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Gc 976.9 B97h 1687322
1
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02303 2011 r
Dochnie & Jensen, Sc
GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK.
Copy right serne.l.
1687322
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1834, by MANN BUTLER, A. M .. in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Kentucky.
Stereotyped by J. A. James, Cincinnati
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5.
32%
DEDICATION,
TO GENERAL WILLIAM CLARK,
OF THE
STATE OF MISSOURI.
SIR:
Among the numerous friends whom the undertaking of the History of Kentucky has procured for me, I know of no one who has conferred such signal obligations upon me, as yourself. The papers of your illustrious brother, George Rogers Clark, so liberally placed by you in my hands, have shed most curious and interesting lights upon the affairs of the western country; and particularly of Kentucky. These could have been procured from no other source.
To whom then, can I so well dedicate this History, as to your- self, who have so faithfully preserved some of the most precious memorials of our history, and have so kindly contributed them for the public information? Were this not the case, who is so properly the representative of the pre-eminent founder of Kentucky, and the successful negotiator for its Virginia ac- knowledgement, as his only surviving brother?
After yourself, allow me to associate your ancient friend in arms, General William H. Harrison, as one to whom the author is next most deeply indebted, for interesting illustrations of the early military movements of your common commander, General Wayne, as well as for the elucidation of some of the obscure vicissitudes of Indian history.
Be pleased then, to accept the dedication of this work, as a testimonial of my high and unfeigned sense of the obligations conferred upon the great community of the west, much more than on my humble self, in your generous co-operation with my historical labors. In the interim I have the honor to remain
Your obliged friend,
MANN BUTLER.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/historyofcommonw00butl 0
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Earliest condition of Kentucky-Trognois, or Mohawks, known in 1603 -- Early seats- Progress to the Mississippi and the Illinois-Appeal to the Colonial Commissioners- General Braddock's falk -- Treaties with the English-Great treaty of 1768-Opinion of Supreme Court on Indian title-Opinions of General Harrison-Treaties of 1974- 1773-1785-1795 and 1818. [page 1.
CHAPTER II.
Policy of the British Government-Prochaination of 1763-Violations of it-Visit of Dr. Walker in 1747-Name the Snawanee river, Cumberland-Visit of John Finley-of Daniel Boone -- Long hunters -- Visir of fapt. Thomas Bullitt and McAfees-Surveys of Louisville -- Simon Kenton-Burning of Hendricks-Adventures of the Me.\fees- James Harrod settles Harrodsburg-Battle of Point Pleasant-Treaty of 1774-Treaty - of 1775-Settlement of Boonesborough and st. Asaphs-Indian method of siege. [page 17.
CHAPTER III.
First visit cf Clark to Kentucky-Visits Harrodstown-Chosen a delegate to the Vir ginia Legislature with Gabriel John Jones-Calls on Governor Henry-Receives gunpowder for Kentucky-Procures the creation of Kentucky county-Brings gun- powder from Fort Pit-Conceals it on the banks of Limestone creek-Blackfish attarks Harrodstown-Singular escape of' Ray-Plans approved by Governor and Council-Spies in Illinois-Arrives at the Falls of Ohio-Eclipse of the Sun-Passes the Falls-Reaches Kaskaskia-Surprises the town-Takes Cahokia. [page 35
CHAPTER IV.
Plan against St. Vincents -- Thanks of Virginia-St. Vincents revolts from the British- M. Girault-Illinois county-Negotiations with New Orleans-Indian negotiations. [page 58.
CHAPTER V.
Recapture of St. Vincents by the British --- Plans against Americans --- French volunteers- March to St. Vincents ---- Capture ---. Return to Kaskaskia. [page 79.
CHAPTER VI.
First Court of Kentucky ---- Its officers ---. First Colonel ---- Siege of St. Asanhs, or Logan's Station ---- British Proclamations ---- Capture of Boone ---- Siege of Boonesborough --- Land Law --- Its Commissioners. [page 88.
CHAPTER VII.
Colonel David Rozers' Expedition to New Orleans ---- Defeat ---- Captain Benham ---- Colonel Rowiran's Expedition --- Colonel Byrd's Expedition up Licking ---- General George Ro- gers Clark's march from Fort Jefferson .--- Shuts up the Land office at Harrodsburg ---- Expedition against Pickaway. [page 102.
CHAPTER VIII.
Kentucky county divided into Lincoln, Favette and Jefferson ---- Erection of Fort Jeffer. son on the Mississippi -- Spanish and French intrigues at Paris against the western bonndary of the United States ---. MrKve and Girty ---- Attack on Bryant's Station --- Pattle of the Blue Licks -... Exoedition of General Clark to the Chiliccthes in 1792 --- Early manuers and state of the arts in Kentucky. [page 118.
CHAPTER IX.
Land Titles ... Attempts to sever Kentucky from the United States --- John Jay resists then-Supreme District Court established .... James Wilkinson-Commercial Assorta tion in Philadelphia -. Fetth ment of Washington, in Mason county ---. Indian depreda 1:09 ---- First Convention - Virginia agrees to a separation of Kentucky --- Clark's unfor. tunate expedition in 1786 --- Colonel Logan's expedition. [page 137
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER X.
Earliest attempts at Navigating the Mississippi, by Americans ---- Colonels R. Taylor and Linn --- Negotiations between Jay and Gardoqui --. Discontents at Pittsburgh, and in Kentucky ---. Trade of Wilkinson with New Orleans ---- Suspicions of his fidelity --- First Newspaper in Kentyets. Constitution of the United States. [page 154.
CHAPTER XI.
Don Gardoqui's propositions to Mr. John Brown ---- Apology for Kentucky Statesmeu --- Court and Country parties in Convention -... Wilkinson's memorial to the Governor of Louisiana ---- New Government of the United States -... General Washington's letter to Colonel Thomas Marshall --- Transylvania --- Indian depredations. [page 170.
CHAPTER XII.
Gen. Harmear's Campaign ---- Eighth Convention of the District -... Separation from Virginia agreed upon --- Col. Hardin's battles --- Captain Bubl el's defence against the Indians --- Gen. Scott's Expedition ---- Col. Wilkinson's Expedition ---- Gen. St. Clair --- Board of War in Kentucky .... St. Clair's defeat ---- Pretended retaliation by Gen. Scott. [page 190.
CHAPTER XIII.
Convention of 1792 .- George Nicholas ---- First Constitution ---- Boundaries ---- First officers of Government ---- Compensation ---- Intrigues of Genet in Kentucky ... Demonstrances of Gen. Washington with Gov. Shelly -... French attachments in Kentucky, [page 207.
CHAPTER XIV.
Wayne's Campaign of 1794 --- Indian peace of Greenville- -- British Treaty of 1794 --- Spanish Treaty of 1795 --- Spanish Negotiation with Judge Sebastian in 1795 and 1.97 ---- First conflict between the court of Appeals and the Legislature. [page 235
CHAPTER XV.
Land Laws of Kentucky -- Dissatisfaction with the Constitution of 1792-Gov. Garrard- John Adams, President of the United States -- Orcupying claimant law and controversy -- Seven years' limitation law. [page 958
CHAPTER XVI
Convention-Emancipation of Slaves-Henry Clay-Penitentiary Code-Alien and Sedition Laws-Nullification Resolutions of Kentucky, in 1998-1790 -- Abjuration of this doctrine in 1/33-Constrution of 1920 .- State of Legislation-Trade- Election of Mr. Jefferson as President of the United States --- Judiciary Repeal ---- Repeal of the Interna: Taxes ---- Insurance Company. [page 280.
CHAPTER XVII.
Convention of 1799 --- Essential efterations of the olt Constitution ---- New Constitution- Spirit of the Laws from Marshall -- - State of the Kentucky River ---- New Government of Kentacky --- Changes in the state of society ---- Commercial difficulties --- Election of Presi- dent Jefferson -- Joy of Kentucky- -- Repeal of the Circuit Courts of the United States, and of the internal taxes ---- Insurance Company -- Circuit court system. [page 990.
CHAPTER XVII.
Suspension of Deposite at New Orleans- . Cession of Louisiana to France --- Louisiana Noronation -- Cession to the Third States- . Nevsparer Reports of Adindirations in the Court of Appeals .... Serend Election of President Jequeson- Colonel Hurt-Spanish Difficulties on the Sabine - Return of' Bout to the West - . Trialz --- Apprebenson- Sehas- Lion's Spanish Pension-Jader Innes ... President Maison-Governor Scott .... Foreign Depredations --- Embargo -- Replevy -- Ealth of Tippecanoe ---. Death of Daviess. [page 303.
CHAPTER XIX.
Serrmid term of Governor Shalty-Petition of Daniel Boone .-. War with Great Britain- First, detachment of Kentucky volunteers-Surrender of Detroit-Kentucky Brevet. to General Harrison-Indian struc of bort Watse-Paription of fort Wayne ... Ex- motion against the Twin towns General Winchester appointed to command the North Western army .... Nature of the country and the plan of the campaign --. Expedi- ton of Genera! Hopkins-Expedition ot Colonel Russel !. [page 339
PREFACE
THE first and most important inquiry respecting any history of social trans- actions is, its impartial truth. In order to answer this question, two others pre- sent themselves for examination. First, what have been the opportunities of accurate information enjoyed by the author? and secondly, how faithfully has be availed himself of his opportunities? The latter enquiry must be left to every reader; the author's protestations neither shall, nor ought to interfere with the answer. To the former, he will reply most unreservedly.
The author has been no inattentive observer of public events in Kentucky, from his migration to the State in 1806; nor has he been destitute of intercourse with public characters. His curiosity, he may add, his heart, was early en- gaged in the story of Kentucky heroism, hardship, and enterprise. Nor during twenty- eight years' residence in the bosom of the State, has he felt his interest lessen in the fame and the fortunes of his adopted commonwealth. Still the au- thor places the claimus of his history to the public attention on a basis higher, than any personal intercourse he may have enjoyed, at the late period of his removal to the west. It is on a body of private papers belonging to some of the princi pal actors in Kentucky history. These have come into his possession from numerous sources in the most cheering and friendly manner.
In the first place are the papers of Gen. George Rogers Clark ; these contain a memoir by the great western hero, of his public services, from 1775 to 1779. These periods embrace the most interesting epochs; the papers also include an interesting correspondence with Patrick Henry and Jefferson, the early and distinguished Governors of Virginia, as with many military officers in the western country. These documents are now, after more than the lapse of half a cen- tury, for the first time submitted to the public.
To the MrAfee papers, preserved by Gen. Robert B. McAfee, the author has had full access. They form a part of the records of Providence church, the Gtst established in Kentucky; and embrace the adventures of that enterprising and bold family of men from 1773 to the final settlement of the family in peace and in the plenty of Kentucky.
In addition to these almost untouched mines of western history, and memorials of Kentucky story, the author has, by the liberality of Colonel Charles S. Todd, Jolin J. Crittenden, and Nathaniel Hart, Esqrs., been favored with the Shelby, Innes, and Floyd papers. Messrs. Thomas and Edmund Rogers, HI. Marshall, Esq., judges Rowan, Underwood, and Pirtle, Hon. H. Clav. and Jas. Guthrie, Dr. D. Drake, of Cincinnati, Messrs. John and James Brown, and Gov. Pope, have all most freely and kindly contributed every thing in their power. From
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PREFACE.
Gen. James Ray of Mercer county, a living chronicle himself, Captain Gaines, of Woodford, and Colonel Vigo, of Vincennes, has been derived most interest- ing matter. From Gen. William H. Harrison, information essential to a critical estimation of Indian traditions, as well as elucidating the decisive campaigns of General Wayne, has likewise been received. To the Hon. Richard M. John- son, the public are indebted for a copy of the treaty of fort Stanwix, of 1768. This treaty forms the corner-stone of our conventional relations with the Indians; it conveyed the first Indian cession of the soil of Kentucky, as far south as the Tennessee, Hogotege, or Cherokee river. It has been procured from a work in the library of Congress, and is annexed in full, as a part of the appendix.
In fine, the author may honestly say, and it has been one of the greatest con- . solations of his labors, (not a little embarrassing in a country destitute of historical repositories.) that he has been favored with the confidence and cor- respondence of all the parties, into which the ardent people of Kentucky have been so keenly divided. He tenders to them all, his sincere and profound ac- knowledgements of obligations conferred not in consideration of his humble pre- tensions, but of the pervading interest they have felt in the history of the State.
It may be interesting to collect into one view, the printed authorities on western history. The earliest printed account bearing on the history of the west, is the work# of Lewis Hennepin, who in 1680, speaks of a tribe of Indians whom the Illinois called the "Oudebasche," and records the descent of the Mississippi, by Monsieur De la Salle, in the same year, re-published at London in 1698. In another place, in 1682, he says, "the Ouabache is full as large as the Mesa- chasipi."
After the French explorations, comes the "history of the Five Nations, by Cadwallader Colden, Esq., one of his Majesty's Counsel, and Surveyor General of New York." The only edition to which the author has had access, is the property of N. M. Hentz, Esq., of Cincinnati, published at London in 1750. It embraces the history of this remarkable confederacy, from 1603, to the treaty of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1746. It is much less interesting than the , author supposed it to be, from the use of it in the memorial of Dr. Franklin to the King in Council, which is contained in the article, .Obio Settlement,' in the fourth volume of his works. The journal of Major Washington's mission up the Alleghany in 1753, and that of Colonel Croghan's descent of the Ohio, in 1765, next present themselves in point of curiosity, and superior in authenticity aud copiousness of detail. There is also a "journal by Patrick Kennedy, giving an account of an expedition undertaken by himself and several coureurs des bois in the year 1773, from Kaskaskia village, to the head waters of the Illinois river." It is solely topographical, and is to be found annexed to an edition of "Imlay's America, London, 1797." The memoir of Boone, dictated to John Filson in 1784, but not published till 1793, at New York, and the glittering letters of
. Notes of Dr. D. Drake, obligingly communicated to the author
t Marshall's Washington, Appendix, vol. 1.
ix
PREFACE.
Imlay annexed to the topographical description of the second author, comprise the earliest publications connected with western history.
'To these, succeeded the history of Kentucky, by Humphrey Marshall, Esq., in one volume, in 1812, and which was enlarged to two volumes in 1824. This work has formed the substratun: of the author's authority for the current of ordinary events; not without considerable, and as it is believed, important additions. In the complexion of many events, as well as the character of most of the early statesmen of Kentucky, this work differs from that of Mr. Marshall, wide as the poles. The public must determine between him and the author. Mr. Marshall enjoyed opportunities of cotemporary intercourse and observation, which the author freely acknowledges have been unrivalled. Yet while saga- city and orginal information are fully and sincerely accorded to the primitive historian of Kentucky, the author's solemn convictions of historical duty extort Lis protest against the justice and impartiality of the representations of his com- petitors in public life. The author painfully feels the compulsion of making this declaration ; much as he respects the talents and public services of Mr. Marshall, now silvered with venerable age. Yet he owes it to himself, he owes it to that posterity, who may feel curious to investigate the conduct of their ancestors, to declare, as he most solemnly does, bis conviction that every man and party of men, who came into collision with Mr. Marshall or his friends, in the exciting and exasperating scenes of Kentucky story, have been essentially and profoundly misrepresented by him, however unintentionally, and insensibly it may have been done. The contentions between this gentleman and his competitors for public honors, have been too fierce to admit of justice to the character of either, in each others' representations. These enmities have transformed his history into a border feud, recorded with all the embittered feelings of a chieftain of the marches. Yet his picturesque portraits of the pioneers of Kentucky, distinct from party influences, have ever given the author the utmost uelight.
But to have been opposed to Mr. H. Marshall in the political struggles of Kentucky, seems to have entailed on the actors, a sentence of conspiracy, and every dishonorable treachery. Our Shelby, Innes, Wil- kinson, Messrs. John and James Brown, Nicholas, Murray, Thomas Todd, and John Breckenridge, have been thus unjustly denounced by Mr. Marshall. The author of this work, appeals from this sentence of an ancient antagonist, to a generation which has arisen, free in a great de- gree, from the excitements of the times in question. Whether he has caught an opposite impulse, he cheerfully submits to the verdict of his countrymen.
The author cannot conclude this preface, without apprising the reader of a most injurious mutilation of the despatch of General Wayne, to the President of the United States, announcing the important victory over the Indians at the Rapids of the Maumee, on the 20th of August, 1794. This mu- tilation consists in omitting five important passages, substituting and in-
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PREFACE.
terpolating many words. The pregnant paragraph omitted, which has led Mr. Marshall as well as the author, into reflections injurious to the memory of the gallant Wayne, is as follows, "The bravery and conduct of every officer belonging to the army, from the Generals down to the Ensigns, merit my highest approbation. There were however, some, whose rank and situation placed their conduct in a very conspicuous point of view, and which I observed with pleasure, and the most lively gratitude : among whom I must beg leave to mention, Brigadier General Wilkinson and Colonel Hamtramck, the commandants of the right and left wings of the legion, whose brave example inspired the troops; to these I must add the names of my faithful and gallant aids de camp, Captains De Butts and T. Lewis, and Lieutenant Harrison, who, with the Adjutant General, Major Mills, rendered the most essential service by communicating my or- ders in every direction, and by their conduct and bravery exciting the troops to press Sor victory." Thus, so far from not "distinguishing Wil- kinson," or "ungenerously ornitting him," as mentioned by the author, Gen- eral Wayne mentions all his gallant officers, Hamtramck, Captains De Butts, T. Lewis, Lieutenant W. H. Harrison, and the Adjutant General, Major Mills.
The sources of this mutilation, the author cannot trace ; his own copy of the despatch is contained in a collection of public documents entitled "In- dian wars," compiled by Metcalf ;* another copy to which he has had access, is contained in a work entitled "History of the discovery of Ameri- ca, Sec., by Henry Trumbull," published at Boston, the native city of Major Mills, by Stephen Sewell, 1819. The copy right taken out is dated in 1811. The above extract is from the Casket of 1830, published with the approbation of Isaac Wayne, Esq., the son of the General; and enriched with many original papers. It is too important to omit, that General Wayne had positive authority from President Washington, to at- tack and demolish the British fort of Miamis. But on reconnoitering it closely, and discovering its strength, added to his own weakness in artil- lery, the General, with a prudence not always accorded him, most judi- ciously declined an attack.
In this daring recounoiter, the General was near falling a victim to his gallintry. He bad rode within eighty yards of the fort, accompanied by his aid, Lieutenant William H. Harrison, and within point blank shot of its guns, when a considerable disturbance was perceived on the platform of the parapet. The intelligence of a deserter the next day explained the whole affair. It appeared that a Captain of marines, who happened to be in the garrison when General Wayne made his approach, resented it so highly, that he immediately seized a port fire, and was going to apply it to the gun. At this moment Major Campbell, the commandant, drew his
* Dr. Metcalf, it is believed, now of New York.
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PREFACE.
sword and threatened to cut the Captain down instantly, if he did not desist; he then ordered him to be arrested, and addressed the officer-like note to General Wayne, mentioned in the text. This high minded for- bearance, in all probability, saved the life of General Wayne, with bis suite, and possibly the peace of the United States.
In conclusion, the author will only add that, any errors of omission or commission, (which he is confident he must have made,) that may be pointed out to his conviction shall be faithfully attended to. Should the public reception justify a continuation of the work to recent times, the author will readily prosecute it to the utmost of his limited powers. The facilities granted by the legislature, in giving him the free use of the archives of the State, will give him additional sources of authentic and minute information.
Several articles referred to as in the Appendix, have been unavoidably exclu- ded by the size of the volume. They shall appear in another volume, should the public call for its production.
LOUISVILLE, April 24, 1834.
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HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
CHAPTER. I
INTRODUCTION.
Earliest condition of Kentucky-Iroquois, or Mohawks, known in 1603-Early seats -- Progress in the Misiseipp and the Illinois-Appeal to the Colonial Commissioners- General Braddock's talk -- Treaties with the English-Great treaty of 1768-Opinion of Supreme Court on Indian title-Opinions of General Harrison-Treaties of 1774- 1773-1785-1795 and 1818
That. part of the United States, now so proudly intertwined with their history, as the State of Kentucky, has successively been the theatre, and the prize, of military contention, from the earliest glimmerings of Indian tradition, to the Virginia conquest. This statement is drawn from the most authentic memorials of colonial history. The *French historians declare that when they settled in Canada in 1603, the Iroquois as they were termed by the French, but who were more familiarly known to the English by the name of Mohawks, lived on the St. Law- rence, where Montreal is now built; above the mouth of the Iroquois river, now called Sorrel, and on lakes Sacrament, or George, and Iroquois, or, Lake Champlain, as it is better known. This being the earliest account, any Europeans have of these Indians, the country just described may well be con- sidered as their earliest seats. The geographical names in- deed, confirm the ascendency of these tribes, in the region assigned to their dominion. From these territories, the Mo- hawks extended their conquests on both sides of the St. Law- rence, above Quebec, and on both sides of the lakes Ontario,
1
. Present state of North America, Dodaley, 1755, p. 14, 18, 20. Communicated by the politeness of Isace Newhall, Esq .. of Salem, Massachusetts, from the Atherrum Rooms in that city, derived from Colden's Five nations, and confirmed by this latter work.
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HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
Eric and Huron. In this career of conquest, with a magnanimity and sagacious spirit worthy of the ancient, Romans, and supe- rior to all their cotemporary tribes, they successively incor- porated the victims of their arms, with their own confederacy. Under this comprehensive policy, some of their greatest sachems are said to have sprung from conquered but concilia- ted confederates.
In 1672 these tribes are represented as having conquered the Oillinois or Illinois, residing on the Illinois river; and they are likewise at the same time, said to have conquered and incorporated the Satanas, the Chawanons or Shawanons, whom they had formerly driven from the lakes. To these conquests, they are said by the same high authority, to have added in 1685, that of the Twightwees, as they are called in the Journal of Major Washington to Gov. Dinwiddie, of Virginia. These tribes, are at this day, more generally known as the Miamis, and they lived on the river St. Jerome, as the Wabash was first called by the French. About the same time, the Mohawks car- ried their victorious "arms to the Illinois and Mississippi rivers westward, and to Georgia southward." *About 1711. they incor- porated the Tuscaroras, when driven from Carolina, who continue at this day, to constitute a part of this once memora- ble confederacy; forming the sixth nation, and thus changing the name of their union, from the Five Nations,to that of the Six. The rise and progress of these most remarkable tribes, have worthily employed the pens of several historians. both French and English; they even seduced the mind of De Witt Clinton, from the cares of the great State of New York, to inves- tigate the history of her most ancient and faithful allies. To this summary, other authorities may well be added, on a point, so vital to the early history of Kentucky, and of Western Amer- ica. This becomes more necessary, since the connexion of these tribes with the history of Kentucky, has escaped the notice of all our recent writers. Even the eminent biographer of our illustrious Washington, seems to have neglected these annals, in their relations to our colonial history. Yet, it could
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