tOfaXS k VILLAGES.^6bK tt 
h'E.'W MADRID,* 
The seat of justice of the district* and formerly called, VJnse 
a!lagresse. It is situated ih 86° 34 N. long. 89° 20 W. Though 
in a low state of improvement at present, it ought to become im* 
portant. It will be the storehouse of the produce of ail extent 
sive and fertile country; and from the St. Francis ahd the lakes 
Which lie S. W. it may derive important advantages. New Ma¬ 
drid was laid out twenty-four years ago, by col. Geo. Morgan* 
on an extensive scale, and an elegant plan. It was chosen as one 
of the best situations bn the river. The town contains four hun* 
dred inhabitants, one third Americans, living in a scattered way, 
over a great space of ground. It is the residence of several ami¬ 
able and genteel families, from whom, I acknowledge with plea¬ 
sure, to have received much kindness and hospitality. There 
is, however, a due proportion of the worthless and despicable 
part of society. 
At New Madrid, the Mississippi has assumed the shape of 
a half moon, in the hollow of which, the town stands. The bank 
is high, but the washing away has been astonishingly great, at 
least three hundred yards have disappeared. Three forts, and a 
number of large and spacious streets have been taken away, 
within these fifteen years. From the course which the river hm 
now assumed, it is probable that this will cease, and such is the 
character of this wonderful stream, that in a few years, New 
Madrid may be left far from its bank* 
* it tnlght appear useless to insert this description; the town hav¬ 
ing been nearly destroyed by the earthquakef» but it may be ciirioiia to 
record what it once was. 
f We are informed that the shocks at this place have entirely ceas¬ 
ed, and that this town, which had been almost depopulated, is again be¬ 
ginning to be re-established. Where the town stood, the ground has 
sunk so much, that in the last flood it was entirely overflowed; but, a 
short distance below, the ground which was before low, is now at least 
five feet above the highest water. Several lakes are now cornfields.— 
There are hopes that this beautiful district will soon regain its former 
advantages. 
