CHAPTER XI.

ROUTE TO NEW-ORLEANS, by the way of Pittsburg and Wheeling. Distance between Pittsburg and New-Orleans, and the Rates of Passage. Deck Passengers, Distances on the Upper Mississippi, and Rates of Passage. Distances from NewYork to Montreal, Canada. Tables of Exchange, Coins, &c.—to reduce English and French Currency to Dollars and Cents.

ROUTE TO NEW ORLEANS,

BY THE WAY OF PITTSBURGH AND WHEELING.

It is important for persons travelling to the Western country, by the way of Pittsburgh and Wheeling, to know that, at certain seasons, they must calculate on detentions, arising from the low stage of the waters of the Ohio. This is a matter which is of great importance to the emigrant.

He will be told by runners, that the price from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati, for instance, is three dollars. When the river is in good boating order, this may be calculated on as about the price for a deck passage between those places. But if the river be not in a good stage, the price may be very much higher; indeed, there are times when there are no boats running from Pittsburgh, Wheeling, and Portsmouth, downward.

In the winter season, there may be a short period when the ice prevents a free navigation of the Ohio. This should be remembered, and the emigrant should inform himself on this point, before he selects the Pittsburgh

route. There are other periods besides the winter when difficulties will, perhaps, occur. These may be likely to happen between the 15th of July and the 1st of September. It frequently happens at these times, that there is not more than twelve to eighteen inches of water on some of the shoals and bars. Occasionally there are exceptions to this, arising from rains. The general fact is, however, as we have just stated it. select the Pittsburgh route, should make this point, before they decide upon it; unless they are willing to run the risk of detention at Pittsburgh.

All emigrants who proper inquiries on

Although the Pittsburgh route has its advantages, we should decidedly recommend, that emigrants bound from New-York, Boston, etc. etc., to any point on the Ohio below Portsmouth, should go by the way of Albany, Buf. falo, and the Ohio Canal. They will find the latter the cheapest and best route; and it will give them an opportunity to see the interior of the states of New-York and Ohio; and prevent the liability of detention at Pittsburgh.

Should they, however, prefer the Pittsburgh route, they will find daily conveyances from New-York and Philadelphia. The charge from New-York to Pittsburgh, at this time (May, 1844,) for steerage passengers, by railroad, steamboats, and canal-boats, is about ten dollars; perhaps a trifle less, without board. The time of passage between New-York and Pittsburgh, is about eight days. The prices on this route vary from time to time, but the above is about the usual average.

The city of Pittsburgh will be somewhat interesting to the emigrant, from the fact that great numbers of Europeans reside there, engaged in the coal and iron mines, and in the various manufactures with which that "Birmingham of America" abounds.

The following

TABLE OF DISTANCES BETWEEN PITTSBURGH AND NEW

ORLEANS,

and the rates of passage, may be depended on as being substantially correct. These prices vary, according to circumstances, but in ordinary times they will be found

The above rates of cabin passage include board. Deck passengers find themselves. The part of the boat occupied by the latter is tolerably comfortable; and is furnished with berths and conveniences for cooking. At the various places at which the boats stop for wood and freight, the emigrant can purchase provisions at a very low rate. The usual speed of the boats is about six miles the hour up stream, and ten niles down stream.

The price of cabin passage on this route, may be calculated at about three cents per mile, for long distances, and four cents for short ones. Deck passengers not far

from one cent a mile.

FROM NEW-YORK TO MONTREAL, CANADA.

From New-York to Albany, (steamboat)............. 145

Saratoga Springs, via Schenec

tady, (railroad)...

36 181