The settler of 1788 journeyed at ease over paths worn smooth by the feet of many thousands of predecessors; but the early pioneers cut their own trails in the untrodden wilderness, and warred single-handed against wild nature and wild man.
Cutler Visits Marietta.
In the summer of 1788 Dr.Manasseh Cutler visited the colony he had helped to found, and kept a diary of his journey.

His trip through Pennsylvania was marked merely by such incidents as were common at that time on every journey in the United States away from the larger towns.
He travelled with various companions, stopping at taverns and private houses; and both guests and hosts were fond of trying their skill with the rifle, either at a mark or at squirrels.

In mid-August he reached Coxe's fort, on the Ohio, and came for the first time to the frontier proper.

Here he embarked on a big flat boat, with on board forty-eight souls all told, besides cattle.

They drifted and paddled down stream, and on the evening of the second day reached the Muskingum.