LIFE OF WILSON. 
cxlvii 
the same room where he expired, I took down from Mrs. Grinder 
the particulars of that melancholy event, which affected me ex- 
tremely. This house or cabin is seventy-two miles from Nashville, 
and is the last white man’s as you enter the Indian country. Go- 
vernor Lewis, she said, came thither about sunset, alone, and in- 
quired if he could stay for the night; and, alighting, brought his 
saddle into the house. He was dressed in a loose gown, white, 
striped with blue. On being asked if he came alone, he replied 
that there were two servants behind, who would soon be up. He 
called for some spirits, and drank a very little. When the servants 
arrived, one of whom was a negro, he inquired for his powder, say- 
ing he was sure he had some powder in a canister. The servant 
gave no distinct reply, and Lewis, in the mean while, walked back- 
wards and forwards before the door, talking to himself. Some- 
times, she said, he would seem as if he were walking up to her; 
and would suddenly wheel round, and walk back as fast as he could. 
Supper being ready he sat down, but had eaten only a few mouth- 
fuls when he started up, speaking to himself in a violent manner. 
At these times, she says, she observed his face to flush as if it had 
come on him in a fit. He lighted his pipe, and drawing a chair to 
the door sat down, saying to Mrs. Grinder, in a kind tone of voice, 
“ Madam, this is a very pleasant evening.” He smoked for some 
time, but quitted his seat and traversed the yard as before. He 
again sat down to his pipe, seemed again composed, and casting 
his eyes wistfully towards the west, observed what a sweet evening 
it was. Mrs. Grinder was preparing a bed for him; but he said he 
would sleep on the floor, and desired the servant to bring the bear 
skins and buffalo robe, which were immediately spread out for him; 
and it being now dusk the woman went off to the kitchen, and the 
two men to the barn, which stands about two hundred yards off. 
The kitchen is only a few paces from the room where Lewis was, 
and the woman being considerably alarmed by the behaviour of 
her guest could not sleep, but listened to him walking backwards 
