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 56
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57
You ask my approbation for you to recite privately, for a few weeks,
* Long time a Senator from Columbia county,-a man of superior intelligence and marked integrity of character. He was usually Chairman of the Committee on Finance, and in that position afforded much light on the revenue and objects of appropriation by the Legislature. He was the father of the Hon. George W. Crawford, formerly Governor of Georgia and Secretary of War under the adminis- tration of President Taylor. Col. Moughon, referred to in Mr. Crawford's note, was a planter in the vicinity of Milledgeville, of extensive wealth and hospitality. He was accidentally killed a few years ago by being thrown from a buggy while riding with his son-in-law, Joseph Bond, Esq., in the city of Macon.
471
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
that you might get ahead of your class. I shall not object to your pro- gressing as fast as your capacity will admit, and if it is thought to be of advantage to you to do so. But my fears are that you will not be studious, and pay money to get ahead without knowing what is necessary. I wish you to learn, and not merely get forward in high classes without knowing what you ought to have studied. If you have been as attentive, why are you not as far advanced as Jefferson Bryan ? You were both in one class at first. It is in vain for me to write you and encourage you if you do not strive. I once more renew my advice by saying that education is for your own advantage, and if you neglect it will be your own loss. I shall never think money wasted if you only progress well.
I have had great misfortunes since you left here. Jack took sick and died after three weeks' illness; and yesterday Mike got upon the gin- wheel, and it carried him under the piece that holds the band-wheel and killed him. So you see that two most valuable boys are gone.
CXXIII .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO HIS SON JAMES.
SPRINGFIELD, April 12, 1821.
MY DEAR JAMES :- Yours of the 29th ult. has just come to hand, it being the third I have received. I am quite anxious for your welfare, and uneasy for fear of the measles and the fever that exist at Athens. But diseases prevail in all countries, to which mankind are subject. An all- wise Providence is your only protector.
We have generally good health here. Your mother has had some symptoms of the asthma, but is better, and as well as common. Your brother William* has a bad cold, which I was afraid was symptomatic of asthma. He is now better, but not so well as he has been through the winter.
I am much pleased to hear that your teachers approve of your progress in learning, and that your cousins improve also, with whom, I hope, you will cherish harmony and friendly intercourse, and also with all your schoolmates who conduct themselves with propriety. Avoid the company of all that do otherwise, and try to act in such a way as to merit the approbation and respect of all men of respectability. Envy none; avoid quarrels and disputation as much as possible. But, if any should unavoid- ably occur, be sure that you are in the right ; and, when you are sure that you are so, shrink from none from fear, regardless of consequences. I am sorry that none of my nephews think enough of me to write me even one letter since Blackshear left there. I am engaged in getting in my new ground. * * * *
Make my compliments to Doctor Waddel, with whom I have some acquaintance, and request him when at leisure to write me on your improvement.
CXXIV .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO HIS SON JAMES.
SPRINGFIELD, May 5, 1822.
DEAR JAMES :- I received yours of the 13th ult., in which you informed me of your indisposition from incasles. I am solicitous to hear of your final recovery.
* William Thweatt Blackshear died in 1838, aged thirty-one years. Asthma was quite established in his constitution.
472
MEMOIR OF GENERAL
It would seem as if you expceted to enter college in June. You know how anxious I am for your welfare, and it affords me much pleasure to hear of your advancing as fast as any of your schoolmates. But I wish you to be perfeet as far as you go, if it takes you a little longer time. That, however, I must leave with your teacher and yourself. When you enter college, I should be glad, if consistent with the rules, that you eould continue to board with Mr. Moore; but you must conform to the rules, and be sure not to join any party that commit riots. Often reflect that you are now laying the foundation of your future greatness : a misstep may injure you as long as you live.
We have had more rain than ever, and a greater freshet than you ever saw. The river was nearly to the top of my little mill-door. It carried off my fence and destroyed forty acres of cotton which was planted. * * *
My sugarcane has not come up well, and I begin to fear it will not come soon enough to make mueh this year. What I made last is of a superior quality of brown sugar. I wish I could send you some to show the up-country people what can be done here. We have a great prospect of fruit, particularly peaches.
Your mother has been very unwell with the asthma, but is now in pretty good health, and will be uneasy until she hears that you have quite recovered from the measles. You are apprized that to expose yourself after you appear to be well is dangerous : you will therefore be guarded against taking cold or overheating yourself for some time after you think you are well.
CXXV .- JOHN ELLIOTT* TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
PHILADELPHIA, September 4, 1822.
MY DEAR SIR :- After a rough passage of seven days, we landed in New York. I found this State, as usual, much agitated by factions. Mr. Calhoun's friends are making violent efforts here to weaken Mr. Crawford's influence, in the vain hope of securing the vote of this great State in support of their favorite. They have so far succeeded as to have seduced from his engagements to advocate Mr. Crawford the editor of "The Patriot," and turned his press in favor of Mr. Calhoun. But this shameful defection on the part of the editor has already deprived him of the patronage of the principal Republicans of the city of New York, and will very shortly consign the paper to deserved insignificance. The efforts of this press have produced no unfavorable impressions on the public sentiment. New York and the great body of Republicans are decidedly friendly to Mr. Crawford's suceess. Connecticut is vacillating; but I have the most positive assurances from my friends there that she will come out in due time for us.
Mr. Crawford's most violent political enemy, Mr. Edwards, has been left out of Congress in the late eleetions in Illinois ; and two of the Repre- sentatives who were last winter opposed to him have recently advocated
* Hon. John Elliott was a Senator in Congress from Georgia from 1819 to 1825. This letter bears upon its face evidence that it was not intended for the public eye ; yet, as curiously speculative, it is submitted as so much history of the state of parties at a memorable epoch. Similar letters no doubt circulate among political leaders in every important canvass without affecting the propriety of the candidates. All tho public men named in the letter are dead.
473
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
his election before the people. From Maine, New Hampshire, Massa- chusetts, and Vermont we shall obtain in caucus a much greater support than our enemies are aware of; and I think we may safely calculate on twenty votes from this section of the nation. In caucus, New York may be depended on for twenty-eight votes. New Jersey is now much divided, but will certainly give us six votes. The people of Pennsylvania are evidently in favor of Gen. Jackson ; but, as they have generally admitted the necessity of supporting the caucus candidate, the friends of Mr. Crawford wink at their present predilections, knowing that the general cannot be nominated, and believing Mr. Crawford must ultimately receive the vote as the caucus candidate. In the caucus, however, we shall receive from this State seven votes at least. Delaware is with us. Mary- land is not fixed, but will surely lend us her support with five votes. Mr. Crawford's strength, then, in the caucus may be fairly thus estimated, -viz. :
From New England, 20 votes; from New York, 28; New Jersey, 6; Pennsylvania, 7; Delaware, 3; Maryland, 5; Virginia, 24; North Caro- lina, 15; South Carolina, 2 certainly, and, should Mr. Calhoun withdraw, or be dropped, 7 votes; Georgia, 9; Ohio, 1; Indiana, 2; Illinois, 2; Mississippi, 2; Tennessee, 2 at least,-making an aggregate of one hundred and twenty-eight votes, which will be a majority of the Repub- lican members. And should any of the other candidates withdraw, or be dropped by their friends, the number will receive considerable accession. For no combination of interest can be formed to prejudice the standing and prospects of Mr. Crawford : the West can never be induced to support Mr. Adams, nor will the Republicans of the East, in the absence of Mr. Adams, prefer Mr. Clay or Gen. Jackson to Mr. Crawford.
I consider Mr. Crawford's success, then, as more than probable; and, in forming this opinion, I think I have not suffered my wishes, strong as they are, to influence my judgment.
In conformity to your wishes expressed in your letter first received, I have given you the preceding view of the Presidential question. As our success greatly depends on a caucus-nomination, it will be proper to conceal from our adversaries our real strength until the moment of trial. Our friends in Georgia may be made acquainted with these facts, but they must be kept from the newspapers.
Mr. Forsyth is here, and we improve every occasion to strengthen our friends and weaken our adversaries. Our situation enables us to act sometimes very efficiently in this regard.
The prospect of Col. Troup's success is highly gratifying to me, and I hope no untoward circumstance may occur to lessen his well-deserved influence with the people.
As it respects myself, I am quite disposed to leave the propriety of my re-election to the judgment of my friends. I was urged in the most flattering manner by those in the eastern district, whose opinions and wishes I greatly respected, not to leave publie life at this time; and, having been induced to ask for a re-election, I should be gratified by a liberal support. It is probable I may continue here until the meeting of Congress, occasionally visiting Jersey and the upper part of this State, as political appearances may render it necessary. And, although you are not fond of writing, I hope you will indulge me with an occasional letter. My correspondence is very extensive, and I write always in great haste.
------
474
MEMOIR OF GENERAL
Offer my best regards to Col. Troup when you see him, and believe me most cordially your friend, J. ELLIOTT.
CXXVI .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO HIS SON JAMES.
SPRINGFIELD, February 26, 1824.
MY DEAR JAMES :- I herewith enclose you twenty dollars for your ordinary expenses. I am not willing you should be out of money, but that you should know it is not to be wasted for things of no real benefit. To know how to lay out money is more difficult than to make it. So soon as you receive this, write me and acknowledge the receipt, that I may know the money is not lost.
Your reasons for not having written me are not sufficient, as you might write beforehand, if it was a whole week. I should know things at the time you write. I wish you to take more pains in writing well, and not write so small and eramped a hand. Make your letters larger, and take pains to write and spell well. Continue your assiduity in your studies, that you may derive the whole benefit of the money I am paying and the time and privation you experience in getting your education ; and be sure to be able to leave that place with credit to yourself, which will add much to my happiness.
Farewell, my son.
D. BLACKSHEAR.
CXXVII .- DR. MOSES WADDEL TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
ATHENS, November 18, 1824.
DEAR SIR :- Yours of the 16th is received this morning, and for the expressions of friendship and confidence which it contains I feel much obliged to you.
I am sincerely conseious that I have honestly exerted myself to do my duty since I have been here, and am sorry that I have not succeeded in pleasing all my fellow-citizens. I am sure I have done all that I could for the interest of the college, situated as I have always been since I came to the place; and, though I will not venture to say that I have done all that very many could have done here, yet I do firmly believe that searcely any other man would have done more, in the same time and circumstances.
Had every man counselled and treated his son as you have treated yours here, many misrepresentations which have gone abroad would never have been heard. James has behaved well, and has been studious. He honors the laws : of course his standing is good in college, and in the village his character is fair, and his improvement in knowledge is very considerable. If he persist in the course he has observed during the past year, I confi- dently prediet that he will be a good scholar, and an estimable, useful man, an honor to this institution, and a comfort to your declining years.
I have paid all the money you sent me for his board and tuition, except $4 374, which I paid to him this evening.
I now expect to remain here, in compliance with the request of the trustees and Senatus Academieus, during some part of the next year at least,-although such is my desire of peace and quietness that I would sincerely prefer retirement and repose in the evening of life. I do not wish to be in anybody's way. As I did not solicit the office, which is exceedingly arduous and responsible, I thank God, who has blessed my honest industry, I am not in such circumstances as to render it necessary
475
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
that I should wish to remain in it against the will of any one who is opposed to my administration.
Please present my respects to my old friend Peter Crawford, Esq. I do hope you will visit us shortly. I shall be glad to see or hear from you at any time, and am your assured friend, M. WADDEL .*
CXXVIII .- RICHARD HENRY WILDE TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
AUGUSTA, November 27, 1824.
DEAR GENERAL: - My friend, George W. Crawford, Esq., who will deliver you this letter, intends being a candidate for the office of attorney- general next session.
Mr. Crawford studied with me, and is entirely deserving of the appoint- ment. His character, politics, and talents are altogether unexceptionable. May I beg you to assist him in extending his acquaintance among the members of the Legislature, in such a manner as may insure him the fairest prospect of success ?
Believe me, very sincerely and respectfully, your friend and servant,
R. H. WILDE.
CXXIX .- REV. MOSES WADDEL TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
ATHENS, January 21, 1825.
DEAR SIR :- Yours of the 8th is received, for which I thank you. Mr. Mitchell is a youth of superior scholarship and steady habits. I think he will exactly suit your purpose. But, as he has one study to prosecute yet in order to complete his course, I presume he can hardly be prevailed on to go before the Commencement. I am cordially desirous to promote his interests and your views in this case, which appear to me to be entirely compatible.
My opinion is, that you would do well to visit this place yourself, in person, some time in February, before crop-season arrives. I am sure you could do much more toward succeeding in procuring a teacher, were you here a day or two yourself. Your son and other young friends would be glad to see you ; and I am certain a number of your old ones would rejoice to see you under their roof. I can truly speak for one.
Judge Clayton will go on the circuit about the middle of February. I greatly wish you could be here before he goes, for some weighty reasons. Some singular events have occurred here of late which are known to but a few. I wish to communicate them to you, but not by letter.
Your son is doing well as usual. The students have generally returned, and about half a dozen new ones. I am unusually anxious to converse with you freely and at length on some interesting subjects. Do come, if you can ; and, if not, write as often as convenient.
Very sincerely, your friend,
M. WADDEL.
* President of Franklin College : elected to that office in 1819, and resigned in 1829. Dr. Waddel was renowned as an educator of youth. Among his pupils were John C. Calhoun, William H. Crawford, William Lowndes, and George McDuffie, all of whom were men of the very highest order of intellect and who acquired imperishable fame. Hle died at the residence of his son, in Athens, in 1840, at an advanced age.
476
MEMOIR OF GENERAL
CXXX .- COL. SEABORN JONES TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
MILLEDGEVILLE, January 23, 1825.
MY DEAR SIR :- The subject* on which I am about to address you must form the best apology for troubling you ; and the relations of friend- ship which have existed between us will best explain the reasons why this letter is addressed to you.
The suit at present existing between Dr. Ridley and your brother Joseph is one which involves much property and no little feeling. At the last court of Laurens county, Major Walker suggested to me a desire that a settlement might be made between them, which would not only terminate the present suit but prevent any future litigation. This ac- corded so well with my own feelings that I immediately determined to use my utmost exertions to bring about so desirable an event. I say it accorded with my feelings; for I assure you I have, ever since I was engaged in the case, most ardently desired a settlement might be made which would save me the disagreeable necessity of discussing questions involving so much feeling as those connected with the prosecution and defence of the case.
It is urged by Ridley, and must necessarily be by his counsel, that Joseph Blackshear had the most implicit confidence reposed in him by his brother Elijah ; that he placed his only child and daughter under his guardian care and protection, and died with an entire confidence that his only child would be taken care of and treated as though she were the child of Joseph himself; that, while living, they were as twin-brothers ; and that Joseph is now attempting to take advantage of every quirk and quibble of the law to deprive this daughter of all, or the greater part, of her property.
The defence which has been set up is, too, of the most odious character, and calculated to injure him ; and the remarks upon that defence (I mean the doctrine of survivorship) must necessarily be most wounding to his feel- ings. All this I hoped we might be able to avoid, and that we might be able to make a settlement equally beneficial to both parties.
By the will of your brother Elijah, Ridley's wife is entitled to fifteen thousand dollars of personal property, and land in proportion, on her in- termarriage, with interest from that time. If the counsel of your brother Joseph have acted with candor, they must have informed him that this was inevitable. The proportion of land equivalent to that sum of per- sonal property cannot be less than five thousand dollars, making together $20,000. To this add interest from the marriage (December 8, 1822) to
* The bill in chancery filed by Archibald B. Ridley and his wife Harriet against Joseph Blackshear, as executor of Elijah Blackshear, deceased, pending which Mrs. Ridley died, and her husband subsequently, as administrator, recovered judgment for about twenty-five thousand dollars, which was collected. For some decision or ruling of the law in this case, Judge Moses Fort was arraigned before the Legisla- ture of Georgia, in 1827, by Col. Blackshear. A committee in the House of Repre- sentatives, of which the Hon. Charles Dougherty was chairman, heard evidence upon the charges, (habitual intoxication included, ) and reported an address to the Governor recommending the removal of the judge from office, which passed in the House, but failed in the Senate for want of two-thirds, the constitutional majority required in such cases. Col. Jones was probably mistaken in his inference touching the "odious" defence set up by Col. Blackshear to the donation made by his bachelor- brother out of partnership-effects.
------
477
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
this time, $5000, makes twenty-five thousand dollars that he is now en- titled to.
Upon the death of your brother, the remainder of the estate has to be divided into three parts, of which Ridley and wife are entitled to one- third. What is this worth ? The balance of the estate, (after deducting the legacy to Harriet of $15,000, &c.,) lands, negroes, and stock of all kinds, cannot be less than fifteen thousand dollars. Ridley says he can prove it to be worth thirty thousand. To this add the bank-stock in the Darien and United States Banks, the dividends, the yearly hire or value of the lands and ninety-one negroes, or profits arising from the plantations, which all know were under your brother Joseph's management, cannot be less than five thousand dollars per year.
Your brother Joseph has been advised, and, I presume, believes he will not have to account for the yearly value of the property. This is a mis- take. For although he has the right to lay out and dispose of it, yet, you will see, this power was given to him from the reliance Elijah had in his management and care, and that it must ultimately be accounted for when the general division takes place at his death. Now, for this contingent interest, Ridley, by my advice, and, I may say, persuasion, agreed to take five thousand dollars, making the whole sum to be paid him thirty thou- sand dollars. This was thought too high, and I was informed by Major Walker that twenty thousand dollars would be given. To this Ridley would not accede; and I will be candid and say to you that while I would not interpose my advice, voluntarily, to permit his taking any sum, yet, on being asked, I could not advise him to take that sum, believing it so far below what he had a right to claim.
I have written fully and freely to you, not as counsel for Ridley, but as a friend to you and your brother, and from an anxious desire to have the case settled and myself saved the necessity of discussing questions which must wound the feelings of my friends. I have no doubt you will duly appreciate my motives. If you think, with me, it will be best for your brother Joseph to settle on those terms, you will endeavor to bring it about. If you do not, you will excuse my troubling you on the subject.
My brother is getting better. My family is well. The Governor is mending. Accept for your family my best wishes, and believe me yours, sincerely, SEABORN JONES.
CXXXI .- RICHARD HENRY WILDE TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, February 9, 1825.
DEAR SIR :- I enclose you the state of the vote on the Presidential election. The result is to be attributed to the union of the friends of Mr. Clay with those of Mr. Adams.
Very sincerely, yours, R. H. WILDE.
[ENCLOSURE.]
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER-Extra.
WEDNESDAY, February 9, 1825, half-past 3 o'clock p. m. '
The votes of the Electors of President and Vice-President of the United States were this day counted out in the presence of the Senate and
.
478
MEMOIR OF GENERAL
House of Representatives ; when it appeared that, for President and Vice- President of the United States, the votes were as follows :-
FOR PRESIDENT.
FOR VICE-PRESIDENT.
---
0 000 Crawford. 0
Jackson.
Clay.
Calhoun.
Macon.
Jackson.
0 000 Sanford. 0 0 00000 Clay.
0000o Van Buren.
New Jersey
0
0
8
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
Pennsylvania
0
0
28
0
28
0
0 0
0 0
0 2
0
Maryland.
3
1
7
0
10
0
1 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
North Carolina ...
0
0
15
0
15
0
0
0
0
0
South Carolina ...
0
0
11
0
11
0
0
0
0
0
Georgia.
0
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
7 0 16
0
0
0
Mississippi
0
0
3
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
Indiana ..
0
0
5
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
Illinois.
1
0
2
0
3
0
0
0
0
0 0
Alabama
0
0
5
0
5
0
0
0
0
Missouri
0
0
0
3
0
0
3
0
0
0
Total
84 41
99
37
182
24
13
30
2 9
It appeared, therefore, that, for President, there was no choice by the Electors; and that for the office of Vice-President, John C. Calhoun, having a majority of votes, was duly elected.
The Senate having retired, the House of Representatives proceeded to arrange itself into States, and, at three o'clock, a balloting took place for President of the United States, which resulted as follows :-
For John Quincy Adams
13 votes.
For Andrew Jackson.
7 votes.
For William II. Crawford
4 votes.
0
9
0
0
New Hampshire ..
Massachusetts . ...
15
0
0
Rhode Island
Connecticut.
8
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
New York.
26
5
1
4
7 29
0
0
7
0
0
Delaware
1
2
0
0
1
0
Virginia.
0
24
0
0
0
24
0
0
Tennessee
0
0
11
0
11
0
Ohio
0
0
0
16
0
0
0 0
Louisiana.
2
0
3
0
5
0
0
0 0 0 0
9 0 0
Kentucky
0
0
0
14
7
0
0
0
0. 0
0
0
Vermont.
7
0
0
0
7
0
1
0
0
0
3
0
0
9 8 4 Horosco Adams.
0
0
0
So John Quincy Adams was duly elected President of the United States for four years from the fourth day of March next.
It is understood that the votes of the several States were given as follows :---
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.