ALEXANDER WILSON. 
Cl 
yards of me, and I was astonished how I escaped. I would rather 
take my chance in a field of battle, than in such a tornado again. 
44 On the fourteenth day of my journey, at noon, I arrived at 
this place, [Natchez, Mississippi territory,] having overcome every 
obstacle, alone, and without being acquainted with the country ; 
and, what surprised the boatmen more, without whisky. On an 
average, I met from forty to sixty boatmen every day, returning 
from this place and New Orleans. The Chickasaws are a friendly, 
inoffensive people ; and the Chactaws, though more reserved, are 
equally harmless. Both of them treated me with civility, though 
I several times had occasion to pass through their camps, where 
many of them were drunk. The Paroquet which I carried with 
me was a continual fund of amusement to all ages of these people ; 
and, as they crowded around to look at it, gave me an opportunity 
of studying their physiognomies without breach of good manners. 
44 In thus hastily running over the particulars of this journey, I 
am obliged to omit much that would amuse and interest you ; but 
my present situation, — a noisy tavern, crowded in every corner, 
even in the room where I write, with the sons of riot and dissipa- 
tion, — prevents me from enlarging on particulars. I could also have 
wished to give you some account of this place, and of the cele- 
brated Mississippi, of which you have heard so much. On these 
subjects, however, I can at present only offer you the following 
slight sketch, taken the morning after my arrival here : — 
44 The best view of this place and surrounding scenery, is from 
the old Spanish fort on the south side of the town, about a quarter 
of a mile distant. From this high point, looking up the river, 
Natchez lies on your right — a mingled group of green trees, and 
white and red houses, occupying an uneven plain, much washed 
into ravines, rising as it recedes from the bluff or high precipitous 
bank of the river. There is, however, neither steeple, cupola, nor 
distinguished object to add interest to its appearance. The 
country beyond it, to the right, is thrown up into the same irre- 
gular knolls ; and, at the distance of a mile, in the same direction, 
you have a peep of some cultivated farms, bounded by the general 
forest. On your left, you look down, at a depth of two or three 
hundred feet, on the river, winding majestically to the south ; the 
