APPENDIX. 
283 
The United States’ troops cut a road from the vicinity of 
Tchefonta in a direction to fort Stoddert; but the water and the 
swamp obstructions on it rendered it almost useless, except in 
very dry weather; and the great hurricane of August last, has 
completely blocked it up as well as every other road approach¬ 
ing Madisonville; and the police laws, weak and unsettled in 
consequence of the many and recent changes of government, 
have not co-operated with public spirit to clear them out. 
The country within 20 or 30 miles of the Mississippi, is ge¬ 
nerally a broken, rich land, thick wood country, with a heavy 
undergrowth of cane, &c. The low grounds of the many 
streams running towards the lakes, are extremely fertile; and 
above the flat woods, the low grounds of which are too moist 
for cultivation, it is believed by the inhabitants, that sugar cane 
may be cultivated to perfection and advantage; and recent ex¬ 
periments strengthen that opinion. Upland rice is grown in 
great perfection, and may be rendered a very profitable culture 
on these iow grounds. On the second rate low grounds, and 
first rate piney lands, wheat grows finely and yields a heavy 
grain : it is harvested early in May : but wheat is an uncertain 
crop, on account of the rains and wind which are apt to prevail 
about the season of its blossoming; and it is subject to a rust. 
Indian corn grows as finely and yields as well as in any part of 
the United States, Tennessee and Kentucky excepted. This 
country is inferior to none for the culture of upland cotton, and 
is superior to any in the United States for the production of 
cornfield peas, sweet potatoes, and pompions. The piney plains 
and ridges afford excellent water, pleasant and healthy situa¬ 
tions, and luxuriant and abundant pasturage. 
Madisonville is understood to be chosen by the agents of the 
Navy Department for repairing, and even building of small ves¬ 
sels of war for the southern station; and it seems peculiarly 
adapted to these purposes s the vicinity abounds with oak, pine, 
and cypress: here also tar is made in abundance, with as great 
facility as in any part of the union: the spun hemp, or rope yarn 
of Kentucky, may be brought as cheap to this harbor as to any 
other, and the rigging may be laid to order at the navy yard 
with the greatest economy and advantage to the public serjjjceV 
