81 its intelligent and polished society, and as an elegant place of residence. Population about 12,000.

Lexington was founded in 1776. About the first of April in this year, a block house was built here, and the settlement commenced under the influence of Col. Robert Patterson, joined by the Messrs. McConnels, Lindseys, and James Masterson. Maj. John Morrison removed his family soon after from Harrodsburg, and his wife was the first white woman in the infant settlement. It appears that a party of hunters in 1775, while encamped on the spot where Lexington is now built, heard of the first conflict between the British and Provincial forces, at Lexington, Mass. In commemoration of this event, they called the place of their encampment Lexington.

Transylvania University, the oldest college in the state, was established in 1798, and has departments of law and medicine. The medical school has eight professors. Connected with the institution is a fine museum and a very valuable library, with chemical apparatus, etc. The State Lunatic Asylum located here is a noble institution. Lexington was incorporated by Virginia in 1782, and was for several years the seat of government of the state. The Kentucky Gazette " was established here in 1787, by the brothers John and Fielding Bradford, and, excepting the Pittsburg Gazette, is the oldest paper west of the Alleghany Mountains.

Ashland, the home of HENRY CLAY, is about one and a half miles from Lexington. Mr. Clay lived at Ashland between forty and fifty years. His

house was a modest, spacious, agreeable mansion, two stories high. Since the death of Mr. Clay, this building having become somewhat dilapidated and insecure, his son, James B. Clay, Esq., had it taken down and a more elegant edifice erected upon the same spot, and with but slight modifications of the original plan. Mr. Clay has many interesting relics of his father, which are carefully preserved in the new building. The estate, consisting of about 600 acres, bore the name of Ashland before it came into the possession of Mr. Clay, probably on account of the ash timber, with which it abounds. By Mr. C.'s management, it became one of the most delightful retreats in the west; the whole tract, except about 200 acres of park, was under the highest state of cultivation. When its illustrious occupant was living, it was the abode of elegant hospitality, and thousands then annually thronged thither to pay their respects to the statesman, who had such a hold upon the affections of his countrymen that, when he was defeated for the presidency, an intensity of sorrow* was every where

*A friend tells us that he recollects attending, in a distant New England city, an impromptu political meeting which had gathered in a public hall at this time. Various speeches of condolence had been made by those, who, in their ardor, had regarded the success of their candidate as identified with the salvation of their country, when an aged man, with silvered hair, arose to offer comfort in the general sorrow. He had but three words but, Christian-like, he started for those three straightway to the BIBLE. He raised his tall slender form to its full hight, with palms uplifted, and then bowing submissively, uttered in prayerful tones-" The Lord reigns!"

;

exhibited that never was equalled by any similar occurrence in the history of the country. A stranger in the place not long subsequent, thus describes his impressions of the town and visit to Ashland:

No where is there a more delightful rural tract in all our broad land, than that part of this state in the vicinity of Lexington-the celebrated "blue grass" region of Kentucky. For miles and miles, in every direction, it is bedecked with graceful curving lawns, wood embowered cottages, and tall open forests, where not a shrub rises to mar the velvety sward that every where carpets the earth in living green. Enter the dwellings, and you will find them the abodes of elegance and taste. Your reception will be frank and hospitable. The town, Lexington, is well worthy of the country. It has a highly cultivated population, institutions of literature, elegant mansions, partly concealed in groves of locusts, whose tiny fragile leaves gently dance in the sunlight to the softest zephyr, and is, moreover, the home of one whose very name holds a dear place in our memories.

At

In a minor street of this beautiful town, is a plain two story brick edifice, over the doors of which is the sign, H. & J. B. CLAY. One morning, a few weeks since, I entered its plainly furnished office, and, in the absence of its occupants, helped myself to a chair and a newspaper, that industrious whig sheet, the New York Tribune. In a few minutes in walked a tall, elderly gentleman, attired in black coat and white pantaloons. My eyes had never before rested upon him, but it needed not a second glance to know HENRY CLAY. I presented a letter of introduction, upon which, after some little conversation, he invited me out to tea at his seat, Ashland, some twenty minutes walk from the central part of the town. the appointed hour, I was on my way thither, and from a gate on the roadside approached the mansion by a winding path of maybe thirty rods in length. It stands on a smooth, undulating lawn of the purest green, fringed by a variety of trees. The open door disclosed to my view two elderly ladies, seated in one of the three rooms into which a common entry led. One of them, Mrs. Clay, called to me to walk in, and directed me to the flower garden in the rear of the house, where stood Judge R., of Ohio, and her husband. The former, as I was introduced by Mr. Clay, received me with the stiffness of the north-the latter met me in the cordial, off hand manner of an old acquaintance. He then showed us some rare plants, joked with his little grandchild, and we entered the house. Passing through the room where sat his lady and the wife of the judge, he pleasantly said-" these On the hearth ladies have some conspiracy together, let us walk into the parlor." was an elegant rug, with the words worked in it, "PROTECTION TO AMERICAN INDUSTRY; around were busts and paintings. The furniture was old fashioned, but rich, and an air of comfort pervaded the apartment. Among the curiosities shown us by Mr. Clay, was the identical wine glass used by Washington through the Rev. olution.

The conversation of Mr. Clay is frequently anecdotical, and his knowledge of all parts of our country, their condition, prospects and people, renders it easy for him to adapt himself in familiar topics to the great variety of characters that assemble at his residence. His manner is one of entire ease. Taking out a golden snuff box, he drew in a pinch of its exhilarating powder with an air of solid satisfaction; then spreading his handkerchief in his lap, he leaned forward his whole body, with his forearms folded and resting on his knees, and talked with us in the most genial, social way, like a fine, fatherly, old country gentleman-as, indeed, he is.

Now that I have seen Henry Clay, I do not wonder at the hold he has upon the affections of our people. Benevolence is the strongest expression in his countenance, and the humblest individual can not but feel, in his presence, as much at ease as if by his own fireside. His manner is irresistible: such as would enable him, if need there was, to say disagreeable things in a way that would occasion you to thank him for it. Literally, his is the power to give "hard facts with soft words.

When Henry Clay walks the streets of Lexington, the citizens gaze upon him with pride, and greet him with pleasure. A kind word and a smile he has for every body, no matter what their age, sex, or condition; and little children run up

to take him by the hand, with a "how do you do, Mr. Clay?" My landlord, an Irishman by birth, said to me, “I have known Mr. Clay for many years, and am opposed to him in politics; but I can not help liking the man.'

HENRY CLAY MONUMENT.

The corner stone of the Monument erected to Henry Clay, in the Lexington Cemetery, was laid July 4, 1857, with imposing ceremonies, and the structure completed in 1858. It is constructed of magnesian limestone, obtained from Boone's Creek, about 14 miles distant. The remains of Henry Clay, his mother, and some other relatives, are to be deposited in the vaulted chamber in the base of the monument. At the top of the column, the flutings are 13 spiked spears, representing the original states of the Union. The statue of Clay, surmounting the whole, is 11 feet in hight. The hight of the monument from the ground to the top of the statue is 119 feet. The following inscription appears on one of the blocks of stone:

"I would rather be right, than be President."

National Guard, St. Louis, July 4th, 1857.

The following inscription is copied from the monument of Maj. Barry, in the public square, or court house yard:

To the memory of WILLIAM TAYLOR BARRY, this monument is erected by his friends in Kentucky (the site being granted by the County Court of Fayette), as a testimony of their respect and admiration of his virtues and talents. He was born 5th Feb., 1784, in Lunenburg City, Va., and came to Kentucky in his 12th year. Was successively a member of both Houses of the General Assembly, a Judge, a Senator and Representative in Congress, Lieut. Gov. of Ky., and an Aidecamp to Gov. Shelby at the battle of the Thames. On Andrew Jackson's accession to the Presidency, he was called to his Cabinet as Post Master General, which office he held until 1st of May, 1835, when he was appointed Env. Ex. & Min. Plen. to Spain. He was elected Hon'y Member of the French Univ. Stat. Soc., in June, 1833. He died at Liverpool, on his way to Madrid, on 30th Aug., 1835. His body lies on Albion's white shores; his Fame in the History of his Country, and is as immortal as America's Liberty and Glory.

About twenty miles south-east of Lexington, on the south bank of the Kentucky River, is the small, dilapidated village of Boonesborough, a point noted in the history of the state. It was here that Daniel Boone, the great pioneer, built the first fort ever erected in Kentucky, and made the commencement of a permanent settlement. Here, too, was convened more than eighty years ago the first legislative assembly that ever sat west of the mountains, the legislature of Transylvania, the history of which is as follows:

"Col. Richard Henderson, a man of ardent temperament and great talents, formed the most extensive speculation ever recorded in the history of this country. Hav

ing formed a company for that purpose, he succeeded in negotiating, with the head chiefs of the Cherokee nation, a treaty (known as the treaty of Watauga), by which all that tract of country lying between the Cumberland River, the mountains of the same name, and the Kentucky River, and situated south of the Ohio, was transferred, for a reasonable consideration, to the

company. By this treaty Henderson and his associates became the proprietors of all that country which now comprises more than one half of the state of Kentucky. This was in 1775. They immediately proceeded to establish a proprietory government, of which Henderson became the president, and which had its seat at Boonesborough. The new country received the name of Transylvania. The first legislature assembled at Boonesborough, and held its sittings under the shade of a large elm tree, near the walls of the fort. It was composed of Squire Boone, Daniel Boone, William Coke, Samuel Henderson, Richard Moore, Richard Calloway, Thomas Slaughter, John Lythe, Valentine Harmond, James Douglass, James Harrod, Nathan Hammond, Isaac Hite, Azariah Davis, John Todd, Alexander S. Dandridge, John Floyd and Samuel Wood. These members formed themselves into a legislative body, by electing Thomas Slaughter chairman and Matthew Jewett clerk. This cismontane legislature, the earliest popular body that assembled on this side of the Apalachian mountains, was addressed by Colonel Henderson, on behalf of himself and his associates, in a speech of sufficient dignity and of excellent sense. A compact was entered into between the proprietors and the colonists, by which a free, manly, liberal government was established over the terri tory. The most important parts of this Kentucky Magna Charta were: 1st. That the election of delegates should be annual. 2d. Perfect freedom of opinion in matters of religion. 3d. That judges should be appointed by the proprietors, but answerable for mal-conduct to the people; and that the convention have the sole power of raising and appropriating all moneys and electing their treasurer. This epitome of substantial freedom and manly, rational government, was solemnly executed under the hands and seals of the three proprietors acting for the company, and Thomas Slaughter acting for the colonists. The purchase of Henderson from the Cherokees was afterward annulled by act of the Virginia legislature, as being contrary to the chartered rights of that state. But, as some compensation for the services rendered in opening the wilderness, and preparing the way for civilization, the legislature granted to the proprietors a tract of land twelve miles square, on the Ohio, below the mouth of Green River." *

The fort at Boonesborough was built in 1775. The engraving is from a drawing by Col. Henderson. The structure must have been about 260 feet

*Mr. Henderson was born in Hanover county, Virginia, in 1735. When a boy his father removed to North Carolina and became county sheriff, and the son obtained much of his education in his father's office. He studied law, showed talents of the highest order, and was elevated to the bench of the superior court. In 1779, Judge Henderson was appointed commissioner to extend the boundary line between Virginia and North Carolina into Powell's Valley. In the same year he opened an office at French Lick, afterward Nashville, for the sale of his lands. He died in 1785, aged 50 years. His four sons studied law and attained distinction.

long and 150 feet broad. It was several times attacked by the Indians, but always unsuccessfully. The last time was in September of 1778, when the enemy appeared in great force.

"There were nearly five hundred Indian warriors, armed and painted in the usual manner, and what was still more formidable, they were conducted by Canadian officers, well skilled in the usages of modern warfare. As soon as they were arrayed in front of the fort, the British colors were displayed, and an officer, with a flag, was sent to demand the surrender of the fort, with a promise of quarter and good treatment in case of compliance, and threatening the 'hatchet' in case of a storm. Boone requested two days for consideration, which, in defiance of all experience and common sense, was granted. This interval, as usual, was employed in preparation for an obstinate resistance. The cattle were brought into the fort, the horses secured, and all things made ready against the commencement of hostilities.

Boone then appeared at the gate of the fortress, and communicated to Capt. Duquesne, their leader, the resolution of his men to defend the fort to the last extremity. Disappointment and chagrin were strongly painted upon the face of the Canadian at this answer, but endeavoring to disguise his feelings, he declared that Gov. Hamilton had ordered him not to injure the men if it could be avoided, and that if nine of the principal inhabitants of the fort would come out and treat with them they would instantly depart without further hostility.

The word "treat" sounded so pleasantly in the ears of the besieged that they agreed at once to the proposal, and Boone himself, attended by eight of his men, went out and mingled with the savages, who crowded around them in great numbers, and with countenances of deep anxiety. The treaty then commenced and was soon concluded, upon which Duquesne informed Boone that it was a custom with the Indians, upon the conclusion of a treaty with the whites, for two warriors to take hold of the hand of each white man.

Boone thought this rather a singular custom, but there was no time to dispute about etiquette, particularly, as he could not be more in their power than he already was, so he signified his willingness to conform to the Indian mode of cementing friendship. Instantly, two warriors approached each white man, with the word 'brother' upon their lips, but a very different expression in their eyes, and grappling him with violence, attempted to bear him off. They probably (unless totally infatuated) expected such a consummation, and all at the same moment sprung from their enemies and ran to the fort, under a heavy fire, which fortunately only wounded one man.

The attack instantly commenced by a heavy fire against the picketing, and was returned with fatal accuracy by the garrison. The Indians quickly sheltered themselves, and the action became more cautious and deliberate. Finding but little effect from the fire of his men, Duquesne next resorted to a more formidable mode of attack. The fort stood on the south bank of the river, within sixty yards of the water. Commencing under the bank, where their operations were concealed from the garrison, they attempted to push a mine into the fort. Their object, however, was fortunately discovered by the quantity of fresh earth which they were compelled to throw into the river, and by which the water became muddy for some distance below. Boone, who had regained his usual sagacity, instantly cut a trench within the fort in such a manner as to intersect the line of their approach, and thus frustrated their design.

The enemy exhausted all the ordinary artifices of Indian warfare, but were steadily repulsed in every effort. Finding their numbers daily thinned by the deliberate but fatal fire of the garrison, and seeing no prospect of final success, they broke up on the ninth day of the siege, and returned home. The loss of the garrison was two men killed and four wounded. On the part of the savages, thirtyseven were killed and many wounded, who, as usual, were all carried off.”

Danville, county seat of Boyle county, is situated in a fertile district of country, on a small branch of the Kentucky River, 40 miles south from Frankfort and 35 from Lexington. It contains 9 churches, 2 banks, the Kentucky