State of Pennsylvania, "may erect a dam across the river Delaware, at the head of Wells' Falls, and construct a feeder there from for the Pennsylvania canal, not exceeding 40 feet width at water line, 25 feet in width at bottom, and 5 feet in depth." Article 2d, provides for a dam at the present head of the feeder of the Delaware and Raritan canal. Article 9th, provides that the State of Pennsylvania shall form an easy, safe and direct communication between the Pennsylvania canal and pool formed by the feeder dam of the said Delaware and Raritan canal feeder, and that the State of New Jersey should form an easy, safe and direct communication between the said Delaware and Raritan canal feeder, and the pool formed by the feeder dam of the Pennsylvania canal. This agreement is so important to a full understanding of the matter under consideration, that it has been thought proper to present it entire in the appen ix. The report of the engineers employed by the commissioners, contains much useful information, and for that reason is also appended. The Legislature of Pennsylvania did not ratify this agreement, but it is understood that New Jersey did so. It appears by reference to the journals of the Pennsyl vania Legislature, that remonstrances were urged against the erection of dams of the height proposed, under an apprehension that they would injure the navigation. These remonstrances probably prevented the action of the Legislature on the subject. The Delaware division of the Pennsylvania canal was however, being constructed, and it was ascertained that the first level below Wells' falls was located too high by about two and one half feet, to be fed from the river at low water, without a dam. There was no alternative therefore, for the canal commissioners, but to devise some other mode of feeding or abandon the whole work. In this dilemma they determined to erect a wing dam, at the head of the falls to create a power sufficient to raise water by machinery to feed the canal, by which means it has as yet been supplied for the business on it without much inconvenience. It appears to be agreed however, by all who have examined this subject that this mode of feeding will be precarious at all times, owing to the decay and injury to which this machinery is liable, and that with the rapidly increasing business, the supply of water (especially when the river is low,) will soon be altogether insufficient. There are however other reasons why an alteration in this mode of feeding has been desired by Pennsylvania. Heavy complaints are made by the citizens of both States, that the wing dam thus erected, obstructs the ascending navigation of the Delaware, so that boats cannot now be taken up the falls without passing into swift water, when it is impracticable to ascend with their usual strength of hands. The Legislature of New Jersey, (as it is understood) at the instance of the citizens of that State, who complained of the injury to the navigation from this wing dam, passed resolutions on the 2d December, 1831, in relation thereto, directing an inspection of the dam, and the Governor of that State made a communication ers, was finally arranged and acceded to by both States, as may be found in the appendix.-See law 1831-2, page 638; also of 1832-3, page 487. While these proceedings were pending, the Delaware and Raritan canal company had commenced a feeder along the Delaware, extending about nine miles above Wells' Falls, where a position was found which required no dam for diverting the water into their canal. New Jersey therefore could secure a supply of water for her canal, without being exposed to the complaints of those interested in the river navigation. It was under these circumstances. that Pennsylvania, (whose canal required much less water than that of New Jersey,) appreciating her claim to equal water of the Delaware, and desirous of avoiding any just cause of complaint to her own citizens, or those of New Jersey, in the use of it, proposed the appointment of a new commission to adjust and settle if possible, this long protracted and painful controversy. The over ture of Pennsylvania was met by New Jersey, in the same feeling, and after some delay in opening the communication between the commissioners, (which is not explained in any of the proceedings;) they met, as stated in their report, in September last, and subsequently concluded a project for a compact as reported and communicated in the Governor's message of 13th December last. These facts must show that the difficulties growing out of this matter were pressing particularly on Pennsylvania. She had completed her canal at great expense, it was undoubtedly destined to a vast increase of business, but it was imperfectly and precariously fed, and the means employed for that purpose were a constant theme for reproach and angry complaint among her own citizens and those of her sister State. It was therefore peculiarly her interest to promote an adjustment of this vexed question, in effecting this object, the interest of Pennsylvania required: 1st. That the mode of feeding the canal should be economical, effectual, and without injury to the river navigation. 2d. That so far as any plan of feeding could aid the business of transportation and the increase of tolls to Pennsylvania, it was highly important to promote such an arrangement. As to the first point, the compact contemplates feeding the Delaware division from Wells' Falls to Bristol, by means of a dam across the Delaware, three feet high, with a schute of sixty feet in width and three hundred feet in length. A dam being already erected about one-third of the distance, the expense of completing it, and making locks into the canal above and below the Falls, is estimated at $27,000. Two other plans had been previously considered, viz: 1st. A feeder extended up the Delaware (above the Falls,) a sufficient distance to raise the water, which was estimated at $70,000. 2d. Deepening the level below the Falls, two and a half feet for eight and a half mlles, estimated at $170,000. The plan proposed in the compact, had the decided advantage in point of economy, and was equally effective with the others. It also improved the river navi to the Governor of Pennsylvania (28th January, 1832,) In the second place, it was perceived that by reason of the peculiar convenience of the position for transshipping coal, lime, &c., opposite the head of the DelaDuring the same session of the Legislature of Penn- ware and Raritan canal feeder, all the produce intendsylvania, numerous remonstrances were presented ed for the New York and intermediate markets, would against the continuance of this dam, and as appears by leave the Delaware division at that place, unless a the journals, various proceedings were instituted in the cheaper and easier connection could be formed below. House of Representatives, indicating much excited feel. It is not pretended that any such connection is practiing on this subject. The committee on inland naviga- cable below the head of Wells' Falls, even if the Dela tion, in compliance with an order of the House, direct- ware and Raritan canal company would assent to it, ing them to inquire into the expediency of that measure, which is not to be expected. The commissioners have reported a resolution for the appointment of a new therefore, very prudently, consulted the interests of the commission, which after various modifications as to the State in effecting an arrangement, which, while it acextent of the powers to be devolved on the commission-complishes the object of feeding the Delaware division 1835.1 IMPROVEMENT OF The allegHENY RIVER. at much less expense than any other which could be devised, and which will improve the river navigation, at the same time furnishes the means of passing into the Jersey canal, nine miles lower down than the transhipments would otherwise be made, thereby securing to Pennsylvania the tolls of the whole of the immense tonnage over this distance. As the connection between the canals at the head of the Delaware and Raritan feeder must be by transhipment from one boat to another, that which is proposed at the head of Wells' Falls being by water, cannot fail to invite the transit where it will give the greatest amount of tolls to the Commonwealth. In this point of view, the interests of Pennsylvania are peculiarly involved in the confirmation of the compact; but there is an additional consideration of the same character, perhaps equally important to the interests of both States. The border of the Delaware division, particularly for ten miles below Easton to with in a short distance of Wells' Falls, abounds in lime stone, which, if there were a water connexion between the canals, would bring a great amount of tonnage upon both of them, as well as dispense extensive benefits to the sellers and buyers of this product. The article of lime will not afford transhipment when the price is low, and hence, nearly the whole of this trade will be lost without the proposed connexion. In every point of view therefore, the compact proposed by the commis sioners is essentially identified with the interests of Pennsylvania. The apprehension that a dam of three feet, with a schute of three hundred feet long, would injure the river navigation, cannot be well founded; the experience on other streams with higher dams, has proved the reverse, nor is there any reason to fear that shad cannot ascend, the same test, within a few miles of this place, shows that they ascend through a much greater inclination than is proposed to be made at this dam. 95 in the newspapers of the city of Philadelphia, on the 29th of July, 1835, at the Mansion House Hotel, GEORGE RUNDLE, Esq. was called to the Chair, and HENRY D. GILPIN, appointed Secretary. The Trustees reported to the meeting, that pursuant to the resolution of the subscribers, at their meeting on the 28th February, 1824, they had entered into an arrangement with Mr. Robert Kid, in accordance with which a building suitable for City Dancing Assemblies, had been erected in south Third street. That the right to use the same for eight nights every season had been duly secured by a mortgage on the premises. That in consideration of this, the Trustees had paid Mr. Kid the | sum of $5,500 and had also stipulated with him, that in case the building and accommodations should not be required during any one season, he should pay four per cent on the said sum of $5,500. They further reported, that they had not found occasion to require the use of the rooms since they were erected, and had therefore received from Mr. Kid the stipulated interest of four per cent. The Trustees laid before the meeting the bond and mortgage of Mr. Kid, and also a letter from him, dated 7th July, 1835. the accounts exhibiting the payments and investments The Treasurer laid before the meeting statements of of the interest received from Mr. Kid. The following preamble and resolution were then offered, and unanimously adopted Whereas, The object of the subscribers to the City Dancing Assembly Fund, in the erection of the building in south Third street, and the investment of $5,500 therein, has not been satisfactorily attained, and the said building has not been required by the Trustees for the purposes designed. Therefore, It may be remarked in conclusion, after the various to be sold, and the purchasers are desirous that the And whereas, the said building has been or is about fruitless efforts to effect an amicable and satisfactory stipulation for the use of the same, during eight nights arrangement of this unhappy controversy, it is believed that the compact now proposed has been judiciously in consideration of such relinquishment, to pay an inevery season, should be relinquished, and are willing devised, not only with reference to the interests imme-creased rate of interest to the proprietors of the Fund. diately connected with the respective canals, but those of the river navigation, and also, with a just regard to the rights vested under the laws of each State and the compact of 1783; leaving as few grounds for exceptions, even to those most jealous of their individual interests, as is practicable; and there is reason to apprehend, that if this agreement fail, there can be little hope of success from any future effort on this subject, nor have your committee been able to discover any more eligible plan for the adjustment of the whole matter in contestation, than has been agreed upon by the commission ers. The reasons for the ratification of the compact are therefore, in the opinion of the committee, most conclusive, and they submit the following resolutions: Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That the agreement between the commissioners of the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, relative to the use of the waters of the river Delaware, made the 22d day of November, 1834, be, and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed. Resolved, That when the State of New Jersey shall have ratified and confirmed the aforesaid agreement, the Governor is requested to cause the same to be laid before Congress, for the consent of that body, agreeably to the constitution of the United States. [To be Continued.] OLD CITY DANCINC ASSEMBLY FUND. At a meeting of subscribers to the City Dancing Assembly Fund, convened pursuant to notice published Resolved, That the Trustees be, and are hereby authorized to relinquish the right reserved in the agreement and mortgage of Mr. Robert Kid, on such terms as they may deem advantageous to the proprietors of the Fund. That they are hereby authorized to change the existing investment of the said Fund, and re-invest the same in the manner they consider best. Provided, That the Trustees publish the proceedings of this meeting and the above resolutions, twice a week for one month, in four daily newspapers of this city, and that the same shall not be carried into effect, if any of the proprietors of the Fund shall object thereto. Adjourned. GEORGE RUNDLE, Chairman. H. D. GILPIN, Secretary. From the Pittsburgh Gazette. IMPROVEMENT OF THE ALLEGHENY. TARENTUM, July 26, 1835. Mr. Craig,-I observe, with pleasure, the high de gree of interest now taken by you and others in the improvement of our beautiful Allegheny river. It is a subject truly worthy the attention of every patriotic citizen. I am aware that the opinions of the professed engineers is not encouraging. These opinions ought certainly to be received with the respect due to those who speak on subjects with which they are supposed to be acquainted; but if fifty engineers say nay, a sixti eth may be able to accomplish what they deem impossible. Some things are difficult, very difficult, but I am scarcely a believer in impossibilities, where the subject is not absolutely beyond the limits of human genius. I am willing to admit that the improvement of the Allegheny, so as to fit it for steam bots, and at the same time create no obstruction to the descending trade will be a difficult thing, but I deny that it is an impossible one. I have read the communications of my esteemed friend, Mr. A. W. Foster; they contain many original and excellent ideas, and are well calculated to stimulate to enquiry and experiment, the only way in which any progress can be made towards the accomplishment of the object in view. Among many others, I have been led to reflect a little on the subject, and am tempted to say something to show my good wishes at least, if I can throw out no useful suggestions. inches above the water, but should be well backed by stones and gravel. Walls of this kind should be made at the points of islands where there is a bar, so as to connect them at the upper, and sometimes at the lower end, with the main land. The channel in the rapids could also be reduced to fifty or a hundred yards in width, with a depth of three or four feet at least. The current would be increased, but I dont think there are more than two or three places between Pittsburg and Freeport, where the steam engine would not be sufficient of itself to carry the boat through. If assistance should be required, the distance will be short, and there are many ways in which it could be rendered with very little de ay or expense. It is possible that these modes of experiment may be Allegheny at Kittanning, and was so pleased with the H. M. BRACKENRIDGE. BALLOON ASCENSION. Engineers have, in general, but little confidence in the improvement of the beds or channels of rivers, excepting by slackwater and locks. It was a saying of the celebrated Bradley, "that rivers were of no use except as feeders to navigable canals." Rivers which flow through elevated regions, like ours, have generally too much fall to admit of having their beds formed into regular inclined planes; the current would be too rapid if confined to a space sufficiently narrow to contain the requisite depth of water. Others, like the Mississippi, or Red River, have naturally a uniform and very gentle descent, while the obstructions in their channels are accidental, and they may be improved with the greatest certainty. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the subject to give an opinion of the greatest number of feet, or more probably, inches, per mile, which may be given to the channel of our river so as to render it fit for navigation; but I think the fall must be much less than is generally imagined. The succession of pools and rapids which alternate in so regular and beautiful an order in the Allegheny, may be considered as so many natural levels, with their lockage, while, if the descent were uniform, the river in low water would be little more than a rapid, shallow, mountain torrent, entirely unfit for navigation. The idea which naturally suggests itself is, to render the navigation of the river easy and certain, in low stages of water, without having recourse to any works which might obstruct the channel at any time.afternoon was uncommonly pleasant. As the nav gation thus improved would be free, but lit tle assistance could be expected from private individuals, and the State, and the United States could not be expected to contribute a very large amount. But I am firmly of opinion that much may be done to improve the natural channel, at no very great expense, say twenty thousand dollars, together with some change in the structure of boats, aided by some of the contrivances which have been suggested. I dont know of a single dollar having been expended in the removal of obstructions in the Allegheny-no attempt has been m de to improve the channel, excepting such as are temporarily made by boatmen. It is not an uncommon practice for them, in ascending in a very low stage, to deepen the water a few inches about their boat, by the simple method of con tracting the channel, by temporary banks of gravel, and sometimes by means of boards. May not the same thing be done on a larger scale, and in a permanent manner? If it were practicable, I should be for confining the channel by permanent solid walls, a few feet above low water mark, so as to form no obstruction in the higher stages; but this is out of the question, as it would require an expense which could not be met.Let our operations, then, he confined to the gravelly shoals, in most of which there are loose stones and rocks, some of the latter of a large size. Let the large stones be laid so as to form a wall two feet in height, and back of this throw a quantity of smaller stones and gravel. As the object is merely to narrow the channel, the wall need not be more than a foot or eighteen Yonk, July 28. his tenth grand ascension on Saturday last from an enMr. Mills, the celebrated American æronaut, made closure on the commons near this borough. The wea ther, in the commencement of the afternoon was op pressively warm; and a shower at about one o'clock, assembled to witness the ascension. It ceased raining, threatened to disappoint the curiosity of the multitude. however, in about an hour, and the remainder of the During the af ternoon, Mr. Mills let off several small balloons at intervals of about an hour. At about half past 4 o'clock, the inflation of the balloon being completed, Mr. Mills attached to it his car, in which he took his position, and the balloon and car slowly arose to a height of 8 or 10 feet, restrained by cords held by persons below. Af minutes, Mr. M. ordered those below to "let go" the ter floating at that distance from the earth for a few cord, the main rope was cut, and like a freed bird the balloon ascended rapidly with its adventurous con structor. spectators as the aeronaut rose above the enclosure, was A deafening shout of approbation from the acknowledged by the latter in a graceful and entirely unembarrassed manner. The balloon, after ascending almost perpendicularly to an altitude of about 1200 feet struck a current which bore it, in a direction somewhat South of East beyond the ken of the keenest eye. The number of persons assembled to witness this grand spectacle, within and without the enclosure, is variously estimated at from five to seven thousand. Mr. Mills landed safely near Columbia, on the Susquehanna river, about 13 miles from this borough.— Gazette. GEDDES, No. 9 Library street. The publication office of the Register has been removed from Franklin Place, to No. 61, in the Arcade, West Avenue, up stairs. HAZARD'S REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. land of this region. In some places, the river has worn away both the first and second bottoms on one side, washing the base of the hills or high plane; and In every country, those fields upon which great bat-leaving a wide firm bottom on the other-this is the tes have been fought, or in which small armies have case about three quarters of a mile below the mouth of contended in the infancy of the nation, for the future Turtle Creek, where the river receding from the eastmastery of an empire, have in after times been regard. ern bank, runs close under the hills of the west side, ed as classic, if not as sacred ground. The defile forming an almost perpendicular cliff of more than of Thermopylae, the plain of Marathon, and the three hundred feet in height, with so little space becamp of Platea, are still visited by the devotees of free- tween the water and the reck, that in a state of nature dom and of science, from every region in which brave-it formed a complete barrier to the passage of an army. ry has admirers, patriotism disciples, or liberty wor- From the mouth of Turtle Creek to these cliffs, the shippers. Monongahela is shallow, and in dry seasons, may easiWith like feelings of enthusiasm, will the men of dis-ly be forded. From the mouth of the creek, down the tant ages resort to the fields rendered memorable by the fierce contests, which preceded and led to the establishment of the great Republic of the UNITED STATES; and of these none will be visited with deeper interest than the spot upon which the British army, composed of Regular soldiers and the militia of Virginia, was defeated by the French and Indians on the 10th of July, 1755, because it was upon this ground that the future father and saviour of his country, then a youth, first exhibited to the world the military skill and dauntless courage, moral as well as physical, which laid the foundation of his greatness and fame, and has given his name to an immortality as broad and as deahtless as the winds of heaven. This place, which is still known and which will for ever be known by the name of " Braddock's Field," is situate on the east side of the Monongahela river, half a mile below the mouth of Turtle Creek-and by the course of the river, twelve miles above Pittsburg; but only eight miles from that city by a direct line across the country. The Monongahela here runs nearly due north, and Turtle Creek enters the river from the south east, forming below the junction of the two streams an obtuse angle of about one hundred and twenty-five degrees-this is "Braddock's Field ”. The generai level of the country is about three hundred and fifty feet above the Monongahela and Turtle Creek; and the abrasion of the waters has worn away the earth in the course of ages, to their present bed consequently a person floating on the river, sees it skirted on either side with apparent mountains; whilst one standing on the top of either of these supposed mountains, sees the river and creek flowing beneath him in real vallies. The geological structure of the country is secondary horizontal or fleetz formation-the hills never rise perpendicularly, and rarely abruptly from the margin of the river; but generally along the Monongahela, as on the Ohio, there is a middle tract of plain or flat land, extending from one hundred yards to a quarter of a mile in width. This is called the "first bottom," and is always composed of a soft pebble mould, of exuberant fertility, and usually raised thirty feet above low water mark. Beyond the bottom is a gentle elevation fifty or sixty feet in height, and of an average width equal to the first bottom, with a slight inclination toward the river-this is called the "second bottom," and is composed of firm clay soil covered with mould; but of a sufficient firmness to form good roads. Beyond this second bottom rise the hills, by an abrupt and often precipitous ascent to the higher plain, or upVOL. XVI. 13 river for more than a mile, there is a wide first bottom on the right or east side; whilst above the creek, the hills reach the margin of the river on the right bank, leaving a wide first bottom to the west side. General Braddock had marched from Cumberland on the Potomac, and passed near where Uniontown, in Fayette county, now stands. He crossed the Monongahela at Redstone Fort, now Brownsville, and directed his course down the left bank of the stream toward Fort Duquesne. Though this may appear to many persons to have been a circuitous route, it was the only way at that time practicable for an army encumbered with artillery and a heavy train of baggage. The na tural conformation of the country was such as to compel him to continue along the margin of the river, on the west side of which there was at that day, an Indian Vilage opposite the mouth of Turtle Creek, and at the head of the small rapid or wide ripple, which as above stated, rendered the river fordable at that place. Arrived at this village, it became necessary for the army to pass the river, because the point of the rocks below at the distance of less than a mile, between which and the water there was no possibility of marchig the army, precluded a further advance on the left bank; besides the river had to be crossed somewhere to reach Fort Duquesne on the right shore-and this was the only safe fording between Turtle Creek and the Fort of the French. No error was committed in making the transit of the Monongahela at this place. The battle ground on the east will now claim notice; and well had it been for General Braddock and his army if he had given due attention to the local peculiarities of the fatal spot before he marched upon it. The first bottom is here about a quarter of a mile wide, and is succeeded by a second which rises about fifty feet above it, by an ascent so gentle that there was no difficulty in making a road up it for the wagons of the army, which passed the river two or three hundred yards below the mouth of Turtle Creek, and took its route in a northeast direction across the first bottom, which was, if tradition speaks the truth, an open wood of walnut timber, without brush or undergrowth. The pioneer corps, whose duty it was to cut and prepare roads for the passage of the army, on gaining the second bottom, found themselves obliged to bear to the right in an east direction to get round the ravines or hollows, (Nos. 1, 2, and 3, in the accompanying engraving.) The second bottom is here also nearly a We could not procure the engraving. quarter of a mile wide and slopes very gently from the foot of the hills toward the river-at the back of this second bottom the hills rise very steep, a height of at least two hundred feet, to the level of the country, forming a rampart impassable to an army. The ravines, one, two, three, take their rise, the first and second about the middle of the second bottom, and run west,down to the upper margin of the first bottom, where they terminate. No. three takes its rise near to the base of the hills, behind the second bettom, runs across this, and terminates like the two former at the upper margin of the first bottom. No. three contains a small stream of water, which discharging itself upon the first bottom, renders the ground soft and miry, so that the wagons could not pass along the margin of the stream, but were obliged to ascend the second bottom, and pass round the heads of these ravines-the army preceded the wagons. Ravine No. one, the most southern of the three, is a place which even at this day, forms an entrenchment, from which it would be nearly, if not altogether impossible, to drive a resolute enemy, even with a tripple or quadruple force. Almost immediately at its commencement, it is four or five feet deep, and it be comes deeper as it descends towards the first bottom. It is ten or twelve feet wide, with banks nearly perpendicular; so much so that no attempt has ever been made to break them down by the plough, although its sides have long been cultivated. In a state of nature, overgrown as it was with wild plumbs,brambles and thorns, intermingled with the wild pea vine, and long grass of July, it must have formed just such a fortress as an Indian Chief would have chosen for the defence of his wild domain against an invading foe. From the head of this ravine to the foot of the high and precipitous hills beyond, is about two hundred yards. beast to the commander, and especially to examine and pry into every dell and every thicket, on the line of march, which could afford concealment to the savages. Washington had urged these precautions upon Braddock, from the time the army marched from Fort Red Stone, and before it attempted the ford at the mouth of Turtle Creek, he importuned his superior officer to permit him, with a chosen corps of militia, to take the advance of the regulars and scour the woods to the right and left. Had this advice of the young soldier been followed, the Virginian riflemen would certainly have explored, with the keen eyes of woodsmen, the coverts which they would have seen at a glance were most favourable to the purposes of am. buscade on the part of their adversaries; the Indians would have been discovered in the first ravine, their position and order of battle would have been obvious to all frontiersmen, who had passed their lives in the wiles of Indian warfare; a sharp rencontre of rifles would have taken place between the Indians, in their natural entrenchment, and the militia behind nature's bulwarks, the large trees, which covered, with a dense forest, the whole second bottom. In this conflict the militia would certainly have been the victors, for they were nearly as numerous as the French and savages united; besides they would have been supported by the regular army in their rear, at the foot of the small hill between the first and second bottoms. If the rifles of the militia had failed to drive the enemy from this first ravine, a well directed charge of a single company of Braddock's grenadiers, entering the ravine at its lower extremity, three abreast, with fixed bayonets, would have cleared this gorge of its red tenants in five minutes, with little or no loss to the grenadiers. The second and third ravines could and Ravine, No. two, lies about one hundred and fifty would have been forced in the same manner, the aryards north of No. one, rises a little nearer the high my, after halting a day, would have continued its march hills, and runs parallel with it down or across the second to Fort Duquesne, which would have surrendered withbottom to the upper margin of the first. This hollow out resistance, and the war on the western border of place is a common dry open ravine, with sides descend- the colonies would have terminated. Yet it was, pering and ascending very gently. so that the great haps, fortunate that this plan was not adopted; for had road now crosses it without difficulty. When in woods it been pursued, the weight and fury of the battle would the timber could not have been very dense, and con-have fallen on the militia, whose first officer would have sequently it was not a place of great strength in Indian been Washington, and doubtlessly he would have adWarfare; but it was deep enough to protect the French vanced at their head. Had this been the case it would and Indians who lay in it from the fire of Braddock's scarcely have been possible for him to escape the rifles musketry and artillery, at the distance of one or two of the Indians, who fired over the banks of the ravine, hundred yards; and it was occupied at least during a could take deliberate aim at the officers, resting their part of the action. pieces on the ground, and would certainly have made him the primary object of their attention. He would have been within fifty yards of more than two hundred riflemen, the principle object of their hostile regard, and the first mark of their deadly aim. No. three is at least three hundred yards from No. one, and is the most northern of the three. It rises nearer the hills than either of the others, conveys a stream of water down upon the first bottom, and is abroad, deep chasm in the earth, with sides not too deep for cultivation with the plough, but sinking forty ous on that field, what a mighty volume would have been Had Washington fallen, and Eraddock been victorior fifty feet below the general level of the second bot-stricken from the history of the world, and what would tom. When this ravine was filled with the trees, shrubs and vines, common to such places along the Mononga hela,in a state of nature, it was a secure and advantageous lurking place for an Indian warrior, and gave him great advantages over any enemy. It shielded him perfectly from the musketry and artillery of General Braddock-as they advanced between the heads of the two first ravines and the foot of the hills. now have been the condition of our country. As it was, though in the bloodiest part of the field throughout the battle, the numerous British officers turned the attention of the Indians from him, and he escaped unhurt, who had seen some service in Germany and the plains General Braddock was unquestionably a brave man, of Flanders; had studied in the school of Frederick the The pioneer corps, which cut the road for the wag-successfully fought but in columns and squares, and deGreat; was fully persuaded that battles could never be gons, was rot disturbed by the enemy, who lay close intermined to reduce to practice in the woods of America, their places of concealment, without suspicion as it seems, on the part of the British commander that he was near a foe. It appears extraordinary and even unaccountable, that the Indians were not discovered in the first ravine. Common prudence would have pointed out the necessity of keeping advanced and Banking parties of scouts constantly in active service, when so near the strong hold of the French; whose business would have been to attend to every unusual noise in the woods, to report every footstep of man or against savages in ambush, the rules of military science which he had seen pursued with success in the open fields on the Rhine, against troops who held it a point of honour to face an enemy in open fight. Seeing their want of discipline, he held the militia in utter contempt, and placed them where he ought to have placed himself and his artillery-in the rear of the army. second, the road did not run parallel to the first ravine, After leaving the first bottom and ascending to the but in a direction so as to turn its head or upper end, |