RED RIVER, one of the affluents of the Mississippi, from the west, is formed by the union of the Salt Fork and South Fork in Texas, about N. Lat. 34. and W. Long. 100. It flows at first eastward, separating between Texas and the Indian territory, till it enters the state of Arkansas. At the village of Fulton, in this state, it bends to the south, passes into Louisiana, and traverses that state in a S.E. direction, joining the Mississippi about 200 miles above New Orleans. Its whole length is estimated at 1200 miles, about 500 of which are regularly navigated by steamers. The name is characteristic; for the water is tinged with red, from the soil of the prairies through which it flows. About 530 miles above its confluence with the Mississippi the river is obstructed by what is called "the Great Raft." This is a vast accumulation of trees and drift-wood, conveyed down the stream and lodged here; so that the river, obstructed in its course, flows over the adjacent country, and forms many side channels and lakes. The impediment was cleared away by the government at great expense in 1834-5, but since that time it has again been formed.