Sequel to Riley's Narrative: being a sketch of interesting incidents in the life, voyages and travels of Capt. J. Riley, from the period of his return to his native land ... until his death. Compiled chiefly from the original journal and manuscripts left at his death in possession of his son

Front matter

CAPT. RILEY SEQUEL TO RILEY'S NARRATIVE: BEING A SKKTCH 01' INTERESTING INCIDENTS IX THE LIFE, VOYAGES AND TRAVELS OF CAPT. JAMES RILF^, FROM THE PERIOD OF HIS RETURN TO HIS NATIVE LAND, AFTER HIS SHIP- WRECK, CAPTIVITY AND SUFFERINGS AMONG THE ARABS OF THE DESERT, AS RELATED IN HIS NAR- RATIVE, UNTIL HIS DEATH. Compiled chiefly from the Original Journal and Manuscripts left at his death in possession of his son, W. WILLSHIRE RILEY. COLUMBUS: PUBLISHED BV GEORGE BREWSTER. SPRINGFIELD, A. R. WRIGHT. 1851. ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1851, BY GEORGE BREWSTER AND W. WILLSHIRE RILEY, IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR THE DISTRICT OF OHIO. SCOTT & ItASCOM, PRINTERS.

Introduction

. BY THE PUBLISHERS. Certain works there are, whicli, on account of their portraying graphically and truthfully the customs and manners of the inhahitants of certain sections of the world or epochs of time, become standard works. Such works are not mere literary or scientific mushrooms of an hour, nor are they sought alone by readers living in the day, or age, or section, that produced them. But, being a collection of facts, or theories, or senti ments, or events, or historic portraits, belonging to that day, or age, or section, they possess an interest permanent, perpetual, enduring throughout all after genera tions. As such a work we regard this, which we here offer to a discerning public. Although some twenty years have intervened, since the most of it was composed, and although its author

INTRODUCTION.

. has long since passed into the spirit land, yet it must be interesting to readers of the present day, notwithstanding the lateness of its publication, inasmuch as it is probably the most perfect description ever given of the country in which the author once suffered bit terly as a captive, and of the customs and manners and costume of its inhabitants, whom he revisited after his redemption from captivity. We confidently believe, therefore, that it will be ranked among standard works, and take its position in the library beside Rollin and Robertson, not by any means on account of the gieat and profound erudition of its author, but on account of his thorough knowledge of the scenes and events which he describes, and of the important information which it communicates concerning a country of which so little is known to Christendom.

From another important fact we draw the conclusion, that we are offering to a discerning public no unacceptable work, but rather one which shall be highly prized by all who may read it. The "Narrative" of Capt. Riley, of which this book is a " Sequel," or a continuation, has been read by more than a million now living in these United States. Probably no book

INTRODUCTION.

. V that was ever published, in either this or any other country, obtained so extensive a circulation in so short a period, as did that Narrative, and probably none ever published, made so striking and permanent an impression upon the minds of those that read it. Many a youth received an onward impulse in his literary career from that work alone. Many a man, now high in station, can date the creation of an ardent thirst for reading and knowledge, from his perusal when young, of that work. And from these facts, we think we draw the correct conclusion, that a vast number of people, in these United States, who were familiar with the Narrative, would be glad to know more of the author and his writings. One word more before we close, about the portraits and embellishments of this book. They were sketched from real life, by an artist of rare merit and talent, by the name of H. P. Heidemans, who had himself been cast away on the coast of Barbary, and had been a fellow sufferer in captivity.

It is said, by those who know, that these sketches were perfect copies of nature, and were originally designed at the suggestion of Capt. Riley, and in company with him, from real subjects, with the express intention of being engraved for the VI

INTRODUCTION.

. Journal, should it ever be published. They were sketched by the Artist in 1836, and have been preserved with Capt. Riley's papers ever since. With these preliminary remarks, we now commend the work to the regards, patronage and perusal of the public. The Publishers. Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1851. 9 N060 C O RRECTION. A mistake was made in printing the Engravings of this work. The name of " Bo Mohammed," the old Moor, who was 103 years of age, was interchanged in a part of the edition with that of a " Moorish citizen in every day costume," as represented between pages 264 and 265. N060 Page. 17 57 TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Chapter I

Introduction — Journey through the West — Appointment as Surveyor of Public Lands — Removal to the West — Sickness — Disappointments at the Capital — Elected to the Legislature of Ohio — Disastrous Events — Return to New York

Chapter II

Removal of Capt. Riley to New York — Various voyages to the West Indies and other places — ISarrow escape from Wreck upon the Florida Reefs — Voyage to Gibraltar — Encounters a Vessel, supposed to be a Pirate — Visit to Horatio Sprague, Esq. — Letter to Hon. John Forsythe, Secretary of the Navy — Voyage to Mogadore — Visit to William Wiltshire, Esq. — Letter from Willshire to Capt. Riley's son — Second Voyage to Mogadore — Letter to Hon. Levi Woodbury, and his answer — Letter on Colonization to Rev. R. Gurley *2^ CHAPTER IH Algiers, its civil divisions — Rivers — Mountains — Climate — Soil, &.c. — Animals — Birds — Reptiles and Insects — Antiquities — The city anterior to the French Conquest — Manufactures — Trade — Inhabitants — Corsairs — Doubtful form of its government — Ignorance ofthe people — Printing prohibited — Historical Sketch — Conquered by the Romans, Vandals and Saracens — Exterminating wars and country reduced to a desert — Re-peopled by colony of Fezzans — Conquered and annexed to Morocco — Reconquered by the Arabians — Made tributary to Spain — Barbarossa, the pirate, murders Prince Eutemi and is proclaimed King — Cruelty of Barbarossa — His death — Hayradin, his successor — Mole built by 30,000 christian slaves — Hassan Aga appointed bashaw — Ravages coasts of Spain and Italy — Expedition of Charles V. against Algiers — Destruction of his Fleet and Army CONTENTS. X

Chapter IV

Events in sixteenth century — Revolution — Expedition against them by European governments — City bombarded by the French in 1G83 — Destroyed — Events in eighteenth century — Combined attack of English and Dutch fleet in 1816 — Treaty — Their government — Horrible punishments — Recapitulation — Algiers becomes a dependency of France 78

Chapter V

Bay of Algiers — The city — El Sebbah, the Strong Fortress — Dwellings — Moors and Arabs — Their fondness for traffic — The Mole — Military government of the French — Shipping — The environs ofthe city — Magnificent country houses — Plain of Mustapha — Gardens, &c. — Quarries — Atlas mountains — Hannibal's march through this country — The " Great Valley" — French village of Conbah — Disastrous French expedition — Remarks upon the government and country mi

Chapter VI

Return to New York — Sails for Gibraltar and Mogadore — Mutiny — Letter to Commodore Patterson — Arrives at Mogadore — Communication to V. S. Government— Visit of the ship if John Adams" — Letter from Mr. Willshire — Spanish captives on the Desert — Sails for New York 113 CHAPTER Vn. Capt. Riley continues his commerce with African ports — Brings to the U. States a lion and two Arabian horses, designed by the Emperor of Morocco as presents to the President — His treatment by U. S. dignitaries — His correspondence with Mr. Forsythe, Sam'l Swartwout, and others.... 123 CHAPTER Vin. Capt. Riley sails for Mogadore — Asiatic Cholera — Seizure of a Piratical Vessel — Letter to Aaron Vail — Arrives at New York — Letter to Major Donnellson — Arabian horse ' Mazyoube ' — Another voyage to Mogadore — Tobacco speculations — Commercial correspondence — Letter to C. C. Cambreling — Treaty with Morocco — Letter to Gen. Tipton, and reply — Capt. Riley visits France for medical aid 146

CHAPTER IX.

Capt. Riley embarks for Spain — Tuscan brig in a squall — The two lady " Saints" — Arrives at Malaga — Almeria — Carthagena — Alicant Visit to the Government Tobacco Factory — A novel sight — Valencia, its shops and artisans — Tarragona — Barcelona, industry and neatness of its inhabitants ; beauty of its environs — Rosas — Port Vendre in France Marseilles, its port, shipping, commerce — The city, its Squares, Promenades and Fountains — Fountain Square — Country people — Aix, hotel charges — Estuary of the Rhone — Cultivation — Condition ofthe peasantry Iron bridge — Canal of Languedoc — Beaucaire, its great Fairs Ancient city of Nismes — Gigantic Fountain — Antiquities — The Amphitheatre an exhibition CONTENTS. XI

CHAPTER X.

Arrival at Montpelier — Professor L'Allemand, principal butcher of the Medical College — The Baths — Description of the city — promenades, aqueduct — Female Bankers — Cette, its commerce — Mail Boats on the Canal — Beziers, sheep and wool market — Narbonne — Perpignan, its fortifications — Passport troubles — Vernet, hot springs — Company at the Baths — Peasantry — Homeward bound 193

CHAPTER XI.

Commercial disasters of 1S37 — Capt. Riley's losses — Letter to Mr. Willshire — Wreck of the "Home7' — Letter to Commercial Advertiser on Steam Navigation — French spoliations — Mr. Tipton's Letter — Mogadore trade continued — Grand cavalcade to visit the Emperor of Morocco — Muley Solyman — Present of a Lioness — City of Morocco 213 CHAPTER XH. Capt. Riley's Journal — The Caravan — Wholesale begging — Sand hills — Encampment — Hassan Yusef, the Rabbi— Appearance ofthe country — The Desert — Caravanserai — Atlas Mountains — Sherhawah — The Gazelle — Tesar Solimo — A Jewish turn-out — Moorish Wells — Rabble Escort — The City of Morocco — Jews' Quarter— Solimo's house — Jewish Family Devotions — Interview with El Hadze Hamet Argney — Presents for the Emperor — Suburbs of the city 225

CHAPTER XIII.

Preparations for interview with the Emperor — Moorish soldiers — Ceremony of Presentation — An Imperial Welcome — Fright of the Jew merchants — Gardens of the Palace — Pilgrims to Mecca — Visit to the Prime Minister — Ride through the City — The shops — Moorish mechanics, their industry — Burial place ofthe Emperors — Quarters ofthe soldiery 251

CHAPTER XIV.

Visit to the Imperial Granaries — Flouring Mills — Emperor's Gardens — His present to Mr. Willshire — Sidi Omri — Arrival of the Governor of Mogadore — Dining out — Excursion to the Mountains — Visit to the Palace ofthe Bashaw of Siedmoh 270

CHAPTER XV.

Reflections — Ride to the suburbs — Bridge of the Tensift — Residence of the celebrated traveler, Ali Bey — Public dinner — Jews on a spree — Plantations — Tesar Solimo's grand dinner — Present of a Lioness to Capt. Riley, by the Sultan — Troublesome honors ofthe present — Preparations for a return — General description of Morocco — Journeyings on the Desert — Ruins of a city — A storm — Mogadore 290

CHAPTER XVI.

Capt. Riley sails for the U. States — Extracts from the Log Book ofthe "William Tell " — Arrives at New York — Preparations for another voyage — Sails for St. Thomas — His last voyage, and Death CONTENTS. 329

Appendix

V. S. Consul at Tangier — Letter to Mr. Forsythe — Mr. Forsythe to John Q. Adams — Reply — Letter to Thomas Jefferson — Letter to John Q. Adams — Capt. Riley's " Narrative " — The charge of falsehood refuted — Particulars of a conspiracy against Mr. Willshire and Capt. Riley — Another conspiracy of London Jews against Mr. Willshire — Trial in Court of King's Bench, Westminister — Rais bel Cossim — Letters of sympathy respecting his Narrative — Capt. Riley's petition to Congress on the subject ot French Spoliations — Certificate of Mr. Atkin relative to the Arabian horses — Letters of Capt. Riley, describing the western country, to B. Sanford, Esq., and Hon. Edward Tiffin — Letter from De Witt Clinton to Capt. Riley on Internal Improvements — Letter from Hon. Gulian C. Verplanck — Critical Review of Sidi Hamet's narrative, bv Count Jacob Graberg, of Hemso.

Librarian to Duke of Tuscany — Mr. Willshire — Conclusion LIST OF EMBELLISHMENTS. No. Page. 1. PORTRAIT OF CAPT. RILEY 1 2. VIEW OF GIBRALTAR, No. 1, 29 3. VIEW OF GIBRALTAR, No. 2, 33 4. PORTRAIT OF MR. SPRAGUE 41 5. MAP OF ALGIERS 104 6. VIEW OF MOGADORE, No. 1, 113 7. " " MOGADORE, No. 2, 116 8. " " MOGADORE, No 3, 117 9. PORTRAIT OF MR. WILLSHIRE 120 10. PORTRAIT OF MR. ROSSIERE 147 11. MULEY SOLYMAN 223 12. TESAR SOLYMO 237 13. MOORISH SOLDIER 251 14. MOORISH CITIZEN 265 15. MOOR OF SURE 271 16. MOORISH COSTUME 313 17. JEWISH MAIDEN 319 18. BO MOHAMMED, OF Stuka, 329 19. MOORISH COSTUME 380 20. BEL MOODEN CHAPTEK I. Introduction — Journey through the West — Appointment as Surveyor of Public Lands — Removal to the West — Sickness — Disappointments at the Capital — Elected to the Legislature of Ohio — Disastrous Events — Return to New York.

In revising my Narrative, sixteen years after its first publica tion, I have deemed it proper to add a continued sketch of my life from that period ; as some of my fellow citizens may have a -wish to know whether I am yet in existence, and may still feel an interest in my welfare. Soon after my arrival in the United States from Africa, I was appointed by my friend James Simpson, Esq., U. S. Consul at Morocco, as his agent near our Government, with powers to settle his claims against, and his accounts of more than twenty years standing with, the Government. I accordingly proceeded to Washington City, and spent the greater portion of my time there during three sessions of Congress ; endeavoring, by peti tioning that body, to obtain for Mr. Simpson the allowance of his claim for past services, etc., but without success ; nor did I settle his accounts at the Treasury Department, inasmuch as his vouch ers and other documents had not arrived in this country until he himself was no more.

Having spent the greater portion and prime of his life among barbarians, he died at Tangier, in 1820. Luring my stay at Washington I became acquainted with the principal officers of the Government, and with very many of the distinguished and highly gifted members of both Houses of Congress, and received from them all the attention and commiseration I could desire. In the spring of 1818, my joints being still stiff and painful from the effects of my great sufferings while in captivity among the Arabs, I resolved upon a journey into and through the West ern States, on horseback ; in the hope that such exercise would prove beneficial to my health ; and at the same time I intended to fix upon a location for my future residence. I accordingly took my route through Pennsylvania to Pittsburg, down the Ohio river to Maysville, and thence to Lexington in Kentucky.

Delighted with the country, and with the industry of a population, which, in the short space of a few years, had con verted a wilderness into fruitful fields ; and, as if by magic, had raised up towns and cities, vieing in beauty and consequence with those of many centuries standing, in other parts of the world. But their description is already widely circulated. At Lexington I was hospitably received and elegantly entertained by the Hon. Henry Clay, Col. James Morrison, and Mr. Holly, president of the Transylvania University, Dr. Preston, W. Brown, Cabot Breck enridge, Esq., and other distinguished and worthy citizens. Proceeding thence by Frankfort to Louisville, I examined the celebrated Falls, or Rapids, of the Ohio, falling about twenty three feet in the distance of one mile. After satisfying my curiosity at this place and vicinity, I passed through Indiana to Vincennes, and through Llinois as far as Vandalia, and returned by Madison and Lawrenceburgh to Cincinnati, Ohio ; thence to Chillicothe and Columbus, (famous for their remains of antiquity,) by Lebanon and Circle ville.

From Columbus I passed through JOURNEY TO THE WEST. Mt. Vernon and Newark to Zanesville ; thence up the Muskingum river to Coshocton ; thence up the Tuscarawas river to New Phil adelphia, and thence by post to Cleveland, on Lake Erie, situated at the mouth of the Cuyahoga river, emptying into the Lake. This point is the northern terminus of the Ohio Canal. From Cleveland I traveled through a fine country, good roads, pleasant towns and flourishing villages, to Erie in Pennsylvania. I here examined the extensive, but shallow harbor, that now contains the remains of the fleet, (mostly dismantled and sunk, however,)* that, under the command of Commodore Perry and Capt. Elliott, obtained the signal victory over, and captured the British fleet during the late war with Great Britain. From Erie, I went to Buffalo, in New York, situated at the commencement of the outlet of this Mediterranean of the interior of America.

Buffalo is delightfully situated, and is no doubt destined to become an emporium of the commerce of the Western States. Buffalo Creek is a safe harbor, when once entered ; and the New York grand canal has its highest level, and its extensive basins and ware houses near to and adjoining this creek. I then crossed the Niagara river to Fort Erie, in Canada, and tool ;a view of the interesting and classic grounds, where the bat tles tas Erie and of Chippewa, and the terrible battle of Bridge water, or Lundy's Lane, and that of Queenstown, were fought by our gallant armies dui he last war. I also examined that wonderful and stupendous . al curiosity, the cataract of Niag ara ; descriptions of which, though conveying but faint ideas of the grandeur of the scene, are in the hands of all. I then re crossed the river at Lewistown, and took passage, with my horse, on board a steamboat on Lake Ontario.

While stopping at the mouth of the Genessee river, I rode to Rochester, and after visiting Carthage and its romantic ridge, and the Genessee Falls, I * Several of those vessels have since been raised and fitted up for the commerce and navigation of the Lakes. — [Ed. NatRRATIVE. returned on board, and the next day arrived at Sackett's Harbor ; having thus navigated nearly the whole length of that fine inland sea, Lake Ontario. At Sackett's Harbor lay the fleet, (part of which is sunk, and the remainder dismantled,) with which that brave, prudent, and excellent officer, Commodore Isaac Chauncey, protected the southern shores of that Lake from invasion and destruction by the Brit ish and Indian forces during most of the last war ; and baffled the endeavors of Sir James L. Yeo, the British Admiral on that Lake, with superior forces.

There were two large and excellent ships of war remaining on the stocks, and under cover, which had not been completed at the peace of 1815. Passing on through Utica, Albany, &c, I reached New York in October 1818, having traveled more than four thousand miles since leaving this city ; and found myself, in a considerable degree, relieved from the pains and stiffness in my joints and limbs, the effects of my former sufferings on another continent. In January following, I journeyed to Washington, and spent the winter of 1819 in that city ; and being furnished with recommendations from the Hon. Josiah Meigs, Commissioner of the General Land Office, and his nephew, Hon. Return J. Meigs, Post Master General, together with other papers, I forwarded them to Edward Tiffin, Esq., Surveyor General of the U. S., at Chillicothe, Ohio.

Soon after, I received from that distinguished officer, the appointment of deputy Surveyor. After much delay, occasioned by intermittent fevers, I reached Chillicothe in June, and the forests on the St. Mary's river in July, and commenced surveying on the lands purchased from the Indians by the treaty of St. Mary's in 1818. In December of 1819, having finished for the season, I went again to Washington, where my friends endeavored to obtain for me an appointment as Register, or Receiver of public moneys in some of the new land offices in Ohio ; but, as was stated, because I was not a resident citizen of that State, they did not succeed. LIFE IN THE WEST. In May, 1820, I removed with my family to Chillicothe, and in June, again commenced surveying on the Auglaize river, and continued that work on and between the Auglaize and Maumee rivers until winter.

In September of 1820, 1 had purchased of the U. S., at the land office in Piqua, seven tracts of land, at a rapid in the St. Mary's river, called the " Devil's Race-ground," adjoining the Indiana line. Intending to build mills, I immediately commenced improving my purchase by erecting a dam across the river and building a log cabin, into which, with my family, I removed in January, 1821, in the midst of a wilderness, envi roned by wolves and other beasts of prey, which, by their howl ings, frightened sleep from my wife and children for a season. The nearest human habitation was then twelve miles from mine, (and that was occupied by a half breed Indian family,) and the nearest path (not a road) was four miles distant. Here, in earnest, began my labors as a pioneer ; the forest, however, vast as it seemed, gave way before the axe ; fires burned around, rapidly consuming the fallen timber, cut and rolled together by sinewy arms ; the limbs and brushwood having been cut, piled and consumed, large trees were cleft into rails and fences were raised to enclose our cornfields and secure from the deer, and other animals, our expected harvest.

Another cabin was built, gardens were laid off, fenced, ploughed and planted. A mill race a quarter of a mile long, twelve feet deep at its head, and twenty feet wide, was dug ; a frame saw-mill was built, and fitted with machinery. In May, of the same year, I went again to my business of surveying at or near Fort Defiance, at the junction of the Auglaize and Maumee rivers, and up Tiffin's river, and to the northern boundary of Ohio. In August of 1821, my whole family were taken sick with bil ious and remittent fevers ; and as no help could be had to attend upon us in our distress, or even to get us water to quench our feverish thirst, on the arrival of my son James, with a surveying party, we were placed upon beds in a wagon, and thus conveyed sixty miles, to Piqua, on the Miami river, through deep forests, mud and rain ; tormented by myriads of flies, musquitoes and other insects, that swarmed throughout that fertile but unsettled region.

On our route, which occupied five days, the settlers were generally more miserable, if possible, than ourselves ; — sick, and destitute, not only of the comforts, but even of the necessaries of life, they could afford us no assistance, and excited our sincere commiseration. In the month of November, the severe frosts having effectually destroyed the noxious effluvia, arising from the decomposition of the luxuriant vegetation which lately covered those level and marshy regions, we traveled slowly and feebly br.ck, still shaking occasionally with agues, and our skins resembling tanned leather ; but we found our cornfields filled with strong and nutritious food ; and by March, 1822, we were enabled to resume our occupations. In 1822, 1 built a two story frame grist-mill ; but through the deceit and unskillful management of the builders and mill-wrights, I was subjected to enormous expenditures.

During this year, I surveyed the lands on both sides of the St. Mary's to Fort Wayne, Indiana, including that important place of trade, and deposit ; and the lands in Indiana, between the St. Mary's and Maumee rivers, (about twenty townships of six miles square.) I laid out a town on my own land, situated on the rapids of the St. Mary's, and called it Willshire, in honor of my friend and redeemer from slavery in Mogadore. In the course of 1822, several families came into my neigh borhood and settled there ; but I had to cut out roads, build bridges over the streams, and strain every nerve and exert all my faculties, and bring into requisition all my resources to im prove the country and procure provisions, the most of which I had hauled from near Dayton, ninety miles, on wagons, for my own family and those of my neighbors, who were destitute.

The LIFE IN THE WEST. 23 enormous expenditure attending this state of things swallowed up all the profits of my surveying, and created debts beyond my in come, and my means of payment. In the winter of 1822-3, 1 went to Washington City, in order to apply for an appointment to the Indian Agency of Fort Wayne, then about to be vacated by John Hays, Esq. ; having been en couraged by my friends to ask for an office, in full confidence of obtaining what I should desire from the President, if in his power. With that view, I called on some of my friends, who furnished me with the following letter of recommendation to the President : " Washington City, Feb'y 21st, 1822. To the President of the United States : Sir : The undersigned respectfully represent, that, entertain ing a high regard and esteem for their fellow citizen, Capt. James Riley, now of the State of Ohio, they are induced to present him to the consideration of the President of the United States.

His sufferings are well known, and have not been without their utility, by enabling him to enlarge the sphere of knowledge of the interior of Africa. His acquaintance with man, both in his civilized and uncivilized state, as well as his personal demeanor, seems to qualify him peculiarly for an agency among the Aborigines of our country, in the reclaiming and improving of whom, the citizens of the United States are interested, and in the due execution of the benevolent designs of the Government. ELIJAH BOARDMAN, HENRY W. EDWARDS. JAMES LANMAN, N. BARBER, BENJAMIN RUGGLES, A. STERLING, DANIEL BURROWS, EBENEZER STODDARD, HENRY CLAY, JOHN CHANDLER, DAVID CHAMBERS, JOSEPH VANCE, JEREMIAH H. PIERSON, JOHN W. TAYLOR, RETURN J. MEIGS, SAMUEL D. INGHAM, RICHARD M. JOHNSON, J. T. JOHNSON, JOHN SLOANE, JAMES BROWN, GIDEON TOMLINSON, LEVI BARKER."

I likewise addressed a letter, stating my views, to the Secre tary of War, the Hon. John C. Calhoun. I waited upon that gentleman, to whom I was well known, baring, by special invitation, frequently attended his parties. This candid officer told me frankly that unless I could get the senators from Indiana to agree not to oppose my nomination hi the Senate, or to signify to him or to the President their acquiesence, I could not be nominated, because I lived in the State of Ohio, and was not a resident of Indiana ; even though the line of my land was the State line, and my residence only thirty miles from the seat of the agency : " For," said he, " Capt. Grey, formerly of the army, and a citizen of the whole Union, being recently nominated by the Presi dent, Indian Agent in Louisiana, Iris nomination was successfully opposed in the Senate, because he was not a resident citizen of Louisiana ; and I was constrained, (said the Secretary,) to ask Mr. Brown to withdraw his opposition, as a particular favor to the President ; which request he acceded to, and thereupon Capt. Grey was confirmed."

He said further, that the President had thus yielded the point — a point he himself would never have abandoned ; he assured me of his interest in my favor and his continued good wishes. I then wrote to Gen. Noble, senator from Indiana, to whom I was known, and informed him of the expected vacancy, and so licited his interest in my favor : he had before no knowledge of the vacancy ; but said, if such did occur, he must obtain the appointment for a gentleman of his acquaintance, one who opposed him, however, but who possessed military merit, &c. — That he should wait on the President and Secretary on the subject, and that he could not consent to my appointment ; but that he would most cheerfully aid me in obtaining any other office I might de sire. Gen. John Tipton was subsequently appointed.

Thus, finding my suit refused, I returned to Willshire, where I found my mill-dams carried away by the freshets, and my prop- DISASTERS. erty fast hastening to ruin ; a post office had, however, been es tablished there, and the road past my premises made a mail route. In October, 1823, I was elected to the General Assembly of Ohio, for the counties of Darke and Shelby ; to the county of Darke the new counties of Mercer, Vanwert, Paulding and Wil liams were judicially attached. I served as a member of the State Legislature during the session, commencing in December, 1823. During that session, all the Statute Laws of Ohio were revised. Several new counties were established — the Canal policy and internal improvements promoted, and advances made towards a system of common schools in the State, hitherto neg lected.