James Hall was a soldier, lawyer, circuit judge, newspaper editor, historian, and author of fiction. He was also the first publisher of a literary magazine west of Pittsburgh. Hall originally wrote some of the letters in this collection in 1820, while voyaging by keelboat down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh to Shawneetown, Illinois, where he established a law practice. He appears to have revised the 1820 letters and added more prior to publication in London in 1828. Much more than a description of his travels, the letters include his observations on many subjects, reflecting current affairs and his broad interests. Topics include: Cumberland Road; Internal Improvements in 1820s; Harman Blennerhassett; Burr's Conspiracy; Manners of the People in Old Northwest; General Presby Neville; Cincinnati in 1820s; Arthur St. Clair; Falls of the Ohio; Shawneetown Illinois; Backwoodsmen; Daniel Boone; Harpe Brothers; Regulators; Popular superstitions Ohio River Valley. - Summary by Ted Lienhart

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