l occasions
by the pioneer of Kentucky, were, perhaps, never surpassed by any
character on record. These traits were admirably balanced and relieved
by a disposition peculiarly mild and gentle. In his old age he removed
from Kentucky to the banks of the Missouri. The portrait of him in the
capitol is said not to be a correct likeness. He was of the middle
stature, of prodigious strength and swiftness, with sandy hair, and a
bright complexion, a bold, prominent forehead, aquiline nose and
compressed lips. There was a peculiar brightness, an unquenchable
elasticity and force visible in his forehead and his eye, even under
the frost of eighty winters. His old age was not cheered by affluence,
but his departure was neither unhonored, nor unsung. No American
character seems to have more chained interest and attention. His life
constitutes the theme of Mr. Bryant's 'Mountain Muse,' and he is one
among the few, whom lord Byron honored with unalloyed eulogy, in seven
or eight of the happiest stanzas of Don Juan."

NOTE IV.

_And should they bear him prisoner from the fight,
While they are sleeping, in the dead midnight,
He slips the thongs that bind him to the tree,
And leaving death with them, bounds home right happily._

The reader is referred to "Sketches of Western Adventure," page 309,
for a most interesting account of the escape of two small boys from
the Indians.

NOTE V.

_"How fertile is this 'dark and bloody ground!'
Here Death has given many a horrid wound."_

Kentucky was called the "dark and bloody ground" by the Indians, in
consequence of many of the fiercest contests having occurred there; it
was the common hunting ground of many of the tribes, and here they
frequently met in their excursions, scarcely ever without bloodshed.

At my request, I was kindly furnished with the annexed note by Judge
Hall, on the subject of Indian mounds, which should have been inserted
under the passage which alludes to them; but the reference at the
proper place being accidentally omitted, it is given here. Judge Hall
will readily imagine why the author has omitted some passages of the
note, which to himself were not the least pleasing.

This gentleman has lately become a citizen of Cincinnati, where those,
who knew him formerly but by his high reputation, now feel how much
courtesy and kindness increase its charm.

Judge Hall is of opinion that most of the mounds are natural; speaking
of them he sa