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M. L
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02303 1419 r
1
JUL 15 1953
DANIEL BOONE.
LIPPINCOTT
CABINET HISTORIES.
KENTUCKY.
UNITED WE
EN
WE
D
STAND, DIVIDE
BLACK GOLD
PHILADELPHIA TIPIINSOIT GRAMBO & 28 1852
Lippincott's
Cabinet Histories of the States.
KENTUCKY.
THE
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY
FROM ITS
Earliest Settlement to the Present Time.
BY
T. S. ARTHUR AND W. H. CARPENTER.
PHILADELPHIA : LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO & CO. 1853.
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1852, by T. S. ARTHUR AND W. H. CARPENTER, ip the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
STEREOTYPED RY L. JOHNSON AND CO. PHILADELPHIA. PRINTED BY T. K. AND P. G. COLLINS.
815680
PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
THERE are but few persons in this country who have not, at some time or other, felt the want of an accurate, well written, concise, yet clear and reliable history of their own or some other state.
The want here indicated is now about being sup- plied; and, as the task of doing so is no light or superficial one, the publishers have given into the hands of the two gentlemen whose names appear in the title-page, the work of preparing a series of CABI- NET HISTORIES, embracing a volume for each state in the Union. Of their ability to perform this well, we need not speak. They are no strangers in the literary world. What they undertake the public may rest assured will be performed thoroughly, and that no sectarian, sectional, or party feelings will bias their judgment, or lead them to violate the integrity of history.
The importance of a series of state histories like those now commenced, can scarcely be estimated. Being condensed as carefully as accuracy and interest of narrative will permit, the size and price of the volumes will bring them within the reach of every family in the country, thus making them home-read- ing books for old and young. Each individual will,
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PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
in consequence, become familiar, not only with the history of his own state, but with that of other states : -thus mutual interest will be re-awakened, and old bonds cemented in a firmer union.
In this series of CABINET HISTORIES, the authors, while presenting a concise but accurate narrative of the domestic policy of each state, will give greater prominence to the personal history of the people. The dangers which continually hovered around the early colonists ; the stirring romance of a life passed fearlessly amid peril; the incidents of border war- fare; the adventures of hardy pioneers ; the keen watchfulness, the subtle surprise, the ruthless attack, and prompt retaliation-all these having had an im- portant influence upon the formation of the American character, are to be freely recorded ; while the progres- sive development of the citizens of each individual state from the rough forest life of the earlier day to the polished condition of the present, will exhibit a pic- ture of national expansion as instructing as it is inte- resting.
The size and style of the series will be uniform with the present volume. The authors, who have been for some time collecting and arranging materials, will furnish the succeeding volumes as rapidly as their careful preparation will warrant.
PREFACE.
-
THE history of Kentucky, here introduced to the reader, is the first of a series of popular state histories, now in course of publication. The aim has been to . present a graphic picture of the progress of the state, from its first settlement by Daniel Boone down to the present time.
The fierce and incessant inroads by which the savages sought to drive the first settlers from their favourite hunting-grounds ; the capture of Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and Vincennes, by General Clark; the ex- peditions of Harmar, St. Clair, and Wayne; the at- tempts made by Spain to sever Kentucky from the Union ; the machinations of Burr and his fellow-con- spirators; the services of the volunteers from Ken- tucky in the war of 1812, and the more recent inva- sion of Mexico, have all been recorded : briefly in some respects, but always fully whenever they came within the scope of state history.
Kentucky occupies a peculiar position in relation to her sister states. Previous to the explorations which led to the erection of block-houses and rudely forti- fied stations by the early pioneers, the western In- dians had fondly clung to the hope that the Ohio River would remain the boundary line between the
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PREFACE.
whites and the aborigines. When this hope was over- shadowed by the advance of hardy frontiersmen- few, indeed, at first, but gradually increasing in numbers until they grew to be formidable-the In- dians commenced hostilities, and in their endeavours to force the daring intruders to desert their favourite hunting-grounds, and retrace their steps across the Ohio River, Kentucky became the battle-ground of the West, and by the wonderful endurance and energy of her pioneers, opened a peaceful path to those who came afterward and settled in the territories beyond .. From this circumstance, and from the frank-hearted patriotism of her people, Kentucky occupies a high position among the States of the Union, and exercises a wide influence in the councils of the nation.
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This volume records briefly, yet, it is believed, with fidelity and clearness, every event of leading interest connected with the progression of the state to its pre- sent position ; at the same time there is presented, as much in detail as possible, a narrative of those thrill- ing adventures of the early settlers which give to the history of Kentucky the fascination of a romance.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Introduction-Doctor Walker touches the northern parts of Kentucky-Explorations of John Finley-His glowing de- scriptions of the country-Boone and others proceed to Ken- tucky-Builds a cabin near Red River-Boone and Stuart captured by the Indians-Mysterious fate of their com- panions- Arrival of Squire Boone-Stuart killed and scalped -Squire Boone returns home-Solitary condition of Daniel Boone-Returns to North Carolina-Colonel Knox and the Long Hunters-Boone sets out for Kentucky with five fami- lies-Is attacked by the Indians, and turns back-Leads a party of surveyors to the falls of the Ohio-Captain Bul- litt-The brothers McAffee-The Wataga treaty-Opera- tions of Boone-Attacked by the Indians-Fort at Boones- borough built-Forts of the early settlers-Harrodstown station-Immigration continues-The Transylvania Com- pany form a proprietary government-Virginia annuls the treaty of Wataga-Boone brings his family to Kentucky- Arrival of McGary, Hogan, and Denton-Simon Kenton ...
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CHAPTER II.
George Rogers Clark-Suggests a meeting of the colonists at Harrodsburg-Appointed with Gabriel Jones a member of the Virginia assembly-Applies to the council for ammuni- tion for the colonists-The daughter of Boone and two other females captured within sight of the fort-The Indians pur- sued and the captives retaken-Kentucky erected into a county of Virginia-Clark conveys the powder granted by Virginia down the Ohio-Is pursued by the Indians-Se- cretes the powder at the mouth of Limestone Creek-Colonel Todd defeated near the Blue Licks-Jones and Grayson
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CONTENTS.
killed-McClelland's Fort attacked-Kenton and others at- tacked near Hinckston's station-Harrodsburg invested by the Indians-Fearful situation of James Ray-Major Clark assaults the Indians-Heroism of Logan-A spy company organized-Skirmish at Boonesborough-The life of Boone saved by Kenton.
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CHAPTER III.
Border life-Clark sends spies to Kaskaskia-Projects an in- vasion of Illinois-Submits to the Governor of Virginia a plan of operations against the British outposts-Is appointed to lead the expedition-Boone taken prisoner at Blue Licks -Escapes from Chillicothe and returns to Boonesborough -Is besieged by a large Indian force led by Captain Du Quesne-Artifices of the Indians-The siege raised-Clark captures Kaskaskia and Cahokia-Sends his prisoners to Virginia-Takes Vincennes-His success in conciliating the Indians-Governor Hamilton recaptures Vincennes-His ulterior designs-Clark resolves to attack Hamilton-His terrible march through the wilderness-Reaches Vincennes -His stratagem-Fatal accuracy of his rifles-Governor Hamilton surrenders.
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CHAPTER IV.
The first block-house built at Lexington-Expedition of Colonel Bowman against Chillicothe-Bravery of Logan-Singular conduct of Bowman-The attack by Logan-Bowman orders a retreat-Harassed by the Indians-The savages repulsed by Logan and others-Land law of Kentucky-Its obnox- ious features-Vexatious law-suits arising from it-Colonel Rogers attacked by the Indians on the Ohio-Dreadful slaughter of the whites-Romantic anecdote of Captain Denham and his companion-Ruddell's station attacked by Canadians and Indians under Colonel Byrd-Ruddell sur- renders-Treacherous conduct of the savages-Indignation of Byrd-Martin's station captured-Byrd retreats down the Ohio-Escape of Captain Hinckston-His ingenuity in discovering the route to Lexington by night-His perilous escapes-Surrounded by Indians-Reaches Lexington in safety-Indians retreat with their booty.
CHAPTER V.
Clark destroys the Piqua towns on the Miami-Kentucky di- vided into three counties-Indian incursions-Immigration
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CONTENTS.
continues-Transylvania University incorporated by Virgi- nia-Indians invest Estill's station-Are pursued-Defeat of Estill-Bryant's station attacked by Girty at the head of six hundred Indians-Heroism of the women-Arrival of reinforcements-Their perilous situation-Skirmish in the corn-field-Attack on the station-Girty attempts to ne- gotiate-Answer of Reynolds-The Indians raise the siege -Are pursued by a party under Colonel Todd-Fatal reck- lessness of McGary-The Kentuckians attacked by the In- dians from an ambush-Desperate conflict-Rout of the Kentuckians-Escape of Daniel Boone-Presence of mind of Netherland-Retaliation of Clark-Burns the Miami towns
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CHAPTER VI.
Increase of immigration-Prospect of peace with. England- Difficulties continue-Indian hostilities cease-Kenton re- claims his settlement in Washington-Brodhead opens a store in Louisville-General James Wilkinson immigrates to Kentucky-New counties laid off-Proposition to sepa- rate from Virginia-Expedition of Clark against the In- dians on the Wabash-Causes of its failure-Conventions in Kentucky-Difficulties with the general government -- The navigation of the Mississippi-Spanish intrigues- Brown has several conferences with Gardoqui-Letter of Innis to the Governor of Virginia-General Wilkinson· goes to New Orleans-Returns-Tempts the Kentuckians by the offer of an independent treaty with Spain-Animosity of parties-Letter of Marshall-Conventions-Kentucky re- ceived into the Union.
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CHAPTER VII.
Indian inroads-Silas Hart pursues the Indians-Is killed- Heroism of young Hart-Captivity of the family-Judge Rowan sails down the Ohio-Is pursued by Indians-His perilous position-Wonderful presence of mind of Mrs. Rowan-Adventure of Caffree, McClure, and Davis-Meet with an equal number of Indians-Terrible combat-Caf- free and Davis killed-Subsequent adventures of McClure -His escape-Colonel Marshall descends the Ohio-Is hailed by James Girty-Indian decoys-Captain Ward as- saulted by Indians-Death of his nephew-Panic of the others-The search for a stray horse by Downing and Yates-They are followed by Indians-Downing conceals himself-The pursuit- Perilous situation of Downing- His remarkable escape
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIII.
Indians attack the house of widow Shanks-Their stratagem -The house fired-Fearful massacre-Heroic conduct of young Shanks-Pursuit of the Indians-Their singular es- cape-New mode of warfare on the Ohio-Political condi- tion of Kentucky-Adventure of John Lancaster-Taken captive with his companions-His escape and subsequent privations-Floats down the Ohio on a raft-Is rescued at the falls -- Ballard's house attacked --- Stubborn defence by old Mr. Ballard-Daring conduct of Bland Ballard, the cele- brated spy-Loss of the Indians
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CHAPTER IX.
Captain Hubbell descends the Ohio-Is attacked by Indians -His desperate defence-The Indians beaten off-Boat of Captain Greathouse captured-Hubbell again attacked- Indians retire with great loss-Heroism of a boy-Num- ber of wounded-Painful condition of Captain Hubbell- The boat reaches Limestone-Unsuccessful pursuit of the savages-John May descends the Ohio-Indian stratagem- Finn urges May to put into the Ohio shore-Finn surprised by the savages-The boat attacked and captured-Skyles wounded-May and Miss Fleming killed-Reception of the Indians by Johnston-Captain Marshall descends the Ohio with three boats-Is pursued by the Indians-The attack and defence-His escape with the loss of two boats .. .... 123
CHAPTER X.
Indian outrages-Action of the general government-Expedi- tion of General Harmar-Miami villages burned-Hardin detached to follow up the Indians-Falls into an ambush- Is defeated-Painful situation of Captain Armstrong-Har- mar retreats-Hardin again detached -- Indian stratagem- Noble conduct of the regulars-Hardin defeated-Harmar returns home-Harmar and Hardin court-martialled-Ac- quittal-Resignation of Harmar-Scott's expedition-De- struction of the villages on the Wabash-Return of the troops-St. Clair's expedition-Rendezvous at Fort Wash- ington-Feeling of the Kentuckians-Object of the cam- paign-Condition of the army-Fort Hamilton built-Erec- tion of Fort Jefferson-The march - Desertion of the militia-Of the Mountain Leader, a Chickasaw chief and his band-St. Clair encamps on one of the tributaries of the Wabash-Furious attack by the Indians, led by Lit-
CONTENTS. 13
tle Turtle and Girty-Defeat of St. Clair-Retreat to Fort Washington 140
CHAPTER XI.
Personal incidents of St. Clair's campaign-William Kennan -His strength and activity-Discovers the Indians-Is pursued by them-A race for life-His extraordinary leap The retreat-Carries a wounded companion-His terrible recourse to relieve himself-Assists Mr. Madison, afterward governor of Kentucky-Excitement in Kentucky-Scott and Wilkinson call for volunteers-Wilkinson marches to the battle-ground-Horrid spectacle-Constitution of Ken- tucky-Its provisions-Legislative acts-Population of the state-Indian disturbances-Settlement on Elkhorn attack- ed-The Cooks killed-Resolute conduct of the widows- Escape of McAndre-Martin killed-Escape of Dunn-Mur- 152 der of his two sons-Indians pursued.
CHAPTER XIL.
St. Clair superseded-Wayne appointed his successor-Colonel Hardin-Sent as a messenger to the Indians-Is murdered -Biographical notice-Hardin serves under Dunmore- Volunteers with Captain Morgan-Is wounded in the thigh -Rejoins Dunmore in an expedition against the Indian towns-Contemplates moving to Kentucky-War between England and the colonies-Hardin enlists men for the de- fence of his country-Is appointed a lieutenant-Offered a majority, but declines-Moves to Kentucky-Appointed colonel of the county militia-His services-Grave charge against Wilkinson-Tecumseh- Kenton's skirmish with him-His stratagem and escape-The last Indian inroad- Kenton forms an ambuscade on the Ohio-Kills four In- dians and two white men-Escape of the others.
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CHAPTER XIII.
Genet supersedes Ternant as ambassador to the United States -Perplexing position of the government-Washington calls a cabinet council-Proclamation of neutrality resolved upon -High-handed conduct of Genet-His reception by the people-Projects an expedition against the Spanish settle- ments-Despatches agents to Kentucky to raise volunteers -George Rogers Clark commissioned a major-general in the French service-Letter to Governor Shelby from the Secretary of State-His reply-Democratic societies formed -Second letter to Shelby-His sympathy with the move-
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CONTENTS.
ment-Shelby's letter to the Secretary of State-Reply of Edmund Randolph-Washington issues a proclamation to the people of Kentucky-The recall of Genet solicited-Ac- tivity of the Democratic associations-Meeting at Lexing- ton-Recall of Genet-The expedition abandoned-Genet marries and settles in New York
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CHAPTER XIV.
Commissioners sent to the Indians to treat for peace-Refusal of the savages to treat-The army under Wayne-Fort Greenville built-St. Clair's battle-ground reoccupied-Fort Recovery built-Wayne joined by the Kentucky volunteers -Commences his march-Indian villages abandoned- Builds Fort Adams and Defiance-Intelligence of the In- dians-A flag sent to them-Their answer-Fort Deposit built-The enemy discovered-Battle of Fallen Timbers- Defeat of the Indians-Wayne encamps near the British fort-Altercation with Major Campbell-Conduct of the Kentuckians-Fort Wayne built-Treaty with the Indians -Feeling in Kentucky-Marshall elected to the Senate of the United States-Attempt to remove Judges Muter and Sebastian-Courts of quarter sessions and oyer and termi- ner abolished-Other laws,
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CHAPTER XV.
Retrospective-Joe Logston-His character-Leaves the fort in search of cattle-Is fired on by two Indians-His horse killed under him-Wounds one Indian severely-Is attack- ed by the other-Both combatants disarmed-A fearful trial of strength and activity-Kills his antagonist-Re- turns to the fort-Is disbelieved-A search instituted-The story confirmed- An example of savage heroism - The Nickajack expedition-The people of Tennessee call upon Kentucky for assistance-Colonel Whitley marches with one hundred men-Forms a junction with Colonel Orr-Is appointed to command the troops-Surprise of the Nicka- jack towns-A second expedition organized-The result- Anecdote of Whitley-Proceeds to the southern towns to recover some negroes-Conduct of a half-breed-Friendship of Otter Lifter-His character-Biography of Whitley-His death.
CHAPTER XVI.
Final ratification of the treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States-Spain agrees to grant the navi-
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CONTENTS.
gation of the Mississippi-Intrigues with Kentucky-Power, the Spanish agent, confers with Judge Sebastian-Baron Carondelet's proposition-Views of Sebastian, Innis, and Nicholas-Power visits General Wilkinson at Detroit-His reception - Reply of Wilkinson - Views of Sebastian- Power's own opinion-Power sent to Fort Massac under an escort-Reaches New Madrid-Subsequent revelation con- cerning Sebastian-Adams elected President of the United States-His unpopularity in Kentucky-Meeting of the le- gislature-Proposition to revise the constitution-Votes for and against a convention-Decision of the legislature ........ 212
CHAPTER XVII.
Garrard elected Governor of Kentucky-Denounces the alien and sedition laws-Nullification resolutions written by Jef- ferson-Endorsed by Kentucky-Denounced by other states -Creation of new counties in Kentucky-Education pro- moted-Various academies established-Appropriations of land for their support-Meeting of convention-New con- stitution adopted-Garrard re-elected governor-An at- tempt made to encourage manufactures-Election of Jef- ferson-Navigation of the Mississippi interrupted-Louisi- ana ceded to France-Excitement in Kentucky-Letter of Jefferson to Livingston-Monroe sent to Paris-Purchase of Louisiana-Claiborne takes possession of New Orleans- Greenup elected Governor of Kentucky-Re-election of Jef- ferson-Kentucky militia discharged.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Aaron Burr-Elected Vice President of the United States- Loses the confidence of his party-Is nominated for Gover- nor of New York-Defeated through the influence of Ham- ilton-Kills Hamilton in a duel-Flees to South Carolina- Returns to Washington-Sets out for the West-His nomi- nal projects-His association with Wilkinson-Becomes ac- quainted with Blennerhasset-Actual project of Burr- Reaches New Orleans-Returns overland to Kentucky- Spends the spring and summer in Philadelphia and Wash- ington-Attempts to win over Eaton, Truxton, and Decatur -His second journey to the West-Builds boats on the Muskingum-Contracts for supplies and enlists volunteers -Wilkinson at Natchitoches-Receives despatches from Burr-Sends a messenger to the president-Orders New Or- leans to be strengthened-Proceeds to Natchez-Despatches a second messenger to Washington-Writes to Claiborne
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CONTENTS.
and the Governor of the Mississippi Territory-Reaches New Orleans-His measures at that place.
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CHAPTER XIX.
Conflicting reports concerning the intentions of Burr-Ex- posures made at Frankfort-Energetic conduct of Daviess -His affidavit against Burr-An examination ordered- Burr attends the court-The case postponed-A new grand jury summoned-Second appearance of Burr-Absence of General Adair, the principal witness for the prosecution- The examination pressed-Acquittal of Burr-His false de- claration to Henry Clay-Action of the general government -Jefferson sends an agent to Ohio-Disclosures by Blen- nerhasset-Seizure of ten boats on the Muskingum-Tyler's flotilla-Burr proceeds to Nashville-Meets the volunteers at the mouth of the Cumberland River-Descends the Mis- sissippi to New Madrid-Gains a knowledge of Wilkinson's revelations-Encamps above Natchez-The militia called out by the Governor of the Mississippi Territory-Burr sur- renders himself to the civil authorities-His boats searched -Charges against Sebastian and Innis
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CHAPTER XX.
Critical foreign relations with the United States-Berlin de -. crees-Restraint upon commercial enterprise-Attack upon the Chesapeake-Great excitement throughout the Union -Embargo-One hundred thousand militia called for-Re- solutions passed in Kentucky-Declaration of war-Indian difficulties-Tecumseh-His attempts to form a confedera- tion of tribes-Assembling of warriors at Tippecanoe- March of Harrison-Battle of Tippecanoe-Death of Joseph H. Daviess-Return of Tecumseh-His interview with Har- rison-Hull appointed to command the northwestern army -Invades Canada-Returns-General Brock summons De- troit-Surrender of Hull-Indignation of the states -- Volun- teers from Kentucky-Hopkins marches against the Illinois Indians-Is deserted by his men-A second northwestern army organized-Harrisou commissioned a brigadier-gene- ral-Appointed commander-in-chief.
CHAPTER XXI.
Plan of the fall campaign of 1812-Harrison appointed com- mander of the northwestern army-Winchester marches from Fort Wayne-Difficulties of the route-Deplorable condition of the troops-Winchester halts at the Rapids-
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CONTENTS.
The enemy approach Frenchtown-A detachment of Ken- tuckians under Colonel Lewis sent against them-Proctor advances from Malden-Battle of the River Raisin-Sur- render of the Americans-Inhuman massacre-Reception of the news in Kentucky-Four regiments of volunteers raised-Harrison builds Fort Meigs-Is reinforced from Kentucky-Siege of Fort Meigs by Proctor-Advance of General Clay-Colonel Dudley destroys a part of the Bri- tish batteries-His detachment surrounded by British and Indians-Terrible slaughter of the prisoners-Inhuman conduct of Proctor-Tecumseh-His indignant reply to the British general.
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CHAPTER XXII.
Great advantages possessed by the British-Perry ordered to build vessels on the shore of Lake Erie-Extraordinary ac- tivity and despatch-Proctor assaults Fort Stephenson- Croghan's noble defence-Perry's victory on Lake Erie- Harrison advances into Canada-Proctor retreats toward the Moravian towns-Battle of the Thames-Surrender of the regular's and flight of Proctor-Desperate conflict with the Indians-Colonel Johnson severely wounded-Tecum- seh killed-The British forces under Packenham threaten New Orleans-Vanguard of the enemy bivouac on the Mis- sissippi-Night attack by Jackson and Coffee, supported by the schooner Caroline-Arrival of Packenham-His tardy movements-Activity of Jackson-Kentucky reinforcement arrives-Battle of the 8th of January-Terrible slaughter of the enemy-Death of Packenham-Retreat of the enemy .... 281
CHAPTER XXIII.
Peace proclaimed between England and the United States- Inflated condition of the currency-Dreadful monetary de- rangement-Banks chartered-Power of replevin extended -Bank of the Commonwealth chartered-Great excitement on account of the relief law-Relief and anti-relief parties organized-Legality of the relief law contested-Decision of Judge Clarke sustained by the court of appeals-Gene- ral alarm and outcry-Unsuccessful attempt of the legisla- ture to remove the judges-The old court of appeals abolish- ed, and a new one established-The constitutionality of the latter contested-The old court sustained-State and gene- ral politics-Suspension of specie payments-Second mone- tary derangement-The legislature again applied to for relief-Wisdom of the measures adopted-Governors of Kentucky-Presidential election.
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CONTENTS.
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CHAPTER XXIV.
Mexico and the United States-Annexation of Texas-Gene- ral Taylor ordered to move to the Rio Grande-Encamps at Corpus Christi-Erects a post at Point Isabel-Marches to a point opposite Matamoras-Builds Fort Brown - The Mexicans cross the Rio Grande in force-Taylor returns to Point Isabel-Again marches to Fort Brown-Battle of Palo Alto-Battle of Resaca de la Palma-Occupation of Matamoras - Reception of reinforcements - March upon Monterey-Storming of Monterey-Great reduction of the force under General Taylor-Is compelled to assume the defensive-Return of Santa Anna to Mexico-Concentrates a large army at San Luis Potosi-Marches against Taylor -Battle of Buena Vista-Conclusion.
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