USA > Alabama > History of Alabama, and incidentally of Georgia and Mississippi, from the earliest period. v. 2 > Part 27
USA > Georgia > History of Alabama, and incidentally of Georgia and Mississippi, from the earliest period. v. 2 > Part 27
USA > Mississippi > History of Alabama, and incidentally of Georgia and Mississippi, from the earliest period. v. 2 > Part 27
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Colonel King was elected a senator in 1823, in 1828, in 1834, and in 1840. His firm but conciliatory course insured for him the respect and confidence of the Senate, and he was repeatedly chosen to preside over that body, as president, pro
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tem., the duties of which position he discharged in a manner CHAPTER so satisfactory, that, at the close of each session, a resolution XLII. was adopted, without a dissenting voice, tendering him the thanks of the body for the ability and impartiality with which he had discharged those duties. In the spring of 1844, Colonel King was offered the situation of Minister to France, which he declined, as he had, on previous occasions, refused to accept other diplomatic situations, which had been tendered to him, preferring, as he declared, to be a Senator from Ala- bama to any office which could be conferred on him by the .
General Government. At this time, the proposition for the annexation of Texas was pending, and there was but too much reason to believe that the British government was urging that of France to unite with her in a protest against such annexa- tion. It was, therefore, of the highest importance to prevent, if possible, such joint protest, as, should it be made, must have inevitably resulted in producing hostilities with one or both of these powers ; for no one, for a moment, believed that the gov- ernment of the United States would be deterred from carrying out a measure which she considered essential to her interests, from any apprehension of consequences which might result from any combination of the powers of Europe. Colonel King , was a decided advocate of the annexation of Texas, and, when urged by the President, and many of his friends in Congress, to accept the mission, he consented, under these circumstances, to give up his seat in the Senate. Colonel King, feeling the importance of prompt action, did not even return to his home, to arrange his private affairs, but repaired VOL. II. 2.2
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CHAPTER at once to New-York, and took passage for Havre. Arriving XLII. in Paris, he obtained an audience of the King, presented his credentials, and at once entered upon the object of his mis- sion. After frequent conferences with the King of the French, who had kindly consented that he might discuss the subject with him, without going through the usual routine of com- municating through the foreign office, Colonel King succeeded in convincing his majesty that the contemplated protest, while it would not arrest the proposed annexation, would engender · on the minds of the American people a feeling of hostility towards France, which would operate most injuriously to the interests of both countries, now united by the closest bonds of friendship ; and his majesty, ultimately, declared that " he would do nothing hostile to the United States, or which could give to her just cause of offence." The desired object was ac- complished. England was not in a condition to act alone, and all idea of a protest was abandoned. Colonel King remained in France until the autumn of 1846, dispensing a liberal hos- pitality to his countrymen and others, and receiving from those connected with the government, and a large circle of the most distinguished individuals in Paris, the kindest atten- tion. IIe returned to the United States in November, 1846, having requested and obtained the permission of the Presi- dent to resign his office.
In 1848, the Hon. Arthur P. Bagby was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia, and resigned his seat in the Senate of the United States. Colonel King was appointed, by the Gov- ernor of Alabama, to fill the vacancy thus created; and, in 1849,
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the term for which he was appointed having expired, he was CHAPTER elected by the legislature for a full term, of six years. In 1850, XLII. on the death of Gen. Taylor, the President of the United States, Mr. Fillmore, the Vice-President, succeeded to that high office, and Colonel King was chosen, by the unanimous vote of the Senate, President of that body, which places him in the se- cond highest office in the government. Colonel King has ever been a decided republican, of the Jeffersonian school. He has, during his whole political life, opposed the exercise of implied powers on the part of the General Goverment, unless palpably and plainly necessary. to carry into effect an expressly granted power, firmly impressed with the belief, as he has often declared, that the security and harmony, if not the very existence of the Federal Government, was involved in adhering to a strict construction of the constitution.
In all the relations of life, Colonel King has maintained a spotless reputation ; his frank and confiding disposition, his uniform courtesy and kindness, has endeared him to nume- rous friends, and commanded for him the respect and conti- dence of all who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
Colonel King is about six feet high, remarkably erect in figure, and is well proportioned. Brave and chivalrous in his character, his whole bearing impresses even strangers with the conviction that they are in the presence of a finished gen- tleman. His fine colloquial powers, and the varied and ex- tensive information which he possesses, render him a most interesting companion.
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CHAPTER XLII.
CLEMENT COMER CLAY was born in Halifax county, Virgi- nia, on the 17th December, 1789. His father, William Clay, son of James Clay, and his mother, Rebecca, daughter of Samuel Comer, were Virginians by birth, and of English descent. His father, William Clay, entered the revolutionary army as a private soldier, at the early age of sixteen, and made several tours. He was in various engagements, and was present at the siege of Yorktown and the surrender of Cornwallis. At an early age, his father removed west of the Alleghanies, to Grainger county, East Tennessee.
Clement Comer Clay completed his education at the East Tennessee University, at Knoxville. Leaving college, he read law with the Honorable Hugh Lawson White, and obtained a license in December, 1809. IIe remained in East Tennes- see until 1811, when he removed to Huntsville, where he has resided ever since. With a determined self-reliance, he pur- sued the practice of his profession steadily, and with gradually increasing profit, until the spring of 1817, taking no other interest in political matters than such as might be expected in any intelligent private citizen. When hostilities were commenced by the Creeks, in 1813, he performed military duty, as adjutant of a battalion of volunteers, called into service from Madison county ; but he had volunteered, as a private soldier, in one of the companies of that battalion. This battalion never joined the army of General Jackson, in the Creek nation, but, under his orders, was kept on the frontier, south of Tennessee river, to watch the enemy, and repel any
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advance which might be made. In the spring of 1817, the CHAPTER friends of Mr. Clay announced him as a candidate for the XLII. Territorial council, and he was elected, by more than two hun- dred votes above the next highest candidate who was re- turned. He went to St. Stephens, and discharged his duties during the two sessions held at that, place, in a manner cred- . itable to himself and useful to his constituents and the Terri- + tory. His absence, however, seriously interrupted a lucrative practice at the bar, and deprived him of the favorable oppor- tunity of purchasing a valuable tract of land, near Huntsville, as a permanent home. When the convention was organized at Huntsville, Mr. Clay appeared, as one of the delegates from the county of Madison. An active and assidnous mem- ber, to its close, he was appointed chairman of the committee of FIFTEEN, to prepare and report a plan of government ; and, in that capacity, brought forward a paper, containing the main features of the constitution, as it was originally adopted. When the convention terminated, he resolved to devote him- self exclusively to the practice of his profession and to plant- ing ; but in December, 1819, before he had completed his thirtieth year, he was elected, without opposition, one of the judges of the circuit court. When the judges assembled at , Cahawba, in May, 1820, although he was several years young- er than any other one on the bench, he was elected by his associates the first chief justice of the State of Alabama. As judge, he served more than four years, when he resigned, in December, 1823, to resume the practice of his profession. On his return to the bar, Judge Clay re-entered upon the
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CHAPTER XLII. practice of his profession, with his accustomed assiduity, ener- gy and talents, and immediately obtained a highly lucrative business. But, in 1828, he was elected to the legislature, by the people of Madison, to advance their interests in the grant of four hundred thousand acres of land, made by Congress, for the improvement of the navigation of the Tennessee river. On his arrival at Tuscaloosa, then the seat of government, he was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, without opposition. He performed the high and responsible duties of that post, during the unusually long and exciting session of 1828-9, in a manner very satisfactory to the house. He participated in the debates upon the most important ques- tions, and earned a reputation as an able legislator. Upon his return to Huntsville, his friends placed him in nomination
for Congress. Captain Nicholas Davis, who had been a member of the Senate, and its president, was his opponent. The canvass was a most exciting one. Each candidate had numerous, active and influential friends. The district then consisted of the counties of Madison, Jackson, Limestone. Lauderdale and Lawrence. In Jackson, and the eastern part of Madison, the public lands had never been offered for sale, and the great question was, whether the right of pre-emption should be given to the pioneers. The government of the United States had sold all the lands in the other counties of the district in 1818-19-20, under the credit system, which then prevailed, at such enormous prices, as, under the change brought about by the reduced price of cotton, rendered many unable, and nearly all the original purchasers unwilling, to
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pay for them. Consequently, nearly all the lands in those CHAPTER counties had been relinquished or forfeited, including, in many XLII. instances, the dwelling-houses, gin-houses and other improve- ments, and the question was, whether adequate relief should be obtained for the former purchasers, and those holding under them. Judge Clay and Captain Davis were both advocates of pre-emption rights, to the settlers on public lands, and relief to the unfortunate purchasers, who had relinquished or forfeited. Judge Clay, the successful can- didate, took his seat in Congress in December, 1829, and devoted his best energies to the accomplishment of those great measures. He succeeded to his entire satisfaction, and the journals of Congress show the labor and talent which he employed, in aiding in the passage of the "relief laws." On his return home, he was everywhere greeted with expres- sions of praise and gratitude.
The tariff was one of the exciting questions then agitating the national councils. Judge Clay took the ground he has ever occupied, in favor of a revenue tariff and ad valorem duties, and delivered in Congress a creditable speech upon that subject. In another speech, he sustained General Jack- son's policy and measures, in opposition to the Bank of the United States, and the removal of the deposites. He agreed with the administration, in the main, in regard to the tariff, and disapproved of the course taken by South-Carolina to nullify the tariff laws, yet he could not be induced to vote for the " force bill," as it was familiarly called. His regard for the sovereignty and rights of the States was such that he
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CHAPTER would not consent to give the Federal Executive additional XLII. power against any member of the confederacy, however much he condemned her action. Judge Clay's course in Congress was such that he never incurred opposition to his several re- elections, and in 1835 he was nominated as the democratic candidate for governor. At that time, Judge White was placed in nomination by his friends, as a candidate for the pre- sidency, in opposition to Van Buren. Although Judge Clay's personal preferences were in favor of the claims of the former, and he would have preferred him, as the nominee, he would not consent to divide the democratic party, to which he be- belonged, and, therefore, he gave his support to Van Buren. This brought out opposition to him, in the person of General Enoch Parsons, but Judge Clay was elected governor, in Au- gust, 1835, by the largest majority ever given any candidate for that office in the State, being upwards of thirteen thou- sand votes. He was inaugurated as governor, in November, 1835.
Governor Clay has been charged with inactivity and neg- lect of duty, during the Creek war, in the spring of 1836. If we were writing a history of those times, we could vindi- cate him in a most successful manner, for we were then attached to the executive staff, and well remember what tran- spired. We cannot, however, refrain from remarking, that no man ever labored more assiduously to bring into the field a force sufficient to subdue the hostile Indians, and no one ever evinced more willingness to afford relief to his fellow- citizens in the Creek nation, or felt for them more anxiety.
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As soon as he learned, at Tuscaloosa, the alarming condition CHAPTER of the settlers in the Creek nation, he addressed an order to XLII. Major General Benjamin Patteson, directing him to bring down a force from North Alabama, to hasten to the seat of war, and to assume the immediate command of all the Ala- bama troops, intended to be employed against the hostiles. At the same time, he addressed a letter to the command- ant of the United States arsenal, at Mount Vernon, making a requisition upon him for arms, munitions and tent equipage, ' , directing them to be shipped forthwith to Montgomery. At the same time, lie also issued an order to Brigadier-General Moore, of the Mobile division, ordering him to send troops to Eufaula, upon the Chattahoochie. He then took a seat in the stage-coach, arrived at Montgomery, and temporarily established his head-quarters at that place. It was during a period when provisions of all kinds were scarce and exorbi- tantly high,-when the whole country had run mad with speculations,-and when even the elements were in comno- tion-tornadoes prostrating trees across the highways, and heavy rains swelling every stream and sweeping off every bridge. Yet, in spite of these things, he assembled a large force from North Alabama, from West Alabama, and from South Alabama. He caused a great quantity of arms, tent equipage and ammunition, to be brought up the river from the arsenal at Mount Vernon. He made the most judicious arrangements with highly responsible contractors, who sent forward from New-Orleans and Mobile an abundance of sub- sistence for the army. To meet some pressing necessities, he
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CHAPTER XLII.
sold his own bill of exchange to the Bank of Montgomery for the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars. He exerted himself, in gaining over to our side many of the prominent Chiefs. Opothleoholo and eleven principal Chiefs came down to Montgomery, by his invitation, to whom he made an inge- nious appeal, in the ball-room of the Montgomery Hall, in the presence of Colonel James E. Belser, Colonel John A. Campbell, Colonel George W. Gayle, and the author-who were his aids-and General Patteson, with his staff, among whom were Major J. J. Donegan, Major Withers, and others, who, at this moment, are not recollected. Opothleoholo re- sponded in a " talk" of an hour's length. He concluded, by , tendering to Governor Clay his services, and those of his people.
In short, an army of near three thousand men was organ- ized, who reached the Creek nation by the time that General Jessup, who had been sent by the Federal Government to assume the con.mand, arrived there.
In June, 1837, Governor Clay was elected to the United States Senate, without opposition, and shortly afterwards re- signed the gubernatorial office. He took his seat in the Sen- ate in September, 1837, (an extra session,) and served the four succeeding regular sessions, and the extra session of 1841. The journals of the Senate contain evidences of his talent and industry. In consequence of the ill-health of his family, he resigned his seat in the Senate.
Governor Clay is of medium size. He is erect in figure, and walks with elasticity, presenting but few of the marks of
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age. His eyes are of a dark brown color, expressive and penetrating, and are ever in motion. Nothing escapes his observation; and while conversing with you, even upon a topic highly interesting to him, it is his custom, frequently to cast his eyes upon some one who has entered the room, or who is passing the streets, and then upon you. He tells an anecdote well, and is an agreeable companion. He is a brave man, and is exceedingly punctual and honorable in all the relations of life.
NICHOLAS DAVIS, a member of the convention, from the county of Limestone, will next be noticed. He was born on the 23d of April, 1781, in Hanovor county, Virginia, in a region of country familiarly called the "Slashes," where, also, the great orator of Kentucky first saw the light. He descended from the Davis and Ragland families, whose names are preserved in the archives of Virginia, as among the earliest settlers of Yorktown. He was educated in the same county, and partly in the same school, with Henry Clay.
Captain Davis never studied any profession, but has been all his life a farmer. He removed to Alabama, in March, 1817, and established himself at " Walnut Grove," in the county of Limestone, where he has resided ever since. After the termination of the convention, he was elected a member of the first legislature of the State of Alabama, which sat at Huntsville, in the fall of 1819. In 1820, he was again a member, at Cahawba, where the legislature was permanently established. The people of Limestone placed him in the Senate in 1821, and when he arrived at Cahawba, in the
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beginning of the winter, he was selected to preside over that body. His impartiality, honesty, firmness, talents and effi- ciency, caused him to be continued in the office of President of the Senate for the period of ten years.
In the preceding memoir, we have alluded to the Congres- sional canvass in which Captain Davis was engaged in the summer of 1829. It was exceedingly spirited. Governor Clay found him to be a truly honorable and liberal competi- tor, but a very formidable one. Every where Captain Davis met him upon the stump, and exhibited decided evidences of a first-rate popular speaker. At that period, Captain Davis was a man in the prime of life, of commanding person, vigo- rous constitution, and an honest and generous heart. 'Posses- sing a handsome and expressive countenance, beaming with intelligence, and a clear and distinct voice, he might have been pointed out as one of the noblest specimens of an intel- ligent yeomanry. He was defeated for Congress, as we have seen, although every man in the district who voted against him was ready to acknowledge that, as a representative, he would have been lionest, faithful and efficient ; but the early opposition which he made to General Jackson, in North Ala- bama, has served to build up a barrier to his political success.
The whig party of Alabama, upon whose list the name of Nicholas Davis has ever been among the first and most pro- minent, placed him upon the electoral ticket, in the memora- ble contest between Van Buren and Harrison. Again, when Clay and Polk were candidates for the presidency, Captain Davis was one of the whig electors, and frequently addressed
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the people of North Alabama upon that occasion, in a zealous and eloquent manner, sometimes imploring them, even with tears in his eyes, to vote for the whig candidate ! It was a fine theme for this gentleman, which at once brought out all his warm and generous feelings, emanating from the recollec- tions of his youth, and the unbounded admiration which he has ever since entertained for Henty Clay.
His party supported him for the office of Governor of Alaba- ma, against the Honorable John Gayle, but the democratic party being greatly in the ascendancy, the latter prevailed over him. When the Honorable Reuben Chapman was nominated by the democratic convention for governor, the whigs again sup- ported Captain Davis for that office, and he was again defeated ' from the same cause.
As a legislator, Captain Davis was exceedingly sensible and useful. He manifested much firmness, in his opposition to the State Bank and its branches. He always preferred well regulated stock banks. "
Captain Davis is large and well proportioned. His eyes are deep blue, very expressive, and indicative of benevolence, or much of the " milk of human kindness." He is a man of great energy of character, and is remarkable for his physical strength and industrious habits. He has ever been a patron of the turf. His horses have run at New-Orleans, Nashville, Mobile, and through the South generally. He was present at the celebrated contest between the horses of Andrew Jack- son, of Tennessee, and James Jackson, of North Alabama, at Huntsville.
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Captain Davis still lives at " Walnut Grove," esteemed and respected by all classes and all parties. Many refined and intelligent gentlemen in Huntsville and its vicinity, and other portions of North Alabama, deem it their imperative. but most pleasing duty, to pay him two long visits every year. Often his large old log-house, which he erected when he first came to Alabama, and which he venerates so much that he would not exchange it for a palace, contains forty or fifty visitors at one time, who, for days together, are enter- tained by his agreeable conversation, fed from his abundant table, and delighted with the survey of his extensive groves. rich fields, happy negroes, fine blooded horses, and sleek and well formed cattle.
REUBEN SAFFOLD was born in Wilkes county, Georgia, in the 4th September, 1788. He received such an education > was usually imparted at a common academy, where he mal .. some proficiency in the Latin language. He studied law with Paine, of Watkinsville, Clarke county, Giver- gia, and in that place he entered upon the practice of his pro. fession. In the spring of 1811, he married Mary Philips. daughter of Colonel Joseph Philips, then of Morgan county. Georgia, who soon after removed to the southern part of Alabama.
Mr. Saffold, in the spring of 1813, established himself at the town of Jackson, situated upon the Tombigby river, then in the Mississippi Territory. Soon, thereafter, the Indian war broke out, and he at once became actively engaged in the protection of a suffering people and an exposed frontier.
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Holding at the time the rank of colonel in the militia, he nevertheless raised a company of sixty volunteers, and, as their captain, scoured the thickets, from the mouth to the head of the Perdido river, upon which occasion several Indians were killed, while others were driven to the more re- mote parts of Florida. But, before he made this tour, he had been a participant, as a private, in the battle of Burnt Corn, and was one of those who fought bravely, and retreated among the last. During these early times, he was also a member of the legislature of the Mississippi Territory at several sessions. When peace was restored, he entered upon the practice of his profession, but, in 1819, he was chosen a member of the convention. At the session of the legisla- ture of the State of Alabama, held at Huntsville, in the fall of 1819, he was elected, without opposition, one of the cir- cuit judges, and in December of that vear hie removed to the residence at which he died, in the county of Dallas.
Judge Saffold held the office of circuit judge, under vari- ous re-elections, with distinguished ability and honor, until January, 1832, when the legislature authorized the organiza- tion of a separate Supreme Court. Then, he was elected one of the three who were to constitute that court. Upon this new theatre of judicial labor, he lost none of the high and deserved reputation which he had acquired in the " court below." At the January term of 1835, Judge Lipscomb re- signed the office of chief justice, and Judge Satfold was selected in his place. He occupied this dignified position until the spring of 1836, when he resigned it, and bid a final
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