from the town, and have placed publick wooden fountains in the streets at convenient distances.
{82} We were shewn the scite of Fort M'Intosh, of which no vestige remains except the hearth of the officers' fire place: It is on the edge of the cliff commanding the river. Altogether, Beaver seems to be very badly situated on the high plain, when it ought to have been placed at the confluence of Beaver creek with the Ohio, where there is a bottom with room enough for a town, and an excellent landing, and where are now two good looking houses with tavern signs. The neighbouring high situation notwithstanding its inconveniences, was probably preferred, on account of the superior salubrity of the air.[56]
On entering Beaver, we refreshed ourselves with six cents worth of whiskey and water at general Lacock's tavern. He is one of the representatives in the assembly of the state, and has both considerable influence and abilities. I had heard him in the house of representatives when I was at Lancaster in the winter, and was much entertained by the wit and humour he displayed in the course of a debate on fixing a permanent seat of government.[57] We had not*
