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Introduction
THE following brief sketch of the territories of Illinois and Missouri has been prepared, as well with a view to gratify public curiosity respecting a portion of our country, of which so various, contradictory, and uncertain reports are in circulation, east of the mountains, as to afford a correct and safe guide both to the emigrant and to the enterprising capitalist.
It cannot be denied that a great proportion of those persons who have settled themselves in these two territories have expended large sums on the road, and have laboured under very serious difficulties, arising from their ignorance of the geography of a country, (which had been previously only partially explored,) thereby exposing themselves to the loss of a season, which, in the circumstances of some of them, was hardly to be redeemed. A repetition of these facts were continually presented to the author during his journeys westwardly in the last two years, and is the inducement with him, in part, to prepare this sketch as an accompaniment of the descriptions of the military bounty lands in the Illinois territory. The time in which this sketch was prepared prevented any attempt to give to it the charm of novelty by employing the magic of the imagination --- his great object is to give a faithful, a substantial, and, it is hoped, a satisfactory view of the Illinois and Missouri territories which cannot fail, if the instruction it conveys is attended to, of relieving the future emigrant of a great proportion of the expenses to which those who have preceded him have been subjected, and of enabling him to select the very spot upon which he may fix his habitation and his home. Nor will the benefit of this sketch be confined to the emigrant --- it is intended, and most earnestly desired, to relieve, as far as practicable, the anxious solicitude of the relatives and friends of the emigrant to understand whether the climate is or is not favourable to health; whether the soil is better or worse than that of the country which they have left behind; and if these be satisfactory, whether the markets, and the facilities of reaching them, afford a reasonable remuneration for their sufferings and their toil. The situation of the industrious farmer and planter, whose greatest efforts, upon a thin cold soil, have never sufficed to raise him, with a growing family, above the state of humble mediocrity, is regarded in this work, in the most particular manner. The account here given applies to the several parts of a district or county;
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it is expressed in the most plain and familiar language, and is so distinct, that error, in any selection, must he a voluntary act. In like manner, the mechanic, whose ingenuity and industry alone have been insufficient weapons to combat successfully against the established reputation and superior property of those of the same trade in the same town or city, may hope that in the innumerable villages and towns, which are without example in their rise and prosperity --- that in some of these his skill and correct conduct will assuredly secure to him the most gratifying consideration in society, and a certainty of independence. The capitalist is here pointed to objects, the possession of which will most certainly afford him a greater profit in less time than can be derived from any of the ordinary or usual means of employing his capital. In fine, such is, at present, the population of the two territories in regard to the numbers, the morals and the habits of the great mass of the inhabitants, and such is truly the climate and the soil --- that, after allowing for the unavoidable fatigue of a long journey and the usual difficulties growing out of a change of residence --- every hope most pleasing to the farmer and planter, most gratifying to the mechanic, and corresponding with the calculations of the capitalist, may be safely indulged, and may be certainly realized.The materials for this sketch are drawn from the notes of the author; from various documents and verbal communications of several gentlemen now in this city, whose stations and talents have secured to them equally the confidence of the government and the respect of their fellow citizens, and whose residence for many years in the two territories in a particular manner qualify them to give the most accurate and satisfactory information of the country; from other gentlemen, also residents of these territories, he has derived much valuable assistance: nor can he deny the aid furnished by the excellent report of L. H. Long, Major of Topographical Engineers, made to the Department of War, act by the very interesting description of the Arkansas country written by Joshua Norvell, Esq. of that county, and published in the Western Intelligencer of 30th October last, and received from Mr. Brackenridge's View of Louisiana --- a work which has largely contributed to inspire the emigrant with confidence. Persuaded that these gentlemen will not be offended by the attempt now made to extend, as far as practicable, the advantage which our citizens may derive from their useful labours, the author has ventured to embody in this sketch so much of the report and the description as is relevant to the subject, and to draw beneficially upon the fund of instruction contained in the views.
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Description &c.
It part of fractional section 4, fraction 9, southeast quarter of 8, fractional section 17, east half and south-west quarter of 18, section 19, factional sections 20 and 30 --- prairie bottoms, but overflowed by the Illinois river.
Southwest quarter of 4, south half of 5, south half of 6, section 7, northwest quarter of 8, northwest quarter of 18 --- rough thin soil.
Northwest quarter of 4, north half of 5, north half of 6, southwest and northeast quarters of 8, north half of 9 --- good second rate farming land.
Timber --- ash, elm, maple, lynn, and oaks.
Northwest quarter of section 1, southeast quarter of 2, northwest quarter of 4, east half of 5, southeast quarter of 10, west half of 11, section 13, northwest quarter of 14, north east quarter and south half of 15, southeast quarter of 16, south half of 18, section 19, northwest quarter of 20, northwest quarter of 27, sections 30, 31 --- rough broken land, not fit for cultivation. Northeast quarter and south half of 1, southwest quarter and north half of 2, section 3, northeast quarter and south half of 4, west half of 5, sections S 7 8 northeast quarter of 10, cast half of 11, section 12, east half of 14, west half of 16, west half of 17, north half of 18, northeast quarter and south half of 20, sections 21, 22, 28, 29, 32, west half of 33 --- good farming land, second rate.
Section 9, west half of 10, northwest quarter of 15, northwest quarter of 24, northwest quarter of 26, northeast
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east quarter and south half of 27, east half of 33, west half of 34 --- rich first rate soil.Southeast quarter of section 22, southwest quarter of 23, northwest quarter of 2, northeast quarter of 29 --- have large sugar orchards.
Timber --- The bottoms have a large proportion of sugar tree, hackberry, buckeye, and walnut --- sumach, grape vines and briars.
West half of section 2, section 3, east half of 4, south half of 7, south half of 8, east half of 9, section 10, west half of 11,west half of 15, sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, southwest quarter of 27, sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, west half of 34 --- broken, thin soil.
Section 1, east half of 2, west half of 4, east half of 5, west half of 6, north half of 7, north half of 8, west half of 9, east half of 11, section 12, north half of 13, north half of 14, east half of 15, west half of 22, sections 25, 26, east half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- third rate farming land.
West half of 5, east half of 6, south half of 13, south half of 14, east half of 22, sections 23, 24 --- rich, second rate soil.
Timber --- white and black oak, hickory, and elm --- hazle and brushy.
East half of section 9, west half of 10, south half of 19, southwest quarter of 22, west half of 27, east half 28, north half of 30, east half of 33, west half of 34 --- overflowed from the creek.
West half of section 5, sections 6, 7, 8, west half of 9, south half of 14, west half of 15, east half of 16, sections 17, 18, north half of 19, section 20, east half of 22, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, east half of 27, west half of 28, section 29, south half of 30, north half of 31, east half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- thin soil, and broken, rough land.
West half of section 4, northeast quarter of 5, south half of 13, north half of 14, east half of 15, west half of 16, section 21, west half of 22, south half of 31, section 32, west half of 33 --- third rate farming land.
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Sections 1, 2, 3, east half of 4, east half of 10, sections 11, 12, north half of 13 --- rich, second rate prairie.
Timber --- white and black oak, hickory, and some walnut --- hazel bushes.
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, east half of 5, northeast quarter of 8, sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, north half of 16, east half of 22, sections 23, 24, north half of 25, sections 26, 27, east half of 28, east Half of 33, section 34, west half of 35 --- thin soil, and rough land.
West half of 5, sections 6, 7, northwest quarter of 8 north half of 19, northwest quarter of 20, west half of 22, south half of 25, west half of 28, northwest quarter of 33, east half of 35, section 36 --- second rate farming land.
South half of section 8, south half of 16, sections 17, 18, south half of 19, northeast quarter, and south half of 20, sections 21, 29, 30, 31, 32, southwest quarter of 33 --- rich, first rate soil.
Timber --- scattering oaks.
Spoon river, which passes through the northeast corner of this township, is a beautiful stream, and appears to be navigable for boats of considerable burden.
West half of section 2, east half of 3 --- third rate farming land.
West half of 5, east half of 6, south half of 21, north half and southwest quarter of 28 --- second rate land.
The residue of this township, is reported to be poor, broken land.
At the section corners of 22, 23, 26, and 27, on a branch which empties into Spoon river, there is a very considerable quarry of grit-stone.
Timber --- scattering oaks.
East half and northwest quarter of section 1, south half of 2, southeast quarter of 3, east half of 10, sections
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11, 12, 13, 14, northeast quarter of 15, northeast quarter of 23, north half of 24, southeast quarter of 25, west half of 27, section 28, south half of 29, south half of 30, sections 31, 32, southwest quarter of 33, east half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- rough land, thin soil.Northwest quarter of section 2, north half and southwest quarter of 3, section 4, north half of 5, north half and southwest quarter of 6, northeast quarter of 9, northwest quarter of 10, southeast quarter of 23, north half and southwest quarter of 26, east half of 27, north half of 29, north half of 30, north half and southeast quarter of 33, west half of 34 --- good farming land.
Northwest quarter of section 1, northeast quarter of 2, south half of 5, southeast quarter of 6, sections 7, 8, south half and northwest quarter of 9, southwest quarter of 10, south half and northwest quarter of 15, sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, west half of 23, south half of 24, north half and southwest quarter of 25, southeast quarter of 26 --- rich, second rate farming land.
Timber --- oak --- hazle and vines
That part of Spoon river which passes through sections 11, 12, 13, 14, contains great quantities of stone coal on its banks.
Spoon river will not admit the navigation by crafts, of much size, further up than section 14; above that point it is full of rapids, and falls. It appears to be a very fine river for fish, and its banks are lined with huge rocks of a superior quality for grind stones.
Section 1, east half of 2, southwest quarter of 5, south half of 6, west half of 7, east half of 8, sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 11, 15, east half of 16, west half of 17, sections 18, 19, west half of 20, south half of 22, sections 23, 24, 25, north half of 26, north half and southwest quarter of 27, south half of 28, west half of 29, sections 30, 31, west half of 32, east half of 33, west, half of 34, section 36 --- roiling, thin soil, broken land.
West half of 2, sections 3, 4, north half and southeast quarter of 5, north half of 6, east half of 7, west half of 8, west half of 16, east half of 17, east half of 20, section 21, north half of 22, south half of 26, southeast
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quarter of 27, north half of 28, east half of 29 east half of 32, west half of 33, east half of 34, section 35 --- gently rolling, and good farming land.Timber --- white and black oak, and some walnut.
Sections I, 2, east half of 3, section 10, west half of 11, west half of 15, east half of 16, south half of 19, southwest quarter of 20, southeast quarter of 21, sections 22, 27, 28, east half of 29, east half of 32, section 33, west half of 34 --- poor, thin soil.
West half of 3, sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, east half of 11, sections 12, 13, east half of 14, west half of 16, sections 17, 18, north half of 19, north half and southeast quarter of 20, north half and southwest quarter of 21, west half of 29, sections 30, 31, west half of 32, section 36 --- good farming land.
West half of 14, east half of 15, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, east half of 34, section 35 --- rich second rate prairie land.
Timber --- thin oak and hickory.
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, north half of 28, sections 34, 35, 36 --- poor, thin soil.
Sections 5, 6, north half and southwest quarter of 7, north half and southeast quarter of 8, south half of 19, southeast quarter of 20, section 25, south half 28, sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 --- good farming land --- rolling.
Southeast quarter of 7, southwest quarter of 3, sections 17, 18, north half of 19, north half and southwest quarter of 20 --- rich second rate prairie.
The timber is found immediately on the water courses, and consists of oak, hickory, some sugar tree, elm, lynn and walnut --- hazle --- rolling land.
South half of section 13, east half of 23, section 24, 25, east half of 26, cast half of 35, section 36 farming land.
The remainder of the sections in this township in their rolling land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and elm --- hazle bushes.
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Section 1, east half of 2, west half of 3, sections 4, 5, east half and southwest quarter of 7, sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, north half of 16, sections 17, 18, north half of 19, northwest quarter of 20, west half of 22, east half of 23, sections 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36 --- rich second rate farming land.
West half of section 2, east half of 3, south half of 16, south half of 19, east half and southwest quarter of 20, section 21, east half of 22, west half of 23, sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 --- rich first rate land.
Timber --- Large sugar tree, having also some walnut, lynn, blue ash, and oak.
Section 6, northwest quarter of 7 --- broken, poor soil.
Section 25 contains a very bold spring, and the prairies generally well watered. The surveyor states that the township contains, in his opinion, land richer than any he has seen in Kentucky, or elsewhere.
East half of section 22, and west half of 33 --- overflowed from the creek and not fit for cultivation.
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, east half of 5, south half of 7, sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, north half of 13, sections 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, west half of 21 --- thin soil.
West half of section 5, section 6, north half of 7, east half of 21, west half of 22.
South half of section 13, east half of 23, sections 24, 25, east half of 26, east half of 31, sections 35, 36 ---- rich first rate soil.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and some walnut, sugar tree and lyon --- undergrowth hazle.
West half of section 3, east half of 4, east half of 32, west half of 33 --- third rate land.
The residue of this township is poor, and not fit for cultivation.
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Section 1, east half of 2, northeast quarter of 11 ---- flooded from the river, as is the bottom, as far back as the Bluffs, upon every great rise of the river.
Northwest quarter of section 2, north half of 3, northeast quarter of 1, northwest quarter of 5, north half of 6, southwest quarter of 7, northwest quarter of 18 --- rough, poor land.
Northwest quarter of 4, northeast quarter and south half of 5 --- third rate soil, good for farming.
South half of 4, south half of 6, north half and southeast quarter of 7, section 8, northwest quarter of 9, northwest quarter of 17, northeast quarter of 18 --- second rate soil.
Southeast quarter of section, south half of 3, northeast quarter and south half of 9, northeast quarter and west half of 10 --- very rich first rate soil.
Timber --- On the bottom, sugar tree, elm, ash, sassafras --- on the hills, oak --- hazle.
Northwest quarter of section 4, northeast quarter of 5, east half of 10, southwest quarter of 11, south half of 13, southeast and northwest quarters of 14, northeast quarter of 15, southeast quarter of 20, southwest quarter of 21, east half of 23, section 24, north half of 25, sections 26, 27, 28, east half and southwest quarter of 29, south half of 30, northwest quarter of 31, east half of 32, sections 33, 34, west half of 35 --- poor, rough land.
East half of section 1, northwest quarter of 3, east half and southwest quarter of 4, southeast quarter and west half of 5,sections 6, 7, north half of 8, northwest quarter of 9, southeast quarter of 11, section 12, north half of 13, northeast and southwest quarters of 14 southeast quarter and west half of 15, sections 16, 17,
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18, 19, northeast quarter and west half of 20, north half and southeast quarter of 21, section 22, west half of 23, south half of 25, northwest quarter of 29, north half of 30, east half and southwest quarter of 31, west half of 32, east half of 35, section 36 --- third rate good farming land.West half of 1, section 2, east half and southwest; quarter of 3, south half of 8, east half and southwest quarter of 9, west half of 10, north half of 11 --- second rate, excellent land.
Timber --- hackberry, ash, elm, oak, mulberry, butternut, cherry, sassafras, lynn, locust --- briars.
West half of section 3, northeast quarter of 4, east half of 16, south half of 19, south half of 20, section 21, northwest quarter of 22, section 30, north half of 31 --- rough, poor land.
Sections 1, 2, east half 3, northwest quarter of 4, sections 5, 6, 7, 8, south half of 9, sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, west half of 16, sections 17, 18, north half of 19, north half of 20, east half and southwest quarter of 22, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, south half of 31, sections 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- third rate farming land.
South half of 4, north half of 9 --- very rich, part timber and part prairie.
Timber --- scattering oaks --- grubs and hazle.
Northwest quarter of section 1, northeast quarter of 2, northwest quarter of 5, section 6, northwest quarter of 7, south half of 21, southwest quarter of 22, southwest quarter of 26, southeast quarter and west half of 27, section 28, east half of 32, sections 33, 34, 35, west half of 36 --- rough, broken land.
East line of section 22, west line of 23, south and west lines of 25, southeast quarter of 26, north line of 36, are overflowed by Spoon river.
East half and southwest quarter of section 1, southeast quarter and west half of 2, sections 3, 4, east half and southwest quarter of 5, northeast quarter and south half of 7, sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,
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20, north half of 21, northwest quarter of 22, northeast quarter of 24, northeast quarter of 27, sections 29, 30, 31, west half of 32, southeast quarter of 36 --- good farming land.Northeast quarter of 23, northwest quarter of 24 --- excellent second rate land.
Southeast quarter of 23, south half of 24, north half of 25, north half of 26 --- very rich land, first rate.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and, near the Spoon river, some elms --- and barrens.
Southwest quarter of section 2, southeast quarter and west half of 3, northeast quarter of 4, east half of 9, section 10, northeast quarter and west half of 11, southeast quarter of 12, northeast quarter of 13, southeast quarter of 15, west half of 16, west half of 32 --- rough, and generally broken land.
Section 1, east half and northwest quarter of 2, northeast quarter of 3, west half and southeast quarter of 4, east half of 5, south half of 7, section 8, west half of 9, southeast quarter of 11, northeast quarter and west half of 12, southeast quarter and west half of 13, section 14, northeast quarter and west half of 15, east half of 16, sections 17, 18, 19, 20, west half of 21, east half of 22, section 23, north half of 24, southeast quarter of 25, west half of 26, north half of 27, sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, southwest quarter of 34, east half of 35, section 36 --- good second rate farming land.
West half of 5, section 6, north half of 7, east half of 21, west half of 22, south half of 24, north half and southwest quarter of 25, east half of 26, south half of 27, east half and northwest quarter of 34, west half of 35 --- first rate rich land.
Timber --- ash, hickory and oak --- hazle and vines.
South half, nearly, of section 19, west line of 29, section 30, and north half of 31 --- overflowed by Spoon river.
Southeast quarter of 8, southeast quarter of 12, east half of 13, section 17, southeast quarter of 18, northeast
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quarter of 19, north half of 20, sections 21, 22, 23, 24, northwest quarter 26, sections 27, 28, 34, west half of 35 --- broken land, thin timber, and not fit for cultivation.Sections 1,2, 3, east half of 4, west half of 6, northwest quarter of 7, north half of 10, north half and southeast quarter of 11, north half and southwest quarter of 12, section 36 --- very rich, first rate farming land.
West half of 4, section 5, east half of 6, east half and southwest quarter of 7, northeast quarter and west half of 8, section 9, west half of 10, southwest quarter of 11, west half of 13, sections 14, 15, 16, northeast quarter and west half of 18, northwest quarter of 19, south half of 20, section 25, northeast quarter and south half of 26, section 29, except between the river and west line, south half of 31, sections 32, 33, east half of 35 --- good third rate farming land. Considerble portion barrens.
Timber --- on the high land, chiefly oak --- low lands, or bottoms, scattering elms, and ash.
Northwest quarter of section 29, has a great quantity of stone coal.
Northwest quarter of section 5, northeast quarter of 6, southeast quarter of 10, southwest quarter of 11, south half of 19, south half of 24, section 25, north half of 30, east half of 35, section 36 --- broken and barrens.
South half of 9, west half of 15, east half of 16, level wet prairie.
Sections 1, 2, 3, northeast quarter of 4, south half of 5, southeast quarter and west half of 6, north half of 7, section 8, northeast quarter and west half of 10, northwest quarter and east half of 11, section 12, north half of 13, north half of 14, east half of 15, northwest quarter of 17, south half of 18, north half of 19, north half and southeast quarter of 21, section 22, south half of 23, sections 26, 37, east half of 28, south half of 30, west half of 31, southeast quarter of 32, sections 33, 34, west half of 35 --- good farming land.
Timber --- on the barrens, oak, hickory, and walnut --- on the bottoms, ash, elm and some sugar tree.
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Northeast quarter of section 3, south half and northwest quarter of 5, east half of 6, east half of 8, section 9 northwest quarter of 16, northeast quarter of 17, southeast quarter of 31, southwest quarter of 32 --- rough land.
Northwest quarter of 2, south half and northwest quarter of 3, section 1, northeast quarter of 5, west half of 6, section 7, west half of 8, section 10, west half and southeast quarter of 11, east half and southwest quarter of 12, north half of 15, southwest quarter of 16, northwest quarter and south half of 17, section 18, north half of 19, northwest quarter of 20, east half of 36 --- good farming land.
Section 1, northeast quarter of 2, sections 13, 14, 15, east half of 16, south half of 19, northeast quarter and south half of 20, sections 21, 22, north half of 23, sections 24, 25, southeast quarter of 26, west half of 27, sections 28, 29, 30, north half and southwest quarter of 31, east half and northwest quarter of 32, sections 33, 31, 35, west half of 36 --- rich, second rate farming land.
South half of 2, northeast quarter of 11, northwest quarter of 12, south half of 23, north half and southwest quarter of 20, east half of 27 --- very rich, first rate land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, lynn, cherry, some walnut and sugar tree,
This township is chiefly thin soil and barrens.
Northwest quarter of section 4, north half of 5, north half of 6, southwest quarter of 17, west half of 28, south half of 29, southeast quarter of 30, south half of 31, west half and northeast quarter of 32 --- third rate farming land.
South half of 3, south half of 4, south half of 6, north half of 7, north half of 9, north half of 10, south half of 18, section 19, northwest quarter and south half of 20, south half of 25, south half of 26, section 27, east half of 28, north half of 29, north half of 30, northeast quarter of 34, north half and southeast quarter of 35, section 36 --- very rich, first rate land.
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Sections 1, 2, north half of 3, northeast quarter of 4, south half of 5, south half of 7, section 8, south half of 9, south half of 10, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, north half of 18, northeast quarter of 20, sections 21, 22, 23, 24, north half of 25, north half of 26, southwest quarter of 30, north half of 31, southeast quarter of 32, sections 33, 34, southwest quarter of 35 --- very rough, broken land
Timber --- oak and elm --- sumack and hazle.
Southeast quarter of section 13, southwest quarter of 14, southeast quarter of 15, northeast quarter of 22, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, southeast quarter of 27, southeast quarter of 33, sections 34, 35, 36 --- thin broken land.
West half of section 3, sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, west half of 10, southeast quarter of 12, north half and southwest quarter of 13, southeast quarter of 14, north half and southwest quarter of 15, sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, west half and southeast quarter of 22, northeast quarter and west half of 27, sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, northeast quarter and west half of 33 --- rich second rate farming land.
Sections 1, 2, east half of 3, east half of 10, section 11, north half and southwest quarter of 12, north half of 14 --- very rich first rate land.
Timber --- Oaks and hickory, hazle --- thinly timbered.
West half and southeast quarter of section 3, sections 4, 5,6,7,8, 9,10,16,17,18,19, 20,21, 28,29,30, 31, 32, 33 --- broken prairie.
Sections 1, 2, northeast quarter of 3, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36 third rate rolling prairie, fit for cultivation.
This township is very rough, broken prairie; not fit for cultivation.
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Northeast quarter and south half of section 16, north half of 21 --- part timber and part prairie, broken and flooded by Otter Creek, and by a large pond.
Northwest quarter of section 16, south half of 20, southwest quarter of 21, north half of 29 --- broken rough land.
Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19, north half of 20, south half of 29, section 30 --- second rate farming land.
This township is fractional, and part of it, being a swamp, was not described by the surveyor.
The timber, on the high land, oaks, hickory, hack-berry; on the bottoms, walnut, elm, lynn, buckeye --- hazle and vines.
There is a small lake, part in section 17, and part in section 20.
Southwest quarter of section 12, northwest quarter and south half of 13, section 14, part of east half of 15, northeast quarter of 22, north half and southeast quarter of 23, west half and northeast quarter of 21, section 25, east half of 26, east half of 35, section 36 --- overflowed by Spoon river and by a lake.
The residue of this township is reported to be very good farming land.
Timber --- ash, sassafras, walnut, elm, lynn, hackberry, and buckeye --- hazle and vines.
North half and southwest quarter of section 4, sections 5, 6, 7, northwest quarter of 8, west half of 18 --- broken land, thin soil.
South half of 31 -- level wet land.
The residue of this township is reported to be very excellent land, and gently rolling.
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Timber --- oak, hickory, elm, sassafras, sugar tree, plum, and hackberry.
Northwest quarter of section 3, sections 4, 5, 6, 7, north half of 8, north half of 9, south half of 19, southwest quarter of 20, sections 29, 30, 31, 32, west half of 33 --- rough broken land.
Sections 1, 2, east half and south west quarter of 3, south half of 8, south half of 9, sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, north half of 19, north half and southeast quarter of 20, sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, east half of 33, sections 31, 35, 36 --- rich second rate land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, elm, lynn --- generally barrens.
West half of section 17, east half of 18, east half of 19, part of west half of 20 --- overflowed by branches.
Northwest quarter of 6, north half of 7, northwest quarter of 8, southwest quarter of 16, west half of 21 --- rough land, thin soil.
Sections 1, 2, 3,4, 5, north half and southeast quarter of 6, south half of 7, east half and southwest quarter of 8, east half of 9, east half of 10, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, north half and southeast quarter of 16, east half of 17, west half of 1 8, west half of 19, east half of 20, east half of 21, sections 22, 23, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- good second rate farming land.
Timber --- oak and hickory --- chiefly barrens and prairies.
Northwest quarter of section 1, northeast quarter of 2, southeast quarter of 12, section 13, southwest quarter of 16, south half of 17, southwest quarter of 18, northwest quarter of 19, northeast quarter of 20, west half of 21, north half of 24, southeast quarter of 25, northwest quarter of 27, northeast quarter of 28, section 36 --- rough thin soil, broken land.
South half of section 8, south of 9, north half of 16, north half of 17, southeast quarter of 28, southeast quarter of 32, east half and southwest quarter of 33, west half of 34 --- level wet land.
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East half and southwest quarter of section 1, southeast quarter and west half of 2, sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, north half of 8, north half of 9, sections 10, 11, north half and southwest quarter of 12, sections 14, 15, southeast quarter of 16, north half and southeast quarter of 18, northeast quarter and smith half of 19, northwest quarter and south half of 20, east half of 21, sections 22, 23, south half of 24, southwest quarter and north half of 25, section 26, northeast quarter and south half of 27, west half of 28, sections 29, 30, 31, north half and southwest quarter of 32, northwest quarter of 33, east half of 34, section 35 --- good farming land.
Timber --- oaks and hickory --- hazle and vines.
South half of section 4, south half of 5, southeast quarter of 6, northeast quarter and south half of 7, north half and south west quarter of 8, north half of 9, south half and northwest quarter of 17, section 18, north half of 19, north half of 20 --- level wet land.
The residue of this township is rich second rate land.
Timber --- sugar tree, walnut, lynn, elm, hickory, and cotton wood.
South half of section 11, sections 12, 13, 14, east half and southwest quarter of 23, sections 24, 25, 26, southeast quarter of 27, section 36 --- level, wet land, overflowed by the creek.
West half of section 4, sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, northeast quarter of 11, northwest quarter of 15, sections 16, 17, 13, 19, west half of 20, west half of 29, sections 30, 31, west half of 32 --- good third rate farming land.
West half of section 2, section 3, east half of 4, section 10, north half of 11, southwest quarter of 15, east half of 20, sections 21, 22, northwest quarter of 23, north half and southwest quarter of 27, section 28, east half of 29, east half of 32, section 33, west half of 34 --- rich second rate land.
Section 1, east half of 2, east half of 15, east half of 31 --- very rich first rate land.
Timber --- Oak and hickory.
16
This township is all excellent farming land.
Timber --- Oak, hickory, some walnut and cotton-wood, and part barrens.
West half of section 4, east half of 5 --- rough broken land, thin soil.
The residue of this township, rich second rate land.
Timber --- Walnut, sugar tree, elm, lynn, oak and hickory --- hazle, vines and briars.
Section 1, east half of 2, section 12, north half of 13, southeast quarter of 15, west half of 25, east half of 26 --- level wet land.
The residue of this township is rich second rate land.
Timber --- Walnut, hickory, elm, lynn, oak, and red root.
South half of section 14, south half of 21, north half of 22, section 23, northeast quarter of 26, north half of 28 --- poor, hilly, broken land.
West half of section 2, east half of 3, west half of 4, east half of 5, south half of 26, south half of 27, south half of 28, south half of 29, sections 32, 33, 34, north half of 35 --- level wet land.
Section 1, east half of 2, west half of 3, east half of 4, west half of 5, north half of 6, sections 11, 12, 13, north half of 14, sections 19, 20, north half of 21, south half of 22, sections 24, 25, north half of 26, north half of 27, north half of 29, sections 30, 31, south half of 35, section 36 --- good farming land.
South half of section 6, sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18 --- rich second rate land.
Timber --- Oak, elm, hickory, cotton-wood, and lynn --- hazle and briars.
The south half of this township, rough, broken and wet land, not fit for cultivation.
The north half, good farming land.
Timber --- Oak, elm, some walnut and sugar tree.
17
Section 1, east half of 2, south half of 7, section 8, east half of 11, section 12, north half of 13, southeast quarter of 16, section 17, north half of 18, south half of 19, section 20, north half of 21, west half of 29, section 30, west half of 31 --- broken rough land, partly bluffs.
Northwest quarter of section 13, south half and part of northeast quarter of 14, southeast quarter and part of south half of 21, west half of 22, northwest quarter of 23, northwest quarter of 27, section 28, east half of 29, east half of 31, west half of 32 --- inundated by the Illinois river.
West half of section 2, sections 3, 4, 5, 6, north half of 7, sections 9, 10, west half of 11, northwest quarter of 14, section 15, north half and southwest quarter of 16, south half of 18, north half of 19, north half of 22 --- good farming land.
Timber --- hickory, ash, lynn, sassafras --- hazle and briars.
East half of section 21, west half of 22 --- wet, and not fit for cultivation.
Southwest quarter of section 5, northwest quarter of 8, south half of 18, north half and southeast quarter of 19, east half of 20, west half of 21, southwest quarter of 29, southeast quarter of 30 --- broken, rough land.
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, east half and northwest quarter of 5, sections 6, 7, east half and southwest quarter of 8, sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, north half of 18, southwest quarter of 19, west half of 20, east half of sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, southeast quarter and north half of 29, southwest quarter and north half of 30, sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, good farming land, second rate.
Timber --- hickory, ash, lynn, hackberry, sassafras --- hazle and briars.
18
South half of section 1, southeast quarter of 2, east half of 11, sections 12, 13, north half of 24, southwest quarter of 27, northwest quarter of 34 --- broken land, not fit for cultivation.
North half of section 1, north half and southwest quarter of 2, sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, west half of 11, sections 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, south half of 24, sections 25, 26, southeast quarter and north half of 27, sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, northeast quarter and south half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- good farming land, second rate.
Timber --- walnut, elm, cherry, mulberry, sugar tree, ash, oak --- hazle and briars.
South half of section 3, south half and northwest quarter of 4, east half of 5, south half of 7, north half of 9, north half of 10, north half of 18, south half of 19, south half of 24, sections 25, 26, east half and southwest quarter of 27, north half of 30, sections 34, 35, 36 --- rough, broken land.
Sections 1, 2, north half of 3, northeast quarter of 4, west half of 5, section 6, north half of 7, section 8, south half of 9, south half of 10, sections 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, south half of 18, north half of 19, sections 20, 21, 22, 23, north half of 24, northwest quarter of 27, sections 28, 29, sections 30, 31, 32, 33 --- good second rate farming land.
Section 13 --- very rich land.
Timber --- oak, hickory --- hazle and briars.
This entire township is reported by the surveyors, and other persons, to be of the rich second rate land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, elm, and walnut --- hazle.
Section 1, east half and southwest quarter of 2, west half of 5, sections 6, 7, west half and southeast quarter of 8, east half of 10, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, east half
19
and southwest quarter of 15, north half and southwest quarter of 17, section 18, northwest quarter of 19, east half and northwest quarter of 22, north half and southwest quarter of 23, north half of 24, west half of 26, east half of 27, south half of 30, section 31, west half of 32_rough, and not fit for cultivation.Northwest quarter of section 2, sections 3, 4, east half of 5, northeast quarter of 8, section 9, west half of 10, northwest quarter of 15, section 16, southeast quarter of 17, northeast quarter and south half of 19, sections 20, 21, southwest quarter of 22, southeast quarter of 23, south half of 24, section 25, east half of 26, west half 27, sections 28, 29, north half of 30, east half of 32, sections 33, 34, 35, 36 --- good farming land, fit for cultivation.
Timber --- elm, oak, hickory, and some sugar tree.
West half of section 1, sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, north half of 9, 10, 11, northwest quarter of 12, south half of 13, action 14, east half of 15, south half of 16, east half and northwest quarter of 17, north half of 18, south half of 19, northeast quarter and south half of 20, north half of 21, northeast quarter of 23, section 24, northeast quarter of 25, sections 29, 30, 31, north half of 32 --- rough, broken land, not fit for cultivation.
East half of section 1, south half of 9, 10, 11, northeast quarter and south half of 12, north half of 13, west half of 15, north half of 16, southwest quarter of 17, south half of 18 north half of 19, northwest quarter of 20, south half of 21, section 22, northwest quarter and south half of 23, northwest quarter and south half of 25, sections 26, 27, 28, south half of 32, sections 33, 34, 35, 36 --- good farming land, second rate.
Northeast quarter of section 32 has a large coal bank on the branch.
Timber --- scattering oak and hickory --- shrubby.
This township is reported by the surveyors, and other Persons, to be broken and not fit for cultivation.
Timber --- scattering oaks and hickory --- shrubby.
20
This township is reported by the surveyors, and other persons, to be broken and not fit for cultivation.
This township is reported by the surveyors, and other persons, to be broken and not fit for cultivation.
This township is reported by the surveyors, and other persons, to be broken and not fit for cultivation.
This township not surveyed.
21
West half of section 5, section 6, north half of 7 --- good farming land.
The residue of this township not fit for cultivation, being overflowed by the river, and by five small lakes and ponds.
South half of section 11, south half and northeast quarter of 12, sections 13, 14, southeast quarter of 15, southeast quarter of 21, east half and southwest quarter of 22, section 23, west half of 21, northwest quarter of 25, sections 26, 27, east half and southwest quarter of 28, southeast quarter and part of northeast quarter of 32, north half and southwest quarter of 33, east half of 34, section 35 --- overflowed to the hills by the river Illinois, by Copperas creek, and by two large lakes.
Southeast quarter of section 1, west half of 2, northeast quarter of 3 --- rough hilly land.
Northeast quarter and west half of 1, east half of 2, south half and northwest quarter of 3, sections 4, 5, north half of 6, northeast quarter of 8, section 9, west half of 10, northeast quarter and west half of 29 --- good third rate farming land.
South half of 7, southeast quarter and west half of 8, east half of 10, north half of 11, northwest quarter of 12, northwest quarter of 15, sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, west half of 21, northwest quarter of 28, southeast quarter of 29, sections 30, 31, part of northeast quarter of 32, west half of 32, southeast quarter of 33, southwest quarter of 34 --- rich second rate land.
South half of section 6, north half of 7, northeast and southwest quarters of 15, northeast quarter of 21 --- part bluff and part bottom, northwest quarter of section 22 --- very rich first rate land.
22
Timber --- walnut, sugar tree, maple, elm, ash, mulberry, pecon, locust, cotton tree, buckeye, oak, and hickary.
This entire township is reported by the surveyor to be excellent second rate farming land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, some maple, sugar tree, and walnut.
This entire township is reported by the surveyor and others persons, to be rough, broken land, and not fit for cultivation.
Timber --- hickory, scattering oak, and some walnut.
South half of section 6, north half of 7 --- level wet land.
West half of section 2, east half of 3, west half of 17, east half of 18, south half of 19, southeast quarter and West half of 29, section 30, north half of 31 --- very rich first rate land.
The residue of the quarter sections in this town is reported by the surveyor, to be rough and not fit for cultivation.
Timber --- oak, hickory, maple, blue ash, elm, and hackberry.
This entire township is reported by the surveyor to be tough, broken land, and not fit for cultivation.
There is no timber on this township; soil thin.
This entire township is without timber, and thin soil.
Part of southeast quarter of section 19, southwest quarter of 20, northwest quarter of 29, northeast quarter of 30 --- overflowed by the north fork of Spoon river.
Southwest quarter of section 5, south half of 6, north half and southeast quarter of 7, west half of 8, west half
23
of 17, east half and southwest quarter of 18, part of southeast quarter and north half of 19, northwest quarter of 20, west half of 32, southeast quarter of 33, southwest quarter of 34, southeast quarter of 35, southwest quarter of 36 --- rough, broken land, not fit for cultivation.Northwest quarter of section 2, west half of 4, east half of 5, north half and southeast quarter of 9, south half of 10, southwest quarter of 11, west half of 15, east half and southwest quarter of 16, southeast quarter of 17 southwest quarter of 19, east half of 20, northwest quarter of 21, sections 24, 25, south half of 26, section 27, south half of 28, east half and southwest quarter of 29, west half and southeast quarter of 30, section 31, east half of 32, north half and southwest quarter of 33, northwest quarter of 34, northeast quarter of 35, east half and northwest quarter of 36 --- good farming land, third rate.
Section 1, east half and southwest quarter of 2, sections 3, 4, southwest quarter of 7, east half of 8, southwest quarter of 9, north half of 10, north half and southeast quarter of 11, sections 12, 13, 14, east half of 15, northwest quarter of 16, northeast quarter of 17, northwest quarter of 18, south half and northeast quarter of 21, sections 22, 23, north half of 26, north half of 28, east half of 34, west half of 35 --- rich second rate land.
Northwest quarter of 5, north half of 6 --- very rich first rate land.
This township is almost entirely without timber.
Southeast quarter of section 1, northwest quarter of 13, northeast quarter of 23, south half of 24, north half of 25 --- rough and not fit for cultivation.
North half and southwest quarter of section 1, sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, northeast quarter and south half of 13, sections 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24,southeast quarter and west half of 23, north half of 24, south half of 25, sections 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- good second rate land.
Timber --- elm lynn, walnut, hackberry, and oak.
24
The land in this township is reported to be very good farming land.
Timber --- oak, lynn, and some walnut.
The land in this township is reported to be very good second rate farming land --- the prairies rich.
Timber --- scattering oak, hickory, elm, &c. Rock river, distant from the northwest quarter of this township, is navigable to that point, and above it, for large boats; and is from three to four hundred yards wide.
25
This fractional township is bottom, and frequently flooded by the Illinois.
Timber --- elm, mulberry, maple, pecon, cotton-wood, sugar tree, and oak.
West half of section 4, sections 5, 6, 7, 8, west half of 9, southwest quarter of 26, east half of 32, southwest quarter of 33 --- rough land, not fit for cultivation.
Section 25, north half of 26, sections 27, 28, north half of 33, north half 31 --- very rich first rate land.
Sections 1, 2, 3, east half of 4, east half of 9, sections 10, 11,12,13, 14,15,16, 17,18,19,20,21, 22,23,24, 29, 30, 31, west half of 32 --- good second rate farming land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, elm, sugar tree, walnut, and lynn.
South half of section 32, contains a large bed of stone coal on both sides the creek, and is distant only a mile and a half from the Illinois river.
This township contains a very small quantity of timber, and the soil is thin and broken.
This township contains a very small quantity of timber, and the soil is thin and broken.
North half of section 15, on a branch of Kickapoo, contains a large bed of stone coal; and the south half of section 35, another branch of the same creek, contains a valuable quarry of sand stone.
26
This township contains a very small quantity of timber --- thin, broken soil.
North half of section 16, east half of 21, west half of 22, south half of 23, and north half of 26, contain large beds of stone coal and of slate.
The whole of this township is very rich first rate land.
Timber --- oak, sugar tree, elm, walnut, hickory --- hazle.
East half of section 21, west half and southeast quarter of 22 --- level wet land.
The residue of this township is very rich first rate land.
Timber --- walnut, elm, lynn, a few oaks and hickory --- hazle and vines.
Sections 1, 2, northeast quarter of 3, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, east half of 22, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, east half of 27, sections 34, 35, 36 --- rich second rate land.
Southeast quarter and west half of section 3, sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, west half of 22, west half of 27, sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 --- very rich first rate land.
Timber --- some few oaks --- residue prairie.
South half of this township good farming land.
North half, rough broken land.
This township has only a few shrubby oaks.
South half of this township rough broken land.
North half, good farming land.
27
South half of section 16, east half and southwest quarter of 20, west half and northeast quarter of 21, north half of 28, sections 29, 30 --- very rich bottom land.
The residue of this township is very broken and wet; not fit for cultivation --- no timber.
South half of this township has a small proportion of farming land.
The residue of the township broken barrens and some prairie.
Timber --- a few scattering oaks.
North half of section 15, southeast quarter of 12, east half of 13, sections 14, 15, southeast quarter of 16, west half of 17, south half of 18, section 19, north half of 20, north half of 21, north half and southeast quarter of 22, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, east half of 27, south half and northwest quarter of 29, section 30, north half of 31, north half of 32, north half of 33, north half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- rough, hilly land, not fit for cultivation.
West half of section 1, east half of 2, southeast quarter of 19 --- level wet land, not fit, for cultivation.
East half of section 1, west half of 2, section 3, south half of 4, section 5, east half of 6, sections 9, 10, 11, northeast quarter and west half of 12, northwest quarter of 13, northeast quarter and west half of 16, east half of 17, north half of 18, south half of 20, south half of 21, southwest quarter of 22, west half of 27, north half of 28, northeast quarter of 29 --- very rich first rate land.
West half of section 6, sections 7, 8, southwest quarter of 13, south half of 28, south half of 31, south half of 32, south half of 33, south half of 34 --- good farming land.
Timber --- oak --- hazle.
28
This township is chiefly prairie --- good farming land.
South half of section 9, section 16, east half of 17, northeast quarter of 20, northwest quarter of 21, southeast quarter of 31, southwest quarter of 32 --- level wet prairie, not fit for cultivation.
The residue of this township is very rich first rate prairie --- sections 11 and 13 have large, bold springs.
This township is very rich first rate prairie.
This township is good farming land --- chiefly prairie.
South half of section 12, north half of 13 --- level wet land.
South half of section 17, sections 19, 20, southwest quarter of 21, northwest quarter of 28, north half and southwest Quarter of 29, sections 30, 31 --- hilly, broken land.
East half of section 21, section 22, north half of 27, section 32, west half of 33 --- very rich, first rate bottom land.
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, north half of 12, south half of 13, sections 14, 15, 16, north half of 17, section 18, northwest quarter of 21, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, south half of 27, northeast quarter and south half of 28, southeast quarter of 29, east half of 33, sections 34, 35, 36 --- rich second rate farming land.
Timber --- some oak --- hazle and briars. This township chiefly prairie.
West half and southeast quarter of section 4, east half of 5 --- level wet land.
The residue of this township is chiefly rich prairie.
Timber --- some oak, hickory --- hazle and briars
29
North half of section 3, northeast quarter of 4, northwest quarter of 5, northeast quarter of 6 --- rough, hilly
Southwest quarter of section 3, south half and northwest quarter of 4, northeast quarter and south half of 5, northwest quarter and south half of 6, sections 7, 8, north half and southwest quarter of 9, fractional section 17, section 18, north half of 19 --- very rich first rate land.
South half of section 19, fractional sections 20, 29, section 30, fractional section 31 --- overflowed by the Illinois.
Fort Clark stands on the high ground of fractional section 9, and is the only spot, immediately on the Illinois river, upon which a town can be erected.
Timber --- oak, hickory, elm, and maple.
Northwest quarter of section 4, northeast quarter of 5, south half of 7, northwest quarter of 8, northeast quarter of 9, northwest quarter of 10, southwest quarter of 23, fractional section 26, southeast quarter of 27, northeast quarter of 34, northwest quarter of 35 --- rough, hilly land.
Fractional section 3, northeast quarter and south half of 4, northwest quarter and south half of 5, section 6, north half of 7, northeast quarter and south half of 8, northwest quarter and south half of 9, southwest quarter of 10, west half of 15, sections 16,17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, north half and south west quarter of 27, sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, west half of 33 --good farming land.
Fractional section 14, east half of 15, northwest quarter of 23, east half of 33, west half of 34 -- very rich first rate land.
Timber -- oak and hickory; sugar trees on the bottoms.
30
West half of section 4, east half of 5, southeast quarter of 8, west half of 9, west half of 16, section 17, east half of 20, west half 21, sections 28, 29, east half of 32, section 33 --- hilly, broken land.
South half of 13, fractional section 24, east half of 23, fractional sections 26, 35 --- overflowed by the Illinois river.
West half of section 5, sections 6, 7, west half and northeast quarter of 8, sections 18, 19, west half of 20, east half 21, sections 30, 31, west half of 32 --- good farming land.
Sections 1, 2, 3, east half of 4, east half of 9, sections 10, 11, 12, north half of 13, sections 14, 15, east half of 16, section 22, west half of 23, section 27, fractional section 34 --- very rich, first rate bottom land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, ash, elm, walnut, maple, and sassafras.
All the south half of this township is good farming land.
The north half is broken and thin soil.
Timber --- on the bottoms ,walnut, sycamore, lynn,and hackberry: on the high land --- oak.
The prairie part of this township is reported as fit for, Cultivation.
The Timber part as being broken thin soil, and barrens.
This township is all very rich prairie, and has a considerable lake in sections 17, 18, 19, and 20.
This township is very rough, and not fit for cultivation.
Timber --- oak and hickory --- hazle.
31
Northwest quarter of section 5, section 6, north half of 7 --- good fanning land --- no timber.
Fractional section 3, east half of section 4, east half of 9, fractional sections 10, 15, east half of 16, fractional section 21 --- overflowed by the river Illinois.
West half of section 4, sections 5, 6, 7, 8, northwest quarter of 17, north half of 18 --- rough, hilly land.
Southwest quarter of 9, west half 16, south half and northeast quarter of 17, south half of 18, sections 19, 20, fractional section 29, sections 30, 31, fractional section 32 --- good farming land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, ash, elm, maple, and willow.
This township is poor broken prairies --- some few oaks.
South half of section 30, north half of 31 --- level wet land.
South half of section 12, sections 13, 24 --- very rich first rate land.
The timbered part of this township (except section 12, 13, 24,) is thin soil and barrens.
The prairie part is good farming land.
Timber --- oak and hickory: some walnut, sugar tree, and lynn.
The timbered part of this township is thin poor soil.
The prairie part very rich.
32
This fractional township is overflowed by the river, and the soil is poor and broken.
Timber --- some maple and elm.
This fractional townships overflowed by the river and by several small lakes; the soil is broken and not fit for cultivation.
Timber --- maple, elm, cotton-wood, oak, elm, and lynn
33
Part of southwest buarter of section 21, part of fractions 24, 26, 33 --- overflowed, and not fit for cultivation.
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, west half and southeast quarter of 19, southwest quarter of 20, east half and northwest quarter of 21 section 22, west half of 23, northwest quarter of 24, north half of 27, north half and southwest quarter of 28, south half 29, sections 30, 31, north half of 32 --- excellent second rate farming land.
Northeast quarter of section 19, east half and northwest quarter of 20, southwest quarter of 21, east half of 23, southwest quarter of 27, southeast quarter of 28, north half of 29 --- very rich first rate land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, elm, and black jack.
South half of section 2, north half of 11 --- low wet land in part.
Southeast quarter of section 6, east half of 7, south half of 24, section 25, east half of 26, east half of 35, section 36 --- very rich land.
The residue of this township is excellent farming land gently roiling --- the prairies dry.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and elm.
This township is reported to be of the third rate soil, Southwest quarter of section 10, and northwest quarter of 15, is represented as affording a tolerable mill seat.
Timber --- chiefly oak, hickory, and black jack.
Sections 1, 2, northeast quarter of 3, west half of 5, sections 6, 7, west half of 8, southeast quarter of 9, sections
34
11, 12, 13, 14, east half of 15, west half of 17, sections 18, 19, 20, west half of 21, east half of 22, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- excellent second rate farming land.West half and southeast quarter of section 3, section 4, east half of 5, east half of 8, west half and northeast quarter of 9, section 10, west half of 15, section 16 east half of 17, east half of 21, west half of 22 --- very rich first rate land.
Timber --- oak, elm, black jack, and hickory. The prairies dry and rolling.
South half of section 24, sections 25, 26, east half and southwest quarter of 27, east half of 33, sections 34, 35, 36 --- good second rate farming land.
The residue of this township, except section 1, and part of 2, and 12, is level, dry, rich first rate prairie.
This township is dry prairie land, very rich, and fit for cultivation.
This township is dry prairie land, very rich, and fit for cultivation.
This township is generally prairie land, second rate-good for farming.
This township is reported to be excellent land --- the prairies rich and rolling.
This township is reported to be excellent land --- the prairies rich and rolling.
This township is reported to be excellent land --- the prairies rich and rolling.
35
Southwest quarter of section 16, southeast quarter of 17, northeast quarter of 20 --- level wet land
The residue of this township rolling rich soil --- prairie very rich.
West half of section 3, east half of 4, west half of 5, east half of 6 --- level and wet.
The residue of this township rolling rich soil --- chiefly prairie, which is very rich.
This township is level wet prairie, not fit for cultivation.
This township is level and wet: not fit for cultivation.
36
West half of section 2, section 3, east half of 4, west half of 5, cast half of 6, sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, north half of 14, north half and southwest quarter of 15, sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, west half of 22, east half of 23, sections 21, 25, west half of 27, sections 28, 29, 30 --- excellent second rate land.
Section 1, east half of 2, west half of 4, east half of 5, west half of 6, sections 12, 13, south half of 14, southeast quarter of 15, east half of 22, west half of 23, section 26, east half of 27, sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- very rich first rate land.
The branches running through sections 29, 30, and 31, and emptying into the east fork of Crooked Creek, contain large quarries of free stone.
Timber --- elm, lynn, walnut, sugar tree, and oak.
This township is hilly, generally covered with timber, Well watered, and rich soil.
Southwest quarter of section 9 --- contains a large quarry of free stone.
Timber --- elm, lynn, walnut, sugar tree, and oak.
That part of this township which has timber is very excellent second rate soil, and hilly. That part which is prairie is very rich first rate soil.
Timber --- oak and hickory.
This township is reported to be excellent farming land. The prairie is rolling and rich.
Timber --- walnut, lynn, cherry, elm, sugar tree,oak, and hickory.
37
This township is rich soil, chiefly prairie --- the north half level, the south half rolling prairie.
Timber --- elm, lynn, walnut, oak, and hickory.
Southwest quarter of section 16, south half of 17, south half of 18, north half and southeast quarter of 19, north half and southwest quarter of 20 --- rough land, good for farming.
Sections 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- very rich soil.
The residue of this township is excellent soil, chiefly prairie.
Timber --- scattering oaks.
South half of section 3, north half of 10 --- wet land.
The residue of this township is chiefly rolling dry prairie, rich soil.
Timber --- lynn, elm, hackbcrry, walnut, cherry, oak, and hickory.
Section 1, east half of 2, west half of 3, east half of 4, east half of 8, north half of 9, west halt of 10, sections 12, 13, north half of 19 --- excellent second rate farming land.
The residue of this township is very rich soil, chiefly prairie.
Timber --- elm, cherry, walnut, hickory, and oak.
Southeast quarter of section 8, south half of 9, south half of 10, sections 15, 16, 17, east half of 18, northeast quarter of 21, north half of 22 --- level wet prairie, not fit for cultivation.
The residue of this township is rich soil, chiefly prairie.
Timber --- walnut, hackberry, and oak.
38
Sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- rich prairie.
This whole township is prairie.
The northwest quarter of section 36, has a bank of ore, from which, it is said, silver has been extracted.
South half and northwest quarter of section 29, east half and southwest quarter of 30, sections 31, 32 --- level wet prairie, not fit for cultivation.
The residue of this township is very excellent second rate farming land; the prairie rolling.
South half of section 2, south half of 3, and northwest quarter of 10, contain large banks of stone coal.
Northwest quarter of section 7, has an excellent millseat on Cedar Creek.
Northwest quarter of section 8, contains a valuable sugar orchard.
Timber --- sugar tree, elm, lynn, walnut, oak, ash, and hickory.
Southwest quarter of section 2, southeast quarter of 3, east half of 10, southwest quarter of 11, west half of 14, section 15, east half of 16, east half of 21, section 22 southwest quarter of 26, section 27, east half of 28, northeast quarter of 33, north half of 34, northwest quarter of 35 --- wet land, not fit for cultivation.
The residue of this township is thin soil --- may be cultivated.
Timber --- scattering oaks, and hickory.
South half of section 13, north half of 24, south hall of 26, east half of 33, sections 34, 35 --- level wet prairie, not fit for cultivation.
The residue of this township is rich second rate land: chifly rolling, and some level prairie.
Timber --- some elm, oak, and hickory --- scattering.
39
East half and southwest quarter of section 7, south half and northwest quarter of 8, southwest quarter of 9, south half and northwest quarter of 14, east half of 15, north half of 17, north half of 18, north half of 23, south half of 30, north half of 31 --- wet land, not fit for cultivation.
The residue of this township is very broken, hilly land, thin soil, not fit for cultivation.
Northwest quarter of section 31, has a good mill-seat.
Timber --- scattering oak, and hickory.
40
South half of section 20, section 29, east half of 30, north half of 32 --- wet land, not fit for cultivation.
West half of section 1, east half of 2, west half of 4, section 5, east half of 6, sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, south half of 12, west half of 13, south half of 14, sections 15, 16, 17, north half of 18, south half of 19, north half of 20, sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, west half of 30, east half of 32, sections 33, 34, 35, 36 --- rough, broken land, thin soil.
West half of 2, section 3, east half of 4, north half of 12, north half 14, south half 18, north half of 19, section 31, west half of 32 --- third rate farming land.
East half of section 1, west half of 6, east half of 13 --- rich first rate land.
Timber --- oak, ash, and hickory --- hazle and briars.
South half and northwest quarter of 4, east half of 5, east half of 8, section 9, west half and southeast quarter of 10, southwest quarter of 11, west half of 13, section 14, east half of 15, north half of 16, northwest quarter of 23, section 25, south half of 29, north half of 32, north half of 36 --- level wet land, not fit for cultivation.
Sections 1, 2, 3, northeast quarter of 4, northwest quarter of 5, northeast quarter of 10, north half and southeast quarter of 11, section 12, north half of 13, southwest quarter of 15, south half of 16, section 17, east half of 18, section 19, south half of 20, west half of 21, east half of 22, southeast quarter of 26, west half of 27, section 28, north half of 29, section 30, 31, south half of 32, sections 33, west half of 34, east half of 35, south half of 36 --- rough broken land, thin soil.
West half of section 6, west half of 8, northwest quarter of 15, north half of 20, east half of 21, west half of 22, southwest quarter of 23, northeast quarter of 26 --- third rate farming land.
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Southwest quarter of section 5, east half of 6, section 7, southeast quarter of 13, west half of 18, east half of 23, section 24, west half of 26, east half of 27, east half of 34, west half of 35 --- rich first rate land.
Timber --- elm, sugar tree, lynn, walnut, ash, oak, and hickory --- hazle and vines.
Section 21, northwest quarter of 22, section 28, east half of 29, east half of 31, section 32, west half and northeast quarter of 33 --- wet land, not fit for cultivation.
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, east half and southwest quarter of 22, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, south half of 30, west half of 31, southeast quarter of 33, section 34, west half of 35, north half of 36 --- rough broken land, soil thin.
East half of section 19, west half of 20, west half of 29, north half of 30, east half of 35, south half of 36 --- good farming land, third rate.
West half of section 19, east half of 20 --- rich first rate soil.
Timber --- elm, oak, and hickory --- hazle and vines.
Northwest quarter of section 4, sections 5, 6, north half of 7, north half of 3, east half of 9, west half of 10, southwest quarter of 13, south half of 14, north half of 23, west half of 25, east half of 26 --- broken wet land, not fit for cultivation.
The residue of this township is rough, broken, thin soil.
Timber --- oak, hickory, walnut, some sugar tree-briars.
South half of section 18, north half of 19 --- level wet land, not fit for cultivation.
Section 5, 6, east half of 9, section 10, west half of 11, south half of 13, west half of 15, section 16, southwest quarter of 17, southeast quarter of 19, west half of 20, north half and southwest quarter of 27, sections 28, 29, south half and northeast quarter of 30, sections 31, 32,
42
33, northwest quarter of 34 --- rough, broken land, thin soil.East half and southwest quarter of section 1, south half and northwest quarter of 2, sections 3, 4, 7, northwest quarter of 8, southwest quarter of 9, east half of 11, north half and southwest quarter of 12, north half of 13, section 14, northeast quarter of 15, northwest quarter and east half of 17, north half of 18, southwest quarter of 19, east half of 21, east half of 24, south half and northeast quarter of 25, south half of 26, southeast quarter of 27, northwest quarter of 30, south half and northeast quarter of 34, sections 35, 36 --- good second rate farming land.
Northwest quarter of section 1, northeast quarter of 2, northeast quarter and south half of 8, northwest quarter of 9, southeast quarter of 12, southeast quarter of 15, east half of 20, west half of 21, sections 22, 23, west half of 24, northwest quarter of 25, north half of 26 --- rich first rate soil.
Southeast quarter of section 28 --- has a large bank of stone coal.
Timber --- oak, elm, hickory --- briars and vines.
This township is reported to be excellent second rate land --- prairies very rich.
Timber --- elm, buckeye, lynn, walnut, sugar tree, and hickory.
Southwest quarter of section 3, south half of 4, south half of 5, southeast quarter of 6, east half of 7, sections 8, 9, northwest quarter of 10, south half of 14, sections 16, 17, east half of 18, east half and southwest quarter of 19, section 20, west half and northeast quarter of 21, north half of 23, north half and southwest quarter of 29, north half and southeast quarter of 30, east half of 33, west half of 34 --- level wet prairie, not fit for cultivation.
The residue of this township is third rate farming land.
Timber --- on part of sections 31 and 32, hickory and oak --- hazle.
43
This township is rolling, rich prairie.
Southwest quarters of section 12, northwest quarter of 13, southwest quarter of 24, and northwest quarter of 25, have each a very bold spring of water.
West half and southeast quarters of section 2, east half of 3, east
44
of 22, northwest quarter of 26, north half of 27, north half of 28, northeast quarter of 30 --- overflowed by the Creeks; not fit for cultivation.East half of 11, west half of 12, south half of 26, southeast quarter of 27, east half of 32, west half of 33, east half of 34, section 35 --- good third rate farming land.
The residue of this town is excellent second rate land, with good proportion of timber.
Timber --- walnut, sugar tree, lynn, hackberry, elm, oak, and hickory.
Southeast quarter of section 19, south half of 20, south half of 21, south half of 22, south half of 23, south half of 24, north half of 25, north half of 26, north half of 27, north half of 28, north half of 29, east half of 30, northeast quarter of 31, northwest quarter of 32, southeast quarter of 35, southwest quarter of 36 --- wet prairie, not fit for cultivation.
The residue of this township is chiefly excellent second rate prairie.
Timber --- oak, hickory, walnut, sugar tree --- hazle.
Southwest quarter of section 1, south half of 2, south half of 3, northeast quarter of 9, north half of 10 --- overflowed by the Creek; not fit for cultivation.
West half of section 5, east half of 6, south half of 12, north half of 13, south half of 30, north half of 31 --- broken land, thin soil.
North half of section 1, north half of 2, southeast quarter of 9, southwcst quarter of 10, southwest quarter of 13, southeast quarter of 14, south half of 26, south half of 27, east half of 34, north half of 35 --- good third rate farming land.
The residue of this township is reported to be excellent second rate land.
Timber --- hickory, elm, oak, walnut, sumach --- hazle.
This township is reported to be rough, broken land, thin soil --- very little timber.
45
Northwest quarter of section 2, northeast and southwest quarters of 3, northwest quarter of 4, east half of 5, southeast quarter of 7, northeast quarter and south half of 8, east half and southwest quarter of 9, west half of 10, north half of 16, northeast quarter and west half of 17, east half of 18, west half and southeast quarter of 25, east half of 26, east half of 34, west half of 35, east half of 36 --- wet land, not fit for cultivation.
Section 1, northeast quarter and south half of 2, northwest and southeast quarters of 3, northeast quarter and south half of 4, west half of 5, section 6, southwest quarter and north half of 7, northwest quarter of 8, northwest quarter of 9, east half of 10, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, south half of 16, southeast quarter of 17, west half of 18, sections 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, northeast quarter of 25, west half of 26, sections 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, west half of 34, east half of 35, west half of 36 --- generally very excellent second rate soil.
Timber --- oaks and bushy, on high lands; bottoms have walnut and ash.
South half of section 19, west half of 20, south half of 27, north half of 30, north half of 34 --- broken, wet land, not fit for cultivation.
Northwest quarter of section 1, northeast quarter of 2, west half of 4, northeast quarter of 5, south half of 7, south half of 8, west half of 9, south half of 13, section 18, north half of 19, west half of 22, sections 24, 25, south half of 26, southwest quarter of 29, south half of 30, sections 31, 32, 33, south half of 34, west half of 35 --- rough barrens; thin soil.
Northeast and southwest quarters of section 1, east half of 4, northwest quarter and south half of 5, section north half of 7, north half of 8, east half of 9, south
46
half of 12, north half of 13, section 14, east half of 15, sections 16, 17, east half of 20, section 21, east half of 22, section 23, north half of 26, north half of 27, section 28, north half and southeast quarter of 29, east half of 35, section 36 --- good farming land.Southeast quarter of section 1, southeast quarter and west half of 2, sections 3, 10, 11, north half of 12, west half of 15 --- rich soil.
Timber --- on high land, oak; bottoms, walnut and ash.
Northwest quarter of section 1, east half of 2, south half of 4, south half of 7, north half of 9, south half of 12, sections 13, 14, east half of 15, north half of 18, north half of 24 --- broken wet land, not fit for cultivation.
West half of section 2, northwest quarter of 4, east half of 5, north half of 7, section 8, south half of 9, south half of 10, south half of 11, west half of 15, north half and southwest quarter of 16, section 17, south half of 18, section 19, west half of 20, south half of 21, sections 22, 23, southwest quarter of 24, north half of 30 --- rough broken land, thin soil.
East half and southwest quarter of section 1, section 3, northeast quarter of 4, west half of 5, section 6, north half of 10, north half of 11, north half 12, east half of 20, north half of 21, southeast quarter of 24, sections 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, south half of 30, sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- good third rate farming land.
West half of section 15, and southeast quarter of 16, have large coal banks: and discovery is made, on this stream, of a brown paint which combines well with oil.
Timber --- oak, elm, and hickory --- hazel and vines.
Southeast quarter of section 7, south half of 8, north half of 17, northeast quarter of 18, west half of 25, east half of 26, east half of 34, west half of 35 --- broken, wet land, not fit for cultivation.
West half of section 1, section 2, east half of 3, west half of 4, section 5, south half of 6, north half of 7, south half of 9, west half of 10, east half of 33, west half of 34 --- broken, rough land, thin soil.
47
East half of section 1, west half of 3, east half of 4, north half of 6, southwest quarter of 7, north half of 8, north half of 9, east half of 10, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, east half of 25, west half of 20, sections 27, 28,29, 30, 31, 32, west half of 33, east half of 35, section 36 --- good third rate farming land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, buckeye, and hackberry --- hazel and vines.
West half of section 13, east half and southwest quarter of 14, south half of 15, north half of 22, north half of 23, west half and southeast quarter of 24, north half of 25, east half of 33, west half of 31, southeast quarter of 35, southwest quarter of 36 --- broken wet land, not fit for cultivation.
West half of section 2, northeast quarter of 3, south half of 7, south half of 8, south half of 9, south half of 10, north half and southeast quarter of 11, section 12, east half of 13, north half of 15, north half of 16, sections 17, 18, north half of 19, southeast quarter of 23, south half of 25, east half of 26, section 28, west half of 33, east half of 34, west half and northeast quarter of 35, north half of 36 --- broken land, thin soil.
Section 1, east half of 2, south half and northwest quarter of 3, east half of 4, north half of 7, north half of 8 north half of 9, north half of 10, southwest quarter of 11, northwest quarter of 14, south half of 16, south half of 19, sections 20, 21, south half of 22, southwest quarter of 23, northeast quarter of 24, west half of 26, sections 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, southeast quarter of 36 --- good farming land, third rate.
West half of section 4, sections 5, 6 --- very rich first rate land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, some elms in the bottoms.
48
Southeast quarter of section 1, northeast quarter of 12 --- level wet land, not fit for cultivation.
South half of section 5, section 6, northwest quarter of 7 --- rough broken land, thin soil.
The residue of this township is rich soil.
Timber --- walnut, ash, elm, oak, and hickory.
The whole of this township is very rich soil, chiefly level and rolling prairie.
Timber --- walnut, lynn, oak, and hickory.
South half of section 6, north half of 7, southwest quarter of 13, northwest quarter of 24 --- rich wet bottom.
The residue of this township is excellent second rate land; and timber sufficient for the town.
Timber --- sugar tree, walnut, buckeye, cherry, cotton-wood, oak, and hickory --- briars and vines.
This township is reported to be excellent second rate land.
Timber --- elm, hickory, oak, plum --- sumach and vines.
North half of section 2, north half of 3, north half and southwest quarter of 4, sections 5, 6, 7, 8, west half of 9, northwest quarter of 17, section 18, east half of 32, west half of 33 --- rough timber land, thin soil.
Section 1, south half of 2, section 12, west half of 16, east half and southwest quarter of 17, sections 19, 20, 21, south half of 22, west half of 23, west half of 26, sections 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, west half of 32, east half of 33, section 34, north half of 35 --- good third rate farming land.
South half of section 3, southeast quarter of 4, east half of 9, north half of 22 --- excellent second rate land.
Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, east half of 16, east
49
half of 23, sections 24, 25, east half of 26, south half of 35, section 36 --- very rich first rate soil.Timber --- elm, walnut, oak, and hickory.
Sections 1, 6, west half of 7, sections 12, 13, north half of 14, north half of 19, northwest quarter of 20, southwest quarter of 26, south half of 27, southeast quarter of 28, southwest quarter of 30, west half of 31, east half of 32, sections 33, 34, 35, 36 --- good third rate farming land.
Sections 2, 11, south half of 14, sections 15, 18, northwest quarter of 22, sections 24, 25, southeast quarter of 26, southwest quarter of 29, southeast quarter of 30, east half of 31, west half of 32 --- excellent second rate land.
Sections 3, 4, 5, east half of 7, sections 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, south half of 19, northeast quarter and south half of 20, section 21, northeast quarter and south half of 22, section 23, north half of 26, north half of 27, north half and southwest quarter of 23, section 29, north half of 30 --- very rich first rate land.
North half of section 4, and east half of 14, have large ponds.
Timber --- walnut, sycamore, elm, lynn, oaks, hickory, and buckeye.
North half of section 29, east half of 32, section 33 --- level wet land.
A large pond or lake runs through sections 17 and 20, and into section 29.
The residue of this township is rich land. The timber land, second rate; the prairies, first rate soil.
Between sections 7 and 8 the river is 67 links wide, and rapid; and between sections 10 and 11, 50 links wide, and rapid.
West half and southeast quarter of section 2, sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, south half of 12, north half of 13, north half of 14, north half of 15, sections 16, 17,
50
18, 21, west half of 27, east half and southwest quarter of 28, west half and southeast quarter of 29, sections 30, 31, 32, 33, west half of 34 --- excellent second rate land.The residue of this township is rich first rate land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, elm --- hazle and vines.
This township is reported to be very rich land.
The field notes of this township state, that on the line between sections 28 and 33, running east 52 ch. 13 links from the section corner, an ore has been discovered, supposed, from its appearance, to contain silver. I forwarded a large piece of the ore to a very eminent chemist, in New-York, for analysis. His report destroys the presumption of its containing silver.
Timber --- oaks and hickory.
51
Sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22,23,24, 25, 26, 27, 34,35, 36 --- contain the timber, and is good farming land.
Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 --- rich rolling prairie.
Timber --- oak and hickory --- hazel and vines.
Sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 35, 36 --- principally contain the limber, and is good farming land.
Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 --- rich rolling prairie.
Timber --- oak, hickory, walnut, elm, and lynn.
South half of section 1, north bait of 12, south half of 16, south half of 17, north half of 20, north half of 21, south half of 23, north hall of 26 --- level wet land.
Southeast quarter of section 35, very rich.
The residue of this township is good farming land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, walnut, elm, and lynn --- hazle.
South half of section 23, southwest quarter of 25, section 26, south half of 27, northwest quarter of 28, northeast quarter of 29, north half and southwest quarter of 34, north half of 35, northwest quarter of 36 --- broken wet land.
The residue of this township is brushy, poor soil.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and elm.
Southwest quarter of section 3, southeast quarter of 4, southeast quarter of 16, south half of 19, northeast quarter
52
of 21, west half of 28, east half and south west quarter of 29, north half and southeast quarter of 30, east half of 35, west half of 36 --- broken, wet land.Section 1, northwest quarter of 4, northeast quarter of 5, east half of 11, sections 12, 13, 20, northwest quarter of 21, south half of 25, north half of 26, north half of 36 --- broken land, thin soil.
Section 2, north half and southeast quarter of 3, northeast and southwest quarters of 4, northwest quarter and south half of 5, sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, west half of 11, sections 14, 15, northeast and southwest quarters of 16, sections 17, 18, north half of 19, south half of 21, sections 22, 23, 24, north half of 25, south half of 26, section 27, east half of 28, northwest quarter of 29, southwest quarter of 30, sections 31, 32, 33, 34, west half of 35, east half of 36 --- good farming land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and elm --- bushy.
This township generally is very thin soil. South half may be cultivated.
Timber --- oak and hickory.
West half of section 2, section 3, east half of 4, west half of 7, southeast quarter of 8, section 9, north half and southwest quarter of 10, north west quarter of 15, north half of 16, north half of 17, west half of 18 --- broken land, thin soil.
Section 1, east half of 2, west half of 4, sections 5, 6, east half of 7, southwest quarter and north half of 8, southeast quarter of 10, north half of 11, north half of 12, south half of 13, south half of 14, south half and northeast quarter of 15, south half of 16, south half of 17, east half of 18, sections 19, 20, 21, 22, north half of 23, section 24, north half of 25, south half of 26, east half and northwest quarter of 27, north half and southwest quarter of 28, sections 29, 30, 31, 32, south half and northwest quarter of 33, northeast quarter and south half of 34, section 35, south half of 36 --- good farming land.
South half of section 11, south half of 12, north half of 13, north half of 14, south half of 23, south half of 25,
53
north half of 26, southwest quarter of 27, southeast quarter of 28, northeast quarter of 33, northwest quarter of 34, north half of 36 --- excellent second rate soil.Timber --- oak and hickory. The prairie is rich soil.
Section 1, northeast quarter of 2, west half of 3, sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, north half of 9, northwest quarter of 10, west half of 14, east half of 15, south half of 16, sections 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, west half of 23, sections 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, west half of 35 --- broken land, rich soil.
Northwest quarter and south half of section 2, east half of 3, south half of 9, northeast quarter and south half of 10, sections 11, 12, 13, east half of 14, west half of 15, north half of 16, east half of 23, sections 24, 25, east half of 35, section 36 --- level rich land.
At 43 links from the section corner, between sections 8 and 9, the creek is very rapid.
Timber --- walnut, pawpaw, hackberry, buckeye, lynn, elm, sycamore, black jack, oak, and hickory --- hazle and briars.
Southwest quarter of section 5, south half of 6, section 7, west half of 8, north half of 17, north half of 18 --- flooded by the river.
South half of section 30, north half of 31 --- broken, wet land.
South half of section 9, east half of 10, south half of 11, southwest quarter of 12, sections 13, 14, 15, 16, south half of 17, south half of 18, sections 19, 20, 21, northwest quarter of 22, sections 24, 25, 28, 29, north half of 30, south half of 31, section 32, west half of 33 --- broken land.
Sections l, 2, 3, east half of 4, north half of 6, south half of 9, west half of 10, north half of 11, north half and southeast quarter of 12, south half and northeast quarter of 22, sections 23, 26, 27, south half of 30, north half of 31, east half of 33, sections 34, 35, 36 --- good second rate farming land.
54
West half of section 4, northwest quarter and east half of 5, east half of 8, north half of 9 --- rich first rate land.
Timber --- hackberry, sycamore, elm, walnut, black jack, oak, hickory, and pawpaw --- briars.
Section 1, east half and southwest quarter of 2, east half of 10, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, east half of 15, east half of 21, sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, east half of 27, east half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- good farming land.
The residue of the township, being overflowed by the Mississippi, was not surveyed.
Timber --- oak, black jack, and hickory --- hazle, briars, and vines.
Section 1, east half of 2, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, north half of 26 --- sandy prairie.
South half of section 26, sections 35, 36 --- sandy land.
The residue of the township, being overflowed by the Mississippi, was not surveyed.
Timber --- some few black oaks and black jacks.
West half of section 1, east half of 2, south half of 4, north half of 9, east half and southwest quarter of 11, west half of 12, northwest quarter of 14, south half of 15, north half of 22 --- wet land; not fit for cultivation.
East half of section 1, southwest quarter of 3, northwest quarter of 4, east half of 5, east half of 12, sections 13, 24, 25, east half of 26, east half of 35, section 36 --- thin, broken soil.
West half of section 2, northwest quarter and south half of 3, northeast quarter of 4, southeast quarter of 9, section 10, northwest quarter of 11, northeast quarter and south half of 14, north half of 15, south half of 22, section 23, west half of 26, section 27, east half of 34, west half of 35 --- good farming land.
The residue of this township, being overflowed by the Mississippi, was not surveyed.
Timber --- oak, hackberry, elm, and hickory -- briars and vines.
55
Section 1, east half of 2, south half of 15, south half of 16, north half and southeast quarter of 21, sections 22, 27, east half of 28, north half of 34 --- rich first rate land.
The residue of this township is excellent second rate farming land.
Timber --- oak, walnut, sugar tree, hickory, elm, black jack --- red root and hazle.
56
South half of section 24, section 25, east half of 32, west half of 33, north half of 36 --- broken land, thin soil.
The residue of this township is good farming land.
Timber --- oak and hickory --- hazle and vines.
West half of section 9, southwest quarter of 11, west half of 14, north half of 16, north half of 18, north half of 36 --- broken, thin soil.
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, east half of 5, west half of 6, sections 7, 8, east half of 9, section 10, north half and southeast quarter of 11, east half of 12, section 15, south half of 16, section 17, south half of 18, sections 19, 20, 21, 22, west half of 23, west half of 26, sections 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 31, 35, south half of 36 --- excellent second rate land.
West half of section 5, east half of 6, west half of 12, section 13, east half of 14, east half of 23, sections 24, 25, east half of 26 --- rich first rate land.
Timber --- oak and hickory --- hazle and vines.
Prairies rich and rolling.
This township has very little timber, being chiefly rolling prairie: the soil is excellent second rate.
Timber --- oak and hickory.
South half of section 13, south half of 14, south half of 15, north half of 22, north half of 23, north half of 24 --- thin soil.
The residue of this township is second rate rolling prairie.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and elm --- hazle and vines.
57
North half of section 3, northwest quarter of 8, east half of 35, west half of 36 --- thin, broken soil.
Sections 1, 2, south half of 3, sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, north half of 17, section 18, west half of 19, east half of 21, sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, west half of 30, west half of 31, east half of 33, section 34, west half of 35, east half of 36 --- excellent second rate land chiefly prairie.
South half of section 17, east half of 19, section 20, west half of 21, section 29, east half of 30, east half of 31, section 32, west half of 33 --- very rich first rate prairie.
Timber --- oak, hickory, some walnut and lynn --- hazle.
South half of section 25, north half of 36 --- level wet land.
West half of section 14, west half of 27, west half of 34 --- broken, thin soil.
Sections 1, 2, north half of 3, sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, north half of 9, section 11, west half of 16, sections 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, north half of 23, section 24, north half of 25, north half of 28, sections 29, 30, 31, 32, south half of 33, east half of 34, south half of 35, south half of 36 --- excellent second rate farming land.
South half of section 3, south half of 9, sections 10, 12, 13, east half of 14, section 15, east half of 16, south half of 23, section 26, east half of 27, south half of 28, north half of 33, north half of 35 --- rich first rate soil.
Timber --- oak, lynn, and hackberry --- hazle.
Prairie generally rolling.
This township is principally first rate soil: the timber part of it is excellent second rate soil.
Timber --- oak --- hazle and vines.
North half of section 13, south half of 14, southeast quarter of 22, section 23, south half of 24, sections 25, 26, 27, south half of 28, south half of 29, southeast quarter
58
of 30, sections 31, 32, 33 west half of 34 --- thin soil.Sections 1, 2, north half of 3, east half of 4, north half of 11, section 12, south half of 13, north half of 24, east half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
South half of section 3, east half of 9, section 10, south half of 11, north half of 14, section 15, east half of 16, east half of 21, north half and southwest quarter of 22, north half of 28, north part of 29 --- rich first rate soil.
The residue of this township, being overflowed by a large pond, was not surveyed.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and some walnut.
Sections 25, 26, east half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- prairie.
The residue of this township was not surveyed, being a bottom, covered by the waters of the Mississippi.
This fractional township is generally inundated by the Mississippi, and is not fit for cultivation.
Timber --- ash, maple, elm, sycamore, and oak.
59
West half of section 3, east half of 4, northeast quarter of 9, southwest quarter of 21 --- thin broken soil.
East half and southwest quarter of section 1, south half and northwest quarter of 2 northwest quarter of 3, west half of 4, section 5, north half of 6, southeast quarter of 9, south half of 10, section 42, east half of 13, west half of 15, sections 16, 17, south half of 18, sections 19, 20, east half of 24, west half of 28, sections 29, 30, 31, 32, west half of 33 --- good farming land.
Northwest quarter of section 1, northeast quarter of 2, southeast quarter of 3, south half of 6 sections 7, 8, west half of 9, north half of 10, section 11, west half of 13, section 11, east half of 15, north half of 18, north half and southeast quarter of 21, sections 22, 23, west half of 24, sections 25, 26, 27, east half of 28, east half of 33, sections 34, 35, 36 --- excellent second rate land.
Timber --- oak, hackberry, walnut, and hickory.
Section 1, east half of 2, west half of 3, sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, north half of 14, sections 15, 16, east half of 17, west half of 13, sections 19, 20, 21, north half of 22, south half of 25, south half of 26, west half of 28, sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- good farming land.
West half of section 2, east half of 3, south half of 14, west half of 17, east half of 18, south half of 22, sections 23, 24, north half of 25, north half of 26, section 27, east half of 28 --- excellent second rate land.
Timber --- oak and hickory --- hazle --- part barrens.
Southeast quarter of section 22, southwest quarter of 23, northwest quarter of 26, northeast quarter of 27 --- level wet prairie.
North half of section 1, north half and southwest quarter
60
of 4, section 5, north half of 6, south half of 7, west half of 8, west half of 15, sections 17, 18, 19, 20, west half of 21, section 25, south half and northeast quarter of 26, south half and northwest quarter of 27, sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, west half of 34, section 36 --- excellent second rate farming land.South half of section 1, sections 2, 3, southeast quarter of 4, south half of 6, north half of 7, east half of 8, sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, east half of 21, north half and southwest quarter of 22, north half and southeast quarter of 23, section 24, east half of 34, section 35 --- rich first rate land.
Timber --- oak
Half the town is prairie, residue principally bushy barens.
West half of section 21, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, south half of 29, south half of 30, sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- excellent second rate land.
The residue of this township is rich first rate land.
Timber --- walnut, elm, oak, and hickory --- brush and briars.
This township is rich prairie.
This township is rich prairie.
North half of section 1, northeast quarter of 2, south half of 3, southwest quarter of 5, northeast quarter of 6, east half and southwest quarter of 7, northwest quarter and South half of 8, northeast quarter and south half of 9, section 10, west half of 11, north half of 16, sections 17,18, north half of 19, northwest quarter of 20 --- excellent second rate land.
The residue of this township is rich first rate land, chiefly prairie.
On, the line between sections 8 and 17, an ore, supposed to contain silver, has been discovered.
61
West half of section 4, sections 5, 6, north half of 7, section 8, east half of 9, sections 14, 15, 16, 17, south half of 18, sections 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, north half of 25, sections 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, west half of 31, east half of 32, sections 33, 34, 35, south half of 36 --- excellent second rate land.
Sections 1,2, 3, east half of 4, south half of 7, west half of 9, sections 10, 11, 12, 13, north half of 18, south half of 25, east half of 31, west half of 32, north half of 36 --- rich first rate rolling prairie.
Timber --- oak and hickory --- hazle.
South half of section 10, north half of 15 --- broken, wet land.
Section 1, northwest quarter of 2, sections 3, 4, east half of 5, north half of 9, west half of 10, section 11, north half of 13, west half of 15, east half of 16, southwest quarter of 18, north half of 19, northeast quarter of 21, northwest quarter of 22 --- broken, rough land, thin soil.
East half and southwest quarter of section 2, west half of 5, section 6, west half of 7, east half of 8, south half of 9, east half of 10, section 11, south half of 13, east half of 14, west half of 16, east half of 17, northwest quarter of 18, south half of 19, section 20, west half and southeast quarter of 21, northeast quarter of 22, section 23, north half of 24, west half of 26, west half of 28, north half of 29, section 30 --- excellent second rate land.
East half of section 7, west half of 8, west half of 14, east half of 15, west half of 17, east half of 18, south half of 22, south half of 24, section 23, east half of 26, section 27, east half of 28, south half of 29, sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- rich first rate land.
Timber --- oak and hickory --- prairie generally rolling.
62
Sections 6, 21, 22, southwest quarter of 23, southeast quarter of 25, west half of 6, sections 27, 28, 33, 34, west half of 35, northeast quarter of 36 --- broken land, good soil.
Section 1, southeast quarter of 11, sections 12, 13, northeast quarter of 14, south half of 15, south half of 16, sections 17, 18, 19, north half of 20, northwest and southeast quarters of 23, section 24, northeast quarter of 25, south half of 29, sections 30, 31, 32 --- good second rate soil.
Sections 2, 3, 4, 5,7, 8, 9, 10, north half and southwest quarter of 11, northwest quarter and south half of 14, north half of 15, north half of 16, south half of 26, northeast quarter of 23, west half of 25, east half of 26, north half of 29, east half of 35, west half and southeast quarter of 36 --- rich first late soil.
Timber --- oak --- hazle and bushes.
This township is chiefly prairie, and very rich first rate soil.
Timber --- oak and hickory.
Southeast quarter of section 20, southwest quarter and east half of 21, west half of 22, north half of 28 --- level wet prairie.
West half of section 5, section 6, north half of 7, northwest quarter of 8, southwest quarter of 17, south half of 18, section 19, north half and southwest quarter of 20, northwest quarter of 21, sections 29, 30, 31, 32, west half of 35 --- rough land, but good soil, chiefly prairie.
The residue of this township is very rich first rate soil
Timber --- a few oaks and hickory.
This township is reported to be rich first rate soil.
Timber --- white and black oak, scattering --- chiefly prairie.
63
East half of section 32, west half of 33 --- level wetland.
Southeast quarter of section 2, west half of 11, fractional sections, 9, 10, northwest quarter of 15, fractional sections 16, 19, 20, northwest quarter of 21, north half of 30 --- these lie between the bluffs and the river; the soil very good farming land.
The residue of this fractional township is rich first rate soil.
Timber --- white and black oak.
64
Southeast quarter of section 10, southwest quarter of 11, south half of 15, north half and southwest quarter of 22, northwest quarter of 23, northwest quarter of 27, southeast quarter of 34, southwest quarter of 35 --- overflowed by the lake.
East half of section 1, east half of 12, east half of 13 northeast quarter of 16, east half of 24, east half of 25, east half of 36 --- these lie east of the bluffs, and is dry farming land.
West half of section 1, section 2, fractional sections 9, West half 10, west half of 12, west half of 13, east half of 14, northwest quarter of 15, southeast quarter of 22, east half and southwest quarter of 23, west half of 24, west half of 25, section 26, east half and southwest quarter of 27, north half and southwest quarter of 34, north half and southeast quarter of 35 west half of 36 --- these lie between the bluffs and the lake, and is rich bottom land.
Section 11, and part of 14, and part of 15, are covered with a large pond. A large slough runs through sections 22, 28, 33,and 34.
The residue of this township, being covered by the lake, was not surveyed.
Timber --- on high land, oaks; in bottom, walnut elm, hackberry, maple, ash, and pawpaw.
Sections 1, 2, east half of 3, sections 11, 12, 13, east half of 14, east half of 23, sections 24, 25, 26, southwest quarter of 28, east half of 33, south half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- rich soil.
The residue of this township, being covered by the lake, and flooded from it, was not surveyed.
Timber --- ash, elm, lynn, hickory, walnut, locust, oak, and pawpaw.
65
Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, 36 --- were surveyed: the soil is thin, and, near the lake, hilly and broken.
The residue of this township was not surveyed.
Timber --- oaks and hickory.
Southwest quarter of section 16 --- overflowed from the Mississippi river.
Fractional section 2, northeast quarter of 11 --- broken land.
Fractional section 1, south half of 10, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, south half of 15, east half of 16, east half of 21, sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, east half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- good farming land.
South half of section 10, north half of 15, east half of 20, west half of 21, sections 28, 29, southeast quarter of 30, east half of 31, sections 32, 33, west half of 34 --- rich second rate soil.
Fractional sections 3, 4, 9, north half of 10 --- very rich first rate soil. On the fractional sections 4 and 9, two small military works, called Fort Johnson and Fort Edwards, have been erected, and is the best situation, immediately on the Mississippi, for the site of a town, north of the base line.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and hackberry.
66
Fractional section 1, sections 17, 18 --- very rich first rate land.
The residue of this township is reported to be good farming land.
Timber --- maple, thorn, and willow.
This fractional township is overflowed by the Illinois.
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, southeast quarter of 15 --- level and wet land, overflowed partly by the river.
West half and northeast quarter of section 15, west half of 22, fractional section 28 --- rich first rate soil.
Fractional sections 17, 33, and section 23, are elevated situations, having a gentle slope to the river. It cannot afford, however, an eligible situation for a town.
From fractional section 17, the land, to the mouth of the Ilinois, and for four or five miles up the river, lies low, and is swampy.
The residue of this township is reported to be good farming land.
Timber --- maple, hickory, thorn, willow, pawpaw, boxelder, spicewood, and hackberry.
Fractional section 5, and west half of section 6 --- third rate soil, principally bluffs and rough land.
The bluffs are here upwards of 100 feet high, and terminate very abruptly.
67
Sections 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24 --- rich first rate land.
The residue of this township is reported to be good farming land.
Sections 20, 26, 29, 32, 34 --- rich first rate land.
The residue of this fractional township is chiefly third rate land.
Sections 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 17, 20, 28, 29 --- rich first rate land.
The residue of this fractional township, west of the bluffs, is reported to be good farming land.
This fractional township is good farming land.
Sections 17, 20, 21 --- rich first rate soil.
The residue of this fractional township is good farming land.
Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, rich first rate land.
The residue of this fractional township is reported to be good farming land.
These fractional townships are reported to be good farming land.
South half of section 9, north half of 16, east half of 34 --- rich first rate land.
The residue of this fractional township is reported to be good farming land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, walnut, elm, maple, ash, dogwood, sugar tree, sassafras --- hazle.
68
South half of section 2, north half of 11 --- overflowed land.
Southwest quarter of section 19, west half of 30, section 31 --- rich first rate bottom land.
The residue of this fractional township is good farming land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, dogwood, spicewood, and pawpaw.
Southwest quarter of section 5, east half of 6, east half of 7, west half of 8, west half of 17, northwest quarter of 29 --- rich first rate bottom land.
The residue of this fractional township is good farming land.
South half of section 8, has a salt spring.
The prairie bottom east of the bluffs is frequently overflowed.
Section 28 is a very good site for a town, being high, and of easy descent to the river.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and dogwood.
North half of section 2, east half of 11, east half of 14, east half of 33, section 26, north half of 34 --- rich first rate land, chiefly prairie.
The residue of this fractional township is rolling, but good farming land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and dogwood.
East half of section 9, section 10, west half of 14, section 15, east half of 16, east half of 21, sections 22, 23, 26 --- excellent second rate soil.
The residue of this fractional township is good farming land.
Timber --- oaks and hickory --- hazle and vines.
Fractional section 1 --- broken land on the river; rough over the bluffs.
Timber --- oak and hickory --- hazle.
69
Not well described.
Timber --- oak, hickory, cherry, and elm --- hazle and vines.
Southeast quarter of section 22, section 23, southeast quarter of 25, north half of 26, northeast quarter of 36 --- very rich first rate land.
Residue of the township not well described.
Not well described.
West half of section 17, southeast quarter of 18, east half of 19, southwest quarter of 20, southeast quarter of 29, northeast quarter of 32, northwest quarter of 33 --- very rich first rate land. Residue not well described.
Northwest quarter of 12, west half of 13, east half of 24, of town 10 --- very rich first rate land.
70
West half of section 6, west half of 7, west half of 18, northwest quarter of 19 --- very rich first rate land.
The prairie part of this township is excellent second rate land.
The greater part of this township is not described as being either fit or unfit for cultivation.
Not well described.
Southeast quarter of section 12, southwest quarter of 17, southeast and northwest quarters of 18, northeast quarter of 19, north half of 20, northwest quarter and east half of 23, southwest quarter of 30 --- very rich first rate soil.
The residue of this township is not well described, as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- oak, hickory, cherry, and elm --- hazle.
Northwest quarter of section 3, northeast quarter of 4, southeast quarter of 21, southwest quarter of 28, of town 6 --- very rich first rate soil.
Southwest quarter of section 23, northeast quarter of 27, of town 7 --- very rich first rate soil.
Residue of these townships not well described.
Timber --- oak, maple, elm, sycamore, hackberry, spicewood, plum, lynn, buckeye, hickory, and sassafras --- hazle and vines.
71
Section 1, east half of 2, south half of 1, west half of 5, east half of 6, east half of 7, section 3, northeast quarter and west half of 9, east half of 11, sections 12, 13, east half of 11, west half of 16, east half of 17, north half of 24, east half of 34, west half of 35 --- very rich first rate soil.
West half of section 2, section 3, north half of 4, east half of 5, west half of 6, west half of 7, southeast quarter of 9, section 10, west half of 11, west half of 14, section 15, east half of 16, northwest quarter of 17, north half of 18, east half of 21, west half of 22, west half of 23, south half of 24, sections 25, 26, 27, east half of 28, east half of 33, west half of 34, east half of 35, section 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
The residue of the township not described as being fit or unfit fur cultivation.
Timber --- hickory, oak, walnut, elm, sugar tree, and sassafras --- hazle.
East half of 21, section 22, south half of 23, sections 26, 27, east half of 28, north half of 34, northwest quarter of 35 --- very rich first rate soil.
South half of section 8, east half of 9, west half of 10, east half of 11, west half and southeast quarter of 12, section 13, 17, north half of 20, sections 24, 25, south half of 34, northeast quarter and south half of 35, section 36 --- excellent second rate land.
Section 1, east half of 2, section 7, north half of 8, northeast quarter of 12, east half of 14, sections 18, 19, south half of 20, sections 29, 30, 31, 32 --- good farming land.
Residue of the township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- hickory, oak, walnut, lynn, sycamore --- some barrens.
Residue not well described.
72
East half of section 21, west half of 22, north half of 27, east half of 33, west half of 34 --- very rich first rate land.
Sections 1, 2, west half of 5, east half of 6, east half of 10, sections 11, 12, 13, east half of 14, south half of 23, north half of 24, south half of 25, section 26, southeast quarter of 27, east half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
Section 7, east half of 9, southwest quarter of 10, north half of 15, west half of 17, sections 18, 19, north half of 23, south half of 21, north half of 25, sections 29, 30, 31, 32 --- good farming land.
The residue of the township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- lynn, elm, and oak --- hazle --- some barrens.
West half of section 2, east half and southwest quarter of 3, north half of 10, west half of 15, sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, west half of 27, sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, west half of 34 --- very rich first rate soil.
Section 1, east half of 2, south half of 7, south half of 8, south half of 9, east half of 11, section 12, north half of 13, south half of 14, section 23, north half of 26, east half of 27, east half of 35, west half of 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
Sections 5, 6, north half of 7, north half of 8, north half of 9, section 10, north half of 14, east half of 15,
section 24 --- good farming land.
East half of section 34, and west half of 35 --- broken land.
The residue of the township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- oak, hickory, and lynn --- hazle.
Northeast quarter of section 9, southwest quarter of 10, sections 17, 18, 19, 20, east half of 22, west half of 23, west half of 26, sections 27, 28, 29, 30, north half of 31, northeast quarter of 32, north half and southeast
73
quarter of 33, west half and northeast quarter of 34 --- very rich first rate land.Section 1, east half of 2, west half of 3, sections 4, 5, east half of 8, west half and southeast quarter of 9, north half and southeast quarter of 10, sections 11, 12, north half of 13, sections 14, 15, 16, 21, west half of 22, east half of 23, south half of 31, northwest quarter and south half of 32, southwest quarter of 33 --- excellent second rate soil.
Sections 6, 7, west half of 8, south half of 13, section 24 --- good farming land.
The residue of this township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- oak, hickory, elm, ash, lynn, cherry, and sassafras --- hazle.
Section 1, east half of 2, southwest quarter of 6, northwest quarter of 7, north half of 12, west half of 17, east half and southwest quarter of 18, section 19, east half of 20, southwest quarter and east half of 21, sections 22, 27, north half and southeast quarter of 28, sections 30, 31, west half of 32, east half of 34, southwest quarter of 35 --- very rich first rate land.
Sections 3, 4, east half of 5, north half of 9, sections 10, 11, south half of 12, north half of 13, sections 14, 15, 23, east half of 32, west half of 33, east half of 35, west half of 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
Northeast quarter and south half of section 7, west half of 8, south half of 13, sections 24, 25, east half of 26, east half of 36 --- good farming land.
The residue of this township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Snicarty slough passes through the southwest corner of his township.
Timber --- hickory, oak, locust, ash, hackberry, walnut, sassafras --- hazle.
Section 1, east half of 2, east half of 7, west half and southeast quarter of 8, northeast quarter of 11, sections 12, 13, east half of 14, south half of 15, north half of
74
17, northeast quarter of 18, sections 22, 24, 25, north half of 27, east half of 28, north half of 36 --- very rich first rate soil.West half of section 5, east half of 6, east half of 8, west half of 9 --- excellent second rate soil.
Sections 3, 4, east half of 5, north half of 8, north half and southeast quarter of 9, section 10, west half and southeast quarter of 11, section 14, north half of 15, south half of 17, south half of 18, northeast quarter of 19, north half and southwest quarter of 20, south half of 26, south half of 27, north half of 34, north half of 35 --- wet land, broken by ponds and sloughs.
Snicarty slough passes through the middle of this township.
The residue of this township not well described as fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- sycamore, willow, pecon, hackberry, oak, walnut, locust, and spicewood.
75
Section 2, east half of 3, south half of 6, sections 7, 11, south half of 12, sections 13, 14, east half of 15, west half of 17, sections 18, 24, 25, east half of 26, west half of 29, section 30, 31, east half of 35, section 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
Section 1, west half of 4, east half of 5, north half of 12, section 16, east half of 17, east half of 20, section 21, east half of 22, section 23, west half of 26, east half of 25, south half of 28, sections 32, 33 --- good farming land.
The residue of the township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- hickory, sugar tree, and oak --- hazle --- part barrens.
East half of section 8, west half of 9, northeast quarter of 11, south half of 16, south half and northwest quarter of 17, sections 18, 19, 20, 21, south half of 23, west half of 25, section 26, east half of 27, north half of 28, section 29, north half of 30, east half of 31, west half of 32 --- very rich first rate soil.
West half of section 1, east half and southwest quarter of 2, northwest quarter of 11, west half of 13, east half of 14, north half of 23, west half of 24, east half and northwest quarter of 35, west half of 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
Northwest quarter of 2, east half of 3, sections 4, 5, east half of 6, east half of 7, west half of 8, east half of 9, east half of 10, southwest quarter of 11, section 15, north half of 16, northeast quarter of 17, north half of 22, east half of 34, southwest quarter of 35 --- good farming land.
The residue of the township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- hickory, oak, and some walnut --- hazle.
76
Northwest quarter and south half of 16, east half of 17, northwest quarter of 18, southeast quarter of 19, southwest quarter and east half of 20, north half and southwest quarter of 21, south half of 28, southeast quarter of 29, east half of 32, section 33, southeast quarter of 34, north half and southeast quarter of 35, west half of 36 --- very rich first rate soil.
West half of section 1, east half of 2, west half of 3, east half of 4, section 5, east half of 6, section 8, east half and southwest quarter of 9, section 10, south half of 13, south half of 14, north half of 15, north half of 16, west half of 17, east half and southwest quarter of 18, north half of 19, east half of 22, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, east half of 27, northwest quarter of 28, northeast and southwest quarter of 29, east half of 31, west half of 32, northeast quarter of 34, southwest quarter of 35, northeast quarter of 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
East half of section 1, west half of 2, east half of 3, west half of 4, northwest quarter of 9, sections 1, 12, north half of 13, north half of 14, south half of 15, southeast quarter of 21, west half of 22, northeast quarter of 28 --- good farming land.
The residue of the township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- hickory, walnut, elm, and oak --- hazle.
South half and northwest quarter of section 2, east half of 3, south half and northwest quarter of 4, east half and southwest quarter of 5, south half and northwest quarter of 6, north half of 7, section 8, west half and northeast quarter of 9, east half of 10, west half and northeast quarter of 11, west half of 14, east half and southwest quarter of 15, east half and southwest quarter of 19, north half and southwest quarter of 20, north half and southeast quarter of 21, section 22, west half of 23, west half of 24, north half and southeast quarter of 25, section 26, west half and southeast quarter of 27, section 28, northeast quarter of 29, north half and southeast quarter of 30, west half of 33, northeast quarter of 34,
77
north half and southeast quarter of 35, west half and southeast quarter of 36 --- very rich first rate land.West half of section 1, northeast quarter of 2, west half of 3, northwest quarter of 5, northeast quarter of 6, southeast quarter of 9, northwest quarter of 10, west half of 13, east half of 14, section 16, east half and southwest quarter of 17, southeast quarter of 20, southwest quarter of 21, east half of 23, east half of 24, southwest quarter of 25, northeast quarter of 27, east half of 33, west half and southeast quarter of 34, southwest quarter of 35 --- excellent second rate soil.
Southeast quarter of 11, northwest quarter of 15, northwest quarter of 17, section 18, northwest quarter of 19, north half of 31 --- good farming land.
The residue of this township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- hickory, oak, lynn, walnut, elm, sugar tree, hackberry, maple, and ash --- briars.
South half of section 2, south half of 5, south half of 6, sections 7, 8, southeast quarter of 9, north half of 11, northwest quarter of 16, west half and southeast quarter of 17, sections 18, 19, 20, southwest quarter of 22, northeast quarter of 27, sections 29, 30, 31 --- very rich first rate soil.
South half of section 1, south half of 9, section 12, east half and south west quarter of 16, northeast quarter of 17, section 21, south half and northwest quarter of 27, section 28, southeast quarter of 32, sections 33, 34 --- excellent second rate soil.
North half of section 2, east half of 10, southwest quarter of 11, section 14, east half of 15, north half and southeast quarter of 22, section 23 --- good farming land.
West half of section 4, east half of 5 --- overflowed by the creek; not fit for cultivation.
The residue of this township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- walnut, hackberry, elm, oak, hickory, and maple --- hazle --- some barrens.
78
Sections 1, 2, east half of 3, northeast quarter of 5, south half of 10, section 11, north half and southeast quarter of 12, north half and southwest quarter of 14, north half of 15, northeast quarter of 16, east half of 23, northwest quarter of 24, south half of 25, north half of 26, north half of 36 --- very rich first rate land.
South half of section 4, south half of 8, north half of 9, north half of 10, southwest quarter of 12, section 13, northeast quarter of 24 --- excellent second rate land.
South half of section 5, south half of 6, north half of 7, north half of 8, south half of 15, east half and northwest quarter of 22, west half of 23, south half of 24, north half of 25 --- overflowed by the river; not fit for cultivation.
West half of section 3, north half of 4, south half of 9, good farming land.
The residue of this township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- maple, walnut, oak, buckeye, ash, hickory, elm, and plum --- briars.
79
South half of section 1, south half of 2, southwest quarter of 3, west half and southeast quarter of 4, east half and southwest quarter of 5, south half of 6, north half of 7, north half of 8, east half of 10, section 11, north half of 12, section 14, east half of 15, east half of 22, sections 23, 26, east half of 27, west half and southeast quarter of 29, east half of 30, north half of 32, east half and northwest quarter of 35, west half of 36 --- very rich first rate soil.
North half of section 1, north half of 2, east half and northwest quarter of 3, northwest quarter of 5, south half of 7, south half of 8, section 9, west half of 10, south half of 12, south half of 13, west half of 15, north half of 16, north half of 17, east half and southwest quarter of 21, west half of 22, sections 24, 25, west half of 27, section 28, southwest quarter of 30, north half of 31, southeast quarter of 32, sections 33, 34, southwest quarter of 35, northeast quarter of 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
South half of section 16, south half of 19, section 20, northwest quarter of 21, northwest quarter of 30 --- good farming land.
The residue of this township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- scattering oaks and hickory --- chiefly prairie.
South half of section 8, south half of 11, section 14, south half and northeast quarter of 15, west half of 16, south 17, east half and southwest quarter of 19, section 20, west half and southeast quarter of 21, north half and southeast quarter of 22, north half and southwest quarter of 23, south half and northwest quarter of 26, east half of 27, sections 28, 29, east half and northwest quarter
80
of 30, north half of 32, north half of 33, east half of 34, section 35, west half of 36 --- very rich first rate soil.South half of section 1, west half of 2, section 3, east half of 4, northeast quarter of 8, sections 9, 10, north half of 11, sections 12, 13, northwest quarter of 15, east half of 16, northeast quarter of 21, southwest quarter of 22, southeast quarter of 23, sections 24, 25, northeast quarter of 26, west half of 27, southeast quarter of 32, south half of 33, west half of 34 --- excellent second rate soil.
West half of section 4, sections 5, 6, 7, northwest quarter of 8, section 18, southwest quarter of 30, section 31, southwest quarter of 32 --- good farming land.
The residue of this township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- oak, hickory, sycamore, lynn, sugar tree, elm, cherry, and walnut.
West half of section 4, section 5, east half and southwest quarter of 6, sections 7, 8, 9, 10, south half of 11, sections 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, north half of 23, sections 27, 28, 29, 30, north half of 31, sections 32, 33, 34 --- very rich first rate soil.
South half of section 1, west half of 3, east half of 4, north half of 11, sections 12, 13, south half of 23, sections 24, 25, 26, south half of 31, sections 35, 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
North half of section 1, north half of 2, east half of 3 good farming land.
Timber --- oak, hickory, walnut, hackberry, lynn, elm, sassafras, and cherry --- hazle and vines.
East half of section 1, west half of 5, sections 6, 7, west half of 8, northwest quarter of 12, south half of 14, south half of 17, north half of 18, east half of 19, section 20, east half of 22, section 23, west half and southeast quarter of 24, sections 25, 26, northeast quarter of 27, north half of 29, east half of 34, sections 35, 36 --- very rich first rate soil.
West half of section 1, east half of 2, south half and
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northwest quarter of 3, north half of 4, east half of 8, south half of 9, section 10, east half of 11, east half add southwest quarter of 12, north half and southwest quarter of 13, northeast quarter of 14, section 15, east half of 16, section 21, west half of 22, west half and southeast quarter of 27, section 28, south half of 29, north half of 32, northwest quarter of 33 --- excellent second rate soil.West half of section 2, west half of 11, west half of 16, northeast quarter of 17, southeast quarter of 32, southwest quarter of 33 --- good farming land.
South half of section 4, north half of 9, east half of 33, west half of 34 --- level wet land, not fit for cultivation.
The residue of the township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- maple, hickory, oak, lynn, hackberry, elm, sycamore, sassafras, and spicewood --- hazle and vines.
Sections 1, 2, east half of 3, section 5, east half of 6, north half of 8, northeast quarter of 11, north half and southeast quarter of 12, northwest quarter of 13, southeast quarter of 22, east half of 23, west half of 24, sections 25, 26, east half of 35, north half and southwest quarter of 36 --- very rich first rate soil.
Southeast quarter of 11, southwest quarter of 12, east half and southwest quarter of 13, northeast quarter of 24 --- excellent second rate soil.
West half of section 3, sections 4, 8, 9, 10, west half of 11, west half of 14, sermons 15, 16 --- overflowed land.
The residue of the township not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- oak, maple, elm, willow, hackberry, walnut, pecon, locust, and ash --- briars.
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Sections 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, north half of 12, sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31, 32 --- rich first rate soil.
Sections 3, 10, 11, south half of 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35, 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
Timber --- lynn, walnut, buckeye, oak, and hickory --- hazle.
Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, south half of 10, north half of 15, sections 17, 18, 20, east half of 21, west half of 22, south half of 24, north half of 25, south half of 28, section 29, south half of 30, sections 31, 32, 33, 31, 35, southwest quarter of 36 --- rich first rate soil.
South half of section 1, south half of 9, south half of 11, north half of 12, west half of 13, section 11, north half of 46, east half of 22, section 23, west half of 24, section 26 --- excellent second rate soil.
South half of section 3, south half of 4, north half of 9, north half of 10, north half of 11, south half of 12, east half of 13, southwest quarter of 16, section 21, south half of 22, south half of 25, section 27, north half of 28, north half of 36 --- good farming land.
Southeast quarter of section 31, has a good mill seat.
The residue of this township is not well described, as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- lynn, sycamore, sugar tree, oak, hickory and sassafras.
Section 1, east half of 2, west half of 3, east half of 4, east half of 7, northwest quarter of 8, north half of 12, south half of 13, northeast quarter of 21, west half of 22, north half of 24, southeast quarter of 35, northwest quarter of 36 --- very rich first rate land.
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West half of section 2, east half of 3, south half of 6, northwest quarter of 7, east half of 10, section 11, southwest quarter of 12, section 14, east half of 15, south half 16, east half of 22, section 23, south half of 24, north half of 25, north half of 26, northeast quarter of 27 --- excellent second rate soil.
West half of section 4, east half of 5, section 9, west half of 10, west half 15, north half of 16 --- good farming land.
South half of section 8, sections 17, 20, south half and northwest quarter of 21, south half of 26, south half and northwest quarter of sections 28, 33, 34, west half and northeast quarter of 35 --- level land, and overflowed by Snicarty sloo.
The residue of this township is not well described as being fit or unfit fur cultivation.
Timber --- maple, elm, hackberry, lynn, cherry, walnut, oak, hickory, and sassafras --- hazle and vines.
South half of section 5, section 8, south half of 14, section 15, east half of 22, north half of 23 --- very rich first rate soil.
Sections 1, 2, east half of 3, east half of 10, north half of 11, sections 12, 13, north half of 17, northeast quarter of 21, southwest quarter of 22, east half of 24, west half of 25, north half of 36 --- excellent second rate soil.
West half 3, section 4, north half of 5, section 9, west half of 10, south half of 11, north half of 14, south half and northeast quarter 23, west half 24 --- overflowed by the river.
The residue of this township is not well described as being fit or unfit for cultivation.
Timber --- maple, elm, ash, walnut, locust, birch, hickory, and oak --- briars.
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Section 1, east half of 2, east half of 11, sections 12, 13, east half of 14, east half of 23, sections 24, 25, east half of 26, sections 35, 36 --- very rich first rate soil.
South half of section 16, northeast quarter of 21, west half of 26 --- excellent second rate soil.
West half of section 2, sections 3, 4, 9, 10, west half of 11, west half of 14, section 15, north half of 16, section 22, north half of 27 --- overflowed by the river.
Timber --- elm, maple, ash, and hickory --- hazle and briars.
Section 1, east half of 2, east half of 11, sections 12, 13, northeast quarter of 11, section 24, east half of 25, east half of 36 --- very rich first rate soil.
West of 2, east half of 10, west half of 11, west half and southeast quarter of 14, sections 15, 22, 23, west half of 25, section 26, east half of 27, northeast quarter of 34, section 33, west half of 36 --- overflowed by the river.
Timber --- walnut, hickory, maple, lynn, hackberry and oak --- briars and vines.
This fractional township is broken by Mill Creek and by large ponds.
Timber --- oak and maple --- briars and vines.
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Description of the Illinois Territory
THE Illinois territory is bounded, on the east and south, by the State of Indiana and the Ohio river, on the west, by the Mississippi river, and, on the north, by the Canada line. To render the following account as distinct and satisfactory as possible, this territory will be delineated according to its divisions of land districts, military bounty lands, and unceded lands. With this view, and beginning southwardly, the description will commence with the
This district comprehends that part of the territory lying eastwardly of the third principal meridian, (which is a line running due north from the mouth of the Ohio river,) and southwardly of the base line, (which is a line running due east from a point a short distance below the mouth of Cahokia creek.)
The southern part of this district is generally well timbered, which extends out from the Mississippi from 30 to 50 miles. The surface is varied, being in some places rather hilly, in others gently rolling, and has some very rich bottom land on the creeks and on the Ohio river; part of the latter are, however, broken by ponds of water. The soil of the high land is chiefly second rate, but in several places a considerable quantity of excellent first rate has been entered at the land office, and part of it is under cultivation. Salt, iron ore, and stone coal is found in great abundance and of excellent qualities.
The northern part of this district is partly level and partly rolling. In many places it is conveniently divided, for the purpose of settlements, between woodland and prairies. In this part of the district there is, however, rather too much prairie to induce an immediate
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and general cultivation. The soil, in general, is good; some of it very rich, and the country well watered. All of the grains, fruits, and vegetables grow well. Tobacco will become one of the staples, as it grows to a very great size. The leaf is large and very rich.The climate of this district is very agreeable, and health is enjoyed in every part of it, except in the immediate neighborhood of the ponds in the Ohio bottoms. The emigration to this District has been considerable during the last three or four years, and would have been much greater had it not been prevented by the injudicious reservation of large tracts of land, upon the probability they might be required for public works. These reservations are not only large, but, being made in different parts of the district, have precluded a compact settlement, and thereby prevented the rise in the value of the land which is so manifest in other parts of the country. It is at least questionable whether any reservations ought to be made in a country rapidly filling, excepting such only as are intended for the support of the gospel, and for the use of schools.
The streams which flow through this district, are the following:
Wabash river, navigable 240 miles.
Ohio river, navigable 160.
Fox river, emptying into the Wabash 15 miles above its mouth.
Saline creek, emptying into the Ohio 26 miles below the mouth of the Wabash, and navigable 30 miles. The United States' salt works are on this stream, at 20 miles from its mouth.
Sandy creek.
Cash river, 15 miles below Wilkinsonville.
In the Shawneetown district are the following towns:
Shawneetown 7 miles below the mouth of the Wabash.
Carmi, on the Little Wabash, 20 miles from its mouth.
Palmyra, 20 miles below Vincennes.
Elvira, on the waters of Cash river, 40 miles northwest towards Kaskaskias.
Golconda, formerly called Lusk's Ferry.
Beside several other towns which have been laid out in different parts of the district in very advantageous situations --- the names for which have not yet been permanently established.
This district comprehends that part of the territory lying westwardly of the third principal meridian, eastwardly of the Mississippi river, and southwardly of the base line.
What has been said of the Shawneetown may be said also of this district, with some little variation. The heavy timber is found on
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the south and west parts of the district. There is some iron ore of good quality, stone coal is abundant on the broken hills; and persons are now employed in raising copperas, which is found in several places. There are no salt works in operation, but salt springs and licks are numerous. The country is well watered, and healthy, except on the bottoms of the Mississippi, which are from two to six miles wide. No lands can exceed these bottoms in fertility, but they are considered unfavourable to health, owing to luxuriant vegetation.At the junction of the Ohio with the Mississippi river, there is a neck of land, varying in breadth until it is nearly separated from the main by Cash river. The Ohio side of this neck of land is subject to occasional inundations a distance of four or five miles upwards; but a considerable proportion of that on the Mississippi side, being more elevated, is susceptible, by the application of comparatively moderate means, of being rendered perfectly dry and put beyond the rise of either river. Considering the advantage of its situation for commercial and trading purposes, it cannot fail to excite surprise, that so many persons have passed by it, insensible of its importance. This insensibility in, however, yielding to a correct opinion of its value. The whole of the land south of Cash river has been entered by individuals since August last; and from thirty to fifty dollars per acre has been paid for a small interest in them. It is on this point, or on the high land on the Ohio adjoining Cash river, that within a short period of time the traveller will find all the comforts, and many of the luxuries of a populous town; the trader and the farmer will find here a safe and advantageous deposite for the produce raised upon the Mississippi and the Ohio, and upon the thousands of streams which empty into these; the merchant will suffer no embarrassment nor be liable to any delay in transporting his merchandise, by means of the steam boats, at any stage of the waters; and the capitalist, who shall have vested his money in the lands watered by these streams, will find them advanced beyond his most sanguine calculations.
At the last session of the legislative council of this territory, an act was passed incorporating a body politic, by the name and style of The President and Directors of the Bank of Cairo, upon the following terms and conditions, viz. That of the land lying on the aforesaid point, south of Cash river, there shall be laid off not less, than 2,000 lots, of one third of an acre each; these lots to be sold under the direction of commissioners, in the manner following: books of subscription to be opened for the said lots, at 150 dollars each; a deposit of 50 dollars to be made at the time of subscribing tire residue to be paid at three and six months. Five hundred lots
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being thus sold, an election will be held for president and directors of said bank, to be located at Kaskaskias. The proceeds of sales of the said five hundred lots, and the remaining lots, forms the capital of the said bank. This character is granted for the term of thirty years, and without a bonus. One third of the proceeds of the sale of the said lots is appropriated and to be expended, under the direction of commissioners, in the embankment of the town site. The residue of 100 dollars entitles the proprietor and the subscriber each to share in the said bank. The title to the land is derived immediately from the United States, has been paid for by the purchasers, and by them conveyed to trustees for the aforesaid purposes. It is intended to open the books for recieving subscriptions at an early day, of which notice will be given in the newspapers.In the Kaskaskias district are the following towns:
Kaskaskias, on the river Kaskaskias, 6 miles from its mouth.
Brownsville, on Big Muddy river, 40 miles southeast from Kaskaskias.
Prairie des Roche, on the Mississippi river, 12 miles from Kaskaskias.
Harrisonville, on the Mississippi river, 12 miles from Kaskaskias.
Cairo, on the point at the juction of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, 80 miles south of Kaskaskias.
America, on the Ohio and Cash rivers.
Beside several other towns which have been laid out in different parts of the district in very advantageous situations, the names for which have not yet been permanently established.
The streams which flow through this district are the following:
Maria river, emptying into the Mississippi.
Muddy river, a considerable stream, naviagable for 40 miles.
Au Vase, 55 miles above the mouth of the Ohio, navigable for 60 miles.
Kaskaskia river, 100 miles above the mouth of Ohio river, navigable for 150 miles. On the west and northwest it receives the Water Cress and Lalande creeks, on the east, Blind river, Big Hill creek, Beaver creek, Yellow creek, and Copper Mine creek.
Mississippi river.
This district comprehends that part of the territory lying north of the base line, east of the Mississippi, south of a line commencing at a point about twelve miles south of the mouth of the Illinois river, and running due east till it intersects the third principle meridian, and west of the said meridian. These limits include the lands
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already surveyed. The bottom land on the Mississippi is from six to eight miles wide as far up as the Piasas Bluffs, and is of the same character with the bottoms before described. East of the bluffs the land lies well, alternately rolling or level, and is of good soil.For some distance out from the river the country is conveniently divided between woodland and prairies; further east the prairies prevail. The climate is very healthy, except on the bottom, and has a considerable proportion well watered. Stone coal is found in various places. So great has been the desire to possess the land in this district, that little more than a year after the office was opened nearly all the land which had been surveyed was sold to individuals.
The country comprised within the limits of the Shawneetown and Kaskaskias districts and part of the Edwardsville district, from its being generally level, almost necessarily implies a share of ponds and stagnant water places, and, from the richness of its soil, that of luxuriant vegetation. In some places, on the first settling, the premature disturbance of this surplus vegetable matter, together with the dampness arising from the ponds, frequently produce bilious fevers, agues, &c. Experience has, however, proven that the industrious hand of the husbandman, in suppressing the growth and removing the rubbish, and the grazing of domestic cattle, soon destroy the causes of noxious vapour or miasma. In this country consumption is seldom known.
In the Edwardsville district are the following towns:
Cahokia, on the Mississippi river, 52 miles from Kaskaskias, and 5 miles below St. Louis.
Belleville, 15 miles eastwardly of Cahokia.
Edwardsville, 22 northeast from St. Louis.
French Villiage, 5 east from St. Louis.
Towns have lately been laid out on the east bank of the Mississippi, opposite St. Louis, at the mouth of Wood river, and at the Piasas; beside several others, the names for which have not yet been permanently established.
The streams which flow through that part of this district already surveyed are the following:
Cahokia creek, a considerable stream.
Wood river, a large stream.
Mississippi river.
These lands lie between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, and extend to township No. 15, north of the base line. From the southernmost point of the fourth principle meridian to the northern line
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of surveys, is a distance of 162 miles, but the breadth is various, having a medium of about 72 miles.For a full and satisfactory account of these lands the reader is referred to the descriptions in the foregoing part of this work, from page 1, to 84.
North of the survey of Edwardsville district and east of the bounty lands, there is a small tract of country, near to the river, which is much broken. North and east of this the land lies well for cultivation, and is considered fertile. Advancing further north, there is an extensive body of land watered by the Sangamoin, (which is navigable for boats to a considerable distance,) and lies well for dultivation: it is generally very rich, has numerous water courses, upon which are excellent mill seats, and the climate is healthy.
The remaining part of this topographical account is taken from an interesting report of L. H. Long, Major of Topographical engineers, made to the war office on the 4th of March last.
The growth of the wood lands in this territory comprises several varieties of the oak, the red, white, and blue ash, the black and honey locust, the sycamore, sugar tree, maple, red birch, hickory, walnut, piquequant, cotton wood, linden, hackberry, buckeye, elm, beech, American box, poplar, and cherry --- the undergrowth consists of sassafras, dogwood, haw, crab-apple, pawpaw, grape-vine, hazle, elder, thorn, bramble, &c.
The principal rivers in this region, beside the Ohio and Mississippi, are the Big Miami and Wabash, putting into the Ohio, the Kaskaskias, Illinois, and Rock, putting into the Mississippi; the St. Joseph of Lake Michigan, and the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's of the Maurice, communicating with Lake Erie. Those of most importance, both in a military and civil point of view, as it rsepects the interests of the community at large, are the Ohio, the Mississippi, the Illinois and its constituent branches, and the Chicago, being the channels through which trade and all kinds of intercourse will be kept up, hereafter, between distant sections of the Union. These may be considered the cords which will unite the northern interests of the country, and will eventually become the most important links in the grand chain that surrounds the whole.
The Mississippi and Illinois differ materially with the Ohio, as also with most other rivers falling into the Mississippi, in regard to the width of the valleys through which they flow, and the height to which the water rises in time of floods. The valleys of these rivers are much broader than that of the Ohio, and a greater extent of the adjacent country, is consequently inundated in time of high water. The whole body of the water passing between the banks of the Ohio
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is, in many places, compressed into a comparatively narrow channel which gives occasion to a range of nearly 60 feet, from extreme low to extreme high water. The waters of the Mississippi and IIlinois are allowed to expand over their valleys to such a degree that the range is usually between 12 and 20 feet, seldom more than 20.The Mississippi, particularly after receiving the waters of the Illinois, meanders through a very broad valley, varying in width front 6 to 12 or 14 miles. Its valley is bounded on both sides by high bluffs, which in some places are abrupt and precipitous; in others, of a more gentle activity. In the bluffs along the sides of the valley, horizontal strata of stone frequently present themselves, stretching many miles in nearly a straight direction. These strata are generally cleft perpendicularly, to the height of 40, 60, and sometimes 100 feet, and exhibit evident signs of having been once washed by a torrent of water to a much greater elevation than the river at present ever acquires. These perpendicular heights are, in many places, separated from the bed of the river by extensive tracts of prairie and bottom land, which are themselves considerably above high water mark.
The Mississippi, after receiving the Missouri, suffers a very material change of character. Above the Missouri its current is moderate, its water limpid, and its channel, for the most part, stationary. Below, the Mississippi partakes of the character of the Missouri; it has a rapid current, continually encroaching upon its banks, upon one side or the other; its waters are muddy, and its channel is perpetually changing its position.
The Illinois is formed by the union of three considerable rivers --- the Des Planes, the De Page, anil the Kankakee; the last of which is nearly double the size of either of the two former. The Illinois is about 300 miles in length, and is of variable width, from 70 yards to one mile. It has a very moderate current, and a depth of water sufficient to render it navigable at all times for boats considerable burden, about 230 miles from its mouth. At the mouth of the Vermillion there are rapids perceivable only in the lower stages of the water. Further up the water is not generally so deep as it is below the Vermilion.
In ascending the Illinois river the bluffs gradually decrease in height; being about 150 feet high at the mouth, and about 100 at the head of the river. Included in the bluffs are strata of lime stone, slate, and coal, which occasionally make their appearance along the surface of the declivities.
The river Des Planes is a small stream rising in the low lands bordering upon the west side of Lake Michigan, and has its general course in a southwestwardly direction. The valley of this river has
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an average width of about one mile, and is terminated on both sides by regular banks nearly parallel to each other, extending along the river about 30 miles from the head of the Illinois. In ascending this river, also, the banks or bluffs gradually decrease in height, being, as before mentioned, about 100 feet high at the mouth, and only 20 or 25 at the distance of 30 miles up the river, where, instead of maintaining their parallel direction, they form nearly right angles with the course of the river --- that on the right taking on easterly, and that on the left a northwesterly course: but being gradually inflected from these courses, they form an extensive curve, encircling a large tract of flat prairie, in no part elevated more than 12 or 14 feet above the common level of the water in this vicinity.The river, throughout the above mentioned distance, has four or five short rapids or ripples that make their appearance only in times of very low water. In every other part it has the appearance of being a chain of stagnant pools and small lakes, affording a sufficient depth of water for boats of moderate draught.
In the flat prairies above mentioned is a small lake, about 5 miles in length, and from 6 to 30 or 40 yards in width, communicating both with the river Des Planes and Chicago river, by means of a kind of canal, which has been made partly by the current of the water, and partly by the French and Indians, for the purpose of getting their boats across in that direction in time of high water. The distance from the river Des Planes to Chicago river, by this water course, is about 9 miles; through the greater part of which there is always more or less water, so that the portage is seldom more than three miles in the dryest season; but in a wet season boats pass and repass with facility between the two rivers.
The rivers De Page and Kankakee bear nearly the same character, in regard to their bluffs, valleys, &c. that has been given to the Des Planes. The former of these rivers takes its rise a few miles west of that of the Des Planes, and has a course nearly parallel with it. The latter rises in a flat, marshy country, in the neighbourhood of the St. Joseph of the Lake, and runs a meandering course westwardly, passing the southern extremity of Lake Michigan, at the distance of 20 or 30 miles from it. Near the head of this river is a small creek, putting into the St. Joseph, through which boats have passed in time of high water from the St. Joseph to the Kankakee.
The country trough which the Des Planes, the De Page, and the Kankakee rivers take their courses appears to be underlaid with a vast bed of lime stone, which occasionally makes its appearance in the valleys of these rivers, covered with a soil too thin to support vegetation.
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Chicago river is merely an arm of the lake, dividing itself into two branches at the distance of one mile inland from its communication with the lake The north branch extends along the westerly side of the lake about 30 miles, and receives some few tributaries. The south branch has an, extent of only 5 or 6 miles, and receives no supplies except from the small lake of the prairie above described. The river and each of its branches are of variable widths, from 15 to 50 yards, and for 2 or 3 miles inland, have a sufficient depth of water to admit vessels of almost any burden. The entrance into Lake Michigan, however, which is 80 yards wide, is obstructed by a sand bar about 70 yards broad; upon the highest parts of which the water is usually no more that two feet deep. The difficulty of removing this obstruction would not be great. Piers might be sunk on both sides of the entrance, and the sand removed from between them. By this means the river would be rendered a safe and commodious harbour for shipping; a convenience which is seldom to be met with on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The water course which is already opened between the river Des Planes and Chicago river, needs but little more excavation to render it sufficiently capacious for all the purposes of a canal. It may be supplied with water at all times of the year by constructing a dam of moderate height across the Des Planes, which would give the water of that river a sufficient elevation to supply a canal extending from one river to the other. It would be necessary, also, to construct locks at the extremities of the canal; that communicating with Chicago river being calculated to elevate about six feet, and that communicating with Des Planes about four feet.
To render the Des Planes and Illinois navigable for small boats and flats, requiring but a small draught of water, nothing more is necessary than the construction of sluices of a width sufficient to admit the boats to pass through them. This may be effected by clearing away the loose stones from the bottom, and forming banks erected with stone, two or three feet high, on each side of the sluice. There are but few places, however, where works of this kind would be necessary: the extent of the whole, probably, would not exceed two miles. Thus a water communication between the Illinois and Lake Michigan may be kept open at all times, sufficient to answer all the purposes for which a canal will be wanted, for many years to come.
At no very remote period the public welfare will require a road leading from the seat of government to the northwestern frontier, in a direction that will combine shortness of distance with the practicability of making a good road, and the accommodation of the largest,
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possible extent of country. A road of this character may commence at Wheeling, or any other place on the Ohio, where the United States' road from the seat of government may strike that river, and run in a direction about W. N. W. through the states of Ohio and Indiana, the Illinois and Northwest territories, and strike the most easterly bend of the Mississippi, about 450 miles by the course of the river, north of its confluence with the Missouri. A road in this direction from the seat of government to the Mississippi will not exceed 800 miles in length, and would pass near the sources of many important rivers running southwardly into the Ohio and Mississippi, and also of others running northwardly into the lakes, and would cut some of them near their heads of navigation.From this, as a principal road, branches might lead in various directions, to important points, for the accommodation of smaller sections of the country.
No part of the United States can afford greater facilities, or exhibit more powerful inducements for the construction of public canals and national roads than that under consideration. And should it be the desire of the general government to adopt a system of internal improvement, calculated to combine public emolument with private convenience, no part of the country presents a more favorable opportunity. The lands, whose value will be enhanced by the canals and roads above proposed, are or will be the property of the public. Upon a part of them the Indian claims are already extintinguished and the remainder must sooner or later fall into the hands of the United States.
This tract of country, throughout its whole extent, is alluvial, exhibiting stratifications of earth, stones, and fossils, to an unassignable depth below its surface. Agreeably to the presentations along the bluffs and banks of the rivers and creeks, the strata are arranged in the following order, from the surface downward: the soil gradually passing into sand; horizontal strata of sand stone passing into lime; argilacious lime stone passing into slate; lamellated soft slate passing into coal; stone coal containing bitumen and sulphur. The soil is generally thin in the neighbourhood of the bluffs, and consists of silicious loam. But in the interior, and remote from the bluffs, it becomes deeper and of a much better quality, consisting of an argilaeious loam, united in many places with a rich black mould. The sand stone is generally soft and friable, containing a greater or less proportion of lime. The lime stone is of a gray colour compact and hard, containing a large proportion of clay in its composition. In some instances clay prevails to such a degree, that instead of limestone a fliney formation is substituted, occasionally tinged with iron, but more generally white or grey. The slate is
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in some places black, and in others green, but uniformly soft and friable. The coal is apparently of a very good quality, and may be found in very great abundance.The stones and pebbles generally throughout the country, both upon and below the surface of the ground, are calcarious and argilacious, abounding in marine, and other organic concretions.
The entire population of this territory, on the 1st of January, 1818, is estimated at 40,000 souls. The militia at about 8,000 persons capable of bearing arms.
Fort Clark, or Pioria, is situated in fractional section 9, of township No. 8, north, in range No. 8, east of the fourth principal meridian, on the west side of the entrance of the Pioria Lake, on a beautiful eminence, and in latitude 40 degrees 40 minutes north, longitude 13 degrees and 34 minutes west.
The land lying behind and to the south of the fort is very rich. The bluffs incline toward the lake, and at six miles touch it: from this point they strike off northwestwardly for three miles , and again, inclining toward the lake for six or seven miles, approach it within half a mile, where it is terminated by a high, rich prairie, immediately at the streight of Little Detroit. The space enclosed by the bluffs, at six miles from Fort Clark, and as far as the streight of Detriot, contains exceedingly valuable sugar orchards; the timber consisting chiiefly of the sugar tree, with some elm, ash, and walnut. The timber west of the bluffs is principally oak and hickory.
The Lake Pioria is twenty miles in length, and about one and a half in breadth, except at Little Detroit, wehre it forms a streight of a quarter of a mile wide. This lake is deep, and the water very transparent: it abounds with a great variety of excellent fish, such as the white and black bass, the buffaloe, the sturgeon, the cat fish, the pike, eel, and, in fact, with all the varieties which are found in the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In many places, on both sides of the lake, the shore is sandy, having a gentle descent, unobstructed by rocks or trees, and affording excellent landing for the seine. On the eastern, at the distance of three miles from the Fort, is a large marsh; which abounds with innumerable quantities of wild fowl --- the swain, the pelican, geese, ducks, and white crane.
On the eastern side of the Illinois River, fifteen miles below Fort Clark, Little Mackinaw River empties itself along side of a high level piece of land, affording an excellent site for a town, having about two miles in length, and averaging about one mile in breadth. The land in the neighbourhood is rich, well watered and good timber.
On the eastern side of the Illinois river, at a point about two miles below the mouth of M'Kee's Creek is a high situation, called the Yellow Banks of Movezterre. It is distant from the mouth of
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Negro Creek, about three miles; and is also surrounded by a rich country, possessing the advantage of fine timber, rich soil, and of being very healthy. This latter point is distant from the mouth of the Illinois, following its stream, about eighty miles.The streams which flow through the country east of the Illinois River, west of the Indiana State line, and north of the surveys of Edwardsville district, are the following:
Emptying into the Mississippi River ---
1. Kaskaskia River and its several branches, navigable 300 miles.
2. The head waters of the Cahokia.
3. Wood River.
4. Piasas Creek.
Emptying into the Illinois river, from the eastward ---
5. River Fauche.
6. Maras.
7. Macoupin River, navigable nine miles.
8. Negro Creek.
9. Sangamoin, 100 yards wide at the mouth, and navigable one hundred and fifty miles.
10. Michillimackinack, fifteen miles below Fort Clark, navigable ninety miles.
11. Vermillion.
12. Manon.
13. Fox River, or Des Page.
14. River des Planes.
15. Kankakee.
Emptying into the Wabash between Vincennee and Fort Harrison ---
16. Heads of the Saline Creek.
17. Heads of the Fox River.
18. Little Wabash.
19. Embarrass River.
20. Mascontin.
21. St. Germain.
22. Tortue.
Emptying into the Wabash between Fort Harrison and Tippacanoe.
23. Brouette.
24. Duchat.
25. Erabliere.
26. Rejoicing.
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The Illinois Territory possesses the following navigation:
| Frontier--- | ||
| Wabash River, | 240 miles. | |
| Ohio, | 184 | |
| Mississippi, | 620 | |
| 1,024 miles. | ||
| Internal --- | ||
| Illinois River, | 320 | |
| Tributaries from the northwest, | 550 | |
| Tributaries from the northeast, | 200 | |
| Kaskaskias, and branches, | 300 | |
| Tributaries of the Wabash, | 500 | |
| Minor rivers, | 200 | |
| 2,070 | ||
| 3,094 miles. | ||
From the mouth of Illinois River to New-Orleans is 1,168 miles.
The same to Buffaloe, through the Lakes, is 1,400 miles.
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Description of the Missouri Territitory
THE Missouri territory is bounded on the east by the Mississippi river, on the north and west by the Indian boundary lines, and on the south by the State of Louisiana, or the thirty-third degree of north latitude. The governor and Indian agent have, however, a controlling superintendence beyond these limits, both to the west and to the north; but the civil authority does not exercise any jurisdiction.
Is bounded on the north by the northern Indian boundary line and by the Riviere des Moins, on the east by the Mississippi river, on the south by the river Missouri, on the west by Cedar creek and a line running northwardly to the Indian boundary line.
The lands lying on the Mississippi river, from the mouth of the Missouri to some miles above Salt river, have a great proportion of first rate soil, and gently rolling. At the point where the Bluffs shape off into the bottoms, springs of excellent water are very abundant, and burst out of the sides of the hills at distances convenient for farms north of the Mamelles the land has a gentle ascent from the river to the top of the hills, and afford the same advantage to the river Quivre. The hills are well covered with timber, and the soil is excellent for farming. No where are there so many beautiful natural situations for farms: between the river and the hills the land is rich prairie bottoms; on the hills may be placed the dwelling, and in the rear is an abundance of excellent timber. From the town of Charlotte to the western line of the county the bottom land, which is from one to three miles wide, lies high, is well timbered with sugar tree, and is very rich. Numerous stream
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of water flow through these lands, and empty into the Missouri. Northwest from the town of St. Charles, which is 21 miles distant from the mouth of the Missouri and 18 from St. Louis, the land is excellent for farming, and conveniently divided between woodland and prairie, until it approaches upon the large prairies. Stone coal is abundant, and the climate very healthy.The towns in this county are the following:
St. Charles, the seat of justice, on the north side of the Missouri, 18 miles northwest from St. Louis.
Marthasville, on the bluff of Missouri bottom, 40 miles west of St. Charles.
Cole sans de Sein, on the north bank of Missouri, 70 miles west of St. Charles.
Portage des Souix, on the west bank of the Mississippi, 24 miles north of St. Louis.
Charotte, on the north bank of the Missouri, 40 miles above St. Charles.
The rivers which flow through this county are:
The Riviere des Moins, distant from the mouth of the Missouri about 130 miles, and is navigable for 800 miles.
The Wayaconda, a large stream, but little known.
The Jaufflione.
Salt river, navigable for 200 miles.
Buffaloe.
Quivre, navigable for 150 miles.
Missouri, navigable for 3,096 miles. The great rise in this river, from the melting of the snows, takes place about the 10th of June, and begins to subside about the latter end of July.
The branches of the Missouri, emptying from the north, and which water this county, are the following:
Femme Osage.
Charotte.
Souter.
River au Vase.
Cedar creck.
Beside several smaller streams --- upon all which there is abundance of excellent timber.
Is bounded on the east by the county of St. Charles, on the north and west by the Indian boundary lines, and on the south by the Osage river.
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The land lying on the river Missouri, from the southeast corner of the county, as far up and inclusive of Boon's Lick settlement, corresponds with that before described lying on the river from Charotte.
This county contains 30,000 square miles, of which nearly one half is first rate soil, and is admirable for farming. Much of it is however, so rolling as to wash considerably, and is not generally sufficiently watered with springs, &c. for domestic purposes. The desirable tract extends in some places 15, in others to near 30 miles back from the Missouri; after which the country becomes almost one extended prairie, with much of thin soil. It affords, however, an inexhaustible range for stock. The proportion of prairie to timber is too great to induce a general cultivation for some years, as nearly three fifths of the whole county is prairie. The county, on the south side, is rolling or uneven, approaching to mountainous, interspersed with tracts of level, rich land.
At the junction of Grand river with the Missouri there is a beautiful site for a town, being at the termination of the perpendicular hills on a high plain. Between Grand river and Snake creek the land lies high, is very rich, and covered with excellent timber. At the upper end of the cut-off commences a small prairie bottom, which will become very valuable when the country is improved.
Of the lands in this neighborhood, the government has selected 500,000 acres, for military bounties, of a very rich quality, having a, sufficiency of timber, and being well watered. These lands lie in townships 53, 54, 55, and 56, in ranges 16, 17, 18, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, west of the 5th principal meridian. This tract is not as well watered as is usually inferred from a country so uneven. Near the rivers and water courses it is generally well timbered. Few and small prairies are found near the rivers; but, recording from it, the prairies become more frequent and larger, till, at the distance of 25 or 30 miles, and sometimes in 10 miles or less, the timber becomes lost in general prairie;
The confluence of the Missouri is not comparable to that of the Ohio, on account of the large island at the mouth; and the navigation is difficult by the rapidity of the current, which is one fourth greater than that of the Mississippi, and abounding with shoals, sand bars, sawyers, and rafts projecting from the shores and islands.
The towns in this county are the following:
Franklin, seat of justice, on the north bank of the Missouri river, 160 miles from St. Louis.
Chariton, on the north bank of the Missouri river, and above Bonne Femme creek, 20 miles west of Franklin.
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The streams which flow through this county are,
Branches of the Wayaconda.
Branches of the Jouffione --- not much known.
Branch of the Salt river, navigable 200 miles.
Branches of the Buffaloe --- not much known.
Missouri river --- the branches of which, that water this county, are the following:
Cedar creek.
Roche Pere.
The Maniteau creek, has abundance of licks and springs of salt water at two or three miles from its mouth.
Bonne Femme, navigable several leagues.
Hurricane. Between Bonne Femme and Hurricane are Boon's salt works.
1st Charatan, navigable for 50 miles, empties from the northeast.
2d Charatan, navigable for 100 miles, empties from the northeast.
Grand river, navigable for 600 miles, empties from the north east.
Moreau, empties from the southwest.
Mine river, navigable 40 miles, empties from the southwest.
A branch of this river is navigable for boats through the county, and is exceedingly salt. Lead ore appears to be abundant on this river, and its bottoms are very rich.
South fork of Mine river, a considerable branch.
Snyeebeau --- this stream affords the best mill seat in the county.
Osage river, navigable 600 miles.
Little Saline.
There are several smaller streams which empty into the Missouri from the north, but not having been particularly explored, little is known concerning them.
Is bounded on the east by the Mississippi river, on the north by the Missouri river, on the west by the Osage boundary line, and on the south by a line commencing in township No. 12, north of the base line on the said Osage boundary line, and running northeasterly to township No. 39, on the 5th principal meridian, and thence nearly east to a point on the Mississippi river, a short distance bellow the town of Herculaneum.
The eastern part of this county is diversified --- being alternately rolling and hilly. The country, for about six miles around the town
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of St. Louis, consists of diversified prairies, the soil of which is very fertile, and the face of it exceedingly beautiful. It encounters at present an almost irremovable disadvantage, arising from the want of timber. Beyond this distance the quality of the soil declines for some miles, until what is called the Florissant Valley, situated from 12 to 18 miles from St. Louis, bursts upon the view, exhibiting beauties in the landscape over which the eye ranges with continual delight, and giving the most certain assurance that it is both luxuriant and healthy.The middle part of this county is alternately rolling and hilly, and has some beautiful prairies, of excellent second rate soil.
The valleys have very rich bottoms, not often flooded, and affording numerous mill seats.
The western part of this county is generally open, rich prairie but has limber on the creeks, and in groves, sufficient for a large population. The middle and western part of this county abounds with lead and iron ore. Tin has also been discovered within 20 miles of St. Louis, but the spot is known only to a few persons.
The towns in the county of St. Louis are the following:
Belle Fontaine, 4 miles from the mouth of the Missouri, and 15 miles north from St. Louis.
Florissant, 16 miles from the mouth of the Missouri, and northwest from St. Louis.
St. Louis, on the Mississippi, the seat of justice.
Carondolet, or Vide Poche, 6 miles west of St. Louis.
Herculaneum, 30 miles south of St. Louis.
Rogerstown, 40 miles southwest of St. Louis.
The streams which flow through this county are,
Bonne Homme.
St. Johns.
Gasconade, distant 100 miles from the mouth of the Missouri, and navigable for 100 miles. On its banks are numerous saltpetre caves. The neighbourhood abounds with lead ore. Lumber is rafted down this river for more than 60 miles during high water.
The preceding empty into the Missouri.
Bear creek.
Bay river.
Osage river, distant 133 miles from the Mississippi, and 100 from St. Louis, is 397 yards wide at its mouth; the Missouri opposite is 875 yards wide, and is navigable 600 miles. The low point of its junction with the Missouri is in latitude 38 deg. 31 min. 16 sec. north, longitude 16 deg. 5 min west, of Washington City. It heads at the foot of the Dividing Ridge,
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which separates between it and the waters of the Arkansas, in about latitude 36 deg. 28 min. north, longitude 19 deg. 5 min, west. Near the mouth of this river is an eminence from whence the eye ranges on a most delightful prospect of the adjacent country.Maramek, which empties into the Mississippi, 18 miles below St. Louis, is navigable for 350 miles.
Big river, a branch of the Maramek.
Bourbons, a branch of the Maramek.
Negro Fork, a branch of the Maramek. Emptying into the Osage river from the south ---
Mary's river.
Big Bones.
Nangira, navigable 20 miles.
Potatoe river.
Grand Fork.
Beside many smaller streams which water this county in various directions.
On the Nangira, or Neongee, a southerly branch of the Osage river, and about 18 or 20 miles from its mouth, is a very singular cascade. The greatest perpendicular fall is about 90 feet, and, in the distance of 350 yards, has two smaller falls over ledges of rocks. The body of water is large, and after forming a basin at the foot of the rocks, passes into the Osage, a navigable stream. This is perhaps a situation for machinery equal to any ever discovered, and is the more desirable as the neighbourhood has a considerable body of good land, the hills covered with timber, and abundance of lead and iron ore.
Is bounded eastwardly by the Mississippi river, northwardly by the county of St. Louis, westwardly by the Big River, a branch of the Maramek, thence from the head of Big River to a point on an east and west line, between townships No. 31, and 32, north, distant about 24 miles from the fifth principal meridian, and southwardly by that line for 12 miles, and by a line striking the head of Apple Creek, and following the creek to the Mississippi river.
From the town of Herculaneum to the town of St. Geneveive, the land on the river is generally very hilly and poor; from thence to the Saline it is second rate, excepting a bottom adjoining St. Geneveive, containing about ten thousand acres, which is rich, and lies high. Beyond this the hills put in toward the river, and continue on it for eight miles, thence receding from one to three miles,
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leaves a fine bottom called Bois Brule, which is not liable to be flooded for twenty miles, to Apple Creek. On this bottom, and nearly opposite the mouth of Kaskaskias River, a town has lately been laid out.The land lying south and west of this bottom forms what is called the Barren Settlement, and is a body of good second rate soil, well adapted to the growth of all the small grains, lies high, is well watered, has excellent timber, and is settled by a considerable number of industrious and independent farmers.
Southwest of Geneveive, for ten or fifteen miles, the land is rather indifferent; but wheat, rye, and oats grow tolerably well: it is, however, well watered, and has plenty of timber. Approaching upon Cook's, Murphy's, and St. Michael's settlements, the land improves in quality. These latter embrace a large body of very rich land, having every necessary advantage of timber and fine water, and are in a high state of cultivation and improvement, by a large number of excellent farmers. Lead and coal are abundant. In the neighbourhood of St. Nicholas are the mines which were first worked, and which continue to afford considerable profit. The climate is considered to be healthy.
The towns in this county are the following: viz.
St. Geneveive, the seat of justice, 51 miles south from St. Louis.
New-Bourbon, 53 miles south from St. Louis.
St. Michaels, 30 miles southwest of St. Geneveive.
Maddinsborough, 15 miles soulh of Geneveive.
The rivers which flow through this county are,
The head waters of the Big River, a branch of the Maramek, and Apple Creek.
Several small streams which empty into the Mississippi.
Saline Creek, navigable for 20 miles River-au-Vase a considerable stream, on which are Several excellent mills.
Cape Cinque Homme, a considerable stream, which has excellent mill seats.
Is hounded on the east by the county of St. Geneveive, on the north and west by the county of St. Louis, and on the south by the line between townships No. 31, and No. 32.
The lands lying on, and watered by the Big River, are, in general, good for farming; from thence to the neighbourhood of Potosi they are hilly, beyond which they are good, and have a sufficiency
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both of timber and water. Belle Vue settlement, which lies south of Potosi, is a large body of very rich, fertile land. West of Potosi, for fourteen or fifteen miles, lies the Rich Wood settlement, being also a large body of rich land, having fine water, and a sufficiency of timber. The road from Potosi to Boon's Lick passes through this settlement. This county abounds with mill streams, and iron and lead ore are found in abundance. It is celebrated for the salubrity of its climate. In opposition to the received opinion of many persons, who have been persuaded that the lead ore which is found near to the surface of the earth is poisonous to vegetation, it can be affirmed with truth that such opinion is not founded on fact; on the contrary the soil, which in many places contains the ore intermingled with it as gravel is with the soil in other countries) produces the most luxuriant crops.The principal town in this comity is Potosi, the seat of justice, (formerly called Mine-a-Burton,) 60 miles S.S. W. from St. Louis, and about 45 miles west of St. Genevieve. The Mineral Fork, a branch of Big River, runs through the centre of this town.
The rivers which flow through this county are,
The head waters of the Maramek.
Big River.
Mineral Fork, a branch of Big River.
Negro Fork, a branch ot Big River.
Head of Big Black River.
Head of St. Francis River.
Is bounded on the east by the Mississippi, north by the counties of St. Genevieve and Washington, west by the county of St. Louis, and on the south by the line between townships No. 28 and No. 29.
The lands on the Mississippi, from Apple creek to the swamp, are very rich, and form a part of the Bois Brule bottom. Those on the adjoining hills are second rate only. Commencing at three or four miles from the Mississippi, and running out westwardly for 30 miles, the land is exceedingly good, has tine water, abundance of timber, and is very healthy. Beyond this distance is found only the barrens and the flint hills. The creek bottoms are generally good, and are under cultivation.
At the distance of about 75 miles southwest from Cape Girardeau is the St. Francis river. This river presents some excellent bottoms, which are large; and the adjoining high lands afford abundance of timber, and have a proportion of soil fit for cultivation.
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The bluffs terminate about 20 miles south of Cape Girardeau; and from thence to the Balize is an immense plain, averaging from 26 to 30 miles in breadth, formed of The alluvial of the Mississippi, and is exceedingly rich. This rich plain is watered by the St. Francis, White river, Arkansas, Washita, and Red river, and has a large proportion of it fit for cultivation. The swamps and low lands will hereafter be drained, and will become very valuable.
The great swamp commences about five miles south of Cape Girardeau, and reaches nearly 60 miles, having a breadth from three and a half to 5 miles, which increases as it approaches upon, and is lost in the low lands of the St. Francis. The road passes through this swamp, and in wet weather is almost impassable. In approaching New-Madrid the road passes two lakes of four to five feet deep, and several hundred yards in breadth. These are formed from the branches which have their rise in the hills to the west, and have clean sandy bottoms. In the fall season these lakes are covered with innumerable flocks of wild fowl, and abound with several varieties of excellent fish.
The towns are the following:
Cape Girardeau, 93 miles south from St. Louis, and 20 above the mouth of the Ohio.
Jackson, the seat of justice, 12 miles northwest from Cape Girardeau, and 102 miles from St. Louis.
The streams which flow through this county are,
The St. Francis, and several of its branches.
Apple creek.
Several smaller streams which empty into the Mississippi.
Is bounded on the east by the Mississippi, on the north by the county of Cape Girardeau; on the west by a north and south line 36 miles east of the 5th principal meridian; and south by a line crossing the last mentioned line in township No. 14, north, of range No. 7, east, to the mouth of the Pemisco Bayou.
For a distance of 22 miles toward Winchester, the seat of justice of the county, the land is high and good, except that part which lies between Winchester and the upper lakes, which is too low for cultivation. South of Winchester, the land, having been destroyed by the earthquakes, is very generally abandoned.
Fourteen miles north of New-Madrid commences the big prairie, of eight miles in length and four in breadth, through which the road passes. Here and there are interspersed small groves, or islands, surrrounded with farms under good cultivation. The soil is rich, and
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produces very great crops of cotton and small grain. Fruits suceed well in this climate. Beyond this prairie the land is a perfect level to within 20 miles of Cape Girardeau, covered with beautiful woods of tall oaks, walnut, mulberry, sassafras, honey-locust, and open as if planted by art, and free from undergrowth. The shrubby growth is on land apart from the large timber, and consists of the plum, catalpa, dog wood, spice wood, and sumac. Grazing of large herds of cattle has become a very profitable business.The climate is temperate, and, at a distance from the lakes and ponds, not unfavourable to health.
The preceding description, as to soil and growth, will apply, with small exception, to all that range of country lying southwest and to the White river, between which and the Mississippi the prairies are larger, and the inundations more considerable; in fact, everything is upon a large scale. Here also the soil is stronger, and the vegetation exceedingly luxuriant.
The towns are the following:
New Madrid, 55 miles south of Cape Girardeau, and 148 south of St. Louis.
Winchester, the seat of justice, 22 miles north of New Madrid.
The rivers which flow through this county are,
The St. Francis and its branches, navigable for 800 miles at very high water; during other seasons this is impeded by numerous rafts. This river communicates with the lakes, which lie between it and the Mississippi and some of its branches.
Bayou Pemisco.
Several smaller branches which empty into the Mississippi.
Is bounded on the north by the county of Cape Girardeau, on the east by the county of New-Madrid, on the south by a line crossing the St. Francis river between townships No. 13 and 14, north, in range 8, east of the 5th principal meridian, thence crossing the said meridian in township No. 11, thence crossing Big Black river in township 9, north, of range 6, west of the aforesaid meridian, thence crossing White river, and thence to a point on the Osage boundary line between townships 12 and 13; and on the west by the county of St. Louis.
This county is generally known by the more familiar appellation of the "White river county," and by those who have traversed it in various directions, it is spoken of in the most exalted terms. The White river risen in the Black Mountains, and several of its
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branches interlock with those of the St. Francis, the Gasconade, the Osage, and the Maramek. Its waters are clear, and of a gentle current; and the numerous springs afford a plentiful supply of water in the driest seasons. A town has lately been laid out at the mouth of Spring river, a branch of the Black river. Spring river is remarkable on account of its source, and the length and excellence of its navigation. It issues suddenly, from an immense spring, 200 yards in width, and contracting, in its descent, to 50 or 60 yards. It is about 50 miles in length. This spring is full of the finest fish --- bass, perch, pike, and others common in the western waters.The soil of this county is, in general, rich. In some places the lands are hilly and broken, of course the soil changes to the second and third rate. This latter, however, bears little proportion to the first rate. The land is well timbered, and every where abounds in springs and rivulets.
Travelers assert that on the waters of this river a country may be chosen of at least 100 miles square, equal to the very best lands in Kentucky, and one of the best for settlements in the western country.
Wheat, corn, rye, oats, cotton, and tobacco are raised in great quantities. The various fruits transplanted from the states invariably succeed; and the climate assures good health. Very few years will be sufficient to cover this country with enterprising inhabitants, who will find here a rich reward for their labour. Iron ore, lead, and salt is every where abundant.
Town of Lawrence, seat of justice, on the north bank of Big Black river, 50 miles above the confluence with the White river.
The rivers which flow through this county are the following:
The St. Francis river, navigable for 800 miles.
White river navigable for 1,200 miles.
Big Black river, a branch of the White river, navigable 500 miles. This latter has several large streams emptying from the west --- Strawberry river, Spring river, Eleven Point river, Currant river, navigable for 100 miles, and very transparent, Fouche a Thomas, and Little Black river; and numerous collateral branches.
Beside the preceding, the White river receives many others which are from 150 to 300 miles in length, as Aux Caches, navigable 80 miles, James river, navigable 150, Rapid John, navigable 100, Red river, navigable 300 miles.
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Is bounded on the north by the counties of Lawrence and New-Madrid, on the east by the Mississippi river, on the south by the state of Louisiana, or 33d degree of latitude, and on the west by the Osage boundary line.
The following description of this county is extracted from a letter from Joshua Norwell, esq. dated August 27, 1817.
Each county in the Territory of Missouri is subdivided into townships for the convenience of both judicial and political concerns. The country of Arkansas has eleven townships; seven of which are on the north side of Arkansas river, and the remaining four on the south side. However, Point Chico township is generally reckoned (in its interest) with the northern townships. It lies on the Mississippi, on the Arkansas river, and the 33 deg. of latitude; and is disconnected by a vast wilderness from any other township south of the river. There is some excellent land in Point Chico, and a settlement of forty or fifty families. The soil is well adapted to corn and cotton. All the land is public property, except one large Spanish concession made to Don Carlos de Villemont, who is a highly respectable inhabitant of this vicinity.
Adjoining this township on the north is the township of Arkansas in which the village bearing that name is situated. It is irregularly built on the bank of the river, a little upwards of fifty miles from the mouth. The houses are mostly built after the French fashion with cypress timber. Many of them are going to decay. However, the spirit commercial enterprize begins so rapidly to develope itself upon the Arkansas river, that there is little doubt but that a town of some importance will soon be constructed, and, in all human probability, at this point. The coast, for three miles below here, is thickly settled with French citizens, who devote themselves to agriculture; and for the last two years principally to the culture of cotton, the soil being eminently calculated for the production of that great commodity. Cotton raised here (unlike that of Tennessee and Mississippi) is entirely free from the rot, and, it is believed, is of a finer quality. Mr. Joseph Rogy, the first planter who exported cotton in the bales, to New-Orleans, got last year a premium of three cents in the pound. Several causes are ascribed for the absence of the rot. I have no doubt, however, that it is justly attributable to the saline disposition of the soil. Plant the seed of the cotton reared here, in the Mississippi ground, and in the first year there is no appearance of the rot. The second year this is not the case.
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Hence I conclude that the difference of the soil is the cause. Above this place and within the township are very respectable neighborhoods of farmers on the river, settled on a part of Elisha Winter's concession of one million of arpens. The land is quite rich, and corn and cotton the products. The township is generally level, and contains a gold many cypress swamps, valuable on account of the immense quantities of valuable timber they yield. There is a beautiful prairie, which from one mile hence stretches itself north, about 90 miles in length, and from 6 to 12 in breadth. It is the dividing ground between the waters of the Arkansas and White river. I flatter myself with the hope and belief, that instead of beholding the great diversity of wild flowers that are scattered over this immense plain, the passenger will, ere long, have his eyes feasted with cotton fields, and his mind with the pleasing reflection that the day is approaching when the southern section of the Missouri territory will be ushered into importance.The St. Francis township lies on each side of a beautiful river of that name which disembogues itself into the Mississippi in about 34 degrees 40 minutes of north latitude. This township certainly contains as fine land as there is in the world: at present most of the settlers are in the Mississippi bottom, but it will not be long the case. The prospects on the St. Francis are too inviting, and there is too much fecundity of soil for it not to gain the ascendency over the Mississippi.
Opposite the Chickasaw Bluffs and above the St. Francis, is the little township of Hopefield, where the land is good, being chiefly in the river bottom. It contains only about fifteen or twenty families. On White river, about fifty miles west of the mouth of St Francis, there is another little township called Cache, at the entrance of a small stream that bears that name. It is settled only by a few families, and is a quite unimportant place.
Travelling west from Cache to the Arkansas river, we arrive at the township of the Big Rock. Here, like the St. Francis, is land as rich as human avarice itself could desire; and is well calculated for every description of agricultural pursuit, though the inhabitants turn their attention principally to the raising of corn and cotton. You will he able to judge of the quality of the soil, when informed that each acre, well cultivated, will yield from 65 to 75 bushels of corn to the acre. This township has a front on the river of at least 80 miles, and contains much valuable bottom that does not overflow. About two months ago. Pierre Crusat, a French Creole, raised a Cabin in this township for the residence of his family, the timber of which is entirely pawpaw. I took the trouble myself to measure the four bottom logs, and they were 2 feet 6 inches in circumference
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without the bark. I mention this circumstance because it is well known that pawpaw and spice are the growth only of a luxuriant soil.The Quadrant, or in French pronunciation, Cadron township lies north of the Big Rock, on the river, and takes its name from the Cadron Bayou, that empties into Arkansas river, about three hundred miles by water, above the post. There are in this township fifty or sixty families, most of whom are farmers. Except the settlements of the Perconry and the Point Remove, there is not a great deal of bottom land in the township. However, the up-lands yield very well. At and near the mouth of the Bayou are several trading establishments, which receive, in exchange for goods, money and peltries, and indeed it may be said that these establishments are entitled to consideration. The Dardanelles, where the Chrerokee agent resides, is within the Cadron township. Every season there are several merchants located here, who take, in exchange for goods with the Indians, vast quantities of furs and peltries. The remaining township on the north side of the Arkansas is called Mulberry, after a Bayou of that name. It extends up as high as the intersection of the Osage boundary line with the river. This township within the last year has settled considerably; and the land that is titanic is of a superior quality.
On the sixth Bull, a fork of the Arkansas river, and within the Osage claim, a small distance from the bank, several salt springs issue from the earth, which, when they unite, form a stream sufficient to wield water works; and happily there is a competent fall. The water afforded by these springs is found by experiment, to be just deubly as strong as that of the United States Saline; and there is at all seasons of the year a superahundance. A salt stream so strong, so rapid, and so flush as this is, may be denominated a phenomenon in nature.
With that part of the county of Arkansas situated on the south side of the river, I confess that I am less personally acquainted than with any other section. I have, however, made many inquiries concerning it of those who resided there, as well as visitors.
The Warm Springs Township is the nearest of the three located on the south side. It has but a thin population, there not being more thin 12 or 15 families. The land is generally of the poorest kind, except small spots on the margins of creeks and bayous, and a bottom of the Ouchita river, which is subject to overfiow. The settlers depend principally upon raising stock for subsistence. The Ouchita river is navigable up as high as this township. The most prominent circumstance that gives it a character is the celebrated Warm Springs, which gives the township its name. This phenomenon
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of nature is situated about eight miles from the Ouchita, on a little bayou called after the springs; and at the junction of two branches thereof. When this bayou receives the water afforded by the springs, it is competent to keep in operation mills of any description. The place is enclosed on all sides by mountains, except a passage from the southwest, through which the bayou discharges itself. The springs are about 30 in number, and all issue from the southeast side of the bayou, except one small one that comes in on the opposite side. The bluff they issue from rises into a considerable mountain. That part of the bluff which affords the hot water has, by the continual flowing thereof, formed an excrescence of the carbonate lime of about 150 feet in height, through which the water now entirely runs. This carbonate has cemented together vast bodies of flints and stones of different descriptions; which has given rise to the idea, among a great many superficial observers, that the place has been visited by volcanic eruptions; no appearance of which exists. The largest of the springs may he said to give a stream of from four to six inches in diameter, though it is difficult to ascertain the quantity of water that flows from them. They are of all sizes under that, down to the drops that distail from the rocks. As to the mineral or medicinal qualities of the waters, I refer you to Dr. Dunbar's analysis. To the common observer there appears to be nothing in the largest spring except lime and iron; and in one or two of the others a small portion of alum. The warm springs are the resort of the sick and afflicted. Nothing is here exhibited but scenes of distress. How different from the medicinal springs of New-York, Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky! They constitute an apology for the riots, revelling, and gaming of the gay and dissipated! The water of the warm Springs here is sufficiently hot to boil an egg hard in 15 minutes. It is found to be very efficacious in rheumatic pains, confirmed ulcers, and all kinds of cutaneous afections; but in pulmonary diseases it is considered detrimental. In 1812 there were about 300 persons there. But not so many as subsequent year. The accomodation is extremely indifferent, and hence the invalids are at great inconvenience. John Percefull and Ebenezer Fulsome, two old hunters, reside within eight nines, and frequently furnish to the visitors fresh beef; formerly buffalo and bear meat. For the accommodation of invalids there have been a number of huts built by those who formerly resorted thither. Within about two miles of the springs, there is a fine quarry of oil stone, possessing the same qualities of the Turkey oil stone. Vast quantities have been taken from there to different parts of the Union; and may be said to be an article of exportation and traffic: as also113
the products of another quarry of a rougher description of atones, about six miles distant from the springs.The Fourche Cado township lies on the south of the Warm Springs township, and fakes its name from a fork of the Ouchita that empties itself on the west side. There are within its limits about 75 families, nearly all of whom appear to he industrious, good citizens, and many of them, in the space of three years, have reduced to cultivation large and elegant farms. There are extensive bodies of rich, arable land. The low grounds of the Ouchita (40 miles lower down than the warm springs) are much wider, and better adapted to cultivation. On the Cado fork of the Ouchita was formerly one of the principal villages of the Cado tribe of Indians. The huts yet remain. About one quarter of a mile from the Ouchita, on the north side, and six miles below the entrance of the Cado, is a valuable saline, owned and worked at present by a Mr. Hemphill. There are two other salt springs in the neighbourhood. But Mr. Hemphill having formerly partners in the property, purchased out the interest of his associates, and suffers these latter salines to lie idle. The settlement south of the Arkansas river are supplied with salt from these works at two dollars per bushel; and being so near navigation, the inhabitants lower down the Ouchita find no inconvenience in getting their supplies. There are forty kettels, which yield about sixty bushels per week. Any quantity of salt may be made here by an increase of the number of boilers, there being no scarcity of water.
The Little Missouri township will complete the county. And though I have mentioned it last, yet it is by all means to be enrolled with the first in point of consideration. It includes all the southern and western parts of the county, and has a greater territory than any of the other townships. There is a stream, which gives the township name, called the Little Missouri, from the water being of a muddy colour, resembling somewhat the great Missouri: this river empties into the Ouchita on the south side. It's generally agreed that the fertility of the soil, and its adaption to agriclutural purposes is no exceeded by any country west of the Mississippi. A large portion is prairie of a deep, brick soil, covered over with a luxuriant grass. Few of these prairies exceed 200 acres in size; and, what is a singular circumstance on rich land, they are interspersed throughout with tall oak, many of the trunks 35 and 40 feet in height, without the interruption of a limb. The precincts of this township are the dividing grounds between the Ouchita and Red river, and are some little broken; but not so hilly as to prevent their reduction to a state of cultivation. A remarkable circumstance is that the highest grounds are prairie, and the low grounds woodland
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land, containing a variety of all kinds of forest timber. Pretty generally these prairies are covered with oyster-shells, together with a great diversity of other sea-shells: and by digging in many places, the whole composition of the earth, after descending two or three feet, seems to be formed by a collection of scenic rotten shells of all sizes and descriptions that belong to the marine species --- a plain indication that this now beautiful country was once a sea of suit water, which, by some revolution in nature, has emerged there from, and spread forth to man a fair field for the exercise of industry. Many marine appearances still remain; as, for example, salt licks, one of which was formerly worked, but is now abandoned; and a variety of clay licks, at, which the inhabitants, by the inhuman practice of fire-hunting, killed a number of deer. There are about 75 families in the township, and it includes the settlements of Percon Point, and those as low down the Red river as the Long Prairie, a distance by water of 300 miles. The first settlement on the Little Missouri was made in 1812, by Mr. Anthony; and in the following year Mr. Grayson settled there. Matthew Moss, Esq. a respectable citizen, and formerly of Jackson county, in your state, ascended Red river in 1814, and was the first who passed the great raft (always before considered impracticable) with a keel boat. So much does time correct error, that many now consider that at a middling stage of water, flat bottomed boats may pass. Were this raft out of the way, the Red river is one of the best navigable streams in the western country. The inhabitants of this part of Arkansas are generally persons of property and character, possessing fine corn farms, and who are not surpassed in industrious habits. Wheat succeeds tolerably, and cotton extremely well. Benjamin Clark, an enterprising old gentleman, who came to the township in April last, has 25 acres in corn, and a horse mill and cotton gin in operation. Within the Little Missouri is the celebrated place called the Mount Prairie. The mound is about 100 feet in length, 50 in width, and 25 or 30 in height, and an oval in form. With some few shrubs growing upon it. About 75 yards distant there is a small grove of timber, and a pond of water: many conjecture that the clay of which this mound was composed was taken from the pond. But upon an examination of the soil, it is evidently shaped by nature, or by the revolution which raised this country from the sea of water with which it was once covered. The soil for twelve inches down, is black and rich; afterwards entirely a yellow clay.Mounds of a smaller size are common here, two or three of which appear to be thrown up by the bursting of the earth. They are hollow in the middle, and partly filled with a large kind of gravel, none of which is visible on the surface of the earth.
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The population of the whole county of Arkansas may be computed at 5,000 souls --- and the territory is considerably larger than the whole state of Kentucky. Formerly the country had a very bad name, on account of a banditti of robbers who infested the place, but whose race was but of short duration. The state of society at this time is by no means contemptible. In the winter of 1813 and 1814, congress erected the county of Arkansas into a separate judicial district --- establishing a general court: and the government appointed the hon. George Bullitt, who yet continues in office, judge there of. Much order prevails in the management of our judicial affairs.
The principal town in this county is Arkansas, on the north bank of the Arkansas river, 40 miles above its mouth.
The rivers which flow through this county are the following:
The Arkansas, navigable 2,000 miles, heads in latitude 42 degree north, longitude 36 degrees 20 minutes west.
The large branches of which are ---
Verdigris, navigable 200 miles.
Nagraca, navigable 150 miles.
Canadian river, navigable 100 miles,
Grand river, navigable 200 miles.
Grand Saline.
Strong Saline.
White river, navigable 1,200 miles.
Little Red river, navigable 300 miles.
The large branches of which are ---
Bayou Saline.
Fourche Cado.
Fourche Antoine.
Little Missouri.
Beside many smaller streams.
Red river, navigable 2,500 miles.
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GENERAL REMARKS.
The tract of country containing the lead mineral, and which is perhaps, the most extensive body of any mineral known in the world, commences south on the White river and the St. Francis, is in breadth from 150 to 200 miles, and in length nearly 600 miles. This ore shows itself on the Maramek, the Gasconade, the Osage, on the Mine river of the Missouri, on the Mississippi, on the river Des Moins, and on the Mississippi below the Ouisconsing The mines which are principally wrought, and the most productive, are those between the St. Francis and the Maramek, and in the county of Washington.
On the west of the lead mineral is found the tract containing the salines. It runs parallel with the other, commencing more southwardly, and terminating more northwardly. No part of America affords so many rich springs, and the number on the Arkansas and the Osage is very great.
Copper has been found, and is raised with considerable profit between the Des Moins and the Ouisconsing.
Iron ore abounds throughout the White River country, on the Maramek and on the Osage.
Coal is found in great abundance in every part of the territory.
Gypsum, or plaster of Paris, may be obtained in any quantity on the Maramek, Osage, Missouri, &c.
Products of the Soil, and of Stock.
Wheat, averaging 30 bushels to the acre. Value one dollar per bushel.
Corn, averaging 60 bushels to the acre. Value from 33 to 37 1-2 cents per bushel.
Rye, averaging 30 bushels to the acre. Value 75 cents per bushel.
Oats, averaging 30 bushels to the acre. Value 37 1-2 to 50 cents per bushel.
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In the northern part of the two territories cotton is an uncertain crop, but is raised in sufficient quantities to serve for domestic purposes. In the southern part of the Missouri the soil and climate are happily adapted to the luxuriant growth of this article, and has a decided advantage over that which is raised on the east side of the Mississippi river, as it is not subject to the rot. Tobacco yields as much per acre as the very best of the James river low grounds; and, when manufactured, commands in the country a price from 10 to 30 cents per pound.
The hemp raised on the bottoms of the Mississippi and Missouri is invariably a heavy crop.
Three years cattle command, on the prairies, from 3 to 4 dollars per cwt.; in St. Louis and some other towns, from 5 to 7 dollars per cwt. The principal expense is incurred in salting the cattle, which latter article can easily be procured, and costs about 1 dollar and 50 cents per bushel.
The produce which is raised near the towns is carried to them in wagons, carts, or boats. The facilities afforded by the great rivers, the Illinois, the Wabash, the Kaskaskias, the Missouri, the St. Francis, the White river, the Arkansas, and the thousand other navigable streams which flow through this charming country, give to it preeminent advantages over almost ever other interior part of the United States.
So great is the demand for every product of the soil, by the immense increase of its population, that a very small proportion is sent to New-Orleans: and this home-consumption will probably continue for several years. In the mean lime, the farmer and the grazier are increasing their wealth with unparallel faculty.
At Shawneetown, Kaskaskias, Edwardaville, St. Louis, and at many other towns and villages, the description of mechanic arts most in demand, and, provided they are masters of the business they profess, may expect a constant and profitable employment, are,
Masons, bricklayers, carpenters, wheel rights, wagon-makers, copper-smiths, ladies' shoemakers, tailors, blacksmiths, gunsmiths, plasterers, cabinet-makers, chair-makers, &c.
Families emigrating from the southern part of Virginia and North-Carolina and Tennessee, will go by the way of Kanhawa to Louisville; or, by Knoxviile, Gallatin, and Hopkinsville, to Ferguson, Lacey's, Golconda, formerly Lusk's or Robin's ferry, on the Ohio,
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near Shawneetown; or, by Bean's station, in Tennessee, to Lancaster, in Kentucky, Russleville, and to Shawneetown.Families travelling from the northern part of Virginia, Maryland, and the northern and eastern States, will make Cumberland, Union town, Wheeling, or Pittsburgh a principal point. At either of these places boats can be procured in which several families may descend, carrying with them light wagons, &c. As the road from Louisville to Vincennes is tolerably good in the Bummer and fall, except during a continuance of heavy rains, and the accommodations every day improving; and as every necessary supply may be obtained here at moderate prices, it will seldom be necessary for those who descend the river from Wheeling and Pittsburg to proceed further than Louisville. This direction must be understood as being useful to those whose ultimate destination is the upper part of Indiana, the northern part of Illinois, or to St. Louis and the country north and west of that town. Those who have selected the lower part of Indiana, in descending the river, will derive the necessary information from settlers on the river banks. Those whose destination is further south and west will cross at Lusk's ferry, or Golconda, to the town of Brownsville, on Muddy river, in Jackson county, thence to Kaskaskias, thence to Geneveive, thence to Mine a Burton, thence to Boone's lick; this route saves 80 miles, and is a very good wagon road.
For those whose destination is the military lands, on the Illinois river, after crossing the Kaskaskias river will come upon several roads leading to various parts of the territory; that which crosses Shoal creek and Silver creek, leads to Edwardsville. At this point the western road is direct to Smeltzer's ferry, above the mouth of Missouri river; that leading to the military land, called the Pioria tract, runs nearly N. N. E. about 52 miles, to the northern point of timber on the Macoupin waters, thence about N. W. keeping to the left of the timber on the waters of the Sangamoin, to the Musquitine bluffs, where the 4th principal meridian crosses the Illinois river.
Those whose destination is Fort Clark will keep the trace from Edwardsville.
Those whose destination is St. Louis, and west of it, will keep the great road due west from Vincennes.
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The following table is compiled from the memoranda of the author; and, as the distance was obtained at both ends of the stage, it may be relied upon as substantially correct.
From Washington City to Cumberland, on the north side of Potomac River.
| To Big Seneca, | 22 miles |
| Winemiller's, | 7 |
| Fredericktown, | 13 |
| Middletown, | 7 |
| Boonsborough, | 9 |
| Williamsport, | 12 |
| Big Spring, | 8 |
| Beavins, | 6 |
| Hancock, | 10 |
| Rizers, | 10 |
| Beavins, | 7 |
| Pratts, | 8 |
| Streets, | 10 |
| Cumberland, | 10 --- 139miles |
From Washington City to Cumberland, on the south side of Potomac River.
| To Cross Roads, | 14 miles |
| Wiley's, | 5 |
| Hummer's, | 7 |
| Lanesville, | 2 |
| Leesburg, | 12 |
| Hillsborough, | 13 |
| Kee's Ferry, | 10 |
| Charlestown, | 4 |
| Sulphur Springs, | 8 |
| Bunkershill, | 5 |
| Greenspring Mills, | 8 |
| Wall's, | 9 |
| Weaver's, | 4 |
| Felp's | 4 |
| M'Cormick's, | 5 |
| Old Town, | 13 |
| Cumberland, | 15 --- 138 miles |
Washington City to Cumberland.
| To Winchester, | 70 miles |
| Pewtown, | 10 |
| M'Cormick's, | 22 |
| Old Town, | 13 |
| Cumberland, | 15 --- 130 miles |
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Cumberland to Marietta.
| To Cressup's Town, | 5 miles |
| Westernport, | 19 |
| Smarr's | 5 |
| Backbone, | 6 |
| Hammell's | 4 |
| Armstrong's, | 8 |
| Gibb's, | 8 |
| Cheat River, | 7 |
| Price's, | 2 1-2 |
| Gandy's, | 12 |
| Tyger River, | 12 1-2 |
| Wilson's, | 7 |
| Brightmire's, | 8 |
| Bridgeport, | 10 |
| Clarksburg, | 6 |
| ----120 1-2 miles | |
| Hutson's, | 14 |
| Johnson's, | 6 |
| Maxon's, | 3 |
| Newell's, | 7 |
| Martin's, | 12 |
| Ushers, | 6 |
| Kline's, | 9 |
| Rawson's, | 11 |
| Bull Creek, | 3 |
| Marietta, | 5 --- 76 |
| ----196 1-2 |
Marietta to Zanesville
| To Waterford, | 18 miles |
| Sealy's, | 2 |
| Stephens', | 14 |
| Salt Works, | 7 |
| Zanesville, | 11 --- 52 miles |
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Marietta to Chillicothe
| To Houghland, | 13 miles |
| Smith's, | 8 |
| Brown's, | 11 |
| Athen's, | 9 |
| Glaciers, | 9 |
| O'Neil's, | 9 |
| Johnson's, | 6 |
| Cross, | 10 |
| Adelphi, | 10 |
| Chillicothe, | 16 --- 101 miles |
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Steubenville to Zanesville.
| To Latter's, | 5 miles |
| Snyder's, | 16 |
| Cadiz, | 4 |
| Titus, | 8 |
| Moore's, | 9 |
| Smith's, | 7 |
| Londonderry, | 5 |
| Bratton's, | 9 |
| Cambridge, | 12 |
| Few's | 12 |
| Zanesville, | 14 --- 101 miles. |
Zanesville to Chillicothe.
| To New-Lancaster | 30 |
| Chillicothe, | 37 --- 67 miles. |
Chillicothe to Cincinnati.
| To Plato's, | 17 mile. |
| Franklin's, | 13 |
| New-Market, | 12 |
| Williamsburg, | 22 |
| Batavia, | 7 |
| Newtown, | 13 |
| Cincinnati, | 10 --- 94 miles. |
Cincinnati to Louisville.
| To intersection of the Boon road, | 11 |
| Big Bone Spring, | 9 |
| Steward's, | 8 |
| Sander's, | 15 |
| New-Liberty, | 14 |
| Simpson's Ferry, Kentucky river, | 9 |
| Denning's Lick, | 4 |
| Newcastle, | 8 |
| Middletown, | 28 |
| Louisville, | 12 --- 18 miles |
Louisville to Vincennes.
| To Albany | 3 miles. |
| Davis's, | 15 |
| Morris's, | 2 |
| Fredericksbug, forks of Blue River, | 13 |
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| Sulphur Creek | 5 |
| French Lick, | 8 |
| Marshall's | 6 |
| Dr. Austin's, | 2 |
| Watson's, Lick Creek, | 3 |
| Sholtz's, east branch of White River, | 6 |
| George's, | 7 |
| Liverpool, | 12 |
| Hawkin's, main White River, | 4 |
| Snyder's, | 8 |
| Steen's, | 4 |
| Rose's, | 2 |
| Vincennes, | 6 --- 128 miles |
Vincennes to Shawneetown.
| To Jenkin's Ferry, | 12 |
| Princetown, | 13 |
| Harmony, | 28 |
| Big Creek, | 13 |
| Wabash River, | 18 |
| Shawneetown, | 11 --- 95 miles |
Shawneetown to Kaskaskias.
| To United States Saline, | 8 miles. |
| Crossing of Saline Creek, | 6 3-4 |
| Brown's | 9 |
| Gassaway's, | 6 3-4 |
| Middle fork of Saline Creek, | 7 |
| Garrett's, 3 mile Prairie, | 9 |
| Dement's, 6 mile Prairie, | 8 |
| Big Muddy, | 1 |
| Ewing's, | 1 1-4 |
| Jackson's, Little Muddy River, | 9 |
| Little Bocon, | 9 |
| Cox's, Big Bocon, | 1-2 |
| Flack's, | 4 |
| Steel's, | 14 |
| Bowerman, | 1-2 |
| Mary's River, | 1 |
| Lacy's, | 6 |
| Kaskaskias, | 9 --- 109 3-4 |
Kaskaskias to St. Louis.
| To Cahokia, | 55 miles |
| St. Louia, | 5 --- 60 miles |
Vincennes to St. Louis
| To Taylor's, | 7 miles. |
| Arnbraugh River, | 3 |
| Newlands, | 4 |
| Shideler's, | 5 |
| Gafewood's, | 6 |
| Stevers, Fox River, | 10 |
| Evans's, | 3 |
| Muddy Fork, | 9 1-2 |
| M'Cauley's, Little Wabash, | 2 1-2 |
| Gogle's, | 20 |
| Brimberry's, | 18 |
| Young's, | 20 |
| Rotton's, | 20 |
| Okaw, | 2 1-2 |
| Stinking Creek, | 6 |
| Shoal Creek, | 4 |
| Sugar Creek, | 9 |
| Smith's, | 12 |
| Hendricks, | 18 |
| French Village, | 1 |
| Vanarsdale's, | 6 1-2 |
| St. Louis, | 3-4 --- 187 1-2 |
Pittsburgh to the mouth of Ohio, by water.
| To Steubenville, | 59 miles |
| Wheeling, | 20 |
| Marietta, | 84 |
| Limestone, | 222 |
| Cincinnati, | 42 |
| Louisville, | 130 |
| Fort Massae, | 353 |
| Chain of Rocks, | 20 |
| Mouth of Ohio | 15 -- 945 |
St. Louis to the mouth of Ohio, by water .
| Mouth of Maramek | 19 |
| Herculaneum | 14 |
| St. Genevieve, | 24 |
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| Kaskaskias River, | 24 |
| Cape Girardeau, | 58 |
| Great Rocks, | 11 |
| Head of Tiwapty bottom, | 1 |
| Mouth of Ohio, | 27 --- 178 |
From the mouth of Ohio, by water-----
| To Natchez, | 663 |
| New-Orleans, | 322 --- 990 |
From St. Louis---
| To Belle Fontaine, | 15 |
| Portage des Sioux | 24 |
| Mouth of Illinois River, | 30 |
| Edwardsville, | 22 |