CHAPTER XXII. 



1763. 

 DESOLATION OF THE FRONTIERS. 



The advancing frontiers of American civilization 

 have always nurtured a class of men of striking 

 and peculiar character. The best examples of this 

 character have, perhaps, been found among the 

 settlers of Western Virginia, and the hardy prog- 

 eny who have sprung from that generous stock. 

 The Virginian frontiersman was, as occasion called, 

 a farmer, a hunter, and a warrior, by turns. The 

 well- beloved rifle was seldom out of his hand ; and 

 he never deigned to lay aside the fringed frock, 

 moccasons, and Indian leggins, which formed the 

 appropriate costume of the forest ranger. Con- 

 cerning the business, pleasures, and refinements 

 of cultivated life, he knew little, and cared nothing ; 

 and his manners were usually rough and obtrusive 

 to the last degree. Aloof from mankind, he lived 

 in a world of his own, which, in his view, contained 

 all that was deserving of admiration and praise. 

 He looked upon himself and his compeers as 

 models of prowess and manhood, nay, of all that is 

 elegant and polite ; and the forest gallant regarded 



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