hv_coatesi_account_1798_111

we left Pittsburgh of which this could be said. Joshua Sharpless says, I have oftenadmired since we came on this river, (theMohawk.) to see such large heaps of ashes remaining untouched, where potasheshave been made. It seems to conveythat the people have no idea, that theland would be benefited by spreadingthem over it, or otherwise that they aretoo lazy to do it. Some men were hoe-ing very poor corn in a field where, Ihad no doubt there were 300 or 400 loads of ashes in a heap. I called aloud to themto know why they did not spread that heap of ashesover the field, and so have good corn, and not behoeing such poor stuff. They stood like menamazed;- made no reply;- and we passed on. A few miles further we saw large potashworks works close on the river, so that whenthe ashes were thrown out of the tubs, theywent into the water and were driven offwith freshets, Our Travellers kept movingon through Oldridges in the German flats,to Conoley's Tavern, 45 miles where they lodged;had good accommodations for themselves, butrather poor for their horses, pasture being light. 29th A ride of 31 1/2 miles took them to the