ky with inconceivable grandeur. At a vast distance I
beheld the mountains lift their venerable brows, and penetrate the
clouds. All things were still. I kindled a fire near a fountain of sweet
water, and feasted on the loin of a buck, which a few hours before I had
killed. The sullen shades of night soon overspread the whole hemisphere,
and the earth seemed to gasp after the hovering moisture. My roving
excursion this day had fatigued my body, and diverted my imagination. I
laid me down to sleep, and I awoke not until the sun had chased away the
night. I continued this tour, and in a few days explored a considerable
part of the country, each day equally pleased as the first. I returned
again to my old camp, which was not disturbed in my absence. I did not
confine my lodging to it, but often reposed in thick canebrakes, to avoid
the savages, who, I believe, often visited my camp, but, fortunately for
me, in my absence. In this situation I was constantly exposed to danger
and death. How unhappy such a situation for a man tormented with fear,
which is vain if no danger comes, and if it does, only augments the pain!
It was my happiness to be destitute of this afflicting passion, with
which I had the greatest reason to be affected. The prowling wolves
diverted my nocturnal hours with perpetual howlings; and the various
species of animals in this vast forest, in the daytime, were continually
in my view.

Thus I was surrounded by plenty in the midst of want. I was happy in the
midst of dangers and inconveniences. In such a diversity, it was
impossible I should be disposed to melancholy. No populous city, with all
the varieties of commerce and stately structures, could afford so much
pleasure to my mind as the beauties of nature I found here.

Thus, through an uninterrupted scene of sylvan pleasures, I spent the
time until the 27th day of July following, when my brother, to my great
felicity, met me, according to appointment, at our old camp. Shortly
after, we left this place, not thinking it safe to stay there longer, and
proceeded to Cumberland river, reconnoitring that part of the country
until March, 1771, and giving names to the different waters.

Soon after, I returned home to my family, with a determination to bring
them as soon as possible to live in Kentucky, which I esteemed a second
paradise, at the risk of my life and fortune.

I returned safe to my old habitation, and found my family in happy
circumstances. I so