[1] Edmond Charles Genet (Genest) was born at Versailles about 1765. His father was a diplomat who was interested in English literature, and who welcomed the American coterie in Paris to his home. Henrietta Genet, later Madame Campan, was first lady of honor to Queen Marie Antoinette; her brother was chosen at the early age of twenty-four, secretary—​later, chargé d’affaires—​to the French embassy at St. Petersburg. His dispatches thence were of so republican a tone, that in 1792 he was commissioned minister of the new French republic, to Holland; but late in the same year was chosen for the mission to the United States, where he arrived April 8, 1793. His career in America is well known. After his commission was revoked, Genet became a naturalized American citizen, married a daughter of Governor Clinton of New York, and died at Jamaica, Long Island, in 1834.—​Ed.

[2] Humeau and Le Blanc appear to have been agents of Genet, assisting in this revolutionary movement. Nothing is known of the former. Le Blanc was a citizen of New Orleans, well-affected to the French revolutionary cause. He was to have been made mayor of New Orleans, when that city should fall into the hands of the revolutionists. See American Historical Association Report, 1896, pp. 1049, 1050.—​Ed.

[3] For a description of the left-hand or southern branch of the road, known as “The Old Glade,” see Harris’s Journal, post.—​Ed.

[4] Evident error; perhaps 320 was intended.—​C. S. S.

The distance in reality by this route was somewhat less than this.—​Ed.

[5] Hugh H. Brackenridge was at this time the most prominent lawyer in Pittsburg, whither he had come in 1781, after graduating at Princeton and serving as chaplain in the regular army. Brackenridge was a Scotch-Irishman, and a Democrat in politics; therefore he sympathized with the uprising known as the Whiskey Rebellion, and wrote a work in its defense, although his influence had been exercised to moderate its excesses. Gallatin defeated him for Congress in 1794; but later he took his place upon the bench of the state supreme court, and served with great ability until his death in 1816.—​Ed.

[6] Physostegia Virginiana, Benth.—​C. S. S.

[7] Hedeoma pulegiodes, Pers.—​C. S. S.

[8] Col. Francis Vigo was a Sardinian, who came to Louisiana in the Spanish army. Settling at St. Louis as a trader, he embraced the cause of American independence, rendering substantial aid in many ways to George Rogers Clark, in the latter’s Illinois campaigns. Vigo took the oath of allegiance to the United States, and later settled at Vincennes, where he died in poverty in 1836. His just claims upon the government were not settled until thirty years after his death.—​Ed.

[9] A Spanish document of this period complains of Audrain as having misappropriated funds for his contracts, also charges him with being a radical republican, receiving all the patriots at his house, where dinners were given and toasts drunk to the downfall of monarchy. See American Historical Association Report, 1896, p. 1049.

The commandant at St. Louis was Captain Don Zenon Trudeau, who held the office from 1792-99.—​Ed.

[10] This Frenchman was known in Pittsburg as J. B. C. Lucas, and was appointed associate judge of Allegheny County in 1800. His Democratic principles were so strong that he brought about the impeachment of his colleague, Judge Addison, a well-known Federalist.—​Ed.

[11] The writer here uses the term “Fort Pitt” as the name of the town; the brick fortification which was being demolished was the one known by that name, built by Stanwix in 1759-61. It stood between the rivers, below Third, West, and part of Liberty streets. A redoubt, built in 1764 as a part of these works, is still standing, and has been restored by the Pittsburg chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, whom it serves as a museum. See Frontier Forts of Western Pennsylvania (Harrisburg, 1896), ii, pp. 99-159.—​Ed.

[12] Fort Fayette, a stockade erected in 1792 for protection against the Indians. It stood about a quarter of a mile above Fort Pitt, on the present Penn Street, at the crossing of Garrison Avenue.—​Ed.

[13] E. atropurpureus, Jacq.—​C. S. S.

[14] This is probably his Sicyos lobata (Echinocystis lobata of Torr. and Gray) which, according to the Flora, was detected by Michaux “in occidentalibus Pensylvaniae, juxta fluvium Ohio.” The “corolla 5 partita” is retained by Richard in his description.—​C. S. S.

[15] Wheeling was founded upon land taken up by Col. Ebenezer Zane in 1770. During Lord Dunmore’s War a stockade was built at this place, called Fort Fincastle; later, the name was changed in honor of Patrick Henry, first governor of the state of Virginia. Fort Henry was thrice besieged during the Revolution—​in 1777, 1781, and 1782. Many romantic incidents are told of these events; most notable, that of the sortie for additional powder, successfully executed by Elizabeth Zane. Colonel Zane laid out the place in town-lots in 1793; two years later, the Virginia legislature incorporated it. In 1797 Wheeling became the seat of Ohio County; and early in the nineteenth century appeared likely to surpass Pittsburg in prosperity, and as an important emporium for Western trade.—​Ed.

[16] The site for Fort Harmar was chosen by Gen. Richard Butler (1785), on his journey to Cincinnati to make peace with the Miami Indians. A detachment under Major Doughty began building the fort—​named in honor of Gen. Josiah Harmar—​in the autumn of this year; its completion in 1786 afforded protection to the frontier inhabitants of Virginia. Two years later (1788), the Ohio Company of Associates—​New England veterans of the Revolution—​came out under the leadership of Gen. Rufus Putnam, and began the settlement of Marietta, “the Plymouth Rock of the West.”—​Ed.

[17] For the Little Kanawha, see Croghan’s Journals, vol. i of this series, note 98.—​Ed.

[18] For the Great Kanawha and its historical associations, see Croghan’s Journals, vol. i of this series, note 101; also Thwaites, On the Storied Ohio.—​Ed.

[19] For the history of this French settlement on the Ohio, see Journal of F. A. Michaux, post.—​Ed.

[20] Jean G. Petit was the most prominent man of this settlement, acting both as physician and judge.—​Ed.

[21] For a description of the Scioto, and its early historical importance, see Croghan’s Journals, vol. i of this series, note 102; also Thwaites, On the Storied Ohio.—​Ed.

[22] The Three Islands were noted landmarks in the early history of Kentucky. Kennedy and his company encamped there in 1773, but the settlement was in a dangerous location, as this was near an Indian crossing place. In 1791, twenty men were told off to garrison the settlement. The upper island was near Brush Creek, in Ohio. Only one island remains at this place.—​Ed.

[23] Limestone (now Maysville) was long the chief river post for Kentucky, but was not early settled owing to its exposure to Indian attacks. Bullitt and the McAfees were there in 1773; Simon Kenton settled farther up on Limestone Creek in 1776. The same year, George Rogers Clark landed at this place the powder provided by Virginia for the protection of the Kentucky settlements. The first blockhouse was built on the site of Limestone in 1783; four years later, the town was incorporated by the Virginia legislature.—​Ed.

[24] Alexander D. Orr was representative in Congress for Kentucky, from its admission and through the fourth Congress (1792-97). A Virginian by birth (1765), he removed to Mason County at an early period, and had much influence in his neighborhood, where he lived as a planter until his death, June 21, 1835. Michaux’s visit to Colonel Orr is probably significant of the fact that Orr was interested in the former’s mission.—​Ed.

[25] Gen. Henry Lee was one of the earliest settlers in Mason County. Coming to Kentucky as a surveyor in 1779, six years later he established Lee’s Station, near Washington—​one of the earliest in northeastern Kentucky. Lee was Kentucky delegate in the Virginia house of burgesses (1788), a member of the convention that adopted the federal constitution, and later member of the Danville conventions for organizing the State of Kentucky; his political influence, therefore, was important. Unlike many of the pioneers, he prospered in business and amassed a considerable fortune, dying on his estate in 1845.—​Ed.

[26] For the history of Big Bone Lick, see Croghan’s Journals, vol. i of this series, note 104.—​Ed.

[27] This was either May’s Lick, in Mason County, or the Lower Blue Licks, in Nicholas County. It is evident that the buffalo had nearly disappeared from this region, where less than thirty years before Croghan had found them in such vast numbers. Butricke (Historical Magazine, viii, p. 259) says that in 1768 they were scarce above the Scioto River. The last buffalo was killed in the Great Kanawha Valley, about twelve miles below Charleston, West Virginia, in 1815.—​Ed.

[28] There is some doubt thrown upon the commonly-accepted statement that the first cabin at Lexington was built in 1775, and the place named in honor of the opening battle of the Revolution, news of which had just been received. The permanent settlement was not made until 1779; the following year the town was made county seat of the newly-erected Fayette County, and itself incorporated in 1782.—​Ed.

[29] Paris was laid out in 1786, the first court of Bourbon County being held there in 1787. Two years later, it was incorporated by the Virginia legislature as Hopewell; the present designation was adopted in 1790.—​Ed.

[30] Danville was laid off as a town by Walker Daniel in 1781, and rapidly rose to importance, being the centre of political activity and the seat of the conventions in which statehood for Kentucky was agitated (1785-92). After the admission of Kentucky as a state, Frankfort was chosen capital, and the importance of Danville declined.—​Ed.

[31] Joshua Barbee was born in Virginia, and after serving in the Revolution removed to the vicinity of Danville, early in the Kentucky settlement. He was militia officer in 1791, a member of the political club of Danville, and of the state legislature. A man of wealth and prominence, his family became intimately associated with Kentucky history. He died in 1839.

Pierre Tardiveau was a French merchant who had an extensive business in the West, and connections in Bordeaux. With his partner, Honoré, he carried on trade with New Orleans, and made frequent trips thither. Tardiveau embarked in Genet’s enterprise, and was appointed interpreter in chief by Michaux, who appears to have used him to communicate with agents in New Orleans. See Claiborne, Mississippi (Jackson, 1880), pp. 152, 153; also American Historical Association Report, 1896, pp. 952, 1026, 1096. Tardiveau removed to Louisiana when it came under American dominion.—​Ed.

[32] John Brown, one of Kentucky’s most prominent public men, was born at Staunton, Virginia, in 1757, and while a student at Princeton joined the Revolutionary army as aid to Lafayette. At the close of the war he removed to Kentucky, was its first representative to the old Congress (1787-89); then to Congress under the Constitution (1789-92), where he was employed in securing the admission of Kentucky as a state. Upon that event (1792), Brown was sent to the United States Senate, of which he remained a prominent member until 1805. He was a personal friend of Washington, Jefferson (with whom he studied law), and Madison, and when he died in 1837 was the last survivor of the Congress of the Confederation. Brown was cognizant of Michaux’s plans, and evidently sympathized with them, having been interested in previous separatist movements for Kentucky. See Butler, Kentucky, and John Mason Brown, “Political Beginnings of Kentucky,” Filson Club Publications No. 6. Brown gave letters of introduction to Michaux. See American Historical Association Report, 1896, pp. 982, 983, 1010.—​Ed.

[33] Brown refers here to the embassy of Carmichael, and the negotiations entered into by him and Pinckney, the minister at Madrid, that ultimately led to the treaty of 1794.

The Creek Indians lay south of the United States territory in West Florida, and were believed by the Westerners to be incited to attacks upon Americans by the Spanish authorities of this province and of Louisiana.—​Ed.

[34] Michaux went to what was known as St. Asaph’s, or Logan’s Station, in Lincoln County, to see the well-known pioneer and Indian fighter, Gen. Benjamin Logan. Next to Clark, Logan was, doubtless, the best known person in Kentucky, and had been chosen by Genet as second in command of the expedition. That he afterwards decided to enter upon this affair, seems evident from his letter to Clark of December 31, 1793, in American Historical Association Report, 1896, p. 1026. Logan was a Scotch-Irishman, born in Virginia in 1743. When but fourteen his father died, and he was left as eldest son of the family. Having removed to Holston, he was out with Bouquet in 1764, and ten years later in Lord Dunmore’s War. Locating his station in Kentucky in 1775, he brought out his family the following year, and sustained many Indian attacks as well as led several aggressive campaigns against the savages. As county lieutenant he was a safeguard for the new settlements, and was revered and respected by all his neighbors. Having served in the legislature and the convention that drew up the Kentucky constitution, he died at his home in Lincoln County in 1802.—​Ed.

[35] There was no better-known character in the West, than Governor Shelby. Born in Maryland in 1750, the family were of pioneer stock, and early moved to Western Virginia, where young Shelby was sheriff (1771), and lieutenant under his father, Evan Shelby, at the Battle of Point Pleasant (1774). The next year he surveyed in Kentucky, and then returned to the Holston to engage in the Revolutionary struggles. To his forethought is attributed the success of the battle of King’s Mountain, after which he served in the North Carolina legislature. Removing to Kentucky in 1783, Shelby was welcomed as a hero by the new community, and made the first governor of the State. He served a second term during the War of 1812-15, reinforcing Harrison at a critical juncture for the Western division of the army. Refusing the portfolio of war, offered by Monroe in 1817, Shelby retired to his farm in Lincoln County, where he died in 1826. Michaux carried letters to Shelby; see American Historical Association Report, 1896, pp. 983, 984. On Shelby’s later attitude toward the expedition, see ibid., pp. 934, 1023, 1040, note.—​Ed.

[36] Knob Licks, Lincoln County, was formed as a settlement in 1776 by Governor Shelby. De Pauw, one of the French agents, resided here. See American Historical Association Report, 1896, pp. 977, 1002, 1023, 1102-1106. The Knobs were a peculiar formation of detached hillocks.—​Ed.

[37] Beardstown (Bardstown) was an important settlement in early Kentucky history, established (1788) near the Salt River in what is now Nelson County, and named for the proprietor, David Baird. It is now a small village, although still the county seat.—​Ed.

[38] For the founding of Louisville, see Croghan’s Journals, vol. i of this series, note 106. The old road from Bardstown to Louisville went via the Salt Works (Shepherdsville, Bullitt County), and was reckoned at forty-five miles. See Speed, “Wilderness Road,” Filson Club Publications (Louisville, 1886), p. 17. The new road was more direct, went across country from Bardstown, and joined the old about ten miles below Louisville.—​Ed.

[39] For the letters of Genet and Clark, see American Historical Association Report, 1896, pp. 967, 986.—​Ed.

[40] In Clark’s letter to Genet, he seems to indicate that this obstacle was the leaking out of the secret, by which intimations might reach the Spaniards. Possibly he refers to the Spanish mission which caused Logan’s hesitation; see ante, note 33; also American Historical Association Report, 1896, p. 1007-1009.—​Ed.

[41] The home of Clark’s father, with whom he resided, was known as “Mulberry Hill,” situated in the environs of Louisville.—​Ed.

[42] E. Americanus, L.—​C.S.S.

[43] On the early mail routes, see Speed, Wilderness Road, pp. 65-68.—​Ed.

[44] James Hogan was a pioneer of Kentucky who settled at Bryan’s Station before 1779, and took a leading part in its defense against Indians (1781). He was granted (1785) by the Virginia legislature the right to maintain a ferry across the Kentucky River.—​Ed.

[45] The principal ferry on the road from Danville to Lexington was at the mouth of Hickman’s Creek, so named in honor of the first Baptist preacher in Kentucky, Rev. William Hickman.—​Ed.

[46] See letter of this date, written by Michaux to Clark (American Historical Association Report, 1896, p. 1010), in which he gives his address at “Mᵗᵉ Isham Prewitt, Jefferson County, near Danville.”—​Ed.

[47] The original letter sent by this messenger is in the Wisconsin Historical Library (Draper MSS., 55 J 5), and is printed in American Historical Association Report, 1896, p. 1013.—​Ed.

[48] This reply is given in American Historical Association Report, 1896, pp. 1007-1009. The break in the manuscript of Michaux’s diary is occasioned by the completion of one blank book and the commencement of another.—​Ed.

[49] Nicholas was one of a famous coterie of Virginia constitutional lawyers. Born in 1743, the son of a distinguished lawyer, Robert Cary Nicholas, he served as captain in the Revolution, and at its close qualified for the bar. His services in the Virginia convention which adopted the federal constitution, were important. Shortly after its close he removed to Kentucky, and there aided in the adoption of its state constitution, which is reputed to have been drawn up by his hand. Upon the formation of the state government, he was chosen first attorney general. Nicholas adopted a moderate position in regard to Western politics; the scheme here outlined, seems characteristic. In 1799 he was appointed law professor in Transylvania University, but died during the same year.—​Ed.

[50] Michaux returned to Philadelphia by the well-known “Wilderness Road,” the chief means of exit from Kentucky. Parties frequently waited at Crab Orchard—​the western terminus in Lincoln County—​until enough had gathered to act as protection against the Indians. See Speed, “Wilderness Road,” Filson Club Publications, No. 2 (Louisville, 1886); also Hulbert, Historic Highways of America, vol. vi.—​Ed.

[51] Lygodium palmatum, Swz.—​C.S.S.

[52] Three words are here frayed away in the manuscript of the Journal.—​C.S.S.

[53] Cumberland Gap, in southeastern Kentucky, emerging into Tennessee, was explored in 1750 by Dr. Thomas Walker, who named both mountains and river in honor of the Duke of Cumberland, son of George II.—​Ed.

[54] The Clinch and Holston rivers are upper waters of the Tennessee, in southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee. The settlements in these valleys were among the first on the west-flowing streams. See map in Turner, “State Making in the Revolutionary Era,” in American Historical Review, i, p. 74.—​Ed.

[55] Both of these stations are mentioned in an early journal; see Speed, Wilderness Road, p. 21. The first was the seat for Hawkins County, Tennessee.—​Ed.

[56] The forks of the road was at the junction of the north and south forks of the Holston River, near the present town of Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee.—​Ed.

[57] Abingdon, originally known as Wolf Hills, was one of the earliest settlements in the Valley of Virginia, and the seat of Washington County. It was established as a town in 1778. It is still the county seat, and a station on the Norfolk & Western Railway.—​Ed.

[58] Wytheville, near the centre of the county of that name, and its county seat.—​Ed.

[59] The early route through the Virginia Valley crossed New River at Ingles’s Ferry, a short distance west of Blacksburg, Montgomery County. A new road shortened the distance and crossed the New River about five miles farther up the stream, at a ferry operated by the pioneer family of Pepper. They are alluded to in the Draper MSS., Wisconsin Historical Library, I QQ 97.—​Ed.

[60] Botetourt Court House, now Fincastle, the seat of Botetourt County (established in 1769), was laid off as a town in 1772 on land donated for the purpose by Israel Christian. It was named for the ancestral seat of Lord Botetourt, an early governor of Virginia.—​Ed.

[61] Lexington was established by law in 1777 as county seat for Rockbridge, then newly-formed out of Augusta and Botetourt. See ante, note 28.—​Ed.

[62] Col. James McDowell, who lived near Fairfield, Rockbridge County, was a descendant of the Scotch-Irish settler, Capt. John McDowell, who came to the valley as a surveyor in 1737, and was killed in the first Indian fight therein (1742).—​Ed.

[63] The present roads through the Valley of Virginia follow the course described by Michaux, passing through the same towns. Staunton is one of the earliest towns of the region, having been settled in 1732 by John Lewis, a Scotch-Irishman, whose sons Andrew and Charles were among the most prominent borderers. Andrew commanded the Sandy Creek expedition in 1756; and at the battle of Point Pleasant in 1774, where Charles was slain. Staunton was laid out as a town in 1748, at the “Beverly Mill Place,” but was not established by act of legislature until 1761.—​Ed.

[64] This town is generally known as Harrisonburg, from its founder, Thomas Harrison (1780). The county of Rockingham was erected in 1778, and held its first court at the house of Daniel Smith, which was two miles north of Harrisonburg.—​Ed.

[65] The upper or northern portion of the Valley of Virginia was first settled by German emigrants from Pennsylvania. Woodstock was laid off as a town by Jacob Miller, and established by law in 1761.—​Ed.

[66] Newtown, or Stephensburg, was founded by Lewis Stephens on the site of his father’s first claim. Peter Stephens came to Virginia in 1732, with Joist Hite, an early settler of the northern portion of the Valley. His son established the town in 1758, it being called Newtown to distinguish it from the older Winchester. Newtown is now a small hamlet, without a post-office.—​Ed.

[67] Winchester was built upon Lord Fairfax’s grant in 1752. In 1738 there were two cabins at this place, which was then called “Shawnee Springs,” and was the frontier outpost in that direction. The population was a mixture of Germans and Scotch-Irishmen. Col. James Wood is accredited with the foundation of the town of Winchester.—​Ed.

[68] Charlestown, in what was then Berkeley County, but now the seat for Jefferson County, West Virginia, was laid off (1786) upon his own land by Col. Charles Washington, brother of the general, and christened from his own Christian name.—​Ed.

[69] Harper’s Ferry takes its name from the first settler, Robert Harper, who formed part of the German emigration of 1734. Washington perceived the strategic importance of this place, and recommended it as the site of a national arsenal.—​Ed.

[70] Frederick City, Maryland, was laid out in 1745 by Patrick Dulany, and named in honor of the sixth Lord Baltimore. The first house, however, was not erected on this site until 1748, when it became the seat of the newly-erected Frederick County. Most of the early settlers were Germans, with an admixture of Scotch-Irish. At Frederick the road from Virginia crossed the National Road from Baltimore to Wheeling.—​Ed.

[71] Woodsboro is a small village in Frederick County, Maryland. Littlestown, in Adams County, Pennsylvania, was laid out in 1765 by one of the early German settlers of the region, called Peter Klein (Little). It was frequently called Petersburg in the earlier days. It is now a small station on the Fredericksburg branch of the Pennsylvania Railway.—​Ed.

[72] Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, was laid out upon a tract granted by Lord Baltimore to John Digges in 1728. The proprietors of Maryland claimed this region, and Digges settled a number of German immigrants upon his tract of 10,000 acres, which was known as “Digges’s Choice.” A Scotch-Irishman, Richard McAllister, emigrated thither about 1749 and acquired great influence over the German settlers of the neighborhood, where he kept a store and tavern. He laid out the town and named it Hanover in 1763 or 1764.—​Ed.

[73] Michaux is mistaken in placing the Pennsylvania boundary so far north, as he had entered that state before reaching Littlestown. This territory, however, had been in dispute between Pennsylvania and Maryland, but was settled by the running of Mason and Dixon’s line in 1763. York was not settled on the lands of the Penn estate until 1741, when there were 2,000 settlers within the bounds of what is now York County. The town became an incorporated borough in 1785.—​Ed.

[74] For the early history of Harris Ferry, see Post’s Journals, vol. i of this series, note 73.—​Ed.

[75] Dr. Daniel Rittenhouse was one of America’s best known scientists. Born in Pennsylvania in 1732, his talent for mathematics early manifested itself, and he became a clock and instrument maker, and finally an astronomer of much repute. He held important positions in the new State of Pennsylvania, was its treasurer (1777-89), also first director of the United States mint. Rittenhouse was employed to settle the boundary between Virginia and his own state, and during 1784-85 was in service in the field, directing the running of the line. He succeeded Franklin as president of the American Philosophical Society in 1790, retaining the office until his death in 1796.—​Ed.

[76] The manuscript is so frayed that the figures for these two distances are destroyed. The footing requires 60 M. for the two.—​C. S. S.

[77] Michaux remained in Philadelphia until February 9, 1794, chiefly occupied with his botanical pursuits, and in getting his accounts audited. Proceeding south on horseback, he arrived at Charleston March 14, 1794, where he consulted with the French consul, Mangourit, concerning the Florida portion of the expedition against French territory. See American Historical Association Report, 1897, pp. 569-679. Upon the collapse of this project, Michaux undertook a botanizing tour to the mountains of North Carolina, from July 14, to October 2, 1794. Upon his return, he had an attack of fever for “more than six weeks,” and passed the remainder of the winter in arranging his garden and classifying his plants.—​Ed.

[78] Planera aquatica, Gmel. (P. Gmelini, Michx.).—​C. S. S.

[79] A word here is illegible in the manuscript.—​C. S. S.

[80] Probably this was Thomas Lee, son of a Revolutionary patriot, and usually a dweller in Charleston. In 1792, however, he married and afterwards lived for some time on his estate in the up-country. Born in Charleston in 1769, he was admitted to the bar in 1790, and later was assistant judge (1804-16), and United States district judge (1823-39). He was one of the most prominent South Carolinians of his day.—​Ed.

[81] These were the most important iron-works in the state; their owner had invented an improved water-blast, and had a forge, furnace, rolling mill, and nail factory.—​Ed.

[82] Col. Martin Armstrong was a Revolutionary soldier in command of the local militia, and much engaged in the war against the Tories. After the battle of King’s Mountain, he took over the command from Benjamin Cleveland.—​Ed.

[83] Lincolnton is the seat of Lincoln County, which was originally part of Tyron. The name was changed in 1779 in honor of the patriot leader, Gen. Benjamin Lincoln. This entire region was a centre of agitation for independence; and in 1780 a fierce battle between Whigs and Tories was fought at Ramsour’s Mills, near Lincolnton.—​Ed.

[84] Probably this was Capt. Zaccheus Wilson, a Scotch-Irish resident of this region who migrated thither from Pennsylvania between 1740 and 1750. Wilson was an ardent patriot, a member of the Mechlenburg convention in 1775, of the provincial congress of the state the following year, and a captain at King’s Mountain in 1780. In 1796 he followed his brother David to Tennessee, where he lived until his death in 1823 or 1824.—​Ed.

[85] Morganton is the oldest town in the mountainous district of North Carolina, having been founded during the Revolution, and named in honor of Gen. Daniel Morgan. The settlers of this region were largely Scotch-Irish, who had emigrated from Pennsylvania by way of the Valley of Virginia.—​Ed.

[86] Col. Waightstill Avery was of New England origin, born in Connecticut in 1743. At the age of twenty-three he was graduated at Princeton, and after studying law in Maryland removed to North Carolina in 1769. He was very influential in the upper country, a member of the Mechlenburg convention of 1775, and of the state provincial congress the following year. After a campaign against the Cherokees, he was commissioned to negotiate a treaty with this tribe in 1777. During the war Colonel Avery was in active service as a militia officer; at its close he settled four miles from Morganton, calling his plantation “Swan Ponds.” Five times Burke County sent him to the state legislature, and in 1796 to the senate. Andrew Jackson challenged Avery to a duel in 1788, but later became his firm friend. He died about 1821.—​Ed.

[87] Michaux followed the well-known Bright’s trace, by which communication was maintained between the settlements of East Tennessee and those of Western North Carolina. Over this road came the men who won the victory at King’s Mountain in 1780. Bright’s place is now in the possession of the Avery family. Martin Davenport resided at a noted spring not far from Toe River, in Mitchell County, North Carolina. He was a well-known Whig; his son William became a man of prominence, several times representing his county in the state legislature.—​Ed.

[88] Rhododendron arborescens, Torrey.—​C. S. S.

[89] Col. John Tipton was one of the noted pioneers of Tennessee. Born in Virginia, he early removed to Eastern Tennessee, and was engaged in the defense of the frontier. Upon the inauguration of the state of Franklin, Tipton joined the North Carolina party, and a fierce factional struggle ensued, which culminated in the arrest of Colonel Sevier by Tipton’s agency. Tipton lived east of Jonesborough, on Sinking Creek.—​Ed.

[90] Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee, having been founded in 1779 and named in honor of Willie Jones, Esq., an active patriot of Halifax, North Carolina, and a warm friend of the Western counties. Jonesborough was the first capital of Washington District, and is still the seat of Washington county.—​Ed.

[91] Greene Court House is now Greeneville, seat of Greene County. From here two roads branch off, that to the right toward Cumberland Gap and Kentucky; that to the left through Newport and Sevierville, along the French Broad Valley. Michaux took, as he says, the right hand road, leaving it, however, beyond Russelville, and continuing by this upper and less frequented road to Knoxville.—​Ed.

[92] Bull’s Gap is a pass in Bay’s Mountain, between Jefferson and Greene counties, named probably for Captain Bull, an early pioneer.—​Ed.

[93] This was one of the earliest forges in Tennessee; it was in Jefferson County, not far from Mossy Creek.—​Ed.

[94] McBee’s Ferry, crossing the Holston in the northwestern corner of Knox County, was a well-known landmark of this region.—​Ed.

[95] Knoxville was settled by James White in 1787, and at first called White’s Station. In 1791 a town was laid out, named in honor of General Knox, which after the establishment of territorial government became the capital. The first governor of the territory was William Blount, who was born in North Carolina in 1749, and was active both in the War of the Regulators (1771), and in the Revolution. Blount was a member of the North Carolina legislature and later of the national constitutional convention. Washington appointed him governor of Southwest Territory, and on the admission of Tennessee as a state he was chosen first state senator. For intriguing with foreign emissaries he was impeached, and expelled from the Senate. The people, however, showed their confidence by choosing him to the state senate (1797). He died in Knox County in 1800.—​Ed.

[96] Fort Southwest Point, as it was usually called, was erected in 1792 at the junction of Clinch and Holston rivers, near the present town of Kingston, as an outpost on the road to Western Tennessee, and a protection against the Cherokee Indians. As late as 1803 travellers found it safer to go in company through this wilderness. See journal of F. A. Michaux, post.—​Ed.

[97] Probably M. macrophylla, Michx. In the Flora, it is described as only growing “in regionibus occidentalibus fluvio Tennassee trajectis.”—​C. S. S.

[98] Isaac Bledsoe was one of a party of hunters who discovered this lick (near Gallatin, in Sumner County) as early as 1771. He removed hither in 1779 and founded a station; he was also one of the framers of the Cumberland Association, and a faithful adherent of Robertson. His brother, Col. Anthony Bledsoe, who had a reputation as a leader in the Holtson settlement, later removed to Cumberland, and was an able second in command on Indian expeditions, especially that against the Chickamaugas in 1787. He was killed by Indians at Bledsoe’s Station in 1788. The spring at this place is now called “Castilian Springs.”—​Ed.

[99] Gen. James Winchester, born in Maryland in 1752, served in the Revolution, after which he removed to Tennessee, and settled not far from Gallatin, in Sumner County. He served in the territorial and state militia, and in 1812 was appointed brigadier-general in the regular army, superseding Harrison in command of the Western division. Captured at the River Raisin, he was exchanged in 1814, resigned the following year, and died at his home in Tennessee in 1826.—​Ed.

[100] Michaux’s remark indicates the obscurity of Andrew Jackson at this early period of his history. He then lived upon a plantation called Hunter’s Hill, thirteen miles from Nashville, not having removed to the “Hermitage” (two miles beyond) until 1804.—​Ed.

[101] Quercus macrocarpa, Michx.—​here first mentioned.—​C. S. S.

[102] Q. bicolor, Willd.—​C. S. S.

[103] Nashville was founded by James Robertson, who in 1779 came overland from the settlements of Eastern Tennessee. Donelson’s party, which went via the rivers, did not arrive until April of the following year. Being beyond the jurisdiction of any state, the settlers drew up a compact under which they lived until the organization (1783) of Davidson County as a part of North Carolina. The town, named for the patriot General Nash, was until 1784 called Nashborough. Nashville was incorporated in 1806. The legislature met at this city in 1812-16 and after 1826, but the city was not made the permanent capital until 1843.—​Ed.

[104] See description of visit to Daniel Smith, brother-in-law of Andrew Jackson, in Journal of F. A. Michaux, post.—​Ed.

[105] Gen. James Robertson, the founder of West Tennessee, was born in Virginia in 1742, but removed to North Carolina at an early age, and was one of the first settlers of Watauga. In 1774 he took part in Dunmore’s War, defended the Watauga fort in a siege in 1776, and three years later removed with a party to the Cumberland. This settlement was maintained only by heroic exertions, and the courage and wisdom of Robertson in his dealing with the Indians. In 1790, Washington appointed him brigadier-general and Indian commissioner. He died in the Chickasaw country in 1814.—​Ed.

[106] These were all prominent early settlers of Cumberland. Captain Gordon was commander in several Indian affrays, notably the Nickajack expedition, and served under Jackson in 1813. Thomas Craighead was the first clergyman in Nashville, where he arrived in 1785 and built a school-house at Spring Hill. He was an especial friend of Andrew Jackson, whose wife was a member of his church (Presbyterian).—​Ed.

[107] Q. lyrata, Nutt.—​C. S. S.

[108] Ulmus fulva, Michx.—​C. S. S.

[109] Rhamnus Caroliniana, Gray.—​C. S. S.

[110] A. tomentosa, Sims.—​C. S. S.

[111] Oxybaphus nyctagineus, Sweet. (Allionia nyctaginea, Michx.).—​C. S. S.

[112] Probably Hypericum aureum, Bartram.—​C. S. S.

[113] Mansco Lick was in the northeastern part of Davidson County, named for its discoverer, Kasper Mansco (Mansker), who was one of the party of Long Hunters in 1769. On his adventures, see Roosevelt, Winning of the West, i, pp. 147 ff.—​Ed.

[114] Major Sharp had formerly lived in Washington County, Virginia, whence he had gone out to serve at the battle of King’s Mountain. He removed to Kentucky soon after the Revolution, and later settled in the Barrens. His son, Solomon P. Sharp, born in 1780, became one of the most noted Kentucky lawyers and political leaders, serving in the thirteenth and fourteenth Congresses, a friend and adherent of Calhoun. He was assassinated in the midst of a brilliant career.—​Ed.

[115] This was Andrew McFadden, who settled a station and ferry at this point in 1785, and was a well-known character of that region.—​Ed.

[116] A part of one leaf of the Journal is here left blank.—​C. S. S.

[117] Mann’s Lick was a salt station before 1786; it was on the road from Shepherdsville to Louisville, on the southern border of Jefferson County.—​Ed.

[118] Probably some form of Quercus alba, Michx.—​C. S. S.

[119] Hibiscus militaris, Cav. (H. hastatus, Michx.).—​C. S. S.

[120] Here follow to the end of this part of the Journal separate memoranda on loose sheets.—​C. S. S. We omit these.—​Ed.

[121] Michael Lacassagne was one of the richest and most prominent merchants of Louisville; he enjoyed the confidence of the community, and was a member of the Kentucky convention of 1787.—​Ed.

[122] It is not clear what species are here referred to. Q. praemorsa is probably Q. macrocarpa, and Q. cerroides some form of Q. alba, although later in the journal it is spoken of as an overcup oak.—​C. S. S.

[123] Clarksville, named in honor of Gen. George Rogers Clark, was intended as the metropolis of the Illinois grant of 150,000 acres, which was made by the Virginia legislature in 1783 to the officers and soldiers of the Illinois regiment which had served with Clark. A board of trustees was established for the town, and a few of the former officers settled here; but the place did not thrive, and is now but a suburb of New Albany.—​Ed.

[124] For the early history of Vincennes, see Croghan’s Journals, vol. i of this series, note 113.—​Ed.

[125] V. urticifolia, L.—​C. S. S.

[126] V. hastata, L.?—​C. S. S.

[127] V. stricta, Vent. (V. ringens, Michx.).—​C. S. S.

[128] V. bracteosa, Michx.—​C. S. S.

[129] Spigelia?—​C. S. S.

[130] The Piankeshaw tribe of Indians, a branch of the Miami nation that dwelt around Vincennes.—​Ed.

[131] G. auriculala, Michx.—​C. S. S.

[132] The French villages in Illinois resulted from the plans of La Salle; the earliest grew up about Fort St. Louis, on the Illinois River. In 1700, the Kaskaskia tribe of Indians removed to the river bearing their name, the Jesuit missionaries and traders followed, and the village at this place began. The inhabitants were chiefly descendants of the coureurs des bois, intermixed with Indian blood. The Jesuit plantation at Kaskaskia consisted of two hundred and forty arpents of land, well-cultivated and stocked with cattle, containing also a brewery. When the Jesuits were suppressed, the buyer, Beauvais, raised eighty-six thousand weight of flour from a single harvest. The French dominion came to an end in 1765 (see Croghan’s Journals, vol. i of this series). Kaskaskia was captured from the English in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, and the American régime was instituted by John Todd, under appointment from Virginia. See Mason, Chapters from Illinois History (Chicago, 1901), pp. 250-279.—​Ed.

[133] Prairie du Rocher was a small French village situated upon a grant made to Boisbriant (about 1725) by the Mississippi Company, and by him transferred to his nephew Langlois, who maintained seignioral rights therein until the establishment of American government.—​Ed.

[134] St. Philippe was founded upon Regnault’s grant. Pittman (Present State of European Settlements on the Mississippi, London, 1770), says that when he visited it (1766) there were sixteen houses, a small church, and one inhabitant, dubbed “captain of the militia,” who had twenty slaves, many cattle, and a mill.—​Ed.

[135] Cahokia was probably the oldest settlement in the Illinois, although Kaskaskia disputes its priority. A mission of the Séminaire des Missions Etrangères was founded among the Tamaroa and Cahokia Indians about 1698, and a French village sprang up around the place. In 1714 there was a large accession of renegade coureurs des bois. See Wisconsin Historical Collections (Madison, 1902), xvi, pp. 331, 332. After the English acquired the Illinois, many inhabitants migrated from Cahokia to St. Louis.—​Ed.

[136] Fort Chartres was the most considerable fortification built by the French in the western part of America. The original fort was constructed in 1720 by Boisbriant, commandant in Illinois for the Company of the Indies. In 1756, the stronghold was rebuilt in stone, being described as an irregular quadrangle with port-holes for cannon, houses, barracks, magazines, etc. For a contemporary description, see Pittman, Settlements on the Mississippi, pp. 45, 46. After 1765, Fort Chartres was garrisoned by the English; but in 1772 the erosion by the river caused a portion to collapse, and the fort was abandoned. For its present condition, see Mason, Chapters from Illinois History, pp. 241-249.—​Ed.

[137] The earliest American settlements in Illinois were made by soldiers of Clark’s army. Bellefontaine, in the present Monroe County, was the centre for American life. More American families were reported a few years previous to this. Probably the Indian wars and the allurements of the Indian trade had caused some dispersal.—​Ed.

[138] St. Louis was founded by Pierre Laclède in April 1764. He had secured a license from the French governor of Louisiana to trade upon the upper Mississippi and the Missouri. Upon arriving in the Illinois country, the previous November, he chose the site for his new settlement, and spent the winter at Cahokia making arrangements. Meanwhile the news of the transfer of Canada and the Illinois to the British had arrived. Under the impression that France had retained the left bank of the Mississippi, many Illinois settlers removed thither with Laclède. St. Louis flourished under Spanish dominion, but was known by its neighbors as “Pain Court” (Scant-bread) because its inhabitants devoted more time to fur-trading than to agriculture. It was not until transferred to the United States (March, 1804) that the career of St. Louis as a city began.—​Ed.

[139] For definition of Toise, see post, note 163.

Fort Massac had been erected by the order of General Wayne in 1794, in order to check the expedition which Michaux went to Kentucky to promote. It was on the site of an old French post, which had been erected in 1757 by Aubry, governor of Illinois. He first named it Fort Ascension, and proceeded thence to reinforce Fort Duquesne at the forks of the Ohio. After the evacuation of that fortress (1758), the Illinois troops dropped down to this place, and renamed it Fort Massac, in honor of the Marquis de Massiac, minister of marine. When the French surrendered the Illinois, the British neglected to fortify this place, although recommended to do so by their engineers. Accordingly Clark marched hither overland to his capture of Illinois.—​Ed.

[140] Q. imbricaria, Michx.—​C. S. S.

[141] Forestiera acuminata, Poir. (Adelia acuminata, Michx.).—​C. S. S.

[142] Vitis riparia, Michx., or more probably, in part, at least, V. palmata, Vahl. (V. rubra, Michx. in herb), a species which is often monospermous, and which was discovered by Michaux in this region and merged by him with his V. riparia.—​C. S. S.

[143] The Cumberland River was usually known as the Shawnese River on early maps. Doubtless this Indian tribe had dwelt thereon when first met by white explorers.—​Ed.

[144] So called because it took its rise in the Cherokee territory. See Weiser’s Journal, vol. i of this series, note 33.—​Ed.

[145] Forestiera ligustrina, Poir. (Adelia ligustrina., Michx.).—​C. S. S.

[146] Betula nigra, L. (B. lanulosa, Michx.).—​C. S. S.

[147] Planera aquatica, Gmel.—​C. S. S.

[148] The interpolation of these names in the journal at this point, would appear to indicate that the news of the appointments consequent upon the arrival of the new French minister, Adet (June 1, 1795), had just reached Michaux; also that his interest in political affairs was still active, and that other motives may have led him to this country under feint of herborizing.—​Ed.

[149] A blank of five days in the Journal occurs here.—​C. S. S.

[150] A habitant named Pierre Richard is listed as a head of family at Kaskaskia in 1783, and again in 1790.—​Ed.

[151] This, doubtless, is C. speciosa, Warder, the only indigenous species in this region.—​C. S. S.

[152] The principal fur-trading company at St. Louis had been formed in 1794 by a union of all the traders at the suggestion of the governor, Trudeau; at its head as manager was placed Jacques Clanmorgan (Ch. Morgan is a misprint for Clanmorgan), who had for some time been in business in St. Louis, but did not sustain an honorable reputation. He, however, succeeded in interesting in his enterprises, a rich merchant of Canada, named Todd, and probably the Scotchman and Welshman were his factors. See Billon, Annals of St. Louis (St. Louis, 1886), pp. 283 ff.—​Ed.

[153] Cape St. Cosme has been corrupted into Cape Cinque Hommes, in Perry County, Missouri. It was originally named for Jean François de St. Cosme, a Canadian Seminary priest who made a voyage down the Mississippi in 1700, and was a missionary to the Illinois and Natchez. A few years later, he was assassinated on the lower Mississippi by a band of savages, upon whom Bienville later avenged his death. The term “Cap St. Cosme” is found on a map of 1758.—​Ed.

[154] Cape Girardeau was settled in 1794, the first house having been built by a Frenchman. The later settlement, however, was almost exclusively American; by 1803 there was a population of twelve hundred.—​Ed.

[155] Don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos was educated in England and married an American. During his governorship at Natchez he was employed by Carondelet in intrigues with the inhabitants of Kentucky; he had come north at this time for a conference with Sebastian, and to communicate with Wilkinson. In 1797 he was made governor-general of Louisiana, and died two years later, after a dinner given at New Orleans in honor of Wilkinson.—​Ed.

[156] The town of Eddyville, Lyon County, Kentucky, was founded at this eddy in 1799.—​Ed.

[157] B. nigra, L.—​C. S. S.

[158] Clarksville was one of the oldest settlements of Cumberland, having first been occupied (1780) by the Renfroe and Turpin families. As an advanced outpost it was attacked many times by Indians, the latest onslaught having occurred in 1794. The other settlements which Michaux mentions were, as he says, of quite recent origin—​incident upon the close of the Indian war (1795), and the inrush of settlers over the new wagon road made this same year to the Cumberland.—​Ed.

[159] The entry for the 14th is omitted in the original publication.—​Ed.

[160] Capt. John Edmeston was a well-known Indian fighter and leader of the militia. An expedition against the Chickasaws, organized by him in 1792, was forbidden by Robertson, because of negotiations pending with this warlike tribe.—​Ed.

[161] “Old man” Frederick Stumps was a German, who early made improvements on White Creek, north of Eaton’s Station. His flight of three miles to the latter station, with Indian pursuers close at his heels, was one of the traditions of the settlement.—​Ed.

[162] This was George Madison, brother of Bishop Madison of Virginia. Born about 1763, he served in the Revolution while yet a boy, and enlisting in the regular army was wounded at St. Clair’s defeat (1791), and again the following year. Shortly after this visit of Michaux, Madison was appointed state auditor, and removed to Frankfort, where he held the office for twenty ensuing years. In 1812 he served as major in the army, was captured at Raisin River, and sent as prisoner to Quebec. Upon his exchange, he was received in Kentucky with great rejoicing, and elected governor (1816), but died during the first year of his term.—​Ed.

[163] A toise is a French linear measure equivalent to 6.395 English feet.—​Ed.

[164] This mill was at the site of the present town of Hodgenville, seat of Larue County. Abraham Lincoln was born about two miles south of this place, when Larue was still part of Hardin County—​Ed.

[165] Shepherdsville, the seat of Bullitt County, was incorporated as a town in 1793. Its site was at the falls of Salt River, and it was an important station in early Kentucky history.—​Ed.

[166] Gayoso mentions one Sarpy, a rich merchant of New Orleans, as concerned in the plot against Louisiana (1793). Another merchant, Beauvais, was similarly involved. Consult American Historical Association Report, 1896, p. 1049.—​Ed.

[167] Samuel Fulton, a native of North Carolina, who had lived for some time among the Creek Indians, was agent for Clark in settling his accounts with the French government. He arrived from France late in 1795, and Michaux’s testimony was relied upon to secure the affidavits necessary to obtain recompense from the French republic. See American State Papers, Indian Affairs, i, p. 463. Consult, also, American Historical Association Report, 1896, pp. 1047-1065.—​Ed.

[168] Probably Pinus inops, Ait.—​C. S. S.

[169] Aplectrum hyemale, Nutt.—​C. S. S.

[170] Col. Robert Hays, a brother-in-law of Andrew Jackson, was born in North Carolina, and served in the Revolution, being captured at Charleston. He removed to Cumberland in 1784, was first United States marshal of Tennessee, muster-master-general for Jackson in 1813, and died at his home near Nashville in 1819.—​Ed.

[171] Arundinaria macrosperma, Michx.—​C. S. S.

[172] Fort Blount was not a pioneer stronghold, but one erected by the government shortly before Michaux’s visit, for protection of the settlers against the Cherokees. It was on the north bank of Cumberland River, in the southwestern part of Jackson County, about midway between the Eastern and Western Tennessee settlements.—​Ed.

[173] Cladrastis tinctoria Raf., discovered here by Michaux, although not included in his Flora. A letter written by Michaux to Governor Blount suggesting the value of the wood of this tree as a dye wood, was, according to the younger Michaux, published in the Knoxville Gazette, on the fifteenth of March, 1769. [See his journal, post.]—​C. S. S.

[174] Lygodium palmatum Swz.—​C. S. S.

[175] The Looneys were a prominent family in the early history of East Tennessee. Captain David Looney was militia officer during the Revolution and the Indian wars.—​Ed.

[176] Dr. Benjamin S. Barton was one of the best known scientists and naturalists of his day, as well as a skilful physician. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he was educated in Europe and took up practice in Philadelphia. In 1789, he was made professor of botany and natural history in the University of Pennsylvania; he was vice-president of the American Philosophical Society, and member of other learned organizations. He was designated to edit the scientific data of Lewis and Clark’s expedition, but died before accomplishing this (1815).—​Ed.

[177] William Bartram, son and co-worker of John Bartram, one of America’s first naturalists, was born in Pennsylvania in 1739. He devoted his life to the study of botany, travelling extensively for the discovery of plants. His head-quarters were at the botanical gardens near Philadelphia.—​Ed.

[178] John Overton was one of the best-known jurists of Tennessee. Born in Virginia, he early emigrated to Kentucky, whence he removed to Nashville, about the time Jackson began his career. He became Jackson’s partner and warm friend. From 1804-10 he was judge of the superior court, and of great service in adjusting land titles; the next five years (1811-16) Judge Overton served on the supreme bench of the state. He was one of the early proprietors of Memphis; and died near Nashville in 1833.—​Ed.

[179] John Carter was the foremost man of the early Watauga settlement. Coming from North Carolina, he had the prestige of family and a superior education, and was chosen head of the new community, serving efficiently in many capacities. He was concerned in the State of Franklin movement, and was frequently called out at the head of the militia, on Indian expeditions. Carter County was named for him, and he had therein a large estate.—​Ed.

[180] Michaux returned across the mountains by a different route from the one by which he went out. The northern or upper road over Yellow Mountain appears to have been the more frequented; the lower road, over the Iron Mountain range and down the Nolichucky, the more direct. See the younger Michaux’s account (post) of the difficulties of this route, when he passed over it six years later. Limestone Cove was probably at the mouth of Limestone Creek, a tributary of the Nolichucky on the western or Tennessee side of the mountain. Cane and Paper Creeks are small tributaries of the Nolichucky, on the eastern or North Carolina grade of the mountains.—​Ed.

[181] C. rostrata, Ait.—​C. S. S.

[182] V. hastata, Michx.—​C. S. S.

[183] M. macrophylla, Michx.—​C. S. S.

[184] Tuckasegee Ford is between the present Gaston County and Mechlenburg, about ten miles west of Charlotte.—​Ed.

[185] Note: before passing the ford, I dined with ... Alexander, a very respectable man from whom I have received many courtesies.—​Michaux.

It is impossible to determine from this allusion, which of the numerous Alexander family Michaux visited. The Alexanders of Mechlenburg were noted as patriotic, God-fearing, Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who had a large share in the Revolutionary War in their country. Abraham presided at the Mechlenburg Convention (1775), of which Adam and John McKnitt Alexander were both members.—​Ed.

[186] When one does not wish to pass by Charlotte in going to Lincoln, he must inquire twelve or fifteen miles before reaching these, for the route to the left which passes by Tuckasegee Ford.—​Michaux.

[187] It has been suggested that this may refer to F. Caroliniana, Walt. (F. Walteri, Michx.).—​C. S. S.

[188] It is not at all clear what shrub Michaux refers to in this entry. Mr. Canby, to whom several of the doubtful points in the Journal have been referred, and whose knowledge of the plants of the Allegheny region is now unrivaled, suggests that Michaux may have found Darbya. There is nothing in his herbarium to indicate that he ever saw that plant, which was found, however, by M. A. Curtis not far from Morganton.—​C. S. S.

[189] Probably Silene Pennsylvanica as suggested by Mr. Canby, or S. Baldwinii, as suggested by Mr. Meehan. In both of the species the petals are sometimes rose colored.—​C. S. S.

[190] Planera aquatica, Gmelin.—​C. S. S.

[191] Bledsoe’s Lick. A pioneer told Lyman C. Draper that this was often called “the Bloody Ground,” because so many whites were there killed by Indians—​note in Draper MSS., Wisconsin Historical Society, 3 XX 18.—​Ed.