Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1829-01-09

tereSt to the phllos0phic traveller are runs, and
monuments, that speak faded splendor, and depar-
ted glory. The broken columns of Iadmor--the
shapeless ruins of Babylon, are rich in matter for al
most endless speculation. Far different is the
in the western regions Of America. The stranger
views here, with wonder, the rapdity with which,
cities spring up in forests; and with which barbar-
ism retreats before the approach OF art and civza-
tlon The reflection possessing the most intense
interest isnot what has been the character of the
country, but what shall be her future destiny.
As we coasted along this cheerful scene, one re-
Election crossed my mind tn diminish the pleasure it
excited This was caused by the sight Of the ruins
of the once splendid mansion Of Blennerhassett.
had spent some happy hours here, when it was the
iavorte residence of taste and hospitality. had
seen it when lovely and accomplished woman pres
sded-shcddlng charm around, which made it as
inviting, though not dangerous. the island of
Calypso ;-when its liberal aud polished owner made
it the resort of every stranger who had any preen-
ssns to literature science.1 had beheld it again
under more inauspicious circumstances when its
proprietor, in moment Of visionary speculation had
abandoned this earthly paradise to follow an adven-
urer-hlmsef the dupe Of others. Military banditti
held possession, acting " by authority The embel-
lishnents of art and taste disappeared beneath the
touch Of band Of yandals: and the beautiful do
main which presented the imposing appearance of O.
palace, and which had cost fortune IN the erection
was changed in one night. into a scene of devasta-
! toni The chmneys Of the house remained for some
years-the insulated monument Of the folly of their
owner, and pointed out to the stranger the place
where once stood the temple of hospitality Drift
wood covered the pleasure grounds; and the massive
cut stone, that formed the columns Of the gateway,
were scattered widely than the fragments of the
Egyptian Memnon.
| When we left Pittsburgh. the season was not far
advanced in vegetation But as we proceeded. the
change was more rapid than the difference of lati-
tude justified. | had frequently observed this in
former VOYAGES but it never was 50 striking. as on
the present occasion. The old mode Of travelling,
in the sluggish Hat boat seemed TO give time fer the
change of season but now few hours carried Us
into different climate. We met spring with all
her laughing train of flowers and verdure, rapidly
advancing from the south The buckeye, cotton
wood, and maple, had already assumed, in this
siun, the rich livery of summer. The thousand Va.
riees of the floral kingdom spread gay carpet
over the luxurant bottoms each side of the river.
| The thick woods resounded with the notes Of the
teahercd trbe--eah striving to out-do bis neighbor
in noise if not in melody. We had pot yet reached
The region Of paroquets but the clear toned whistle
of the cardinal was heard in every bush and the
cat-bra was endeavorng, with its usual zeal, to RI
val the powers of the more gifted hooking bird.
few hours brous it us to one of those stopping
places known by the name of '!woodng places.'' It
was situated Immediately above Letart's Falls. The
boat. obcent to the wheel Of the pilot, made grace
| full sweep towards the island above the chute, and
rounding to, approached the whole wood pile. AS the
boat drew near the shore, the escape steam rever-
berated through the forest and hills, like the chafcd
believing Of the Gagged tiger. The root of tree,
| concealed beneath the water, prevented The boat
from getting sufficiently the bank and it became
necessary to the paddles to make different po-
sition.
I. Back out! Manned and try it agan!' exclaimed
avoice from the shore. Throw your pole wide--and
brace oi'.-ur you'll run against snsg'
This was Kind Of language long familiar to us on
the Ohio. 1t a sample of the slang Of the keel
ibeatmen.
The speaker was Immediately cbeered by dozen
of voices from the deck; and recognised in him the
+ person Of an old acquaintance. fanarly known TO
me itcm my boyhood. He was leaning carelessly
a against large beech; and as his left arm negligent
f ~ pressed rifle to bis side, presented figure, that
: Salvador would have chosen from million, as
model for his wild and glaomy pencil. Ills stature
upwards Of feet. his proportion perfectly sym.
t metrral and exhibiting t!e evidence Of Herculean
powers tn stranger, he would have seemed a
t complete mulatto
y Long exposure to the sun and weather on the low
G err Ohm and Mississippi had changed the skin and
but for the fine European cast Of his countenance, he
might have passed for the principal warrior of soma
powerful tribe. Although at least fifty years of age,
bis hair was as black the wing cf the raven Next
To his skin he red flannel shirt, covered with
4 blue capot. ornamented with white frnges. On
his feet were moccass. and broad leathern belt,
from which hung suspended in sheath, large knife,
encrcled his waist.
, As soon as the steamboat became stationary, the
r cabin passengers jumped on shore. On ascending
Q the bank, the figure have just described advanced
I to offer me his hand
How are you. NIKE ~ said I.
How goes it ~ replied the boatman--graspins
my hand with squeeze that compare to moth
inr. but that of il blacksmith's vice.
Il am glad to see you, e?'-continued he
tin cup for quart--of' hand-and you must be
i..,I,.