383 



dated, were, at any period of time, less so than at 

 present. 



To determine this point, it is necessary to inquire 

 into, and examine what was the ancient state and con- 

 dition of the Mississippi river, as it respects its con- 

 fluence with the bay of Mexico, and what it now is. 



It is pretty well known, and generally admitted, 

 that the ancient southern boundaries of the continent, 

 on the Mississippi river, did not extend far below Nat- 

 ches. That by some revolution in the economy of the 

 earth, a very great increase of territory has been form- 

 ed, and added to the continent, extending from Nat- 

 ches to a line, having a bearing south westerly, and in- 

 tersecting the thirtieth degree of latitude at New- 

 Orleans, and, perhaps, much farther. 



This fact being admitted, we are left to conclude 

 that the ancient mouth of the Mississippi was at or 

 near Natcbes.* That in consequence of the addition 

 of territory, the Mississippi had to pass through an ex- 

 tent of country more than two degrees beyond its an- 

 cient point of discharge into the sea. Consequently 

 through a district, having but little descent, as must 

 appear evident from a view of the land on its borders 

 therefore its current must necessarily have been retard- 

 ed in proportion to the diminution of slope in the in- 



* In order to comprehend this fact, it is necessary to consult 

 the mnp of the United State?, in which the alluvial zone and other 

 formations are clearly laid down. 



