LIFE OF WILSON. 
cxxxv 
they had been so indulged. Next morning (Sunday) I rode 
six miles to a man’s, of the name of Grinder, where our poor 
friend Lewis perished. * In the same room where he expired, 
I took down from Mrs. Grinder the particulars of that melan* 
choly event, which affected me extremely. This house or ca- 
bin is seventy-two miles from Nashville, and is the last white 
man’s as you enter the Indian country. Governor Lewis, she 
said, came hither about sunset, alone, and inquired 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, 
saying he was sure he had some powder in a canister. The 
servant gave no distinct reply, and Lewis, in the mean while, 
walked backwards and forwards before the door, talking to him- 
self. Sometimes, she said, he would seem as if he were walk- 
ing 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 mouthfuls when he started up, speak- 
ing 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 cast- 
ing his eyes wistfully towards the west, observed what a sweet 
evening it was. Mrs. Grinder was preparing a bed for him; 
* It is hardly necessary to state, that this was the brave and enterprising 
traveller, whose journey across the Rocky Mountains, to the Pacific Ocean, 
has obtained for him well-merited celebrity. The true cause of his commit- 
ting the rash deed, so feelingly detailed above, is not yet known to tlie pub- 
lic; but his friends will not soon forget the base imputations and cruel neglect, 
wluch the honourable mind of the gallant soldier knew not how to brook. 
