ulation of the State then
amounted to but about one hundred thousand. They were generally widely
dispersed through the extensive regions of East Tennessee. But very few
emigrants had ventured across the broad and rugged cliffs of the
Cumberland Mountains into the rich and sunny plains of Western
Tennessee. But a few years before, terrible Indian wars desolated the
State. The powerful tribes of the Creeks and Cherokees had combined all
their energies for the utter extermination of the white men, seeking to
destroy all their hamlets and scattered cabins.

At a slow foot-pace the pioneers followed down the wild valley of the
Holston River, often with towering mountains rising upon each side of
them. If they chanced, at nightfall, to approach the lonely hut of a
settler, it was especial good fortune, as they thus found shelter
provided, and a fire built, and hospitable entertainment ready for
them. If, however, they were overtaken in the wilderness by darkness,
and even a menacing storm, it was a matter of but little moment, and
caused no anxiety. A shelter, of logs and bark, was soon thrown up,
with a crackling fire, illuminating the wilderness, blazing before it.
A couch, as soft as they had ever been accustomed to, could speedily be
spread from the pliant boughs of trees. Upon the pack-colts there were
warm blankets. And during the journey of the day they had enjoyed ample
opportunity to take such game as they might need for their supper and
their morning breakfast.

At length they reached the majestic flood of the Tennessee River, and
crossed it, we know not how. Then, directing their steps toward the
setting sun, they pressed on, league after league, and day after day,
in toilsome journey, over prairies and through forests and across
mountain-ridges, for a distance of nearly four hundred miles from their
starting-place, until they reached a small stream, called Mulberry
Creek which flows into the Elk River, in what is now Lincoln County.

At the mouth of Mulberry Creek the adventurous emigrant found his
promised land. It was indeed a beautiful region. The sun shines upon
none more so. The scenery, which, however, probably had but few
attractions for David Crockett's uncultivated eye, was charming. The
soil was fertile. The streams abounded with fish and waterfowl; and
prairie and forest were stocked with game. No family need suffer from
hunger here, if the husband had a rifle and knew how to use it. A few
hours' lab