USA > Illinois > Edwards County > History of the English settlement in Edwards County, Illinois : founded in 1817 and 1818, by Morris Birkbeck and George Flower > Part 25
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Some striking incidents in the history of the State marked the period of our arrival and settlement. These were the exodus of the Indians, the extinction of the buffalo, the elk, and the beaver. Near to where Albion now stands, three years before its commencement, stood
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ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN EDWARDS COUNTY.
the populous village of the Piankeshaw Indians. The year before we arrived, the last buffalo was killed. The year after our arrival, the last elk was killed, as before related. Two or three solitary beavers remained but a few years longer.
Many of those mentioned as first-settlers are now liv- ing in independent circumstances, hearty, hale, old men, enjoying themselves in their own way. Their children have grown up and taken their stations in life, mostly as farmers, and many of them rejoice in the sight of the third generation of their offspring -- their great-grandchil- dren. Having accounted for the bulk of the first-settlers in their past and present state, let us see where the two first-founders are, and if their destinies differ from men of their class and kind.
Morris Birkbeck lies neither in his native land nor in the State of his adoption, but dead and buried in the graveyard of New Harmony, Ind. His second daughter, Mrs. Hanks, lies buried in the City of Mexico. Two sons are living far apart from each other in the same republic. The eldest daughter, Mrs. Pell, with her family, are in the distant land of Australia. One of his sons lives in Eng- land. His house at Wanborough (in the English Settle- ment of Illinois) has long since been pulled down; and, I believe, no property in the Settlement remains to any member of his family. One only of his descendants sur- vives him in the United States-the daughter of his eldest son, Mrs. Prudence Birkbeck Ford of New Harmony, Ind.
The last three years of George Flower's life in Illinois
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" READY TO LIE DOWN TO SLEEP."
were marked by pecuniary difficulties and disasters. His house, flock, and farm, sold at a low price, passed to the hands of a stranger. In the year 1849, himself and wife, his two youngest sons and youngest daughter, left Illinois, never more to return as residents. They crossed the Great Wabash with household furniture and some family plate, with two dollars and fifty cents in cash, to begin the world anew in the pleasant town of New Harmony, Ind. In 1860, he is residing in the town of Mount Vernon, on the banks of the Ohio, seventy-four years of age, possessed of a sound constitution, and in the enjoyment of good health. From deafness, much increased within the last ten years, deprived thereby of the solace of conversation, he has to draw more largely from the resources offered by book, pen, and pencil. In poverty, but not in desti- tution, happy in his children, and blest in the companion- ship of the dear partner of his life," who has shared with him the toils, anxieties, and happy days of the past, they both enliven the last stage of life's journey by cheerful reminiscences of the past and enjoyment of the present; accepting the prerogative accorded to age, of extracting happiness from a multitude of minor sources, unheeded
* As applied to a happy domestic life, such as that of Mr. and Mrs. George Flower, how true are the following beautiful observations of Chateaubriand, as found in his "Genius of Christianity":
" Habit and long life together are more necessary to happiness, and even love, than is generally imagined. No one is happy with the object of his attachment until he has passed many days, and above all, many days of mis- fortune with her. The married pair must know each other to the bottom of their souls; the mysterious veil, which covered the two spouses in the primitive church, must be raised in its inmost folds, how closely soever it may be kept drawn to the rest of the world."
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by youth and overlooked by middle-age, they probably gather more flowers in the evening of life than they did in the noon-day of existence. Resting on the shady side of the road, spectators of scenes in which they once took a part, they watch the pilgrims toiling in the path they once so zealously trod, sometimes a little weary of their journey, ready to lie down to sleep.
APPENDIX.
LETTER OF WILLIAM COBBETT TO GEORGE FLOWER.
BOTLEY, 12 May, 1812.
My Dear Sir: - I have just sent off to New York, and have, therefore, nothing to send thither just now, but am as much obliged to you as if I had. You have my best wishes with you. Prepared, as you are, for a fine country and happy people, the reality will surpass your expectations. Mr. Oldfield and my nephew will, I am sure, be happy to see you at New York. Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse at Cambridge, Massachusetts, will look upon this as a letter of introduction, and so will Messrs. William Duane, and Mr. Mathew Carey of Philadelphia, and also Mr. Niles of Baltimore. I am acquainted with none but literary men, but though there are in America, as here, many who think me a very bad fellow, there are, I believe, very many really good friends of freedom, who would not shake you by the hand the sooner for your having honored with your acquaintance, your sincere friend and most obedient servant,
WM. COBBETT.
To GEORGE FLOWER, Esq., of Marden, Herts.
P. S. Pray remember me very kindly to your father and all our excellent friends in Hertfordshire. You may again see as good people, but never will see better.
LETTER OF COUNT DE LASTEYRIE TO GEORGE FLOWER.
TRANSLATION. ] PARIS, August 24th, 1814.
I take the opportunity of Mr. Loudon's return to England to
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let you hear from me and to thank you for the tokens of souvenir you have given me. I have also received with pleasure the information you have sent me concerning the lithographic stones, which Mr. Loudon will forward to me in Paris.
I have seen Mr. Swaine; I have spoken to several owners of flocks about the wool he intends to purchase; I believe he has not yet closed many trades.
Our establishment of schools in France is considerably ham- pered by circumstances, and if our zeal is not abated, it is, at least, greatly obstructed. You can not form an idea of what is passing in France. The lessons of Bonaparte are marvelously put to profit. They do better still; they surpass him. We are in a complete disorganization ; vexations are every day on the increase. In the south, a violent and fearful reaction takes place. You will have heard about the massacre of Protestants. The system which is being set up is far from the liberal ideas with which Europe has been lulled for more than a year. The measures which are being adopted prepare new convulsions in Europe. It is a great mistake to think that order and peace can be secured by such means. But time will unravel all those mysteries, for the annihilation of the press imposes silence. Reasoning is not permitted against the argument of bayonets. It is an excellent system, which Bonaparte has taught us long ago. I would have great many other things to tell you, which are not known in your country !!! A thousand compliments to Mr. Birkbeck. I am sincerely devoted to you both.
C. P. DE LASTEYRIE.
LETTER OF COUNT DE LASTEYRIE TO GEORGE FLOWER.
TRANSLATION. ]
PARIS, October 8th, 1814.
Sir :- I take the occasion of Monsieur l'Abbé Gaultier's trip to London to remember myself to your souvenir and to recommend to you an estimable author, who has published a great many works upon the education of children, and who has devoted his
APPENDIX. 363
life to an art which is not, as yet, enough known nor appreciated. Mr. Gaultier, who has resided in England before, returns to that country with the intention of studying the progress which the system of education may have made during his absence. He is curious to know the British and Foreign School Society, and no one is better qualified than yourself to help him to carry out the object of his researches. This is the reason why I take the liberty to direct him to you. I desire very much to see the method employed in England for poor classes established in France also; I shall do all I can to that end, and I hope I shall find men with sufficient zeal to cooperate with me toward so noble a task. But the present time is not very favorable; I hope it may be easier in a few months. I also regret to have but a few moments to devote to it. Other work which I have under- taken, and which I look upon as of great importance for the cause of humanity, prevents me from giving more time to it.
If anything of the kind is done in France I will let you know; it is right for well-meaning men of all countries to be in complete accord. Let us leave to the miserable and shameful policy of governments their rivalries, the wars, and so many other crimes of which they are guilty, under the cover of order, religion, and the interest of the people.
I regret very much, sir, that your stay in this country has been so short, and that I have been deprived of the sweet satisfaction of seeing you longer, and of manifesting to you the interest which your person and your way of thinking have inspired me, and also the sentiments of affection, with which I have the honor to be,
C. P. DE LASTEYRIE. Please remember me to your estimable friend Mr. Birkbeck. Mr. GEORGE FLOWER.
LETTER OF LAFAYETTE TO GEORGE FLOWER.
LAGRANGE, November 3d, 1814.
Dear Sir :-- I have been much obliged to your kind inquiries on a subject most interesting to me. The pleasure of a meeting with Mr. Whitbread would be one of the highest I can enjoy. I hope that it is only postponed.
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APPENDIX.
Your departure for England has prevented my returning our thanks to you and Mr. Birkbeck for the honor of your visit to LaGrange, where it shall ever be affectionately remembered. Be pleased to receive and present to them the best compliments and wishes of the whole family. Our Irish friend has been lately in a dangerous state of health, but is now recovered. This letter goes by Mr. Crawford, who has shared with us the pleasure to receive you at LaGrange. He is bound for Scotland, but means to visit London, and hopes he may be able to wait upon you.
The long expected rain has been with us in time to sow our wheat. My pork is now out of the claveari, and more fit to be seen than when it was presented for your inspection.
Accept, my dear sir, the sincere attachment with which I have the honor to be, yours, LAFAYETTE.
G. FLOWER, Marsden, Hertford, Herts, England.
LETTER OF THE ABBE GAULTIER TO GEORGE FLOWER.
[TRANSLATION. ] LONDON, November 30th, 181.4.
Sir :- At the moment I received the letter you have done me the honor to write to me, I was about writing to you to inform you of the happy success of all your recommendations, and to express my deepest thanks to you, as well as to your friend Mr. Birkbeck. Nothing has given me greater satisfaction than to make the acquaintance of two men noted for their virtues and their intelligent zeal-Mr. William Allen and Mr. Fox. We understand each other perfectly well; the latter, particularly, has electrified my soul with his luminous observations, and has encouraged me to undertake in France a work which may, perhaps, be found useful in English establishments. I propose to return to this country in the spring, but for the present I give way to my inclination to go home. I shall leave for Paris Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, and I shall be infinitely flattered to deliver all the messages with which you may desire to entrust me. How I rejoice beforehand to be able to inform my friend Mr. Lasteyrie, how well I have achieved, through you,
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APPENDIX. 365
the principal object of my voyage. If I carry away any regrets, it is not to have been able to go and offer you personally, as well as your father, the assurance of the distinguished sentiments, with which I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble servant, L'Abbé GAULTIER. * Mr. GEORGE FLOWER, Marden, Hertford, Herts.
LETTER OF COUNT DE LASTEYRIE TO GEORGE FLOWER.
[TRANSLATION. ] PARIS, January 19th, 1815.
Dear Sir :- I take the opportunity offered me by Mrs. O'Con- nor, in order to let you hear from me. I heard from you and from Mr. Birkbeck with much interest, and I rejoice to know that you are in good health. Mr. l'Abbe Gaultier, to whom I had given a note of introduction to you, is very thankful for the kindness he received at the hands of your father. I had spe- cially requested him to examine carefully the Lancaster Schools ; he was extremely well pleased with them. Before his departure, I had studied the best means to adopt in order to introduce in Paris that method of popular education. I am, at present, pre- paring a report on that subject to the Société Philantropique, which will, I hope, recognize the importance of it, and will give it a trial in some of the asylums where there are children; and then we will look for the means to propagate that method. I will keep you informed of what we shall do. L'Abbe Gaultier will serve us with zeal in this enterprise.
There has just arrived here, from London, a gentleman named J. H. O. Moran, who has traveled for seventeen years in order to
* The Abbé ALOISIUS EDWARD CAMILLE GAULTIER, a celebrated French instructor, who taught in a new method, was born in Piedmont, of French parents, in 1745, and died in 1818, four years after this letter was written. He settled in Paris, and devoted himself to his method of instruction, applying it in many instances gratuitously. He went, from Paris to London, where he opened a school for the gratuitous instruction of the children of emigrants. He published many school-books, and was a man respected and beloved of all classes.
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examine the different methods of instruction in use in Europe. He says he has worked with Lancaster. The French ambassador at London has given him a letter of introduction for our Minister of the Interior in Paris. He intends to present to the Govern- ment a plan of schools for the people. I believe he proposes to follow the Lancaster method, with some modifications. He appears to me to have devoted himself entirely to that useful occupation, and I think he will be very useful to us. But, as he is not known here, it would be well, in order to be able to act in concert with him, to know all about his morality, his acquire- ments, his means; whether his views on education are sound; in a word, what he has done in that direction in England. I will beg of you to take some information about Mr. Moran, in case you are not acquainted with him personally, and to give me an answer to my questions, so that I may help him or find employ- ment for him in the projects of popular education, which I may form with other parties.
Mr. Grégoire has handed me a few pamphlets, which he wants me to transmit to you. I have added a few more, amongst them a report on the extraction of the gelatine of bones, by Mr. Dar- cet. It is one of the happiest applications for the nourishment of man. They have commenced, in Paris, to make soups and broths with the gelatine of those bones, in several hospitals. They make prepared broths for the navy. Mr. Darcet has made an arrangement with some Englishmen who have taken out a patent for importation in England.
A newspaper of Denmark says, that Mr. Banks has started, jointly with Mr. Barker, at Bath, a lithographic establishment, and that the stone they use for printing is found in great quanti- ties in the neighborhood of Bath. Having, for several years, devoted myself to the starting of a similar establishment, I am expecting to begin work for the public in two months at the latest. I wish you would be kind enough to send me a sample of the Bath stone used in England for lithographing. I have been obliged, until now, to draw my stones from Germany, as I have not yet been able to find any in France. A sample of the Bath ones would enable me to find out whether we have the
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APPENDIX.
same kind in France, and, in case it were impossible to find them in France, I think it would come cheaper for me to get them from Bath, via Bristol and Havre, and have them come to Paris by way of the Seine. I am obliged to get those from Germany by land, over a distance of 240 leagues. I beg of you to send me, by the first occasion you have, a small sample of the Bath stone, about four inches square will be large enough. Mr. Banks will certainly let you have some, if you ask it for me. I attach great importance to the lithographic art, which will afford a new medium to facilitate and to propagate useful knowledge; it is in its infancy yet and wants to be improved; I devote a part of my time to that object. Mad. de Lasteyrie, who is in good health, sends you her compliments. I reiterate the expression of my most complete devotion to you.
C. P. DE LASTEYRIE,*
To GEORGE FLOWER.
Rue de la Chaise, No. 20.
P.S .- A thousand compliments to the interesting and estimable Mr. Birkbeck. Please tell him that I thank him very much for his little work on France, which I have read with much pleasure. I have distributed, to the proper parties, the copies which he sent me. I have heard that Mr. Sinclair was about to come to Paris. I shall be delighted to see him. Please remember me to him and also to Mr. Banks.
LETTER OF MADAM O'CONNOR TO GEO. FLOWER.
My Dear Sir :- I have just received your letter of the 27th of March, and thank you for your kind inquiry of me. I have
* Count de Lasteyrie, the correspondent of Mr. Flower, a publicist and philanthropist, was born in France in 1759, and died in 1849. In politics, he was an ardent defender of liberal principles, a supporter of the liberty of the press and religious freedom. In these respects, he was naturally in sympathy with George Flower. He had traveled much in Europe and had much stud- ied the art of lithography. He founded the first lithographic establishment in Paris. He was the cousin of Count Adrian Jules Lasteyrie, the grandson of Lafayette, who was well known to me; a republican member of the Chain- ber of Deputies under the Republic, a great friend of Mr. Thiers, and belong- ing to the group of the "Centre Left."
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had a very severe fit of illness since I came in this country, but I am quite recovered. I have, as yet, done very little in the accomplishment of the business I came upon, so that it is im- possible for me to say what time I shall stop here.
I am sure Mr. Lasteyrie will be very happy to hear what you mention respecting the stones, and peculiarly of the way of making use of all stones in France, for the accomplishment of his art. As I above tell you that the period of my return to France is quite uncertain, it would be better for you to write to Mr. Lastey- rie about these stones, as it might save him a journey and many laborious researches, both of which I know he has either under- taken or is about to undertake. If you do not find any good opportunity of sending him the apparatus, before I go through England, I shall be very happy to take charge of it for Mr. Las- teyrie. From the habit of reading English books on scientific subjects, I am confident he will understand very well what you may write to him on the subject.
I dare say you will be glad to hear that I have heard from my family so late as the 27th of March, and that all were well. Everything was quite quiet, though on the emperor's road.
When you see or write Mr. Birkbeck, pray remember me to him, and to Morris. With best wishes for your and family's happi- ness, I remain, my dear sir, yours sincerely,
C. O'CONNOR .* April 6, 1815.
Mr. GEORGE FLOWER,
Marsden, Hertford, Herts., England.
* Madam O'Connor was the only daughter and child of the Marquis de Condorcet, the illustrious philosopher, mathematician, author, politician, member of the French Academy, etc. Her mother, the Marchioness de Con- dorcet, was the sister of General Grouchy, afterward a marshall of France, and so well known in connection with the battle of Waterloo. The daughter was born nine months after the taking of the Bastile, July 14, 1789. Though a nobleman of rank and distinction, he embraced republican ideas at an early period in the Revolution. He was the friend and associate of Dr. Franklin, when he represented the American Colonies in Paris; and during the French Revolution, Thomas Paine was a frequent visitor to the salons of Madam de Condorcet. A member of the National Convention from the
APPENDIX. 369
LETTER OF M. TESSIER TO GEORGE FLOWER.
[TRANSLATION. ]
PARIS, August 23, 1815.
Sir :- I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you, through a countryman of yours (Mr. Swaine), who has come to make pur- chases of fine merino wool. My flock is always very beautiful, but less numerous ; because the armies of your nation, who have camped near the place where it is, have eaten one hundred of them, without my getting paid for them. I must stand that loss with courage; unfortunately, it is not the only one. I am much
Department of the Aisne, he allied himself to the Girondins. Denounced to the Convention by the infamous Chabot, July 8, 1793, he was put in accusation before the Convention, but escaped before he was arrested. Con- cealed by Madam Vernet, who gave him an asylum for eight months, and where he was a prey to frightful moral torments. The terrible punishments denounced by the Convention against all persons harboring or concealing the proscribed deputies determined him no longer to expose the brave and noble woman, who had so long sheltered him, to further peril. The poor woman protested, and said she would run every risk to still further protect him; and so persistent was she, that he was obliged to secretly leave her house. In the disguise of a laborer, he wandered about several days in the suburbs of Paris, and at last, lame and footsore, and dying of hunger, he entered a cabaret and ordered an omelet. This led to his arrest. He was taken to Bourg La Reine and put in prison, where he committed suicide. His daughter, Madam O'Connor, became the correspondent of George Flower in 1815. In 1807, she had married Arthur O'Connor, who was an Irish revolutionist, and, although a protestant, he always espoused the cause of the oppressed catho- lics in Ireland. Accused of treason, he was imprisoned for five years in Ireland and Scotland. On being released, he went over to France, in 1803, and, in 1809, was appointed a general of division by Napoleon, and given an important command. His service, however, was not of long duration; and, after his retirement, he settled on his domain at Bignon, where he occu- pied himself with agricultural pursuits. He was naturalized as a French citizen in 1818. History relates a curious incident touching Condorcet and Lafayette, which illustrates the Revolutionary epoch. "I am surprised," said Condorcet to Lafayette, upon seeing him enter the room in the uniform of the National Guard of Paris, of which he had so recently been the commander, "in seeing you, General, in that dress." "Not at all," replied Lafayette, " 1 was tired of obeying, and wished to command, and therefore laid down my gen- eral's commission and took a musket on my shoulder."
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obliged to you for your kind souvenir, and beg you to accept the assurance of my distinguished consideration.
TESSIER,*
Member of the French Institute, and Inspector-General of the Royal Sheepfolds.
I have traded with your countryman; I have sold him my wool. If he likes it, I will sell him more another year, provided he is reasonable as to the price.
To Mr. GEORGE FLOWER.
LETTER OF LAFAYETTE TO GEORGE FLOWER.
PARIS, August 28, 1815.
What will you have thought of me, my dear sir, when Mr. Swain has returned home without my having paid the attention due to him, and to your much valued recommendation. The enclosed apology will, I hope, clear my conduct in your and his estimation. I long to hear you both have received it, and after having waited a few days for a private opportunity, I forwarded it to the care of a French banker, who will send it by you.
The unexpected loss of your illustrious countryman, Mr. Whitbread, has deeply affected me-besides the general fraternity between men engaged in the cause of freedom, and my particular obligations to this great patriot, I had for him an admiration, I did put in him hopes which make me feel on the melancholy event every sentiment that respect and affection can produce.
You have, I dare say, taken an interest in the political catastro_ phe of France which attended the proceedings of our short-lived
* Alexander Henri Tessier was born at Augerville in France, in 1741, and died in Paris, in 1837. Studying the natural sciences and medicine at the college of Montaiga, at Paris, he became a member of the medical society in 1776. Becoming a member of the Academy of Sciences, in 1783, he was named sometime afterward director of the "Establishment Rural, " at Ram- bouillet, and he was then placed in charge of a flock of merinos, which had been sent to Louis XVI, from Spain. It was this, probably, which led him to become a producer of wool. Before his death, he reached the highest honor to be obtained by a Frenchman in private life-a member of the French Institute.
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