33* 



tind. I had intended that you (hould fome day 

 have feen his formidable coat of armour, and for 

 that purpofe, I had given directions to have it 

 carefully preferved ; but from waiting to know 

 that the poor animal was actually dead, before 

 we ftripped him of his fkin, we unluckily loft 

 him, and I fhali only be able to fhew you his 

 elaws. Having left him near the hofpital 

 while we walked into the fort, the negroes 

 took an opportunity of ftealing him away ; and 

 on returning we found our alligator chopped 

 in pieces, and ftewing into foup— the flaves 

 anticipating the mefs, as a delicious feaft. The 

 meat was white, and not unlike the flefh of a 

 rabbit, and were it not for the common 

 prejudice attaching to its form, perhaps, as food, 

 the alligator might not be found inferior to 

 other amphibious animals. PoiTibly it might 

 be equal to our high-flavored turtle, or the 

 miore delicate frogs of France. 



We have lately made a party from the 

 fort, and fpent two moft pleafant days — one 

 at the governor's—the other with Mr. Blair, a 

 rich planter, refiding at a Ihort diftance down 

 the coaft on the oppofite fhore of the river. 



