From A Journey in North America, containing a survey of the countries watered by the Mississipi, Ohio, Missouri, and other affluing rivers; with exact observations on the course and soundings of these rivers; and on the towns, villages, hamlets and farms of that part of the new-world; followed by philosophical, political, military and commercial remarks and by a projected line of frontiers and general limits, illustrated by 36 maps, plans, views and divers cuts.
[Pittsburg] contains, at the utmost, one hundred and fifty houses, some of which are built of brick, and the rest of wood. The neighbourhood of the Indians and the difficult communication between this town, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, appear to be the principal causes which have hitherto prevented its increase. Placed at the source of one of the noblest rivers in the world, navigable as far as the ocean, after flowing eleven hundred miles, through the finest and most beautiful countries on the surface of the globe; this town, when the Indian frontier is thrown back, * and the roads are rendered practicable, will certainly become one of the first inland cities of the United States.
*This has now taken place in consequence of the treaty made between the Indians and General Waine, in 1797.