Irving, Washington 1832

The Journals of Washington Irving. Edited by William P. Trent and George S. Hellman.

The Bibliophile Society. 1919.

Famed American author Washington Irving had little to say about his visit to Madison in 1832, when he traveled the Ohio from Cincinnati to Louisville. However, his six words picture a place that sounds much improved from the pioneer era.

September 4^th, Tuesday. Gray morning—in the night, the captain stops here and there where light gleams on the wodded shore. Stop at Madison in Indiana.—neat little place built of brick.

Old Negro steward—very black with bright madras kerchief on head, large feet, gold earrings, shirt collar up to his ears, white jacket and trousers, chequered apron to his armpits.

Clearings on the banks of the river—solitary log hut with corn fields among the forests—canoe by the shore.