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CHAPTER I.

1669-1783.

LA SALLE DISCOVERS THE OHIO RIVER — FRENCH POSSESSION OF THE OHIO VALLEY-CONFLICT OF RACES THE OHIO COMPANY-GIST'S JOURNEY-LORD DUNMORE'S WAR-THE MORAVIAN MASSACRE-THE CRAWFORD TRAGEDY-THE INDIAN TRIBES.

THE tireless tread of human travel and adventure has ever been westward. There has always been a longing in humanity to pursue the setting sun. The famous line of Bishop Berkley —

"Westward the course of empire takes its way,"

embodies a fact of history that is hard to explain. He wrote it as a plea for the future greatness of the Western land, which, in his prophetic vision, he seemed to see.

In 1640, the indomitable Jesuit missionary, Jean de Brebeuf, while on an exploring expedition to the Straits of Mackinac, first saw, as he coasted on Lake Erie, the northern shores of Ohio. It was but a passing glance; the brave Frenchman's destiny was farther West-nearer the setting sun.

To the adventurous Robert Cavelier de La Salle must be given the glory of individualizing the name of Ohio in the annals of American adventure and discovery. La Salle was a strange character. An enthusiast, yet serious and full of brain power; he

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