“Mississippi River, Natchez”

Creator

James Smith

Date

4-11-1812

Newspaper

Liberty Hall

Page and Column

Page 2, Column 4

Newspaper Location

Cincinnati, Ohio

Serial Number

54

Abstract

Letter to Zadock Cramer from James Smith detailing changes to the Mississippi River after the New Madrid earthquakes. Letter is keyed to Zadock Cramer’s Mississippi Navigator.

Transcript

Mississippi River, Natchez February 18, 1812 Messrs. Cramer, Spear and [unreadable] Printers, Pittsburgh Gentlemen, Your being editors of that useful guide, the Ohio and Mississippi, Navigator, induces me for the sake of the western country traders to inform you as early as in my power the wonderful changes for the worse in some parts of the Mississippi river, occasioned by the dreadful earthquake which happened on the morning of the 16th of December last, and which has continued to shake almost every day since. As to its effects on the river I found but little from the mouth of Ohio to New-Madrid from which place to the Chickesaw Bluffs, or Fort Pickering, the face of the river is wholly changed, particularly from Island No. 30, to island No. 40; (see page 185) this part of the river burst and shook up hundreds of great trees from the bottom, and what is most singular they are all turned roots upwards and standing ing up stream in the best channel and swiftest water, and nothing but the greatest exertions of the boatmen can save them from destruction in passing those places. I should advise those concerned to be particular in approaching Island No 32, where you must warp through a great number, and when past them, bear well over from the next right hand point for fear of being drawn into the right schute of Flour Island, Island 33, which I should advise against as that pass is become very dangerous unless in very high water. Two boats from Little Beaver are lately lost, and several much injured that pass this season. Boats should hug the left shore where there is but few sawyers good water and fine landing on the lower point of the island, from there the next dangerous place is the Devil's Race Ground, Island 36, (page 187.) Here I would advise boats never to pass to the left of the Island and by all means to keep close to the right hand point and then close round the sandbar as the lower end of the shute is very dangerous as gaps so narrow that boats can scarcely pass without being dashed on some of the snags should you strike one you can scarcely extricate yourself before you receive some injury. From this scene you have barely time to breathe and refresh, before you arrive at the Devils Elbow, alias the Devil's Hackle, Islands 38 and 39, (page 183) by far the worst of all in approaching this schute you must hug close round the left hand point until you come in sight of the sand bar whose head has the appearance of an old field full of trees, then pull for the island to keep clear of these, and pass through a small schute, leaving all the sawyers to the right, and take care not too near them, for should you strike the current is so rapid it will be with great difficulty you will be able to save, your boat and cargo. I shall adivse all those descending the river not to take the right hand of Island No. 38 as it appears entirely choked up with drift and rafts of sawyers. When through these bad places the worst is over, only fuller of snags, but mind well the direction in the Navigator and there will be no danger. Run the the Grand Cut-off No. 55, (page 192) in all stages of the water and hug close the right hand point, this pass is good. Take the left of St. Francis No. 59, left of No. 62, right of large sand bar and No. 63, and right of No. 76, in all the different stages of the water. All those channels are much the best and safest. Should this be the means of saving one boat load of provisions to an industrious citizen, how amply shall I feel rewarded for noting this, whilst with gratitude. I acknowledge the obligation we as boatmen are under to you for your useful guide that excellent work the Ohio and Mississippi Navigatior, much to be valued for its accuracy and geographical account of this immense country. I have the honor to be, gentlemen, sincere friend and humble servant. JAMES SMITH

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