DISCOURSE ON THE HISTORY, CHARACTER, AND PROSPECTS OF THE WEST: DELIVERED TO THE UNION LITERARY SOCIETY OF MIAMI UNIVERSITY, OXFORD, OHIO, AT THEIR NINTH ANNIVERSARY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1834. BY DANIEL DRAKE, M. D. CINCINNATI: Southern History 11-5-23 Newhall 9373 DEDICATION. The following Discourse is affectionately inscribed to the native young men of the Valley of the MISSISSIPPI. In addressing it to them, the Author fondly hopes, not only to increase their interest in its history, character, and destiny, but to invite their attention to the scattered objects and events which claim examination. Many of these possess great intrinsic importance, and the whole must be thoroughly understood, before the natural and civil history of the Valley can be completed. The undertaking is one of magnitude and difficulty; but, as their pioneer fathers, by uniting into companies, were enabled to roll together and commit to the flames, the great trunks of the forest trees, among which they built their camps and cabins, and thus prepare the ground for the cultivation of corn; so the sons, by concert and a common effort, may rapidly bring together the materials for a picture of this favored region, as it was in the days of peril and privation; with a history of the bold and laborious enterprizes, which planted in it the germs of civil society, |