Marie Lefrette.
A STORY OF KASKASKIA.
By J. L. M'CONNEL.
LE MAÌTRE A DANSER.
Kaskaskia, (properly written Cascasquia,) founded, according to the best authorities, about 1688, by the good Father Allouez, is probably the oldest settlement on the waters of the Mississippi. For a long time the head-quarters of the French in the Great Valley: successively a military post of some importance, and the capital of the growing State of Illinois, it possessed, for many years, the distinction of a frontier metropolis; but its site was chosen without regard to that geography which ultimately develops its own foci; and every new farm opened in the country hastened the decay of its factitious prosperity. A few miles in any direction from the true focus are sufficient to seal the obscurity of the most promising town; and he who fortunately pitches his cabin upon the converging point of the lines of commerce may safely await the lapse of time, secure that his corn-fields will eventually become city-lots, and his modest dwelling give place to palaces of trade.
In accordance with this geographical principle, as the country to the northward was settled and improved Kaskaskia decreased in importance; and, as St. Louis began to emerge into the light, the shadow of her wings deepened the growing twilight around her elder sister. The removal of the seat of government withdrew the only remaining element of prosperity; and, in 182–, the period of our
