ABSTRACT
Two rival western journalists, both of whom published a descriptive volume on the West in 1828, supply revealing comments on the character of the early towns, their economic rivalries, and their social and cultural aspirations. Pittsburgh and its vicinity may proudly challenge comparison in beauty of scenery and healthfulness of situation. A seminary of learning has been founded at the town of Allegheny, called the “Western University,” and liberally endowed with land by the State Legislature; but it is not yet organized. Lexington is the commercial metropolis of the state; and until very lately, was the largest town on the south side of the Ohio, above New Orleans. The government of the city is vested in a mayor and aldermen; and its municipal judicature is in the city court. There are a number of respectable mercantile firms, two of which import directly from Europe.
