University of Virginia Library

XXXI. XXXI

LEWIS TO JEFFERSON

XXXI. [From original MS. in Bureau of Rolls—Jefferson Papers, series 2, vol. 51, doc. 102.]

Dear Sir: It was not untill 7 O'Clock on the morning of the
31st. Ultmo. that my boat was completed, she was instantly loaded,
and at 10 A. M. on the same day I left Pittsburgh, where I had
been moste shamefully detained by the unpardonable negligence of my
boat builder. On my arrival at Pittsburgh, my calculation was that
my boat would be in readiness by the 5th of August; this term however
elapsed and the boat so far from being finished was only partially
planked on one side; in this situation I had determined to abandon the
boat, and to purchase two or three perogues and descend the river in
them, and depend on purchasing a boat as I descended, there being
none to be had at Pittsburgh; from this resolution I was dissuaded first
by the representations of the best informed merchants of that place who
assured me that the chances were much against my being able to procure
a boat below; and secondly by the positive assureances given me
by the boat-builder that she would be ready on the last of the then
ensuing week (the 13th.): however a few days after, according to his
usual custom he got drunk, quarrelled with his workmen, and several
of them left him, nor could they be prevailed on to return: I threatened
him with the penalty of his contract, and exacted a promise of
greater sobriety in future which, he took care to perform with as little
good faith, as he had his previous promises with regard to the boat, continuing
to be constantly either drunk or sick.

I spent most of my time with the workmen, alternately presuading
and threatening, but neither threats, presuasion or any other means
which I could devise were sufficient to procure the completion of the
work sooner than the 31st of August; by which time the water was so
low that those who pretended to be acquainted with the navigation of
the river declared it impracticable to descend it; however in conformity
to my previous determination I set out, having taken the precaution of

sending a part of my baggage by a waggon to this place, and also to
procure a good pilot. my days journey have averaged about 12 miles,
but in some instances, with every exertion I could make was unable to
exceed 4 1/2 & 5 miles pr day. This place is one hundred miles distant
from Pittsburgh by way of the river and about sixty five by land

When the Ohio is in it's present state there are many obstructions
to it's navigation formed by bars of small stones which in some instances
are intermixed with, and partially cover large quntities of driftwood;
these bars frequently extend themselves entirely across the bed
of the river, over many of them I found it impossible to pass even with
my emty boat, without geting into the water and lifting her over by
hand; over others my force was even inadequate to enable me to pass
in this manner, and I found myself compelled to hire horses or oxen
from the neighbouring farmers and drag her over them; in this way I
have passed as many as five of those bars, (or as they are here called
riffles) in a day, and to unload as many or more times. The river is
lower than it has ever been known by the oldest settler in this country.
I shall leave this place tomorrow morning, and loose no time in
getting on.

I have been compelled to purchase a perogue at this place in order to
transport the baggage which was sent by land from Pittsburgh, and also
to lighten the boat as much as possible. On many bars the water in
the deepest part dose not exceed six inches.

I have the honour to be with the most perfect regard and sincere
attatchment,