USA > Georgia > The bench and bar of Georgia: memoirs and sketches. With an appendix, containing a court roll from 1790-1857, etc., volume I > Part 47
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I am in fine health. James is in bed with the ague and fever; the rest are all well. We shall make half-crops in this quarter. I should be glad if you could come in and pay us a visit, and my old cousin, John Shine .* My nephew, William L. Bush, from near Wilmington, died at my house the 14th ult. I have nothing new or important.
Accept the full assurance of my high esteem,
D. BLACKSHEAR. STEPHEN F. MILLER, Esq.
* A soldier of the Revolution, -grandfather of the author. See a notice of his services in White's Historical Collections of Georgia, p. 656.
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MEMOIR OF GENERAL
A circular addressed to Gen. Blackshear by the committee is here inserted in honor of Savannah and its public-spirited men :-
SAVANNAH, March 18, 1825.
SIR :- It has been resolved by the citizens of Savannah to erect monu- ments to the memory of Generals Greene and Pulaski. The occasion of Gen. Lafayette's visit has been selected as the most fit time for laying the corner-stones of these monuments. The lively interest which this great and good man has evinced in all parts of our country in the fame of his brothers in arms is an assurance that this tribute to the valor and virtues of two of the heroes of the Revolution will be an occasion of joy and gladness to his generous heart, and will form a pleasing and lasting asso- ciation in the mind of our venerable guest with his future recollections of the State of Georgia.
The characters and services of the brave commanders to whose memo- ries we are about to pay these tributes of veneration are known to you. Their names are recorded in the history of our republic; their deeds in arms were the pride of their compatriots and the glory of our country ; the value of their services demands from posterity the tribute of their gratitude. We therefore invite our fellow-citizens throughout the State to co-operate with us in this work of duty, that the State of Georgia may give another example to the world that republics are not unmindful of the obligations which they owe both to the living and the dead.
It was before the ramparts of Savannah that Pulaski fell on the field of glory, and here General Greene was buried. It is therefore with peculiar propriety that two of the most conspicuous squares of this city have been selected for the sites of these monuments.
It is proposed to complete these monuments in a style corresponding in simplicity and durability with our republican principles, and to make them the common property of every citizen. Hence, it has been deter- mined to limit the subscription to two dollars, in order to enable every person to enroll his name on this list of Revolutionary gratitude. Those who may wish to contribute more can do so, and their names will be noticed as making special donations.
The names of the subscribers will be engrossed on duplicate rolls of parchment, one of which will be deposited in each monument, secured in the most perfect manner.
Your zealous co-operation in this patriotic undertaking is solicited with great confidence. The moneys that may be subscribed you are requested to collect and pay over to the cashier of either of the branches of the Bank of the State of Georgia, or either of the branches of the Bank of Darien, who will thereafter be directed to transmit the money to Anthony Porter, Esq., Cashier of the Bank of the State of Georgia, at Savannah, subject to the order of Joseph V. Bevan, Secretary and Treasurer of the Greene and Pulaski Monument Committee.
JOHN STEPHENS, JOHN SHELLMAN, WILLIAM B. BULLOCH, JAMES BOND READ, RICHARD W. HABERSHAM, ALEXANDER TELFAIR,
S. B. PARKMAN, ANTHONY PORTER,
A. B. FANNIN,
M. MYERS,
WILLIAM P. MARSHALL,
JAMES P. SCREVEN.
397
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
FAMILY RECORD.
It is deemed proper to give a record which will at least prove interesting to the kindred and the more immediate friends of the .family.
David Blackshear and Fanny Hamilton were married in Han- cock county, December 2, 1802. Their children were,-
1. Mary Hamilton, born December 1, 1803, and died in infancy.
2. James Hamilton, born November 4, 1805; married Caro- line E. L., daughter of Gen. John Floyd, July 2, 1828. He represented the county of Laurens several times in the Legisla- ture, was major of battalion, and died February 23, 1845, leaving - a widow and two daughters.
3. William Thweatt, born November 14, 1807, and died August 13, 1838.
4. Edward Jefferson, born June 21, 1810; married Mary Jane, daughter of Col. James J. Pittman, of Mariana, Florida. She died June 20, 1852, leaving a daughter and three sons. E. J. Blackshear was several years a member of the Senate from Laurens county, and a justice of the Inferior Court.
5. Ann Eliza, born April 25, 1812, and died in infancy.
6. Eliza Ann, born December 26, 1813, and died in infancy.
7. David, born February 26, 1816; married Susan E., daughter of Edward Bryan, of Florida, August 14, 1845.
8. Everard Hamilton, born June 19, 1818; married Isabella Maria C., daughter of Col. Everard Hamilton, of Savannah, Octo- ber 10, 1844.
9. Joseph John Floyd, born October 2, 1821.
10. Elijah Francks, born September 26, 1822; married Mary Ann L., daughter of Colonel Everard Hamilton, October 16, 1845.
11. John Duke Blackshear, born January 14, 1824, and died at the age of one year.
It will be seen that the three daughters of Gen. Blackshear, and one son, died in their infancy. Seven sons survived him, two of whom have since died.
Edward Jefferson Blackshear, Everard Hamilton Blackshear, and Elijah Francks Blackshear all reside on the paternal estate, within a few miles of each other, the settlement provided for them being about four thousand acres, to which they have added by purchase. David Blackshear resides in Florida, and Joseph John Floyd Blackshear has established a plantation in Texas, with part
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of his own force and part of the force of his brothers Everard and Elijah, retaining an interest in their planting-operations in Laurens. They act together in great harmony, and all of them are prudent managers, steadily increasing their property, and are upright, use- ful citizens.
Mrs. Blackshear, the general's wife, was born January 22, 1781, and died February 28, 1824, aged forty-three years.
HIS DEATH, JULY 4, 1837.
The time has now arrived when the affairs of this world are no longer to hold dominion. He had performed the duties of life faithfully. At the age of seventy-three years, he could review the past and bear witness to the emptiness of fame. It had been his privilege to associate with the leading men of his day, and to leave the impress of his character in all the offices he had filled and upon the public mind. Serenely meditating on the future, he relied upon the truths of revelation for his comfort. His illness continued seve- ral weeks, in all which time he talked of death with the utmost composure,-said it had been a subject of reflection with him for years, and that his peace with God and with his fellow-men had been assured. In this frame of mind, General DAVID BLACKSHEAR died on the 4th day of July, 1837. While the cannon was pealing forth its thunders in city and village throughout the Union, in cele- bration of the day which his youthful valor had assisted to render immortal, his spirit was passing from time to eternity. Gallant soldier, noble patriot, and sincere friend, Farewell !
HIS CHARACTER.
Though his early education was imperfect, his mind was abun- dantly stored with knowledge of almost every description. He was acquainted with many of the sciences, especially those which related to agriculture, such as vegetable chemistry and the analysis of soils. He cultivated the grape extensively, and knew the process of fermentation, the saccharine matter to be added, the alcoholic principle, and the temperature for giving it the best body and flavor. He had the most approved instruments, and used them · skilfully for this purpose. He often improved on other methods, by his own reasoning and experiments, on the large variety of grapes in his vineyard.
Between Gen. Blackshear and the late Thomas McCall* (the
* Brother to the author of MeCall's History of Georgia.
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DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
best wine-grower of his day in the South) there existed a warm personal friendship. They mutually aided each other in the manu- facture of wine. Mr. McCall cultivated the grape on a much larger scale, and produced as elegant wines as any imported. In his message to the Legislature in 1827, Gov. Troup refers to him :-
The introduction of a new culture may claim the countenance of Govern- ment, as well from its general utility as from the difficulties attending on it. Among the varieties which contribute to the comfort of man, that of the vine ranks with the first class,-a culture eminently promotive of the public health and the public morals. Our respectable fellow-citizen, Thomas McCall, of Laurens, distinguished alike for his science and philanthropy, has devoted many years to this culture, and his laudable zeal and patient industry give promise of ultimate success. A temporary" and limited encouragement may insure it; and good effects would be seen eventually in a diversified cultivation, in an independence on foreigners for an article of great value, and in the gradual substitution in practice of a less for a more intoxicating beverage. If you coincide with me in the policy of extending a fostering hand to this subject of agriculture, the kind and degree of encouragement will be regulated by a sound dis- cretion.
Besides his grapery of several acres, Gen. Blackshear had large orchards, from which he distilled apple and peach brandies of the purest kind. Nothing was neglected in the manufacture, from gathering the fruit to the dropping of the rectified spirits from the tube. He usually gave morning drams to his slaves; and when- ever, from exposure to cold or water, they required a tonic, he ordered them to receive it from his cellar. It was often the case that in heavy work-raising houses, building mill-dams, and adjust- ing timbers-they were in a condition, as was then believed by most owners, to justify a little spirits for their health. The slaves at all events were grateful, and seemed to pursue their work more cheerfully. He never permitted them to have it in such quantity as to produce intoxication, and of course he saw nothing to regret from the custom.
He also cultivated the cane, and made sugar and syrup more ' than enough for his own use. It was his rule to let his neighbors have whatever he could spare from his farm,-corn, bacon, flour, beef, sugar, syrup, rice, brandy, wine, wool,-lumber from his saw- mills, and all kinds of produce which he did not need for his own consumption. IIe never profited by scarcity and high prices in the market. Ilis rates were just fairly remunerative for the labor bestowed. Ile never speculated on the necessities of people. All that came were supplied, if in his power. If they were able, he required payment within a reasonable time. The truly poor, who
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were pinched by hunger, received provisions gratis,-plenty for them and their little ones. Gen. Blackshear was a first-rate judge of human nature, and was not often deceived. To the honest and industrious he was ever a friend; to the idle and dissolute he showed no favor, except rebuke, when they troubled him with their wants. Though obliging in his disposition, he adhered to certain rules which he adopted early in life :-
1. Never to spend money before you get it.
2. Never pay other people's debts.
3. Never pay interest.
Much is comprehended in these few words. They reveal the secret of prosperity, in violence often to the best sympathies. Gen. Blackshear was governed by principle in all his movements,-never by impulse. Hence his great success and influence.
His hospitality was abundant and most agreeably dispensed. In his days, with lessons from the Revolution, through all ranks of society, in camp and in council, and until within the last twenty years, it was the prevailing custom-the social law-to offer wines and stronger drink to visitors, and to treat in public places. Gen. Blackshear kept up the usage. For those who did not relish wine, and refused to indulge higher, he had a drink of his own invention, which he called cider-royal, which was indeed good enough for kings. It was composed of brandy, sugar, and cider,-perhaps something else,-in such proportions as he had ascertained to form . the most palatable and refreshing beverage. His sideboard was an ingredient of hospitality. He partook himself, but never to excess ; nor could any guest so far forget himself, even if inclined, as to become out of fix under his roof by too free a resort to the decanters.
During their journeys on the circuit, and often in the intervals between courts, the judges and bar would spend their leisure time with Gen. Blackshear. The dignified Early, the jovial Strong, and other high functionaries who enjoined silence in court and held the multitude in awe by their stern authority, laid aside their official consequence, and shot ducks and angled for fish with as much glee as the boys who for the time-being were their guides and com- panions. The judges would go to the mill and wade upon the sheeting, or creep softly upon the dam, spearing the finny tribe or harpooning a turtle, with a perfect relish for the sport. After such achievements, the sideboard was called upon for its quota of applause. It was all right then, as public opinion had decreed it so. But a very decided change has since taken place. Sideboards,
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DAVID BLACKSIIEAR.
wine, and brandy, and such old-fashioned luxuries, have been dis- pensed with,-certainly an improvement on the virtues of our predecessors.
In politics, Gen. Blackshear belonged to the school of Jefferson, and was a great friend and adviser of Gov. Troup. He voted for him as a Representative to Congress in 1805, and for Governor in 1821, 1823, and 1825. His influence in the Legislature exceeded perhaps that of any other member. An anecdote or two related of Judge Dooly will be in point.
Before going on the bench, Col. Dooly had some military am- bition, and was a candidate for brigadier-general. When the election came on before the Legislature, Gen. Blackshear proposed some man whom he deemed worthy as an opposing candidate. Dooly was defeated, and charged his disgrace to Gen. Blackshear. Accosting a man from the country before a crowd at the hotel, Dooly asked him if he would do a little job for big pay? The man said he had no objection, if he was able. Dooly remarked, "You are able, very able,-well qualified, no doubt, for the business." The countryman desired to know what it was. Dooly told him it was merely to curse. "Well," replied the man, " I can do a little of that in my own way." " Then, sir," remarked Dooly, "begin at once, and I will pay you a dollar to curse Gen. Black- shear one hour. Curse him loud on these steps ; curse him at the corners of the streets ; curse him in the Capitol-square; curse him all over town; curse him till your words give out, and then come to me for more. The cursing must be done this evening, or it will be too late. I am not strong enough to curse on so big a scale, and must do it by deputy." The man excused himself, and thus the cursing-operation failed, amid roars of merriment.
At another time Judge Dooly noticed a gentleman very assiduous in his attentions to members of the Legislature for several days, when, taking him aside, he asked if he was a candidate. The reply being in the affirmative, Dooly inquired if Gen. Blackshear supported him. The candidate was unable to say, but thought from circumstances that the general would vote against him. " Then," said Dooly, "go home at once: save your tavern-bill and your feelings. If Gen. Blackshear is against you, you are beaten,-badly beaten. I was once a candidate, and Gen. Black- shear had me beaten by a dead man, who was no candidate !"
Gen. Blackshear was frequently called to the President's chair while the Senate was organizing, and on other special occasions acted as chairman. Ilis dignified manner, open and expressive VOL. I .-. 26
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MEMOIR OF GENERAL
countenance, and his great experience in deliberative bodies, made his presence quite commanding. He very much resembled Dr. Franklin ; and the full-length portrait in the House of Representa- tives of the great philosopher affords a correct idea of Gen. Black- shear. In strong common sense, and in the ability to understand first principles, they were also alike. Dr. Franklin excelled all men of his day in conversational powers. Gen. Blackshear was eloquent in the simplicity and force with which he expressed him- self. He was a man of great natural abilities, and only wanted the cultivation and employments of Franklin to render his name as eminent in statesmanship, letters, and philosophy.
At the Anti-Tariff Convention of 1832, Gen. Blackshear was chairman of the committee, which consisted of twenty other mem- bers,-Berrien, Forsyth, Cumming, Clayton, Cuthbert, Gamble, Reese, Spalding, Tait, Rockwell, Beall of Bibb, Taylor of Burke, Bailey, Warner, Dawson, Haynes, Gordon of Putnam, Clark of Henry, Janes, and Harris.
Enough has been shown from public documents and from the history of his life to prove that Gen. Blackshear was a man of note and is worthy of a place among public benefactors. He did not, it is true, fill so wide a space as some ; but he acted his part with as much patriotism and integrity as the greatest.
His old age was soothed by the presence of one who assisted in the Revolution to punish the murderers of his eldest brother, of which an account has been given in the early part of this memoir. After a separation of forty years, the Rev. Peter Calloway, stricken by domestic sorrows, came to the house of Gen. Blackshear, who embraced him with tears of joy. The reunion was pleasant to both. Mr. Calloway was invited to make Springfield his home. For several years he was a cherished inmate of the family, shared the best, was treated with the tenderness of a brother, and at length died under the general's roof. The same graveyard contains the dust of both. The commander of armies and the humble Baptist preacher-the two friends in life, one successful and the other unfortunate-will continue to repose together until the trumpet of the resurrection shall summon them to their final destiny.
403
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
[Papers referred to in Memoir.] I .- GOV. IRWIN TO D. BLACKSHEAR.
February 9, 1796.
DEAR SIR :- Time will not permit me to write you so fully as I could wish. But I am happy to hear of your spirited exertions on the present occasion, and trust you will still exert yourself in giving all assistance in your power to the frontiers. And rest assured that there shall be nothing lacking that is in the power of Government for their protection.
I am, dear sir, with respect, yours, JARED IRWIN.
II .- ADJUTANT-GENERAL TO MAJOR D. BLACKSHEAR.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, GREENSBORO, October 21, 1797. (General Orders.)
In consequence of a law passed in Congress the 24th of June, 1797, and of a communication to his Excellency the Governor of Georgia from the Secretary of War, bearing date of the 1st August last past, for organ- izing, arming, and equipping, according to law, and holding in readiness to march at a moment's warning, our proportion of 80,000 militia,* officers included, being 1334-
You are therefore immediately to proceed in detailing to the proper officers in your brigade the following number of officers and men, and cause the same to be organized, armed, and equipped, according to law, and held in readiness to march at a moment's warning.
You will accept any independent corps of cavalry, artillery, or in- fantry, as part of this detachment, provided they shall voluntarily engage in the service,-viz. : 1 lieutenant-colonel, 4 captains, 4 lieutenants, + en- signs, 16 sergeants, 16 corporals, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 1 pay- master, 1 surgeon, 1 surgeon's mate, 1 sergeant-major, 1 drum-major, 1 fife-major, 4 drummers, 4 fifes, and 256 privates.
You will without delay report to me your progress, and on the state of this detachment.
By the commander-in-chief's command, of Louisville, the 16th Octo- ber, 1797. JONAS FAUCIIE, Adjutant-General.
III .- MAJOR BLACKSIIEAR TO
May 24, 1798.
SIR :- Agreeably to general orders of the 9th of February, 1798, and the arrangements of the adjutant-general of the 14th of February, 1798, yourself, and adjutant of your battalion, will rendezvous at Sparta, on the 3d of July next, uniformed, armed, and equipped, according to law, pro- vided with your commissions, there to perform such evolutions and other military exercise as the adjutant-general may direct.
You will also cause to be held a review of your battalion at Sanders- ville on July 5th next, for the adjutant-general's inspection, as contem- plated in the fore-mentioned. general orders, which you will find in the
* For the expected war with France after the President's proclamation of neu- trality. Major D. Blackshear was brigade-inspector at the time.
The address does not appear in the copy retained.
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Augusta Chronicle of the 17th of February, 1798, and to which you will have reference to conduct yourself accordingly in the orders you will issue.
By the brigadier's command.
D. BLACKSHEAR, Brigade-Major.
IV .- JAMES JONES* TO D. BLACKSHEAR.
SHIP-YARD, September 4, 1798.
DEAR SIR :- After you left us, my indisposition increased and con- tinued pretty severe, so as entirely to confine me till about ten days ago. The moment I was able, I went to town, and have written to New York for the articles you want, through a very honest friend in town who deals there. In all probability, they will arrive in about four weeks from this, -say 1st October. Not meeting with a conveyance from Savannah, and being, besides, in a very great hurry to return home, I deferred writing you till now.
The only news of consequence was that the city of Philadelphia has again been attacked with the yellow fever, and it made its first appearance in greater terror than at any former period. The public offices had all been removed to Trenton, New Jersey. The principal physicians had con- cluded to leave the place; and, of course, every person who can possibly get away will abandon a place that seems devoted to fall a victim to the most dreadful pestilence ever experienced in this New World. To contem- plate the emporium and most flourishing city of a great and rising nation, till lately exempt from most of the great national calamities which have desolated many parts of the Old World, now seriously threatened with a combination of two of the most awful afflictions that ever visited any land, is a melancholy and painful reflection, and, with the aid of a very small share of superstition, (or, perhaps, more justly, of religious confi- dence,) might induce us to consider and ascertain whether these dreadful visitations are the consequence of our own national pollution. The zealous advocates of the times would account for them on plain and familiar prin- ciples. They would say the malady is introduced by contagion from foreign intercourse; and this is probably the true cause. The other calamity-I incan war-they will not consent to rank in the same class. For my own part, I believe them to be the offspring of the same parent cause.
The connections we have fornied, and, in some instances, diligently cul- tivated, with European powers, could not fail to involve us in their desti- nies. That jealousy which is so inseparable from human nature, and which can scarcely tolerate an equal attention with others from a friend, can much less brook the slightest mark of particular favor. This passion is as prevalent in nations and their rulers as it is among individuals.
These are barely remarks : I need not apply them. Present appear- ances prove the justice and goodness of the late President's advice to the United States on the propriety of avoiding foreign connections.
I am, dear major, with esteem, your most obedient servant,
JAMES JONES.
* Mr. Jones was often a member of the State Legislature from Chatham county, and was elected a Representative in Congress in 1798. He died at Washington City, January 12, 1801. See a notice of him in White's Historical Collections, p. 367.
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DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
V .- MAJOR D. BLACKSHEAR TO COL. RUTHERFORD.
May 21, 1799.
DEAR SIR :- Agrecably to orders from Brigadier-General Irwin of the 20th inst., and from the adjutant-general in the Louisville Gazette of the 19th of March, 1799, the field-officers of your regiment will meet at Sparta on the 23d of September next, uniformed and equipped, in order to receive such instruction of the discipline prescribed by Congress as the adjutant-general may think proper to direct.
You will also order all the commissioned officers of your regiment, together with the adjutant and first sergeant of each company, to appear at Sandersville on the 25th of September, armed with muskets and bayo- nets,-the commissioned officers to have their commissions,-in order to perform the evolutions prescribed by law. You will also call the whole of your regiment together at Sandersville, the 26th of September, by ten o'clock in the forenoon, well equipped. The officers commanding companies will come provided with exact rolls of the number of cach grade enrolled in their respective districts or commands, in order that the regiment may be reviewed, inspected, and manœuvred as the law directs.
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