FOOTNOTES:
[181] For the early history of Nashville, see Michaux’s Travels, vol. iii of this series, p. 61, note 103.—Ed.
[182] On the history of Fort Massac, and the origin of its name, see Michaux’s Travels, vol. iii of this series, p. 73, note 139.
Captain Daniel Bissell, the commandant at this point, had welcomed Burr on his descent of the Ohio two years before Cuming. Bissell joined the army from Connecticut as lieutenant, in 1794, being made captain in 1799. During the War of 1812-15, he became brigadier-general and served on the northern frontier, winning a slight skirmish at Lyons Creek. He resigned from the army in 1821, and died in 1833.—Ed.
[183] The Missouri point opposite Cairo was acquired by an American from the Spanish government, but no settlement seems to have been made thereon until 1808, when Abraham Bird, who had several years previous removed from Virginia to Cairo, crossed over and built a home at this place, thereafter known as Bird’s Point. This property was in the hands of the Birds for three generations.—Ed.