, may create

and debility,
rry off' at least

do not keep
ouses. There
ting, the other
les; the other
t. The hours
St three; tea,
celebrated for
Js kinds, fish,
per diem, ex-

:ion. Mecha-
s quantity of

the morning,
ery person he
aches grow in
pxpence; and

inebriation is
itations to in-

temperfince possess great advantages over their less prudent
neighbours.

Mr. Lambert gives the following account of dram-drinking,
which he received from general Bradley. ' A gum-tklcler is a
gill of spirits, generally rum, taken fasting. A phle^^utter
IS a double dose just before breakfast. An antifogmatk is a
similar dram before dinner. A gall-hreaker is "about half a
pmt of ardent spirits. When they enquire how such-a-one
does, the answer is, « Oh, he is only drinking g,im.tkklers .'"
It he is drinking phlegm^utters, or antifog-matics, the case is
not so good, and he is soon expected to get to galUreakers ;
but if he is drinking the latter, they consider him as a lost
sheep,-8ay it is all over with him,-and pity his desperate
case. Indeed, a man seldom lives above six months after he
has commenced the galUbreaUng dram ! Rum, brandy, or
gin shng, is a common beverage for travellers through the
States; and the stage-coach men, in the course of a journey
take y special good quantity of itr Sometimes it consists
orWy of the liquor and water, sweetened with sugar, and drank
cold ; but in general it is made of milk, with ginger or nutmee
grated into it.' ^

• Another traveller says, that in New York vast quantities of
Yankee rum are sold. ' All spirits,' he continues, « are com-
monly drunk mixed with cold water, without sugar. The
price per glass, at the dirtiest grog-shops, is two-pence, where
the hquor ,s of the most inferior description. At the more
respectable, for a superior quality three-pence halfpenny. At
what are called taverns and porter-houses, establishments si-
milar to our second-rate public houses, six-pence halfpenny.
The size of the glass is half a gill. It is estimated that there
are 1500 spirit-shops in this city; a fact opposed to my first
impressions of American habits, which, on the point of sobrie-
ty, were favourable, judging from the absence of broils and of
drunkards in the streets : but more attentive observation, aided
by the information of old residents, enables me to state that
the quantity of malt-liquor and spirits drunk by the inhabit-
ants of New York, much exceeds the amount consumed by
the same extent of English population. The beastly drun-

f.i

I i

\l n

852

VIEW OF THE

kard is a character unknown here; yet but too many are
throughout the day under the influence of hquor, or what is
not inappropriately termed " half and half!" a state too pre-
valent among the labouring classes and the negroes. Many
date the source of this to the extremes of the climate. Ano-
ther and a leading cause is, that numbers of the lower orders
are European emigrants. They bring their habits with them.
They are here better employed and better paid than they were
in the country which gave them birth ; and they partake too
largely of the infirmities of our nature to be provident during
the sunshine of prosperity .""

Duels are very frequent throughout the States, and all at-
tempts to prevent them have hitherto failed. At New York,
a law was passed to prohibit the sending of challenges, and the
fighting of duels, under severe penalties ; but it answered no
other end than to produce a smart piece of satire on the sub-
ject of duels. A slight provocation produces a challenge^ and
if the p.irties consider themselves of what is called 'equal
standing,** that is, of families and in worldly circumstances of
equal respictability, they rarely decline the combat; and the
Americans being generally good shots, and as remarkable for
their cool deliberation as, too frequently, for deadly malignity,
it is seldom that both parties escape with life.

The Americans are uncommonly jealous of their indepen-
dence; and although this be a useful feeling, its excess is
productive of very serious evils. In schools, no species of
correction is allowed, subordination being as foreign to the
comprehension of the youth as to that of the aged. Servants
also feel themselves independent of their employers. This
may be attended with some advantages: it may please when
contrasted with the degrading slavery of the European world ;
but it is not free from serious and peculiar evils. It increases
selfish feelings and pursuits; it individualizes society, and
prevents a developement of those social qualities which are of
important benefit to, as well as the greatest ornament of our
nature.

Servants are usually engaged by the week. Enquiry as to
character is not practised, "^j'acks and whites are seldom kept

II<t9Jf'M

UNITED STATES.

358

too many are
lor, or what is
state too pre-
groes. Many
:limate. Ano-
e lower orders
lits with them,
han they were
ey partake too
mdent during

es, and all at-
Lt New York,
enges, and the
[t answered no
re on the sub-
:halienge> and
called 'equal
vumstances of
ibat ; and the
emarkable for
dly malignity,

:heir indepen-

its excess is

no species of

breign to the

ed. Servants

loyers. This

)r please when

opean world ;

It increases

society, and

which are of

lament of our

Enquiry as to
R seldom kept

in the same house. In the middle and southern states they
are chiefly blacks; and, though held in the most degraded
estimation, do almost as they please.

Servants are called ' helps :' if ym call them servants they
leave you without notice. Englishmen often incur their dis-
pleasure by negligence in continuing to use this prohibited
word. 'The difference, however,' observes a recent writer,
♦ would appear merely verbal ; for indeed I should misrepre-
sent the impressions I have received on the subject, if I stated
that the Americans realli/ shewed more feeling, or were more
considerate in their conduct towards this class of society than
the English : every one who knows thorn will, I think, pro-
nounce the direct contrary to be the case. A friend of mine,
the other day, met with a rebuff at his hotel, which taught
him the necessity of altering— not his ideas indeed, but his
words. Addressing the female "help,'' he said, "Be kind
enough to tell your mistress that I sliould be glad to see her."
•'Mif mistress, Sir! I tell you I have no mistress, nor master
either. I will not tell her, Sir, I guess ; if you want Mrs.
M you may go to her yourself, I guess. I have no mis-
tress. Sir. In this country there is no mistresses nor masters;
I guess I am a woman citizen." The term " b<jss" is substi-
tuted for that of master: but these, I would remark, are not
the only instances in this country of the alteration of names,
while things remain the same : indeed some very absurd, and
even indelicate changes have been made which cannot well be
communicated on paper.'

A traveller to whom we have frequently referred says,
'When the vessel in which I sailed from England had anchored
at New York, a boy procured us two hackney coaches, from
a distance of about a quarter of a mile. I offered him an
English shilling, having no other small coin in my possession.
He would not take so little ; " For as how I guess it is not of
value. 1 have been slick in going to the stand right away."
This was said with a tone of independence, which, although
displeasing to my pride, was npt so to my judgment. Mr.
Adams satisfied the young republican by givino- him half-a-
doUar, (2s. Sd.) There was no sense of having received a

2 Y

.1 1

^■Vi

354

VIEW OF THE

favour in tlio boy's cuuntenanee or manner ; a trait of cliarac-
ter which, I have since learned, is by no means confined to the
youth of America. A simple " I thank you, Sir," would not,
however, dei-ogate from a free man's dignity ; but I must not
be too fastidious. We should not expect every thing ; and,
after all, even cold inde|K'ndence is preferable to warm servility.
Another question, and one of leading importance, suggested
itself to me on this occasion ; namely. Is not labour here well
paid ? A great number of people were ou the wharf looking
at us and our vessel. Many of them were of the labouring
class. They were not better clothed than men in a similar
condition in England ; but they were more erect in their pos-
ture, less care-worn in their countenances; the thought of
" the morrow'" did not seem to li)rm a part of their ideas ;
and among them there were no beggars.

' Funerals are uniformly attended by large walking proces-
sions. In the newspai^rs I have frequently observed adver-
tisements stating the deaths, and inviting all friends to attend
the burial. The dead are seldom kept more than two days.
At the time appointed, intimate friends enter the house, others
assemble outside, and fall into the procession when the body is
brought out. Sorrow does not seem depicted in the counte-
nances of any, but few wear mourning, and many smoke
segars ; none appear chargeable with the hypocrisy described
by the poet of " mocking sorrow with a heart not sad." '

Fair coniplexions, regular features, and fine forms, seem
to be the prevailing characteristics of the American fair sex.
They do not, however, enjoy their beauty for so long a period
as English women, neither do they possess the blooming coun-
tenance and rosy tinge of health so predominant among our
fair countrywomen, whose charsas never stand in need of cos-
metics. The beauty of the American women partakes more of
the lifi/ than the rose ; though the soft glow of the latter is
sonietimes to be met with. Their climate, however, is not so
favourable to beauty as that of England, in consequence of
the«xcessive heat and violent changes of the weather peculiar
to Atwerica.

of charac-

ined to the

would not,

[ must not

ling; and,

n servility.

suggested

r here well

irf looking

lalx^uring

a similar

their pos-

hought of

leir ideas;

iig proces-
ved adver-
s to attend
two days,
jse, others
he body is
he counte-
my smoke
' described
d."'

rms, seem
in fair sex.
ig a period
ning coun-
mong our
eed of cos-
es more of
e latter is
, is not ^o
jquence of
it peculiar

UNITED STATES.

355

Most travellers who have visited Amcriaa have charged
the ladies of the United States universally with having bad
teeth. This accusation is certainly very erroneous when ap-
plied to the whole of the i'air sex, and to them alone. That
the inhabitants of the States are often subject to a premature
loss of teeth is allowed by themselves ; and the cause has even
been discussed in the papers read before the American I'hilo-
sophical Society; but it does not particularly attach to the
females, who are much more exempt from that misfortune
than the men.

Dancing is an amusement that the ladies are passionately
fond of; and many of them are well accomplished in music
and drawing, which they practise with consiilerable success :
but they do not excel in those acquirements, as they do in
dancing. Among the young men these accomplishments are
but little cultivated.

Marriages are conducted in the most splendid style, and
form an important part of the winter's entertainments. For
some years it was the fashion to keep them only among a se-
lect circle of friends ; but of late the opulent parents of tho
new-married lady have thrown open their doors, and invited
the town to partake of their felicity. The young couple, at-
tended by tlieir nearest connexions and friends, are married
at home in a magnificent style ; and if the parties are episco-
palians, a bishop is always procured, if possible ; as his pre-
sence gives a greater zest to the nuptials. For three days
after the marriage ceremony, the new-married couple see com-
pany in great state, and every genteel person who can procure
an introduction may pay his respects to the bride and bride-
groom. It is a sort of levee; and the visitors, after their
introduction, partake of a cup of coffee or other refreshments,
and walk away. Sometimes the night concludes with a con-
cert and ball, or cards, among those friends and acquaintance
who are invited to remain.

A late writer tiiinks that the ease with which the necessa-
ries of life may be obtained, the want of social subordination,
and the desire to be independent, conspire to produce some
inconveniences in the married life. 'Early marriages,' says

'i\

.A!

t l^J

956

VIEW OF THE

he, * partly proceed perhaps from this state of things, though
the great source of their frequency is certainly in confortnity
with a well-known theory,— the ease with which the necessa-
ries of life can he obtained. Arguments are not wanting in
favour of youtliful matrimonial engagements; and, witliout
considering the matter in an individual point of view, it cer-
tainly contributes to the more rapid advancement of a country
requiring population. Yet, strong as such reasons may be, I
should, if morally considered, hesitate in bearing my testimony
to their solidity. The youth of twenty, and the female of
fourteen, are ill fitted for the cares, anxieties, and education of
a family : tieither their bodily nor mental strength has attained
maturity. Those days also which ought to be devoted to the
acquirement of solid information, and to the improving, per-
haps it may be said, to the creating the character, are necessa-
rily devoted to other objects. The cares of life, under such
circumstances, begin to press upon individuals who have not,
previously had time or opportunity to learn its duties. No
provision has been made for the support of a rising family— to
this therefore every other object will generally be sacrificed :

by these means u sordid and calculating spirit is engendered

the more generous feelings of our nature acquire neither
strength nor stability ; and every mental and ennobling pur-
suit is abatidoned with a view to the getting on in life.

' The American female character requires our attention : in
mental pursuits it would appear to be at present but little ad-
vanced. This proceeds no doubt from a variety of causes ; all
that has been said of the male population, by a natural re-ac-
tion affecting the female also. The demand, too, (if I may be
fexcused a mercantile phrase upon such a subject,) exceeding
this supply, together with the comparatively less value set
upon domestic comfort, may perhaps have tended to produce
the extrettie attention to mere personal ornament, and the uni-
versal neglect of either mental or domestic knowledge, which
appears to exist among the females here, as compared with
thdSfe of England.'

In the article of cleanliness the American ladies are certainly
inferior to Europeans, whic'i may perhaps be owing, not so

UNITED STATES.

887

ng8, though
conformity
the riecess»^
wanting in
[id, without
new, it cer-
if a country

9 may be, I
y testimony
e female of
education of
lias attained
.'oted to the
oving, per-
are necessa-
under such

10 have not

hitifs. No

family — to

sacrificed :

Rendered —
ire neither
l)ling pur-
fe.

:ention : in
It little ad.
:auses; ali
ural re-ac-
f I may be
exceeding
value set
o produce
d the uni-
^e, which
ared with

! certainly
ig, not bo

much to the mixture of people from different nations, as to
the want of authority over servants, with the laziness in which
domestics indulge who set a high value on their services. An
Englishman thus describes an American boarding-house: —

' After a residence of three days at the hotel, I removed to
a private boarding-house, in one of the bed-rooms of which I
tan now writing. The dining-room of this establishment is
genteel ; but the other apartments, and more particularly the
kitchen, are of a kind not much to excite admiration. I per-
ceived here what — unpleasant as may be the discovery, I
think I have observed elsewhere, and — worse still, what I fear
pervades this new world, an affectation of splendour, or what
may be called st7/le, in those things which are intended to meet
the public eye ; with a lamentable want even of cleanliness in
such matters as are removed J^roni that ordeal. To this may
be added, an appearance of uncomfortable extravagance, and
an ignorance of that kind of order and neatness which consti-
tute, in the sight of those who have once enjoyed it, the prin-
cipal charm of domestic life. I should rejoice to find myself
in an error in this judgment ; but all I have seen myself, and
all I have collected from the obsei'vation of others most com-
petent to form a correct opinion, tend to its confirmation.

'Last evening I drank tea at a genteel private house.
The furniture was splendid, the table profusely supplied, be-
ing loaded with fish, dried beef, and sausages ; the bread and
butter was roughly cut in huge hunks piled zig-zag. The
children's faces were dirty, their hair uncombed, their disposi-
tions evidently untaught, and all the members of the family,
from the boy of six years of age up to the owner (I was going
to say master) of the house, appeared independent of each
other. I have seen the same characteristics in other families
— in some indeed decidedly the contrary; but these latter
would seem to be the exceptions, and the former the general
rule.'

The women in sea-port towns dress very gay, and rather in
the French style ; but from the high wages paid for labour,
and the speculating habits of the merchants, they do not feel
the necessity of being industrious equally with Englishwbmeni

.•«8

VIEW OF THE

On the contrary, thpy arc in gcncrHl idle and carcloss; arid
the prnrtico of snuff'-takin^r, and even the dis^vustin^ one of
chewing tobacco, which is practised hy many of the poor.'r
sort, render them objoi^ts of aversion to strangers accustomed
to the neatness and delicacy of female manners. They aKo
evince a share of that freedom of expression and (;ondu<t" prac-
tised by the men; hut which in England would l.e condcMuncd
as extremely gross and improper. This remark will he par-
tially illustrated l)y the following advertisement, extracted
from the ' Kentucky Reporter,' published at Lexington.

'TAKF, NOTICE,
•And beware of the swindler JESSK DOUOHERTY, who mar-
ried me ill November lust, and some time after marriage infonncfl
mc that he liad another wife alive and before I recovered, tlu« vil-
lain left me, and took one of my best horses—one of my nci^rhbours
was so good as to follow him and take the liors.- from hiiu, .iiul
bring In'm back. The «iid Dougherty is about forty years of .ige.
five feet ten inches high, round-sliouldered, thick lips, complexfon
and hair dark, grey eyes, rcmarkal)ly ugly and ill-natured, and
very fond of ardent spirits, and by profession a notorious liar. This
is therefore to warn all widows to beware of the swindler, as all he
wants is their property, and they may go to the devil for him after
he gets that. Also, all persons are forewarned from trading with
the said Dougherty, with the expectation of receiving pay from my
property, as I consider the marriage contract vull and void agreea-
bly to law : you will therefore pay no attention to any lies he may
tell you of his property in this county. The said Dougherty has
a number of wives living, perhaps eight or ten, (the number not
positively known,) and will no doubt, if he can get them, have
eight or ten more. I believe that is the way he makes his living.

'MARY DODD.
'Livingston county, Ky. Sept. 5, 1817.— ^38 at (ch. W. G.)'

The Americans are evidently destined to become a powerful
people, and to exercise a great influence over the councils of
Europe. The perception of their growing strength and im-
portance generates a high degree of national vanity, which
blazes out on all occasions, in their conversation, newspapers,
pamphlets, speeches, and hooks. They asspme it as a self.

UNITED STATES.

iireloss; and
stilly niu> ol"

\' tlu" ]MM)rOI'

i uc'ciiHtomcd
'I'hoy jilso
DniUuit prac-
i coiuk'iiinfd
will 1)0 jMir-
t, extracted
ngton.

Y, who luar-
ii^e inConiicfl
•red, the vil-
y iifiplibours
1)111 Iiinij ;nid
yiNirs ot'a^e,
, complexion
iiattired, find
IS liar. 7'liis
Her, as nil he
for liini after
trading with
pay from my

void agreea-
r lies he may
jugherty has
i mnnber not

them, have
s his living.
' DODD.
W. G.y

? a piwcrful
councils of
■til and im-
lity, whiclj
lewspapers,
t as a selfj-

evidtnt fivt, that they Hurpass all other nations in virtue,
wisdom, valour, lilierty, jrovernment, ai:d every otiier excel-
lence. Europeans they despise, as iirnorant paupers and das-

tardly slu

On this subject a recent writer thus expresses

slaves,
himself: —

' There arc perhaps no people, not even excepting the
French, who are so vain as the Americans ; their sclf-estima-
j tion and cool-headed homhast, when speaking of themselves or

their country, are ijuite ludicrous. An anecdote is told of
general Moreau, who, at the connnencemcnt of the late war
with England, was iu America: a friend, addressing him, ob-
served that his military talents would he of essential service to
the republic. He replied in the negative ; adding., that there
was not a driuumer in the American army who did not think
himself equal to general Moreau. This fact will apply to all
occupations with an e([ual degree oi' laithfulness. Every man
here thinks he has arrived at the acm(- of perfection ; the me-
chanics themselves possess the same l-eeliiig. When at Newark,
I was informed that some choice designs in chair-japanning
and coach-plating were lately produced by two emigrants ; the
natives turned upon their heels, " Ay, they guessed them 'ere
were fashions they had left oft'." Every American considers
that it is impossible for a foreigner to teach him any thing, and
that his head contains a perfect encyclopa'dia. This excessive
inflation of mind must be attended with many disadvantages;
though when I look at the various causes which have com-
bined to produce it, I am not much surprised at it,s existence.
As a people, they feel that they have got to gain a character,
and, like individuals under similar circumstances, are captious
and conceited in proportion to their defects. They appear to
aim at a standard of high reputation, with(nu the laborious
task of deserving it, and practise upon themselves the self-de-
ception of believing that they really are thai which they only
wish to be. This feeling has not been lessened by their suc-
cesses in the late contest with Great IJritain ; for, although in
several engagements on our tavourite element they had an
overwhelming superiority, yet there were instances when that
was not the case; and the defeat of English frigates, with

•^> li

^P VIEW OF TIIK

•e^en any (lisparily of force, wm too great in hoiuiur to lie es.
Un.^«l t^xat'tly M It merit^j The bouHtiiig up<Hi thU subject
It m oxtravaKaiU that it ImH^jueH the object of its pra-w
^' America is now the ruler of thr graves ;" aiid every song anH
joke, fact uuv' falsehcHHl, that we have Ix'stowed upon our tars
are transferred u. the '"tar-spangled banner, and ihe brave
sons of Cokimbia," with t. eharactt'iistic (idehtv of a national
intellect, rendered barren lor want of culture.'

The tyrannical ci»iiduct of the British government in naval
aff'airs, their system of impressnienl and of flogging, and tlie
absurd and insolent claim of iho right of search, might well,
particularly the last, have exa8pt>rated tlu' American nation,'
and more especially her seamen ; still the Americans are de-
serving of great honour for what they really achieved. School-
boys in the art of war, they were yet better prepared for it,
and evinced more practical dexterity, than our hoary-headed
practitit>ners. But with this limited degree of praise they are
«ot content; they are, forsooth, 'the lords of the ocean I'
' Neptune's choicest sons ! <■ Victori(.u8, though the English
hat! great superiority of Ibrce !' ' The star-apaiigled banner is
the astonishment, the admiration, and the glory of tho world !'
—with volumes more of such frothy, senseless bombast.

Other causes of their great national pride and vanity sug-
gest themselves to the mind. One may consist in their being
so far from the seat of the arts and sciences, that their acquire-
ments are not tried by the only effectual standard— comparison.
They are left in undisputed possession of the belief that in-
fancy is manhood; that puerility is superiority; and tJiat me-
diocrity is first-rate talent. They have a political republic
within themselves ; but they send scarcely one representative
to the general republic of letters. European writers too, who
have never actually visited America, taking theii 1 'ens .,f the
inhabitants, their manners aad institutions, from rii, , u, .-md
political constitution of the country, have frequ ; y been ^>ro-
fuse in their eulogies. Speculating emigrants, from inte-
rested motives, have followed in the same track. American
authors, in the sincerity of their hearts, have re-echoed these
praises; aud they wouJd be more than human, were they not

UNITKD gTATES.

lour to lie es-
II this subject
lit' its |)rair«.
ery song uni^
|>()ii (iiir tura,
u\ i.lie brave
of a national

lent ill naval
in^, and the

might well,
'ican nation,
ii'ans are de-
ed. School-
>ared for it,
oary-headed
lise they are
the ocean I'
the English
ed banner is
' tho world !'
ibast.
vanity sug-

their being
leir acquire-
comparison,
lief that in-
nd that me-
;al republic
presentativc
rs too, vfho
Jeas <)f the
If '■'.'' ' .7nd
y been pro-
froni inte-

American
;hoed these
re they not

inured by thi powerful combination against their national
improvement.

The old governments of Europe are curtfnl to foster a spirit
of national vanity, as an auxiliary lo their schenitu of war and
aggrandizement; and jH-rhnps there are few stronger wynip-
toms of the increase of knowlcdirt, in Enojl.nd, than the weak-
ened feeling of enmity towards the French people It is much
to be regretted that circumstances should have so powerfully
conspired to engender such a ridiculous and iwrnicious vice
4imongit the Americans.

Troni this source arises also a dislike to strangers. This
filling is very general in America; and, however unpleasant
this remark may be to those who have foriTied a false estimate
of the American character from the lying reports of intt^restod
individuals, it is our duty to exhibit things as they are, and to
disregard the clamours of those who think that a degree ol"
moral excellence exists in the United States utterly incompa-
tible with the circumstances of the people, Mr. Birkbeck
says, ' National antipathies are the result of had political insti-
tutions, and not of human nature. Here, whatever their ori-
ginal, whether English, Scotch, Irish, German, French, all are
Americans ; and of all the unfavourable imputations on the
American character, jcaloumj if stran'^er.i h surely the most
absurd and }iroundlcss. The Americans are sufficiently alive
to their own interest, but they wish well to strangers, and are
not always satisfied with wishing, if they can promote their
interest by active services.'

Now, opposed to the authority of this popular writer, we
will offer an address, unanimously voted in 1809, at a meeting
in New York of 500 adopted citizens, from which the follow-
ing are extracts : —

'At a respectable meeting, consisting of about five hundred Adopted
Republican Citizens of the city of New York, held at Lyon's
Hotel, Mott-Street, — Mr. Archibald Taylor being unanimously
called to the chair, and Dr. Stephen Dempsei/ appointed secretary,
the subjoined address was unanimously adr)pted. and ordered to
be published.

IC 2 Z

362

VIEW OF thj:

* To the Adopted Republican Citizens of the city of New York.

' Fellow Citizens,
'A long train of disagreeable circumstances have called us toge-
ther, and induced us to address you on a subject which, for years
we have acutely felt and deeply deplored. Some of you, groaning
under oppression in your native laud, have voluntarily emigrated
from it, whilst otliers, more afflicted by despotism, and less favoured
by propitious events, find yourselves in the condition of involuntary
exile. All, however, iiave chosen, as a resting-place in the journey
through life, this " asylum for the oppressed of all nations."' Here,
perhaps, mistaking the character of human nature, we pleasingly
anticipated, from tho.se who avow themselves the friends of freedom,
exemption from that religious persecution and civil tyranny, whose
inexorable reign had forced us from our native country. Alas!
how greatly were we mistaken ! how egregiouslij have we been disap-
pointed! Our constitutions and gownmenis are indeed free, but be-
tween these admirable instilutions and ourselves a ti,rann,', is intervened
much less tolerable limn that from which we fled We have made
permanent settlements in tl,c lund of our foVefathcrs ; we admire
and we are attadied to our republican institutions; we have com-
plied with the injunctions of the constitutions and tlie laws, and we
will support tliein uj)on equal terms, with our lives and'our for-
tunes. Bnt horr are we Irralcd? IVhat has been oar reception "
Has good faith bee,, observed ? Ih, ve the promises been performed ?
Are not we, who are citizens by all the solemnities and obligations of
law, treated as aliens— stigmatized as^ /hr.igmrs P We cornplain not
of the constitutions and the law.-; ; they are libeial in principle and
benign in operation. They enjoin an .•il)juration of former allegi-
ance: have we not with alacrity complied with the injunction?
They require an oath of fidelity to the IJniou atid to tlie Suites:
devoted in spirit and in truth U) both, we have eagerly t^iken it.
What more is required ? What more can be expected ? " 'J'he laws
reiiuire no more. Shall an vnder-plot, a counter operation, indivi-
dual jealousy, and pale-faced cabal, frowned upon b>/ the my elements
if the state, subvert the law-put it at de fiance—tram pie it under
foot f The law places upon the same nndistinguishable level, the
citizen of native and the citizen of foreign birth. Are we to be
told, in this enlightened age, timt the law is not to govern ; that
the essence of a well-ordered society is not a government of laws
but a government of the worst j,assions .:> V,o back then to a stiitc
of nnardiy : tear out the bowels of society : revert to the rude con-

UNITED yXATES.

'New York,

called us toge-
lich, for years,
you, groaning
Tily emigrated
d less favoured
of involuntary
in the journey
tions." Here,
we pleasingly
ds of freedom,
rranny, whose
mitry. Alas !
we been disap-
dfrec, hut be-
// ii tn/ervenal
Ve have made
s ; we admire
ive have com-
laws, and we
i and our for-
iir reception ?
It performed ?
vhllgatlons of
I'ornplain not
principle and
brnier allegi-
injunction ?
< the Stiites;
M-ly tiiken it.
? 'J 'he laws
7//(;h, ind'ivi-
rerif elements
fple it under
Ic level, the
ire we to be
overn; that
ent of laws,
?n to a state
IP rude con-

dition of untutored nature, and let the strongest govern. We have
never ceased to cherish and to inculcate those opinions which are
most consonant to the civil and social state. We have remonstrated
jigainst distinctions, at once impolitic and unjust, between native and
adopted citizens ; but have not our remonstrances and efforts been
in vain ? No zeal, no exertions, no services, however disinterested,
unremitted, or great, have been sufficient to shield us from an epi-
thet which, while it poisons the social and impairs the enjoyment
of political life, must ultimately terminate iti the ruin of the repub-
lican party in this city. Alas ! has our republic turned upon itself,
and in the short period of a few years from the adoption of the
constitution ?'

' Resolved unanimously, that 500 copies of the above address
and resolution be printed in hand-bills, for the benefit of our fel-
low republican and adopted citizens.

'ARCHIBALD TAYLOR, Chairman.

'S. DEMPSEY, Secretary.'

Nothing can excite in the mind of an emigrant such surprise
and indignation as this ridiculous and selfish antipathy to
strangers, which must originate in the most contracted views.
Liberal minded men must, in America,as in other countries,
be above such prejudices; but we here speak of the general
sentiment. Some excuse, however, may in this case be made
for the Americans, as many strangers join their community
chiefly to escajje the consequences of their dishonesty in their
native land : but the national dislike to strangers is shewn in
instances where this cannot possibly be admitted as an excuse.

The celebrated Mr. Emmett, notwithstanding his high re-
putation at the American bar, is often mentioned with con-
tempt, as being a Joreigner. A similar accusation was
brought against the amiable general Hamilton ; and such
sentiments are always rapturously applauded in the public
forum of New York, where young men cf talent exercise their
oratorical powers.

In all infant colonies, each individual is so dependent upon
his neighbour, that self-interest breaks down minor feelings;
but in old settled parts, this check does not operate. Hence it
is that in Pennsylvania there exists between the Americans of

■'i-

V..«ia*(«'-

a64

VIEW OP THE

Irish and of German extraction the most deadly animositv
In the nnud of a German American, the term ' Irishman' is
one of the most foul reproaches with which the ranee of his
Ideas supplies him. Indeed, Irishmen, as well as Dutchmen,
are very generally des,)ised ; and it is a high offence to insi!
nuate to an American that he is not of English descent. Yet
his jealousy of Englishmen is as great as his contempt for the
natives of other countries. Some travellers, possessing a name
and property, have met with a liberal reception, and have not
therefore noticed this trait in the American character ; for in
no country are riches more sought after and esteemed than in
America.

The Americans are very covetous of the few titles which are
allowed by the laws. In Massachusetts a vote is peculiarly
valuable, because an office there makes a man honyurable du-
ring life. This and other titles are always ostentatiously pub-
hshed. But man is the same in all countries. The following
extract from the ' Boston Sentinel,' of August 27th, 181?'
will illustrate this idea. » '>

'DinHcrto Mr. ^J«m.-Yesterday a public dinner was given to
the ^««. John Q. Adams, in the Exchange coffee-house, by his
fellow c,t>ze,js of Boston. The lion. Wm. Gray presided, assisted
by the //o« Harrison Gray Otis, George Blake, Esq. and the Hon.
Jonathan Mason, vice-presidents. Of the guests were, the Hon.
Mr. Adams, late president of the United States, his E^vcellcncy Go-
vernor Brooks his Honour Lt. Gov. Phillips, Chief .Justice Parker
Judge Story, President Kirkland, Gen. Dearborn, Com. Hull. Gen'
Miller, several of the reverend clergy, and many public officers,"
and strangers of eminence.'

Negro slavery has spread its baleful influence over a great
part of the Union. Some writers, particularly Englishmen,
who would wish to represent the .tates as a second Arcadia
have offered an apology for this detestable practice, by con!
tending th..t it formed a part of the policy of the co W sys^
tern : but this excuse does not apply to the new states ; for The
congress has resigned the inhabitants of these vast regions as
victims of Its demoralizing effects. The native Indians present,

UNITED STATES.

365

lly animositv.
'Irishman' is
! range of his
as Dutchmen,
fFence to insi-
iescent. Yet
itempt for the
essing a name
and have not
racter ; for in
emed than in

ties which are
is peculiarly
mjiirahlc du-
atiously pub-
rhe following
27th, 1817,

r was given to
house, by his
sided, assisted
and the Hon.
ere, the Hm.
Excellency Go-
iistice Parker,
n. Hull, Gen.
ublic officers.

over a great
Englishmen,
nd Arcadia,
ice, by con-
cohnial s^s-^
ites; for the
it regions as
ans present,

of course, nothing but a picture of mere savage life ; and the
poor negroes suffer even more than commonly falls to the lot
of their oppressed and degraded condition. What a foul stain
upon the republic, professing, as it does, the principles of
liberty and equal rights, that, out of twenty states, there
should be eleven in which slavery is an avowed part of their
political constitution ; and that in those called free (New Eng-
land excepted) the condition of blacks should practicaUy
amount to slavery ! Like the Greeks of old, they talk of free-
dom, while the degraded Helot is within their doors.

Upwards of one million seven hundred thcmscmd negroes are
still held as slaves in the United States ; for, though slavery
has been abolished by a law of the general government in 1803,
and also by most of the eastern and middle states, yet that
* broadest foulest blot' upon a nation professing Christianity,
is still tolerated, and prevails over a very large portion of
the Union ; corrupting and debasing the pu'jlic morals, and
communicating its depraving influence to both the slave and
his master. Besides the negroes, there are upwards of S00,000
free people of colour ; both these classes, however, acquire oc
casionally an admixture of the blood of the white population,
and the mestizos are gaining fast in number upon the blacks.
The great body of slaves are to be found in the southern states.

The experience of all history proves that the structure of
society in slave-liolding countries is unfavourable to internal
peace at all times, and still more so to security and strength in
the season of foreign warfare. Besides, a slave is ignorant of
the very elements of industry, which is the basis of all social
prosperity. While in bondage he only obeys the impulse of
another's will, he is actuated by no other motive but the dread
of the lash ; whereas, when made free, he must think, plan,
provide for himself and family, and perform all the duties of a
citizen. It is necessary to make a slave a man, before he is
made a free man. The slave, recently liberated, has expe-
rienced only the most laborious and disagreeable of the occu-
pations of a citizen ; and not having learned any forecast, is
unwilling to toil when free. The emancipated negroes of
Massachusetts prove, that such an order of beings have not

i .

860

VIEW OF THE

the capacity to avail themselves of the benefits of civil Uberty
For m that state, whore slavery is abolished by law, and which
consequently opens an asylum to fugitive slaves from the
nejghbounng states, the negroes do mt keep up their stock of
population, by the help both of native breeding and runaway
importation; so improvident, so helpless, and so deficient in
all those habits of steady and useful industry, which are essen-
tially necessary to obtain a competent support for themselves
aod a grownig family, have they been rendered by a lona con-
tirmance in slavery. "

The treatment of the negroes throughout the slave states is
as villamous as can be well imagined; and although they are
themselves not insensible to the evils of their condition, they
do not seem to feel it so acutely as might be anticipated, or as
the man of common humanity would feel on their account.
Thts, however, is natural enough, and easy to account for.
As the body is enslaved, the mind becomes degraded, and loses
a sense of Its own dignity, and of the value of independence.

A distinguished writer has most justly observed, that 'if
there be an object truly ridiculous in nature, it is an American
patriot, signing resolutions of independence with one hand,
aiid with the other brandishing a whip over his affrighted
slave.' Even in Cincinnati, people retain slaves in violation of
the spirit of the Ohio constitution, by first purchasing them,
and then binding them as apprentices. Some are so base as to
take these negroes down the river at the approach of theexpi-
ration of their apprenticeship, and ,<iell them at Natchez for life !
An English traveller, seeing above thirty boats and keels
pass down the Mississippi at Natchez, savs, 'A great many
coloured people, particularly females, being in these boats, I
concluded that they were emigrants, who had proceeded thus
far on their route towards a settlement. The fact proved to
be that fourteen of the flats were freighted with human beings
fpr sale. They had been collected in the several states by
slave-dealers, and shipped from Kentucky for a market.
They were dressed up to the best advantage, on the same
principle that jockeys do horses up<jn sale. The following is
a specimen of advertisement on this subject :—

■"•-si5S5J.s

UNITED STATES.

367

■ civil liberty,
iw, and which
ves from the
iheir stock of
and runaway
a deficient in
ch are essen-
r themselves
y a long con-
lave states is
Jgh they are
idition, they
ipated, or as
eir account,
account for.
id, and loses
?pendence.
ed, that 'if
n American
one hand,
3 affrighted
violation of
ising them,

base as to
of the expi-
'£zjbr life !

1 and keels
^reat many
!e boats, I
eeded thus

proved to
fian beings

states by
a market.

the same
)llowing is

"TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD
" Will be paid for apprehending and lodging in jail, or delivering
to the subscriber, the following slaves, belonging to JOSEPH
IRVIN, of/6em7/e.—
"TOM, a very light Mulatto, blue eyes, 5 feet 10 inches high,
appears to be about 35 years of age, an artful fellow — can read and
write, and preaches occasionally.

"CHARLOTTE, a black wench, round and full faced, tall,
straight, and likely — about 25 years of age. and wife of the above-
named Tom.

" These slaves decamped from their owner's plantation, on the
night of the 14th September inst.

"WILLIAM KEXNER & Co.'"

But perhaps the estimation in which the unfortunate ne-
groes are held by the free-born Americans, will be best illus-
trated by the following official document, published at New
Orleans.

'CITY COUNCIL OF NEW ORLEANS.

' An ordinance in relation to slaves in the city and suburbs of New
Orleans, as also in the neighbourhood thereof] and to no other per-
sons herein mentioned.

' The city council ordains as follows :
* Art. 1. No slave or slaves within the city and suburbs of New
Orleans, and the neighbourhood thereof, shall have, hold, occupy,
reside or sleep in any house, out-house, building, or enclosure,
other than his or her owner's, or his or her owner's representatives,
or of the person whom he is or the}' are serving for hire, without
first obtaining a ticket or tickets from his, I iv, or their owner or
owners, expressly describing llie place whi h such slave or slaves
is or are allowed rpspcctively to occupy, reside, or sleep in ; and
specifying also the time during which the aforesaid permission or
permissions is or are granted : and every slave, holding, occupying,
residing or sleeping in any house, oiit-house, building, or enclosure,
without obtaining the permission aforesaid, shall be committed to
the jjiil by any officer of police, or any other white person, there to
receive twenty Lishes, on a warrant from the mayor, or from a jus-
tice of tlie peace, unless the owner or owners of such slaves shall
previously pay a fine of five dollars for each of them, with all costs
and charges.

* I

y^mms

868

VIEW OF THE

* Art. 6. The assemblies of slaves for the purpose of dancing or
othermerriment, shall take place only on Sundays, and solely in
such open or public places as shall be appointed by the mayor ; and
no such assembly shall continue later than sunset ; and all slaves
who shall be found assembled together on «ny other day than Sun-
day, or who, even on that day, shall continue their dances after
sunset, shall be taken up by the officers of police, constables,
watchmen, or other white persons, and shall be lodged in the pub-
lic jail, where they shall receive from 10 to 25 lashes, on a warrant
from the mayor or a justice of the peace; the clauses specified in
the preceding article against all owners pr occupants of houses or
lots, forming or tolerating such assemblies on their premises, being
in full force against them.

' Art. 7. No person giving a ball to free people of colour shall, on
am/ pretext, admit or suffer to be admitted to said ball any slave, on
penalty of a fine from 10 to 50 dollars; and any slave admitUd to
any such ball shall receive 1 5 hshes.

'Art. 8. Every slave, except such as may be blind or infirm,
who shall walk in any street or open place with a cane, club, or
other stick, shall be carried to the police jail, where he shall receive
25 lashes, and shall moreover forfeit every such cane, club, or other
stick, to any white person seizing the same ; and every slave car-
rying any arms whatever, shaill be punished in the manner pre-
scribed by the Black Code of this state.

'Art. 9- If any slave shall be guilty of whooping or hallooing
any where in the city and suburbs, or of making any clamorous
jioise, or of singing aloud any indecent song, he or she shall, for
each and every such offence, receive at the police jail, on a warrant
from the mayor, or any justice of the peace, a number of 20 lashes
or stripes j and if any such offence be committed on board any
vessel, the master or commander thereof shall forfeit and pay a
sum of 20 dollars for every such offence.

'Art. 10. Every slave who shall be guilty of disrespect totvards
any white person, or shall insuU any free person, shall receive 30
lashes, upon an order from the mayor, or justice of tlie peace.

'Art. 13. The present ordinance shall be printed in the usual
gazettes, and shall moreover be published by drum-beat, within
the city and suburbs, twice every week during fifleen days, and
once every month after that time.

' Approved, October 1 5th, 1817. ' /. SOULIE, Recorder.

'^ov.3. 'AUG. MACARTY, Mnvor.'

ys^

Be of dancing or
'8, and solely in
the mayor; and
; and all slaves
r day than Sun-
sir dances after
lice, constables,
ged in the pub.
es, on a warrant
ises specified in
its of houses or
premises, being

'colour shall, on
ill any slave, on
jlave admilUd lo

)lind or infirm,
cane, club, or
he shall receive
:, club, or other
(very slave car-
e manner pre-

ng or hallooing
any clamorous
r she shall, for
il, on a warrant
)er of 20 lashes
on board any
feit and pay a

respect totvards
hall receive 30
he peace,
d in the usual
n>beat, within
Ben days, and

JE, Recorder,
RTY, Mavor.'

UNITED STATES.

369

What points out very forcibly the degrading effects of sla-
very upon the mind is, tliat the Americans, even in worship-
ping the common Father of all, refuse to permit the approach
of coloured people. They are obliged to have churches of
their own. In Philadelphia, ' the three " African churches,"
as they are called, are for all those native Americans who are
black, or have any shade of colour darker than white. These
persons, though many of them are possessed of the rights of
citizenship, are not admitted into the churches which are visit-
ed by whites. There exists a penal law, deeply written in the
mhids of the whole white population, which subjects their co-
loured fellow-citizens to unconditional contumely and nevcr-
ceasmg insult. No respectability, however unquestionable — no
property, however large— no character, however unblemished
— will gain a man, whose body is (in American estimation)
cursed with even a twentieth portion of the blood of his Afri-
can ancestry, admission into society ! ! ! They are considered
as mere Pariahs — as outcasts and vagrants upon the face of
the earth !'

The diversity of laws in separate states, by which acts con-
sidered as a crime in one part are not punishable in another,
and also many confused impressions of right and wrong, gene-
rate much evil, while the state of the bankrupt laws, and an
immense and complicated paper currency, are universal and
increasing evils; each of these having opened an extensive
field to the calculations of avidity and the speculations of the
dishonest. The lisl of insolvencies is enormous. Failure in
trade, so far from being a cause of loss, or a subject of shame,
is generally the means of securing a fortune ; and so callous
upon this subject has the public mind beoome, that no kind of
disadvantage or disgrace attaches to the individual, who takes,
therefore, little pains to disguise the source of his wealth.

Although pauperism has not arrived at English maturity,
rior does it often attract the public eye, yet it does exist, and
that to a great extent, which may be seen in governor Clinton's
most able address to the New York legislature. He there re-
marks, ' Our statutes relating to the poor are borrowed from
system. And the experience of that country, as
3 A

the English

*«^

S70

VIEAV OF THE

well as our own, sliows that pauperism increases with the aug-
mentation of the funds applied to its relief This evil has
proceeded to such an alarnjing extent in the city of New York,
tiiat the burdens of heavy taxation which it has imposed, me-
nace a diminution of the |X)pulation of that city, and a depre-
ciation of its real property. The consequences will be very
injurious to the whole state ; for the decay of our great market
will be felt in every department of productive laboui. Under
the present system the fruits of industry are appropriated to
the wants of idleness ; a laborious poor man is taxed for the
support of an idle beggar ; and the voice of mendicity, no
longer considered degrading, infects a considerable portion of
our population in large towns. I am persuaded that the
sooner a radical reform takes place, the better. The evil is
contagious, and a prompt extirpation can alone prevent its
pernicious extension.'

To pauperism may be added lottkkies, which are nume-
rous in all the states; and in many the English exploded ini-
quity of inmrance, and ' little ^veSy exist in full operation.
To such an extent is this scandalous mode of gaming carried,
that one traveller mentions a lottery, when he was in the Illi-
nois, for building a presbyterian church ! The 'scheme' was
})receded by a long address upon the advantages of religion,
and the necessity of supporting Christianity by purchasing
tickets in this lottery !

All these drawbacks upon the general character of the Ame-
ricans are tho natural result of the materials of which they are
composed. The first civilized population of the States were
emigrants from the several European nations, particularly
England ; the most respectable class of which were those who
fled from religious persecution ; no inconsiderable number of
transports; and the rest were, as emigrants ever are,— the
most enterprising, the most needy, but by no means the most
intelligent of their native country. Such then were the seeds
of American society ; let us look at the circumstances in which
these men were placed ; in a country where civilization had
made no progress ; where every man, both in mind and body,
was fully occupied in obtaining the bare means of subsistence ;

UNITED STATES.

371

I with the aug-

This evil has

of New York,

I imposed, me-

, and a depre-

:s will l)e very

ir great market

hour. Under

ppropriated to

taxed for the

mendicity, no

ible portion of

ided that the

The evil is

le prevent its

ich are nume-
exploded ini-
full operation,
iming carried,
k'as in the lUi-
' scheme' was
es of religion,
)y purchasing

T of the Ame-
?hich they are
c States were
, particularly
ere those who
jle number of
vcr are, — the
cans the most
vere the seeds
noes in which
h'ilization had
nd and body,
i" subsistence ;

and where their relative situation towards the natives of the
soil was calculated to deaden every just, benevolent, and hu-
mane sentiment. As society advanced, indeed, the whole po-
pulation no longer remained ' hewers of wood and drawers of
water.' Classification commenced ; but still those whose views,
means, or habits could be mental, were extremely limited in
number. They left Europe at a dark period, not themselves
the finest specimens of the national picture; even those
amongst them who had leisure for literary objects, met with
obstacles at every step— the want of books, the want of so-
ciety, and of communication with learned individuals or of
scientific bodies. There was besides no history attached to
their country ; they lived indeed in a new world, ' which was
endeared to them by no recollections, and which could neither
excite nor gratify their curiosity, by the records of the past.'
The first accessions of strength from the ' old country,^ fur-
nished little besides an increase of the manual labour. The
colonial government introduced some men of information:
public education was attended to ; riches increased ; the slave-
trade was encouraged; negroes were introduced in every
American colony ; the extermination of Indians went on, the
invaders gradually seizing on their country. Literature was
now in some respects advancing, though the colonists depended
for their mental as well as bodily clothing upon the mother
country ; English, Dutch, Irish, Scotch, Germans, and their
sevei-al descendants, were becoming to speak one language,
and have one common interest. They were, as colonists ever
and necessarily are, inferior to the parent country in the first
class of its intelligence, but above its grosser ignorance. So-
ciety had at this time acquired stability. The Revolution now
took place. This struggle, chiefly in consequence of Paine's
'Common Sense,' terminated in a 'Declaration of Indepen-
dence.' The friends of hberty in Europe now crossed the
Atlantic to fan their darling flame. Others also emigrated of
a more dubious character : America became the receptacle for
speculators and fortune-hunters, for adventurers and base and
demorahzed characters of every shade and description. The
peacef\ll pursuits of agriculture were exchanged for those of

-"aiii«s'>-'-^-3u*(K"

97S

VIEW OF THL

the sword , society was nhiftcd from its base, and every thin*
became disorganized. Peace was at length proclaimed, but \i
failed to bring with it those lialcyon days, of which the olive-
branch is generally considered the precursor. America was
now a chaos, bankrupt alike, it was feared, in morals and in
finances ; and it required all the coolness and ability of Wash-
ington to preserve the public peace A reversion of the prin-
ciples of the federal union seemed to become necessary, in
order to increase the powers of government. This question
gave rise to two parties, who still foster in their breasts the
most implacable hatred. Those who advocated a reversion of
the constitution took the name of Federalists, and their oppo-
nents that of Democrats.

America, in the mean time, in her political capaaty, was
making rapid advances towards taking her standing as a first-
rate power. Her internal resources were boundL-ss; her
geographical situation secured her from attack during the
weakness, as it were, of infancy ; her population went on in-
creasing in a ratio not paralleled in modern times, but easily
to be accounted for upon well-known principles of political
economy. At this time it was that the disturbed state of Eu-
rope threw into her hands the carryi».g trade of the world,
and enabled her to erect a mercantile marine, only second to
that of Great Britain. This unexpected, and unprepared-far
influx of wealth, demoralized, while it enriched ; with the peo-
ple, there was no preparation, no pupillage, no gradation, no
step from the primitive log-house to the splendour of the pa-
lace. European luxury and vice, unadorned by European
knowledge, and not ameliorated by European habits of refine-
ment, rapidly overspread the land, and produced their natural
and unavoidable consequences. The pursuits of the whole
people assumed also a hazardous and speculative cast ; oppor-
tunities for indulging which were constantly presented by the
disturl)ed state of European commerce, and by their own vast
unpeopled continent. The means of living were in the hands
of every man, with the occupation of but one-fourth part of
his time. They were in possession of political and domestic
ease, the sources, or the value of which, their want of reflection

<UpJe..'*^ ^*i4i^

;;,»ie»*aBi«i23*»i'

UNITED STATES.

373

d every thing
laimed, but it
lich the olive-
America was
morals and in
ility of Wash-
n of the prin-
neccssary, in
This question
r breasts the
a reversion of
id their oppo-

capa<!iy, was
WfF as a first-
undL'Ss; her
i during the
I went on in-
?s, but easily
s of political
'. state of Eu-
)f the world,
uly second to
iprepared-^or
with the peo-
fradation, no
ur of the pa-
)y European
bits of refine-
their natural
»f the whole
cast; oppor-
5nted by the
leir own vast
in the hands
jurth part of
md domestic
; of reflection

prevented them from estimating; and having at once the
means, the lime, and the opportimity of gratifying their pas-
sions, or indulging their indolence, they have not pursued
learning beyond their school-books. Thus, neglecting to en-
courage any pursuits, either individually or collectively, which
may be called mental, they appear, as a nation, to have sunk
into habits of indolence and indifference; they are neither
lively in their tempers, nor generous in their dispositions.

Looking fairly therefore at all these circumstances, we
ought not to be surprised to find that American tJieory is at
least two centuries in advance of American practice. We
have usually connected with our ideas of republicanism and
unpolished manners, a simplicity and honesty of mind which
more than compensate for all minor defects. That we should
not meet with even an approach to these characteristics in
America is by no means extraordinary, when we reflect upon
their origin and the materials from which their present charac-
ter is derived.

Upon the whole, it will be seen that the Americans are not
possessed of a superior degree of intelligence and moral feel-
ing. With regard to information, men are almost upon a
dead level, that gradation of intellect which exists in England
being unknown. The American labourers possess more intel-
ligence than those of the same class in England ; but the mid-
dle ranks fall short, from the causes before mentioned, of our
standard.

What is here said relative to the character of the inhabitants
of America, does not apply to the circumstances of the coun-
try. As to America generally, it possesses some most im-
portant advantages, among which are to be enumerated, an
extensive and, in parts, a very fertile country— a population
not filled up— and, above all, a reasonable and a cheap go-
vernment. These give to the poor man a recompense for his
labour proportionate to his deserts : they also open numerous
sources for the valuable employment of capital ; and they give
a solid satisfaction, as to the f utter e, h\ the mind of a man of
family or of property, which it is impossible to derive from a

'i K

: i

974

VIEW OF THE

contemplation of the prewent condition, and the present policy,
of any of the old governments.

In forming an estimate of the American character, it in ne-
cessary to take into the account the prejudice and the interests
of those who have undertaken to enlighten us on the suhjef t.
Some emigrants, in order to increase the |)opulati()n in their
neighbourhood, and consequently the value of their property;
and others from a deep-rooted dislike to the governments un-
der which they have suffered, describe America as a jwlitical
elysium, and its inhabitants as exempt from the failings and
vices that they imported from Europe. Others again, in tra-
velling through the States, exclaim that all is l)arren. An in-
telligent traveller met an Englishnian in New p]ngland. ' My
fellow-countryman,' says he, ' was so fidl of tiie importance
and superiority of England, that any thing American did not,
in his eyes, seem worthy of notice. A n)an passed us on
horseback without bowing or speaking; my friend exclaimed,
" There, you see they have neither manners nor common sense
in this country ; if we were in England, you know, and a man
passed the stage, he would f)ow and say. How do you do .?"
To this gentleman the old story was strictly applicable of two
Englishmen and an American travelling in a stage from Boston.
They indulged their patriotism by abusing every thing Ame-
rican. The l)utter was not so good as the English — nor the
beef — nor the mutton — nor the peaches — nor the laws — nor
the people— nor the climate — nor the country. Their fellow-
traveller was displeased, but he remained silent. At length
there came on a tremendous storm of thunder and lightning.

He then burst forth, boiling with rage, " There, d you .'

I guess that that thunder and lightning is as good as any you
have in England."'

BELIGIOX.

* h

An estimate has been lately made of the proportion of
churches and clergymen to the population, by the rev. Mr.
Beechcr, in his Address to the Charitable Society for the edu-

.»»-j'r,'^*i-»»fjv-

UNITED STATES.

874

rt'si'iu })()licy,
ctcr, it in no-

[ tllU illtCI't'StM

11 tlie suhjc( t.
atioi) ill thcir
L'ir properly ;
LTiiinents iin-
as a polilicnl
i fuiliii<^» and
igain, in tra-
rcn. An in-
jlancl. ' My
a importance
•ican dill not,
)assfd us on
id exclaiuicd,
ommon sense
V, and a man
do you do?"
icabic ol' two
from Boston.

thing Anie-
lisli — nor tlic
le laws — nor
riieir tellow-
At length
id lightning.

d you !

I as any you

roportion of
:he rev. Mr.
for the edu-

cation of pious young men for the ministry of the gospel.
This author proceeds on the assumption that there should l)e
a regular pastor tor every 150 families or 1000 souls. The
present ratio in the New l''ngland states is one to every 1500
persons. In (ireat Britain and Ireland, the proportion of
ministers to the number of souls is found to be one to every
HOO or 1)00. An American population of eight millions would,
of course, require 80(M) iiiinisters; but the whole number of
regular well educated ministers does not exceed 3000. In
New York, the actual mnnbcr of ])astors is akiut 600, the
jKipulation of a million would require double this number. In
New Jersey, there is a deficiency of at least 50 pastors. In
Pennsylvania and Delaware the deficiency is very considerable.
Virginia, with a population of 974,000, has but 60 regular
ministers, consequently, 914,000 persons are without adequate
relicious instructiim. The situation of Maryland is similar to
that of Virginia.

With respect to the state of religion in Ohio, Kentucky,
and Tennessee, no accurate information was obtained. North
(\'irolina, with a population of 555,500, which would require
550 clergymen, has but 20. South Carolina, with a popula-
tion of 415,000, has but 3o ministers. Georgia has but ten
clergymen.

Mr Beecher's enumeration, it is to be observed, includes
only regularly educated clergymen ; but there are, besides, a
number of itinerant preachers in the United States, and many
persons among the different sects, who officiate occasionally as
religious teachers, though they derive their subsistence from
other jirofessions.

The same author informs us, that one-third of all ministers
who receive a regular collegiate education in the United States,
are educated at Harvard and Yale colleges.

The highest clerical stipend in the United States is 5000
dollars, with a dwelling-house, and the fees of marriage, which,
though voluntary, are always liberal. The common salary of
a respectable clergyman in New York, Philadelphia, and Bal-
timore, is 2500 dollars ; and the vahie of the house and fees
varies from 300 to 500 dollars and upwards. In the country

i-l'/^^i.*^^.-"^* 1

876

VIEW OF THE

the stipend is much lower. In the state of Connecticut it sel-
dom exceeds 1000 dollars per annum, but with a house and
small glebe, and occasional presents. This affords a very de-
cent support to a clergyman, and enables him to give his sons
a college education.

The principal religious denominations in the United States
are, congregationalists, presbyterians, episcopalians, friends or
quakers, methodists, baptists, German Lutherans, Dutch re-
formed, Roman catholics, Moravians, Mennonists, jumpers
universahsts, and shakers. If the whole population were
divided into twelve parts, three of these would be Calvinists,
chiefly ot the congregational and presbyterian sects; two bap^
tists; two methodists; one episcopalians and Lutherans; the
rest include persons of many various forms of belief, and a
considerable number who follow no religious profession.

Of the Congregationalists, a few years since, th^re were
1000 congregations in New ICngland, and 200 in the middle
and southern states, with 120 ministers and candidates for the
ministry. Their system of church discipline is derived chiefly
from tliat which was established in 1700, and is known by the
name of the Say Brook Platform. Each church chuses its
own minister, but is associated with others for mutual advan-
tage, and the termination of disputes. Meetings are held for
this purpose twice a year.

Presbyterians.— In the year 1810 there were 772 congrega-
tions of presbyterians, with 434 ministers, and a number of
licentiates. This denomination prevails in the middle and
southern states. Their highest ecclesiastical court is styled
the General Assembly of tlie Presbyterian Church, under
which are synods, presbyteries, and church sessions. In 1810
there were five synods and 36 presbyteries. At Princeton
there is a theological school for Calvinists, well endowed, with
a good library.

The Episcopalians, before the revolution, were obliged to
send their preachers to England for ordination, at the average
expenceof 100/. sterling each. Dr. Chemeler, in his appeal
to the public in behalf of the church of England, stated, 'that,
of 52 who went home for orders, only 42 returned in safety,

UNITED STATES.

877

ecticut it sel-
a house and
is a very de-
give his sons

Initcd States
IS, friends or
s, Dutch re-
ts, jumpers,
Illation were
e Calvinists,
ts ; tvi'o bap-
iherans; the
lelief, and a
ssion.

there were
1 the middle
Jates for the
rived chiefly
lown by the

1 chuses its
tual advan-
are held for

2 congrega-
number of

middle and
rt is styled
rch, under
. In 1810
Princeton
owed, with

obliged to
he average
his appeal
ited, ' that,
1 in safety,

owing to sickness, or the accidents of the voyage.' This ab-
surd regulation kept many of the churches unprovided with
clergymen. In the year 1808, the number of episcopalian
churches in New England was 65, that of ministers, 48 ; in
the middle states, 68 churches, and 66 ministers; in the
southern, 105 churches, and 101 ministers; in all, 238
churches, and 215 ministers. The churches are under the
general direction of the Convention of the Protestant Episco-
pal Church, which is composed of two houses; the one of
bishops, the other of delegates, consisting of clergymen and
laymen.

Of the Quakers or Friends there were about 400 congrega-
tions some years ago, and chiefly in the middle states. In the
northern there are few, except in Rhode island. In North
Carolina there is a quaker settlement at New Garden, and
congregations at Pasquotank and Wood creek.

Methodists. — The number of methodists in 1809 amounted
to 159,500. They are more numerous in the middle and
southern than in the northern states. Their churches are as-
sociated under the title of the United Societies of the Method-
ist Episcopal church. The whole country is divided into
religious districts and circuits ; the former under the direction
of a presiding elder, the latter under the inspection of an iti-
nerant preacher ; both of whom are appointed at the annual
conference. The seeds of methodism were first sown in this
country by the celebrated Whitefield. It is believed that this
sect is increasing very considerably.

Baptists. — In the year 1793, there were 45 baptist associa-
tions in the United States, 1032 churches, 1291 ministers, and
73,471 members. In May, 1817, the general convention of
the baptist denomination in the United States held their first
triennial meeting at Philadelphia; and in their report the
number of churches and of members was thus estimated:
2727 churches; ministers, 1936; members in fellowship,
183,245. In the state of New York the number of churches
was 321, of members, 23,558; in Kentucky, 421 churches,
and 22,432 members ; in Georgia, 202 churches, and 16,834
members; in Virginia, 314 churches, and 11,838 members.

3 B

VIEW OF THE

^Adfterans.-^ln the states of New York and Pennsylvania,
tiw Lutherans, chiefly of German origin, have a hundml con-
^ivgations; the G«nMan Calvinists nearly the same number.
Several of the clergymen of this denomination have distin-
guisherl themselves by their literary and scientific attainments ;
the late Dr. MuhleMburg of Lancaster, as a botanist, Dr.
KunKte of New York, as an oriental scholar and mathemati-
■cian, Mr. Melslieimer of Pennsylvania, as an etymologist.

The Dutch Reformed church, under the name of the Re-
ibrmed Synod of New York and new Jersey, consi^s of about
80 congregations. The canons of Dordrecht are adopted as a
Tule of discipline, and the Heidetburg Catechism as the rule
wf faith.

Roman Catholics. — This denomination is more numerous in
Maryland and in Louisiana than in any of the other «tat«s.
The Roman catholics of Maryland are chiefly of Irish, those
of Louisiana of French origin. Some years ago, the number
in Maryland was 75,000. In Baltimore there is an archbishop
and tour bishops, and tinee churches ; in Boston, a church
and a bishop; in Ne^v York, two churches and a bishop; in
Philadelphia, four churches and a bishop; in Bardstown,
one ; in Kentucky, one ; in Louisiana, one, with two canons,
and 25 curates, who receive each about 500 dollars a year.

Moravians, or United Brethren.— In the year 1788, the
number of this denomination was about 2000. Their princi-
pal establishments are at Bethlehem and Nazareth in Pennsyl-
vania, at Hope in New Jersey, and at Wachovia, on the
Yadkin river, in North Carolina. In the last state they pur-
chased 100,000 acres of land from lord Granville. They are
styled the United Brethren of the Protestant Episcopal
Church. The first person of this sect arrived in the United
States in 17*1, under the protection of count Zinzendorf

At Bethlehem, in Pennsylvania, the Moravians have a large
society, occupying a number of farms. There is a great hall
in which all daily assemble for the purpose of public worship.
The single men and women have each a separate dwelling.
The latter are occupied in various domestic employments, —
in fancy and ornamental works, and occasionally in musical

<ar^

UNITED STATES.

379

practice under the direction of n superintendent. The walli*
of the large hall where the society dine are adorned with
paintings, chieHy Scripture pieces, executed by members. Va-
rious branches of trade and manufacture are carried on, the
prc^ts of which go to the general stock, from which all are
supplied with the necessaries of life. Their whole time is
spent in labour and in prayer, except an hour in the evening,
which is allotted for a concert Marriage is contracted in a
singular manner. The young man who has an inclination to
marry makes applic.ion to the priest, who presents a young
woman designated by the superintendent as the next in rota-
tion for marriage. Having left tl\e parties together for an
hour, the priest returns, and if they mutually consent to live
together, they are married the next day ; if otherwise, each is
put at the bottom of the list, containing, perhaps, 60 or 70
names, and, >n the part of the girl, there is no chaftce of mar-
riage, unless the same young man should again feel disposed
for matrimony. When united, a neat habitation, with a plea-
sant garden, is provided, and their children, at the age of six,
are placed in the seminary. If either of the parents die, the
other returns to the apartment of the single people. In the
Moravian establishment there is a tavern with large and excel-
lent accommodations. There are Moravian establishments
also in South Carolina, at Bethania, Salem, and other places
on the Moravian branch of the river Yadlin.

Universalists. — We have not been able to procure any esti-
mate of the number of persons of this persuasion. They form
two divisions ; the followers of Dr. Chinery, and those gf Mr.
John Murray.

Shakers, — The first of this sect came from England in 1774.
Their r. mber is inconsiderable. Their principal establish-
ments are at Nisqueunah, and New Lebanon, in the state of
New York ; at Enfield in Connecticut, and at Canterbury in
New Hampshire.

The TunkerSf a sect in Pennsylvania, took their origia
from a German, who, weary of the busy world, retired to a
solitary place about 60 miles from Philadelphia, where he
formed 9 colony on a river named Euphrates. Their religious

J'V^^

880

VIEW OF THE

practices resemble those of the quakers, none but those who
feel the divine influence having a right to preach and exhort.
The women live separate from the men, and never associate
except for the purpose of public worship, or public busiriess.
Divine service is performed twice a day ; and the whole time,
except a few hours given to sleep, is spent in labour and
in prayer. They hold as injurious the doctrine of original
sin, and deny the eternity of future punishment ; tliougli they
vadmit of a hell and a paradise. They believe that the souls
of Christians are employed in the next world in the conversion
of those who left this without enjoying the light of the gospel.

In their conduct they show a stoical indifference to the good
and evil of life. They never complain or retaliate, even when
insulted or robbed of their property. The dress of both sexes
consists of a long white hooded gown, a coarse shirt, and thick
shoes. The men wear wide breeches resembling those of the
Turks ; and never cut the beard, which, in some, reaches to
the waist. Their food consists of vegetables only, the produce
of their own labour, which is deposited in a common stock for
the wants of the society.

Smideman'mm. — Of this sect there is a small society at
Portsmouth, in New Hampshire.

Mennomstn, who derive their name from Simon Menno, a
German baptist, live in Pennsylvania. In the year 1770,
their number amounted to 4000, forming thirteen churches,
and 40 congregations.

In New England clerical gentlemen have an astonishing
hold upon the minds of men : the degree of reverential awe
for the sanctity of their office, and the attention paid to the
external firms of religion, approach almost to idolatry : these
feelings are, perhaps, never encouraged without becoming the
substitute of real religion, and expelling the active and mental
principles of Christianity. A man who values his good name
in Boston, hardly dare be seen out of church at the appointed
hours ; — this would be viewed as a heinous crime by men who
would consider the same individual's cheating his creditors as
of small import. Indeed, throughout the whole of the United
States, there exists a kind of cold indifference in matters rela-i

;,*gsa*«^.-

UNITED STATES.

881

tive to religion, as far as concerns discussion and controversy.
Every m.ni is expected quietly to choose one of the churches ;
and when that is done, he must abide by it as solemnly and as
regularly as he does his segar, his rum, and his business.
Wliatever degree of' religious intelligence exists^ is conjined to
tlw clergy ; who, perhaps, have lost no advantage by the abo-
lition of a state religion.

Religious fanaticism is very general in the States, and is
carried to a degree of extravagance almost inconceivable in
this country. We have before us some account of Cavip
Meetings, which are occasionally held in different states ; but
the description is too indecent and gross to bear repetition.
We will, however, as a specimen of these improprieties, relate
a few such like occurrences from the pen of two recent and
respectable travellers,

'The Sunday after my arrival at Savannah,' says Mr.
Lambert, ' I was passing a niethodist meeting, and was in-
duced, by the vehemence of the preacher, to go in and hear
his discourse. He uttered such terrible imprecations upon
sinners unless they were born again in faith, that one half of
his congregation were groaning and weeping in the most piti-
able manner. Such an assemblage of wretched looks, and pale,
ghastly countenances, I never before saw ; they seemed, indeed,
to have suffered severe castigation for their sins even in this
world. Instead of benefiting by the mild and consolatory pre-
cepts of Christianity, these people appeared to be lost in a sea
of doubt and perplexity ; and seemed to think of nothing but
everlasting damnation, unless perchance they construed a grip-
ing of the bowels into the workings of' divine grace.''

Another writer describes the mode in which the artful and
designing impose upon the ignorant and unwary in the fol-
lowing words : —

' Having heard that American methodists were distinguished
for an extreme degree of fanatical violence in their religious
exercises, I visited the African church, (all houses of religious
assembly being denominated churches,) in which were none
but blacks ; and in the evening, " Ebenezer church," in which

I f

1
(I

V;I

VIEW OF THE

'41

were only whites. As the latter pjssessed all the chiiraclens*
tics of the former, with considerable additions of ita own, to
that only it is necessary that I should call your attention. I
went at eiglit o'clocic in the evenin<(. The door was locked ;
but the windows being open, I placed myself at one of them,
and saw that the church within was crowded almost to suffo-
cation. The preacher indulged in long pauses, and ot:casional
loud elevations of voice, which were always answered by the
audience with deep groans. When the prayer which followed
the sermon had ended, the minister descended from the pulpit,
the doors were thrown open, anfl a considerable number of the
audience departed. Understanding, however, that something
was yet to follow, with considerable difficulty I obtained atU
mission. The minister had departed, the dooits were again
closed, but about four hundred persons remained. One (ap-
parently) of the leading members gave out a hymn, then a
brother was called upon to pray : he roared and ranted tike a
maniac ; the male part of the audience groaned, the female
shrieked ; a man sitting next to me shouted ; a youth stand-
ing before me continued for half an hour bawling, " Oh Jesus I
come down, come down, Jesus ! my dear Jesus, I see you I
bless me, Jesus ! Oh ! oh ! oh ! Come down, Jesus !" A
small space farther on, a girl about eleven years of age was in
convulsions : an old woman, who I concluded was her mother,
stood on the seat, holding her up in her arms, that her exta-
cies might be visible to the whole assembly. In another place
there was a convocation of holy sisters, sending forth most
awful yells. A brother now stood forward, stating, that,
'•although numbers had gone, he trusted the Lord would
that night work some signal favours among his dear lambs."
Two sisters advanced towards him, refusing to be comforted,
*' for the Lord was with them :"" another brother prayed — and
another. " Brother Macfaddin" was now called upon, and he
addressed them with a voice which might rival a peal of thun-
der, the whole congregation occasionally joining responsive to
his notes. The madness now became threefold increased, and
such a scene presented itself as I could never have pictured to

UNITED STATES.

«M

my imi^ination, and as I trust, for the honour of true reHgion
«T»d of human nature, I shall never see again. Had the inha-
bitants of Hcdlam been let loose, vhev could not have exceeded
it. From forty to fifty were praying aloud and extemporane-
ously at the same moment of time : some were kicking, many
jumping, all clapping their hands and crying out in chorus,
" Glory ! glory ! glory ! Jesus Christ is a -very good friend !
Jesus Christ is a very good friend! Oh God! oh Jesus f
come down! Glory! glory! glory! Thank you, Jesus t
thank you, God ! Oh, glory ! glory ! glory ! ! !" Mere ex-
haustion of bodily strength produced a cessation of madness
for a few minutes. A hymn was given out and sung; pray-
ing then reooramenoed ; the scene of madness was again acted,
with, if possitjle, increased efforts on the part of the performers.
One of the brothers prayed to be kept from enthtisiasm ! A
girl of six years of age l)ecanie the next object of attention.
A reverend brother poclainied that she *' had just received a
visit from the Lord, and was in awful convulsions — so haw!
was the working of the spirit !" This scene continued for
some time; but the audience gradually lessened, so that by
ten o'clock the field of active operations was considerably ccwi-
tracted. The women, however, forming a compact column at
the most distant corner of the church, continued their shi-iek-
ings with but little abatement. Feeling disposed to get a
nearer sight of the beings who sent forth such terrifying yells,
■I endeavoured to approach them, but was stopped by several
of the brethren, who would not allow of a rear approach to-
wards the holy sisterhood. The novelty of this exhibition
had, at fii^st sight, rendered it a subject of amusement and in-
terest ; but pU fiuch feelings soon gave way to an emotion of
melancholy horror, when I considered the gloomy picture it
represented of human nature, and called to nnnd that these
maniacal fanatics were blaspheming the holy name of Christi-
anity. Notwithstanding my warm love of liberty, 1 felt that,
were I an absolute lawgiver, I would certainly punish and re-
strain men who thus degraded their nature, who set so wicked
an example of religious blasphemy^ and so foully libelled the
name and character of revelation.

384

VIEW OF THE

' I have since understood that one of the female converts
upon this occasion had been turned away from her situation
the previous evening for stealing five dollars.

•Agentlen -n informed nie that he was at "Ebenezer"a
few days since, when the preacher stopped in the midst of his
discourse, and directed those among his audience who were for
King Jesus to stand up. Numl)ers of men and women imme-
diately rose, shouting » I am for Jesus." " I am for Jesus."
" I am for King Jesus." " Oh, that I could press him to my
bosom !" « There he comes." " I am for King Jesus." I
am informed that these exhibitions are neither singular in oc-
currence nor partial in extent, and feel at a loss to account for
such fanatical enthusiasm in this country : it is by no means
an essential part of the creed of either Wesley or Whitefield ;
and, in Great Britain, few Ikxlies of men conduct their meet-
ings with more order ihan the methodists. In Wales, I un-
derstand, and perhaps in some country parts of England,
tliere may be occasional exhibitions of the same kind; but
they are of rare occurrence, and comparatively moderate in
their excesses. In Ireland I have also witnessed occasional
violence ; but never any thing at all equal to that exhibited at
*' Ebenezer." In the latter country, too, we make some al-
lowance for national character : they are all fire — all feeling ;
but with Americans, whatever may be their excellences or
defects, they are certainly not chargeable with possessing a
superabundance of warm blood: they are, on the contrary,
most remarkable for complete and general coldness of charac-
ter and disposition. That, therefore, they should be enthusi-
astic, even in matters of religion, would appear a matter of
difficult solution. In the individuals, it would seem to burst
forth upon prepared occasions, and to exist in common with —
perhaps actually to spring from, a cold-blooded callousness of
disposition. The general theory which attributes warmth of
feeling to the fanatic is perhaps, after all, a false one. Who
so bigoted, so exclusive, so illiberal towards others, so wholly
devoid of every generous sentiment ? The extreme fanaticism
of these maniacal saints may perhaps therefore actually spring

UNITED STATES.

985

from the absence of real enthusiasm, combined, of course, with
gross and excessive ignorance."'

I'UULIC LANDS.

Before we enter upon the important subject of agriculture,
it will be necessary to notice the regulations adopted respecting
tlie sale and occupation of lands belonging to the States.

The United States have obtained, by cession from the dif-
ferent states of the Union, all their respective rights to public
lands. The Indian title to extensive tracts has been extin-
guished by treaty, and all the vacant lands of Louisiana have
become national property. According to the Statement of the
commissioner of the general land office, dated the 30th De-
cember, 1813, there are upwards of 400,000,000 of acres of
national domain undisposed of

1. Lands of which the Indian title has !)een extin-

guished, .... 56,22.'),00O

2. Lands of which the Indian title has not been ex-

tinguished eastward of the Mississippi, - 148,876,000

3. Lands of which the Indian title I:as not been ex-

tinguished in Louisiana and the Missouri terri-
tory, estimated at . - - 200,000,000

Total, - - 405,101,000

This land is of every quality of soil, and extends through almost
every variety of climate.

The law for the sale of public lands was passed in the year
1800, and has since undergone some modifications. The
lands having been surveyed, are divided into townships of six
miles square, each of which is subdivided into 36 sections, of
one mile square, or 640 acres. The dividing lines run in the
direction of the cardinal points, and cross one another at right
angles. This business is under the direction of two surveyors,
the one having the title of ' Surveyor-g-eneral,' the other that
of ' Surveyor of the public lands south of the state of Tennes-
see."' The powers and duties of the first extend over all the
public lands north of the river Ohio, and over the territory of
17 3 C

l ^

'■{

■

ill

S8G

VIEW OF THE

.1 I
I

■f

\hm

Louisiana ; those of the second over the territories of Orleans
and Mississippi. A return of tlie surveys is transmitted to
the proper land-office, and also to the treasury^ffice at Wash-
ington. A 36th part, or 640 acres of each township, is allotted
for the support of sciiools within its limits; and seven entire
townships have been given in perpetuity, for the support of
seminaries of learning ; two in the state of Ohio, and one in
each of the territories of Micliigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missis-
sippi, and Louisiana. In every act o. deed, lead mines and
salt springs are reserved, and may be leased by government.
The rivers Mississippi and Ohio, and all the navigable streams
that lead into either, or into the St. Lawrence, remain as com-
mon highways, and free from all tax, to all the citizens of the
United States. The lands are offered at public sale, in quar-
ter sections of 160 acres each. The minimum price is two
dollars per acre. The lands not purchased at public sale may
be sold privately at this price. In either case the purchase-
money is paid in four equal instalments ; the first within 40
days, and the others within two, three, and four years, after
the date of the purchase. If the payment be not made ac-
cording to the terms, interest is paid at the rate of six per cent,
per annum. On each instalment a discount of eight per cent,
is allowed for prompt payment ; so thu, if the amount be paid
at the time of purchase, the price is reduced to a dollar and
64 cents per acre. If the whole of the purchase-money be not
paid within five years after the date of the purchase, the lands
are offered at public sale, but cannot be disposed of for less
than the arrears of principal and interest due thereon. If this
amount cannot be obtained, they revert to the United States,
and the partial payments are forfeited. If they sell for a
greater sum, the surplus is returned to the original purchaser.
The lands purchased from the Indians are divided into dis-
tricts, and a land-office established in each, under the direction
of two officers ; a register, who receives the applications and
sells the land ; and a receiver of public monies, to whom the
purchase-n)oney is paid, if not transmitted to the treasury de-
partment. The patent is not issued until the whole purchase-
jnoney, with interest, is j)aid. The presidiint of the United

UNITED STATES.

y87

States is riUthorised, if necessary, to remove intruders from the
public IiukIs, by military force. Rights of pre-emption, mili-
tary bouniit's, and di»r.atijns, are regulated by acts of congress.
From the opening of the land-offices to the 1st of October,

1812, the sale of public lands in the districts of Marietta, La-
nesville, Steubenville, Canton, Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Jeffer-
ftonville, and Vincennes, amounted to 4,006,488 acres, and
produced 8,508,294 dollars. The lands sold in the Missis-
sippi territory, in Madison county, and west and east of Pearl
river, from the 1 st of October, 1812, to the 30th of September,

1813, amounted to 614,422 acres, which produced 1,063,831
dollars. From the 1st of July, 1800, to the 1st of the same
month, 1810, the whole quantity of land sold amounted to
3,386,000 acres, which produced 7,062,000 dollars, of which
4,880,000 dollars had been received in payment, and ♦he ba-
lance remained due by the purchasers.

In 1812, the committee on public lands recommended the
repeal <^f such part of the public laws as allows a credit on
part of the purchase-money, and that in future the lands be
offered for sale in tracts of 80 acres, at a dollar and 25 cents
per acre, which woulu prevent their monopoly by large capi-
talists, and enable the industrious poor man to become a pur-
chaser. In the state of Ohio alone, the receipts, on account of
forfeitures in 1811, amounted to nearly 50,000 dollars. The
forfeiture is generally one-fourth of the purchase-money. If
the purchaser take the credit allowed by law on the three, in-
stalments, he pays interest of more than ten per cent, per an-
num ; and if he have no other resources than those arising
from the land, he forfeits the whole amount of money paid,
and all his agricultural improvements are finally lost. This
circumstance induced the congress of the United Stated to pass
an act, in February, 1814, in favour of the purchasers of pub-
lic lands, who had not completed their payments, according to
which, those who, prior to the 1st of April, 1810, had pur-
chased lands not exceeding 640 acres, portional sections ex-
cepted, were allowed the further time of three years for
completing the payment.

VIEW OF THE

A proj)()8ition lor incrcaiiing the price of public lands wa»
undtT the conwdt'mtion of congress in 1817; but the commit,
tee, in their report, felt soinewluit apprehensive, that the
[Jnited States, so far from being enabled to increase, would
find themselves 04)mpelled to lessen the price of the public
lands, or to forego the golden dreamn they indulge of an enor-
mou6 revenue to uriHu from their sale.

AOKIClTLTUUl!:.

The United States, over their whole extent, are truly >an>
agricultural country. The number of persons engagetl in
commercial pursuits is very small, in proportion to the popui^
lation ; and the manufactures are chieHy carried on by farmers.
Agriculture is and must long continue the first and prinuipak
object both of the natives and of foreign emigrants. Immense
fertile regions, yet uncleared, with every variety of soil and
temperature, invite settlers ; and the low price of lands ervables-
every industrious mun, with a very small capital, to purchasei
some few hundred acres, and establish himself in acomfortable
and independent situation. During the late war, the exduMOtii
of British goods gave a great stimulus to domestic manutkc-'
tures, and the dis{)osition to embark in them was encouraged
by the government; but, since the return of peace, the inHux
of foreign articles, at inferior prices^ has occasioned a great
proportion of them to be abandimed. The progress ol' Ame-
rican agriculture, since the year 1800, has been very consider-
able. Immense tracts of forests have been brought under the
plough. The principles of agriculture have also become an
object of att«^ntion ; and several societies have been established
for its improvement. That of Philadelphia has published
three octavo volumes. Those of New York, Ifeston, and
Columbia, liave also published useful memoirs.

For the purpose of diffusing ^ricultural knowledge through-
out the United States, an association was formed, in 1803^,.
under the name of the ' American Hoard of Agriculture,' com-
posed chiefly of the members of both houses of congress.

UNITED STATES.

889

Sulphat of lime, or gypsum, au useful una manure, has been
latuly Ibuiid, and of a vury Hnu (luality, iu ibe statu of New
York,, in the counties of Onundagt) and Matliaon,. on the bor-
ders of the Cayuga and Seneca laloes, and in the territory of
Missouri. Sulphuret of barytuu has been successfully em-
ployed as a manure, and is manutinctured for this purpose, at
the rate of 25 cents \}er bushel. The cultivaliun of the sugar-
cane huH' been introduced into Louisiana^ and lately into the
islands on the cua»t of Georgia. Lt is believed that all the
land favourable to the cultivation of sea island cotton, may be
converted, into sugar plantations. During the late war, thef
agricultural system underwent various' changes, depending on
new kinds of industry to whicli it gave birth. In the southern
status^ the culture of wheat has been substituted for that o£
tobacco, which, in. time o£ peace, was one of the great articlen'
of exportation. It was found that, at the close of the v/ar,>
there was about 25,000 hogsheads- in the state aH Maryland,,
and from 85,000 to 40,000 in Virginia. The whole value
exported in 1813 did not exceed 3^000 dollars. In< the
state of Pennsylvania an. association has bee ' formed fbr the
purpose of encouraging the cultivation of the vine. A sfgecies
brought from the Cape of Grood Hope, of which the wine i»
i^eeable, and tlie ^< , *' a superior, quality, thrives in the
open field. Otli< ^^ecies are cultivated in the same state by
Mr; Legaux, Uie wine of which is* also of a good quality. It
is observed by this gentleman, that in the United StaCes tho
temperature and vegetation in the 40ih d^ree of latitudt, are
similar tt) those of the 48th and 49th of Europei

It is beiievea, that the vine will succeed well in Kentucky^
Virsinia, Tennessee, and upper part» of tiw CaPolinas, pavti.'
cularly in the natural meadows or barrens^ where the wild
grape is similar to that of the suburbs of Pans in France.
The white Italian mulberry was long since introduced into the
southern states, and the silk-worm was found to thrive ; but
the high price of labour renders the manufacture of silk un-
profitable. The Sesamum Orientak, or bennt/-seed, is now
cultivated in Virginia and the Carolinas for domestic purposes.
The oil which the seed affords is equal to olive oil of the best

390

VIEW OF THE

quality, and it is difficult to distinguish the one from the other
by the taste. Sugar is now cultivated in Georgia, and to a
great extent in Louisiana. The quantity made in Louisiana,
in 1810, was estimated at ten millions of pounds ; and in the
same year, according to the reports of the marshals, more than
nine millions and a half of sugar were made from the maple-
tree in the United States. In 1814, the quantity of sugar
made in Louisiana was not less than fifteen millions of pounds ;
and in 1816, 10,833,704 pounds were exported coastwise from.
New Orleans, principally to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New
York, and this was in addition to the quantity carried up the
Mississippi, and consumed in the state of Louisiana. It has
lately been ascertained, that several species of plants, from
which barilla, or carbonat of soda, is extracted, grow sponta-
neously in different parts of the United States. The Salsola
TccUiy in the island of New York, near the East river, in the
environs of Boston, at Richmond in Virginia, and on the bor-
ders of the Rappahan(H5. The Salicomia fnicticosa, one of
the materials of the fine Aiicant barilla, grows in almost all
the salt marshes, and fuci of different species abound on the
■ea-shore. The rearing of sheep has become a great object of
rural economy. The Merino species, of a pure as well as
mixed breed, are now multiplied throughout the whole extent
of the United States. The first that were imported were sold
at 1000 dollars each, and the present average price does not
exceed 45 dollars. It is a curious fact, that in the United
States they are not subject to the fatal disease so well known
in Europe under the name of rot. In the western parts of the
state of New York, they thrive remarkably well, and it would
appear that the ravages of the wolf are not more destructive
there than those of the dog in countries peopled at an earlier
period. They do not require as much food as the common
sheep ; and it is well known that the wool is not only finer,
but more abundant. Hemp is now cultivated in certain dis-
tricts of the states of New York and Kentucky ; some of the
low or bottom grounds have yielded 600 pounds per acre.

The breed of American horses has been improved by inter-
mixture with those of Europe. In the northern states they

UNITED STATES.

891

partake of the qualitif^s of the Norman antl English hunter ;
in those of the south, of the Arahian, or English race-horse.

The breed of oxen has also bei-n improved for the purpose
of agricultural labour. Dr. Mease, in his introductory dis-
course on the diseases of domestic animals; states, that, in
South Carolina and Georgia, cattle brought from Europe, or
from the interior to the vicinity of the sea, were invariably at-
tacked by a disease which is generally fatal, and that those
from a particular district of South Carolina, infect all others
with which they mix in their passage to the north, although
the former are in perfect health, The hogs of the southern
are smaller than those of the northern states, and the pork is
sweeter, particularly in Virgin^ and Maryland, though some
of those animals, in the southern states, grow to an enormous
size. A hog was killed at Augusta in Georgia, in 1814, four
years old, which weighed 698 pounds net. The beef and
mutton of the northern states are of a better quality than those
of the south. lu the former tlie cattle have also multiplied in
a wonderful manner. In the state of New York, the number
of neat cattle, in 1814, was 86;j,29S ; that of sheep, 1,410,044 ;
of horses, 527,570 ; of fattened swine killed annually, 140,000;
of beeves slain or driven to market, 220,000; according to
Mr. Blodgctt's calculation, the number of horned cattle in
1809 was 3,6*60,000.

The failure of European projects for agricultural establish-
ments in Uie United States has excited very unfavourable im-
pressions against such enterprises. This failure is generally
asscribable to two causes. 1st, The impostures practised by
companies and their agents; and, Sdly, To the habits of the
purchasers or occupants, who were strangers to agricultural
pursuits. The speculation of the Scioto company was infa-
mous beyond expression. Lands belonging to Indians, or
other proprietors, were sold to French emigrants at the rate
of six livres per acre. Many of the unfortunate purchasers,
who were watdnnakers, jowfllers, hairdressers, finding no em-
ploymcnt in the way of tluir profession, were obliged to seek
refuge and subsistence in the sea-port towns.

(ii

sgs

TIEW OF THE

Land is 'sometimes partially cleared, by «*hat is rather ludi-
crously termed ajrelk. A man having purchased a quarter,
or half section, for the purpose of settling down, his neigh-
bours assemble upon an appointed day: one cuts the trees; a
second lops them ; a 'third drags them to the spot upon which
a log mansion is to be erected ; others cross the logs, roof the
habitation, and in three days the emigrant has a ' house over
his head :'— thus ends the American Jrolic. The raising of
food is the next point with the new settler : in this he must
Tely upon his own resources. If he be shong-fianded, (has
•property,) he has the trees felled, about one foot from the
earth, dragged into heaps, and made into an immense bonfire.
Should he be leeak-hartded, (poor,) he is compelled ito be con-
tent with what is termed ffirdlinff ; which consists in cutting
the bark, thereby, of course, killing the trees ; and he after-
■wards clears away the underwood, which is seldom considera-
ble. These preliminary operations being effected, according
•to either mode, grain is sown, and the produce reaped with a
fruitfulness of production, and a dexterity truly extraordinary,
considering that these operations are caiTied on amidst stumps,
(which decay in from eight to twelve years,) stones, and sur-
rounded by entire trees. The beauty of an Indian com crop
cannot be exceetled. When cut and carried home, the neigh-
hours assemble to assist in husking ; this is called a hushing
frolic. In some parts of the country the term frolic admits of
a diifei-ent application ;— the religious females present their
minister with a variety of gifts, each according to their taste or
means: some send a coat, others a hat, and some a goose.
They are invited to the preacher's house, to partake of a sup-
per, as a return for their liberality : this is termed a knitting
frolic. Very httlc agricultural labour is performed by women.
The slender means of many settlers not enabling them to pur-
<;ha«e British goods at the liigh price at which they are sold,
the females are therefore chieHy employed in making articles
of domestic clothing.

The interior population may perhaps be divided mto three
(Masses: First, the squatter, or man who 'sets himself down'

UNITED STATES.

393

upon land which is not his own, and for which he pays no-
thing ; cukivates a sufficient extent to supply himself and fa-
mily with the necessaries of life ; remains until he is dissatis-
fied with his choice, has realized a sufficiency to become a
landowner, or is expelled by the real proprietor. Second,
the small farmer who has recently emigrated, had barely suf-
ficient to pay the first instalment for his 80 or 160 acres of
two-dollar land ; cultivates, or what he calls improves, ten to
thirty acres ; raises a sufficient ' feed' for his family ; has the
females of it employed in making or patching the wretched
clothing of the whole domestic circle ; is in a condition which,
if compelled hy legislative acts, or hy external force to endure^
would be considered truly wretched ; but from being his own
master, having made his own choice, from the having * no one
to make him afraid,' joined with the consciousness that, though
slowly, he is regularly advancing towards wealth ; the breath
■: r iOmplaint is seldom heard to escape from his lips. Third,
vc:'<i v'/eiilthy or ' strong-handed'' farmer, who owns from five to
twelve hundred acres, has one-fourth or one-third under culti-
vation, of a kind much superior to the former ; raises live
stock for the home, and Atlantic-city markets; sends beef,
pork, cheese, lard, and butter to New Orleans ; is perhaps a
legislator, at any rate a squire (magistrate) ; is always a man
of plain business-like sense, though not in possession, nor de-
sirous of a very cultivated intellect; understands his own in-
terest, and that of his country ; lives in sufficient affluence,
and is possessed of comfort, according to the American ac-
ceptation of the term, but to which ' old country'' folks
must feel inclined to take an exception : but in conclusion,
and a most important conclusion it is, the majority of this
class of men were, ten or fifteen years ago, inhabitants of the

eastern states,
twenty dollars.

and not worth, upon their arrival in Ohio,

3 D

VttlW OP TttE

.■|:

p I

A Table of the Vahus of the Exports of the p^tHeidh tfAgrl.

culture in 1812.
Products of Animals.

Beef, tallow, hides, live cattle, -
Butter and cheese, - - -
Pork, pickled bacon, lard, live hogs.
Horses and mules, - - -
Sheep, - - - - - -

Products of Vegetables.
Wheat, flour, and biscuit,
Indian corn and meal.
Rice, ------

Rye, oats, pulse, potatoes.

Tobacco,
Cotton,

DoUsn.
524,000

329,000

604,000

li)l,000

^,000

llT I I ii I

1,657,000

13,687,000

1,939,000

1,544,000

627,000

17,797,000
1,514,000
3,080,000

22,391,000

All other Agricultural Products.

Indigo, - - - - -

Flto-seed, - - - - «

Maple sugar, - - - - -
Hops, -

Poultry, flax, raustsird, - - -

Sundries, - - - - - ■

5,000

455,000

13,000

7,o6o

7,000
20,000

507,000

Total amount, - - 24,565,000
The value of the flour exported in the year ending 30th Septem>
ber, 1817, was 17,751,376 dollars; of the cotton, 22,627,614; to-
bacco, 9,230,020; rice, 2,378,880; timber and lumber of all
descriptions, 3,381,349; pot and pearl ashes, 1,967,243.

The value of the whole products of agriculture, in all the
states, was estimated to amount to 511,000,000 dollars yearly.
The value of houses, lands, and slaves, as revised and equal-
ised by the principal assessors in 1814 and 1815, was stated at

UNITED STATES.

395

1,902,296,961 dollars, exclusive of Louisiana. Such calcula-
tions cannot be made with great precision ; but they afford a
sufficient data for ascertaining the progress of the States, and
establishing the quota of taxes which each ought to pay tow
wards the support of the general government.

MANUFACTURES.

The restrictive commercial regulations of Europe, and the
late war with England, gave a great stimulus to American
manufactures, and their progress during the course of a few
years was almost incredible. Many new branches were intro-
duced, and these which had been already established were car-
ried to a much greater extent. The principal cause of the
neglect of manufactures formerly was the great profits afforded
by agriculture, with the high price of labour. All the mate-
rials for manufactures are found in America. Fuel is inex-
haustible; the ores of the most useful metals are in great
abundance, and dyes of all kinds are procured from the vege-
table and mineral kingdoms. In the year 1809, the secretary
of the treasury unfolded the resources of the country in rela-
tion to the raw material, and proposed various means for the
promotion of manufactures, protecting and prohibitory duties,
drawbacks, premiums, bounties, encouragement to new inven-
tions, arrangements for facilitating pecuniary remittanceJ , &c.
In 1810, the secretary of the treasury of the United States
presented to congress a report on the manufactures, in which
the following are mentioned as being adequate to the con-
sumption of the United States :— IManufactures of wood, or
those of which wood is the principal material ; leather, and
manufactures of leather ; soap and taliow candles ; spermaceti
oil and candles ; flax-seed oil ; refined sugar ; coarse earthen
ware ; chocolate and mustaril ; snuff and hair-powder. The
following branches ai-e mentioned as being firmly established,
supplying, in several instances, the greater, and in all, a con-
siderable portion of the consumption of Jhe United States :
viz. Iron, and manufactures of iron ; manufactures of cotton,
wool, and hats made of flax ; manufactures of paper, printing

VIEW OF THE

■,!

types, printed books, playing cards ; of hemp and gunpowder,
window-glass, jewellery, and clocks; of lead, wax candles,
straw bonnets and hats, spirituous and malt liquors. The
ships, and vessels of more than twenty tons, built in the
United States from 1801 to 1807, measured, at an average,
110,000 tons a year, giving a value of more than six millitms
of dollars. Two-thirds of these vessels were registered for the
foreign trade; the other third for the coasting trade and
fisheries. The annual exportation of furniture and carriages
amounted to 170,000 dollai-s ; the annual exportation of pot
and pearl ash was 7400 tons. The annual value of manufac-
tured articles from leather was estimated at twenty millions of
dollars. The greatest portion of soap and tallow is of domes-
tic manufacture. The whole annual value of manufactures
was estimated by the secretary of the treasury at eight millions
of dollars. In 1803, there were but four cotton mills in the
United States; in 1809, the number was 87, and most of
them water mills. In 1811, there were 80,000 spindles run-
ning. The capital employed in this kind of manufacture
amounted to 4,800,000 dollars; in the cotton singly to
3,600,000 pounds, and valued at 720,000 dollars ; the yarn
spun to 2,880,000 pounds, valued at 3,240,000 dollars. The
number of men employed was 503,000, with 500 women and
children.

In some places cotton yarn is offered for exportation. The
art of printing cotton and calico is carried to great perfection
at Philadelphia, uy means of rollers moved by water, which
stamp 10,000 yards a day. The wool of the United States
has been greatly improved by the introduction of the Merino,
or Spanish race of sheep, which is now seen all over the coun-
try. The Paula and Negritti breed, and that of the Escurial
and Infantado, were procured in 1802; the whole number
imported till 1801 amounted to 5000. The first were sold at
1000, and even 1500 dollars; but they gradually fell, during
that period of time, to 25 and 30 dollars each. The price of
the wool was from three-quarters to two dollars per pound.
Various manufactories of fine Woollen have beeti established
within the last seven years. In the state of New Jersey,

UNITED STATES.

897

county of Essex, there are ten woollen manufactories, contain-
ing 3600 spindles, capable of manufacturing cloth to the
amount of 650,000 dollars \>er annum. The woollen manu-
factory at Danville, on the Susquehannah, after its fiist esta-
blishment in 1809, gave a net profit to the company of 40 per
cent, on the capital. The broad cloth manufactured near
Wilmington, on the Delaware, is said to be equal to the best
quality imported from England. The number of fulling mills,
in 1810, was 1630; that of wool-carding machines going by
water, 1835 ; the number of looms returned 330,000. In
1810, twelve millions of pounds weight of sheep's wool were
wrought into goods. Manufactories of flax have been lately
established in different states ; one near Philadelphia produces
annually 73,000 yards of canvas ; another, 500,000 yards of
cotton bagging, sailcloth, and coarse linen.

The next important branch of manufactures are the metals.
In 1810, the furnaces, forges, and bloomeries of the United
States amounted to 530, of which the state of New York fur-
nished 69. The annual value of iron and its manufactures
was estimated by the secretary of the treasury (M. Gallatin)
at twelve or fifteen millions of dollars. The average value of
imported metal in bar iron and steel was four millions. The
Franccnia iron- works in New Hampshire, cstabhshed in 1810,
employed a capital of 100,000 dollars. The Vergennes iron-
works in Vermont promise to be very important. The price
of bar iron at this establishment is 140 dollars per ton ; the
ore three dollars ; charcoal, four dollars and a half per hun-
dred bushels. Nineteen thousand muskets are annually made
at the two public armories of Springfield and Harper's Ferry.
There is now a considerable surplus of small arms. In 1810,
the quantity of gunpowder prepared annually amounted to
1,450,000 pounds; the number of gunpowder mills was 207.
The manufactory of gunpowder at Brandy wine furnishes
225,000 pounds annually ; two, others, near Baltimore,
450,000 pounds. The salt springs of Onondago, Cayuga,
&c. in the state of New York, furnish 7<)0,000 bushels of salt
per annum, valued at 200,000 dollars ; those of the western

I <l

('lij

VIEW OF THtS

states and territorieti an equal quantity. Tlie Wabash saline,
belonging to the United States, gives 130,()0() bushels, which
is sold there at 75 cents per bushel. The manufactories of
refined sugar have kept pace with the increase of population ;
in 1816, the annual quantity was estimated at five millions of
pounds, vahied at one million dollars. The manufactories of
candles and spci-mncoti oil at the town of Nantucket, New
Bedford, and Hudson, supply the domestic consumption, and
furnish annually for exportation 'MiO,i)00 pounds of candles,
find 44,000 gallons of oil. In J81(), the annual quantity of dis-
tilled ardent spirits amounted to 2(3,720,000 gallons. Brandy
is made from peaches, whisky from rye and maize, and a spirit
also from cyder. Whitemore's machine for making wool cards
has excluded the importation of this ai-ticle. The machine for
making nails, now in operation at Eliicofs Mills and other
parts of the United States, cuts 12,000 nails in a minute.
TJie manufactories of cotton, wool, copper, brass, nails, and
glass, belonging to Baltimore, are valued qt two millions of
dollars. The manufactories pf New York, in 1811, were es-
timated at thirty millions of dollars, twelve millions of which
were produced by domestic industry. There are ten glass
manufactories, which produce annually 5,800,000 feet of win-
dow glass, valued at 1,200,000 dollars ; ten sugar refineries,
the manufactures of which are valued at 500,000 dollars ; 50
cut-nail factories, the manufactures valued at 300,000 dol-
lar's. In 1805, the foreign articles re-exported amounted to
15,384,883 dollars; in 1810, to 6,313,715 dollars, while the
domestic had increased to nearly 11,000,000.

The state of Ohio, which, 24 years ago, was a wilderness,
frequented only by savages, in the year 1810 manufactured
two millions of yards of woollen, flaxen, and cotton cloth ; one
million of gallons of whisky ; thirteen millions of pounds of
sugar ; with other articles, forming two millions and a quarter
of dollars. From the 5th of October to the 5th of May, 181 1 ,
a period of seven months, 800 Ixwits passed the falls of the
Oliio, lad<?n with the productions and manufactures of this
Gountrv.

UNITED STATES.

891

glass

ThefoUomtig Table exhibits the Value of each Species <f

Mamifacture^ according to the Returns of the Marshais

and Secretaries of the States and Territories.

DDUn»

1. Goods manufactured by the loom from cotton, wool,

flax, hemp, and silk, - - - 39,497,057

2. Spun goods of the same materials, - - 2,052,120

5. Instruments and machinery manufactured, 186,650

Carding, fulling, and floor cloths stamped

by machinery, - * 5,957,816

6,144,466

4. Mats of wool, fur, &c, and of mixture?, - 4,323,744

6. Manufactures of iron, * - - 14,364,526

6. Manufactures of gold, silver, set work, mixed metals, &c. 2,483,91 2

7. Manufactures of lead, . - - 325,660

8. Soap, tallow, candles, wax, and spermaceti, spring

and whale oil, - - - - 1,766,292

9. Manufactures of hides and skins, - - 17,935,477

10. Manufactures from seeds, - - - 858,509
il. Grain, fruit, and case liquors, distilled and fermented, l6,5$8,207

12. Dry manufactures from grain, exclusively of flour,

meal, &c. - - - - 75,765

13. Manufactures of wood, - - . 5,554,708

1 4. Manufactures of essences and oils, of and fVom wood, 1 79, 1 50

1,416,724
1,939,265

462,115
1,047,004

259,720
1,260,378

500,382
4,243,168

129,731
4,347,601

15. Refined ior manufactured sugar,

16. Manufactures of paper, pasteboard, cards, &c.

17. Manufactures of marble, stone, and slate, -

18. Glass manufactures, - « .

19. Earthen manufactures, - - -

20. Manufactures of tobacco, - -

21. Drugs, dye stuffs, paints, and dyeing,

22. Cables and cordage, . . -

23. Manufactures of hair, - - -

24. Various and miscellaneous manufactures.

Total,

127,694,60*

The atticles which have been considered as of a doubtful
nature, in iCelation to manufactures, are work done by cotton
presses, wheat-mills, grist-mills, fulling-mills, mills for pearled
barley, wind-mills, clover-seed mills, horse-mills, hemp-mills^

400

VIEW OF THE

mahogany saw-inills, common saw-mills, maple tree, sugar
cuHips, cuno pluntors' HUgur-works, also molasses, rosm anu
piteh, pot aiul peail ashes, slate quarries, brick kilns, tiles,
salt-petre caves, indijjo works, red ochre, yellow ochre, fishe-
ries, lime-kilns, plaster of Varis mills, tobftcto hogoheacls.

The total value of maiiufactures exported in 1812 was esti-
mated at 1,841,000 dcillars, and in 1817 at 2,847,693 dollars.

COM MERCK.

Mr. Pitkin, in his invaluable work upon the Statistics oi" the
United States, hiis given thr most ample information on this
important subject; and to which we refer ^uch of our readers
as wish to obtain a minute and detailed account of the rise and
progress of the different branches of tiade. Another Ameri-
can writer says, « In commerce and navigation, the progress of
the United States has been rapid beyond example. Besides
the natural advantages of excellent harbours, extensive inland
bays, and navigable rivers, it has been greatly in fa'"^": of
their commerce, that it has not been fettered by monopolies or
exclusive privileges. GoikIs or merchandise circulate through
all the states free of duty, and a full drawback, or restitution
of duties of importation, is granted upon articles exported to a
foreign port, in the course of the year in which they have been
imported. Conunerce is considered by all those engaged in it
as a most honourable employment. In the sea-port towns,
the richest members of society are merchants. Youths of
sixteen are sent abroad as factors, or supercargoes, to every
commercial country, intrusted with the management of great
concerns. Stimulated by the prospect of independence, they
study the manufactures and markets of foreign states; the
quality, value, and profits of every commercial aricle ; while
Ihe youth of other countries, of the same age and rank, have
not formed a thought of a provision for future life. Maritime
and conmiercial business is executed with more celerity and
less expence than in any other country. Vessels in the ports
of the United States are laden and unladen in the course of a
few days ; whilst in those of other countries, as many months

UNITKD STATKS.

401

are required for the same purposes, owing to tedious repjula-
tions «nd less enttrprisc. Mercliant vessels aro built and pre-
pared for sea in tlie eourse of four or five months, and tl»ey
sail faster than thoHC of any other country. We have seen it
announced in an American news|);i)K'r, that, on the 11th of
April, 1814), uship was launchcil ;ir, VL-rginnt-s, on lake Cham-
plain, of 150 feet keel, measuring 51)0 tons; the tind)er of
which was cut down in the forest ike yd of March preceding.
The Peacm-.k, of 18 giins, was built at New York in 18 days.
The Wasp, at Portsmouth, in 2(» days The SuiK'rior, of ()4'
guns, on lake Ontario, in fjO days The sduxmers constrncted
at Baltimore, and known by the lume of " pilot-boat schoon-
ere," have often juilcd with a largo from an American to an
Kn<,'lish or French port in 17 or 18 days. The American
seamen are extix^mely active and enterprising. Sl<K)ps oi' GO
tons, and eleven men, have sailed from Albany, (Ib'o miles up
the Hudscm's river,) to the coast of China. The first of tiiis
description which arrived there was believed by the natives of
the country t(» be the long-boat t>f a large merchant vessel,
which they vainly looked (or during several days. Nantucket
sloops of 80 tons, with ten men, double cape Horn, and pur- ^
sue the whale fishery in the South Seas, With similar ves,-
sels, numerous voyages have l)een made from the port of New
York to the cold regions of southern Georgia, for the skins
and oil of seals and sea-ele[)haiits. The Avnerican whalemen,
after visiting the south-western coast of New Holland, and
California, the Malouiii, or Falkland, and other isles, touch
for refreshments at the Cape of Good Hope, at the Sandwich
islands, or ports of Chili. A comuii rce with the Fegee islands
has been carried on by small vessels in trifling articles of hard-
ware, which they exchanged for sandal-wood ; and with this
article they proceeded to Canton, where it was sold for the
purpose of incense in religicms eremonies, at the rate of 400
dollars per ttm. The Anierican pilot-boats have lately visited
the ports of Santa Fe, Caraccus, and Ihienos Ayres, for the
commerce in dollars and raw materials. Without any pre-
vious knowledge of routes, winds, tides, or harbours, the
American whalemen and pilot -lK)at seamen have visited every

3 K

402

VIEW OF THE

coast, and, to the astonishment of Europe, have made shorter
voyages than old and experienced navigators. Falkland's
island, which seemed too remote and romantic an ohject for
the grasp of national ambition, is hut a stage and resting place
in the progress of their victorious industry. " No sea but
what is vexed with their fisheries, no climate that is not wit-
ness to their toils." Since the commencement of the war in
1812, the American public and private armed vessels have
visited every sea, from Kamschatka to the Irish chaimel, ami
have captured British merchant ships at the very mouths of
British harbours. The great injury done to the courtriercc of
England during that war, notwithstanding her powerful navy,
bears strong testimony to the activity an'l enterprise of Ame-
rican seamen. More that. 1700 of her vessels were captured
during the course of the var; and it has been stated, that
only one out of three American vessels employed in conunerce
were taken by the English during the same period. The
state of European warfare, from the year 18()2 to 18112, gave
to America almost all the carrying trade, or freight of the
commercial world, valued at ten per cent, upon the capital.
The United States also gained five per cent, by exchange, so
ihat the annual profits of commerce and foreign navigation
have been estimated at fifteen per cent, upon the capital.''

Summury of the Value of Exports from each State in 1817-

STATES.

New Hampshire,

Vermont,

Massachusetts,

Rhode Island,

Connecticut,

New York,

New Jersey,

Pennsylvania,

Delaware,

Maryland,

Domestic.

170,599.

913,201

5,908,416

577,911

574,290

13,660,73;3

5,849

5,538,003

38,771

5,887,884

District of Columbia, 1,689,102

Foreign.

26,825

6,009,581

372,556

29,849

5,046,700

3,197,589

6,083

3,046,' 46

79,556

Total.

197,424

913,201

11,927,997

960,467

604,139

18,707,433

5,849

8,735,592

44,854

8,933,930

1,768,658

UNITKl) STATES.

403

STATES.

Virginia,
North Carolina,
South Carolina,
Georgia,
Ohio,
LouiHiana*
Michigan territory,
Mississippi do.

Donicvtic.

5,561,238

955,211

9,944,34.3

8,530,831

7,749

8,241,254

04,228

43,887

ForeiKn.
60,204

1,369

428,270
259,883

783,558

Total.

5,621,442

9.36,680

10,372,613

8,790,714

7,749

9,024,812

64,228

43,887

These exports in 1817 were : —

Ooniciitic. Foreign.

To the northern cour rits of E'ro]K\ 3,828,563 2,790,408

Dominions of h». Neihei' mds, 3,397,775 2,387,543

do. ofG.n* Bn<.„u, 41,431,168 2,037,074

do. ofFrL. ,e,

do. of Spain,

do. of Portugal,

To all other countries.

9,717,423 2,717,395

4,330,156 3,898,780

1,501,237 333,586

3,907,178 5,198,283

68,313,500 19,358,069

In the year 1808, the tonnage of the United States was
1,227,000, and the number of seamen 50,000. In 1816, the
tonnage an^ounted to 1,372,218. In the same year, the ton-
nage of vessels built in the states amounted to 131,667. In
1815, there was employed in the foreign trade 700,035 tons of
American vessels, and 212,501 of foreign vessels, of which
142,710 tons belonged to Britain.

The proceeds of the customs in 1811 was 36,303,231 dol-
lars; but in 1816 it fell to 27,669,769 dollars. The nett re-
venue of 3260 post-offices in 1816 amounted to 155,579
dollars. The extent of the post roads was 48,976 miles.

-*-' 3t-* - -*^

■ifaim^--ei0kmt:

■^j^qi^jpa a^f^ WT i n I^H i f ^ . jHI ■

mmim

404

VIEW OF THE

PI i

Duties payable by Law on all Goods, Wares, and Merchaiv.
disc, imparted into the United States ofAmerica^ commenc-
ing on the 30th June, 1816.

Alum, 1 dollar per cwt.

Ale, beer, and porter, in Iwttles, 15 cents per gallon.
Ale, beer, ar^d porter, imported otherwise than in bottles, 10 do.
Almonds, 3 cents per lb.
Anchors, 1 dollar 50 cents per cwt.
Animals imported for breed, free.
Antimony, regulus of, do.

Apparatus, pliilosopliical, instruments, books, maps, charts,
statues, busts, casts, paintings, drawings, engravings, speci-
mens of sculpture, cabinets of coins, gems, medals, and all
other collections of antiquities, statuary, modelling, painting,
drawing, etching, or engraving, sjx>cially imported by order,
and for the use of any society, incorporated for philosophi-
cal or literary purposes, free.
Arms, fire and side, and muskets, 20 per cent, ad val.
Articles imported for the use of I he United States, free.
Brass wire, and articles of which brass is the material of chief

value, 20 per cent, ad val.
Hrass, old, free.
Bristles, 3 cents per lb.
Blank books, 30 per cent, ad val.
Bonnets and caps for women, 30 do.
Boots, 1 dollar 50 cents per pair.
Bottles, black glass quart, 1 'ollar 44 cents per gross.
Bristol stones, or paste work, end all articles composed wholly
or chiefly of gold, silver, pearl, and precious stones, 7| per
cent, ad val
Buckles of all kinds, 20 do.
Buttons, and button inolcs, 20 do.
Brushes, 30 do.
Jiurrstones, unwrought, free.
Bullion, and gold and silver coin, free.

i abinet wares, and all manufactures of wood, 30 per cent, ad val.
Cables and cordage, tarred, 3 cents per lb.

Iff

UNITED STATES.

405

Candles of tallow, 3 do.

of wax and spermaceti, 6 do.

Cannon, 20 per cent, ad val.

Carriages of all descriptions, and parts thereof, 30 do.

Cards, playing, 30 cents per pack.

Canes, walking sticks, and whips, 30 per cent, ad val.

Capers, 30 do.

Cassia, Chinese, 6 cents per lb.

Cheese, 9 do,

China ware, 20 per cent, ad val.

Chocolate, 3 cents per lb.

Cinnamon and cloves, 25 do.

Clay, unwrought free.

Coal, 5 cents per heaped bushel.

Cocoa, 2 do. per lb.

Coffee, 5 do.

Cordage, untarred, yarns, twines, packthread, and seines, 4 do.

Comfits, or sweetmeats, preserved in sugar or brandy, 30 per

cent, ad val.
Copper and brass in plates, pigs, and bars, suited to the

sheathing of ships, free.
Copper, articles manufactured of, or of which copper is the

material of chief value, 20 per cent, ad val.
Copper rods, bolts, spikes, or nails, and composition rods,

bolts, spikes, or nails, 4 cents per lb.
Copper, in any shape, for the use of the mint, free.
Copper, old, fit only to be remanufactured, free.
Copperas, 100 cents per cwt.
Cork tree, bark of, manufactured, free.
Cotton, 3 cents per lb.
Cotton manufactures of all descriptions, or of which cotton js

the material of chief value ; and on cotton twist, yarn, or

thread, as follows : for 3 years next ensuing the 30th June,

181G, a duty of 25 per cent, ad val.
Cotton, after the expiration of the 3 years aforesaid, a duty of

20 do.
Cosmetics, 30 do.
Clothing ready made, 30 do.

) I, >

■^msrr.

406

VIEW OF THE

Currants, 3 cents per lb.
Cutlery, 20 per cent, ad val.

Drugs for dyeing, and materials for composing dyes, not sub-
ject to other rates of duty, 7i do.
Duck, Russia, not exceeding 52 archeens each piece, 2 dollar*

rer piece.
Duck, Ravens, do. 1 dollar 25 cents do.
Duck, Holland,. do. 2 dollars 50 cents do.
Earthenware, 20 per cent, ad val.
Embroidery, 7| do.
Epaulettes, 7| do.
Fans, 30 do.

Feathers, and other ornaments for head dresses, 30 do.
Figs, 3 cents per lb.

Fish, foreign caught, 100 cents per quintal.
Fish, mackerel, 1 dollar 50 cents per barrel.
Fish, salmon, 200 cents do.

all other pickled, 100 do.

Flowers, artificial, 30 per cent, ad val.

Floorcloths, painted, 30 do.

Furs, of every kind, undressed, free.

Glass, window, not above 8 by 10 inches, 2 dollars 50 cents

per 100 square feet.
Glass, not above 10 by 12, 2 dollars 70 cents do.
Glass, above 10 by 12, 3 dollars 25 cents do.
Gold leaf, 15 per cent, ad val.
Goods, wares, and merchandise, not free, and not subject to

any other rate of duty, 15 do.
Glue, 5 cents per lb.
Gunpowder, 8 do.

Gum Arabic, and gum Senegal, 7^ per cent, ad Val.
Hairpowder, 8 cents per lb.
Hats or caps of wool, fur, leather, chip, straw, or silk, 30 per

cent, ad val.
Hemp, 15 per cent, ad val.
Hides and skins, raw, free.
Indigo, 15 cents per lb.
Iron or steel ware, not exceeding No. 18^ 5 do.

»«K'~*'*i4»»«i«K»

UNITED STATES.

407

Iron or steel ware, over No, 18, 9 do.

Iron sheets, rods, and hoops, 2 dollars 50 cents per cwt.

Iron bars and bolts, excepting iron manufactured by rolling,

45 cents do.
Iron bars and bolts when manufactured by rolling, and on

anchors, 1 dollar 50 cents do.
Iron, cast, and all manufactures of which iron is the material

of chief value, 20 per cent, ad val.
Jewellery, 7^ do.
Laces, 7i do.

of gold and silver, 7j do.

Lace veils, lace shawls, or shades of thread or silk, T^ do.

Lapis calaminaris, free.

Leather, and all manufactures of leather, or of which leather

is the material of chief value, 30 per cent, ad val.
Lead in pigs, bars, or sheets, 1 cent per lb.
Lead, manufactures of, or of which lead is the chief article,

20 per cent, ad val.
Lead, red and white, dry, or ground in o' ^ents per lb.
Mace, loo cents per lb.
Mats of grass or flags, SO per cent, ad val
Millinery of all sorts, 30 do.
Molasses, 5 cents per gallon.
Mustard, 30 per cent, ad val.
Nails, 3 cents per lb.
Needles, 20 per cent, ad \al.
Nutmegs, 60 cents per lb.
Ochre, dry, 1 cent per lb.

in oil, 1 J cent.

Oil, olive, in cask, 25 cents per gallon.
Gil, spermaceti, foreign fishing, 25 do.
Oil, whale and other fish, do. 15 do.
Olives, and sallad oil, 30 per cent, ad val.
Paper of every description, 30 do.
Paper hangings, 30 do.
Parchment and pasteboards, 30 do.
Pewter manufactures, 2 do,
— old, free.

408

VIEW OF THE

m 'I

Pepper, 8 cents per lb.

Perfumes, washes, balsams, 30 per cent, ad val.

Pimento, 6 cents per lb.

Pickles, 30 per cent, ad val.

Pins, 20 do.

Plums and prunes, 3 cents per lb.

Plaster of Paris, free.

Porcelain and glass manufactures, other than window glass,

and black quart bottles, 20 per cent, ad val.
Precious stones and pearls of all kinds, set or not set, 7J do.
, Prussian blue, 2() do.

Raisins, Muscatel, and raisins in jars and boxes, 3 cents per lb.
Raisins, other kinds of, 2 do.
Rags of any kind of cloth, free.
Saddles, bridles, and harness, 30 per cent, ad val.
Salt, 20 cents per bushel of 56 lb.
Saltpetre, 7§ per cent, ad val.
Sail or hempen cloth, except Russian and German linen, and

duck, 20 do.
Segars, 2 dollars 30 cents per lOOO.
Shoes and slippers of silk, 30 cents per pair.
Shoes and slippers ol" leather, 25 do.
Shoes and slippers for children, 15 do.
Shot manufactured of lead, 2 cents per lb.
Specimens in natural history, botany, mineralogy, anatomical

preparations, models of machinery, and other inventions,

plants, and trees, free.
Silver ware, 7^ per cent, ad val.
lace, 71 do.

Snuff, 12 cents per lb.

Spirits from grain, first proof, 42 cents per gallon.

Spirits from grain, second proof, 45 do.

Spirits from grain, third proof, 48 do.

Spirits from grain, fourth proof, 52 do.

Spirits from grain, fifth proof, GO do.

Spirits from grain, above fifth proof, 75 do.

From other materials, first and second proof, 38 d».

From other materials, third proof, 42 do.

UNITED STATES.

409

From other materials, fourth proof, 48 do.
From other materials, fifth proof, 57 do.
From other materials, above fifth proof, 70 do.
Spikes, 2 cents per lb.
Steel, 1 dollar per cwt.

manufactures, or of which steel is the article of chief

value, 20 per cent, ad val.
Stockings of wool or cotton, 20 do.
Stoneware, 20 do.
Soap, 3 cents per lb.
Sugar, brown, 3 do.

— white, clayed, or powdered, 4 do.

lump, lO do.

loaf, and sugar-candy, 12 do.

Sulphur, or brimstone, free.

Tallow, 1 cent per lb.

Teas from China in ships or vessels of the United States,

Tea, Bohea, 12 cents per lb.

Tea, Souchong, and other black, 25 do.

Tea, imperial, gunpowder, and gomee, 50 do.

Tea, hyson, and young hyson, 40 do.

Tea, hyson, skin, and other green, 28 do.

Teas from any other place, or in any other than ships or ves-
sels of the United States,

Tea, Bohea, 14 do.

Tea, Souchong, and other black, 34 do.

Tea, imperial, gunpowder, and gomee, 68 do.

Tea, hyson, and young hyson, 56 do.

Tea, hyson, skin, and other green, 38 do.

Tin manufactures, or of which tin is the material of chief
value, 20 per cent, ad val.

Tin in pigs or bars, free.

Tobacco manufactured other than snuff and segars, 10 cents
per lb.

Types for printing, 20 per cent, ad val.

Umbrellas and parasols, or sticks and frames for either, 30
per cent, ad val.

Vellum, 30 do.

18 3 P

jt--^

410

VIEW OP THE

Wafers, 30 do.

Wares, gill, plated, and japanned, 20 per cent, ad vftK
Watches, gold, silver, and other, and ]);irts d watch..\^, 7,', ih.
Wearing npparel, and other personal i'uggflge in srtual use,,

and the implements or tools of trade .1" persona nmvin r in

the United States, free.
Wines, Mjuleira, Burgundy, Ch^mpaigiit, Rhenish, and To-

kay, loo cents per goDon.
Wines, Sherry i\nd St. lajcar, 60 do.
Wines, on other wine not enumerated, when innprted in

bottles or cases, 7() do.
Winers, Lisbon, Oporto, and othe • wines of Portugal and

Sicily, 50 do.

Winfifi, Tejieriffe, Fayal, and other wines of the Westero

!».'Sj(jds, iO do.

W iHe, y !1 other, when imported oilierwise than in cases and
bottlet*, 25 do.

Whiting and Paris white, 1 cent per lb.

Wood, unmanufactured, of any kind, Tree.

Wood, Nicaragua, Barilla, Brazil-wood, Brazilletto, red.wood,
cam-wood, fustic, log-wood, and other dye-woods, free.

Woollen manufactures of all descriptions, or of which wool is
the material of chief value, excepting blankets, woollen rags,
and worsted or stuff goods, after the 30th June, 1816, un-
til the 30th June, 1819, pay a duty of 25 per cent, ad val.

Wood, on the same after June, 1819, 20 do.

Zinc, teutanague, or speltei-, free.

A commercial treaty, formed between England and the
United States, was signed the 3d of July, 1815, to remain in
force during four years, according to which each country is to
enjoy reciprocal freedom of commerce. No higher duties to
be imposed than those which extend to all other nations, in
relation to articles imported and exported, and the vessels
which carry them to be subject to the same duties, and en-
titled to the same bounties. Drawbfiyks to a foreign nation
to be regulated by the parties reHp&.. roiy. The trade with
the X.ast Indies to be free for Aiofricfci? vessels, which are to

UNITED STATES.

411

be treated as vessels of the most favoured nation, entitled to
go from one port to another with the original cargo, or part
thereof, and to touch for refreshments at the Cape of Go<xl
Hope, the island of St. Helena, or other places in the African
or Indian seas. The American trade to be excluded from the
West Indies ; and the privilege of fishing, and of drying the
fish within the British jurisdiction, granted by the treaty of
peace of 1783, to cease entirely. With regard to consuls, the
laws and statutes of each country to be strictly observed.
The consul to be approved or admitted by the government to
which he is sent, but subject to its laws, and punishable for
illegal or improper conduct ; or to be sent back, the offended
government assigning to the other the reasons for this proceed-
ing ; each country reserving, at pleasure, particular places free
from consular residence. The contracting parties to put an
end to hostilities with the Indians, and to restore them all the
possessions, rights, and privileges, which they enjoyed in 1811,
provided they observe a peaceable conduct.

An act concerning the navigati(m of the United States,
sanctioned by congress the 1st of March, 1817, and to operate
from the 1st of October following, is as follows : No goods,,
wares, or merchandise, are to be imported into the United
States from any foreign port or place, except in vessels of the
United States, or in foreign vessels truly and wholly belonging
to the citizens or subjects of that country of which the goods
are the growth, production, or manufacture, or from which
such goods, wares, or merchandise, can only be, or most
usually are, first shipped for transportation, But this regula-
tion is not to extend to the vessels of any foreign nation which
has not adopted a similar regulation. The infringement of
this act to involve the forfeiture of the vessel and cargo. 2.
The bounty and allowance granted to the owners of boats and
vessels engaged in the fisheries' to be ])aid to those only of
which the oilicers, and at least three-fourths of the crew, are
citizens of the United States, or persons not the subjects of
any foreign prince or state. The proof to be exhibited to the
collector of tlie district to which the boat or vessel belongs,
3. No goods, wares, or merchandise, to be imported in foreign

,''-n

* n

412

VIEW OF THE

vessels fro.n one port of the Unitecl States to another. 4. A
duty of .50 cents per ton to be paid upon every ship or vessel
of the United States which shall be entered in the district of
one state from that of another. The exceptions are: 1. An
adjoining state on the sea-coast, or a navigable river or lake.
2. Coasting vessels going from Long island, in the state of
New York, to the state of Rhode i«land, or the contrary, with
a cargo taken in one state to be delivered in another. 3. Ves-
sels having a license to trade between the different districts, or
to carry on the bank or whale fisheries more than once a year.
4. If it be proved, to the satisfaction of the collector, that
three-fourths of the crew are American citizens, or persons not
the subjects of any foreign prince or state, the duty to be only
SIX cents per ton. 5. Every ship or vessel entered in the
United States from any foreign port or place, of which the
officers, and at least two-thirds of the crew, are not proven to
be American citizens, or persons not the subjects of any fo-
reign pnnce or state, to pay 50 cents per ton. In a circular
letter, issued from the treasury department, for the purpose of
explaining and ^'nforciiig this measure, ' the term country is
considered as embracing all the possessions of a foreign state,
of which the productions and manufactures may be imported
into the United States in vessels owned by the citizens or sub-
jects of such state, without regard to their place of residence
within its possessions.' Gold and silver coin and bullion are
notcon.sidercd as goods, wares, and merchandise; and may be
imported in foreign vessels, without regard to the place of
production or coinage.

The chambers of commerce of the ports of the United States
receive and pass gold and silver coin at the rates established
by the banks. Bills of .wchange drawn upon any part of Eu-
rope, and retiuMied pretested for non-payment, are paid on
demand, with 20 per cent, of damages, at the current exchange
then given for bills on the place drawn upn. Bills of e.K-
change drawn upon any of the West India islands. Newfound-
land, or tb.e foreign possessions in America, and returned
protested i\n- non-payment, are subject to ten per cent, da-
mages on demand, with the £jmount of the bill. When no

UNITED STATES.

413

special agreement exists, the following commissions are charged :
Inland Commimons. — On sales, exclusive of storage, two and
a half per cent. ; on returns from a state to any part of the
United States, two and a half per cent. Foreign Commis-
siona. — On sales, exclusive of storage, five per cent, ; on re-
turns, if in protluce, five; on returns, if in cash or bills, two
and a half; on making insurance, one half; on recovering
losses, two and a half; on outfit of vessel, five ; on soliciting
and procuring freight, five ; on collecting freight, two and a
half

In 1817, the value of flour and wheat exported was
17,968,000 dollars; the produce of the forests, 6,484,()UO
dollars ; the cotton of donvestic growth, 92,628,000 dollars ;
the tobacco, 9,511,000 dollars; and the produce of the sea,
1,671,000 dollars.

:ili

*. H

CANALS AXD TURNPIKE ROADS.

The United States possess the advantages of inland naviga-
tion in a remarkable degree. Many of the large rivers are
navigable almost to their sources, and some of them, which
have their efflux at points remote from one another, are only
separated by short portages at particular parts of their course.
Several of the rivers have a sufficient depth of water generally
for boats, but have their channels obstructed by rocks and
falls at certain places. By running canals over the spaces
where these portages and obstructions occur, the most distant
sections of the Union may be united by a system of water
communications; and where this is impracticable, the trans-
portation of commodities may still be much facilitated by
forming good roads. This subject occupied much attention
in the early part of Mr. Jefferson's administration ; and Mr.
Gallatin, at the request of the senate, drew up a report on
this subject, which was presented to that body in 1808. The
outlines of the plan of internal communication suggested in
the report are as follows :

1. Canals from north to south, in a direction parallel to the
sea-coastj which would open a connnunication for sea-vessels

414

VIEW OF THE

.#
#'

from Massachusetts to North Cumlina, extending along all
tlie principal cupos, except oapi Fear, a distance of nioie than
two-thirrJs of the Atlantic coast. The expence is estin)ated at
tbr^ie liii'iious ti' dollars.

V. P ' \ . ; turnpike road from Maine to Georgia, extending
along the Atlantic coast, a distance of KiOO miles. The > \-
pcnces are calculated at 8000 doll.irs per mile, making, with
the former charge, 7,800,000 dollars.

3. A communication fro'r east to west across the mountains,
between the Atl.Miic and western rivers; and, for this pur-
pose, to improve the navigation of the great Atlantic rivers,
by constructing parallel canals and Kxks when necessary.
The expence is estimated at 1,500,000 dollars. It is also
proposed to form four turnpike roads from the four groat
western rivers, the Alleghany, Monongahela, Kenhawa,''and
Tennessee, to the nearest corresponding Atlantic river ., to the
Susquehannah, or Juniata, the Patoinak, James river, and
either the Santee or Savannah. The distance ot each route is
about 100 miles, which, at the estimated expenct of 7000 dol-
lars per mile, (the wjad being through a mount"-''ious country,)
amounts to 2,800,000 dollars. The con.siruction of a canal
along the falls of the Ohio is also recommended, and a com-
pany has lately been ii 'orporated for ciUTving ii >. nigh.
The construction of roads to Detroit, 8t. Louis, and New Or-
leans, is also recommended, of which the co.st is estimated at
200,000 dollars: the whole expence of all this extent of com-
munication amountin to 4,800,000 dollars.

Inlanil navigat' i, in a n( < thern and ii»;th- western direc-
tion, between the Atlantic sea-coast and the great la' s, and
the St. Lawrence, of which the expence is estimated at
li2,6'0"SO')0 dollars. I'he chain -^ mountains known by the
name of Alleghany, or Apalaches, of which the me;* i breadth
is somewhat more than 1 00 miles, and their eleva n about
3000 feet above the levd of the sea, render a direct communi-
cation impractica ?; b'U, on the north 't ran easily U formed
by the circuitous >ut ," the Mohawk valley and Kike Onta-
rio; and, on the south, by the way of '.'orgia and the rivers
which ppen on the gulf of Mexico. Tht; exjwnce of the in-

Mio

UNIT) J STATES.

415

)ugh.

land navigation between the North river and lake Cliamplain
is cstii/iated at 800,000 dollars ; canals from the North river
to lake Ontario at 2,^00,000 dollars; canals along the falls
and rapids of Niagara, opening a sloop navigation from lake
Ontario to the upper lakes as far as the extremities of lake
Michigan, a million of dollars ; in all, four millions of dollars.
The whole amount for general improvements is estimated at
16,600,000 dollars; and for ''me of a local Qature, at
3,400,000; making an aggregv.wt' of twenty millions of dol-
lars. It has been suggested, that, in time of peace, this great
plan a)uld easily be executed by the annual appropriation of
two millions of dollars of the existing revenues for the sj>ace of
ten years.

OfTttrnpike Roa<^ -Since the year 1800, a great number
of turnpike roads have been formed, particularly in the north-
ern, eastern, and the middle stales. The capital of all the
turnpikes and canals in the United States, in 1809, was
11,500,000 dollars ; that of toll bridges, 5,600,000 dollars.
In 1813 the post-master-general of the United States was au-
thorised, by an act of congress, to contract for the regular
transportation of the mail in steam-boats, provided that the
expence do not exceed what is paid for it by stages on the ad-
jacent post-roads, taking into consideration distance, expedi-
tion, and frequency. In 1801, there were 957 post-offices;
n l^ 9, 2000. At the former peiiod, the length of post-roads

IS 21,8 . at the latter, 34,000 miles. In 1801, the amount
of tiiw early transportation of mails in the United Stales was
3,057,904 miles; in 1809, 4,962,516. The post-roads, with-
in this interval, have increased nearly 45 per cent., and the
cstublishmeat of lil coaches nearly 70 per (

POST-OFFICK ESTABLISHMENT.

The ge' ml post-offive is established at Washington, the
seat (^the federal govei nnont, and is ider the dii-et on of a
post-master- gt'iuial, ho is authorised <o establish branche^ n
such places as he may deem txp'lient. In his port it is
observed, that th expences of tht office, in 1808 and 1809,

mil-

:. 4 m-

416

VIEW OP THE

dunng the suspension of fonign commerce, had exceeded the
amount of postage due to the United States, by nearly 7000
dollars, which was defrayed oot of t .c proceeds of previous
years.

The two great postage itmds are, 1. That which extend*
from Robmstown, on the north-ea?tern extremity of the coast
of .be United States, to St. Mary's, on the southeastern ex-
tremity; and, 2. The road which extends from Washington
to New Orleans. The length of the first is 1783, that of the
second, 1233 miles.

The mail travels on the great roads at the rate of from 60
to 120 mUes a day; on the cross roads its progress is about
40 miles in the same time.

The following regulations concerning this establishment
were adopted by an act of the American congress, on the 9th
of April, 1816.

Rates vj Postage—Letter of one sheet.

MUes.
30

150

*00

Any greater distance,

Double letter, the double of those rates.

Triple letter, the triple.

Cents.

6
10

18i
25

Miles.

The yearly transportation of the maU in stages amounts to 2,4i 1,760
Ditto on sulkies and on horseback, 3 1 80 8"

' , Total, 5,592,652

Averaging one office to fifteen miles and a half of post-road.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

The president and vice-president of the United States are
elected for the term of four years, commencing on the 4th day
of March, and necessarily remain at Washington during the
session of congress ; but, during the recess, they retire to their
usual places of residence. The president, when at the seat of
government^ lives in the house destined for him, which is fur-

needed the
arly 7000
■ previous

li extends
the coast
astern ex-
ashington
liat of the

from 60
is about

jliahment
» the 9th

Centa.
6

12i

ISi

Miles.
S,4i 1,760

5,180,8f)^

i,592,652
road.

tates are

4th day

ring the

to their

e seat oF
hi is fur-

■'I

;;i

UNITED STATES.

417

wished at the expence of the nation. The vice-president, who
is president of the senate, has no similar mark of distinction,
but lodges at an inn, or private house, like other members of
congress. The yearly salary of the former is 25,000 dollars ;
that of the latter 5000 only ; but he is not subject to any ex-
traordinary expence, while the president, according to esta-
blished custom, spends more than his salary in the expences
of his table.

In case of the death, resignation, or removal of the president
from office, his powers devolve upon the vice-president.

The president is commander-in-chief of the army and navy
of the United States, and also of the militia, when called into
actual service.

He is authorised to require, when he thinks proper, the
written opinion of auy of the chief officers of tiie executive de-
pa rtments, upon any subject which has relation to the duties
of their respective offices.

Except in cases of impeachment, he is authorised to grant
reprieves and pardons for offences against the U.iited States.

He is empowered, by and with the advice and consent of
the senate, tf> make treaties, to appoint ambassadors, ministers,
and consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all military and
other .officers, whose appointments are not otherwise provided
for by law. His appointment or decision must be approved
by two-thirds of the senators present in congress

He has also power to fill up vacancies during the recess of
the senate, which, during the next session, are submitted to
their decision.

On extraordinary occasions, he may convene or adjourn
either or both houses of congress.

He is aMthorlsed by usage, though not l)y the constitution,
to suspend, annul, or revoke the powers of a minister, consul,
or other officer, without the advice of the senate, and even
without giving any reason for such suspension or removal.
The president himself, or any other officer of the ITnited
States, may be removed from office for treason, bribery, or
other high crimes and misdemeanours, for which they must
previously be impeached and convicted.

3 G

41S

VIEW OF THE

All commiasions are signed by the president and secretary
of state.

The national council is composed of these two officers, and
the heads of the treasury, war, navy, and post-office esta-
blishment.

The Congress of the United States, in whom all legislative
powers are vested, consists of a senate and house of represen-
tatives.

The members of the Jionse of representatives are chosen by
the people every second ytar. They must have attained the
age of 25, and been citizens of the United States during the
same space of time, and inhabitants of the state in which they
are elected. The number of representatives for the year 1815
is 187, or nearly one representative for ev^ry 40,000 persons,
according to the last census. When the numlwr shall amount
to 200, it is so regulated, that there shall not be more than
one for every 50,000 persons.

Vacancies are filled by writs of election, issued by the exe-
cutive authority.

The house of representatives choose their speaker and other
officers, and have the sole power of impeachment.

The senate is composed of two senators from each state,
chosen by the legislature of that state for the term of six
years ; and the seats are so vacated, that one-third are chosen
every second year. A senator rnust be 30 years of age, nine
years a citizen of the United States, and an inhabitant of the
state in which he ic elected. The present number of senators
is 38.

The president of the senate has no vote, unless the votes be
equally divided.

The senate has the sole power of trying all impeachments
In case of the trial of the chief magistrate, the chief justice is
to preside.

Senators and members of the house of representatives re-
ceive a compensation of eight dollars per day during the ses-
sion, besides travelling expences, fixed at the rjite ofa day's
pay for every 20 miles.

UNITED STATES.

Pay of the Officers of the General Government. — In pursu-
ance of a resolution of congress, of the 27th of April, 1816,
the secretary of state is required to compile and print, once in
every two years, a register of all officers and agents, civil, mi-
litary, and naval, in the service of the United States, exhibit-
ing the amount of compensation, pay, and emoluments allowed
to each, the state or country in which he was born, and the
place of employment. The secretary of the navy is to furnish
the name, force, and condition of all the ships and vessels be-
longing to the United States, and the place and date of their
construction. This registtsr is to be made up to the last day
of September of each year, before the opening of the new con-
gress. Five hundred copies are to be printed, and to be dis-
tributed among the members of congress and heads of the
departments of the general government.

This work is entitled, A Register of Officers and Agents,
Civil, Military, and Naval, in the service of the United States,
on the 30th of September, (1816 ;) together with the names,
force, and condition of all the Ships and Vessels belonging ta
the United States, and when and where built.

Dollars per an.
President of the United

States, - - 25,000

Vice president, - 5,000

Secretary of state, 5,000

Secretary of the treasury, 5,000
Comptroller, - 3,500

Auditor, - - 3,000

Treasurer, - 3,000

Dollars per an.
Additional Accountant, 2,000
Supmntendent-general of

military supplies, 3,000

Secretary of navy, 4,500

Three navy commission-
ers, each, - 3,500
Accountant of navy, 2,30Q
Postmaster-general, 3,000
Seciotary of senate, 3,000
Clerk of house of repres. 3,009
Commissioner of claims, 2,00P

Commissioner of revenue, 8,000

Commissioner of land office,3,000

Secretary of v;ar departm. 4,500 Superintendent of Indian

Paymaster-general, 2,500 trade, - - 2,000

Accountant, - 2,000

Dollars per an.
The governors of the four tenntories, Mississippi, Missouri,

Illinois, and Michigan, eadi, . - - 2,000

The secretaries, eadi • - • - . i#P99

420

VIEW OF THE

VfS

Chief justice, . . Dollars per an.

a- ■ '. . ' ' ' 4.,000

i>ix associate justices, - - , . 5 ^qq

Attorney.general, . . . _ „"!

^'*'^' ------ fee';!

Seven ambassadors to the following sfcites .-—England, France
Russia, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Sweden, each 9000
dollars, with an allowance of 90OO for outfit. Six secretaries of
legation, each 2000 dollars.

Consul at London, - .

Consul in France,

Consul-general in Denmark,

Consul-general in Barbaiy,

Three consuls ditto, each - . .

Director of the mint, - - _

Commissioners of loans, five in number, whose pay is from 500
to upwards of 2000 dollars. Each has two or three clerks. Their
pay varies from 500 to 1000 dollars.

Collectors of customs, 98 in number, with salaries proportionate
to the trade of the place, from 150 to upwards of 70OO dollars.

Dollars per an.
2,000
2,000
2,000
4,000
2,000
2,00a

TERKITaiUAL GOVERNMENTS.

By tlie constitutLii and ci -tain laws of the congress of the
United States, a territory cannot be admitted into the Ameri-
can union until its population amounts to ()0,000 free inhabit-
ants. In the mean time, il is subject to a provisional form of
government prescribed by law, which, though not emanatino-
entirely from the choice of the inhabitants, still does not de!
prive them of the personal rights and privileges of freemen.
The administration of the government of the territory is en-
trusted to a governor, appointed by the president and congress,
and invested with extensive pov - :-s, similar to those of a Eu-
ropean viceroy, for the protection of the interests of the United
States, and particularly the observance of strict faith towards
the Indians, in the exchange of commodities and the purchase
of their knds. The act or ordinance of congress, of the 13th
July. 1787, for the government of the territory nortli-west of
the nver Oliio, has served as a model for the organization of

.*.

UNITED STATES.

421

liars per an.
2,000
2,000
2,000
4,000
2,000
2,000
from 500
5. Their

the temporary governments of new territories established since
that epoch.

Governor. — By this act, the congress reserved to itself the
power of appointing a governor for the term of three years,
unless revoked before the expiration of that time, who is to
reside in the district, and have therein a freehold estate of
1000 acres of land.

Secretary. — The secretary, also appointed by congress for
the term of four years, with a commission liable to be revoked,
was likewise obliged to reside in the district, and to have a
freehold estate therein of 500 acres of land. His duty is to
keep and preserve the public records, the acts and laws of the
legislature, and the proceedings of the governor in his execu-
tive department, and to transmit authentic copies of all these
documents, every six months, to the secretary of congress.

The Judicial autfiority is vested in a court consisting of
three judges, whose commissions continue .n force during
good behaviour. Any two of them form a court with a com
mon h\v jurisdiction. It is required that each judge shall
reside in the district, and be proprietor of a freehold estate of
500 acres of land, while in the exercise of his office. The go-
vernor and judges are authorised to adopt and put in force in
the district, such laws of the original states, criminal and civil,
as they may vhink suited to its circumstances, which are to
continue until the organization of the general assembly, unless
disapproved of by congress. The governor, who is conimand-
er-in-chief of the militia, is empowered to appoint and grant
commissions to all officers therein, except general officers, who
are appointed and commissioned by congress. The governor
is authorised to appoint such magistrates and other civil ch-
eers, in each county or township, as he might judge necessary,
until the organization of the general assembly, by which their
powers and duties are to be regulated and defined. He is
also authorised to make proper divisions of tlie district into
countit'S and townships, for the executiun of civil and criminal
proijosh The free white male inhabilantij of full age, as soon
as Khm- number amounts to 5000, are authorised to elect re-
presentatives in their counties or townships, to represent thera

nil

.!••

w%:,,.

i2ii

VIEW OF THE

ml >*■

in the general Hssenibly of the territory, in the proportion of
one representative for every 500 inhabitants, until their num.
ber exceed 26; after which, their number and proportion are
regulated by the legislature. To be eligible to this office, the
person must have been a citizen of one of the United States
and a resident in the district, and if he has resided three years'
therein, the quality of citizen is dispensed with; but in either
case, he must be proprietor, in fee simple, of 900 acres of land
withni the territory. To be an elector, the flillowing qualifi.
cations are required: he must be a freeholder in the district,
of 50 acres of land, a resident thereof, and a citizen of one of
the states, or, what is considered as equivalent, resident for
two years therein. The representatives are elected for the
terra of two years; and in case of death, or removal from
office, their place is supplied for the residue of the term by a
writ from the governor to this effect. The general assembly,
or legislature, consists of a governor, legislative council, and a
house of representatives. The legislative council to consist of
five members, elected for five years, unle.ss s>oner removed by
congress, three of whom form a quorum. The members of
the council are nominated in the following manner : The re-
presentatives, after their election, assemble at a certain place
indicated by the governor, and nominate ten per.sons, residents
m the district, each possessed of a freehold of 500 acres of
land, whose names are returned to congress, by wliom five are
appointed to serve as members for the council for the term of
fire years; and vacancies, in consequence of death or removal
from office, are supplied by two persons nominated by the
house of representatives, one of whom is appointed and" com-
missioned by congress for the rest of the term. All bills,
after having passed by a majority in tlie house, and also in
the council, are referred to the irovernor <l>r his aiwent, without
which they remain without effect. This ^^('nerHl assembly is
convened, prorogued, and dissolved by tin- governor, who is
obliijed to take an oatfi or declaration of fidelity befor** the
president of congress, and Ivlniself to require t*H! same of all
officers appointed in the district. The lewislatniv and aiuticil
are authorised to tkct, by joint ballot, a dek'gatt) to MU^c&iB,

UNITED STATES.

423

with the right of debating, but not of voting therein, during
this temporary government.

JUDICIARY.

The judiciary syslem of the United States is as follows:
The supreme court of the United States consists of a chief
judge, and six associate judges. This court holds a session
annually, at the city of Washington. The states of the Union
form districts, (with the exception of Massachusetts and Ten-
nessee, each of which is divided into two,) 20 in number, and
in every one of these districts there is a court named the Dis-
trict Court, excqit the state of New York, which has two,
and East and West Tennessee, which have but one. These
courts are held four times a year, at the two principal towns
of the district alternately, except in the states of Pennsylvania
and Maryland, where they are always hold at tlie chief town
of each. The United States are also divided into seven dis-
tricts, and in each division there is a circuit court, which is
held twice a year, under the direction of a judije of the su-
prer^e court, or the associate judge residing withui the district,
anu *}.•'). i'.ige of that district where the court is holden. The
clerk o» i.\ch district court is also clerk of the circuit court
within the district. The courts are created and organized by
the legislature. The fodt:^! ;!idfl;es are appointed by the ex-
ecutive, with the app'^^baiion of i'le senate, and are not to be
removed from office liTrj.^'f goi.d lvt;h«iviour. The judges,
after their appointment, At'-n themselves as they think proper,
at the session succeeding their appcMntment ; otherwise, they
are allotted by the president of the United States until anotlier
allotment is made. The district and territorial judges are
obliged, by act of congress, to reside within their districts, and
not to exercise the professicm or employment of attorney or
lawyer. The infraction of this act constitutes a high misde-
meanour. There is an attorney-general of the United States,
who is the public prosecutor before the supreme court. In
each district there is also an attorney and marshal, appointed
by, and removable at the pleasure of the president. The su-

viffl'

I ':

424

VIEW OF THE

pernHinefary marshals and district attorneys have been dis.
contmued. The district attorney is the public proslto^
before the c.rcu.t and district epurts. The marshal attends
t^se courts m re ation to which he has the powers of a she-

courts ' '""'''' "'"' "PP°'"'^ ^y '^' --^^P^^tive

Men in the profession of the law are very numerous in the
btates, and are, m general, well «ipported. This arises from
the prevalence oi a litigious spirit, which extends from the
towns to the country, and has even reached new establishments
n the bosom of the woods. This unfortunate disposition is
thus described by an accurate and faithful observer, the late
judge Cooper, in his ' History of the First Settlements in the
Western Counties of New York :'-^ The Scotch succeed in
the woods, or elsewhere, being frugal, cautious in their bar-
gams, l.vmg within their means, and punctual in their en.
gagements. If a Scotsman kills a calf, he will take the best
part of It to market, and husband up the price of it; if he
consumes any part at home, it will be the coarsest and the
cheapest The American will eat the best part himself, and
li he sells any, will lay out the money upon some article of
show. 1 he odds are, that when the Scotsman buys a cow he
pays ready money, and has her for a low price. The Ameri
can pays with his note, gives more, and is often sued for the
payment. When tliis happens, his cause comes to be tried
?)e{ore the squire, and six jurors empannelled. Here much
pettifogging skill is displayed. If the defendant has address
enough to procure a note, bond, or other matter to be offered
m set-off; he perhaps involves his adversary in costs to the
amount of three or fbur dollars, and gains celebrity for his
dexterity and finesse. This cunning talent, which they call
outwitting, gives him such reputation and lead, that he stands
fair to be chosen a petty town-officer. It is to be regretted
that so mischievous a spirit of litigation should be encouraged
by some of the justices, who, fbr the sake of a palti-y fee, for-
get the great duty of their office, that of preserving peace;
and that it should have increased, :;s it has done of late years|
to a shameful extent. I have known more than 100 precepts

UNITED STATES.

issued in one day by some of these squires. A magistrate
who becomes so ready an instrument of contention, may be
considered as a Hving calamity. Some, however, I have
known of a <^ i. e different stamp, who have carried the spirit
of pe«ce-making and benevolence so far, as to leave their own
business, and travel miles for the sake of rcconciliug parties,
and putting an end to cjuarrels, and who sought for no other
rewaird than the satisfaction (^ doing good.'

MJBLIC REVENUE AKD NATIONAL DEBT.

In time of peace the revenue of the United States is derived
from two sources : 1st, From indirect taxes, or duties on ton-
nage, and on goods, wares, and merchandise, at the time and
place of their importation. 2d, From the sale of public lands.
In a state of free commercial intercourse, the first formed the
great source of revenue, and was more than adequate to all
the wants of the government ; but in a state of war, the sup-
ply from this source was greatly diminished, and recourse was
had to other sources ; — to treasury notes, loans, internal taxes,
and an increase of c irties on imported articles. The plan of
finance proposed at the commencement of the war was to pro-
vide for the expences of the war by loans, and to make the
yearly revenue sufficient to defray the ordinary expences of
the government, to pay the interest of the existing debt, and
that of future loans. But the commercial restrictions, the
stoppage of payment in specie by the banks, and its exporta-
tion and concealment, destroyed the circulation of notes, para-
lyzed the fiscal operations of the government, and obliged it to
have recourse to new taxes. •

In the summer of 18l!3, duties were laid on the following
articles, to commence 1st January, 1814 ; and for the purpose
of collecting them, each state was divided into collection
districts :

1. Duties on licences for stills and boilers.

2. Duties on carriages fop the conveyance of persons.

3. Duties on licences to retailers of foreign merchandise,
wines, and spirituous liquors.

3 H

'll

' id

I i!

J^J

4S6

VIEW OF THE

4. Dutit s on sales by auction.

"). Duties on refintii sugar.

6. Duties r.n stamped paper of u cenain description

In the session of 1814-15, dut.es wc. laid on the follo,rinir

manufactured articles: pig.iron, castings, bar and rolled iron,

najls candles hats, caps, umbrella, and parasols, paper, cards,

saddles and bndles, boots and suoes, beer, alo, and p.,rter

leather, plate, jewellery, and on household tnrnitnre, gold and

silver watches. After the tern.ination of th. war, the most of

these duties were repealed; those remaining in 1817 were on

li ences for stills and boiler., on licence t- retailers, on car-

nages, on refined sugar, on sales by aucuon, on stamp paper

and bank notes. *^ *^ *

On the 2d August, 1813, a direct tav of ^Sree millions was
laid on ' lands, houses, and slaves,' on the sam.- plan the
direct tax imposed in 1798. The lands and hous. wi . uieir
improvements, and the slaves, were to be enumer., and va-
lued by the respective assessors, at the rate each oi' ■ i,em was
worth m inoney. The proportions allotted to eau, sf t« beinff
determined by a fixed scale, any state was at liberty to assume
and pay its proporti. without submitting to the valuation
beveral states assumed their proportions in this way.

rfi ^ . -, Dollars.

1 he net revenue for 181.5 is stated to be - 4.9,532,852

of which that derived from customs, 36 303 251 '
The revenue for 1816-, . . . ' 36,743,574

of which that derived from customs, 27,569,76.9
The direct tax and internal duties have been abolished,

and the permanent aimual revenue is estimated at ' 24,500 000

Namely,--Customs, . . 20,000,000

Internal revenue, . 2.500,000

Public lands, . - 1,500,000

Bank dividends, and incidental rec. 500,000

24,500,000
llie expeiuhture tor the support of the civil govern-

ment, and the army and navy,
Sinking fund, . . . _

11,800,000
10,000,000

21,800,000

UNITED STA'i

i offress ^ the Debt—The debt ignited States,

created by suj lies, forced loans, auU }ier money, during
the evolutionary war in 1783, anjountt\. to forty-two millions
of dollars ; llie annual interest to nearly two millions am! a
half The debt contractetl by each individual state was as-
sumed by congress, and i lade a part of the national debt,
which was to be redeemed by the proceeds f national do-
mains; and the interest ot several species of st(x;k, transferred
to the United States, and appropriated by law for this pur-
pose, under the direction of the oot m tiers of the sinking
fund.

According to a report of the y of the treasury of the

28th February, 1816, the publ. jbt, on the 12th of Febru-
ary, 1816, amounted to 123,6: ',2 dollars, consisting of

1. The public funded debt before the wiir, 38,^(15,832

2. The public funded debt contracted since, 6'8,.'i74,7 **

3. Floating outstanding debt, - - 16,()20,\15

123,630,691

The sum set apart as a sinking itind since 1803 was an an-
nual approi)riation of eight millions of dollars, arising from the
sale of public lands, from the interest of the debt previously
extinguished, which is paid to the commissioners, in whose
name the stock remains, and of as much from the proceeds of
the duties of customs as makes up the balance. The amount
of debt redeemed, up to 1st January, 1814, under this system,
was 83,873,463; and the interest on this debt, which was
passed to the credit of tb commissioners in 1813, as part of
the sinking fund, was l,').i2,107.

On the 3d March, 'Sl7, an act was passed, appropriating
ten millions annuall , as a sinking fund, and discontinuing the
practice of paying interest on the discharged debt to the com-
missioners. A further special appropriation was made for
tliat year, amounting to nine millions, with an advance upon
the next year of four millions, so that, after paying the annual
interest of the debt, (amounting to about six ni'' unis,) there
-vould be paid oft' seventeen miUioqs of the debt .a 1817.

IMAGE EVALUATION
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Sciences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. MS80

(716) 872-4503

VIEW Of tBl

I i

WAR DEPARTMENt.

*nl«OMhe regular army of the United States was reduced
to a few thou&<ind men, who were chiefly employed in the gar-
nsons and at points on the frontim. The mihtia, eonsisring
of the adult males from 18 to 45 years of age, with the excep-
tion of clergymen, public functionaries, &c., formed the mili-
tary force of the country. In 1808, rules a«d regulations
t^ere drawn up for the armies of the United Stat«. The
pres,de,it was authorised to call upon the executive govern-
ment of the several states, to organize and equip their respec
tive proportions of a hundred thousand militia, and a million
^dollars were appropriated to their pav and subsistence.
The president has also the power of selecting any number for
actual serv.ce, and of apportioning the field-officers among the
respective states and territories. The officers are appoLed
by the state constitutional authorities. The militia have the
same p,y .^j subsistence as the regular army, and the period
of t.ie.r service is Imnted to six months from th^ time of their
arrival at the place of destination. In the same year, an ad-
ditional military force was raised for the term of five years
consisting of five regiment, of infantry, one of riflemen, one of
artdlery and one of light dragoons. During the reces; of the
senate, .he presider^t. was authorised to appoint the inferior
but not the general officers, and such appointments were after!
wards to be submitted to the senate for their advice and con-
sent. The annual sum of 200,000 dollars was appropriated
for arms and mnitary equipments, to be distributed according
o the regulations of each state or territorial legislature. In
1819, a bounty of sixteen dollars was given to each able-bodied
man recruited for five years, with three months' additional
pay, and 160 acres of land to non-commissioned officers and
soldiers who should have faithfully performed their duty. At
his tim 3 an additional military force was raised, consisting of
ten regiments of infantry, two of artillery, and one of ifght
dragoons. Laws were passed for the beiter organization of
the army, with an increase of pay. Twenty additional regi-

UNITED STATES.

4S9

ments of cavalry were raised, and two dollars allowed to the
recruiting officer for each man enlisted. It was enacted in
June, 1813, that five of the regimenls authorised to be raised
might be engaged during the period of the war. In the
month of August following it was enacted, that the widows
and orphans of the militia killed in war should be entitled to a
pension of half-pay for the space of five years. Disabled and
non-commissioned officers were to be placed on the pension
list. An advance of 24 dollai's was granted to each recruit on
account of pay, in addition to the existing bounty of sixteen
dollars, together with 160 acres of land. The pay of the
private soldier A^as raised from six to eight dollars per month ;
the premium for recruiting officers was also increased from two
to four dollars. The militia-men were authorised to enlist
into the regular service, without providing substitutes. Re-
cruits were at liberty to serve during five years, or till the end
of the war, with the same bounties of money and land. The
president of the United States was authorised to raise ten ad-
ditional companies of rangers for the protection of any state or
territory threatened with invasion by the Indians, to be armed
and organized as he might think proper, subject to the rules
and articles of war, and entitled to the same compensation as
persons serving in the military establishment. It was also
enacted, that the president might accept the services of volun-
teers, not exceeding 50,000 in number, who might be orga-
iiized and clothed as artillery, infantry, or cavalry, except that
the latter were to furnish horses at their own expence ; other-
wise to be treated as regular troops. A law was also passed
for the organization of a corps of artificers, to be attached to
the quarter-master-gereraPs department, and subject to the.
orders of its officers. This corps to be selected by the general
from the privates of the army, or engaged from among the
citizens by the superintendant for the space of three years.
Thirty thousand dollars were voted for the expences of this
corps. The militia were not to be subject to corporal punish-
ment ; stoppage of pay and rations were to be substituted for
whipping, and the fines were to be collected by the marshal.
By a law passed in 1808, no person can be a commissioned or

4ii0

VIEW OF THE

8taMcer who is not a citizen of the United States, or of one
of the.r terr.tor.e«. In Apnl, 1814, an act was passed to call
forth the nuhtm to execute the laws of the Union, to suppress
insurrections, and repel invasions. In New York, 20 000
men were raised by a species of . classification ; the rich being
to furnish quotas of men in proportitm to the extent of their
fortune. A man worth 10,000 dollars was to furnish one sol-
dier; one worth double this sum to furnish two; and so on
progressively. It was calculated that an army of 50,000 men
might be recruited in this way in the course of a year, and this
species of conscription met with general approbation.

In July, 1814, the executive government of certain states
were invited to hold in readiness for in-,iediate service a corps
ot 93,500 men, under the laws of the 28th of February 1795
and 18th April, 1814. The detail for militia service under'
this requisition was as folWs: State of New Hampshire,
J.500 troops; Massachusetts, 10,000; Rhode Island, 500;
Connect.cu^ 3000; New York, 13,500; New Jen. v, 6000:
Pennsylvania, 14,000; Delaware, 1000; Maryland, 6000;
Virginia 12,000; North Carolina, 7000; South Carolina,
oOOO; Georgia, 3500; Kentucky, 3500; Tennessee, 2500;
J..ouismna, 1000; Mississippi terriiory, 500.

A military/ academy was established at West point, in the
state ot New York, in 1809, with the view of supplying a
corps of engineers. The present academical staff is composetl
of a st.penntendent of the academy, who is tlie senior officer
ot engineers; a professor of natural and experimental philoso-
phy, of mathematics, of engineering ; a teacher of the French
language, and of drawing; a surgeon, chaplain, and professor
of ethics. The number of cadets authorised by law is 250,
and there was this number in the school in 1816.

The expences of the army, in 1810, were about two millions ;
in 1813, they were increased to more than fourteen millions-
and the expenditure for 1814 was estimated at more than
twenty-four millions and a half The military establishment
o tins last year, including rangers, sea-fencibles, and troops of
all descriptions, officers and men, consisted of 63,422. In the
yearly expence is included ordnance, fortifications, the Indian

UNITED STATES.

431

department, and permanent appropriation foi Indian treaties,
and for arming and equipping the militia.

By an act of congress of the 3d of Mai h, 1816, the mili-
tary peace estabUshment was reduced to 10,000 men, consist-
ing of the following proportions of artillery, infantry, and
riflemen. 1. Artillery, 32 companies, or 8 battalions, making
3200 men. 2. Light artillery, 10 companies, or one regiment
of 660 men. 3. Infantry, 80 companies, or 8 regiments, 5440
men. 4. Riflemen, 10 companies, or one regiment of 680
men. Total, 9980. The chief officers are two major-gene-
rals, with one aid-de-camp each ; four brigade inspectors ;
four-br?gade quarter-masters. The departments preserved
are, the ordnance department; the purchasing department;
the pay department ; the office of judge advocate ; the hospi-
tal department; and military academy. The United States
are divided into two mlHtary divisions, that of the north and
of the south, each of which is subdivided into military de-
partments.

VAVY DEPABTMKXT.-

The American navy is a recent creation. In 1801, it con-
sisted of only 20 vessels. Its first success was gained in 1805,
in the bombardment of Tripoli. Mr. Warden describes its
progress and present state as follows.

' In 1806 and 1807, a number of gun-boats was built and
equipped for the protection of the coast and harbours. In
1809, the marine corps was formed, and privates were enlisted
for the term of five years. In 1812, the subject of a naval
system of defence was discussed by congress ; and, in conse-
quence of the resolutions then adopted, all the frigates were
equipped and put into actual service, and the gun-boats were
distributed \n the harbours of the maritime frtmtier. In 1814,
laws were passed to construct, under the president's direction,
four 74 gun ships, six of 44, a like number of sloops of war,
and 50 barges, for the defence of the ports and harbours ; and
armed vessels for the service on the lakes. More than three
millions of dollars were voted for this purpose ; besides a hun-

) "

43S

VIEW OF THE

dred thouMDd for the construction of a dock-yard, or great
naval establishment, on the right Iwnk of the Hudson or North
nver, just alx)ve the high lands, which form a natural defence.
« By another law, '600,000 dollars were appropriated for the
construction of floating batteries, and 250.000 for the pur-
chase of hulks to be sunk in different harbours for their better
security.

♦ The government, at this period, availed itself of the newly
discovered invention of the steam-frigate, which will probably
form an era in the history of warlike ojxirations, as it may
enable a nation, with small maritime resources, to resist, the
most powerful naval force. This immense battery, construct-
ed under the direction of the late Mr. Fulton, was launched at
New York in the month of October, 1«14. It measures 145
feet on deck, with 55 feet in breadth of beam, and draws only
eight feet water. The machinery by which it uioves back-
ward or forward is placed in the centre, and is so defended by
a side of SIX feet in thickness, that it cannot be injured by the
enemy's shot; while, by means of tubes which vomit forth
volumesof boiling water, and sharp-edged instruments moving
along its sides in contrary directions, the vessel bids defiance
to the courage of the boldest boarders, and is considered by
good judges as impregnable.

' At the declaration of war against England in June, 181g;
the whole naval force consisted of seven frigates, a few sloops
of war, and other smaller vessels. In May, 1813, the Ame-
rican navy consisted of nine frigates, carrying from 36 to 44
guns; three ships, one block-ship, four brigs, four schooners,
one yacht, four hired schooners, two block-sloops, twelve
barges, and 160 gun-boats, besides the vessels for the service
on the lakes ; on lake Ontario, a ship, a brig, and ten schooners,
a bomb and a 24 gun sfiip on the stocks; on lake Erie, three
sloops, four gun-boats, and two sloops of war building. The
English squadron captured on lake Erie was purchased by the
government for the sum of 255,000 dollars, which was distri- -
buted as prize-money among the captors.

'The American navy, in January, 1815, consisted of 28
ships of war, from 10 to 74 guns, of which' seven were cap-

UNITED STATES.

tured from the enemy. The naval fore© on lake Ontario tow.
aisted of 19 vesBels, from one to 44 guns, of which two were
captured from the English. On lake Erie there were 12 ves-
sels, from one to 18 guns, five of which were captu' d in one
engagement. On lake Charaplain there were 10 vessels, from
eight to 24 guns, four of v-hich were also taken from the Eng-
lish. The whole number of barges and schooners, 92 ; that
of gun-boats, 122.

• On the 29th of April, 1816, the American congress voted a
million of dollars a year, during eight years, for the construe^
tion of nine ships, not to carry less than 74 guns each ; 13 not
to carry less than 44 eac^, including a 74, and three 44 gun
ships, by the act of January, 1813 ; together with three steam-
batteries for the defence of the ports and harbours.

♦ None but citizens of the United States, or persons of cq-
lour, natives of the country, are to be employed as seamen
after the war. Naturalised citizens are not to be received on
board of the private or public vessels t ter this period, unless
they produce to the commander of public ships, or the col-
lector of customs, authentic certificates of naturalization ; and
by the resolution of congress of the 27th April, 1816, they
must declare where tliey were born, or from what foreign land
they came.'

State of the 4fnerkan Nqvi^in 1317,/row the OJIcial Jccounti-

Names and Force.

Independence 74

Franklin 74

Washington 74

Chippema 74

Netv Orleans 74

Platishurs 74

Constitution 44

Guerriere 44

Java 44

United States 44

liuperior 44

Constellation 36

When
bu3t or

Where built

1814

Bostmi,

1815

Philadelphia,

1816

Portsmouth,

—

Sacket's Harbour,

1797

Boston,

1814

Philadelphia

—

Baltimore,

1797

Philadelphia,

—

Sacket's Harbour,

1797

Baltim^^re,

S I

■ I II II I i i n iiiiii i n t
State and oondittaa.

In good order
In service

On the stocllH

Hull in good ord.
In service
Wants repairs
In service

nr service

464

VIEW OF THE

Namei and Force.

Congress

MacedcHiian

Moftatvk

Confiance

General Pike

Saratoga

Cyanne

Lawrence

Detroit

Erie

Hornet

Jefferson

Jones

Madison

Oneida

Niagara

Ontario

Peacock

Fulton Ist ,,

•Wen

built or

captured.

*^,
16

1812

1814

c. 1814

1813

c. 1815
1813

1815

1813
1809
1813
1815

Where built.

Ports. N. H.
Enffland,
Sacket's Harbour,

State and condition.

Vergennes,
Erie,

Baltimore,
Sacket's Harbour,

Boxer 16 e. 1815

Linnet i6 1814

Saranac i6 i8i5

Siflpk 16' 1813

Queen Charlotte 14 1813

Ticonderaga 14 1814
Alert storeship c. 1 8 1 4

Erie,

Baltimore,
New York,

Hartford,
Sacket's Harbour,

Hull in good ord.
In good order
Hull good

In good order

Repairable

Sunk

In service
Wants repairing
In good order

Much decayed
Receiving vessel
In service

Steam frigate in

ordinary
In service
In good order
In service

Sunk

In service

TheyVsp, Despatch, 2 guns; Enterprise, bomb ; Firebrand
schooner, 6; Hornet schooner, 6; Lynx, 5; Nonsuch, 6;
and Porcupine, 1, are in service. The Lady of the Lake, 1,
in good order; the Spitfire and Vesuvius bombs are con-
demned. The Vengeance unfit for service.

There were fr ir 74'8 on the stocks, besides frigates and
smaller vessels.

Those ships in italics are on the lakes, and are not consi-
dered as makbg a part of the navy.

:^rt

UNITED STATES.

f.v.

condition.

I^oodord.
order
od

order
lie

epairing

order

scayed
S vessel

igate in

e
Jrder

ebrand
ch, 6;
ake, 1,
e con-
es and
consi.

XHE MINT ESTABLI8HMEKT, — THE MONEY OP THE UNITED
STATES, — AND THE NATIONAL BANK.

In 1792, the American congress passed an act for establish-
ing a mint, and regulating the coins of the United States, in
which it was declared, that, three years after the commence-
ment of the American coinage, all tbr^n coins should cease
to be a legal tender, except Spanish milled dollars, and parts
thereof: and the infraction of this law was punished by a finq
of ten dollars, and the forfeiture of the illegal money. The
copper purchased and coined from the commencement \if the
institution to the 1st of January, 1809, amounted to 828,833
pounds, troy weight, and was valued at 266,854 doUars, the
rate being seven pennyweights to a cent. The total value of
gold, silver, and copper coins, was 8,34i6,14!6 dollars. The
net amount chargeable to the coinage of gold, silver, and cop-
per, including the cost of lots, building, machinery, &c. waa
350,082 dollars.

A Table of the Coins of the United States.

Denominations.
Gold CotW.—- 'Eagle,

Half eagle.

Silver Coins.

Quarter eagle,
.—Dollar,
Half dollar,
Quarter,

Weigbt in Grsins.
270
135

67S
416
208
104

Value in Dollan.
10
5

9h
1

04
ot

Cent!.

Dollars.
Pound Sterling of Great Britain, - 4

Livre tournois of France, - -

Florin, or guilder, of the United Netherlands,
Pound Sterling of Ireland, . - 4

100
50

Cents.

18§

A national bank was chartered on the 10th April, 1816, the
capital to consist of thirty millions of dollars. The affmrs of
this corporation have not prospered* and in 1818 a committee
of congress examined their proceedings ; and such regulations

43«

VIEW OF THE

l«nd » sufffermg from the exorbitant power and had m.nai-
mentofour national bank. '""nage-

itlSTOEICAL SlMMAllt.

JL'. ^Tw *r/"''^"f «^ 'he earliest and chief histonoal
<P^h of the Unued States, and have detailed the history of

. Jil!!"''/1I ~'°"!'''*'^^New England had shewn repeated
W'HM of th«r onginal spirit of opposition to authority.

i^u^ 'h;^f «'«:^ P^-^r in North America.^ Canada was
icquir^ at the pnce of about fifty limes its real value; and

pZI r'^T °^ F-«8'"g -«nts, and so often d^s
Prov.d,nce effect objects by the very means which men em-
ploy to avert themf For the colonies were not only thus

^hch bound them to the protection of the parent country
but the vast expenditure of that splendid and absurd war oc'
casu>ned such an mcease of taxation, that the country gentle-

rr hfll^ ""I'T '"'"^ ^"^"^^ ^° '^'^h that a parfof it
might be b<jrne by the colonies.

No sooner, therefore, was peace cont .< ,d, than the British
parhamen^ adopted the plan of taxing the colonies; and, to
justify their attempts, d^lared that the money to be raised
was to be appropriated to defray the expence of defending
them m the late war. The first attempt to raise a revenue in
Amema appeared in the memorable stamp act, passed March
2v * whtreby ,t was enacted, that certain instruments in
^.t,ng, as bills, bonds, &c. should not be valid in law, unless
dmwn on stamp^ paper, on which a duty was laid.

UNITED STATES.

Immediately as this act was published in America, it raised
a general alarm. The people were filled with apprehensions
at an act which they supposed to be an attack on their con.
itituttonal rights. The colonies, therefore, petitioned tha
king and parliament for a redress of the grievance, and at the
same time entered into associations for the purpose of prevent-
ing the importation and use of British manufactures until the
obnoxious act should be repealed. This spirited and unani-
mous opposition of the Americans produced the desired effect ;
and on the 18th of March, 1766, the stamp act was repealed.
The news of the repeal was received in the colonies with uni-
versal joy, and the trade between them and Great Britain wa«
renewed on the most liberal footing.

The parliament, however, by repealing this act, so odious
to their American brethren, by no means intended to lay aside
the scheme of raising a revenue in the colonies, but merely to
alter the mode. Accordingly, the next year they passed an
act, imposing a certain duty on glass, tea, paper, and painters*
cx>lours; articles which were much wanted, and not manufac
tured in America. This act, as might reasonably have l)een
expected after what had passed, kindled the resentment of the
Americans, and excited a general opposition to the measure,
so that parliament thought it adviseable, in 1770, to take off
these duties, except three-pence a pound on tea. Neverthe-
less, thi^ duty, howeve<f trifling, kept alive the jealousy of the
colonists, und their opposition to parliamentary taxation conti-
nued increasing from day to day.

It will be easily conceived that the inconvenience of paying
the duty was not the sole nor even the principal cause of the
opposition : it was the principle, which, once admitted, would
have subjected the colonies to unlimited parliamentary taxa-
tion, without the privilege of being represented. The colonies,
therefore, entered into measures for encouraging their owi>
manufactures and home productions, and for retrenching the
use of foreign superfluities, while the importation of tea was
prohibited. In the royal and proprietary governments, and
in Massachusetts, the governors and people were in a state of
continual warfare. Assemblies were repeatedly called and

483

VI KW OF Tim

suddenly disrolved : employing the time while sitting in slating
grievances and framing remonstrunecs. As if to inHame these
discontents, an act of parliament was passed, ordaining, that
the governors and judges should receive their salaries of the
crown; thuB rendering them independent of the provincial as-
semblies, and removcable only at the pleasure of the king.

In 1773, the spirit of the Americans broke out into open
violence. The Gaspee, an armed schooner belonging to his
Britannic majesty, had been stationed at Providence, in llho. .•
island, to prevent smuggling. The vigilance of the com-
mander irritated the inhabitants to such a degree, that about
200 armed men boarded the vessel under favour of the night,
compelled the officers and crew to go ashore, and set fire to
the schooner. A reward of 500^., offered by government for
apprehending any of the persons concerned in this daring act,
produced no efTectual discovery.

Nor did the attempt to evade the resolution of the colonies,
by mtroducing teas through the East India company, succeed.
In Massachusetts, a party of men, dressed like Indians,
boarded the tea ships, and discharged the cargoes into the
water. This induced government to shut the port of Boston,
and to pass several acts to repress this growing spirit of op!
position.

All these steps, however, far from intimidating, rathe exas-
perated the Americans, by confirming them in their former
apprehensions of the evil designs of government, and served
only to unite the colonies in a more determined opposition.
A correspondence of gpinion, in respect to these acts, pro-
duced an uniformity of proceedings in the colonies. The
people generally concurred in the pro|x)sition for holding a
congress, in order to concert measures for the preservation of
their rights. Deputies were accordingly appointed, and met
at Philadelphia on the 26th of October, 1774.

It was on the 19th of April, 1775, that the first blood was
drawn in this unhappy civil war, at Lexington and Concord
in New England. This was occasioned by general Gage
sending a body of troops to destroy some military stores that
were at Concord. They succeeded in their design, but were

UNITED STATES.

extremely harassed and forced to n quick retreat. IniraedU
ately after, num**rou8 bodies of the American militia invested
the town of Hoston, in which general Gage and his troops
In all the colonies they prepared for war with the ut-

wcre.

most dispatch; anc? a stop was almost t^ery where pu- to the
exportation of provisions. The continental cjngress met at
Philadelphia on the lOth of May, 1775, as proposed, and soon
adopted such measures as confirmed the people in their resolu-
tions to oppose the IJritish government to the utmost.

In the mean time, a body of provincial adventurers, amount-
ing to about S40 men, surpriseil the garrisons of Ticondorago
and Crown point. These fortresses were taken without the
loss of a man on either side ; and the provincials found in the
forts a considerable number of pieces of ^annon, besides mor-
tar'^ and sundry kinds of military stores. However, the force
of ureat Britain in America was now augmented, by the arri-
val at Boston froia England of generals Howe. Burgoyne,
and Clinton, with considerable reinforcements.

On the 17th of June, 1775, a bloody action took place at
Bunker's Hill, near Boston, in which the king's troops had
the advantage, but with the loss of 226 killed, and more than
800 wounded, including many officers. But after this action,
the Americans inunediately threw up works upon another
hill, opposite to it, on their side of Charlestown neck ; so that
the troops were as closely invested in that peninsula as they
had been in Boston. About this time, the congress appointed
George Washington, esq. a gentleman of large fortune in Vir-
ginia, of great military talents, and who had acquired consi-
derable experience in the command of different bodies of
provincials during the last war, to be general and commander-
in-chief of all the American forces.

During ti ^ ? transactions, the royal army at Boston was
reduced to great distress for want of provisions ; the town was
bombarded by the Americans, and general Howe, who now
commanded the king's troops, which amounted to upwards of
7000 men, was obliged to quit Boston, and embark for Hali-
fax, leaving a considerable quantity of artillery and some stores
behind. The town was evacuated on the 17th of March,

■M « f >''' ' *' * **

«io

VIEW OP THE

me, and genial Washington immediately took possession of
^ On the 4th of July following, the congress published a
^femn declaration, m which they assigned their remns for
withdrawmg the.r allegiance from the king of Great Britain.

ITnjS n T'- '^ . ^ '^" *"'^**"'^ °^ ^^'^ inhabitants of the
United Cokmies, thfey declared that they then were, and of

wfrt 'Z'*^"^ * n"" '"^ independent States;' that they
were abso ved from all allegiance to the British cn,wn, and
that all polmcal connection between them and the kingdom of
Great Britain was totally dissolved; and also that, as free and
independent states, they had full power to levy war, conclude
peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other
acts and things which independent states may of right do.
They hkewKse published articles of conf '^ration and perpa-
tual union between the united colonies, i. .hich they assum^
the title of * The United States of America.' ^

An attack upon Charlestown was ably repelled by the Ame-
ricans under general Lee; but the Briti^, undl generll
Howe and his brother vice-admiral lord Howe, compel the
Americans to evacuate Long island, from whence their retreat
was conducted with great address by general Washington.
New York was s<^„ after abandoned, sev ral forts were lost,
the British troops covered the Jerseys, and the period for ser-
vice m the American army had expired. This was the crisis
of American danger. But their army being recruited by vo-
unteers, Washington, in the night of the 25th of December,
1776, amidst snow, storms, and ice, crtjssed the Delaware,
and surpnsed a brigade of Hessians at Trenton; and while
the British were preparing to attack him at this post, he. by a
happy stroke of generalship, retreated in the JTght, ,4rried
the British post of Princetown, and resumed his former
position.

In September, 1777, after two actions between the armies
of general Howe and general Washington, in both of which
the former had the advantage, the city of Philadelphia surren-
dered to thf king's troops. B.it an expedition, that had for
some time been concerted, of invading the northern colonies
by way of Canada, proved extremely unsuccessful. The

UNITED STATES.

441

command of this expedition had been given to lieutenant<r
general Burgoyne, a very experienced officer. He set out
from Quebec with an army of near iO,000 men, ^nd an extra-
ordinary fine train of artillery, and was joined by a considera-
ble body of the Indians. For some time he drove the
Americans before him, and made hiniself master of Ticonde-
rago; but at length he encountered such difficulties, and was
so vigorously opposed by the Americans under Gates and
Arnold, that after two severe actions, in which great numbers
fell, general Burgoyne and his army of 5600 men vfere obliged
to lay down their arms, October 17, 1777.

After several affairs, by which the animosity of the Ameri-
cans to the British government was increased, the British
army found It necessary to evacuate Philadelphia. General
Howe returned to England, and was succeeded in the com-
mand of the army by general Clinton. By this time tlvi Bri-
tish ministers began to be alarmed at the fatal tendency of the
war; but the congress refused to treat with the commissioners
whicli his majesty sent to settle all disputes, and the war con-
tinued with unabated animosity.

The emissaries of France had long been actively employed
in forming and widening the breach between America and
England; and, in 1778, that country openly espoused the
American cause. Shortly after, Spain and Holland joined
the confederacy, and co-q)erated with the Americans. In the .
mean time, lord Cornwallis gained some advantages in Caro-
lina; but, by a well-concerted scheme, general Washington
suddenly surrounded his aimy, which was obliged to capitu-
late ; and this event may be considered as the closing scene of
the continental American war.

The war against the colonies, which had never been popular
in Britain, had^ now become so unsuccessful and expensive,
that the government was compelled to listen to tlie public
voice. Accordingly, the treaty of peace was signed on the
30th November, 1782; by which the independence of the
United States was solemnly acknowledged, after a struggle of
seven years ; while that between Spain and the United Pro-
vinces continued, with some intermissions, for about 60 years :

3 K

448

Vn » OF THE

i w

but the profuse expence of modern warforc counterbalances iu
brevity.

The constitution of the United States having been found
imperfect, a new plan was submitted to the several states, and
received their approbation. On the 30th of April, 1789,
George Washington was inaugurated president of the United
States. The firmness with which that illustrious man opposed
the insolence and impositions of the venal directory of France,
added much to the glory of his name and the prosperity of
his country.

When Honaparte, flushed with victory, contemplated thi'
ruin and ultimate subjugation of Britain^ and to effect whicii
declared it in a state of blockade, the British ministry, in reta-
liation, published certain orders, declaring the ports of France
and her dependencies to be blockaded. In this state of things
the trade of the United States suffered, by the hostile powers,
several vexatious interruptions. Yet the American governl
ment shewed a marked partiality to France, and became ex-
tremely clamorous against Great Britain, accusing her naval
officers of impressing their seamen, whom the latter claimed as
British subjects. This dispute, in some instances, occasioned
hostilities lictween the ships of the two powers. In order to
avoid the insults which' the American flag had suffered, con-
gress passed a non-intercourse act, by which a stop was put to
all trade with foreign powers ; but this absurd and impolitic
measure was, in a short time, abandoned.

After much discussion between the governments of England
nnd the United States, the former revoked the obnoxious
ordei-s in council; but before the intelligence of this concilia-
tory measure reached America^ Mr. Maddison, the president,
had issued a declarati(m of war against England, dated the
18th of June, 1812; and circumstances appeared so favour-
able to success, that he persisted in his resolution to try the
fortune of war.

The Americans commenced the war by fitting out a great
number of privateers, and sending an army to invade Canada.
But as the Canadians refused to listen to the revolutionary
proclamation of the American general, Hull, he was obliged

UNITED STATES.

443

to surrender wilh his whole army. Variuus other attempt
wore made by the Americans upon Canada, in which the su-
perior discipline and tactics of the English soldiery compen-
sated for want of numbers, and ensured the defi^at qf the
invaders, who were also much incommoded by the Indians,
that had for some time been in a state of warfare with the
United States. The spirit of the Americans was, however,
supported by some successes which their ships obtained over
the British, in which they certainly displayed the skill and
gallantry of their progenitors.

The war lingered for some time, until the peace of Paris
placed a strong body of veterans at the disposal of the English
ministry. The British ships of war now blockaded the ports
of the United States, kept the whole coast in continual alarm,
sailed up the Chesapeake and Delaware, imposed contributions
upon several towns, and even penetrated to Washington, the
seat of government.

A similar attempt was made upon Baltimore, but failed.
However, the Americans were unsuccessful upon the lakes,
except on lake Champlain, where the whole British squadron
was captured. But this war, so hurtful to both parties, was
at last happily terminated by a treaty of peace signed by the
English and American commissioners at Ghent. Before the
signing of this treaty was known in America, a body of about
5000 English troops made an unsuccessful attack upon New
Orleans, and suffered the loss of Sir Edward Pakenham, about
()0 officers of rank, and £600 men in kil]cd» wounded, and
prisoners.

According to a statement published by the war depart-
ment, the aggregate number of militia, in 1816. amounted to
748,566. The following comparative view of the loss of the
American and British armies, in the last war, is extracted
from Nile's Weekly Register.

American : — Killed, 1422 ; wounded, 3044 ; killed and
wounded, 4466 ; missing, 555 ; prisoners, 4687 ; total, 9888.
British : — Killed, 2809 ; wounded, 5393 ; killed and wound-
ed, 8202; missing, 251; prisoners, 2434 ; total, 11,387.

- (fifK.-

9VV'

VIEW OF THE, &c;

British National Vessels captured during the War.

British national vessels captured, - ^Q

Carrying, in all, guns, - . - 910

In those cases where the force of the contending parties is cer-
tamly known, it appears, in the aggregate, that

The British fought . 615 guns.

Americans, . 5gp

General balance in favour of the British, "Ts
But the difference between the Essex, 46, and the Alert, 26,
being deducted, for the affair between them does not de-
serve the name of a battle.

And the real advantage on the side of the British was

Amrican National Vessels captured en- destroyed during the

American government vessels captured, 25

' Carrying in all. . oe^

J 8 «"'» - - . 350 guns.

from those cases whqre the force of the contending parties is
certainly known, these aggregates appear:

The British fought, - 197 guns.

Americans, - - ; 142

In favour of the British, 55

Becapitulatioti.
American national vessels captured or destroyed by the
British, ... _j,-

- - 350 guns.

Essex, 44— 54 r"®®*'*'^®** ** Washington city, to pre-
Argus, 18 — 22 1 ^^"'^ '**"" *''°™ falling into the ene-

^ my's hands, , ' ^g

Adams, 24—28, destroyed at Hampden as above, 28

Wasp, 18— 22, lost, - , . . 22

Two vessels on lake Ontario, lost, - - 16

Grand total.

402

ADVICE AND DIRECTIONS

EMIGRANTS.

"y^E will now proceed to give some plain and useful instruc-
tions to such of our countrymen as may hereafter emi-
grate to the United States of America, and which will fall
under the following heads, viz.

1. Directions respecting the voyage.

5. Precautions for preserving the health in a new climate.

3. On the best mode of settling. *

4. The prices of land, labour, and provisions.

6. The rights and duties of a permanent settler.
6. The prospects of various classes of emigrants.

These particulars comprise every thing necessary to be
known by the adventurer, and will be detailed with strict
impartiality and a minuteness commensurate with their im«
portance.

I. DIRECTIONS RESPKCTIMG THE VOYAGE.

It is always advisable, before embarking for a long voyage,
to have all business transacted in good time, so as to spare a
few days, which may be devoted to friendship and an atten-
tion to the little necessaries that may be requisite on the voyage.

It is not always in a person's power to choose a captain, al-
though a good deal of the comfort of the passage depends
upon this choice. The chief requisites are, that he be a good

446

VIEW OF THE

seaman; attentive, careful, and active in the management of
his vessel: and of these circumstances, and indeed all others
relative to the passage, you must satisfy yourself before setting
out, for there is no use in making complaints at sea. It is
still more difficult to make choice of sociable fellovv-passengers.
A ship 13 like a stage-coath, it must accommodate all comers •
and one surly fellow may molest a whole ship's company'.
But a person, by having resources of his own, may make him-
self, in a great measure, independent of other people; and it
will be well, l)efore going on board, to take measures to ac
comphsh that desirable object. For this purpose, a small
library of books will be found very entertaining, and if you
have any turn for the study of mathematics and drawing, you
will have a good opportunity to practise on board ; and a case
of mathematical instruments^ and a box of paints, wUl be ne-
cessary.

Choke cfa Vessel— A ship is preferable to a brig, as the
sea motion in the former will be less felt, and the accommoda-
tions are generally superior. The English ships in the Ame-
rican trade are not equal to those in other trades; whilst, on
the contrary, the best American vessels are in the British
trade; so that it is well to select an American ship, the safe
age of which will be according to the quality of the timber and
the building, and tliese can only be known by persons very
conversant in those subjects. There are certain ships of esta-
blished reputation, a few of which go to the port of London,
and a greater number to Liverpool. From the port of Liver-
pool there are a very considerable number of first-rate ships
for PhUadelphia, Boston, and New York ; among the latter is
what are called the ' Packet Line.' One of these vessels sails
punctually on the first of every month from Liverpool. The
charge for passage is, in the cabin, 45 guineas, which includes
wine, and indeed almost every luxury ; in the steerage, 9/,
exclusive of every thing but waier. The house of Crapper,
Benson, and €o. at Liverpool, are the agents for these ships,
which are first-rate i.i every respect, and all their commanders
are men of great experience. There are several others of a
superior class : but it would be judicious in every person to

UNITED STATES.

447

make minute enquiries as to the character of the ship and
captain with wliich they propose engaging; for it should b-j
known that there are some very indifl'erent American ships,
which go to both Liverpool and London, and particularly the
latter port. A regular trader is generally to be preferred to
a chance ship. The prices (with the exception of the packet
ships) will vary according to circumstances ; for the cabin
from 30 to 45, and for the steerage from 7 to 10 gninens. It
should be remarked that even this is a subject of barter. A
few ships sail from Bristol and Greenock for New York — the
Fanny from the latter port is rather celebrated. A passage
from Havre, in France, to America, is often to be obtained
much cheaper than from this country. Should a large party
engage the same vessel, they would act prudently to procure
an extra boat, for in case of accident or shipwreck, the two
ship-boats would not be found sufficient ; and upon such me-
lancholy occurrences the crew commonly escape, and the pas-
sengers are lost.

Cabin passengers^ though supplied by the captain, would
find a small private stock desirable. A plum cake, soda pow-
ders, a few good apples nnd oranges (the latter will keep if not
previously bruised, and if each orange is carefully rolled in
paper), preserves of several kinds, and cider, which will be
found particularly pleasant at sea.

Steerage passengers should provide for 70, though they
may not be out more than 50 days. They are compelled by
law to take 80 lbs. of meat. A variety will be advisable;
say 30 lbs. of beef, 20 of ham, 20 of tongue, 10 of
bacon : herrings are pleasant, and salt cod particularly so,
when eaten with egg-sauce ; 50 lbs. of bread, of the best bis-
cuit, and loaves cut in slices and toasted : rusks will be found
very pleasant in tea : 30 to 40 lbs. of flour ; a few pounds of
oatmeal ; ditto of rice ; ditto of groats ; ditto of arrow-root ;
10 lbs. of cheese ; 100 lbs. of potatoes. Have a small net bag
to boil them in: this will prevent confusion with the cook,
and also their being exchanged for others of, perhaps, an infe-
rior quality. 5 lbs. of coffee, ground, and kept corked in a
bottle, for the purpose of excluding the atmospheric air: 1 lb.

l( ,

440

VIEW OF THE

A^yi.1} '"«"= ^ '"'^^ ^""''^•ty °f "Pirits. of wine,

and bottled porter: the latter, mixed with an equal quantUy
of water, w,th sugar and nutmeg, will be found very agreed.
P^'r'daf Tfih ' ""d,«r«t«nding for the quantity of water

quently turned 10 lbs. of butter. Milk will ke.p, if boiled,
and mixed mth sugar, in the proportion of 2 !«.,. to the quart!
If the arucles enumerated under the head Catin passengers
can be afforded, they would be found particularly pleasant.
If there are females m the party, there should be some fowls.
A few tm articles for the purposes of cooking, &c.

In choosing a birth, either in the cabin or steerage, the
middle of the vessel, or as near to it as can be procured, is
desirable on account of the ship's motion being there less felt.
Books will be an occasional, and but an occasional, relief to
the monotony of a sea voyage. Those of a light and amusing
character are the most suitable. Reading for more than half
ah hour at any one tiriie produces the head-aclie, and sensibly
affects the eyes. Medicines are an important article of sea
stores: they should be in pills, and taken frequently, with
great exactness, at stated periods, and in as small quantities as
can possibly produce the effect. Steerage passengers should
have a specific agreement with the captain for the use of the
place of convenience: this is an important consideration, and
great inconvenience is sometimes experienced by such persons
in being denied this. A Hute, a violin, and a pack of cards,
are pleasant companions. ,

A short time after setting sail, the passengers generally get
sea.sick. This complaint, though lightly esteemed, bemuse
not dangerous, is often very severe while it lasts, and, if
treated improperly, it may cause a relaxation of the stomach,
that will be very troublesome. While the sickness continues,
people have an aversion to all kinds of food and drink. Many
abstain from both three or four days. This is a bad plail
The stomacli should never be allowed to get entirely empty.
A httle chicken broth or water gruel should be freely used ;
and people should go upon deck as soon as possible. Breath.

UNITED STATES.

449

ing the foul air of the cabin or steerage promotes the disease;
whereas exercise and free air on deck relieve it. A little soda
water will at this time be very exhilirating ; and as soon as the
stomach is so far cleansed as to keep free from retching, a little
Peruvian bark will be very beneficial as a restorative. Care
should be taken to guard against costiveness, a very trouble-
some complaint at sea. Attention to diet and exercise will
often prevent it ; but where that fails, a little laxative medi-
cine, such as rhubarb, cream of tartar, or castor oil, should be
resorted to.

But as sea-sickness is viewed with considerable alarm by
people unaccustomed to the sea, particularly females, we- will
enter into this subject more at large.

This disorder, so far from being injurious to asthmatic and
consumptive people, has, in general, a beneficial effect ; and
the instances in which it has proved fatal are extremely rare-
It appears to be a spasmodic affection of the stomach, occa-
sioned by the alternate pressure and recess of its contents
against its lower internal surface, accdrding as the rise and fall
of the ship oppose the" action of gravity.

The motion of the Atlantic ocean between Great Britain
and America produces sea-sickness with the greatest violence,
as the waves have an uninterrupted freedom of action, which
causes that regular vacillation that renders the head giddy,
A person feels less inconvenience from the disorder in a small
vessel on the wide ocean, on which the slightest motion of the
waves makes a strong impression. He is also less exposed to
it in a large vessel deeply laden, as the waves, in this case,
scarcely affect the vessel. It is in ships of an ordinary size,
and which carry but a light cargo, that the passenger suffers
most from the sea-sickness. The sooner it takes place after
embarkation, the continuance of it becomes the more probable.
It does not always cease immediately on landing, but in some
cases continues for a considerable time.

Many methods of preventing, or at least of mitigating this
disorder, have been recommended, of which the most effica-
cious appear to be the following :

3 L

400

VIEW OF THE

1. Not to gQ on l)OHrd im.uediately afler eating, tjnd not lo
eat, when on board, any large quantity at a time.

2. To take much exercise, with as little intermission as pos-
wble; as indolent passengers are always the greatest sufferers
from the disorder.

3. To keep much upon deck, even when the weather is
stormy ; as the sea breeze is not so apt to affect the stomach
as the impure air of the cabin, rendered so for want of proper
circulation.

4. Not to watch the motion of tlie waves, particularly when
strongly agitated with tempest.

6. To fix the eye steadily on the mast, cabin, or some other
object on deck. This is an excellent method for preventing
this disorder.

6. Carefully to shun all employments by which the mind
may be harassed, as reading, studying, gaming, &c., and to
seek all opportunities of mental relaxation.

7. To drink occasionally liquids containing carbonic acid, as
the froth of beer strongly-fermented, or wine and Seltzer water
mixed together, and sweetened with pounded sugar.

8. It will also be beneficial to take sulphuric acid dulcified,
dropijed on a bit of sugar, or in peppermint water, or ten
drops of ether.

The proper diet consists of bread and fresh meat, to be
eaten cold with pepper. All sweet savoured food should be
carefully avoided, and the passenger ought to refrain from fat,
and particularly from such meat as is in the smallest degree'
tainted. Even the smell of flowers is injurious, for which
reasons marine proiluctions ought not to be examined ; but
the fumes of vinegar may be advantageously inhaled. The
drink should consist of lemonade or tart wines, but never of
common water. An accidental diarrhoea has orten relieved
the patient from sea-sickness, and therefore a gentle laxative
in such a disorder seems to be indicated as proper. It will
also be found useful to apply a tonic anodyne plaster to
the pit of the stomach, spread upon leather, and covered with
linen. .

UNITED STATES.

461

When symptoms of vomiting appar, thpy niay often be re-
medied by the patient placing himself in a horizontal position
on his back or belly, and lying perfectly still. If the fits of
vomiting are too violent to he repressed, they should be pro-
moted by a strong dose of salt water; not, however, to be
often repented, as it debilitates the stomach. When the eme-
tic operates, the patient should bend his Iwdy, bringing his
knees towards his breast, and supporting his head against a
firm resting-place. His garters and cravat must be untied, a
precaution which will secure him from the danger of a rupture.

The vomiting having subsided, a stnt<j of repose will pre-
vent its return, and the eyes may be kept shut for a consider-
able time. The patient must make choice of a cool ventilating
place, remembering to keep himself warm and well clothed, as
perspiration is highly beneficial. A gargle of sugar dissolved
in vinegar is to be taken in the morning, accompanied with
frequent and spare ealing. Water must never be taken in its
pure state, but mixed with wine, vinegar, or brandy. A glass
of wine may be taken in the morningi with an infusion of
orange peel, gentian root, or Peruvian bark. A glass of
punch, occasionally taken, will be extremely beneficial, by
which perspiration is promoted. Dr. Trotter recommends a
glass of brandy, as the best cure for a slight attack of this dis-
agreeable disorder.

Persons accustomed to smoke tobacco, will find the use of
the pipe salutary on such occasions, but the practice of smok-
ing will be injurious to all others. We may add that warm
clothing, flaimel shirts, ci^ps, trowsers, &c. are powerful reme-
dies against excessive expectoration, with every other symptom
of this dreadful malady.

When the weather is good, people should rise early. The
air of the cabin is not only affected by the respiration of the
passengers, but it is often contaminated by the bilge water ;
while the sea air on deck is always pure and healthy. The
breakfast hour at sea is eight o'clock, dinner one, and supper
six or seven. It is a general rule auKmgst the pasScngers, to
have themselves washed and dressed before sitting down to
breakfiist. lletwixt breakfast and dinner, the time may be

■w

VIEW OF THF-

profitably employed , walking, readii, draw.ng, &c. ; and
such as have a taate fbr navigation will have a good opportu-
nity for practical improvement, as the ran have a. chh to the
log-book ; and the captain and mates ure generally very oblig
ing, in lending their navigation books and instruments to those
who wish them.

Temperance at table is necessary every where, and espe-
ctally at sea, where the exercise is necessarily limited. Where
wine is usid, three or fbur glasses will generally be found
more benofitial than a larger quantity; and people ought, on
no account, to indulge themselves at the table a whole after-
noon, though it is frequently done. It is much better to take
exercise in the open air on deck.

Packing up.— A sklkction should be made in a box by
themselves of clothes intended to be worn at sea. Those of
the most inferior kind will do as well as the best. A warm
great coat will be found useful. The provision casks should
be written on, ' Stores.' Baggage must be entered at the cus-
tom-hoiise; and in procuring a coded, care should be taken
that the whole of the packages are enumerated : if this is neg-
lected, an additional expence will be incurred.

Jttkles dedrable to be taken o?t/. —Clothing of every kind,
except silks and silk pocket liandkerchieis. Females would do
well to take no article of dress particular in appearance.
Men's trowsers should be of the Wellinj^ton kind only. The
American fashions differ in some things from ours; and any
deviation from them is much remarked upon. Most conve-
nient and unbreakable articles of domestic utensils. No cabi-
net furniture. A good stock of table-linen and bedding:
whether feather-beds ;i!e desirable or not is questionable.
Carpeting, if it can be cut to suit other sized rooms ; str^ion-
pry of every kind; agricultural implements ; musical and phi-
losophical instruments.

Feesof Officers.— To the collectors and naval officers, Every
port entry, 2 dollars. Permit to land goods, ^0 cents. Every
bond taken officially, 40 cents. Bill of health, 20 cents.
(Th^re is commonly a demand of two dollars made for this by
the captain : this h, of course, an imposition.)

UNITED STATES.

409

PaaaeTifftrs' BaffffOffe, ^c. — Entry in to l)c made by pas^n-
gors (^'all clothes, tools or inipleiuetits of trade or profesmon,
arriving in the United States to settle, which articles are ex-
«mpted from duty. The form of such entry, and oath re-
specting the same, m follows :

' Entrif of baggage, wearing apparrl, S^c. intporied hy
in the ma.^ , from New York,

(Here tlu irtiaila.s to (te inserUd.)

• irtrict of
' Port of
*I, do solet ily, sincerely, an<' truly swear, (or affirm,)

that the entry subscri) I by me and htn'to annexed, contaiiiA, to
the best of my knowled;^e and ; lief, a just and tiue account of the
contents of the several mentioned in the said

entry, imported in the from and that they

contain no goods, wares, merchandise whatever, other than the

ersonal baggage (or if the case re.

ade of '11 which are the

who has, or have arrived, who is, or

in the United States , and are not

for any other person or persons, or

wearing apparel and otl
quire) and the tools of the
property of

are shortly expected to arr
directly or indirectly impoi
intended for salt .

• So help HH' God.'

If the articles shall be ent ed by any other person than the
owner, bond to be given in a si i etjual to the amount of what
the duties would be, it' impor ' subject to duty ; that the
owner shall within one year verity such entry on oath, or the
'»llector may direct such baggage to be examined ; and if any
article is contained therein, which ought to pay duty, entry
must be made thereof; and if an entry is made as aforesaid,
and upon examination thereof, any article is found therein
subject to duty, (not having been expressed at the time of
making' the entry,) it is forfeited, and the person in whose
baggage the same shall be found, forfeits and shall pay treble
the value thereof.

^sefore we close this division of the subject of emigration, it
ma .' also be proper to observe, that before an emigrant can

454

VIEW OF THE

pass aoy Clistom-house in Great Britain, it is necessary for hini
to be furnished with a certificate, to the following purport:

'We, the undersigned churchwardens and overseers of the parish

!f «: '"^I'^'^^^t.V"^ do hereby certify and declare unto

the officers of his majesty's customs, and al! others whom it may
concern, that we have known A B of the parish of aforesaid

for several years last past ; and that the trade or business of the
said A B, dunng all the time that we have known him, hath been
that of a And we do further particularly certify and de-

Clare, that the said A B i« not, nor hath ever been, a manufacturer
or artificer m wool, iron, steel, brass, or any other metal, nor is he,
or hath he ever been, a watch-maker, or clock-maker, or any other
manutacturer or artificer whatsoever. And we do further certify
that the said A B is about years of age, stands feet and '
inches, or thereabouts, in height, hath hair, eyes, com-
plexion, IS ofa appearance.

'As witness our hands, this day of
[To be signed by two churchwardens and two overseers.]

'I, C D, esq. one of his majesty's justices of the peace for the
county of do hereby certify and declare, that the several

persons whose names are subscribed at the foot of the above-writ-
ten certificate, are respectively the churchwardcMS and overseers of
the parish of aforesaid ; and that the statement contained

in the same certificate is true, according to the best of my know-
ledge, information, and belief

'As witness ray hand this day of

n. PRECAUTIONS rou PRESKllVING THE HEALTH IN A NEW

CLIMATE.

The change of climate is almost sure to affect the health;
but the temperate will scarcely feel any effecf, either from the
extreme heat of summer, or the severe frosts in -vinter. Rich-
mond in Virginia, Charlestown in Carolina, and the distant
city of New Orleans, are places where an enterprising adven-
turer, who chuses to risk his health and his morals, may easily
accumulate a fortune. The northern and middle states are
more healthy, and better adapted to the health of an English-
man. Perhaps there is no place in the Union where the tern-

UNITED STATES.

peraturc is so similar to that of old England as Long Island.
On this subject we subjoin the advice given by the Shamrock
Society of New York, which seems to comprise {^Imost all the
precautions necessary to be observed.

' Emigrants from Europe usually arrive here during suai-
mer ; and, every thing considered, it is best that they should ;
for, m the middle and eastern states, the winter is lung, fuel
very dear, and employment comparatively scarce at that sea-
son. In winter they will expend more, and earn less. But if
arriving at this time bear more upon their pocket, the heats of
the summer are undoubtedly more trying to their health. In
the middle stales, namely. New York, New Jersey, Pennsyl- ■
vania, and Maryland, a northern Europejin usually finds the
climate intensely hot, from about the middle of Jupe till to-
wards the 1st of October. The thermometer frequently ranges
from 84 to 90, and sometimes to 96 in the middle of the day ;
this, to a stranger who works in the open air, exposed to the
burning sun, is certainly dangerous, and requires some pre-
cautions on his part.

' First of all, he should regulate his diet, and be temperate in
the quantity of his food. The American labourer, or working
mechanic, who has a better and more plentiful table than any
other man in the world of his class, is, for the most part, a
small eater; and we recommend to you his example. The
European of the same condition, who receives meat, or fish
and coffee, at breakfast, meat at dinner, and meat or fish, and
tea, at supper — an abundance of animal food to which he was
unaccustomed — insensibly falls into a state of too great reple*
tion, which exposes him to the worst kind of fever during the
heats of summer and autumn. He should, therefore, be quite
as abstemious in the quantity of food as of strong di'ink; and,
in addition to this method of preventing sickness, he should
take a dose of active physic, every now and then, especially in
the hotter months of July and August. By this prudent
course an ardent climate will have no terrors ; and, after some
residence here, he may preserve his health by regimen and
exercise alone.

Ill

' w

^ f f

456

VIEAV OF THE

*The labourer or mechanic should put off his ordinary
clothes, and wear next his skin a loose flannel shirt, while he
works: it should be taken off again when he is done.

' The stranger, as well as native, must be particularly care-
ful not to drink cold water after being heated by exposure to
the sun or exercise. Sudden and severe pain at the stomach,
and even death, are frequently the consequence of such impru-
dence. The Humane Society of this city has published the
following directions to be observed in such cases :

'1st. To avoid drinking water while the body is heated, or
during profuse perspiration.

'2d. Wash the hands and face with cold water before
drinking.

' 3d. If these precautions have been neglected, and cramps
or convulsions have been induced, let a tea-spoonful of lauda-
num be given immediately in a cup of spirits and water, and
repeat the dose in half an hour, if necessary.

* 4th. At the same time apply hot fomentations of spirits
and water to the stomach and bowels, and to the lower extre-
iJiities, covering the body with a blanket ; or immerse the body
in a w-rm bath, if it can be immediately obtained,

' 5th. Inject into the bowels a pint of warm spirits and wa-
ter, mixed in the proportion of one part of the former to two
of the latter.'

III. ON THE BEST MODE OF SETTLING.

Mechanics, intending to continue as such, would do well to
remam in New York, Baltimore, or Philadelphia, until they
become familiarised with the country. Persons designing to
settle in the western states will save some expences by landing
in Philadelphia. Those to whom a few pounds is not an ob-
ject, will shorten their voya/^^e two or three days by arriving
at New York. The summer route from thence to* Philadel-
phia is particularly pleasant, with the exception of 25 miles
land-carriage, and sleeping one night on the road : the whole
can be completed for about ten dollars. In winter, there an?

UNITEB STATES.

45V

excellent stages (by far the best in America) from New York
to Philadelphia r the fare is from, eight to ten dollars, and the
journey is completed in fourteen hours,— distance, 96 miles.

The route to the western country, by way of New. Orleans,
is attended with many disadvantages : it is much longer, and
more dangerous, in consequence of a great deal of coasting,
and the difficulties of the gulf of Florida. The voyage from
the Balaize, at the junction of the Mississippi with the gulf of
Mexico,' to New Orleans, though but 100 miles, is always te-
dious, and someti.nes vessels are three weeks in getting up
that distance. The yellow fever is of annual occurrence at
New Orleans. The steam-boats, though numerous, cannot
proceed at stated periods, and a residence at New Orleans
may be long, and mttst be expensive ; and to take passage in
a keel-boat up the stream, would be an almost endless un-
dertaking.

The best mode is to proceed from Philadelphia by way of
Pittsburg. Horseback is very preferable to the stage, parti-
cularly on the AUeg^'-ny mountains. A poor family would
have their baggage • • /eyed in the cheapest way by the regu-
lar stage-waggons,- iiemselves walking; and this they will
find in crossing the mountains to be better than riding (except
on horsebac' ). They should take with them as good a stock
of eatables as they can with convenience, the charges on the
road being veiy extravagant. Those who have their own
waggons should have them made as strong as possible, and
their horses should be in good condition. Small articles of
cutlery, and all the machinery necessary for repairi on the
road, are of first necessity. When arrived at Pittsburg, the
cheapest and easiest mode of travelling is to float down the
river ; for which purpose there are boats of almost every va-
riety, (steam-boats excepted,) from 2*. 3c?. upwards, per hun-
dred miles. Warm clothing should be taken, as there is sure
to be some severe weather in every part of America. The
articles required in floating down the river will be nearly as
follows:— The 'Pittsburg Navigator,' a small volume, and
which may be had at Cramer and Spears 4 nails, hammer,
hatchet, tinder-box, box for fire, gridiron, ircii pot, coffee-pot,
20 S M

I %

VIEW OF THE

ooffee-inill, tea-pot, plates, spoons, knives and forks, mugs,
candles, coffee, tea, sugar, spirits, tneat, potatoes, bi%ad, pens
and ink, paper, medicine, and a gun. If there is what is
called «a good stage of water,' that is, if the waters of the
Ohio are high, which they always are in the spring and au.
tumn, boats will be taken by the stream, without rowing, from
three to four miles per hour. Except in cases of dense fog,
they can be allowed to float at night in the Ohio. In the
Mississippi this would not be safe, the navigation of the latter
river being both difficult and dangerous. Unless the waters
of the Ohio are very high at its falls near Loulwille, a pilot
should be engaged to navigate the boat over them.

Mr. Mellish says that families moving to the western coun.
try usually travel by waggons of their own, in which "ise
they provide food for themselves and their horses, and are ac-
commodated with lodgings at the different houses where they
iitop all night. The charge for this accommodation is gene-
rally very moderate, and when the moving family is poor, the
payment is often dispensed with.
- i There are so many different points from whence enligrants
set out, and to which they go, that it is difficult to form an
estimate that will apply to them all. Probably the following
view may be the most intelligible.

A waggon with two horses can accommodate seven persons,

and can travel with tolerable ease 20 miles a day, the Sundays

beii»g devoted to rest; and, by travelling economically, the

whole expence will not exceed two dollars per day or fourteen

dollars per week, in which the family can trav 1 120 miles.

At this rate, a family of seven can travel from Connecticut to

Cleveland, 600 miles, for 70 dollars ; or from Philadelphia to

Zanesville, in the interior of the state of Ohio, 425 miles, for

about 60 dollars. On the latter route, a great many waggons

travel between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, waggon-hire being

about five dollars per cwt. for both persons and property.

The carriage of a family of seven, by this conveyance, would

eost about 45 dollars, besides their board; which appears

more in proportion than by the other mode ; but it is to be

observed,, that ii^ this way it is unnecessary to purchase horses

UNITED STATES.

or waggons, which, in the eastern states, are pretty dear, and
there is no wear and tear. A considerable sav'Tig can fre-
quently be made on bath routes by water conveyance : on the
north by lake Erie, and on the south by the Ohio river. The
stage between Philadelphia and Pittsburg is the most agreea-
ble and expeditious mode of 1 ravelling on that road, and is
preferred by such as can afford the expence.

Many emigrants, particularly those who sail from Leith,
Shields, Sunderland, Hull, and other ports on the east of the
kingdom, find it prudent, either on account of the cheapness
of conveyance, or the strictness of the customphouse officers, to
sail direct to Quebec or Montreal. Those who may chuse
this route to New York will find the distances and expence as
follows;

Dollars. Hours.
From Quebec to Montreal, by steara-boat, 10

3
9

12
24

Miles.
186
37
150

70
160

Montreal to St John,

St. John to Whithall, steam-boat,

Whithall to Albany, by stages, fare 5 del-

lars, expences 3, - - - -
Albany to New York, steam-boat,

From Quebec to New York, - - 37 90 603
Or 8/. 6*. 6d. expence, performed in 3 days 18 hours; or from
Montreal, Ql U. 6d. expence, performed in 2 days 18 hours, dis-
tance 517 miles.

Clements Burleigh, esq., who resided upwards of 30 years
in the United States, has given the following judidous direc-
tions to poor emigrants on landing in America.

^I will take the liberty, as an introduction, to point out
some stumbling blocks that havQ been in the way of many
emigrants to this country. We conceive the vessel coming to
anchor, and the passengers preparing for going ashore. On
setting their feet on land, they look about them, see fine
houses, gardens, and orchards, the streets crowded with welU
dressed people, every one pursuing his own business. Well,
the question now is, where shall I go? I meet a person pass.

\ t

" ' H

'mo

VIEW OF f H£

11 ^

;

wg, and addr^s myself to him. requesting him to inform me
Where I can have accommodations for some short time. He
wm point out a house which he thinks may answer my appear-
ance &c. J get my goods conveyed to this house. The
tIZ ""^,''^^^rr'-^ '^'^ ™e " a f^P^^, and so long

! Ir ? T *'''*•* ''"'°^^"' 'y' °^*' ™«' «"d treat me
according to what money I spend with them. In the mean

w^r L'"'"''l°^ ""^ ^''^ *'P' « ^••^'^^ of poor Irish,
who ha^ b^n ,n that country for a number of years, are al!

way$ fond of meeting their countrymen on landing, r.nd of

ZZ2^7J ^'^^^ " '^''' °*'^"« «•• f^'-t^'' ^<'- The
feelings of the open-hearted Irishman are alive to the invita-

tion, and some days are spent in this way, in the company of
men who are a disgrace to the country they came from, and
who are utterly incapable to procure themselves work, much
less the poor emigrant. I warn emigrants, therefore, to be
upon their guard.

'The plan, therefore, which I would recommend, is that
upon landing as soon as convenient, they should divest them-
selves of any heavy luggage, such as chests or boxes; and in
the mean time, if they are deficient of money to carry them to
the inland parts of the country, stop some time, and if thev
can get work apply to it, and use what they earn with econo.
my and keep clear of all idle company, P/ud also be particular
in keeping clear of a certain description of their own country,
men. When they have acquired as much money as may help
to bear their expences, let them put their bundles on board
one of the waggons, loaded with merchandise for the western
country. By being active and obliging to the carrier on the
way, he will charge little or nothing on your arrival at Pitts,
burg, or Greensburg, or any other town in the western parts
ot Pennsylvania, You then take your property from the
^^l^gofi'if It suits, and make inquiry for labour.'

|:migrants from Switzerland and Germany are numerous,
and from patience and industry generally succeed. People of
certain districts Sometimes form themselves into a society a
yefer or^two before they leave, and contribute to a general
Tund, which enables them to send a few of the moat intelligent

UNITED STATES.

461

of their number before them in order to select and prepare a
settlement Others are bo poor as to be obliged to sell or in-
denture themselves to a captain, who carries them out on
speculation. Such is also frequently the case with poor ad-
venturers from Ireland ; and sometimes Scotch Highlandmen
are carried out on the same plan. The hardships suffered by
the poor creatures who are conveyed in this way to America
have been feelingly described by an English traveller, to whom
we have frequently referred.

* A practice,' says he, * which has been often referred to in
connection with this country, naturally excited my attention.
It is that of individuals emigrating from Europe without mo-
ney, and paying for their passage by binding themselves to
the captain, who receives the produce of their labour for a cer-
tain number of years.

* Seeing the following advertisement in the newspapers, put in
by the captain and owners of the vessel referred to, I visited the
ship, in company with a boot-maker of this city (Philadelphia) :

"THE PASSENGERS
" On board the brig Bubona^ from Amsterdam, and who are will-
ing to engage themselves for a limited time, to defray the expences
of their passage, consist of persons of the following occupations,
besides women and children, viz. 13 fanners, 2 bakers, 2 butchers,
8 weavers, 3 tailors, 1 gardener, 3 masons, 1 mill-sawyer, 1 white-
smith, 2 shocr-makers, 3 cabinet-taakers, 1 coal-burner, 1 barber,
1 carpenter, 1 stocking-weaver, 1 cooper, 1 wheelwright, 1 brewer,
1 locksmith. — Apply on board of the Bubona, opposite Callowhill-
street, in the river Delaware, or to W. Odlin and Co. No. 38,
South Wharves.
"Oct. 2."

<As we ascended the side of this hulk, a most revolting
scene of want and misery presented itself. The eye involun-
tarily turned for some relief from the horrible picture of
human suffering, which this living sepulchre afforded. Mr.

enquired if there were any shoe-makers on board. The

captain advanced : his appearance bespoke his office ; he is an
American, tall, determined, and with an eye that flashes with

"a»

468

Alge

VIEW OF THE

?eri„e cruelty. He called in the Dutch language for shoe-
makers, and never can I forget the scene which follow^.
m> doT "'" '"'"' """""'"^ "P ""''"^ ""«P«akable delight,

.Their clothes, if rags deserve that denomination, actually-
fumed the a.r. Scn.e were without sh.ts, others had ^L
art^Ie of dress, but of a quality as coarse as the worst packing
doth. I enquired ot several if they could speak English
Theysmded, and gabbled, "NoEngly, no Engly-one En
^y talk ship;' The deck was filthy. The cookigy^hing
>md necessary departments were dose together. Such is the
mercenary Imrb^rity of the Americans ^vho are engaged in
this trade, that they crammed into one of those veTsX 500
passengers 80 of whom died on the passage. The price for
women IS about 70 dollars, men 80 dollars, boys 60 dollars.
When they saw at our departure that we had not purchased,
their countenances fell to that standard of stupid gloom which
^emed to place them a link below rational beings^ From my
heart I execrated the European cause of their removal, which
IS thus daily compelling men to quit the land of their fathers
to becotne voluntary exiles in a foreign clime :-yet Americans
can thmk and write such sentiments as the following- -We
rejoice with the patriotic Hollanders at the return of the illus-
trious house of Orange to their first magistracy, and do not
wonder at their enthusiastic Jo^j upon the occasion, when they
rememl^r that this ancient family have been always the gal-
lant and zealous defenders of the rights and liberties of the
Dutch people.^ "^

* An interesting occurrence is said to have taken place the
other day, in connection with the German Hedemptioners (as
by a strange misnomer the Dutch are denominated). A gen-
tleman of this city wanted an old couple to take care of his
house ;~a man, his wife, and daughter were offered to him
for sale ;~he purchased them.-They proved to be his father,
his mother, and sister I ! !'

UNITED STATES. M

IV. THE raiCES OF LAND, LABOUR) AKD PROVISIONS.

On this important subject it is necessary to state particulars,
and to leave the conclusion to the reader^s judgment. But as
there is such a considerable difference in the value of money,
and the price of labour and provisions, in different states, we
will consider each place separately.

New York.

Prices.— The comparative expenditure for domestic wants
may be estimated from the following list of prices : — Beef is
firom Q^d. to 6d. per pound ; mutton, 3^d. to B^d. ; veal, 5d,
to 6^; ham and bacon, l^d. to lOJd.; dried beef, 8Jflf.;
fowls, 1*. did. to 2*. 9d. a pair; ducks, 2*. 2d. to ils.Qd, a
pair; geese, its. 3d. to 2s. lid. eachi turkeys, 3«. 4|d. to
to Ss. 7|d. each; pork, G^d. to Sd. a pound; butter (frefh)
ISd. to W^d. ; eggs, nine for 6|rf. ; cheese, old, 9|A, new,
6jd., English, lOd. to I6d. : there is but little of this article
used; that which is of American manufacture is extremely
bad : potatoes, Ss. 4^c?. per bushel ; cabbages, ^d. each ;
turnips, 2*. 2 J J. per bushel; peas, 6fd. to lOd per peck;
salt, 3*. 3d. per bushel; milk, S^d. per quart; common fish,
2J. to S^d. per pound ; salmon, Is. l^d. to 3s. 4^. per pound ;
brown soap, 6|<?. ; white ditto dressed, 8Jd. per pound ; can-
dles, 8Jd. per pound; mould ditto, 1*.; flour per barrel
(weighing 196 pounds) is, of the best New York, 465. 6d. to
49«. 10|d ; middling ditto, 36*. to 40*. 6d. ; rye, rSls. 6d. ;
Philadelphia flour, 46*. l^d to 47*. 3d. ; Indian ditto, 38*. 9d.
to 41*. 6d. ; hogshead of ditto, weighing 800 pounds, 148*. 6J.
to 153*. ; wheat, 7*. lO^t'. to 9*. per bushel ; rye, 6*. 4</.
ditto; barley, 6*. 4d. ditto; oats, Is. lOd; hops, 19*. to 21*.
O^d. p- pound; foreign feathers, I3\d. to 14d. a pound;
American ditto, 3*. l^d.; a loaf of bread weighing 17 oz.,
8^d; anlitto, 34 oz., Id. ; mustard, 3*. to 4*. a pound; table
beer, 5*. 7Jf?. for 6 gallons; common ale, S^d. per quart;
best ditto, 7<i., wine measure ; a cask of 9 gallons of ditto,
21*. 9d. ; apples, lOd. per peck ; lobsters, ^d. per pound ;

VIEW OP THE

onions, (an article much used,) 3J</. a rope; cucumbers, 5 for
1*. IJrf.; common brown sugar, 7d. a pound; East India
ditto, lOJd. 1 lump ditto, ISjrf. ; best ditto, 16d. ; raw coffee
by the bag; lOfef. a pound ; souchong tea, 4s». 6d. to 5.». 7rf. a
pound ; hyson, 5*. Id. to 6^. 2rf. ; gunpowder, 10s. IJd. The
quality of provisions is, in general, very good : the beef is ex-
cellent, mutton rather inferior to ours; fowls are much larger
but not better eating than the English. Candles are inferior
to English; soap perhaps superior, at least less is required
than of ours for any given purpose.

Trade.?, Wages, 4c.— Building in New York is generally
performed by contract. A person intending to have a house
erected contracts with a professed builder ; the builder, with
a bricklayer; and he, with nil others necessary to the comple-
tion of the design. In some cases, a builder is r sort of head
workman, for the purpose of overseeing the others; receiving
for his agency seven-pence per day from the wages of each
man ; the men being employed and paid by him. There are
occasional instances in which there is no contract, every thing
bein^ paid for according to measure and value. In the city,
houses of wood are not now allowed, but in the environs they
are very general ; and many of them handsome in appearance.
They are commonly of two stories, and painted white, with
green shutters. The expence of a frame (wood) house is ma-
terially affected by situation : on an average, they will cost to
erect about the same as a brick house in England. The
builder is sometimes his own timber-merchant. Indeed, all
men here know a portion, and enter a little into every thing :
— the necessary consequence of a comparatively new state of
Society.

The timber, or (as the term is here) lumber yards are not
on that large and compact scale with which, in England, we
aie familiar. Mahogany yards are generally separate con-
cerns. Oak boards are 51. 12*. Qd. per thousand feet. Shin-
gles, (an article used instead of tiles or slates,) 1/. 2*. 6rf. per
thousand feet, to which is to be added a duty of 16 per cent.
Honduras mahogany is 5\d. to 1\d. the superficial foot; and
St Domingo, 9|t/. to Vl\d. Mahogany is used for cupboards,

UNIT D STATES.

doors, and bauistt rs, and for oil kinds of cabinet work. Curl
maple, a native and most beautiful Wixxl, is also much ap>
proved. Veneer is in general demand, and is cut by ma-
chinery. Chests of drawers are chiefly made of St. Domingo-
mahogany, the inside being faced with box-w od: shaded
veneer and curl maple are also used for this purpose. The
cabinet work executed in this city is light and elegant, supe-
rior indeed to English workmanship. Some have cut glass,
instead of brass ornaments, which have a l)eautiful effect.
The retail price of a three feet six inch chest of drawers, well
finished and of good quality, is 8/. 10*. Or/.; of a three feet
ten, with brass rollers, 5/. H*. A tabic, three feet long, four
and a half wide, SI. Is. Gd. ; ditto with turned legs, 4/, 5s. 6tl. ;
three and a half long, five and a half wide, (plain,) 31. 12*. ;
ditto better finished, 4/ lOs. ; ladies' work tables, (very plain,)
18*. Cabinet-makers' shop, of which there are several in
Greenwich-street, contain a variety, but not a large stock.
They are generally small concerns, apparently owned by jour-
neymen, commenced on their own account. These shops are
perfectly open, and there is seldom any pei-son in attendance.
In the centre, a board is suspended with the notice, ' Uing
the bell.' Several proprietors now state their business to have
been once good, but that there is at present too much com-
petition.

Chair-making here, and at the town of Newark, ten miles
distant, is an extensive business. The retail price of wooden
chairs is from 4*. 6^/. to 9*. ; of curl maple with rush seat,
11*. ; of ditto with cane seat, 13.v. (id- to 1/. 2*. 6(1. ; of ditto,
most handsomely finished, 1/. 9.v. ; sofas, of the several de-
scriptions enumerated above, are tlie price of six chairs. Ca-
binet-makers, timber-merchants, and builders complain — they
all say that their trades hp.-. e been good, but that there is now
a great increase in the mmibers engaged, and that the times
are so altered with the merchants that all classes feel the
change very sensibly.

Glass mirrors and picture frames are executed with taste
and elegance; but still the most superior are imported from
England. Carved ornaments are general, though some com-

3 N

«t

VIEW OP THE

h ' I

V i

poe.t,on ornaments ar. used. Plate glass iP imported from
France, Holland, and Kngjand, the latter bearing the highest
price. Slivering looking-glasses is a separate trade: there is
but one sdverer in Nev. York, and he is not constantly em-
ployed. Carvers a.,d gilders are paid ^H. per hour. " The
sale of prints and pictures is usually 'rombined with this busi-
ness. 1 here are here two gold-beaters : one of them is a Mr
Jones from London. Leaf-gold is frequently imported ; but
they consider their own equal to foreign, and it bears the same
price, ¥)/,. 6(1, the packet, containing 2() books. The duty

ToZ?,'^"' ''"^"*^*'^'' '" ^^ P"*" ''^"^- A *^«P»^^» "f from 800/.
to XOOO/. would be requisite for a moderately respectable con-
corn. A journeyman gilder would not succeed ; a carver may
do so; but neither trades are (to use an Americanism) of the
nrst ff'rade.

Boot and shoe-makers' shops arc numerous, some of them
extensive. The price of sole-leather is Ud. to 13 W • of
dressed upper ditto, 11.. Sd. to 15.. 9./.; to this is io be
added a duty of 30 per cent. Wellington boots at the best
shops are charged S/. 0.. 6./.; shoes, 13*. 6d. Spanish is
much worn for upper leather. They are made neat and with
taste: the workmanship appears quite equal to the best Lon-
don. The American leather is very inferior in quality Na-
tive workmen appear as good as English. A capital of from
500 to 1000 dollars is requisite in a moderate concern A
master shoe-maker will not be benefited by coming here ; a
journeyman may be so.

A dyer^s l,usiness in this city will best accord with an Eng-
lish scowerer. The price for dyeing black woollen is 3.,. i^r
yard, « wide; of brown ditto, 3..; red, 2*. 6rf.; yellow, 2s
orf. ; scarlet, 20*. a pound. There is no silk dyed in the
skein, nor are there any silk-weavers in the United States.
Fast blue is not done. Ke-dyeing old silk is 6|rf. per yard
English alum is from 33.. 9^/. to 3(i.. per cwt., to which is to
be added a duty of 4.. Crf. ; brazilletto, 140*. to 160.. per
ton; cochineal, 24.. 9d. per pound, with a duty of TJ per
cent. ; logwootl, 90.. to 112.. 6rf. per ton. The business is of
necessity limited. It is moderately good, and would not re-

UNITED STATES.

467

quire a capital of more than from 200/. to 500/. A few jour-
neymen are employwl. They earn HI. 5.y, ptr week.

The trade ot tallow^ishandlur in united by some witli that of
soap-boiler. Any other bubiness may be connected with it, a»
the law raitie$ no difficulty on the subject. The operation of
melting must be <*emoved a specitied distance from the closely
inhabited part of the city. The pickle-trade is of no accijunt,
as families prepare their own.

The oil and colour business might be combined with that of
tallow-chandler, though perhaps without increased advantage.
Oil is sold at grocery-stores, anil by painters. The rent of a
house to suit an oil business, in a fourth-rate situation, (a bet-
ter l)eing unnecessary,) would be 135/. to 150/. per annum.
A capital of from 800/. to 1200/. would suliice. For a jour-
neyman or shopman it is a bad trade. They are paid is. 6d.
to 6*. 7j</. per diem. The chief work is done by apprentices.
The Irish have got the greater part of this business; and
they will, if possible, prevent an English journeyman from
having employment. The wholesale prices of tallow are, fo-
reign, fi^f/. to l^ri.f with a du^y of Jrf. ; American, 7^(1. i of
soap, ('astile, 8J(/. to dd' ; turpentine, 5J(/., with a duty of
1 ^cl. In the eastern states there is a superabundance of na-
tive tallow, but in the souih it is scarce. Barilla is not used,
Affi i-ican ashes being substituted; which are from 8;|c/. to
lQ]d. per bushel. A tttllow-chnndler in London who can save
60/. per anoum, would not be benefited in his finances by a
removal to this country.

Tailors are numerous : they are denominated (in conformi-
ty with the accustomed vanity of the country) ' Merchant
Tailors.' Some keep rather large stocks of woollen piece-
goods, all of which are of British manufacture. The price of
a superfine coat is from 6/. 6.v. to 8/. ^s. They are paid for
inaking a common coat 18*. ; a best ditto, 27s. If a journey-
man find the trimmings, he receives for a best coat 45*,,to 51*.
for making trowsers, 9*. Apprentices can be had for the
terms of three, seven, or ten years ; seven is the usual period.
A journeyman can have the work of an apprentice under him.
If a man have not served his time, it is not of consequence in

168

VIKVV OF THE

II' i

any business; competmc,/, not Ic^hI afrvitudc, being the stan-
dard for oni|)loynic«Ht. A journoynmn tailor will rank but
aniong the second-rate trades, so much being done by women
and lK)y8. A man that oan cut out will be otx-asionally well
paid: the women not being clever in this department, makes
the employment of men necessary. There are ready-niado
clothes shops, H» in I.ondon, at which articles of a cheaper l)ut
mfenor descripti.in are sold. Large quantities of clothing arc
nn))ortod from England, and many individuals have their re
gular London tailors. lilaok and coloured Cant(m crape,
black stuif, white jean, white .Irill, and Nankin, are worn for
trowsers; jean for coats; gingham for jackets in the house i
all of which arc made by women, at from S>S to 50 per cent,
cheaper than if men were employed. A man will earn, when
empl,)yed, from .'Mm. to 5 k. per week. To carry on this trade
as a master, an.l with a reasonable prospect of success, would
require a capital of from 5001. t<» m)0/. The profits are larcvf
Moderate creilil are received ; long credit is given. "

Booksellers' shops here arc extensive. Old works are scarce.
Standard works are not so; such as Shakespeare, Milton,
Ulair, and Johns(,n. Theological works (those only which
arc orfho(h.T ) are connuon, and much in request. Hartley,
Priestley, and the religious writings of Locke, are scarce!
English novels and poetry form the primary articles of a
bookseller's business. They are quickly reprinted. Walter
Scott, Miss Owenson, M(H)re, Miss ]<:(lgcworth. Miss Porter,
and Lord IJyron, are faNourites. The late Scotch novels
have been very much read. The Edinburgh and (Quarterly
KeviewH are reprinted by Messrs. Kirk and Mercieu of this
city. J-htj-'lis-h Tortf xoritcrfi are neither unknown nor unpo-
I)ular. ^ J^)oksellers deal in stationery and various fancy arti-
cles. Their stocks are large, but, what we should call in
I'^nglnnd, ill assented. American editions of many Jiritish
writings .hiv loxvn- in price, but not cheaper than those issuing
from the Londcm press, the size as well as quality of paper
being reduced. Folio is diminished to quarto, quarto to oc-
tavo, and octivo tq duodtKiimo. The American edition, for
instance, of «Lalla llookh,' bears no comparison to that of

UNITED STATES.

469

Messrs. Longman and Co. Common ntationery is of Ameri-
can manufacture ; the HU()erior, uf liritiNh. JUouks ])uy upon
importation 30 per cent.; printing; typcH, U.0; paper, 00;
wafers, 30 ; playing cards, .'10. Native binding is generally
plain and ctmmion : many of tJie fine London pocket editions,
bound, have been recently imported. A capital of from 1000/.
to 10,000/. would be required in tiiiH biisincHS.

Printers arc paid a/. 5*. per week, but employment cannot
be dejMfnded upon : u great portion of the work is done by
boys. Stereotyping is practised.

The Lancastcrian system of education is confined to free
schools. One or two lujarding seminaries exist in New York
for ladies separately ; but in general males and females, of all
ages, ure educated at the same establisluiietit. The effect of
this practice is iu)t what might have been anticipated. Ame-
rican females are even more distant and reserved in their man-
ners than Englibh : the sexes seem ranked as distinct races of
beings, between whom social converse is rarely to be held.
Day-schools are numerous: some of them respectable, none
large. A teacher, that is, an usher, at any of these establish-
ments, is a situation not worth the attention of the poorest
ipan. The emigrant proprietors of seminaries are Scotch and
Irish : an instance has not occurred of a respectable English
schoolmaster establishing himself here. Two English ladies
have recently commenced u boarding-school for females only :
they have been nioderately successful. A capital of from one
to five hundred pounds is essential : for a day-school none is
required. The dead languages, music, surveying, drawing,
dancing, and French, are taught at the superior schools : the
latter is rather generally understood, and in some measure ne-
cessary, French families being more frequently met with here
than in England. At some of the academies plays are occa-
sionally acted. The charges at several seminaries are, for
arithmetic, reading, and writing, per annum, 40 dollars; for
geography, philoso[)hy, and the French language, 60; for
Gpeek, Latin, and tlie mathematics, 80 dollars : these amounts
are exclusive of board.

K\ '.

470

VIEW OF THE

Rents depend much upon situation. In the skirts of the
town, n very small house, one story high, the front rooms of a
moderate size, the back less, hut suited for a bed, and with
one room m the attic story, is from 12/. to 14/. per annum
A mechanic who has a family can have two small rooms for
18/. a year. Many houses have closets between their rooms
which serve for a bed, or sometimes arc used as a pantry, ij
is also no uncommon occurrence for temporary beds to be laid
outm dining-rooms and parlours: being, of course, removed
sufficiently early in the morning to prevent inccinvenience
Garrets generally have no plaistered ceiling. A very small
house, in a situation not convenient for business, containing in
all SIX rooms, is worth from 75/. to 80/. a year; a similar
house, m a better situation, 95/. to 105/.; a ditto in a good
street for business 130/. to 140/.; a ditto in first-rate retail
situation, 160/. t( 200/. per annum : but this is the smallest
class of houses. A Hrst-rate private house is from 300/. to
850/. per annum : were it appropriated to business, the rent
would be higher. Of a house in that part of the Broadway
which IS first-rate for retail trade, the rentof a shop and cellar
only IS 892/. 10*.; the upper part of the house lets for 247/
10*. Ground lots for building, even in the suburbs, are enor-
mously dear.

Philadelphia.
W^5.— Labourers are paid 4j. 6d. to 5s. l^d. a day • fe
male servants, 4*. 6d. to 9.,. per week, with their board ; c(ioks
6s 9d. to 9*.; men-servants, 54*. to 67*. 6d. per month ; car^
penters earn 36*. to 47*. iid. per week, time of work from
sun-rlsctosun-set; cabinet-makers, 36*. to 45*, working ge-
nerally by the piece; bricklayers, 31*. 6W. to 45.?.; tinmen
27*. to 54*. ; shoemakers, 31*. (id. to 40*. 6df.— they work
more hours than in London ; satldlers, 31*. 6U to 45*.— this
business at present is not good ; coachmakers, 36*. to 45* -at
present bad here, but tolerably good at Newark in Jersey •
tailors, 36*. to 45*.-a variable business, sometimes good em-
ploymcnt, often not, it is largely in the hands of women •

UNITED STATES.

471

printers, compositors and pressmen, S6s. to 45*. — employment
tolerably good, but not certain ; apprenticed perform a large
jjortion of the work.

Individuals may get employment in any of the above trades,
but tliere is no actual want of mechanics. Many leave here
for the southern states and the western country. Men of this
class of society may decidedly make themselves extremely
comfortable in this place. Those who are here, speaking ge-
nerally, receive higher wages, are more independent of their
masters, live better, have less anxiety for the morrow, drink
more, and are loss intelligent than men following the like oc-
cupations in England.

Prices. — The prices of fish vary from 2c/. to 6jf/. per
pound ; beef, which is of excellent quality, 4c?. to B\d. ; mut-
ton, 3\d. to4id; veal, 5]d.; pork, 5\d. to Id.; bacon, 7d
to 8d.; butter, 17c?. to 20c/.; cheese, 9^d.; English ditto,
Kkl ; onions, 13c/. per peck ; potatoes, 3.9. 4^c/. a bushel ;
cabbages, ^d. each ; fowls, l^d. to 2s. 3c/. each ; ducks, 20c/.
to 2.?. 3c/. ; geese, 3,?. 4ic/. to 4.?. 6c/. ; turkeys, 5s. 6c/. ; these
four last articles arc one half larger than those of England,
but their flesh is inferior in quality; strong beer, 2o5. per
gallon ; apples, 3^. ^d. per bushel ; flour, 10 dollars per bar-
rel of 196 pounds ; dipt candles are 10c/. per pound ; moulds,
12^c/.; moist sugar, 6ld. to 9c/.; lump ditto, 1*. to 1.9. 5d.;
tea, 4*. 6c/. to 9*. ; soap, 6|c/. to 10c/. ; chocolate, 13^c/. to
20r/. ; raw cbfl'ee, 10c/. to 13jc/.; Liverpool salt, 3*. 4Jc/. per
bushel ; loaf of bread, weighing 2 pounds 2 ounces. Bid. ;
Indian corn, per bushel, 4j. 6c/. ; buck-wheat flour, 4^, 6d.
Mechanics pay 13,9. 6f/. to 15s. 9c/. per week for board and
lodging; many board with their employers: all eat, work,
and sleep in companies. Moderately respectable boarding is
from 20*. 3c/. to 27*. ; genteel ditto, 31.9. 6d. to 54*. Charge
at the best inns, 9-?. per day, exclusive of beer and liquors.

Shoes are 13*. Gd. to 1.5.9. 9c/. a pair; Wellington boots,
38.9. 3c/. to 45.9. ; Hessian ditto, 42.9. 9c/. to 45.9. ; jockey ditto,
67.9. 6d. ; laoiei' shoes, 4*. 6c/. to 5s. 7Jc/. — the leather is not
good ; upon a fair average, two pair of English will last as

.nn

472

VIEW OP THE

l-iii

M'.J

long as three jr^Jr of American; the best beaver hats arc
40*. 6d. ; superfine cloth coats, 8/. 1*. 6d. ; surtout ditto,
11/. 5s.; pantaloons and trowsers, 4ihs. to 54ts.; waistcoats,
27*. Clothes made of inferior materials, are from 25 to 50
per cent, lower. India and French silks, China crapes for
ladies' dresses, and India handkerchiefs, are one half cheaper
than in England. Other articles of wearing apparel, and
almost every thing used in domestic economy, are of British
manufacture. They pay an import duty of 25 per cent., and
when retailed, are from 25 to 100 per cent, dearer than in
London.

'Alexandria.

IVaffes.

-In this district, labourers, during harvest, receive
about three dollars per day. Tailors have from five to six
dollars and a half for making a coat ; shoe-makers, one dollar
or one and a quarter for making a pair of shoes ; blacksmiths
are paid two dollars per day, and are found in provisions;
joiners and masons are paid from two and a half to three dol-
lars per day, and coopers three dollars.

Prices. — House-rent is excessively high in this part. An
ordinary house costs about 300 dollars per annum ; and wood
or coals costs a small family about four dollars every month.
Provisions are moderate. Beef, mutton, pork, and veal, are
from 2d. to 4id. per pound; and bread both much cheaper
and better than what is generally used in England. Milk
butter, and vegetables, are high. Rum, 3*. 6d. per gallon ;
whiskey, 3*. ; and brandy, 4*. 6d. Excellent porter is sold at
5d. per bottle. Furniture more elegant and cheaper than in
England.

Pittsburg.

Prices.— Beef and mutton are 3d. to 4^<?. per pound ; pork,
^d. to 5d. ; cheese, d^d. to lid. ; butter, lOd. to QOd. ; tea,
6s. 9d. to 12*. 4d ; moist sugar, 13jd ; loaf, 20rf. to 2*. Id. ■
coffee, 20J. ; potatoes, 2*. 3d. to 3*. 4|J per bushel ; porter,
e^d per quart ; fowls, I3^d. each ; ducks, 20i. ; geese, 2,y.

UNITED STATES.

473

hats arc
)ut ditto,
vaistcoats,
25 to 50
;rapes for
If cheaper
•are], and
af British
lent., and
r ttian in

3t, receive
ive to six
sne dollar
acksmiths
rovisions ;
three dol-

wrt. An
and wood
•y month,
veal, are
1 cheaper
I Milk,
r gallon;
is sold at
;r than in

d; pork,
Od. ; tea,
) Us. Id. ;
; porter,

^eese, 2,y.

3d. to 3s. 4i^d. ; turkeys, 3s. ^d. to 5s. 8d. ; flour, 27*. to
31*. 6d. per barrel of 196 pounds ; coal, 4rf. per bushel. Me-
chanics' board, 15.?. dd. to 18*. per week.

Waffes.-^ToAors earn from 31s. i)d. to 45*. per week, are
now well employed; carpenter, 31*. 6d. to 40*. 6d, dull;
baker, 31*. 6(L to 40*. 6f/., dull ; mason, 34*. to 45*. brisk ;
shoe-maker, '^1*. 6^/. to 36*., brisk ; blacksmith, 31*. 6d. to
36a'., dull; t.^iman, from 36*. to 45*., dull; printer, from
31*. to 36*., dull; weaver, no employment; glass-blower,
31*. (id. to 45*., dull ; glass-cutter, 31*. 6d. to 67*. 6d.y dull ;
hatter, 31*. 6^/. to 45*., brisk; brewer, 36*., dull; nail-cutter,
31*. 6d. to 36*., brisk.

Ohio.

The prices at Cincinnati in this state are as follows : Beef
and mutton are from Hd. to 3^d. per pound ; veal, 4f/. ; pork,
2^d. to 4jf/. ; potatoes, iis. 3d. a bushel ; flour, 27*. a barrel
of 196 pounds; tawls, 10(/. each; geese, 2*. 3d. each; tur-
keys, 3*. 4Jf/. to 4*. 6V. ; moist sugar, 13r/. a pound; loaf
ditto, 20f/. ; porter, 27*. to 31*. 6'/. per barrel of 32 gallons,
6^d. per quart; cider, 11*. 3d. per barrel; gin, 5*. 7^rf. per
gallon ; whiskey, 2*. Sd. ; brandy, 13*. 6d. to 18*. ; rum, 11*.
3d.i shoes, 13*. 6d. to 15*. 9d. per pair; Wellington boots,
36*. to 40*. 6d. ; Hessian ditto, 49*. 6d. to 54*. ; superfine
blue cloth, 2/. 18*. 6d. to 3/. 7*. 6d. per yard ; making a
coat, 27*.; hats, of American manufacture, 31*. 6d. to 45*.;
rent of two small nxjms, 18^. per annum ; ditto of a small
house in a third or fourth-rate situation, from 33^. 15*. to 67/.
10*. The general average of houses, in good business situa-
tions, is from 90/. to 137/. 10*. per annum : taxes trifling.
Women servants are paid 20*. 3d. to 29*. 8//. per month ;
men ditto, 63*. to 72*. Mechanics' board and lodging per
week, 13*. 6d. ; respectable ditto, 18*. to 22*. 6d. ; ditto at
the best inns, 47*. 3d. These charges are enormously dis.
proportionate to the rate of provisions ; although large rents,
dear clothing, and high price of labour, are items of no small
import ^nce in the hotel and boarding-house keepers' calcula-
tions, and for which allowances should fairly be made. The

3 O

miff ,

i««awMBSB)i,S5Sim«r>i>«

474

VIEW OF THE

wages of mechanics, in all trades suited to the present amdi-
Upn of the country, vary from 26s. to 45^. per week. Tailors
shoe-nmkers carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, and saddlers]
are ^ood trades and at present are in full employ : these may
be deflomumted hrst-rate; Unn.en, bakers, and hatters, ee-
cond-rate; pnnters, third-rate; for the weaver there is no
employment. A watch-maker, as such, could not obtain a
subsistence, watches not being manufactured in America;
Mich a mechanic possibly could get a living by mending
watches a.ul attenchng to every department of silversmiths^
work. It IS thought there is an opening for a dyer, there
bemg but one ui the town,-an old woman.

Alba/ny.

■ Shopkeepers here complain most bitterly of the state of

trade. A large body of mechanics recently left here for want

of employment ;-the wages given to those who remain are

the same as at New York: their board is three dollars per

oOO to 700 dollars per annum, and the taxes about 20 dollars.
Ihere are many small wood houses, which are from 50 to 160
dollars per annum, according to size and situation. Beef
mutton, and veal, are 5./. to ^d. per pound; fowls, M. to
9,rf. each; ducks, 13r/. to mi., geese, 2*. 3(/.; butter, 14^
a pound; i)otatoes, 20c/. a bushel; flour, 45.. a barrel; fish]

a^dUanSsK.^'""^ ^^' ^'"' "^ '" ^^^^"^^ ''^"^^

Western Country.
Throughout the whole western country, mechanics are well
paid for their labour. Carpenters have one dollar per day
and their board; if they board themselves, one dollar and a
quarter. Other trades have iu proportion. Labourers are
paid one dollar per day. Living is cheap. Flour is 5 dollars
per barrel ; beef, 4 cents or 2r/. per lb. ; fowls, 12^ cents each.
Pouse-rent fur mechanics is about 60 dollars per annum.
Vyootl, one doUar and a quarter per cord, laid down Me-
chanics^ board, two or three dollars per week. Thus it ap-

UNITED STATKS.

475

pears that an industrious, healthy, sober man, may save two
days' wages each week, or one-third of his income. There are
indeed tew so provident ; but those wl)o can resist the tempta-
tions to drink, may live well and save money.

We could extend this article to a great length : but to(»
many particulars would only tend to perplex the anxious en-
quirer; and the preceding will afford a good criterion for
judging of the encouragement offered to the labouring classes
in the States, which have been very properly and emphatically
termed, ' The poor Man's Country.' Much of the foregoing
information is derived from a gentleman who devoted his at-
tention to thtf subject, and whose correctness in matters of fact
has never been disputed. We cannot, however, close without
quoting the prices as given by Mr. Cobbett, whose informa-
tion on this, as well as on every other subject, will be diff'er-
ently estimated by different people.

' Every man may see what this country is. But I should
suppose these facts were enough : The common day wages for a
common labourer is a dollar. IJeef is 3d. (English money) a
pound ; mutton, 2y. ; lamb, 4>d. ; veal, 4>d. ; hog-meat, 5U. ;
flour (the best), 2^f/. ; spirits, about 2s. a gallon ; sugar, hal/'
the English price ; tea, soap, candles, the same ; tobacco and
salt, about an eighth part of the English price ; shoes, cheaper
than in England by one-third ; linen and woollen, the same
price as in England ; all India goods, Aa^the English price ;
malt, halflhe price ; hops, a third part of the price of hops in
England ; sweet oil, a itiird part ; claret wine, ten^nce
(English money) a quart, while in England it is six or eight
shillings ! cheese, butter, eggs, all for two-thirds^ at most, of
the English price. Journeymen tradesmen earn, on an ave-
rage, about a dollar arid three-quarters a day ; or nine sMl-
Unffs, English money. It is then impossible that any, but the
sick, lame, or lazy, should be unfortunate.'

The Shamrock Society of New York, in their Hints to
Emigrants, say, ' Industrious men need never lack employ-
ment in America. Labourers, carpenters, masons, bricklayers,
stonecutters, blacksmith's, turners, weavers, farmers, curriers,
tailors, and shoe-makers, and the useful mechanics generally,

fil

478

VIEW OP THE

•re always su re of work and wages. Stonecutters now receive
in this city, (New York,) two dollars a day, equal to nine
sh.lJings sterling; carpenters, one dollar and eighty-seven and
a halt cents; bricklayers, two dollars; labourers, from one
dollar to one and a quarter; others in proportion. At this
time, (July, 1816,) house-carpenters, bricklayers, masons, and
stonecutters, are paid three dollars per day in Petersburgh,
V.rgmm. The town was totally consumed by fire about a
year s.nce, but it is now ri.sing from its ashes in more elegance
than ever. Mechanics will find ample employment there for
perhaps two years to come.'

It is customary in America for mechanics to work from surt-
rise to sun-set. This time appears oppressively long to an
Englishman, and it is certainly an impolitic arrangement, the
necessity for which no longer exists. But then in the northern
states mechanics, in general, take too much relaxation in win-
ter, during which the money accumulated in a toilsome sum-
mer IS too often squandered away. In the southern states,
the heat of the climate renders frequent intervals of rest abso-
lutely necessary.

The Americans are peculiarly handy. Tht-y know and can
do a little of every thing. In this case, they have greatly the
advantage of an English labourer, who has to learn a great
deal before he can expect the same wages that are paid to a
I ative. In the dexterous use of the spade we certainly sur-
pass them ; but then the spade is very little used in the States,
the plough being introduced wherever it is possible.

Price qf Land.— The price of land is various, according to
situation and quality. The United States lands, as before
stated, are 2 dollars per acre on credit, or 1 dollar 64 cents
cash; but purchases can often be made of individuals on bet-
ter terms, particularly from those who hold very large tracts.
The land tux on a large tract is heavy, and after paying it a
few years, without getting any return, the holders, particularly
non-residents, are glad to sell out at anv price. This circum,
stance, connected with that of the United States holding such
large tracts of land at a low price, will always operate against
land speculations on a large scale. The only mode in which a

UNITED STATES.

47T

land trade can be profitable is to purchase a tract for cash,
subdivide it into farms of different sizes to accommodate dif>
ferent settlers, and dispose of them at fair prices as soon as
possible. In tiiis way the land trade is fair and honourable,
being exactly similar tc thut of buying any other commodity
by wholesale, and selling it by retail ; the public are accom-
mtxlafed, and the land-dealer has his certain reward. In any
other way speculations in land are hazardous. Good lands
rise in value certainly: but such as speculate in them on a
large scale, with a view of making money, will in all probabi-
lity be disappointed ; for the accumulation of interest, and the
operation of the land-tax, will be found, generally, to amount
to more than the rise on the lands.

Next} York.

In Long Island and the vicinity of New York, land is rising
rapidly in value. Land is worth from 3/. Is. 6d. to 34/. per
acre. Farmers do not succeed very well, from the indifference
of soil, high price of labour, and general want of capital. The
breed of horses is good, but not large : one fit for a waggon is
worth 221, 10s. ; a saddle or drawing horse, S5l. ; gig horse,
33/. 15.V. to 56/. 5s. ; carriage ditto, 90/ to 120/. ; fine riding
ditto, 90/. to 120/. Cows are worth — lean, 9/.; fat, 11/. 5s.
to 13/. 10.?. Pigs are sold, per pound, alive; the present
price is 7d. ; sheep, 9*. They are very small : an entire car-
case is not much larger than a Leicestershire leg of mutton.
A sheep, when fattened for market, is 13*. 6d. A good farm
cart is worth 7/. to 9/. ; a ditto waggon, 221. to 23/. ; a fanner's
man-servant, 24/. to 30/. per year; a ditto woman, 12/. to 16/.
Early wheat is cut in the middle of July. The wheat and
rye harvest is completed by the end of August ; buck-wheat,
in October; Indian corn, ditto; oats, middle of August;
grass, from 1st to the end of July. The seed for winter, rye
and wheat, is sown from end of August to end of September.

Pennsi/Ivania.

There are good farms within 20 miles of Philadelphia, which
can be purchased at from 80 to 100 dollars per acre, buildings

fl]

I,. if

VIEW OP THE

included. Limestone lan.l will sell far 5200 dollars. In a
farm of 200 ceres, the proportion may he estimated at iK) acres
of ploughing, 60 of meadow, 10 of "^orchard, and 50 oi" wood
land. The latter, near the citj, is worth .'i to 400 dollars per
•ore. A farm of the alwve dcHcriptioii is worth, if within five
miles of the capital, 20,000 dollars ; at from 20 to 40 miles'
distance, 10,000 dollars. Uncleared lands, in remote parts of
the state, vary in price from half a dollar to 20 dollar.-* per
acre.

The rennsylvanian horse is a medium between our saddle
and heavy cart horses, and is well suited Jbr most purposes.
They are worth from 50 to 150 dollars (11/. 2.». 6d. to mi. 7s.
6d.). A farm waggon will cost 100 to 120 dollars (22/. lO.v.
to 27/.); a family ditto, 70 to 90 dollars; ditto with springs,
150 dollars; neat gig, 300; best ditto, 450; a farm cut, 50
dollars. The annual expence of keeping a family wa.To-„u
and horse is about 50 dollars. ""^

Well-improved land will produce, on .in average, 25 bushels
of wheat per acre (a farmer within e.ght irnles of the city has
raised 40) ; ditto of Indian corn, 25 to 50. Wheat is sold at
from 160 to 220 cents (7*. 8d. > 0.v. Ud.) per bushel ; Indian
com, 80 to 100 cents (3... 7d. to 4... 6d.) ; mts, 40 to 55 cents
(U,9d. to 8j. 5J(/.): they are lighter than the English.
Meadows are usually ploughed in rotation, and planted with
Indian com. Orchards are also put under the plough, grain
not being considered as injurious to the fruit. A good milch
cow, font years old, is worth 51. I3s. 6d. Sheep are much
smaller tlian ours. Half-blood Merino are ll.v. 3d.', three-
quarters blood, 13*. 6d. ; full ditto, 22*. 6d. ; rams are 41. 10*.
to 11/. a». 6d. ; pigs four weeks old are 2*. 3d. ; a sow and
ditto, 1/. 11*. 6d. to 2/. 14*. ; a hog of 100 pounds, 1/. 11*. Qd.
to 2/. 5*. ; a yoke of oxen, 15/. 15*. to 28/. 10*.

Pittshur.

ff-

Land in the neighbourhood of Pittsburg is worth 100 dol-
lars per acre. At a distance of from five to twenty miles,
tracts of from 100 to 500 acres, containing meadow, pasturage,
arable, and part covered with \TOod, have been recently sold

UNITED STATES.

479

at from SO to 50 dollars per acre. Wheat brings a dollar a
bushel; Indian corn, ^6 cents a bushel. A four year old
cart-horse is worth from 20 to 30 dollars; a gig ditto, 60 to
100; a saddle ditto, 20 to 150; a farmer's waggon, 100 (hi-
lars; a family ditto, from 50 to 70; cart, 50. Sheep arc
from one to three dollars; live hogs from ^d. to 4JJ. a
IJound ; a good roasting i)ig, 4.?. iid. Wool ia but little in
demand since the terniiiiation of the war. Clean Merino is
worth here 5*. 8d. to 6*. 9(1 per pound ; fleece, 3*. 5d. ; half-
bred, 2«. Qd. ; quarter, 21rf. A brick house, two stories high,
containing ten rooms, may be built, with good management,
in the country for 4000 dollars (900/.), as the bricks can be
made upon the land, and the ' help' boarded in the house. In
towns, a similar building will cost 6000 dollars (1360/.) exclu-
sive of the ground, which, in particular situations, as of all
towns that promise well, is dearer than the most choice spot in
the city of London !

"• Kentucky.

The price of lands iu t»^i8 state depends on a variety of cir-
cumstances, such as the convenience of shipping produce, the
contiguity on' the same to some populous town, the quality of
the land, its water privileges, and the permanency of such

Streams. A general estimation may be made as follows:

Those within 5 miles of its capital are from 20 to 40 dol-
lars per acre ; 5 to 10 miles, 1() to 20 dollars ; lo to 15
miles, from 5 to 15 dollars. This statement supposes no
improvements to have been made on the land. Such land
is computed to produce from 50 to 75 bushels of Indian corn
per acre, and very frequently 100 bushels when well tilled.
As wheat requires land not so rich, its produce is less, being
from 20 to 30 bushels per acre ; 30 to 40 of oats ; 20 to 30 of
rye ; 1000 to 1500 pounds of tobacco, and about the same
quantity of hemp, may be taken as fair averages, although
frequently a much greater quantity is produced. « The price
of good field negroes is now about 800 dollars. The annual
cxpence of such hands may be estimated at from 75 to 100
dollars; ditto for clotring, at from 12 to 15 more;— say toge-

m ■

^ajSi gi i w i i ni ,»'— <• '

I V

VIEW OF THE

ther 87 to lia, or an average of 100 dollars per annum.
Thiir provisions differ but little from hired vhite scrvuntH.'
In general, farmers command a reiidy caih sale for their pro-
duce. The old custom of carrying it to the New Orleans
market is nearly superseded by the creation of a new order of
tradesmen, who are a medium between the western farmer and
the Orleans merchant.

Ohio.

In the Btate of Ohio, the United States' lands sell at two
dollars per acre. « Taxes on wild land,' says Fearon, » are, on
first-rate 2 dollars per hundred acres; IJ dollar on second-
ratw; one dollar on third-rate. There is also a county-tax of
half the above amounts, as the case may be. These taxes of
6s. 9d. to liis. &/. on an hundred acres are certainly very
small, at least with our En^^lish ideas of taxation and of pro-
duce ; yet you would be astonished to witness the numerous
lots of land which are sold at auction in all the states on ac-
count oi' non-paymeiit of taxes. I have seen lists in the news-
papers, and at the taverns, which could not contain I .i in
each than four hundred names of defaulters, whose property
was to be transferre<l to the highest bidder.'

Well-prepared land in this - iduces, per acre, 30

bushels of wheat; 50 to 75 o( ..,dian corn ; 50 to 75 of rye!
Horses are worth from 40 to 100 dollars (9/. to 22/. 10*.)
Cows, (four years old,) VZ to 20 dollars (64«. Xv 90*.) The
yearly wages of a labouring man is from 58/. 10*. to 65/. ; of
a woman, iiU. 10*.

IlUnois.

Private sales at the land-office are here, as in all other parts
of the Union, fixed at 2 dollars, or 1 dollar 64 cents for
prompt payment. Tlie public sales by auction have nor , for
the most choice tracts, exceeded six tloUars per acre : the i.Jd
French settlements are from 1 to 50 dollars per acre. The
land-tax is levied on the same principle as described in Ohio.
The military bounty lands in this state amount to 3,500,000
acres. They are appropriated to the soldiers who were en-

UNITED STATES.

48t

gagod in the late war, and arc frequently sold by them in the
eaHtem staten, for a (juarter and a half dollar per acre. In-
dian corn (maize) is the leading article of produce. There
are some fields of fiOO acres, cultivated in common by the pet>.
pic of a whole Bettlement. Wheat is abundant, except where
the soil is too rich. Flax, hemp, oats, potatoes, and cotton
arc also productive, giving very considerable crops. The
French have made excellent wine from a wild grape, which
grows here luxuriantly. Indian com produces, with mcxlerate
care, and in a favourable soil, 50 to 70 bushels per acre;
wheat, 20 to 30 ; barley, 20 to 30 ; oats, 30 to 60 ; tobaoco,
10 to 19 hundred. Indian corn sells from ISd. to Id^d. per
bushel ; wheat, Qa. 4Jd. ; oats, 19^^. ; tobacco, 20«. 3rf. per
hundred. The price of horses is from 13/. 1()«. to 18/. ; cows,
4/. to 5/. ; a good sow, 2/. 14*. ; beef is sold at 2{i». 6d. per
hundred ; pork, IBs. dd. to 18*. Labourers are paid 2*. Sd.
per day, and board. Clothing and groceries are extremely
dear. Indian corn is gathered in November. Wheat is cut
in Jun and housed in July. Pork for exportation is killed
in December. Freight from Shawnee town to Louisville (dis-
tance 307 miles) is bs. per cwt. ; Jrom Louisville, 1*. Sd. ;
Jrom Shawnee to New Orleans, (distance 1130 miles,) 4*. 6d. ;
Jrom New Orleans, 20*. Qd. ; Shawnee to Pittsburg, (distance
1013 miles,) 16*. dd. ; Jrom, Pittsburg, 4*. 6d. This vast
disproportion in charge of freight is produced by the difference
in time, in navigating up and doxcn the streams of the Ohio
and Mississippi. A log cabin of two rooms can be raised for
11/. 5*. to 16/. ; a frame houke, 10 to 14 feet square, for 130/.
to 15'J/. ; a ioQ kitchen, 7/. to 8/. ; a log stable, 7/. to 9/. ; a
barn, 18/. to 22/. ; fencing, 13rf. per rood , ditching, in prairie
land, I6d. to 2.», per rood.

New Engliind.

Arable land, in the immediate neighbourhood of Boston, is
worth from 50 to 100 dollars per acre (11/. ':1s. M. to 22/. 5*.),
farm-house and buildings included. The same quantity of
land, at from 8 to 30 miles from Boston, brings from 20 to 30
dollars ; — meadow and pasturage, from 10 to SO dollars ; or-
81 3 P

.^M.

482

VIEW OF THE

chard ditto, 50 to 100 dollars per acre. Wood land, near
towns, is, of course, more valuable than any other, its worth
also increasing yearly. Moderatc-sized farms usually contain
all the different kinds of land, in, of course, varied proper,
tions. PJaister of Paris is used for manure. There are some
nch farmers in the New England states, but generally it is not
an occupation by which more than a living can he obtained.
• Gentlemcn^farmcrs do not make more than from two to
three per cent, of their capital. The more wealthy farmers,
from 20 to 40 miles from Boston, own large pastures, at the
distance of from iiO to 6'() miles from their residence; and in
the mountainous parts of New Hampshire and Vermont, cattle
and sheep are fattened for the Boston market.

^*.

V. Tim RtGHTS AND DHTIES OF A rERMANEMT SKTTLEM.

A person who lands in America with the intention of set-
thng, ought, as soon as possible, to acquire a correct notion of
the laws and duties required of him by the society which he
has adopted. Tins subject is explained with considerable
clearness by the committee of the Shamrock Society, and
which we will therefore present to our readers.

♦ Before any other step towards forming a settlement, the
stranger should take the proper measures fbr aajuiring citizen-
ship; and the advantages of this are imporrtant and obvious,
independent of its conferring jwlitical privileges. Without it
yoii will remain exempted, indeed, by mild laws, from wrong;
but destitute of some valuable positive rights. The alien, in
most of the states, is not entitled to hold any lands, can ob-
tain no office under the state, nor participate in the shipping
interest of the country.

'It is fit the emigrant should be distinctly apprised (for it
will conciliate his attachment and gratitude to the country of
4iis adoption) that no where in the world is a weltconducted
fbreieiier received into the bosom of the state with equal libe-
rality and readiness as in America. When, on the 4th of
July, 1776, the congress unanimously adopted a Declaration
of Independence, and delivered their country from the dorat.

liand, nea'T
its worth
lly contain
id propor.
i are sutne
\y it is not
btained.
m two to
y farmers,
■es, at the
e ; and in
3nt, cattle

TTLEM.

)n of set-
notion of
which he
isiderable
ety, and

lent, the
I citizen-
obvious,
ithout it
I wrong ;
alien, in
can ob.
ihipping

\ (for it
jntry of
□ducted
tal libe^
4th of
laration
e domli

UNITED STATES.

nidn of the king of England, this was one of the complaints
alleged against him : " Ho has endeavoured to prevent the
population of these states; fur that purpose obstructing the
laws for naturalization of foreigners." The same liberal feel-
ing has prevailed in the government of the United States, from^
that memorable day to this, with one exception, during the
administration of president Adams. The stranger, however,
is certainly exposed to incidents which may lead him to doubt
the truth of this assertion. He may light upon an ignorant,
a prejudiced, or illiberal wretch, who will manifest an ill will
towards him because he is a foreigner, and perhaps revive
British and royalists'" taunts in a new form: but these, thef
scum of a country, are totally insignificant when compared
with the mass of the people. The best men in America have
always been ready to welcome the valuable emigrant, the
stranger of moi'al and industrious habits. An author, eminent
as a statesman, a scholar, and philosopher, speaking in his
Discourse to the Philosophical Society of New York, of the
advantages which Cicero boasted that Rome had derived from
Athens, adds —

" We are perhaps more favoured in another point of view.
Attica was peopled from Egypt ; but we can boast of our de-
scent from a superior stock — I speak not of families or dynas-
ties ; 1 refer to our origin from those nations where civilization,
knowledge, and refinement, have erected their empire, and
where human nature has attained its greatest perfection. An-
nihilate Holland, Great Britain, Ireland, France, and Ger-
many, and what would become of civilized man? This
country, young as il is, would he the great Atlas remaining to
support the dignity of the world. And, perhaps, our mingled
descent from various nations may have a benign influence
upoii genius. We perceive the improving effects of an analo-
gous state upon vegetables and inferior animals. The extra-
ordinary character which the United States have produced
may be, in some measure, ascribed to the mixed blood of so
many nations flowing in our veins : and it may m conHdently
said, the operation of causes, acting with irresistible effect, will
carry, in this country, all the improvabl* facilities of human

'■V

VIEW OF TIIE

nature to the highest state of perfection." (See Clinton's In-
troductort/ Discourse.)
;You will, however, observe, tliat the privilege of citizen-

♦kT "uT u*^'**"'"^ ''''''°"* P^P^^ precautions; to secure
that, while the worthy are admitted, the unworthy should, if
practicable, be rejected. You will from hence deduce the

nSTghl ^"^ '""''''^ ''^^'*'' *'*" ^ "'^ acquisition of

fJJ''^ *''^' *° J'f '*''"" ^y " ^^''^'g"^'' P'-^Paratory to, and
for the purpose of his being naturalized, are these :~

1st. He must, at least five years before he can be adnnt-
ted a citizen of the United States, report himself at the office
ot one of the courts of record, within the state or territory
Where he may be; and in that report set forth his name,
birth-place, age, nation, and prior allegiance, together with
the country which he has left to come into the United States,
and the pU ,, his intended settlement. In general, forms
of h,. re,: . ,1 be funiished by the clerk of the court, who
will also give a certificate under the seal of the court, that the
report has been made and filed. This certificate must be
carefully kept for the purpose of being produced at the time
ot apphcation for admission to citizenship.

«This step of reporting one's arrival is indispensable, and
ought to be taken as soon as possible, because the five years of
probation begin to be counted only from the date of the report •
and the time which a foreigner may have previously spent in
the country cannot be rendered of any service towards his na.
turalization.

'2d At least three years before the alien can be natu.
ralized, he must appear before some one of the courts of re-
cord, withm the state or territory where he may be, and there
declare, on oath, that it is in good faith his intention to become
a citizen of the United States; to renounce, for ever, all alle-
glance and fidelity to any sovereign prince, potentate, state,
or sovereignty whatever; and particularly, by name, to the
prince potentate, state, or sovereign, whereof he may, at the
t.me, be . citizen or subject. This oath, or affirmation, whicli
must have been made at least three years before the admission

UNITED STATES.

48»

or citizenship, may be made at any convenient time after the
report of arrival. Indeed, it is sometimes made on the same
day, so as to save trouble, and prevent disappointment from
future negligence or forgetfulness. For another reason that
will be presently pointed out, the sooner it is done the safer
and the better. The clerk of the court also gives a certificate
that this oath or affirmation has been duly made, which, like
the former, must be carefully kept, for the purpose of being
produced At the time of applying for naturalization.

'3d. At this period, the applicant, after producing both
those certificates, must declare on oath, or affirmation, before
some of the same courts, that he will support the constitution
of the United States. He must also satisfy the court (which
cannot be done by the affidavit of the applicant himself, and is
usually done by the affidavits of two respectable citizens, who
know and can testify to the facts) that he has resided within
the United States five years at least, and within the state or
territory where he applies to be admitted at least one year,
and diat during such time he has l)ehaved as a man of good
moral character, attached to the principles of the constitution
of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and
happiness of the same. The clerk will thereupon make out
a certificate of naturalization, under the seal of the court;
which should be carefully kept, and ready to be produced
whenever it may be requisite.

' The liberality of congress has extended the benefits of this
admission to citizenship beyond those who perform these re-
quisites; for the children of a person so naturalized, being
under age, and dwelling in the United States at the time of
their parents'* naturalization, also become citizens And still
further, if any ahen who shall have regularly reported himself,
and made oa»h or affirmation declaratory of his intentions,
(which, as we have seen, must precede his own admission by
three years,) should unfortunately die before he was actually
naturalized, his widow and children would thenceforth be con-
sidered as citizens of the United States, and be entitled to all
rights and privileges as such, upon taking the oaths prescribed

,:Pr-

486

VIEW OF THE

by law. This provision, therefore, furnishes a very stron.
inducement for losing no tin.e in taking the oath declaratory
or the party s intention. ^

mkH" '''V"**''f* ^^^''^'^ *'^ emigrant's choosing a place of
abode, and oompleung the five years of probationary residence,
wbch «ust e apse before he can become a citi^en of the United
bta tes, he will do well to familiarise himself with the state of
parues, and acquire a correct knowledge of our constitutions
of civd government. He will become a respectable and cana-
bte citwen m proportion to his information and virtue. Libe-

Lhtr ■' "''^'' "'" ^ ^'"^^"^ P""^'P'«^ «^ «"^ government,
winch, as It secures hberty and property, and neither makes

nor suffers religious distinctions, l,etter deserves the fidelity
^ good men than the tyramiical governments of Europe
Ours mamtams the rights of the people; theirs, the absoluTe
power ot princes.

*No emigrant ought to stay rhore than one week in the

r n^: TL " ^"'^T""""^ *" P^««"^^ the constitution of
the United States, and, at least, that of the state in which he
means to reside. The.Federal Constitution, and those of the
several states are printed and bound together in a neat pocket
Pohtr'l «K, n'f ''''"" °^ Independence, and form a

«an ' "" ^-^^^^^'"^ ^tudy of every reflecting

*The greater part of our state constUutions were formed
soon after the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed by
congress. By them are regulated the internal local relations
of citizens m each state; they constitute the main guards of
our freedom. The general government (whose constitution
ivas formed by delegates from twelve states, assembled in con-
vention at Philadelphia, in 1787) has the sole direction of our
foreign affairs, and the mutual relations of the states The
government oi the United States is administered by a nresi-
dent and vice-president, elected fbr four years ; by a senate of
two members from each state, elected for six years; by a
house of representatives, chosen for two years by the people;
and by judges, kc. appointed according to law. The senators

UNITED STATES.

aic elected by the states, and this feature 6f the cdnstifutioti is
deemed federal ; the rej^resentdtives are elected by the people^
and here the constitution is more particularly Dttional.

' In each of these states th^re is a governor and two legisla-
tive branches chosen by the people, or their representatives^
according to each constitution. The governor in each state
is, by virtue of his office, commander-in-chief of the militia 06
the same. '

' When the federal constitution was formed, it was laid be-
fore the people, who, in each state, chose a convention to adcfpt
or reject it. It was debated in every convention with unoom-'
mon ardour, and finally adc^ted in 1788. The s^)eeche«
made on those occasions shed streams of ligh: on the science
of government, and its just division of power : neither foreign-
ers nor natives can read them too carefully.

' During the discussion of the federal constitution, advocate*
of some of its most federative provisions were called Federal
ists. But when it was adopted it became the law to all, and
was in all its parts sincerely agreed to by all ; those opposite
terms, therefore, ceased to be properly applicable any longer^
Yet a political party seized hold of the epithet, which was
merely occasional, and have made it perpetual. They are'
called Federalists to this day, without any reference to' the
origin of the term ; the opposite party are known as Republi-
cans or Democrats, terms significant of their attachment to
pqoular government. The federal party, on the contrary, orj
to speak more correctly, many of their leaders, are thought to'
have a leaning towards aristocracy.

* We ought never to be the slaves or dupes of mere names ]
and it will become the duty of a good citizen to act with one
party or the other, as far as he thinks its means more honour*
able, and its objects naore just.

' When the federal party were in power, a law was passed
authorising the president of the United States to s«id friendly
aliens out of the country, on mere suspicion, without the in*
tervention of judge or jury ! This is remembered as the
Alien Act. Moreover, citizenship could not be them acquired
' without a previous re^dence of fourteen years.

.» V

\fk '■

418

VIEW OF THE

*0n the 4th of March, 1801, a democratic administration
came into powet ; president Jefferson having been chosen in-
stead of Mr. Adams. The acts of the government soon ma-
nifested a more liberal spirit. The following passage from
Mr. Jefferson's message to congress, December 8, 1801, had
its influence on, or harmonised witli, the general opinion as to
the impolicy (to say the least) of the inhospitable acts which
we have just mentioned : —

" I cannot omit recommending a revival of the laws on the
subject of naturalization. Considering the ordinary chances
of human life, a denial of citizenship under a residence of
fourteen years is a denial to n great proportion of those who
ask it, and controls a policy pursued from their first settlement
by many of the states, and still believed of consequence to their
prosperity, &c. &c. Shall oppressed humanity find no asylum
on this globe ? The constitution, indeed, has wisely provided
that, for admission to certain ofiices of important trust, a resi-
dence shall be required sufficient to develope character and
design. But might noi the general character and capabilities
of a citizen be safely communicated to every one manifesting
a bona Jide purpose of embarking his life and fortunes perma-
nently with us ?"

*Let us not be suspected of indulging in narrow prejudices,
of inflaming party feeling, or saying that one set of politicians
are exclusively the friends of aliens, another entirely hostile;
we have given you specimens of the policy of each. The sen-
timents of Mr. Jefferson, just cited, reflect great credit on his
head and heart. So far, however, from inviting aliens to
plunge into politics, we dissuade them from it , it is their duty
to be modest observers of parties and principles ; it is their
part to form opinions, but not to meddle ; to see, but not to
touch; to look on, but not to interfere; until having been
five years spectators of the busy and important movements of
a nation of freemen, they may become actors in their turn,
under the solemn obligation which citizenship imposes.

' The source of every blessing, and itself the most valuable
of all which America offers to the emigrant, is a degree of
civil and political liberty more ample, and better secured, in

UNITED STATES.

489

this republic than any where in the whole world besides. The
persecutions of kings and priests, and the denial of rights,
which drove a freedom-loving race from Europe to these
shores, the same continue to operate to the present day. This
is all to our gain ; for they who escape from the dungeons of
tyranny there, will here be zealous to support the noble edifice
of liberty ; while the private welfare of each man, fairly pur-
sued, forms the benefit of all, and constitutes the public good.

♦ The principles of liberty which are embodied in our frame
of government and in our laws, branch out likewise th^vgh
every department of society, mould our manners, and deter-
mine the character even of our domestic relations. They
have the effect of producing, generally, in the deportment of
individuals, who know neither superiors nor inferiors, a cer-
tain degree of ease and dignity, that is equally r( moved from
servility and arrogance. It is one of the practical results of
those principles, that the poorer classes in this community are
more civilized, more polite and friendly, though not so sub-
missive, as persons of the same fortunes in Europe. They
are also usually followed by in"' ,.tial justice in the equal dis-
tribution of family property. Hence opulence is rarely seen
to accumulate in one branch, while others languish in genteel
beggary. As there is no where an aristocratic establishment,
the amplitude of the community is never broken up into little
compartments, envious and contemptuous of each other. —
Every man's range of occupation is extended, while every
state is held worthy of respect. Honest industry no where
derogates, but the facility of providing for a family is every
where enlarged.

' Nothing is n*on^ worthy of regard than the contrast be-
tween the general demean 5ur of Europeans living here, and
what is alleged of the same people, and others similar to them,
whilst under the yoke of transatlantic governments. In New
York city alone are supposed to be not less than twelve thou-
sand Irish, and the number of all other loreigners may proba-
bly be as many. The other great cities of the United States
have an equal proportion according to their population ; and
emigrants from the old world are settled, and in progress of

3 Q.

|%<'

pi j

490

VIEW OF THF

settlement, every where throughout the Union ; yet here they
are never accused of sedition, or rebellion, »r conspiracy
against the government. They are never disarmed by a mili-
tary force; and no magistrate trembles when thev provide
themselves with ammunition. They are, indeed,' the most
strenuous supporters of the government; and it is evident
that a country may exist in the utmost good order, peace, and
prosperity, under such a system of law as they are willing to
maintain with their lives. It is manifest, therefore, that if the
laws were in Europe what they are Ijere, Europe need not
■ drive her children into exile. The same men who are called
rebels there, are esteemed and tranquil citizens here, without
having changed their nature or their sentiments. But here
the law is made by the majority for the good of the great
numbdr; and for this reason it is essentially equal and impar-
tial. It prohibits nothing but what is in iftelf morally wrong.
Hence, there are fewer laws,, and fewer transgressions; but
when a real transgression happens, an offended community is
always prompt to support the law; for it then vindicates its
own decision, and its own safety.

' You then, who left the abject condititm of European sub-
jects; who will never encounter the persecution of kings,
lords, or hierarchies ; who are now beyond the fantastic ty-
ranny of those governments that exterminate catholics in one
country, and connive at the massacre of protestants in another ;
what more is requisite to engage your love and veneration of
the free constitution of America, than to remember what you
were, what you have witnessed, what you have suffered, and
to reflect on what you are about to become, and the blessings
you have it in your power to enjoy?'

Such is the representation made by this Irish society as an
encouragement for their countrynjen to emigrate. By the
tenor of the foregoing pages, it will be understood that we
consider the United States as the best country in the world
tor a poor labouring man ; though the ardent and enlightened
lover of freedom must not expect to find that pure and disin-
terested patriotism, in men boldiog official situations, which he
may have exjjected.

l'^

UNITED STATES.

491

In the account given of the different states, the various
plans of government which they have adopted are noticed.
♦ In most of the state-governments,' says Mr. Cobhctt, ' the
election is annual for the house of' representatives. In some,
the governor and the senate are elected for a longer period,
not exceeding ,/mr years in any case. Hut, in some, the
whole, governor, senate, and represen ativcs, are elected AN-
NUALLY ; and this last appears nov/ to be the prevailing
taste. The suffrage., or qualijkations of electors, is very va-
rious. In some states every free man, that is, every man who
is not bondman or slave, has a vote. In others, the payment
of a tax is required. In others, a man must be worth a hun-
dred pounds. In Virginia a man must be & freeholder.

« In Virginia, and the states where negro slavery exists, the
slaves are reckoned amongst the population in apportioning
the scats in the general congress. So that, the slaves do not
vote; but their owners have votes for them. • * ♦ ♦ ♦
The right of suffrage in America is, however, upon the whole,
sufficient to guard the people against any general and long-
existing abuse of power; for, let it be liorne in mind, that
here tlie people elect all the persons who are to exercise
power ; while, even if our Reform were obtained, there would
still be two branches out of the three, over whom the people
would have no direct controul. Besides, in England, Ireland,
and Scotland, there is an established church ; a richly endow-
ed and powerful hierarchy ; and this, which is really a fourth
branch of the government, has nothing to resemble it in Ame-
rica. So that, in this country, the whole of the government
may be truly said to be in the hands of the people. Tlie
people are, in reality as well as in name, represented.

« The consequences of this are, 1st, That, if those who are
chosen do not behave well, they are not chosen a second time.
2cl, That there are no sinecure placemen and place women,
grantees, pensioners without services, and big placemen who
swallow the earnings of two or three thousand men each. 3d,
That there is no military staff to devour more than the whole
of a government ought to cost. 4th, That there are no proud
and insolent grasping borough-mongers, who make the people

i-}|

« .= 1

i -is-i

VIEW OP THE

to.l and sureat to kc«p them and their families in luxury. 6th.
Ihat seat. u. the congress are not hke stalls in Sniithfield
bought ar,d sold or hired out. 6th, That the memCof
congress do not sell their votes at so much a vote. 7th, That

sioned by the bnb.ng of electors, or by the hiring Vf spies and

and no l.gal murders committed, in order to defend the «o!
vermuent agamst the just vengeance of an oppressed and in-
su ed nauon; but all is harmony, peace, and prosperity.
Eve.y man as zealous n. defence of the laws, because every
mn knows that he is governed by laws, to which he has really
diid truly given his assent.' "^

The same writer afterwards observes, * But it is not the
name of republ^ that secures these, or any other of the bless-
"3gs of freedom. As gross acts of tyranny may be committed,
•nd as base corruption practised, under that name as under
the name of absolute monarchy. And it becomes the people
oi America to guard their minds against ever being, in any
case, amused with names. It is the fair representation of the
people that is the cause of all the good; and. if this be ob-
tamed, I, for my part, will nerer quarrel wr ', any body about
names. •'

He continues, 'On the subject of taxes and priests, I will
address myself more immediately to my old neighbours at
Motley, and endeavour to make them understand what Ame-
rica IS as tp taxes and priests. Worried, my old neighbours,
as you are by tax-gatherers of all <lescriptions, from the conn-
ty-collector, who rides in his coach and four, dow . to the
petty wmdaw-peeper, the Jittle miserable spy, who is con-
stantly on the look-out for you, as if he were a thief-catcher and
you were thieves; devoured as you are by these vermin, big
and httle, you will with difficulty form an idea of he state of
America in this respect. It is a state of such blessedness,
when compared with the state of things i„ England, that I
despair of being able to make you fully comprehend what it
IS. Here a man may make new windows, or shut up old win-
dows, as often as he pleases, wiUiout being compelled under a

UNITED STATES.

493

penalty to give notice to nome innolent tax-gathering «py.
Here he may keep as many horsen ns he likes, he may ride
them or drive them nt his pleasure, he may sell them or keep
them, he may lend them or breed from them ; he may, as far
as their nature allows, do the same with regard to his dogs;
he may employ his servants in his house, in his stables, in his
garden, or in his fields, just ns he pleases; he may, if he be
foolish enough, have armorial bearings on his carriage, his
watch-seals, on his plate, and, if he likes, on his very buckets
and porridge pots; he may write his receipts, his bills, his
leases, his bonds^ and deeds upon unstamped paper; his wife
and daughters may wear French gloves and lace, and French
and India silks; he may purchase or sell lands, and may sue
at law for his rights: and all thest', and a hundred other
things, without any dread of the interloping and insolent in-
terference of a tax-gatherer or spy of any description. Lastly,
when he dies, he can bequeath his money and goods and
houses and lands to whomsoever he pleases ; and he can close
hih eyes without curses in his heart against a rapacious band
of placemen, ptmsioners, grantees, sinecure holders, staff-offi-
cers, borough-jobbers, and blood-money spies, who stand
ready to take from his friends, his relations, his widow, and
his children, a large part of what he leaves, under the name
of a tax upon legacies.

< But you will ask, «' Are there no taxes in America .?" Yes ;
and taxes, or public contr-hutions of some sort, there must be in
every civilised state ; oth. rwise government could not exist, and
without government there could be no security for property or
persons. The taxes ni America consist principally of custom
duties imposed on goods imported into the country. During
the late war, there were taxes on several things in the coun-
try ; but they were taken off at the peace. In the cities and
large towns, where paving and lamps and drains and scaven-
gers are necessary, there are, of course, direct contributions to
defray the expence of these. There are also, of course, county
rates and road rates. But as the iioney thus raised is em-
ployed .for the immediatt benefit of those who pay, and is ex-
pended amongst themselves and under their own immediate

IIM

494

VIRVV OF THE

la^pcction, it does not pnrtake of the i.ati.r,. of a tnx. The
taxes or duties on goods imparled yield n oreat sum ..( money '
and, owing to the por.sons employed iu the collection being
appointed tor their integrity and al.ility, and not on nm.unt
ot their connection with any set of bribing «„d corrupt bo-
rough-mongerH, the whole of the in(mev thus collected is fairlv
apphed to the public use, and is amply sufficient for all the
purposes of government. The army, if it can be so called,
costs but a mere triHe. It consists (,f a few men, wlio are ab-
soJutely necessary to keep forts from crumbling' down, and
guns fro.n rotting with rust. The navy is an object of care,
and Its support and increase a cans- ,i -isiderable expence.
liut the government, relying on Ik- trcKjd sense and valour
of a people, who must hate or < i9;v<rard . -emselves before
they can hate or disregard that wi.i."h so m lifestlv promotes
their own happhiess, has no need to t -end much on nny sik.--
cies of warlike preparations. The government could uui stand
a week if it were hated by the people; nor, indeed, ought it
to stand an hour. It has the hearts of the people with it, and
therefore it need expend nothing in blood-money, or in secret
services of any kind. Hence the cheapness of this govern-
ment ; hence the small amount of the taxes ; hence the ease
and happiness of the })eople.'

VI. THE PROSPECTS OF VARIOUS CLASSES OF EMIC.RANTS.

We have, in the preceding sections, endeavoured to give a
general idea of the circumstances respecting which emigrants
must feel the greatest anxiety; and will now proceed to detail
the advantages and disadvantages that may attend different
classes of emigrants, such as gentlemen, farmeis, merchants
and manufacturers, mechanics, labourers, artists, &c.

1. Gentlemen.

America is not the country of gentlemen. Perhaps another
century will elapse before this class of society becomes nume,
rous. Here every one is employed in some business, or in
superintending some improvement. Yet as some, possessed

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495

of a competctjcy, may in these eventful times wish to cDiigratc,
and secure tlieir property and their safety in the United
States, we will here notice tho advuntap;c8 which they may
expect to enjoy. As these are irva f^reat measure proportioned
to the expt-nccs of house-keeping, ii will be necessary to enter
into this subject more in detail.

Mr. Fearon recommends to the man of small property, who
intends living up<jn the interest, and wants to remove to a
cheaper country than JOngland, to pause before the object of
iiis choice ")• America. This writer has given tlve following

statement ./.t'.-, H 's (an English emigrant) expences for

six njonths, ending the 1st of March, 1818; but which does
not appear to be very extravagant :—

' This family consists of thirteen : Mr. H , Mrs H ,

three Misses H sixteen years of age and upwards, two

ditto younger, four i.M/ys four to twelve years of age, one wo-
man servant, one girl.

' They occupy the whole (.store excepted) of an excellent
house in Market-street, Philadelphia ; in it there are 13 rooms,
kitchen included, and three cellars. The rent is 500 dollars
per annum. The following account is for the first six months
of their residence in the United States. It includes rent, and
what little clothes the females may have found necessary to
purchase, in consequence of the difference of American fa-
shions ; also about 100 dollars for travelling expences. Their
style of living is extremely plain, respectable, and economical

1817,
'Sept. 1st to 8th.

Dollars. Cents.
One week's board and lodg-

ing at u boarding house
Sept. 8th. Wood for firing
Wine and spirits
Other expences
Wood (firing)
Other expences
Wood (firing)

Shoes . - . -
Other expences
Schooling (for two boys)

199

149

221

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VIEW OF THE

Wine and spirits ...

Auroni nowspuper - , .

Sdiooling (eldest boy)

Wood (firing)

Ditto ditto . - . . ,

OtluT expences - - - ,

Schooling (for two boys)

Total, 1st Sept. 1817, to March, 1818

loUurs.

Cents

^.0

3.9

388

1.S13 7'"F

*Thi8 account docs not include tho expenditure for house-
hold furniture: they have r,uid ibr Scotch carpeting, yard
wide, (commonest qualities) 170 cents per yard ; str carpet-
n»fi, narrow, strong, and common, of domestic manufacture,
100 cents per yard ; oil-cloth, yard wide, 175 cents per yard ;
Wmdsor Chan-, 21(,' ccnt.s each ; fancy ru.sh bottoms, light and
genteel, IJ75 cents each.'

But the celebrated Cobbett enters into this subject with his
usual precision and boldness; and which we will beg leave to
•rter in his own strong and impressive language.

♦ In the great cities and towns,' says he, ' house rent is very
high-priced ; but then nobody but mad people live there ex-
cept they have business there, and then they are paid back
their rent in the profits of that business. This is so plain a
matter, that no argument is necessary. It is unnecessary to
speak about the expences of a farm-house ; becau^ic the farmer
eats, and very frequently wears, his own produce. If these
bo high-priced, so is that part which he t^ells. Thus both
ends meet with him.

« I am, therefore, supposing the case of a man, who follows
no business, and who lives upon what he has got. In Eng-
land lie cannot eat and drink and wear the interest of his mo-
ney ; for the borough-mongers have pawned half his inoinie,
and they will have it or his blood. He wishes to escape from
this alternative. He wislies to keep his blood, and enjoy his
money too. He would come to America ; but he does not
know whether prices here will not make up for tlie robl>ery of

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the borough-villains ; and liu wishes to know too what Hort of
S(K:iety he is goiftig into.

« The price of houHO-rent and fuel is, when at more than
three miles from New York, as low as it is at the same dis-
tance from any great city or town in England. The price of
wheaton bread is a third lower than it is in any part of Eng-
land. The price of beef, muilon, lunib, veal, small pork,
hog-meat, poultry, is one-half the London price; the first as
good, the two next very nearly as good, and all tJie rest far,
very far, better than in London. The sheep aiid lambs that
I now kilt ft)r my house are as fat as any that I ever s.Trt^ 'n
all my lif«; and they have been running in wild ground,
wholly uncultivated ibr many years, all the summer. A
lamb, killed the week before last, weighing in the whole thir-
ty-eight pounds, had five pounds of loose fat and three pounds
and ten ounces of suet. We cut a pound of solid Ikt from
each breast ; and after that it was too fat to be pleasant to eat.
My flock being small, forty, or thereabouts, of some neigh-
bours joined them ; and they have all got fat together. I
have missed the interlopers lately: I suppose the " Yorkers'"
have eaten them un by this time. What they have fattened
on except b'rand)les and cedars, I am sure I do not know. If
any Englishman should be afraid, that he will find no roast
beef here, it may be sufllicient to tell him, that an ox was
killed, last winter, at Philadelphia, the quarters of which
weighed Um thoumnd, two hundred, and some odd poundg,
and he was soid to the hutch kr for one thousand three hun-
dred dollars. This is proof enough of the spirit of enterprise,
and of the disposition in the public to encourage it. I believe
this to have been the fattest ox that ever was killed in the
world. Three times as much money, or perhaps ten times as
much, might have been made if the ox had been shewn for
money. But this the owner wot dd not permit; and he sold
the ox in that condition. I need hardly say that the owner
was a quaker, New Jersey had the honour of protlucing this
ox, and thti owner''s name was .Job Tyler.

' That tlif^re must be good bread in America is pretty evi-
dent flora the well known fact, that hundreds of thousaiids of

3 R

' i

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VIEW OF THE

barrels of flour are, most years sont to England, finer than
any that England can produce. And having now provided
the two principal articles, I will suppose, as a matter of course,
that a gentleman will have a garden, an orchard, and a cow or
two; but if he should be able (no easy matter) to find a gen-
teel country-house without these conveniences, he may buy
butter, chepper, and upon an average better, than in England.
The garden stuff, if he send to New York for it, he must buy
pretty dear; and, faith, he ought to buy it dear, if he will
not have some planted and preserved.

' Cheese, of the North river produce, I have bought as good
of Mr. Stickler of New York as 1 ever tasted in all my life;
and, indeed, no better cheese need be wished for than what is
now made in this country. The average price is 7d. a ))ound
(English money), which is much lower than even middling
cheese is in England. Perhaps, generally speaking, the
cheese here is not so good as the better kinds in England ;
but there is none here so poor as the poorest in England!
Indeed the people would not eat it, which is the best *
against its being made. Mind, I state distinctly, that as g;,od
cheese as I ever tasted, if not the best, was of American pro-
duce. I know the article well, liiead and cheese dinners
have Ijeen the dinners of a good fourth of niv life I know
the Cheshire, Gloucester, Wiltshire, Stilton, and the Parme-
san ; and J. never tasted better than American cheese, bought
of Mr. Stickler, in Broad-street, New York. And this cheese
Mr. Stickler informs me is nothing uncommon in the county
of Cheshire in Massachusetts; he knows at Ica.st a hundred
J>ersons himself that make it equally good. And indeed why
should it not be thus in a country where the pasture is so
rich ; where the sun warms every thing into sweetness; where
the cattle eat the grass close under the shade of the thickest
trees, which we know they will not do in England. Take
any fruit which has grown in the shade in England, and you
will find that it has not half the sweetness in it that there is in
fruit of the same bulk grown m the sun. But here the sun
sends his heat down through all the boughs and leaves. The
manufacturing of cheese is' not yet generally brought, in this

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499

country, to the Engli^ perfection ; but here arc all the mate*
rials, and the rest will s(M)n follow.

' Groceries, as ihey arc called, are, upon an average, at far
less than half the English price. Tea, sugar, coffee, spices,
chtjcolate, cocoa, salt, sweet oil, all free of the borough-mon-
gers' taxe* ami their pawn, are so cheap as to be within the
reach of every one. Chocolate, . which is a treat to the rich in
Englatid, is here used even by the negroes. Sweet oil, raisins,
currants, all the things from the Levant, are at a fourth or
fifth of the English price. The English people, who pay
enormously to keep possession of the East and West Indies,
purchase the produce even of the EngHsh possessions at ft
price double of that which the Americans give for that very
produce ! What a hellish oppression must that people livo
under ! Candles and soap (quality for quality) are half the
P'nglish price. Wax candles (beautiful) are at a third of the
English price. It is no very great piece of extravagance to
burn wax candles constantly here; and it is frequently done
by genteel people who do not make their own candles,

' Fish 1 have not mentioned, because fish is not every wher*
to be had in abundance. Rut any where near the coast it is ;
and it is so cheap^ that one wonders how it can be brought to
market for the money. Fine black-rock, as good, at least, as
cod-fish, I have seen sold, and in cold weather too, at an
English farthing a | und. They now bring us fine fi^h round
the country to our doors, at an English three-pence a pound.
■I believe they count fifty or sixt' or*n of fish in New York
market as the average Oysters, !l-fish, called clams.

In short, the variety and abundaii'^ >uch that I cannot

describe them.

' An idea of the state of plenty may be formed from these
facts: nobody but the free negroes who have families ever
think of eating a sheep's head and pluck. It is seldom that
oxen's heads are used at home, or s(A6, and never in the coun-
try. In the course of the year, hundreds of calves' heads,
large bits and whole joints of meat, are left on the shambles at
New York, for any body to take away that will. They ge-
nerally fall to the share of the street hogs, a thousand or tWQ

il>

'|K,: iV

500

VIEW OF THE

l.sJ

of which ate constantly fatting in New York on the meat and
fish flung out of the houses. I shall be told, that it is only in
hot weather that the shambles are left thus garnished. Very
true; but are the shambles of any other country thus gar-
nished in hot weather? Oh, no! If it were "not for the
superabundance, all the foot! would be sold at some price or
other.

* After bread, flesh, fish, fowl, butter, cheese, and groceries,
comes fruit. Apples, pears, cherries, peaches, at a tenth part
of the English price. The other day I met a man going to
market with a waggon load of winter pears. He had high
boards on the sides of the waggon, and his waggon held about
40 or 50 bushels. I have bought very good apples this year
foi- four-pence halfpenny (English) a bushel, to boil for little
pigs. Besides these, strawberries grow wild in abundance;
but no one will take the trouble to get them. Huckle-berries
in the woods in great abundance, chesnuts all over the couo-
try. Four-penco halfpenny (English) a quart for these latter.
Cranberries, the finest fruit for tarts that ever grew, are
bought for about a dollar a bushel ; and they will keep, flung
down in the corner of a room, for five months in the year.
As a sauce to venison or mutton, they are as good as currant
jelly. Piue apples in abundance, for several months in the
year, at an average of an English shilling each Melons at
an average of an English eight-pence. In short, what is there
not in the way of fruit? All excellent of their kinds, and all
for a mere trifle compared to what they cost in England.

' I am afraid to speak of drink, lest I should be supposed
to countenance the common use of it. Jiut protesting most
decidedly against tins conclusion, I proceed to inform those
who are not content with the cow for vintner and brewer, that
all the materials for making people drunk, or muddle-headed,
are much cheaper here than in England. Beer, good ale, I
mean, a great deal better than the common public-house beer
in England ; in short, good, strong, clear ale is, at New York,
eight dollars a barrel ; that is, about fourteen English pence
a gallon. Brew yourself, in the country, and it is about seven
English pence a gallon; that is to say, less than two-pence a

,,v> ■

UNITED STATES.

501

quart. No borough-mongers' tax on malt, hops, or beer!
Portugal wine is about half the price that it is in England.
French wine a sixth part of the English price. Brandy and
rum about the same in proportion ; and the common spirits of
tlie country are about three shillings and six-pence (English)
a gallon. Come on, then, if you love toping; for here you
may drink yourselves blind at the price of six-pence.

' Wearing apparel comes chiefly from England, and all the
materials of dress are as cheap as they are there ; for, though
there is a duty laid on the importation, the absence of taxeSy
and the cheap food and drink, enable the retailer to sell as low
here as there. Shoes are cheaper than in England ; for,
though shoe-nxakers are well paid for their labour, there is no
borough-villain to tax the leather. All the India and French
goods are at half the English price. Here no ruffian can
seize you by the throat and tear off your suspected handker-
chief. Here Signor Waithman, or any body in that line,
might have sold French gloves and shawls without being
tempted to quit the field of politics as a compromise with the
government ; and without any breach of covenants, after being
suli'ered to escape with only a gentle squeeze.

' Household furniture, all cheaper than in England^ Ma-
hogany timber a third. part of the English price. The dis-
tance shorter to bring it, and the tax next to nothing on
importation. The woods here, the pine, the ash, the white-
oak, the walnut, the tulip-tree "J^d many othprs all excellent.
The workman paid high wagto, out no tax. No borough-
villains to share in the amount of the price.

' Horses, carriages, harness, all as good, as gay, and cheaper
than in England. I hardly ever saw a rip in this country.
The hackney coach horses and the coaches themselves, at
New York, bear no resemblance to things of the same name
in London. The former are all good, sound, clean, and
hauiisome. What the latter aro i need describe in no other
than to s \ y, that the coaches seem fit for nothing but the

IVfjV

fire and the horses for the jI-us.

' Dou:a!-'Jc servants ! This is a weighty article : not in the
cost, however, so murh a- vi\ the plague. A good man aer-

■ n.

^ K.

oO&

VIEW OF THE

ifU

<^-)t.\

t*^.

vnnt is worth thirty pt)iinds sterhng n year; nnd a good wo.
man servant, twenty pounds sterling a year. But this is not
all ; for, in the first place, they will hire only by the month.
This is what they, in fact, do in England ; for there they can
quit at a month's warning. The man will not wear a hvery,
any more than he will wear a halter round his neck. This is
no great matter; for as your neighbour's men are of the same
taste, you expose yourself to no humiliation on this score.
Neither men nor women will allow you to call them servants,
and they will take especial care not to call themselves by that
name. This seems something very capricious, at the least;
and as people in such situations of life really are servants, ac-
cording to even the sense which Moses gives to the word,
wlien he forbids the working of the man servant and the maid
servant, the objection, the rooted aversion, to the name, seems
to bespeak a mixture of false pride and of insolence, neither of
which belong tt) the American character, even in the lowest
walks of life. I will, therefore, explain the cause of this dis-
like to the name of servant. When this country was first set-
tled, there were no people that laboured for other people;
but as man is always trying to throw the working part off his
own shouldws, as we see by the couduct of priests in all ages,
negroes were soon introduced: Englishmen, who had fled
from tyranny at home, were natiu-ally shy of calling other
men their slaves; and therefore, "for more grace," as Master
Matthew says in the play, they called their slaves servants.
But though I doubt not that this device was quite efficient in
quieting their own consciences, it gave rise to the notion, that
slave and servant meant one and the same thing, a conclusion
perfectly natural and directly deducible from the premises.
Hence every free man and woman have rejected with just dis-
dain the appellation of servant. One would think, however,
that they might be reconciled to it by the conduct of some of
their superiors in life, who, without the smallest apparent re-
luctance, call themselves "Public Servants," in imitation, I
suppose, of English ministers, and his holiness the pope, who,
in the excess of his humility, calls himself, " the Servant of
the Servants of the Lord.'' But perhaps the American do-

>xt.

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60S

mestics have observed that "Public Servant" really means
nHtster. Be tin; cause what it may, however, they continue
most obstinately to scout the name of servant ; and though
they still keep a civil tongue in their head, there is not one oi
them that will not resent the affVont with more bitterness than
any other that you could offer. The man, therefore, who
would deliberately offer such an affront must be a fool But
there is an inconvenience far greater than this. People in ge-
neral are so comfortably situated, that very few, and then only
of those who are pushed hard, will become domestics to any
body. So that, generally speaking, domestics of both sexes
are far from good. They are honest ; but they are not ol)c-
dient. Thev are careless. Wanting frequently in the greater
part of those qualities, which make their services conducive to
the neatness of houses and comfort of families. What a dif-
feience would it make in this country, if it could be supplied
with nice, clean, dutiful English maid servants ! As to the
men, it does not much signify ; but for the want of the maids,
nothing but the absence of grinding taxation can c«)mpensate.
As to bringing them with you, it is as wild a project as it would
be to try to carry the sun-beams to England. They will
begin to change before the ship gets on soundings; and l)efore
they have been here a month, you must turn them out of
doors, or they will you. If, by any chance, you find them
here, it may do; but bring them out and keepthem you can-
not. The best way is to put on your philosophy ; never to
look at this evil without, at the same time, looking at the
many good things that you find here. Make the l)est .selec
lion you can. Give good wages, not too much work, and re-
solve, at all events, to treat them with civility.

' However, what is this plague compared with that of the
tax gatherer?, What is this plague compared with the con.
stant sight of beggars and paupers, and the constant dread of
becoming a pauper or. beggar yourself? If your commands
ai-e not olieyed with such alacrity as in England, you have, at
any rate, nobody to command you. You are not ordered to
" stand and deliver" twenty or thirty times in the year by the
msolent agent of borough-mongers. No one comes to forbid

I (

504

VIEW OF THE

you to open or shut up a window. No insolent set of commis-
sioners send their order for you to dance attendance on them,
to shew came why they should not double-tax you ; and when
you have shewn cause, even on your oath, make you pay the
tax, laugh in your face, and leave you an appeal from them-
selves to another set, deriving their authority from the same
source, and having a similar interest in oppressing you, and
thus laying your property prostrate beneath the hoof of an in-
solent and remorseless tyranny. Free, wholly free, from this
tantalizing, this grinding, this odious curse, what need you
care about the petty plagues of domestic servants?

* However, as there are some men and some women, who
can never be at heart's ease unless they have the power of do-
mineering over somebody or other, and who will rather be
slaves themselves than not have it in their power to treat
others as slaves, it becomes a man of fortune, proposing to
emigrate to America, to consider soberly whether he or his
wife be of this taste ; and if the result of his considerations be
in the affirmative, his best way will be to continue to live un-
der the borough-mongers, or, which I would rather recom-
mend, hang himself at once.'

2. Farmers.

The next class of emigrants which we will notice comprises
all those who may devote tlieir attention to agriculture. Many
Europeans, possessed of a small capital, commence farming
upon their arrival in America, although they have been accus-
tomed to some other employment, and consequently cannot be
supposed to l>e very expert in their new occupation. If such
experience much difficulty in the commencement, they ought
to recollect that this would also, in some degree, be the case
even in their own country.

The emigrant who goes to America with the intention of
applying himself to farming, f^hould take with him some seed
wheat of the best kinds ; and if he can procure it, perhaps the
Syrian wheat (Triticum composUum) might be worth a trial.
It has a much better chance of answering in America than in
England, and particularly south of 40 degrees of latitude.

UNITED STATES.

BOB

Also a small quantity of lucerne, saintfcin, and vetches; either
the seeds or the roots of the two former, but the roots would
be preferable. It mi^ht also be advisable to take a small bag
of hay seeds from some of the best meadows. Farming im-
plements can be had in any part of the United States, well
adapted to the different purposes for which they are wanted.
In determining a situation, he has the choice of any climate,
from latitude 29 to 44 degrees, comprehending the regions
suitable for the culture of sugar, cotton, and grain. If his
views are governed by the determination to adopt any particu-
lar culture, he will of course settle in the region suitable : if
sugar, he will go south of 31| deg. ; if cotton, south of 86
deg. ; for corn, the most agreeable is from S6 deg. to 41 deg.,
as further north the severity and length of the winters render
the climate less desirable. A farmer, on settling in America,
ought not rashly to set up his opinions or former practices
against those of the old settlers. Many things, which may
appear to !.im at first to be wrong or unnecessary, will be
found, on farther experience, both right and expedient ; but
if he cultivates the good-will of his neighbours, and follows
their advice, he will not go wrong. He will soon find the
succession of crops atid the mode of culture vary much from
what he has experienced in England; and that a differently
modified climate, and a sun more nearly vertical, greatly
change the order of the things to which he has been accus-
tomed. He will find his rye harvest to commence in June,
and that of his wheat soon after ; the oats follow next ; and
afterwards, if he have a meadow, his grass will be ready fot
the scythe; then come his potatoes, and lastly his Indian
corn. If the emigrant purchases and settles upon what is
called wild land, one of his first cares ought to be to plant a
peach and apple orchard ; and he ought to plant the two sorts
alternate, say one peach betwixt two apple trees, ar d not plant
the apple trees less than 30 feet asunder. The peach tree
soon comes to maturi^, and is short lived ; they will become
of little vidue by the time the apple trees are in want of room
In the woody region, the axe is for some time the chief im-
plement in the hands of the settlei*, and he feels a considerable
22 3 S

VIEW OF THE

clogree of rcpugiiaijce at the destruction of so much fine tlni-
ber ; but this soon ^ ibHides. If he has courage to proceed as
fur wcKt as the Illinois, the North-west territories, or to the
west of the MissisHippl, the prairies afford him the means of
settling without much trouble.

In the eurly jmrt of the settlement of the rich countries be-
y(»nd the AlK ^^hanies, agues were very prevalent ; and it will
perhaps In- found, that all countries in a ataU- of nature are
lable to tins disease in the proportion of thei. ertility, which
has a tendency to produce it, from th« vast quantity of vege-
table matter which goes to decay in autumn. As this applies
genendly m those regions, the now settler has no means of
Hvoidmg the consequence, but by precautiims and preventives;
but as It has also a locd influence 'e may, by a judicious
choice of u situation, render himseh and family less liable to
Its attacks. As the first settlers have the choice of the whole
country, it is vt- , natural that, they should adopt the alluvial
of the ruers, both on account of the superior fertility of the
soil, and the facilities it gives to the transportation of produce:
and many, in so tl.nng, sacrifice their health to their apparent
rfiKerest. It mu>t be admitted, that some of the valleys in
win. !, the 1 or. flow are as healthy as the uplands; but this
depends on v^hmher the river overflows its banks or not, or on
the e> ' nee or non-existence of stagnant water in the neigh-
bouri.uod. A to p eautions, the emigrant is apprised that
m these coui. 'he dew are very copious, and begin to fall
even betbr* sunset. ct him avoid, as much as possible, ex-
posure either fo this or rain ; or if unavoidably exposed, he
m St take off Jns wet clothes as soon as possible; and if he
has flannel shirts, in order to char - after copious perspiration
he Will find benefit m them. An . oortant consideration in
this respect is the quality of the wai. r used in his family • of
course the purer this is the better, '^he settler cannot be ex-
pected to be capable of ana! .i.ig it , but ae may discover the
presence of su'nhur, iron, an acid, or an Ikali, by tests ways
in his power to procure. Suipluir ra<. be detected by .lying
a piece of bright silvei m the water, which turns, bl- :k if that
s^^ftt^VVJs held ill solution. A 'ittle of the inne bark of

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any of the oaks, infused in a glnssful, turns the water black,
if iron is present. Paper, stained blue by the petals of almost
any flo vcr of that colour hou.jT rubbed upon it, turns green
by b(Mn^ dipped in water impregnated with alkuli ; or red, if
>n acid.

T' • settler who is accustomed to malt liquor may, with very
little troi ble, brew his own ale. Barley is cultivated west of
the Alleghanies, and hops grow wild in abundance. The use
of this beverage is supposed to be a preventive to the ague.
Almost every family has a supposed cure for this complaint ;
and every on* who visits or sec those affected has a favourite
remedy, all differing from eac ' other ; but the physicians, in
the Western country, treat i wi' )ark and laudanum : of
these the emigrant ought to i.iy in a sufficiency to administer
to his family in case of Tieed.

It has already been observed, that the emigrants to this
country uro almost of every nation in Europe ; but it is a re-
markable and striking fact, that the Germans, Dutch, and
Swiss, succeed much better than ti.ose from any other country.
This is not so much owing to greater industry or economy, as
to the more judicious mode they adopt hi settling. In gene-
ral, before these people emigrate, they form associations, lay
down their plans, and send an agent over in whom they can
confide. He purchases for them a suitable extent of land,
and prepares the way : when their arrangements are made,
they move over in one body. This systen* has always been
followed by these people, and the consequences are visible in
almost every jiart of the United States ; but more particularly
in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, in
all parts of which they are in possession of the best lands.
The appearance of comfort, ease, and independence, exhibited
by one of these little colonies, is so visible, that tlie traveller
who does not perceive it at first sight must be very deficient
in discernment. Some of the colonies of this kind, besides the
tie of )mmon interest, have another bond of union, which is
a similarity of sentiment and belief in their religious opinions ;
this, in some instances, has operated as a cause for regulating
their system colonization : but perhaps that which has most

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generally influenced them U the circumstance of their language
not bimg the general language of the United Statea.-an in-
convenience much less felt by a colony than by «n isolated
ftnnly. Hut let the cause be what it may, the effect is very
manifest, and may be easily accounted for. In the early set-
Uenient of any particular district of mw countnj, its progress
in improvements is slow, until a gi ist and .^aw-miU are erected ;
after which the change is very rapid. Every planter in the
vicmity, by the aid of the «aw.iiii||, is able to erect u handsome
frame-houHo. The jjrlst-nul] enabJus him to convert his wheat
i^to ilour fit for a market, and he boltlly engagos and employs
h^nds to assist him iu converting forest into fitlds, yielding
luxuriant crops. These two kind of mills are Uie most neces-
sary oUjects in a new colony; but there are many oiiiers, such
as roads, bridges, &c. all of which are much sooner effected by
fl colony hnvingan, unio^of;. interest, and of course an union
of actipp. ,

, Mr-. Burkb?ck, in his letters fn.ra the Illinois, snys, ' I am
fully convinced, that those who are not screwed up to the full
pitch of enterprise had l)etter remain in Old England, than
Attempt agriculture, or business of any kind (manual operations
excepted) lu the Atlantic States. Emigrants from Europe are
too apt to linger in the eastern cities, wasting their time, their
mpppy, and their resdution. They should push out westward
without delay, where they can live cheaply until they fix
thuinselves. Two dollars, saved ju Pennsylvania, will pur-
chase an acre of good land in the Illinois. The land carriage,
from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, is from seven to ten dollars
per ewt. (lOO lb.) Clothing, razors, pocket-knives, j^ncils,
mathpmatual instruments, and light articles in j;eneral, of con-
stant usefulness, oMght to be carried even at 'this expence;
and books, which are scarce, and much wanted in the west!
Good gun-locks are rare, and difficult to procure. No heavy
implements wUI pay carriage.- ^ A pocket compass is indispen-
sable for every stranger who ventu -es .;lone into the woods of
America; and he should always carry he means of lighting a
fire; for the traveller, when he starts in the morning on a
wilderness journey, little knows where next he may lay his

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head. Tow rubbed with gunpowder itt g<Kxl tinder. A few
biscuits, a phial of spirits, u tomahawk, and a gootl blanket,
are necessary articles. Overtaken by night, or bewildered, if
thus provided, you will be really conilortable by your bluzing
fire; when without theui you would feel dismal and disconso-
late. A dog in a pleasant and useful fellow-travellei- in the
back woods. You should make your fire with a fallen tree
ior a back log, and lie to leeward, with your feet towards it
The smoke flying over will preserve you from the damp air
and musquitoes. Tie your horse with a long rein to the end
of a bough, or to the top of a young hickory tree, which will
allow him to graze or browse; and change his position, if you
awake in the night.'

In a letter to a friend, this enterprising speculator says,
* Make an effort, and extricate yourself and family completely,
by removing into this country. If you can honourably make
your escape, with the means of transmitting yourself hither,
and 100/. sterling to spare,— don't hesitate. In six months
after I shall have welcomed you, barring accidents, you shall
discover that you have become rich, for you shall feel that
you are inde}iendent ; and I think that will be the most de-
lightful sensation you ever experienced ; for you will receive
it multiplied as it were by the number of your family, as your
troubles now are. It is not, however, a sort of independence
that will excuse you from labour, or afford you many luxuries,
that is, costly luxuries. I will state to you what I have learnt,
from a good deal of observation and in(|uiry, and a little expe-
rience; then you will form your own judgment. In the first
place, the voyage— That will cost, to Baltimore or Philadel-
phia, provided you take it, as no doubt you would, in the
cheapest way, twelve guineas each, for a birth, fire, and water,
for yourself and wife, and half price or less for your children ;
besides provisions, which you will furnish. Then the journey
■—Over the mountains to Pittsbursf, down the Ohio to Shaw-
nee town, and from thence to our settlement, 50 miles north,
will amount to five pounds sterling per head. If you arrive
here as early as May, or even Jime, another five pounds per
head will carry you on to that point, where you may take

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your leave of dependence on any thing earfhly but your own
exertions. At this time I suppose you to have remaining one
hundred pounds (borrowed probably from English friends,
who rely on your integrity, and who may huve directed the
interest to be paid to me on their behalf, and the principal in
due season. We will now, if you please, turn it into dollars,
and consider how it may l>e disposed of A hundred pounds
sterling will go a gr. at way in dollars. With 80 dollars you
will "enter a quarter section of land;" that is, you will pur-
chase at the land-office IGO acres, and pav one-fourth of the
purchase money, looking to the land to 'reward your pains
with the means of discharging tl.e other three-fourths as they
become due, in two, three, and fbur years. You will build a
house with 50 dollars, and you will find it extremely comfort-
able and convenient, as it will be reall . and truly yours. Two
horses will cost, with harness and plough, 100.' Cows, and
hogs, and seed corn, and fencing, with other expenccs, will
require the remaining 210 dollars. This beginning, humble
as It appears, is affluence and splendour compared with the
original outfit of settlers in general. Yet no man remains in
poverty, who possesses even moderate industry and economy,
and especially of time. You would f)f course" bring with yoJ
your sea-bedding and store of blankets, for you will need them
on the Ohio; and you should leave England with a good stock
of wearing apparel. Your luggage must be composed of light
articles, on account of the costly land-carriage from the eastern
port to Pittsburg, which viU be from seven to ten dollars per
100 lb. nearly six-pence sterling per pound. A few simple
medicines of good quality are indispensable, such as calomel,
bark in powder, pastor oil, calcined magnesia, and laudanum:
they may be of the greatest importance on the voyage and
journey, as well as after your arrival. Change of climate and
situation will produce temporary indisposition; but with
prompt and judicious treatment, which is happily of the most
simple kind, the complaints to which new comers are liable
ave seldom dangerous or difficult to overcome.'

In conformity to our foregoing remark, this writer remarks
that emigrants with small capitals are liable to great inconvtv

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nience, unless they have a particular situation provided for
them by some precursor on whom they can depend. Money
is powerful in this country in purchasing land, but weak in
providing the means of living, except as to the bare necessaries
of life. Thus the travelling expences of emigrants are heavy,
in addition to the waste of time in long peregrinations.

Mr. Cobbett says, ' There are some, and even many, farm-
ers, who do not work themselves in the fields. But they all
attend to the thing, and are all equally civil to their working
people. They manage their affairs very judiciously. Little
talking. Orders plainly given in tew words, and in a decided
tone. This is their only secret.

' The cattle and imptements used in husbandry arc cheaper
than in England ; that is to say, lower priced. The wear and
tear not nearly half so much as upon a farm in England of the
same size. The climate, the roil, the gentleness and docility
of the horses and oxen, the lightness of the waggons and carts,
the lightness and toughness of the wood of which husbandry
implements are made, the simplicity of the harness, and, above
all, the ingenuity and handiness of the workmen in repairing
and in making shift ; all these make the implements a matter
of very little note. Where horses are kept, the shoeing of
them is the most serious kind of expence.

' The first business of a farmer is, here, and ought to be
every Avhere, to live well: to live in ease and plenty; to
" keep hospitality," as the old English saying was. To save
money Is a secondary consideration ; but any English farmer,
who is a good farmer there, may, if he will bring his industry
and care with him, and be sure to leave his pride and insolence
(if he have any) along with his anxiety, behind him, live in
ease and plenty here, and keep hospitality, and save a great
jwrcel of money too. If he have the jack-daw taste for heap-
ing little round things together in a hole or chest, he may fol-
low his taste. I have often thought of my good neighbour,
John Gater, who, if he were here, with his pretty clipped
hedges, his garden-looking f.elds, and his neat homesteads,
would have visitors from far and near ; and, while every one
would admire and praise, no soul would envy him his posses-

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wons. Mr. Gater would soon have all these things. The
hedges only want planting; and he would feel so comfortably
to know that the Botley parson could never again poke his
nose into his sheep-fold or his pig-stye. However, let me
Hope, rather, that the destruction of the borough-tyranny will
soon make England a country fit for an honest and industrious
man to hve m. Let me hope that a relief from grinding taxa-
tion will soon relieve men of their fears of dying in poverty,
and will thereby restore to England the "hospitality- for
which she was once famed, but which now really exists no
where but in America.'

Perhaps there are no modern publications that have made
^ deep an impression on the minds of British farmers than
Birkbeck's ' Notes on a Journey in America,' and the 'Letters
from the Illinois.' We have not made much use of the writ-
ings of this gentleman, because we think they are calculated
to deceive and decoy. ' You do indeed,' says a writer addressing
Birkbeck, 'describe difficulties and hardships; but then you
overcome them all with so much ease and gaiety, that you
make them disregarded by your English readers, who, sitting
^y their fire-sides, and feeling nothing but the gripe of the
borough-mongers and the tax-gatlierer, merely cast a glance
at your hardships and fully participate in all your enthusiasm.
You do indeed fairly describe the rugged roads, the dirty
hovels, tlie fire in the woods to sleep by, the pathless ways
through tlie wildernesses, the dangerous crossings of the rivers ;
but there are the beautiful meadows and rich lands at last;
there is the fine freehold domain at the end ! There are the
giants and the enchanters to encounter ; the slashings and rib-
roastings to undergo; but then there is at last the lovely lan-
guishing damsel to repay tlia adventurer.'

« The fact is,' says another writer on America, ' that by his
(Birkbeck's) style and manner he has so captivated many of
his readers (Americans excepted), that they begin to feel the
conveniences and establishments of civilized life a sourse of
misery, instead of an advantage. There is, moreover, some-
thing very imposing in the circumstance, that a man of his
talents and property should be perfectly satisfied with the

»ngi

the

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change, notwithntanding all its attendant privations. This
certainly has its weight, but liaving once taken the step he has
done, I would merely suggest (without pretending to enter
very deeply into the recesses of the human mind) a few consi-
derationii, why any man, under his circumstances, woald na-
turally look with a very lenient eye upon all defects, and
where oven a mole-hill in the way it£ excellence existed, feei
inclined to magnify it into a mountain. In leaving England
he evidently turned his back upon it for ever. He was dis-
gusted with the government, and hardly any extent of disap
pointment would probably induce him to place himself in the
humiliatinu situation of returning. He has gone into the wil-
derness — purchased a large quantity of land — has made hii
final election — has reasonable hopes of the speculation proving
profitable — would not be disappointed with having neighbours
natives of his own countn/, and similar to himsf :!' ui property
and in information — must desire that the value of his land«
should advance as largely and as rapidly as possibie : whicli
can only be effected by emigration being directed to that point,
and he having no claim to the character of a superhuman be-
ing, would not feel his sense of importance lessenwi by being
the founder of a large English colony. Taking these coaei-
derations into our calculation, and reflecting upon tlwir nece»-
sary effect on the mind of any man so circumstanced, wt' mi^
be supplied with an explanation of much that is contained in
the " Notes on a Journey to Illinois."'

Mr. Cobbett has entered into an able examination of Mr.
Birkbeck's account o^' America, which, notwithstanding his
esteem for the writer, he thinks will prove boA injurious to
the interests of English farmers who are (yi^wm&A by it, and
to the character of the Unite'.« J»tates. ' Ferwws." iie observes,
•of advanced age, of settled habitf, i^ Ae(^v'MM/g4 pn^udices,
of settled acquaintances, of contracted ^pfc***^ of rnq yc w wi^ t, do
not, to use Mr George Flower's expif>»!«iofi., crans^iiMiit well.'"
Of all such persons farmers transptimC mmm. and of all
farmers, English farmers are the worst f# tr«B»f)lai$t. Ot
some of the tears, shed in the Ilfmois, an a««^Mjnt *«.4;lied me
several months ago, through an eye-witness '4 perf«et veracity,

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m
"(

and a very sincere friend of freedom and of you, and whose
information was given me, unasked for, and in the presence of
several Englishmen, every one of whom, as well as myself,
most ardently wished you success.

♦ It is nothing, my dear sir, to say, as you do, in the preface
to the "Letters from the Illinois," that, "as little would I
encourage the emigratifjn of the trihe of grumblers, people
who are petulent and discontented under the every-day evils
of life Life has its petty miseries in all situations and cli-
mates, to be mitigated or cured by the continual efforts of an
elastic spirit, or to be borne, if incurable, with cheerful pa-
tience. But the peevish emigrant is perpetually comparing
the comforts he has quitted, but never could enjoy, with the
privations of his new allotment. He overlooks the present
good, and broods over the evil with habitual- perverseness;
whilst in the recollection of the past, he dwells on the good
only. Such people are always bad associates, but they are an
especial nuisance in an infant colony."

* Give me leave to say, my dear sir, that there is too much
asperity in this language, considering who were the objects oi
the censure. Nor do you appear to me to afford, in this in-
stances, a very happy illustration of the absence of that peevish-
ness, which you perceive in others, and for the yielding to
which you call them a nuisr.rice ; an appellation" much too
harsh for the object and for the occasion. If you, with all
your elasticity of spirit, all your ardour of pursuit, all your
compensations of fortune in prospect, and all your gratifica-
tions of fame in possession, cannot with patience hear the wail-
ings of some of your neighbours, into what source are they to
dip for the waters of content and good humour.''

' It is no " everyday evil" that they have to bear. For an
English farmer, and, more especially, an English farmer's wife,
after crossing the sea and travelling to the Illinois, with the
consciousness of having '.^xpe-sded a third of their substanr,e,
to purchase, as yet, Mcvhing but sufteriuga; for such persons
to boil their pot in the gi^ .j fashion, to have a mere board to
eat on, lo drink whisky or pure water, to sit and sleep under
a shed far mferior to their English cow-pens, to have h mill at

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twenty miles distance, an apothecary's shop at a hundred, and
a doctor no where ; tliese, my dear sir, are not, to such people,
" every-day evils of life." You, though in your liule " cabin,'*
have your books, you have your name circulating in the vtrorld,
you have it to be given, by and by, to a city or a county ; and
if you fail df brilliant success, you have still a sufficiency of
fortune to secure you a safe retreat. Almost the whole of ', mV
neighbours must be destitute of all these sources of comfort,
hope, and consolation. As they now are, their change is, and
must be, for the worse; and as to the future, besides the un-
certainty attendant every where on that which is to come, they
ought to be excused if they, at their age, despair of seein^^*
days as happy as those that they have seen.

' It were much Ijetter for such people not to emigrate at all ;
for while thev are sure to come into a state of some desree of
suffering, they leave behind them the chance of happy days i
anl, in my opinion, the certainty of such days.

' But leaving this matter fV)r the present, if Enolish farmers
must emigrate, why should they encounter unnecessary diffi.i
culties.? Coming from a country like a garden, why should
they not stop in another somewhat resembling that which they
have lived in before.? Why should they at an expence
amounting to a large part of what they possess, prowl two
thousand miles at tL-^ hazard of their, limbs and lives, take
women and children through scenes of hardship and distress
not easily described, and that too to live like gipsies at the end
of their journey fiif at least a year or two, and, as I think I
shall show, without the smallest chance of their finally doing
s© well as they may do in diesc Atlantic states ? Why should
an English farmer mid his family, who have always been jogs-
ging about a snug homestead, eating regular meals, and sleep-
mg in warm roonfc, push back to the Illinois, and encountel*
those hardships which require all the habitual disregard of
comfcit of an American back-wootlsman to overcome ? Why
should they do this ? The undertaking is hardly reconcileabie
to reason in an Atlantic Am^^rican farmer who has half a dozen
sons, ail brougi.t up to use the axe, the saw, t!:e chissel, and
the hammer from theiv intiahcy, and every one of whom is

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ploujirhman, carpenter, wheelwright, and butcher, and can
work from sun-rise to sun-set, and sleep, if need be, upon the
bare boards. What then must it be to an English farmer and
his family of helpless mortals? Helpless, I mean, in this
scene of such novelty and such difficulty. And what is his
wife to do ; she who has been torn from all her relations and
neighbours, and from every thing that she liked in the world,
and who perhaps has neve^ in all her lile before, been ten
miles from the cradle in which she was nursed ? An Ameri-
can fanner mends his plough, his waggon, his tackle of all
sorts, his household goods, his shoes: and, if need be, he
makes thein all. Can our people do all this, or any part of
it.? Can they live without bread for months? Can they live
without beer ? Can they be otherwise than miserable, cut off,
as they are, from all intercourse with, and hope of hearing of,
their relations and friends? The truth is, that this is not
transplanting, it is tearing up andjlinging away.

' Society ! What society can these people have ? 'Tis true
they have nobody to envy, for nobody can have any thing to
enjoy. But there may be, and there must be, mutual com-
plainings, upbraiding; ; -tnd gvery unhappiness will be traced
directly to him who has Oi- n, however unintentionally, the
cause of the unhappy person's removal. The very foundation
of your plan necessarily contained the seeds !;f discontent and
ill-will. A colony all from the samo country wa^ tlie very
worst project that could have been falle; ui ~ i.'

Mr. Cobbet then proceeds, in a strain of p .vvijifui irony, to
ridicule Birkbeck's imaginary plans of happiness in the Illinois.
* In such a situation,' says he, ' with so many circumstances to
annoy, what happiness can an English family enjoy in that
country, so far distant from all that resembles what they have
left behind them ? " The fair enchantress. Liberty," of' whom
you speak with not too much rapture, they would have found
in any of these states, aiid in a garb too by which they would
have recognised her. Where they now are they are free in-
deed ; but their freedom is that of the wild animals in your
woods. It is not freedom, it is no government. The gipsies
ii> England are free ; and any one. who has a mind to live in

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B cave or cabin in some hidden recess of our Hampshire forests,
may be free too. The English farmer in the Illinois is indeed
beyond the reach of the borough-mongers ; and so is the man
that is in the grave. When it was first propos'-d, in the Eng-
lish ministry, to drop quietly the title of King of France in
the enumeration of our king's titles, and when it was stated to
be an expedient likely to tend to a peace, Mr. Windham, who
was then a member of the cabinet, said, " As this is a measure
of safety, and as, doubtless, we shall hear of others of the same
cast, what think you of going under ground at once .''" It
was a remark enough to cut the liver out of the hearers ; but
Pitt and his associates had no livers. I do not believe that any
twelve journeymen or labourers in England would have voted
fur the adoption of this mean and despicable measure.

' If, indeed, the Illinois were the only place out of the reach
of the borough-grasp ; and if men are resolved to get out of
that reach ; then I should say. Go to the Illinois by all means.
But as there is a country, a settled country, a free country,
full of kind neighbours, full of all that is good, and when this
country is to be traversed in order to get at the acknowledged
hardships of the Illinois, how can a sane mind lead au English
farmer into the expedition ?

' It is the enchanting damsel that makes the knight encoun-
ter the hairbreadth escapes, tlie sleeping on the. ground, the
cooking with cross-sticks to hang the pot on. It is the prairie,
that pretty French word, which means green grass bespangled
with daisies and cowslips ! Oh, God ! what delusion ! And
that a man of sense; a man of superior understanding and
talent ; a man of honesty, honour, humanity, and lofty senti-
ment, should be the cause of this delusion ! I, my dear sir,
have seen prairies many years ago, in America, as fine as
yours, as fertile as yours, though not so extensive. I saw
those prairies settled on by American loyalists, who were car-
ried, with all their goods and tools, to the spot, and who were
furnished with four years' provisions, all at the expcnce of
England ; and who had the lands given them, tools given
them, and who were thus seated down on the borders of creeks,
which gave them easy communication With the inkabited plains

1!''i>r

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near the sea. The settlers that I particularly knew were
Connecticut men. Men with families of sons. ' Men able to
do as much m a day, at the wo- ' n necessary in their situation,
as 80 many Enghshmen would . : able to do in a week. They
began with a shod; then rose to a log house; and next to a
frame house; all of their own building. I have seen them
manure the.r land with salmoti caught in their creeks, and
with pigtons caught on the land itself. It will be a long
while before you will see such beautiful corn-fields as I saw
there. Yet nothing but t^e danger and disgrace which aU
tended their return to Connecticut prevented their returning,
though there they must have begun the world anew. I saw
them in their log huts, and saw them in their frame houses,
rhey had overcome all their difficulties as settlers; they were
under a government wnich required neither tax nor service
from them ; they were as happy as people could be as to ease
and plenty ; but still they sighed for Connecticut ; and especially
the women, young as well as old, though we, gay fellows with
worsted or silver lace uptm our bright red coats, did our best to
make them happy by telling them entr-taining stories about
Old England, while we drank their coffee and grog by gallons,
and eat their fowls, pigs, and sausages, and sweetmeats by
wheelbarrow loads; for though we were by no means shy,
their hospitality far exceeded our appetites. I am an old
hand at the work of settling in wilds. I have, more than
once or twice, had to Begin my nest and go in, like a bird
making it habitable by degrees; and if I, or if such people as
my old friends above mentioned, with every thing found for
them and brought to the spot, had difficulties to undergo, and
sighed for home even after all the difficulties were over, what
must be the lot of an English farmer's family in the Illinois?'
This experienced writer next gives his own ideas on the
mode of settling proper for an English farmer. ' All this,' he
says, ' I told you, my dear sir, in London just before your
departure. I begged of you and Mr. Richard Flower both,
not to think of the wildernesses. I begged of you to go to
within a day's ride of some of these great cities, where your
ample capital and your great skill could not fail to place" you

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619

upon a footing, at least, with the richest amongst the most
happy ami enlightenerl yeomanry in the world; where you
would find every one to praise the improvenients you would
introduce, and nobody to envy you any thing that you might
acquire. Where you would find society as good, in all re--
spects, as that which you had left behind you. Where you
would find neighbours ready prepared for you far more gene-
rous and hospitable than those in England can lie, loaded and*
pressed down as they are by the inexorable hand of the bo-
rough-villains. I offered you a letter (which, I lielieve, I
sent you) to my friends the Pauls. « But," .said I " you want
»o letter. Go inU) Philadelphia, or Bucks, or Chester, or
Montgomery county ; tell any of the quukers, or any body
else, that you are an Eriglish farmer, come to settle amongst
them ; and Til engage that you will instantly have friends and
neighbours as good and as cordial as those that you leave in
England."

« At this very moment, if this plan had been pursued, you
would have had a beautiful farm of two or three htmdred
acres. Fine stock upon it feeding on Swedish turnips. A
house overflowing with abundance ; comfort, case, and, if yon
chose, elegance, would have been your inmates; libraries,
public and private, within your reach ; and a communication
with England much more quick and regular than that which
vou now have even with Pittsbu.c.

' You say that " Philailtlphiaiis know nothing of the West-
ern countries "" Suffer me then to say, that you know nothing
of the Atlantic states, which indeed is the only apology for
your saying that the Americans have no mutton fit to eat, and
regard it only as a thing fit for dogs. In this island cv-tv
farmer has sheep. I kill fatter lamb than I ever saw in Eng-
land, and the fattest mutton I saw, I saw in company with
Mr. Harline in Philadelphia market last winter. At Brighton,
near Boston, they produced, at a cattle show this fall, an ox
of two tibousand seven hundred potinds weight, and sheep
much finer than you and I saw at the Smithfield show in
1814. Mr. Judge Lawrence, of this county, kept for seven
years an average of five hundred Merinos on bis farm of one

* I,

..i^m-

5f»

VIEW OF THE

hundred and fifty \cr< ->, bestdt tising twenty acres o, .
and his usual pretty irge proportion of grain ! Can y. ,t
Westerr farmers beat timt? Y ;s, in extent, as the surface of
five d liars bents that of a guinea.

' I sup^Kwe that Mr. J dgu Lawrence's farm, close by the
side of a bay that gives him two hours of wat>>r carriage to
New York ; a farm with twenty acres of mead )W, reai prairie ;
a gentleman > house and garden ; barns, sheds, cider house,
stablrs, roach-house, corn-cribs, and orchards that mpv pro.
duce from four to eight thousand bushels of applw as ;

I suppose that this farm is worth three hundre J an

acre ; that is, forty-fivi thousand dollars, or abou jive or
thirteen thousand pounds.

' Now then Jet us take a look at your estimate ot the ex-
j ^nces o[ sitting- (1r>xim in the prairies.

liii

* Coitjjrom my Memorandum Book.

'Estimate of money required for the comt'o able establishment of
my family on Bolting house, now English prairie; on w . Ii the
first instalment is paid. About 720 acres of woodland, and 720
prairie — the latter to be chiefly grass :—

Dollars.
Second instalment, August, 1819, 720 dollars; Third, Au-
gust, 1820, 720 dollars; Fourth, August, 1821, 720

dollars 2l60

Dwelling-house and appurtenances - . - _ 4.500
Other buildings --«.-». 1500

4680 rods of fencing, viz. .3400 on the prairie, at d 1280

round the woodland - - - - - 11 70

Sundry wells, 200 dollars; gates, 100 dollars; abins, 200

dollars . . - . . _ - 500

100 head of cattle, 9OO dollars; 20 sows, .'v.. 100 dollars;

sheep, 1000 dollars 2000

Ploughs, waggon , &c. and sundry tools and implements 270

Housekeeping until the lantl supplies us - - - 1000
Shepherd one year's wages, herdsman one year, and sun-
dry other labourers ----.. 1000
One cabinet maker, one wheelwright, one year, making
furniture and implements, 300 dollars each - - COO

UNITED TATES.

521

DoUan.

Sundiy art es of furniture, iron-mongery, pottery, glass, &c. 500

Sundries, fruit trees, &c. ..---- 100

First instalment already paid ..... 7S0

Five horses on hand worth . . . . _ aoo
Expence of freight and carri!ii',(> of linen, bedding, books,

clotliing, SiC. 1000

Value of articles brought from England ... 4500

Voyage and journey ...... 2000

2.'J,820
f,535.0 sterling.
Allow about fiOO dollars more for corn and seed 141

7.5500

t-"

'Po here is more thnn one-third of the amount of Mr.
Judge Lawrence''s farm. To be f- re, there are only about
18,000 dollars expended on land, buildings, and getting at
them; but what a life is that whicli you are f' lead for a
thousand dollars a year, when two wood domestic servants will
cost four hundred of the mono}? Will you live like one of
the yeomen of your rank here ? Then, I assure you, that
your domestics and groceries (the latter three ' mes as dear as
they are here) and crockery-ware (equally dear) \vill more
than swallow up that pitiful sum. You allov* ix thousand
dollars for buildings. Twice the sum would not put vou, in
this respect, upon a footing with Mr. Lawrence. H' and is
all completely fenced, and his grain in the ground. ^ us apple
trees have six thousand bushels of apples in their buds, ready
to come out in the spring ; and ;< large part of these to be sold
at a high price to go on ship-board. But what is to give you
his market ? What is to make your pork, as soon as killed,
sell for nine or ten dollars a hundred, and your cows at 45 or
.50 dollars each, and your beef at seven or cioht dollars a bun-
<3red, and your corn at a dollar and wheat at two dollars a
bushel ?

' However, happiness is in the mind ; and if it be necessary
lor the gratification of your mind to inhabit a wilderness, and
be the owner of a large tract of land, you are right to seek

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Photographic

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Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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522

VIEW OF THE

and enjoy this gratification. But for the plain, plodding En^'^-
lish farmer, who simply seeks safety tor his little property,'
with some addition to it for his children ; for such a person to
cross the Atlantic states in search of safety, tranquiUity, and
gain in the Illinois, is, to my mind, little short of madness.
Yet to this mad enterprise is he allured hy your captivating
statements, and which statements become decisive in their
effects upon his n)ind, when they are reduced to figures.
This, my dear sir, is the part of your writings which has
given me most pain. You have not meant to deceive ; but
you hcve first practised a deceit upon yourself, and then upon
others. All the disadvantages you state; but then you ac-
company the statement by telling us how quickly and how
easily they will be overcome. Salt, Mr. Hulme finds, even at
Zanesville, at two dollars and a half a bushel ; but you tell us
that it will .soon be at a quarter of a dollar. And thus it goes
all through.

« I am happy, however, that you have given us figures in
your account of what an English farmer may do with two
thousand pounds. It is alluring, it is fallacious, it tends to
disappointment, misery, ruin, and broken hearts; but it is
open and honest in intention, and it affords us the means of
detecting and exposing the fallacy. Many and many a family
have returned to New England after having emigrated to the
west in search of fine estates. They, able workmen, exem-
plary livers, have returned to labour in their native slates,
amongst their relations and old neighbours ; but what are our
poor ruined cauntr^/men to do when they become pennyless ?
If I could root my country from my heart, cominon humanity
H'ould urge me to make an humble attempt to dissipate the
charming delusions, which have, without your perceiving it,
gone forth from your sprightly and able {!en, and which delu-
sions are the more dangerous on account o." your justly hi"h
iuul well-known character foi- understanding and integrity.

' The statement to which I allude stands as follow.s in your
tenth Loiter from ihe Illinois.

• A capital of 2000/. sterling, (888{) dollars,) njay be invested
yn a section of such lond. in the following manner, \ iz.

592

Dollurs.
1280

1500
250

600

150

100

1500

1000

1000
200
309

8889

Note.— The first instalment on the land is 320 dollars, therefore
960 dollars cr the purchase money remain in hand, to be applied to
the expences of cultivation, in addition to the sums above stated.

Expendilure of, first Year.
Breaking up 100 acres, 2 dollars per acre
Indian corn for seed, 5 barrels (a barrel is five bushels)
Planting ditto . . . . •

Horse-hoeing ditto, one dollar per acre
Harvesting ditto, U dollar per acre . • .
Ploughing the same land for wheat, 1 dollar per acre
Seed wheat, sowing, and harrowing
Incidental expences . . . • •

UNITED STATES.

Purchase of the land, 640 acres, at 2 dollars per acre
House and buildings, exceedingly convenient and comfwt-

able, may be built for ... •

A rail fence round the woods, 1000 rods, at 25 cents per rod
Abou'. 1800 rods of ditch and bank, to divide the arable

into 10 fields, at .']3}
Planting 1800 rods of live fence
Fruit trees for orchard, &c.
Horses and other live stock
Implements and furniture
Provision for one year, and sv.ndry incidental charges
Sundry articles of linen, books, apparel, implements, &c.

brought from England . . • •

Carriage of ditto, suppose 2000 lbs. at 10 dollars per cwt.
Voyage and travelling expences of one person, suppose

200
10
25
100
150
100
175
240

1000

Produce qfjirst Year.
100 acres of Indian corn, 50 bushels (or 10 barrels) per acre,
at 2 dollars per barrel . • • ^ • 2000

Net produce 1000
Expenditure of second year.
Breaking up 100 acres for Indian corn, with expences on *

that crop ....•• ^85

Harvesting and threshing wneat, 100 acres . . 350

i i

QUi

VIEW OF THE

Ploughing 100 acres for wheat, seed, &c.
Incidents

Dollar*.
1400

Produce of second year.
100 acres Indian corn, 10 barrels per acre, 2 dollars

P«'"^^'-'-«» 2000

100 acres wheat, 20 bushels per acre, 75 dollars per

^""''^y • • . . . 1500 S500

Net produce 2100
Expenditure of third \,ear.
Breaking up lOO acres as before, with expences on crop of

Indian corn , .„-

ni L- • • • . . 485

I loughmg 100 acres wheat stubble for Indian corn . lOO

'^lorse-hoeing, harvesting, &c. ditto . . . 285

Harvesting and threshing 100 acres wheat . '. . 350
Dung-carting 100 acres for wheat, atler second crop of In-

<^^«ncorn ^^^

Ploughing 200 acres wheat, seed, &c. . 5^0

^""^«"*« '.330

2300
Produce of third year.

200 acres Indian corn, 10 barrels per acre, 2 dollars

P^''b»"^^ 4000

100 acres wheat, ao bushels per acre, 75 dollars per

^^"^^ • • • • . 1500 5500

Net produce 3200
Expenditure of fourth year.

^^^^^^^^^^ 2300

Haryestnig and threshing 100 acres more wheat . 350

Additional incidents -a

Produce of fourth year,
200 acres Indian corn, as above
200 acres wheat

2700

4000

3000 7000

Net produce 4300

UNITED STATES.

DoIIura;

290
1400

Summary.

first year

Second ....

Third . . . .

Fourth . " .

Housekeeping and other expences for
four years

Expences.

Dollars.
1000
1400
2300
2700

4000

Produce.

DoUan.
2000
3500
5500
7000

18,000
11,400

Net proceeds per annum ....

Increasing value of land by cultivation and settlements,
half a dollar per annum on 640 acres

1650

320
Annual clear profit 1970

" Twenty more : kill 'em ! Twenty more : kill them too !""
No : I will not compare you to Bobadil ; for he was an inten-
tional deceiver ; and you are unintentionally deceMng others
and yourself too. But really there is in this statement some-
thing so extravagant, so perfectly wild, so ridiculously and
staringly untrue, that it is not without a great deal of difficulty
that all my respect for you ptrsonally can subdue in me the
temptation to treat it with the contempt due to its intrinsic
demerits.

' I shall notice only a few of the items. A house, you say,
" exceedingly convenient and comfortable, together with farm
buildings, may be built for 1500 dollars." Your own intend-
ed house you estimate at 4600, and your ouUbuildings at
1500. So that if this house of the farmer (an English farmer,
mind) and his buildings are to be "exceedingly convenient
and comfortable" for 1500 dollars, your house and buildings
must be on a scale, which, if not perfectly princely, must
savour a good deal of aristocratical distinction. But this if
relieves us; for even your house, built of pine timber and
boards, and covered with cedar shingles, and finished only as
a good plain farm-house ought to be, will, if it be thirty-six
feet front, thirty-four feet deep, two rooms in front, kitchen
and wash-house behind, four rooms above, and a cellar be-

52G

VIEW OF THE

neath; yes, tins house alone, the bare cn.,,lv house, w.tfi
doors^a,ul w„,dows suitable, will eost you „,ore-than six thou-
sand dollars. I state this upon good authority. I have taken
the estimate of a building carpenter. " VVhat carpenter^''
you w, 1 soy. Why, a Long Island carpenter, and the house
to be bu,lt wuh.n a rnile of Brooklyn, or two n.iles of New
^ ork. And this ,s giving you all the advantage, for here the
p.ne ,s cheaper than with you; the shingles cheaper: the
m.e and stone and brick as cheap or cheaper; the glass, iron,
lead, brass, and tni, all at half or a quarter of the prairie
price; and as to labour, if it be not cheaper here than- with
jou, men would do well not to go so far in search of high
M ages ! o

' Let no simple Englishman imagine that here, at and near

17. r ' J" i" "^'"^ ^^"''' ''^ '•^^*-' '" P^y ^»'- the boards
and imber brought from a distance; and that you, the happy
people of the land of daisies and of cowslips, can cut dmvn
your own g<x)d and noble oak trees upon the sixjt, on your
own estates, and turn them into Ik uses without any car'tinir
Let no simple Englishman believe such idle stories as this'
To dissipate all such notions, I have only to tell him, that the
American farmers on this island, when they have buildings to
make or repair, go and purchase the pine timber and boards
at the very same time that they cut down their own oak trees,
and cleave up and burn them as fire-wood ! This is the uni
versal practice in all the pai4s of America that I have ever
seen. What is the cause.? Pine wood is cheaper, though
bought, than the oak is without buying. This fact, which
nobody can deny, is a complete proof that you gain no advan-
tage from being in woods, as far as building is concerned
And the truth is, that the boards and plank, which have been
used m the prairie, have actually been brought from the Wa-
bash, charged with ten miles rough land carriage: how far
they may have come down the Wabash I cannot tell.

' Thus then the question is settled, that building must be
cheaper here than in the Illinois. If, therefore, a house, 36
by 34 feet, cost here 6000 dollars, what can a man get there
for 1500 dollars ? A miserable hole, and no more. But here

UNITED STATES.

62?

are to be farm buildings and all in the 1500 dollars' worth !
A barn, 4*0 feet by 30, with floor, and with stables in the
sides, cannot be built for 1500 dollars ; leaving out waggon-
house, corn-crib, cattle-hovels, yard fences, pig-sties, smoke
house, and a great deal more! And yet you say that all
these, and a farm-house into the bargain, all "exceedingly
comfortable and convenient," may be had for 1500 dollars !

' Now you know, my dear sir, that this is said in the face of
all America. Farmers are my readers. They all understand
these matters. They are not only good, but impartial judges ;
and I call upon you to contradict, or even question, my state-
ments, if you can.

'Do ray eyes deceive mc ? Or do I really see one hundred
and fifty dollars put down as the expence of " planting one
thousand eight hundred rod of live fence ?"" Thai is to say,
three-quarters of a cent, or three-quarters of an English half-
penny a rod ! The " enchantress. Liberty," must have had
you wholly to herself here ; or rather she must have taken the
pen out of your hand, and written this item herself; for so
great a li'>erty with truth never was taken by any riiortal be-
ing. What plants? Whence to come ? Drawn out of the
woods, or first sown in a nursery ? Is it seed to be sown ?
Where are the seeds to come from ? No levelling of the top
of the bank ; no drill ; nM sowing ; no keeping clean for a
year or two : or all these for three-quarters of a cent a rod,
when the same works cost half a dollar a rod in England !
Oh, monstrous tale ! To dwell Upon such a story is to insult
the good sense of the reader. My real opinion is, that you
will never have any thing worthy of the name of a live fence
in the prairies ; and that the idea only makes part of a delu-
sive dream. No labourer in America will look at a rod of
your banks for tln-ee-([uarters of a cent.

'Manure, too! And do you really want manure then.?
And where, I pray, are you to get manure for 100 acres?
Jiut supposing you to have it, do you seriously mean to tell us
that you will carry it on for two dollars an acre ? The carry-
ing on, indeed, might perhaps be done for that ; but who pays
i'or the filling and for the spreading? Ah, my dear sir! I

5^8

VIEW OF THE

can well imagine your -feelings at putting down the item of
dung-carting, trifling as you make it appear upon paper.
You now recollect my words when I last had the pleasure of
seeing you, in Catherine-street, a few days before the depar-
ture of us both. I then dreaded the dung-cart, and recom-
mended the TuUiaii system to you, by which you would have
the same crops every year without manure ; but, unfortunately
for my advice, you sincerely believed your land would be al-
ready too rich, and that your main difficulty would be, not to
cart on manure, but to cart off the produce !'

Having thus cut up the Transalleghanian romance, he pro-
ceeds to notice an item or two of the produce. * The farmer,"
«ays he, 'is to have 100 acres of Indian corn the first year.
The minds of you gentlemen who cross the Alleghany seem
to expand, as it were, to correspond with the extent of the
horizon that opens to your view; but I can assure vou, that "
if you were to talk to a farmer on this side of the mountains of
a field of corn of a hundred acres during the first year of a
settlement, with grassy land and hands scarce, you would
frighten him into a third-day ague. In goes your corn, how-
ever ! « Twenty more : kill 'em !" Nothing but ploughing :
no harrowing: no marking: and only a horse-hoeing, during
the summer, at a dollar an acre. The planting is to cost only
a quarter of a dollar an acre. The planting will cost a dollar
an acre. The horse-hoeing in your grassy land, two dollars.
The hand-hoeing, which must be well done, or you will have
no corn, two dollars ; for in spite of your teeth, your rampant
natural grass will be up before your corn, and a man must go
to a thousand hills to do half an acre a day. It will cost two
dollars to harvest a hundred bushels of corn ears. So that
here are about 400 dollars of expences on the corn alone to be
added. A trifle, to be sure, when we are looking through the
Transalleghanian glass, which dimiuishes out-goings and^'mag-
nifies in-comings. However, here are 400 dollars.

' In goes the plough for what ? " In him again ! Twenty
more !" But this is in October, mind. Is the corn off'.? It
may be; but where are the four hundred waggon loads of
corn St. Iks.? A prodigiously fine thing is this forest of fod>

UNITED STATES.

mag-

ikr, as high and as thick as an English coppice. But though
it be of no use to you, who have the meadows without bounds,
this coppice must be removeil, if you please, before you
plough for wheat !

« Let us pause here then ; let us look at the battalion who
are at work ; for there must be little short of a Hessian batta-
lion. Twenty men and twenty horses maj/ husk the corn, cut
and cart the stalks, plough and sow and harrow for the wheat ;
twenty two-legged and twenty four-legged animals may do the
work in the proper time; but, if they do it, they must work
well. Here is a goodly group to look at, for" an English
farrr.er, without a penny in his pocket ; for all his money is
gone long ago, even according to your own estimate; and
here, besides the expence of cattle and tackle, arc 600 dollars,
in bare wages, to be paid in a month ! You and I both liave
forgotten the shelling of the corn, which, and putting it up,
will come to 50 dollars more at the least, leaving the price of
the barrel to be paid for by the purchaser of the corn.

' But what did I say ? Shell the corn ? It must go into
the cribs first It cannot h: shelled immediately.. And it
must not be thrown into heaps. It must be put into cribs.
I have had made out an estimate of the expence of the cribs
for ten thousand bushels of corn ears : that is the crop ; and
the cribs will cost 570 dollars ! Though, mind, the farmer's
bouse, barns, stables, waggcai-liouse, and all, are to cost but
1500 dollars ! But the third year our poor simpleton is to
have 200 acres of corn ! " Twenty more : kill 'em !" Ano-
ther 570 dollars for cribs !

' However, crops now come tumbling on him so fast, that
lie must struggh hard not to be stifled with his own super-
abundance. He has now got 200 acres of corn and 100 acres
of wheat, which latter he has indeed had one year before !
Oh, madness ! But to proceed. The hands to get in these
crops and to sow the wheat, first taking away 200 acres of
English coppices in stalks, will, with the dunging for the
wheat, require, at least, fifty good men, and forty good horsey
or oxen, for thirty days. Faith ! when far«ner Siuipleton sees
all this (in his dreams I mean), he will think himself a farmer

fidO

VIEW OF THE

of the rnnk of Job, before Satan beset that example of pnlioiu r,
flo worthy of imitation and so seldom imitated.

• Well, but Simpleton must bustle to get in his vheat. In,
indeed ! What can cover it but the canopy of heaven ? A
barn ! It will, at two English waggon loads of sheaves to an
acre) require a barn a hundred feet long, fifty feet wide, and
twenty-three feet high up to the eaves ; and this barn, with
two proper floors, will cost more than seven thousand dollars.
He will put it in stacks ; let him add six men to his battalion
then. He will thrash it in the field ; let him add ten more
fnen f I/tt him, at once, send and press the Harmonites into
his service, and make Rapp march at their head ; for never
will he by any other means get in the crop ; and even then, if
he pay fair wages, he will lose by it.

• After the crop is in and the seed sown, in the fall, M'hat is
to become of Simpleton's men ti.! corn ploughing and planting
time in the spring? And then when the planting is done,
what is to become of them till harvest time? Is he, like
Bayes in the Rehearsal, to ley them down when lie pleases,
und when he pleases make then rise up again ? To hear you
talk about these crops, and at other times to hear you advising
others to bring labomers from England, one would think voii,
for your own part, able, like Cadmus, to make men start up
<»ut of the earth. How would one ever have thought it pos
sihle for infatuation like this to seize hold of a mind liK<^
yours ?

• When I read, in your Illinois Letters, that you had pre-
pared horses, ploughs, and other things, for putting in a hun-
dred acres of corn in the spring, how I pitied you ! I saw nil
•your plagues, if you could not see them. I saw the grass
choking your plants ; the grubs eating them ; and you turn-
ing from the sight with all the pangs of sanguine bafHed hope.
I expected you to have ten bushels, instead of fiftv, upon an
acre. I saw your confusion, and participated in your mortifi-
cation. From these feelings I was ha})pily relieved by the
Journal of our friend Hulme, who informs the world, and our
countrymen in particular, that you had not. in July last, any
^'(H-a at till growing.

UNITEU STATES.

Q'M

* Thus it is to reckon one's chickens before they are hatched :
and thus the Transalleghanian dream vanishes. You have
hei;t» deceived. A warm heart, a lively imagination, and I
know not wliat caprice about repubhcanism, have led you into
iJMnguine expectation.s and wrong conclusions. Come, now,
<:onfe.s8 it like yourself; that is, like a man of sense and spirit ;
like an honest and fair-dealing John Hull. To err belongs to
all men, great as well as little; but to be ashamed to confess
error belongs only to the latter.'

.'3. Merchants and Manufacturers.

There is not now any great scope for mercantile specula-
tions; though those who possess a large capital, and could
become importers, might succeed ; particularly those who un-
derstand the principles of business.

The manufacturers in America have long struggled against
numerous difficulties, in consequence of the government feeling
averse from granting high prohibitory duties, which wouki
operate to cause an injurious re-action upon the trade of the
country.

The general arguments against manufactures are, that their
encouragement will eulunce the price of clothing : that this
will operate as a heavy tax upon the whole c*omraunity» for
the benefit of but a few : that the revenue of the United States
would be materially injured, as its chief supply is from duties
on imports : that in an extensive country, with but a scanty
population, it is most beneficial to direct the mass of labour to
the clearing of new lands, and other agricultural pursuits:
that by so doing they will make gn- «.i and more rapid ad-
vances in extent of population and amount of national wealth,
than by drawing oft' a part of their capital and labour, and
devoting it to purposes oi manufacture ; more especially while
most of the articles wanted can be imported from England 80
to 50 per cent, cheaper than it is possible for them to be pro-
duced within the Union : that as labour is so high and land so
cheap, there is an ever-existing inducement for men to leave
factories, and free themselves from masters, to become lords of
their own dotsain : and that this has been uniformly found to

^ Mi

11 ■■

5{ije

VIKVV OK THE

be the case,— the slow atlvnnce of inunuluotiirt'!', and the c(>n-
se<|m'nt high price ol" tlie nrticles, I. -.ving k«t«n a tiutiiral ivstilt
of the situation of the fountrv : tliut, in a word, it h the true
interest oi' Aineriiu to continuo supplying Europe with ruw
inoterial ami with agricultural pnHlucc, both of which find
there a certain market, while lalM)ur is irnm 85 to 6() percent,
higher than in Kngland, and from m to 75 more than on the
European continent.

On the manufacturers' side of this truly great national <pic«-
tion is Mr. Do Witt Clinton, governor" of iNt-w York: in a
.speech which has had few ecjuals in conjprehcnsive and philo-
sophic views, addressed to the legislature, he makes th" fol-
lowing able refJei-tions :

' The excessive importation of foreign fal)rics ua« the signal
of ruin to institutions founded by enterprising industry, reared
by beneficial skill, and identified with the general welfare.
The raw niateriaks of iron, woollen, ajid cotton mainifactures
are abundant, and those for the minor and auxiliary ones, can,
in most eases, be procured [it lionic witJi equal facility. No-
thing is wanting to destroy foreign competition but the steady
protection of the government, and the public spirit of the
country. High duiii's, and prohibiting provisions applied to
foreign protluctions, nft'ord the most efHcient encouragement to
our manufactures : and these measures appertain to the legiti-
mate functions of the national government. Hut much may
be done by the state gf>vermnent, by liberal acconnnodutions,
by judicious exemptions, and by the whole weight of its influ-
ence ; and much more may be accomplished by the spirit of
the community. For I am persuaded, that if every citizen
who adopts the fabrics of other nations, would .seriously consi-
der that he is not only paying taxes for the supiK>rt of foreign
governments, but that he participates in undermining one of
the main pillars of our productive industr}', he would imitate
the honourable practice which you have this day evinced in
favour of American manufactures.'

Upon the whole, it seems that it is not now the interest of
the United States., artificially to encourage the growth of ma-
nufactures, by granting tiiem peculiar advantagea It appfcars

UNITED STATES.

nt nny rate certain, that in the present- state of thiugw, none
could ongngt- in the cotton or woollen estublislinionts without
a certainty of loss.

♦ In a great many trades or profesHions,' aays the writer of
th(( Emigrant^ (iuide, 'the ejnigrant who has a capital, and a
trade or profession, may not nieet with much difficulty, if he
act with caution. Much in this case depends on making a
judicious choice ii <letermining where to establish his businesii.
In nmst trades, the country beyond the Alleghany mountains,
say Olii.), Kentucky, or Tennessee, hold out greater advan-
tages than the rest of the Union ; the profits in business being
greater, and tlie e\pence of living much less: the climate also
is more suitable to European constitutions, as the extreme be-
twixt the heat of summer and cold of winter is mlich less than
in the Atlantic states. In some trades he may be expected to
keep journeymen, p<«rhapH Americans ; from whom he is od-
vised not to exact that servility of deportment expected from
subordinates in other countries. He may be faithfully served
without it. He loses nothing by this, as those who are his
employerf* or customers will make no such exactions from him.'

4. Mechaiiks.
On landing, the emigrant wlio is too poor to enter intt> bu-
siness himself must of course seek employment. • Tiie com-
modity he has to dispose of,' says the above-mentioned writer,
♦ is labour, for which he wants a market. So much of this ia
daily brought into the sea.ports, by the arrival of emigrants,
that they are always over-stocked; he must look for a better
chance:— this chance the country will aflTord him. If his
trade or profession be such as is followed in a city, he may re-
main two days before he goes into the country; if unsuccess-
ful in his enquiries for work, he ought not to remain longer.
During his stay, he ought to enquire amongst those of his
own profession, where he may hope to obtain employment ; it
is very likely they may furnish references which will be very
useful to him. In travelling, this man ought not to be sparing
in his enquiries; he is not in the least danger of receiving a
rude or an uncivil answer, even if he should address himself

«94

VIEW or T«E

to a squire (so j astices are called). It is CKpected, in Amencji,
that every man shall attend to his pwn oorioerns ; and if a man
who is out of work asks for employment, it is considered as a
very litttural thing.

' He ought to make his situation and profession known at
the taverns where he stops, and rather to court than to shun
conversation with any that he may find assembled thene. He
will seldom or never meet with a repulse, as it gives them, an
opportunity of making inquiries respecting the " old cmntry^"^
(th«; term usually applied to the British islands). '

♦ Should he fail in {H-ocuring emplpynient at his own busi-
ness, he has all the advantages of th« agriqulturist. The
countries west of the Alleghany mountains afford the greatest
advantages, x?f any part of the United States, to emigrants of
this description; and when they arrive at the head of the
Ohio, the faciUty of descending that river opens to them a
vast field, in which labour must, for ages to come, find a good
market, as the vast tract of fine land yet unsettled wijl induce
such an avidity ^br fiirming, that labourers, or men who have
trades or professions, will adopt that line of life whenever they
can raise the means of purchasing land. For this reason a
very long time must elapsi liefore there can be such a redun>
dftncy of labour as to reduce its value.""

Mechanics may tbrm their own judgment from the preced-.
ing statements. Weavers, stocking-maker^, and others, ac
quainted oniy with the cotton, woollen, hardware, and linen
manufacturesj would find employment very difficult to obtain.
Those whose trades are of the first necessity will do well. In
the western country mechanics complain of the difficulty which
they experience in getting joaii for their labour, much of what
they receive being given them in orders upon shops for neces-
saries and cbthing; the extra price charged by the store-
keeper, under these eircumstances, causing a clear loss to some
•mount. . . .^ni ;,,„■ ,^ . "

5. Labourers,

This class of emigrants are almost sure to obtain the means
of subsistenoe; but they have some difficulties to encounter.

UNITED STATES.

The blowing contains Mr. Cobbett's opinion on thie subject,
which exhibits a Htely pictw-e of the advantages enjoyed by
the American poor, though perhaps it is overcharged.

* Labour is the great article of expence upon a fiirm ; yet it
is not tieatly so great as in England, in proportion to the
amount of the produce of a farm, especially if the poor-rates
^;e, in both cases, included. However, speaking of the positive
wages, a good farm-labourer has twenty-five pounds sterling a
year and his board and lodging; and a good day-labourer has,
upon an average, a dollar a day. A woman servant, in a
farm-house, has from forty to fifty dollars a year, or eleven
pounds sterling. These are the average of the wages through-
out the country. But then, mind, the farmer has nothing (for
really it is not worth mentioning) to pay " ^ poor-rates, which
m England must always be added to the ^rages that a farmer
pays ; and sometimes they far exceed the wages.

' It is too of importance to know what sort of labourers these
Americans are; for, though a labourer is a labourer, still
there is some difference in them ; and these Americans are the
best that I ever saw. They mow four acres of oats, wheat,
rye, or bariey in a day, and, with a cradle, lay it so smooth
m the swarths, that it is tied up in shea is with the greatest
neatness and ease. They mow two acres and a half of grass
m a day, and they do the work well. And the crops, upon
an average, are all, except the wheat, as heavy as in England.
The English farmer will want nothing more tl,an these facts
to convince him, that the labour, after all, is not so very dear.

' The causes of these performances, so far beyond those m
England, is, first, the men are tall and well built ; they ate
bony rather than fleshy ; and they Kve, as to food, as well as
man can live. And, secondly, they have been educated to dd
much in a day. The farmer here generally is at the head of
his " boys," as they, in the kind language of the country, are
called. Here is the best of examples. My old and beloved
friend, Mr. James Paul, used, at the age of nearly sixty, to go
at the heaa of his mowers, though his fine farm was his own,
and though he might, in other respects, be called a rich man ;
and I have heard that Mr. Elias Hicks, the famous quaker

VIEW OF THE

preacher, m^Iio lives about nine miles from this spot, has this
year at seventy years of age, cradled down four acres of rye
m a day. I wish some of the preachers of other descriptions,
especially our fat paisons in England, would think a little of
this and would betake themselves to "work with their hands
the things winch be good, that they may have to give to him
who needeth, and not go on any longer gormandizing and
swilhng upon the labour of those who need.

* Besides the great quantity of work performed by the
American labourer, his skill, the versatility of his talent, is a
great thing. Every man can use an axe, a saw, and a ham-
mer. Scarcely one who cannot do any job at rough carpen-
tering, and mend a plough or a waggon. Very few indeed
who cannot kill and dress pigs and sheep, and many of them
oxen and calves. Every farmer is a neat butcher; a butcher
for market ; and, of course, - the boys" must learn. This k
a great convenience. It makes you so independent as to a
mam part of the means of housekeeping. All are ploughmen,
^n short, a good labourer here can do any thing that is to be
aone upon a farm.

« The operations necessary in miniature cultivation they are •
very awkward at. The gardens are ploughed in general. An
American labourer uses a spade in a very awkward manner.
Ihey poke the earth about as if they had no eyes; and toil
and muck themselves half to death to dig as much ground
in a day as a Surrey man would dig in about an hour of
iiard work. Banking, hedging, they know nothing about.
Ihey have no idea of the use of a bill-hook, which is so
adroitly used in the coppices of Hampshire and Sussex. An
axe IS their tool, and with that tool, at cutting down trees or
cutting them up, they will do ten times as much in a day as
any other r en that I ever .saw. Set one of these men on
upon a wood of timber trees, and his slaughter will astonish
you. A neighbour of mine tells a story of an Irishman, who
promised he could do any thing, and whom, therefore, to
begm with, the employer sent into the wood to cut down »
load of wood to burn. He staid a long while away with the
team, and the farmer went to him fearing some accident Imd

tlNlT :^ STAlTES.
trr'Th""^'"' a- you about all this time?'' said the

aIT^ M ;'^^T' ""^ that was all he had done. An

cuTdZ' f " "''T' "'^"''^ '^"^^ '^«^ '^"•^^ d'>^- t-e.

brouXh ' "^"''" ''"^'^'' P"^ "P"" the carriage, and
brought home, m the time. -S » "

Oec?th«^- T "'"' '"''" '°'"' ^"^^ ^"g'*"^' ™"«t not ex.
pe^tthat. m these common labours of the country, they are to

I eT;" "T"'' ''"^^ " ^'""''^'^^ ^h°' °^«'' -" that
1 ever saw, are the most active and the most hardy. They

skip over a fence like a greyhound. They will Jch you I

7ZZr'^'' hy racing him down; Tnd they are If:L

'An American labourer is not regulated, as to time, by

docks and watches. The sun, who seldom hides his face^

Tn^^ tTu"" ^fl '" '^' '"""''"^ «"^ '^hen to leave off
In > .u f ^ ^''"''' ^ ^hole dollar for his work ; but

hours ". R ""'' °' ' "'"'^ '«^- "'"^ ^« "° '^'n^tne ibout
hours. « Hour, were made for slaves," is an old saying ; and

realy they seem here to act upon it as a practicll mLxim.
1 his IS a great thmg m agricultural affairs. It prevents so
many disputes. It removes so great a cause of disagreement.
The Amencan labourers, like the tavern-keepers, are never
7Jrt\ f^^y'^^^ Neither boobishness nor meanness
mark thejr character. They never creep and fa^n, and are
never rude. Employed about your house as day-labourers,
«iey never come to interlope for vrdtuals or drink. They
have no ,dea of such a thing: their pride would restrain them
It their p enty did not ; and thus would it be with all labour-
ers, m «I1 countries were they left to enjoy the fair produce
of th«r labour. Pull pocket or empty pocket, these American
labourers are always the same men: no saacy cunning in the
one case, and no base crawling m the other. This too arises
from the free institutions of government. A man has a voice
because he is a man, and not because he is the possessor of
money. And sliall I never see our English labourers in this
happy state? . ,

3 Y

538

VIEW OF THE

* Let thosti Englisli farmers,, wlio love to see a poor wretched
labourer stand trembling before them with his hat off, and
wlio think no more of him than of a dog, remain where they
are; or go off, on the cavalry horses, to the devil at once, if
they wish to avoid the tax-gatherer; for they would here
meet with so many mortifications, that they would, to a cer-
tainty, hang themselves in a month.'

According to this account, these American labourers are a
wonderful set of fellows. They surpass our Englishmen
amazingly ; for we have no instance, in this country, of an
old quaker, at seventy years of age, cradling down four acres
of land in a day ; nor can our ablest rustics mow two acres
and a half of grass in a day. Even although their time be
not regulated by clocks aud watches, and they continue at
work while the sun is above the horizon, yet there i& a point
beyond which human exertion cannot be repeatedly strained.

Connected with this subject, we will also give this popular
writer's remarks on American pauperism, because ii is com-
pletely at variance with Bristed's account, and in many parti,
culars differs from the view we have given of the subject.

* It is notorious,' l»e says, ' that whatever »nay be the num-
ber of persons relieved by poor-rates, the greater part of them
are Europeans, who have come hither, at different periods and
under circumstances of distress, different, of course, in degree.
There is, besides, a class of persons here of a description very
peculiar; namely, the free negroes. Whatever may have
been the motives which led to their emancipation, it is very
certain that it has saddled the white people with a charge.
These negn>es are a disorderly, improvident set of beings;
and the paupers, in tlip country, consist almost wholly of
them. Take out the foreigners and the negroes, and you will
find that the paupers of New York do not amount to a hun.
dredth part of those of Liverpool,. Bristol, Birmingham,, or
Loiiflgn, population for population. New York is a sea port,
and the only great sea port of a large district of country. All
the disorderly crowd to it, Jt teems with emigrants; but
even therej a pauper who is a whi»- native American is a
•,freat rarity.

UNITED STATES.

."53!)

* But do the borough-villains think that the word pauper
has the same meaning here that it has under their scoipion
rod? A pauper under them means a man that is able and
willing to work, and who does work like a horse ; and who is
, «o taxed, has so much of his earnings taken from liim by ih*,vs\
to pay the interest of their debt, and the pensions of them-
selves and their wives, children, and dependents, that he is
actually starving and fainting at bis work. This is what is
meant by a pauper in England. But at New York, a pauper
is, generally, a man who is unable, or, which is more fre-
quently the case, unwilling to work ; who is l)ecome debilitated
from a vicious life ; ov who, like borough-mongers and priests,
finds it more pleasant to If^e upon the labour of others than
upon his own labour. A pauper in England is fed upon
bones, garbage, refuse meat, and " substitutes for bread." A
pauper here expects, and has, as much flesh, fish, and bread
and cake as he can devour. How gladly would many a little
tradesman, or even iittle farmer, in England, exchange his
diet for that of a New York pauper !

' Where there are such paupers as those in England, there
are beggars; because when they find that they are nearly
starved in the former character, they will try the latter in spite
of all the vagrant acts that any hell-born funding system can
engender. And who ever saw a beggar in America.? «I
have !" exclaims some spy of the borough-mongers, who hopes
to become a borough-monger himself. And so have I too.
I have seen a couple since I have been on this island. * * «
But there are difl'erent sorts of beggars too as well as of pau-
pers. In England a beggar is a poor creature, with hardly
rags (mere rags) sufficient to cover its nakedness, so far even
as common decency requires. A wretched mortal, the bare
sight of whom would freeze the soul of an American within
him. A dejected, broken down thing, that approaches you
bare-headed, on one knee, with a trembling voice, with « I'ray
bestow your charity, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake have
compassion upon a poor soul;" and if you toss a halfpenny
into his ragged hat, he exclaims in an extacy, "God Al-
mighty bless your honour!" though you perhaps be but a

•i

640

VIEW OF TH41

ehoe-black yoMrself. An American beggar, drwjsed very
much like other people, walks up to you m boldly as if hi«
pockets were crammed with money, and, with a half smile
that seems to say he doubts of the propriety of his conduct,
yery civilly asks you, if i/ou can help hira to a quarter of a
dollar. He mostly states the precise sum, and never sinka
below silver. In short, there is no begging, properly no
called. There is nothing that resembles English begging
even in the most distant degree.

' As to the poor-rates, the real poor-rates, you must look to
the country. In England the poor-rates equal m amount tha
rent of the Jand I Here I pay, in poor-rates, only seven dol.
Jars upon a rent of six hundred! v And I pay my full share.
In short, how is it possible that there should be paupers to
any amount, where the common wages of a labourer are six
dollars a week; that is to say, twenty-seven shillings sterling;
and where the necessaries of life are, upon an average, of half
the price that they are in England ? How can a man be a
pauper, where he can earn ten pounds of prime hog-meat a
day, six days in every week ? I was at a horse-race, where I
«aw at least five tliousand men, and not one man in shabby
clothes.

*But some go back after they come from England; and
^he consul at New York has thousands of apphcations from
4Hen who want to go to Canada ; and little bands of them go
off to .that f,ne country very often. These are said to be dis,
appointed people. Yes, they expected the people at New
York to come out in boats, I suppose, cai-ry them on shore,
and give up their dinners and beds to them ! If they will
work, they will soon find beds and dinners: if they will not,
they ought to have none. ' What, did they expect to find here
the same faces and the same posts and trees that they left be-
hind them ? Such foolish people are not worthy notice. Tlie
lazy, whether male or female, all hate a government under
which every one enjoys his earnings, and no more. Low,
poor, and miserable as they may be, their principle is precisely
^he same as that of borough-mongers and priests ; namely, to
Jive without labour on tlie earnings of ojtliers. The desire to

t under
Low,

UNITED STATES.

541

live thus is almo«t universal ; but with slu^ardi, thieves, bo.
rough-mongers, and priests, it is a principle of action. Ask »
priest why he is a priest. He will say <for he has vowed it on
the altar!) that he believes himself called by the Holy Ghost
to take on him tlie care of souls. But put the thing ckwe to
him ; p«sh him hard ; and you will find it was the benefice,
the money, and the tithes, that called him. Ask him what he
wanted them for. That he might live, and live too without
work. Oh ! tlm work ! It is an old saying, that if the devil
find a fellow idle, he is sure to set him to work ; a saying the
truth of which the priests seem to have done their utmost to
establish."

A writer on America, who is by no means an extravagant
advocate for emigration, says, « The classes of British society
who would be lienefited by an exchange of country, are, I
conceive, first, that large and much injured body of men who
are liere chained to the country and the political system,
which oppresses and grinds them to the earth,— I mean our
extreme poor. They would not be in America a week, before
they would experience a rapid advance in the scale of being.
Instead of depending for subsistence upon charity soup, occa-
sional parochial relief, and bowing with slavish submission to
the tyrant of the poor-house , they would, if industrious and
willing to labour, earn 4«. 6d. to 6s. 9d. a day, have meat at
least seven times in the week, and know "no one who could
make them afraid." The second class would be the mechanics,
in branches of first necessity, with the general exclusion, lu-w-
€ver, of those acquainted with the British staple manufactures
of cotton and woollen only ; but for others, whose earnings
here are under 30*. a week, or whose employment is of that
precarious nature, that they cannot reasonably calculate, by
the exercise of prudence and economy, on laying by any thing
for what is called " a rainy day,"" or on making a provision for
old age— for such persons as these, particularly ifMhey have^
or anticipate tlic having a family, emigration to America will
certainly advance their pecuniary interests, though it may not
enlarge their mental sphere of enjoyments. To these two
classes, I would further add that of the small farmer who has

1.^/

' 'I U

5i2

VIEW OF THE

of hfe, and concerning a provision for whom, when his own

Sth Sr *PP;r ''•"« *« »''^ «^«ve, he can look forward
inth>ut httle confidence or satisfaction ; to such a man, if he
ahould have one hundred pounds clear, that is, after paying
^1 h.s expences of removal, &c.. America decidedly offVrs in!

Such a father would there feel himself relieved from a load of
anxiety, the weight of which upon his spirits, and its influence
in repressing his exertions, he is perhaps himself scarcely

ZVl' '; '"'u ''^ '•*'""^* ''y ^'"P-^^" -hen he
has shaken it off m the New World ;-but still to every pro-

poBed emigrant, even of these classes, I would say, that he
must not expect to find either the country full of «,ld, or its
inhabitants as agreeable or as sociable as the perhaps unequal-
led people of England. He must prepare too for many pri-
vations, and should previously have the mind of his family
particularly that of the mother of his children, so entirely b
uniwn with his own, that they can all have the fortitude and
good sense necessary to bear under the numerous privations
they will certainly l3e subjected to, keeping in mind the sub.
stantial advantages they will enjoy, and setting off present
evil against their future and increasing prosperity, which, in
such a country, with a soil yet uncultivated, and in the in-
fancy of its resoarces, may be considered as almost insured to
them.'

6. Artists, 6j'c.
* The artist,' says Fearon, ♦ may succeed, but the probability
IS that he will not do so. I know instances on both sides,
where perhaps equal talent has been possessed. A Mr. Shiels,
a portrait-painter, who was a fellow-passenger of mine in the
Washington, has been eminently successful in New York;

Mr. — , who arrived about the same time, has been un'

able to procure his boarding expences. Generally, I should
not anticipate, judging from the character and habits of the
Fople, that, at least, the superior artist would find it to his
advantage to emigrate. The lawyer and the doctor, and.

--■*-** ■*

UNITED STATES,

6i8

turning tu another ulasa, the clerk and the shopman, will find
no opening in America.^

Several have succeeded well in the business of engraving,
and of piano-forte making ; nor is there much doubt of the
success of any artist who joins ingenuity with steadiness and
perseverance. Several instances of great success might be
quoted; but such cases occur also in all civilized European
countries where circumstances are favourable to the develope-
ment of talent.

A literary man will not meet with any encouragement, the
American library being imported, and newspaper editors hav-
ing no inducement to occupy their talents upon any topics
beyond extracts from English papers, advertisements, and
shipping intelligence.

* Lawyers," says the writer quoted above, * are as comoiion
here as paupers are in England. Indeed, for those friends I
see no kind of opening. Prqfeaswnal men literally swarm in
the United States. An anecdote is told of a gentleman walk-
ing in Broadway: a friend passing, he called "Doctor," and
immediately sixteen persons turned round to answer to the
name. This is even more characteristic of lawyers. At al-
most every private door, cellar, or boarding-house, a tin plate
is displayed, bearing the inscription "Attorney at Law."
Clerks are not in demand in this or any other occupation.
There are here no very large concerns, and most men are ca-
pable of attending to their awn business. A shopman or
clerk, who would receive in London his board and a salary of
from 30/. to 100/. sterling per annum, would here experience
great difficulty in gaining a situation ; and if fortunate enough
to obtain one, he would not receive more than from 3^ to 7
dollars per week, exclusive of board and lodging. The causes
which generate so great a number of " legal friends," lie be-
yond the sources of my penetration. Perhaps we may date
the frequency of litigation to the intricacy of the profession,
which is bottomed on English practice ; while the cheapness
of college instruction, and the general diffusion of moderate
wealth among mechanics and tradesmen, enable them to gra-
tify their vanity by giving their sons a learned education.

i':

544

VIEW OF THE, &c.

This also opens the door to them for «n appointment; anj,
by the way, the Americans are great place-hunters.'

From the tenor of these remarks, it is evident that the poor
man will be most benefited by eraigi:ation. Man does not
transplant easily. In the land of his nativity he acquires as.
sociations, and forms connexions that are pleasing and profit-
able. The surrender of these advantages requires great
resolution, and, where hope is bhisted, his disappointment
must be severe. The emigrant will, no doubt, find much ig-
norance, illiberality, and selfishness mixed up in the American
character : but on the other hand, he will find a country pos-
sessed of the most enlightened civil and political advantages;
a people reaping the full reward of their own labours ; a peo-
ple not paying tythes, and not subjected to heavy taxation
without representation; a people with a small national debt;
a people without spites and informers; a people without an
enormous standing army ; a people in possession of an extent
of territory capable of sustaining an increase of millions and
tens of millions of population ; and a people rafndly advancing
towards national wealth and greatness.

BRITISH

NORTH AMERICA.

>€'#»« l»n -

THOSE parts of North America which still belong to Great
Britain are extensive, and of considerable importance,
though so thinly peopled, and in such a disadvantageous cli-
mate, that they sink into insignificance when compared with
the great and flourishing colony belonging to Spain, or with
the territories of the United States.

Divisiom.— The chief of these possessions is Canada, now
divided into two provinces, called Upper and Lowpr Canada,
the former being the western division, on the north of the
great lakes or sea of Canada; while the lower division is on
the river St. Lawrence towards the east, and contains Quebec,
the capital, and the chief city of our remaining settlements.

On the east of Canada, to the south of the river St. Law-
rence, is Nova Scotia; which in 1784 was divided into two
provinces, that of Nova Scotia in the south, and New Bruns-
wick in the north.

What is called New Britain comprehends the most northern
parts towards Hudson's bay, and the coast of Labrador. The
large island of Newfoundland ; that called Cape Breton ; and
the neighbouring isle St. John ; complete the chief denomina-
tions of British territory. The regions around Hudson's bay,
with Labrador and Greenland, are, from the intense severity

3 Z

'■, »i

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

mf th» cliinai. dm^lared free by nadtre. The present short
description shall therefore only omnftke Canada, and the
Other British provinces in the south, which form actual pos-
sesHiuOis or colonics.

CANADA.

Extent. 'pmS country is computed to extend from the gulf
of St. Lawrence, ond the ihlc of Anticosti, in the
east, to the lake of Winnipejj in the west, or from long. 64
deg. to 97 deg. west from London, 33 degrees, which in that
latitude may be about 1»00 geograpliical miles. The breadth;
from the lake of Erie in the south, or lat. 43 6ef^., may extend
to lat. 49 deg., or 3(j0 geographical miles; but the medial
breadth is not alxjve 200.

Climate and Season/t.— Mr. Weld, who is a great admirer
of ice, depicts the Canadian climate in the most favourable
colours, and would persuade us that, though considerably
further to the north, it is at least equal to that of New J^ng-
land. But even by his account the extremes of heat and cold
are amazing; the thermometer in July and August rising to
9^' while in winter the mercury freezes. The snow begins in
November ; and in January the frost is so intense that it is
impossible to be out of doors for any time without the r' i- nf
what is called a frost-bite, which emlingers the limb: and th*
warm intervals only increase the sensation and the jec'i ardv.
But winter, as in Petersburg, is the season of amusement ;
and the sledges, drawn by one or two horses, afford a pleasant
and %o-'jiy conveyance. Several stoves are placed in the hall,
whence ' «*« ,iiws to the apartments; and there are double
windovi^f j.r. - 4.voi'» On going abroad, the whole body i» coa

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

;aT'dv ,

vercd with fun, e\ce\ t the uycs and no " In Muy th« thaw
generally conu-!* Huddcnly, the Ux* un tiw nver bursting with
tlie noise ut'cunnun, and itH pusna^ to he M>a isi tu rifle, usp«.
cially when a pile uf iue crashed afrotust u rock. Spruig is
summer, and vegetation inhtuntaneuu». The mouth of S^
temlK-r is one of the most plensant.

Mr. Gray, a recent 'ravcller in this country, given the tuilow-
ing picturesque and umuHing account of a Canadian winter: —

'A Caiiu.liaii winter is truly a oubjcct of curiosity to the
nat'i.es oi' Ihiuln, or of any of the auuthern oountries of Eu-
rop( . Ii presents a view of nature perfectly new, and a va-
riety uf phenomena so highly interesting, that they cannot fail
to arrest the attention of any one at all conversant in natural
philosophy.

* In Canada there cannot well be said to be more than two
seasons of the year, summer and winter. The earth hath
scarcely laid aside her mantle of snow, when you begin to feel
the force of summer heat ; and although the weather in Sep-
tember is mild and pleasant, it partakes more uf the 8i#nmer
than of the autumn of temperate climates. The season of ve-
getation st^nis kindly prolonged, till surprised in a manner at
©n»^c by the return of winter, without much of what njay b«
called autumn weather. Frost is felt in October; but the
sun still retains enough of power to make the weather, during
the day, tolerably warm. During the month of November
the frost becomes daily more severe, and snow begins to fall.

* There is sometliing very awful and terrific in a Canadian
snow storm, A heavy fall of snow is generally accompanied
by a violent gale of wind, which driving along the snow with
immense velocity, and forming a thousand eddies and turn>
ings, according to the inequalities of the surface, and resist-
i.nce consequent theret)n, you are able to form an idea of the
velocity of the wind — it becomes, as it were, visible. The
most severe snow storms they experience in Canada come
from the north-east, the frozen regions of Hudson's bay and
Labrador.

' The range of the thermometer in Canada is very extensive,.
Th^ heat \\i suntmer runs into as great an extreme as the eold

I'i

' i

548

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

in winter. The range, during the lu.t twelve months, has
been no less than IW degrees; and what is not a little sur-
prising, It has reached CO degrees precisely, on each side of
the freezing point (32). In summer the thermometer rose to
92, and m winter it fell to 28 below zero. I have been told,
that the cold has been known in this country to freeze mer-
cury, the thermometer having fallen below 40 under zero.

*The effects of frost in this country arc with difficulty
guarded against, and are really in themselves very curious. I
made an experiment which, to most people, will appear very
surprising, I burnt my hand with a coi,d iron. This may
seem incredible; but a little explanation will convince you of
the truth of what I have asserted.

'In one of those very cold mornings we had in the month
of January, when the thermometer had fallen near GO degrees
below the freezino; point, I put my hand to a piece of iron
that had been exposed to the frost in the open air all night.
At first, I felt the sensation arising fi„m extrenje cold ; Tn a
fesv seconds I felt the sensation of heat; and it soon became
80 strong, and so painful, that I was as glad to quit mv hold
as if it had been a hot iron. Indeed, I found that I had kept
It too long, because the part that had been in contact blistered
m the same manner it would have done had it been a hot iron,
and it was cured in the same way. No surgeon in England,
had he been called in, could have suspected that it wan not
the effect of coming in contact with a hot iron. In truth, heat
was the cause of the wound ; and you will readily allow that I
am correct, when I have explained to you a few circumstances.
» Burning by a hot iron is produced by the heat, or what is
technically called m/bnc, passing in such quantity, and with
such rapidity, info the part in contact with the iron, that the
continuity and arrangement of the part is destroyed. Burning
with a cohi iron arises from the heat passing in "such quantity,
and with such rapidity, out of the part of the body in contact
with the cold iron, as to produce the same effect. Heat, in
both cases, is the cause ; and its going into the body from the
iron, or into the iron yro?» the body, does not alter tjie nature
of the effect.

BllITISH NORTH AMERICA.

549

* There is another effect very frequently produced by cold
in this country, which bears no analogy (as in the preceding
example) to any thing produced by external heat; and a
dreadful effect it is— -I meanfrost-btttcn.

* When the weather is very cold, particularly when accom-
panied by a smart wind, instances of people he'm^ frost-bitten
frequently occur. Not a season passes without some of the
sentinels being frost-bitten on their posts. Sometimes their
hands and face, sometimes their feet, are affected ; and a mor-
titicati(m of the part generally follows, if the proper remedy is
not applied in time. The remedy will seldom be applied if
you are attacked in the dark, which is often the case with
tliose who travel at night, as well as with sentinels. Their
OWN feelings do not inform xhem of the presence of the enemy j
and they are not likely, in the <lark, to have him discovered
by other people. He insidiously makes a breach ; and, if he
can keep his ground but for a short time, it is in vain after-
wards to think of dislodging him. In the towns, during the
day, there is less danger, because you will be stopped by the
first person who observes the symptoms. This is readily and
easily done, as the part frost-bitten becomes white, while the
rest of the face is very red.

* In so critical u moment, people do not stand on any cere-
mony, as you may suppose. They know you are not con-
scious of your situation ; and they also know, that before they
could convince you that you are frost-bitten, and on the point
of losing your nose perhaps, it might actually be too late to
apply the remedy ; they instantly take a handful of snow, and
either rub the part themselves, or make you do it.

* It certainly is enough to startle a stranger, to see a person,
perfectly unknown to you, come running up, with a handful
of snow, calling out, " Your nose, Sir,~ipur nose,— yon are
frost-bitten ;" and without further ceremony, either themselves
rubbing it without mercy, or making you do so,'

Rivers.— ThG great river St. Lawrence has been already
described in the general view ol" North America. The Utawas
is the most important of all its tributary streams, issuing from
various lakes, towards the centre of Canada ; its waters are of

^i'

550

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

a bright greenish colour, while the St. Lawrence is muddy.

Many rivers of smaller consequence flow into the river St.

Lawrence from the north.
Lakes—The large lakes have been also already mentioned:

there are many qthers of which the enumeration would be te-

dious; and some difficulty arises from the want of any precise

boundary in the north of Canada.

Momiains.~Nor have the mountains been examined by
any geologist, who could indicate their ranges or illustrate
their structure. The chief ridge seems to be in the northern
part of the province, in a direction south-west and north-east,
giving source to the many streams which flow south-east,
while a few pass to Hudson's bay. But there are many
mountains between Quebec and the sea, while towards the
Utawgs only a few are scattered, and to the south-west there
are ample plains.

Zoolog?/.~The chief singularities in Eoology are the moose,
the beaver, and some other animals, for which Mr. Pennant's
Arctic Zoology may be consulted. The rein-deer appears in
the northern part, and the puma and lynx are not unknown.
Both the Canadas are much infestetl with rattlesnakes. The
humming bird is not uncommon at Quebec.

Mineralogy.— The mineralogy is of little consequence; and
even iron seems to be rare. There are said to be lead mines
which produce some silver; and it is probable that copper
may be found, as it appears in the south-west of lake Supe-
rior. Coal abounds in the island of Cape Breton, but this
valuable mineral has not been discovered in Canada. If so
wide a territory were properly examined by skilful naturalists,
which ought always to be a primanj care with every govern-
ment, for the most advantageous pjfltion of settlements, and
that every advantage may be secured, it is highly probable
that important discoveries might ^e made. Little is said of
warm springs, or mineral waters.

Soil ami Agriculture. — The face of the country is generally
mountainous and woody ; but there are savannas, and plains
of great beauty, chiefly towards Upper Canada. In the lower
province the soil mostly consists of a loose blackish earth of

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

551

ten or twelve inches, incumbent on cold clay. This thin
mould is, however, very fertile, and manure was seldom or
never used by the French settlers ; but of late marl has been
employed, and is found in considerable quantities on the shores
of the river St. Lawrence. A little tobacco is cultivated for
private use, with many culinary vegetables, and considerable
crops of grain, wheat being reckoned among the exports : a
kind of vine is indigenous, but the grapes are sour, and little
larger than currants, llaspberries are also indigenous; and
there are good currants and gooseberries. A great variety of
trees is found in the forests; beech, oak, elm, ash, pine, syca-
more, chesnut, walnut, &c. The sugar maple tree also
abounds, and the sugar is generally used in the country. Of
this tree thei-e are two kinds, the swamp and the mountain
maple. Mr. Weld points out some difliculties in the tenures
of land, which ought to be removed, as in such a climate there
is no occasion for a barrier against colonization.

Populatiofi. — The population of Canada, at the time it came
into the possession of the British in 17-59-60, amounted to
7<>,600 souls, as appears from general Murray's report to the
British government, immediately after the conquest. At that
time the extensive country now called Upper Canada was not
inhabited by any Europeans. At present the two Canadas
contain at least 400,000 inhabitants : of these, Lower Canada
contains about 240,000. The descendants of the old Cana-
dians constitute at least nine-tenths of the population of Lower
Canada. In Upper Canada, the population amounts to about
160,000. These are all British, at least they speak English,
and are governed entirely by the laws of England, both in
civil and criminal matters; and in questions relative to real
property, as well as in questions relative to personal projierty.

From the preceding statement of the population, it is evi-
dent that the increase in Lower Canada for these last fifty
years has been very great ; it has, in fact, nearly tripled. In
Upper Canada the increase has been very rapid, as several
years elapsed after the conquest before any part of Upper
Canada was settled or cultivated. Thirty years ago. Upper
Canada was nearly a continued forest ; — that a population of

552

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

160,000 should in that time accumulate, is a proof that the
country and climate are propitious.

Tlie Canadas owe much of their increase of population to
emigrations from the United States of America, and from
Europe, These emigrations, to n greater or less extent, take
place every year. The emigrants generally prefer settling in
Upper, rather than in Lower Canada, as well those from the
United States as those from Em-ope. There are many rea-
sons for the preference given to Upper Canada, which will
continue to draw, a great augmentation to the natural increase
of the population and wealth— whilst tho Canadian French
population will only increase in the ordinary ratio.

Manners and Cusiums.— The Canadians are but po&r
farmers. Indeed, they are generally so, in more senses of the
word than one. They are accused of indolence, and an aver-
sion to experiment, or the introduction of any changes in their
ancient habits and customs, and probably with reason : — it is
tlie characteristic of the peasantry of all countries. But one of
the principal causes of the poverty, not only of the Canadian
farmer, but also of all ranks amongst them, is the existence of
an old PVench law, by which the property of either father or
mother is, on the death of either, equality divided amongstt
then- children. Nothing seems more consonant to the clearest i
principles of justice than such a law; yet it is assuredly preju-
dicial to society.

In this country (or indeed in any other) an estate, with a
good house upon it, convenient and appropriate offices, and a
good stock of cattle, may be well cultivated, and support, cre-
ditably, a numerous family. If the head of the family dies,
leaving half a dozen children, the estate and whole property is
divided amongst them, which happens here every day. Each
of the sons takes possession of his own lot, builds a house,
marries, and has a family. The value of the whole property
is very much lessened. He who gets the lot with the dwell-
ing-bouse and offices, which served for the whole estate, gets
what is out of all proportion to the means he now has of em-
ploying then) : lie can neither occupy them, nor keep them in
repair, The other lot? are generally too small to supply the

BUJTISH NORTH AMERICA.

fisa

that the

lation to
id from
nt, take
tthng in
rotn the
any rea-
ich will
increase
French

it poor
!S of the |,
tn aver-
in their ,
I : — It IS \ f-
t one of \ \
anadian |<
;ence of ' \
ither or 1 '
mongst ';
u'learest
^ preju-

with a
, and a
rt, cre-
iy dies,
)erty is

Each
house,
operty
dwell-
?, gets
of em-
icni in
)ly the

expencesofafamily, or enable their owners to support that
sta^e of respectability in the country which their father did ;
^ that, instead of one respectable and wealthy head of a fa-
mily, who CQuld protect and assist the younger branches,
giving them a good education, and putting them forward in
the world, you have half a dozen poor dispirited creatures,
who have not energy or power to improve either their lands or
themselves. Witliout great industry, and some capital, new
lands cannot be brought into cultivation, nor can those already
cleared be made very productive.

The French law supposes that matrimony is a co-partner-
ship ; and that, consequently, on the death of the wife, the
children have a right to demand from their father the half of
his property, as heirs to their mother. If the wife's relatic .s
are not on good terms with the father, a thing that sometimes
happens, they find it no difficult matter to induce the children
to demand a pariage^ or division, which often occasions the
totf^l ruin of the father, because he loses credit, equal, at least,
to his loss of property, and often to a greater extent. His
powers are diminished, and his children still have a claim on
him for support.

One effect of this law, and not one of the least material, is,
that the affection between parents and children is likely to be
destroyed by it: and, in fact, it is remarked, that in this coun^
try the instances of unfeeling conduct between parents and
children are extremely frequent, and a spirit of litigation is
excited amongst them.

The wife being by marW^ge invested with a right to half
the husband's property, and being rendered independent of
him, is perhaps the remote cause that the fair sex have such
influence in France; and in Canada, it is well known, that a
great deal of consequence, and even an air of superiority to
the husband, is assume<' by them.

The English and An erican settlers in Canada preserve the
mwners and customs of their respective countries. A great
proportion of the inhabitants of Upper Canada are natives of
Scotland ; who, by their habits of industry, eeonomy, and perse-
yerence, seem peculiarly fitted for improving this fine countrv.
24 4 A

I i

■ijMffiii' '

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

When the navigation of the St. Lawrence becomes imprac-
ticable, little business is done by the merchants, who then ap-
propriate a considerable part of their time to amusements. It
is necessary to do somethinfj to give a little variety to the
sameness of a six months' winter. They have parties of plea-
sure in town, and parties of pleasure in the country, in which
are dancing, music, and the social enjoyments of conviviality.
In winter, when wheel carriages can no longe- be used, a
sort of sledge, called a cariole, is substituted. It passes over
the snow without sinking deep. It is placed on what they call
ntnncrsy which resemble in form the irons of a pair of skaits,
and rise up in front in the same manner, and for the same
purposes. The cariole is generally from nine to twelve inches
above the snow. Sonte, called high runners, are about
eighteen inches The body of the cariole varies in shape, ac-
cording to the fancy of the owner. It is sometimes like the
body of a phaeton, sometimes like a chair or gig, sometimes
like a vls-a-vis, and sotnetimes like a family coach or chariot.
The cariole, in short, is the name for all sorts of vehicles used
in winter, from a market cart up to a state ooach. The gene-
rality of them are light, open carriages, drawn by one horse.
The snow, after being trodden on for some time, becomes
compact enough to bear the horse, and gives very little resist-
ance to the cariole. It is, however, a very unpleasant convey-
ance, from the constant succession of inequalities which are
formed in the snow by the carioles. These inequalities the
Canadians call cahots (from the French word cahoterj to Jolt),
and they certainly are very well named, for a traveller is jolted
as if he crossed a field with very deep furrows and high narrow
ridges.

' In all countries,' says Gray, ' people pass their leisure
hours pretty much alike; that is, they dedicate them to
amusement. In Canada, as most of their winter hours are
leisure hours, there is, of course, some ingenuity necessary to
give such variety to their amusements as may prevent them
from becoming insipid by frequent repetition. Hence, in
Quebec and Montreal, to the regular town parties are added
irragidar country parties. Pic-nic feasts, where every one

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

555

carries with him a ready-dressed dish, are very a)mn)on ; and
as the place of rendezvous is generally a few miles out of town,
the lftdi43s and gentlemen havie tlic pleuAtireofa little car'wUn^
before dinner; the roads, it is true, are often abominably bad,
being a constant succession of cafiots, in which they are jolted
most unmercifully ; not to say any thing of carioles being very
frequently upset, and their contents,, ladies, gentlemen* soup,
poultry, or roast beef, tumbled into the snow, to the no small
amusement of the rest of the party. It is also any thing but
(excessively/ pleasant, after haying dined, danced, supped, and
passed the evening in festive glee, enlivened by the son^ and
the catch, to drive home in the middle of the night, let the
wind blow, and the snow drift, as much as they please. Be-
sides, there sometimes come on such dreotdful storms, that
neither man nor horse can shew their face to them. The
consequence is, that the party rjjmain all night ; the fiddlers
again strike up the merry dance, and the whist players cut for
partners ; what cannot be cured must be endured. Daylight
comes at last, and enables the party to take the road home-
ward without the danger of losing their way, which most pro-
bably would have been the case with some of them had they
attempted it in the course of the night, Tbe little hardships,
disasters, or inconveniences, of these country parties, give a
zest, however, to the more elegant amusenjonts of the town.*

When it is necessary to deviate from the beaten track, or to
cross the woods or fields, snow-shoes are used. They are
made of a kind of net-work, fixed on a frame, shaped like a
boy's paper kitp ; they are about two feet long, and eighteen
inches broad, and therefore take in so much of the surface of
the,f,now, that they sink but a very few inches. The military
in Canada are all provided with snow-shoes, and are marched
out on them, that it may be no novelty in case of their taking
the field in winter. For thp same reason they are sometimes
encamped amongst the snow.

Could the husbandman, the labourer, and all those whose
trade or profession in Canada lead them to work in the open
air, follow their occupations all the year round, it certainly
>voi4ld be of great advantage to the country, and to the people.

BRITISH NORTH AMERliCA.

¥-

At present, a great proportion of the people are obliged to
hve twelve months on six months' work, which implies theit
receiving double wages. This is certainly the case; WBgfes
are very high ; 4*., 5*., to 6*. a day are given, according to
the kind of work, and merit of the workman. The idleness of
their winter life has other bad effects. It generates hAbits
prejudicial to exertion ; so that, even in summer, they do not
perform so much iVork as men who are in habit* of industry
All the year round ; and the desire thev evince for spirituous
liquors is strong and ruinous. Yet, under all these disadvan-
tages, Canada, as well as Russia, may become ft great, trading,
and populous country.

Lan^uaffc—The French language is still retained by the
descendants of the French settlers in Lower Canada. * It is
evidently the interest of the British government, as well as of
the Canadians/, that the English language only should be
spoken ; but the means of effecting this desirable change have
been strangely neglected. English schools have indeed been
, established in some parts of the country ; but few or none of
f the Canadians have ever sent their children to them.

Tozims.— Samuel de Champlain, who founded Quebec in the
year 1608, deserves immortal honours for the judiciousness of
his choice. It ever has been considered, and prolmbly ever
will be considered, as the capital of the Canadas. It certainly
is the key of the river St. Lawrence, which contracts suddenly
opposite to the city, being -only about a mile in breadth ; and
Oldens immediately above the city. The grand battery of
Quebec is opposite to the narrowest part of the river, and is
an extensive range of very heavy ordnance, which, if properly
served, must destroy any vessels which might attempt to nass,
or come near enough to injure the town. The river opposite
to Quebec is about 100 feet in depth, and affords good an-
chorage; for a considerable way above 'Quebec it is navigable
for ships of any size.

The site of Quebec seems to have been destined by nature
for the capital of an empire. Aboye the island of Orleans,
the St. Lawrence expands, and a bason is formed by the
junction of a river called the St. Cliarles, which takes its

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

557

course through a plain, separated from the great river by a
ridge of high Irtiid, about nine milea in length, from a place
called cape Rouge, to cape Diamond. The general breadth
of this ridge is from one to two miles. Cape Dianwnd is a
bold promontory, advancing into the river St. Lawrei>ce, of
an elevation of 350 feet above the river, nearly perpendicular ;
and the bank the whole way to cape Rouge is nearly of the
same elevation, rising from the river almost perpendicular:
the ridge slopes towards the norrti till it reaches the valley
through which the river St. Charies runs. This ridge of land
has every appearmice of having been an island, surrounded by
the great river.

On the north-east, or lower end of the peninsula, Quebec is
situated ; and the line of its fortifications runs from the river
St. Charles, across, to the top of the bank which overlooks the
St. Lawrence; the distance is about half a mile: and from the
line of fortification to the point of cape Diamond the distance
is about a quarter of a mile : within this space stands the city
of Quebec. It consists of an Upf >r and Lower Town : the
Upper Town is much elevated above the Lower Town, and
separated from it by a line of steep rocks. Formeriy the river
St. Lawrence, at high water, came up close to these rocks ;
but as the tide rises and falls here about fifteen feet, it gave
an opportunity of taking from the river a considerable space;
wharfs were built at low water mark, and even at some places
beyond it, and the intermediate ground filled up to such a
height that it remained dry at high water. Upon this situa-
tion streets were laid out, and houses built. They are of con-
siderable breadth, and the houses are large and commodious;
those next the river have attached to them very extensive
warehouses, and vessels come close to the wharfs to discharge
their cargoes.

The Lower Town is not included in the fortifications, but
the passes to it are commanded by the batteries in the line of
fortification which surrounds the Upper Town; so that the
approach by land to the Lower Town will hardly be attempted
by an enemy. The communication from the Lower Town to
the Upper Town is by a winding street; at the top of which

85S

BRITISH NOllTH AMERICA.

IS a fortified gate. At the enlrance of this gate is a large area,
m which is situated the house (dignified with the title of a pa-
lace) in which the bishops of Quebec formerly resided : at
present it is used for public offices, and accommodates the su-
preme council and house of assembly. Beyond the palace is
the grand battery. To the left, not far from the entrance of
the gate, is another area or square; and on the side next the
river is the Chateau de St. Louis, in which the governor re-
sides. Opposite to the chateau, on the other side of the
square, is the English church, a very elegant building; and
the court house, where elegance is not so conspicuous. On
the north side of the square is a very handsome building,
erected for, and used as a tavern, hotel, and assembly room.
iVom the area of the market-place different streets diverge,
leading to the different gates of the city.

There are three nunneries in Quebec, tli<' Hotel Dieu, the
Ursulines, and the General Hospital. The nuns here are not
so useless, h'>wever, as those in the south of Europe; they
employ themselves in teaching young girls reading and needier
work. No where do the Roman catholics and protestants live
on better terms than here. They go to each othe>'« mar,
riages, baptisms, and burials without scruple ; nay, thoy have
even been known to make use of the same church for religious
worship, one party using it in the forenoon, and the other in
the afternoon. The monasteries are mostly extinct, and many
of the catholic clergy are distinguished for intelligence and
liberality.

There are few objects of curiosity in Quebec. The houses
are generally of stone; small, ugly, and inconvenient. A
large garrison is maintained, but 5000 soldiers would be ne-
cessary to man the works. The inhabitants are supposed to
be 10,000, about two-thirds being French ; and the presence
of tiie governor, courts, and garrison, conspire to render it gay
and lively.

The Upper Town of Quebec being very elevated, enjoys
fine air, and a most couimanding view of the surrounding
country. ' I have seen most of the fine views of Europe,' \ 'i
!• writes Mr. Gray; 'and I c^n safely say, they do not surpass, ^

■^
CS

■■ <*!»'.■

BRITISH NORTH AMEBIC Ai

BS»

■- -<r

perhaps they do not equal, that from the flagstaff of Quebec f
on cape Diamond. The majestic St. Lawrence under your
feet, receiving the waters of the river St. Charles, and forming
the l)ason of Quebec, from three to four miles across ; — further
on you see the river dividing itself into two branches, forming
the beautiful island of New Orleans; — on the opposite side of
the great river, a finely wooded country, terminating at point
Levi, conceals the course anil bed of one of the branches of
the river; — the island of Orleans, the falls of Montmorency^
strike the observer; and the villages of lieauport, Charle-
bouri,', and Lorette, appear at a distance, and render the
woods in which they are enal)osomed more interesting. The
eye follows the northern branch of tl^e St. Lawrence till it is
lost amongst the distant mountains. To the southward you -
look over a level country for upwards of sixty m'cs, till the
view is Iwunded by mountains. This extensive tract is still in
a great measure in a state of nature ; — nothing to be seen but
the stately forest in all its majesty. It is difficult to imagine a i
more happy blending of art and nature; — villages, country ;
houses, cottages, com fields, — are combined with primeval i
woods, fine rivers, beautil'ul islands, magnificent waterfalls,
towering hills, and lofty mountains.'

Commerce has made, and will continue, Quebec as the first
city in the Canadas ; perhaps it may become the first in Ame-
rica, for it has a much more extensive communication with the
interior of America than the new city of Washington, or any
other city in America. Neither the Patomak, Chesapeake,
Delaware, nor Hudson"'s river, are at all to be compared to the
St. Lawrence, either in magnitude or extent of back country.
It is worthy of notice, that a person may go from Quebec to
New Orleans, at the mouth of the Mississippi, by water the
whole way, except about the space of one mile from the source
of the Illinois river, to the source of a river which falls into
lake Michigan.

Montreal is situated on an island ; but the island is so large
in proportion to the water which surrounds it, that you are not
sensible of its insularity. A branch of the river Utawas, which
falls into the St. Lawrence above Montreal, take^ a northerly

KM BRITISH NQIITU AMEHICA.

dlr«ctiaii. aad forms tho island, which is about 30 tnilea n\
leng»h by 10 iu breadth. Th« city of Montreal iv situated
near the upper end of it, on tho sciuth aide of the ihiand, al
tlie dijiUnce of alniut 180 niiica from Quebec. ;

Montreal was once surrounded by a wall, which served to
defend it against any sudden attack from the Indians; but as
this is now no longer to ho dreaded, the wall is about to be
removed, that the town may he enlarged with the greater fa-
cility. The St. Lawrence comes close to the town on the
south side, where there is a great depth of water, but vessels
have much difficulty to get at it.

Montreal may be said to l)e a handsome town. Its streets
are regular and airy, and contain many handsome and commo.
dious houses. It is fully as large and as populous as Quebec,
conuuiiiiig about 10,000 people, tho great mass of whom are
C'juiadians. Its suburbs, too, are extensive. It has suffered
greatly from fire at different times, and the precautions taken
to prevent the spreading of conflagration exceed even those of
Quebec ; for, in addition to the roofs being generally covered
with tmned plates, the windows have outside shutters, covered
with plate iron. '

The island of Montreal is wholly in a state of cultivation;
and it is surrounded by a country generally cultivated. What
adds much to its con8u]uence is, its bciiig situated near the
embouchure of several rivers, which bring down from the coun-
tries tlirough which they flow a great deal of very valuable
produce.

Although the St. Lawrence is navigable for large vessels as
high up as Montreal, yet the navigation above Quebec is at-
tended with so many inconveniences, that in general it is found
more advantageous for the vessels to stop at Quebec, and for
such of their cargoes as come from Montreal, to be brought
down in river craft.

The chief trade is in furs. The north-west company con-
sists of a number of merchants associated for the purposes of
trading with the Indians in furs. They formed the associa-
tion in the year 1784; and have carried on the trade with
great spirit and success. . Those who manage the concerns of

*3^ #

BRITISH NORTH AUF :a. 561

the company reside in Montreal ; they receive n romnot,.ati.m
for theu- trouble, besides li.eir share of thp profits of the con-
cern. From Mnntreal they w,„d ,„, the co.intry lar^e (iuantU
tu.« .,t g<Kids, to be barlured with the Indimis'fl.r furs. For
the conveyance of these «ood», «nd for bringin^r back the furs
they have employee), pr,„er«lly, „ho„t 50 catUK..s, and upwards

ct. r&rTh ""•'', "V'""T'"^T.^^*'^'"^ v<»,a,reur.), guides.
Clerks, Ll i he capital employed m this trade, in goods alone,
18 upwards of 100,000/.

At the grand egress of the river St. Lawrence, on the lako
Oruano near what is called the lake of a thousand islands,
stands the town of Khi^.ton, more remarka[)le frou. its position
than any other circum-stance. The forts of Niagara and De-
troit belong to the southern side of the l)oundary. The little
town of Troi, Rivieres, or Three River,, stands betwec-n
Qud)ec and Montreal, and is chiefly remarkable for the resort
of the savages: but though it contains little n.ore than 250
houses, It IS considered as the third town in JJritish America
Sorelk was fbunded in 1787 fbr the Au.erican loyalists, but
contams only 100 scattered houses: it is at the distance of
ftfteen leagues from Montreal towards Quebec; and the chief
busmess is ship-building.

Yixrk, the capital of Upper Canada, is a small pleasant town
contammg a good many frame houses; biit the land is rather
low and unhealthy in its neighbourh<K,d. Newark contains
about 500 uihabitants, and many of the buildings are hand,
some, bemg composed of brick and stone. It has two churches,
a jail, and acaden.y ; six taverns, and about 20 dry-goods
stores, where every article can be had on as good terms as in
Montreal. The fort here is garrisoned with 500 men, of the
41st regiment; and the remainder of the regiment are distri-
buted along the banks of the lake. Queenstown contains
about 300 uihabitants: it has six stores and several taverns
and a considerable trade along the lakes. Maiden, at the west
end of lake Erie, consists of about 100 houses, and has a gar-
rison, and a great trade with the Indian tribes.

Manufactures.— A variety of articles for domestic purposes,
which used formerly to be imported from Britain, are now

4 B

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BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

manufactured in Canada; particularly stoves, Imr-iron, and
C(H>kiii^ utensils ; also leather, hats, soaj), and candles. Ca-
nada has always Injon famous for the manufacture of snuff;
and a quantity of sugar, and coarse linens and woollens for
home consumption, are also manufactured.

Commerce. — Wheat is the most considerable article of ex-
portation from Canada; upwards of one million bushels have
been exported in one year ; not half that quantity, however,
was exported on an average of five years ending in 1805.
The next articles of consequence in the list of exports are,
flour and biscuit. The average amount of flour for Ave
years, ending 18()/>, was 19,8Sa barrels at 452^. (W. per barrel,
42,123/. lT.y. 6,i

The fur trade of Canada, in point of value and of import,
ance to Great Britain, is nearly equal to any other branch of
the Canada trade. The duty paid in England on furs and
skins, im}X)rted from Canada, amounted, per annum, on an
average of four years, ending 1806, to 2i',053/. The lumber
trade is of more reol value to Britain, because timber is of
more real use in society. The ooni trade is, perhaps, more
valuable to the CaJiadiaus than the fur trade; but the trade in
furs employs a great lumiber of people, and a large capital.

The north-west company, who have entirely monopolized to
tliemsclves the fur trade, are a self-created company, not ac-
knowlcdgect by government, but who have united tlieir capital
and exertions lor their mutual beneflt. As they have at pre-
sent no competitors in the north-west territory, they have the
trade in their own power in a great measure : but they are
obliged to pay a considerable price for the skins, because the
Indians have been so long accustomed to tlie trade, that they
have long jigo learuetl that a beaver skin is worth more than a
tw(vpenny knife, or a six-penny trinket.

Wheu the Berlin and Milan decrees threatened to shut all
the ports of Europe against Britain, the government took
some pains to introduce the cultivation of ?iemp into Canada,
a measure which promises to become very successful. But
the produce of the forests are articles of the greatest import-
ance amongst the exports of Canada. Staves are exported to

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

£63

a great amount, and some very liandsomc ships are annually
built by contract at Quebec and Montreal. A quantity of
fish, and pot and pearl ashes, is also exported; but as has
been observed, the export of furs is of tlie most advantage.
Resides the north-west company, another company which
trades to the south-west, and is generally termed the Michili-
mackinack company, has been lately established. The Hud.
son's bay company conduct their business on a very narrow
scale, and with little benefit to the public, which has induced
both Mr. Uurke and Mr. Mackenzie to condemn the momipoly
they hold. The latter gentleman has given a most interesting
account of this curious trade.

The total exports from Quebec alone in 1808 amounted to
895,949/., and the numlier of vessels cleared from the custom-
house was 334, equal to 70,275 tons, and navigated by 3330
seamen. In the year 1806 the tonnage was only 3.S,996;
which clearly shows the natural amelioration of the country,
arisin<i; from the embargo in America.

The principal imports are spirits, wines, tobacco, sugar, salt,
and provisions for the troops. Manufactured articles are al.so
imported to a great amount from England.

Religion. — The religion is the Roman catholic; but the | '
Rritish settlers follow their own modes of worship. There are
only twelve clergymen of the church of England, including / i i
the bishop of Quebec; while the catholic clergy are 126. i /

Government. — By an act passed in 1791, a legislative coun-/ /
oil and an assembly are appointed for each of the provinces of
Upper and Lower Canada, having power to make laws with
the consent of the governor; but the king may declare his
dissent at any time within two years after receiving any bill.
The legislative council is to consist of seven members for Up-
per Canada, and fifteen for the Lower province, summoned by
the governor under the king's authority, and nominated du-
ring their lives, except forfeited by an absence of four years,
or by paying allegiance to a foreign power. The house of
assembly is to consist bf fifty members from Lower Canada,
and sixteen fran» Upper Canada, chosen by the freeholders in

564

BRITISII NORTH AMERICA.

O P

the towns and districts. These counnls are to assemhle at
least once ever.y year; and the house of assemMy continues
tour years, except in case of prior Hissohifion. The f^overnor,
together with such of the executive council as shall he an.
pointed hy the king for the affairs of each province, are to be
a court of civil jurisdiction for hearing and determining ap.
peals; subject, however, to such appeals from their sentence
as heretofore existed. AH lands in Upper Canada are to be
granted hereafter in free and common soccage: and also in
Lower Canada where the grantee shall desire it, subje. t no-
verthelcss to alterations by an act of the legislature. British
America is superintended by an officer styled Governor-gene-
ral of the four British Provinces in North America, who, be-
sides other powers, is commander-in-chief of all the British
troops in the four provinces, and the governments attaciied to
them, and Newfoundland. Each of the provinces has a lieu-
tenant-governor, who, in the absence of the governor-general,
has all the powers requisite to a chief magistrate.

The policy of giving Canada such a form of ,aovernment is
very questionable. But the English are so fond of their con,
stitution, that they think it is only necessary to shew it to all
the world, and it must be accepted with joy. The impossibi-
lity of establishing in an instant a free constitution, amongst V"
<_?"JS'I2i;!."^ '^"^ ^"f'^??.':V^'?.y.?J'eople, is not considered. And
liow can iegithnate FrenchmenT the descendants of men who
never formed a correct idea themselves of the nature of civil
and religious liberty, impress it on the minds of their children ?
or how can men who can neither read nor write, which is the
case with many of the members of the house of assembly, dis-
charge the important duties of a legislator ? This fact, which
is stated by travellers of respectability, of itself evinces that it
was too soon to give the French Canadians a share of the go-
vernment. If Upper and Lower Canada had but one house
of as.ninbly, the English party would always have the ascen,
dancy ; but Canada being divided into two provinces, and the
French Canadians in Lower Canada forming the majority, the
government of the country is virtually placed in their hands.

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

565

iiMe at
•ntinups
ivernor,
be ap-
*e to be
ing ap-
pntence
■e to be
also in
ietf. nc*
British
r-gene-
lo, he-
British
'iied to
a lieu-
eneral,

nent is
ir con-
t to all
lossibi-
nongst V
And' ^
n who
f civil
dren?
is the
', dis-
which
that it
le go-
house
iscen-
id the
y, the
i»nds.

A union of tlie two provinces, in government, law!*, nnd lan^ '
guage, would be equally advantageous to the colonists and
the mother country.

Military Force. — In I^wer Canada there are ab^iit ^0,000 ,
militia. They are'mustered at stated periods ; and, ih the townsi,
they are clothed and armed, and have learned the ImsineSSiof
soldiers so well, that they are fit to be brigaded with the troops
of the line. In the late war their courage and conduct wer6
excellent; which, no doi>ht, arose from theii* hatred to the
iuhabitiints of the United States. Butv notwithstanding theit
quiet and inoffensive habits, it is doubtful how they would act
in case Canada was invaded by the French, for whom they
must have a natural predilection. s ; •m\

Revenue. — The civil list, including the whole civil expendi-
ture of the provincf /f Lower Canada for 1800, aitiouiited.to
36,21.3/. n.v. 8irf. L.erling; F)ut of this sum the province paid
only 16,227/. 14.9. Off/., as appears by the accounts laid before
the house of assembly ; the remainder was paid out of the
militnrtj chest, from funds raised by draughts on the British
government. The military establishment, with repairs of forts,
&c. is stated at 100,000/. ; and the like sum for presents to
the savages, and salaries to officers employed among them for
trade, &c. in Ujiper Canjida. But the advantages of the com-
merce are thought to counterbalance these expences.

History. — When we reflect on the number of years thi«
country has been in the possession of Europeans, we cannot
help being surprised thp.t it should still retain so much of its
original rudeness : it is now about 260 years since it was taken
possession of by the Fiench. The infant colony seems to
have been ver; much neglected by Old France, who did not '
by any means watcii over it with a motherly care. From the
year 1535, when Quebec was first discovered, to the year
1664', a period of 129 years, the government and trade of Ca-
nada were in the possession of private merchants holding un-
der patents from the king of France. In the year 1664, the
king assumed the government; a governor was appointed;
but the trade of the country was given exclusively to the com-

'^.

-/( (

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886

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

fanyjks Jndes Occidmtaleo. The English had by this time
established colonies in New England and at Boston, who did
every thing m their power to weaken and annoy the French
^lony. which they fonnd interfered in their trade with the
Indians. Indeed, the English attacked and t<K>k Quebec so
for back as the year 1629; but it was restored to the French
by the treaty of St. Cxermain in 1632. The French govern-
«ent, even after they took the colony under their own imme-
diate care, seem to have paid more attention to the fur trade
to exploring the interior of the country, cultivating the friend-
ihip of the Indians, and spreading the Roman catholic reli-
gion, than to the improvement of the country in agriculture,
the promotion of the arts, and the domestic pursuits of civil
society.

In 1759, general Wolfe, with infinite labour, contrived to
carry his little army to the top of the heights on the St. Law-
rence, and took his stand on the plains of Abraham. Mont-
calm, the French general, jhinl|f confident, marched out of
tbe city, engaged the English, and was beat close to the walls
It was very unaccountable thac the French should resolve to
come out of a strong fortification (where they might lono- have
resisted the assailants) and put themselves on a fwtin- with
tlieir enemies. Besides the troops in the city of Quebec, the
French had 10,000 men encamped at Beauport, within a few
miles of Quebec. If an arrangement had taken place with
these troops, that they should attack Wolfe at the moment the
garrison sallied forth, his little army must have been cut to
pieces. To this error we owe Quebec. General Montcalm,
as well as the brave Wolfe, fell in tlie engagement : very dif-
ferent, however, must have been their filings in their last
moments. The conduct of the Frenchman, in rashly sacrific
uig h ; troops and the interests of his country, could not bear
reflection. Wolfe saw his troops triumphant ; they had beaten
the enemy : he died in the arms of victory.

General Montgomery, in the winter of 1775, besieged Que-
bec with an American army, and, when reinforced by general
Arnold, attacked the city by assault on the night of the aist

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

December. They were repulsed ; — the general and two of his
aids-de-camp were killed. The blockade continued during
tlie winter : but on tlie arrival of troops from England in the
spring, the siege was raised, and the Americans driven out of
the province.

The different attempts and their failures, lately made by
the Union to separate Canada from Great Britain, are well
known ; and will tend, it is probable, to weaken those prepos*
terous desires for conquest, which seem to actuate the Ameri-

can goveiTiment.

GASPE.

Before closing this account of Canada, it may be proper to
mention a part of it separately. It is called the ♦ Inferior dis-
trict of Gasp^ ;i and is situated to the southward of the river
St. Lawrence, from cape Chat downwards, and comprehends
a considerable extent of country on the west coast of the gulf
of St. Lawrence, in which are found two deep bays, viz. Gasp^
bay and Cha^eur bay.

The district of Gaspe has a governor appointed by the
king, and there is an inferior court of king's bench for the de-
cision of such civil suits as do not exceed 20^., and to take
cognizance of criminal matters that are not capital. At pre-
sent, the population, reckoning resident settlers only, is not
more than 8-500. In the summer time, a great many more
are attracted for the purpose of carrying on the fishery, which
is done in all its different stages. The bays and coasts of
Gaspe abound with codfish, salmon, and many other sorts of
fish. There are several fishing stations along the coast ; those
of most importance are at Perce and Chaleur bay. The trade
employs annually about a dozen square-rigged vessels, besides
a great many small craft. Fish, to the value of 60,000/. 8
year, including what is sent to Quebec to bt re-shipped for the
West Indies, and elsewhere, or used in the country, are cured
and sent to a market. The greatest part, however, ig sent di-
rect from Gaspe to the West Indies or Mediterranean,

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

K KM ARKS.

From the preceding description, an opinion may be formed
respecting the present state of British America. Upper Ca-
nada will no doubt soon become a tliickly settled country.
Most of the emigrants to these extensive regions are Scotch,
Irish, and natives of the United States. The climate is mild,
the land in general fertile, and the tenure easy. The laws also
appear fair and equal ; but there is a good deal of underhand
management and mtrigue, and neither independence of senti-
Went, nor freedom of speech or of the press, are encouraged.
Indeed, they can hardly be tolerated in a country where the
government depends for support upon the military, who are of
course jealous, haughty, and overbearing.

It is, however, impossible that . this state of things should
last; and accordingly a very powerful opposition has lately
been made to the unconstitutional conduct of the governor.
This spirit of resistar.'^e will naturally gather strength as the
population increases ; and the separation of this part of the
British empire from the mother country is perhaps not far dis-
^tant The encouragement lately offered by our commercial
regulations, for the exportation of agricultural products from
Canada, will no doubt operate so as to produce a temporary
acquiescence to the mandates of government ; but if any at-
tempts to domineer despotically be persisted in, the result is
obvious. The British ships might block up the navigation of
the St. Lawrence against the inhabitants of Upper Canada ;
but the grand canal, which is intended to join the lakes with
the Hudson river, will offer a still more eligible outlet for the
produce of this country.

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

NEW BRUNSWICK.

•pHE ancient province of Nova Scotia was granted by James
I. to liis secretary Sir William Alexander, afterwards earl
of Stirling ; and the origin of the title of baronets of Nova
Scotia is well known. It was afterwards seized by the French,
who seem indeed to have been the first possessors, and by
whom it was called Acadie ; but it was surrendered to Eng-
land by the treaty of Utrecht, 1713. In 1784, it was divided
into two provinces. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. In the
former there are two considerable bays, and a river of some
length, called St. John's; while that of St. Croix divides New
Brunswick from the province of Main, belonging to the United
States. The river of St. John is navigable for vessels of 50
tons about 60 miles, and for boats about 200 ; the tide flowing
about 80. The fish are salmon, bass, and sturgeon : and the
banks, enriched by the annual freshes, are often fertile, level,
and covered with large trees. This river afiPords a common
and near route to Quebec. There are many lakes, among
which the Grand lake is 30 miles long, and about nine broad.
The great chain of Apalachian mountains passes on the norths
west of this province, probably expiring at the gulf of St.
Lawrence. The capital is Frederick-town on the river St.
John, about 90 miles from its estuary. St. Ann's is almost
opposite ; and there are some other settlements nearer the bay
of Fundy, with a fort called Hove. The chief products are
timber and fish.

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570

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^BRITISH p:^TH A]^5?X9A.

% <

NOVA ,SCPTIA. .

THIS province is about 300 miles in length, by about 80 of

medial breachh, being inferior in size to New Brunswick
There are several considerable river's, among which that of
Annapohs is navigable fifteen miles, for sliips of 100 tons
The bay of Fundy, between New Brunswicj. and Nova Scotia
extends 50 leagues inland; the ebbing and flowing of the tide
bemg from 43 to 60 feet. It is called by the French Acadie,
•has New England and the Atlantic o'ceao' to the south and
south-west, and the river and gulf of St. Lawrence to the
north and north-east. Though it lies in a very fevourable
part of the temperate zone, it has a winter of an almost insup-
portable length and coldness, continuing at least seven months
'in the year: to this immediately succeeds, without the inter-
vention of any thing that may be called spring, a summer of a
heat as violent as the cold, though of ni, long continuance';
hnd they are wrapped in the gloom of a perpetual fog, even
long after the summer season has commenced. In most parts
the soil ,s thin and barren, the corn it prddiices is of a shrivel!
led kmd hke rye, and the grass intermixed with a cold spongy
moss. However, it is not uniformly bad; there are tractsin
Nova Scotia which do not yield to the best land in New' Eng-
land; The capital is Halifax, on the bay of Chebucto, wfi
situated for the fishery, with communications by land and-'wa-
ter w.th other parts of this province, an^ New Brunswick.
Ihere is a good harbour, where a small squadron of ships of
war, employed m protecting the fishing vessels, is laid up m
the winter. The town is entrenched, with forts of timber, and
IS sa.d to c-ontain 15 or 16,000 inhabitants, a superior popula-
tion to that of Quebec. Shelburne, towards the south-west
once contained 600 families ; Guisbury about 250. The har!
bour of Annapolis is excellent; but it is an inconsiderable

) f

Bli!^ rSHNORTIIAMERICA

Ail

571

han|let. There arc ipany forests, Tlje Micraacs, an Indian
tribe ofabout 300 %hters, dwell to the'east uf J^l^Iifax.^ i^up- '
plies of gn^n are sent from Uriti^in ; from whence ^Iso are exr, .
ported to tbes^ province.s linen and wooMcn cloths, and other '.
articles, to the amount of about 20,000/.: au4,the rpturns are .
timber and fisi, worth about ,50,090/. T,^he chief iishery is .'
that ot cod, n.'ar the cape Sable coast. Near cape Canco there
are remarkably- cliffs of white gypsum: About 23 leagues ,
Irom tbe capo is the isle de Sable, or of Sand, consisting wholly !
of that substance, mixed with white transparent stones, the
hills being milk-white cones, and some 146 feet ^bove the sea
This strange isle lias ponds of fr^sh water; with junipers, '
blueberries, and cranberries, and some grass and vetches,
which serve to support a few horses, cows, and hogs. The ,
bay of Fundy presents an infinite variety of picturesque and
sublime scenery ; and the bore rises to the height of 70 feet.

ISLAND OF CAPE BRETON.

THIS island is attached to the province of Lower Canada,
though diyicjed from Nuva Scotia only by a strait of one
mile in breadth. It is about 100 miles in length; and, ac
cording to the French authors, was discovered at a very early
period, about A. D. 1500, by the Normans and Bretons, who
navigated these seas; and, being supposed a part of the conti,
nent, was crlled Cape Breton, a name absurdly retained.
They did not, however, take possession of it till 1713, when
they erected fort Dauphin : the harbour being found difficult,
Louisburg was built in 1720, the settlers being chiefly from
Europe, as the Acadians, or French of Nova Scotia, did not
choose to leave that country, In 1745, Cape Breton was
taken hy some troops from New England, and has since re

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BIUTISH NORTH AMERICA.

muined subject to the British crown. The climate is cold and
%Ry» "ot ""Lv from the proximity of Nowfoundland, but
from numerous lakes and forests. The soil is chiefly mere
moss, and has been found unfit for agriculture. The chief
towns are Sidney and Louisburg; the whole inhabitants of
the isle do not exceed 1000. The fur trade is inconsidtrable,
but the fishery very important, this island being esteemed the
chief seat; and the value of this trade, while in the French
possession, was computed at a million sterliii^j. Tl.ere is a
very extensive bed of coal in this island, in a horizontal direc-
tion, not more than six or eight feet below the surface: but it
has been chiefly used as ballast: in one of the pits a fire was
kindled by accident, and remains unextinguished.

The island of St. John is at no great distatice to the west of
Cape Breton, being about 60 miles in length by JJO in breadth,
and is attached to the province of Nova Scotia. The French
inhabitants, alwut 4000, surrendered, with Cape Breton, in
1745. It is said to be fertile, with several streams. A lieu-
tenant-governor resides at Charlotte town ; and the inhabitants
of the island are computed at 5000.

PRINCE EDWARD'S ISLAND.

•pHIS island is situated in thegulf of St. Lawrence, near the
coast of Nova Scotia. It is about lilO miles long, and
much intersected by arms of the sea, along which is a thinly
scattered population, estimated at about 7 or 8000. The
lands of this island were granted in the year 1767, in several
large lots, of which a great proportion fell into the hands of
persons who entirely neglected their improvement. This place
has lately attracted much attention from the patriotic exertions
of the earl of Selkirk, who, in order to turn the current of

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

57^

emigration from the Highlands of Scotland to the United
Stales, coT/ceii^ed the plan of forming » settlement here, where
the Highlandi^rs might continue t'leir old customs, and enjoy
all the pleasures that arise from the proud spirit of clanship.
About 800 of these people, accordingly, reached the island
August, 1803, under the sgperintendance of this young no-
bleman. Each settler was allowed, at a mtKlurate price, from
50 t<i 100 acres. This colony has not disappointeil the ex-
pectations of the founder; and seems to promise a desirable re-
treat to the superfluous population in tjhe Highlands, and also
to constitute a valuable barrier to the British i>ossessions in
America.

NEWFOUNDLAND.

^HIS island was discovered by Sebastian Calwt in 1496,
who also foimded the prior claim of England to the North
American shores as far south as Florida. This discovery, like
that of Columbus and others, was unintenti(jnal, the design
being merely to penetrate to the East Indies. Those authors
who wonder that no colonists were sent, only shew their igno-
ranee of the intentions of the first navigators ; as at that period
there was not one man in Europe who could have formed the
smallest idea of the benefits of a colony. It was the su(x;ess of
the Spanish colonies, allured by gold alone, that, towards the
end of the sixteenth century, enlarged the ideas of mankind ;
but, even then, llaleigh's transcendant mind held out gold to
all his followers, as the sole inducement. The island of New-
foundland is about 320 miles in length and breadth, the shape
approaching to a triangle. It seems to be rather hilly than
mountainous, with woods of birch, small pine, and fir ; yet on
the south-west side there are lofty head-lands. The country

5** -^ BWmSH'NORlfH AMttRlt^^p.

I.* .«.artely beet, pcetmlc-d a»)b*.' SO'miT.s; but thlTh ^i-^'

lOih of May, an^ continues till the end of Sepfend,^l-^ The'"'

ZTrh T^ 'V" ^rnckhoi'^ah, for the Erl^likh „,ar."
ket. rhene ban^aftnd th* island are environed wit'h Constant "

SW^^^^^^^^^^^ The fishery iseompuled to vicid abo6t •

3W,0M/ a j.ar from the cod sold in th. catl^oMc i^^nntries. •
T ,.]a„d ot Newfoundland, after n.an.v Hisputo. with 'the •
t.ench, was ce. led to England 1713, the French luivln^ per-
nss,on to dry their nets on the northern shores; and ^rTim

rence and the sn.all isIes of St. Pierre and Miqwelon were
ceded to t^,en. The French, by the treaty 1783, were to "
oy the.r fishenes on the northern and western coasts, the in-
habuantsof the United States hav.g the s«n.e privileges as
before the.r nulependence ; and the' preliminaries of October,
1«U1, confirm the privileges omnted to the French.

Tho thief tovvnh are St. John in the s'outh-tast;' with iV
in'JiiV" M-' '"""'' ""^ »^'"'»vistainthec.d,st; but h.t dboVe "
lUUO families remain during the ^vintef. In the SpriWg a srfiall
squadron ,. sent to protect the fisheries and s-ottlements, the
admiral' being also oovern6r of the island, its sole conseqUence
dejjendmg on the fishery; and there are ttvo lieutenant-go- •
vcrnore^ one at St. John's, another at Plafcentid. '

These dreriry shores are strongly contrasted by the BeriiiU-"
dasi or Sommer islands, lyin<r ilmost at an equal distahce be- '
tween Nova Scotia and the West Indies ; but as they are '
nearer to tlie coast of CaroliHa d.an to any other land it
seems more proper to am-mge them here than under ahy
other d-ivisioi*.!'-. . *

^,i^^3l!*•^

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

515

BERMUDAS, OU SQMMER ISLANDS.

THEY are four in nunihcr, and were discoverod by the
Spaniards umW -Jobn Bermiulafi, ■ in 1327; but being
afterwards neglected by them, they were again disclosed by
the shipwreck of Sir George Sommer in U)09; which event
seems to have induced Shakespeare to discribe them as ever
vexed with storms. Another poet, Waller, who resided there
some time, on his being condemned for a plot against the par-
liament in 1043, describes them in very different colours, as
enjoying a perpetual spring. In 17U5, the benevolent and
eccentric bishop Berkch-y proposed to eiect a colJege in these
islands for the conversion of the savage Americans ! It ap-
pears that the largest island, call?d Bermuda, resembles a
hpok, the great sound fronting the north. The leng ;. k
about 35 geographical miles, the breadth seldom two. The
other isles are St. GeorgeV St. Bavid\ and Somerset; with
several islets, and nunierous roc! , ^ town of St George
contains about 500 houses, buui of a soft, free-stone, probably
like that of pj^th ; the iuhahitants being about 3000, and those
of all the isles perhaps about 9000. There is h governor,
council, ^nd geperal assembly; the religion being that of the
church of England. The people ^re chiefly occupiwi in
building light ships of theit cedars, in which they trade to
North America and the West Inxlips. It would appeal that
these remote isles were uninhabited when settled by the Eng-
lish; but a good history and description of the Bermudas
might afford a pleasing addition to the geographical library.
Mr. Morge says that the blacks are here twice as numerous as
the whites; and that a great part of their trade consists in
carrying salt to 4merica. The women are said to be hand-
some, and both se:jes fond of dress, which is perhaps more
laudable than the opposite extreme.

^...,

i iiw »* ii I ■■ ■■ ■. »> n in

'»?

SPANISH

NORTH AMERICA.

——■■•«.-.» S'.^Jcs:*"

Extent. npHE Spanish dominions in North America are
more important, in every respect, than those
they hold in the southern half of the new continent. Yet
jealousy of the English, and recently of the government of the
United States, has long prevented any prei^ise intelligence re-
specting these regions from appearing. Recourse, therefore,
must unavoidably be had to authorities which might, in any
other case< be deemed imperfect, dubious, or antiquated.

Of this wide region the chief part is distinguished by the
name of Mexico, or New Spain ; the provinces, in ascending
from the south to the north,- being Veragua, Costa Rica, Ni-
caragua, Honduras (with the Mosquito shore claimed by the
English), Guatimala and Verapaz, Chiapa, Tabasco, and the
peninsula of Yucatan, Guaxaca, Mexico proper, including
sfubdivisions : with New Gallicia, Biscay, and Leon. What
is called the empire of Mexico was in truth only a moderate
kingdom, about 600 miles in length by 140 in breadth. Nay,
the republic of Tlascala was within 60 miles of the capital.

The provinces further to the north are Cinaloa and others
on the gijll" of California, with that large Chersonese itself:
New Mexico hicludes the most northern central settlements on
the Rio Bravo.

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA. 577

CW..--In California epidemical distempers seem to be

l,«„f u- L ,, ^^*"^^' ""wever, temper the extremp

on (he contiary, „,|1 sometimes present »hite frost and ice in

fnd befl'"^" ,'" "*" ■"'»"<> P-"»-» «- cliniate i, ™i "
and ben,g„, „,„ ^„e momentary snow in winter; b„t „„ *
ttflcal warmth ,s found neeessary, and animals sLp aj .he
yeat under the open sky. There are plentiful rains, Lera Iv
after m,d-day, from April till September, and hailstorm ar^
no, unknown. Thunder is frequent; and the ea^Tak
and volcanoes are additional circumstances of terror

Face of the Ct„m<n,._The face of the countrv is rather
motmtamous than plain, except towards the shorel b the

r;:::;iy^r''='-'"'*«^«'™Kandr^i
and*s:7ei\rri;;'r':: ':r"Tr "■' ""? '-'-"

.Sttinlsh v™..l. A "."any lespect. The principal river of

BrlT ^1 if," "' ^"y""^ "" comparison, the Rio
Bravo, called also del Norte, or of the nor hern star The
course of this im,»rta„t river, so far as i„ sources ' veUe

^^Zlr '^ t"i "^ ""''* "''- ''«^- "'»
rte lo?;: S r *°' "^ "^ '''''"'^- Tl>e nature of

«;t2e:rbt:rt:a:r™"^°^ '■" '"""'- °^'"^

T,o ™ ^ • ! '''"'°' "■''°-* comparative course mav be
aW t 700 British miles. Towards the west is a lar™ river

(!/'«. but the main stream seem, rather to be the Rio Gramic
■^ * I)

ST8

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

I »

i /

de los Apostolos, barbarous appellations imposed by the Jesuits
who had settlements in California. The course of this rivef
may be computed at COO British miles. Among the rivers of
the isthmus may be mentioned those of Palmas, of Panuco, Ta-
basco, Suraasinta, St. Juan, all flowing into thegulf of Mexico.
Those which join the Pacific seem more rivulets ; till, in the
vicinity of Mexico, the mountains rather tend to the east, and
the streams of.Yopez, and Zacatula, join the Pacific ocean.
That of Guadalaxara rises to the west of Mexico ; and being
considered as passing through the lake of Chapala, will thus
join the Pacific after a comparative course of B50 British
miles.

Lakes. — The chief lake in Spanish North America, so far as
yet explored, is that of Nicaragua, which is about 170 British
■miles in length, north-west to south-east, and about half that
breadth. Thi^ grand hike is situated in the province of the
same name, towards llie south of the isthmus, and has a great
outlet, the river of St. Juan, to the gulf of Mexico, while a
smaller stream is by some supposed to flow into the Pacific.
In the hands of an enterprising people this lake would supply
Ahe long wished for passage, from the Atlantic into the Pacific,
and in the most direct course that could be desired. Nature
lias already supplied half the means ; and it is probable that a
complete passage might have been opened, at half the expence
wasted in fruitless expeditions to discover such a passage by
the north-west, or the north-east. This speculation must de-
pend on circumstances ; but if a passage were once opened,
the force of the ocean would probably enlarge it; and a tri-
bute at this new sound would be a considerable source of re-
venue. Among the more northern lakes, that of Mexico is
not only celebrated, but of considerable extent, being, accord-
ing to the best maps, more than 30 British miles in length,
north to south, if the port called Chalco be included. To-
wards the west in this part, where the isthmus begins to en-
large, there are several lakes, tlic principal being that of
Chapala, which is about 60 British miles in length by 20 in
brea<kh. The north-western parts have been little explored,
but probably contain some lakes of considerable extent.

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA. B79

Mmntaim.-Tho whole «f the Spanish territories in North
America may be regarded as mountainous. The grand chain
of the Andes seems to terminate on the west of the gulf of
Danen in South America, but by others is supposed to extend
to the lake of Nicaragua. Even this extension would totally
differ ,n its direction from the Andean range, as bending
north-west, then south-west, then again north-west, so that the
mam range seems here lost, or passes through the Caribbean
sea m the isles of Mosquitos and others towards Jamaica;
while the mountains in the south of the isthmus, as far as tho
Jake of Nicaragua, must be regarded as only a branch, declin-
mg much m height, till it finally expire at that lake. In this
point of view the ranges passing from north to south must be
. regarded as spurs of the main chain ; but as on the one hand
orology is confounded by minute and various appellations o-iven
to portions of ^U same range, so it may be equally perpfexed
by too exf v- appellations, which, as in the case of the
Taurus of the ancients, can only impart confused and errone-
ous ideas. The Mexican mountains seem to consist of gneiss
granite, &c., while the grand chain of the Andes has a most
peculiar character, being composed of argillaceous schistus.
The ridge of Canatagua passes north and south, between the
provinces of Veragua and Panama. It is followed in the for
mer province by the range called Unaca, and the volcano of
Vara ; and by several ridges in Costa Rica.

To the north of the lake of Nicaragua the main ridges often
pass east and west; and the Sierra of Yucatan north-east.
The chief summit of Nicaragua seems to be the Mamatombo.
The volcano of Guatimala raged furiously during the earth-
quakes which ruined that great city in 1773. In the ancient
kingdom of Mexico, which extended from near the lake of
Chapala in the north, to Chiapa on the river Tabasco in the
south, the summits rise to a great height, as being the central
parts of a range wholly unconnected with the Andes. Their
direction has not been laid down with care or intelligence,
more at' Tition having been paid to the numerous volcanoes,
than to other grand features. D'Auteroche observes that the
mountain of Orisaba is said to be the highest in Mexico; and

58a

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

its snowy summit is visible from the capital, a distance of GO
miles. This celebrated moinitain is to the south-east of Mex-
ico, not far from the road to Vera Cruz : it became volcanic in
1545, and continued for 20 years ; since which time there has
been no appearance of iuHamnmtion. Though the summit be
clothed with perpetual snow, the sides are adorned with beau-
tiful forests of cedars, pines, and other trees. The detached
mountains called by the Mexicans Popacatepec, and Iztacci-
huatl, are also to the south-east of the capital, at about 30
miles distance, being both volcanic. The crater of the former
is said to be half a mile wide, and celebrated for ancient erup-
tions. Rotli are covered with perpetual snow. There are
many other volcanoes in this singular province ; while others
are only remarkable for height, as the mountain of Tlascala,
the Tentzon, Toloccam, and others ; the range now extending
in a north-west direction towaids Cinaloa, and being called the
Sierra Mada, or Mother range, and the Shining mountains.
It is afterwards, according to the best maps, joined by a ridge
running north-west from Louisiana; and after this junction
passes through the north-west to the proximity of the arctic
oi^ean, while the centre of North America consists of extensive
and fertile plains.

The construction of the Mexican mountains has not been
examined by any geologist Among the substances basalt
seems clearly indicated ; and some others will be mentioned in
the mineralogy. There are numerous forests on the sides ol
the mountains; and the peninsula of Yucatan is particularly
abundant in logwood iroes.

Botany and Zoology. — Our information respecting the ve-
getable productions of Mexico is very imperfect. It, however,
produces several native plants of great value ; among which
may be mentioned a species of Indian fig upon which the co-
chineal insect delights to feed, the true jalap, and the two trees
that yield the fragrant gum resins known in commerce by the
names of balsam of Capavi and Tolu. The shores of the bays
of Honduras and Campecliy have been celebrated from their
very first discovery for their immense forests of mahogany and
Jogwood ; and the neighbourhood of Guatimala Is distinguished

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA. 681

for its indigo. The guayacum, the sassafras and tamarind, the
cocoa nut palm, the chocolate nut tree, and a variety of others,
which are better known as natives of the West Indian islands*
enrich and adorn these fertile provinces. The pine apple grows
wild m the woods, and the shallow rocky soils are inhabited by
the various species of aloe and euphorbia. A few Mexican
plants have been introduced into European gardens, among
which may be noticed the salvia fulgens, glowing with its crim-
son blossoms, the splendid dahlia, the elegant striated sisyrin-
chium, the gigantic helianthus, and the delicate mentzelia.

Among the most singular animals is the Mexican or
hunchback dog, a kind of porcupine, and some others de-
scribed by several naturalists. What is called the tiger seems
a species of panther, and sometimes grows to a great size
though BufFon, ever fond of theory, assert that American ani!
mals are generally small. In South America it attains the
ength of a large ox, as appears from the testimony of Dobriz-
hoffer; but Clavigero says that the largest quadruped is the
danta, anta, or tapir, about the size of a middUng mule, being
amphibious. The bison is found in New Mexico; and the •
musk cattle may perhaps extend as far. In California there
are said to be wild sheep. The birds of New Spain are parti-
cularly numerous and curious.

Mineralogy.-The minerdogy of the Spanish empire in
North America is equal, if not superior, to that of Peru, and
the other southern provinces. Even in the northern parts na-
ture has disclosed her treasures : there is abundance of gold
found m the province of Sonora; and California is supposed
to contain rich minerals. The silver mines in New Spain
though they do not contend with Potosi, have long maintained
great celebrity. Those of Socotecas, or Zaeatecas, are parti-
cularly distin^niished. The produce of the Mexican mines
has by some been computed at ten millions yearly; but the
whole amount of the American mines probably does not ex-
ceed seven millions and a half; of which it cannot be supposed
that North America produces more than two-thirds. The
ancient Mexicans found gold in many of their rivers; and sil-
ver was dug up, but little esteemed. The chief silver mines

58^

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

are now to the nortli-west of the capital, where there is a town
called Luis de Potosi, more than 200 British miles from Mex-
ico. These mines are said to have been discovered soon after
those of Potosi, 1545: they are in a consideraiile range of
mountains, which give source to the river of Panuco. Con-
cerning the nature of these mines, and the manner of working
them, the Spanish writers seem to be silent.

Copper is said to abound in some districts to the west of the
capital , and tin is also mentioned among the Mexican mine-
rals. Mercury is likewise reported to have been found in
Mexico, and there was a celebrated mine in Peru ; but both
seem to be now exhausted, as the chief supply is from Spain.
Amber and asphalt likewise occur in New Spain: and among
the precious stones a few diamonds, with amethysts and tur-
quoises, but the list is imperfect, and perhaps erroneous. The
mountains also produce jasper, marble, alabaster, magnet,
steatite, jad, talc. The stone called tetHontli, red and porous,
was used in building, being perhaps a kind of tufa. The itzli
is semi-transparent, of a glassy substance, and generally black,
but also found white and blue : it was used in mirrors, and
also for sharp instruments, being the same called pietra del
Galina^zo in South America, the obsidian or volcanic glass of
modern mineralogy.

There are several mnieral waters of various qualities, sul-
phureous, vitriolic, and aluminous ; and some springs of great
heat ; but none seem particularly distinguished.

Natural Curiosities. — Besides the volcanoes, there are many
natural curiosities, one of the most remarkable being the Ponte
de Dios, or Bridge of God, resembling the natural bridge in
the territory of the United States. It is about 100 miles
south-east from Mexico, near the village of Molcaxac, over a
deep river called the Aquetoyaque, and is constantly passed as
a highway; but it seems uncertain whether the river have
worn the passage through a rocky mountain, or the fragment
be part of a fallen hill detached by an earthquake. There are
many romantic cataracts, among which must be mentioned
those of the river Guadalaxara, bet ween the city of the same
name and the lake of Chapala. The floating gardens in the

• t

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

lake of Mexico were artificial curiosities, the bottom being
formed of intertwisted willows.

Ihirulation.— The population of all the Spanish provinces
of North America, exclusive of Florida and Louisiana, has
been estimated at about six millions; of whom the natives,
called Indians, are supposed to amount to three millions; and
the Spaniards and inhabitants of mixed races are computed at
other three, oi' which the Spaniards may constitute one-third.
The small-pox is remarkably fatal; and the black vomitj
winch is allied to the yellow fever of the United States, acts at
intervals with the ravages of a pestilence.' The number of
priests, monks, and nuns, i-^ also injurious to population,
which, however, appears upon the whole to have creatlv
increased. o j

The popiilation (if America, before the European conquest,
appears to have been greatly exajrgeratcd, as usual in every
case of the like nature; and from rough calculations, offered
even by classical authors, perhaps four-fifths may be always
deducted. That this is the case at least with the discoverers
of new countries, may be judged from our own enlightened
times, in which the English voyagers to Otaheite supposed the
inhabitants to exceed 100,000, when, upon actual enumeration,
there were found little more than 16,000. It is probable that
when America was discovered, the whole population, includin«r
the West Indies, did not exceed four millions. Besides the
usual mistakes, there was an additional source of exag<jeration,
as the Spanish conquerors, like kniglus-crrant, counted bun'
dreds by thousands ; and the oriental vein t,f hyperbole, intro-
duccd by the Moors, has fiinted the early Spanish a'utliors.
If we allow that a hundred or twoof Eiuopeans could subvert
a mighty American empire, we must imagine that its armies
wore small, as well as cowardly and unskilful.
_ Man7iers ami Customs.— Fov hospitality, generosity, doci-
lity, and sobriety, the people of New Spain exceed any nation
perhaps on the globe : but in national energy or patriotism,
enterprise of character, and independence of soul, they are
perhaps the most deficient. Yet there are men who have dis-
played bravery to a surprising degree; and the Europeans

584

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

who are there, cherish with delight the idea of their gallant
ancestry. Their women have black eyes and hair, fine teeth,
and are generally brunettes. They are all inclining a little to
(M-bon-pointy but none, or few, are elegant figures. Their
dresses are generally short jackets and petticoats, and high-
heel shoes, without any head-dress ; over this they have a silk
wrapper which they always wear, and when in the presence of
men affect to bring it over their faces ; but near the Atlantic
and the frontiers of the United States, there are several ladies
who wear the gowns vised in France and England, which they
conceive to be more elegant than their ancient costume. The
lower class of the men are generally dressed in broad brimmed
hats, short coats, large waistcoats and small clothes, always
open at the knees, owing to the greater freedom it gives to the
limbs on horseback, a kind of leather l)oot or wrapper bound
round the leg. The boot is of a soft pliable leather, but not
coloured. In the eastern provinces the dragoons wear over
tliis wrapper a sort of jack-boot made of seal leather, to which
are fastened the spurs by a rivet, the gaffs of which are some-
times near an inch in length. Hut the spurs of the gentlemen
and officers, although clumsy to our ideas, are frequently or-
namented with raised silver work on the shoulders, and the
strap embroidered with silver and gold thread. They are al-
ways ready to mount their horses, on which the inhabitants of
the internal provinces spend nearly half the day. This de-
scription will apply generally for the dress of all the men of
tljc provinces for the lower class ; but in the towns, amongst
the more fashionable ranks, they dress after the European or
United States mode, with not more distinction than we see in
our cities from one six months to another. Both men and
women have remai-kably fine hair, and pride themselves in the
display of it.

Their amusements are music, singing, dancing, and gam-
bling : the latter is strictly prohibited, but the prohibition is

not much attended to. The dance of is performed by

one man and two women, who beat time to the music, which
is soft and voluptuous, but sometimes changes to a lively gay
air, while the dancers occasionally exhibit the most indelicate

BVANI3H NOHTH AMERICA.

gestures. The whole of thitt dance is calcuJuted to impress a
utrun^'er with the idea of an insulated noc'icty of once civilised
I)eing8, but now degenerated into a medium state, between tlje
improved world and the children of nature. Th<:; fandango is
danced in various figures and numbers. The minuet is still
danced by the superior cldss only. The music made use of is
the guitar, violin, and singer-s, who, in the first described
dance, accompany the music with their hands and voices,
having always some words adapted to the music, which are
generally of such a tendency as would, in Europe, occasion
every lady to li?ave the room.

Their games are cards, billiards, horse-racing, and cock-
fighting, the first and last of which are carried to the most ex-
travagant lengths, the parties losing and winning immense
sums. At every town of consequence is a public walk, where
the ladies and gentlemen meet and sing songs, which are al-
ways on the subject of love, or the social board. The females
have fine voices, and sing in French, Italian, and Spanish, the
whole company joining in the chorus. In their houses the
ladies pla;- on the guitar, and generally accompany it with
their voices. They either sit down on the carpet cross-legged,
or loll on a sofa. To sit upright in a chair appears to put
them to great inconvenience; and although the Ijetter class
will sometimes do it on the first introduction of strangers, they
soon demand liberty to follow their old habits. In their eat-
ing and drinking they are remarkably temperate. Early in
the morning you receive a dish of chocolate and a cake ; at
twelve you dine on several dishes of meat, fowls, and fish ;
after which you have a variety of confectionary, and indeed an
elegant dessert : then drink a few glasses of wine, sing a few
songs, and retire to take the siesta, or afternoon nap, which is
done by rich and poor ; and about two o'clock the windows
and doors are all closed, the streets deserted, and the stillness
of midnight reigns throughout. About four o'clock they rise,
wash, and dress, and prepare for the dissipation of the night.
About eleven o'clock some refreshments are offered, but few
take any, except a little wine and water, and a little candled
sugar.

4 E

i!J i'

SPA.4ISH NORTH AMERICA.

The government have multiplied the difficulties for Euro
peans mixing >yith the Creoles, or Mestis, to stjch a degree,
that it is difficult for a marriage to take place. An officer
wishing to marry a lady not from Europe, is obliged to ac-
quire certificates of the purity of l>er descent for aOO years
back, and transmit them to the court, when the license will be
returned: but slwuld she be the daughter of a person of the
rank of captain or upwards, this nicety viuiishes, ns their ran!i
purifies the blood of the descendants.

The general subjects of the cotiversation of the men are
women, money, and horses, which appear to be the only ob-
jects, in their estimation, worthy of consideration. Having
united the female sex with their money and their beasts, and
treated them too much after the manner of the latter, they
have eradicated from their breasts every sentiment of virtue,
or of ambition to pursue the acquirements which would make
them amiable cximpanions, instructive mothers, or respectable
members of society. Their whole souls, with a few exceptions,
like the Turkish ladies, are taken up in music, dress, and the
little blandishments of voluptuous dissipation. Finding that
the men only require these as objects of gratification to the
sensual passions, they have lost every idea of the feast oi' rea-
son and the flow of soul which arise from the intercourse of
two refined and virtuous minds, whose inmost thoughts are
open to the inspection and admiration of each other, and
whose refinements of sentiment heighten the pleasures of every
gratification.

Such is the character of the Spaniards in North America, as
given by a recent traveller in that country. Those of the an-
cient Mexicans have been described by many authors, but a
few singulariiies may be here mentioned. A peculiar feature
of the Mexican language was, that a termination indicating
respect might be added to every word. Thus, in speaking to
an equal, the word father was tail, but to a superior tatdn.
They had also reverential v^rbs, as appears from Aldama's
Mexican grammar. Thus, as cowards are always cruel, the
most ferocious people in the world were a^ the same time also
the most servile and obsequiovi*. Their wm-s were constant

SPANISH NORTH AMKRICA.

687

u\d sttnguinary ; and their nmnnorfi, in prcneral, corresponded
with this barbarous disposition : the principl warriors cover-
ing themselves with the skins of the sacrificed victims, and
dancing through the streets. The dress was a loose cloak,
and a sash giit round the naked waist. From the ancient
paintings it appears that the under lip was pierced to receive
an ornament of gold. This custom La Pero.ise and others
have observed on the north-west coast of America. The year
was divided into eighteon months, each of twenty days ; and
five (lays were added, which were dedicated to festivity.
They cultivated mai/c and some roots; but their agriculture
was rude, and they were strangers to the use of money. On
the death of a chief, a great number of hi« attendants were
sacrificed.

Lanffiiage.~Oi' the Mexican language grammars and dic-
tionaries have been published in the country ; and from the
few 8i)ecimens contained in European publications, it appear*
to differ radically from the Peruvian. The words frequently
end in Hi and are besides of a surprising and unpronouncea-
ble length, resembling in this respect the language of the sa-
vages in North America, and some of tli-- African dialects;
but strongly contrasted with those of Asia, in which the most
polished, as the Chinese, are monosyllabic. According to
Clavigero, the Mexican tongue wants the consonants b, t, f, g,
r, and s; in which respect only, though unobserved by that
author, it strictly coincides with the Peruvian ; except that the
latter, instead of the s, is said to want the z, a mere difference
of enunciation. But the Peruvian is a far superior and more
pleasing language, thougli some modifications of the verbs be
of extreme length. The wild enthusiasm of Clavigero com.
pares the Mexican with the Latni and Greek ; though as like
as he to Herodotus. Some of the words are of sixteen sylla-
bles. Their poetry consisted of hymns, and o. heroic and
amatory ballads. They had also a kind of dramas; but from
the specimen produced, they do not seem to have been supe-
rior to those of Otaheite.

^ Education.— There are several laudable institutions in the
Spanish settlements for the education of the natives, and some

588

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

i i!

colleges or universities ; but the fanatical spirit of the instruct-
ors renders such fuundations of little value.

Cities. — The chief city of New Spain, and all Spanish Ame-
rica, is Mexico, celebrated for the singularity of its situation.
In a beautiful vale surrounded with mountains the lake of
Tr ijcuco is joined on thi south to that of Chalco by a strait^
on the 1 est side of a tongue of land, the whole circuit of these
lakes being about 90 mile . In a small isle to the north of
this junction, and upon the west side of Tezcuco, rose the old
city of Mexico, accessible by several cau -leways raised in the
shallow waters ; but on the east side there was no communica-
tion except by canoes. It is said by Rol)ertson, from recent
Spanish documents, to contain 150,000 inhabitants ; of which
probably a third j)art is Spanish. The most recent nca)i t of
this remarkable city seems to be that given by Chappe D'Au-
tcroche, who visited it in 1769, and informs us that it is built
upon a fen, near the banks of a lake, and crossed by numerous
canals, the houses being all foumled on piles. Hen^e it would
seem that the waters of the lake have diminished, so as to
leave a fenny access on the west. The ground still yields in
many places; and some buildings, as the cathedral, have sunk
six feet. The streets are wide and straight, but very dirty ;
and the houses, resembling those in Spain, are tolerably built.
The chief edifice is t'.ie viceroy's palace, which stands near the
cathedral in a central square, but is rather solid than elegant,
Behind the palace is the mint, in which mere than a hundred
workmen are employed, as the owners of the mines here ex-
change their bullion for coin. The other chief buildings are
the churches, chapels, and convents, which are very numerous,
and richly ornamented. The outside of the cathedral is unfi-
nished, as they doubt the foundations; but the rail round the
high altar is of solid silver, and there is a silver lamp so capa-
cious that three men can get in to clean it ; while it is also en-
riched with lions' heads, and other ornaments, in pure gold.
The images of the virgin, and other saints, arje either solid
silver, or covered with gold and precious stones. Besides the
great central square, there are two others, each with a fountain
in the middle, ' To the north of the town/ says the writer

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

above mentioned, • ne.ir the suburlw, is the public walk, or
Alameda. A rivulet runs all round it, and forinB a pretty
lar^e square, with a bason mdjet d'eau in the middle. Eight
walks, with each two rows of trees, terminate at this bason,
like a star ; but as the soil of Mexico is unfit for trees, tlit-y
are not in a very thriving condition. This is the only walk in
or near to Mexico ; all the country about it is swampy ground,
and full of canals. A few paces off, and facing the Alameda,
IS the Quemnderoi that is the place where they burn the Jews,
and other unhappy victims of the awful tribunal of inquisition.
The Quemadero is an enclosure between four walls, and filled
with ovens, into which are throwr ovo. the walls the poor
wretches who are condemned to 'je Inirnt alive; condemned
by judges professing a religion w M)t; fiut ; recept is charity.'
The Spanish inhabitants are comn, "!v d' lied in silk, their
hats being adorned with belts of gou and roses of diamonds;
for even the slaves have bracelets and necklaces of golJ, silver,
pearls, and gems. The ladies are distinguished for beauty
and gallantry. Mexico, though inland, is the seat of vast
commerce between Vera Cruz on the east, and Acapulco on'
the west; and the shops display a profusion of gold, silver,
and jewels. In magnificent regularity it yields to iew cities
even on the ancient continent. Gage, whose authority is used
by the most recent writers of all countries in the defect of
other materials, says that in his time, 1640, there were sup-
posed to be 15,000 coaches, some of them adorned with gold
and gems ; the people being so rich that it was supposed that
one half of the families kept equipages.

Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is situated on a smaU
stream which empties into the Rio del Norte, on the eastern
side, at tlje foot of the mountains which divide the waters of
that river from the Arkarjsaw and Red rivers of the Missis,
sippi, in 36 deg. north lat. and i 09 deg. west long. It is of a
long rectangular form, extending about one mile from east to
west on the banks of the creek. In the centre is the public
square, one side of which forms the flank of the soldiers'
square, which is closed, and in some degree defended by
round towers in the angles which flank the curtains ; another

590

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

side of the square is formed by the palace of the governor, his
guard houses, &c. ; another is <x;cupied by the priests and
their suite; and the fourth by the chapitones, who reside in
the city. The houses are generally only one story high, with
flat roofs, and have a very mean appearance on the outside ;
but some of iheui are richly furnished, especially with plate.
The population is estimated at 3600.

Acapiilco was a celebrated port on the south of Mexico, en-
grossing the chief Indian trade over the Pacific; while Car-
tliagona, in South America, on the Caribbean sea, was a
centre of European traffic. Both were in unhealthy situa-
tions, as Mexico itself; for, by a fatal error, the Spaniards,
Dutch, and other Europeans, have in Asia and America
founded cities on plains, in imitation of those in their own
countries, while high situations ought to have been selected.

Mccluyncan is a fair commercial town ; and Merida, the ca-
pital of the peninsula of Yucatan, is a bishopric, and the
residence of the governor of the province. Old Vera Cruz
■was burnt by the buccaneers, and a more advantageous position
" selected for the new city. It contains one church and three
monasteries, and is enclosed with ruinous fortifications : lying
to the south-east of Mexico, and the common port for Eu^-
ropean goods, where a Spanish fleet used to arrive every two
years, taking in return silver and other treasures. On the
nortl'. are barren sands, and on the west bogs that have been
drained. Guaxaca exports excellent v/ool and perfumes. St.
Leon and Granada are both situated on the large lake of Nir
caragua, where the chain of the Andes is supposed to termi-
naie, even by those who carry its extension to the utmost
limit. Even the inferior cities contain, as Robertson observes,
a superior population to tho'ia of any other Eurojiean nations
in America, that of Angelas being computed at 60,000, and
of Guadtdaxara 30,000, exclusive of Indians.

Trade, ^c. — The trade and commerce of New Spain are
carried on with Europe and the United States by the port of
Vera Cruz solely, and with the East Indies and South Ame-
rica by Acapi.lco, and even then under such restrictions of
productions, manufactures, and time, as to render it almost of

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

no consequence as to the general prosperity of the country.
Were all the numerous bays and harbours of the gulf of
Mexico and California opened to the trade of the world, and
a general license given to the cultivation of all the productions
which the country is capable of yielding, with freedom of ex-
portation and imporiution, with proper duties on foreign
goods, the country would immediately hc-come rich and power-
ful, a proper stimulus would he held out to tlio poor to labour,
when certain of fuKling a quick and ready sale for the prwduc
tions ot their plantations or manufactories. The country
abounds in iron ore, yet all the iron and steel, and articles of
manufactures, are obliged to be brought from Europe, the
manufacturing or working <>'• iron being strictly prohibited,
i his occasions the necessary utensils of husbandry, arms, and
tools, to be enormously iiigh, and forms a great check to agri-
culture, improvements in manufactures, and military skill
The works of the Mexicans in ,gold, silver, and painting, shew
them not to be destitute of genius, which, with cultivation and
improvement, might rival the greatest masters of either ancient
or modern schools. Their dispositions and habits are pecu-
liarly calculated for sedentary employments; and there is no
doubt, if proper establishments were made, they would soon
rival, if not surpass, the most extensive woollen, cotton, or silk
manufactures of Europe. Their climate is adapted for raising
the finest cotton in the world; and their sheep possess all the
fineness of wool, for which they are so celebrated in Spain.
Besides this, they have immense quantities of raw materials
which they have on hand, wool selling for a mere trifle; and
in fact they scarcely take the half from the fleece of the sheep
for the coarse manufactories of the .;ountry, and for making

New Spain is, in fact, singularly distinguished by the mul.
titude and variety of its productions, in all the three great
reigns of nature, animal, vegetable, nnd mineral ; and this
abundance of natural productions perhaps contributes to the
neglect of manufactures. Even metallurgy is but poorly con-
ducted. Cochineal and cocoa, with a little silk and cotton,
iorm articles of export; but the chief are gold, silver, and

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

precious stones. There was a celebrated fair at Acapulco, on
the annual arrival of the ships from Peru and Chili ; after
which the noted galleon, laden with the wealth of America,
pursued her course to Manilla. Other arrangements are now
followed, and smaller vessels employed. The galleons were
laid aside in 1748 ; and the late Spanish monarch instituted
commercial regulations on a more liberal plan. In 1764<,
monthly packets were established between Corunna and Ha-
vanna, whence smaller vessels pass to Vera Cruz, and to Por-
tobello in South America ; and an interchange of productions
by these vessels is also permitted. In the following year, the
trade to Cuba was laid open to all Spain ; and the privilege
was afterwards extended to Louisiana, and the provinces of
Yucatan and Campechy. In 1774, free intercourse was per-
mitted between the three viceroyalties of Mexico, Peru, and
New Granada. The courts of justice were also reformed, and
a fourth viceroyalty was established, 1776, on Rio de la Plata.
By a singular policy a free trade is permitted between New
Spain and the Philippines, which adds considerably to the
wealth of the former country. The English trade in the bay
of Honduras may now be considered as terminated, the log-
wood on the opposite side of Yucatan being found to be of a
superior quality.

ReligioiK — The religion of the Spanish settlers in these
provinces is well known to be the Roman catholic, and of such
a sort as greatly to impede industry or prosperity, for it is
computed that one-fifth part of the Spaniards consists of eccle-
siastics, monks, and nuns; and that country must be misera-
bly defective in which the Jesuits were of distinguished
industry. The establishment of the inquisition, and the
strange fanaticism of the Spaniards, who disgi'ace the Eu-
ropean name, have not only crushed all spirit of exertion, but
have prevented the admixture of oth^ liuropeans, whose in-
dustry might improve their settlements, and whose courage
might defend them.

New Spain is divided into four archbishoprics, viz. Mexico,
Guadalaxara, Durango, and St. Luis Potosi; under these
again are the sub-bishoprics, deacons, curates, &c. each of

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA; m

whom is subject and accountable to his immediate chiefs for
the districts committed to his charge, and the whole are again
subject to the ordinances of the high court of inquisition, held
at the capital of Mexico. 'The salaries of the archbishops,'
observes a late writer, 'are superior to those of other officers,
hat of the bishop of Mexico being estimated at 150,000 dol-
iars per annum, while the viceroy has but 80,000, and 50,000
allowed for his table, falling short of the bishop aC.OOO dollars.
These incomes are raised entirely fr„m the people, who pay
no tax to the king, but give one-tenth of their yearly income
to the clergy; besides the fees of confessions, bulls, burials,
baptisms, marriages, and a thousand other sources. The infe-
nor clergy being generally Creoles by birth, and always kept
jn subordinate grades, without the least shadow of a probabi-
hty of rising to the superior dignities of the church, their
minds^have been soured to uch a degree, that they will pro-
bably lead the van whenever the standard of independence is
raised in the country.'

^^e religion of tlie ancient Mexicans appears to have u -
chiefly founded on fear, the temples being decorated with the
%ures of destructive animals; and fasts, penances, voluntary
v^ounds, and tortures, formed the essence of their rites Hu-
man sacrifices were deemed the most acceptable; and every
captive taken in war was cruelly tortured and sacrificed. The
heart and head were the portion of the gods; while the body
was resigned to the captor, who, with his friends, feasted upon
It Ihe extincti,m of such a ferocious people may not be
worthy of much regret: but modern philosophy is apt to de-
cide on a slight and imperfect view.

Thus, instead of a l>enevolent c'eity, the worship of the
•Mexicans may be said to have been directed to the evil princi-
ple of some oriental nations, whom all their efforts were
•tretched to appease. In the Mexican language, 'Avtl was a
general term for any divinity; and in obscure theory they be-
^eved in a creator, whom they styled Ipalncmoam, that is,
He by whom we live:' but their supreme deity was ratlier
.that evil spirit called Klacatccohtoti, av the rati<y,ial owL
whose delight was to injure and terrify. Thev believerl in

4 F

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

the immortality of the soul, and a kind of transmigration ; the
good being transformed into birds, and the bad into creeping
animals. The principal deities were thirteen in number,
among whom were the sun and moon ; and Tlaloc, the god of
water, was the master of paradise; but Mexilti, the god of
war, received the chief adoration. There were other god* of
the mountains, of commerce, &c. ; and the idols, rudely form-
ed of clay, wood, or stone, sometimes decorated with gems and
gold, were . • 'uerous. One was composed of certain seeds,
pasted together with human blood. The priests wore a black
cotton mantle, like a veil ; and there seem to have been orders
of monks, as among the eastern nations of Asia. The austei'i-
ties and voluntary wounds of the priests, their poisonous oint-
ments, and other abominable rites, even as related by Clavigero,
evince that the entire system was the most execrable that lias
ever appearetl on the face of the earth, alike blasphemous to
God and pernicious to man. The whole is so totally unhke
any systen) ever practised in any part of Asia, that there is
add 'onal cause to believe that the people were either indige-
nal, or have pnxieeded from Africa, in which alone (as amoilg
the Giaga^) such cruelties may be traced. The Asiatic reli-
gions seem universally mild, and even gay, as natural in thte
worship of a being who is benevolence itself; while in Africa
the preponderance of the evil spirit seems to have been ac-
knowledged by many nations. '

Government. — The ancient government of Mexico was an
hereditary monarchy, tenopered, however, by a kind of election
not unknown in the barbarous ages of Europe, by which a
brother or nephew of the late king was preferred to his sons.
Despotism seems to have begun with the celebrated Montezu-
ma. There were several royal councils, and classes of nobility,
mostly hereditary. The nobles were styled pilli, or tlatoani;
but the Spaniards introduced the general term of casik, which
Clavigero says signifies a prince in the language of Hispaniola ;
but is by some asserted to imply a priest among the Maho-
metan Malays. Land was not supposed to belong to the mo-
narch, but was alienable by the proprietors. As writing was
unknown, there was no code of laws, but Clavigero has pre-

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

served some traditions on tlie subject. Their armour and
tactics appear to have been extremely rude.

The Spanish government is vested in the viceroy of Mexico,
whose rank and power are far superior to those of Peru, and
the new kingdom of Granada, The legal salary of the vice-
roys of Mexico and Peru is now 40,000 ducats ; but the dis-
posal of lucrative offices, monopolies, connivances, presents,
&c. sometimes swell them to an enormous amount. The court
of the viceroy is formed on the regal model, with horse and
foot guards, a grand household, and numerous attendants. In
the provinces there are tribunals called Audiences, of which
there are eleven for Spanish America ; and the Council of the
Indies, resident in Spain, controls even the viceroys. Some of
the provinces seem to be merely geographic, or ecclesiastic de-
nominations of sees, without any municipal or peculiar juris-
diction : but some have governors appointed by the viceroy.
Besides the laws of Spain, the/e are particular codes and sta-
tuUs, which are consulted in legal decisions,

U he government of these provinces may be termed military,
the judgments of the inferior civil officers being subject to a
reversion by the military commandants of districts. The ec-
clesiastics indeed divide the government with the military ; but
there exists the most perfect understanding between them, and
they mutually assist each other in defending and extending
their peculiar interests.

Army. — The European troops are of the choicest regiments
from Spain, The regular tr{x)ps of the kingdom, who are in
the viceroyalty, acting from the stimulus of ambition and envy,
are supposed to be equal to them. The militia with the regu-
lar officers are likewise good troops, but are not held in such
high estimatit)n as the other corps. These three corps, form-
ing a body of 2!J,200 men, may be called the regular force of
the kingdom, as the militia, which amount to 139.500, would
be f)f no more consequence against the regular troops of any
civilized power, tlian the ancient aborigines of the country
were against the army of Cortes. The appearance of the
Spanish troops is certainly (at a distance) a la militmre.
Their lances are fixed to the side of the saddle under the left

fiSG

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

thigh, nnd slant alxxit five feet above the liorse; on the ri^rht
the carbine is slung in a case to the front of the saddle %v
pummel) crossuays, the bretj, to theriglit hand, and o.i ..;u-h
side of the saddle, behind ihe rider, k a pistol; below th«
breech of the carbine is slung ,he shield, which is made of Kole
leather trebled, sewed togetl<er with thongs, wi(i, a bar.ci on
the inside, to slip the left arm through; those of (he privr .^s
are round, and alK)ut t wo feet diameter. Tl^e drag(M>i;. of the
viceroyalty do not make use of die laneo w shield, but are
armed, equipped, and cloth<'d after the modern manner, as ave
also the dragoons of the eastern pr< -^inoes.

Their dress is a shori blue coat, with a red cape md cuff
without fa...iri;..s, leather or blue cotton velvet small clothes and
waistcoat; lae sn)ai! clothes Mwavs open at the knees: the
wrappmg boot, will, u.e jack boot and permanent spurs over
It; a broad bnr.r 3d higi, crowned wool hat, with a ribbon
round it i-.< var;.uj. colours, generally received as a present
from some fer.u-l.., which they wear as a badge of the favour
of the fair sex, atul a mark of their oallantry.

Their horses arc small and slender limbed, but very a-^ile,
and ai;o capable of enchiring great fatigue. The equipments
of the horses are, to our ideas, awkward, but perhaps superior
to the Eughsh. Their bridles have a stnmg curb, which
gives them a great mechanical force. The saddle is made
after the Persian model, with a high projecting pummel, or,
as, anciently termed, bow, and is likewise raised behind ; this
IS merely the tree. It is then covered by two or three coats of
carved leather, and embroidered workmanship, some with <rold
and silver in a very superb manner. The stirrups are of w^'ood
closed in front, cai:vod generally in the figure of a lion's head,
or some other beast; they are very heavy, and to us present
a very clumsy appearance. The horseman, seated on his
horse, has a small bag tied behind him, his blankets either
under him or lying with his cloak between his body and the
bow, which makes him at his ease. Thus iuounted it is im-
possible for the most vicious animals to dismount them. Th 7
will catch another horse, when both are running nearly .. iul\
speed, with a noosp mnl hair rope, with which they niii .soon

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

choak down the beast they are pursuing. In short, tiicy are
probably the most expert horsemen in the world.

The discipline of their troops is very different from ours :
as to tactics, or military manoeuvres, they are not held in
much estimation. On a march, a detachment of cavahy gene-
rally encamp in a circle. Their mode of attack is by squa-
drons on the different flank^ of their enemies, but without
regularity or concert, shouting, halloing, and firing their car-
bines, after which, if they think themselves equal to the ene-
my, they charge with a pistol and then the lance.

Such was the state of the army of Mexico previous to the
invasion of Spain by Bonaparte. Since that, period, the army
has been completely disorganized, and is now incapable of
maintaining the authority of the government. When the pre-
sent tottering system is destroyed, the military spirit of the
Mexicans may revive, and render this fine region respectable
amongst nations.

Navy.— The navy is that of the parent coinitry ; but there
are many guard ships and commercial vessels solely appropri-
ated to the American colonies.- Four corvettes of twelve guns,
and one goletta, are stationed at Monterey, to supply the pre-
sidencies of North California with necessaries. These vessels
performed the Spanish expeditions to the north-west coast of
America.

Revenue.— The revenue which Mexico yields to the Spanish
crown has been shewn by Dr. Robertson to amount to above a
million sterling, but there are great fexpences. By the most
recent account the total revenue derived by Spain from
America and the Philippines is ^,700,000/. ; of which one half
must be deducted for the extravagant charges of administra-
tion. It has been asserted that the king's filth of the mines of
New Spain only was two millions sterling, which would swell
the annual pnxluce of the Mexican mines to ten millions. Dr.
Robertson shews, from Campomanes, that the whole produce
of the American mines is 7,4!25,000^., of which the king's fifth,
if regularly paid, would be 1,485,000/. : and it is probable
that the mines of New Spain or IVlexico, prior to the opulent

! I

598

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

discoveries in the north-west provinces, did not yield above
one half of the whole amount.

History. — The original population of these extensive regions
was various, consisting of Mexicans, and other tribes ; consi-
derably civilizeti in the centre, while to the north and south
were savage races. The origin of the Mexicans remains in
great obscurity, after the fruitless researches of many inge-
nious and learned men. Their language appears to l)e totally
different from that of the Peruvians ; but the Mexican v(x;a-
bularies are very imperfect. There seems not, however, to be
any resemblance between either of these languages, and that
of the Malays, who peopled the numerous islands in the Paci-
fic ocean ; nor are the Tartarian, or Mandshur features to be
traced in any account of the Mexicans or Peruvians, though
singularly distinct from those of other races: yet Dr. Forster,
in his history of the voyages of the north, supposes that these
kingdoms were founded in the thirteenth century, by the
troops contained in some of the ships sent by Kublai Khan
from Ciiina, to subdue Japan ; that great fleet having been
scattered, and supposed to have been lost in a severe tempest.
But the animals of America are mostly distinct from those of
the old continent, and could in no case have descended from
them. If it cannot be allowed that the great Creator, in like
manner, ordained a distinct race of men for this continent, it
will be necessary, before this curious question be determined,
to collect vocabularies of the African languages, as there are
on that continent several nations of a copper colour, resem.,
bling the Americans ; and the Mexicans and Peruvians might
become more civilized from mere advantages of situation and
accident. It is, however, deeply to be regretted that these
American empires, or kingdoms, were destroyed ; as, not to
mention the cause of humanity, they would have afforded cu-
rious objects for philosophic observers of human nature. The
general opinion seems to be that the Mexicans and Peruvians
were a distinct race from the other Americans ; and, amidst a
variety of conjectures, it might be enquired if they did not
proceed from Japan, or be haply of the same race with the

!l M jl

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

59^

people of the large island of Tchoka, or Sagalian, whose fea-
tures, as delineated by La Perouse and the literary men who
accompanied him, bear no resemblance to the Tartaric. In
this case, we may conceive that they are remains of a people
in eastern Asia, who were expelled by the Mandshurs, on
their progress from more western settlements.

The historical epochs of Mexico have been of little moment
since it was conquered by the Spaniards in 1521, when the
last monarch Guatimozin perished, Montezuma having died
in the preceding year. According to tlie Mexican traditions,
their ancestors consisted of several savage tribes, who about
the tenth or eleventh century of the t-hristian era moved in
successive migrations from unknown regions towards the north
and north-west, and settled in Anahuac. About the Iwgin-
ning of the thirteenth century, a tribe, more pt)lished than the
rest, advanced from the borders of the Califbrnian gulf, and
took possession of the plains adjacent to the great lake near
the centre of the country. They were for a time governed by
chiefs or judges, till the territories becoming more extensive,
the supreme authority centred at last in a single person. Even
from the most extensive accounts the monarchical government
had not lasted above 197 years ; that is, it commenced about
A. D. 1324, the first monarch being Acamapitzin. Wars and
rebellions, famines and inundations, constitute the chief fea-
tures of Mexican history ; and the Spanish government presents
few events of moment, the natives being confined between the
two seas, and more easily checked than in South America, where
there is a wide extent of territory for retreat and conspiracy.

The extensive peninsula of California was discovered by
Cortez in 1536, but was so completely neglected, that in most
charts it was represented as an island. The Jesuits afterwards
explored this province, and acquired a dominion there as com-
plete as in Paraguay. On their expulsion in 1766, it was
found to be a not unfertile region, with some mines of gold
and a valuable pearl fishery. The countries of Cinaloa and
Sonora, on the east side of the Vermillion sea or gulf of Cali-
fornia, as well as the immense provinces of New Navarre, and
others of New Mexico, never were subject to the Mexican

eoo

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

sceptre, but now acknowledge the power of Spain, though the
setilersbe few. In 1705, a war hi-olce out with the savages,
which ended tn thtir 8^^b.'u(s..sh<.o, 1 771. During their mar( ht'H
the Spaniards discov , >rt j '''^ gm\la, in the province of So-
nora, a plain of Knatctn leagues in exteirt, in which vast quan-
tities of gold weiv "ounil in large lumps, at the depth of only
sixteen inches. Belbre the end of the year 1771, above 2000
persons were setiifd at CineguiUa; and other mines, not infe-
rior in wealth, have been discoveretl i, .' , rts of Sonora
and Cinaloa. It is probable that these discoveries have insti-
gated other settlements in the nortlrern jwrts of New Spuin,
and in Xcw Mexico. These colonizations, and the settlement
of Santa Fe, and others in that vicinity, are important events
in the history of the Spanish territories. It is, however, to be
lan.rntod, that the progress of these settlements has not been
explained with more care and accuracy, for no small obscurity
attends their chronology.

The Mexic/uis have long evinced a disposition for indepen-
dence. In 1G24, they made a feeble ittempt at a revolution.
In 1797, they pniclaimeil the couiit de Galves king oi' Mexic',
in the streets ol' the capital, and 130,000 souls were beard
proclaiming, ' Long live Galves, king of IVIexico.'' It was then
only for him to have willed it, and the kingdom of Mexico was
lost to Charles IV. for ever. But preferring his loyalty to his
ambition, he rode )Ut to the mob, attended by uis guards^
with his sword in hand, crying out, 'Long Ihe his catholic
majesty Charles the fourth,' and thn lening to put to instant
death, with his owi Jtand, .my pers s who ri ised immedi-
ately to retire to their houses. This dispersed the people. In
another quarter of the kinrrdom an immense number had col-
lected and pnxilaimed him king: he \cnt 10,000 .iien against
them, dispersed them, and had four beheaded. These -irm
measures saved the country at that psr^d. Galves received
the greatest honours from the col of Sp in, but was poisoned
in a short time after, fulfilling thf a- ' That it is d nger-
ous to serve jealous tyrants.' •

The news of the overthrow of the Spanish monarc by
Bonaparte was received in Mexico with great indignation ; and

SPANISH NORTH AAfEfaCA.

()01

Ihe .i.lmlHtnnfs of tln< vhy oi' Mcx'w.o in devt-u rl..vs suliscihwl
aU)Ut 7()0,0(M)/. to aid tiuir patriotic hiTthmi' iu J-Uirone
Hut UH most oftlie high offices in Spanish AuKrica were filled
hy iho crf^uroH of the Prince of Peace, a tool of Honuparte\s,
the dread of French niflnence and intrioue in nianv places
produced a , vil war: nor did the inip..hlic con(hict of the
Spanish central junta tend t(» reconcile (he enra^red colonists
In the year 1808, the viceroy of Mexico, Ha- ^mry, was ar-
rested and deposed hy one party of the inhahitanis; while the
other party espoused and endeavoured to support his autlio-
n^y : hut what is very strange, the junta took part, in this in-
stance, with I ho insurgents.

Mexico had felt long and severely the impolitic and unjust
measures of Spain; she had been in"^ dated by men sent from
thence, in ord(>r to retrieve or make their fortunes hy the
plunder and o[)firession of the colonists The Creoles were
neglected and, as if neglect were not enough to irritate and
alienate them, their hopes and expectations were repeatedly
rilsed by the Spanish government, and then dashed to the
gi >und. Had the Spanish government been actually desirous
of disgustin ' and sejjarating the Mexicans entirely from the
mother comnry they could not have done it more effectually
than \y he wljoie tcnour of the ccmduct they adopted.

Wluie tiiin-s wen> in this critical state, an insurrection
broke out, ir Uemuer, 1810, at Dolores, a town in the pro-
vince of Guana., ueatn in tUe middle of the mining district of
Mexico. This insurrei tioii was begun, spread, and headed
principally by >iie priests; afterwards several lawyers and mi-
litary officers joined it; and the latter brought over some
regiments of the militia. This .asurrcction sjjread rapid
and widely: in a short time more ti ui half the province was
overrun by the insurgents uv had aed them. Upwards of
40,000 men were in arms; ■ d though hey were repeatedly
defeated, thov constantly allied and .i^jp. ired with undimi-
nished force.

In the month of N'vember they advanced with great confi.
dence, and in great li)rce, against the city of M. xico itself:
they had previously taken the |K)p .ous town of Gu ixueato»
9f; -

()02

SPANISH NORTH AMJ^RICA.

and l)ec'ii received as f riei»ds hy the iiiliabitants of Valladolicr
Their expectations of gaining' possession of Mexico arose more
from the power and intrigues of the partizans witliin the city
than the force of their army. Hut in these expectations they
were mistaken ; for while affnir.s were in this precarious state,
Venegas arrived fi-oni ^ ain, as viceroy of Mexico. He was a
man pccuHarly fitted tor the management of the government
at this period; for he was possessed in an cmitient degree of
activity, tirnuiess, anil energy. He soon detected the partizans
of the insurgents within the city of Mexico: h watched all
their mo\ inents: he thwarted all their measures; so that
they had no opportunity to he of the least service to the army
that was advancing against the city. At this period, t(w), the
influence of superstition was called in ; the archhishop threat-
ened to exconununlcate all who had joined the insurgents, if
they did not immediately desert them: this kept back their
partizans within the city, and even thinned the ranks of their
army. V'enegas, however, did not depend entirely upon these
measures; he collected as many troops as he could ; and, by
his masterly dispositions, succeeded in baffling ail the move-
ments of the insurgents, whom he drove before him, and
greatly weakened as well as <lispirited their troops. At length
in March, 1811, the principal leaders of the insurrection, their
army being greatly reduced by defeat and desertion, were
surprised at Saltillo. Notwithstancrmg all these disasters, the
spirit still existed, for within a very short period of the battle
of Saltillo, a body of 1*2,000 insurgents were collected near
Queretaro, and again defeated.

It would appear that Venegas used his victories with great
cruelty : he inflicted the most severe and barbarous punish-
ments upon such of the insurgents as fell into his hands. In-
deed the civil war in Mexico was attended with greater
slaughter and cruelty than in other parts of Spanish America:
in this province the jealousy and hatred existing between the
Piiu'opeans and Creoles is very great; and when this jealousy
and hatred was increased, and Ibund room and opportunity to
operate without restraint during the civil commotions, it may
easily be supposed that their effects would be dreadful in the

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

ValIa(loli(r
irosc more
in lln> city
itinns they
•iou8 state,

He was a
overnment

degree of
e partizans
'atched all
i ; so that
) the army
i, too, the
lop tlircat-
iirgcnts, if
back their
ks of their
upon these

; and, by
the move-

him, and

At length
;tion, their
lion, were
asters, the

tlie battle
ected near

with great
lis piinish-
itids. In-
th greater
America :
etween the
IS jealousy
jrtunity to
ns, it may
Iful in the

extreme. The country was laid waste: every thing was de-
stroyetl that could be destroyed : houses, plantations, and even
the miners suffered , so that even if tranquillity were restored,
of wliich though the piospect is more likely, it is still very
distant and uncertain, many years jmist elapse, niucli labour
and capital must be expended, before the ccjuntry will resume
its former condition, or the inhabitants be restored to their
former wealth and comforts. The destruction of the mines is
principally to be deplored : it iinist necessarily require a great
outlay of money before they can be put into a condition again
to be wrought with ease, ailvuntage, and profit ; and they will
be unproductive at the very time when the mother country
stands most in need of their wealth.

But notwithstanding the cruelty and activity of the Spanish
ofHcers, the spirit of the peo[)le was not subdued. They again
took arms, and appeared in the field against the old Spanish
troops, which they defeated in several rencontres. In 1816,
they became complete masters of the province of Valladolid,
and summoned a junto, or assembly of the representatives of
the people. They, however, were greatly in want of arms,
and the ports on the gulf of Mexico were held by the royal
troops. Several enterprising individuals in the western states
of the Union associated together, and formed a rifle corps to
assist the independents ; but before they could arrive at the
scene of action, the patriots were overpowered, and their
armies dispersed. Still the determination to oppose the imbe-
cile and tyrannical sway of the despicable Ferdinand continues
to operate, and large bodies of men are yet traversing this fine
and fertile country, defying all attempts to reduce llieiii to
subjection, and offering a point of union for all the resolute
and dissatisfied that chuse to join them, liut our accounts
from this country are extremely meagre anti unsatisfactory,
and such as cannot afford any proper materials for an histo-
rical detail.

The situation of this opulent empire has, no doubt, occupied
the attention of different governmeni , but the critical state
of affairs, both in Europe and America, has prevented the
adoption of any measures which might throw the riches of

604

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

V I

Mexico into their power. Captain Pike, an American, who
was sent in 1807 by his government to explore Louisiana, was
arrested by the Spaniards, and conveyed into New Spain, an
account of which he pubhshcd on his return. In his remarkB
on the political situation of the Mexican dominions, he ob-
serves, that the conduct of England, in her late descent at La
Plata, has induced the Mexicans to turn their views for assist-
ance to other quarters. ' They have,' lie proceeds, * directed
their eyes towards the United States, as brethren of the same
soil in their vicinity ; who have within their power ample re-
sources of arms, ammunition, and even me i, to assist in se-
curing their independence; and who in that event woi'.d
secure to themselves the almost exclusive trade of the richest
country in the world for centuries, and to l>e her carriers as
long as the two nations exist. For Mexico, like China, will
never become a nation of mariners, but must receive the ships
of all the world into her ports, and give her bullion in ex-
change for the productions of their different countries.. What
would not be the advantages the United States would reap
from this event ? Our numerous vessels would fill every port,
and from our vicinity enable us to carry off at least nine-tenths
of her commerce. Even on the coast of the Pacific no Eu-
ropean nation could vie with us : there would also be a brisk
inland trade carried on with the southern provinces by the
Red river ; and having a free entrance into all their ports, we
should become their factors, agents, guardians, and, in short,
their tutelar genius; as the country fears but hates France
and all French men and measures. It therefore remains for
the government of the United States to decide, wliether they
will hold out a helping hand, to emancipate another portion of
the western hemisphere from tlie bonds of European tyranny
and oppression, or by a different pciicy suffer 600,000 peopU'
to become, in the hands of French intrigue, enterprise, and
tactics, a scourge to our soi'.th-western boundaries, wliich
would oblige us to keep up a large and respectable miliury
force, and continually render us liable to a war, on the weakest
nnd most vtilnt>rable part of our frontiers.'

SPANISH NORTH AMERICA.

605

ican, wlio
siana, waff
Spain, an
s remarks
s, he ob-
ent at La
for assist-
* directed
' the same
ample re-
list in se-
nt wou,d
he richest
arriers as
hina, will

the ships
3n in ex-
.. What
)uld reup
r'ery poit,
ne-tenths
; no Eu-
>e a brisk
s by the
ports, we

in short,
s France
mains for
ther they
jortion ot

tyranny
•0 peopU*
rise, and
s, which

miliiary
; weakest.

Such are the opinions of an American writer, though they
do not coincide with t' e present politics of the United States.
Mr. Cobbott has also addressed a memorial to the prince re-
gent of England, pointing out the advantages which would
result from the Mexicans conquering their independence, and
the ease with which it might be accomplished with the assist-
anceof England. S icli views, however, under existing cir-
cumstances, are quite inadmissible.

If the affairs of Spaiu were conducted upon the principles
of wisdom and sound policy, the emancipation of Mexico
would be instantly and voluntarily declared, for which an an-
nual tribute might be procured even more considerable than
the present revenue. The resources of this rich and extensive
country are in a great measure absorbid by useless offices and
emoluments, and the extortions of powerful individuals ; and
the reniainiler is swallowed up by vast bodies of priests, who,
m return, endeavour to amuse and stupify the people by reli-
gious processions, festivals, and a variety of holy munmieries.
The march of knowledge is, however, though gradual, sure
and irresistible, and tlie people are beginning to perceive the
nature of their rights and duties. Their attempts to conquer
their political independence will not, in the })re5;ciit state of
things, be easily repressed. The success of the patriots in
South America will be a sure prehule to their own triumph.
Were they to remain subirct to the (reature which at present
rules in Spain, it is probal)le that they would ultimately be
compelled to receive the law from their more politic, courage-
ous, and enterjirising neighbours, the inhabitants of the States.

SOUTH AMERICA.

-— .,n::r,:!.5::0:3|<;;;K::-.™

Q^HIS vast continent has now become an object of peculiar
interest, and the theatre of the most gallant achievements.
We will first take a view of the natural and civil state of its
various divisions, and then describe the different governments
into which it is now divided, with the efforts making to pro.
mote the general cause against Spain,

SPANISH DOMINIONS.

I .

Extent und Boundaries. 'pHE possessions of Spain in the

southern part of America, are of
prodigious extent, from the Caribbean sea to the most south-
ern promontory, according to the Spanish geographers; but
the English maps seem justly to regard the regions to the
south-cast, inhabited by the Tchuels and other tribes confess-
edly independent, as excluded from the Spanish domain. In
this point of view, the eastern shore, from the south of the

SOUTH AMERICA.

607

f peculiar
eve merits,
tato of its
/ermnents
\g to pro-

n in the
:a, are of
•St south-
lers; but
IS to the
> confess-
lain. In
th ot' the

great river Parana, is open to the settlements of any foreign
nation; and on the west the Spanish boundary ends at the
gulf of Chonos, south lat. 44 deg. The remaining length
may be 3360 geographical miles ; but the medial breadth is
not above 900. The whole length of the Spanish possessions
in America may thus be computed at more than 5000 geogra-
phical miles ; though not equal in extent, yet far superior, ia
every other respect, to the Asiatic empire of Russia. On the
east, the boundary between the Spanish possessions and those
of t^- Dutch and Portuguese is sometimes ascertained by
ridges of mountains and rivers, but often consists of an ideal
line, observed upon a map at one glance, while a verbal de-
scription would be unnecessarily prolix. In general, the Por-
tuguese territory in South America is perhaps equal in extent
to the Spanish, compensating by its breadth, which includes
the far greater part of the Maranon, for the deficiency in
length.

Zoology — The chief topics of natural geography have al-
ready been discussed in the general view oif South America.
A singular circumstance in the zoology is the great abundance
(r horses and cattle, though originally unknown to the new
continent; these surprising herds having been multiplied from
a few that were turned loose by the first settlers. The cattle
are so numerous that they are hunted merely on account of
the hides. An author, who resided twenty-two years in Pa-
raguay, informs us, that they equal the Hungarian in size, the
standard length of the hide being three ells. The great num.
bers have lately been thinned by the thoughtless avarice of
the hunters. Horses are also very numerous: and mules
being indispensible in the alpine countries, where they cannot
be reared, about 80,000 are annually sent from the plains of
Paraguay to Peru. To procure this mixed bx-eed, young
asses are clothed in the fresh skins of foals, and introduced to
the mar«s as* their own offspring. Flocks of European sheep
also abound ; but of this animal some opecies are peculiar to
America. Such is the llama, or more properly runa, for
llama merely implies a beast or quadruped, which resembles a
smai; camei, and will carry any load under a hundred weight.

; .:ll

fi08

SOITTII AMERICA.

f!^

fil !

The vicuna is somewhat smaller, with shorter and finer wool';
and of a lirown colour, while the others are various. 'I'ht-
gunnaca, on the amtrary, is a li.rger and coarser animal than
the runa, and chiefly employed in the mining countrie.s where
other animals could not pass the precipitous paths. Among
the ferocious animals are distinguished those called by Uuff'on
the jaguar, by other writers the tiger; and the cougar, by
some called the American lion. The latter is of a reddish
brown colour, while the fiirmer is njarked with l)lack spots
upon a yellowish ground. Hut from Buffon's account of the
jaguar, it is evident that he only judged fri«m a small animal,
probably sent froui Freuch Guiana ; but Dobrizhotfer informs
us, that as the lions of Africa far exceed those of Paraguay
(the cougars) in size and ferocity, so the African tigers yield
in magnitude to those of Paraguay. He saw the skin of one
killed the day U-fore, which was three ells and two indies in
length, or equal to that of a hu'ge ox ; but he adds, the Imdy
is more slender than iliat of an ox. According to the same
author, they kill and carry off oxen and horses; and he gives
such singular instances of their strength as to evince the error
of liuttbn's ihiory. Other animals are, the wild cat, the elk,
tlKj huanaco, or guanaca, already menti(>".ed, the ant-bear, &c.
In the great river Maranon there appears to be a species of
hippopotamus. In the alps towards Tucuman the condor is
not unl'requfut, seemingly a kind of vulture, with a red crest,
the body being l)lack, spotted with white. The ostrich is aJso
found m the w ide plains of I'araguay.

Botany. — The natural productions of the country east of the
Andes is as yet nearly unknown to European science. We
know, from the reports of navigators and occasional travellers,
that the vicinity of the a)ast produces many of the tropical
fruits and vegetables, such as the cabbage palm, the cocoa nut,
the ci-rcolate nut, the cotton shrub, tha pine ap})!e, the canna,
amomum, turmeric, plantain, and sugar-cane. JJut in the
more temperate clhuate of the high plain of Quko, and upon
the sides of tt^^^ An(i<>s, it is natural to expect plants of a har-
dier cons^itudon. Pet^i^^ the best known and most generally
interesting of i\» trees are the several species of cinchona, from

SOUTH AMERICA.

609

d finer wool';
arious. The
I' aniiuul timn
intrics, uhert'
ths. Among
.'d by Buffon
i cougar, by
of a reddish
I black spots
.'count of the
small animal,
lotf'er informs
of Paraguay
I tigers yield
e skin of one
wo inches in
ds^ the l)ody
: to the same
and he gives
ice the error
cat, the elk,
mt-bear, &c,
r a species of
he coniior is
I a red crest,
strich IS also

y east of the
:ience. We
»1 travellers,
the tropical
e cocoa nut^
, the canna,
Hut in the
t, and upon
Its of a har-
st generally
jhona, froni

two of which at least that valuable medicine the Peruvian or
Jesuits' bark is procured. The cardana alliodora is a large
timber tree, remarkable for the strong smell of garlic emitted
from the leaves and fresh wood. A kind of coffee, the coffayi
recemosa, is met with in the mountainous groves of the inte-
rior, whose berries are applied to the same use as the culti-
rated species. The large flowered jasmine and datura arborea
diffuse their evening fragrance round the neighbourhood of
Lima, and braided in the hair of the women give and receive
a reciprocal charm. No less than twenty-four species of pep-
per, and five or six of capsicum, are reckoned among the Pe-
ruvian natives, besides several esculent kinds of soianum, of
which the S. lycopersicon or love-apple, and S. tuberosum or
potatoe, are the best known and most esteemed. The tobacco
and jalap abound in the groves at the foot of the Andes, and
many of the ornamental flowers of our English gardens and
green-houses, such as the singular and beautiful calceolaria,
the resplendent salvia longiflora, the graceful trapcelum, or
nasturtium, and the simple nolana prostrata, are indebted to
these countries for their origin.

Mineralflffi/.— The mineralogy of these extensiv, regions
is universally celebrated as the most important in the world.
In most accounts the mines of silver have boen described at
great length, while Brazil is considered as the chief country of
American gold. But the noblest metal also abounds in the
Spanish possessions lure, as well as in Mexico: and Gmelin
has specially enumerated the following places in Peru and
Chih: Copiapo, Quasco, CoquimlM), Petorca, Ligua, Tiltil^
Putaen-io, Caren, Alhue', Chibato, and Huilli-Patagua. Ul-
loa informs us that the department of Popayan abounds in
mines of native gold ; the richest being those of Cali, Buga,
Almaguor, and Barbacoas ; and there are also several mines
in tlie noted district of Choco, some of which were abandoned
on account of the abundance o^ pjaiina, a more rare and sin-
singular metal th^n golrl !,.;,i at first, as appears from Bouguer^
mistaken for an obdurr**; ir rites. Other gold mines were
near Zaruma, within the jurisdiction of Loxa; and some in
the government of Jaen Bracamoros. Near the village of

4 H

610

SOUTH AMERICA.

Angamarca, in the jurisdiction of Latacunga, was a mine of
prodigious value. Gold is also found in the sand of many
rivers that flow into the Maranon, But the state of the mines
of Buenos Ayres, as published by Helms, will convey a com-
plete idea of this subject ; and it thence appears that the silver
mines are there far more productive than those of gold, except
the produce returned to St. Jago de Catagoita, about 30 miles
to the south of Potosi. Those of silver being more numerous,
and more easily worked, have excited the chief attention of the
indolent colonists.

The celebrated mountain of Potosi has presented, for two
centuries and a half, inexhaustible treasures of silver; while
the gold seems thinly scattered by nature, and has no where
been discovered in such enormous masses. Hence, if the noted
plain of Cineguilla in North America be excepted, there is
hitherto no example of any gold mine eminently rich, far less
rivalling the proud reputation of Potosi. This mountain, of
a conic form, is about 20 British miles in circumference, and
perforated by more than 800 rude shafts, through a firm yel-
low argillaceous schistus. There are veins of ferruginous
quartz, interspersed with what are called the horn and vi-
treos ores. Of a peculiar dark reddish colour, this mountain
rises void of all vegetation, blasted by the numerous furnaces,
Which in the night form a grand spectacle. This surprising
mine was discovered, 154-5, by Hualpa^ a Peruvian, who in
pursuing some chamoys pulled up a bush, and beheld under
the root that amazing vein of silver afterwards called la rica,
or the rich. He shared this discovery with his friend Huanca,
who revealed it to a Spaniard his master; and the mine was
formally registered 21st April, 1545.

. Another celebrated mine is that of mercury, indispensible in
amalgamating the precious l etals. While Mexico is supplied
from Spain, Peru has the native product of Guancavelica, a
district and town not far to the south-west of Lima, near the
great bend of the old Maranon. The cinnabar had been used
by the Peruvians as a red paint ; and the quicksilver was first
detected about 15()7. The mine is now so large that there
are said to be streets, and chapels y/hexc mass is celebrated.

SOUTH AMERICA.

611

18 a mine of
d of many
if the mines
ivey a corn-
it the silver
fold, except
I'.t 30 miles
numerous,
ntion of the

ed, for two
Iver; while
s no where
if the noted
d, there is
ch, far less
ountain, of
jrence, and
a firni yel-
ferruginous
rn and vi-
s mountain
IS furnaces,
i surprising
an, who in
(held under
ed la rica,
id Huanca,
3 mine was

ipensible in
is supplied
icavelica, a
a, near the
I been used
cr was first
that there
celebrated.

This mineral seems also to be in argillaceous schistus of a pale
red.

Platina is chiefly found in the mines of Choco and Barbacoas,
in the viceroyalty of New Granada. Tin, according to Helms,
is found at Chayanza and Faria; and there are also several
mines of copper and lead. The chief copper mine was at
Aroa ; but the colonies are mostly supplied from the mines of
Cuba. Among the other minerals may be mentioned the gal-
linazo stone, so called from its black colour, being a volcanic
glass or obsidian, sometimes confounded with the Inca stone
or mirifor of the Incas, both being used as looking-glasses.'
According to Ulloa, the Inca stone is of a leaden colour and
soft, being probably a marcasite or pyritical mixture, not yet
analyzed. In the time of the Incas emeralds were also com-
mon, chiefly on the coast of Manta, and in the government of
Atacaraes, where it is said that there are mines which the In-
dians will not reveal, as they must encounter the labour of
working them. The river of Emeralds flows from the Andes
to the north of Quito : and others of inferior quality are found
near Bogota, where are the chief modern mines of Peruvian
emeralds, justly prefe mvI to all others, since those of Egypt
have been neglected. Th ^se found in the tombs are worked
into sjjlieres, cylinders, cones, and other figures, and pierced
with great precision; but in what manner thi : was accom-
plished remains unknown. According tr IJUoa, rul/ies have
also been observed in the jurisdiction of ' Ju .; ra. ii is unne-
cessary to mention the abundance of sulplru. mtamen, and
vitriol, or sulphate of iron, commercially called copperas.

Popuhtion.— It is probable that the population of the Spa-
nish possessions in South America is about 9,000,000. The
use of spirituous liquors, and the small pox, with another m-
demial disease, which acts at intervals like a {)estilence, ob-
struct the increase of the natix es. The Spaniards and Creoles
ure far niore numerous in New Spain than in South America,
where it is probable they do not exceed 2,000,000. The ne-
groes may constitute about a twentieth part of the population.
As the Spaniards have iw, settlements in Africa, their colonies
were chiefly supplied by the- Dutch and English; but since

SOUTH AMERICA.

the aboUtion of the slave trade in England, the Portuguese
and Spaniards have carried slaves to their own settlements.

Manners and Cmtoms.—Among the native nations, the
Peruvians are by far the most interesting, having in some in-
stances advanced nearer to civilization than the Mexicans.
The llama, which may be called a small camel, had been ren-
dered subservient to their industry; and their buildings,
erected ot stone, still remain, while of the earthen edifices of
the Mexicans, even the ruins have perished. The history of
the Peruvian monarchs is indeed vague and unsatisfactory,
the noted quipos somewhat resembling the wampum of the
North Americans, being brief and transitory records. The
government of the Incas was a kind of theocracy, and the in-
habitants revered a divine descent, not claimed by the Mexican
monarchs. The religion of the Peruvians was that of love
and beneficence ; while the Mexicans seem, in their cruel rites
to have been wholly influenced by the fear of malignant deities!
Some sacrifices of the smaller animals, and offerings of fruits
and flowers, formed the chief rites of Peruvian superstition.

The Mexican monarchy was fbunded by the swoid, the Pe-
ruvian by superiority of wisdom; and the captives taken in
war were not invmolated, but instructed in the arts of civiliza-
tion. M excellent writer justly pronounces, that the Pe-
ruvians had advanced far beyond the Mexicans, both in the
necessary arts of life, and in such as have some title to the
name of elegant. Manures and irrigation svere not unknown,
though a kind of mattock formed the chief instrument of agri-
culture. Their edifices were sometimes of bricks hardened in
the sun ; bu. others were constructed of large stones, the walls,
however, never exceeding twelve feet in height. The great
roads between Cuzco and Quito are indeed slight and perisha-
ble when compared with European exertions; yet become
wonderful, when estimated with the other parts of savage
America. Their weapons and ornaments also display no
small degree of skill, particularly in cutting and piercing erne-
raids, a gem of great hardness. Amidst all these laudable
qualities, it is to be regretted, that superstition led them to
sacrifice numerous victims on the death of a chief; and a fa-

SOUTH AMERICA.

018

It Portuguese

iettlements.

nations, the
ng in Borne in.
he Mexicans,
had been ren-
sir buildings,
len edifices of
rhe history of
unsatisfactory,
mpum of the
ecords. The
f, and the in-
' the Mexican
that of love
?ir cruel rites,
ignant deities,
iugs of fruits
perstition.
vord, the Pe-
ves taken in
ts of civiliza-
that the Pe-
, both in the
! title to the
o^ unknown,
inent of agri-
hardened in
es, the wails.
The great
and perisha-
yet become
ts of savage
display no
ierciiig eme-
ise laudable,
led them to
P; and a i'a^

vourite monarch was sometimes followed to the tomb by a
thousand slaughtered servants. Had the conquest of America
been effected by the Spaniard? > a period like the present,
when European warfare has losw half its ferocity, the Peruvian
monarchy might have been respected and preserved, for in the
other parts of South America there is a superabundance of the
precious metals to satiate the utmost wish of avarice. Whe*
ther the ruling people be chiefly cut off, or from the mere de*
pression of slavery, it is impossible to discover in the manners
of the Peruvian natives any marks of their ancient advance-
ment. The methodical tyranny exercised over them is very
severe. They are reduced to become even the slaves of slaves ;
for the Spaniards encourage their negroes to treat them with
the greatest insolence ; and they politically keep up a rancour,
now grown inveterate, between these two races of people.
They are forbidden, under the severest penalties, to marry, or
to have an unlawful intercourse together. Division is the
great instrument to which the Spaniards trust for the preser-
vation of their colonies. The native Spaniard alone has all
the lucrative offices, civil, ecclesiastical, and military. He de-
spises the Creolian. The Creolian hates and envies him.
Both condemn and maltreat the Indians, who, on their side,
are not insensible of the indignities they suffer. The blacks
are encouraged to trample on the Indians, and to consider
their interests as altogether opposite; while the Indians, in
their nominal freedom, look with an envious disdain upon the
slavery of the negroes, which makes them their masters.

What is extraordinary, the Spaniards, not content with re-
ducing this unhappy nation under so cruel a yoke, as if they
thought it nothing unless they were thoroughiv sensible of its
weight, suffer the Indians to celebrate an annual festival, in
which plays are represented, commemorating the overthrow of
their own state. These are acted with all the horrid and ag-
gravating circumstances which attended this event; and the
people are at this time so enraged, that the Spaniards find it
dangerous to go abroad. In the city of Lima, there is annu-
ally celebrated a festival of this kind, with a grand procession,
wherein they carry in a sort of triumph the remaining de-

■teil

ii I

(! t

{''

614

SOUTH AMERICA.

-cendant of the Inca« of Peru, and hb wife; who at that time,
reco.ve all ,n.«gn.ahl. honours in the nm,st ,nelanclu)ly pomp,
from a race bowed down with tlu' sense of the oommo k, U
age of nnnce and people. This throws the most afK-ctiiu
gloom over tl,e festival, that renews the image of their former
freedom, lo tins remaining Inca the viceroy of Peru does
homage when he enters upon his government. The inca sits
upon a lofty stage, and the viceroy makes his obeisance upon
n horse, who is taught to kneel upon the occasion. This
manner of proceeding may bo thought of the most refin<.l
strain of insolent tyra...ny, and tA Ik. as impolitic as it is insult
ang; but It IS not impossible that those vents, which they
Kuffer the indignation of the people to take, may carry ofTa
spmt that might otherwise break out in a much more fatal
manner. Whether by the division they keep up, or by these
vents, or by the management of the clergy, or by whatever
moans, the Spaniards preserve their conquests with very little
force: the Indians are even armed, and make a considerable
part of their militia: it is true thoy are interdicted the use of
weapons without licence; but licence is procured without
much difficult; They have likewise a huge number of free
blacks, and ,\^ ,o are formed into companies in their militia
Certain it v .: ...i, both in the Spanish and Portuguese colo^
mes, they imd Mnvery compatible enough with great licence in
some respects, and both with the security of the masters
Things deserving our consideration ; as we do not seem to
excel in the conciliating arts of government in our colonics,
nor to think that any thing is to bo effected by other instru-
uients than those of terror and rude force.

The manners of the Spaniards in South America are similar
to those in Mexico; and do not partake of any peculiar trait
■worthy of observation.

La,ii>'uai>v.— The language of the ruling people m Peru was
called Qmdma, and it is still cultivated by the Spanish clergy,
as indispensable in the conversion of the natives. The sounds
*> ^kAs'^ '■, aie wanting; but when tin; Spanish grammarians
add the X and z, they forget that their a; is an I,, or sh, and
their r. is equally expresed by o. The grammar of this lan-

at that time
i-hol}' pomp,
nmo Ik\A~
)8t afft^tiij^
their former

Peru does
lie luca sits
isance upon
lion. This
lost refined

it is insult-
which they

carry off a

more fatil
or by these
y whatever
1 very little
onsiderable
I the use of
3d without
ber of free
leir militia,
ffuese colo-
t licence in
le masters.
3t seem to
r colonies,
her instru-

arc similar
culiar trait

I Peru was

ish clergy,
'he sounds
nnmarians
or s7i^ and
[' this lan-

SOUTH AMERICA. ti

guagc, and it is said , en thai ^ the Tehuels, is near!
varicfratot' und artuici as the Gi- J<, whence our wonder
the refinement of tlic anscrit may perhaps suffer considera-
ble abat. ment.

Citu:i atid Torcm— In tlesci -hing the chief cities in the im-
mense regions of Spanish America, it will be most conducive
to perspicuity, to arrange them according to flie gra- d divi-
sions to which they belong. A brief account of thf.e divisions
Will also, wiiii propriety, precede the account of the cities
which tlioy contain.

Peru.—The viceroyalty of Peru comprehends th „cy

of Lima, the province -.f La Paz, and the preside. aan

Yago. This presidctuy is, however, separated fron- other
parts of tlu- \ .orovalty by the audiency of Chai ca,>, which
eloiigs to the viceroyalty of Buenos Ayres. The two former
occupy the princi \ part of the ancient Peru.

This great em tl.c foundation of which by the Incas

remains envelope, m liie obscurity of a - ries of fables, and of
an uncertain tradition, has lost much i. its local grandeur
since the tiniu when it was stripped, on the north side, 'le
provinces which form the kingdom of Quito, and afterwards
of those which, towards the east, constitute the viceroyalty of
Buenos Ayres. Its present extent in length runs, north and
south, over a space of from 1260 to 1350 miles, from 2 deg
to nearly 23 deg. of south lat. ; and its greatest breadth is
from 300 to 360 miles, east and west, i. e. about 13 decrees of
west long. The river of Guayaquil divides it from the new
kingdom of Grenada on the north side. The depopulated
territory of Atacama separates it from t'.e kingdom of Chili
towards the south. Another horrible deser , of more than
1500 miles extent, separates it towards t' ast from the pro-
vinces of Paraguay and Buenos Ayres; and, last, the Pacific
ocean washes its western shores.

A chain of barren, and rugged mountains; several sandy
plains, which in a manner reach from one extremity of the
coast to the other; and several lakes, of many leagues in ex-
tent, some of which are situated on the summits of' the above
chain of mountains, o.cupy a groat part of the Peruvian terri-

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WN"*

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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616

SOUTH AMERICA.

tory. Throughout, the breaks and the vallies, which enjoy
the benefit of irrigation, present to the view an extensive range
of delightful plains, replete with villages and towns, and the
climate of which is highly salubrious. That of the elevated
* spots of La Sierra is extremely cold. In the p&znpas, or
plains, of Bombou, Fahrenheit's thermometer is constantly at
from 34 to 40 degrees above zero.

There are three cities in Peru famous for their opulence
and trade ; Lima, Cusco, and Quito. Lima lies in the north-
ern part of Peru, in the latitude of 12 deg. south, and 299
east longitude from TenerifFe. It stands about two leagues
from the sea, upon a river called Rimac, small and unnaviga-
ble. This city is the capital of Peru, and of all South Ame-
rica ; it extends in length about two miles, and in breadth
about one quarter; its distant appearance, from the multi'ade
of spires and domes, is extremely majestic; and when you
enter it, you see the streets laid out with the greatest regular-
ity, cutting each other at equal distances and right angles ;
the houses, on account of the equality of the climate, are
slightly roofed, as they are built low and of light materials, to
avoid the consequences of earthquakes, frequent and dreadful
in this country. But they are elegantly plastered and painted
on the outside, so as to have all the appearance of freestone.
To add to the beauty and convenience of this city, most
houses have a garden, watered by cuts drawn from the river;
each man commands a little running stream for his own use ;
in a hot and dry country, as this is, no small matter of conve-
nience and delight. Here is a grand walk by the river side,
200 fathoms long, consisting of five rows of fine orange trees.
To this the company resorts at five in the evening, drawn in
their coaches and calashes. Such is the opulence of this city,
that, exclusive of coaches, there are kept in it upwards of 5000
of these carriages. The royal square is extremely handsome^
and in the middle is placed a beautiful fountain of bronze,
surmounted by an image of Fame, executed in a very good
style. This square is from 500 to 600 feet in length, and is
Surrounded by superb edifices.

SOUTH AMERICA.

which enjojr
itensive range
•wns, and the
■ the elevated
t p&;:npas, or
constantly at

leir opulence
in the north-
Jth, and 299

two leagues
nd unnaviga-
South Ame-
1 in breadth
he multk ude
d when you
ttest regular-
ight angles;
climate, are
materials, to
md dreadful
and painted
of freestone,
i city, most
m the river;
lis own use ;
:er of conve-
e river side,
)range trees,
^, drawn in
of this city,
irdsofSOOO
' handsome,

of bronze,
i very good
gth, and is

617

though no rain falls, the ground is watered by a gentle dew
termed ^r;«^; a variety of the most delicious fruits abound
m the vicmity of Lima ; and, in short, nothing is here wanting
hawLr "*'"'"''"*" '° '^' """^°" ««• the luxury of the in

.n^'^'i' u"''^"^ '""^ ^""^ ^"'^"""' ^"'^ *^""t«i»« 355 streets
and 3641 houses. The population is estimated at 57,627
sods; of which number, 17,215 are Spaniards, 8219 Indian*,
S9W) negroes, and the remainder people of colour

It IS evident that the number of inhabitants bears no pro-
portion to the extent of the place, which in this climate is at
hrst matter of surprise ; but the cause becomes pretty obvious,
when the great mortality of children, the frequent earthquakes,
and total want of productive means of livelihood in this appa-
rently brilliant metropolis, are taken into consideration

Lima has fifty-four churches, taking in the cathedral, the
paioclnal, and conventual ; thirteen monasteries of men (be-
sides SIX colleges of Jesuits), one of which contains 700, and
another 500 friars and servants; twelve nunneries, the princi-
pal of which has not less than 300 nuns ; and twelve hospitals,
besides foundations for the portioning of poor girls. There is
one university in Lima, dedicated to St. Mark.

This city is the residence of a viceroy, who is president of
the royal audience: besides an ecclesiastical tribunal, there is
al^ a supreme- tribunal of audience, composed of a president,
a fiscal, and two examiners. A treasury is established here
for receiving the duty on the produce of the mines, as well as
all the taxes paid by the Indians to the king of Spain Two
newspapers are publislied at Lima. The ' Gazeta de Lima,'
which appears twice a week, and is exactly similar to the
Gazeta cle Madrid,' and the annual ' Quia Politica, Ecclesias-
tica, y Militar,' in 12mo., which, besides the calendar, and a
list of civil and military officers, contains much valuable geo.
graphical and statistical information.

Nothing ^an give a true idea of the vast wealth of Lima
except the churches, which the most judicious travellers speak

4 I

-r

€18

SOUTH AMERICA.

of with astonishment, and seem incapable of describing, on ac-
count of that amazing profusion of gold, silver, and precious
stones with which every thing (even the walls) is in a manner
totally covered. The tide of this vast wealth is fed from
sources as copious ; this city bang the great magazine for all
the plate of Peru, which is coined here ; for the large manu-
factures and natural products of that kingdom ; for those of
Chili; and for all the luxuries and conveniences brought from
. Europe and the East Indies.

The trade carried on by the merchants of Lima, is roprc-
«ented by Alcedo to be very extensive ; bnt this author appears
to have overlooked the great decay of this trade, occasioned by
the growing prosperity of Buenos Ayres, which is much more
crtnveniently situated for the European commerce. Besides,
tKe government has established at this last place, a magazine
for the produce of the mines of Potosi and La Plata; these
are now conveyed thither by the Pilomayo, and the river La
Plata, which is a much shorter and more secure route thap
that of Lima.

The beauty of the situation, the fertility of the soil, the
miildness of the climate, and the riches of the inhabitants of
Lima, are not, however, sufficient to compensate for the conti-
nual dangers with which they are menaced, Lima continued
in great splendour until the year 1747, when a most 'remen-
dous earthquake, which entirely devoured Callao, the port be-
longing to it, laid three-fourths of this city level with the
ground. The destruction of Callao was the most perfect and
terrible that can be conceived ; no more than one of all the
inhabitants escaping, and he by a providence the most singular
Bnd extraordinary imaginable. This man was on the fort that
overlooked the harbour, going to strike the flag, when he per-
ceived the sea to retire to a consitlerable distance ; and then
swelling {nountain high, it returned with great violence. The
inhabitants ran from their houses in the utmost terror and
confusion ; he heard a cry of Miserere rise from all parts of
the city ; and immediately all was silent ; the sea had entirely
overwhelmed this city, and buried it for ever in its bosom :

SOUTH AMERICA.

dl9

;ribing, on ac-
and precious
[8 in a manner
1 is fed from
igazine for all
i large manu-
; for those of
brought from

ima, is roprc-
uthor appears
occasioned by
is much more
rce. Besides,
i, a magazine
Plata; these
the river La
e route thap

the soil, the
inhabitants of
for the conti-
ma continued
most *femen-
, the port be-
vel with the
t perfect and
ne of all the
nost singular
the fort that
when he per-
e; and then
)lence. The
t terror and

all parts of
had entirely
1 its bosom .*

but the same wave which destroyed the city, drove a little boat
by the place where the man stood, into Avliich he threw him-
self, t;nd was saved.

Whilst this town subsisted, it contained about 3000 inha-
bitants of all kinds, had five convents, and possessed the finest
port of all Peru. Here were the rich warehouses furnished
with all the goods of Europe, which being landed by the gal-
leons at Porto Bello, ^wcre brought over land to Panama, and .
thence transported by the armadillo, or fleet, with a convoy of
three men of war reserved for this purpose. To this port ar-
rived the annual ship from Acapulco, loaden with all the pro-
ducts of the east ; from Chili it received vast quantities of corn,
dried beef and pin'k, leather, tallow, piank, and several sorts
of woollen goods, particularly carpets like those of Turkey.
From the southern ports of Peru were brought sugars, wine
and brandy, naval stores, cacoa, Virginia wool, and tobacco.
From Mexico it had pilch and tar, woods for dyeing, and that
balsam, which we improperly call of Peru, since it ci^nies from
Guatimala.

The province of Quito is perhaps one of the most singular
and interesting countries in the universe. The valley of Quito
is situated 1460 toises above the level of the sea, whicii is
higher than the tops of the most elevated mountains of Pyre-
nees, A double range of mountains surround this delightful
valley ; though under the equator, an eternal spring veigns in
this favoured spot ; the trees are perpetually clothed with lux-
uriant foliage, and loaded with fruits of every species; it
abounds with animals, the wool of which is employed in the
manufacture of stuffs, which form its principal article of com-
merce with Peru. They likewise manufacture in this city
cotton cloth, equal in fineness to that which they receive from
England. The province every where abounds with mines of
gold, silver, copper, and other metals ; there are also several
mines of quicksilver, rubies, amethysts, emeralds, rock crystal,
and of beautiful marble of different qualities.

The labouring classes of the inhabitants of the city of Quito
ave industrious, and have attained to considerable perfection in
many arts and manufactures, particularly in those of woollen

6'!^

SOUTH AMEIIICA.

ml VI

<mCTr^^V^^^^ dispose of in the

Sal" •?, " ''^'" ^' '^""- 'l^*'^ "-ber of the in^
hub tants of tins cty is estimated at 50,000, of which the ma

jon^are Mestize, the off.p.ng of native' IndianfandSp]

uprte ^r7 '^-^ P"^'"^"^' «"^ '" '^ - held tlie
suprei^e court of justice: it is likewise a bishop's see THp

|nequa^.t.es of the ground on which it stands are so great as

constru ted of hnck, and seldom exceed*two stories in height.

."r ''l' ^^'•t''^ «»d smiling country is not the abodf of

safety and tranquillity. ^ Unfortunate people V says t^X

quent M ,, hen speaking of the'inLbitants'of Quit^

Unfortunate pe<>ple ! whom the fertility of this deceitful land

has drawn together; its flowers, its fruits, and its luxuriant

harvests cover an abyss underneath their fe^t. ThI fZly

o the sod :s produced by the exhalations of a devou W «'-

.ts „.creasmg Wty forebodes its ruin, and it is in thf v r J

bo^m of abundance that we behold engulphed its thought

and happy possessors; '"ugnuess

scnbes the effects produced in its vicinity by the dreadful
earj^^quake which occurred in 1797. «Quito/sa; tt r !

cloudy, the neighbounng mountains are only covered with a
scanty verdure, and the cold is very considerable. Tho tre
mendous earthquake of February, i797, which desolated the"
whole provmce, and swallowed up from 35 to 4^,000 indivi.
duals was also fatal to the inhabitants of this capital. Such
was the change produced by it on the temperature of the air,
that Reaumars thermometer, which at present fluctuates from
4' to 10 deg., and rarely ascends to 16 deg. or 17 deg con
stantly stood, previous to that catastrophe, at 15 or 16 deff
Since tins penod, likewise, the province under consideration,
has been constantly subject to more or les.s violent shocks-
and It u. not improbable that all the elevated parts of it form'
a single volcano. The mountains of Cotopaxi and Pinchincha
are only small summits, of which the craters form the different
funnels, all terminating in the 8a.ne cavity. The earthquake

M)se of in the
er of the in-
hich the ma-
^ns and Spa-
t is held the
's see. The
so great, as
e houses are
es in height,
he abode of
ays the elo-
ts of Quito ;
eceitful land
ts luxuriant
le fecundity
ouiing fii'e;
in the very
thoughtless

1 1803, de.
le dreadful
ys this tra-
J is always
ered with a
The tre.
isolated the
000 indivi.
tal. Such
of the air,
uates frona
deg., Con-
or 16 deg.
isideration.
Jt shocks;
of it form
*inchincha
B different
Earthquake

SOUTH AMERICA.

of 1797 unfortunately aftbrds but too convincing a proof of the
justness of this hypothesis, since, during that dreadful occur-
rence, the earth opened in all directions, and ejected sulphur,
water, &c. Notwithstanding the recollection of this afflicting
event, and a pn.bability of a recurrerifce of similar dangers,- the
inhabitants of Quito are said to be gay, lively, and amiable;
their city is the alx)de of luxury and voluptuousness, and in
no other place can there be displayed a more decided taste for
amusements of every description.'

Cttsco, the capital of the ancient empire, is still a very con-
siderable city ; it is at a good distance from the sea, and situ-
ated in the mountainous part of the country : it has not less
than 40,000 inhalntants, three parts Indians, who are very in-
dustrious and ingenious. Though little instructed in the art,
a taste for painting prevails, and some performances of the In-
dians of Cusco and Quito have met with applause in Italy.
An incredible quantity of pictures are painted here, and are
dispersed all over Peru and Chili. They have here likewise
manufactures of bays and cotton, and they work largely in
leather.

New Grenada.— Th\s viceroyalty was established in 1718.
It comprehends Terra Firraa,' Panama, Veraguay, to which
has also been added the province of Quito. This immense di-
vision presents a great variety of surface. Terra Firma,
though on the coast, is the most unpleasant and most un-
healthful country in the torrid zone : yet the plain grounds
are remarkably fertile, and produce corn enough when culti-
vated, all kinds of the tropical fruits, rich drugs, cacoa, vanilla,
mdigOj pimento, guaiacum, sarsaparilla, and balsam of Peru.
No country abounds more in rich and^iuxuriant pasturage, or
has a greater stock of black cattle. 'Their rivers have rich
golden sands; their coasts have good pearl fisheries; and
their mines formerly yielded great quantities of gold : but at
present Uiey are neglected or exhausted ; so that the principal
wealth of this kingdom arises from the commerce of Carthage-
na ; and what treasure is seen there is mostly the return for
European commodities which are sent from that port to Santa
Fe, Popayaoj and Quito. Its chief city is Panama.

6S»

SOUTH AMERICA.

■ Ihe city of Pananui is situated upon one of the best bar-
bours, in all respects, of the South seas. Ships of burden lie
safe at some distance from the town; but smaller vessels come
up to the walls. In the bay is a pearl fishery of great value.
The town, one of the largest in America, is said to contain
5000 houses, elegantly built of brick and stone, disposed in a
semicircular form, and enlivened with the spires and domes of
several churches and monasteries. It is covered on the land
side with an agreeable country, diversified with hills, valleys,
and woods. The town stands upon a dry and tolerably
healthful ground, and has a great and profitable trade with
Peru, Chili, and the western coast of Mexico, chiefly for pro-
visions of every sort, both of the animal and vegetable kinds;
corn, wine, sugar, oil, with tallow, leather, and Jesuits' bark.
In the neighbourhood of this city they raise nothing ; and yet,.
by. traffic and their convenient situation, there are few cities
more abundantly supplied with all things for necessity, conve-
nience, or luxuiy. Their trade with the Terra Firma and
with Europe is carried on over the isthmus of Darien, and by
the river Chagra.

Cartha^ena is the second town of consideration in Terra
Firma, and stands upon a peninsula, that encloses one of the
best defended harbours in all Spanish America. The town
iteelf is well fortified, and built after the elegant fashion of
most of the Spanish American towns, with a square in the
middle, and streets running every way regularly from it, and
others cutting these at right angles. This town has many
nch churches and convents, that of the Jesuits is particularly
magnificent. Here it is that the galleons on their voyage
from Spain put in first, and dispose of a considerable part of
their cargo; which from hence is distributed to St. Martha,
the Caraccas, Venezuela, and most of the other provinces and
towns in the Terra Firma.

• Vkeroytdty of La P^a.— This portion of South America
may be said to consist of four distinct and grand divisions ;
VIZ. that of Buenos Ayres ; the government of Paraguay pro-
per, and Tucuman ; the audienoy of Charcas, or the detached
provinces 0/ joining Peru; with New Chili, or the provinces

SOUTH AMERIGA.

088

he best har-
•f burden lie
vessels come
great value.

1 to contain'
isposed in a
>d domes of
un the land
Us, valleys,
i tolerably

trade with
'fly for pro-
able kinds ;
suits' bark,
: ; and yet,.

2 few cities
ity, conve-
Firgia and
en, and by

in Terra
one of the
The town
fashion of
jre in the
>m it, and
has many
irticularly
ir voyage
>le part of
. Martha,
inces and

America
divisions ;
juay pro-
detached
provinces

of C'hili which lie to the east of the Andes, nnd do not belong
to the prjBsidcncy of St. Jago. * n>

The province of Buenos Ayres, wtiich is sometimes cailed
after the Rio de la Plata, comprises a vast space of territory
on the banks of the great river of La Plata. The eastetn part
is crossed hv the Uraguay, and it contains a number of nriouiv
tains, particularly in the interior: the other part is an im-
mense plain, which extends to the bases of the Andes, attd is
in many parts impregnated with salt and nitre. : ^r{

1 Since the period when this province was separated frcm
Peru, and united to the new viceroyalty of Rio de la Platb,
(17'*'8,) agriculture, manufactures, and trade, have made an
incredible progress. Its prosperity is likewise considerably
promoted by its excellent climate, its vast extent, and wonddv-
fuUy fruitful soil, which is intersected by a multitude of larigle
and small rivers, whose streams not only serve for the purpose
of irrigation and interior circulation, but also to maintain^ by
means of their common influx into the Ria de la Plata, an iri-
tercourse with the ocean ; and its maritime communications
are aided by the excellent harbours of Buenos Ayres, Monte
Video, Maldonado la Colonia, and the bay of Barragau. d

Buenos Ayres is the capital of the whole province of the
river La Plata. Its site is very handsome. From the north
side may be seen the river, the width of which is lieyond the
reach of the eye. The environs consist of nothing but exten-
sive and beautiful fields, always covered with verdure. T:h<B
port is always exposed to the winds, on account of which sea-
sels cannot approach very near to the town; while the boats
or small craft which go to it, are obliged to make a detdur,
and enter a stream which empties itself into the main river;
the water in this is two or three fathoms deep; but when the
tide has ebbed in the great river, the branch in question can-
not be entered.

Buenos Ayres is the residence of a viceroy and a bishop,
and may be considered as the second city of South America.
It is supposed to contain 3000 houses, and 40,000 inhabitants.
This city is now the grand emporium of all the commerce of
the provinces of Peru ; and the goods are conveyed thither in

^■. WJ„ ..--„*iilv- .

mt,

SOUTH AMERICA.

waggons drawn by horses. The conductors travel in caravans,
on account of the P«,„pas Indians, who are very troublesome
to travellers. This city is watered by several large rivers, all
ot which empty themselves into that of La Plata. It has a
fine square surrounded with superb buildings, and a fortress
on the river, which is the residence of the governor. The
streets are perfectly regular, with foot-paths on each side

That the climate of Buenos Ayres is very salubrious, ap-
pears from the proportion of the births to the deaths; and
consequently the city has not been improperly named. In
June, July, Aug^ist, and September, however, fogs arise from
the river, which affect the lungs and breast. The vehement
innds too which blow from the pampas, or plains, and are
therefore called pamperos, j)rove very troublesome to the inha-
bitants. Neitlier in the city of Buenos Ayres, nor in Tucu-
man, does any snow ever fall : sometimes it freezes a little, so
as to cover the water with a thin coating of ice, which is col-
lectcd and preserved with gieat care, Ibr the purpose of cool-
ing their liquors.

Formerly the citizens of Buenos Ayres had no country
houses; and, except peaches, none of the finer sorts of fruit
were produced there. At present, there are ibw persons of
opulence but have villas, and cultivate in their gardens all
kinds of fruit, culinary plants, and flowers. The houses are
in general not very high ; but most of them are built in a
light and beautiful manner, and their interior exhibits great
neatness and an abundant supply of good furniture. The
City is well supplied with provisions; of fresh meat, in parti-
ciilar, there is so great an abundanco, that it is frequently dis-
tributed gratis to the poor. The river water is rather muddy,
but it soon becomes clear and drinkable bv being kept in large
tubs or earthen vessels. Of fish too tl'ere is great abundance.
At Buenos Ayres, the men as well as the women dress
after the Spanish mode; and the fashions of Cadiz are ge-
nerally copied here, but usually some years after their pT-e-
valence in the mother country. The ladies m Buenos Ayres
are reckoned the most agreeable .-.nd !.and<onie of all South
America.

1 111 caravans,
iruublesonie
ge rivers, all
ta. It has a
nd a fortress
ernor. The
ch side,
ubrious, ap-
[leaths; and
named. In
js arise from
be vehement
n8, and are
to the inha-
or in Tucu-
s a little, so
vhich is col-
i»se of cool-

>io country
)rts of fruit

persons of
gardens all

houses are

built in a
libits great
ure. The
t, in parti-
uently dia-
ler muddy,
pt in large
ibundance.
men dress
\z are gc-

tlieir pre-
'iios Ayres

all South

SOUTH AMERICA. s^

Until the year 1747. no regular post was established either

withstand,., the great intercourse and trade with the ^ei^h-

itS^gi: po^:; '' ^^^' ''' '-y ^" -^-«"^

meet !r'""^? '"""u ^*"'"°^ ^y'""' '* '^ "°t ""-'""'on to
full vigour and health of middle age. Epidemics or other
dangerous diseases are wholly unknown; and were not the

atl nnTh ' "^^' 'Tr^'y '*"^^^°"« ^•"«"«'»'- '^om the
wn M .1 T'' P^'^P^^^^^" ''""dred years old, or upwards,
would be nothing remarkable in this counlrv.
jVo^^. Firf^o is a town upon the river of La Plata, about 60

anfthr h "7"*'m '\'" " '"^^ ""^ '^''--•-t harbour,
and the chmate .s m,ld and agreeable. The markets are plen
ffully supplied with fish and meat at a very cheap rate Its
pnncipal trade is in leather. ^

MnnZ v'T"' if ^i"'" ^ '""°"' P'^'"''^ «^ ^he Spaniards of
Monte Video. To sleep, talk, smoke a segar, aiid ride on

^Te dt' X^'^'-P^'r}- -hich they pas, three-fourths
Of he day 1 he great abundance of provisions gives facihtv
to their Idleness ; besides which, th.re are amongst them many

s^vTr/r^^l'- " '^'' '^'^y ^' ^PP^^ «"^-"« 'o live in
style, and have nothing to do.

in IHiriT"' "^Tn^ '\' ^''^"^^ °^*^*^ ™°^"'"g' «" o" stools
m heir entrance halls, having under their feet, first, a cane

mat, and over that a piece of the stuff „ .de by the Indians

or a tiger's skin. They amuse themsei.. with'pLving on a

guitar or some similar instrument, which they aico^pany

with their voice, while the negresses prepare the dinner

In these countries jealousy does not disturb either sex The

men publicly acknowledge their illegitimate children, who be-

come the heirs of their fathers, there is no shame attached

to bastardy ; because the laws so far authorise promiscuous in-

m7;^zr " ''' '''''-'' ^'''' -'-'' '-- - ^^^

^7 4K

SOUTH AMERICA.

M';

The women, though covered by a veil in public places, liv*;
at home with as much freedom, to s&^ the least of it, as females
do in France ; they receive company as they do in France ;
and do not suffer themselves to be pressed to dance, sing, or
play on the liarp, guitar, or mandoline. In this respect they
are much more complaisant than French women, if we may
credit tlie assertion of Don Pernetti. When they are not oc-
cupied in dancing, they sit continually on the stools already
mentioned, which they sometimc^s place outside the door. The
men are not allowed to sit among them unless they are invited,
and such a favour is considered as a great familiarity.

At Monte Video, a lively and very lascivious dance is much
practised : it is called calcnda ; and the negroes, as well as the
mulattoes, whose constitutions are sanguii>e, are excessively
fond of it. This dance was introduced in America by the ne-
groes who were imported from the kingdom of Ardra, on the
coast of Guinea; and the Spaniards have adopted it in all
their establishments. It is, however, so indecent, as to shook
and astonish those who have not been in the habit of seeing it
performed. The accounts which have been given of this licen-
tious recreation are so different from what is conceived in Eu-
rope, that a particular detail of them would resemble a story
of La Fontaine, rather than a matter of fact.

The common people, in which are included the mulattoes
and negroes, wear, instead of a cloak, a piece of stuff", in stripes
of different colours, which appears like a sack, having only a
hole at top for the admission of the head ; it hangs over the
arms down to the wrist, and reaches, both before and behind,
down to the calf of the leg ; it is fringed all round at the bot-
tom. The men of every class wear it when they ride on
horseback, and find it much more convenient than the common
cloak. The governor she\^^ed one of these habiliments to
Messrs. Bougainville, Pernetti, &c., which was embroidered
with gold and silver, and had cost him upwards of 300 pias-
tres. The same dresses are made at ChiU, in such a style a»
to cost 2000 ; and it is from that country that they have been
imported at Monte Video. This dress is known by the name

SOUTH AMERICA.

627

; places, liv«
It, as females

in France;
ice, sing, or
respect they
, if we may
r are not oc-
iK)ls already
door. The
are invited,
ity. ^

nee is much
i) well as the

excessively
a by the ne-
•dra, on the
ed it in all
as to shock
; of seeing it
)f this licen-
ived in Eu-
nble a story

e mulattoes
fF, in stripes
iving only a
igs over the
md behind,
at the bot-
ey ride on
he common
iliments to
mbroidered
f 300 pias-
h a style as
■ have been
y the name

of porwho or choni/: it secures the wearer from rain, is not
ruffled by the wind, and not only serves him for a coverlid at
night, but also tor a carpet when he rests in the fields.

Paroffuat/.— The ,sub<livisions of this great province are
very imperfectly known. The upper part of the country,
which lies along the rivers of Paraguay, Pilcoraayo, and Ver-
mejo, consists of fine plains, watered by a great number of ri-
vulets, agreeable i-lls, and thick forests; but the lower part
contains a series of barren or swampy countries, in whicli there
arc large saline plains, To the east of Parana, the ground is
hilly.

The state of the towns in Paraguay is but little known.
Asauncion, in English Assuruption, is the capital of the pro-
vince: it is situated 840 miles from Buenos Ayres, on the
river of Paraguay. Though the residence of a bishop and a
governor, it is but thinly inhabited. Neemboucm is a pretty
town, situated, according to M. d'Azzara, 99 miles from the
town of Assumption. Courougmti, another town mentioned
by d'Azzara, is 108 miles easUnorth-east of Assumption.

TVicwwan.— -Tucuman is a very extensive province; its
length by the post roads is about 1580 miles, of which 1306
are very fruitful soil, and 274 waste ; the first part is passable
with waggons, but in the latter only saddle-beasts are employed.
The principal towns in this province are, the Salta of Tu-
cuman, which is tlie residence of a governor, and is situated iu
a very fertile valley ; Jujui, llioja, San Fernando, Saint Jaques
de TEsterro, San Miguel, and Cordova.

Cordova is the residence of a bishop, and the best town in
the province. It lies on a small sandy plain, between a thick
forest and the Rio Primero, and forms nearly a regular square.
The houses in general have only one story, but are tolerably
good, and are neatly and solidly constructed. The city con-
tains three men's, and an equal number of women's convents,
called < Collegios ;' one of which has the title of ' University,*
and formerly belonged to the Jesuits. Many wealthy indivi,
duals reside here, who carry on a lucrative trade in mules.
They purchase the young foals in the neighbourhood of Bue,
no3 Ayres, Santa Fe, and Corrientes, bringing them up at first

ft''

wsm

SOUTH AMERICA.

m their own fields, from which at a more advanced growth
they remove them to those near Salta. and sell them a year
and a half or two years afterwards, to the mule-dealers from
rt:m PX eight or ten piastres the head.

Smi lago del Estero is a poor place, which lies on a river
ot tlie sanie name, in a marshy country that is frequently over.
Mowed. The inhabitants pass for the best soldiers in the whole
province; but, with the exception of some mule-dealers, live
in great poverty. Exclusive of a magnificent Jesuits' college,
that would lodge the whole place with convenience, there are
nothuig but miserable huts in the town. The women belong-
ing to ,t make very good woollen carpets, but unfortunately
there is not much demand for them.

St. Miguel is situated in a most beautiful country, amono-st
fertile plams of figs and citrons, vying with the pomegranate
and lively orange trees. The inhabitants carry on a good
trade ,n mules, particularly those destined for draught, which
are wanted for the land-carr'.age to Kuenos Avres and Jujui ;
and the vehicles so employed are also constructed here. They
area sort of lofty two-wheeled caravan, railed round with cane,
and covered on the outside with ox-hides.
^ Salta del Tucurmn lie; in an extremely fenny situation ; it
IS scarcely possible to dig three feel without finding water;
and, on the other hand, the vale of Lernia, at whose issue the
city IS situated, is beautifully covered with meadows and fields.
Salta does not probably contain more than 2000 inhabitants,
yet It is of considerable importance on account of its extensive
trade in mules, but more particularly its great annual fair,
which IS held in the months of February and March, and at-
tracts an extraordinary number of strangers. The sellers
from Buenos Ayres, Cordova, Santa Fe, Corrientes, &c., and
the purchasers out of Peru, come hither in crowds ; and there
are often seen at that period about Salta, 60,000 mules, and
4000 horses, all of which go to Peru. This fair would in all
probability be still m»,re brilliant, were it not held in the rainy
months, when the neighbourhood is scarcely better than a vast
morass, and the number of strangers, who are obliged to take
up a temporary residence outside the town, can hardly find a

SOUTH AMERICA.

629

meed growth

them a year

^-dealers from

ies on a river
quently over-
s in the whole
-dealers, live
suits' college,
ice, there are
imen belong-
infortunately

try, amongst
pomegranate
f on a good
lughf, which
s and Jujui ;
here. They
id with cane,

situation ; it
ding water;
ose issue the
■s and fields,
inhabitants,
its extensive
annual fair,
rch, and at-
The sellers
es, &c., and
; and there
mules, and
ivould in all
in the rainy
than a vast
gcd to take
»rdly find a

spot of ground whereon to fix their tents. It is not improba-
ble but to these marshy exhelatzons may be attributed the hi-
deous goiters with which the female sex is here so frequently
afflicted. As beautiful as the women are, and distinguished
for their fine complexions, and particularly the fine growth of
their hair, no sooner have they attained their twenty -fifth year,
tbun their necks progressively increase in size, till they at
length attain to a most disgusting protuberance ; and in order
to conceal this deformity, these poor women envelope them-
selves up to the chin in a thick handkerchief.

Charcas. — This aud'iency is divided into several large pro-
vinces. The climate, in general, is hot and moist ; and the
soil very fertile. Great part of this region is inhabited by
hordes of Indians, some of whom are on " '^ndly terms with
the Spaniards, and others are so barbarous .nat they eat their
enemies.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the capital of the province of
that name. It is a modern built place, for the old town, which
was more towards the south, is destroyed. It is a large city,
well peopled, and has a governor and a bishop; the latter,
however, resides at Mlsque Pocona.

La Plata is the capital of the province c"^ Chnquisaco, and
was first called La Plata on account of a famous silver mine,
which was in the mountain of Poroo, near the city in question,
and from which the Incas derived immense sums. The nobi-
hty of this place are the most distinguished of any in Peru,
and tliey ttill retain many privileges. The number of the in-
habitants is about 14,000, amongst whom are many Spaniards.
This city is the residence of an archbishop, whose authority
extends over the whole viceroyalty.

There are several other large towns in this audiency, which
do not merit a particular description.

Potosi. — This corregidory contains the famous silver mines
which have been so often mentioned. These mines aftbrded,
between the years 1545 and 1648, the enormous sum of
80,000,000 ./pounds sterling; and they are still far from ex-
haustion. The metal continues to be abundant, though the
most accessible part has been taken away, and the Spaniards

?l:''

680

SOUTH AMERICA.

H'lll not give themselves the trouble to sink these mines very
deep, because there are in Peru, and even in the vicinity of
1 otosi, many others which can be m.n-e easily worked

iJl'L'^'^r •"";" -' ^'"'"''' '*^"'"'"*' ««^«'-^'"g to Helms,
100,000 souls, mcli:s,ve of slaves; but other writers state the

numbers at not more than 50,000. We ought, however, to
prefer the testnnony of Helms, because he resided many years
in that country. Pctosi is the seat of the administration of
the mmes, and the trib.mals that relate thereto: it is the cen
tre of a very considerable commerce, which is conveyed by the
river I'ilcomnyo. "^ ■'

Chili proper.-Tluti division of Spanish America is in length
from north. to south betxveen 1500 and 16*50 miles; and its
width from east to west about <240 miles, which comprises the
Cham of the Andes. It is bounded to the west by the Pacific
- ocean, to the north by Peru, to the east by Tucuman, and to
the south by the countries of Magellan. It is separated from
all those regions by the Andes.

The climate of Chili proper is temperate and salubrious, its
soil fertile, and it always has a clear sky. The cold of winter
IS moderate, and the heat of summer is cooled by the winds
that blow from the sea aud the Andes. It contains every
metal, senu-metal, and mineral, that has hitherto been dii
covered.

Sant lago, the capital of the whole kingdom of Chili, is si
tuated in 38 dcg. 40 min. 11 sec. south lat., and is 90 miles
from the port of Valparayso. The town is said to be more
than three miles in circumference. The streets intersect each
other at right angles, and some of them are tolerably wide
and three-quarters of a mile long. Its population is estimated
at 30,500 souls. Some of the edifices in Sant lago are worthy
of mention, n,, account of their magnificence, though the rules
of architecture have not been exactly observed in their con-
struction : the principal are, the mint, the new cathedral, and
some churches, though there are several splendid houses be-
longing to individuals. These all consist only of a ground
fl(X)r, though the apartments are capacious and lofty. This
manner of building, which is, as has been observed/ adopted

L'se mines very
the vicinity of
orktd.

ng to Helms,
•iters state the
, however, to
d many years
linistration of
it is the cen-
iveyed by the

;a is in length
iles; and its
;om prises the
y the Pacific
iman, and to
)arated from

lubrious, its
Jd of winter
ly the winds
itams every

been dis-

Chili, is si-
is 90 miles
io be more
ersect each
rably wide,
i estimated
are worthy

1 the rules
their con-
edral, and
houses be-
a ground
ty This
, adopted

SOUTi; V lERICA.

63t)

from the fear of earthquakes, is probably in the end loore
convenient, salubrious, and even more magnificent, than tlie
European method of building several floors above each other.

Sant lago is the residence ol' a capluin-gcneral, who is like-
wise the civil magistrate of tl)e kingdom of Chili ; of a bishop,
who enjoys a large revemie, and a still greater degree of re-
spect; of a supreme tribunal, an university, and a college of
nobles. There are twelve inonasteries and seven numieries in
this capital.

The manner of living at Sant lago exhibits all the charac-
teristics of gaiety, hospitality, and good nature, which so ad-
vantageously distinguish the Spaniards in the New World, as
well as in Europe. The women there ax'c handsome brunettes,
but a Gothic dress rather disfigures them. The conversation
in the first circles of the town seems to partake of the simpli-
city and freedom which prevail in the country parts d' Europe.
Dancing and music are here, as well as throughout America,
the favourite amusements of both sexes. The luxury of dress
and equipages is carried twa great height; but in the furnish-
ing and fitting up of houses, more regard is had to j)omp than
to neatness and elegance.

The town of La Conception having been overwhelmed by
the sea, in consequence of an earthc^uake, a new one has been
built at some distance from the shore, which is indiscriminatelv
called La Mocha, or New Conception. The inhabitants arc
about 10,000 in number. It is the residence of an intendant
and a military commander, and the authority of these tw(»
officers extends over the province of I^a Conception, which
comprises the south of Chili ; but its limits are not precisely
known.

Commerce. — The inliabitants of these immense territories
have, during three centuries, groaned under the severest des-
potism, so that connnerce has been injured, agriculture neg-
lected, and the exertions of industry paralysed, and in a great
measure rendered abortive. Galleons, and afterwards register-
ships, were exclusively permitted to carry out European mer-
chandise to the colonies, and in return brought back the gold
and silver drawn from the miacs of the New World, which the

■ ' 1

63%

SOUTH AMERICA.

indolent Spaniards 8a. „i,h perfect apathy go to enrich the
neighbourmgcommereial nations " ' '^ enncn uie

as TlZ 7' """'"' '""^ '" ■■" P«"J«'» of monopoly;
as the other European nations, which were pmhibited by th^
«.o« severe laws from entering any of her colonial ports „e
verthelesa contrived, wi.hahddnei and perseverancrrjalt
the .mportance of the object they had in Lr, to s, pprihe^

in parucu ar, our own merchants, as well as those of Holland
employed by turns gold and the force of arms to con„«™c
U« ,g,h.nce of the Sp.„ish guaria co,U.s, stationed .lo^gThe
eoast, ,0 prevent such contraband traffic. The idea «l in
deed equany absurd and imp,U.ic to endeavour to shri

Litiz ern^:rt:si:Tr""^'' '^^-'r"^-^^"

, aenved Irom the precious meta s, either bv
Amenca herself, or the mother country ; since the former b
not ^rm.ttcd to exchange her gold anj Silver for thoTeeom
mod.t,es of which she may stand in need, and the latter is at
no pams to supply those wants.

endtvZ'd?^'''' r '^"' '''"' ""'"''''' °^ A-"^"^-" affairs,
It r U^^^^^^^ Foduce some changes in their absent colonial
Old sl-. «^'"»n>strat.on, thirteen principal ports in

tn.de wuh the colonies. Since this ^^riod, the manufactures
of Old Spam h!ive been greatly improved and multiplied: the

Sntil ' ^"'i'' "''"^"^ ""'^'^ «'ticles, render the

Spanish commerce less dependent on foreign importations. •
1- om 1778 to 1788, the number of free ports in the mother
country had been increased from seven to twelve. The 17
poitauons of Spanish merchandise had also, during the same"
period, been more than quintupled, the exports V foreTn
products in Sjmnish bottoms more tiian tripled, and the im-
j^ns from Amenca in return augmented by more than nine-

tot?''"! " 'Tu ^•''" ^'^ ^'- ^^"••g"^"^' it appears that the
total value of the imports from South ^..erica, during 1788,

to enrich the

>f monopoly;
ibited by the
al ports, ne-
ince equal to
supply these
And in need,
of Holland,
o counteract
ed along the
idea was in-
to shut out
the other,
intages have
, either by
le former is
• those com-
; latter is at

ican affairs,
ent colonial
m1 ports in
i in a free
anufacturea
iplied: the
Jgovia, the
render the
ations.
the mother
The ex-
? the same
of foreign
nd the im-
than nine-

rs that the
•ing 1788,

SOUTH AMERICA.

€88

J'J^rolf ,*^ 2«.§0^.3SO/. ft,,, and the total of the esports to
i«^^S, ;' * '""** '^^ ^P^'^ ^^«^d the exports bj,

• ^'7Jf "^« authorities, it appears certain, that Spain has,
wnce 1783, exported to South America more wines, fruits,
aod njanufgetur^d productions, than formerly; it is equally
certain, that she ha^ alw since imported a greater quantity of
tobacco, sugar, coffee, and other commodities, from her Ame,
ncan possessions, though these are still far from having oh,
toined that degree of perfection of which they are susceptible;
that, in short, the intercourse between the mother country and
her colonies has become much greater than at any former pe-
riod. Previous to 1778, twelve or fifteen vessels only were
engaged in the colonial trade, and these never performed more
than one voyage in the course of three vears; but in 1791
89 ships cleared out from different Spanish ports for South
America.

It is not easy to ascertain the exact quantity of gold and
sUver drawn by Spain from the mines in her American colo-
nies. Part of these metals is converted into current coin at
Lima, Santa Fe, Carthagena, and especially in Mexico; but
a part is also sent under the form of ingots, either clandes-
tmely or legally, to the motlier country. The most accurate
informatioa jespecting this matter is, perhaps, to be found in
the statement given by M. Helms, which makes the produce
almost FIVI5 MILLIONS, in 1790, nearly three of which were io
Mexico.

•The foUowing are the official registers of the coinage ia
Spanish America, from the first day of January tQ the laat
day of DteQwnber, 1790;

At Mexico,
At Lima,
At Potosi,
At St. Jago,

Tptd

In Gold.
6^8,044
821,168
299,846
721,754

■ I . . m

In SQver.

17,435,644

4,341,071

3,983,176

146,132

■I I I . I 1 . 1 ■

a5.906,.083
iL

Total.
18,063,688 piastres.
5,162,239
4,283,082

867,886

88,870,88.1

SOUTH AMERICA.

To account fof the great difference of producfe from the
mines of Mexico, and from those of Peru, Chili, and Buenos
Ayres, Mr. Helms alleges the following reasons: 1. Because
the kingdom of Mexico is much more populous than any other
of the American provinces. 2. It is scarcely half the distance
from the motner country, whence it is enabled the better tat
enforce obedience to the laws and regulations, habits of indus-
try, good police, and economy. 3. The want of royal and
private banks in Peru, where every thing is still in its primi-
tive and chaotic state. And, lastly, on account of the great
encouragement which the industrious miner readily obtains in
every commercial house of M'^xico. If, concludes Helms, the
provinces of Peru, Chili, and Buenos Ayres, were in a similar
favourable situation as that of Mexico, there is no doubt that
in Peru alone, on account of its incomparably richer and more
numerous gold and silver mines, four times the quantity of
these noble metals might be obtained, and perhaps a still
greater proportion, than what Mexico affords at present.

Since the discontinuance of the galleons, and of the great
fairs at Panama and Porto Bello, the commerce of Peru has been
augmented by the arrival of merchant vessels from Spain by the
way of cape Horn. Yet, according to Helms, the freedom of
the trade has overstocked the market with Spanish goods.

From the viceroyalty of La Plata hides and tallow form a
considerable article of export. In 1792, there were shipped to
the Spanish ports alone 825,000 hides; and in 1798 there
were collected in Buenos Ayres and Monte Video a stock of
three millions of hides. The tea, or herb of Paraguay, con-
stitutes a principal branch of the trade of that country. Of
this plant there are sent to Peru alone about 100,000 parcels,
called arrobes, each weighing 25 lbs. of 16 oz. to the lb. ; and
the jjiice of the arrobe is equal to 28 French livres, or 1/. 3*.
4i. sterling, wliich makes the total value of this merchandise
sent to Peru, 116,666/. 13s. M

The people boast of innumerable virtues which this tree
possesses: it is certainly aperient and diuretic; but the other
qualities attributed to it are doubtful. The Ckapetons, or
European Spaniards, do not make much use of this drink ;

I'M

SOUTH AMERICA. 63«

but the Creoles are passionately fond of it, insomuch that they
never travel without a supply of the herb; they never fail to
drink an infusion of it at every meal, preferring it to all sorts
ot lood, and never eating till they have taken this favourite
beverage. Instead, however, of drinking it separately, as we
drink tea in Europe, they put the plant in a calahasli, mounted
with silver, which they call mate: they add sugar to it, and
pour on ,t hot water, which they drink off directly without
waiting for a maceration, because the liquor would' then be-
come as black as ink. In order not to swallow the fragments
ol the plant which swim at the surface, tlie} use a silver pipe,
the top of which is perforated into a number of small holes
through which they suck the liquor without drawing in the
plant A whQle party is supplied with the tea by banding
round the same pipe and bowl from one to another, and filling
the vessel up with water as fast as it is drunk out. The re!
pugnance of Europeans to drink after all sorts of people in a
country where siphylitic diseases are very prevalent,' had
caused the introduction of small glass pipes, which had be^un
to get into use at Lima in tho time of Frezier. . n.

On an average of five years, ending in 1799, the total value

was 3g,397,4o2 piasters. The exports in the produce of the

iZ^'^ r^?'"'^' '" "" ''^"•■^^ «^ «^'^ y'^''> ending in
1789, to 31,386,357 piasters. ** ,

We have no late returns of the state of the exports and in.,
ports of Spanish South America; but from various circum-
stances it may safely be concluded, that the commerce of these
colonies is nearly doubled.

Goi;^mwnj!.-Spanish America is, or rather was, divided
into FouB viceroyalties, of unequal dimensions: via.

That of Mexico, or New Spain, comprehending New Galli,
cia. New Biscay, New Navarre, New Leon, New Mexico, the
Floridas, and the two Californias.

That of New Grenada, comprehending Terra Firma, Pa»
nama, Veraguay, and the province of Quito.

That of Lima, comprehending Peru and Chili,

«S6

SOUTH AMERICA.

And that of La Hdta, or Buenos Ayres, compehendini?
Faiaguay, Tucuman, and A part of the former Peru.

In order to facilitate the administration 6f justice, these pto.
vinces were divided into andi^ndes, which were again subdiw
vided into parHdos. They were also divided into military
districts, which were under the authority of oftptaifls^eneral,
governors, and commanders.

*vThe vicerop Maintained a splendid cmirt, though their
power was extremely limited, from the authority possessed by
the jud^s, and from their not being permitted to interfere
with the colonial treasures, or the military or m'arine forces.

The military department was much neglected in all the
Spanish possessions ; the miHtia being found sufficifeht to keep
the Indians in subjection: and the marine was confined to ten
corvettes,.or armed galleons, stationed along a coast extendinij
from 9 to 12,000 miles t ^

All colonial affairs are finally deferred to the council ^ the
Indies, which holds its sittings at Madrid, and of which the
minister of the Indies is the perpetual resident.

History.— Peru and Mexico were the only countries in
America that deserved the name of civilised kin^oms. Three
citizens of Panama, Francis Pizarro, Almagro, and Ferdinand
Locques, a priest and a man of considerable fortune, undertook
the conquest of Peru. Pizarro, after a tedious navigation of
two years, landed on the northern extremity of Peru ; but was
obliged to return without eflTecting any thing considerable.
But, havmg obtained the approbation of the Spanish govern-
ment, he again poceeded to the conquest of Peru, with 180
men.

The empire of Peru was at that time governed by a race of
kings, which they called Incas, and which, claiming descent
from the sun, were respected as divinities. When Pii:arro
khded, the unusual appearance of his men caused a general
alarm. As usual in frightful rumours, new superstitions be-
gin, or old ones are revived, to increase the confusion. There
subsisted a tradition amongst the Peruvians, that one of their
ancient princes had a dream, which he ordered carefully to be

- Hfc— -«»L :~^ ^" *

mprehending
eru.

ce, these pfo.

again 6ubdiw

into military

teins^enerai,

though their
possessed by
I to interfere
■ine forces,
d in all the
cifeht to keep
nfined to ten
»st extending

ouncil &f the
of which the

countries in
Hns. Three
d Ferdinand
e, undertook
lavigation of
ru ; but was
considerable,
nish govern-
u, With 180

by a race of
ling descent
hen Pifcarro
ed a general
irstitions be-
ion. There
one of their
'efully to be

SOUTH AMERICA.

687

recorded. He imagined that he saw a man clothed all over
even to his feet, with a long beard, leading in his hand an ani-
mal, such as he had never seen before; and that at the same
time he was clearly informed of the will of the gods, that such
a man should rule that country. A Spaniard, whom Pizarro
had sent upon an embassy to Atabalipa, as soon as he was dis-
covered leading his horse upon some occasion that made him
dismount, agreed so well with this dream, that it is incredible
how soon it spread into the the remotest parts of the country,
and with how great a terror it struck the whole nation.

Atabalipa, the reigning Inca, sent ambassadors to Pizarro;
mid even went out to meet him with a vast number of attend-
ants, to whom he gave the strictest charge upon no account to
otter the least injury to the strangers, as they were those of
whom his predecessor had foretold, and of the same divine ori-
ginal, children of the sun. But Pizarro, who advanced with
other notions to the interview, soon convinced him that a con-
trary caution was more necessary. They met near a celebrated
temple, the Spaniards drawn up in order of battle, and a party
in ambuscade. This circumstance leaves us in no doubt as to
the designs of Pizarro. The first person who addressed him-
self to the Inca was father Vincent, a friar, who was not
ashamed to make his character the instrument of so base a
crime. He advanced with a cross in hh hand, and began a
most unseasonable discourse upon the birth and miracles of
Christ, exhorting him to become a Christian, on the pain of
eternal punishment. Then he spoke with equal eloquence of
the emperor of the Romans, pressing him with the same
strength of argument to become a subject of that emperor;
threatening him, in case of obstinacy, that God would harden
his heart as he did Pharaoh's, and then punish him with the
plagues of Egypt; with other miserable stuff, worse inter-
preted. The Inca, though utterly astonished at a matter so
unaccountable, behaved with decency and gravity, telling him,
that he believed that he and his companions were children of
the sun ; recommended himself and his subjects to their pro-
tection ; and made no doubt but they would behave to them
in a manner worthy the offspring of so beneficent a deity.

KV ■'
a

I,:

6S8

SOUTH AMERICA.

Whilst these discourses continued, the Spanish soldiers,
whose least business to Peru was to hear sermons, observing a
considerable quantity of ^old in the neighbouring temple, had
their zeal immediately stirred up, and a party of them began
to pillage it. The priests made some opposition. A disturb-
ance ensued, and a great noise, which so alarmed our adven-
turing apostle, that he let fall his cross and breviarv in his
fright, and turned his back upon his intended proselyte.
Those Spaniards who were not concerned in the pillage, seeing
him fly, either that they judged the heathens had offered their
priest some violence, or that Pizarro made use of this signal to
^ them to fall on, immediately drew their swords, attacked the
guards and attendants of the Inca, defenceless through a reli-
gious obedience to their sovereign's command, and, with every
circumstance of the most deliljerate and shocking barbarity,
slaughtered 5000, which was near the whole number of the
Indians, who fell without any anxiety for their own lives,
pressing forward with all the zeal and officiousness of a most
heroic loyalty to the chair of their prince, to expire at his feet ;
and as fast as one set of his supporters were slain, the others
succeeded with eagerness to supply their places, and share
their fate. The Inca was at last dragged down, and made a
prisoner, by an act of the most unparalleled treachery, exe-
cuted with a cruelty that has hardly any example and can ad-
mit of no excuse. The plunder of his camp, rich beyond the
idea of any European of that time, was their reward.

The valuable ornaments and furniture amassed by a long
line of magnificent kings, with the hallowed treasures of the
most venerated temples, were given up as a ransom for the
Inca. But still Pizarro detained him a prisoner; and divided
his immense spoils with the soldiers of Almagro, who having
now joined him, his force was considerable ; and all were elate4
with the golden prospects that were opened before them.

But this vast treasure, the capital object of all their labours
and villanies, no sooner came into their possession, but in its con-
sequences it was very near being the utter ruin of their affairs.
It IS said, and not improbably, that the whole exceeded the
sum of 1,500,000/. sterling, a sum vast at th? present time;

SOUTH AMERICA.

639

lish soldierfi,

, observing a

temple, had

then) began

A disturb.
I our adven.
viary in his
1 proselyte,
lage, seeing!
ifFered their
lis signal to
ittacked the
3ugh a reli-
with every

barbarity,
(iber of the
own lives,
8 of a most
It his feet ;
the others
and share
nd made a
hery, exe-
id can ad-
leyond the

by a long
res of the
n for the
id divided
ho having
ere elate4
em,

ir labours
in its con-
iir affairs,
jeded the

then it was a prod<gy. On a dividend, after deducting a fifth
for the emperor, and the shares of the chief ccaimanders and
officers, each private soldier had about 2000/. English money.
They bad now made a fortune even beyond their imaginations ;
but the soldiery was ruined, the greatest part of the army in-
sisted upon being discharged, that they might enjoy their for-
tunes in quiet.

This proposal ill suited with the ambitious views of the
commanders, Almagro was for proceeding in the usual way
to enforce obedience by the severity of military discipline ; but
Pizarro opposed him. * Let them go,' says he ; ' they cannot
do us better service : here we shall have them mutinous and
cowardly soldiers, at home they will act for us as recruiting
officers with great success ; for when it shall be seen that com-
mon soldiers, of so little merit as they, have made such large
fortunes, we shall not long want better men to supply their
places.' *

'J'he desire of the soldiers was complied with, and as many
as chose to go, who were no inconsiderable number, departed.
In due time, the sagacious prophecy of Pizarro was accom-
plished, and their army never wanted reinforcements.

In the mean time, the unfortunate Atabalipa, the greatness
of whose ransom only convinced the Spaniards of the necessity
of never releasing him, endeavoured to take advantage of his
captivity, to know the genius and manners of this people.
Amongst all their accomplishments, there was none he so
much admired as the art of reading and writing. This ap-
peared almost incomprehensible to him, though he saw clearly
the use of it. He was at a loss to know whether he should
consider it as a natural endowment, or an acquisition of art.
To discover this, he one day desired a soldier to write the
name of God upon his nail : he carried this about tl i army,
desired several to explain it, which they all did, to his wonder
and satisfaction. At last he shewed it to Pizarro, but Pizarro
blushed, and could make nothing of it. The Inca then per-
ceived it was no natural gift, but owing to education; the
want of which he thus discovered in Pizarro, and slighted him
for it. This mortified the gcni^ral, and his disgust, joined to

• SOUTH AMBRICA.

tZT "^'^ 'f ' ^^y ''^ ^^"«»'^ ^'' ^^ - the pro,
•Wdmg, m«u.« Um hastei, the fi»u. tm had some time Jor,

Heterm.iied lor h» unhappy pn«>„er. TImH nothing n,i«ht b«

l^m^ng to the U.M.es» «nd atrocious„es« oi" their barb W

they^pnx:eederi aguu.. 'u„. by way of trial and by the thZl

A ch/i^rge wa8 exhibited, digested u,.der several heads. Ut

8dly tor wasting the treasures of the kingdom, and raising
taxes suK-e the coming m of the Spaniards. And. lastly, For
the murder ot Ins brother Iluescar. An attorney-general wa,
appomted to manage the accusation, and an advocate appointed
^m amongst themselves assigned for his defence. In vain
dKl the more numerous and better part of the army protest
-gamst this proceeding, and lodge an appeal to Spain"; in vai«
did they allege theu- want of power to judge a foreign prince
for any cnmes, and the absurdity of the crimes with which this
pnnce was charged Before such j ,dges, and with such an
advocate to defend h.m. the Inca was condemned to be burned
ahve. lo complete this violation and mockery of all laws
human and divine, the same father Vincent, who had so sig!
Bahsed h.mse^ upon a former occasion, was sent to comfort
and instruct hmi in his last moments. The chief argument
which he used to convert him to Christianity was. that! on hi»
««.brac.ng the faith, instead of being burned, his sentence
should be mitigated to strangling. The prince submitted to
baptism, and was immediately strangled in prison. Pi.arro
gave the final stroke to his hardened and shameless viUainv
by giving him a magnificent funeral, and going intp mourning!
A he death of the Inca induced the Peruvians to take arms
aganist the Spaniards, who were obliged to listen to « tmw
Dunne ihis interval of peace, Pizarro founded the famous r^i"
ot l^ima. But having received reinforcements, he r( ,
menced the war and took Cusco, the capital of the empire.
u Vo^'LI Peruvians again revolted, and besieged Cusco
wJth m,(m men, which was defended by Pizarro with a
gamso*. .7 ^(i m^n till he was relieved by Almagro The
oonqmroKV. .1 had ^puur^lled respecting the division of the

l^W

SOUTH AMERICA

641

w ill the pro*
e time Mor*
ing niiglit he
i'lF barbarity,
by the fbrui$

heads. Ist,
cuncu bines,
and raising
lastly, For
-general wa9
te appointed
e. In vain
rmy protest
iin ; in vain
eign prince
J which this
th such an
' be burned
►f all laws,
had so sig-
to comfort
' argunirnt
hat, on his
is sentences
tbmitted tq
• Pizarro
83 viUaioy,
mourning,
take artns
n tre; ty.'
tmous c;*y
le r( .1.1.
e empire,
^d CuscQ
ro with a
iro. The
ion Qf the

plunder, had recourse .) arms, and Pizano was routcil and
fled with alHJut 100 followers. Hut this man, with the most
consmnrnate cunning, recovered the shock, defeated tht brave
but credulous Almagro, who, at the age of 73 yvnra, fell a vie
tim to the barbarous policy of his fellow adventurci

Whilst this civil war raged, the reigning Inca took a \ery
extraordinary resolution. He disbanded his troops and retired
to the mountains; ' iK'cause,' says he, ' whilst we are in arms,
their fen; oi m wi'l be the means of uniting the Spaniards;
but ii we disperse, they will certainly destroy each other.' A
resolution i'-us, which at first view has something masterly,
but it is only when viewed in one light. It was also very
ruinous to the Peruvians, that, happening to be divided
amongst themselves when the Spaniards came in, they sufFend
them to interfere in their parties; but it was of yet worse con-
sequence that, when the Spaniards were afterwards divided,
they interfered themselves in the Spanish parties. Almagro
and PizaiTo had arn)ies of Indians, by which those people
were habituated to obey them, and to be interested in their
success : this, joined to the wantpf any regular plan of defence
on the part of their king and comn^anders, subdued that em-
pire to Pizarro. But having achieved so great a conquest, it
only made Pizarro acquainted with other great tracts which
were rich, and might be added to them. He followed the
tracks of Almagro into Chili, and reduced a considerable part
of the country. Orellana, one of his commanders, passed the
Andes, and sailed down to the mouth of the river of Amazons ;
an immense navigation, which discovered a very rich and de-
lightful country ; but, as it is mostly flat, and therefore not
almunding in minerals, the Spaniards then, and ever since,
neglected i*^.

i'izarro, not content with a territory upwards of 800 leagues
long, and of a prodigious breadth, riches such as none of the
kings of his country had ever possessed, a jurisdiction little
less than royal, and an absolute security from tjie extinction of
the only person who had any pretensions against him, took a
resolution entirely to cut off all that had ever adhered to his
rival. Not satisfied with putting many to death, he bsued a

4 M

'f '

:i^W

643

SOUTH AMERICA.

proclamation inhibiting, under the same penalty, that any

n!r!!^ 1 . [ ^' P*'*-^ *"^ y^' numerous, though dis-

nf P '"»'^-g -»-"t the country. The heads o/them,

derhi'/Th"7"""^' ^"^^"' -to a conspiracy to mur!
til f / ^ "^ r "'"' "^^^"-^"^^ •" the city, so that
houldhTr- T' """"'"^ themselves until their plot
should be npe for execution ; but by «)me means Pizurro dis-
covered their designs, and suffered them to know he had dis-
covered them. Alarmed at this information, they saw nothing
could happen but death at any side. Twelve of the chiefs
marched into the streets at noon-day, with their swords drawn,
crymg out, ' Long live the king ! but let the traitor die;' and
crossing the great square of Lima, made directly to Pizarro^;
palace ; the rest followed in different parties. The people all
be while suspended, and in that inactive amazement which
' the execution of a bold and sudden enterprise generally in-
spires, made no opposition. The conspirators secured the
avenues; and P.zarro, not alarmed until he was surrounded

Ufe dearr""''' ^'" ""'^'' '^"' '^'''^'' ^^''' ^^'"« '°^^ ^'^
When Pizarro had fallen, the natural son of Almagro was
proclaimed governor. Shortly after, Vaca di Castro, who was
appointed governor by the emperor, arrived, by whom young
Almagro was defeated, taken, and beheaded. The severity
inflexibility, and disinterestedness, of the new governor, re!
ducec. the Spaniards to an entire subjection. But in the end
disputes arose, and the colony became unsettled. Gonzalo
the brother of Pizarro, availed himself of the general c^iscon'
tent, and set himself at the head of a party, by which he ac
quired the government of Peru. Refusing to return to his
allegiance, Pet^r de la Gasca, the governor of Mexico, landed
in Peru with a strong force, defeated the insurgents, and exe-
cuted Gonzalo and his associates. Thus fell the last of those
that had a share in the reduction of the Peruvian empire

The new governor, having by necessary severities quieted
his pmvince, took effectual care to heal its disorders by the
arts ol peace, and to complete what Gastro had been obliged

SOUTH AMERICA.

643

Ity, that any
jrian with the
9, though dis-
jads of them,
iracy to mur-
city, so that
til their plot
s Pizarro dis-
IV he had dis-
T saw nothing
of the chiefs
vords drawn,
or die;' and,

to Pizarro's
he people all
ement which
generally in-
secured the

surrounded
'ing sold his

Umagro was
ro, who was
vhova young
'he severity,
overnor, re-
t in the end
. Gonzalo,
leral ('iscon-
I'hich he ac-
tum to his
:ico, landed
:s, and exe-
ist of those
mpire.
ies quieted
Jers by the
een obliged'

to leave unfinished. He settled the civil government, the
army, and the mines, upon such a basis as made the province
worthy to be plundered by future viceroys. He carried over
two millions to the royal treasury, paid all his debts, and sate
down as poor in Spain as he had left it.

The reduction of the great empires of Peru and Mexico
inakes almost the only thing worth insisting upon in the Ame-
rican history. A few skirmishes with a savage people, and
some voyages and discoveries exactly resembling each other,
changing only the names and situations, is matter which con-
tarns very little of either curiosity or instruction. But as the
convulsions that lately agitated Europe have also reached and
affected the regions of South America, and portend some im.
portant change, it becomes necessary to notice these interesting
movements.

In the month of June, 1806, a squadron under Sir Home
Popham, having on board general Beresford and 1100 troops,
appeared in the river La Plata, and after a feeble resistance
from the Spaniards, took possession of Buenos Ayres. This
town, at the time of its captme, possessed in its treasury and
warehouses a large quantity of specie and valuable meixhan-
dise, belonging to the public companies or to the king of Spain,
which was reasonably deemed fair booty to the conquerors,
and a great part of which, to the amount of more than a mil-
lion of dollars, was almost immediately embarked in the Nar-
cissus, and dispatched, with intelligence of the success of the
expedition, to England. Two hundred thousand dollars re-
mained in the royal treasury, and the property in the public
depots was estimated to amount to two or three millions.

The proceedings of Sir Home Popham and general Beres-
ford were attended with a sense of honour and equity, highly
gratifying to the feelings of Englishmen. Private property
was held sacred by them. That part of the shipping in the
river which consisted of coasting vessels, freighted with mer-
chandise, belonging to individual proprietors, and which was
supposed worth nearly a million and a half of dollars, was de-
livered up with the most scrupulous and honourable correct-
ness. Besides this security of private property, guaranteed in

■^ 111

644

SOUTH AMERICA.

the capitulation, and by a proclamation which speedily follotted,
the free exercise of religion was allowed to the inhabitants ac-
cording to the established modes, the possession of their civil
rights and immunities, and their forms of municipal and judicial
administration were continued ; heavy duties were taken off, or
mitigated ; a free trade was granted to them as it was enjoyed
by the inhabitants of Trinidad, whose happiness uiuler his Bri-
tannic majesty's governnunt was held forth as an example of
what might result to his new subjects of Buenos Ayres:— all
were invited to join in promoting the public order'and tran.
quilhty, which the troops were in no instance suffered to mo-
lest ; and the grand object of the new possessors appeared to
be, to create that happy state of the public feeling, with respect
to the government, which might supersede all exercise of vio.
lence, and which would flow from mild authority, and lead to
willing obedience.

After these arrangements, every thing appeared very quiet •
but Puiridon, one of the municipality, and colonel Linicrs, a
French ofHccr in the Spanish service and on his parole, were
actively employed in organizing an insurrection. Favoured
by the weather, several thousands of armed men entered the
town in different directions; and, avoiding an open engage,
nient, joined the inhabitants in annoying the British troops
from the churches and the tops of the houses. General Be-
resford, after a spirited resistance against the most overwhelm-
ing numbers, agreed to evacuate the town, and that his troops
should be embarked for E;>gland as prisoners of war : but,
contrary to the terms of capitulation, they were marched up
the country. ' ^

Sir Home Popham, after this disaster, made an unsuccessful
attack upon Monte Video. He next landed a detachment,
which reduced the harbour and peninsula of Maldonado; a
place which, from its strength and situation, was well calculated
for assembling the ships and troops that were expected from
England.

On the Sth of January, 1807, Sir Samuel Auchmuty landed
with a strong force at Maldonado; and, after refreshing his
tropps, sailed, with a squadron under admiral Sterling, to the

SOUTH AMERICA.

645

?fli]y followed,
nhabitants ac-

of their civil
il and judicial
3 taken off', or
t was enjoyed
iiuler his Bri-
in example of
i Ayres :— all
Jer and tran-
iffertd to mo-
5 appeared to

with respect
erciso of vio.
, and lead to

very quiet;

el Liniers, a

parole, were

Favoured

entered the
pen engage-
fitish troops
jreneral Be-
overwhclm-
It his troops
P war : but,
marched up

msuccessful
ietachment,
Idonado; a
1 calculated
lected from

uity landed
reshing his
ing, to the

attack of Monte Video; which, after a vigorous siege, was
gallantly carried by storm. This victory was followed by the
arrival of general VVhitlock, with a strong reinforcement; and
who immediately proceeded, with the fleet under admiral
Murray, to attempt the re-capture of Buenos Ayres.

The troops were landed about 20 miles from the town ; but
being unprovided with guides, and the commissary department
being also improperly conducted; much fatigue and delay en-
sued; which gave the Spaniards time to collect their forces,
and to strengthen their defences. The Spaniards' advanced
posts were gallantly attacked and defeated. The troops, how-
ever, on entering the town, experienced the most determined
resistance, being opposed by a heavy and continued fire of
musketry from the tops and windows of the houses ; the doors
sf which were barricadoed in so strong a manner, as to render
them almost impossible to force. The streets were intersected
by deep ditches, in the inside of which were planted cannon,
pouring showers of grape on the advancing ^umns ; this was
accompanied by musketry, hi>nd-grenades, bricks, and stones,
frou the tops of all the houses ; every householder, with his
negroes, Hefended his dwelling, which was in itself a fortress :
yet in defiance of this opposition, several columns took the im-
portant positions appointed them, though with the loss of 2500
men, in killed, wounded, and prisoners. After a pause, gene-
ral Whitlock signed a treaty with general Liniers, the Spanish
commander, whereby the British agreed to evacuate Monte
Video, with all their other conquests in the La Plata, within
two months from the date of the treaty.

Thus ended the impolitic attempt to add these vast and po-
pulous colonies to the crown of Great Britain. Had the Bri-
tish proclaimed the independence of this country, the result
might have been very different : or even had they been content
to hold Monte Video, from which commanding the trade of
the interior, Buenos Ayres would, in the end, have found it
necessary to come to terms of accommodation, highly to the
advantage of British commerce.

The disposition to emancipate South America was first com-
municated to a British minister in the beginning of 1790, when

V !

All

64G

SOUTH AMERICA.

the measure was proposed to Mr. Pitt by general Miranda.

!L'I'°'r '""""'•'''' *^^'' '^'' '"'^^^ ^•^••di"! reception;
and, as the dispute respecting Nootka Sound was then subsisU
ng, ,t was resolved, ,r Spain did not prevent hostilities by
submission, to carry the plan into immediate execution. When
an accommodation was effect^i, and peace at last decreed, Mr.
P^tt still assured the general, that the scheme of emancipating
bouth America was a measure that would not be lost sight of
but would infallibly engage the attention of every minister of
this country. j ^l vx

The man by whom this important suggestion was made,
and ,n whose breast the scheme of emancipation, if not first
conceived, seems at least to have been first matured, is a native
of Caraccas i„ South America; descended from one of the
pnncpal families of the country. At the early age of seven,
teen, he repaired to Spain, and, by the influence of his family
obtained a commission in the Spanish army. Early smit by
the love of letters, he was anxious to proceed to France for the
prosecution of his education; but permission was denied him •
and he was forced to bring the masters, whom he could noJ
procure in Spam, from France at his own charges. It is an
anecdote not unworthy of record, that when the inquisition
ordered his books to be taken from him and burnt, he appHed
to coun OReiUy, inspector general of the Spanish army, to
^.f the order could not be recalled; but the inspector told
him, that all he could do was to condole with him, for that the
same misfortune had happened to himself.

When France and Spain resolved to take a share in the war

which was carried on between Great Britain and her American

colomes, it happened that Miranda was in that part of the

bpam.h arn.y which was destined to co-operate with the

I'rench. Acting thus, and conversing with the members of a

more er,l,ghtened nation than any he had yet seen, the ideas

ol the young American received that improvement after which

he aspu-ed ; and, m a scene where the cause of liberty was the

object of all men's zeal and enthusiasm, and in a country the

situation of which in so many respects resembled his own, a

similar destiny for this last was naturally presented to his

SOUTH AMERICA.

647

ral Aliranda.
al reception;
then subsist-
liostilities by
tion. When
decreed, Mr.
emancipating
lost sight ofy
y minister of

1 was made,
. if not first
d, is a native
1 one of the
ige of seven-
f his family,
arly smit by
ranee for the
k^nied him ;
le could not
•s. It is an
inquisition
he appHed
ih army, to
spector told
for that the

; in the war
r American
aart of the
: with the
mbers of a
, the ideas
after which
ty was the
ountry the
his own, a
ted to his

wishes. So deeply was the impression struck, that he has de-
dicated to this one design almost the whole of his life, and has
been the prime mover in every scheme that has been proposed
for the emancipation of the Spanish colonies in America.

At the termination of the American war, he resigned his
situation in the service of Spain, and repaired to Europe, with
a view to study the institutions of the most enlightened nations,
and to draw from them instruction for the benefit ot his native
country. For this purpose, he came first to Great Britain,
and proceeded afterwards ro Prussia, Austria, Italy, Greece,
and a part of Turkey. He then proceeded to Russia, where
he met with prince Potemkin at Cherson, whose notice he at-
tracted ; and by him was introduced to the empress at Kiow.
A native of Spain, travelling in search of knowledge, and im-
proved by it, appeared to her in the light of a phenomenon.
She invited him to remain in Russia; for, in Spain, she said,
he would be burnt ;— Spain was not a country for him. When
Miranda opened to her, in reply, the views to which he had
devoted himself in behalf of his country, she manifested the
strongest interest in the accomplishment of his scheme, and
assured him, in case of his success, she would be the foremost
to support the independence of South America. She U-ans-
mitted a circular letter to her ambassadors in Europe, to affowl
him her imperial protection every where ; and gave him an in-
imitation to draw upon her treasury for his personal support.

It was after this tour through Europe, in which Miranda
spent several years, that he returned, by the way of France,
to England ; and being, by his friend governor Pownal, intro-
duced to Mr. Pitt, proposed to him the plan, of which the
submission of Spain on the question at issue prevented the ex-
ecution. At the time when the prospect was thus, for an in-
definite period, closed upon him in England, and the first
promising movements of lil ?rty in France were attracting the
curious from every quarter jf the world, Miranda returned to
witi?ess the great scenes that were there passing, and to obtain,
if possible, from France, in her new situation, the same favour
to South America, which in her old she had bestowed upon
the United States. By his companions in arras, whom he had

" 1

"■■•■^^■^•■iPipWBIW^I

648

SOUTH AMERICA.

ii il

recently known in America, he was speedily drawn into some
connexion with the great leaders at that time in public affairs,
and when the revolution was first called upon to draw the
sword, he was invited and prevailed upon to take a command
in her armies.

It was while he was serving with Dumourier in the Nether-
lands, that the scheme for revolutionising Spain and her colo-
nies was first conceived by the republican leaders. But
Miranda thought the republicans were proceeding too hastily,
and refused his co-operation. During some years subsequent
to this occurrence, the matter was sunk in oblivion amid the
violent struggles which agitated Europe. Many months had
not elapsed when the reign of Robespierre began ; and Mi-
randa, with so many other virtuous men, were buried in the
dungeons of the revolution. Though tried, and clearly ac-
quitted by the revolutionary tribunal, which declared that not
a shadow of suspicion attached to him, he was still detained in
prison, and escaped the guillotine only by one of those acci-
dents by which so many others were delivered up to it.

About the same time, or a little after, Miranda was met at
Paris by deputies and commissioners from Mexico, and the
other principal provinces of South America, who had lieen
Bent to Europe for the purpose of concerting with him the
Hieifsures to be pursued for accomplishing the independence of
their country. It was decided accordingly, that Miranda
should, in their name, again repair to England, and make
such offers to the British government as, it was hoped, might
induce it to lend them the assistance requisite for the great
object of their wishes; and it accorded with the plans of Mr.
Pitt, at that time, to enter with promptitude into the scheme
proposed for the emancipation of South America. The pro-
posal was, that North America should furnish 10,000 troops,
and the British government agreed to find money and ships'
But the president Adams declined to transmit an inmiediate
answer, and the measure was, in consequence, postponed.

In the beginning of 1801, during lord Sidmouth's adminis-
tration, the project was again revived. The plans of govern-
ment to be recommended to the people of South America,

;' ;:!!

SOUTH AMERICA.

(i«9

awn into some
public affairs ,

I to draw the
ie a command

n the Nether-
and her colo-
eaders. But
ig too hastily,
rs subsequent
ion amid the
f months had
an; and Mi-
)uried in the
d clearly ac-
ared that not

II detained in
i' those acci-
toit.

a was met at
ico, and the
lo had been
ith him the
jpendence of
lat Miranda
, and make
jped, miglit
ur the great
lans of Mr. .
the scheme
The pro.

000 troops,
r and ships.

immediate
poned,
I's adminis-

of govern-

1 America,

were considered and approved ; even the military operations
were sketched and arranged; and the preparations far ad-
vanced for the expedition. The preliminaries, however, of
the peace of Amiens were signed ; and the measure was put
off to a future opportunity.

When war was again declared against France in 1803, the bu-
siness of South America formed one of the principal designs of
ministers ; and measures were taken to carry it into effect, the
moment that the peace which still subsisted with Spain should
be broken. This event did not occur till 1804, when Mr. Pitt
was again at the head of administration. The measure wa»
now prosecuted with zeal ; lord Melville and Sir Home Pop-
liam were employed in arrtmging with general Miranda the
whole details of procedure; when the execution was again
suspended by the aflfairs of Europe, and by the hopes and ex-
ertions of the third coalition.

The pi-ospect thus appearing shut upon them in Europe,
the South American exiles from the provinces of Caraccas and
Santa Fe, residing in the United States of America, and in the
island of Trinidad, pressed general Miranda, and at last pre-
vailed upon him, to quit his residence in this country, and
make an effort in their behalf through the medium of America
alone. But on arriving there, the publk aid of the govern-
ment was refused, lest offence should be given to France.
The hesitating and wavering policy of the British court also
deprived Miranda of the succours he expected from the go-
vernor of Trinidad.

He sailed from Trinidad on the g4)th of July, with nine
ships of war, and arrived oA the 2d of August off the city of
Coro, where his troops were landed under cover of the vessels,
and with very slight resistance. Corp was taken by assault,
and some other trifling advantages were gained ; but the pro-
gress of this enterprising general was «)on checked by an irre-
sistible force. Most of His adherents were taken, and he him-
self with difHculty escaped.

This expedition, however, revived and strengthened the
desire of independemce, which had been long cherished in the
Spanish colonies; and which received iidditiorjal stimulus,
S8 4 N »

■WwAifc,...-J* .—.»-, .-.

eso

SOUTH AMERICA.

from the degraded and hopeless state the mother country ex-

This disposition was first evinced i„ the latter end of 1809
by the deposition of the archbishop of La Plata, who held the
h.ghest civil authority in La Paz ; and the formation of a de-
mocratic government. This was followed by a movement of
the inhabitants of the Caraccas, who seized their public func
tionarics, and forced them on board sbip. The revolutionary
spirit spreod rapidly through the vast regions of Terra Firma
and reached the western confines of the continent. At Quito'
upwards of 4000, of all sexes and ages, perished in the stru-!
gle ; but the revolutionists at last triumphed. The adherents
of Old Spain, however, which comprehended all the regular
troops, and most of the priests and civil officers, formed
a strong party, and kept i^ssession of several important
places. *

When the Spanish nation rose in arms against the usurpa-
tion of Bonaparte, they were enthusiastically seconded by the
South Americans. But the Cortes treated their generous fel-
low citizens in the colonies with neglect and contempt. They
even manifested unequivocar symptoms of drawing tighter the
bonds in which they had long been kept, The emissaries of
Bonaparte in the colonies were thus enabled to form a strong
party. Besides this, there were two other parties ; one of in-
dependents, and a party desirous of retaining their allegiance
to Ferdinand.

While the people of the Caraccas were still angry and dis-
appointed by the imbecility, tyranny, and impolicy of the re-
gency, intelligence arrived that all who had countenanced or
adhered to the late revolutionary proceedings were proclaimed
traitors ; and that t\\e ports were to be in a state of blockade
till the province should acknowledge, not merely Ferdinand
VII., but that the regency at Cadiz were his only true and
legitimate representatives. In order to support this bold and
obnoxious measure, the regency, to complete the proofs of
their folly and iml)ecility, dispatched a lawyer of the name of
Catavania, who, afraid to take up his abode in the Caraccas,
cnnie no further than Porto Rico; and from thence issued his

• > ,

SOUTH AMERICA.

651

r country ex-
end of 1809,
who held the
ation of a de-
movement of

public func-
revolutionary
rerra Firma,
At. Quito,
in the strujr-
he adherents

the regular
jers, formed
\\ important

; the usurpa-
inded by the
generous fei-
mpt. They
» tighter the
emissaries of
)rm a strong
; one of in-
ir allegiance

gry and dis-
cy of the re-
itenanced or
( proclaimed
of blockade
r Ferdinand
ily true and
is bold and
e proofs of
the name of
e Caraccas,
;e issued his

pnoclamations, which were impotent, and of no avail in any
other respect, but in provoking and alienating the colonists.

That party in the Caraecas, which had long entertained the
design of separating the province from the mother country,
now conceived that tiie time was arrived when they could
easily and safely carry their design into execution ; for this
purpose, they summoned a general congress of delegates from
all the principal towns and districts which were favourable to
their views. This congress met at Caraecas on. the 2d of
March, 1811. As it was still necessary, for some time at
least, to preserve the appearance of loyalty and attachment to
their sovereign, they took the oath of fidelity to Ferdinand
VII., and declared their wish and resolution to continue con-
nected and in amity with the uiother country. At this con-
juncture Miranda made his appearance; he had been long
ambitious to bring about and secure the independence of the
Spanish colotues ; hitherto his attempts had not been success-
ful ; he was therefore eager to avail himself of these circum-
stances and events so favourable to his plans; and having
procured himself to be elected for one of the most inconsidera-
ble towns in the province, his influence and spirit soon began
to manifest themselves. Before he ap})eared to animate and
direct the insurrection, it had been marked with great mildness
and moderation ; and the movers and first leaders of it were
content in cautiously anir gradually advancing towards the at-
tainment of the objects they were desirous to attain and secure.
Far different was the character of the insurrection, and the
behaviour of the leading members of the congress, after ]Mi-
randa gained access to it.

One of the first fruits of this change of character appeared
in the deputies, who so lately had renewed their oath of fide-
lity to Ferdinand, abjuring bis authority; declaring them-
selves, and their country at the sfmjjj time, absolved from all
dependence upon or allegiance to the crown of Spain ; while
they constituted the provinces, of which they were deputies,
into ft-ee and independent states, under tlie titje and designa-
tion of the limited provinces of Venezuela.

65S

flOUTII AUtmtA

!■!

If I

A cv.l K«r with nil itH horrors and cudlieB no^r com-
menml : oaoh p„rty proH<:ribeil the other, and inflicted the
niost summary punishment on those who fell into their no -er
Many per«on« were arrested and thrown into prison on suspi-
cion ; son.o were banished ; others put to death ; and in Hhort
«JI those scenes which characterised and disgraced the com
mcHicement of the French revolution, were acted in the Carac-
ens, with equal violence and ferocity, though in a more confined
theatre. The Eur.)p..u„ nnd Creole families in ^ronernl, natu-
rally were disposed to resist these proccH..dings ; they of course
kit the power and vengeance of Miranda and his partisans
Valencia, vvhich is principally inhabited by old Creole families
at the commeiuement of the insurrection, had sent deputies to
the congress ; but afterwards disapproving of their pr<K;eedings,
and especially of the declaration of independence, it deserted
the party <ir Miranda. To punish it tor this defection, ho
marched against it with a large body of trcn^ps, and inflicted
on its inhabitants a most severe punishment.

These disturbances and violent proceedings naturally alarm-
ed the governors of the neighbouring provinces. On their
first breaking out, the viceroy of Santa Fe deBogot i -ordered,
m the most strict and peremptory manner, that all ^ommuni!
cation should be closed and cut off between his government
and the insurgents. But his effbrts to guard the provinces
subject to his jurisdiction from the spreading and overwhelm-
mg evil were unavailing. In them the same causes existed,
which had existed in the Caraccas, and produced there a sepa-
ration from the mother country and a civil war : one party
were afraid and suspicious of their magistrates and governors,
as attached to the French interest ; while another party wcrt'
desirous of shaking off the authority of Spain. Undc'r such
circumstances, great caution, prudence, and moderation were
necessary in order to preserve the public peace : unfortunately
these qualities did not exist. On tlie contrary, the corregidor
of Socono, actuated by a rash and violent spirit, ordered the
troops under his command to fire upon the populace, who had
assembled, unarmed, but mutinous. Thus was the spatk sot

S i

SOITTH AMERICA.

658

leB now com-
inflicted the
> their po ver.
i«ori on suRpi-
and in short
x?d the coni-
in tlif Curnc-
nore confined
onernl, natu-
ley of course
jis purtisans.
pole families,
t deputies to
procuedings,
, it {Jeserted
Icfection, hu
md inflicted

ifally alarm.
On their
Jt I ordered,
II n^oramuni-
governnient
e provinces
ovcrwhehn-
ses existed,
lere a sepa-
one party
governors,
party were
Jnder such
"ation were
brtunately
corregidor
rdcred the
?, who had
? spark set

to the inflammable materials, which had liccn long accumulat-
ing. The insurrection broke out and spread rapidly. The
inhabitants ot" the neighlxHiring district, having learnt the
outrage which the corregidor had committed against the j>eo-
ple of' Socono, came into the town in great nurobei-B; and
having compellwl him to take refuge in a cimvent, starved
him into surrendering. The town now threw off its def«;iKl-
ance and allegiance; apjiointed a jimta; and truismitted to
the government of' Santa Fe an aca)unt and vindication of its
prtKreediiJgs. Nearly at the same time, the populace of the
capital of this province had manifested strong symptouis at'
disaffection and tumult ; the viceroy therefore, unable to {>ut
down by force of arms the insurgents of Socono, consented
that they should establish a junta, of which he was appointed
the president.

For a very short time afler these proceedings in Santa Fe, the
insurgents appeared disposed to retain the show of allegiance
to Ferdinand VII.: but an event which took place at Quito,
and which excited universal detestation throughout Spanish
America, made them throw aside the mask, and avow their
determination to be free and independent of the crown of
Spain. This event, so fatal to the cause and character of the
mother country, was the massacre at Quito of a great number
of the principal Creoles of that city, by a body of troops under
the direction and in the service of the viceroy of Lima. As
soon as intelligence of this massacre reached Santa Fe, the
viceroy was deprived of his situation and authority, both as
president of the junta and governor of the province. In order
to follow the revolutionary course regularly and completely,
the ancient name of New Granada was changed into Cundina-
marca. The insurgents of this province, however, still stop-
ped short of the proceedings of those of the Caraccas; for
though they abjured the provisional governments of Spain,
they aoknowledged Ferdinand VII. as their legitimate sove-
reign: this remnant of loyalty so much displeased the insur-
gents of the Caraccas, that they remonstrated with thi^m on
the subject, declaring that they will acknowledge no form of
government but what they make for themselves,

ill

i it

IliliJIi

arA

SOUTH AMERICA.

The events wl.icli Imvo (x-curred iti the pr..vi..cc of Huei.os
Ayrcs uftorcl another pnM.f unci ex,un,,le ..f the nnschieC and
evil which have resulted ihmi this revolutionury spirit The
town of Huenos Ayres had many pocuHar camen of eo.nplaint
a^ran.st the government of Spain, hesides eauHes which one-
rated on her, as well as on the rest of Spanish Anierica. The
greatest n.m.ber of it« inhabitants are merchants: of courso
tlie absurd restrictions placed upon the commerce of her colo-
nics by Spain were severely fdt by them ; and as the articles
which they export are chieHy of a perishable natine, whatever
snsuends or interrupts coinmeix-e must fall heavily on them
Suffering from these circumstances, they liad frequently com-
plained of the monopoly of the mother country, as pressing o„
.them wjth jieeuhar severity ; nor were the other inhabitants of
Jkienos Ayres without their grievances and cause of complaint
tigainst the mother country. Creoles of the oldest families,
and of the highest rank ami character, saw themselves de-
prived of the ofiices of the state, in order that they might be
filled by men of very doubtful character, of mean rank, and
destitute of talents, from old Spain. In short, at Buenos
Ayres, as in every other part of Spanisli America, the conduct
of the government of Spain was the same: it is difficult to
pronounce or ascertain whether it was more unjust or impolitic •
whether it was more calculatcxl to injure the colonies or the
mother country; whether it was the result of extreme folly or
of extreme wickedness, or of both combined.

It is not to be wondered at, that in the town of Buenos
Ayres the revolulion was brought about and completed with-
out any difficulty or resistance. The viceroy either perceiVin.r
objection and resistance useless, or disposed to coincide with
the pnnei})les and views of the insurgents, gave up his autho.
Illy quietly ; but it was otherwi>ie in the other parts of the
province : they did not feel so acutely and extensively as Bue-
nos Ayres the oppression of the mother country ; nor were thq
inhabitants in general so much inclined to the principles on
which the revolutionists of Buenos Ayres acted. This differ-
ence of opinion and conduct was principally visible at Monte
Video; the town recognised the regency of Cadiz; a civil wav

I'fHi

SOUTH AMERICA.

GoS'

•c of Hiicnos
mischief and
spirit, 'i'ho
of c-<)inj)luint

which opu-
loiicu. The
i : of coursu
of licr colo-
» t!ie articles
■e, whatever
ily on them,
iieiitly com-
pressing on
habitants of
)f coni})laint
?st families,
nisei ves de-
ij might be
1 rank, and

at 13uenos
the conduct
difficult to
r impolitic ;
nics or the
me folly or

of Buenos
Jeted yvhh-
perceiving
incide with
his uutho.
xrts of the
ly as Bue-
tr were thq
inciples on
.'his differ-
at Monte
a civil wav

commenced Iwtween it and Hiionos Ayrcs; and while the lat-
ter besiegeil Monte Video l.y hind, Monte Video, aided by the
Spanish marine, the prcHence and influence of which had nt
first induced it to m.knon ledge the regency at Cadiz, threat-
ened Buenos Ayre« from the river. In tin; midst of this civil
war, the British admiral and the Jlritish navtd officers on that
station, had a dilUcull and tlelieate task to execute: they were
applied to by both parties, but very judiciously declined tak-
ing part with either; contenting themselves with prutocting
the Ih-itihh ships and merchants.

Hesides Monte Video, Cordova, another town in the viceroy-
nlty of Buenos Ayres, about 500 miles from it, in the interior,
became the sceue of a counter-revolution, under Liniers and
other adhen its of Spain. On many accounts this counter-re-
volutionary party was dreaded by the insurgents of JJucnos
Ayres; the leader of it, Liniers, w.is a person of great influ-
ence and considerable talents, he also was deservediv popular
at Buenos Ayres. Many attempts were made to gain him
over, but these failing, a large body of troops was dispatched
from Buenos Ayres against Cordova : on their approach, the
leaders of the counter-revolution, appreliensive either that the
people were not able to cope with regular forces, or suspicious
of their steadiness and attachment, j)rccipitately fled, and at-
tempted to reach the frontiers of Peru. In this attempt,
however, they did not succeed : they were pursued and taken ;
and, without even the form of trial, put to immediate death.
Liniers surrendered himself; but this did not save his life :
two days after his surrender, he was shot through the head.

In the mean time, the viceroy of Lima, having received in-
formation of the revolutionary proceedings at Buenos Ayres,
determined to crush them if possible; for this purpose he
raised a considerable army, and marched towards the Andes.
The army sent from Buenos Ayres to attack C!ordova heard
of the ap})roach of the viceroy while they were at that city ;
and having completely succeeded in the object for which they
were sent, their leader resolved to advance and meet the vice-
roy of Lima. The hostile armies met at Suipacha, in the be-
ginning of November, 1810; an action took place, au<l the

]»Hi

t. M

ll'

656

SOUTH AMERICA.

insurgents were victorious: the consequence and the reward
dt' tlieir victory was, the possession of Potosi, and of the
greater part of the upper provinces. The army of Peru,
Jnjwever, though defeated, was not destroyed, nor even greatly
weakened or discouraged : they ralHed ; and on the 10th of
June, 1811, completely defeated and dispersed the army of
Buenos Ayrcs at Desaeuedro.

But tlie state of the Spanish provinces in America was such,
that no permanently beneficial effects to the counter-revolu-
tionists could arise from their victories ; for while they were
pursuing or defeating one hostile army, another rose up : the
victorious army of Peru were prevented from pursuing their
advantage, and regaining possession of the country which they
had lost in November, 1810, by the intelligence that an insur-
rection had broken out at Arequipa on the South sea, against
which it was judged expedient that they should immediately
proceed.

In the mean time, the war between Buenos Ayres and
Monte Video continped, and was carried on with great exer-
tion and implacability. We have already mentioned that the
English wisely preserved a strict neutrality ; at the same time
they conducted themselves in such a manner, as for some time
to j)revent the hostilities from becoming violent and cruel.
For a considerable length of time, Buenos Ayres seemed to
gain upon Montevideo; although the latter, by her superi-
ority at sea, and consequent command of the navigation of the
river, frequently distressed Buenos Ayres very much. In the
beginning of 1811, affairs took a different turn and assumed a
different aspect. The regency sent out Elio, an officer of ma-
rine, a man of great activity and resolution, but of a violent
temper and character : he at first attemjrted to persuade the
junta of Buenos Ayres to receive and recognise him as viceroy
of the province; failing in this attempt, he attacked their
ships, destroyed their commerce, menaced the city itself with
bombardment, and threatened to call in a Portuguese array
from the Brazils to assist liim in his designs, and in the sup-
port of his authority. He did not, however, content himself
with these open and spirited measures ; he had also recourse

I the reward
and of the
ny of Peru,
even greatly
the 10th of
the army of

ca was such,
inter-revolu-
e they were
ose up : the
rsuing their
' which they
lat an insur-
sea, against
immediately

Ayres and
great exer-
ted that the
e same time
r some time

and cruel-

seemed to
her superi-
ation of the
:h. In the

assumed a
Seer of ma-
)f a violent
rsuade the
I as viceroy
icked their

itself with
juese array
in the sup-
;nt himself
so recourse

SOUTH AMERICA.

657

^ to mtjjigue, and contrived to introduce or secufe partisans in
. Buenos Ayres itself. The junta found themselves in a most
critical and perilous situation ; threatened by a hostile army
from without, and surrounded within by men whom th-y
<»uld not tr,ist, and who were ready to betray the city into
the power of Elio. In this emergency they recalled an army
whjch they had sent to the Portuguese frontier of Paraguay,
and sent it against Monte Video; and banished all Europeans
wh6 could not find security for their good behaviour.

After this the war languished. Several affairs took place,
.but nothing decisive occurred. At length, the goverrmient of
Buenos Ayres succeeded in establishing a respectable marine,
which was put under the command of one Brown, an English-
man. But subsequently this adventurer betrayed his trust,
and sailed to the West Indies. However, the principal enemy
of this republic was now unexpectedly subdued from another
quarter, for an army of Portuguese took possession of Monte
Video. The partisan Artigas on this moved around the sur-
rounding country, from which he collected subsistence for his
army.

At length, when the Bourbons were restored to the thrones
of Spain and France, Ferdinand sent a formidable expedition
under Morilla to deliver South America. But although the
royal general commanded a body of veterans, he failed in re-
ducmg the more high-minded patriots, who foiled him in
several engagements. However, having received some rein.^
forcements, he succeeded in capturing the city of Carthagena,
when he obeyed the mandates of his master, by sacrificing
hundreds of the patriots, without distinction of age or sex.
But this cruelty only tended to unite and exasperate the pen-
pie, who flew to arms in every direction, and the victorious
general found himself blockaded in this city. After a despe-
rate conflict, he extricated himself, and retired into winter
quarters.

In the mean time, thou.sands of gallant men, particularly
Englishmen, whom peace had left without employment, flocked
to die independent standard, and strengthened the army of
Boliver. Admiral Biion also was indefatigable in organising

4 O

1 1

SOUTH AMERICA.

the Venezuelian fleet, which rode triumphant on the coast, and
even earned the terror of the patriotic arms to the entrance of
the harbour of Cadiz. In fbw instances durst the Spaniards
engage the repubhcan vessels, which were mostly manned by
English and American seamen.

The government of Buenos Ayres now found themselves at
liberty to adopt measures in furtherance of the general cause;
and accordingly an ai-my was equipped and sent to liberate
Chili, which had been subdued by an expedition sent from
Spain. They were met on the frontiers by the myal army,
and a battle took place : but the enthusiasm of the patriots
was irresistible; the royalists were defeated and dispersed, aqd
the fine province of Chili was instantly liberated.

Early in January, 1818, the hostile armies in the north of
South America again came into contact, and the bloody Mo-
rilla was defeated near Cajaboya, into which place he retired.
He afterwar4s retreated upon Sombrero, followed by the victo-
rious Boliver, who again defeated him in two actions, and then
blocked hira up in a xnost exposed and unhealthy positiop.
The royalists made a most vigorous effort to cxtrieate their
main ai-my ; but a reinforcement of 3500 nien were met upon
their march, and the whole were either killed or taken. Such
is the situation of the principal armies at present; and from
the weakness and unpopularity of the Spanish government,
the insubo.-dination manifested by the troops, and the formida-
ble supplies of men and arms procured by the patriots in Eng-
land and Ireland, tliei-e remains but httle doubt that the next
campaign will establish the independence of tlie South Ameri-
fans upon a firm basis.

During the successful careei- of Boltver in 1817, Sir Gregor
Macgregor took Amelia island ; but the government of the
United States refused to recognise his authority, and this con-
quest was abandoned. Tlie general then returned to England,
purchased a great quantity of military stores, and raised a
strong body of men, with which he again sailed to the scene
of actif)n. At Jamaica he was joined by great part of a dis-
,banded regiment, and from hence he proceeded to Porto Bello,
j^li^ch he took by surprise. However, in a short time, either

SOVrtl AMERICA.

659

the coast, and
the entrance of*

the Spaniards
tly manned by

I themselves ait
general cause;
ent to liberate
;ion sent from
e royal army,
)f the patriots
dispersed, and

n the north c^
e bloody Mo-
ace he retired.
1 by the victo-
lons, and then
ilthy positiop.
'xtiicate their
'ere met upon
taken. Such
It; tmd from
government,
I the formida-
triots in Eng-
that the next
south Ameri-

J, Sir Gregor
iment of the
and this con-
to England;,
md raised a
to the scene
part of a dis-
Porto Bello,
time, either

through negligence or treachery, he in his turn was surprised
by the Spanish troops, and ijarrowly escaped on board of a
vessel. Macgregor at the present is at Aux Cayes, with a
fine brig and IW men.

The revolution in Peru first broke out in La Paz, and
afterwards in El Cusco, the ancient city of the Incas. But
the patriots seem safe on the side of the South seas, being
protected by lord Cochrane, one of the most able and gallant
wafriors that ever drew a sword

Lord Cochrane has commenced that teasing sort of warfare
for which he is so well qualified, and by which he kept the
whole French coast in the Mediterranean seas in a state of
alarm and anxiety all last war. His movements are made
with the rapidity of an eagle; he has scarce pounced upon the
place and made it his vie n, before he replumes his wing and
descends upon another, carrying all before him. His lord-
ship's vessels, although heavy in guns, arc light in their hulls,
and incapable of laying alongside of batteries ; therefore hi*
attacks ate more diversions and excursions for plunder, to ac-
custom his men to harass and be harassed, than any serious
desire of occupying the place he assails. He is incessantly
training his men to the use of the pike, tomahawk, and broad-
sword, determined when he meets with an old Spanish ship, ta
attempt her by boarding at once, the sides of his ship being
too weak for withstanding a cannonade. It is not forgotten
by his men, that his lordship, in the Speedy brig of 14 gun»
and 45 men, boarded and carried the Elgama Spanish frigate
of S2 guns and 300 men, and they prognosticate they will be
now equally successful.

The squadron of 'is lordship bombarded Lima three times,
with a hope of inducing the Spanish squadron to come out and
give the attack, but the wily Dons chained their ships to the
shore, and very quietly saw the houses knocked to pieces and
the inhabitants killed, over their own mast heads. During the
last attack, A gun vessel, mounting six carronades, pushed out
of the httrl)oui', and attempted to cover a ship of 400 tons
burthen, whose cables had been cut by the shot from the
O'Higgins, and was drifted into the open bay. Lord Goch-

ill

iISi

iil

CGO

SOUTH AMERICA.

[fji

rane, ,n command of the boats of his squadron, captured the

Hhip and sent her off to sea; he then made a dash at the gun

vessel, and succeeded in bringing her off when she had taken

shelter wuhm pistol shot of a twelve gun battery; on board of

the vessel were 2U men, in the boats with his lordshio 42,

and several of them boys. The loss on his part was 17 killed

and wounded. The gun vessel, coppered and schoonef -rigged,

was nnmediately manned and commissioned by a lieutenant!

Ihe merchant ship was taken out to sea, her cargo was found

to he very valuable, and she had in boxes nearly two million

do lars these were removed, a party of men 'sent on board,

with a heutenant, who has proceeded to the general rendezvous

for more guns and hands ; she is called the Nostra del Carmen.

and IS m effect a trading frigate, will mount 36 guns, and be a

nne cruiser.

^ His lordship harangued his men, ^, motley crew of English,
^panish nmlattoes, and Americans, and distributed to each
100 dollars per man, saying he would trust to fortune for his
smire at a future day ; the enthusiasm of his crews is only ex-
celled by the state of discipline they are in. His lordship has
burnt and destroyed six small armed vessels, and upwards of
20 traders, previously taking out of them every thing of value •
he has also destroyed several small batteries on the coast and
watch-towers. He is in daily expectation of the arrival of a
frigate from the United States, formerly a British East India-
inan; it is said she carries 64 guns and 500 men, and will
brmg with her 15,000 stand of arms, and a complete battering
tram of artillery , thus a competent force awaits the arrival of
old Spain^s lazarettos and sinking hulks, of whom his lordship
speaks with the greatest contempt. Attached to lord Coch-
rane's squadron, and spread over an extent of coast of more
.thf.n 500 leagues, are 40 small half-decked vessels with a gun
HI the bow, commanded by petty officers, and about 20 men
ni each ; these effectually enforce the blockade of the ports,
and are known to have taken several valuable prizes.

A writer in the Edinburgh Review says, that in looking
around for barriers to resist the spirit of military aggrandise-
"lint Ml Europe, and resources to supply those the channel of

SOUTH AMERICA.

661

which are closed upon -s, every eye, we believe, will rest on
South America. 'A country,' he proceeds, 'far surpassing
the whole of Europe in extent, and still more perhaps in na-
tural fertiUty, which has been hitherto unfortunately excluded
from the beneficent intercourse of nations, is, after a few pru-
dent steps on our part, ready to open to us the immense re-
sources of her territory, of a population at present great, and^
hkely to increase with most extraordinary celerity, and of a
position unparalleled on the face of the globe for the astonish-
mg combination of commercial advantages which it appears to
unite. From the maturity for some beneficent change, which
circumstances and events have for a series of years been work-
ing in those magnificent regions, and from the mighty effects
they are capable of yielding for the consolation of afflicted hu-
manity, it seems as ■^' that Providence, which is continually
bringing good out of evil, were about to open a career of happi-
ness in the new world, at the very moment when, by the mys-
terious laws of its administration, it appears to have decreed a
period of injustice and calamity in the old.

' For the migLty l^enefits to be expected from a just and
wise arrangement of the affairs of Spanish America, we are
not left to the results of speculation, clear and unambiguous as
they are ; we can appeal to experience and to fact. We have
the grand experiment of North America before us, which the
inhabitants of the South are so ambitious to imitate. The
states of North America were our own colonies, and they had,
been always beneficently administered; yet has their indepen-
dence been far more profitable to us than their subjection.
What is the result with regard to commerce alone.?— the very
extraordinary fact, that for several past years we have export-
ed more goods of British growth and manufacture to the
United States of America, than to the whole of Europe taken
together. If such are the benefits resulting from the prospe-
rity of the United States, how many times greater will be those
which must necessarily flow from the prosperity of South
America.? How many times more extensive is the country
which the Spanish Americans possess ? That country, from
enjoying a much greater diversity of climate compared with

lii

,■ t
» ■ 't'

i 1 1

1 ■■■■'■

6'02

SOUTH AMERICA.

EUrdpe than North America, is much more richly protided
with thdsb comiJHjditics for wliich Euldpe presents the most
edger demand. Of the soil of South America, a great part is
much m(ire favourable to cultivation, much more fruitful, and
clearled by nations who had made some progress in civilization.
Of all the countries iti the world, South America possesses the
most importarit advantages in respect to internal navigation,
being intersected in all directions by mighty rivers, which will
bear, at little cost, the produce of her extensive provinces to
the ocean. If the population of the United States, amounting
perhaps to 6,000,000 souls, afford so extraordinary a demand
for BHtish commodities, what may not the population of South
AirieHca, extending already to no less than 16,000,000, be
expected to afford ^ It is no doubt true, that the moral and
intellectual habits of the people of South America are not so
favoul-able to improvement as were those of North America.
Their ihdustfy has been cramped,— their minds have been
held in ignorance by a bad government ; hence they arc indo-
lent and superstitious. But remove the cause, and the effects
will cease to follow. So sweet are the fruits bf labour, where-
ever the labourer enjoys them unimpaired, that the motives to
it at-e irresistible,— and his activity may be counted upon with
the certainty of a law of nature. The deduction, therefore, is
so very small which, on this score, it will be requisite to make,
that a very subordinate proportion of the superior advantages
in soil and climate which the South American enjoys, will suf-
fice to compensate the better habits with which the inhabitant
of the United States commenced his career.

' In respect to wants, the two countries eminently resemble
oiie another. From the immense extent of uncultivated soil,
which it will require many ages to occu|)y, the whole bept of
the population will he turned to agriculture; and it will be
their ihtefest, and ilioir desire, to draw almost the whole of
the manufactured goods, which their riches will enable them
to consume, from other countries, I'he couhtry to Which the
greater part of this prodigious demand ^lv\\\ come, is unques-
tionably Great Britain. So far before all othet- countries, in
respect to manufacturing advantages, does khe stand, that

SOlTrH AMERICA.

(i6S

;hly protided
nts the most
great part is
fruitful, and
1 civilization,
possesses the
il navigation,
s, which will
provinces to
i, amounting
ry a demand
ion of South
000,000, be
e moral and
;a' are not so
th America,
have been
ey are indo-
d the effects
our, where-
i motives to
1 upon with
therefore, is
ite to make,
advantages
^s, will suf.
i inhabitant

ly resemble
ivatcd soil,
ole bept of
it will be
le whole of
nable them
I Which the
is unques-
untries, in
taud, that

were the circumstances of Europe much more likely to enf?oju-
yage industry than unhappily they are, we could meet \yith flo
rival ; and as we supply North America, so coijld we SohJI],
on terms which would infallibly draw to us the greater pi^rt pf
her custom.

* In enumerating, however, the advantages of a commercial
natjure, which would assuredly spring from the emancipation
of S«uth America, we have not yet noticed the greatest per-
haps of all, — the mightiest event, probably, in favour of ti^
peaceful intercourse of nations, which 'the physical cir«ijpi-
stances of the globe present to the enterprise of nian: — >ve
mean, the formation of a navigable passage across the istbojius
of Panama, — the junction of the Atlantic and Pacific OiQeans.
It is remarkable, that this magnificent undertaking, pregnan;t
with consequences so important to mankind, and about wljich
so little is known in this country, is so far from being a jror
maotic and chimerical project, that it is not only practicable
but easy. The river Chagre, which falls into the Atlantic at
the town of th(? same name, about eighteen leagues to the
westward of Porto Bello, is navigable as far as Cruzes, witbii)
five leagues of Panama. But though the formation of a canal
from this place io Panama, facilitated by the valley through
which the j)resent road parses, appears to present no very for-
n\idable obstacles, there is still A better expedient." At the
distance of about five leagues from the mouth of the Chagr,e,
it receives the river Trinidad,, which is navigable to Embarca-
dero; and from that jiiace to Panama is a distance of about
SO miles, through a level country, with a fine river to supply
water for the canal, and no diflicult^ to counteract the noble
undertaking. The ground has been surveyed, dnd not tfee
practicability only, but the facility of the work, completely
ascertained. In the next place, the impwtant requisite of
safe harbours, at the two extremities of tlie canal, is here sup-
plied to the extent of our utmost wishes. At the mouth of
the Chagre is a fine bay, which received the British 74 gun
ships, in 1740, when captain Knowles bombarded the castle of
St. Lorenzo; Jind at the other extremity is the fansous harbour

/1|

■i i'!

664

SOUTH AMER'ICA,

of Panama. Nor is this the only exHient for opening thfe
important navigation between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Further north ,s the grand lake of Nicaragua, which, by itself,
almost extends the nav,gau..a from sea to sea. Into the At!
antic ocean it falls by a navigable river, and reaches to within
three leagues of the gulf of Papagayo in the Pacific. Mr.
Jeffery s tells us, it was the instruction of the king of Spain to
the governor of St. John's castle, not to permit any British
subject to pass either up or down this lake; "for if ever the '
English came to a Knowledge of its importance and value,
they would soon make themselves.masters pf this part of the
country."

'We are tempted to dwell for a moment upon the prospects
which the accomplishment of this splendid, but not difficult
enterprise, opens to our nation. It is not merdy the immense
commerce of the western shores of Americ. extending almost
from pole to pole, that is brought, at it were, to our door; it
IS not the intrinsically important, though comparatively mode-
rate branch of our commerce, that of the Soiith sea whalers,
that will alone undergo a complete revolution, by saving the
tedious and dangerous voyage round cape Horn :— the whole
oi those immense interests which we hold deposited in the re-
gions of Asia, become augmented in value, to a degree which,
at present, it is not easy toconceive, by obtaining direct acceas
to them across the Pacific ocean. It is the same tHing as if,
by some great revolution of the globe, our eastern possessions
were brought nearer to us. The voyage across the Pacific,
the winds both for th^ eastern and western passage being fair
and constant, is so expeditious and steady, that the arrival of
the ships may be calculated almost with the accuracy of a mail
coach. Immense would be the traffic which would immedi-
ately begin to cover that ocean, by denomination Pacific. All
the riches of India and of China would move, towards America.
Ihe riches of Europe and of America would move tbwards
Asia. Vast depots would be formed at the gi-eat commercial
towns which would immediately arise at the two extremities of
the central canal;— the goods would be in a course of perpe-

opening the
mtic oceans.
:h, by itself,
nto the At-
es to within
acific. Mr.
of Spain to
any British
if ever the '
and value,
part of the

e prospects
ot difficult
le immense
ling almost
xr door ; it
k^ely mode-
(a whalers,
saving the
•the whole

in the re-
ree which,
rect acce^
King as if,
tossessions
e Pacific,
being fair
arrival of

of a mail

immedi-
ific. AH
America.

tbwards
mmercial
jmities of
)f perpe-

S' UTH AMERICA.

tual passage from the one depot to the other;— and would Iw
received by the ships, as they arrived, which were prepared to
convey them to their ultimate destination.

♦ Is it too much to hope, that China and Japan themselves,
thus brought so much nearer the influence of European civili-
Kfttion— much n^ore constantly and powerfully subject to it*
operation—would not be able to resist the salutary impression^
but would soon receive important changes in ideas, arts, man-
ners, and institutions? The hope rests, at least, on sudt
strong foundations, that it seems to rise even to a certainty ; —
and then what glorious results might be expected for the whol*
of Asia, that vast proportion of the earth, which, even in its
most favoured parts, has been in all ages condemned to semi-
barbarism, and the miseries of despotic power ? One thing, at
least, is certain, that South America, which stands so much in
need of industrious inhabitants, would receive myriads of labo-
rious Chinese, who already swarm in all parts of the eastern
ar.jhipelago in quest of employment and of food. This, to
her, would be an acquisition of incredible importance : and
the connexion thus formed between the two countries, would
still furtlicr tend to accelerate the acquisition of enlightened
views and civiHsed manners in China herself

. ' Such are a few of the results which there is reason to ex-
pect from a regulation of the affairs of South America. Never,
perhaps, was an opportunity offered to a nation, of effecting so
great a change in behalf of hun>an kind, as Great Britain,
from a wonderful combination of circumstances, is now called
upon, by so many motives, to help South America to accom-
pHsh. The measure has, for a considerable number of years,
been mingled, in her councils, pmong the number of her re-
solves.'

After reading this rapid sketch of the immense advantages
to be derived from the establishment of independence in South
America, a man may well view with astonishment the silly
and impolitic bill which lately received the sanction o^ the Bri-
tish legislature, restraining British subjects from entering into
the seiJvice of the patriots, or supplying them with warlike
stores. The ill effect of this foolish measure is greatly aug^

4 P

iv:

666

SOUTH AMERICA.

merited whe.. tJ.e distressed state of trade and manufacfiiros
.8 considered ; and the just displeasure of the Americans must
be heightened, to witness English ships of war affording pro.
tection to the persons and treasures of their enemies.

According to a recent calculation, the following account has
been given of the population and force of the South American
republicans :

The republic of New Grenada and Venezuela; population
three millions, and the army 25,000 effective men.

The republic of Rio de !- Plata; the population three mil-
lions, and the army 30,000 effective men.

The repul)lic of Chili; the population one million and a
half; and the arriiy 7000 disciplined men.

The republic of Peru ; the population three millions, the
strength of the army unknown.

PORTUGUESE DOMINIONS.

Exlent and Boundaries. 'J' HE dominions in South America,

held by the small kingdom of
Portugal, extend from the frontier of Dutch Guiana, lat. 3
deg. north, to ])ort St. Pedro, south lat. 32 deg., being 35 de-
grees, or 2100 geographical miles; and the breadth, from
cape St. Roque to the furthest Portuguese settlement on the
nver of Amazons, called St. Paul de Omaguas, equals, if it do
not exceed, that extent. This vast territory, rivalling the em-
pires of antiquity, is still more unknown than the Spanish
possessions; partly from the want of science and curiosity,
partly on account of the thick forests which cover the expan-
«ive plains of the Maranon and its auxiliary streams. Though
long in strict alliance with Portugal, we have little precise

t t*lHi-),-ff ■ -

SOUTH AMERICA.

667

manufucfures

lericans must

iffbrding pro-

ies.

r account has

!th American

; population

m three mil-

lillion and a

nillions, the

h America,
kingdom of
iana, lat. 3
eing 35 de-
idth, from
lent on the
als, if it do
ng the em-
le Spanish
curiosity,
the expan-
Though
tie precise

knowledge of Brazil ; und still less of the interior country so
absurdly called Amazonia, but more jrstly by the Spaniards
the Land of the Missions. The- ciriei' city of Brazil was for-
merly Bahia or San Salvador, which has since yielded to llio
Janeiro. The others are Para and Cayta near the estuary of
the Maranon, with a few small settlements on that river ; Per-
namboco, Scrgippe, Paraiba, Villa Grande, Sic; the chief
settlements of the Portuguese being only thinly scattered along
the shores. The fanaticism of the Spaniards and Portuguese
is an invincible obstacle to the population of some of the finest
regions of the globe ; while by the free admission of all sects,
as in the territory of the United States, industry and popula-
tion would increase with surprising rapidity.

Name. — Brazil, as is well known, derives its name from the
wood so called, which is mentioned by Chaucer, and was
known for centuries before. It is now divided into eight inde-
pendent governments, liesidcs that of llio de Janeiro, of which
alone the governor rei, ins the style of Viceroy of the Brazils.

Mi?ies,— Concerning the celebrated mines of Brazil there
was little information, until Mr. Mrwe, an English mineralo-
gist, obtained permission from the prince regent at Rio de Ja-
neiro to visit the principal gold and diamond districts. The
gold mines are chiefly situated in the mountains, which give
source to many streams that flow north and south into the
Tocantine on one side, and the Parana on the other.

The mountain of Villa Rica, which, twenty years after its
discovery, was reputed the richest place on the globe, owes its
celebrity to a party of men, strongly embued with that spirit
of enterprise that characterised the Lusitanians of former days.
They penetrated from their capital into these regions, braving
every hardship, and encountering every difficulty which a sa-
vage country, infested by still more savage inhabitants, op-
posed to them. They cut their way through impervious
woods, carrying their provisions with them, and occasionally
cultivating small patches of land to afford them food to retreat
to, in case of necessity, as well as to keep up a communication
with their city, St. Paul's. Every inch of ground was dis-
puted by the barbarous Indians, here called Bootocoodies,

^•••w*^^

SOUTH AMKltlCA.

who were romlautly oithrr attacking thi-in openly or lying in
ambush, and but too tmiuently succeeded in surprising some
o*' them, or their negroes, whom they immediately Hacrific«xl
to tlieir horrible appetite for human flesh. They believtxi the
negroes to be the great monkies of the wockI. The bones of
the in»lbrtunnte sufferers were frequently found exposed,
shocking testimonies of the barbarity of their nnirderers, whom
the Paulistas, rousetl to revenge, invariably shot, wherever
they met thorn. These examples of vengeance answered their
desired end : the Indians, terrified as well by the noise as by
the fatal effect of the fire-arms, fled with precipitation, believ.
ing that the white men commanded lightning and thunder

On vouching this mountain, the fame of their success brought
great numbers of adventurers, between whom and the original
discoverers several battles took place, until the government in-
terposed, and took the mines under their own direction. Be-
tween the years 173() and 1760, the mines were in the heiglit
of their prosperity ; the king's fifUi, during some years of that
period, is said to have amounted to at least one million sterhng
annually. The mines which producetl this immense wealth
at length became gradually less abundant ; and, as the pre-
cious metal disappeared, numbers of the miners retired, some
to the mother country, loaded with riches, which tempted
fresh adventurers, and many to Rio de Janeiro and other sea-
ports, where they employed their large capitals in commerce.

Mr. Mawe enjoyed the opi)ortunity of visiting the diamond
works called Mandango, atuated on the river Jigitonhonha
which employs 1000 negroes, and on particular occasions dou-
ble that number. ' This rich river,' he observes, ' formed by
the junction of a number uf streams which will be hereafter
noted, is as wide as the Thames at Windsor, and in general
from three to nine feet deep. The part now in working is a
curve or elbow, from which the current is diverted into a canal
cut across the tongue of land round which it winds, the river
being stopped just below the head of the canal by an embank-
ment formed of several thousand bags of sand. This is a
MTork of considerable magnitude, and requires the co-operation
of ail the negroes to complete it : for, the river being wide

f or lying in
prising some
fly Hacrificixl
belicvod the
'he bonpH of
ul exposed,
L'rers, whom
it, wherever
jwered their

noise as hy
tion, believ.
hunder
:cs8 broiight
the original
ernment in-
ction. Be-

the height
ears of that
ion sterUng
mse wealth
M the pre-
;ired, some
h tempted
I other sea>
ommerce.
\e diamond
itonhonha,
isions dou-
formed by
! hereafter
in general
>rking is a
ito a canal
, the river
1 embank-
This is a
-operation
eing widq

SOUTH AMERICA.

and not very shallow, and also occasionally subject to overflows,
they have to make the embankment so strong as to resist the
pressure of the water, admitting it to rise four or five feet.

« The deeper parts of the channel of the river are laid dry
by means of large caissons, or chain-pumps, worked by a wa-
ter-wheel. The mud is then carried ofl', and the cascalhao is
dug up and removed to a convenient place for washing. The
stratum of cascalhao consists of the same materials with that
in the gold district. On njany parts, by the edge of the river,
are large conglomerate masses of rounded pebbles cemented
by oxide of iron, which sometimes envelope gold and dia-
monds. They calculate on getting as much cascalhao in the
dry season as will occupy all their hands during the months
which are njore subject to rain. When carried from the lied
of the river whence it is dug, it is laid in heaps containing ap-
pnrently from Hve to Hrteen tons each.

* Water is conveyed from a distance, and is distributed to
the various parts of the work by means of aqueducts, con-
structed with great ingenuity and skill. The method of
washing for diamonds at this place is as follows:— A shed ij
erected in the form of a parallelogram, 25 or 30 yards long,
and alx)ut 15 wide, consisting of upright nosts which support
a roof thatched with long grass. 7> . the middle of the area
of this shed a current of water is conveyed through a canal
covered uith strong planks, on which the cascalhao is laid two
or three feet thick. On the othti side of the area is a looring
of planks, from four to five \.irds long, imbedded in clay, ex-
tending the whole length oi the shed, and having a slope from
the canal, of three or four inches to a yard. This flooring is
divided into about twenty compartments or troughs, each
about three feet wide, by means of planks placed on their
c<lge. The upper end of all these troughs (here called canoes)
communicate with the canal, and are so formed that water is
admitted into tliem between two planks that are about an inch
separate. Through this opening the current falls about six
mches into the trough, and may be directed to any part of it,
or stopped at pleasure, by means of a small quantity of clay.

SOUTH AMERICA.

/•'

Along the lower end of the troughs a small channel is dug to
carry off the water.

' On the heap of casculhao, at equal distances, are placed
three high chairs for the officers or overseers. After they arc
seated, the negroes enter the troughs, each provided with a
rake of a peculiar form and short handle, with which he rakes
into the trough about 50 or 80 pounds weight of cascalhao.
The water being tlieii let in uf)on it, the cascalhao is spread
abroad and continually raked up to the head of the trough, so
as to be kept in constant motion. This operation is performed
for the space of a quarter of an hour; the water then begins
to run clearer, having washed the earthy particles away, the
gravel-like matter is raked up to the end of the trough ; after
the current Hows away quite clear, the largest stones are
thrown out, and afterwards those of inferior size, then the
whole is examined with great care for diamonds. When a
negro finds one, he immediately stands upright and claps his
hands, then extends them, holding the gem between his fore-
finger and thumb; an overseer receives it from him, and de-
posits it in a gamella or bowl, suspended from the centre of
the structure, half full of water. In this vessel all the dia-
monds found in the course of the day are placed, and at the
close of work are taken out and given to the principal officer,
who, after they have been weighed, registers the particulars in
a book kept for that purpose.

' When a negro is so fortunate as to find a diamond of the
weight of an txjtavo (17^ carats), much ceremony takes place;
he is crowned with a wreath of flowers, and carried in proces-
sion to the administrator, who gives him his freedom, by pay-
ing his owner for it. He also receives a present of new clothes,
and is permitted to work on his own account. When a stone
of eight or ten carats is found, the negro receives two new
shirts, a complete new suit, with n hat and a handsome knife.
For smaller sttmes of trivial amount proportionate premiums
are given. During my stay at Tejuco, a stone of 16i carats
was found : it was pleasing to see the anxious desire manifest,
eti by the officers, that it might prove heavy enough to entitle

SOUTH AMERICA.

671

el is dug to

, are placed
"ter they are
ided with a
Ich hu rakes
tf casculhao.
uo is spread
! trough, so
3 performed
then begins
s away, the
)ugh ; after

stones are
3, then the
. When a
id claps his
en his fore-
m, and de-
le centre of
all the dia-

and at the
ipal officer,
irticulars in

lond of the
akes place ;
I in proces-
m, by pay-
lew clothes,
len a stone
IS two new
some knife,
premiums
16^ carats
e manifest-,
li to entitle

the poor negro to his freedom ; and wh"n, on being delivered
and weighed, it proved only a carat short of the requisite
weight, all seemed to sympathise in his disappointment,

• Many precautions are taken to prevent the negroes from
embezzling diamonds. Although they work in a bent posi-
tion, and consequently never know whether the overseers are
watching them or not, yet it is easy for them to omit gathering
any whicii they see, and to place them in a corner of the
trough for the purpose of secreting them at leisure hours, to
prevent which they are frequently changed while the operation
is going on. A word of command being given by the over-
seers, they instantly move into each other's troughs, so that no
opportunity of collusion can take place. If a negro be sus-
pected of having swallowed a diamond, he is confined in a
strong room until the fact can be ascertained. Formerly the
punishment inflicted on a negro for smuggling diamonds was
confiscation of his person to the state : but it being thought
too hard for the owner to suffer for the offence of his servant,
the penalty has been commuted for personal imprisonment
and chastisement. This is a much lighter punishment than
that which their owners, or any white man, would suffer for a
sinular offence.

' There is no particular regulation respecting the dress of
the negroes : they work in the clothes most suitable for the
nature of their employment, generally in a waistcoat and a
pair of drawers, and not naked, as some travellers have stated.
Their hours of labour are from a little before sun-rise until
sun-set, half an hour being allowed for breakfast, and two
hours at noon. While washing they change their posture as
often as they please, which is very necessary, as the work re-
quires them to place their feet on the edges of the trough, and
to stoop considerably. This posture is particularly prejudicial
to young growing negroes, as it renders them in-kneed. Four
or five times during the day they all rest, when, snuff, of
which they are very fond, is given to them.'

A¥hat is termed the Diamond ground extends about 60
leagues from north to south, and about eight from east to
west. It was first explored by some enterprising miners from

liWd

;*■,

ent

SOUTH AMERICA.

ViUo de Pnncipe, a few years after the establiBhment of that
town. The number of diamonds sent over during the first 20
years after the discovery is said to be almost incredible, and to
exceed 1000 ounces in weight. This supply could not fail to
diminish the general value of diamonds, as none had ever be-
fore been known to come from any other part of the crbbe,
except India, where the Brazilian diamonds were afterwards
sent, and found a better market there than in F.urope.

About the year 1772, government took the management of
the raining district into their own hands. In its present state
the establishment appears to produce much greater wealth
than it actually does. During a period of five years, from
1801 to 1806 inclusive, the expences were 204,000/. ; and the
diamonds sent to the treasury at Rio de Janeiro weighed
115,673 carats. The value of gold found in the same period
amounted to 17,300/. sterling, from which it.appears that the
diamonds actually cost gover.iment 33*. 9d. per carat. These
years were esteemed singularly productive; the mines do not,
in general, yield to government more than 20,000 carats an-
nually. Exclusive of this amount, there is a vast quantity
smuggled. ''

'The collection of diamonds,' says Mr. Mawe, 'now in the
possessitm of the prince regent, is unequalled in number, size,
and quality, by that of any potentate in the world ; and I
am credibly informed, that it exceeds in value three millions
sterling.'

Besides iron and precious stones, galena or sulphurite of
lead, as also antimony, platina, and native bismuth, is foQnd
in considerable quantities. Copper is very scarce; and
scarcely any tin, or cobalt, has been met with.

Jgriculture.~ln this extensive empire, land is granted in
large trac.s, on proper application; and we may naturally
suppose that the value of these tracts depends more or less
upon their situation. It therefore becomes the first object of
a cultivator, to look out for unoccupied land as near as possi-
ble to a large town; good roads and navigable rivers are the
deaderata next in point of consequence which he attends to.
When he has made choice of a situation, he applies to the go-

■n^^-

t *i

SOUTH AMERICA.

nent of that
: the first 20
jible, and to
\ not fail to
lad ever be-
r the globe,
afterwards
ope.

lagement of
•resent state
ater wealth
years, from
'/. ; and the
ro weighed
same period
ars that the
•at. These
ines do not,
) carats an-
st quantity

now in the
mber, size,
rid; and 1
ee millions

Iphurite of
li, is found
arce ; and

granted in
' naturally
ore or less
?t object of
ir as possi-
Brs are the
attends to.
to the go-

vernor of tljie district, who orders the proper officers to mark
out tlie extent required, generally a league or a league and a
half square, sometimes more. The cultivator then purchases
as many negroes aa he can, and commences his operations by
erecting habitations for them and himself, which are generally
miserable sheds, supported by four posts, and commonly called
ranchos. His negroes are then directed to cut down the trees
and brushwood growing on the land, to such an extent as he
thinks they will be able to manage. This done, they set fire to
all they have cut, as it lies on the ground. Much of the suc-
cess of his harvest depends upon this burning ; if the whole
be reduced to ashes, he expects a good crop ; if, through wet
weather, the felled trees remain only half burnt, he prognosti-
cates a bad one. When the ground is cleared, the negroes
dibble it with theif hoes, and sow their maize, beans, or other
pulse; during the operation, they cut down any thing very
much in the way. v never think of working the soil. After
sowing as much v is thought requisite, they prepare other

ground for planting cassada, here called mandioca, the root of
which is generally eaten as bread by all ranks in Brazil. The
soil for this purpose is rather better prepared ; it is raked up
in little round hillocks, not unlike mole-hills, about four feet
asunder; into which are stuck cuttings from branches of the
plant, alwut an inch thick, and six or eight long ; these soon
take rayt, and put forth leaves, shoots, and buds. When
enough lias been planted for the entire consumption of the
farni, the owner, if he is rich enough, prepares means for
growing and manufacturing sugar. He first employs a car-
penter to cut wood, and build a mill with wooden rollers for
crushing the canes, by means of water if a stream is at hand,
if not, by the help of mules. While some of the negroes are
assisting the carpenter, others are employed in preparing the
ground in the same way as for mandicK-a. Pieces of cane con-
taining three or four joints, and in length about six inches, cut
from the growing stem, are laid in the earth nearly horizon-
tally, and ari^ covered with soil to the depth of about four
inches. Th y shoot up rapidly^ and in three months have a
bushy appearance not unlike fla<;s ; in twelve or fifteen months

je9 4 Q

y M

^Jj^»-

»,*1

SOUTH AMERICA.

more they are ready for cutting. In rich virgin soil it is not
uncommon to see canes twelve feet high, and astonishingly

The Indian corn and pulse are in general ripe in four
montha or eighteen weeks. The average return is two hun-
dred tor one; it is a bad harvest when it falls short of one
hundred and fifty. The mandioca is rarely ready to take up in
less than eighteen or twenty months; if the land be suitable,
It then produces from six to twelve pound weight per plant.
Ihey grow very little indigo in this neighbourhood, and what
they have is of indiiferent quality. Their pumpkins are of
enormous sine, and sometimes are served up as table vegeta-
bles, but more frequently given as food to the horses. Me-
Ions here are scarcely palatable.

In no branch of husbandry are the farmers so defective as
in the management of cattle. No artificial grasses are culti-
vated, no enclosures are made, nor is any fodder laid up
against the season of scarcity. The cows are never milked
regularly; they seem to be considered rather as an incum-
brance to a farm than a valuable part of the stock. They
constantly require salt, which is given them once in fifteen or
twenty days, in small proportions. Their dairies, if such they
may be called, are managed in so slovenly a manner, that the
little butter that is made becomes rancid in a few days, and
the cheese is good for nothing. In this essential department
they are deplorably deficient ; rarely indeed is there to be seen
a farm with one convenience belonging to it. For want of
propel' places in which to store their produce, they are obliged
to lay it in promiscuous heaps ; and it is not uncommon to see
coffee, cotton, maize, and beans, thrown into the corners of a
damp shed, and covered with a green hide. One half is inva-
riably spoiled by mould and putridity, and the remainder is
much deteriorated, through this idle and stupid negligence.

They feed their pigs on Indian corn in a crude state; the
time for confining them to fatten is at eight or ten months old ;
and the quantity consumed for the purpose is eight or ten
Winchester bushels each. When killed, the lean is cut off
the sides as clean as possible, the fat is cured .fith very little

SOUTH AMERICA.

675

loil it is not
stonishingly

ipe in four
is two hun-
hort of one
o take up in
be suitable,
It per plant.
i, and what
'kins are of
ible vegeta-
jrses. Me-

defective as
s are culti-
ler laid up
iver milked

an incum-
•ck. They
n fifteen or
f such they
jr, that the

days, and
iepartment

to be seen
iT want of
ire obliged
mon to see
CN*ner8 of a
alf is inva-
mainder is
ligence.
state; the
)nths old ;
;ht or ten
is cut off
\ery little

salt, and in a few days is ready for market. The ribs, chine-
bone, and lean parts, are dried for home consumption.

The farm-houses are miserable hovels of one story, the flour
neither paved nor boarded, and the walls and partitions formed
of wicker-work plastered with mud, and never under-drawn.
For an idea of the kitchen, which ought to be the cleanest and
most comfortable part of the dwelling, the reader may figure
to himself a filthy room with an uneven muddy floor, inter-
spersed with pools of slop-water, and in different parts fire-
places formed by three round stones to hold the earthen pots
that are used for boiling meat; as green wood is the chief
fuel, the place is almost always filled with smoke, which, find-
ing no chimney, vents itself through the doors and other aper-
tures, and leaves all within as black as soot.

The horses are very fine, and in general docile ; when well
trained they make excellent chargers. Their size is from 12^
to 14^ hands, and they vary in price from three pounds tp
twelve. Mules are considered as more useful beasts of burdeq.
The breed of sheep is quite unattended to, and mutton b
rarely or never eaten. Here is a very fine and large breed of
goats, whose milk is generally used for domestic purposes.
The dogs are very indifferent, and of no distinct race.

The market is generally well supplied; and in the fruit
seasons is stored with pines, grapes, peaches, guavas, bananas,
a few apples, and an enormous quantity of quinces. Esculent
plants are grown in great profusion and variety. Here is a
favourite bulbous root called the cara, which is equal to the
best potatoe, and even more farinaceous ; it grows to about
five inches in diameter, and affords excellent food either boiled
or roasted. Here ai-e fine cabbages, sallad-herbs, turnips,
cauliflowers, artichokes, and potatoes ; the latter, though very
good, are little used: the sweet potatoe is in greater request
among the natives. Maize, beans, green peas, and every spe-
cies of pulse, flourish amazingly. Fowls are cheap, being
from three-pence to six-pence each ; small pigs from one to
two shillings; and flitches of bacon, cured after the mode of
the country, at about two-peuce per pound. Turkies, geese.

if;*'

- *]

676

SOUTH AMERICA.

and di.clcs, nrc abundant, nnd reasonable in price ; the latter
are of the Muscovy breed, enormously lar-c, some weiohing
ten or fourteen pounds. Here is n singular bWd of ciK^ks-
they resemble the common English in plumage and shape, but
they crow very loud, and continue their last'liote for a niimitc
or two; when their voice is good, they are 'nfe esteemed,
and are sent for as curiosities from all parts of'Krazil. 'I'he
cattle are in general good, considering that so little attention
IS paid to feeding them ; when their pastures are full of grass,
they are tolerably fat, but when otherwise they become lean.
A drove may be bought at twenty-four or thirtv shIllinjTs a
head; beef at about a penny or three halfpence "per poi'wid.
The curriers hare a singular method of blackening cow-hides
and calf-skins: when they have prepared them for that oprra-
tibti, they search for some miid-holc at the bottom of a feri-u-
gmou^ stratum, a ditch for instance; with the mud they cover
that side of the' skin required to be stained ; and they prefer
this material t(S the solution of copperas, probably with" ivas-^n,
as the sulphate of iron, formed by the decompo<?'ed pyrites,'
acts more mildly in this state than when applied in the com-
mon way.

Popiddthn.— The population of this large portion of South
America has hot been accurately detailed. According to
Staunton, the 'Ivhites in the Brazils w^re computed at SOO.OOO
and the negroes at 600,000. Pinkerton supposes that the
Portuguese and their descendants cannot amount to half a
million, atid the natives three or four millions. But, from the
observations of Mr. Maue, it would seem that the Portuguese
are more numerous, and the natives considerably less, "than
this statement would make them.

Manna-s.—Tbe manners of the European settlers will be
noticed in describing the toins which they inhabit. The in-
digenes are said to be irreclaimable savages, under the middle
size, muscular, but active; of a light brown complexion,
straight black hair, and long dark eyes. They chiefly subsist
apart, on the cf)ast between Janeiro and San Salvador. Their
ranguagc has not been investigated b^ the incurious Portu-

SOUTH AMERICA.

s; the latter
mc weighing
'd of cocks :
d shape, Init
Por a niiiiiitc
h esteem c( I,
Brazil. The
tie attention
till of j^rass,
ecome lean.
t" shillirifTB a
per pound.
J cow-hidos
tliat fipera-
of a f'cn"«-
they cover
tliov prefer
'ith leasi^n,
od pyrites,
n the com-

n of Soudi
cording to
t 200.000,
s that the
to half a
, from the
'ortuguese
less, than

rs will be
The in-
he middle
mplexion,
ly subsist
*. Their
IS Portu-

guese, who seem destined by nature to cover the faults of the
Spanish colonists, and to evince that even European nations
may be found destitute of knowledge and intelligence.

Citifs and Torons.— The city of Rio Janeiro, or St. Sebas-
tian, is charmingly situated on a projecting quadrangular pro-
montory of an irregular form, three of whose sides are opposed
to the harbour, and the fourth sheltered from the prevailing
westerly blasts by a skreen of high hills well covered with
wood. The side of the town, which is next to that part of
the harbour where the shipping nsnnlly lie al anchor, is nearly
a mile and half in length, and the depth inwards alwut threes
fourths of a mile. The northern augle of the promontory is a
bold broken eminence, on one point of which there is a regular
fortification, and on the other a convent of Benedictine monks,
which, being also surrounded with lines of defence, is actually
as well as metaphorically a church militant. These heights
completely command the town and the anchorage; and they
appear to command also, at least they are upon a level with,
the strongest work in the harbour, on which the defence of the
place is thought principally to depend. This is the Il/ia dos
Cobras, or Snake island, a rock about 80 feet high at the
point on which the citadel stands, and slanting to eight at the
opposite end : its length is 300 yards ; and it is detached by a
narrow but very deep channel from the eminence on which the
Benedictine convent is situated. Round every side of this
strongly fortified island, and close to its shores, ships of the
greatest draught of water may lie in perfect security. Here
also are a commodious dock-yard, an arsenal of jiaval stores, a
sheer hulk, and a wharf for heaving down and careening ship-
ping. The largest fleets, however, may anchor in this capa-
cious harbour, entirely out of the reach of any of the guns
that are mounted on the forts.

On landing from the harbour, the first object in the town
that catches the attention is a handsome square, surrounded
on three of its sides with buildings, and the fourth open to the
water. Along this side is erected a noble stone quay, with
flights of steps at each extremity and in the centre, the last of
which is the cgmnaon landing-place. When this line of raa-

I t

errs

SOUTH AMERICA.

sonry shall be extended the whole length of the town, which ih
intended to be done, it will serve not merely as an ornament
nntl convenience, but as a ctmsiderable defence against the at-
tempt of an enemy to land. Near the central flight of stairs
is a quadrangular obelisk, throwing, from each of its four
fronts, a constant stream of pure limpid water, for the use of
the lower part of the town and of the shipping in the harbour.
The upper side of the square, facing the hurlwiur, is entirely
occupied by the palace of the viceroy, a long plain building,
neither remarkable for elegance of design nor peculiarity of
construction.

The palace, the obelisk, and the pier, are all built with
hewn blocks of granite ; and the surface of the squaie is a solid
floor of the same material, sprinkled over with quartzose sand.
The granite being of that kind which contains a large propor-
tion of glistening mica, is highly injurious to the eye, which is
scarcely able to bear the dazzling rays of the sun playing
throughout the whole day on one side or other of this open
area— glaring emblem of the brilliant exploits of the Fortu-
gUL-se nation in earlier times !

Many of the houses in St. Sebastian are far from being con-
temptible : they are mostly two stones high, covered with tiles,
and have wooden balconies extending in front of the upper
stories ; but the best of them wear that dull and gloomy ap-
pearance, which all buildings must necessarily have whose lat-
ticed windows supply the want of glass. The streets are in
general tolerably straight, some of considerable width, though
mostly narrow. The principal ones are paved on both sides
with broad flag stones of granite. The rolinemcnt of a i7ot-
toir^ so I'arely met with out of England, was not exj)ectcd to
be found in a foreign settlement of Portugal. The .shops are
large and commodious, generally well stocked with the manu-
I'actures of Europe, chiefly those of Great Uritain, which, after
being exhibited in the windows of the capital and the principal
cities and towns of the empire till their fashion is out of date,
are shipped off' to the tratling nations on the continent, and
from thence to their foreign settlements. In the catalogue of
wafos exhibited in the shops of Rio de Janeiro, English c^uacls

SOUTH AMERICA.

n, which ik
II ornament
inst the at-
ht of stairs
of ita four
• the use of
le harbour,
is entirely
1 building,
;uliurity of

built with
le is a solid
tzose sand,
ge propor-
e, which is
m playing
' this open
the I'ortu-

being con-
with tiles,
the upper
jlooray ap-
whosc lat-
iets are in
h, though
both sides
t of a irot-
xpectcd to
! shops are
the nianu-
Inch, after
i principal
ut of date,
incnt, and
talogue of
lish ()uac]\

medicines and caricature prints are not the least esteemed nor
the least abundant.

This place is said to l)e unhealthy ; and instances of longe-
vity are very rare. The unhcalthiness may arise, however,
more from local and temporary circumstances, than from the
necessary influence of the climate. Water is suffered to stag,
nate in marshes near the town, though they might easily be
drained, or filled with earth. Strangers, particularly, feel
thrir tormenting ccmsequences in the infinite swarms of mus-
tjuitoes, or large gnats, which attack them for some time aflter
their arrival. This is not the only annoyance to strangers, in
the night, at Rio ; for there, as in Lislmn, according to the
observation of lord Kuims, the wheels of carts are purposely
constructed to make a most harsh and croaking noise, to pre-
vent the devil from harming the cattle that are yoked to them.
The fertile powers of the imagination could scarcely have de-
vised a more effectual method of prodtjcing a horrid din.

No real or fancied danger, however, curbs the propensity of
all classes of society here towards gaiety and pleasure. There
are three convents for men, and two for women, in this place ;
but little is said to be practised, in any of them, of the auste-
rity and self-denial supposed to be intended by their original
institution. Though the conquest of the country originally
was undertaken with the professed intention of converting the
natives to Christianity, and ample endowments have been
made fbr maintaining friars to preach the gospel to those infi-
dels, yet not one of the former was now engaged in such a
troublesome, unsafe, and, perhaps, hopeless enterprise. In-
deed, a few Italian missionaries residing here, took pains to
send amongst the Indians such of that tribe who frequent Rio,
as they were enabled to gain over to their faith, by presents as
well as by persuasion, in order, by that means, to endeavour
at converting the Indians dispersed throughout the country.
Neither the friars nor the nuns of this place seem at all dis-
posed to run into the ghxtmy excesses of devotion ; and nor
thing can be more sprightly than the conversation of the latt^
Avith strangers at the convent grates. The men are, certainly,
not corrupted by the writings of free-thinkers. No such exist

SOUTH AMERTCA.

in the lungimge of the country ; ami few rortiigucse afo ac-
quainted with any otlicr. Tliere are but two bookhcileis in
Rio, whose slwps contain only books of njedicine and divinity.
Rut tlie religious system, wliicli held its empire Uurc with
such happy effects ho long, bears n«w some resemblance to a
machine, of which the spring, by its own internal working, is
slackened at length, and wearing out. No iiitjuisition, or tri-
bunal of the holy ol«ce, at it is called, is established in the
Brazils. The ceremonies of religion are, however, regularly
kept up, and even muhiplied. In the day time, bells and
sometimes sky-rockets announce, al cxory hour, some solem-
nity performing in the churches ; and after sunset the streets
are crowded with processions. At every corner is stuck up,
in a glass case, the inmge of the Virgin Mary, to which ho-
mage is regularly paid by those who pass it.

'In one part of the harl)our of Rio,' says Staunton, «not
far from the town, at a place called Val Longo, are the ware-
houses for the ivceplion, and preparation lor sale, of the slaves
imported chieHy from Angola and Renguela on the coast of
Africa. This spot was appropriated to the purpose of cleans-
ing, anointing, fattening, rendering sleek and saleable, and
concealing the detects of, this class of beings, who seemed little
sensible of the humiliation of their condition. About 5000
were usually sold, every year, at Rio, out of 20,000 purchased
for the whole of the Brazils. The average price was about
twenty-eight pounds sterling each, before they were shipped
from Africa. A duty of 10,000 reis a head i« paid to the queen
of Pcalugars agent there. The whole amounted to about
60,000/. a year, which goes into her privy purse, and is not
considered as part of the public revenue. In the whole of the
Brazils there were sup})osed to be, at least, 600,000 slaves,
born in Africa, or descended Irora those who were. The
whites were computed to amount to about 200,000. The
proportion <>f blacks to whites in the town of Rio was sup-
posed to be at least 40,000 t*^" the former, including such as
had been emancipated, to about 3000 of the latter.'

St. Salvador is the capital of the capitama of Bahia, and is
also called Cidade de Bahia ; it was originally the seat of the

SOtrl^H AMERICA.

ucse are ac-
toksi'llers in
nil divinity,
tlure with
ibluuce to a
working, is
tion, or tri-
>lifd in the
r, regularly
, bells and
«jine soleni-
l the streets
i Stuck up,
) which lu)-

jnton, 'not
e the ware-
•f the slaves
lie coast of
e of cleans-
leable, and
eemod little
Lbout 5000
> purchased

was about
;re shipped
the queen
i to about

and is not
hole of the
)00 slaves,
ere. The
100. The
i was sup-
ing such as

hia, and is
seat of the

•upreme gftVemnrent bf Brazil. It consists of tm, parts, one
Duilt on low ground near the shore, where the commerce is
earned on, and the other on a high hill, which beinjj consider-
ed the most healthy, is the residence of all. the people of con-
sequence. Its population is said to be nearly equal to that of
Rio de Janeiro, and is stated at not less than 70,000 souls.
The houses are built with latticed windows and balconies, si-
mdar to those in Rio de Janeiro The churches are the pub-
he buildings most worthy of notice: thev are said to be richly
ornamented within. The government of the city is vested in
a viceroy, or governor, who is nominated by the court for
three years. Here all law proceedings, civil and criminal,
come before the respective magistrates, whose sentence is in
general final, though appeal? in certain cases may be made to
the court at Rio de Janeiro.

The town is tolerably defended, also the bay, as well as cir-
•^umstances will permit. On the shore is a royal arsenal, and
t^umerous houses for stores, &c. The custom-house and
.vharfs are conveniently situated. Ships of war have been
built here, also many large and fine vessels for the merchant
service. For these purposes, a large supply of f ne timber wad
readily obtained from the interior by the number of fine rivers
which flow into the bay. The wood holds iron better, and is
superior to our oak.

The manners and customs of the people differ little from
those of the inhabitants oi' the capital ; but it is said that in
the best societies here, more gaiety and refinement prevail, and
the higher classes are more sociable, than in Rio de Janeiro.
A taste For music is general : there are few houses without the
guitar, and all the more respectable families have piano-fortes.
The ladies dress in the EngHsh style, and ornament themselves
with gold chains: they wear very few diamonds; their fa-
vourite gem is the chrysolite. For dishabille at home they
wear a kind of loose dress, over which they throw a veil on
the entrance of strangers. They are considered as far less in-
dustrious than the females of the southern districts. The do-
mestic dress of the rtien consists of a jacket and loose trowsers,
made of light printed cotton. Religious processions take place

4 R

ij-«.-

ban

SOUTH AMERICA.

here, as m Rio de Janeiro, on great festivals and rejoicing
days; and these festive <H3ca«ion.s are distinguished by various
auujse,nePt8 which continue fhin. morning to niglit At these
timcH tlie Brazilians have a cusio.u of covering the walls and
balcou.es ot then- houses with beautiful silks made and orna-
mented for the purpose. One of the n.ost nnmorablc seasons
«> rejoicing, o* Jate years, u.is when the prince touched at this
aty on his voyage to llio de Janeiro, and renmined several
days, a he inhabitants testified their loyalty and attachment
to hnn by every public demonstration of loy.'and by a display
«i all the grandeur and magnificence which they had means to
furnish As a more solid proof of their attachment and re-
gard, they unummously voted to subscribe a sum equal to halt
a million sterling to build a palace for the royal family, < the
prince would condescend to reside among ihem.

The climate is always warm, but is refreshed by the sea-
breeze, and is in some degree tempered by the long absence of
the sun, the nights being almost of uniform length throughout
the year. Though hotter than Rio de Janeiro, Hahia is con-
sidered much more healthful, having a more airy situation,
and being better suj.plied with water. The practice of bath
ing IS very general, and most of the houses have conveniences
for this purpose.

Pcrnambmo, the capital of the capUania of that name
though situated neany in the latitude of eight degrees, isconsi-
dered very healthy. The town is built on a rising ground,
much exposed, and constantly refreshed by the sea-breeze It
has many excellent edifices, and is supposed to contain more
opulent merchants, in proportion to the population, than any
other place in Brazil. It produces vanilla, cocoa, and a consi-
derable quantity of sugar; but the chief article of its trade is
cotton, which for many years had the reputation of being su-
penor to any other, but of late it has much deteriorated, from
neglect, either m the growth, or in the gathering the pods and
cleaning It from the seeds, or probably from general inattention
to the whole management of it.

Para is alsc, the chief town of a capUania, and is situated
on tfie nver Tocantins, the navigation of which is difficult,

SOUTH AMERICA.

689

id rejoicing
i by various
. At these
ic walU and
e and orna-
tiblc scatiund
i:licd at this
nod Btiveral
attachment
>y a display
id means to
;ut and re-
qual to halt
nily, » the

by the sea-
; absence of
throughout
Khia is con-
^ situation,
ceof bath-
mvenienccs

that name
L's, is consi-
ig ground,
)reeze. It
ntain more
, than any
nd a consi-
its trade is
' being su-
ated, from
i pods and
inattention

is situated
s difficulty

and is seldom attempted, except by small craft: the Confianco
sloop of war with great care sailed up it, and anchored nc.ir
the town, several duys previouH to the expedition against Ca-
yenne. The town may contain 10,0(M) uihnbitantR, who are in
general very p<K)r, probably from want (^'commerce.

The port of Hio Grande is situated about 32 dcg. south ; it
is dangerous to enter, first from its being shoal water, and
next, from a violent sea always running, and from the stifling
of the sands. Notwithstanding these inconveniencies, there is
a great trade carried on from this place to all the ports of Bra-
zil, in brigs and small vessels that do not draw above ten feet
water. After passing the bar, which is V-ii\^, diey enter into
an inland sea, or lagmm, of deep wate' , .ind i.a 'igate to the
north and west to its head, whore the ) riu "tpfll ri .»r runs into
it. To the southward is the lagocm -,Tf m, and the neutral
ground, a little to the southward of whic' » tfif Spanish for-
tress of Santa Teresa, lately put in repair. The vicinity of
Rio Grande is extremely populous. The principal occupations
of the inhabitants are, the breeding of cattle, for which the
immense tract of pasture land is so well calculated ; the drying
and preparing of hides ; and the making of charque^ or what
is called, in the river Plata, jug-l)eef Tlw quantity of hides
exported from hence is almost incredible : they furnish many
vessels with entire cargoes, which are carried to the northern
ports, and from thence embarked for Europe. The annual
average may be estimated at not less than 300,000.

Santos is a place of considerable trade, being the store-liouse
of the great captaincy of St. Faul's, and the resort of many
vessels trading to the Rio de la Plata. It is tolerably well
built, and its population, consisting chiefly of merchants, shop-
keepers, and artificers, amounts to 6 or 7000 souls. The
situation is by no means healthy, as the country around it is
low, woody, and frequently tleluged with rain, by reason of
the high mountains in its vicinity, which impede the passage
of the clouds.

St. PauVs is situated on a pleasing en)inence of about two
miles in extent, surrounded on three sides by low meadow
laud, and washed at the base by rivulets, which almost insi*-

!>,

684

SOUTH AMKHICA.

late .t In ramy wcftther ; it is corrected with the high land by
a narrow rdge. Tlve rivuleta flow into a pretty lafge stream

soti : ^^^•'.^'^•^'^ -- within a «.iir of L town, n^
south-west direction Over them tlu>re are several bridges,

'Ihe 8 teeis of St. PauPs owing to its elevation (about 50 feet
above the pU.n), and the water whieh alu.ost surrounds it, are
m g.«neral re.„ajkab]y clean. The population amounts to full
15 000 souls; perhaps nearly 20.000: the elergy, including
all ranks of r.4.fi,ou8 orders, may be reckoned at 500. Here
are iew umnufacture* of any consequence : a httle coarse cot-
tm .s spun by the l.and, and woven into cloth, which serves
lor a variety of ^Mearing apparel, she(>t8, &c.

Santa Cruz is situated on the island St. Catherine, which is
separated from the continent, in south lat. 527 and 2^ deg- , by
a narrow strait in some places scarcely half a league widcf
Ihc produce of the island consists in rice, mai..e, mandioca.
coffee of excellent quality, oranges, perhaps the finest in th,^
world, and a variety of other fruits.

There are few towns of any c.>nso<,.ueru.e in the interior.
Those that have been formc^d owe their settlen.ent to the
mms, and amongst which Tejuco is the most considerable.

2 vyr«:a be,ng situated in a sterile district, which produce,
r .1 u.' \ ' "^fi°^«"'»^«' ^f its inhabitants, in number
about 6000. depends, for a supply of provisions, on farms si-
tuated sevciul leagues distant. At no place are there seen a
greater proportion of indigent people, particularly of females
Yet, notvvuhstanding the idleness of the inhabitants, Tejuco
ipay be called flourishing, on account of the circulation of pro-
perty created by the diamond wcks. The annual sum paid
by government for the hire of negroes, salaries of oflicers,Vn.l
various necessaries, such as mire and iron, does not amount to
CSS than 35,000/. ; and this, added to the demands of the in.
habaants of the town and its vicimty, occasions a considerable
trade fhe shops are stocked with English cottons, bai/es,
and cloth., and other manufactured g<x,ds ; also hams, cheese,
butter porter, and other articles of consumption. Mules from
Irom Bohm and .iio de Janeiro come loaded with them

SOUTH AMERICA.

ligh I&nd by
arge Htre«iDt
; town, in a
ral bridges,
to governor,
H)iit 50 feet
viuUs it, ave
unt» to full
, iucluding
^00. Hero
coarse cot-
bieli serves

e, wliicb is
19^ (leg., by
igne wide,
maiulioea,
nest in tl)9

a interior,
nt to the
lerable.

produces
1 number

farms .si-
sre seen a
r females.
i, Tejuco
>» of pro-
)um paid
cers, and
mount to
)f tile in-
siderable
I, baizes,v
1, cheese,
lies from

Trade and Commerce.— Since the establishment of the treaty
of commerce between the British government and that of Br».
zil, the contraband trade has been almost done away ; for the
duties are now much reduced, and the accommodation which
the judge and subordinate oificers of the customJjouse are
disposed to allow is such, as to render that nefarious practice
unnecessary.

Iron and steel are articles for which there is a general and
constant demand. The smiths prefer Swedish iron, as they
have been always accustomed to it, and do not know how to
heat and work the English. The next article to be mentioned
is salt, in which the Bra/iliatiB are by no means nice. It is
made and loaded at one or two places on tl»e coast ; but that
wiiich is most esteemed comes from the Cape de Verd islai -s:
tliat brought from Liverpool is generally used in the sea-ports.
Common woollens, baizes, and some stout fine cloths, particu-
larly blue and black, are generally worn; also kerseymeres.
Cotton goods of almost every description, especially if low
priced, meet with ready sale. Hats of all sorts (particularly
dress-hats), and b(K)ts and shoes of English manufacture, have
of late been sold in great quantities : the leather is much pre-
ferable to that made in Brazil. Common and finer earthen-
ware, and glass; some sorts of fine and coarse hardware;
some plated goods, as candles now begin to be used instead of
lamps. Bottled porter, Cheshire clieese, butter, cheap furni-
ture, tin-plate, brass, lead in various shapes, shot of all sizes,
gunpowder, drugs, some philosophical instruments, books,
low-priced paper, watches, telescopes, salt provisions, as hams^
tongues, and barrelled pork, low-priced sadlery, and, most of
all, India and other goods fit for the African coast. Marble
mortars, mirrors, and many fancy articles of less note. Silk
and cotton hosiery, fashionable dresses for ladies, particularly
fine stockings and shoes.

It is to be observed, that the mother country still continues
to send oil, wino, brandy, linens, cotton.>, some silk, and a
variety of articles of inferior consequence. India goods, con-
sisting chiefly of cottons, are sent from the Malabar coast, and
Chioa goods are in great plenty. From North America are

f .

€86

SOUTH AafERICA.

fl\ ^

imported flour, salt provisions, turpentine, tar, staves, hotuso-

hold furnuure &c Naval stores, clothing for sailor^, arm ,

&c. may be said to lye generally in demand

The staple articles of trade from lirazW and the river Plate
v.h.ch are most in demand in England, when its n.arkets are
not overstocked, ar<^ cotton, coffee, hides, tallow of good qua-
lity. horns han-, fur-skins, and feathers. Sugar ?annot l,e
enumerated among them, as existing colonial regulations pre-
vent ,t from being generally used : but Brazil is well calculated
Jor growing It, having every convenience of situation, and all
the materials req,usite for machinery. To the above may be
added some wood; that beautiful species called jacaranda,

ere denominated rose-wood. is subject to so high a duty in
this country, that it cannot be generally introduced for cabinet
use, that from the East Indies excepted. Indigo is in General
mfenor^ R,ce of excellent quality is cultivat^ to gv^at ex-

T\ vu""^' f '' '"^ ^' ''^P"'^' ^"" ^' ^''''' <^"'-^d, to suit
he Enghsh market; for no where can a s(,il and climate be
found more favourable to the production of that plant than in
xjrazil.

Since the emigration of the court from I.islion, Rio de Ja
neim may be truly called the mart of South America, and is
likely to become a general depot of goods from the four quar-
ters of the globe: yet its commerce to Africa, to India, and
the islands m the Indian sea belonging to the crown of Portu-
ral, as well as its intercourse with China, has scarcely been
entered into. So many disappointments, caused by the poli-
tical e^vents in the mother country, and so unexpected an in-
flux of goods from England, occasioned such a stagnation in
commercial dealings, that the opulent merchants were deter-
nmied not to speculate. When trade shall have resumed its
regular channel, Rio de Janeiro will, no doubt, be a grand
and general market for the produce of all the ancient Portu-
guese possessions : it will be a kind of half-way house between
Europe and India, and every description of Asiatic produce
Will be found in its warehouses. Brazil, freed fmm colonial
restrictions, will soon become doubly populous ; its gold, in-
stead of being transpotted to foreign countries as heretofore,

SOUTH AMERICA.

687

ives, hoiise-
ilors, arms,

river PJate
markets are
f good qua-

cannot l)e
lations prc-
1 calculated
on, and all
)ve may be
jacaranda,
I a duty in
for cabinet

in general

great ex-
ed, to suit
climate be
int than in

Rio de Ja-
3a, and is
our quar-
ntlia, and
of Portu-
•cely been
' the poli-
&d an in-
;nation in
3re deter-
iumed itN
5 a grand
It Portu-

between

produce
I colonial
o'old, in-
Tetofore,

will circulate among the inhabitants ; and, under a wise legis-
lature, it is reasonable to hope, that in twenty years this great
country will rise in prosperity more than any other in the
same space of time.

Goventinent.— The government of this important country is
at present directed by the prince regent of Portugal, who has
not yet evinced any disposition to return amidst the stormy
politics of Europe. The country is divided into captaincies^
over each of which a governor presides, who has a military
force to support his measures. Several useful regulations and
important improvements have been made in the government, .
since die emigration of the Portuguese court.

Revenue. — A fifth upon all gold obtained m the mines, and
ten per cen^ upon the products of the land, form the principal
branches of the revenue. The duties upon imports and ex-
ports are als(} considerable.

Jrwyy.— The military establishment of Brazil is considerable
compared with the population. Every Portuguese and Cre-
ole, besides a great number of free blacks, arc enrolled in th'.
raihtia, which, aided by die nature of the country, might offer
a formidable opposition to an invading enemy.

History. — The discovery of the Brazils was merely acci-
dental. It was first settled by convicts ; but afterwards ad-
venturers of difj'erent descriptions joined the colony, which
was increased by the importation of slaves from Africa. In a
short time, the whole sea co£*st, upwards of 2000 miles, was in
some measure settled. But when Portugal fell into the power
of Spain, the Dutch, who had revolted from the tyranny of
that power, turned their arms upon Brazil : and they would
have overrun the whole, if Don Michael de Texiera, the
archbishop, had not taken ai-ms, and at the head of his monks
and a few scattered forces, put a stop to the torrent of the
Dutch conquest. He made a gallant stand until succours
arrived; and then resigned the commission with which the
public necessity and his own virtue had armed him, into the
hands of a person appointed by authority. By this stand he
saved seven of the captainships, or provinces, out of fourteen,
into which Brazil is divided ; the rest fell into the hands of

688

SOtJf H AMERICA.

the Dutch, tvho conquered an^ kept them with a bravery and
conduct, which would deserve more applause if it had been
governed by humanity.

The famous captain, prince Maurice of Nassau, ^ras the
person to whom the Dutch owed this conquest, the establish-
ment of their colony there, and that advantageous peace which
tecured them in it. But as it is the genius of mercantile peo-
pie to desire a sudden profit in all their designs; and as this
colony was not under the immediate inspection of the States,
but subject to the company called the West India company,
the latter acted in such a manner as compelled the prince to
resign. The impolitic economy and severity of the company
at length encouraged the Portuguese, who reconquered the
Brazils; but not till after a struggle in which thg States dis-
played great vigour, though too late.

Since this struggle for the sovereignty of Brazil, nothing
remarkable occurred in its history, excepc a feeble attempt of
the Creoles to throw oif the Portuguese yoke, until the arrival
of th court from Portugal in 1807. The adoption of this
measure, in any case of extreme necessity, had frequently
been suggested. But at the period of the French invasion,
the prince regent evinced the most extreme reluctance to quit
the shores of that country he had so long governed ; though
lord Strangford was indefatigable in his attempts to confirm
the resolution of the court, and was perpetually contrasting the
independence and glory of the new empire in South America,
with the abject vassalage and contemptible insignificance which
alone could be expected were the prince to remain in Europe.
At last, Bonaparte's declaration, that the house of Braganza
had ceased to reign, removed every objection ; and according-
ly, on the morning of the 29th of November, the Portuguese
fleet sailed out of the Tagus, with the whole of the royal fa-
mily of Braganza, and a considerable number of faithful
counsellors, and respectable and opulent adherents. The
fleet consisted of eight sail of the line and four large frigates,
and several other vessels of war, besides a number of Brazil
ships, and amounted in all to 36 sail, containing about 18,000
Portuguese subjects. As they passed through the British

SOUTH AMERICA.

689

bravery and
it had been

lu, was the
le establish-
peace which
cantile peo-
and as this
the States,
a company,
le prince to
le company
quered the
States dis-

il, notliin^
attempt of
the arrival
ion of this
frequently
I invasion,
ice to quit
I; though
to confirm
asting the
America,
nee which
I Europe.
Braganza
ccordinir-
jrtuguese
royal fa-
* faithful
s. The
frigates,
jf Brazil
t 18,000
i British

squadron, a reciprocal salute was fired, and the spectacle was,
in several respects, grand and interesting.

On the arrival of the court at Rio de Janeiro, several public
measures were suggested by the conde de Linhares, and
adopted by the prince regent, that have eminently tended to
accelerate the progress of improvement in this grand division
of South America, which seems destined to form one of the
most wealthy, populous, and powerful empires on earth.

An unsuccessful attempt was lately made at Pernambuco to
revolutionize the Brazils : but although it failed, the example
of the patriots in the neighbouring countries must tend to keep
alive the desire for independence, which the imbecile and stu-
pid court at Rio de Janeiro is little calculated either to sooth
or to repress.

FKENCH DOMINIONS.

•pHE French settlements in' Guiana were first formed about
the year 1635, and extend from the mouth of a small
river called Amano on the west, to another called Aracara on
the east ; though recently the limit was attempted to be ex-
tended, at the expence of the Portuguese, to the estuary of
the Maranon. On the south the line seems arbitrary; but
the whole extent does not exceed 350 British miles in length,
by 240 in breadth. The chief town is on a small isle called
Cayano, whence the whole territory is commonly styled Ca-
yenne. The soil and climate in general seem unexceptiona-
ble; but the situation of the town being ill chosen, in a
swampy isle, its disadvantages have been laxly ascribed to the
whole possession. The inland parts remain obstructed by
thick forests and underwood, and during the rains many

4 S

Ijif

f^' .

690

SOUTH AMERICA.

parts are inundated. The dry season is from June till Octo-
ber, and the heaviest rains in our ,,inter months.

Lhflerent French companies were formed, but successively
faded m their atten.pts to in-prove this colony. The Enjr'asli
ook It m 1667, and it was afterwards taken by the Dutch iu
loiby but at peace restored to the French. In 16.^S, the cc
lonists undertook u plundering exix^dition, which faiiing, gave
a severe shock to the prosperity of the colony, which has ever
since languished at Cayenne, ^^on after ths peace of 1763,
the Irencl. court made vigorous eifbrts to givt importance to
his settlement. Twelve thousand men, engagal in France as
ia?>ourers were landed; hut as no habitation or prooer , rovi-
910U had been nMo for them, ten thousand of these wretched
iJeings ni cou: uuencc perished, and the survivors demanding
to return to Fuu/pe, w^vc uiiuiiiingly brought back. About
a mil, on storhag v.. ik. le.sly expe.ided on this entornrise.
Ihe fugitive piaiitc:v. who i.ad fled from St. Domingo n't the
revolution, huvc-, however, done some good to the c.Iony
Cayenne was recently occupied by a Portuguese garrison, but
restored to France in 1814.

The ikst production of Cayenne was arnotto, a red dye.
Cotton, inchgo, and sugar, were next introduced; and, in
1721, coffee was brought from Surinam. T^velve years after
they planted cocoa. In 1763, the population and production
Btood thus: 500 whites, who employed 1500 negroes and
lx>00 native Indians, and produced about 260,000 lbs. of ar-
notta, 80,000 lbs. of sugar, 18,000 lbs. of cotton, 27,000 lbs.
of coffee, 92,000 lbs. of cocoa, and this is still nearly tlie
•ituation of the colony. The cultivation of indigo, which at
one time was carried on successfully, has greatly fallen off'.
Cayenne pepper is the most noted product of this country r
and, the inhabitiints using it to excess, a considerable quanti'ty
IS always imported from Peru. The town contains about
1200 white inhabitants, exclusive of the garrison. During
the French revolution, several eminent men were banished to
this inhospitable colony.

! till Octo-

SOUTH AMERICA.

691

uccessivf;Iy
ic Enjr'isii
; Dutcl. in
'S, the CO"
i.'ing, gav(^
h has ever
e of 1763,
)ortance to
France as
»per I rovi-
-■ wretched
lemanding
:. About
sntprprise.
figo at the
le coiony.
risoii, but

red dye.
; and, in
jars after,
roductiou
froes and
lbs. of ar-
r,000 lbs.
early the

which at
nllcn oft*,
country ;
quantity
ns about

During
lished to

ENGLISH DOMINIONS.

•pHESE valuable possessions in Guiana, which Great Bri-
tain recently obtained, were originally settled by the
Dutch. English Guiana is situated to the north-west of the
French settlement. The length, south-east to north-west, is
about 350 British miles along the shores of the Atlantic; but
the breadth only 160. It is divided into three different go.
vernments, Surinam, Berbice, and Essequebo, which it may
be proper to notice separately, after taking a general view of
the whole.

Climate.— Some have reported the climate of Guiana to be
mild and wholesome, in consequence of receiving the trade
wind fresh from the ocean. All the disorders known in hot
countries are, however, very prevalent.

Animalt.— The laubba, about' the size of a large cat, is pe-
culiar to this part of America. Snakes are numerous. The
aboma, when full grown, is 30 feet in length, and three feet in
circumference at the middle of the body. The red and yellow
mackaw are also peculiar to Guiana. The galvanic eel is
often found in the river Essequebo. This country likewise
abounds with those dangerous animals and tormenting insects
that usually inhabit the iiot regions of South America.

Botany.— lx\ consequence of the swampy soil and moist at-
mosphere of this region, vegetation presents a vigour and wild
exuberance perhaps without parallel. Here are two peculiar
species of palm, the annotta, the quassia, several medicinal
plants, and fatal poisons. The si Ik-cotton-tree of Guiana ge-
nerally grows to the height of 100 feet. Its trunk is about
twelve feet in circumference. The trunk is often made use of
for canoes, which are formed by hollowing them with fire.

Demerary.—Th\s province derives its name from the river
«o called. Its extent of sea coast is nearly 100 miles, runnina

SOUTH AMERICA.

west and by north, and west: it is bounded on the east by
Herbice, and to the westward by Essequebo. The riVer, at
Its entrance, ,s nearly a mile and a half broad, and has a bar
tour miles without of mud, over which no vessel drawing more
than nme feet, can pass until half flexed : but at high water
and sprmg tideg, there are eighteen feet on this bar. Within
the entrance is a battery called Fort William Fi c dcric, mount-
>ng eighteen heavy pieces of cannon. Haifa mile east from
U IS a block-house, which has a commanding view of the sea,
and a communication by signal with Uerbice, which gives im-
mediate notice of any vessel being off the coast.

The river Demerary is navigable for large vessels about 100
miles above its mouth. It is settled for nearly another 100
miles furtiier inland. At that distance are cataracts, or rapids,
Tvhich obstruct navigation ; but which, on account of the ro-
mantle mountainous scenery around, are occasionally visited
by parties of pleasure.

This settlement was formed by the Dutch in 1G6'3; but
four years afterwards they were expelled by the English,
whose descendants form part of the colony. It was resumed
by the Dutch in 1676. Derherary was first considered a de-
pendency of Essequebo ; but in 1774, having extended itself
to a surprising degree, and offering a superior harbour to the
othei-, it was determined to make that the residence oi' the go-
vernor, and capital of the two colonies : for that purpose the
town of Stabroek was commenced about a, mile from the fort,
and on the same side the river ; whilst a commandeur, or de-
puty governor, was now appointed for the Essequebo. Seven
years after this change, an English privateer took possession of
the two colonies, in the name of his Britannic majesty ; such
was the weak state in which Holland left her colonies. The
British commanders at Barbadoes were on the eve of sending
troops to the garrison, in order to fortify them, when informa-
tion was received that the English, in their turn, had been
obliged to capitulate to a French corvette. In 1783, at the
general peace, the colonies were ceded to the Dutch. Durinf^
the late wax, these, with the other possessions of the Dutch in
t,hp West Indies, were entirely neglected.

SOUTH AMERICA.

693

the east by
lie river, at
d has a bar
awing more
high water
r. Within
ric, mount-
i east from
of the sea,
h gives im-

about 100
lother 100
, or rapids,

of tlie ro-
illy visited

IG63; but
! English,
s resumed
ered a de-
nied itself
our to the
of the go-
irpose the
I the fort,
ir, or de-
>• Seven
session of
ty; such
es. The
" sending
in form a-
lad been
3, at the
During
JutcU in

In 1795, the burghers joined with the rangers and a body
of Indians in subduing the bush negroes, who had become
very troublesome. In the following year, the colony surren-
dered to an expedition dispatched by Sir Ralph Abercromby,
in conformity to a secret application from several opulent
planters. The British capital now invested in the colonies
made them of serious importance, and a grand object with the
mercantile and monied interest of Great Britain to retain;
the mere claims on them being estimated, at the time of the
peace of Amiens, at ten millions sterling. Yet, notwithstand-
mg these possessions were given up, and on the 3d of Decem-
ber were taken possession of by the Ratavian troops, the go-
vernor, who evinced the most ostentatious dislike to the
British, inflicted many serious evils upon the colony ; which,
however, were but of short continuance, as, on the renewal of
the war, the British flag once more waved over these colonies,
which were ceded in perpetuity to England, at the peace of
Paris, in 1814.

The origin of Stabroek has been already explained. It is
the principal seat of exchange for the produce of all the coun-
tries adjacent to the Demerary and Essequebo, and is situated
on the east side of the river Demerary. Its site is low and
level. It has an oblong form, being about one-fourth of a
mile broad, and one mile long. The principal streets are
quite straight, with carriage roads. A navigable canal ou
each side of the town, which fills and empties with the tide,
affords a great convenience to those houses which are not si-
tuated near the water side. The population in Stabroek con-
sists of about 1500 whites, 2000 free people of colour, and
5000 negroes.

Dutchmen, and other foreigners, differ in some points of
their living and household economy from the English. Their
general hour of rising is with the sun, about a quarter before
six, when tiiey make their appearance in a morning gown and
slippers, in the portico or piazza of the house, where a female
negro is in waiting with tlie coffee equipage. After a Dutch
planter has taken a dish or two of strong coffee, with little or
po sugar in it, the yongo, or boy, brings him his pipe, tobacco,

:' 1

ilil

II:

SOUTH AMJllllCA.

and flask of g,„:wuh those he e„joy« himself till bef.cen
nine ami ten ocluc-k, when he is visited hy the baas, «r over
«eero the estate who .-onart^ ,,.,,ress, L m-oiv'es Z
He then dresses lum^oif, a.d ruli. lor a glass of water and a
napkin to wash his J.n.d.s nnu u.c with

About eleven o'clock, the Dutchman sits down to a table
covered wuh various kinds of animal fJ^d, vegetable .IZ
and fruit. Peppe,- pot a soup flavoured wuh the juice of h
bitter cassada, and made pungent with rod n.J . lien nenner
IS a constant concou.itant. Madeira u.ne and water, and maU
i.quor, are substituted for tea. After this, he orders his horse
and pays a visit to some of his neighbours, or rides round the
estate to see the negroes at work ; in either of which cases a
negro boy lollows bim on foot, with a pouch of segars and a
Stick of file. It IS his constant practice, whether on horseback,
walking, or riding m a carriage, to smoke, and be supplied
through tne medium of a servant. He dines about three or
four o clock, an<l after taking a portion of claret, retires for
his afternoons nap, where he sleeps aw. the fatigues of the
day. He grows tired of the hammo. k towards evening, when
he comes down and takes his coffee, after which, a walk round
the buildings, to cP,,uire into the state of the negroes and their
work, concludes the day. The general hou. >or retiring to
rest m the country, ,s about eight or nine oY-lock ; tho inler
mediate time between this and sunset is occupied by siuuking
and drink uig gin. ^ ,

The lK>pulation presents a strange mix ,,re of Europeans.
Dutch, Germans, Prus. os, «u.,ians, P .des, J) ,es Spa.
nmrds Irench, and Am. .cans, may be incorporated as one-
third of the wliite population, and Great Hritain claims the
other two. All national e.miiy seems to U- forgotten, .hile
the pursuits of the motley group are directed unanimously to
chmbmg the ladder of fortune. When an F: r.pean arrives
he finds It necessary to provide himself with a housekeeper or
mistress. The clu^ice he has an oppo. ,nit, .f n.aki„/is'v.
nous ; a black, a tawney, a mulatto, o. ,n. ; one of which
can be purchased for 100/. or 150/. sterling, fully competent
>P fulfil all the duties of her station: some of them are su

SOUTH AMERICA.

695

n betncen
s, fir over-
ves orders,
atcr and a

to a table
h\c s')ti|)s,
lice ot' the
n pepper,
and malt
his horse
round the
sh cases a
;ar.s and a
orseback,
supplied
three or
'etirc's for
es of the
Jg, when
Ik round
md their
'tiring to
ho inter-
suiulving

ropcans.
es, Spa-
1 as one-
ims the
i> ovinia
ously to
arrives,
upor, or
g is Vi.
'1" which
npetent
are su

much educated as to be ible to read and write. They are
tasty and extravagant in ilieir dress; but when once an at-
tachment takes placo, it is inviolable. They embmce all the
duties of Ji wife, except |)residin^ at table; so far decorum is
maintained, and a distinction made. They employ themselves
in needle- work, and other doniestie affairs. Their usefulness
in preservin^r the arts and diifusing the habits of cleanliness is
felt and allowed by all, there being very few civ'' ed Eu-
ropean women.

The -.riKhKe cleared from the port of Denierary, since the
last establishment of the British custom-house, is as follows,
viz.— From the 5th of January, I80(j, to the 5th of January,
1807, in 221 vessels, 19,^:37 hogsheads, 474 tierces, and 801
barrels of sugar ; 4722 punciluons and 1 ' ogshcads of rum ;
23,004 bales and 2 bags of cotton; 12,390,102 pounds of
coffee ; aiid 1094 casks of molasses.

Essequebo. -Nine miles west of the Demerary is the river
Essetjuebo, which at its mouth, commencing from Borasierri,
and Ktending to Kapoeja creek, is 21 miles broad; the for-
mer sei vcs as a boundary to the two colonies. The navigation
here is vojy danL-rous and diflicult, even for small craft, which
arises frouj banks ol sand running in different directions across
the entrance Many estates and settlements are already made
on its bail , and i is also the residence of several timber-cut-
ters and urick-mi s tlu soil for which is particularly good.

The settlementb . Es^equer o and Demerary, from their
conjunction with each oihei , arc under the directions of one
governor, though two distinct colonies: but each has its court
of justice and subordinate officers.

Berblrc.—WarXncG river is at the i nth a mile and a half
broad, and in the centre is an island cai '1 Crab island. A
bar of sand five miles without the river, ■ mming from east to
west, prevents vessels drawing dk re than fourteen feet from
entering the river; this navig\ aon is inore d;ingerous than
that )f the Demerary, from the obstructions lo it being
sand.

Bfrbic( by the old boundary, is bounded on the l by
the Dcvifs creek, and on the west by A')arry creek, whic se-

606

SOUTH AMERICA.

• ,■!■■

iii

5||l

pirates that colony from Donierary. The river Rerbicc ia
shallow, but broad; nearly an hiuuhed plantations have birn
fonnc'tl on its banks. Thi- directors of the colony obtain from
it chl. Ily sugar. It also supplies cotton, coffee, cocoa, tobacco,
and a dyeing stuff called rokou. The goods carried thither
are the same as those traded with in the rest of the West
Indies. ,

New Amsterdam, the name of the town, is built on the
south side of the Canje river, running in that direction up the
banks of the Berbice a mile and a half, with l\\v houses facing
tlie water. The houses are different from those of Stabroek :
they are not mote than a story and a half high, very long and
narrow, with galleries on either side, for the purpose of vyalk-
ing and smoking in the shade.

When Surinam capitulated to the British in Auffust, 1799.
It conceded to Bcrbice the tract of country between the DeviPs
creek and the Courintine. This addition of territory was a
favourable circumstance for Berbice. The sea coast, extend-
ing nearly 50 miles, and the west bank of the Courintine,
were immediately surveyed and laid out into regular allot-
ments. British capital, industry, and perseverance, had ac-
complished, in eight years, what would not ii.ive been done by
any other means in half a century.

Surinam. — This valuable settlement is bounded on the east
by the river Marawina, and on the west by the river Courin-
tine: it is about 150 miles from east lowest, and GO from
north to south. The river, from which it derives its name,
has sand Iwnks at its mouth, over which there is about three
fathom water at high tide ; but above these banks the water is
much deeper, and the river na' igablc for large vessels above
90 miles up the country.

This colony was first settled in 1(>34 by the English and a
party of French. In 1667, it was taken by the Dutch, when
1200 of its oldest inhabitants removed to Jamaica. The pros-
perity of this colony has been much im})eded by the inhuman
wars carried on by the settlers against the Maroon negroes.
Since it was taken by the English, peace and commerce have
flourished.

SOUTH AMERICA.

The principal town in Surinam, and the capital of the Eng-
lish Guiana, ia Parimaribo, situated on the right side of the
river Surinam, at almut 16 or 18 miles from its mouth. It is
built on a sand-reef, well arranged, and the streets include
beautiful alleys of oran^^e and lemon trees. The houses are of
wood, and have no chimnies; the kitchens, for coolness sake,
are detached ; it is a town far advanced in the arts of civilised
life, above a mile in length, wide in pro|X}rtion, and swarming
already with an ever-thickening crowd of many-coloured inha-
bitants. The population of Parimaribo is estimated at 18 or
«0,000 persons. Of these, the larger half, at least 10,000
persons, are negro and midatto slaves. The free people of
colour are supposed to be about 4000. There are from 2 to
;U)00 German and Portuguese Jews ; and about 1800 English
and Dutch Europeans. The numbei* of temporary residents,
as in all sea ports, varies with the season.

The products of this settlement, in 1775, amounted to
822,905/. ; but the present amount is above four times this
sum. The population, at the same period, amounted to
100,000. Since the possession of this and the adjoining set-
tlements was guaranteed by treaty to Great Britain, several
regulations have been established, highly advantageous to the
trade of Holland, and favourable to the Dutch colonists.

English if uiana is rising rapidly into consequence. Several
millions sterling have recently been employed in forming new
plantations, and in facilitating the communication between thia
different lettlemfents. Nor is it at all improbable, but that, at
no very distant period, this fertile country may excel the West
Indies in riches, population, and political consequence.
30 4 T

09B

SOUTH AMERICA.

PARAGUAY.

^HE wide regions so called, and which border on the Ura-
guay, is celebrated as the seal of the wonderful labours of
the Jesuits, who established their power both over the bodies
and the minds of the inhabitants of this province. In 1767
the Jesuits were driven from America by order of the king of
Spain, and their unfortunate converts degraded to the same
footing as the other indigenous inhabitants of the country.

PATAGONIA.

^HE aspect of this country is very singular. There is an
immense tract of territory impregnated with nitre, about
600 miles in length and 150 wide, on the south and west of
the river Parana, and even to the junction of the Paraguay;
all the springs and rivulets being more or less saline. No
productive mines have yet been discovered, except some of
silver, near Mendoza, at the bottom of the Andes. The
rivers that wash this country all come from the high moun-
tains of Yacanto, or Sacanto, Champachin, and Achala on the
west of Cordova, which are little inferior in height to the
Andes of Chili, and are a kind of branches of those of Peru.
That part of the Andes which lies west of Mendoza is of a
vast height, and always covered with snow ; and there are nu-
merous volcanoes in the southern part of the Andes, as that of
St. Clement, lat. 46 deg., and others in a continued progress
to lat. 31 deg.

"ni-i

SOUTH AMERICA.

699

The Patagonians are represented to be a large and robust
race. Both men and women are dextrous riders. They sub-
sist chiefly by hunting, in -hich they are assisted by dogs.
They eat raw flesh, and, like most miserable savages, have
little regard for cleanliness.

ISLANDS.

Margaretta. 'J'HIS mountainous island, ^atuated opposite
the city of Cuniana in the Caraccas, is sup-
posed to be a volcanic production. It is about 30 leagues in
circumference, and is celebrated as being one of the first dis-
coveries of Columbus.

Juan Fermnde:i.—5na\\ Fernandez lies to the west of
South America, about 300 miles from the coast of Chili.
This romantic isle, diversified with woods and water, witH
craggy hills and fertile spots, is famous for having given rise
to the celebrated romance of Robinson Crusoe. It appears
that Alexander Selkirk, a seamah and a native of Scotland,
was put ashore, and left in this solitary place by his captain,
where he lived some years, and was discovered by Woodes

Rogers in 1709. ,

C/tifoe.— There are two remarkable archipelagos towards
the southern extremity of this continent: that styled the gulf
of Chonos, or the archipelago of Guaytecas; and that called
the gulf of the Holy Trinity, or the archipelago of Toledo.
The most remarkable isle in the former is that of Chiloe, about
140 British miles in length by 30 in breadth, but almost du
vided in the middle bv bays or creeks. The chief harbour is
Chacao on the north, and at Calbuco there is a corregidor,
nominated by the president of Chili: there are also two mo.

7001,

SOUTH AMERICA.

nastenes md a churqh. The isle of Chiloe is said to be well
peopled with Spaniards, mulattoes, and converted savages.

Terra del Fuego.—Tlm island, although never visited by
l^uropean navigators but in the summer months, is described
as among the most dreary and desolate spots on the habitable
earth and the few inhabitants upon it as the most miserable
and destitute of the human race.

Falkland Islands.— There are two islands of this name, each
about 40 miles square. The soil and climate do not appear to
be good ; but there is a considerable variety of fowls and fish,
and the plants seem somewhat to resemble those of Canada!
In 1764, commodore Byron was sent to take possession of
these islands, which were undoubtedly first discovered by the
English ; and a little establishment was made at a place called
Port Egmont; but being found of little or no value, they
were m a few years ceded to Spain.

Ferna9ido de Norhon/ia.-Thh small Portuguese island is
situated nearly four degrees southward of the line, and is about
15 miles in length and five or six in breadth. It is remarka-
ble on account of a very lofty peak, supposed to be about 700
feet above the level of the sea. It is a bare rock or column of
granite, nearly perpendicular, but slopes a little to its base to-
wards the north. The soil of this island is fruitful; and it
possesses a good open bay, with good anchorage in ten fathoms
water, which is protected by a fort built ujxjn an adjoining cliff.
_ But as this island is singular in its natural appearance, so it
IS perhaps no less remarkable for being the only inhabited spot,
of similar extent, on the surface of the globe, where no women
are allowed to come, it being allotted to male criminals, who,
with a small gairison and a number of priests, compose the
whole population. Perhaps also there is not any equal body
of men on earth, that exhibit at once so much holy mummery,
and so luuch human depravity.

This island, from being almost in the direct track of vessels
trachng from Europe to the Brazils, and its vicinity to the main
land of South America, would, if possessed bv a naval power,
disturb the whole commerce of this part of the continent.

DESCRIPTION

OF THE

NATIVE TRIBES

AMERICA.

npHE aborigines of America, throughout the whole extent of
the two vast continents which they inhabit, and amongst
the infinite number of nations and tribes into which they are
divided, differ very little from each other in their manners and
customs; and they all form a very striking picture of the most
distant antiquity. By taking a general view of the whole, the
peculiarities that distinguish the most important tribes will be
more .^sily perceived and understood.

The people of America are tall, and straight in their limbs
beyond the proportion of most nations : their bodies are strong ;
but of a species of strength rather fitted to endure much hard-
ship, than to continue long at any servile work, by which they
are quickly consumed ; it is the strength of a beast of prey,
rather than that of a beast of burthen. Their bodies and
heads are flattish. the effect of art ; their features are regular,
but tiieir countenances fierce; their hair long, black, lank,
and as strong as that of a horse. The colour of their skin a
reddish brown, admired amongst them, and improved by the
constant use of bear's fat and paint.

When the Europeans first came into America, they found
the people* quite naked, except those parts which it is common
for the most uncultivated people to conceal. Since that time,
they have generally a coarse blanket to cover them, which they
buy from us. The whole fashion of their lives is of a piece;.

♦

iRii

\i'

- k

m NATIVE TRIBES OF AMERICA.

hardy poor, and ,s.,nalid ; and their education from their infiuicy
IS sole y d.rected to fit their bodies for this mode of hie, and to
form then- mmds to inHict and to endure the greatest evils.
Iheu- only occupations are hunting and war. Agriculturo
left to the women. Merchandise they content AVheri
their huntn.g season is past, which they go through with mud,
patience, and n. which they exert great ingenuity, they pass
the rest of then- tune in an entire indolence. Th^y sleep half
the day ,n their huts, they loiter and jest among their friends,
and they observe no bounds or decency m their eating and
drmkmg Before we discovered them, they had no spirituous
iiquors; but now, the acquire.nent of these is what gives a
spur to their industry, and enjoyment to their repose. This
IS the principal end they pursue In their treaties; and from
this they suffer inexpressible calamities; for, having once be.
gi.n to drink they can preserve no measures, but continue a
succession of drunkenness as long as their means of nrocuring
iHl^'or lasts. In this condition they lie exposed on the earth
to all the inclemency of the seasons, which wastes them by a
train of Mie most fatal disorders; they perish in rivers and
marshes; they tun.ble into the fire; they quarrel, and very
frequently murder each other; and, in short, excess in drink,
ing, whi«., with us is rather m moral than destri ..i ve, am ^ngst
this uncivilised people, who have not art enough to guard
against the consequence of their vices, is a public calamity,
a he re^y amongst them, who live free from this evil, enjoy the
reward of their temperance in a robust and healthy old age.

The character of the Indians is striking. They are grave
even to sadness in their deportment upon any serious occasion ;
observant of tho.se in company ; respectful to the old ; of a
temper cool and deliberate; by which they are never in haste
to speak before they have thought well upon the matter, ai-'
are sure the person who spoke before them lias finished all ho
had to say. They have therefore the greatest contempt for
the vivacity of the Europeans, who interrupt each other, and
frequently speak all togetiier. Nothing is more edifying than
their behaviour in their imhlic counctts and assemblies. Every
man tjierc is l»eard in his turn, accorling as his years, hi«

m^ms

NATIVE TRIBES OF AMERICA.

703

wisdom, or his services to his country, have ranked him. Not
a word, not a whisper, not a murmur, is heard from the rest
while he speaks. No indecent condemnation, no ill-timed
applause. The younger sort attend for their instruction.
Here they learn the history of their nation ; here they are in-
fl&med with the songs of those who celebrate the warlike ac-
tions of their ancestors ; and here they are taught what are
the interests of their country, and how to pursue them.

There is no people amongst whom the laws of hospitality
are more sacred, or executed with more generosity and good-
will. Their houses, their provision, even their young women,
are not enough to oblige a guest. To those of their own na-
tion they are likewise very humane and beneficent. But to
the enemies of his country, or to those who have privately
o'fended, the American is implacable. He conceals his senti-
ments, he appears reconciled, until by some treachery or sur-
prise he has an opportunity of executing an horrible revenge.
No length of time is sufficient to allay his resentment : no dis-
tance of place great enough tc protect the object : he crosses
the steepest mountains, he pierces the most impracticable
forests, and traverses the niost hideous bogs and deserts for
I several hvnidreds of miles, bearing the inclemency of the sea-
sons, the fatigue of the expedition, the extremes of hunger and
thirst, with patience and cheerfulness, in hopes of surprising
his enemy, on whom he exercises the most shocking b^irbarities,
even to the eating of his flesh. To such extremes do the
Indians push their friendship or their enmity ; and such in-
deed in general is the character of all strong and uncultivated
minds.

Notwithstanding this ferocity, no people have their anger,
or at least the shew of their anger, more under their command.
From their infancy they arc formed with care to endure scoff's,
taunts, blows, and every sort of insult patiently, or at least
with a composed countenance. Tliis is one of the principal
objects of their education. 'I'ltty sjstt'iim nothinp^o unworthy
a man of sense and constancy, m a peevish temper, and a
proueness to sudden and raLit anger. And this so far has an
effect, that quarrels Iiappen as rarely amongst them when they

m
!ft

704 NATIVE TRIBES OP AMERICA.

are not intoxicated with liquor, as does the chief cause of all
quarrels, hot and abusive language. But human nature is
such, that, as virtues may with proper management be en-
grafted upon almost all sorts of vicious passions, so vices natu.
rally grow out of the best dispositions, and are the consequence
of those regulations that produce and strengthen them. This
is the reason that, when the passions of the Americans are
roused, being shut up, as it were, and converging into a nar-
row point, they become more furious; they are dark, sullen,
treacherous, and unappeasable.

A people who live by hunting, who inhabit mean cottages,
and are given to change the plate of their habitation, are sel-
dom very religious. Some appear to have very little idea of
God. Others entertain better notions : they hold the existence
of the Supreme Being, eternal and incorruptible, who has
power over all. Satisfied with owning this, which is tradition,
ary amongst them, they give him no sort of worship. There
are indeed nations in America, who seem to pay some religious
homage to the sun and moon ; and, as most of them have a
notion of some invisible beings, who continually intermeddle in
their affairs, they discourse much of demons, nymphs, fairies,
or beings equivalent. Though without religion, they abound
in superstitions ; as it is common for those to do, whose sub-
sistence depends, like theirs, upon fortune. Great observers
of omens and dreams, and pryers into futurity with great
eagerness, they abound in diviners, augurs, and magicians,
whom they rely much upon in all affairs that concern them,
whether of health, war, or hunting. Their physic, which may
be rather called magic, is entirely in the hands of the priests.

The loss of any one of their people, whether by a natural
death or by war, is lamented by the whole town he belongs to.
In such circumstances, no business s taken in hand, however
important, nor any rejoicing permitted, however interesting
the occasion, until all the pious ceremonies due to the dead are
performed. These are always discharged with the greatest
solemnity. The dead body is washed, anointed, and painted,
so as in some measure lo abate the horrors of death. Then
the women lament the loss with the most bitter cries, and the

'«

■*. th

Vl-

NATIVE TRIBES OF AMERfCA. 705

k *

'most hideous bowlings, intermixed with songs, which celebrate
Stf **^^ ^^^^ actions of the deceased, and those of his ancestors,
M ^The men mourn in a less extravagant manner. The whole
•wlflge attends the body to the grave, where it is interred, ha-
♦ J^liSed in their, most sumptuous ornaments. With the body of
^•Htke deceased are placed his bow and arrows, with what he va-
: lued most in his life, and provisions for the long journey he is
^ to take : for they hold the immortality of the soul universally,
but their idea i* gross. Feasting attends this, as it does every
solepanity. After the funeral, they who are nearly allied to
the deceased conc^l themselves in their huts for a considerable
time, to indulge their grief. The compliments of condolence
are never omitted; nor aref presents wanting upon this occasion.
After some time, they revisit the grave ; they renew their sor-
row ; they new clo||bip the remains of the body, and act over
% '^ain the solemnities of the first funeral.

Of all their instances of regard to their deceased friends,
none is so striking as what they call the feast of tike dead, or
* the feast of souls. The day of this ceremony is appointed ia
the council of their chiefs, who give orders for every thing
which may enable them to ct* >i;it«=^ it with pomp and magni-
ficence. The riches of the natio. ; re exhausted on this occa-
sion, and all their ingenuity displayed. The neighbouring
people are invited to jiartake of the feast, and to ht witnesses
of the solemnity. At this time, all who biv^P Jied since liie
last solemn feast of that kind are taken out c'^tJu'r graves.
Those who have been interred at the greatest d* si nee i'rom
the villages are diligently stiught for, and brought to this great
rendezvous of carcases. * It is not difficult to conceive the
horror of this general disinterment. ' Witliout question,' says
Lafitau, ' the opening of tlwse tombs displays one of the most
striking scenes thai can be conceiyfd ; this humbling portrait
of human misery, in ho many images of death, wherein she
seems U) take a pleasure to paint herself in a thousand various
aiHfKiH of horror, in the several carcases, according to the de-
gree in whwh corruption has prevailed over them, or the
manner m which it has attacked tliem. Some a[)pear dry and
\Mthei\\i; others hate a sort of parchment upon their bor.es;

4 r

#
*:

70C

NATIVE TJIIBES OF AMERFCA,

llf

some look as if they were baked and smoked, winljout any ap- ,
pearance of rottemtess; some are just turning to#ards the *
point of putrefaction; whilst others are all swarming with^* W *
worms, and drowned in corruption. I know not which ouglil
to strike us most, the horror of so shocking a sight, or tlo«J ^
tender piety ami affection of these poor people towards their-^W' ■
departed friends ; for notliing deserves our admiration more, •
than that eager diligence and attentiSn with whidi they dis-
charge this melancholy duty of their tenderrioMt; gathering up \
carefully oven the smallest bones; handling the carcases, dis-
gustful as they are, with eveiy thing IdKhsoiae; cleansing
them from the worms, and carrying them upon their shoulders
through tiresome journies of several days, without being dis- ^^
couraged by their ^usupportable stench, afld witliout suffering '*^

any other ejuiotionk' to arise, than those of regret, for having
lost persons ^vho were so dear to them in their lives, and soi?'
lamented in their death.' ■*.*"**

This strange festival i.^ tlie most magnif^ent and solemn
which they have ; not oi\ly on account of the gifeat concourse ji
of natives and strangers, and of the pompous reinferment they ^
give to thejr dead,, whom they dress in the finest skins they can
get, after having exposed them for some tiine in this pomp ;
but for the games of all kiikls which they celebrate upon the ^

occasion, in the spirit of vhose which the ar.cient Greeks and *

Romans celebrated upon siniilar occasions.

hx tills maimer do they endeavour to sooth the oa'amities of
life, by the honours they pay their dead ; hoirours whicli are
the more cheerfulK bestowed, becliuse in his turn each man
expects to receive them himself. T^ioiigh amongst these sa-
vage nations this custom is impressed with strong marks of the
ferocity of their nature; an honour for the dead, a tender
feeling of their absence, apd a revival of their memory, are
some of the most excellent Instruments for smoothing our rug-
ged nat'-'rc into humanity. In civilised nations ceremonies are
less practised, because other instruments for the suinc purposes
are less wanted ; but it is certain a regard for the dead is an-
cient and universial.

■^

-*!^

•J

ut any ap- ,.
Wards the
ning with^
lich ougm
lit, or the ■
fards their
tion more,

they dis-
hering up ;
:ases, dis-

clearising
shoulders
b«ing dis>
; suffering
m having
2S,. and so^'

id solemn
concourse s
iient they
J they can
lis pomp ;
upon the
reeks and

amities of"
ivhich are
each man
these Mil-
L'ks of the
a tender
fiory, are
our rug-
lonies are
purposes
ad is an-

•f.

*•

't^s^y

707

NATIvJ TRIBES^OF AMERICA.

'Dbough t^e women iH.AmcHfca have gcsiUTally the laborious
part of the ec%omy upon tllemselvcs, yet they are far from
'^^ 7y?6i"K the slaves they appear, and ar ,ot at all subject to the
^^ '' great subordination in which they aie placed in countries
*W iyjwherethey seem to be more resjiected. On the contrary, all
1^ thfe honours of th« nation are on th^ side of the womeii. They

j^J^ ift* even hold their councils, and have tneir share iu all delibera-
^^. **i tions which concern the statftf; nor are they found inferior in
the part they a«t. Polygamy is practised by some nations,
^jjjL f^ but it is not g^^ncral. In most they content themselves with
Tfc jpie wife ; but a divorce is aduiitted, and for the same causes
^at it was allowed amongst the Jews, Greeks, and Romans.
No nation of the Americans is without a regular marriage, in
which there are many ceremonies; ithe principal of which is,
■^the bride*s presentujg thf, bridegroom with a plate Pf their corn.
A lincontiiientllfet^re Wedlock) aifter marriage the chastity of
'^ their women is remarkable. The punbhment of the adultress,
J, as well as that of the adulterer, is in the hands of the husband
J'h himself; and it is often severej as, inflicted by one who is at
'*' ■* pace the party and the judge. %he\v marriages are not fruit-
ful,"" seldom producipg abo\ie two or three children, but they
are brought forth with less pain than our women suffer uiJon
such occasions, and with little consequent weakness. Probably,
that severe life^ whidi both sexes lead, is not favourable to
procreation. And the habit unmarried women have of pro-
". J(^ curing abortions, in which they rarely fail, makes ihem more
unfit for bearing children afterwards. This is one of the rea-
sons of the depopulation of America ; for whatever losses they
suffer, either by epidemical diseases or by war, are repaired
slowly.

Almost the sole occupation of the American is war, or such
an exercise as qualifies him for it. His whole glory consists in
this ; and no man is at all considered until he has increased
the strength of his country with a captive, or adorned his
bouse with a scalp of one of its enemies. When the ancients
resolve upon war, they do not always declare what nation it is
they are determined to attack ; that the enemy, upon whom
they really intend to fall, may be off his guard. Nay, they

«?

Sj>

*<■'

*<*

708

vTIVE TUIBife pfr AJ^KICA.

even Sometimes let jjears }.»«;. ck ar without comnyUing uif adt
of liostility, that the viplancc of all may be «^beirt by the
long continuan( > of t^- w^^tcli^. j|»(tnhe uucertaioty of thp
danger. ''^^'^•1. a« « ^,,

The day appointed for their departufe teing »ri ived, li v,
take leave of their (nen4s ; they change their clothes, or wlmt-'
ever moveables they have, in token oTrautual friendship ; theirs' #a

wives and female relotions go odt befive tbem, and attend lii?
some distance, from the to^n. The yraniarK march out /all
drest in their finest apparel, ai J most ^lewy ornaments, regu-
larly one after another, for thfcy nev^r m#ch in rank. 'IMi*
chief walks slowly on before them, singing the death song,
while the rest observe the most profound silence. AVh^'they
come up to their women, they deliver up to tliom all theif
finery, put on their worst clothes, and then proceed as their
commander thinks fit. i **"' %> ^

The qualities in an Irtlian*tar are vigilartCe And jatt^ntipij;^
to give and to avoid a surprise; and pj«ience and strength, to
endure the intolerable f«l%iVes jind hardships which ahvayf;
attend it. The natior"' of America are at an tmnu disUnce
from each other, t^i/) ,. jst desert frontier,,;; «tid hid in the
bosom of hideous, iwd aJwiost; boundless forests. These must J^ '*j
be traversed beio; •; th?^' meet an enemy, who is often at such ^
a distance as might ty: apposed to prevent either quarrd or
^danger. But, notwithstanding the secresy of the destination^
>f the party that first moves, the enemy has frequent notice of -s*
it, is prepared for the attack, and ready to take advantage in
the sanM manner of the least want of vigilance in the aggres-
sors. Their whole art of war consists in this: they never
fight in the open field, but upon some very extraordinary oc-
casions; not from cowardice, for they are brave; but they
despise this method, as unworthy an able warrior, and of an
affair in which fortime governs more than prudence. The ^>
principal things which help them to find out their cnAnies,
are the smoke of their fires, which they smell at a distance al-
most incredible ; and their tracks, in the discovery and distin-
guishing of which, they are possessed of a sagacity equally
astonishing; for they ,vill tell in the footsteps, which to us

."i

r^"'

any adt
by the

of thp

»di th V,
or what-
f); their
Uend

h .song;
len they
ill their
Eis their

tintion ;
iigth, to

^^1

KiKVIVE TRIBES of AMERICA. 709

'%¥

l-i-

wouM seem inoht conflised. th« jnm r ui n)vn that hate
41. pi^sed, WkI the length of me since thi y liave passed ; they

A| r.fV«D go SO fii as to distkiguisli tl»o B( erai nations by the mm^ i^ ^ ^^
" ^fereat nwi' ^ <'f thfi r feet, ind to perceive footsteps where w»
^3^^ cottW distinguish nothing less. A mind diligently intent up»on*
■^ * onp thji^, and exerci8ed,by long experience, will go !< ngtbs at
^,, first lew scarcely credible. >

Wbtai they di oxer an army of their enemies, their wny \n
* lo throw '' mMclves flat on tlieir faces among the witheretl
IdSw&s, the colour of which thfir bodies are painted to '•esi
exactly. They'*gu»erally let a part pass Unmolest<»i
theilj., rising a Uilfe. liiey take aim, for tKhey are ex
". marldmcn, m)(? ettSg up a most tremendous shout, !'. 'i

thv c»ll the war ry, they pour a storm of muslwt-bunets m^ ,
u tJw enemy; for they have long since kid aside the 14$^ '-•**
X arrfewB: the party tacked returns the same cry. Evwy-
lUin in haste covers I if with a tree, and returns the fire o(Kp,
he adverse patrty, , . > 11 as, they raise tl -nselves from tl|« Jjt^^ f

'round to give ('to second fire.

[ iff the
se must
at such
arrd or
tination.
lotice of
itage in
aggres-
' never
ary oc-
Jt they
d af an
The
(iclmies,
ince al-
distin-
Kjually
to us

...iMp.

After fighting some lime in this manner, the party whicb* ;^i;^''
tfi'inks it has the advantage rushes out of its cover, with small
axes m their hands, whioh they dart with gr^at address and'
' " dexterity ; they redouble their cries, intimidating their enemies

with menaces, and. encouraging each other with a boastful dis- , ';f
t\p\r.j of their owtt brave actions. Thus being come hand to f * '
hand, the contest is soon decided; and the conquerors satiatj?]
' their savage fury Avith the most shocking insults and barbari-
Vws to the dead, biting their flesh, tearing the scalp 'Vom their
heads, and wallowing in their blood like wi; liea^ ,f

The fate of their prisoners is severe and cruel The people
of every village shew their attachment to the ' aiends by their
barbarous treatment of these unhappy victinu . After mourn-
ing for the loss su^'nined in the war, they rush into an extra-
vagance and frenzy of joy for their victory.

In tVve mean time, the fate of the prisoners remains unde-
cided, until the old men meet, and determine concerning the
distribution. It is usual to offer a slave to each house that has
lost a friend; giving the preference according to the greatness

"I*

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

ti& 12.0

I.U

1.8

L25 I U. 1 16

Pholngraphic

Sciences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(714) 872-4503

. '^O^

.« ^ '"f

4 i

'?»

710

i *■.. « .

NATIVE*TRIBEaiOF AMERI04^ ^ -

of the loss. The.p^rson t#ho has uten the captive l^«&id#
^ lum to thg. dopr of ^^ cottage to which he is delivered, and
.f fh him gives'li belt of wampum, toihew that he has fulfill^:%
^ purpose of the expedifion, in supplying the loss of a citizen. "^
Thfey view ^^he' present whidh is initde them for some tSe; "
an^ according as thej tii|k him ^ her,.f^or it is th«, same/' ,
' proper or improper fot the business of the family, or as they ^
take a capricious liking or d^p'lcasul-e to the countenaiwje of ^■
*tlie victim, or m propohion to thcienatural bafbi^ity or theip.- 4Vi|L
resentment for their losses, they destine concerning himjlo . f^
receive^imintfttV family,, or sentence Mnx. to death. Ifth? *
^^T^^'^Z^''>'''''^''''^y^ Then^ "'

' *' «*|o«nger in the power of any one t6'save h«n. Tile na-. ^

'3«*«*sembled, as upon ao^ne^'great solemnity. A scaffold^^ *^

«•

V '

4i tl

# a

B
I
t
I

* '

i/fl.^-tliey: begin at the' extremities ^ his body, ancrgiduan7i'- ^";>
.- ^ pro»ch the trunk. One plucks out his nwls by the roots, ^^%
\ Jjy on^; another takes a finger into his mouth, %d tears tiff ^'lik
the flesh with his teeth; a third thrusts the finger, mangled as ^^
qj' It js, into the bole of a pipe made Wd-hot, whiih he smokes "^
^ Uke tobacco. Th^y then pound his toes and fingers to pieces -t " '
,v,^ween two stones; they cut circles- abo^it his joints, and'
'-' gashes ih the fleshy parte of bis limbs, which they sear imipe, .• ^^
diately with red-hot irons, cutting and searing alternately; '

Y they pull off this flesh, thus mangled and roasted, bit by bit, ^*

devouring it with greediness, and smearing their faces with .^^ f
the blood, in anenthusiasm'of horror and fury. When they '^'
have thus torn off the flesh, they twist the bare nerves arid
^ tendons about an iron, tearing and snapping them ; whilst e
• others are employed in pulling and extending the limbs them-
selves, in ^very way that can increase the torment. This con- ^
'. tinues often five or six hours together. Then they frequently
unbind him, to give a breathing to their fury, to think what -
new torments they shall inflict, and to refresh the strength of

■«'«

ed, ai^

fulfilled,,;*

.citizpn. r* -
• same, ^i Jg "

lance of ■*
or their « ■'•%#'
bim^

NATIVE TRIBES Of AMERICA.,^

f r

j^'

711

If the:

Then"
?ne na^« »|»
scaffold' ;^il
itly hei '

cene of '' ^f»
ir «i(ie, "^^
orment' * ^
invent. \. V

''^^.^- ^J/^

jled as
imok,es "
piecq^*
5, and

ately;
>y bit,
I; with
I'they
s arm
whilst
them-
s con-
lently
what
jth of

tf,

the iSfferer, ^o, ifeatied oJf witjftuch j^ari^ of uK^eard

of torments, diten falls immediately intcso V'oi'o^ a sleep, . ^

that they «»e obliged to apply the fire toji^aken Mi, *id re- ^ ^.

«» new his^suiBPerings. -^ '** . ' ^ ^

He is again fastened to the stafeje, and again they rene#
their CTueltv : they stiek him all ovet^ with small matches of ^
wood that easily titkeft firc^ b^t burns slowly ; they continually ^
run sharp repds into evfry part of his bodji; they drag out t
his teeth witlc pincers, and thrusUout his eyeSf ; and lastly,
after having burned his flesH from the bppes with slow fires;
after liaving so mangled the body that it is all but one wound ;
# after having mutilated bis face in such a manner as to carry *

' nothing human in it; after having peeled the ski» from the
headr and poured a he^p of ted-hot coals or boiling^water on

A?:

fiiA

1"- aA

the^ naked
blin3te,^nd staggering

skull; they once more uubhid the ^wretch, who,
ataggiing with pairi'aifd ^akuess, assaulted and

ftr-i

%■ ^ iJipeltS upon el^ry side with clubs and stones, now up, now
^own, falUng mto their fires a| every step, runs hither and
thither, uAil QOe cl the chiefs, Whether out of compassion op-
weary of cruelty, puts an end? to his life with a club or a dag.
■* gev. ' The body is then put into the kettl^; and this bart)arous f,

employment is succeeded by a feast as barl^rous.
'« 'jfhe women, forgetting the human as well as the fenaale na-
• tu^, and transformed into something worse than furies', act
^^ their parts, and even outdo the men, in this scene of horror.
The principal persons of the country sit round the stake,
^i smoking and looking on without the least emotion. What is
B the most extraordinary, the sufferer himself, in the Uttle mter-
yals of his torments, smokes too, appears unconcerned, and
converses with his torturers about indifferent matters. In- -
deed, during the whole time of his execution, there seems a
contest between him and them which shall exceed, they in m-
flicting the most horrid pains, or he In enduring them with a
firmness and constancy almost above human. y

They are governed bv a council of elders: but business of
consequence 'is determined in a general meeting of the whole
tribe. Murder is either revenged, or compromised by the
parties coacemcd; and each family daims a full right of judg-

K»^

.r-

r-i

Y»

'^.

.,«

ra_ ^,l4*IVE THjBES OP AMERICA. '*'

- H

rn.^ «*em#%reatly%geDerJted, ^h in phjpcaL.4»d mental

A>-'

r • "pRi --.'"TSB^-""""^^"' «^«t" « pnjpcanwa mental
qualities . Thdse Qr«fferent nations, and f|w dil^r^t Wts
^America ctttioiicted Avii| Oanada, come AMuaU|^ta%uebec
4.td Montreal, and^to oOier milit^ p|.g^ receive 2e pre!
*rite- wWiib the gov«dment8 Ifer^allf #t.ibute -AraoLt
* thj^*V Snd J|^ Ire thus dascribef by a ,^cep| traveller :_
rCJnceiv^t.i'^ourself a p^cel of men, wcHaenrand children,
wll •^T*^'''^ ^W^^^"* aVig.,^am, %med of pieceaof wood,
B^^-^br e»ght feet in lerfgth, the ends fixed in th« ja^und,
and ineeting at th« tgp, %rm i|*iAt;^ sl(^ing fran^, which ^ ^
» W covered %,th the bark .?f tW|,irch.tree, to keep o«t the in. ' .
•^>»«»«»« ^f^ the weatheK-e^v^j^^or eO(»ring itfeed.
. ^ are A«|f m,ked,-^o/A, c^ver^ with ^^ oily p^ts, *
- m ^armmg with v^t^^minutive, W«,akly iHei^

^son,tindap|i,eart»nce; and'hayi^i^phya^aV. i" whi^hd' *
' if w r'*'" *^ *'^'*' ^ intelligence. |^ »ot,mean to^
•^ay that they are ^thout the^reasoning facu%, b£they cer- '
tainly are very stupid. I unddl^tafld th^t thSr nulbem de-
' cre,<te^very year,^f th^ were wholly e,feti^,I||o ndt thinlc ^'

that human natu/rwould be a great suffer^v it.' '

fMi,

%.k.

^ ^_ ..w^.v. i^ a ^icui suHerer ny it.

. WWvAgesortBasioned -Inongdij^he aborigines^ Ime&a ♦*
,, „ 7 thfe efffect of spirituous liquote dE»d ths^rftall-pox, added t» : ^

J^T. .'\' ^ ^^^""^^ encroachments of civilij^ states, kmt, at fto v«aj^ ,
- * ^ ■'•.^«««"tP«^i«<l> annihilate the whole race. ^vehAtrilkih^^
Mready becomr extmcfr; and others, once very powerfo^ sm
|Mifch redacfe(J. The Society of Friends, in the United States, ^^
«&ve lat% sent proper persons amongst the Indians, in order
to teach them the arts of agriculture and civUized life. ThoS
who resign the practice of War and hunting, and apply thwn-
selves to the culture o^ the swl, nwy preserve the existencfof
a part of the native race, long after their ^peculiar habitwtfe-.
> lost and iorgotten. >, = ". i^

iJiO

FINIS.

PriHted bf) Mackenxk and /)«»/,

* ■

:P.

%' .

^ \

lurqp^aos
d mental
•^t |)art$ »>
Njl^uebec,
5 Hie pre-
^4iinoogst
veller: —
children, ^f-
of wood, &
ground,
e, which %
It; the in-

Hfettheir
in whichjdj'

mean to
:hey cer-
ibemde
idt thials *

Ama^ca ♦
tdded to ,i,,
no \9tf.^
fee have^{^.

1 States,

in ordor

Those

y thqp-

tenc6of

if'. <