Indians (he had picked up considerable of the language of the Massawomeks) the name of the river was Ohio. He had seen a good deal of fine agricultural country, but more that was hilly or mountainous.
From this account, Ralph Morton determined to explore the great river himself. In the latter part of March, 1615, Henry Morton was again sent out with a party, including some boat-builders. They took a number of pack-mules loaded with provisions and tools. Henry Morton was instructed to build on the banks of the Ohio a strong log-house as a defense against Indians, saw lumber, and build two flat boats.
About a month after Henry's departure, Ralph set out with another party, following the well-marked trail of the first party after leaving the Potomac. Arriving at the Ohio, Ralph found the house built and the boats nearing completion. When the boats were finished, he selected a party of twelve men, and embarked, taking along three pack-mules, and leaving several men at the block-house commanded by Henry Morton.
The little party descended the great river with the current, using their oars only to keep
