It was altogether fitting that among the very first to follow Boone's blazed road to Kentucky we should find Judge Henderson and his fellow-promoters of the Transylvania Company. Nothing shows more plainly the genuineness of their purposes and the heroism of their spirit. They were not foisting on their countrymen a hazardous scheme by which they should profit, while others bore the brunt of the toil and danger. True, Henderson had, purposely or unwittingly, ignored the technicality of Virginia's claim to the possession of the West; but, with an honesty unparalleled at that day in such matters, they met the representatives of the real owners of the lands they desired, and had purchased them and paid down the purchase money. There is almost no doubt that they could have satisfied Virginia's technicalities at a less cost; and then have gone, as so many have done, to fortify their possessions and "fight it out" with the genuine owners of the soil, who would eventually get nothing and lose everything. This Judge Henderson did not do; nor did he sit down comfortably at home and send others to turn his holdings into money. He arose and started--amid dangers that shall not be mentioned lest they be minimized--for far-away Kentucky, on the little roadway Boone was opening. Henderson's party left Fort Watauga March 20, 1775, and arrived at the infant Boonesborough April 20. The leader of the party fortunately kept a record, though meager, of this notable journey. This precious yellow diary is preserved by the Wisconsin Historical Society. It reads: "Monday March 20th 1775 Having finished my Treaty with the Indians, at Wataugah Sett out for Louisa & arrived at John Shelbeys in the Evening--Tuesday the 21^{st} went to M^r John Seviers in Company of Col^o Williams & Col^o Hart & staid that day--Wednesday the 22^d--Mess^{rs} Williams & Hart set off Home & I staid with M^r Sevier Thursday 23^d Still at M^r Seviers--N. B. because our Horses were lost tho. not uneasiy as Mess^{rs} Hart and Letteral made a poor Hand of Traveling-- Friday 24^{th} Sett of in pursuit of M^r Hart & Letteral. Overtook them Both & Lodged at Capt Bledsoe's-- Satterday the 25^{th}. came to M^{rs} Callaway's. Sunday 26^{th} staid there. Monday 27^{th} Emplied in storeing away Goods. Tuesday 28^{th}--Sett off for Louisa Wednesday Continued Journey. N. B. M^r Luttrel not come up. Thursday 30^{th} Arrived at Cap^t Martins in Powels Valey-- Fryday 31^{st} Imploy'd in makeing house to secure the Waggons as we could not possibly clear the road any further. N. B. My Waggon & Sam^l Hendersons came up in A.M. W. Luttrel in the Evin^g Satterday the 1 day of April--Imploy'd in making ready for packing &^c M^r Hart came up-- Sunday 2^d Continued at Capt^t Martins Waiting for the Waggon Monday the 3^d Still continued Waiting for the Waggon--