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 general Russel who had been riding round his farm. We discussed various topicks respecting the natural and improved state of the country, and the present state of political affairs. He had just returned from Richmond in Virginia, where he had been during the examination of Col. Burr, before the grand jury. He evinced much good sense, intelligence, candour and liberality in his opinions, {160} not only with regard to that extraordinary man, who has caused such a ferment throughout the union, but on the various other subjects which we conversed on. He obligingly accompanied us about five miles, as an afternoon's ride, and at parting, he gave us a friendly and polite invitation to visit him at his cottage, on our return.[125]

He described the well where he has his spring house, as a great natural curiosity; there being a grotto under it which terminates in a cavern in the limestone rock, which has been explored nearly a hundred yards without finding the termination.

CHAPTER XXVI

Lexington—Excellent tavern—Fine market—Transylvania university—Publick buildings—Schools—Manufacturies—Stores and state of business—Coffee house—Vauxhall.

The country had insensibly assumed the appearance of an approach to a city.—The roads very wide and fine, with