On the 15th we again arrived at the post of Osark, or as it is now not very intelligibly called, Arkansas, a name by far too easily confounded with that of the river, while the name Osark, still assumed by the {224} lower villagers of the Quapaws, and in memory of whom this place was first so called, would have been perfectly intelligible and original.
In the evening we had a storm of melting snow and hail, which, on the following morning was succeeded by a north-*west wind, accompanied by a severe frost. The river was now, however, beginning to rise and assume a muddy tinge from the influx of the lagoons, and lower rivulets. A more extensive fresh cannot now be expected before the commencement of milder weather, and the thawing of the river towards its sources. The oldest settlers affirm, that the Arkansa had not, during their knowledge of it, ever been so low as before the present rise. The Ohio and Mississippi also continued too low for the navigation of the steam-boats.
16th.] This morning we observed the newly appointed governor, general Miller,[214] going up to the town from his boat, which appeared to be very handsomely and conveniently fitted up, bearing for a name and motto "I'll try," commemorative of an act of courage for which the general had been distinguished by his country.
