the Union. Here the thief, in addition to the cause of his flight, has
only to steal a skiff, and sail down the river in the night. Horse
stealing is notorious in the western country, as are also escapes from
prison. Jails are constructed of thin brick walls or of logs, fit only
to detain the prisoner while he is satisfied with the treatment he
receives, or while he is not apprehensive of ultimate danger. Runaway
apprentices, slaves, and wives, are frequently advertised. I have heard
several tavern-keepers complain of young men going off without paying
for their board. This is not to be wondered at, where so many are
continually moving in this extensive country, without property, without
acquaintances, {142} without introductory letters, and without the
necessity of supporting moral character.
Swearing, as I have repeatedly mentioned, is a most lamentable vice.
If I am not mistaken, I have already heard more of it in America than
twice the aggregate heard during the whole of my former life.
A high degree of nationality is frequently to be observed, and
encomiums on American bravery and intelligence poured forth by men
who are not remarkable for the latter quality, and who, by their
ostentation, raise a doubt as to their possessing the former. Their
conduct seems to be more disgusting to cultivated Americans, than to
Europeans.
Here are multitudes of persons who have no accurate notions of decorous
behaviour. This, no doubt, may arise partly from their ideas of the
equality of men, without making due allowances for morals, manners,
intellect, and education. Accustomed to mix with a diversity of company
at taverns, elections, and other places of public resort, they do not
well brook to be excluded from private conversation. On such occasions,
they exclaim, “_This is a free country_” or a “_land of liberty_,”
adding a profane oath. They do not keep in view that one man has a
natural right to hear, _only_ what another is willing to tell him. Of
late I have several times found, that when I had business to transact,
a third party drew near to overhear it. Hired people, mixing with
families and their visitors, have ample means of gaining a knowledge
of other people’s affairs. I shall relate a story which I have on good
authority. A gentleman, in a State where slaves are kept, engaged
some carpenters from a neighbouring free State to erect a barn. On
the day of their first arrival they eat {143} along with himself. On
the second day the family took breakfast a little earlier than usual,
and caused the table to be covered anew for the mechanics, previous
to their coming in. They were so highly offended with this imaginary
insult, that they went off without finishing their work. This little
affair became so well known in the vicinity, that the gentleman could
not procure other workmen for some time. This extension of liberty
and equality is injurious, inasmuch as it prevents the virtuous part
of society from separating from the vicious; and so far as it removes
from the unprincipled and untutored part, the salutary incitement
to rest character on good behaviour and intelligence, instead of
citizenship, or an allusion to the _land of liberty_, or the favourite
maxim that one man is as good as another. I have frequently been asked
such questions as, “Where are you come from? Where are you going? What
are you to do there? What have you got in these here boxes? Are you a
merchant? I guess, then, you are a mechanic.”--Dr. Franklin did well in
wearing labels on his person, announcing his name, his residence, the
place he was travelling for, and his business there.
The abolition of titles and hereditary distinctions in America has not
been productive of all the simplicity of address that might have been
expected, or was perhaps intended by the illustrious founders. Squire,
the appellation designating a Justice of the Peace, or Magistrate,
is commonly retained for life, although out of office, or even when
dismissed for misconduct. It is so also amongst officers in the
militia. Men who are appointed Captains, or Majors, and may have been
present at trainings for a short time, are called Captains or Majors
ever afterwards. Of _ex officio_ corporals or serjeants I have heard no
mention made. The persons who {144} take charge of keel-boats are also
Captains. Except in cases where such names as those just alluded to
are applied, Mr. is the epithet of every man, and is applied on every
occasion. All are gentlemen. The wife is, of course, Mrs.; the daughter
and maid servant are indiscriminately saluted Miss, or Madam. All are
ladies. Thus the Christian name has fallen into disuse. I do not wish
to be understood as approving of giving an appellation to one man and
withholding it from another, but would only observe, that where all are
Mr. Mrs. and Miss, these terms do not imply a distinctive mark, and
that the simple Christian names would be more discriminately useful in
the affairs of life, if not almost as respectable.
A passion for money has been said to be a great characteristic of
Americans. To admit this would perhaps be conceding too much. It is
certain that security of property and high profits on capital, tend to
promote this disposition, and it therefore cannot be wonderful that
America has a full proportion of enterprizing citizens, and such as are
essential to the progress of a new country.
Polite behaviour, talents, education, and property, have influence in
society, here, as elsewhere. It is true that many who occupy the back
ground are obtrusive, and wish to act on the principle of equality, and
that violations of decorum are not repulsed with the same contempt as
in Britain; but it is only those who are agreeable in their manner and
conversation, that can be received as interesting companions amongst
accomplished men. The finer sympathies of human nature are not to be
taken possession of by force. Those who have believed in the equality
of society in America, have adopted a position physically and morally
impossible.
{145} Most of the defects noticed may be traced to the education of
youth, reared in families where the parents have not had the advantage
of early culture, and where the son becomes a mere transcript of the
father, the model after which he is formed. If he is sent to school,
in most cases he knows that the teacher is not allowed to whip him.
The teacher is thus rendered any thing but that object of reverence
which becomes his office, and it can scarcely be expected that the
young freeman will be much inclined either to follow the precepts or
to imitate the example of his tutor. He is practically taught to look
down on the learned man as an inferior, and to despise the most useful
attainments. The most efficient means of instruction, then, are those
of the family, where, in too many instances, the children are the
unrestrained offspring of nature. It gives no pleasing sensations to
hear them swearing, at an age when they ought to be learning to know
one letter from another, or to see them throwing off submission to
parents, and assuming all the confidence of manhood before they arrive
at half the stature.
There is one trait of character sufficiently generous to give a lustre
to the American name. The stranger is not insulted on account of his
country. I have not seen or heard of a single instance where a native
of Britain has met with a disagreeable reflection for having paid
taxes to the government so long inimical to the Republic, and that
has repeatedly leagued with savages in carrying bloodshed amongst her
people.
In almost every part where I have travelled, I have met with
intelligent and interesting individuals. In every town where my stay
was for any considerable length of time, I have become acquainted {146}
with citizens whom I should be happy to meet again. A few introductory
letters which I brought with me to this country, have not only procured
for me the most polite and friendly receptions, but other introductions
to respectable and eminent persons before me on my route; letters not
weakened by the distance of my friends, whose good wishes dictated the
first, but if possible stronger than the originals.
To give a summary character of the American people, or even of any
considerable portion of them, is beyond the reach of my observation
and intellect. It may be safe to state, that they are much diversified
by education, local circumstances, and the sources from which
the population has been derived. The manners of Britain seem to
predominate. The want of schools is a great desideratum in new
settlements. Hence it is, that in travelling from the coast into the
interior, the proportion of uneducated persons appears to be the
greater the farther to the westward: a fact that has been noticed
by many, and one showing that civilization follows in the rear of
population.
His Excellency James Munro, President of the United States, is now on a
tour through the southern and western parts of the country.[83] On the
24th current, three of our citizens, deputed by the inhabitants of the
town, went to congratulate him, on his arrival in the neighbourhood,
and to invite him to visit Jeffersonville. On accidentally meeting
with them returning, I felt myself at a loss for a trite phrase in
congratulating them, and could only tell them bluntly, that in Europe
we should say, You are very _loyal_. One of them was polite enough to
set me right, by informing me, that the object of their mission was to
make an expression {147} of _public respect_. Should you consider the
loyalty of Europe, and the public respect of America as convertible
terms, you will also have occasion to be set right, and this may
perhaps be best done by telling you, that the President does not engage
in dubbing knights or granting sinecures:--That public officers are
not appointed by his fiat, nor with the concurrence of a privy council
of his choice; but in conjunction with the Senate, whose members are
elected by the people. These officers are not only few, but their
salaries are merely remunerations for the services which they perform.
In short, the President is not regarded as a dispenser of public
money. On his part he has to regard public greetings as the spontaneous
sentiments of disinterested and independent men, without repulsing any
one in the language of James the First of Scotland, “What does the
cunning loon want?”
On the 26th the President arrived. A tall pole with the striped flag
was displayed on the bank of the river. A salute was fired, and a
large body of citizens waited his coming on shore. To be introduced
to the President was a wish almost universal, and he was subjected to
a laborious shaking of hands with the multitude. A public dinner was
given. This, too, was an object of ambition. Grocers left their goods,
and mechanics their workshops, to be present at the gratifying repast.
The first magistrate appears to be about sixty years of age. His
deportment is dignified, and at the same time affable. His countenance
is placid and cheerful. His chariot is not of iron, nor is he attended
by horse-guards or drawn swords. His protection is the affection of a
free and a represented people.
FOOTNOTES:
[82] De Witt Clinton (1769-1828) was from early manhood engaged in New
York politics. Beginning as secretary to his uncle, Governor George
Clinton, he was state senator from 1798-1802; mayor of New York from
1802-1815; and, with the exception of four years, governor from 1817
until his death. His interest in the Erie Canal is well known. In 1812
he urged its construction upon Congress; failing in that he drew up an
elaborate memorial to the state legislature, which had great weight
in inducing that body to undertake the enterprise. When the canal was
opened (1825), he was carried on a canal barge in triumphal procession
from New York to Lake Erie.--ED.
[83] For Monroe’s tour, see Buttrick’s _Voyages_, volume viii of our
series, note 28.--ED.
{148} LETTER XII
On Emigration--The Prospects of Emigrants--Inconveniences--The method
of laying out and disposing of public lands.
_Jeffersonville, (Indiana,)
August 2, 1819._
This letter will be devoted to such remarks on emigration so far as
my little experience and short residence in America enable me to have
made. Before entering upon the subject, I think it proper to state,
that I disown every intention of advising any one to leave his native
country; and that I disapprove of exaggerating the prospects held out
here, and underrating those of Britain, as uncandid and deceptive,
as appealing to the passions to decide in a matter which ought to be
determined by the sober exercise of reason.
In exchanging Britain for the United States, the emigrant may
reasonably expect to have it in his power to purchase good unimproved
land, and to bring it into a rude state of cultivation, with less
capital unquestionably, than that employed in renting an equal
proportion of good ground at home. He will not be burdened by an
excessive taxation, nor with tithes, nor poor’s rates; for there are no
internal taxes paid to the government, no privileged clergy, and few
people who live by the charity of others. His labour and his capital
will be more productive, and his accumulation of property more rapid,
(good health, industry, and economy, presupposed,) {149} and a stronger
hope may be entertained, that extreme poverty or want may be kept at a
distance. After residing five years in the country, he may become an
elector of those who have the power of making laws and imposing taxes.
The inconveniences or difficulties which attend removing, are upon no
account to be overlooked. The man who undervalues these is only holding
disappointments in reserve for himself. He must part with friends,
and every acquaintance to whom he is attached, a case that he may,
perhaps, not fully understand, till he acts his part in it. A voyage
and a long journey must be submitted to. He must breathe a new air,
and bear transitions and extremes of climate, unknown to him before.
His European tinge of complexion must soon vanish from his face, to
return no more. A search for the new home will require his serious
attention, a diversity of situations may soon be heard of, but it is
not easy to visit or compare many of them. Nor is the emigrant, on his
first arrival, an adequate judge of the soil of America. In a dilemma
of this kind advice is necessary. This is easily procured every where;
but it deserves attention to know, whether the informant is interested
in the advice he gives. Land dealers, and others, naturally commend
tracts of land which they are desirous to sell. The people of the
neighbourhood have also an interest in the settling of neighbouring
lands, knowing, that by every augmentation of population, the value
of their own property is increased. On several occasions I have met
with men who attempted to conceal local disadvantages, and defects
in point of salubrity, that were self-evident. I do not recollect of
having heard more than two persons acknowledge, that they lived in
an unhealthy situation. {150} In the high country of Pennsylvania, I
was told that Pittsburg is an unhealthy place. At Pittsburg, I heard
that Marietta and Steubenville are very subject to sickness. At these
places, the people contrast their healthy situation with Chillicothe,
which, I was told, is very unhealthy. At Chillicothe, the climate of
Cincinnati is deprecated; and at Cincinnati, many people seem willing
to transfer the evil to the falls of the Ohio. At this place the truth
is partially admitted; but it is affirmed that the Illinois country,
and down the Mississippi are very unhealthy. The cautious will always
look to the views and character of the man who would direct them, and
will occasionally rely on their own judgments.
In the public land-offices, maps of the new lands are kept. Sections
of a square mile, and quarter sections of 160 acres, are laid down.
The squares entered are marked A. P. meaning advance paid. This advance
is half a dollar per acre, or one-fourth of the price. Lands, when
first put to sale, are offered by public auction, and are set up at
two dollars per acre. If no one offers that price, they are exhibited
on the land-office map, and may be sold at that rate at any subsequent
time. New settlers, who are sufficiently skilled in the quality of
the soil, are in no danger from land-office transactions. Besides
the land-offices for the sale of national property, there are agents
who sell on account of individuals. I can mention Mr. Embree, of
Cincinnati, as a gentleman who does much business in this way, and with
much reputation to himself.
The land office maps are divided into townships {151} of six miles
square.[84] The figure represents a portion of the country laid out in
this way.
The positions of the townships relatively to the base line, are
expressed by the numerals I, II, III, &c. and their positions
relatively to the meridian are numbered on both sides of it east and
west, as marked on the top and bottom. The parallels marked I, I-II,
II-III, III, and so on, are called townships, Nos. I, II, III, &c.
north or south according as they lie on the north or south side of
the base line. Positions in regard of the meridian are indicated by
the numbers 1, 2, 3, &c. at top and bottom, east or west, as they lie
on the {152} east or west side of the meridian line, and are called
ranges, Nos. 1, 2, 3, &c. For an explanatory example, suppose the
designation of the township at the bottom of the right hand column
is required. The square in question, is in the parallel numbered V
south of the base line, and IV east of the principal meridian. It is
therefore called town five south, range four east.
[Illustration]
The townships are divided into sections of a square mile each, as in
town No. 4 north, range No. 3 east.
The figure [page 178] is a larger representation of a township, showing
how it is divided and numbered.
The faint lines represent the divisions of sections into quarters
of 160 acres each. At the auctions {153} of public lands, and at
subsequent sales, lots of this extent are frequently entered. The
sixteenth section of each township is reserved for the support of a
school.
[Illustration]
Lands entered at the public sales, or at the Register’s office, are
payable, one fourth part of the price at the time of purchase; one
fourth at the expiry of two years; one fourth at three years, and the
remaining fourth at four years. By law, lands not fully paid at the
end of five years, are forfeited to the government, but examples are
not wanting of States petitioning Congress for indulgence on this
point, and obtaining it. For money paid in advance at the land office
a discount of eight per cent, per annum is allowed, till instalments
to the amount of the payment become due. For failures in the payment
of instalments, interest at six per cent is taken till paid. The most
skilful speculators usually pay only a fourth part of the price at
entry, conceiving that they can derive a much greater profit than
eight per cent. per annum from the increasing value of property, and
occasionally from renting it out to others. Where judicious selections
are made, they calculate rightly.
The land system now adopted in the United States is admirable in regard
of ingenuity, simplicity, and liberality. A slight attention to the
map of a district, will enable any one to know at once the relative
situation of any section that he may afterwards hear mentioned, and
its direct distance in measured miles. There can be no necessity for
giving names to farms or estates, as the designation of the particular
township, and the number of the section is sufficient, and has,
besides, the singular convenience of conveying accurate information
as to where it is situated. By the new arrangement the boundaries
of possessions are most securely fixed, {154} and freed alike from
the inconvenience of rivers changing their course, and complexity of
curved lines. Litigation amongst neighbours as to their landmarks, is
in a great measure excluded. The title deed is printed on a piece of
parchment of the quarto size. The date, the locality of the purchase,
and the purchaser’s name, are inserted in writing, and the instrument
is subscribed by the President of the United States, and the agent of
the general land office.[85] It is delivered to the buyer free of all
expense, and may be transferred by him to another person without using
stamped paper, and without the intervention of a law practitioner. The
business of the land office proceeds on the most moderate principles,
and with the strictest regard to justice. The proceeds are applied
in defraying the expense of government, and form a resource against
taxation. The public lands are in reality the property of the people.
The stranger who would go into the woods to make a selection of lands,
ought to take with him an extract from the land office map applying
to the part of the country he intends to visit. Without this, he
cannot well distinguish entered from unentered grounds. He should
also procure the names of the resident people, with the numbers and
quarters of the sections they live on, not neglecting to carry with him
a pocket-compass, to enable him to follow the blazed lines marked out
by the surveyor. _Blaze_ is a word signifying a mark cut by a hatchet
on the bark of a tree. It is the more necessary for the explorer to
be furnished thus, as he may {155} expect to meet with settlers who
will not be willing to direct him, but, on the contrary, tell him with
the greatest effrontery, that every neighbouring quarter section is
already taken up. Squatters, a class of men who take possession without
purchasing, are afraid of being turned out, or of having their pastures
abridged by new comers. Others, perhaps meditating an enlargement
of their property, so soon as funds will permit, wish to hold the
adjoining lands in reserve for themselves, and not a few are jealous of
the land-dealer, who is not an actual settler, whose grounds lie waste,
waiting for that advance on the value of property, which arises from an
increasing population. The non-resident proprietor is injurious to a
neighbourhood, in respect of his not bearing any part of the expense of
making roads, while other people are frequently under the necessity of
making them through his lands for their own convenience. On excursions
of this kind, the prudent will always be cautious of explaining their
views, particularly as to the spot chosen for purchase, and without
loss of time they should return to the land-office and make entry.
The new abode being fixed, the settler may be surrounded by strangers.
Polite and obliging behaviour with circumspection in every transaction,
become him in this new situation.
FOOTNOTES:
[84] The township system of survey was adopted in the first ordinance
for the sale of public lands, passed May 20, 1785. The authorship of
the plan has been a subject of controversy. It is usually attributed to
Thomas Hutchins, first geographer of the United States, who had earlier
embodied the idea in a plan for establishing military colonies north of
the Ohio. See Hindsale, _Old Northwest_ (New York, 1888), p. 262.--ED.
[85] At every land office, a register of the weather is kept. Three
daily observations of the thermometer, the direction of the wind, the
aspect of the sky, whether clear or clouded, fair or rainy days; and
some other occasional phenomena, are noted down.--FLINT.
{156} LETTER XIII
Comparative Advantages of several Parts of the United
States--Temperature of the Climate at Philadelphia and at
Cincinnati--Pennsylvania--Ohio--Kentucky, and the Western Part of
Virginia--Indiana--Illinois--Missouri--Reflections on Slave-Keeping.
_Jeffersonville, (Indiana,)
October 16, 1819._