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almost expected spontaneous crops; and the war being revived, and occasional expeditions of mounted militia called for, much idleness ensued-and many habits were contracted, of a tendency to relax moral principles-while the uncertainty of titles to land, led to almost a promiscuous use of it, and the consequent disrespect for its rights of ownership. Connected with agricultural pursuits, may be reckoned, domestic manufactures of cloth, out of flax, hemp, cotton, and wool-products of the country, though the last, not immediately of the soil

Not having then obtained, the free use of the Mississippi, the occlusion of the New Orleans market was a consequence, which began to be felt; and yet apparently more feared, by some of the good people of the country. For in fact the sur-plus produce of the soil, and the excess of live stock, found a ready sale, either at home, to emigrants; or after being taken to the atlantic states; or else in supplies to the army on the frontiers. The return proceeds of which enabled the people to pay for groceries, and other necessary articles of consumption: which in general were supplied from Philadelphia. Some of whose merchants had been the first adventurers of that character, to Kentucky; and continued to engross the market. Nor, was it doubted, but that the government, which had been assumed, could be supported, without danger of oppression; as it was under the control of the people-yet frugal, and economical.

That Kentucky, could not become, a participater in maritime commerce, was quite apparent; for she had no seaport; nor expected to have any. No tide water washed her shores. It is true, that the rivers of the country, opened avenues of communication between every part of the state, and the Atlantic ocean; yet she could not have a port on its shore-nor could she at that time expect that sea vessels would visit the margins of her rivers. Yet access to such a port, in which the people, or their merchants, might freely, and safely deposite, for sale, their produce; seemed a desideratum of the utmost importance. They doubted not, but that where they were permitted to sell their own commodities, they could buy those

they wanted of others. Circumscribed as the prospect appeared, it was, however, anticipated, without a vision of the steam boat navigation, which the genius of Fulton, has since disclosed-that some practical, and useful improvement would be effected in the means of transportation by river navigation; and which would particularly facilitate importations, by the same channels, which should serve for exports. The steam boat now supplies what was wanted; and realizes more than even hope had expected. While every other facility has been obtained, to complete the circle of Kentucky export, and import, by the operations of the federal government.

The war, with the savages, had continued long, and still existed-but it was obvious to reflection, that since the regeneration of the government, of the United States, which having taken the war under its management, was directing the military operations of the nation; that it must, before the lapse of much more time, be brought to a successful close. While peace, would give to that government, the command of resources, and the use of facilities in its negotiations, with other nations, as to all its external concerns, which required adjustment-no less momentous, as general arrangements; than they would be beneficial, as the means of domestic security, and private emolument. All these good things, had been evidently retarded by those protracted hostilities, depending on the weakness of the old confederation, and the infant state, and uncertain existence of the new federal constitution. Its friends, could but indulge the hope, that it would survive the efforts of its enemies, to destroy its existence. And moreover, that it would endear itself to the enlightened, and well disposed part of the American people; by the various blessings it was calculated to accumulate, and to dispense, under the wise, and virtuous administration, of President Washington. Those friends, were but few in Kentucky, at its adoption; and if they had increased, the number was still greatly overbalanced by its enemies; including the Spanish faction, among the official and most influential individuals, of the number.

The situation of Kentucky, in relation to her co-states, and adjacent territories, those of Spain among others, which will be further described, may be considered, as giving rise to the faction mentioned, and which continuing for years, nearly the same-so, it still sustained the motives, and ministered to the means, of its protraction, and inveteracy. Which in its progress and development, will receive other narratives, and illustrations, in the execution, and completion, of this work.

CHAP. XVII.

Local situation of Kentucky, as connected with adjacent states, represented her population set forth--Different religious sects noticed, with some remarks on them-several controverted points discussed, as predestination, free will, the trinity, &c. &c.

[1792.] KENTUCKY, having passed through the different stages of infancy, adolescence, and puberty, now presents herself to the historian in the robe of maturity, ready to assume that active state of independence, and self government, as a member of the union, which had been sought by her people, conceded by Virginia, and sanctioned by the congress of the United States.

The preceding pages of this history embracing an account of the origin, progress, and termination, of the measures adopted and pursued, from time to time, for effecting the separation, from the parent state-it is particularly agreeable upon a review of these means, to observe, that however assailed by faction, or intrigue, they have been free from violence; and that prompted by local circumstances of a permanent nature, connected with the inborn right of man to seek and devise his own, with his fellows', safety, and happiness, as freemen; the measures which were taken, have been supported by reason, justified by constitutional law, prosecuted with temperance, and crowned with success-by the ready assent of the higher powers, concerned.

The next great duty to be performed by the politicians of the day, who possessed the confidence of the people, in their several counties, (for these formed limits, which were strictly adhered to) was the formation of a constitution of government, for the new state. This was effected in the manner already mentioned, and the constitution formed, such as it has been seen, prepared for operation.

Before, however, it is attempted to give an account of its organization, and effects, or of the general occurrences in the

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Country, subsequent to its commencement, it is deemed proper to take an attentive review of such prominent circumstances either particular, or general, civil, military, or religious, as seemed of a character to influence the administration of the government, or to be influenced by its operations, in time to come, sooner, or later; for it was then thought, both important, and durable.

It is to be remembered, that the boundaries of the state, remained the same, as were those of the district, of Kentucky: to the east, and northeast, was Virginia; to the north, northwest, and west, from Big Sandy, to the mouth of the Ohio; by the latter river; on which lay the territory of the United States since formed into the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois: the Mississippi, for a space separated Kentucky from the Spanish dominions; now the state of Missouri; and below 36 degrees, 30 minutes, of north latitude, was another adjoining district of United States' territory, since erected into the state of Tennessee. These circumjacent territories, now composing, in part, the boundaries of six co-states, determine the local, and relative position of Kentucky in the North American union. A situation, highly important, in many respects, both civil, and military. But not to anticipate views of either, in this place, the population of the country, will next engage attention. The mature part of it, was composed of emigrants; a singularity, worth a passing notice. The whole amount of all descriptions of which, may be safely set down at one hun dred thousand souls, at the time of separation.

In 1790, the census, had been taken, under the authority of the United States-which will be adopted, as correct data, on which to construct any necessary calculations. By that, the population of Kentucky, was then, seventy-three thousand, six hundred and seventy-seven souls. Of these, sixty-one thousand, one hundred and thirty-three, were white free persons; the residue black, or mulatto slaves; with a few exceptions, in favour of freedom-without regard to shades of colour. One half of the white people, at least; and probably, three-fourths of the slaves, were from Virginia: the residue from the other N**

VOL. I.

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