38 Expedition to the 



far greater distance below the point. — The Iron Banks, seven- 

 teen miles below the mouth of the Ohio, have been thought by 

 some, an eligible position for the extensive business, which, it is 

 admitted by all, must center in this neighbourhood. — But at 

 this place there no safe landing; and besides the banks are com- 

 posed of layers of sand and clay alternating with each other, of an 

 acclivity nearly perpendicular, and annually wearing away, by 

 the current of the river, which sets strongly against them. 

 These banks are elevated about one hundred and thirty feet 

 above the common level of the river, and are insurmountable, 

 except by a circuitous rout, leading from the river a consi- 

 derable distance above and below them. 



Second, There are no positions on the Mississippi, except 

 the Iron and Chalk Banks, for a great distance below the 

 Ohio, secure from inundation. The bottom directly oppo- 

 site the mouth of the Ohio, on the west side of the Mis- 

 sissippi is elevated a little above high water, but as it is an al- 

 luvial shore, having no permanent foundation, and the banks 

 often falling in, it affords no conveniences or security as a 

 place of business. 



Third, No places of anchorage for boats of heavy burden 

 are to be found, except in the main channel of the river, where 

 they would be exposed to driftwood, great quantities of which 

 are brought down in times of freshet, — and when borne along 

 with the rapid current of the river occasion serious danger to 

 boats lying in its way. 



The town of America is almost entirely exempt from 

 any of these objections; -although it has not a rocky foundation, 

 (which may be said of most of the towns on the Ohio,) 

 the current of the river is so gentle, that no such guard 

 against the undermining and wasting away of the banks, 

 is required. In case of an excessive flood, or an unusual 

 quantity of floating ice, (which may possibly be apprehended 

 in remarkably cold seasons) the mouth of Cash river, five 



