134 SQUATTERS OF THE IVIISSISSIPPI. 



Log after log is hauled to the bank of the river, and in a short time their 

 first raft is made on the shore, and loaded with cord-wood. When the 

 next freshet sets it afloat, it is secured by long grape-vines or cables, un- 

 til the proper time being arrived, the husband and sons embark on it, and 

 float down the mighty stream. 



After encountering many difficulties, they arrive in safety at New 

 Orleans where they dispose of their stock, the money obtained for which 

 may be said to be all profit, supply themselves with such articles as may 

 add to their convenience or comfort, and with light hearts, procure a pas- 

 sage on the upper deck of a steamer, at a very cheap rate, on account 

 of the benefit of their labour in taking in wood or otherwise. 



And now the vessel approaches their home. See the joyous mother 

 and daughters as they stand on the bank ! A store of vegetables lies 

 around them, a large tub of fresh milk is at their feet, and in their hands 

 are plates filled with rolls of butter. As the steamer stops, three broad 

 straw-hats are waved from its upper deck ; and soon, husband and wife, 

 brothers and sisters, are in each other's embrace. The boat carries off" the 

 provisions, for which value has been left, and as the captain issues his or- 

 ders for putting on the steam, the happy family enter their humble dwell- 

 ing. The husband gives his bag of dollars to the wife, while the sons 

 present some token of afffection to their sisters. Surely, at such a moment, 

 the Squatters are richly repaid for all their labours. 



Every successive year has increased their savings. They now possess 

 a large stock of horses, cows, and hogs, with abundance of provisions, 

 and domestic comfort of every kind. The daughters have been married 

 to the sons of neighbouring Squatters, and have gained sisters to them- 

 selves by the marriage of their brothers. The government secures to the 

 family the lands, on which, twenty years before, they settled in poverty 

 and sickness. Larger buildings are erected on piles, secure from the in- 

 undations ; where a single cabin once stood, a neat village is now to be 

 seen ; warehouses, stores, and work-shops increase the importance of the 

 place. The Squatters live respected, and in due time die regretted, by 

 all who knew them. 



Thus are the vast frontiers of our country peopled, and thus does culti- 

 vation , year after year, extend over the western wilds. Time will no doubt 

 be, when the great valley of the Mississippi, still covered with primeval 

 forests, interspersed with swamps, will smile with corn-fields and orchards, 

 while crowded cities will rise at intervals along its banks, and enlightened 

 nations will rejoice in the bounties of Providence. 



