Here, in the midst of beautiful grounds, while Blennerhassett studied
astronomy, chemistry, and galvanism, his brilliant spouse dispensed
rare hospitality to their many distinguished guests; for, in those
days, it was part of a rich young man's education to take a journey
down the Ohio, into "the Western parts," and on returning home to
write a book about it.

But there came a serpent to this Eden. Aaron Burr was among their
visitors (1805), while upon his journey to New Orleans, where he hoped
to set on foot a scheme to seize either Texas or Mexico, and set up
a republic with himself at the head. He interested the susceptible
Blennerhassetts in his plans, the import of which they probably little
understood; but the fantastic Englishman had suffered a considerable
reduction of fortune, and was anxious to recoup, and Burr's
representations were aglow with the promise of such rewards in the
golden southwest as Cortes and Coronado sought. Blennerhassett's purse
was opened to the enterprise of Burr; large sums were spent in boats
and munitions, which were, tradition says, for a time hid in the bayou
which, close by our camp, runs deep into the island forest. It has
been filled in by the present proprietor, but its bold shore lines,
all hung with giant sycamores, are still in evidence.

President Jefferson's proclamation (October, 1806) shattered the plot,
and Blennerhassett fled to join Burr at the mouth of the Cumberland.
Both were finally arrested (1807), and tried for treason, but
acquitted on technical grounds. In the meantime, people from
the neighboring country sacked Blennerhassett's house; then came
creditors, and with great waste seized his property; the beautiful
place was still further pillaged by lawless ruffians, and turned
into ignoble uses; later, the mansion itself was burned through the
carelessness of negroes--and now, all they can show us are the old
well and the noble trees which once graced the lawn. As for the
Blennerhassetts themselves, they wandered far and wide, everywhere
the victims of misfortune. He died on the Island of Guernsey (1831), a
disappointed office-seeker; she, returning to America to seek redress
from Congress for the spoliation of her home, passed away in New
York, before the claim was allowed, and was buried by the Sisters of
Charity.

CHAPTER IX.

Poor whites--First library in the West--An hour at
Hockingport--A hermit fisher.

Long Bottom, Monday, May 14th.-