ty of the United States. They yield a profit of twenty-five per cent. on capital laid out, aud all other incidental expences. The remains of a few Indian nations inhabit the head of the river adjoining the lakes, and the banks from the lakes to the Ohio abound with Indian monuments to such a degree, that it is evident they were formerly the favorite resort and residence of numerous tribes.

I left the Sciota with very little regret: the heat, the insects of the vermin annoyed me so much that I was glad to push into the middle of the great current, and pursue my way to the town, at which I arrived in two easy days, run from the Sciota a distance of sixty-two miles, in which I passed three islands and several creeks of no account, except Salt Lick Creek, just above the mouth of which is a town called Vanee Ville, where considerable salt works are carried on, and { salt made of a good quality. This creek

is on the Kentucky shore. I should also have remarked that ten miles above Maysville the town of Manchester stands on the right hand shore. It is not thriving, though it is pleasantly situated, and commands a delightful and extensive view down the Ohio. Immediately above it is a chain of islands, three in number, well timbered, but lying too low to be occupied by the farmer..

LETTER XXI.

Maysville or Limestone Town-Liberty Town -interior of Kentucky-deceitful prospect -Washingtor-Mays Lick, a salt-springSalt Licks, why so called-the Blue LickMillersburgh-Paris,

Maysville, or Limestone Key, July, 1806, THIS is the oldest and most accustomed landing place in the whole State of

Kentucky, and the termination of the main road from Lexington and other ininterior towns. The distance to Lexington is sixty-three miles, and from Pittsburg four hundred and twenty-five. The creek just above, called Limestone creek, is inconsiderable of itself, but affords in high water a small harbour for boats. The landing is a good one, lying in the bend of the river. The town contains about seventy houses, and supplies accommodation for the storage of goods deposited here before they are received into waggons which take them to Lexington, whence they are distributed through the entire State. It would appear from the commanding situation of the town, from its being a place of deposit, and from the excellence of its landing, that it ought to rise into eminence and become a place of mercantile importance, and it possibly would, if nature and circumstances had not otherwise determined. It is seated

on the segment of a circle circumscribed to a few acres, cut and intersected by ravines, and bounded by the river in front, and by stupendous mountains in the rear.

The town has taken but fif

teen years to arrive at the extent of its limits and the acmé of its vigour; and ten more will close the history of its decline and fall. The cause of a declension so rapid is owing to a town being laid off by the State legislature, about a mile above Maysville, in a spacious and pleasant bottom of the Ohio, which posseses the advantages of extent, water and excellent roads into the interrior of the country. This new town, called Liberty, is progressing fast. Some of the most active and speculative inhabitants have removed to it from Maysville, and a ship yard under the direction of Messieurs Gallaghus is established, which has already turned off the stocks, and launched fit for sea, five vessels, the last of

which was a fine ship, of three hundred

and fifty tons!

From Limestone, and of course from Liberty, to the mouth of the Ohio and down the Mississippi, loaded boats can go at all seasons, unless in time of ice, without any difficulty, except at the falls and one or two other places. At this period however, and at all times when the water is entirely low, the navigation is excessively tedious.

I have just returned from a tour of ten days into the interior of Kentucky. I give you the substance of it in as few words as possible.

My landlord at Maysville accommodated me with a tolerable good horse, but the hill was so steep at the back of the town, that I had to lead him up it for fear of blowing him in the early part of his journey. Arriving on the summit, I was struck with a prospect which has deceived and deluded many a one before me. It