460 INDIANA HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS 



position; but because the "hotel" of that fine-growing 

 town is such an abominable nuisance, that I did not feel 

 as though I could endure it until I made the acquaintance 

 of some kind friend, whom I doubt not would readily take 

 pity upon a traveller unfortunately located in such an 

 uncomfortable place, as soon as informed of his deplor- 

 able condition. Although much in need of rest, I felt 

 compelled to proceed. One meal was all I could endure. 

 Thus much by way of explanation. This part of the state 

 is very new, having been mostly settled since the Creek 

 war of 1836. Steamers run upon Flint River, in high 

 water and carry out the cotton to Apalachicola. The 

 greatest objection to the country is limestone water and 

 muddy soil. There are yet vast tracts of land in forest 

 in this part of the state, though much of it is of secondary 

 quality. 



As we approach Florida, the surface becomes undulat- 

 ing, and around Tallahassee, it is really hilly, and ele- 

 vated several hundred feet above the level of the ocean. 

 Much of the land in Middle Florida is of a dark-red color, 

 composed of sand, clay, lime, and iron, and having an 

 unctuous feel as though it contained fatty matter. It is 

 the finest red land in America, and as well worthy the 

 attention of imigrants as any region of country I know 

 of, taking into account its fertility, cheapness, and warm 

 climate; and for one so far south, undoubtedly very 

 healthy. It is a soil easily washed away when only plowed 

 about an inch and a half deep ; but as it is in places 20 or 

 30 feet to the bottom, it will be more than the present 

 generation of land destroyers can do to utterly ruin the 

 whole country. Besides, by a good system of sidehill 

 ditching, such as has been adopted by colonel Williams,' 



' Colonel Robert White Williams, prominent planter of Leon 

 County. Went to Florida as a surveyor-general when the first land 

 office was opened at Pensacola. Later moved with the land office 

 to Tallahassee. Became agent and attorney for General Lafayette 

 in 1832; this relation was maintained by the latter's heirs. In this 

 capacity, disposed of the Florida township granted to Lafayette 

 by the United States. Took an active part in various territorial and 



