[111] A brief account of the Erie Canal may be found in Buttrick's Voyages, volume viii of our series, note 37.—Ed.
[112] For the early history of Somerset, see Flint's Letters, volume ix of our series, note 35.—Ed.
[113] Major Zachariah Sprigg was an inn-keeper at Wheeling as early as May 21, 1781; in 1783 he was major of militia for Ohio County. Consult Draper MSS. in Wisconsin Historical Library, 2 SS 8 and 5 NN 16.—Ed.
[114] For the more important places along this route, see Flint's Letters, in our volume ix, pp. 64-79.—Ed.
[115] John Randolph, of Roanoke (1773-1833), was elected to Congress in 1800, serving until his opposition to the War of 1812-15 cost him his seat. He returned in 1815, and from that time assumed a strong states-rights attitude. Famed as an orator, he gained a special reputation as a master of sarcasm and bitter invective. See ante (volume xi), note 34.
George Watterston (1783-1854), was appointed first librarian of Congress by President Madison (March, 1815). He was a well-known writer on Washington life and scenes.—Ed.
[116] Observations sur le Gouvernement et les Lois des U. S. p. 20.—Faux.
Comment by Ed. Gabriel Mably (1709-1785) was educated at a Jesuit college in Lyons, and lived the life of a scholar, publishing numerous works on history and law. The above book embodied his views on the United States Constitution, and was written at the request of Congress (1784).
[117] Henry Clay was appointed by President Madison one of the commissioners to negotiate peace with Great Britain. He firmly opposed granting the right of navigating the Mississippi River. After five months of negotiation, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, December 24, 1814.—Ed.
[118] The House of Representatives, like the House of Commons, is sometimes very disorderly. Heat and cold have the same effect upon the feelings of the members; for both make them quit their seats, and the authority of the speaker often fails to bring them back. It is in vain to call to order; cold has benumbed their fingers, or heat has dissolved their solids, and they can neither think nor act.—Faux.