USA > Kentucky > A history of the commonwealth of Kentucky > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
It is perhaps, too much a matter of mere curiosity, to speculate upon what would have been the consequences of having organized the government on this occasion, instead of waiting four years more. But it may securely be said, that the treasonable nature of such a measure, is a perversion of the whole doctrine of pop- ular government, between such masses of people, as the commu- nities of Virginia and Kentucky; and above all, under the diffi- culties of form, which had alone obstructed the wishes of both parties to be separate States. In another point of view, Ken- tucky would by having organized her government immediately, have gained* "immense sums of money which were paid into the treasury of Virginia in completing titles to the Kentucky lands;" "above one million and a half acres of the best land in the district, which in the four following years, were swept away by Virginia military land warrants, would have been the patri- mony of Kentucky." This latter advantage was secured by a clause in the first act of separation surrendering to Kentucky, all lands unlocated in the district, after the Ist of September, 1788. The path of colonizing and sub-independence, since so frequently, so fearlessly, and so prosperously trod by various sections of the American people, was then first to be travelled and explored by the statesmen of Kentucky, like the other wil- derness, which the hunters had so nobly penetrated without a trace or a guide. No wonder, then, that our countrymen, who have ever been distinguished for their reverence for order, were reluctant to step beyond the strict confines of the statute of sepa- ration, on the part of the parent Commonwealth. Yet it would not necessarily have followed, that the new State should, on the eve of a new experiment for managing the affairs of the con- federacy, so far have overcome all the obstacles of manners, language, religion, government. and national prejudice, as to have fallen into the train of Spanish provinces. When Kentucky had maintained her loyalty, in spite of sufferings under the nominal government of the old Congress, and had withstood the strong temptations, that had urged her to abandon the confederation, and set up for herself; it wouki be as unjust,
e Political Transactions, page 33, by William Littell.
181
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
as improbable, to impute a disposition at this time for a foreign connexion, which she had disdained in her weakness and dis- tress, as well as in the imbecility of the general government. Yet without such a disposition on the part of the great mass of the people of Kentucky, the project and its imputation, would be alike groundless, and destitute of all reasonable probability.
It may serve to illustrate the state of the country to record, that on the very day this most interesting convention full of "high debate" adjourned, *"a party of Indians way-laying the main road from Lexington to Limestone, tired on some wagon- ers near the Blue Licks, killed one of them, scared away the rest and took the horses." At the ensuing session of the legis- lature of Virginia, the county of Mason was erected out of the county of Bourbon, to take effect on the Ist of May, 1789. During this same session also, a third act of separation was passed on the 29th of December, 1788: which contained some new conditions "highly exceptionable to Kentucky, and justly so." One of these went to subject this infant Commonwealth, which had been rocked amid the war-whoop and the rifle, plun- dered by Indians, and shut up by Spaniards, to the payment of a portion of the domestic debt then existing against Virginia. This was required for the expenses incurred on account of the district by military operations, since the first act of separation. The other condition, which displeased the district was, an en- actment which would have kept Kentucky dependent on the consent of the legislature of Virginia, as to the time for com- pleting the titles of the officers and soldiers on the State and con- tinential establishments of Virginia, to the bounty lands assign- ed them in the district, for their military services. Little stress need be placed on those obnoxious clauses; engendered let it be recollected, by the unorganized state of the district, since they were readily rescinded on the remonstrance of the subsequent Kentucky convention.
In January of this year, the first clections were held for choosing the new President and Vice President of the United States. No votes, however, were given in Kentucky for these
· Marshall 1, 341.
182
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
high executive officers; from what causes, it has not been possi- ble to ascertain. The new government of the United States commenced its operations on the 4th of March, 1789; an era which should be ever dear to all good Americans, and ought to have been signally so, to the patriots of this exposed frontier.
New scenes of military vigor and political efficiency, soon be- gan to dawn on this remote province of the republic; until it has beamed "the perfect day." Can it be necessary to record, about this election, for the first President of the United States, what must be embalmed in the heart of every patriotic Ameri- can; that George Washington, "the first in war, the first in peace, and the first in the hearts of his countrymen," re- ceived their unanimous votes for this last but splendid testimo- nial of their continued regard for his great services, and emi- nent abilities? The elder Adams, of such solid abilities, and devoted zeal to the interests and the liberties of his country, was placed in the Vice Presidency; second but to Washing- ton alone, in the dignities and the gratitude of his country. To the new President elect Colonel Thomas Marshall, Sen .* "wrote an account of the district, and of such symptoms of foreign intrigue and internal disaffection, as had manifest- ed themselves to him," "the names of Wilkinson and Brown" were alone mentioned among the implicated." In this com- munication Colonel Marshall was, it ought not to be doubted, actuated by an honorable zeal for the interests of his country ; though the author is compelled to say, from the evidence now accessible, a mistaken one; of which both he and his illustrious correspondent were afterwards convinced. This inference flows from a letter of General Washington to Colonel Marshall, as follows: t"In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 11th of September, (1790) I must beg you to accept my thanks for the pleasing communication which it contains of the good disposition of the people of Kentucky towards the govern- ment of the United States. I never doubted but that the opera- tions of this government, if not perverted by prejudice or evil
+ Marshall 1, 344.
+ Political Transactions, by William Littell.
183
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
designs, would inspire the citizens of America with such confi- dence in it, as effectually to do away these apprehensions which, under our former confederation, our best men entertained of divis- ions among ourselves, or allurements from other nations. I am therefore happy to find, that such a disposition prevails in your part of the country, as to remove any idea of that evil, which a few years ago you so much dreaded." This letter, taken in connexion with the subsequent appointment of Wilkinson to be a Lieutenant Colonel in the army, at the recommendation of Colonel Marshall, as well as others, and the repeated military commissions of high trust and expressions of thanks, as will hereafter appear, to Messrs. Brown, Innes, Scott, Shelby and Logan, amply confirm the idea; that the imputed disaffection of any of these distinguished citizens to the Union of the States, had been abandoned by Colonel Marshall himself: and most certainly by Washington, if ever admitted to disturb his serene and benev- olent mind.
Connected with this communication to Washington, is an ac- count of a visit from Dr. Conolly; the same gentleman on whose confiscated land at the Falls of Ohio, the city of Louisville had been laid out. This emissary of Lord Dorchester, the Gov- ernor General of Canada, had, in the preceding November, under pretence of looking after his confiscated land in Kentucky, in the course of his visit, called at the house of' Colonel Marshall, ac- companied by Colonel J. Campbell, of Louisville. His business was to sound the leading men of Kentucky, on the subject of a connexion with Great Britain in any attempt upon the provinces of Spain. The great recommendation of the proposition held out by him was, obtaining the navigation of the Mississippi, so dear to Kentucky. *"Four thousand troops were said to be ready to march at a moment's warning, in furtherance of the project." In reply to these insinuations, Colonel Marshall observed, that the retention of the western posts, and the supposed encouragement of the Indians by British authority, forbade any reliance upon the friendship of that government. The Doctor promised to repre- sent these matters to the Governor General, and "invited a
· Marshall 1, 346.
. 184
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
correspondence, which was promised in case he would set the example;" it was, however, never begun. From Colonel Mar- shall, the Doctor went to see General Wilkinson at Lexington; where the rumor getting out, that he was a British spy, a com- motion arose among the inhabitants of that high spirited town, which endangering the safety of Conolly, "he was privately con- veyed or escorted to Limestone, and thus ended the only British intrigue in Kentucky."*
The elections for the ensuing convention took place in April, when Messrs. Thomas Marshall, Muter, Shelby, Edwards, and McDowell, were again elected members: Wilkinson was too im- mersed in his private atfairs to be a candidate.
Instances of Indian depredation and killing took place in al- most every direction, near the Crab orchard on the south, on Floyd's fork and Drennon's lick on the north, and on North Elkhorn, in the interior; but otherwise too insignificant to nar- rate more minutely. They only serve to show the wide spread insecurity and individual danger, which still hung over the population of Kentucky. Yet at this very time, about the mid- dle of July, the Governor of Virginia informed the county Lieutenants of the district, that the State was no longer required to defend the western frontiers; as the President of the United States had stationed a federal force on the Ohio for that pur- pose, and ordering them to "immediately discharge all the scouts and rangers employed ' in their respective counties.
On the 20th of the month, the seventh convention assembled at the usual place, for the purpose of devising new measures about the old question of separation, on which all parties were agreed; but which, by wane infatuation, none could effect. If the statesmen of Kentucky did not become profoundly versed in the nature of fundamental regulations for the government of society, it could not be owing to the want of opportunity for considering the interesting sulget. The first point which occupied the attention of the a wanbly was, the new provisions inserted in the last act of Virginia, which they resolved "to be injurious to,
. A similar disturbance threatened the Doctor in the neighborhood of Louisville .- Captain Lingar
-
185
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
and inadmissible by the people of the district;" and they accord- ingly memorialized the legislature of Virginia, "requiring such alterations in the terms at present proposed to this district for a separation, as will make them equal to those formerly offered by Virginia, and agreed to on the part of the said dig- trict of Kentucky." The prayer of the memorial was imme- diately granted by Virginia, and a new act conforming its provisions to this determination, was passed on the 18th of December, 1758; protracting the proceedings on the part of the district, to another year, in this extraordinary racc of disappointment.
At this convention was begun the practice of resolving against the importation and use of foreign goods; especially those of fine quality; which has been rather a favorite pro- ceeding at different times in Kentucky. Yet no principle of political economy is better attested by the whole experience of society; than that of the superior competency of private interest to protect its own affairs, to that of any guardianship of public bodies, however benevolently intended. If political assemblies did, indeed, concentrate the wisdom of society, which their theory supposes, and which the thorough education of society ought to furnish; still the eagle-eye of self-interest, the cease- less calculation of personal profit, would outstrip their most sagacious expectations. But how far from this hypothesis, is the actual complexion of government? And, indeed, there is another more important objection to this interference of public men with private business; independent of the voluminous lessons against its mischiefs, presented in the history of all such political superintendence of conscience, education and com- merce. It is, that private indulgence, whether in dress, equip- age, food, building, or any other mode of private enjoyment, which does not violate the rights of others; is the only effectual incentive to social industry, and security against idleness, and consequent viciousness of life. Abuses of this liberty may well be left to the moral influence of society, and their own opera- tion upon the private interests of its members; certainly with tenfold effect to the wisest recommendations and resolutions of
186
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
legislative bodies. Mr. Marshall epitomizes these principles in the following forcible interrogatory: "When will legislators learn, that the only sumptuary law necessary, in any society, is one, to compel men of all descriptions, to pay for what they buy?" Besides, in an interior country like Kentucky, removed so far from the general markets of the world, new tastes, and enjoyments, are essentially wanting to stimulate its industry, and to furnish products in return for those of forcign creation; these new demands do not present themselves so immediately before them, as before people situated on a sea-board.
The letter of Governor Randolph directing the discontinuance of the scouts and rangers on the western frontier already no- ticed, was taken into consideration; and a committee appointed to remonstrate with the executive of Virginia against discharg- ing these spies, "and to state to His Excellency the President of Congress (query of the U. States?) the defenceless state of the district, the most probable mode of defence, the depredations committed by the Indians, since the first of May last, 1789; the small number and dispersed situation of the continental troops, which renders it impossible they can either assist us, or inter- cept the enemy." In conformity to their instructions, the com- mittee addressed the Secretary at War, on the 8th of Septem- ber; and on the 15th of the ensuing December, an answer was received "with assurances from the President. that measures would be taken for the defence of the frontier." Shortly after- wards, the President laid before Congress, a dispatch from the Governor of the north-western territory, representing the exist- ence of Indian hostilities, and that the Kentuckians traversed his territory to get at the enemy, whom he was not able to chastise; and recommending offensive measures. In conse- quence of this communication, the President suggested to Con- gress a provisional act for calling out the militia: yet in strange contrast with these proceedings, a treaty was proclaimed as made by Governor St. Clair with the Indians north-west of the Ohio. Indian depredations, however, continued in different parts of the State, encouraged no doubt, by the continuance of the British posts on the lakes, and the greater supineness of the
--
187
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
people of Kentucky; who were necessarily at this period, more engaged with their farms, than they had been, in earlier and more dangerous times. The settlements too, were more dis- persed, and the pursuit after the Indians less energetic, than when the white occupation of the country was all at stake.
The fourth act of separation which was passed by Virginia. conformably to the wishes of Kentucky, as formerly intimated, required a new convention to assemble on the 26th of July, 1790, to determine again on the question so repeatedly answered in the affirmative, whether "it was expedient for, and the will of the good people of the district, that the same should become a separate State, and independent member of the Union, on the conditions stipulated: provided, that prior to the Ist of No- vember, in the year aforesaid, the government of the United States release Virginia from her federal obligations, arising . from the district-agree that the proposed State, shall immedi- ately after the day to be fixed for separation by the convention, be admitted into the federal Union:" which day was required to be posterior to the 1st of November, 1791. Provision was likewise made for electing a convention to organize a govern- ment for the district. At the same session, the county of Wood- ford was separated from Fayette, the last of the Virginia crea- tions, to take effect on the 1st of May, 1790.
Transylvania seminary, which principally owed its estab- lishment to Colonel John Todd, also experienced the liberality of the legislature, in bestowing on it one-sixth of the surveyors' fees, formerly conferred on the College of William and Mary. This institution has been, under various modifications and diversified fortune, the nucleus of literature and sound learning in Kentucky; around which, many other institutions, and nu- merous alumni have clustered. It was established by an act of Virginia in 1780, at the establishment of Lexington, on a grant of eight thousand acres of the first land in the county of Ken- tucky, which should be confiscated. This grant was comple- ted out of the lands, which had been surveyed under British authority for certain persons who adhered to it, in the Revolu- tionary struggle. It would be a curious, though a difficult cal-
.
188
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
culation, to estimate the important consequences, which this most interesting institution has had by its library, its lectures, and its professors, on the intellect and the morals of the wes- tern country. Such influences have been too much and dis- gracefully disregarded, in the actual legislation of Kentucky. With some indiscreet land endowments of county seminaries, which have been confided to so many promiscuous and irrespon- sible trustees, as to have been almost all wasted; the legisla- tive patronage of Kentucky to any system of education for its rising generations, has been wofully remiss, and practically in- significant. To this remark the city of Louisville presents a proud exception. and a model for the rest of the State. How long shall any portion of a people blessed with such noble pre- rogatives of freedom, and lofty opportunities of high emprise, as the American throughout their republics so eminently are; con- tinue practically indifferent to this seed plot of their liberties and of the most glorious attributes of moral and intellectual natures? The panegyrics of our statesmen, the waste of rhet- oric in our orators on the sublime interests of social education, are but bitter sarcasms and caustic satires on national indiffer- ence; while the children of the republic, its future soul and animation through all the walks of society and offices of life, remain a prey to the avarice, the ignorance, the poverty, or the indifference of their parents. This fostering of social educa- tion does indeed involve within its influence, the permanency and even desirableness of our institutions of popular power. For let it be engraven on the inmost fibres of every patriot's heart, that the power, or in other words the freedom of a people uncultivated in mind and in morals, must prove as pernicious to themselves, as by the beneficial economy of Divine Providence, it must be short-lived in itself. Under these solemn convictions of its importance, the historian of Kentucky may be pardoned, in most earnestly commending the sacred cause of educating the hearts and minds of her people, to every citizen that aspires to the holy triumphs of benefiting his fellow men, in any of the exertions of life. However obscure such efforts may be at first, or however arduous, they will hand down his name for mem-
F
189
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
ory to delight to dwell on. Actuated by this holy impulse, Ken- tucky would enjoy not only theatres in which should be displayed the high moral and intellectual influences of education; but the land would be overspread with school houses and teachers, that should consecrate society by spreading suitable lights of science and of learning, to every log cabin in the Common- wealth.
Indian depredations continued with the succeeding year, and became particularly aggravated upon the Ohio river, where many boats were taken and the people killed or taken prisoners. Notwithstanding these enormities, of our savage neighbors, the Governor of Virginia on the complaint of Governor St. Clair of the North Western Territory, that incursions were made from Kentucky on Indians in amity with the United States, di- rected that should it be necessary on any occasion to repel the attack of an enemy within the limits of the State; the most positive orders should be issued, that no party should upon any pretence whatever, enter into the territory either of the United States or of any Indian tribe. The execution of such instruc- tions would have been nearly tantamount to surrendering the western country to the Indians; as no offensive expedition, (which were the only effectual ones.) and no pursuit could have been carried over the Ohio river. The fact of these Kentucky incursions is however denied on the authority of the Kentucky Gazette, the files of which on being examined contained no notice of any expedition at or any way near the times alluded to by the Governor of the North Western Territory .* Yet had any parties of this description have been instituted, the news was too deeply interesting to the whole country to have been omitted.
+ Political Transactiona, page 47.
190
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
CHAPTER XII.
Gen. Harmar's Campaign -- Eighth Convention of the District-Separation from Virginia agreed upon-Col, Hardin's battles-Captain Hubbel's defence against the Indians -- Gen. Scott's Expedition-Col. Wilkinson's Expedition-Gen. St. Clair-Board of War in Kentucky-St. Clair's deteat-Pretended retaliation by Gen. Scott.
The continuance of these aggressions, at length aroused the people to rely upon their own energies and again to pursue their wily and fugitive enemy, into his own forests and towns. For this purpose Gen. Scott with two hundred and thirty volun- teers crossed the Ohio at Limestone, and was joined by General Harmar with one hundred regulars of the United States. The party proceeded to the Scioto against a camp of Indians, but they found it abandoned. A small detachment of thirteen men however surprised a party of four Indians, who were all killed by the first fire. Such particulars are too paltry and too bloody for further detail. By the 13th of April, the Secretary at War wrote to Harry Innes, (who had been appointed a judge of the United States for the District of Kentucky) authorizing him to call forth scouts for the protection of the frontier.
On the 30th of the month, Governor St. Clair arrived at the falls of the Ohio on his way to concert with General Harmar an offensive expedition against the Indians; and an assemblage of people at Danville resolved, "that the frequent depredations of the Indians on persons and property, made it necessary to march against their towns." A meeting of the field officers of the militia was therefore proposed at the same place, on the 26th of the month. On this day, the eighth convention assembled, and after making George Muter President, for the eighth time renewed the resolution in favor of separation from Virginia on the terms prescribed in her act for that purpose; accepted the conditions specified in that act, as a solemn compact between the two States, and appointed the Ist day of June, 1792, for the exis- tence of the State of Kentucky "as separate from and indepen- dent of the State of Virginia." Thus were brought to a close, six years labor of Kentucky to become a separate State; which, if they are not perfectly parallel with the labors of Hercules,
191
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
afford the most provoking and tantalizing series of disappoint- ments, that were ever calculated to try the temper, and prove the love of social order, in any community. Such a scene of political trials would explode the forbearance of any portion of the American people at this day; and still, they were two years off the fruition of their reiterated wishes. Addresses were voted to the President of the United States and to Congress, praying for admission into the Union agreeably to the time prescribed by Virginia; they moreover directed the election of a convention for the formation of a Constitution, in the month of December, 1791, allotting five representatives to each of the nine counties without regard to their population, and limiting its existence to seven months, and to assemble on the first Monday in April at the town of Danville.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.