Being ferried across that charming little river, I had a good road through a pleasant country tolerably well settled five miles to Mr. Tomlinson’s. I had a letter to him from my friend H——, which was no sooner delivered, than both he and Mrs. T. vied with each other in their friendly attentions to me. They insisted on my not going farther that night, and manifested the greatest friendship for the writer of my introductory letter, by the warmth and kindness of their hospitality to me.
FOOTNOTES:
[216] The name Baton Rouge (Red Stick) is supposed to have been derived from a tall cypress tree, which, having been stripped by the lightning to its red wood, formed a prominent landmark. The town was first settled by the French about 1720, but remained an inconsiderable hamlet, even after the accession of eighty Acadians (about 1730). The British, while in control of West Florida, built a fort and established a garrison here, which was surrendered by Colonel Dickson to the victorious Spanish under Galvez, in 1779. Baton Rouge was incorporated as an American town in 1817, and became the capital of Louisiana in 1850.—Ed.
[217] Don Carlos de Grandpré was a Frenchman, who held important positions in the Spanish service. In 1779, he aided Galvez in his capture of British Florida, and was left by the latter in command of the fort at Baton Rouge. In 1788, he commanded the Natchez district, but made himself unpopular to the American inhabitants, whereupon he was superseded by Gayoso de Lemos. Upon the latter’s promotion to the governorship of Louisiana, Grandpré was again detailed for Natchez; but on account of the protests of the inhabitants, was removed in favor of Minor. When Louisiana was transferred to the United States, Grandpré was commandant at Baton Rouge. The American inhabitants of this district began a revolt, which Grandpré severely repressed. Upon the successful revolt of the same province in 1810, a son of the commandant was killed while defending the post of Baton Rouge. During the British advance against New Orleans, Grandpré sided with his former enemies, and boarded one of their warships. His later history is unknown.—Ed.
{318} CHAPTER LIV
Return to the northward through Natchez, Greenville and Port Gibson—Bayau Pierre—General remarks on climate, soil, water, face of the country, manners, productions, &c.
On Tuesday, 13th September, I set out early, after returning thanks to my kind host and hostess. At two miles I passed Mrs. Hutchinson’s on the right; one mile farther, Mr. Abner Green’s on the left; three quarters of a mile beyond which, I left Mr. Poindexter’s, member of congress from this territory, on the right.
I stopped for a few minutes at Mr. Dunbar’s—sometimes known and addressed by the title of Sir William Dunbar, I know not on what foundation. He is a native of Scotland—is a gentleman of literature and philosophical research—is esteemed rich—and occupies one of the most tasty and best furnished cottages I have seen in the territory.
Passing three or four other large plantations in sight of the road, six miles more brought me to St. Catharine’s creek, now an inconsiderable brook, but in floods an impassable torrent; crossing which I had two miles and a half to Col. William Scott’s, where I stopped and dined with Mrs. Scott, the Col. being from home.
After dinner, taking the road through Natchez, I went to Mr. Blennerhasset’s, where I supped and slept.