1762.1 TO MOSES OR WILLIAM BARTRAM. 423 



of Dan ; so that I believe Haw River doth not reach the South 

 Mountain, but heads in the high hills on the south side of the 

 bottom, which is near ten miles across. 



These South or Alleghany Mountains, are really very high on 

 Carolina side, and steep, full as high, if not higher, than our Blue 

 Mountains ; and still grow much higher against Georgia. There 

 is much middling good land, and fine savannas, and plentiful 

 streams, on these mountains ; but it's so cold and wet, and the 

 snow frequently two feet deep in winter (some say in October and 

 November, but I believe not commonly then), that it must be un- 

 comfortable living. It is commonly said, that it always snows or 

 rains here. It rained the first day ; but then it cleared up. We 

 set out, after killing a deer and breakfasting on it ; then rode a 

 good pace till toward night. One of the hunters killed two deer, 

 part of which we ate, and left the rest. Next morning we set out, 

 and cleared the mountain about noon ; thence had four or five 

 miles to the mine. The afternoon was spent about the mine, and 

 on the banks of New River, about ten yards over. Next morning, 

 the overseer rode with me, crossed the river in a boat, and away 

 to Fort Chesel [?], towards Holston's River ; then to the Ferry, 

 thirty miles, where it was three hundred yards broad. It was 

 quite dark before we got to the house. The next day we travelled 

 till dark, and went supperless to bed, on the ground, by the east 

 branch of New River. Set out early, and by noon my guide 

 parted with me, and I set forward alone ; being obliged to my 

 guide, and very thankful to Providence, being now on the branches 

 of Staunton, and amongst the inhabitants. 



Pray give my love to brother, sister, and cousins. 



I was pleased with Billy's temperance and patience, in his 

 journey, and shall soon be daily expecting a packet of seeds, and 

 a box of plants from you ; which, with hearing of your welfare, 

 will make glad the heart of your loving father, 



John Bartram. 



JOHN BARTRAM TO WILLIAM BARTRAM, Jr., AT CAPE FEAR, N. C. 



May the 19th, 1765. 



Dear Son : 



I having now a fine opportunity, by my friend Smith, send these 



