127 
r 
turf, shaded by high green trees. Close below Evansville, a small 
river called Big Pigeon creek falls into the Ohio. In its mouth 
we saw several flat boats, with apparatus similar to pile-driving 
machines. These vessels belong to a contractor, who has en¬ 
tered into an engagement with the government, to make the Ohio 
free and clear of the snags and sawyers lying in its current. 
This work was discharged in a negligent manner, and the officer 
to whom the superintendence was committed, is censured for 
having suffered himself to be imposed upon. 1 remembered 
having seen models in the patent-office at Washington, of ma¬ 
chines which were intended to effect this purpose. Seven miles 
and a half higher up, Green river unites itself to the Ohio on the 
left bank. Of this the Western Navigator says: “ that it is a 
considerable river in Kentucky, navigable about two hundred 
miles, and rises in Lincoln county.” On board our boat we did 
not find ourselves comfortable, either in respect to lodging, or 
the table. All was small and confined, and in the evening we 
were much annoyed by the mosquetoes. My mosqueto bar, 
purchased in New Orleans, assisted me very much as a defence 
during the night 
During the night, we stopped several times to take in wood, 
and once to repair the engine. An overhanging tree, which we 
approached too nearly, gave us a powerful blow, and did much 
damage to the upper part of the vessel. I had no state room, 
and therefore obtained no sleep during the constant uproar. 
The banks became constantly higher, and more picturesque in 
their appearance. They were frequently rocky: in several rocks 
we observed cavities, which with the houses built in front of 
them, produced a pleasing effect. Upon the right bank, was a 
little place called Troy; several settlements, composed of frame 
houses, instead of logs. Towards evening we saw upon the 
left bank, the mouth of a little stream, Sinking creek. Upon 
the right shore of this creek, is a group of houses called Rome, 
and on the left a little place, named Stevensport; both places are 
united by a wooden bridge, resting upon one high pier. I spent 
nearly the whole day on deck, to regale myself with the beauti¬ 
ful landscapes surrounding us. Between several turns of the 
river the country is so shut in, that one would suppose himself 
sailing on a lake. The agreeable sensations caused by the beautiful 
country, and the mild spring temperature which surrounded me, 
upon the whole compensated for many of our privations. We in¬ 
deed were in want of every thing but absolute necessaries. I met 
an acquaintance indeed; one of our fellow travellers who had 
formerly been a clerk of the English North West Company, and 
had remained three years at the posts of the company in the 
Rocky Mountains, and on the Columbia river; but this person 
