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 but, as I approach nearer, I find {53} the most reverend father is only the black stump of a burnt tree, variegated with ashes. Immense snakes, alligators, and hydras, appear in burnt serpentine arms of trees, waiting to fall on and destroy the poor traveller. But it is impossible to convey a just idea of the beauties and deceptions of these singular regions.

A little before sunset, this day, we crossed the fine river Wateree, a little below its falls and rocks. On the banks of this river, stands Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, and the seat of a flourishing university. Here, too, my friend, Governor Geddiss, sits enthroned as king over his parliament or state government annually assembled. I sup and sleep at the house and sumptuous table of Mr. Randolph, where for the present I say good night.

14th.—At breakfast, I found five or six sorts of bread, hot and cold, with boiled rice and hominy, Indian corn husked and boiled. Visited the university and its president's house; Dr. Maxwell is the head. There are here 125 students who are very disorderly, frequently disturbing congregations on the Sunday, because the Doctor is too idle to preach, and thereby keep them together. Saw several of these learned young gentlemen stretched on a table, with their learned legs carelessly hanging out of their chamber windows, which seemed nearly all broken. Want of discipline is here too palpable, but there is no lack {54} of whiskey. In company with the ladies of Mr. Randolph's family, I attended a lecture given at the house of the minister, an able man, who very impressively said, "The Christian must swear on the altar of his God never to forgive sin; never to be its friend; as did Hannibal against the Romans."

15th.—I left sweet Columbia this morning, well pleased