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849 788

 
Historical and Philosophical
Society of Ohio.

Col. May’s Journal and Letters,
1788- 89,

NEW SERIES—VOL. I.
Committee of Rublication.

JULIUS DEXTER,
ROBERT CLARKE,
MANNING F. FORCE.
JouRNAL AND LETTERS

OF

Col. John May, of Boston

RELATIVE TO

Two Journeys to the Ohio Country

In 1788 anv ’Sg

WITH A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

By REV. RICHARD S. EDES

OF BOLTON, MASS

AND ILLUSTRATIVE NOTES

By WM. M. DARLINGTON

OF PITTSBURGH, PENN

CINCINNATI
ROBERT CLARKE & CO

FOR THE HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF OHIO
1873

2)
 
PREFACE.

The Historical and Philosophical Society of Ohio offers
to its members and the public the Journal and Letters of Col.
Joun May as the first volume of a new series of publications.
The old series was interrupted in 1854 and never renewed.
The present volume describes a journey from Boston to
Marietta in 1788, and the daily life of the first settlers of
Ohio. As it is a record made at the time the events oc-
curred which it describes, the book is a valuable contribu-
tion to the history of the State.

The Society is indebted to Rev. Richard S. Edes, of Bol-
ton, Massachusetts, grandson of Col. May, for permission
to publish the Journal. The same gentleman also kindly
prepared the memoir which precedes the Journal itself.
William M. Darlington, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has
added the notes. The Society returns thanks to both of

these gentlemen for their kindness.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

OF

Colonel Jobn May.

Joun May, the subject of our memoir, and writer of the
Journal and Letters, was born in Pomfret, Connecticut, Novem-
ber 24, 1748. His parents were Eleazer and Dorothy, whose
maiden family name was Davis (of Brookline, Massachusetts),
married in 1735. The father was a man of great height and
size, and from that circumstance unwieldy in his last years;
while the mother was of a more fragile and delicate constitution,
and died just as she was entering middle life.

John, our subject, was the youngest of a family of six *
children; two brothers, Eleazer and William, respectively ten
and eight years older, preceding him, and three sisters. Of
these sisters, Dorothy, the oldest, married Amariah Dana (the
parents of Mrs. Nathaniel Goddard, of Boston,)—in early life, on
the death of her own parents, adopted into the family of Colonel
May; Mary, the next, Jonathan Sabin (progenitors of Mrs.
Faith C. Hosmer, now of Springfield, Massachusetts); and
Prudence, the third, Silas Sabin, brother of aforesaid Jonathan.

After the death of his first wife, who died in 1750, Eleazer
May married again, taking for a second wife Abigail Sumner,
and, by her, had two more children, Ithamarand Abigail. Lucy,
who many years afterward married William Rufus, a son of

Colonel John, was a descendant of said Ithamar.
 

Biographical Sketch of

 

As it is matter of interest to some who will probably read
the pages which succeed, these statements are followed by
others, condensed as much as possible, relative to the more re-
mote ancestry which preceded, and the families which followed
the subject of our notice.

John,’ the immigrant ancestor, bearing the family name
(spelt in the olden time also Mayes and Maies), is said to have
come from Maytield, County Sussex, England. He was born
in 1590, landed at Plymouth in 1640, was admitted freeman
1641, and died in 1670.

Two sons, John and Samuel, came with him. We follow
the line of John? John? married the widow Bruce (née
Brewer or Bruer). Their family consisted of three sons—John,
Elisha, and Ephraim; and four daughters—Maria (or Mary),
Sarah, Naomi, and Mehetabel. The John? of whom we are
writing, settled in Roxbury, in the part then known as Woola-
manpagm, where and elsewhere he owned considerable real
estate, and died in 1671.

John,® eldest son of the above, also lived in Roxbury,
married (1684) Prudence Bridge, and by her had a large family,
as follows: John,* 1686,—removed to Woodstock, Connecticut;
Samuel, 1689; Piudence, 1690; Ebenezer (whose name we put
in italics for subsequent reference), 1692; Prudence, 1694;
Hezekiah, 1696,—removed to Wethersfield, Connecticut;
Sarah, 1698; Nehemiah, 1701; Mehetabel, 1703; Eleazer
(whose name also we italicize), father of Colonel John, 1705,
who removed to Pomfret, Connecticut; Benjamin, 1708.

Ebenezer’ appears to have been the ancestor of Most, if not
all the May families that are now living in the city of Boston
and vicinity. He lived in Roxbury, and married Abigail Gore.
Not to go into detail respecting this family, it is sufficient to say,

that of it were Samuel,® boin 1723, father of Abigail, who, in
 

Colonel ‘Fohn May. 9

 

subsequent years, married Colonel John; and Ephraim (Colonel),
with whom, in youth, he served an apprenticeship.

Samuel® married, for a first wife, Catharine Mears, and,
she dying, for a second, Abigail Williams. Abigail,® a child of
this pair last indicated, afterward the wife of Colonel John, was
born in 1754, and died in 1824. She was the oldest sister of
the late Colonel Joseph May, of Boston (who was the father of
Rev. Samuel Joseph May, of Syracuse, New York), and sister
also of the late Samuel May, Esq., of Boston, who died in
1870, at the advanced age of ninety-four.

Colonel John,® our subject (as appears from the foregoing
statements), son of Eleazer,* married in February, 1773, Abi-
gail,° grand-daughter of Ebenezer! and daughter of Samuel.?
The names of their children, with brief notes indicating the
course of family descent, follow:

I. Frederick, born November, 1773 (H. U. 1792); M. D.;
afterward of Washington, D. C.; died January, 1847; married
Julia M. Slacum, of Alexandria, D.C. Their posterity were
Dr. John Frederick, of Washington; the late George, of New
York; the late William, Commandant U. S. N.; the late Col-
onel Charles Augustus, U. S. A.; the late Hon. Henry, of Bal-
timore; Mrs. Julia M. Oelrichs, of New York; the late Mrs.
Laura Wise, of Baltimore; and the late Julian, U. S. A.3 and
children of the above-named.

II. Abigail, born November, 17753 died September, 1800.

IIL. John, born May, 1778; died March, 1823; married
Ann Gordon Reed, but left no children. A considerable por-
tion of his life spent at Cape Town, Southern Africa.

IV. Henry Knox, born May, 1780; died March, 1865;
married Maria R. Cracroft, of Alexandria, D. C., and lived in
Boston. He is represented in his son, Edward T., and in the
 

10 Biographical Sketch of

 

children and grandchildren of his sons-in-law, Henry F. Edes
and George William Bond.

V. Catharine Cravath, born 1782; died 1856; married
Henry Edes (H. U. 1799), D. D.,—many years minister of the
First Congregational Society in Providence, Rhode Island.
She is represented in her sons, Henry F. and Richard S., their
children and grandchildren.

VI. Sophia, born September, 1784; died February, 1870 ;
married (his second wife) the late Edward Tuckerman, of Bos-
ton. Represented in her sons Prof. Edward, of Amherst Col-
lege ; Samuel P., Doctor of Music; the late Frederick G. ; and
her daughter, Mrs. Sophia May Eckley.

VII. William Rufus, born December, 1786; died Feb-
ruary, 1844; married Lucy May (descendant of Ithamar), but
left no children. They lived in Pomfret.

VIII. George Washington, born October, 1789; died
1845 (ft. U. 1810); M. D.; married Catharine F. Lee, of Vir-
ginia, and lived in Washington, .D. C. Represented in_ his
daughters, Sophia, Catharine, and Juliana Gales.

IX. Charles Augustus, born April, 17923 died an infant.

X. Mary Davenport, born August, 1793; died July, 1869.

XI. Charlotte Augusta, born January, 1795, and is living
at No. 1 Decatur street, Boston.

To these add Lucretia Dana, child of a sister of Colonel
May, afterward Mrs. Nathaniel Goddard, of Boston—a most
excellent woman, who died almost a centenarian, and who is
represented in numerous descendants.

Abigail, the wife of Colonel John, was, according to tra-
dition, a person of much personal beauty in her youth, and of
great loveliness of character and disposition; idolized by her
children, and much esteemed and respected wherever known.

A notice of her may be found in ‘* Reminiscences of the Boston
 

Colonel ‘fohn May. 11

 

Female Asylum” (of which she was one of the early direct-
resses), published from Eastburn’s Press, in 1844.

Among the papers of Colonel John were found two poetical
effusions, doubtless by some Quaker friend of his: one signed
“A Frienp,” and dated 3d day of roth month, 1769; and the
other, in the same handwriting, addressed “To Mr. Joun May,
on HIs MarRRIAGE WITH THE AMIABLE Miss A. May,” dated
(another handwriting) February 16, 1773. They are both
more worthy of preservation on account of the good counsel
and good sense they contain, than for their poetical merits. As
a specimen of the style of thought and expression of the time,

we copy a few verses from the last referred to:

Reverse the scene, and view the pair
Whom Heaven propitious makes its care:
Their hearts are joined in bands of love;
Their bliss resembles joys above ;

Discord and passion’s endless strife

Are strangers to their happy life ;

But hand in hand with friendly heart
They strive to act the virtuous part ;

While love their golden time employs,
And friendship heightens all their joys.
This bliss, O May, I hope you ’ll find
While blest with first of womankind.
The loveliest fair e’er Boston knew
Resigns unnumbered charms for you ;
That heavenly form, that angel mind
Who envies not is more than blind.

How pleasing is our soul’s surprise,
Whene’er we contemplate those eyes,
Where heavenly goodness sparkles through,
And brings a spotless soul to view !

While you deserve this lovely fair,

Her happiness will be your care;

And Heaven will shower its blessings down,

Till you put on a starry crown.
 

12 Biographical Sketch of

 

But since this life is compassed round
With ills whose number can ’t be found,
°T is wise to keep, in every state,

A mind prepared for turns of fate 5

And never raise our hopes too high

Of bliss for things below the sky ;

For “tis a truth by all confess’d

No mortal e’er was fully blest.

Of the life of Colonel May only the general course is
known, and preserved to memory by family tradition. Of his
probably numerous papers (for he wrote much and was rather
fond of using the pen) but few remain. He came to Boston
from Pomfret, his native home, when quite a lad, and was ap-
prenticed to Colonel Ephraim May, with whom he ‘served out
his time,” according to the usage of those days. In 1773 he
married Abigail (as above). When Boston was besieged in 1775,
he went, with his family and other relatives, back to Pomfret,
returning when the British army evacuated the town, and the
intercourse of Boston with the adjoining towns was restored.
He did not leave the town, however, till the siege had been
some time established, and then (as his children often told) in a
boat, on a very dark night, and through the connivance of a
British naval officer, with whom he was friendly. At what
time he became connected with military affairs is not known;
this only, that October 11, 1778, he was commissioned as adju-
tant, with the rank of captain, in “¢the Boston Regiment of
Militia,” and—after passing through the successive grades of
Major and Lieutenant-Colonel—as Colonel, January 19, 1787,
his commission signed by James Bownorn, Governor, and JoHn
Avery, Secretary.

As Major, he was serving in Rhode Island under the
CounT DE RocHAMBEAU, when the Jast named was in com-
mand in that section, and so acquitted himself as to be compli-

”

mented for his ‘* good behavior ;”’ and when he came to com-
 

Colonel ‘fohn May. 13

 

mand the regiment, was thought to have advanced its appearance
and discipline. Whether he was ever under the discipline of the
French drill-sergeants or not, he took pride in always carrying him-
self in an erect and military manner, and was accustomed to say
that no one, whether standing in a crowd or anywhere else, need
to feel tired, if he would only poise himself properly on his feet.
Sometimes, when attending the Quarterly Charity Lecture (as
it was called), at the Old South Church—where the services
were usually Jong and the attendance crowded—he would, after
repeatedly giving up his seat to ladies, take his stand in the aisle,
remaining erect and motionless, as if on duty, during the re-
mainder of the service, remarking afterward that he felt no
fatigue, because he stood properly. Various little plans and
sketches which appear in the original manuscript, but which
must be omitted in the printed copy, as well as observations
which occur along throughout the Journal, show that he was a
keen observer, and possessed something of the natural skill at
drawing which appeared in his daughter, Mrs. Tuckerman, and
which, with better opportunities, might have made him a good
draughtsman. During his vigorous days, he was, for twenty
years or so, one of the Fire-wardens (an office half-military, half-
civil, requiring always the exercise of authority, and often the
taking of much responsibility) ; and at the time of his death, and
for eight years previously, one of the Selectmen.

Colonel May, at different times, resided in two, if not in
three, different sections and streets of Boston. In early life on
Orange (now Washington) street, and later, at the “ North
End,” on a street first styled Fish, then Anne, and now
North street—a locality at this date surrendered up entirely to
sailor boarding-houses and warehouses. Of this last residence
(a large house, of somewhat imposing appearance for the day

of it), he took the deed November 9, 1795. [See Drake’s ‘* Old
 

14 Biographical Sketch of

 

Landmarks of Boston,” p.171.] Here in the exercise of a gen-
erous hospitality he passed the remainder of his days; here his
daughters were married ; and here, in July, 1812, he died ; having
previously, with his family* (at what date can not now be precisely
ascertained) passed a year, or year or two, in Portland, Maine.
It was his own wish to remove to the land which he claimed at
Muskingum, Ohio; but, his wife’s parents persistently opposing
that measure, it was never accomplished. He died of apoplexy,
being found in a semi-unconscious state, on the floor of his
counting-room (on what is now Union wharf), and surviving
but a day or two afterward. The funeral was numerously at-
tended; his minister, the Rev. Dr. Lathrop, of the Hanover
Street Society officiating in the usual service, and the Ancient and
Honorabel Artillery Company, with other organizations to which
he belonged, being present. ‘The remains were interred in a
family tomb in the burying-ground on Boston Common.

That he was a man of much force of character and execu-
tive ability, abundant proof is furnished in the Journal which
follows, as well as elsewhere; as in the exertions he made—
though at the time entirely unsuccessful—to procure a marginal
road from the North End to Roxbury line. Though of a hasty
and choleric temper, no doubt, he possessed great warmth of
heart also, and abounded in acts of neighborly kindness and
friendship. If his children stood in great awe of “him—as all
their stories and traditions about him showed—they also loved
him quite as dearly. If oftentimes, by his roughness and blunt-
ness of speech, he made enemies, he constantly drew friends to-

ward him ‘‘ as with hooks of steel.’”’ A hater of cant and de-

 

* The writer is informed that Charles Augustus, born April 28, 1792, and Mary
D., born August 11, 1743, children of Colonel John May, were born in Portland. His
(the writer’s) mother well remembered the Portland days, and often spoke of them

with pleasure. The house Colonel May occupied was,on High street,
 

Colonel Fohn May. 15

 

spiser of hypocrisy, he was a lover of good men, wherever found,
in the garb of whatever sect or communion; and a constant
and firm supporter of those institutions of religion in which he
believed, and in some of the observances of which he greatly
rejoiced. Psalm-singing was his delight, for which he was fitted
by the endowment of a bass voice of more than usual depth,
and by a keen musical susceptibility, the emotions arising from
which were often of an overpowering nature. He delighted, too,
in the exercise of hospitality, and nothing gave him more pleasure
than to see his table surrounded with the faces of. friends whom
he loved,—a pleasure to which, at his house at the ** North,
End,” he regaled himself on a set day, regularly every week,
when fried cod or boiled halibut forrned the standard dishes,
and ** Brother Joe” and other friends and brothers-in-law had a
standing invitation to be present. His temperament, though of
such a nature that fits of inaction alternated with others of ex-
cessive exertion, was, on the whole, one which made too great
demands on the vital powers. He doubtless shortened his days
by attempts at doing too much, and by the worry and anxiety
attendant thereon. Owing to the times in which his life was
passed, the unsettled state of the country and of business gener-
ally—owing, too, to losses at sea, the unfaithfulness of employés,
and other causes we do not recapitulate, he died—leaving his af-
fairs in a somewhat entangled condition; but so that his widow,
who survived him several years, and whose memory is fragrant
with all tender thoughts, almost with an odor of sanctity, was at
length made comfortable. She lived with her two maiden
daughters, much of an invalid, all but worshiped by her children,
and fondly cherished by a large circle of friends, about a dozen
years longer, and died in Derne street, Boston, A. D. 1824.
The Journal of Colonel May which follows, as a whole, now

first sees the light; but extracts from it have already appeared
 

16 Colonel ‘Fohn May.

 

in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, for Jan-
uary, 1873. Hidden under masses of old accounts, letters, and
other papers, which were stored away in bundles in attic rooms
or dark closets, its bare existence was hardly remembered, and
then only by his last two surviving children. Some months be-
fore her own death, it was handed to the writer by his aunt, Miss
Mary D. May, with permission to copy it, and otherwise do
with it as he pleased, provided only the bogk containing it (on
account of other matters in its pages which she did not wish to
have preserved) was ultimately destroyed. He has obeyed her
wishes and fulfilled his own promises faithfully. Stained, torn,
yellow with age,—the ink in places faded out, and the chiro-
graphy from haste often almost unreadable,—the work of deci-
phering (though the handwriting was generally neat, in places
even handsome) was difficult; and, in the case of proper names
especially, it was sometimes next to impossible to make out
what the words were. In such cases, where they occur, the
editor has indicated his doubts by a note of interrogation [?];
in other places where they appear to have been omitted, supply-
ing words or short sentences necessary to fill out the sense, in
all cases correcting the orthography of common words, wher-
ever he has noticed misspellings. Otherwise he has not inter-
fered with the expressions or style of the original writer, and he

now leaves the Journal and letters to tell their own story.

R.S. E.
Bolton, Mass., May 14th, 1873.
Journal, 1788.

On Monday, the 14th day of April, 1788, having —
arranged my matters at home [Boston] in the best
manner I was able, I left them in the immediate care of
my brother, Joseph May. At 6 o'clock in the morning
I set out from home [on horseback] in company with
Lieut. Rice and Walter Tufts, who is my orderly, on
a tour to the Ohio country, and about sunset arrived
safe at Providence. Lodged at Daggett’s tavern.

Tuesday, 15th. Mounted our horses at 6 o'clock
in the morning, and with great industry reached Wind-
ham at 8 o’clock in the evening. Were obliged to
cross the Quinnebogue* in a scow, the bridge having
been carried away.

Wednesday, 16th. Left Windham at a quarter be-
fore 6 o'clock in the morning, and, after traveling
through a tremendous hilly country, viz., Lebanon
Creek, Boulton, etc., arrived at 3 o'clock at Hartford.
Found the Connecticut river exceedingly high, which
hindered us an hour. Dined at Bull’s, then went on

 

* The spelling of proper names will be left unaltered, as found,

as possibly it may indicate the pronunciation of the time.
 

18 Colonel Fohn May.

 

and slept at Fuller’s,*—a very good house, but the land-
lord has more tongue than brains. After I went to bed
he stood over me with three lighted candles in his right
hand, near twenty minutes, telling a story of no conse-
quence.

Thursday, 17th. Mounted our horses at 6 o'clock.
Rode twelve miles to breakfast, through a very pleasant
country. After breakfast met numbers of people going
to meeting, in their old clothes, it being fast-day. We
were accosted by some sort of Sunday officer with,
“<< [Vhat makes you ride fast-days?” Which I returned
with a look that told him it was none of his business,
and kept my horse under way. Dined at New Haven.
Stopt at Fairfield this afternoon, We crossed an arm
of the sea on a bridge nearly as long as the Charlestown,
and within two miles crossed another nearly the same
length. We had to ride in the evening, and met with
many difficulties, by reason of cross-roads and the ig-
norance of the people. We at last arrived at Penfield.

Friday, 18th. It began to rain about 1 o'clock this
morning, and continued to rain exceedingly hard till g,
when it held up a little, and we set out, but it proved
a rainy forenoon. I observed my horse to be lame

when I first mounted him, which increased, and it was

 

* President Washington, returning to New York from an east-
ern tour, in 1789, notices this place in his diary: ‘* November
roth, breakfasted at Washington, in the township of Berlin, at
the house of one Fuller,” thirteen miles from Hartford.

} Penpteld’s Tavern, at Fairfield.
 

Fournal, 1788. - 19

 

with difficulty that I reached Horse Neck.* The lame-
ness was evidently in his off hind-foot; but what was
the occasion, none could divine. Some said he was
hipped, others spavined, but most agreed though he was
positively stifed.

Fairfield is a pretty village on the Sound. Eighty
houses and the meeting-house were burnt by the British ;
but the meeting-house and many other houses are re-
built in an elegant manner. This night we slept at
Knapp’s.t Went to bed early, but slept poorly ; partly
owing to my drinking tea at supper, and partly owing
to the insufferable noise of the family, till 12 o'clock.
About this time the noise ceased in the house, but
began in the elements ; first by small flashes of lightning,
but soon became a formidable thundergust, which kept
me awake the-rest of the night.

Saturday, 1gth. Set out from Knapp’s at 6 o’clock.
Breakfasted at Hoyt’s inn. Dined at Kingsbridge.
Here my horse was so exceeding lame that I was ob-
liged to take a stage, and Mr. Tufts led my horse into
the city, where I arrived about sunset. I took quarters

 

* Now West Greenwich, Fairfield county, Connecticut, on the
old Boston post-road. Washington’s diary, page 21, mentions:
“October 16. After passing Horse Neck, six miles distant from
Rye, the road through which is hilly and immensely stony, and
trying to wheels and carriages.”

7 Knapp’s Inn was at Horse Neck; thence to Aorton’s, at
Marmar Neck, ten miles, and thence twelve miles to Kings-

bridge.
 

20 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

at Capt. Harding’s, where I was so happy as to meet
Brother Davenport.

Sunday, 20th. Brother Davenport set sail for New-
port at 6 o’clock. A number of passengers aboard,
amongst them a daughter of Capt. Gustavus Fellows.
They had an excellent wind up the Sound. No doubt
they arrived at the desired haven that night. My busi-
ness crowded me so hard that, although it was Sunday,
I thought it my duty to write all day, and arrange my
papers. I also felt myself necessitated to swap away
my lame horse for one that was sound. However, my
conscience upbraided me about sunset, to appease which
I went to church in the evening, at the New Brick
Church. I found an amazing concourse of people as-
sembled; and every man, woman, and child, according
to custom, put a copper into the box, as a donation for
preaching—some said, for the poor.

Monday, 21st. Early this morning I waited on Col.
Richard Hatt (or Hyatt), treasurer of the Ohio Com-
pany. Found him agreeable and attentive. By close
application completed my business, much to my satis-
faction. I have been so wrapt up in business since I
can.e here that I have seen little of the city, excepting
that the men are exceeding busy, and mind their own
business, and the boys extremely noisy.

Tuesday, 22d. This day, having a little more lei-
sure, took a ramble about the city. Went to the Con-

gress Chamber. The greatest curiosity I saw was pic-
 

Fournal, 1788. 21

 

tures of their majesties the King and Queen of France,*—
their appearance truly elegant and noble. No painting
can excel these. The frames that contain the pictures
are magnificent—twelve feet high by about six wide,
—superbly grand. But the hall is not high enough to
receive their crowns (perhaps a presage of their doom).
From thence I went to St. Paul’s Church, and there
viewed the monument erected in honor of that gallant
officer, Richard Montgomery—a fine piece of work, in
red, white, and black marble; in form a pyramid, about
fifteen feet high. From thence went to see a pile of
new buildings, nearly completed, belonging to a Mr.
McComb, by far the finest buildings my eyes ever be-
heid, and I believe they excel any on the continent. In
one of the entries I traveled up five flights of stairs—
the rail continuous from bottom to top. [I still left
one flight unexplored. Then visited Mrs. St. John,
Mr. Temple, General Knox, and went home to my
quarters.

Wednesday, 23d. Atgo’clock this morning mounted
my horse, and put myself under way for Philadelphia.

Had a rough time in crossing the river at Powell’s

 

* These portraits were of fullsize. They were presented to Con-
gress by Louis XVI, in 1784. When the seat of government was
removed to Washington City, in 1800, they were taken there, and
were probably burned with the library and other valuables by
the British troops on the 24th of August, 1814, (See Watson’s
Annals of Philadelphia, 2d ed., vol. 2, p. 498; Hist. Mag., Jan.
1860, p. 317; Hist. Mag., Jan. 1861, p. 29.)
 

22 Colonel Fohn May.

 

Hook. Having safely got across, were obliged to dis-
mount often. Crossed Passaic and Hackinsac rivers in
traveling about five miles. Nothing extraordinary hap-
pened this day. Made a tolerable day’s work, and
lodged ten miles from Prince-town, in a small village.

Thursday, 24th. Rose early and rode fifteen miles
to breakfast at Maidenhead.* This is a small and
pretty village. The land excellent and good, and the
inhabitants industrious. Perhaps the place is not badly
named, as it appears to be the most fertile spot of any
in the Jerseys. Crossed the Delaware a little above
Trenton. Dined at Bristol, and lodged in Philadel-
phia, at the sign of the Connastago Wagon. This city
is much enlarged by building, but the trade is dimin-
ished. The people are proud and extravagant, but
grumble about the times. There are two sets of ladies
in this city: one that is sensible, and dresses neatly; and
one of fools, who show it in their dress. I have seen
a head-dress in this city at least three feet across. Their
hair frizzed in a frightful manner. I stayed here only
one night.

Friday, 25th. Left Philadelphia at g o'clock in the
morning, and without any misfortune arrived at Chris-
tiana,} where we slept, excepting my horse. Great polite-
ness ‘in entering this place. -A little before I came to

the tavern there sat a gentleman and lady onastoop. I

 

* Now Lawrenceville, midway between Trenton and Princeton.

} Nine miles southwest of Wilmington, Delaware.
 

Fournal, 1788. 23

 

began to put myself in a posture to salute, when my
horse, confound him! began to take the hint, and to
bow and stumble. I recovered for some rods, till at
length we both came down together, by which means
I was lamed in my right knee.

Saturday, 26th. This morning I feel the effects of
complimenting, especially with a tired and untrained
horse; shall avoid it in future. After riding awhile,
felt better. Rode to Hollensworth, at the head of*
(illegible), to breakfast. From thence crossed the Sus-
quehannah, and dined at Havre de Grace. Just as we
got on the west side the people came on shore with the
seine, and as many as a 100,000 alewives. Slept at
Bushtown.}

Sunday, 27th. About the middle of last night it
began to rain hard, and continued to do so the remain-
der of the night. We rose at 4 in the morning, it
continuing to rain hard; but we ordered up our horses,
and at 5 set out for Baltimore. Made stage of ten
miles{ to where old Chimes used to live; but he and
his wife are both gone to rest. At this place we hada
good breakfast. Meantime the clouds scattered, and
the sun shone out; but the fair weather was of short

 

* At the “head of Elk river,” now Elkton, Maryland.

+ Now Harford, at the head of Bush river, twenty-four miles
from Baltimore.

t There seems to be a hint in this passage, and in others to be
found elsewhere, that Colonel May had been over this road

before.
 

24 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

duration. It soon thickened and rained again. We,
however, kept on our course, and arrived at Baltimore
at 1 o'clock; put up at Staruk’s (or Starrick’s?), the
sign of the [Indian Queen. This is a good tavern and
‘superb house. There are twenty-seven bells of differ-
ent sound hanging in the bar-room, all numbered, and
belonging to twenty-seven different rooms. This Mr.
Starrick(?) keeps tavern in high style. Baltimore is -
becoming a large, handsome place, and appears to do a
great deal of business. However, the people complain
of the badness of the times, want of business, and
scarcity of money. I am inclined to think they live
up to their income at least.

Monday, 28th. Early this morning I was out inquir-
n. On

my arrival here yesterday, I was informed that he was

ing for one Ambrose Trott, associate to F

 

here in a brig, supposed, some part of her at least, to

 

belong to F ; but no doubt he heard of my ar-
rival, and made his escape, for he sailed early this
morning. J attended to some particular business, which
I settled to my mind, and went to rest.

Tuesday, 29th. Tarried in town until half-past 11
o'clock a. M., and then stood for the wilderness of the
Western World. Iwas much urged to tarry until Thurs-
day, to celebrate the adoption of the new federal constitu-
tion for the State of Maryland. This was agreed to by the
delegates at Annapolis, on Saturday last. Missed my

road soon after I left Baltimore, which put me ina
 

Journal, 1788. 25

 

fret. However, in about one and a half hours I got
right again. I lodged this night thirty miles from
Baltimore; the accommodation poor, the provision
worse.

Wednesday, 30th. Left this hotel at 5 o'clock, with-
out regret, and rode ten miles to breakfast, Made out
pretty well. Then twenty-five miles to dinner, through
a beautiful country, and well settled, the farmers ap-
pearing to understand their business, and pleasant to
deal with. Their houses cheaply made of logs. Now
and then they are interspersed with a handsome brick
house and mills. After dinner we began to ascend the
South or Blue Mountain, which, at a distance, has a ter-
rible appearance to a stranger tired and worn down by
constant fatigue. But the nearer we approach it the
less formidable it appears. Instead of climbing this
son of Alleghana, we steal in imperceptibly between
two monstrous hills for a number of miles; but finally
have to climb stoutly ere we reach the top. While we
are between these hills just referred to, we advance by
the side of a swift running rivulet for a considerable
distance, and cross the same stream, in a distance of
two miles, twelve times. The mountain is thirteen
miles from one side to the other; but, upon the whole,
is not worse to cross than some in the county of Berk-
shire, Mass. We got over before sunset, and put up
at a miserable place. The landlord wanted money, but

had nothing to procure it with, and did not seem glad
 

26 Colonel Fohn May.

 

to see us, though, under the circumstances, we were not
sorry to see him, even such as he was. For the first
time, we drank some whisky-grog, ate some eggs and
bacon, and went to bed in a dog-hole in the garret,
where the air was insufferable,* and that had no light ex-
cept what came through the cracks in the roof. Such
accommodations could not tempt me long. So at half-
past 3, I arose, and, with great difficulty, found my
way down into the lower region. I had previously
called Tufts; but where to find Mr. Rice and a Mr.
Bentley, a stranger going our way, was more than I
could tell. JI thumped and called, but in vain, for
deep sleep had fallen on them all. At length I roused
the host, who, in coarse Dutch brogue, told me they
were locked up in the bar. However, I quickly pro-

uv, and

cured a jail delivery for them, paid the reckoning,

we remounted our steeds. At two miles distance we
met a gentleman (this, by the way, is the first day of
May) who had ridden in company with us the afternoon
of yesterday. He brought a case-bottle in his hand
filled with Hollands, of which each of us took a sling,
to carry away the fumes of the abominable whisky we
drank over night. Such is the sympathy between man
and beast, this seemed to give our horses more life, and

we rode merrily through a delightful country called

 

* Colonel May suffered much at times from an asthmatic

difficulty.
 

Fournal, 1788. 2g

 

Conegogigg.* Breakfasted at Greencastle,+ twelve miles
from where we lodged. Had good entertainment for
ourselves and horses. From thence to Mercersburg,}
where we baited. This is a clever village at the
foot of the North Mountain. The buildings are made
of hewn logs, the chinks filled in with stones, and plas-
tered over with lime-mortar. Having taken suitable
refreshment, mounted our horses in order to mount
the mountain. When we had ascended about four
miles, the village was in plain sight, and did not ap-
pear to be morethana mile off. I believe, in a straight
line, it was not more than two. This mountain is ten
miles over. It took us three hours and a half to cross
it. Itis, I can truly say, the hardest to climb we have
yet attempted, and makes one of the four capital
ranges of mountains which belong to the family of
Alleghana, and the sight of which generally strikes such
terror into travelers. This, with his father and
mother, separate the Eastern from the Western world,
The names of this ancient family are: Alleghana,
North Mountain, South Mountain, Sideling Ridge,
Laurel Mountain, and Chestnut Ridge; besides, a
number of large hills (spurs, some call them) which

 

* The Conococheague settlement was the name by which
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, was known prior to and for
many years after its organization in 1784. The name is taken
from the Conococheague creek, a considerable stream, emptying
into the Potomac, at Williamsport, Maryland.

{In Franklin county, Pennsylvania.
 

28 Colonel Fohn May.

 

serve as wings ‘or supports, while others are mounted
on their backs in a sportive manner. When we were
on the Blue Mountain, it was enchanting to see mount-
ain beyond mountain, hills riding on hills, till the tops
were lost in the clouds. The day being extremely hot,
multitudes of clouds gathered, all heavily charged with
electric fluid and rain. The spectacle was a grand one.
Being close at hand, we could plainly see the origin of
many of them. We were fortunate enough to escape
most of the showers. The lightning struck all around
us, and the thunder rolled over our heads; and once in
awhile we got a little sprinkling—hardly enough to
drown a flea, however.

In the course of this day’s travel, we crossed many
creeks and rivulets, some of them emptying into the
Potomac and some into Susquehannah. All of then—
bridges not being in fashion—we were obliged to ford.
After a tedious march, from 4 in the morning till 8 in

the evening, we arrived at Sideling Hill,* in the midst

g>
of a thunder-gust, having fasted from 7 in the morning
to 8 at night.

May 2d. Our keeping and lodging poor. I rose
at 4, had the horses up, and mounted a little after 6
and pursued a southwestern course, but up a disagree-
able, rocky hill. In the road, for a considerable dis-
tance, is a flood of water: there is no other way to

pass but through it. This little rivulet is dry only in

 

* In Fulton county, Pennsylvania,
 

Fournal, 1788. 29

 

wet seasons! This Sideling Hill is nearly as bad to
cross as the Blue or North Mountain ; but it 1s not
reckoned in the four ranges. After we have attained
the height of this mountain, we ride on the top over a
considerable level country for a number of miles, some-
thing rising, and now and then climb a sharp hill, for
near—say, thirty miles; when we come to the foot of
the father of them all. At the base of this mountain
we rest for the night.

Saturday, 3d. We rose early, and began to ascend
Alleghana. We had such an idea from what we had
-heard, that the reality did not seem as bad as we ex-
pected. I havealways remarked that it is best to begin
a tedious job in the morning, when man and beast are
fresh. At 10 o'clock to-day we were on the ridge-pole,
and, Noah-like, could ook into the old world and new.
These mountains I consider as the backbone of the
continent—this tremendous range reaching from Cape
Horn to the North Pole; and so high is it, that it is
itself fixed on the top of the everlasting hills. In
rising to this height, we crossed several rivers, which I
did not put down in place, amongst which is Anta-
heta,* rising in the Alleghana; and where I crossed it
in a ferry-boat, not ten miles from the mountain, it is
navigable for sloops. It empties into the Susque-
hannah. Another, called Juniata, of about the same

size, and empties, they say, into the Susquehannah

 

* The Antietam empties into the Potomac.
 

30 Colonel Fohn May.

 

also. Near the top of the Alleghana is a beautiful
spring, on the east side; and, within a half mile, is
another, on the west side. One of these is the head of
the Juniata, the other of the Yohogany.* Slept this
night at a farm-house; had good entertainment, and
rested well.

Sunday, 4th. Rainy, bad weather, and abominable
roads, It being the day of rest in New England, we
were in no hurry, but tarried to breakfast; but as there
are no meetings in this quarter—breakfast being under
our jackets—we thought it best to jog on, though both
horses and men were worn out with constant fatigue.
We found the roads as bad as could be, from the effect
of the constant rains. I can not help mentioning in
this place, that we were very fortunate in falling in with
a Mr. Bentley,} a worthy, clever man, and thoroughly
acquainted with the way, having traveled these roads,
such as they are, a number of times. This gentleman
lives on the Monongahela, fifteen miles from Pittsburg.
He made himself very serviceable to me, and was able
to answer many questions which I asked, as we traversed
the country. I found him an agreeable companion.
He said he never crossed the mountains before when
the roads were so bad.

This day we crossed the Laurel mountain and Chest-

 

* About four miles east of Berlin, Somerset county, Pennsyl-
vania,
}Sheshbazzar Bentley, Sen., an carly settler of Washington

county,
 

Fournal, 1788. 31

 

nut Ridge, and at night fell in with Colonel Battelle,
H. H. Williams, and my hired men; found them in
good health and spirits; slept in the same house with
them, but a miserable place it was.

I rose early on the morning of Monday, sth; left
the people and wagon behind, and advanced as fast as
possible to finish my land tacks; dined at Simmer-
ell’s,* on the Yohogana, and slept at Clarke’s, on the
Monongahela. While I was at Simmerel’s, they used
every stratagem to detain us all night, and perhaps as
long as was General Putnam, who tarried at this place
two months. They said it was better boating from
this river than from the Monongahela; but they are
Irish palaverers, and the truth is not in them. Clarke
keeps a tolerable house where it is called Elizabeth’s
town,y+ fourteen miles from Pittsburg by land, twenty-
two by water. ‘The town is laid out in house-lots, and

now settling; he intends to make a city of it, but I

 

* John Sumrall was one of the earliest settlers in this part of
Westmoreland county. This point on his plantation was long
known as Sumrall’s ferry, afterwards Robbstown, and now West
Newton. General Rufus Putnam, with forty-seven pioneers of
the Ohio Company, embarked from this place for the Muskin-
gum, in the Adventure galley or Mayflower, on the preceding
April 2.

+ This town was laid out the previous year (1787), by the pro-
prietor, Colonel Stephen Bayard, a soldier of the Revolution and
resident of Pittsburg. He named it for his wife Elizabeth. It
became a noted place for the building of Kentucky boats, sea-

going vessels, and steamboats.
 

32 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

think he will have his match. This day was raised here
a large shed for building boats. Almost all the Ken-
tucky boats from the east pass this place; near two
hundred have passed this spring.

Tuesday, 6th. I am now waiting for the wagon,
which, no doubt, will be here to-night; went a gun-
ning this afternoon, and killed some gray and black
squirrels; got my linen and stockings washed, etc.
At to o'clock in the evening, the wagon and people
came in; but here is an end of wagoning. The river
abounds in fish, such as cat, perch, pike, buffalo, stur-
geon, etc. I crossed the Monongahela at 11 o'clock
to-day, and went on foot two anda half miles to Ker-
kindall’s mills, where I bought four barrels of best fine
flour at 11s. 8d. per barrel, and one barrel of whisky,
thirty gallons, at 2s. 6d. per gallon, all to be landed free
of charge at the river this evening. The landlord tried
his skill at fishing, but caught nothing except a terrible
fish, if such it may be called, naméd an alligator*, It
was about eighteen inches long; as big as a man’s wrist;
with Jarge flat head, something like a bull-frog. He
had four legs of the bigness of a gray squirrel’s, and a
tail five inches long, near two inches wide; and was of
a sickly ash-color, and as spiteful as the devil.

Wednesday, 7th. This morning I stopped a boat
for New Orleans, which appeared to be light, and

 

* The Menepoma Alleghaniensis, abundant in the upper Ohio,

Monongahela, and Allegheny rivers. It is quite harmiless.
 

Fournal, 1788. ao

 

agreed with the principal to carry me, my people and
effects, to Pittsburg for five dollars. I agreed to detain
him only three hours, and for every hour after that to
pay him a dollar. The river runs very strong at this
place, so that the boat stopped a quarter of a mile be-
low the landing, for which reason I was obliged to put
my stores and baggage on board a small ferry-boat in
order to put them on board the Kentucky man. In
the course of an hour I had got nearly all my things on
board the ferry-man, when the people in the Kentucky
boat grew so weary that they would not wait. The
gentleman felt sorry, but the people were not under
command, and he was obliged to go on board. [The
next sentence the compiler finds it impossible to make
out. He gives it, as it appears to read, thus: ‘* My
things left in the ferry-boat; the banks of the river so
high that it was impossible to get him up.”] I there-
fore bargained with the ferry-man to take my things to
Pittsburg, for which I paid him five dollars. When
all my things were on board—the flour, the whisky, the
people—there were not more than two inches of the
scow above water. I felt concerned for them, I myself
traveled on by land; arrived at Hulen’s,* opposite
Pittsburg; I procured a supper of fish, and waited for
the boat; waited in a good deal of anxiety till after 10

 

* The tavern and ferry-house of Marcus Huling’s, afterward
and for more than fifty years known as Jones’, stood opposite the

foot of Liberty strect.
 

34 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

p, mM., when they arrived. The boat was leaking so
badly, we were obliged to unlade her at once, put the
things on the bank, and keep sentry over them all
night.

A very agreeable pleasant situation where I have
taken quarters. I have a room, with a bed to myself,
a large store for the baggage, and the people to lodge
in, together with a kitchen to cook in: all for the very
moderate price of 15. 6d. per day. They find milk and
candle. Had I taken lodgings at Pittsburg, which is
within call, it would have cost me seven times the
money. Such is the odds between the counties of
Westmoreland and Washington.* I am situated on
the banks of the Monongahela, opposite the gar-
rison Fort Pitt, right where this river, with the Alle-
ghana, forms the Ohio. In going a few rods from the
house where I am, I can look down the Ohio two
miles, up the Alleghana three miles, and up the Monon-
gahela more that four miles. Within ten rods of
the house we catch any quantity of fish, and of a con-
siderable variety of kinds—bass of two sorts, sturgeon
of two sorts, and others. Joseph is our fisherman.
There has been a fish caught here which weighed one

hundred and twenty pounds, and the story goes that
he drowned the man who caught him.

 

* At that time the Monongahela river divided Washington
from Westmoreland county. Pittsburg was in the latter. .Alle-

gheny county was formed in September, 1788.
 

Fournal, 1788. 35

 

Pittsburg is in plain sight, at half a mile distance.
It is an irregular, poorly built place. The number of
houses, mostly built of logs, about one hundred and
fifty. The inhabitants (perhaps because they lead too
easy a life) incline to be extravagant and lazy. They
are subject, however, to frequent alarms from the sav-
ages of the wilderness. The situation is agreeable, and
the soil good. The gentlemen directors of the Ohio
Company, whom I expected to see here, are gone ona
small tour into the county of Washington. It being
necessary that I should see them, this will detain me
here a few days.

[We interrupt the course of the narrative as it is in
the Journal, to insert here a letter of Colonel May’s of

this date, which has been preserved.—Compi er. |

Pirtssurc, 744 May, 1788.

My Dear:—After a tedious and fatiguing journey
of twenty-two days, of which my horse rested at New
York and Baltimore six, I arrived with all the men,
baggage, etc., safe at this place, which appears to be
very much such a place as I expected. The buildings
are by no means elegant; the people not so industrious
as I have seen. Where I now sit to write, I look up
the Monongahela, or Alleghana, or down the Ohio.
This is the most magnificent situation of waters my
eyes ever beheld. . . . . ~ What has been said
of the fish in these quarters, I am certain must be

true, from what I have seen and experienced in the
 

36 Colonel Fohn May.

 

short time I have been here—only twenty-four hours.
Within fifteen rods of where I now sit, they are all day,
and I believe I may say all night, catching fish of vari-
ous kinds. Some do not weigh more than one pound,
but I have seen others that weighed eleven pounds.
Within ten minutes after I put up at this house, a
little boy of ten years old, fetched a perch alive that
weighed five and one-half pounds. These are things
I have seen, and I have dwelt on the subject some-
what, because it strikes me agreeably.

Many things have turned up in the course of this
journey, which, could I see you, I would gladly tell you
of, but I can not do it with the pen; but I hope to
have the pleasing opportunity of giving you a history
from my own mouth, assisted by the journal I am
keeping while in this wonderful country.

The gentlemen I expected to see at this place, viz,
Gov. St. Clair, Generals Parsons* and Varnum,+ and

Major Sargent,{ are gone a little way into the country,

 

* 7 +t Samuel Holden Parsons, one of the original directors of
the Ohio Company. He was an eminent lawyer of Connecticut,
major-general in the army of the Revolution. In 1785 Congress
appointed General Parsons, General George Rodgers Clarke, of
Kentucky, and General Richard Butler, of Pittsburg, commis-
sioners to negotiate a treaty with the Western Indians. They
concluded a treaty with the Shawnese, at Fort Finney, at the
mouth of the Big Miami, on the 3rst of January, 1786, by which
that tribe relinquished to the United States all claim to lands now

within the southern half of the State of Ohio. (Journal of Gen.
 

Fournal, 1788. a7

 

as it is called here, and there is necessity for my seeing
them. Therefore, I may tarry here a day or two, after
which I hope to have a pleasant tour down the stream
of the Ohio. Nine large boats, from twenty to thirty
tons, filled with people, stock, and furniture, have passed
this place in the daytime since the sth instant; and the
man where I lodge says he has kept account of two
hundred and fifty boats of this kind gone down the
river this spring,—and he has not been at home but a
part of the time. It is also allowed there are as many go
down in the night as in the day. In fact the immigra-
tion is immense.

May 12th, Monday. I am still in quarters oppo-

 

Butler, in Craig’s Olden Time, vol. 2; Journals of Congress,
vol. 11, p. 53.) On October 16, 1787, he was elected by Con-
gress one of the three judges for the Western Territory. (Journals
of Congress, vol. 12, p. 208.) In 1789 he was appointed by
President Washington, chief judge of the same territory, and in
the same year he was appointed by the State of Connecticut one
of the commissioners for holding a treaty with the Wyandot
Indians, relative to their claims in the Western Reserve. General
Parsons was unfortunately drowned in the Big Beaver, near the
present town of New Brighton, November 17, 1789. Extract
from the Military Journal of Major E. Denny, of Pittsburg, in
the Memoirs of the Pennsylvania Hist. Society, vol. 7, p.
339 :—‘*November 17th. As we turned up Beaver creek, to go
to the block-house, two miles up, where an officer and party is
stationed, we met General Parsons’ canoe, with some property,
floating down. Found the old gentleman, in attempting to pass

the falls, about five miles up, was cast out and drowned, with one
 

38 Colonel Fohn May.

 

site Pittsburg, living as cheaply as if I was at Musk-
ingum. Am waiting for the boat to carry us all down.
General Parsons and Major Sargent arrived here yester-
day. Our matters are not so forward as I could wish,
The river so high that it is not easy to hear from him
(General Putnam.) It has rained almost incessantly for
these three days, by which means the river has risen
seven feet in perpendicular height. Yesterday two
boats for Kentucky hauled in at our landing, having on
board twenty-nine whites, twenty-four negroes, nine
dogs, twenty-three horses, cows, hogs, etc., besides pro-
vision and furniture. Several have passed to-day

equally large. I wish there were more New England

 

man who accompanied him. He had an interest in Salt Spring
tract, on the Mahoning, and anxious to prove the navigation of
the falls practicable, the experiment cost him his life.” (See also
p- 446, same volume; also Pennsylvania Gazette, for December
23, 1789.)

James M. Varnum, of Rhode Island, a distinguished lawyer,
brigadier-general in the Revolutionary War, member of the old
Congress, judge of the Supreme Court of the Western Territory,
a director of the Ohio Company ; died at Marietta, January 10, |
1789. Tis funeral was attended with much ccremony—military
from Fort Harmar, Free Masons, civilians, officers of the terri-
torial government, private mourners, and Indian chiefs formed.
the procession. Dr. Drowne delivered an appropriate funeral
oration, (Updyke’s Memoirs of the Rhode Island Bar, 1842 ;
Tildreth’s Pioneer Biography, p. 165, 185.)

Winthrop Sargent, of Massachusetts, an officer of the Revolu-

tion, surveyor of the Northwestern Territory, secretary of the Ohio
 

Fournal, 1788. 39

 

people going to Muskingum. There have no parties
of ours come on, except those that went on in the winter
and mine. But I am told there are several on the way.

I dined to-day on bacon that was. good, which I
bought by the quantity, at 4d. per lb.; and with it I
had wild asparagus, which was very good. I have laid
in four barrels of excellent flour, at 65. gd. per bbl. It
is sometimes sold for less. Lying here in suspense
doing nothing is disagreeable, and it is uncertain when
I shall go down the river, but I hope in good time.
The Indians hold a grand council in June, and the
treaty is put off till July, which will prevent our draw-
ing the rest of the lots until the forepart of August.

Colonel Battelle * has recovered his health, and is
the heartiest man amongst us. However, in the score
of health, we are all doing well enough. The weather
is so wet, it makes it a little dull.

I wrote you from New York and Baltimore, which
letters, no doubt, you have received. If this comes

last to hand, you may not expect another for some time.

 

Company in 1787; from October, 1787, to May, 1798, he was sec-
retary of the territory. His marriage to Miss Rowena, daughter of
General B. Tupper, on the 6th of February, 1789, was the first in
the territory. He was governor of the territory of Mississippi from
1798 to 1801; and adjutant-general of General St. Clair’s army
in 1791, and of General Wayne’s in 1794-5 ; died in 1820.

* Colonel Ebenezer Battele, of Massachusetts, one of the agents
of the Ohio Company; he was one of the original settlers of

Belpre, in 1789. (Hildreth, p. 349.)
 

40 Colonel Fohn M. ay.

 

I consider it not a little extraordinary, that we should
all come on safe with 2,500 pounds weight in thirty
days from Boston, having lost nothing of more value
than a penknife. Remember my love to the little ones,
and take a large share for yourself. Also, remember me
to all inquiring friends; and believe me to be your

most affectionate, loving husband,

JOHN MAY.
Mrs. A. May.

[We return now to the regular narrative of the

Journal.—Compiter. |

Thursday, 8th. Nothing extraordinary to-day. My
people catching fish, cooking, and eating our chief busi-
ness. I took a ramble this afternoon, up a solitary
high mountain,* from whence I could look up and
down the rivers a long distance, and see every house in
Pittsburg distinctly, so as to count them. One Fred-
erick Moseman unfortunately fell out of a scow this
afternoon, in plain sight of my windows, and was
drowned,

Friday, gth. Large numbers of people are raking
and grappling for poor Frederick. All sorts of super-
stitious traditions prevail here among the people, being
Dutch. Among which the following extraordinary one
was much believed in by the wagglopers. They took
the shirt which the drowned man had last pulled off, put

 

* Probably the west end of Coal Hill, near Saw-mill run.
 

Fournal, 1788. 41

 

a whole loaf of good new bread, weighing four pounds
into it, and tied up at both ends. Then carried the
package thus made up in a boat to the place where the
man fell in, and put it afloat on the water, having pre-
viously put a line and tackle to it. This, they said,
would swim till it came over the body and then sink. The
bundle of shirt and bread swam some distance and then
disappeared ; but, unfortunately for those concerned,
the line was not long enough, and when the loaf had
filled with water and sunk, the tackle disappeared. The
experiment could not be repeated, not having another
shirt charged with the same extraordinary virtues.*
To-day delivered our horses to Mr. Kirkendall, a
miller near Elizabeth’s town, to keep at the rate of
6s. (illegible, query per horse?) per month. We
left with him our saddles, bridles, and mule-straps, I
taking with me only portmanteaus, holsters, and pistols.
We have had fish for dinner ever since our arrival.
There are seven stout hearty men of us, and we have
not been able to eat more than one fish at a meal.
There are a number of Indians on the other side of
the river. Many of them are often over in Pittsburg.
I can not say I am fond of them, for they are fright-
fully ugly, and a pack of thieves and beggars. One of
their chiefs died day before yesterday, and another, as I
learn, is just going to his black master. These Indians

 

* This singular custom is occasionally practiced at the present

time.
 

42 Colonel Fohn May.

 

are of an evil nature. Only three days agone, some of
the infernals killed a white man, without any provoca-
tion that I could hear of. As to General Putnam, I
can obtain no news of him, only that he went down the
river the 3d of April, and some add, he arrived safe at
Muskingum. Just now I had undoubted information
that three Kentuck boats were captured by the savages
near the Great Miami, about 20th of March. In

one of these was Mr. Pervience,* of Baltimore, to

 

* Samuel Purviance, one of the most prominent citizens of
Baltimore. Griffith’s Annals of Baltimore, p. 124. He was dis-
tinguished for his liberality and patriotism in the Revolution.
From the Kentucky Gazet/e, of April 4, 1788 : ‘It is with the most
sensible concern we announce to the public the capture of three
boats, on the Ohio, near the Big Miami, by the savages. Famil-
iarized as we have been, for several weeks past, to murder and
robbery, at almost every point of our frontiers, the sympathy of
all ranks has been excited in an extraordinary degree by this
decply aflecting catastrophe. Among the passengers in these
boats, it is with great regret we mention Samuel Purviance, Esq.,
of Baltimore-town ; Mr. Ridout, of Maryland; Mons. Ragant and
two other French gentlemen—cne a mineralist, the other a botan-
ist, destined to explore the natural products of this country; a
Mr. Pierce, of Maryland, and a Mr. Ferguson, a trader: besides
these gentlemen there was a Mr. Gray, Garland Simmons, five
other men, and a negro woman. The three French gentlemen
and Mr, Pierce who alone occupied one boat, were attacked on
the 26th ultimo; from circumstances we are authorized to con-
clude that the other boats were taken on the 21st, as they passed
Limestone on the 19th. The savages had in their possession a

flat, in which cight or ten of them gave chase to the French gen-
 

Fournal, 1788. 43

 

whom I had letters of recommendation from gentlemen
in Baltimore. These tidings make some of my men
put on a serious face. However, the first opportunity
I mean to embark, and not come so far for nothing.

Saturday, oth. Last night and this day very rainy

 

tlemen, who finding they could not escape, determined to present
a white handkerchief, with other demonstrations of friendship, and
surrender without resistance: for this purpose Mr. Ragant took
post at the stern of the boat, and when the savages had approached
very near, he offered his hand, and in return received the bar-
barian’s tomahawk ; at the same instant the botanist was shot dead,
and the mineralist was badly wounded; the boat at this time had
drifted near the shore, Mr. Pierce and the remaining French gen-
tleman jumped overboard, and the current being rapid, the sav-
ages past them whilst they were butchering and plundering Mr.
Ragant and the other victim. They with difficulty gained the
shore, and under cover of the night made a circuit, and fell in
with the river below the savages, where they were, the next day,
taken up by a boat and conveyed to the Rapids the day after.
These are all the circumstances we have been able to collect on
this melancholy occasion. There remains no doubt that the two
boats first mentioned have been captured, as one of them has
been taken up at the Rapids, and the other was seen in the pos-
session of the savages, but the fate of the captives is uncertain.
Two boats, a few hours in front of Mr. Ragant, under the direc-
tion of Captain Balliard Smith and a Mr. Hinds, were attacked at
the same place from the shore, but they returned the fire and
escaped without further injury than two horses wounded; and it
is said two Indians were killed in this attack.” Mr. Purviance
was never heard of. General Harmar had a long but fruitless

search made.
 

44 Colonel Fohn May.

 

from the eastward. Nothing remarkable, only the
rivers rising rapidly. .

Sunday, 11th. The river continuing to rise. Some
of our people crossed the river to meeting. Four Ken-
tuck boats have gone down to-day. Surprising the
number of these boats which have passed the place this
spring. Two hundred are taken account of, and many
go down in the night. We allow, at the least compu-
tation, twenty souls to a boat, and a great number of
bodies without souls.

Monday, 12th. The river stil] rising. Our people
gone after wild turkeys. They have since returned
without any, though they saw about twenty. —

Tuesday, 13th. Spent the greater part of this day
looking round for a boat to carry me and effects down
the Ohio. Dined at Captain O’Harra’s.* Had a very

elegant dinner. Drank tea at Colonel Butler’s,+ and then

 

* James O’Hara, one of the earliest settlers of Pittsburg, and
widely known for his active and intelligent enterprise in pro-
moting its prosperity. He was appointed by President Washing-
ton quartermaster-general of the army, in April, 1792. He
served throughout General Wayne’s campaign. Resigned in
1796. Died in December, 18ro.

¢ Colonel William Butler, lieutenant-colonel of the 4th Penn-
sylvania regiment in the Continental line, in the Revolution.
One of the first settlers of Pittsburg. He was the second of five
brothers, distinguished for their military services. The eldest,
Major-general Richard Butler, fell at St. Clair’s defeat, November

4.1791. Atthe time of Colonel May’s visit, the town of Pittsburg
 

Fournal, 788. 45

 

crossed the river to my lodgings. Some of the people
went across the Alleghana, and brought home a quan-
tity of wild asparagus.

Wednesday, 14th. I will here insert the route, with
the different stages, from Baltimore to Pittsburg, by
way of Simmerill’s ferry:

From Baltimore to Little Winchester.......... 30 miles.
Over the Blue Mountain.........ceeeeeee renee ee 44.
pideling Rid gé'.9ce0g eens seks vesumeaaaaions weds es 42
Foot of the Alleghana Mountain................ 31
Footof Ioaurel jcccsse cnt seedacd warriors guna ctnees 40
Elllery’s (2) esacc cansneeevies veressnee nurs cee ee ania ce 40
Monongahela.......cccesecseeeeenseee ceeceseeeeeeeees 20

247

This day Major Sargent and myself busied ourselves
. in forming a plan for a house, to be built in the Mus-
kingum settlement. Our plan is a twenty-four feet
square block-house,—a fashion, I think, will at once an-
swer the purpose of convenience, neatness, and de-
fense. Major Sargent and a Mr. Metcalf dined with
me to-day on gammon, etc. I had some wild aspara-

gus, which was called excellent.

 

contained not more than sixty houses, all built of logs, excepting
one of stone. Colonel Butler’s residence was on the southeast
corner of Penn and Marbury streets, near the eastern rampart of
Fort Pitt. This house, with that of his brother Richard, adjoin-

ing, are yet standing, in good preservation.
 

46 Colonel Fohn May.

 

About 4 0’clock this afternoon Generals Harmer, * Par-
sons, and several other gentlemen called. They crossed
the river in the ‘‘Congress”” barge, rowed by twelve
men, in white uniform and caps. This barge is fifty-
two feet long. The gentlemen invited me to take a row
with them up the Alleghana river, which invitation I
gladly accepted. This is a rapid but beautiful river.
The soil on each side very good. This gentleman has
been up to Venango to visit the garrison there, under
command of Captain Hart.t This post is one hundred
and sixty miles from Fort Pitt; yet he came thence to
this place in fifteen hours. We visited a farmt of Colonel

 

* Josiah Harmar, lieutenant-colonel of the 1st regiment of in-
fantry of the Pennsylvania line, in the Revolutionary War;
brigadier-general in chief of the army in 1790; commanded in
an expedition against the Miami Indians in October of that year ;
adjutant-general of Pennsylvania in 1793; died at his residence
near Philadelphia, in August, 1813.

} Fort Franklin, from which the present city of Franklin, in
Venango county, Pennsylvania, derived its name, was built by
the troops, under Major Jonathan Heart, in 1787. The exact
distance of Franklin from Pittsburg, by the river, is 123 miles.
Major Denny, who accompanied General Harmar on the occa-
sion mentioned in the Journal, relates: “May 4. Left Fort
Franklin at 5 o’clock, Allegheny flowing brim full; current
not less perhaps than six miles an hour. We worked twelve
oars steadily. Arrived and landed at the fort, on the Mononga-
hela side, preciscly at 8 o’clock, fifteen hours passage.” Military
Journal, p. 320.

{A small tract of about twenty acres, below the old canal, now

in the First ward of Allegheny City.
 

Fournal, 1788. 47

 

Butler’s on the north side of the river, where is a very
beautiful spot. Among other objects of curiosity, we
went to see some Indian graves,* at the head of which
poles are fixed, daubed with red. These are left out of
the ground as tall as the buried. We visited the grave
of old Kimtony, the Indian chief, who died a few days
since. Kimtony, in Indian, means war-pole in Eng-
lish, I am told, the name given him on account of
his exploits in war. The excursion over, we returned
to my quarters, and refreshed ourselves with some good
grog, which was the best I had to offer.

Thursday, 15th. Mrs. Hulin has been telling of a
sovereign cure for worms in children. Take a half-pint

of live angle-worms, put them in a thin linen bag, and

 

*It is probable these were the Indian graves laid bare in
the fall of 1829, near the eastern boundary of Colonel Butler’s
tract. The writer, with other school-boys, witnessed the exhu.
mation of the skeletons, and obtained from the laborers a number
of the ornaments, mostly small copper rings. The following
notice is taken from the Pittsburg Gazette, of October, 1829:
‘‘ A few days ago, while levelling one of the streets of Allegheny,
the skeletons of four human beings were discovered near the out."
let of the canal. The bones were perfectly sound. One of the
four had been buried in a wooden coffin, secured with iron nails,
and had probably been a white man. The other three, from the
ornaments discovered about them, were no doubt Indians. One
of them appeared to have been a very large man; a gentleman
who measured a thigh-bone, thinks not less than seven feet high.”
“Kimtony” was probably Tunas, a Delaware chief. (Major

Denny’s Journal, p. 297.)
 

48 Colonel Fohn May.

 

sew them up. Then put them, while yet alive, on the
child’s stomach. There let them remain six hours;
then remove them to the navel; there let them remain
for the same time; then remove them to the bottom of
the belly, for six hours; then take them away, and the
child will never be troubled with worms again. To
cure the rheumatism, take the bark of upland or red
willow; boil it in a quart of water; bathe the place af-
fected with this decoction an hour; then put the bark,
while warm, to the place. This applied three times
will work a cure for that kind of rheumatism which
swells.

At 112 o'clock this morning, General Harmer
and others called in the barge, and invited me to
go up the Monongahela with him, about twelve miles,
to see Braddock’s field, that is, the place where the gen-
eral of that name was defeated in 1756.* This was in-
deed a terrible engagement for the British, but a glorious
one for the French and Indians—these last creatures
composing almost all the army. The bones of the slain
are plenty on the ground at this day. I picked up
many of them which did not seem much decayed, al-

though it is above thirty years since this battle. Gen-

 

* Braddock’s defeat occurred on the oth of July, 1755. The
writer saw quantities of bones on the battle-field in 1830; they
were for years afterwards frequently turned up by the plow-
men. Mr. White, M. C., and Major E. Denny Were with the
party mentioned in the Journal of Colonel May. (Denny’s Mili-
tary Journal, p. 321.)
 

Fournal, 1788. 49

 

eral Braddock gave them platoon firing, sometimes
advancing in solid column; while the Indians played
quite a different game—keeping in ambuscade, shooting
from covert, and so, little by little, tore him all to
pieces. As usual, after the fight, the savages were mon-
strously cruel, not sparing man, woman, or child, ex-
cepting one woman. A man with us was in the action.
He reports there were eight hundred left dead on the
field. We went up the river at the rate of four miles
an hour, and came down eight per hour. On the field
we found a spring of delightful water, at which we
camped down, refreshing ourselves with venison, ham,
and crackers, preparing some grog with the water, which
runs in a stream bigger than my arm. Some of the
people gone to-night to get wild turkey. Hope they
may speed well. Meantime I go to rest.

Friday, 16th. Still waiting for a conveyance; my
patience much worn. Henry returned this morning
with a fine cock-turkey, which weighed, dressed, eighteen
and one-half pounds. The body of Frederick M. has
just now floated, but has left shirt and provisions be-
hind. At 2 o'clock p.m. I crossed the river, and dined

with General Gibson,* in company with other gentlemen.

 

* General John Gibson, a soldier of the Revolutionary War ;
one of the first settlers of Pittsburg; an Indian trader, and for
some years a prisoner with the Shawnees. In Durtmore’s cam-
paign against the Scioto Indians, in 1774, he received from
Logan, the Mingo chief, the celebrated speech, respecting which

there has been so much controversy. (Jeflerson’s Notes on Vir-
 

50 Colonel ‘Fohn May.

 

Drank tea at Captain Irving’s,* and returned home at
8 in the evening.

Saturday, 17th. This morning went on foot four
and one-half miles into the country, and viewed a grind-
stone quarry. Found the grindstones of rather difficult
manufacture. Bought one ready made, and returned
back. To-day have fine roast turkey for dinner, with
asparagus, etc. ave several gentlemen to dine with
me. This afternoon I proved my rifle-gun. Fired
four times, and made good shots. Three times out of
four I put the ball within two inches of the spot, which
was the bigness of a dollar. [Distance not stated. ]
The river has fallen, within six days, as much as six
feet—the Yohogany so low that it is difficult coming
down it. My hope is we shall start in a day or two.

Sunday, 18th. This morning, about 8 o'clock, two
lads brought to my quarters a number of fine fish, just
caught. Amongst them were two perch, weighing forty

and one-fourth pounds together. They have been

 

ginia, Appendix.) In 1778-9 Colonel Gibson commanded at Fort
Laurens, on the Tuscawaras (near the present town of Bolivar),
the only military fort erected within the limits of the present
State of Ohio, during the Revolution. General Gibson was sec-
retary and acting governor of the territory of Indiana in 1Soo,
1811-13; afterward associate judge of «legheny county, Penn-
sylvania. Died near Pittsburg in 1822. Resided in Pittsburg
on the cast side of Sccoud avenue, below Redoubt alley.

* Major John Inwin, of the army of the Revolution. His resi-

dence was a short distance below General Gibson’s.
 

Fournal, 1788. 51

 

caught here weighing twenty-four pounds. They are
very handsome, good fish, something resembling a had-
dock ; a little higher in the back, and much better eating.
We generally kept Sunday at home, some of us, my-
self for one, reading. At about 5 o'clock in the after-
noon came over Generals Parsons, Harmer, and a Mr.
White, member of Congress from North Carolina, and
paid me a visit, which was very agreeable. They spent
an hour on this side and then returned.

Monday, rgth. This day employed in making axe-
helves, hoe-handles, and sundry other matters in the
way of tools. Purchased a bushel of salt at 205., and
two bushels potatoes at 2s., P. C. [prices current].
The river falling at the rate of twelve inches a day, and
our boat not come yet. I must confess I feel uneasy.
This terrible delay in the midst of sowing time makes
me feel unhappy; notwithstanding, I strive to act the
philosopher. I keep my feelings to myself, and the
people don’t know that I am in the least uneasy. I hope
to be able to make up for lost time by doubling my dili-
gence. This daya Mr. Medcalf, of Dedlam, came here,
wishing to get a passage down theriver. He being out
of provisions and money I took him into my family.
At 6 o'clock Pp. M., in company with a number of gen-
tlemen, I mounted the hill opposite Pittsburg. This
mountain is three hundred feet high, nearly perpen-
dicular, and looks right into Fort Pitt. It abounds
with good sea-coal, which they call here stone coal.

Tuesday, 2oth. Our boat not arrived. Therefore,
 

a) Colonel Fohn May.

 

we employ ourselves as well as we can. I have just
taken a receipt for making bread, from Mrs. Hulen,
who makes bread for us, and her bread is as good as
any that ever I tasted. Her method is this: The
evening before baking she takes a piece of leaven of the
bigness of her fist. If it has become dry, pounds it till
it is pretty fine, and mixes it in about three quarts of cold
water. If it is not dry she mixes it without pounding.
When thoroughly mixed, she lets it stand and settle till
morning, or till the time for mixing the dough; then
turns off the water gently, and uses the sediment the
same as yeast. Dough mixed with tolerable warm
water, and left to stand while the oven is heating. By
this time the batch will have risen sufficiently. The
loaves are made up and put in baskets made for the
purpose, and are left to stand a little time before they
are put into the oven. If the right temperature is
secured in the oven you are sure of a good batch of bread.
Wednesday, 21st. At 2 o'clock p. m. our boat—
oh, be joyful!—hove in sight, coming around the point,
and, in half an hour, was made fast at Pittsburg. She
is forty-two feet long and twelve feet wide, with cover.
She will carry a burden of forty-five tons, and draws
only two and one-half feet water. For twenty-four
hours it has rained steadily and freely, which occasions
the rising of the river as fast as it has fallen of late.
Thursday, 22d. Dined to-day on turtle, fish of

various kinds, soup, fowl, etc. A boy brought to my
 

Fournal, 1788. 6

 

quarters this evening a sturgeon four and one-half
feet long. He is a very handsome and well-made fish,
excepting the mouth, which is made like a hose. He
has no kind of bone in his body, and is considered
good eating by many; but I have no mind to try.

Friday, 23d. Rain continues to fall and river to
rise; the roads intolerably nasty, it being almost im-
possible to move in them. This most certainly is a
different climate and a different world. The storms in
New England come from the northeast; the storms
here from the southwest, and these last as long as
the first. Notwithstanding the incessant rains, I have
put my baggage and stores on board our transport, in
expectation of going down the river to-morrow.

At 5 o'clock Governor St. Clair arrived at Pittsburg ;
not going down the river now, but to return to his
family.* We shall be under the necessity of making
him a formal visit to-morrow. All these things seem
to be against me, but, heigh-ho! it is all for the best, I
dare say. For one, I confess I am moved to the
visit by two motives: one, the respect due to the
Governor of the Western Territory; the other a little
selfish, as we wish him to make Muskingum the seat
of government and place of his residence. And we

 

* General St. Clair’s family residence was at the Hermitage
Furnace, near Ligonier, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He
then owned large tracts of land in that neighborhood. His dwell-

ing-house is still standing.
 

54 Colonel Fohn May.

 

have no doubt if proper attention is paid to these little
matters, as well as to those of greater magnitude, the
object will be accomplished. Supped to-night on two
perch that were alive three minutes before they were put
into the pan.

Saturday, 24th. The rain increasing; the river
rising. I am truly, truly tired of this world of clouds.
It is now forty days since I left Boston, and there have
been only eight of good, fair weather. JI have had but
little sleep since I came here, owing chiefly to the bark-
ing of dogs. I believe there are two dogs to a man
in this place, and at my quarters there are no less than
seventeen of these wide-throated sons of bitches. At
about 11 or 12 at night the Pittsburg dogs begin to
yell, and ours, on this side, to echo back with great
vehemence. At 11 a. M. paid the visit to our Gov-
ernor, wrapped in my cantsloper, and was received most
graciously. Tarried an hour, then embarked for Hu-
Jen’s, where I tarried a quarter of an hour. Took leave
of this good family, and went down the river about one
mile in the yawl, our big boat having gone that distance
some time before, to take on board some boards to
make a covering.

At 12% o'clock cast off our fasts, and committed
ourselves to the current of the Ohio. The scene was
beautiful. Without wind or waves, we, insensibly al-
most, make more than five miles an hour. In eight
hours we arrived at Little Beaver, a distance of forty-

three miles. This is the place General Parsons men-
 

Fournal, 1788. 55

 

tions in his journal, where he says a Mr.

 

(illeg-
ible) raised six hundred bushels of corn from seven
acres of land. I met the man mentioned, and he says
it is true, excepting that the squirrels robbed him of
nearly sixty bushels, as he thinks; so that he did
actually harvest more than five hundred and forty
bushels.

We tarried at this place an hour and a half for the
moon to rise, then set out again, and in six hours ar-
rived at Cox’s Fort,* thirty-three miles. Here we
bought three hundred pounds of beautiful gammon, at
5d. per pound, and also some seed-corn and potatoes.
Our passage thus far down the Ohio is too delightful
to be described by me, under existing circumstances, as
I have but just room to sit, and hardly that, and swing
my pen. Weare closely crowded, having twenty-seven
men on board, two cows, two calves, seven hogs, and
nine dogs, besides eight tons of baggage. At Cox’s
Fort are a number of settlers, on very pretty farms,
though quite new. It has not been settled more than
five years. The soil is excellent; the best I have yet
seen. This territory is called West Liberty,+ and be-
longs to Virginia.

 

* A small block-house erected by Isaac, George, and Friend
Cox, about one mile above the present town of Wellsburg,
Brooke county, West Virginia. (Howe’s History of Virginia,
Pp: 197-)

t+ West Liberty was then the county-seat of Ohio county, Vir-

ginia ; it is ive miles from the river.
t

56 Colonel Fohn May.

 

Dollars at 6s. We bought some butter here at §d.,
and our seed-corn at 25. 6d, (per bushel ?), and a barrel
of pickled pork at 3d. per pound. Took on board a
quantity of excellent salad, some plants, etc., and re-
embarked on board our ship again. Cox’s Fort is one
hundred and eleven miles from Muskingum. We
went rapidly down the river, and at half-past 3 in the
afternoon arrived at Wheeling, a distance of sixteen
miles, where we were kindly received by Mrs. Zane,
her husband* having gone to convention. Here
we purchased more cows and calves, and other neces-
saries; staid and drank tea of an excellent quality, with
fine bread and butter and radishes; and about 8 o'clock
in the evening committed ourselves to the waters of
this beautiful river, though the prospect before us was
at the time rather gloomy,—a heavy cloud right
ahead, from whence darted flashes of lightning, followed
by the grumble and roar of distant thunder. We
found it so dark that we could just discern the black
mountains on each side; but when the flashes came we
stared with all our eyes. It was my turn to stand at
the helm during this hour, and I was relieved in time.
But the.scene was so grand, and the sounds and echoes
so various, that I could not go in, but kept up five

hours, minding the helm the most of the time, with

 

* Ebenezer Zane, with his brothers Jonathan and Silas, were
the first settlers of Wheeling. Ebenezer was a delegate to the
State Convention, held at Richmond in 1788, to consider the

adoption of the Federal Constitution,
 

Fournal, 1788. 57

 

one lookout forwards and four to row, whilst all the
rest slept. We moved on still as night. In the thick
forest on either hand was to be heard the howling of
savage beasts, the whooping of one kind of owl and
the screaming of another, while every now and then
would come a burst of thunder. The novelty of the
situation, with all its peculiarities, kept my imagination
awake. I must confess it was one of the grandest
nights in all my experience. At about 2 o’clock in the
morning, the sky was serene and clear, and the moon
about two hours high; then I turned in and got some
sleep. I have blended Saturday and Saturday night,
Sunday and Sunday night, all together, as the whole
seems, on looking back to it, but one long day. How-
ever, will stick to my old plan, and make up my day’s
work in future.

Monday, 26th. I intend in some future page to
give a description of the river Ohio, as I have made
several observations which can not conveniently be put
down here. The sun rose beautifully on us this morn-
ing, and the prospect is as pleasant as the imagination
can conceive. It would take the pen of a Hervey * to
describe these beauties of landscape rising above land-
scape, constantly attracting the eye. We are passing

by one lovely island after another, floating tranquilly,

 

* Hervey (Dr. James), author of Contemplations and Medita-
tions; works much valued and read for many years, but now

almost forgotten.
 

58 Colonel Fohn May.

 

but majestically; at the rate of four and one-half miles
an hour. Thus we moved on, constantly espying new
wonders and beauties, till 3 o’clock, when we arrived
safely on the banks.of the delightful Muskingum.
Tuesday, 27th. Slept on board last night, and rose
early this morning. Have spent the day in reconnoi-
tering the spot where the city is to be laid out, and
find it to answer the best descriptions I have ever heard
of it. The situation delightfully agreeable, and well
calculated for an elegant city. The old ruins,* of

great extent, a masterly piece of work. How many

 

* An accurate survey of the ancient ruins within the limits of
our city has been made in presence of the governor, judges,
directors of the company, and a number of other gentlemen, that
we may be able to ascertain all the facts respecting them; in the
course of this survey we had several of the large trees, on the
parapet of those works, cut down, and have examined their ages
by the rings of grains from the heart to the surface, computing
each grain to be one year’s growth. We found one tree to have
stood 443 years, another 289, situated so as to leave no room to
doubt of their having began to grow since those works were
abandoned. We find the perpendicular height of the walls of
this covert to be at this time twenty feet and the base thirty-nine,
the width twelve rods.” (Extract of a letter from a gentleman at
Marietta, to his friend in Massachusetts, Sth September, 1788,
in the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 3047, October 22. 1788.)
These * ancient works” were first described by General Parsons
and Captain Jonathan Heart, in 1786-7. (Ilaven’s. Archacology
of the United States, Washington, 1856, p. 23; letter from
Gencral Harmar to General Mifflin, Mareh 17, 1997, Denny’s
Journal, p. 421. See also Columbian Magazine for April, 1787,
 

Fournal, 1788. 59

 

ages since inhabited none can tell: the trees growing
upon them appear as ancient as the rest of the wilder-
ness. Many traces of art to be found in different
parts.

As to our surveying, buildings, etc., they are in a
very backward way. Little appears to be done, and a
great deal of time and money misspent. There are
now here about thirty Indians, who appear to be friendly
enough; but they are a set of creatures not to be
trusted. General Putnam* tells me there have been sev-
eral parties here since his arrival. For my part I am
not fond of them, neither do I fearthem. Dined to-
day with General Harmer, by invitation. Had an ele-
gant dinner. Amongst the variety was (beef) a /a mode,
boiled fish, bear-steaks, roast venison, etc., excellent

succotash, salads, and cranberry sauce; grog and wine

 

p- 425; Archelogia Americana, vol. 1, p. 136; Harris’ Tour,
1805; Howe’s Hist. Col. of Ohio, etc.; Top. Description of
Washington County, Ohio, by I. Delafield, Jr., 1834.)

* General Rufus Putnam, of Massachusetts. He served in the
old French War, in 1757, and throughout the Revolution, with
great distinction; chief engineer of the army in 1776; briga-
dier-general in 1783. In 1785, with General Tupper, originated
the plan of the Ohio Company, of which he was chosen superin-
tendent. He was appointed judge of the Supreme Court of the
Western Territory in 1792, and in 1796 surveyor-general of the
United States. In 1802 he was elected a member of the Ohio
Constitutional Convention. Died at Marietta in May, 1824, in
the eighty-seventh year of his age. (Judge Campbell’s Biog.
Sketches, 1838.)
 

60 Colonel Fohn May.

 

after dinner. Viewed Major Doughty’s gardens,* which
found as well filled with necessaries and curiosities as
most gardens in Boston. Here I saw cotton growing
in perfection, also a fine nursery of apple and peach
trees. Purchased this evening a quarter of bear at 12d.
per pound, and one side of venison at 1d. per pound.
Wednesday, 28th. It began to rain this morning at
5 o'clock, and continued to rain exceedingly hard for
seven hours. Then followed fine clear weather. The
directors and agents present agreed to lease the minis-
terial lot to different persons, in lots of ten acres each,
for a term not less than one hundred years, at the op-
tion of the lessee—to be without rent the first ten years,
and then a fixed rent the remainder of the time. This
was done to accommodate a number of proprietors pres-
ent, whose eight-acre /ots were drawn at a distance. Went
this afternoon to survey the fen-acre /ots, and drew for
them in the evening. Colonel Sproat drew No. 9;
Varnum, 10; May, 11; Sargent, 12; Parsons, 13, etc.
Major Doughty sent me a proper herring caught in the
river, which I salted, and put in the smoke-house. Our
hunters brought in some fawns alive, pretty creatures,
so docile that they will become tame in half an hour
after they are taken.
Thursday, 29th. This day the axe ‘is laid to the

* Major John Doughty, commander of the artillery; lieuten-
ant-colonel in 1798. Fort Ilarmar was erected by the troops

under his command, in 1785.
 

Fournal, 1788. 61

 

root of the trees. In order to this my people were
armed with the suitable tool, and went forth to smite
the ancient tenants of the woods. Venison plenty at*
1d. or one copper, per pound. I was engaged all the
afternoon with the surveyors. Find the soil very good,
but was tormented beyond measure by myriads of gnats.
They not only bite surprisingly, but get down one’s
throat.

This evening, arrived two long boats from the
Rapids,* with officers and soldiers, the number about
one hundred. On their passage up the river they were
fired upon by a strong party of Indians, headed by a
white man. They returned the fire, and had two men
killed. They were obliged to drop down the rivera
piece, and come by the place in the night. There are
various reports about the hostilities of the savages, but
nothing to be depended on. The Indians are fre-
quently in here, and seem to be on friendly terms. I
have shaken hands with many of them. My people
employed in clearing land. I have been, this after-
noon, sowing garden-seeds. Was overtaken in a hard
gust and pretty well wet. This country is warmer in
winter, and cooler in summer, than New England.

Friday, 3oth. Men employed in cutting timber for
my house. Time taken up with the surveyor. Last
night General Harmer arrived here from Pittsburg.

 

* The Falls or Rapids of the Ohio, at Louisville, Kentucky.
 

62 Colonel Fohn May.

 

Had in company a Mr. White,* member of Congress
from North Carolina; Major Corlis, and Colonel Ol-
ney, from Providence. These gentlemen intend to
tarry here about six weeks. Nothing remarkable dur-
ing the rest of the day.

Saturday, 31st. All hands at work on my ¢en-acre lot.
Took hold of it with spirit. There are six of us in all,
and we completely cleared an acre and a half by sunset.
The land as good as any that can be found in the uni-
verse.

Sunday, June ist. A day of rest.

Monday, 2d. All hands clearing land. Nothing
remarkable.

Tuesday, 3d. Wind southwest. A fine day. All
busy.

Thursday, 5th. This day General Varnum arrived
with about forty souls in company. Brought a barrel
mell® (?) for me from Baltimore, and letters which
were very acceptable. Had a severe thunder-gust.
The river fallen since my arrival at least twelve feet,

Friday, 6th. Still clearing land. The soil opens de-
lightfully. Dined on roast venison, which is common
enough, A thunder-gust this afternoon. Very low in
the center of the Muskingum is a gravel bank, which
has now only four feet of water on it. At nine o’clock

the waters rising. At twelve had risen fifteen inches,

 

* Alexander White was a member of Congress from North
Carolina, 1786 to 1788, and from Virginia, 1789 to 1793.
 

Fournal, 1788. 63

 

and at 8 in the evening four feet seven inches.
Thus rapid are the rise and fall of these waters. Some
Indians came in to-day.

Saturday, 7th. The river rising; is now six and a
half feet higher than it was three days since. This sud-
den rising of the waters is occasioned by great rains up
the Alleghana and Monongahela rivers. I have killed
two lizards, a copperhead, and a black snake, very
large and long. Mr. Rice and myself killed a large
copperhead to-day. This fellow was very spiteful. I
made him bite himself several times. Have not seen
a rattlesnake yet. Indeed, snakes by no means numer-
ous. There are not so many as in New England, I
do believe. Indians daily come in to trade.

General Varnum and his party are making difficul-
ties about the eight-acre lots not being drawn contigu-
oustothecity; also, with respect to the Scioto purchase.
The rations are not good. General Putnam did not
strictly adhere to orders given at Brackett’s tavern in
Boston, and Rice’s tavern at Providence. I think I
foresee difficulties of a more serious nature.

Sunday, 8th. A beautiful and pleasant day. No
preaching established as yet. I employed myself as ra-
tionally as possible, viz., reading and writing from 4
in the morning till 12 at noon, when General Har-
mer’s barge came to carry a number of us to dine. The

gentlemen who went over were Generals Parsons, Put-
 

64 Colonel Fohn May.

 

nam, Varnum; Colonels Sproat,* Battelle, Miggs,+
and May; Major Sargent, and Mr, Rice. At 3 o'clock
dinner on table, and as elegant a table as any in Bos-

ton. Amongst the solids were bacon gammon, veni-

 

* Colonel Ebenezer Sproat, of Massachusetts; lieutenant-
colonel of Glover’s brigade, in the Revolution; one of the sur-
veyors of the seven ranges of public lands in 1786-7. These
were in the eastern district of Ohio, and were the first lands sur-
veyed by authority of the United States. (Am. State Papers, Pub-
lic Lands, vol. 1, p. 82.) On account of Colonel Sproat’s stature
and commanding appearance, the Indians named him Hetuck,
or the Big Buckeye. He was the first sheriff in Ohio, and held
that office fourteen years. With drawn sword and wand of office
he marched at the head of the procession, composed of the gov-
ernor, judges, secretary, and others, on the occasion of opening
the first court ever held in Ohio, at Marietta, in the block-house
of Campus Martius, September 22, 1787. He died in 1805.
(Hildreth, p. 230.)

t Colonel Return J. Meigs (the elder), of Connecticut; an
officer of the Revolutionary War; major in the campaign against
Quebec, in 1775, and with Arnold’s division traversed the wilder-
ness of Maine, undergoing great fatigue and privation. In the
attack on the city he was taken prisoner. In 1777 he received
the special thanks of Congress and a sword, for a successful ex-
pedition to Sag Harbor, Long Island, in which he captured near
one hundred men and a number of vessels laden with forage and
stores for the British army at New York. He commanded one
of the four light infantry regiments, * the é//¢e of the army,” at
the storming of Stony Point, in July, 1779, by General Auten
Wayne. In 1778 he was appointed one of the surveyors of the
Ohio Company. Governor St. Clair appointed him assistant

judge of the Court of Quarter Sessions, and clerk of the Court of
 

Fournal, 1788. 65

 

son tongues, roast and boiled lamb, barbecued and a la
mode beef, perch and catfish, lobsters and oysters.
For vegetables: green peas, radishes, and salads. For
drink: spirits, excellent wine, brandy and beer. We
spent the afternoon, drank tea, crossed the river back
again, and went to rest.

Monday, gth. I have been clearing land for eight
days, and now begin to feel the effects of poison—from
ivy, doubtless. I hope it will not prove very bad. Met
to settle difficulties respecting the eight-acre lots; but
we could not agree, and adjourned until to-morrow, at
8 o'clock a. m. We have a constant supply of
venison, but it is not fat yet. Colonel Battelle and
myself went out this morning, and killed a fine raccoon.
The settlers are zealously at work, and the land is
opening fast, and looks finely; but we are in great
want of teams. The weather has been extremely hot
these three days. A little rain every day.

Tuesday, roth. A beautiful morning, but I can not

 

Common Pleas, the first session of which was held on September
2,1788. In 1795 he was commissary of clothing for the army
under General Wayne; in 1798 a member of the first legislature
of the territory. President Jefferson appointed him agent for the
Cherokees in 1801. He resided with that tribe until his death in
1823, aged eighty-three years. His son, bearing the same name,
was governor of Ohio, t81o-14._ (Journal of the Expedition to
Quebec (by Colonel Meigs), in the American Remembrancer for
1776, part 2, p. 295; History of the Assault on Stony Point, by
H. B. Dawson, New York, 1863 ; Hildreth’s Biog., p. 258.)
 

66 Colonel Fohn May.

 

enjoy it,—I am so badly inflamed with poison. The
people hewing timber for the house, which I am in
hopes to raise in eight or ten days; for I am not very
comfortable on board my Kentucky ship. Met this
morning, according to adjournment, and after much
debate and discussion, agreed to cut up our commons
into three-acre lots, to be drawn for in July. This has
appeased the minds of the people. We also appointed
officers of police.

Wednesday, 11th. My poison bad, but not in my
face. I took a dose of salts this morning, and am ap-
plying the leaves of spice-wood, soaked in vinegar,
which seem to have a good effect. Notwithstanding
my indisposition, I have enlarged my gang to-day,
which I have divided into three squads: four men hew-
ing timber; two clearing land; and two digging a cellar
in the bank, near my boat. This conveniency is much
wanted to keep the beer and other matters in. We
have dug no wells as yet, and the river water is too
warm to be pleasant.

Thursday, 12th. This morning extremely hot. At
11 a. M. a thunder-gust, and continued raining all day,
with thunder and lightning. The river rising.

Friday, 13th. Thunder and lightning all night.
Little sleep for me. The river rose six feet nine
inches yesterday, and still rising. All hands at work
clearing.

Saturday, 14th. The wind northwest. A delightful
 

Fournal, 1788. 67

 

morning. The river beginning -to fall. At 2 o'clock
completed my brew-house,—and two barrels of beer, and
one of vinegar. Am glad to see Saturday night. Shall
drink ‘* Wives and Sweethearts” speedily.

Sunday, 15th. This morning as delightful as ever
shone in Eden; but from some mighty rains at a dis-
tance the rivers are taking a new start. I am still on
board the ship, which gives me an opportunity to ob-
serve the rising and falling of the waters. A number
of poor devils—five in all—took their departure home-
ward this morning. They came from home money-
less and brainless, and have returned as they came.
Wrote four letters to-day to my friends in Boston.
Colonel Olney favored me by carrying them; the letters
directed to Mrs. May, brother Joseph, Lieut.-Col.
Winslow, and brother Ithamar May [his half-brother],
at Pomfret. Spent this evening with the Dons, con-
sulting about a form of police for our new republic.

Monday, 16th. All hands employed in hewing tim-
ber and clearing land. A small shower at 11 o'clock.
At 6 o'clock this morning Mr. Gridley Skinner and
others arrived, by whom I received a package of letters,
which were very acceptable indeed; but I am too busy
to make lengthened remarks.

Tuesday, 17th. All hands employed as usual. Great
preparations are making at the garrison for the treaty.
Two large keel-boats—one of which is eighty-five feet
long, the other seventy-two—arrived here three days
 

68 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

ago, from Pittsburg, laden with merchandise, for use in
the treaty. The contractors are on board; and two
days ago the boats went up the Muskingum to the forks,
about sixty miles, to make preparations to build a coun-
cil-house, etc. The catfish and perch make such a noise
under my ship that they frequently keep me awake half
the night. My garden-seeds came up finely ; but insects
are numerous, and destroy a great deal. Amongst us
we have four fawns, as tame as cats. It is surprising
how easily these animals are tamed, so as to put con-
fidence in man, who is, of all creatures, the most deceit-
ful. Yesterday one of these fawns was caught in the
wilderness, his dam having been killed. To-day it is
as tame as the rest; will run after me, climb upon me,
and suck my ear.

This evening Judge Parsons’ and General Varnum’s
commissions were read; also, regulations for the govern-
ment of the people. In fact, by-laws were much
wanted. Officers were named to command the militia ;
guards to be mounted every evening; all males more
than fifteen years old to appear under arms every Sun-
day.

Wednesday, 18th. Nothing remarkable. Ny people
employed as yesterday. I am so weary with constant
labor, and sleep so soundly, the revere makes no im-
pression on me. It is three mornings since I have

heard it.

Thursday, 1gth. All hands employed in planting
 

Fournal, 1788. 69

 

corn and garden-seeds. At 2 Pp. M. came a severe thun-
der-gust, attended with great wind, which blew down
many trees—several in my lot. A large tree fell on
one of the company’s oxen and killed him. This is a
great loss, as we had only three yoke in the settlement.
Our hunter returned to-day from Hockhacking, having
been gone three days. He killed seven deer, and seven
cock-turkeys. He might have killed any quantity, but
it is the season of the year when they are not fat.
Since the shower it has been very cold for the season.

Friday, 2oth. Weather warmer. My men em-
ployed in planting shagbarks, which out here are the
largest one can conceive of. I have found the nuts as
big as pullets’ eggs. Have not seen any chestnuts,
nor any birch or alders, in this part of our settlement.
We find great abundance of crawfish, about six inches
long, almost like our lobsters in Boston. These am-
phibious creatures burrow in the ground, and make
little holes of about an inch diameter. Young Mr.
Williams caught a catfish to-day which weighed fifty-
nine and a half pounds; also a perch, weighing eighteen
pounds.*

The contractors’ boat returned this morning from

 

* “ The fish of the Ohio are numerous and of various kinds: the
black and yellow cat weighing from three to one hundred pounds ;
the buffalo from five to thirty pounds, the sturgeon from four to
forty, and the perch from three to twelve pounds.” (Cramer’s

Navigator, Pittsburg, 1821, p. 24.) ‘I wish you were here to
 

70 Colonel Fohn May.

 

the forks of the Muskingum. At 4 p. mM. she was
loaded again, and Mark Hulen’s boat also, and went up
the river again, loaded with stores. Our people espied
something remarkable floating down the Ohio. A
number of canoes were immediately fitted out, and came
up with the objects, which proved to be five large hogs,
all of which were caught, pulled into the canoes, and
brought on shore. This was a wonderful engagement—
equal to the Battle of the Kegs on the Delaware river.

Saturday, 21st. Finished planting—in all, some-
thing more than six acres—on the first bottom; and it
is only twenty days since I began to clear. Dined to-
day on catfish and perch. One of Colonel Stacey’s men
bit by a copperhead snake, which was killed afterward.
The young man was immediately carried over the river
to Isaac Williams’,* who is thought to be a good hand

in curing the bites of venomous reptiles. Five large

 

view the beauties of Fort McIntosh: what think you of pike of
twenty-five pounds ; perch of fifteen to twenty pounds; catfish of
forty pounds, bass, pickerel, sturgeon, ete., ete?” (Extract of
letter from General Harmar at Fort McIntosh (now Beaver), in
Denny’s Journal, p. 417.)

* A celebrated hunter, scout, and frontiersman; a native of
Chester county, Pennsylvania; settled with his family on the
Virginia side of the Ohio, opposite Marietta, in 1786, where he
resided until his death in 1820, aged eighty-four years. He had a
very kind disposition, and rendered valuable assistance to the
early settlers at Marietta. (Iildreth’s Lives, p- 4753 see Ser-
geant Buell’s Journal in Iildreth’s History.)
 

Fournal, 1788. 71

 

Kentucky boats went down to-day, loaded with families,
etc. The river has fallen since last Thursday upward
of eleven feet. The day’s work tires me exceedingly,
and I go to bed early.

[ Here, in the original, follow pictures, made with the
pen, of several kinds of fish; also of a Kentucky boat,
and a little sketch of the junction of the Allegheny
and Monongahela rivers, indicating the positions of the
town of Pittsburg and the fort. They were probably
made on a blank leaf at the time Colonel May was tar-
rying in that vicinity. As such objects are familiar in
numerous modern works, they are not copied here. ]

Sunday, 22d. Day set to determine the rank of the
following officers, who are to do military duty at Mus-
kingum: Col. Crary,* first commandant; Col. May,
second; Col. Battelle, third; Lieut.-Col. Stacey,+
fourth; Lieut.-Col. Oliver,{ fifth; Major Phillips,

 

* Colonel Archibald Crary, from Rhode Island. He was one
of the three judges of the first Court of Common Pleas.

f William Stacey; in 1778 lieutenant-colonel of Alden’s Mas-
sachusetts regiment of the line; taken prisoner at Cherry Val-
ley, New York, by a detachment of Tories and Indians, under
Butler and Brant. The latter rescued him from burning at the
stake, to which he was tied by the savages. He remained a pris-
oner over four years. Removed to Marietta in 1789; died in
1804. (Hildreth, p. 407.)

t Robert Oliver, lieutenant-colonel of the roth Massachusetts
regiment of the line, in the Revolution; removed to Marietta in

1788 ; succeeded General Parsons as one of the directors of the
 

72 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

sixth; Capt. Rice, seventh. The above gentlemen
proceeded to appoint the following subaltern officers,
viz: Dean Tyler, first; Charles Green, Wanton Carey,
James Beeker, Isaac Pierce, Paul Fearing,* William
Gridley, Daniel Dunham, Benjamin Sill, Henry H.
Williams, and Samuel Stebbins. I had the honor to
act as adjutant-general and secretary, too. Was very
busy all day in making and drawing reports, etc. Had
a fine dinner to-day on gammon, parsley, and so on;
excellent bread, mustard, vinegar. Our luck has been
heretofore to have good provisions—the best of bread,
fine venison, and turkeys—when we pleased; also, gray
and black squirrels at any time when we want them, and
as great a variety of fish as can be named in any market.
The gardens of the garrison, also, much at our service.
I have received innumerable civilities from the officers
of the fort. In a word, we live superbly. However,

lying so long on board ship (which is four weeks yes-

 

Ohio Company in 1790; one of the representatives of Washing-
ton county, in the first territorial legislature in 1798; appointed
by President Adams one of the council of the territory in 1799,
of which body he was president from 1800 to 1803: he was also
one of the judges of the Common Pleas ; died in 1810. (Hildreth.)

* Paul Fearing, of Plymouth county, Massachusetts ; arrived at
Marietta, June 16, 1788. He was the first attorney admitted to
practice in the territory, on the 2d of September, 1788 ; in 1800
he was elected a member of the legislature, and in 1801—2 dele-
gate to Congress; in rSto he was appointed jndge of the Court

of Common Pleas; died «\ugust 21, 1$22.
 

Fournal, 1788. we

 

terday) I think unwholesome. Some of us are begin-
ning to complain of aches and pains. I, amongst the
rest, am full of rambling pains, and my limbs drag
after me. Iam afraid the worst is not come yet. But
I don’t intend to grumble, or get into the dumps.
Will bounce into my hammock, and see what that
will do.

Monday, 23d. All hands at labor; I tugging about
amongst the rest, but not able to do much. Cesar
(the dog) ‘waxed fat and kicked,”—at least he grew
saucy and offended some of the young settlers, one of
whom shot him with a ball, and cut his fore foot
badly. So I had him killed and buried. I tried to
catch the fellow, but he ran too nimbly for me.

Tuesday, 24th. Last night and to-day remarkably
cold; feels like September. I endeavor to keep my
men busy, though I am scarcely able to keep about my-
self; contemplated getting out timber for my house;
made a saw-pit for sawing boards, etc. I am in hopes
to have my house finished in twenty days. Till then I
intend to live on board ship, which I like better than
the little cabins* covered with walnut bark. Major

Solgume took hold of a piece of timber to help lift it,

 

* «These men from New England, many of whom were of the
first respectability, old Revolutionary officers, had erected and
were now living in huts immediately opposite us.” (Major
Denny’s Journal, at Fort Harmar, May 28, 1788.)
 

74 Colonel Fohn May.

 

and caught his hand under it, which took off one of his
nails, and hurt the rest of his hand badly.

Wednesday, 25th. The men employed as usual.
The cold weather continues. Wind at the northwest.
We felled a large tree on one of our dogs, which so dis-
abled him we were obliged to leave him in the woods.

Thursday, 26th. Some gone to raising, some to
drawing timber, and some to sawing in the pit, —myself
grunting, but often seizing the axe in order to stir my
blood, as well as to stimulate others. I have assisted in
cutting two black-walnut trees, either of which would
make four hundred feet boards. These I shall have sawed
into stuff for furniture for the new house. The saw has
been going all day.andworks well. Dined on buffalo fish,
the weight of which when caught, was fourteen and three-
fourths pounds. We had also a pike weighing seven
and one-fourth pounds. The men and IJ ate the whole.
The buffalo eats the same as salmon, and is quite as fat.

Friday 27th. The wind northwest ; exceedingly cold
for the season; we can sleep in sheet and blanket com-
fortably. Asmart rain to-day. Our rains generally come
from the south and southwest. Some of our gentlemen
went up the Muskingum ten miles, and came back
highly pleased. They say the lands are abundantly
better there than where we are clearing; twelve deer
brought in to-day, and some fine wild turkeys. [
bought a fine keg of butter at 74. per pound,

Saturday, 28th. Mighty in digging cellar, hauling
 

Fournal, 1788. ay

 

timber, etc., for the house. Madea great day’s work:
four of us finished the cellar, twenty-one by eighteen
feet, and seven feet deep, through a soil of marl of a
reddish color, mixed with fine sand.

Sunday, 29th. It still continues cold; a fire on
board would be quite comfortable; my people actually
complaining of the cold while I was writing. At length.
found my hand quite numb: I got up, took a bucket,
and threw two hundred buckets of water into the boat,
which washed her well. I then said, ‘‘ Now, my lads,
throw all that water out.” By the time they had
cleaned her out, they were warm enough. Nothing
remarkable to-day.

Monday, 3oth. All employed about the house.
Poor Dr. M. out of provisions, and no money. Had
pity on him, and took him into my family, although it
was quite large enough before. I put powder-horn and
shot-bag onto him, and a gun in his hand, with a bot-
tle of grog by his side, and told him to livein my corn-
field, and keep off squirrels and crows.

Tuesday, July ist. All hands employed as usual.
The weather much altered. It has been a very sultry
day. An hour before sunset had a glorious shower,
with little thunder. It rained prodigiously for an hour,
then cleared off with a superb rainbow. We contem-
plated in our plans a grand bridge over the river ravine,

two hundred rods from the point, and called it Corey’s
 

76 Colonel Fohn May.

 

bridge,* in honor of the master workman. There is
not so good a bridge, or anything like it, betwixt it and
Baltimore.

We were alarmed to-day by a letter from Major
Doughty, at Pittsburg, stating that they had just re-
ceived intelligence from Detroit, that two parties of In-
dian warriors, about forty in each party, were started on
a hostile expedition against our settlement and Ken-
tucky. Our people were called in from Jabor at 11
o'clock, and a guard consisting of a subaltern and
thirty men sent to reconnoiter and scour the woods.
They took a day’s provisions with them. Young
Hulen, who has just returned from the council-house,
says there will be no treaty. The savages are holding
a council at Sandusky, and are much divided amongst
themselves. These things are not altogether in our
favor.

Wednesday, 2d. Rained hard all night, but a de-
lightful morning. Men employed as yesterday. At-
tended myself a meeting of directors and agents, accord-
ing to order at Providence, 8th March. Chose a com-
mittee to make preparation for drawing the city dots.
Entered into several debates, and at 2 o'clock -ad-

journed until Monday, 7th inst., at 8 o’clock in the

 

* This bridge was built ever **Tyber creek :? it was twenty-
five fect high, ninety feet long, and twenty-four feet wide, covered
with hewn planks four inches thick.” (Hildreth’s Pioneer History,
p.-226.)
 

Fournal, 1788. 77

 

morning, for the purpose of drawing the city lots, and
transacting such other business as may be thought nec-
essary for the establishment of our infant settlement.
A number of men hired by the company to attend the
surveyor, whose time was out, went up the Ohio, bound
home,

Thursday, 3d. A fine, pleasant morning; the birds
were singing at 3 o'clock a. M., making sweet melody.
At the first of our coming here there were no robins;
but for a fortnight back there have been several about
here, and it seems as if they would exhaust themselves
in praising our works and Him who sent us here and
protects us here. There is one, in particular, who
alights right over my ship, begins at dawn of day,
and continues his melody for several hours. All hands
at work on,the house. I returned from labor at sunset,
and found hanging up in my cellar a pike that weighed
twenty-one pounds, and a perch twenty-four and one-
half pounds. This preparation in part for the enter-
tainment of to-morrow. Mr. Williams, who caught
them, took a pike that weighed twenty-nine and one-
half pounds; this one General Harmer bought. In
short, fish are so various, and of such magnitude, that
one can hardly exaggerate in speaking about them.

Friday, 4th. Warm, moist, and a brisk wind from
southwest. At 11 o'clock it rained hard. The cloud,
black and heavy, shakes the rain out easily. All labor

comes to a pause to-day in memory of the Declaration
 

78 Colonel Fohn May.

 

of Independence. Our long bowery is built on the
east bank of the Muskingum; a table laid sixty feet
long, in plain sight of the garrison, at one-quarter of a
mile distance. At 1 o’clock General Harmer and his
lady, Mrs. McCurders, and all the officers not on duty
came over, and several other gentlemen. An excellent
oration was delivered by Judge Varnum,* and the
cannon fired a salute of fourteen guns. At 3 o'clock,
just as dinner was on table, came a on heavy shower,
which lasted for half an hour. However the chief of
our provisions were rescued from the deluge, but in-
jured materially, When the rain ceased, the table was
laid again; but before we had finished, it came on to
rain a second time. On the whole, though, we had a
handsome dinner: all kinds of wild meat, turkey, and
other fowls of the woods; gammon, a variety of fish,
and plenty of vegetables; a bowl of punch, also grog,
wine, etc. Our toasts were as follows:
1. The United States.

2. Congress.

 

*“ The officers of Fort Harmar were entertained on the Point
(Marietta side) by the Ohio Company; heard a very suitable
oration delivered by Judge Varnum.” (Major Denny’s Journal,
p- 324.) The oration is printed in full in Hildreth’s History, p.
505, and in the same volume, pp. 214, 215. there is an account of
the celebration. They had venison, bear. and buffalo meat. and
a pike (speared in the Muskingum by Judge Devall and his son

Gilbert), which weighed one hundred pounds.
 

Fournal, 1788. 79

 

His Most Christian Majesty the King of France.

The United Netherlands.

The Friendly Powers throughout the World.

The New Federal Constitution.

General Washington and the Society of Cincinnati.
8. His Excellency Governor St. Clair and the West-

ern Territory.

I XHAR OS

g. The Memory of Heroes.

10. Patriots.

11. Captain Pipes, and a Successful Treaty.
12. The Amiable Partners of our Lives.
13. All Mankind.

Pleased with the entertainment, we kept it up till
after 12 at night, then went home and to bed, and slept
sound till morning.

Saturday, sth. An agreeable, pleasant morning. All
day my men at work on the house. I am employed my-
self in preparing for the draughts of the city lots. When I
arose this morning at 5 o'clock, the beautiful, amiable
Muskingum appeared in her charming summer dress.
The sun, at its first rising, never more delightful than
she: but about g o'clock, for the first time since I knew
her, she put on an angry, disagreeable countenance;
parting with the bewitching appearance of Venus, and
assuming a guise more worthy of Mars. Her counte-
nance changed from silver-white to an angry red; and
all the flood swelled as though she would burst her
sides. With long and hasty strides, she moved awfully
 

80 Colonel Fohn May.

 

toward the congregation of many waters. Her elder
brother, Ohio, in his nature, irritable to a great degree,
and often swelling with pride (at which times always
the sister modestly retires), stood aghast, and even
shrunk back from this unusual exhibition of his sister’s
wrath, and retreated to his southern shores. What oc-
casioned this sudden alteration of the Muskingum I
am not able fully to determine; but for three days and
three nights there has been a heavy black cloud at the
northward, with rumbling thunder, and in the evening
I could see lightning darting down. No doubt there
has been a severe rain at the north for three or four
days, which has so swelled the thousand runs debouch-
ing into the river, that the common outlet for them all
was rapidly filled. The Muskingum rose six feet in
six hours, and continues to rise, although she is pour-
ing out the waters at her mouth as fast as she possibly can.

About sunset this evening, we espied a fine doe in
the river. We sent off two canoes, and brought her
ashore alive, where, cruel to tell, she was killed, al-
though she begged hard for her life. I am of opinion
that deer are plentier in this country than horned cattle
are in New England. However, this state of things
will not last long; for whenever a country begins to be
settled, the native inhabitants must either flee or perish
outright. A herd of elk were seen up this river a few
days ago; and Mr. Williams tells me that not long

since he saw a drove of butfaloes,—very large. May
 

Fournal, 1788. 81

 

be we shall have a slap at them by and by. Apropos
of such matters, yesterday, while I headed one end of
the table, there came to me a Delaware Indian, one of
three petty chiefs. Hesaid to me, ‘“‘ How do you do,
brother Yankee?” I answered. him politely, and then
seated him on my left. He ate with a healthy appetite;
but when we began drinking the toasts, he labored with
all his might to speak them, but made rather a ridicu-
lous piece of work of it. When the cannon was fired
at the toasts in honor of Generals Washington and St.
Clair, and the Western Territory, it made him start.
The roar of a cannon is as disagreeable to an Indian as
a rope is to a thief, or broad daylight to one of your
made-up beauties. A more particular description of
the memorable day (yesterday), is it not written in the
books of the Chronicles of the Sons of Muskingum?
Sunday, 6th. This morning rose at 3, and went to
writing, with six stout fellows snoring round me, and
making music to accompany the scratch of the pen. I
wrote an hour and a half, then recollecting Joseph and
Ransford (?) have been complaining several days, I
weighed out three ounces of Glauber salts, and dissolved sy
them in water; then waked them, and made them share
the dose, only I came in for a third. This gave us all
a good cleansing, which I suppose we needed. Had a
fine shower this morning, and after it a most delightful
day. I think I have accomplished more writing to-day
than ever I did before, in one day, in my life. As the
 

82 Colonel Fohn May.

 

fit is on me, I will here make some little observation
on our passage down the Ohio river from Fort Pitt.

In eight hours we went to Little Beaver, forty-three
miles; in six more, to Cox’s Fort, thirty-three miles ;
and in three and a half hours more we arrived at
Wheeling, sixteen mil2. This is ninety-two miles in
seventeen hours and a half. We went from Wheeling
at g in the evening, and at 3 o'clock Monday a. M.,
landed in good order at Muskingum. Twelve miles
below Wheeling is Grave Creek, where there is a mound
of artificial construction, in the shape of a sugar-loaf,
seventy feet high, and three hundred round the base, a
repository of the dead. Six miles farther down is
Bogg’s Island. We passed a number of small islands,
and some tolerably large ones. Zane, at Wheeling,
has a fine island situated right opposite his house.
When we came to Long Reach we found there the
Three Brothers,—middling large islands. The river
Ohio, in general, is about four hundred yards wide, and
very beautiful.

Monday, 7th. Showery from the westward. It has
rained every day since I came here, but not disagreeably.
I am told by travelers that the Southern States are
deluged with water, so much so, as to injure the crops.
We have drawn the city lots to-day. The men at work
on the house.

Tuesday, 8th. Some of the men clearing land, and

some on the house.
 

Fournal, 1788. 83

 

Wednesday, gth. Dined with General Harmer, and
viewed his garden, which, until to-day, have not seen
fora fortnight. The alteration is amazing. Vegetation
more rapid here than I had any idea of, This garden
is quite full, notwithstanding the constant draft made
upon it. Cabbages almost big enough for winter ;
green corn, potatoes, etc., in plenty.

This is, in a sense, the birthday of this Western
World. Governor St. Clair arrived at the garrison.
His landing was announced by the discharge of four-
teen cannon; and all rejoiced at his coming. Yester-
day my hunter killed a fine buffalo, weight six hun-
dred pounds. He also killed five deer, one wolf, and
three turkeys. This man can make 20 (?) per day, on
the average, by hunting.

Thursday, roth. Wind at southwest, and rainy.
Streets—mud, mud, mud. I sowed a number of small
seeds to-day; little grape-shoots, set out some time
ago, I find alive.

Friday, 11th. A delightful day. All hands at wore |
on the house. This an arduous undertaking, and will
cost more than I intended. Am building from several
motives. First, for the benefit of the settlement;
second, from a prospect or hope of gain hereafter ;
third, for an asylum for myself and family, should we
ever want it; fourth, as a place where I can leave my
stores and baggage in safety : and lastly, to gratify a
foolish ambition, I suppose it is. The house is thirty-
 

84 Colonel Fohn May.

 

six feet long, eighteen wide, and fifteen high; a good
cellar under it, and drain; and is the first (of the kind)
built in Marietta.

Saturday, 12th. Excellent weather. At 12 0’clock,
Major Lunt and seven men arrived here from New
England. They came down the river in two canoes,
lashed together.

Sunday, 13th. I rose, as usual, at 3 o'clock, and
having washed and shaved, took pen and went to writing,
which I continued, with little intermission, all day. Mr.
Tufts violently homesick; I do believe he will die. In
order to prevent it, I have consented to his returning
home. He will set out to-morrow, at g o'clock. This
morning received disagreeable news from Mr. Dunham,
at the council-house, up the Muskingum. The mes-
senger came in twenty-four hours, with letters. A party
of Tawwaw * Indians had fired on the men at that place,
and killed five. The Indians, in return, were fired upon
by the people, and lost three. All this happened early
on Saturday morning. They intended to have killed
all the men there, and taken possession of the stores,
but missed their aim. On receiving this news, our big
boat and Hulen’s long boat were sent immediately up
the river. I hope they will go and return in safety.

Monday, 14th. All hands at work on the house.

* The common pronunciation of O/faxa. The detachment of
soldicrs was under the command of Ensign McDowell. (Denny’s

Journal, p. 325.)
 

Fournal, 1788. 85

 

Eat green peas to-day from my own garden, planted
exactly five weeks ago. All this trusting to Providence
but a little while. Things do grow amazingly!

Tuesday, 15th. Fine weather. All hands busy, as
usual. At 4 o'clock the government judges came over,
when their commissions were read.*

Wednesday, 16th. Wind southwest. A fine day.
All hands at work on the house. I am with them all
the time I can be; but a great deal of my time is taken
up with the public business. I have just had a present
of a peck of potatoes of this year’s growth—fine and
large. At the garrison they had themaweek ago. Dr.
Downer and his gang arrived here to-day.

Thursday, 17th. Wind at the west. Exceeding
hot. My building going on smartly. This day I
waited on the Governor, in company with Colonel
Sproat and Mr. Fearing, as committee from the people,

with an answer to his address. Was received most

 

** Governor St. Clair was escorted over from Fort Harmar to
the “‘bowery” by the officers of the garrison. He was received
by General Putnam, the judges, and the people assembled. The
secretary, Winthrop Sargent, read the ordinance of Congress es-
tablishing the territory, and the commissions of the governor and
judges. (Hildreth’s Hist. p. 215 ; Denny, p. 325 ) Major Denny
observes in his Journal that, ‘‘Those people appear the most
happy folks in the world, greatly satisfied with their new pur-
chase. But they certainly are the best informed, most courteous,

and civil to strangers of any people I have yet met with.” (Jour-
nal, p. 325 )
 

86 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

graciously. Spent an hour with him and returned.
This is the fourth time I have been out on this business.

Friday, 18th. Rose at the usual hour, and witnessed
a delightful dawning of the day. Went towriting. In
about three-quarters of an hour heard a rumbling noise
like thunder. Laid down the pen and went out to gaze.
Found a black cloud coming from the west, which
marched with rapidity. In about half an hour it rained
extremely hard, attended with loud thunder and some
wind. This lasted two hours, and I hardly ever knew
so much rain to fall inso short atime. We were almost
drowned ; but at last it cleared up and was a fine day.

Saturday, rgth. Wind southwest. The air as clear
as ether this day. To-day finished laying up the house,
and put on the roof. I hope in a few days to remove
from my ship “‘ Muskingum,” and take quarters in the
mansion-house. This piece of heavy business of rais-
ing has been accomplished without any accident,—for
which I am thankful. Went on board an hour earlier
than usual, having accomplished this business. Drank
**Wives and Sweethearts,” and with right good will,
and to bed early.

Sunday, 20th. Wind northwest and cold, but very
clear. At 3 o’clock a. M., just as I shook off sleep, I
looked up the river Muskingum, and saw the Union
and the contractors’ boats returning, deeply laden with
stores and men. This was a pleasing sight. These
boats were pushed eighty miles up the stream and
 

Fournal, 1788. 87

 

eighty back in seven days; and they laid by every night
to rest and refresh themselves. This was twenty-three
miles per day, besides staying one day there.

They found our people in great distress. The In-
dians that did the mischief and were beaten off had re-
turned again, having sent to their warriors to come to
their assistance, and make plunder of the whole. But
these boats rescued our men, and took six savages pris-
oners, whom they brought down with them.

At 11 o’clock to-day a religious service. Mr. Daniel
Breck began the observances by singing, praying, and
preaching. The place of worship was our bowery, on
the bank directly over my ship. A large number of
people were assembled from the garrison, Virginia, and
our own settlement—tin all about three hundred; some
women and children, which was a pleasing, though
something unusual sight for us to see. Mr. Breck
made out pretty well. The singing excellent. We had
“Billings” to perfection. Governor St. Clair was
much pleased with the whole exercise.

Monday, 21st. I rose this morning a little before
day. The moon was shining out in great splendor.
After washing took a walk amongst the huts, waiting
to have light enough to see to write. At 3 o'clock I
routed out Downer and his gang, and took a walk with
him. This was my first opportunity to talk with him
alone. As full of wild and romantic notions as ever, —

a legitimate scion from the Don Quixote stock. Im-
 

88 Colonel Fohn May.

 

agination rules supreme with him, and triumphs over
reason. Led away by his hopes and his fancies, I am
afraid he will be more apt to burn,his fingers than to
add to the stock of knowledge he came out with.

Five hands at work on the house. Two playing the
whipsaw, and the rest choring in the woods, such as fell-
ing trees from three to five feet through. I received a
blow on my head this afternoon, ‘by the falling of a
small block from the top of my house. It nearly
stunned me quite; but the blood gushed out plentifully,
which gave me ease. It isa severe cut. The block
fell twenty-five feet.

Tuesday, 22d. A meeting of the agents on special
business. My head so poorly I am unable to attend.
My men at work on the house. It is a fine agreeable
day. Dr. Downer and the gentlemen with him went
up the Ohio to reconnoiter the fifth and sixth ranges of
townships.

Monday, sth. Young Williams caught a catfish
that weighed forty-nine and one-half pounds, the big-
gest I have seen; he looked, verily, like a young whale.
Almost every evening there are large schools of fish
playing around the boat; I dare say twenty or thirty
barrels to a school. They resemble herring, and are at
least 1,700 miles from salt water. My head poorly ;
all the rest of me well. Henry Williams alarmed us a
little this evening, when he returned from the Vir-

ginia shore: he brought information that our settle-
 

Fournal, 1788. 89

 

ment was to be attacked this night by three strong
parties of Chippewaw Indians—so said the report—to
relieve the prisoners. We have sent this information
over to the garrison. It proved false, however ; but it
made some trouble for us. We may always expect
trouble while traveling through this life, which is
nothing more than a wilderness world. We ought to
make the best use we can of these matters, small and
great. At Boston we have frequent alarms of fire, and
inundations of the tides; here the Indians answer the
same purpose.

Thursday, 24th. Fine weather, and work enough
for willing hands to do. For several days we have had
plenty of vegetables from our own industry; and I
dare say that there is not a market in the world which
will have a greater variety of good things than we shall
have this fall. And what makes it extraordinary is,
that they were grown on land where, six weeks ago,
stood the lofty trees of the forest, from eight to ten
rods long.

Friday, 25th. Yesterday employed in finishing the
house. I am so well that I crept up to see them, and
ascertain what proficiency they had made. On exami-
nation, found that, in my absence, little had been done.
I separated the men into small parties, and appointed
each man to his place. Glazed the windows for the
house to-day. I packed eighty quarries of glass at

Boston, and found them all whole. Venison and turkey
 

go Colonel Fohn May.

 

are now not only plenty, but good. A number of In-
dians of different nations came in to-day, some with
messages that their people will attend to the treaty.

Saturday, 26th. All hands employed on the house.
I am obliged to attend an agents’ meeting. The
weather clear and serene, but hot. For some days it
has rained, more or less, but the river is low. The
Ohio moves sluggishly, but the Muskingum trips on
as nimble and sprightly as a miss in her teens. For
several days I have been meditating a return home, and
although I certainly have not neglected opportunities
through the summer, yet have redoubled my diligence
since this thought came into my head. House almost
done,

Sunday, 27th. Rose at the usual hour, and plunged
overboard. The river looked so tempting I could not
refrain. Rolling and wallowing on the bosom of the
wave, I found her as sweet as a rose. While bathing,
I saw a flock of yellow-legged birds* flying over, and
called them, when they lit down quite near me. Preach-
ing again, by Mr. Breck. Colonel Battelle and H. H.
W. undertook to bake the Sunday’s dinner of beans,
and burnt them to a coal.

Monday, 28th. Rose at 3 o'clock, and walked

 

* The yellow-legged snipe or tatler, common along the shores of
the rivers and lakes of the West in the fall season. By imitating
its peculiar whistling note, the concealed sportsman may decoy

them within gunshot.
 

Fournal, 1788. gl

 

through the village, waking some of the inhabitants,
with whom did business. At 5 o'clock a. o., as I
was cleaning my rifle in the forepart of the boat, I
heard a confused noise at the garrison of men and dogs,
and two guns went off. This drew my attention more
particularly. Presently I saw two Indians come tum-
bling over a fence into a field of corn.* It proved to be
two of the Indian prisoners, who had made good their
escape. The sentinels that lost them were tried by] (1-
court-martial, and whipped one hundred lashes in the _
evening.

Tuesday, 29th. Rose early, and dispatched my men
on various business. At 7 o'clock with General
Putnam and Mr. Rice went into the wilderness to re-
connoiter the country. We were well armed, and
determined to defend ourselves in case of an attack.
We went out from the settlement seven miles, keeping
the Muskingum on our left; then stood east two miles ;
and then faced homeward. Reached home at 4
o’clock, well tired. Found the land very good. On
our route we started three deer, and two flocks of
turkeys.

Wednesday, 30th. Went out again on a reconnol-

tering party, and returned at 3 p. mM. My people

 

* The Indians were outside of the fort with a guard of four
soldiers, whose attention being diverted for a moment, the
prisoners slipped off their shackles and leaped into the cornfield.
(Major Denny’s Journal, p. 326.)
 

92 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

at work on the house. I am now on the eve of return-
ing home, with anxious wishes for my family. Noth-
ing new to-day.

Thursday, 31st. Last evening the governor sent the
police officer to inform us that we must keep a good
lookout, as there were three parties of Indian warriors
out; some of them, he thought, intended against our
settlement.

Friday and Saturday, rst and 2d August. Rose at
the old hour, and walked in the bowery for one hour
or more alone, We begin now to knock the boat to
pieces, in order to obtain boards suitable for flooring
the house. While walking to and fro, I took the op-
portunity to look back over the time I have spent here;
and on examining within, found I had been on the
whole faithful, that oftentimes I had doubled my duty,
and that nothing was left unattempted that was within
the reach of my feeble human arm. At 5 o'clock I
was joined by Judge Parsons, when we walked till 6,
discussing our public and company matters. Then
went to breakfast, and afterward sent my men to labor.
I must employ the whole day in writing. In the even-
ing, went over the Ohio river, and visited Mrs. Will-
iams, and made a visit also to General Harmer. Here

I was introduced to old Pipes,* chief of the Delaware

 

* Captain Pipe was a prominent chief of the Wolf tribe, the
most warlike of the Delawares. Tle was among the warriors at

the conference held at Fort Pitt, in July, 1759, between George
 

Fournal, 1788. 93

 

nation, and his suite, dressed and acting like the off-
spring of Satan. They did not stay long before they
went to their camp in the woods, and I crossed the
river back again to my lodgings. Went to bed at

 

Croghan (Sir William Johnson’s deputy Indian agent), Hugh
Mercer (commandant), and the Indians of the Six Nations, Shaw-
nese, and Delawares. (Col. Rec. of Pennsylvania, vol. 8, p. 383.)
He was ambitious, bold, and noted for schemes and strategy. In
September, 1764, he appeared at Fort Pitt with a number of
warriors. Their hostile designs being suspected, Pipe and two
others were detained as hostages. He was not released until
after the return of Colonel Bouquet, with the army from the
Muskingum, in the latter part of November. (Heckewelder’s
Narrative, p. 142; Bulletin of the Penn. Hist. Society, vol. 1, p.
151; Col. Rec., vol. 9, p. 208 ; History of Bouquet’s Expedition in
1764, Robert Clarke & Co.’s edition, p.36.) In 1765 Pipe was at
Fort Pitt as one of the chief warriors of the Delawares, attending
the conference held with the Senecas, Shawnese, Delawares, and
other tribes. About six hundred chiefs and warriors, with many
women and children, were present. (Col. Rec.,vol.9,p 256) He
was at the great conference held at Fort Pitt in April, 1768,
under the direction of George Croghan, with the chiefs and war-
riors of the Six Nations, Delawares, Shawanese, Muntics, Mohick-
ans, and Wyandots, over one thousand in number, besides women
and children. (Col. Rec., vol.g,p. 515, etc.) In 1771, as a chief,
he sent ‘‘a speech” to Governor John Penn, which is printed in
the 4th volume of the Pennsylvania Archives, p 441. In May,
1774, Pipe, White Eyes, Killbuck, Guyasuta, and other chiefs
were at Fort Pitt conferring with Captain John Connelly (Gov-
ernor Dunmore’s deputy), George Croghan, and other inhabitants

of Pittsburg, in reference to recent aggressions—the murder of
 

94 Colonel Fohn May.

 

12, but got little rest. The Indians made one of
their hellish pow-wows, which lasted till the hour of ris-
ing. I have no doubt psalmody had its origin in

heaven; but my faith is just as strong, that the music

 

Logan’s family, etc.; the whites endeavoring, unavailingly, to
avert the impending Indian war which soon afterward broke out,
and continued to the battle of Point Pleasant, in October. (Am.
Arch., 4th series, vol. 1, p. 476; Richard Butler’s Account, Penn.
Arch., vol. 4, p. 568.) The war of the Revolution breaking out,
the Delaware tribe was divided into peace and war parties—
White Eyes and Killbuck heading the former, and Captain Pipe
the latter or British party. (Heckewelder’s Narrative, pp. 171 to
208 ; History of the Indian Nations, by the same, p. 140.) Pipe’s
residence at this time was on the Walhonding, or Whitewoman’s
creek, about fifteen miles above Coshocton, Ohio. (Heck. Nurr.,
p- 143) In 1780 he removed to (Old) Upper Sandusky, or
Crane’s Town (about two miles above the present town of Upper
Sandusky). (Heckewelder’s Narr., p. 212.285 ; Howe's Hist. Col.
of Ohio, p. 552; Life of Zeizberger, by E. De Schweinitz, Phila-
delphia, 1870, p. 516, note; Id., p. 433. and pp. 458.479.) At
the defeat of Colonel Crawford's expedition, in June. 1782, and
the barbarous torturing and burning of that officer by the Indians,
Pipe was a prominent leader. Crawford was burned about three-
fourths of a mile from Pipe’s house, in the present Wyandot
county, ‘Ohio. (Knight and Slover’s Narrative, 1873; Howe’s
Ohio, p. 546; Life of Zeizberger, pp. 564, 572; Doddridge’s
Notes, 1824, chap. 32.) The Indians always declared that their
cruelty to the prisoners was inflicted in retaliation for the atrocious
massacre of the Moravians or Christian Indians by the borderers,
under Williamson, at Gnadenhiitten, on the Muskingum, in the

preceding month of March. (Heckewelder’s Hist. -\ccount, 1819,
 

Fournal, 1788. 95

 

of these savages was first taught in a place the exact op-
posite. About 2 o'clock I got some sleep, when I
suppose the damnable music ceased.

Sunday, 3d. Got up at 3 o'clock, and put my-

self in order for embarkation. The company with

 

pp. 174, 284; Life of Zeizberger, p. 572.) Pipe was often kind to
the captive missionaries and others. (Heck. Narr., pp. 261, 283 ;
John Brickell’s Narrative in the American Pioneer, vol. 1, p. 46.)
In December, 1781, he was at Detroit, and delivered an eloquent
and bitterly reproachful speech to Colonel De Peyster, the com-
mandant of that post, accusing the British of dragging the Indians
into their war, etc. (Heckwelder’s Hist., p. 120, etc.) . He was
present and signed the treaty of Fort McIntosh, in 1785 ; his sig-
nature Wobocan (Pipe), in the Delaware tongue. He was also
at the treaty at Fort Finney (mouth of the Great Miami), with
the Shawnese, in 1786. He signed that treaty as one of the wit-
nesses. In 147847 he joined the confederate tribes, favoring the
United States. (Life of Zeizberger, p. 610.) In April, 1788,
when the first settlers landed at the mouth of the Muskingum,
they found Pipe there encamped with about seventy of his tribe.
The whites received a hearty welcome. (Hildreth’s Pioneer Hist.,
p-.207.) Extract of a letter from General Harmar to General
Knox: ‘‘ Fort Harmar, March 9,1788. Yesterday old Pipe, with
seven of his young men, arrived at the garrison and are now with
me. Their object is to dispose of their skins to the contractor.
He is a manly old fellow, and much more of a gentleman than
the generality of these frontier people.” (Major Denny’s Journal,
p. 430.) He was also named Koguieschguanokee, which is
“¢ cause it to become daylight.” (Bulletin of Penn, Hist. Soc., vol.
I, p. 151; Heckewelder’s Papers ; Life of Zeizberger, p. 433, note.)
He died in 1794, shortly before Wayne’s victory. (Id., p. 641.)
 

96 Colonel Fohn May.

 

whom I am to ascend the Ohio is composed of all off-
cers and all men: consequently every little matter
proposed has to be stated and discussed an hour or so
before it can be determined howit shall be. So I must
confess my patience was fairly worn out before we
started. We did not quit the quay at Marietta, until
half after 8. Our crew consisted of Bird, Vose,
Casey, Brown, Gridley, Biscoe, and myself. In row-
ing we relieved regularly and frequently ; and, without
any material occurrence worth noting, arrived at a small
creek about sunset, where we slept.

Monday, 4th. Called all hands at 3 o'clock, as
tired of lying on the ground as I was of rowing last
night. In about an hour’s time we began to ply the
oars again, which we kept constantly a-going until night,
except just time to eat. Nothing material happened.
Could not help remarking again the beauties of the
river. On each side mountains, with valleys between,
rising progressively to view, and filling the mind with
admiration and wonder. Constant rowing is fatiguing,
and makes one weary enough. We halted a little after
sunset, and made our bed in the wilds—having come
against wind and current thirty-three miles.

Tuesday, sth. Waked the people at the usual hour,
and in a short time had our wooden sails set to the
wind again, and that the wind of human breath. When
we awoke we found the river had risen in perpendicular

height three feet, in eight hours, This made the cur-
 

Fournal, 1788. 97

 

rent stronger, and the work of rowing against stream
harder. I came very near being bitten by a rattlesnake
of large size. I struck at him with a small stick, which
broke in my hand, leaving a piece about one foot in
length. At the same time the snake began to run under
a rock, where, with the piece of stick, I caught him by
the tail, and held him there for a few seconds, then rec-
ollecting myself I sprung off. We arrived at Wheel-
ing at sunset, well tired. This constant rowing is very
exhausting. I must give it up.

Wednesday, 6th. Having agreed with a Virginian
to convey me and my baggage, on horseback, to Wash-
ington,* I settled with Bird and the rest of the boat’s
crew, and at 1 o'clock p. m., I set off with Mr. Carey.
While traveling in the woods I ate frequently of the
May-apple, which is of a very agreeable flavor, and re-
sembling pine-apple. Blackberries of a very good
quality are very plenty in the woods, of which I ate
freely, and found their medicinal effect good. But the
pawpaw is the most agreeable and rich fruit of any I
have seen. I plucked a limb to-day, with a cluster of
five a-growing, so handsome that I have attempted a
sketch. Dined to-day at Zane’s, and at half-past 2 Pp. M.,
mounted on a pack-horse, in company with friend Carey,

on another of equal magnitude, stood headforemost for

 

* Washington, the county-seat of Washington county, Penn-
sylvania, twenty-five miles west of Pittsburg. The county was
formed in 178r.
 

98 . Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

the wilderness of sin lying between Wheeling and
Washington Court-house. It is hardly worth while to
attempt a -description of our appearance: will only’
say, therefore, we must have looked not unlike Don
Quixote and his man Sancho Pansa, when on the expe-
dition against the windmills. Without being un-
horsed, however, we stood on for six and one-half hours,
and then dismounted. At g o'clock we arrived at a
little wilderness tavern, where the host and hostess.
seemed glad to see us. They flung chairs to us, swept
house, and kept their tongues wagging as fast as possi-
ble. Could anything exceed the glibness of those
tongues, which both run on together, without inter-
mission, till bed-time? In the course of this day’s
ride I saw a little box, something like a sentry-box,
near the side of the road, but several miles from any
house I could see, and standing on four posts. Was
told, on inquiry, that it was a pulpit, and that to that
spot people went to worship* the God of Jacob. As

 

* This place of worship was probably at the state-line, near
the present town of West Alexander, on the National Road,
in Washington county, Pennsylvania. The early settlers of
Washington county were mainly Scotch-Irish Presbyterians —
a hardy, thrifty, and intelligent race. ‘In the month of June,
1758, an arrangement was completed for organizing a religious
congregation many miles in advance of any existing congrega-
tion. Preparation was made in the depth of the forest. A rough

wooden erection was constructed as a pulpit, and felled timber
 

Fournal, 1788. 99

 

all the earth is His temple, I think this was not an im-
proper place for worship. Near this place was cut a
section of a vista through the forests, marking the
boundary line up to Lake Erie,* between Virginia and
Pennsylvania. The vista, forty feet wide (every tree
cut down throughout ‘the whole distance), making a
magnificent gangway.

Thursday, 7th. Set out from the hotel at 4 o’clock,
and at half-past 8 arrived at Major George McCor-:

nish’s,+ in Washington, where we breakfasted. This is

 

was arranged as seats. For miles around the whole population
was collected together.” (Recollections by Charles Hammond,
Esq., in Cincinnati Gazette, 1838; Old Redstone, or Historical
Sketches of Western Presbyterianism, by Rev. Jas. Smith, 1852,
p- 345; Dr. A. Creigh’s History of Washington County, p.
102-3.) ‘* While our people lived in cabins, their places of wor-
ship were tents, as they were called; their seats, logs ; their com-
munion tables, rough slats of hewn timber; and the covering of
the worshipers, the leaves of the forest trees.” (Notes on the Set-
tlement of West Pennsylvania and Virginia, by Dr. Jos. Dodd-
ridge, 1824, p. 194 ; Smith’s Old Redstone, pp. 345, 152.) ‘Even
in winter the meetings were held in the open air.” (Judge Wil-
keson in the American Pioneer, vol. 2, p. 159.)

* This work was completed to the Ohio river by the com-
missioners of Pennsylvania and Virginia, in 1785, and by the
commissioners of the former state continued to Lake Erie in
1786. (Report of Comm’rs, Pa. Arch., vol. 10, p- 505; vol.
II, p. 69.)

f Probably George McCormick, who was county cominissioner

in 1782. (Dr. Creigh’s History of Washington County, p. 259.)
 

100 Colonel Fohn May.

 

an excellent house, and the place where our New Eng-
land men put up. It was with difficulty we procured
nags to carry us to Kirkendall’s, where I left my horses
in the Spring. However, at last we had them paraded,
and at half-past 2 set out. Heigh-ho Dobbin! I felt
queer enough mounted on my Rosinante, about thirteen
hands high, and head almost as big as his body, and
gait still more extraordinary than his looks; for with
his fore-legs he trotted well, but at the same time his
hind ones were at a good canter. When a little weary
his hind legs would trot, and the fore ones canter.
We had a dreary time out through the wilderness, where
were no inhabitants hardy enough to pitch their cabins.
The road or, rather, path we traveled, was in places,
much obstructed by trees which had fallen across it; and
the difficulty was further increased by innumerable other
paths, diverging to right and left from the one we were
on. I kept straight forward, as well as I could, taking
such observations as I was able, and was fortunate
enough to take the right ene at all times, except a
little after sunset. I was often apprehensive I was
wrong, but it is maxim with me not to be turned out
of my path with trifles, and never to go back, unless
completely convinced you are in the wrong; so I per-
severed, and, on the whole, made out well. After a
multitude of little difficulties we arrived at Heath’s,

where we slept.

Friday, 8th. Up at 4, and set off directly. Break-
 

Fournal, 1788. 101

 

fasted at Kirkendall’s. Settled with him; took my
horse, and came to Summerill’s Ferry, where I found
myself hard pressed with a cold caught the night before,
in traveling in the bottom of the creek near Heath’s.*
Here Mrs. Bartlett gave me a sweat, which relieved me
very much. Mrs. Summerill told me a story, which
was confirmed by others, or I would not mention it.
Thus: on 29th June there was a terrible gust, which laid
waste the forests and cornfields, MHail-stones fell as big
as ducks’ eggs; and one piece fell four feet square and
nine inches thick. The hail, on a level, was several
inches in thickness. The gust came from the north-
west and went off to the southeast.

Saturday, gth. Spent the day at Summerill’s, and
was in a weak and low condition. Nothing material

to-day, except the arrival of Mr. Cutler,{ and five

 

* Andrew Heath’s farm, bordering on the Monongahela river,
a little above Elizabethtown, on the opposite side; Kirkendall’s
mills were on Pigeon creek, about seven miles from Heath’s.

{ On the 27th of September, 1850, Pittsburg was visited by an
extraordinary violent hail-storm. Great damage was done by it
to windows, slate roofs, trees, etc. Sheet-iron roofs of ware-
houses on the bank of the Monongahela were cut through in
many places by the hail or lumps of ice, some specimens of
which measured thirteen and one-half inches.in circumference.
In the East Indies hail-storms so violent as to destroy cattle have
occurred at different times. (Silliman’s Journal of Natural Science
for May, 1852, p. 295.)

t{ The Rev. Manasseh Cutler, of Massachusetts; a director of
 

102 Colonel Fohn May.

 

other gentlemen, also Major Cushing* and his family.
By Mr. Cutler and others I received three packages of
letters, amounting in all to fifteen, which, having pe-
rused till about midnight, I made a flaming bonfire of
them, in honor of their authors. I made use of Brother
Cravath’s letter as a torch to kindle the rest with—it
being full of reproach against Marietta and its inhab-
itants.

Saturday, roth. Though late to bed, as I had but
little comfort there, I arose at 4 a. M., and in an hour
set off. Crossed the Yah} on horseback, the river
being exceeding low, and after traveling three miles
heard that Isaac Lucas was living two miles off. I
went to see him, and took breakfast with him. Found
him in an agreeable retreat. Gave him letters I had,
and left him. While I went to see Lucas, my partner
rode on in order to have his horse shod. I did not
overtake him for several hours. This is the first Sab-
bath in which I have had a good opportunity to think,

 

the Ohio Company, and the negotiator with Congress for the
purchase of the lands. He returned to New England with his
family in 1790. He was distinguished for his scientific acquire-
ments. Member of Congress from Massachusetts, 1800-1814.
(Drake’s Am. Biog.; Walker’s History of Athens County, Ohio.)

* Major Nathaniel Cushing, of Massachusetts ; an officer of the
Revolutionary war, distinguished for his courage and successful
enterprise. IIe joined the Belpre Association in 1789. Died in
August, 814. (Hildreth Biog., p. 340.)

f Yough (Yaw), the usual pronunciation of Youghiogheny.
 

Fournal, 1788. 103

 

since I left my own habitation on the banks of the
Muskingum. I felt myself inwardly let into a train
of retrospective contemplation. In reverie I retraced
the way to that masterpiece of Almighty creation where
I had spent the Summer, where swelling sails and large
returns from the teeming soil will ever doubly reward
the industrious planter, watered as it is by refreshing
showers and dews from Heaven, as well as by majestic
and beautiful rivers. What though the heathen rage,
and savage natives roar and yell in midnight hellish
revels ?’—our feet shall nevertheless stand fast; for our
bow is bent in strength, and our arm made strong by
the mighty God of Jacob. Through His strength have
we laid the foundations of our city. Thither shall the
people assemble together, thither shall the tribes go up
to worship,—to worship the mighty God of Israel.

Slept at night on Laurel Mountains. Before I went
to bed ate freely of cucumbers, which.did me no good.
Here I felt a material alteration in the weather. Though
the day was hot, the night was cold; the air so thick
and clammy it was with pain I breathed.*

Monday, 11th. Got up at 3 o'clock, without re-
luctance, having rested but little. This morning very
cold, and considerable frost in the glades. Traveled

all day in this mountainous country,—nothing worth

 

* He was a sufferer, for many years, from an asthmatic diffi-

culty.
 

104 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

noting taking place. Slept on Dry Ridge,* thirty-six
miles from the starting place of the morning.

Tuesday, 12th. Having slept on the floor, my bed
did not entice me enough to detain me long. I got up
at 3 o'clock; made ready as fast as possible. Was
obliged to stir round spry to keep from freezing.
These mountains are always on the extreme of very
cold or very hot,—the last condition rare. Slept at
Sideling Ridge, though pestered to find a house that
could entertain us.

Wednesday, 13th. Awaked about 2 o’clock a. M.
Not a window in the house. I Jay and watched a crack
under the door till daybreak, when I arose, and called
up friend Carey. We took our departure immediately.
Breakfasted at Fort Littleton, at Captain Burd’s,}+ in a
really elegant manner, on fine coffee, loaf-sugar, veni-
son, shad, and smoked shad. From thence crossed the
North Mountain, and slept at Captain Rippe’s, in
handsome style, after supping sumptuously on beef-
steaks and sundry nicknacks. The State of Pennsyl-

 

* Dry Ridge, in Bedford county.

} Fort Littleton; a frontier post erected in the fall of 1755,
after the defeat of Braddock. Benjamin Burd was captain in the
4th Pennsylvania regiment, in the Revolution. He was noted
for bravery and zeal in the cause. He settled on his farm at this
place after the close of the war; afterward removed to the town
of Bedford, where he died in 1824, The site of Fort Littleton is

in Fulton county, twenty-three miles east of Bedford-town.
 

Fournal, 1788. 105

 

vania has been at great expense in making roads over
these terrible mountains. A Mr. Skinner has received
£700 for making a road over the North Mountain, and
£750 for making another over Sideling Ridge. The
last of these mountains, which we crossed to-day, af-
fords, from the top, the most agreeable prospect my
eyes ever beheld. At one view I could see vast tracts
of improved land. Looking east, south, or west, it
appeared as level asa floor. The eye is not bounded
by hills in the distance; but objects become indistinct
from want of strength in the eyesight. However, when
we descended to the plain, the fields did not look so
promising as I expected. This was not owing to any
deficiency in the soil, but to the indolence of the
planters.

Thursday, 14th. Notwithstanding our comfortable
and handsome lodgings, we arose at the usual hour, and
pursued our journey. Rode fourteen miles, and break-
fasted at Sample’s, seven miles from Carlisle, where we
were well entertained. The country through which we
traveled since we left the mountains is universally of
limestone formation, and watered with living springs.
Dined at a wretched tavern, then made sixteen miles
more, and crossed the Susquehannah. Slept at Harris-
town,* on the east bank. This place laid out for a

 

* Dauphin county, with the county-seat, near Harris’ ferry,
was formed in 1785. Harrisburg has been since 1810 the seat of

government of the state.
 

106 Colonel Fohn May.

 

town within these three years, and has now a number of
good brick buildings, and a good tavern for travelers.
There are, in fact, several taverns in the place. It is
situated on a very agreeable spot, with two handsome
islands in front. The river here about a mile wide.
This place has a good market-house, and the foundation
for another laid.

I had the misfortune to have a damp bed, disagree-
ing with my lungs, which have been irritated for several
days by the thick ropy air of this side of the moun-
tains. There is as much difference between the air of
Marietta and the air on this side the Aileghana Moun-
tains, as there is between water and tar. I made out to
stay in bed till 3 o’clock, when I got up. It was
raining hard from the northeast till 4, when it
abated. I called up friend Carey, when we saddled our
horses and set off. We had but just started when it
set in to rain from the southeast while we rode on to
Hobbes-town,* a distance of nine miles, and were pretty
thoroughly wet; Mr. Carey all but down sick, and his
horse lame. This is the first time I have seen rain
from this quarter since Apnil. It affected my feelings
to that degree that I was tempted to turn about, and
go back again; but the temptation Bostonward spre-
vailed, and we jogged on to the tune of three miles an

hour. To a man of my temperament, this is dull

 

* TIlummelstown.
 

Fournal, 1788. 107

 

music. Rode all day through a fine fruitful country,
chiefly tilled by Dutch farmers, who are excellent in
their way. Lodged at night in a little village called
Wolfendorf,*—the English name, Middle-town.

Friday, 15th. Set out as early as usual. Our
horses give signs, not to be mistaken, of being weary.
The weather something rainy. For reasons hinted, did
not travel far. Much the same sort of land as we
passed through yesterday; everything in the Dutch
style, and according to Dutch ideas,—the planters, the
language, the dishes, the food. To do them no more
than justice, must say their bread and butter excels any
that ever I ate.

Whoever may chance to read this journal, in the in-
correct state in which they will doubtless find it, will
certainly spy out many errors of spelling, and perhaps
others,—possibly whole sentences left out. To apolo-
gize for which, must say it was written at all sorts of
times and places, and amongst all sorts of people and
kinds of confusion. Where I am now penning the
record of this day’s doings, there are seven pairs of
Dutch men and women in high glee, all talking and
yelling together; and although when I began to write
I intended to mind my own business, they made such

a hellish noise and confusion that the tympanum of

 

* « Wommelsdorf, originally called Middletown.” (Ruff’s His-
tory of Berks County, p. 194.)
 

108 Colonel Fohn May.

 

my ear was shaken quite loose, and I feel almost addled,
and must even quit, and go to bed.

Saturday, 16th. Made out to sleep tolerably well.
Called my partner at the usual hour, and rode eleven
miles to Redding,* and put up for breakfast; then
fifteen miles more, and put up for the night. [Here
several lines erased. ]

Sunday, 17th. Rose this morning at 3 o’clock, and
went fourteen miles to breakfast at Bethlehem. We
were received by the brotherhood in the most hospita-
ble manner, especially by Mr. Hickerwelder,+ who was
for several years a missionary amongst the Moravian
Indians. He paid particular attention to us; invited
us to go to meeting with him, I accordingly shifted
my cloth, and went with him. To give a just descrip-
tion of this beautiful and agreeable day is far beyond my
ability. When I entered the hall where they were wor-
shiping, it struck me with a pleasing amazement to be-
hold at one view upward of sixty little beautiful girls,
seated in regular order,—all clad in white muslin or
cambric, with red ribbon in a large bow round their
necks, with snug close caps; and also as many of an

older order, and other two classes older still,—all in

 

 

 

* Reading (city of), the county-seat of Berks.

} John Heekewelder, the faithful missionary among the Indians
of Ohio for about fifty years from 1762. In the cause to which
he devoted himself he experienced much persecution, sickness,
and privation. Died at Bethlehem, January, 1823.
 

Fournal, 1788. 109

 

white, and all chanting their Maker’s praise to the
music of an elegant organ. The hair of my flesh stood
up (Job iv. 15), and the big tear swelled in my eye:
I was all ear, all attention. I could compare such wor-
ship to nothing else but the worship of the kingdom of
heaven ;—they appeared to me like the saints, just dis-
burdened from this clog of earth, and arrayed in their
white robes praising the Author of Goodness.

I went to my lodgings at 12, in raptures. It was
not long before we had a formal invitation to attend
the love-feast in the afternoon, which was gladly ac-
cepted. I was punctual to the time, which was 2
o'clock. The observance of a feast of this sort is a
privilege the young misses have every 17th of August.*
It happened this year on Sunday. The little ones were

 

* Bethlehem, on the Lehigh, in Northampton county, Penn-
sylvania—a celebrated settlement of the United Brethren, or Mo-
ravians ; commenced in January, 1740. The seminary for the in-
struction of young ladies was established in 1785, and soon obtained
a deservedly high repute which it maintains to the present time.
“The 17th of August is a day set apart in the Brethren’s Church
for the religious improvement of her children; it being an anni-
versary of an especial season of peace enjoyed by that portion of
her congregation in the year 1727. To keep alive the memory
of this event its anniversary has been fixed on as the day on which
the children are presented in a body, or as a “choir,” to the favor
and keeping of the Good Shepherd.” (From the Moravian Semi
nary Souvenir, or History, by the Rev. Wm. C. Reichel, Phila-
delphia, 1870.)
 

110 Colonel Fohn May.

 

more numerous this afternoon than in the forenoon,
and excelled in beauty all that even a glowing imagina-
tion could suggest. After they had chanted their hymns
for about an hour, the great doors were swung open, and
three pairs of maiden ladies appeared, each pair bringing
between them a basket filled with large cakes, which they
handed round to each miss and elderly lady. Soon
after, two of the brothers came in, and in like manner
handed the cakes to the gentlemen, and then withdraw-
ing. Ina short time, all returned with salvers of excel-
lent coffee, and handed it round. This ceremony over,
they sung again; and then there was an anthem, which
rolled off finely, and the assembly broke up. I was
then introduced to the governess, a very polite and
agreeable lady, who waited on us to all the different
apartments. I was extremely pleased with the order
and regularity of the place, and having seen about all
that was to be seen, returned to my lodgings.

Monday, 18th. A rainy morning; but I got up at
my usual hour, and finding none up, went to bed again.
This a prodigious rainy day. There was one intermis-
sion, which I improved in reconnoitering the place.
Found many conveniences and curiosities; but the
greatest is their water-works. They have a machine
like a mill that goes by water, which is constantly
going, and carries three very large pumps, which are so
constructed as to throw the water through a leaden Pipe

up a hill more than one hundred and fifty feet into a
 

Fournal, 1788. 111

 

large reservoir, in which a cistern that receives the
water, and from there conveyed all over the town to
their kitchens and cellars.

It has rained prodigiously all day, so that I have
not been able to go out at all. The house filled with
officers and soldiers bound for Fort Harmer. Went
to bed at 11 o'clock.

Tuesday, rgth. Rained excessively all night. Things
so wet outside, and the house so filled inside, that the
air was used over and over again, with no sufficient
supply of fresh. When I laid down to sleep I could
not use it, and was obliged, half-suffocated, to get up
and dress me, then go down into the great entry, and
sleep on the floor. I thus made out to get about three
hours’ sleep. When the reveille beat, I got up and
walked the entry for two hours. It never rained
harder. This, properly the August storm, continued
to rain and blow harder and harder till,1 o’clock Pp. m.,
when it cleared up. At 3 we set off for East-town,
where we crossed the Delaware, twelve miles from
Bethlehem. The river rising amazingly. Traveled
six miles this side of the river, and put up, being
somewhat tired, and thoroughly wet by the rear-guard
of the storm, which we unfortunately fell in with,

Wednesday, 20th. We had poor entertainment, but
that suits me best. Slept pretty well, and rose in good
season. Set out in high spirits, but were soon brought
up. The late storm had raised the rivers so as to
 

112 Colonel Fohn May.

 

sweep away the bridges and many mills. We made out
but a poor day’s work. In some places we were obliged
to swim our horses; at others, could touch bottom.
The roads so washed that our poor weary beasts were
obliged to travel on sharp pebbles. We were in the
saddle twelve hours, and traveled only thirty-six miles.

Thursday, 21st. Last night I lay in a lower room,
with two window-sashes, but no glass. The landlady
had pinned up cloths to prevent the air coming in;
but in the night one of them blew down, and I was
awaked by a strong wind from the north, which blowed
right on me, and almost hard enough to take off the
bed-clothes. I was nearly stiff when I awoke. I how-
ever got up, and secured the windows as well as I could,
and thumpt round to circulate my blood; but took,
nevertheless, a severe cold, which I expect will last me
to New England. Breakfasted at Morristown; dined
at Elizabeth-town Point. I came this way in order to
save our horses, whose feet have become so sore and
tender, constantly traveling over pebbles, that I found
they would not stand it to New York. From here we
shall go about fifteen miles to the city. When the sun
was about an hour high, set out on our water passage.
There are seven gentlemen, four horses, and a dozen
hogs on board. The ferry-man says he will land us in
New York in two hours.

Friday, 22d. A tedious night out. Out all night ;
hard run to the Narrows, then back again; but at 8
 

Fournal, 1788. 114

 

o’clock arrived safe at my old friend Harding’s, who
was glad to see me. Here I must tarry a few days to
rest my horse, clean up, and do a little business.
However, I mean to make my stay as short as pos-
sible. Spent the forepart of the day in writing, and
the afternoon with Colonel Platt, who attended closely
to the business I had with him. Found by looking
into the treasurer's book, that some of the agents have
been very deficient in making payment. Colonel
Platt has received from the several agents only
$660,800 23-90, and in bounty rights $38,400; total,
$699,200 23-90. So that there is due from the agents
$300,799 67-90; total, $1,000,000. From the con-
duct of some of the agents, this is a deficiency I have
been jealous of, and was determined, if possible, to
ferret it out. I shall write to friend Judge Varnum on
the subject. To bed early, having slept none the night
before.

Saturday, 23d. Did double duty. Slept hard all
night, and did not wake till pretty late. Breakfasted
with Colonel Platt, and completed my business with
him. In the meantime, friend Carey, having a good
opportunity, went off, taking his departure in a packet
sailing for Rhode Island. I had subsisted him and
Mr. Chever, and a gentleman from Rocky Hill, for
several days,—they having no cash. But before leaving

New York they honorably left the money for me with
Mr. Harding,
 

114 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

The storm on Monday and Tuesday last did a vast
deal of damage in this city ; among other things, ruin-
ing the grand Battery. This city is not so large as
Boston, but does a great deal more business. Money
plenty ; owing, in some measure, to the residence of
Congress, which brings money from all quarters. I
was on board the new ship building for the East India
Company. She is a fine vessel, of eight hundred and
fifty tons. Her timber live oak, cedar, and locust;
pierced for twenty-four guns.

Sunday, 24th. Dined with Sir John Temple, and
went to church in the afternoon, and visited Henry
Bowers in the evening. Went to bed early, and slept
sound.

Monday, 25th. Rose early, and did some business.
At ga. M. set off for home. Traveled alone, but in-
dustriously, all day. Arrived at Knapp’s, at Horse
Neck, about sunset, where I slept. The storm has
done immense damage; unroofing houses, blowing
down some, destroying cornfields, and filling the wells
brimful of water, so as to make it difficult to get any
fit to drink.

Tuesday, 26th. At 12 midnight I was waked by a
severe thunder-gust, which lasted till morning. Got
but little sleep, asthma troubled me; but set out early.
This the hottest day I have felt this season,—horse, as
well as myself, complains much ; but must persevere.

Hurricane, I find, has been exceedingly severe all along
 

Fournal, 1788. 115

 

the Sound; how far back into the country is unknown.
Slept at Clark’s, in Milford.

Wednesday, 27th. Rose at 4 0’clock. Found the
people dead with sleep: it was with great difficulty I
could raise them; and when up, they were but one re-
move from death. It took till 5 o’clock before I could
get under way. Crowded all sail, it being a fine, clear
morning. In two hours arrived at New Haven, where
I breakfasted. This was going at the rate of four and
one-half knots an hour. From thence to Wallingford,
thirteen miles, and took an early dinner. Set out again
at 122 p. M. ‘This a most delightful day, and I meant
to improve it. Went from Wallingford to Haddam,
where I slept.

Thursday, 28th. Crossed the Connecticut river be-
fore sunrise. Labored hard all day, and slept four
miles eastward of Windham C. H., after having supped
on boiled corn, which I washed down with cider.

Friday, 29th. Set off at4 a.m. My wearied horse
dragging slowly. These long journeys do abate the
ardor of both man and beast. Breakfasted at Griffin’s.
Paid a visit to Dr. Lord, in Abington. At 12 o’clock
arrived at my native place, in Pomfret. An exceed-
ingly hot day. Went to bed early.

Saturday, 3oth. Last night the hottest I have seen
yet. Company to share the bed with me I did not
like. About daybreak, however, the retreat was
sounded, and they left me. I then contrived to drop
 

116 Colonel Fohn May.

 

asleep, and had rest for two hours. Went to amuse
myself fishing, and came back tired enough.

Sunday, 31st. To bed early last night. The attack
made again, but my visitors not so hungry as before.
Slept a little, but got up early. Didn’t feel smart
enough to go to meeting; but calling to mind the com-
mandment, ‘‘Six days shalt thou labor, and rest the
seventh, with thy horse,” etc., thought best to obey.

Monday, September 1st. Went up in town, and at-
tended to business. Dined at Brother Ithamar’s, then
removed bag and baggage to Sister Prudy’s, whence it is
my design to take a new departure for Boston. After
a good night’s sleep, felt refreshed in the morning.

Tuesday, 2d. Stayed at Prudy’s, amusing myself, all
the forenoon. After dinner, set off in company with a
young woman bound for Bellingham, who was placed
in my charge. This the only company I have had
since leaving New York. Stopped for the night at
Taft’s, in Uxbridge.

Wednesday, 3d. Rose at the usual time. Had my
little fellow-traveler called, and we set off. We rode
smartly to Smith’s tavern to breakfast; there we parted
company, and I stood on alone. Arrived at my own
house a little after sunset. Selah!
Second Journey to the Ohio
Country, in 1789.

Or this second journey to the Ohio Country, Colonel
Joun May kept no journal. All memory of it, ex-
cepting such as is preserved in the few letters and other
papers which follow, is lost.

During the latter part of the winter of 1788-’g, he
seems to have been scheming, speculating, and propos-
ing some course for himself; as appears in one or two
little detached jottings, like the following, in which he
is laying out for further consideration plans of opera-
tion, as thus:

“Say Field [Captain Field, or the vessel ‘‘ Sarah
Field (?)” of which there is some indication in the
papers] sails 19th April, and arrives 3oth .
[The remainder obliterated.] Orthus: ‘I set out Wed-
nesday, 22d [in 1789 the 22d April occurred on Wed-
nesday]; arrive at New York, Tuesday 28th; stay there
two days. joth set off for Baltimore, arrive there
Tuesday, May sth. Set out from there 11th; arrive at
the Waters 18th. The wagons must set off 8th May;
allow them twenty days, which makes it 28th May. Set
off down the river [from Pittsburg, probably, as he
was planning] Monday, 1st June; allow four days to
 

118 Colonel Fohn May.

 

Marietta; stay there six days. Set out 1oth, and ar-
rive at Lime Stone 16th June.”

It will be observed, from the last of these jottings,
that the plan of operations for this year was somewhat
different from that of thé one preceding, and embraced
a trading adventure of wider range. Papers which fol-
low, throw some light on the matter, though not much.
What wrought the change in his plans, there is no one
living who can tell; nor have any papers been discov-
ered which elucidate this point at all. Resorting to
conjecture, we may suppose that the opposition of his
wife’s parents to the removal of his family into the
then comparative wilderness may have had much ef-
fect; and perhaps in conversation with other friends
and business acquaintances, he had not received much
encouragement. It is certain that, at the date to which
we have now arrived, the savages were still numerous
and rampant in the region around the Muskingum;
and years afterward, surprises of border settlements
were not unknown, nor massacres infrequent. What-
ever the cause, certain it is his plans were changed; but
what they were, we can only infer, in a general way, from
the few papers which have been preserved. It is not
at all unlikely he may have been a traveler over the
route from Boston to Baltimore (by water sometimes,
as well as by land) many more times than those of which
a record is preserved in the Journal and Letters. In-

deed, the compiler thinks he finds faint traces of such
 

Fournal, 1788. 119

 

other journeys in two or three places. Be that as it
may, it is necessary to have some sort of a theory to
explain the letters of 1789; and this is the compiler’s:

In the early spring of ’89, Colonel May went to Bal-
timore to make arrangements, or to form business con-
nections of one kind or another. While there, quite
suddenly and unexpectedly to himself, he found it ex-
pedient to revisit Boston; which accordingly he did
(going by water), taking passage with Captain Field,
having a quick run, and arriving at his journey’s end
very soon. After spending a few days there at his home,
he resumes his journey to the Southwest, traveling this
time on horseback, as he did in the previous year, and
in due time we find him in New York and other places
farther south, and at last out again at ‘‘the Waters.”
As throwing a degree of light, incidentally, on the
modes of business of the times; the state of the cur-
rency ; the difficulties of inter-communication by mail or
messenger, and in other ways,—the letters which follow
are not without interest. We present the papers in
their chronological order. The first bears date as fol-
lows:

Battimors, gth April, 1789.

My Dear Partner :—I did not expect that Captain
Field was going to Boston until Tuesday next; but
he has just informed me he sails to-morrow, at 8
o'clock. I intended to have given you a full sheet to-

morrow, but, as it is, have stinted myself to this small
 

120 Colonel Fohn May.

 

one, and probably shall not fill it, as it is now 102

 

evening. Have just returned from meeting,
where the doings were not according to my notions ;—
too much grunting and groaning, singing and howling.
[Perhaps, as intimated above, he changed his plans,
and returned to Boston himself with Captain Field.]

I arrived on Wednesday evening, very tired, and was
obliged to pay a heavy duty on the merchandise before
I could remove the articles. Yesterday, by sunset, had
everything in the wagons. Jos. Downer went with
them; and the doctor [Downer ?] followed to-day, at 2
o'clock. Mr. Breck and I expect to set off on Mon-
day, and you may not look for many more letters from
me, as you know it must be difficult considering what
route I am going. However, I shall embrace every
opportunity. I mean to write you respecting business
by Mr. Samuel Cobb, who lodges with me. You may
well suppose I am anxious to hear from you. This
very evening I went to the P. O. thinking I might find
a letter from you, or some other friend, but I did not.
I doubt not your reasons for not writing are excellent.

2 I have left a balance in the hand of Mr.
186 Williams of £17 175. 10d., and directed him to
remit to you in flour, by the first conveyance. I wish
you to have it delivered to Mr. Jona. Freeman, on ac-

count of linen [?] shoes* he sent by me. I have visited

 

* Women’s silk and cloth shoes, manufactured at the town of
Lynn, Massachusetts.
 

Fournal, 1788. 121

 

Mrs. Boyd twice; find her agreeable,—wishes to be re-
membered to you, and thanks you for your attention
in writing, and for the seeds. Tell the children I
don’t forget them, and that they must behave extremely

well. Your most affectionate husband.

New York, 4pril 29th, 1789.

My Dear:—lI arrived here to-day at 1 o'clock, after
an industrious but agreeable journey. Found myself
considerably fatigued, however, owing to the incessant
jolts of my hard-trotting horse, and my flannel under-
clothing which seemed rather to irritate than to help
me. Am in tolerable health, and hope to continue so.

To oblige Friend Breck have taken a tour round the
city. He is in fine health and spirits, and performs
the journey to admiration. We have had a distant
view of Federal Hall, which from the outside I con-
demned; but when I viewed the inside I thought much
better of it. . . . Shall endeavor to describe it,
together with the rejoicings to-morrow, at which time
His Excellency the President is to be sworn into office.
This descriptive letter I expect to write will be handed
you, perhaps, by our friend, Mr. Jno. Parker, dated at
Philadelphia, likely enough. Mr. Parker arrived here
this evening, and is lodged at Hacker’s, with our mess,
Inform Mrs. Parker of this, as he has but just arrived,
and has not time to write. Mr. Breck intends to write

to his lady, I believe; but, if he should not, will you
 

122 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

tell her he is hearty and well? Such a hubbub in the
room, and such a dust from the shuffling feet, I am

almost crazy. Adieu. Your

JOHN MAY.

New York, 1st May, 1789.

My Dear:—On the evening of the day I arrived
here, I wrote you by post, just to tell youl was safe
thus far. Yesterday I arose early in order to do the
business which brought me here, so prepared the pa-
pers, etc., and then went out to execute them; but it
being the day that His Excellency the President is to
take the oath prescribed by the constitution, also for the
choice of Governor for this state, I soon found I could
do no business. So I joined with the multitude to
celebrate the auspicious day.

At 9 a.M., the bells of the several churches rang for
half an hour, while the congregations assembled for
prayers. Meanwhile the several corps of militia were
parading. During the interval I made calls on General
Knox, Mr. Gerry, and Mr. Platt. In due time the
troops were assembled,—consisting of a troop of horse,
one company of artillery, two companies of grenadiers,
one company of light infantry, and the battalion men,
—the whole amounting to not more than five hundred
men. Their appearance was quite pretty. At 1 o'clock

p.M., His Excellency made his appearance, attended by
 

Fournal, 1788. 123

 

his staff, etc., as you will see published in your news-
papers.

This excellent man drew the attention of all—his
bearing demanded it; but I think him much altered
in countenance since I saw him last. The procession
went into the Senate chamber; and soon the President
appeared in the gallery of the portico, being introduced
by the Vice-President, and took the oath of office, ad-
ministered by the Chancellor,—the Hon. Sam. A, Otis,
Secretary of the Senate, holding a large handsome
Bible on a red velvet cushion before him.* This in the
presence of thousands of his brethren, who shouted for
joy. After this we marched to St. Paul’s Church, prayed,
and sung Te Deum.

In the evening, fire-works on the bowling green, which
were well executed. The Spanish Ambassador’s house

was illuminated so as to represent Wisdom, Justice,

 

** Washington was inaugurated President, April 30, 1789, at
Federal Hall, in Wall street, at the head of Broad, New York.
He was clad in a full suit of dark brown cloth, manufactured at
Hartford, Connecticut, with a steel-hilted dress sword, white silk
stockings, and plain silver shoe-buckles. His hair was dressed
and powdered in'the fashion of the day, and worn in a bag and
solitaire. The oath was administered by Chancellor Livingston ;
near him stood Roger Sherman, Alexander Hamilton, Richard
Henry Lee, Generals Knox and St. Clair, Baron Steuben, and
other distinguished men. (Irving’s Life of Washington, vol. 6, p.
513; Lossing’s Life of Washington, vol. 3, p. 94; Harper’s Mag-
azine, vol. 37, p. 190.)
 

124 Colonel Fohn May.

 

Fortitude, Sun, Moon, Stars, Spanish Arms, etc. The
French ambassador also illuminated handsomely.
Federal Hall also presented a fine appearance. The
likeness of our Hero, illuminated, was presented in the
window of a house, at a little distance. The best like-
ness I have yet seen of him, so much like him that one
could hardly distinguish it from life—excepting for the
situation, over a beer-house, a place he never frequents.
The best thing of all was a picture of the United States ;
the President at full length the central figure: on his
right, Justice; over his head, Fortitude; on his left,
Wisdom. High over his head were two female figures
in gay colors, and supporting on their arms the Amer-
ican Eagle. The fire-works were brilliant, and greeted
with tumultuous applause. But I will make no further
attempts to describe what you will have so much better
in your papers. Nor will I attempt a description of
the various adornments and apartments of Federal
Hall, which is an elegant edifice. I may feel moved to
take up the pen again on the subject at Baltimore,
from which place I shall probably write you, as I in-
tend to do by every opportunity, having a double
motive, you being both my partner and attorney. I
expect to start for Baltimore this afternoon, and hope
to reach there in f [our days (?) paper torn and defaced].
Journeying gives little comfort, as horse is too hard,
and flannels torment me. As to the beds, I often find

them musty, and the air of sleeping-rooms thick and
 

Fournal, 1788. 125

 

ropy. On the road I feel the discomforts night and
day.

When I left you and all of the little ones gazing out
at the door, my heart was too full to take leave of
them: but tell them that, although I am at a distance,
my heart is at home with you and them; and that it is
for your sakes that I undertake this arduous journey.
And may the Ruler of Events make it prosperous and
keep us all in safety. Such are the wishes of yours
unalterably.

This will be handed you by Mr. Jno. Parker.

In accordance with our design to present these papers
relating to Colonel May and his visits to the Ohio
Country in their chronological order, we give next the
following :

INDENTURE: EXECUTED AT BALTIMORE, MAY QTH, 1789.

This indenture of agreement made and signed this
day between John May and Wm. Breck, of Boston,
and Eliphalet Downer, of Roxbury, all of the County
of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, wit-
nesseth, that the parties having furnished stores and
merchandise to the amount of seven hundred and
twenty-two pounds four shillings and ninepence, of
which sum the said May has supplied the sum of three
hundred forty-seven pounds thirteen shillings and four-
 

126 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

pence; the said Breck, two hundred and sixty-five
pounds; and said Downer, one hundred and nine
pounds eleven shillings fivepence:

Now it is hereby mutually agreed by said May, Breck,
and Downer, that the above-mentioned sum of seven
hundred and twenty-two pounds four shillings nine-
pence shall be considered, and it is hereby determined
and fully agreed upon, that the said sum shall be im-
proved as an adventure to the Ohio Country, on their
joint account and risque, in full proportion, agreeable
to the sums each one has supplied as above mentioned ;
and at the close of the voyage the profits and loss aris-
ing from this concern are to be equally divided in the
proportion each one has supplied the stock. And in
case that either of the party should be removed by
death, then the survivors, or survivor, shall pay, or
cause to be paid, unto the heirs, executors, administra-
tors, or assigns of the deceased the full proportion of
what may arise from or belong to their adventure. And
it is further agreed that the said May, Breck, and
Downer will spend their whole time and faculties in
this service, until the voyage is completed, and the ac-
counts adjusted. It is also further agreed that when-
ever it may be necessary to consult, advise, or deter-
mine any question, any two of the concern agreeing,
the other obliges himself to acquiesce.

In witness whereof, we have interchangeably signed
our names and affixed our seals, at Baltimore, this ninth
 

Fournal, 1788. 127

 

day of May, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-

nine. Note the several sums above mentioned are the

lawful currency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
JOHN MAY, [szat.]
WM. BRECK, [szat. |

E. DOWNER, [seat. ]
Signed and sealed in presence of Nick R. Moore,
John Hagedon.

The next letter which has been preserved is the fol-

lowing, dated—
SHIPPENSBURG, 15th May, 1789.

My Dear Nassy:—In conformity to my promise I
embrace every conveyance to tell you where I am, and
what doing. I wish most sincerely I could this mo-
ment know how matters are going with you. I left
Baltimore last Monday (11th), and arrived here much
fatigued, Tuesday night: and Wednesday morning all
our merchandise and effects came safe to this place,
where I have stored them,—not without apprehensions
that we may be detained some time; for the great de-
mand for flour at Philadelphia and Baltimore has put
all wagons in motion that way. Besides, the farmers in
general have not done their spring work. The seasons,
I am apt to think, are almost as backward here as in
Massachusetts. The apple-trees are now in blow; the
oaks and chestnuts but just leaved out, They have
had, they tell me, a hard winter and a backward spring.
 

128 Colonel Fohn May.

 

You will no doubt see in the newspapers the Indians
have not done serving the devil yet, and I suppose
never will. There have been five persons killed, some
time in April, at a place called Dunkers’* Creek; and
it is reported one has fallen at Marietta, but it wants
confirmation. They always make the most of these
stories. This is the fourth letter I have written you,
—besides forwarding you a packet of valuable papers by
Mr. Samuel Cobb: and although I have received none
from you, I am sure you have not neglected me; and
there must be two or three on their passage for me.
Mr. Dodge, the bearer, is waiting. I can therefore
add no more. Only give my love to the little ones,

and believe me to be yours.

The next letter found on the files is dated Sunday,
June 12th, 178g, but evidently by mistake, and should
be Sunday, Fuly 12th, 1789. It is therefore passed by

at present, while we insert another, dated—

Devor’s Ferry,} Saturday, Fune 27th, 1789.
My Dear Nassy:—I wrote you twice from New

York, and twice from Baltimore, and on 15th of May

 

* Dunkard’s creek empties into the Monongahela a few miles
below the Virginia line. The settlements there and in other
parts of the upper Ohio valley were not exempt from Indian in-
cursions until after Wayne's Victory, in August, 1794, and the
consequent treaty of Greenville, in 1795.

t Devoir’s ferry, on the Monongahela, opposite Parkinson’s,

now Monongahela City, at the mouth of Pigeon creek.
 

Fournal, 1788. 129

 

from Shippensburg, and on 7th, r4th, 21st and 23d
June from the confines of the Monongahela. These
Jast will all come in one. I left them at Summerill’s
Ferry last Tuesday, with one from Mr. Breck, for his
lady. I heard General Putnam was there on his way
home. I started at 4 o’clock in the morning in hopes
to see him; but he was gone an hour and a half, and it
was in vain for me to pursue. I write this in case my
last should miscarry. You may be assured you are al-
ways in my memory—perhaps too much so—and every-
thing in my power will be done to hasten my return
to you and the dear family. I was too late starting
from home, as I was suspicious, and I have forcibly
felt it ever since. Necessity compelled us to order
our wagons to Redstone; and when within six miles of
the place, the terriblest tornado that was ever known
laid waste the country betwixt us and there;—whole
forests laid prostrate—the roads totally impassable.
We were compelled to turn down to the river at a dis-
mal place.

I have been particular in one of my letters which
you will receive. Therefore, suffice it to say, that, be-
fore we could procure a boat and get our matters on
board, the river fell so low that it was impossible to go
down. We did, however, struggle to creep down, till
we are now within thirty miles of Pittsburg; but we
can not reach there till the river rises. When that will

be only One can tell, This, by the way, is only a du-
 

130 Colonel Fohn May.

 

plicate or supplement to my other letters, and probably
in some respects incorrect, as my mind has been thrown
off the hinge since beginning to write, by a circum-
stance which has just happened. A poor lad of fifteen
years old drowned, with the horse he was on, on the
other side of the river, right in plain sight and hearing.
A canoe at hand might have saved them both: but the
people over on this side were frightened out of their
senses; and the poor fellow is gone.

Make yourself and the family as happy as you can,
and be assured that the moment I am disengaged from
this business, I will fly to your aid and assistance. As
yet I have not received a line from you.* I have not
been in the way of those you have probably written.
Some time or other, when least expected, perhaps I
shall get them. Tell my other friends I shall write
them when better subjects than I have now present.
The carrier is waiting. I finish in haste, but remain

Your most affectionate husband.

Another letter, from the same place, dated the day
after the foregoing:

Devoe’s Ferry, Sunday, Fune 28th, 1789.
My Dear Assie:—lI have written you nine times
since I left you* on the 23d day of April, which my

feelings oblige me to confess, appears like a little age.

 

* See letter dated Wheeling, 16th August, page r41.
 

Fournal, 1788. 131

 

[ Here statements similar to those in preceding letter. ]
Lest these hints appear blind, will only say that, since
4th June, I am a prisoner on this river (Monongahela),
in a Kentuck boat, thirty-six feet long and twelve wide,
with a good roof, water-tight—the river so low that it
is impossible to get over the shoal places, ‘‘ ripples,”’ as
they are called here. When the bottles of heaven are
again unstopt, and there is the sound of abundance of
rain, we may go, but we can not before. You know
me so well, you will pity me in my present situation.
Nothing so irksome to me as this life of suspense.
Yet I have confidence in that God who hath upheld me
from infancy, and who, in more than seven troubles,
hath delivered me.

The necessity of the case has compelled us to open
our goods on board this boat, and I do believe we have
as much business as many stores in Boston. But busi-
ness in this fashion is by no means satisfactory, now
that the grand plan is totally suspended. I have re-
ceived one letter from Colonel Battelle, and one from
Mrs. Battelle, since being shut up here; but not a
single syllable from Boston since I left it. No doubt
there are letters on the way, but they can.’t find me,
nor I them. Yesterday an unfortunate young lad un-
dertook to swim, not far from us, a stallion over a
deep hole on the opposite side of the river, and in plain
sight, both weré drowned, Our skiff was gone with

Messrs. Breck and Downer. I am confident I could
 

132 Colonel Fohn May.

 

have saved them both. There was a boat within one
and a half rods of them the whole time, which did not
exceed nine minutes; but fear had taken such hold of
the bystanders as made them perfectly stupid. We re-
covered the body in forty minutes, and used all methods
prescribed by the Humane Society, but to no purpose.
He was wounded by the horse on his left temple and
on his left breast, which wounds probably disabled him
and prevented his returning to this world of trouble.

Every Sunday I have made it one part of my devo-
tion to write a few lines to you. This I intend to con-
tinue to do while I have the use of my hands and rea-
son. Therefore, shall not write again till the first Sun-
day in July, unless the opportunity occurs to send
this.

Sunday, sth July. Through the whole of this long,
tedious week, last part, there has nothing turned up
worthy of observation. Small showers have fallen
almost every day; but not enough to raise the river
any. It is now as low as it ever was known. We were
obliged last Tuesday to push across the river to pre-
vent grounding; and we now lie at the mouth of a
little creek, where there is a depth of about twelve
feet. Here we must stay till the water rises, if it be
till winter. However, we had considerable rain yester-
day, and the clouds were extremely heavy that went
above us; so that I am not without hopes we may have

relief by to-morrow night. If the river does not rise,
 

Fournal, 1788. 133

 

I shall set off some time this week, by land, for Mari-
etta, and let the boat come down when she can. I ex-
pect to receive letters from you when I get there, and
wish you to write me by every opportunity, and direct
to me at Marietta.

The season is so far spent, and the prospect is so
bad, that I give over thoughts of going to Kentucky,
unless information received changes all my plans. I
must do the best I can at Muskingum. Perhaps leave
some of our goods in this country, and one of us at-
tend to them. In fact, I am at a loss to know how to
act. Could I have known what I do now, I should not
have left you and the dear family. I hope and believe
you will be enabled to perform your arduous task clev-
erly. When I come home (if ever I do) I must re-
double my exertions. I hope you will never have such
a time of risk and suspense as I am having. I have
not dissembled my unhappy feelings in several of my
last letters; but these are matters you must not men-
tion to anybody. The way will be worked out yet;
but may be not without a good deal of difficulty.

About this disappointment of going down the river,
it may prove for the best after all. Had I came on as
rapidly as I did last year, I should have been in Ken-
tucky by the roth of June, and probably taken a great
deal of ginseng; but our delay has given me opportu-
nity to hear from Philadelphia and other places, and
the accounts are not encouraging. Two vessels are re-
 

134 Colonel Fohn May.

 

turned from India to England, loaded with ginseng,
and Captain Barry has arrived at Philadelphia, and
brought back his ginseng. This news has put a total
stop to collecting the article here.*

Mr. Leach, the bearer of this, on his way from
Marietta to Boston, heard where I lay, and called to
see me. I keep him all night and Sunday. He can
inform you, after his manner, what situation I am in.
This the last letter I intend to write on the flat key, for °
it is miserable stuff indeed. My love to all our chil-
dren, and write to Frederick} [then an undergraduate
at Dartmouth College] as often as you can. Keep your
mind as easy as possible; do your duty, as I know you
will, and all will go well with us at last. This heap of
mixed stuff, pray don’t expose. I should have written
to some of the little ones, but Mr. Leach is in a fret,
having a peck of letters to take already. Say to the
children I shall write to them by the next conveyance.

I am your unalterable friend.

The next letter is dated Buffalo Creek,{ Sunday, 127A

 

* Ginsene—Aralia guinguecfolia. (Gray’s Botany, p. 167.)
‘The root of this plant is slightly stimulant, and rather pleas-
antly aromatic. It has long been, and continues to be, an article
of some importance in our commerée with China.” (Dr. Dar-
lington’s Agricultural Botany, 1860, p. 159.)

+ He took up his connexions there, however, and took his
degree of A. B. at Harvard.

{ This stream empties into the Ohio at Wellsburg, in West

Virginia, sixtcen miles above Wheeling.
 

Fournal, 1788. 135

 

Fune (by mistake, doubtless, and should be Fuly 12¢h),
1789.

My Dear:—Last Tuesday I left our big boat lying
in the mouth of Pigeon creek, Monongahela, with
Breck and Downer confined in her, and crossed by land
to Washington, and Wednesday arrived at this place on
my way to Muskingum. Here I have been waiting
ever since for a passage down the Ohio, and expect to
go on Tuesday next, our boat being still prevented
going down the river by want of water.

I thought I might as well take this tour, and see the
country ; ascertain the situation of trade, and find out
the true state of Marietta—of which we have different
accounts; pick up thieves, and, I hope, obtain letters
from you. I have written to you eleven times since I
saw you,—most, if not all of which have been on the flat
key. Shall endeavor in future to alter my strain, let
my feelings be what they may: I can not help confess-
ing I am severely mortified to be thus retarded.

Marietta, Wednesday, 15th. On Monday morning,
as I was musing by the banks of the Ohio, I heard a
sound of drum and fife at a distance up the river, and
looking that way, saw a large boat with a company of
soldiers on board. When they came opposite I hailed
them, and to my great joy found it to be Captain Mac-
curdy,* bound to Fort Harmer, who politely offered

 

* Captain Wm. McCurdy, of the United States infantry.
 

136 Colonel Fohn May.

 

me a passage, which I gladly accepted. At 12 o'clock
we left Buffalo, and at sunset, Tuesday evening, arrived
safe at this place, having gone a distance of one hun-
dred and ten miles in thirty hours. The river so low
that we stuck on the shoals several times. when twenty
or thirty men would jump out and pull the boat over.

At Marietta I found the people in high spirits, and,
I may say, in a flourishing situation; the place much
altered, and great improvements made. The fields are
covered with wheat and corn: the gardens are large and
full of good things. More than fifteen thousand fruit
trees are now growing here, many of which, no doubt,
will bear next season. Madder, rhubarb, cotton, and
rice grow luxuriantly. The last article, though sowed
late, is three feet high; the leaf as wide as wheat. I
have seen one field of corn of eight acres that far sur-
passes anything of the kind my eyes ever yet beheld.
But there is no money. If people left their pride be-
hind them, there would not much be wanted.

I had almost arrived at the mental determination not
to write to you any more; as I really had all the reason
in the world to expect a budget ot letters* from Boston,
but found none. It is now almost three months since
I have heard one syllable from you. You might have

written by Mr. Gridley; and it is practicable to send

 

* Sce letter dated Wheeling, 16th August, page 141.
 

Fournal, 1788. 137

 

letters to Pitt by post every week. Why, then, this
silence, I know not.

Sunday, 18th. A brother of Dr. Cheever’s fell off our
great bridge three days ago, and is dead. I have written
to the doctor, and you can contrive to get the letter to
him. Week after week rolls away, and our business no
more forward. The boat still in the Monongahela, and
must continue there until the Lord sends rain. There
is just rain enough every other day to keep the wheels
of vegetation going on in the most rapid manner; but
it is insufficient to have any operation on the rivers.
I am striving to learn patience, and endeavoring at all
times to do my duty. The event of this summer’s
business is yet uncertain. If anything turns up favor-
able, I shall embrace it. Notwithstanding the certain
intelligence that ginseng bears no price in the Old
World, I am pretty fully determined to take this op-
portunity to collect a quantity that is good, as I shall
have nobody to interrupt me.

As I have stayed in this place as long as I want to,
without my property, I shall set off up the river ina
few days ; when I intend to establish a store, and leave
part of the goods, and fetch the remainder to Marietta.
Adieu.

Pittsburg, 30th July, 11 o’clock a.m. I have this
moment arrived here, after a passage of three days in a
small canoe up the Ohio from Marietta to Wheeling.
Was severely handled by three different thunder-gusts,
 

138 Colonel Fohn May.

 

which wet me, baggage, and papers through and through
[paper much stained and torn]; thunder and mighty
[winds?]; a precarious situation. Surrounded by for-
ests, on huge rivers, we lay two nights in a literally
howling wilderness; but no serious harm befel us.
Indeed, I can stand this better than a soft feather-bed
and confined air. The Indians have been a little
troublesome on the river, but have not hurt us any,
nor do I intend they shall. On my arrival at this ”
place, my first business* was to visit the post-office, in
full assurance I should find letters, but to my great
mortification found none. I therefore conclude you
have quite given me up, but I shall continue to write
you as long as pen can wag. I live in hopes, notwith-
standing, a letter from you will, some of these times,
appear.

From Wheeling I came here by land, a distance of
sixty miles, which [I performed in two days, on horse-
back, on a miserable jade; and not without interrup-
tions by rain. Here I hoped to find our boat, but
they have not yet come down the Monongahela. I
shall probably set off to look for them in two hours.
My present intention is to establish a store at. Wheeling
or this place, sell off the goods as soon as possible, and
return home,—laden with experience, if not with cash.

Meantime may the All-Beneficent support you and

 

* Sce letter dated Wheeling, August 16th, page 141.
 

Fournal, 1788. 139

 

ours, and give us a happy meeting. Such is the earn-
est prayer of your best friend.

P. S. Apologize for any incorréctness. If you
knew how confused the place, and how uneasy I am,
you surely would. Love to all the little ones, and all
friends.

P. S. I have put Dr. Cheever’s letter into the

office; therefore you will give yourself no trouble
about it.

WHEELING, Sunday, 16th August, 1789.

My Dear:—What can I employ myself better
about than by writing to my nearest and best friend?
Therefore, while you are engaged worshiping in the
temple, my heart and hand is employed for you.
What satisfaction it would give me were I able to be
with you. Fora considerable time I made it part of
my devotion to write a few lines to you every Sunday,
as you will see if my letters ever reach you, but lat-
terly I have been across a tract of wilderness from the
Monongahela to the Ohio, and from thence by water to
Marietta; thence back to Wheeling; then by land to
Fort Pitt—which diverse journeying has thrown me
into so many shapes that I was not able to go on in the
regular mode. The last I wrote you was from Pitts-
burg, 31st July, by post. I was then about starting
off up the Monongahela, to find my floating store,
which I did at noon, on the 1st of August, at the
mouth of the Yohogana, lying very quietly ; my friends
 

140 Colonel Fohn May.

 

very comfortable on board, passing their time eating
and drinking, perfectly at their ease. Assoon as I had
taken some refreshment, I repeated my travels to them;
in the course of which I stated that the good people of
Marietta wanted everything we had, but could not pay
for a thing; and that I, for one, should not consent to
have the goods carried there. After further conversa-
tion, proposed that we should dissolve our partnership,
each one taking his proportional part of the stock, and
do what he could with it. To this course Mr. Dow-
ner assented; but the other preferred that the partner-
ship, so far as we remaining two were concerned, should
continue. Soa division was made. Mr. Downer left
in two days, taking his goods to Little Redstone,* while
Mr. Breck and I came down to this place, which was
pitched upon as the best that could be found for trading
purposes. How it will prove, can not say; but this
much I can say, it will be folly to spend a whole year
transporting about and watching a few goods—too
great a sacrifice every way, both of time and feeling.
Therefore, if T am well, let the property be where it
may and how it may, I intend to go home by the time
I first intended.

The storekeepers all over this country are in a mis-
erable way ; for ginseng was the currency or medium of

exchange of the land, and that has greatly depreciated

a
* Little Redstone creek, in Fayette county; empties into the

Monongahela, about eight miles below Brownsville.
 

Fournal, 1788. 141

 

in value, so as to be all but worthless. In several of
my letters I have written fully respecting business in
this country, which, if you have not received, some
parts of this letter may appear dark. Suffice it to say,
my first great plan miscarried, since which I have been
in a situation like that of an army overpowered in the
enemy’s country, cautiously retreating, short of pro-
visions, and pressed on every side, yet keeping all the
baggage. Oh! sang, sang, sang! |

It is now more than two months since I wrote
Brother Joseph and Mr. Jonathan on the subject, and
requested them to give me information by post,—for
there is a regular (!) post from Boston to Pittsburg.*
Letters placed in the office go to Philadelphia, and from
there to Pitt. I have written also to my friends
in Philadelphia, but can not obtain intelligence. Thus
far had I [written] on this subject before I was aware
this must not be public.

+Your most agreeable and refreshing letter of the 1st
June, I received on sth instant. It was a boon quite
unexpected. I had given over the idea of receiving any
this Summer, which has been so fraught with disappoint-

 

* The mails between Philadelphia and Pittsburg were carried
on horseback, once a fortnight. The first regular post com-
menced in the fall of 788. (Journals of Congress, vol. 13, p. 27;
Craig’s History of Pittsburg, p. 204.)

t See letters dated June 27, 28; July 12, 15, and 18; see also
September 24 ; also September 29.
 

142 Colonel Fohn May.

 

ments. Now the spell is broken, the charm is greater.
I did not act like a fool on the occasion, but broke it
open instantly. Then did business for two hours, and
when at leisure enjoyed it. It is a good one, a full
suit and well trimmed. It gives me inexpressible sat-
isfaction to hear the family is well, and that you are
better. May your health be confirmed and prolonged
to a good old age; and may I be permitted to enjoy
peaceable and happy days with you, with the dear family
around us. The hope of such things amply compensates
for this present painful separation. Your description
of the children gives me great pleasure. Frederick is a
fine boy, and Rufus will be ditto, and John and Henry
fine fellows. My love to Nabby, Lucretia,* Catharine,
and Sophia, the whole four, to add no others. I charge
you to provide well for yourself and the family. Let
the table be filled with good things, for their barrel and
cruise will not fail, who do their duty and trust in the
Lord. Business matters at home, which are under your
direction, stand as well as expected. You have re-
ceived money enough, as I hope and believe, to answer
all purposes. So Pierce and daughter are gone. Well,
I doubt not, it is for the best.

Ward 12 has made a judicious choice of officers, to
my thinking. -Hope they accepted, and that the rest
of the wards have got officers of the same kidney—

 

** A niece adopted into the family.

e
 

Fournal, 1788. 143

 

which may truly be called Hancockorian. Just such
men as will suit His Excellency, who will feast them
often, provided they will place the reins entirely in his
hands.

Make my best regards to daddy, mammy, brothers
and sisters, all. When Brother Isaac [| Davenport] re-
turned, he should have told you the situation of Dana’s
place. I stop here to-day in order to leave a little
piece blank. Perhaps I may have something to say
more, before I have an opportunity to send.

August 21st, Friday evening, 10 o'clock. A few
minutes ago a canoe came here from Muskingum.
One of the passengers, a Mr. Whitmore, will set off
early in the morning for Newburyport, Massachusetts,
by whom I send the budget. I have nothing material
to add,—only Mr. Breck set out for Marietta, on Mon-
day last, with £75 worth of salable articles. These
men bring word that he arrived safely there, Tuesday
night. He did not write me, as I expected he would.
Tell Madam Breck he is well and hearty, and may be
back here in a fortnight. Since I came on here I have
done as well as I expected, and am in hopes I shall
make a saving voyage yet. If the paymaster of the
troops comes on from New York, as is expected, in
about three weeks, with a large sum of money, it will
not be bad for me to follow in his wake to Muskingum,
with goods. Till then, now, and at all times, I am,

most sincerely, yours,
 

144 Colonel ‘fohn May.

 

P.S. You need not write me any letters after Oc-

tober comes, lest I should miss them.

WHEELING, Sept. 13th, 17809.

My Dear Apsre:—Some time last week I wrote you
a few lines, in great haste, by way of supplement. I do
not remember what subjects I wrote on; but the little
sheet was filled up with broken sentences, just as I
could catch them, for my little log hut was filled with
two boats’ crews of Yankees, from Marietta, and a
number of Kohees,* belonging to the settlement, so
that I was obliged to keep talking all the while I was
writing, which was three or four minutes, as Dr. Trew,
who was to be the bearer, was impatient.
Many of my former letters were written altogether on
the flat key, I have not been on the sharp key hardly
since I have been out here this time. But it is more
than two months since I drew up a determination to
write no more melancholy letters, let me feel as I might.
Am now in tolerable health. Levi, however, is in a
very poor way (with boils), which, I suppose, however
disagreeable, conduces to health. Nature’s lap is here
certainly full of good things, but the poor, miserable
devils don’t know how to make use of them. For
myself, I am boarding at ’Squire Zane’s, a very wealthy

man, about my age, and sociable withal. He has a

 

* Virginians residing east of the Blue Ridge were called
Tuckahoes ; west of it, Quohees.
 

Fournal, 1788. 145

 

large stock of every kind of produce, and not stinted
for money, that is apparent; but our table is not what
it might be, and ought to be. Flitches of bacon con-
tinually; squash and string-beans without butter. Have
been here a month, and have never seen anything to
drink on the table but cold water; and the table laid
without a cloth. Once in a while Bohea tea for break-
fast, and always bread and milk for supper. We never
sit at the table more than five minutes, and sometimes
not more than three.*

In other end of the building I occupy in part, is a
young man from Conigogig, who keeps a store, not his
own, but mine. He watches my every motion, and I
can not be rid of him. If I go out on business of any
sort, he goes too. If I comb my hair, he combs his.
When I shave, he shaves. No monkey could observe
me more closely, or follow my movements more vex-
atiously. In fact, he makes a sort of prisoner of me,
but in doing that he makes himself one too. Before I

came, they say he used to take his horse and be gone

 

* At that time and for many years afterward tea, coffee, and
foreign sugar were unknown luxuries to nearly all of the settlers
in the West. Pack-horses were the usual means of transporta-
tion. The indispensable article of salt was brought in that way
from the East and sold in Pittsburg for eight dollars a bushel.
“The settler’s furniture consisted of a few pewter dishes, plates,
and spoons, wooden bowls, trenchers, and noggins.” (Dr. Dodd-
ridge’s Notes, p. 109; Judge Wilkeson in the Am. Pioneer, vol.
2, p. 268; Smith’s Old Redstone, chap. 2.)
 

146 Colonel Fohn May.

 

all day; but now he seems to be afraid he shall lose sight
of something that may be done,—so that he has not
been from home once since I came here, nor one step
off the plantation.

It gives me pleasure to tell you that I have done
more business since I came here than I expected. Mr,
Breck has been dispatched to Marietta—that was four
days after I came here—with such goods as was sup-
posed would sell. Hear from him about once a week.
He is well, and doing a moderate business. . . .
Our grand plan being broken all to pieces, we shall not
make out a great summer's work: for there are many
articles that can not be sold, even at cost, unless by
credit; and that, under existing circumstances, I can’t
think of doing. On the whole, for one, shall feel sat-
isfied if I can save myself, and come home without loss.
Of a great number who went to Kentucky, in the trade
of ling (ginseng), more than half will be bankrupted.
In the way of exchange or barter, I have taken other
things: upwards 500 raccoon-skins, some beaver, and
120 deer-skins, and all the cash that would circulate
into my hands. I am glad to learn IJ give universal
satisfaction to all who deal with me. As to ginseng [|
shail take it at my own risk; for I had rather do this
than leave the goods unsold, and it is possible it may
bear a price again, some time or other.

Before you receive this I expect our son Frederick

will be with you. You can not conceive the pleasure it
 

Fournal, 1788. 147

 

would give me could I but meet you all together; but
this is denied. Let his diversions, while at home, be
rational and prudent, and tell him, for me, he must as-
sist you in all things, as much as possible. I wrote to
him, Nabby, Lucretia, Dana, and others, some time
ago, and sent the letters by a man belonging to Bridge-
water. I feel, on the whole, quite easy about your sup-
plies. What stores I left, and the cash you had, with
the considerable certainty of your receiving several
sums from various sources, must be sufficient, I think,
for your demands. If it should prove otherwise, you
tell me you have good friends; and you must call on
them for a temporary loan until we can repay. It will
not cost a large sum, I suppose, to return Frederick
[then at Dartmouth] to college. I counsel prudence,
of course, but, at the same time, don’t cramp him; for,
as I trust, we shall receive again after many days.
Has Bayley sent up the wood? but if he has not, I
wish, if it is in your power, to have our winter’s wood,
roots, etc., laid in. As to cider, do as you please, for
I have learnt to drink water, and you learnt long ago.
I have written a long letter ; but you like long letters.
Give my love to all the family, and take a large share
for yourself.
From your sincere Friend.

September 24th. Yours of 1gth June I received
the 2oth inst., and is the second I have had from you.
My letters tell you how many I have written to you.
 

148 Colonel Fohn May.

 

I am in middling health; not so smart as I was a
month back. . . . . My landlord has the largest
and best peach-orchard that I ever beheld. Though
I have full liberty to go when I please, and take away
as many as I can, I eat but few of them. Yester-
day I put up five gallons of pickles of them, so large
that three of them would weigh a pound. These I
should be well pleased to send to you, if I could. I
shall distribute them to Mesdames Harmer, Battelle,
and Zeglar.

Direct any letters you may write, to Philadelphia, so
that they may meet me there about the middle of No-
vember next. Ask Brother Jos. to write about the
same time, and direct to the same place, and be sure to
inform me of the price of deer-skins by the pound, and
best raccoon-skins apiece, and also of other furs. Let
him also write of ginseng, and a general price current of

W. I. goods, and flour.

WHEELING, September 29th, 1789.

My Dear Nassy :—I most heartily thank you for
your particular attentions in writing, as fully appears
from yours of the 18th ult., which I have this moment
received. It appears you have written four full sheets,
only three of which have come to hand; the other, like
a comet or wandering star, is hurled from place to
place, without finding the proper one. Never did let-
ter do a man more good, or come in better season. |

have, as yet read it only once, and that in somewhat
 

Fournal, 1788. 149

 

of a hurry, but I shall feast on it many days. You
will, however, excuse me if I should not make remarks
on the many good things your letter contains. That you
and the family are so well, and in such agreeable cir-
cumstances, gives me great pleasure, and much alle-
viates the disagreeable situation I am in. Thankful the
time to which I limited myself is far spent; and al-
though I may not be at home quite so soon as I in-
tended, yet time rolls on with rapid wings, and will
soon whirl on the period when I expect to greet you
and the dear family. And I earnestly pray that, as I
have been so sadly disappointed otherwise, I may not
be disappointed in this.

I sincerely lament the death of Friend Blodget. Such
events show us that we are as equally protected in the
wilderness as in the harbor and town of Boston.
Death has ten thousand arrows of various form and
shape, and some are pierced in one way and some in
another ; but none of mortal race escapes altogether.

These letters I received to-day were carried down the
Muskingum. From thence I received them. But as
it is possible Mr. Breck did not receive any, I shall
write him by the first opportunity. Last Friday I re-
ceived a line from Mr. Jona. Freeman, in which he
mentions that ginseng is still ditto. I wish I had re-
ceived it eighteen days sooner, as it would have made
much odds with my [paper defaced, instructions or inter-
est, can not make out which]. Brother Jos. con-
 

150 Colonel Fohn May.

 

firms this, and I have a new field open for my indus-
try ; and, accordingly, I shall be detained a fortnight or
three weeks longer than first intended, but that is not
much, if, by remaining longer and improving oppor-
tunities, I’can be rid of the goods.

The pleasing accounts of Frederick give me great
pleasure. I hope there is not one of them but will be
as good as he. Tell Mrs. Nancy Lane I thank her for
her care and attention to the young King William Ru-
fus, and that this shall not be all; but when she has
made up her account, debit and credit, I will pay the
balance of the debt, etc., etc. The doctor brings let-
ters from you and Brother Jos. . . . . Your last
isa grand one. We can not always write as we wish,
that I know; and this I am writing will prove a speci-
men. Do not feel fit to write, or foranything. Have
a sad bregking out which torments me to death. For
two nights have been deprived of sleep. Where the
trouble is, I think I know, and shall apply the suitable
remedy. My love and regards to all friends, and rely
on my being constantly yours. [The above super-
scribed thus: ‘* By Dr. Downer.’’] .

Of the letters relating to this business adventure, and

the year 1789, only one more letter remains, dated—

Puitavetputa, November 306th, 1789.
My Dear:—Sincerely do I rejoice with you that
you are again restored to the use of your favorite pen;
and also on the arrival of the stranger, George W. May.
 

Fournal, 1788. 1S

 

Hope he will be a peaceable and quiet boarder until he
is able to pay cost and charges, and make as great a
man as his namesake. Few, very: few, however, have
the inward outfit, and the wide opportunity of showing
their goodness and greatness which he has had.

On arriving at Baltimore, I immediately wrote to
Brother Jos., announcing my arrival.
Four days after I wrote him again, inclosing a receipt
from Captain Evoy [?] for thirty-one casks of ginseng,
and —— barrels of flour, which I hope will arrive safe.
Having accomplished my business at Baltimore on
Wednesday last, I proposed setting out from this place
on Thanksgiving Day; but it rained hard all night, at-
tended with heavy wind, and continued till 12 on said
day, when it abated: and, although I had three invita-
tions to dine out, I immediately set off; rode thirteen
miles ; was caught in the rain; thoroughly wet through ;
took a severe cold, and had to put up. The rivers all
so high that several were impassable. Between Balti-
more and Philadelphia I lodged three nights, and ar-
rived here yesterday, expecting my wagon had been
waiting two days, but he (the wagoner), poor fellow,
had found bad roads as well as I, and did not arrive till
this morning. I shall dispatch him to-morrow, and if
I am well, and the weather good, I hope to get away
from this place by Thursday. Then I must stop three
or four days in New York; and you may reckon thirty

miles a day for me to travel, will bring it past the mid-
 

162 Colonel Fohn May.

dle of December before [ cast anchor in the haven where

I would be.
You mention in one of vour letters that you would

like some fur trimmings; but it is out of my power to
supply you with an article suitable for a lady’s dress.
The furs I obtain consist of deer, bear, and raccoon
skins. The Western country does not supply the
small delicate furs, or trimmings of any sort. Should
I, however, see any of the right sort in this city, I will
buy them. But I believe Boston is a better place for
small delicate peltry of every kind. I have a prospect
of selling my skins at this place, to good advantage, but
the transportation here from the West costs £26.
This little sheet will serve to tell you where I am, and
what doing, and that I shall be with you as soon as
possible. Meantime may health and happiness be
yours. My love toall friends, not forgetting the little
ones, and take a bountiful share for yourself.
Your
JOHN MAY.

THE END.
INDEX.

Abington, 1165.

Adams, John, 72, note.

Alden’s Mass. Regt., 71, note.

Alexandria, 9.

Alleghana; see Allegheny.

Allegheny, 25, 27, 29, 30, 106.

City, 46, note; 47, note.

County, 34, note; 50, note.

River, 32, note; 34, 35, 45, 46
and note, 63, 71.

Alligator, 32 and note.

Amherst College, 10.

Ancient and Hon. Artillery Co. 14.

Annapolis, 24.

Antaheta, 29 and note.

Antietam, 29, note.

Arnold, Benedict, 64, note.

Attorney, first in Ohio, 72, note.

August 17th, 109 and note.

Avery, John, 12.

Bacon, 39.

Baltimore, 9, 23 and note, 24, 25, 35,
39, 42 and note, 43, 45, 62, 76, 117,
118, 119, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128,
151.

Barry, Capt. 134.

Bartlett, Mrs. 101.

Battelle, Ebenezer, 31, 39 and note, 64,
65, 71, 90, 131.

Battelle, Mrs. 131, 148.

Bayard, Elizabeth, 31, note.

Stephen, 31, note.

Bayley, 147.

Beaver, 70, note.

Bedford, 104, note.

County, 104, note.
Town, 104, note.

Beeker, James, 72.

Bellingham, 116.

Belpre, 39, note; 102, note.

Bentley, Sheshbazzar, Sr. 26, 30 and
note.

Rerks County, 108, note.

Berkshire County, 25.

Berlin, 18; 30, note.

Bethlehem, 108 and note; 109, note;
110, 11.

Big Beaver River, 37, note.

Big Buckeye, 64, note.

Big Miami River; see Great Miami River.

Bird, 96, 97-

Birds, 77.

Biscoe, 96.

Blodget, 149.

Blue Mountain, 25, 27, 28, 29, 45; see
also North Mountain.

Blue Ridge, 144, note.

Bogg’s Island, 82.

Bolivar, 50, note.

Bolton, 16.

Bond, Geo. Wm. ro.

Boston, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17,
4c, 54, 60, 63, 67, 69, 89, 106, 114,
116, 118, 119, 120, 125, 131, 134,
136, 141, 142, 149, 152; Anne St.
13; Common, 14; Decatur St. 10;
Derne St. 15; Fish St. 13; Hanover
St. Soc. 143 North End, 13, 14, 15;
North St. 13; Old South Church, 13;
Orange St. 13; Union Wharf, 143
Washington St. 13.

Boulton, 17.

Bouquet, Henry, 93, note.

Bowdoin, James, 12.

Bowers, Henry, 114.

Boyd, Mrs, 121.

Brackett’s Tavern, 63.

Braddock, Edward, 48 and note;
note.

Brant, Joseph, 71, note.

Bread, 52.

Breck, Daniel, 87, go.

Breck, Wm. 120, 121, 125, 126, 127,
129, 131, 135, 140, 143, 146, 149.

Brewer, 8.

Bridge, Prudence, 8.

Bridgewater, 147.

Bristol, 22.

British, 12, 19, 48, 64, note; 94, note;
95, Note.

Brooke County, §5, note.

Brookline, 7.

Brown, 96.

Brownsville, 140, note.

104,
 

154

Index.

 

Bruce, 8.
Bruer, 8.
Buffalo, 80, 83.
Creek, 134 and note, 136.
Bull’s Tavern, 17.
Burd, Benj. 104 and note.
Bush River, 23, note.
Bushtown, 23.
Butler, Richard, 36, note; 44, note.
Walter, N. 71, note.
Wm. 44 and note, 46, 47, note.
Cape Town, 9.
Carey, Wanton, 72, 96? 97, 104, 106,
113.
Carlisle, 105.
Casey, 963; see also Carey.
Charlestown, 18.
Cheever, 137, 139.
Cherokees, 65, note.
Cherry Valley, 71, note.
Chestnut Ridge, 27, 30.
Chester Ccunty, 70, note.
Chever, 113.
Chippewas, 89.
Chimes, 23.
Christiana, 22.
Clark, 115.
Clarke, 31.
Geo. Rodgers, 36, note.
Coa) Hill, 49, note.
Cobb, Sam’, 12¢, 128.
Conegogigg ; see Conccocheague.
Congress, pictures in, 21 and note; 64,
note; 114.
Conigogig; see Conococheague,
Connastoga Wagon, 22.
Connecticut, 37.
River, 17, 115.
Connelly, John, 93, note.
Conocucheague, 27, note.
Creek, 27, note.
Corey’s Bridge, 75, 76, note; 137.
Corlis, 62.
Corn, 55.
Coshocton, 94, note.
Court, first in Ohio, 64, note.
Cox’s Fort, 55 and note, 56, 82.
Cox, Friend, 55, note.
Geo. §5, note.
Tsaac, 55, note.
Cracraft, Maria R. 9.
Crane’s Town, 94, note.
Crary, Archibald, 71 and note.
Cravath, 102,
Crawford, Wm. 94, note.
Croghan, Geo. 92, note; 93, note.
Crops, 55, 83, 85, 136.

Cushing, Nath’l, 102 and note.
Cutler, Manassah, 101 and note, 102.
Dana, 143, 147.
Amariah, 7.
Lucretia, 10, 142, 1473 see God-
dard, Mrs. Nath’l.
Doggett’s Tavern, 17.
Dartmouth College, 134 and note, 147.
Dauphin County, 10s, note.
Davenport, Isaac, 20, 143.
Davis, Dorothy, 7.
Dedlam (Dedham ?), 51.
Deer, 80.
Delaware Indians, 47, note, 81, 92 and
note; 93, note; 94, note; 95, note.
River, 22, 70, 111.
Denny, E. 46, note; 48,note; 85, note.
De Peyster, 95, note.
Detroit, 95, note.
Devall, Judge, 78, note.
Gilbert, 78, note.
Devoe’s Ferry ; see Devoir’s Ferry.
Devoir’s Ferry, 128 and note, 130.
Dodge, 128.
Dogs, 54, 55, 73, 74-
Doughty, Jobn, 60 and note, 76.
Downer, Dr. 85, 87, 88, 120, 150.
Eliphalet, 125, 126, 127, 131, 135,
140.
Joseph, 120.
Drowne, Dr. 38, note.
Drowned man, superstition with regard to
4, 40.
Dry Ridge, 104 and note.
Dunham, Dan’l, 72, 84.
Dunkard’s Creek, 128, note.
Dunker’s Creek; see Dunkard’s Creek.
Dunmore, Lord, 49, note; 93, note.
Easton, 111.
East-town; see Easton.
Eckley, Mrs. Sophia May, 10.
Edes, Henry, 10.
Henry F. 10.
Rich. S. 10.
Elizabethtown, 31 and note, 41, 101,
note,
Point, 112,
Elk, 80.
River, 23, note.
Elkton, 23, note.
Ellery, 45.
Erie, Lake, 99 and note.
Evoy, 151.
Fairfield, 18 and note, 19.
County, 19, note.
Fayette County, 140, note.
Fearing, Paul, 72 and note, 85.
 

Index.

155

 

Fellows, Gustavus, 20,
Daughter of, 20.

Ferguson, 42, note.

Field, Capt. 117, 119, 120.
Sarah, 117.
Say, 117.

Finney, Fort, 36, note; 95, note.

Fish, 23, 32, 34) 355 36, 40, 41, 50, 52,
53 54 60, 68, 69 and note, 70, 72,
74, 77, 78, 88.

Flour, prices of, 32, 39+

Franklin, 46, note.

County, 27, note.

Fort, 46, note.
Freeman, Jonathan, 120, 141? 149.
French, 48, 124.

War, 59, note.

Fruit, 60, 97.

Fuller, 18 and note.

Fulton County, 28, note; 104, note.

Gerry, 122.

Gibson, John, 49 and note.

Ginseng, 133, 134 and note, 137, 140,
146, 148, 149, 151.

Glass, 89.

Glover’s Brigade, 64, note.

Guadenhutten, 94, note.

Gnats, 61.

Goddard, Mrs. Nathaniel, 7, 10; see also
Dana, Lucretia.

Gore, Abigail, 8.

Grave Creek, 82.

Gray, 42, note.

Great Miami River, 36, note, 42 and
note; 95, note,

Green, Chas. 72.

Greencastle, 27 “and note.

Greenville, 128, note,

Girdley, 96, 136.

Wm. 72.

Griffin, 115.

Grindstones, 50.

Guyasuta, 93, note.

Hacker, 121.

Hackinsac River, 22.

Haddam, 115.

Hagedon, John, 127.

Hail, 101 and note.

Hamilton, Alex. 123, note.

‘Hancock, John, 143.

Harding, 20, 113.

Harford, 23, note.

Harmar, Fort, 38, note; 60, note; 78,
note; 85, note; 95, note; 111, 135.

Josiah, 43, note; 46 and note; 48,
51, 59, 61, 63, 77, 78, 83, 92,

95, note.

Harmar, Mrs. 78, 148.

Harris, Jerry, 105, note.

Harrisburg, 105 and note.

Harristown; see Harrisburg.

Heart; see Heart.

Hartford, 17, 18, note; 123, note,

Harvard College, 134, note.

Hatt, Rich. 20; see also Platt.

Havre de Grace, 23.

Heart, Jonathan, 46 and.note, 58, note.

Heath, Andrew, 100, 101 and note.

Heckewelder, John, 108 and note.

Henry, 49.

Hermitage Furnace, 53, note.

Hervey, James, 57 and note.

Hetuck, 64, note.

Hickerwelder; see Heckewelder.

Hinds, 43, note.

Hobbes-town ; see Hummelstown.

Hockhocking, 69.

Hogs, 55, 79.

Hollensworth, 23 and note.

Horse Neck, ry and note, 114.

Horton, 19, note.

Hosmer, Mrs. Faith C. 7.

Hoyt’s Inn, 19.

Hulen; see Huling.

Hulin ; see Huling.

Huling, 76.

Marcus, 35 and note, 54, 70, 84.
Mrs. 47, 52.

Hummelstown, 106 and note,

Hyatt, Richard; see ' att.

Immigration, amount and character of,
37; 38) 44.

Indiana Territory, 50, note.

Indians, 36, note; 38, note; 39,-41, 42
and note, 47 and note, 48, 49, note;
59, 61, 63, 64, note; 71, note; 76,
80, 81, 87, 89, 90, 91 and note, 92
and note, 108 and note, 118, 128 and
note, 139; see also Cherokees, Chip-
pewas, Delawares, Miamis, Mingoes,
Mohicans, Muntics, Ohios, Ottawas,
Sciotos, Senecas, Shawanese, Shaw-
nese, Six Nations, and Wyandots.

Indian Queen Inn, 24,

Insects, 61, 68.

Irving, John; see Irwin.

Ivy poison, 65.

Irwin, John, 50 and note.

Jefferson, Thomas, 65, note.

Johnson, Sir Wm: 93, note.

Jonathan, 141.

Jones, 33, note.

Joseph, 34, 84.

Judges of N. W. Ter. 85 and note.
 

156

Index.

 

July 4th, 1788, 77, 78 and note, 81.
Juniata River, 29, 30.
Kentucky, 38, 76, 133, 146.
Boats, 31, note; 32, 33, 37, 38, 42
and note, 44, 52, 54, 61, 66, 67,
71,131.
Kirkendall, 32, 41, 100, ror and note.
Killbuck, 93, note; 94, note.
Kimtony, 47 and note; see also Tunas.
Kingsbridge, 19 and note.
Kirkindall ; see Kirkendall.
Knapp’s Inn, 19 and note, 114.
Knox, Henry, 21, 95, note; 122, 123,
note.
Kognieschguanokee, 95, note; see also
Pipe.
Kohees ; see Quohees.
Lane, Mrs. Nancy, 150.
Lathrop, John, 14.
Laurel Mountain, 27, 30, 45, 103.
Laurens, Fort, 50, note.
Lawrencevitle, 22, note.
Laws, 68.
Leach, 134.
Lebanon Creek, 17.
Lee, Catherine F. 10.
Richard Henry, 123 note.
Lehigh River, 109, note.
Levi, 144.
Ligonier, 53, note.
Limestone, 42, note; 118.
Little Beaver, 54, 82.
Redstone, 140 and note.
Winchester, 45.
Littleton, Fort, 104 and note.
Livingston, Robt. R. 123 and note.
Logan,’ 49, note ; 94, note.
Long Island, 64, note.
Reach, 82.
Lord, Dr. 115.
Louisville, 43, note ; 61 and note.
Lucas, Isaac, 102.
Lunt, Major, 84.
Lynn, 120, note.
M y Dts 75.
McComb, 21.
McCormick, Geo. 99 and note.
McCornish, Geo.; see McCormick.
McCurders, Mrs. 78.
Maccurdy ; see McCurdy.
McCurdy, Wm. 135 and note.
McDowell, 84, note.
McIntosh, Fort, 70, néte; 95, note.
Mahoning River, 38, note.
Maidenhead, 22 and note.
Maies; see May,
Mails, rqi.

 

Maine, 64, note.

Marietta, 38, note; 58 and note; 59,
note; 64, note; 70, note; 71, note;
72, note; 76, 78, note; 84, 96, 102,
106, 118, 128, 133, 134, 135, 136,
137, 139, 140, 143, 144, 146; see
also Muskingum.

Marmar Neck, 19, note.

Marriage, first in Ohio, 39, note.

Maryland, 24, 42, note.

Massachusetts, 59, note; 64, note; 71,
note; IOI, note; 102, note; 127.
May, Abigail, daughter of Col. John, 9,

142, 147.

Abigail, daughter of Eleazer, 7.

Abigail®, daughter of Samuel5, and
wife of Col. John, 8, 9, 10, 11,
15, 40, 67, 119, 121, 122, 127,
128, 130, 135, 139, 144, 148,
150.

Benjamin, 8.

Catherine, 10.

Catherine Cravath, 10, 142.

Charles Augustus, son of Col. John,
10, 14, note.

Charles Augustus, grandson of Col.
John, 9-

Charlotte Augusta, ro.

Dorothy, moiher of Col. John, 7.

Dorothy, sister of Col. John, 7.

Ebenezer‘, 8, 9.

Edward T. 9.

Eleazer‘, father of Col. John, 7,
8, 9.

Eleazer, brother of Col. John, 7.

Elisha, 8.

Ephraim, son of John?, 8.

Ephraim, son of Samuel5, 9 12.

Frederick, 9, 134 and note, 142,
146, 147, 150.

George, 9.

George Washington, 10, 150.

Henry, 9.

Henry Knox, 9, 142.

Hezekiah, 8.

Ithamar, 7, 10, 67, 116.

John}, 8.

John’, 8.

John’, 8,

John‘, 8.

Col. John, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14,
60, 64, 71, 88.

John, son of Col. John, g.

John Frederick, 9.

Joseph, 9, 15, 17, 67, 141, 148,
149, 150, 151.

Julian, 9.
 

Index.

157

 

May, Juliana Gales, 10.
Lucy, 7, 10.
Maria or Mary, daughter of John, 8.
Mary, sister of Col. John, 7.
Mary Davenport, 10, 14, note; 16.
Mehetabel, daughter of John, 8.
Mehetabel, daughter of fohn’, 8.
Naomi, 8.
Nehemiah, 8.
Prudence, sister of Col. John, 7,

116.
Prudence, daughter of John’, 8.
Prudence, another daughter of
John’, 8,

Samuel, son of Johnl, 8.
Samuel, son of John3, 8.
Samuel}, 8, 9.
Samuel, son of Samuel, 9.
Samuel Joseph, 9.
Sarah, daughter of John2, 8.
Sarah, daughter of John’, 8.
Sophia, daughter of Col. John, 10,
142.
Sophia, granddaughter of Col. John,
10.
William, brother of Col. John, 7.
William, grandson of Col. John, 9.
William Rufus, 7, 10, 142, 150.
Mayes ; see May.
Mayfield, 8.
Mears, Catherine, 9.
Medcalf (Metcalf?), 513 see also Met-
calf.
Meigs, Return J., Sr. 64 and note.
Return J., Jr. 65, note,
Menepoma, Alleghaniensis, 32, note.
Mercer, Hugh, 93, note.
Mercersburg, 27.
Metcalf, 45; see also Medcalf,
Miami Indians, 46, note.
Middletown, 107 and note.
Miggs; see Meigs.
Milford, 115.
Mingo, 49, note.
Mississippi Territory, 39, note.
Mohickans, 93, note.
Monongahela City, 128, note.
River, 30, 31, 32/and note, 34 and
note, 35, 45, 46, note; 48, 63,
71, 101, note; 128, note; 129,
131, 135, 137, 138, 139, 140,
note.
Montgomery, Richard, 21.
Moore, Nick R. 127.
Moravian Indians, 94, note; 108.
Moravians, 108, 109, note.
Morristown, 112.

Moseman, Frederick, 40, 49-

Muntics, 93, note.

Muskingum, 14, 38, 39, 42) 45, 53)
56, 81, 82, 133, 135, 143; see
also Marietta.

River, 31, note; §8, 62, 68, 70,
74, 78,79, 80, 84, 86, 90, 91,
93, note; 94, note, 95, note;
103, 118, 149.

“Ship,” 86.

National Road, 98, note.

New Brighton, 37, note.

England, 30, 38, 53, 63, 73, note;
80, 81, 84, 100, 102, note; 112.

Haven, 18, 115.

Orleans, 32.

York, 9, 19, 20, 21, 39, 64, note;
112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 119,
121, 122, 123, 124, 128, 143,

151; Battery, 114; Broad St.
123, note; Federal Hall, 121,
123, note; 124; McComb’s

Building, 21; New Brick Church,
20; St. Paul’s Church, 21, 123;
Wall St. 123, note,
Newburyport, 143.
North Carolina, 51, 62 and note.
Mountain, 27, 104, 1053 see also
Blue Mountain.
Northampton County, 109, note.
Northwest Territory, 37, note; 59, note;
72, note; 83, 85, note.
Nuts, 69.
Oelrichs, Mrs. Julia M. 9.
O’Hara, James, 44 and note.
O’Harra; see O'Hara.
Ohio, 36, note; 50, note; 64, note.
Company, 31, note; 35, 36, note;
38, note; 59, note; 64, note;
72, note; 78, note; 102, note;
113.
Constitutional Convention, 59, note,
Country, 126,
, County, 55, note.
Indians, 108, note.
River, 32, note; 34, 35, 37, 42, note ;
44, 54, 55, 57) 69, note; 70 and
note, 77, 80, 82, 88, 90, 92, 96,
99, note; 134, note; 135, 136,
137, 139-
Falls, 43, note; 61 and note,
Oliver, Robert, 71 and note.
Olney, Col. 62, 67.
Ordinance of 1787, 85, note.
Otis, Samuel A. 123.
Ottawa Indians, 84 and note.
Oxen, 69.
 

158

Passaic River, 22.

Parker, John, 121, 125.

Parkinson, 128, note.

Parsons, Samuel Holden, 36 and note,
38, 46, 51, 54, 58, note; 69, 63, 68,
71, note; 92.

Peas, 85.

Penfield’s Tavern, 18 and note.

Penn, John, 93, note.

Pennsylvania, 99 and note, 104.

Ist Regt. 46, note; 4th Regt. 104,
note.

Pervience; see Purviance.

Philadelphia, 22, 46, note; 127, 133,
134, Iq4f and note, 150, 151.
Phillips, 71.
Pierce, 42, note; 142.
Isaac, 72.
Pigeon Creek, 1c1, note; 128, note;
135.

Pipe, Capt. 92 and note.

Pipes; see Pipe, Capt.

Pitt, Fort, 34, 45, note; 46, note; s1,
71, 82, 92, note; 93, note; 137, 139,
141.

Pittsburg, 30, 31 and note, 33, 34 and
note, 35, 38, 40, 41, 44, note; 45,
46, note; 49, note; 50, note; 51,
52, 53) 54, 61, 68, 71, 76, 93, note;
97, Mote; 101, note; 117, 129, 137,
138, 139, 141 and note, 145, note;
Liberty St. 33, note; Marbury St. 45,
note; Penn St. 45, note; Redoubt
‘Alley, 50, note; Second Av, 50, note.

Platt, 113, 122.

Plymouth, 8.

County, 72, note.

Point Pleasant, 94, note.

Police, 66, 67.

Pomfret, 7, 8, 10, 115, 116.

Portland, 14 and note; High St. 14,
note.

Potomac River, 27, note; 28, 29, note.

Powell’s Hook, 21,

Prices, 32, 33, 345 39) 41, 51, 55, 56,
60, 61, 74, 83, 145, note; 148, 152.

Princeton, 22 and note.

Prince-town 5 see Princeton.

Providence, 10, 62, 63, 76.

Provisions, 32, 39, 44, 45, 49, 50 51,
521 55 56, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65,
69, 72, 74) 78, So, 83, 85, 8y, UP) ON,
97, 104, 107, 115, 136,145 and note,
148,

Purviance, Sam’l, 42 and note.

Putnam, Rufus, 31 and note, 38, 42,
sy and note, 63, 85, note; gt, 129.

Index.

Quebec, 64 note.

Quinnebogue, 17.

Quohees, 144, note.

Ragant, 42, note.

Ranstord, 81.

Rapids; see Ohio River Falls, and Louis«
ville.

Rattlesnake, 63, 97.

Reading, 108 and note.

Redding; see Reading.

Redstone, 129.

Reed, Ann Gordon, 9-

Religious Services, 87, 90, 98 and fote.

Revolution, 31, note; 36, note; 38,
note; 44, note; 46, note; 49, note;
50, note; 59, note; 64, note; 71,
note; 73, Mute; 94, note; 95, note;
102, note; 104, note.

Rheumatism, cure for, 48.

Rhode Island, 71, note; 113.

Rice, Lieut. 17, 26, 63, 64, 72, 91.

Rice’s Tavern, 63.

Richmond, 56, note.

Ridout, 42, note.

Rippe, 104.

Robbstown, 31, note.

Rochambeau, Count de, r2.

Rocky Hill, 113.

Roxbury, 8, 14, 125.

Rye, 19, note.

Sabin, Jonathan, 7.

Silas, 7.

Sag Harbor, 64, note.

St. Clair, Arthur, 36, 39, note; 53, 54y
64, note; 81, 83, 85 and note, 87,
123, note.

St. John, Mrs. 21.

Salt Spring, 38, note.

Sample, 105.

Sandusky, 76.

Sargent, 36, 38 and note, 45, 60, 64, 85,
note.

Saw-mill Run, 40, note.

Scioto Indians, 49, note.

Purchase, 63.

Senecas, 93, note.

Shawanese, 93, note; see also Shawnese.

Shawnese, 36, note; 93, note; 95, note 5
see also Shawanese.

Sheritf, first in Chio, 64, note.

Sherman, Roger, 123, note.

Shippensburg, 127, 129.

Sideling Hill, 28, 29; see also Sideling

Ridge.
Ridge, 27, 45, 104, 105; see also
Sideling Hiil,

Sill, Benjamin, 72.
Index.

ie

 

Simmerell; see Sumrall.
Simmons, Garland, 42, note.
six Nations, 93, note.
Skinner, 105.
Gridley, 67.
Slacum, Julia M. 9.
Smith, Balliard, 43, note.
Smith’s Tavern, 116.
Snakes, 63, 70, 97.
Snipe, 90 and note.
Solgume, Major, 73.
Somerset County, 30, note.
South Mountain, 25, 273; see also Blue
Mountain.
Southern States, 82.
Spanish, 123.
Springfield, 7.
Sproat, Lbenezer, 60, 64 and note, 85.
Stacey, Wm. 70, 71 and note,
Starrick, 24.
Staruk, 24.
Stebbins, Samuel, 72.
Steuben, Baron, 123, note,
Stony Point, 64, note.
Suffolk County.
Summerill; see Sumrall.
Sumner, Abigail, 7.
Sumrall, John, 31 and note, ror.
Mrs. ror. :
Sumrall’s Ferry, 31, note; 45, 101, 129.
Sunday officer, 18.
Superstition respecting recovery of body
of a drowned man, 40.
Susquehannah River, 23, 28, 29, 105.
Sussex County, England, 8.
Syracuse, 9.
Taft, 116.
Tawwaw; see Ottawa.
‘Temple, Sir John, 21, 114.
Three Brothers, 82.
Toasts, 78.
Tories, 71, note,
Tornado, 129,
Treaty, 39, 67, 76.
Trees, 74.
Trenton, 22.
Trew, Dr. 144.
Trott, Ambrose, 24.
Tuckahoes, 144, note.
Tuckerman, Edward, 10.
Mrs, Edward, 13.
Edward, sun of the above, 10.
Frederick G. 10.
Samuel P. 10,
Tufts, Walter, 17, 19, 26, 84.
Tunas, 47, note.
Tupper, B. 39, note; 59, note.

Tupper, Rowena, 39, note.

Tuscawaras River, 50, note.

Tyber Creek, 76, note.

Tyler, Dean, 72.

Union Boat, 86.

United Brethren, 108, 109, note.

United States, 59, note; 64, note; 95,
note; 124.

Upper Sandusky, 94, note.

Uxbridge, 116.

Varnum, James M. 36, 38, note; 60,
62, 63, 64, 68, 78 and note, 113.

Venango, 46.

County, 46, note.

Virginia, 10, 56, note; 62, note; 87,
88, 99 and note; 128, note.

Virginian, 97, 144 and note.

Vose, 96.

Walhonding Creek, 94, note.

Wallingford, 115.

Washington, 97 and note, 98, 99, 135.

City, 9, 10, 21, note.

County, 30, note; 34, 35,72, note;
97, note; 98, note.

Geo. 18, note; 19, note; 37, note;
44, note; 81, 121, 122, 123 and
note, 124.

Wayne, Anthony, 39, note; 44, note;
64, note; 95, note; 128, note.

Weather, 18, 19, 20, 23, 28, 30, 38, 39,
431 525 53> 541 56, 57, 60, 61, 62, 63,
65, 66, 67, 69, 73, 74, 75, 79, 77; 73,
79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89,
90, 103, 104, 106, 107, 110, 111, 112,
114,115,127, 129,131,132, 137,151.

Wellsburg, 55, note; 134, note.

West Alexander, 98, note.

Greenwich, 19, note.
Liberty, 55 and note.
Newton, 31, note,

Western Reserve, 37, note.

Territory, 37, note; 53, 59, note;
81.

Westmoreland County, 31, note; 34 and
note.

Wethersfield, 8.

Wheeling, 56 and note, 82, 97, 130,
note; 134, note; 136, note; 137,
138 and note, 139, 140, 144, 148.

White, Alex. 48, note; 51, 62 and note.

White Eyes, 93, note; 94, note.

Whitewoman’s Creek, 94, note.

Whiskey, price of, 32.

Whitmore, 143.

Williams, 69, 77, 80, 88.

Abigail, 9.
Hy. H. 31, 72, 88, go.
 

160

Williams, Isaac, 70 and note.
Joseph, 120.
Mrs, 92.
Williamsport, 27, note.
Williamson, David, 94, note.
Wilmington, 22, note.

Winchester ; see Little Winchester.

Windham, 17.

Court House, 115.
Winslow, Lt. Col. 67.
Wise, Mrs. Laura, 9.
Wobocan, 95, note.
Wolf tribe, 92, note.
Wolfendorf; see Wommelsdorf.
Wommelsdorf, 107 and note.
Woodstock, 8.

Index.

Woolamanpagm, 8.
Worms, curious cure for, 47.
Worship, place of, 98 and note.
Wyandot, 37, note; 93, note.
Yah; see Youghiogheny.
Yankees, 81, 144.
Yohogana; see Youghiogheny.
Yohogany; see Youghiogheny.
Yough; see Youghiogheny.
Youghiogheny, 30, 31, 50.
Zane, 82, 97, 144.
Ebenezer, 56 and note.
Jonathan, 56, note.
Mrs. E. 56 and note.
Silas, 56, note.
Zeglar, Mrs. 148.
 

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