pany, having matured their project of purchasing from the southern Indians the lands on the south of the Kentucky river, as has been mentioned, he was solicited by them to attend the treaty to be held for that purpose. Their messenger, delivering to him, full instructions, and authority, on the subjectBoone accordingly attended at Wataga, in March, 1775; met the Indians, and made the purchase, as previously indicated. It having been also resolved to settle the purchased territory, Boone was looked to as the most proper person to conduct the enterprise. A way was first to be explored and opened; at the request of the company, this was undertaken, and executed, by him, from Holsten, to the Kentucky river. The greater part of the route was extremely difficult; being much encumbered with hills, brush, and cane, and infested by hostile Indians; who repeatedly fired on the party, with such effect, that four were killed, and five wounded. They had however, a determined leader, who being well supported, conducted them to their object. Being arrived on the bank of the river, in April, 1775, Boone, with the survivers of his followers, began to erect a fort at a salt spring, or lick, where Boonesborough now stands. While building this fort, which employed the party, rendered feeble by its losses, until the ensuing June, one man was killed by the savages; who continued to harass them during the progress of the work. A fort in those days, consisted of a blockhouse, and contiguous cabins, enclosed with palisades. This being done, Boone left a part of his men in the fort; with the rest, he returned to Holsten: Thence he proceeded to Clinch; and soon after moved his family to the first garrison in the country-as his wife, and daughter, were the first white women ever known in Kentucky.

Captain Boone, having given to the new population of Kentucky, a permanent establishment, and placed his own family in Boonesborough, felt all the solicitude of one in his situation, to ensure its defence, and to promote its prosperity. In future, he will be found always in his duty, and worthy of the samples already given.

The subject next in order, is the leader, and patron of the first settlers at Harrodsburgh. Than whom, a man more beloved by his followers, trod not those sylvan scenes. Nor is it ungrateful to history to receive into her pages, a narrative of humble merit; or the traits of a worthy character, however obscure the origin of its subject.-What is any man's worth, but what he, himself, has made?

Among the hardy sons, of that hardy race of men, denominated woodsmen, and hunters, was James Harrod. No less a soldier, than a hunter;-from Kentucky, in 1774, on his return home, he joined Colonel Lewis, and with his followers was in the battle at the mouth of the Kenhawa: the next year he returned to the place of his choice-the site, of Harrodsburgh --and there established himself.

James Harrod was a man six feet high, well proportioned; and finely constructed; for strength and activity. His complexion was dark; his hair and eyes black; his countenance animated; his gait firm, his deportment grave; his conversation easily drawn out, but not often obtruded; his speech was mild, and his manners conciliating, rather by the confidence they inspired, than any grace, or elegance, they displayed. Yet, could he but imperfectly read, or write. Indeed, it was not letters he learned-nor books he studied.

And it may be asked, what there can be in the character of such a man, that merits the notice of an historian. It is true indeed, that the knowledge of letters-the perusal of books--. and what is called an education-furnishes, enlightens, and enlarges the mind; and brings into action with multiplied advantages, those qualities both physical, and mental, which nature gives to men. But it cannot be affirmed that education creates any new organ, or faculty of the soul, or gives a quality not otherwise inherent. Before the establishment of schoolsand before the term, education, was even known: aye, before letters were invented; or books, or pens, were made-the human heart, was the seat of kindness-of generosity—of fortitude of magnanimity-and all the social virtues. The mind of man, in unison with his feelings, by a primeval decree, taught

him justice; the first in importance, of human virtues, which it cherished, by reflections on the beneficent effects of doing unto others, as he would that others, should do unto him. This is the precept of nature.

Then without knowing how to read, or to write, James Harrod, could be kind and obliging to his fellow men-active, and brave, in their defence--dexterous in killing game, the source of supply, aud liberal in the distribution of his spoils-he could be an expert pilot in the woods, and by his knowledge guide his followers to the destined point, with equal certainty, and safety. In fine, he could be a captain over others as illiterate as himself; and less endowed with the useful, and benevolent qualities, of the heart, and of the head. And he was so. He was vigilant, active, and skilful. With his rifle, he killed the deer, the bear, and the buffaloe—and with this, he was always ready to defend his country, and companions, against the Indians. And these were acts of merit.

At Harrodsburgh, news was brought him, that the Indians had suprised a party, four miles hence, and killed a man:→ "Boys," says he, to those about him; "let us go and beat the red rascals." And accordingly, he snatches his gun, always ready, and runs at the head of his party. He hears, that a family are in want of meat; he takes up his rifle, repairs to the forest-kills the needful supply--and presently offers it to the sufferers. A plough horse is in the range-a pasture without bounds-and the owner, not yet used to the woods, or apprehensive of the danger attending the research, says to Harrod, "My horse has not come up: I can 't plough to-day.” "What kind of horse is yours?" enquires he. The answer is given-Harrod, disappears-and in a little time, the horse is driven to the owner's door. These traits not only portray the character of Harrod, but they also delineate the circumstances of the country. Therefore they belong to this history. A man, may be useful without book learning-and usefulness is merit.

But a fort, was too circumscribed a field for the active disposition of James Harrod. To breathe the fresh air of the

Forest-to range the open fields, and to hunt the wild game; to trap the otter, the beaver, and the wolf; were more congenial to his feelings, and occupied the most of his time. He was nevertheless actively engaged in the defence of the country, on several expeditions into the Indian territory; as well as on various scouts, and exploring excursions on the frontiers: In these the dexterity of the woodsman, and the bravery of the soldier, were conspicuous, and useful. There was no labour too great for his hardihood, no enterprise too daring for his courage. His comrades knew his personal worth; the public acknowledged his services. The rank of colonel, which was conferred on him, is a durable testimonial in his favour. After the country became extensively populated, and when the husband and father, of a family, and in circumstances to have enjoyed every social comfort-such was the effect of habit, or of an original disposition ever predominant-that Harrod would leave his home, and domestic comforts, repair to the distant unsettled parts of the country, and remain for weeks at a time, obscured in the forests, or buried in the midst of knobs. On one of these expeditions, he lost his life. But whether by natural death, the fangs of wild beasts, or the tomahawk of the savage, is not known. He left one daughter; and with her, an ample patrimony in the rich lands of the country.

If he, who leads a party under any description, can be said to want ambition, James Harrod, seems to have been free from that passion. Simple in his manners-frugal in his diet -independent in his sentiments-open in his councils-complying in his conduct-seeming to command, because always foremost in danger-destitute of art, and when without public authority-he, nevertheless, had a party. Not because he wanted one; but because, it, wanted him. For wherever the social principle exists, when men are surrounded by danger, they seek from instinct, a leader, to concentrate their force, and to direct their enterprises; especially of protection, and self defence. And this leader, is their favourite companionthe man in whose courage, skill, and perseverance, they have the most implicit faith.

Had Colonel Harrod lived, he never would have entered into the intrigues, and contests of political life; not because he was illiterate--but because he disliked the task and drudgery of a political partisan; and never had indulged a disposition for such versatile conduct, as is practised in that department. If he ever submitted to be a leader, it was of a hunting, or military band; and because he saw himself surrounded by willing friends, whose safety he regarded, as his own; and whose obedience was as voluntary, as their affection was spontaneous -beloved, he was distinguished, honoured, and obeyed.

Born free, and accustomed to order, and controul his own actions, one passion predominated; and that was, a love of liberty. What he was himself, he wished every other human creature to be,—a free man. Raised up in the habits of a hunter of the wild game, he sought their haunts; and found more pleasure in pursuing them through the thicket, or alluring them to his trap, than in controuling the actions of beings like himself. His birth, his education, his mode of living, undoubtedly it is, which attaches the Indian to his native forests; and which induces him to prefer the savage, to the civilized state of men.

The love of personal liberty, among the strongest passions known to the human breast, will account for the indefinite, and almost perpetual state of savage life, from which the American Indians, are with so much difficulty reclaimed—for which Harrod, languished; and to which he so often returned, from the busy scenes, and social haunts of men, to pursue in solitude his favourite objects. But James Harrod, will be remembered, with affection, and regret, by the last of his comrades, while this memorial of his merits, will descend to posterity.

Of the other adventurers, who first settled at Harrodsburgh, where, most were brave, and active, it may be said with truth, that for enterprising and daring courage, none transcended, Major Hugh McGary. A Harland, a McBride, and a Chaplain, deserve also to be mentioned, with applause.