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populous county. I understand that what was then
the site of the town, is now the bed of the river
not a vestige of the old town remaining. I re
mained [remained] at Franklin & the neighborhood two or
three days - got home sick, & returned to Kenty
staying one night only at [St. Louis?]. When it
came to the test, I could not get my consent
to leave Ken ty, which was very unfortunate.
I ought by all means to have removed to Missou
ri [Missouri], where I could have succeeded in any thing
I might have undertaken. I could have got
any office I might have desired or I might
at once have been at the head of the bar.
The next year 1821, I in like manner visited
Alabama, going as far south as Tuscaloosa.
The lots in this place had been sold a few days
before my arrival - there were a great many cul
ins [culins] & a considerable population - all squatted in
the town, most of whom had the "fever and
ague" & looked badly. I returned home as soon
as possible - not satisfied to remain & not wil
ling [willing] to remove. It was a very unhappy state of
mind to be in, but I concluded to remain.
In 1818, I purchased two tracts of land near Winches
ter [Winchester], one of 40 acres from Dan Winn, at the price
of $35 per acre and one of about 110 acres from
James Winn at $40 per acre. The two tracts adjoin
ed [adjoined] & made me a convenient farm. I had sold
my land in Wayne & my house & lot in Monticello
at low prices & agreed to receive "current bank notes"
in payment. I bound myself to pay [spe..?] for the
land I bought. The Legislature of Kenty in 1817