352 



were formed by it, is by no means probable ; there- 

 fore cannot be admitted, while there exist facts that 

 will warrant a very different opinion. 



In order to a more correct view, or a more perfect 

 knowledge of the subject, it is a matter of no small 

 importance that all the existing circumstances should 

 be carefully examined, and duly weighed, that we may 

 be enabled to judge whether, in the first place, the 

 lands in question were all formed by the alluvion of 

 the Mississippi river, or not ; or secondly, to what ex- 

 tent we are to admit its agency in this extensive work. 



.In the examination and discussion of these ques- 

 tions, I am well aware of the disadvantages under 

 which a person labours, who has never seen the 

 smallest part or portion of the Mississippi river, or of 

 its auxiliary branches ; much less any portion of the 

 alluvial districts upon their borders. But from the 

 well known facts that exist, I am not disposed to 

 shrink from the investigation, under an apprehension 

 that popular prejudices cannot be overcome nor made 

 to yield to the force of conviction, where truth stands 

 pre-eminent; nor to relinquish the pursuit from fear of 

 a difference of opinion, since it is not expected, nor in- 

 tended to establish a decision from which there is no 

 appeal. 



It must appear obvious to every one that the only 

 object in view in the present instance is the develope- 

 ment of truth. To this end, I shall first take notice 

 of the tides in the gulf of Mexico, with a view to 



