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One of the most important works of American natural history, Bartram's 1791 book influenced generations of American writers and scientists.
List of contents
Part I: Introduction; 1. The author embarks at Philadelphia; 2. Embarks again for Georgia and arrives at Savanna; 3. Crosses the river at Fort Barrington and arrives at St. Ille; 4. Sets off from Savanna to Augusta, one hundred sixty-five miles North-West from the sea coast; 5. The author leaves Broughton island and ascends the Alatamaha; Part II: 1. Sets off from Savanna to East Florida, proceeding by land to the Alatamaha; 2. Leaves Frederica for the lower trading-house on St. Juan's; 3. Leaves Amerlia Island and arrives at the Cowford, on the river St. Juan's; 4. Proceeds farther up the river; 5. Provides for continuing his voyage higher up the river, engages an Indian to assist in navigating his bark, and sets sail, the Indian becomes tired and requests to be set on shore; 6. Proceeds on a journey to Cuscowilla; 7. Sets out again on a journey to Talahsochte; 8. The author makes an excursion again up St. Juan's to Lake George; 9. Indian warriors, their frolic; 10. Farther account of the rattle snake; 11. Visits an Indian village on the river; Part III: 1. The author sets out for the Cherokee territories; 2. Proceeds for Fort James, Dartmouth; 3. Oncone vale; 4. Sets off from Whatogao to the Overhills towns; 5. Sets off from Dartmouth to the Upper Creeks and Chactaws country; 6. Proceeds, and after three days journey arrives at Tallase, on the Tallapoose river; 7. Leaves Mobile for Manchac on the Mississippi; 8. Leaves Mobile on his return; 9. Short excursion in the South of Georgia; 10. Proceeds for Charleston; Part IV: 1. Persons, character, and qualifications of the Aborigines; 2. Government and civil society; 3. Dress, feasts, and divertisements; 4. Concerning property, agriculture, arts, and manufactures; 5. Marriages and funeral rites; 6. Language and monuments; Index.
Summary
Collecting seeds, taking specimens and making meticulous drawings and observations of previously unknown flora and fauna, Bartram's four-year expedition took him from the Appalachians, through Florida and on to the Mississippi. This account of his journey, first published in 1791, remains a classic of American science, history and literature.
