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III
POLITICAL SITUATION IN KENTUCKY
trips to Lexington and Louisville, and through the south- ern cities.
Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, United States attorney for Kentucky, first became suspicious of Burr's move- ments, then convinced of his treacherous de- signs. On November 3, 1806, he appeared in Burr indicted the court at Frankfort and brought an indictment against Burr for high treason. Burr met the charge with cool denial. Several days later, with a sem- blance of sincerity, he urged the court to continue the pros- ecution. A day was set for the trial. After giving a writ- ten pledge of his in- nocence, Burr secured Henry Clay and John Allen for his counsel. Intense popular inter- est was aroused.
The prosecution seemed to take on the form of a perse- Joseph Hamilton Daveiss cution, because of the ardent political feeling of the time. Burr had won many friends in Kentucky. Daveiss was a stanch adherent of the despised Federalist party. Henry Clay had thrown the weight of his influence into Burr's faction. The trial did not come off because of . the failure, on the part of the United States attorney, to obtain the attendance of the necessary witnesses. Nevertheless, the expectant audience was granted the
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FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH
excitement of listening to a flashing debate on the sub. ject between Clay and Daveiss. Never have two greater, more brilliant men met in opposition at the famous bar of Kentucky.
Shortly afterward, a ball was given in Frankfort in Burr's honor. This was followed by a similar festivity Fite of the given by the friends of the United States
conspirators attorney. For a while Daveiss suffered a great loss of popularity on account of his efforts toward the prosecution ; but he was soon to be vindicated. Burr's times of suc- cess were at an end. He was tried in Richmond, Virginia, in March, 1807. Though certain legal technicalities pre- vented his convic- tion, no one doubted An Early Methodist Church his guilt. His last
days were spent in wretched poverty and sorrow. Blen- nerhasset also died forlornly. Only Wilkinson lived on in the favor of fortune.
Running along by the side of these social agitations was a deep spiritual movement which spread throughout the
The great State. This revival began in the Methodist
revival church, but it awoke religious enthusiasm in all the existing denominations. Thousands flocked to the camp meetings which were constantly held, and humble laborers and learned statesmen were equally stirred by a consideration of the greatest problem of life. In the. trend of this Christian movement came the formation of an association called the Friends of Humanity. Six
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POLITICAL SITUATION IN KENTUCKY
Baptist ministers of note, and others of less conspicuous ability, united themselves together for the purpose of advocating the abolition of slavery. Their numbers in- creased at first, but they were discountenanced by their brother associations, and soon vanished.
In 1804, Christopher Greenup was elected governor. He was one of the strong characters of the early days. For more than ten years, he had been actively connected with the public affairs of Kentucky.
Years of quiet It was during his administration (1806) that the trial of Judge Benjamin Sebastian occurred. Burr's conduct led to the investigation concerning Sebastian. During the same year, George Muter resigned from the office of chief justice, and Thomas Todd was appointed to fill the va- cancy. But Judge Todd did not long execute the duties of chief justice, as higher honors awaited him. In Feb- ruary, 1807, he was appointed judge of the United States supreme court in the newly created circuit of Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. Several eminent jurists now occu- pied the chief justice's bench in quick succession. Felix Grundy, Judge Todd's successor, resigned after a few months to make his home in Tennessee. Ninian Ed- wards, the next appointee, resigned after a little more than a year's service, to become governor of the Illinois Territory. He was followed by George M. Bibb, who also resigned in less than a year.
In 1807, the Bank of Kentucky was chartered with $1,000,000 capital. Robert Alexander was appointed president by the governor. Prior to this time, Kentucky had been rigorously opposed to banking; but through some curious misunderstanding on the part of the legisla- ture, in 1802, the Kentucky Insurance Company had been chartered with banking powers.
KENT. HIST. - 8
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FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Governor Greenup.
In 1808, General Charles Scott was elected to succeed His opponent was the rising young lawyer, John Allen, who Beginning of made a vigorous canvass. war
But the Kentuckians were pleased to honor the military services of the veteran officer, especially as the years of peace were at an end. For some time the Indians living on the Wabash River had been growing restless under the advance of white civilization. They were roused The Prophet to rebellion by their two great chiefs, Tecumseh and his brother the Prophet, and also by the influence of the English, who now anticipated another war with the United States. In the summer of 1811, General Harri- son, governor of the Indiana Territory, called for volunteers from Ken- tucky. Many brave men, ambitious for military glory, answered the summons. The battle
of Tippecanoe was fought November 7, 18II. Harrison was surprised in the night by the Indians; never- theless, he bravely and
WH Danke
Tecumseh inciting the Creeks
9
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POLITICAL SITUATION IN KENTUCKY
successfully met the attack. But Kentucky suffered a deeply felt loss by this battle, in the early death of two of her valued citizens, Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daveiss and Colonel Abraham Owen. A county of the State was named in memory of each.
RECAPITULATION
James Garrard, second governor. Legislature orders a constitutional convention.
The third Spanish conspiracy.
Alien and Sedition laws.
The first gave the President control of aliens.
The second restricted the expression of opinion.
Kentucky condemns the laws.
Clark County makes the first protest. Henry Clay denounces them.
Kentucky Resolutions of 1798.
Doctrine of State Rights involved.
The general government a compact of States, each State retaining the right to govern itself.
Each State has the right to judge acts of the general government, and to nullify them if they are objection- able.
John Breckinridge, the mover of the Resolutions.
Opposition of Murray and Pope.
Resolutions carried in the legisla- ture.
Second constitutional convention.
Recent agitation causes certain changes in the constitution.
James Garrard, third governor.
A. S. Bullitt, lieutenant governor. John Breckinridge, speaker. Local politics quiet.
National politics absorb attention. Kentucky rejoices over Jefferson's election as President.
Alien and Sedition laws repealed.
Louisiana purchased.
Delivered up to General Wilkinson Aaron Burr's conspiracy.
Wilkinson implicated.
Blennerhasset's part in the scheme.
Bribe offered to Kentuckians.
Burr is indicted by J. H. Daveiss.
H. Clay and John Allen, Burr's coun. sel.
Burr's cool audacity.
Speeches of Clay and Daveiss.
The two balls given at Frankfort. The fate of the conspirators. The great revival.
"The Friends of Humanity."
Christopher Greenup, governor. Benjamin Sebastian is tried and con victed.
Judge Thomas Todd.
The first banks in the State. General Charles Scott, governor.
The beginnings of war.
The battle of Tippecanoe.
CHAPTER XI
THE WAR OF 1812, 1812-1815
WAR with all of its horrors and feverish anticipations was again at hand. The causes which led to the second Causes which conflict with Great Britain had long been ac- led to the war cumulating. England and France were in arms against each other, and the United States main- tained a neutral position. In order to injure France, Eng- land blockaded with men of war the whole coast of France, and France retaliated by declaring a similar blockade of the coast of England. American vessels were seized as prizes, and the commerce of the United States was inter- rupted in a most disastrous manner.
But this was not all. A greater injury, in that it con- tained an insult to our nation, was endured from England before war was declared. By the policy of the United States, any foreigner, after having thrown off allegiance to his own government, might become an American citizen, if he so desired. On the contrary, England claimed that a man born an English subject was always an English subject. American vessels were boarded by English officers, and searched by them to find sailors whom they claimed to be deserting Englishmen. In this way thousands of our seamen were captured. The United States deeply resented this outrage. Then the crisis came. On the 18th day of June, 1812, war was declared.
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THE WAR OF 1812
In addition to the regular army ordered to be raised, one hundred thousand militia were to be furnished by the different States of the Union. Many of the States were opposed to the war, and conse- war enthusi- Kentucky's asm quently refused to comply with the President's
demand. But not so Kentucky; her people had ever looked upon England as the cruel enemy of their pros- perity ; and they eagerly rushed forward to aid in right- ing the wrong against their nation. Only
five thousand five hundred men were required of Kentucky, but she was granted the privilege of fur- nishing seven thou- sand. And the State did not hold back her best, but offered her worthiest sons for the cause. A righteous resentment of of- fenses, and an unsurpassed courage and high sense of honor, were indicated by this eager desire to participate in the opening con- flict.
Impressment of Seamen
On the 15th of August, two thousand troops, destined to join the army in the Northwest, assembled at Georgetown. They consisted of a regiment of regulars, un- Troops leave der Colonel Samuel Wells, and three militia the State regiments under Colonels John Allen, J. M. Scott, and William Lewis. Of the companies under Lewis, Lexing-
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FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH
ton had furnished six, and one was the Lexington Light Artillery, even then historic, commanded by the gallant young captain, Nathaniel G. T. Hart. They were formed into a brigade, and placed under the command of Brigadier General John Payne. Several days later, the troops were reviewed in the presence of thousands of interested spec- tators. Henry Clay made a speech, and Dr. Blythe, presi- dent of Transylvania University, preached a sermon ; and thus animated and encouraged, they were prepared to begin their hard, eventful campaign.
On their march to Detroit the troops learned that Gen- eral Hull, governor of Michigan Territory, had surrendered
Harrison's in the most cowardly manner to the British.
appointment Great indignation was aroused. Letters were written to Kentucky to request the appointment of General Harrison as commander of the Kentucky militia. Gov- ernor Scott's term of office was drawing to a close, but some action was imperative. He sought a council of ex- Governor Shelby, ex-Governor Greenup, Henry Clay, Judge Thomas Todd, and several other distinguished cit- izens. They unanimously agreed in recommending the appointment. It was therefore made. In a few more days three other companies were raised by Colonels Richard M. Johnson, James Johnson, and Captain John Arnold. General Harrison was also appointed by the President as commander of the army of the Northwest, to supersede General Winchester. On the 29th of September, he left Lexington to join the forces thus placed under his control.
The Kentucky troops reached the Rapids of the Maumee the 10th of January, and halted to await the arrival of First battle at General Harrison. But they were not long to Frenchtown remain inactive. A few days later a call for assistance reached them from Frenchtown, on the river
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THE WAR OF 1812
Raisin, about thirty-eight miles away. A detachment commanded by Colonel Lewis, under whom were Colonel John Allen and Majors Martin D. Hardin, George Madison, and Benjamin Graves, eagerly has- tened to respond to the summons. On the 18th a successful battle was fought, and the British were driven from the village. But this victory was to be followed by an awful tragedy.
Two days later, General Win- chester arrived with a reënforce- ment consisting of Colonel Wells's William Henry Harrison regiment of regulars. Although General Winchester was soon informed that a large force of the enemy was on its way toward the town, he made no preparation for an attack. The night was Second battle
bitterly cold, and the caution of placing pickets at Frenchtown on the road by which the enemy would approach the town was neglected. Accordingly, before daylight on the morn- ing of January 22, the camp was surprised by an army of two thousand British and Indians under General Proctor. The firing was opened upon the stockade of the Kentuck- ians and was returned with considerable loss to the British. But Colonel Wells's company was encamped on the open field. It was impossible for it to resist the attack, and the men retreated panic-stricken.
At this crisis, Colonels Lewis and Allen, with a detach- ment of one hundred men, rushed forward like typical Kentuckians to rally the retreating soldiers. Nearly all of Wells's men were killed or wounded, as were very many of those under Lewis and Allen. Lewis was wounded,
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FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH
and Colonel Allen was slain. Thus fell in early manhood one of the most promising citizens of Kentucky, a man of pure life, of heroic character, and strong legal ability. Then came a summons to surrender. To the heroes of Kentucky death was far preferable to defeat. But after a consultation, in view of their situation, the remaining officers wisely determined to comply with the demand of the enemy. Having obtained a solemn promise from the British that the wounded Americans would be safely guarded, they agreed to lay down their arms.
But the pledge was not fulfilled. The Indians were not restrained by the British, and early the next morning they entered the cellar of a tavern where some of
The massacre the wounded soldiers were quartered, broke open casks of liquor, and drank until they were maddened far beyond their usual state of cruelty. Soldiers were
dragged out of their beds and tomahawked. A house containing other wounded men was burned to the ground. Several of the officers attempted to escape under the escort of Indians whom they paid to guide them, and were treacherously murdered on the way by their escorts.
Never did a more barbarous butchery of human beings occur. The details are too ghastly to be repeated. In Kentucky, anguish prevailed such as had not been felt since the fatal battle of the Blue Licks. There were many widows and mourning friends and relatives left to recount the horrors of the Raisin massacre. And Ken- tucky has preserved the memory of some of her brave soldiers who lost their life at that place by naming various counties of the State after them, - Allen and Edmonson, Graves, Hart, and Hickman.
In August, 1812, Isaac Shelby had been elected governor for the second time. He had consented to become the
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THE WAR OF 1812
chief executive again, only because the United States was involved in war. He now exerted all his influence to arouse the patriotic ardor of his fellow citizens Reënforce- to reënforce the army of the Northwest and ments from Kentucky retrieve the loss at Raisin. Thousands of
Kentuckians hastened to volunteer for the service. A strong brigade of three thousand men was formed under Brigadier General Green Clay, consisting of four regiments commanded by Colonels Dud- ley, Boswell, Cox, and Cald- well. This force reached the banks of the Maumee, oppo- site Fort Meigs, on the night of the 4th of May. In the distance could be heard the cannon of the enemy. Since the first day of the month, Gen- eral Proctor with about two thousand British and Indians had surrounded the camp of the Americans. The fact of Green Clay the approach of the Kentuck- ians was borne to General Harrison, and orders were re- turned to the brigadier general.
The next day General Clay, with the larger portion of his men, fearlessly and successfully pushed his way through the ranks of the British to the southern shore of the river. With this reenforcement, the fort was en- abled to repel Proctor's attack so vigorously that the siege was raised on the ninth day.
But the fate of the other portion of the Kentucky troops was far different .. While the main body was proceeding
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FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH
to Fort Meigs, a detachment of seven or eight hundred men, commanded by Colonel William Dudley, had been dis-
Dudley's patched to the northern shore of the river to
defeat storm the British batteries. In this they were
successful. But other orders, which commanded them to return immediately to their boats, were misunderstood. The Kentuckians delayed, to return a straggling fire from
the Indians. They were surprised by Proctor, greatly outnumbered, and completely defeated. Many were slain
and many wounded. Again the Indians treated their prisoners with the barbarous cruelty that had been prac- ticed upon the victims of the Raisin massacre; and the British did not forbid the outrage. Only one hundred and fifty men escaped, and these also might have been mur- dered if the noble Indian chief, Tecumseh, had not rushed with his sword drawn, into the midst of the carnage, and controlled his savage brethren.
Again Kentucky was called upon for reinforcements, and again she offered double the number demanded. Gov- ernor Shelby announced that he would take the field in person, and called upon volunteers to meet him
Kentucky sends more at Newport. In less than thirty days, four
volunteers
thousand Kentuckians had assembled. Out- side of Kentucky the governor had no authority to com- mand; but his authority rested with his men, whose con- fidence in their leader expressed itself in the watchword of the time, -" Old King's Mountain will lead us to vic- tory!"
It is a fact of curious interest that Governor Shelby and his large reenforcement of Kentuckians reached the Result of the camp of General Harrison just at the moment council of war when Commodore Perry was landing with his prisoners after his important victory over Commodore Bar-
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THE WAR OF 1812
clay on Lake Erie. Later on a council of war was held, to decide whether the American forces should cross the lake into Canada and pursue the British army, which was known to be retreating.
Battle of Lake Erie
The practicability of pursuing and overtaking Proctor was carefully argued and weighed as a military proposi- tion. But in the mind of Governor Shelby there was no hesitation. He had gone all that distance with his "Kentucky boys" to meet the enemies of his country, and his determination was fixed to seek an encounter. Therefore an affirmative decision was cast. The order was given by General Harrison to parade the army for embarkation on Perry's fleet.
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FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Kentuckians have always shown a tendency to be strongly influenced by eloquent oratory. On Governor Shelby's staff were two young officers, who
Power of ora-
tory over later became famous throughout the nation, -
Kentuckians
Majors John J. Crittenden and William T. Barry. Upon the suggestion of the governor, each ad- dressed the troops of his State. Whatever reluctance to cross on to foreign soil may have existed among them, vanished under the fire of eloquence poured forth by the young speakers. They recounted in picturesque and dra- matic words the wrongs their nation had endured from the British, and the awful slaughter of their countrymen at the hands of the enemy, until every heart was stirred with patriotic impulses. "Remember Raisin," rang in their ears, and all were eager for action.
The march the first day was made in close order in solid columns. To the alert and practiced eye of Shelby this The march into manner of movement seemed to be too slow Canada for the hazardous undertaking before them - that of reaching Proctor and bringing him to battle. He communicated his fears to General Harrison, who, per- ceiving at once the truth of the suggestion, commanded that the order of march be changed in accordance with Governor Shelby's advice. The columns, therefore, were broken, and the army moved forward as a great com- pany of travelers, each individual being urged to the utmost speed. Colonel R. M. Johnson's regiment of Kentucky cavalry was pushed eighteen or twenty miles in advance, to prevent a surprise. Soon all recognized the advantage of the new order of march. On the third day, straggling soldiers from the British army were cap- tured at the crossing of different streams, and were passed to the rear of the American army as prisoners. This
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THE WAR OF 1812
fact gave hope and increased vigor to the movements of our men.
On the fourth day the American army came upon Gen- eral Proctor encamped at the Moravian town, on the river Thames, eighty-six miles northeast of The battle of Detroit. Here a decisive battle was fought, the Thames
October 5, 1813. The American force was larger than the British and more cleverly ordered. Tecumseh fell early in the action, and the Indians grew disheartened at the loss of their great chief. The result was complete victory for the Americans and an end to the war in the Northwest.
Almost the entire force was from Kentucky, and many distinguished men were included in its number, -General John Adair, who fought brave- ly at the battle of New Or- leans, and afterward became governor of his State; Barry and Crittenden, already men- tioned ; General Joseph Desha, prominent in the political affairs of his day, and also des- tined to be governor of Ken- tucky; the gallant Colonel Richard M. Johnson, the slayer of Tecumseh; and Col- onel Charles S. Todd, who in the times of peace served his Richard M. Johnson country in the halls of Con- gress and as an ambassador to Russia.
A treaty of peace was signed at Ghent, December, 1814; but before the news reached this country several more battles were fought. Of these, the only one which
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FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH
concerns the history of Kentucky was the brilliant bat- tle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815. The British forces Battle of were commanded by Sir Edward Paken-
New Orleans ham; the American, by General Andrew Jackson of Tennessee. Here again Kentuckians rendered important assistance, and again had the joy of partici- pating in a triumph. It has been said of them that they " formed the strength of that central force which repulsed Pakenham."
RECAPITULATION
England and France at war. United States neutral.
American commerce interrupted. Sailors captured by England. United States resents the insult.
Declares war, June, 1812.
Kentucky enthusiastic for the war. One hundred thousand militia ordered to be raised.
Kentucky furnishes seven thousand. Gives her worthiest sons.
Two thousand troops leave George- town.
Their request of Governor Scott.
A council of distinguished men.
General Harrison's appointments.
He becomes commander of the Ken- tucky militia, and of the army of the Northwest.
He leaves Lexington for his post.
The Kentucky brigade reaches the Northwest.
Is not long inactive.
Battle at Frenchtown.
British driven from the village.
General Winchester arrives.
Makes no preparation for an attack. Is surprised by Proctor.
Fate of Colonel Wells's regiment.
Heroism of Lewis, Allen, and others. Kentuckians obliged to surrender. British promise safety to prisoners. Promise not fulfilled.
Indians become intoxicated.
Terrible slaughter of prisoners takes place.
Counties named for slain officers.
Isaac Shelby again governor.
Brigadier General Green Clay.
He reaches Fort Meigs.
Clay divides his force. Reënforces General Harrison.
Dudley's defeat.
Again prisoners are butchered.
Tecumseh's timely appearance.
Governor Shelby's call for volunteers.
Four thousand meet him at Newport.
The governor takes command.
Dramatic meeting at Harrison's camp.
Decision to pursue Proctor.
Speeches of Crittenden and Barry. The battle of the Thames. Death of Tecumseh.
End of the war in the Northwest.
Distinguished Kentuckians in the battle.
Brilliant battle of New Orleans.
Kentucky's part in the victory.
CHAPTER XII
LOCAL AFFAIRS, 1816-1835
WAR was now at an end, but peace did not await the people of Kentucky. They were about to enter a political conflict as severe as any they had ever fought The return to with arms. The first contest in the legislature "State affairs arose in 1816, when George Madison, the newly elected governor, suddenly died, and the question whether the legislature had the power to order a new election came up for decision. After a fight, the vote was cast in the nega- tive, and Gabriel Slaughter, the lieutenant governor, be- came governor. He fulfilled the duties of that position until 1820, although the matter was not suffered to rest with this first decision, and was repeatedly agitated during various sessions of the legislature. But the disturbance thus caused was as an ordinary strong wind to a cyclone in comparison with the storm which was caused by the financial condition of the country.
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