USA > Kentucky > History of Kentucky, Volume II > Part 2
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The military prowess of Kentuckians individually and collectively was attested by friend and enemy alike in this war. In its spectacular and dramatic effect the traditional action in single combat between colonel Johnson and Tecumseh was long held out as typical of the indi- vidual bravery of Kentuckians. The description by a British officer of a Kentucky rifleman at the battle of New Orleans was true to the popular estimation in which he was held. His rather spectacular account follows : "We marched in solid column in a direct line upon the Ameri- can defenses. I belonged to the staff and, as we advanced, we watched through our glasses the position of the enemy with that intensity an officer only feels when marching into the jaws of death. It was a strange sight, the breastwork, with the crowds of beings behind, their heads only visible above the line of defence. We could distinctly see their long rifles lying on the works, and the batteries in our front, with their great mouths gaping towards us.
"We could also see the position of General Jackson, with his staff around him. But what attracted our attention most was the figure of a tall man standing on the breastworks, dressed in linsey-woolsey, with buckskin leggins and a broad-brimmed felt hat that fell around the face, almost concealing the features. He was standing in one of those pic- turesque, graceful attitudes peculiar to those natural men dwelling in forests. The body rested on the left leg and swayed with a curved line upward. The right arm was extended, the hand grasping the rifle near the muzzle, the butt of which rested near the toe of his right foot. With the left hand he raised the rim of the hat from his eyes and seemed gaz-
16 Niles' Register, Vol. 8, p. 31. Shelby's message to the Legislature January 25, 1815.
17 Niles' Register, Vol. 8, p. 31.
18 Acts of Kentucky, 1814.
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ing intently on our advancing column. The cannon of the enemy had opened on us and tore through our works [ranks] with dreadful slaugh- ter, but we continued to advance, unwavering and cool, as if nothing threatened our progress.
"The roar of cannon had no effect upon the figure before us; he seemed fixed and motionless as a statue. At last he moved, threw back his hat- rim over the crown with his left hand, raised the rifle to the shoulder, and took aim at our group.
"Our eyes were riveted upon him; at whom had he leveled his piece? But the distance was so great that we looked at each other and smiled. We saw the rifle flash and very rightly conjectured that his aim was in the direction of our party. My right-hand companion, as noble a fellow as ever rode at the head of a regiment, fell from his saddle.
"The hunter paused a few moments without moving his gun from his shoulder. Then he reloaded and assumed his former attitude. Throw- ing the hat-rim over his eyes and again holding it up with the left hand, he fixed his piercing gaze upon us, as if hunting out another victim. Once more the hat-rim was thrown back and the gun raised to his shoulder. This time we did not smile, but cast glances at each other, to see which of us must die.
"When again the rifle flashed another one of our party dropped to the earth. There was something most awful in this marching on to certain death. The cannon and thousands of musket balls playing upon our ranks we cared not for, for there was a chance of escaping them. Most of us had walked as cooly on batteries more destructive without quailing, but to know that every time that rifle was leveled toward us and its bullet sprang from the barrel one of us must surely fall; to see it rest motionless, as if poised on a rock, and know when the hammer came down, that the messenger of death drove unerringly to its goal; to know this and still march on was awful. I could see nothing but the tall figure standing on the breast-works; he seemed to grow, phantom-like, higher and higher, assuming through the smoke the supernatural ap- pearance of some great spirit of death. Again did he reload and dis- charge and reload and discharge his rifle with the same unfailing aim and the same unfailing result, and it was with indescribable pleasure that I beheld, as we neared the American lines, the sulphurous cloud gather- ing around us and shutting that spectral hunter from our gaze. We lost the battle, and to my mind the Kentucky rifleman contributed more to our defeat than anything else, for while he remained in our sight our attention was drawn from our duties, and when, at last, he became en- shrouded in the smoke, the work was complete; we were in utter con- fusion and unable, in the extremity, to restore order sufficient to make any successful attack. The battle was lost." 19
Brave in battle, Kentuckians were honorable warriors who were gen- erous to a fallen foe. They had seen and felt savage cruelty vented on the helpless. The massacre at the River Raisin gave them stern reso- lution and a bold determination to carry on the war with redoubled vigor, but it did not implant in them the spirit of vengeance and retri- bution, except as it could be carried out in an honorable way-never upon the fallen and helpless. Commodore Perry, who had used some Ken- tucky militia on his little fleet in the battle of Lake Erie, spoke of them in high terms. "He represented them as courageous, even to imprudence, and as liberal, generous and humane almost to a fault." 20 And, in the opinion of the Albany Argus, "Although justice would have sanctioned the most dreadful retaliation upon the enemy for the cruelty inflicted upon their brethren, yet we have not heard of a single act of retaliation,
19 Durrett MSS. quoted in McElroy, Kentucky in the Nation's History, 362-365.
20 Albany Argus, quoted in Niles' Register, Vol. 8, Supplement, 178.
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of cruelty, of pillage or insult, inflicted by them upon the fallen foe. They twice conquered-first by their arms and then by their humanity. What magnanimity ! What a lesson to the enemy. We know not what effect such greatness of soul will produce upon the Christian foe, but it produced the most unbounded submission and confidence in their savage allies." 21
The London Quarterly Review carried an entirely different story. In a rather bizarre fashion it made some amusing charges against the Ken- tucky troops. It gravely stated that "Every man who has served in that country can attest the fact that the Kentuckians invariably carried the tomahawk and scalping knife into action, and are dexterous in using them. It is well authenticated that the first scalp taken in the late war was torn from the head of a lifeless Indian by the teeth of a captain in the American service. This wretch, whose name was McCulloch, was killed in a skirmish on the 5th of August, 1812, and in his pocket was found a letter to his wife, boasting that on the 15th of the preceding month, a few days after the opening of the war, when an Indian had been killed on the River Canard and was found scalped, he had per- formed the exploit." 22 The North American Review defended Kentucky against such groundless and wild charges. "The character of the Ken- tuckians," it said, "is beyond the reach of tirades like this. We know them well. They are generous, hospitable, high spirited and patriotic, fearing nothing and regarding nothing in the heat of battle, but kind and humane when the battle is over." 23 The American Government charged Great Britain with the seeming intention of giving "to this war every degree of savage barbarity and cruelty which it may be able to inflict." Especially had she been guilty of imprisoning Americans as felons awaiting trial for treason. The Secretary of State, therefore, wrote the governor of Kentucky requesting permission to confine a like number of British in the penitentiary in Frankford, "which is represented to be a building affording the twofold advantage of good and safe ac- commodation." 24 Kentucky at once set aside space for them.
The patriotic ardor and nationalist feelings of Kentucky stood out with great prominence in this war and very strongly impressed itself on the other parts of the country and on the East in particular. The narrow-minded rivalry and scurvy jealousies the East had held ont against the West fast melted away in the face of the record Kentucky made in the war. The Albany Argus, in the midst of the war, was led
21 Quoted in Niles' Register, Vol. 8, Supplement, 178.
22 Quoted in The North American Review, XXIV (New Series, XV), 436, 437.
23 Ibid, 437. It continued: "Every hunter or woodsman carries a knife, when- ever his occupations lead him into the forest. It is as necessary to him as his rifle and blanket. Without it, he could not skin and dress his game, nor strike his fire, nor cut a stick, nor prepare for encampment, nor divide his victuals, nor perform the thousand offices, where such an instrument is required. But this writer probably supposed that every night, a comfortable table, with its knives and forks, and other apparatus, is spread for the citizen soldier who mounts his horse at the summons of his country, and is soon lost to all but himself and his companions, in the everlasting solitude of pathless forests. Here, his roof is the heavens, his pillow a saddle, his bed a blanket, a pointed stick his only culinary utensil, and his knife the only manual instrument. And how long is it, since similar instruments were carried by the Highlanders, and since 'the clanking of knives and forks, lifted from the table, above the salt, and drawn from the sheath, below it,' was heard at Highland dinners? And these hardy mountaineers, and we speak it seriously, were as likely to scalp their living companions, as the Kentuckians to inflict outrages upon a dead or dying savage. It may be, that such gross violations of decency and humanity were committed. Individual passion cannot always be restrained, but the man and the deed would be reprobated, as generally and as vehemently in Kentucky as in London."
24 Niles' Register, Vol. 5, p. 306. Letter dates, November 27, 1813. On De- cember 8, 1813, a resolution was passed by the Legislature providing for the necessary accommodations. Acts of Kentucky, 1813, 220.
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to comment on the situation in a manner very favorable to Kentucky. It said: "The interested views of ambitious demagogues have deceived one-half our nation as to the views of the other half and made our North- ern federalists look upon the inhabitants of the Western country as a set of most selfish, jealous beings under heaven, intently bent on destroying the commerce and influence of the eastern states, when in truth there are no people on the globe who have evinced more national feeling, more disinterested patriotism, or displayed a more noble enthusiasm to defend the honor and rights of their common country than the people of the western states. Comparatively speaking, they are but trivially affected by the fluctuations of the commercial world, and even a state of war presents nothing alarming to a state like Kentucky, wholly removed from the scenes of its operations and beyond the reach of its evils. Possessing the most inviting climate and a soil which yields all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life with little labor, the inhabitants of Kentucky, were they actuated, as the enemies of our welfare would insinuate, by selfish, mercenary or vicious motives, might enjoy the tranquility of their homes in undisturbed security-see the billows of war break harmless at their feet and view the conflicting interests of the commercial world with stoic indifference. Situated many hundred miles from the ocean and separated from the Indian frontiers by Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and the Mississippi territory, the people of Kentucky could feel no appre- hension of invasion. And yet what have they done? They have done more to bring about an honorable peace, by giving energy to the war, than all the New England states put together. They have sent 17,000 volunteers to protect the inhabitants of other states and to avenge the nation's wrongs; and disaster, instead of disheartening, has only tended to redouble their exertions." 25
But even the strongholds of federalism and hostility toward the West were stormed by the patriotism Kentucky had showed in the war. A federalist merchant from Boston was in Kentucky during the fall of 1813, while Shelby was preparing to lead his volunteers against the British in Canada, and observed with utter amazement the patriotic zeal of the people. In a letter to a Boston friend he declared that "they are the most patriotic people I have ever seen or heard of. When Governor Shelby issued his late proclamation for volunteers, a proportion of those who marched were respectable farmers with large possessions-many entered entirely independent in property, leaving large and respectable families ; and some at the age of fifty years, and a great many at forty. with no expectations of benefit or pay, finding their own horses and equipment. This singular patriotism is singular and astonishing. Many men of the first character have in former campaigns volunteered, and some have lost their lives. These things to a New Englandman look like madness-here it is considered glorious, as it really is. With such ardor and patriotism, should it pervade all ranks of the United States, our country could war successfully against all the foes England and France could bring against us. Here are few opposers to the war, but no enemies to the country ; we have a few that are termed federalists, but not like those of New England." 26
The Albany Argus compared with deadly effect the war feeling in Kentucky and in the New England states: "What is the conduct of the venerable Shelby ? Does he, like Strong, interpose constitutional scruples and chill the patriotism and devotion of his countrymen by denying the national authority and limiting them to their own state? No. He gives new luster to his character, already bright upon the historic page of our revolution-he hastens to obey the national will-acts as a stimulant to
25 Quoted in Niles' Register, Vol. 8, Supplement, 178.
26 Quoted in Niles' Register, Vol. 8, Supplement, 178, 179.
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his constituents and worthy of a free people-he enrolls his name at the head of a volunteer list, although sixty-six years of age, and invites them to march with him to a distant province-to encounter with him the hardships, the privations and the dangers of a sanguinary campaign. And how is the invitation received? Do the brave militia of that young state imitate the example of some of its elder sisters? Do they wait to be drafted-or, when drafted or detached, ignobly shrink from their duty and pitifully seek to avoid the penalties of law? We lack words to express a just admiration of their noble conduct. In fifteen days 4,000 voluntarily hastened to the standard of their chief, mounted and equipped at their own expense -- undergo a march of 600 or 700 miles -and when they reached the boundary line that separates their own from their enemy's country, they put to shame the miserable subterfuge of cowards-they seek the enemy in his strongholds-fight and conquer him and his province-and return to their homes laden with honor and rich in the admiration of the American nation and of the world.
"Such, Citizens of New York, has been the genuine, the wonderful patriotism of a people whom you have been instructed to regard with jealousy and suspicion and whose interests you have been told are at variance with your own !" 27
The recent war meant much for Kentucky. She had not only com- pletely found herself, her resources spiritually and materially, but she had compelled the rest of the country to take note of her and accord her her proper place in the councils of the nation. Her statesmen were attaining positions of prominence, and their statesmanship was not devoid of Western aspirations and influence. In conjunction with the rest of the West, Kentucky comes to play a bigger part in shaping national policies. In fine, the West emerged from the war with peculiar prob- lems and a growing power and influence to formulate and enforce their solutions.
27 Quoted in Niles' Register, Vol. 8, Supplement, 179.
CHAPTER XLVII SLAUGHTER AND THE DISPUTED GUBERNATORIAL SUCCESSION
The late war was followed in Kentucky by marked political and economic manifestations and developments. Just as the people in war had been pronounced and vigorous in their reactions to the problems and difficulties of the day, so they in peace were no less positive and daring. Their great interest in and special adaptation to political disputation had been noted by early travellers. The war intensified these traits. Amos Kendall, who came to Kentucky about this time to make for himself a career, bore striking testimony to the vigor with which the people served their politics. He believed the road to preferment could best be started in this way: "I have, I think, learnt the way to be popular in Kentucky, but do not as yet put it in practice. Drink whiskey and talk loud, with the fullest confidence, and you will hardly fail of being called a clever fellow." 1
Political divisions were almost swallowed up and lost in the first few months following the end of the war, in the general acclaim of those who had played so glorious a part in state and nation in a military, political, or diplomatic way. The momentary disappointment that came to some on the announcement of peace soon vanished on more mature delibera- tion, and those who made the treaty were given due praise. It was an especial joy that one of the most prominent of the Ghent commissioners was a Kentuckian, who had upheld in a masterful manner the interests and aspirations of Kentucky and the West. Therefore when Clay re- turned he was received by his fellow Kentuckians with great cordiality and respect. According to an account of the day he was "almost daily receiving some new evidence of their love and respect." 2 His home- city, Lexington, gave him an official welcome. The Board of Trustees in a resolution participated "in the general joy felt at the return of our distinguished fellow citizen, Henry Clay," and expressed their high appreciation of the course he and his colleagues had followed at Ghent, stating that they had "discharged the important duties confided to them in a manner highly honorable to themselves and satisfactory to the gov- ernment and people of the United States." Clay replied that the "unin- terrupted favor and affection" shown for him by his townsmen for many years was "peculiarly gratifying ;" but as for any great honor due on account of the recent peace negotiations, he would have them remember that the chief work there consisted in peremptorily rejecting "the inad- missible terms proposed by the ministers of Great Britain." "The time will never arrive," he continued, "when any American minister can justly acquire honor for performing a duty so obvious, as that always must be, of refusing to subscribe to disgraceful conditions of peace." 3 A public dinner was given to him where many toasts were drunk to his honor. Here again he expressed the feeling that little honor was due the Ameri-
1 Autobiography of Amos Kendall, Wm. Stickney, editor, 126.
2 Niles' Register, Vol. 9, p. 151.
8 Ibid, 150.
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can commissioners for the work they did, but that he was no less apprecia- tive of Lexington's reception. But he gloried in the fact that the war had taught Europe to respect Americans; that the reputation of the United States was now firmly established abroad.+
Kentucky's satisfaction with the outcome of the war as well as with the general conduct of affairs by the national administration was ex- pressed by the Legislature in an address to President Madison on his re- tirement from the presidency. His services in upholding the constitu- tion, in conducting his high office "with correct policy," in steering the nation through "a just and necessary, but a tempestuous and boisterous war, difficult on account of the power of the enemy, but rendered more dangerous by faction at home"-his services along all these lines, "de- mand of us an unequivocal declaration of your title to the lasting gratitude of the people of Kentucky; and while we contemplate with delight the elevated attitude of this nation among the civilized governments of the age, we will cherish with pleasure the memory of the man, whose talents and services have so eminently contributed to his country's character and unsullied honor." An attempt by Rowan in the House to temper this praise in certain particulars was defeated by a vote of 68 to 15, and in the Senate it failed by a unanimous vote.5
The crystallization of the people around national figures in their political affiliations had not yet advanced far enough in Kentucky to cause much opposition to Clay ; nor had Jackson yet emerged as a national political leader sufficiently to have a strong following in the state or to have raised up bitter political enemies. His memory was, however, un- savory with many on account of military reasons. Therefore, when Kentuckians, proud of their record at New Orleans, expressed their appreciation of their fellow citizens who fought there, they conspicuously failed to mention by name or even refer to "Old Hickory," the hero of New Orleans. These resolutions of 1817, which were yet more patriotic than political, show the vigorous and somewhat boisterous feeling of the people : "Resolved, By the legislature of the commonwealth, That the re- currence of this day is calculated to awaken in every American bosom sensations of joy and gratulation. The eighth day of January, one thou- sand eight hundred and fifteen, was destinguished by a victory the more splendid as it was achieved by the proud votaries of civil liberty, over the disciplined vassals of an ambitious monarch. New Orleans, and this day, form a combination of time and place alike humiliating to England and gratifying to America. On this memorable day Britain was van- quished and driven from the land of freedom; while she trembles, let us rejoice; and that we may evince the proud sensations connected with the day and the valor of our brave officers and soldiers-
"Resolved, That our venerable acting governor [Slaughter] (who is himself respectfully remembered in connection with the day and subject) be requested to cause the artillery company of the town of Frankfort forthwith to parade on the public square near the capitol, and there to discharge nineteen rounds of canon, a round for each state in our happy union, in commemoration of the achievements of our arms on that glori- ous day." 6
Although in national politics the so-called "Era of Good Feeling" had set in and Kentucky was doing her part to perpetuate; in state affairs events so transpired that within two years after peace had been pro- claimed the people were arrayed against each other in a bitter contest, senseless though it might seem to outsiders. Governor Shelby, who had guided the state through the period of warfare just ended, reached the
4 Niles' Register, Vol. 9, 196.
5 Ibid, Vol. 12, pp. 42, 43.
6 Niles' Register, Vol. 11, p. 407.
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end of his teri of office in 1816. In his final message to the legislature in December, 1815, he commended the state on its record in the late war, and saw a further development in the high sense of honor and duty that had always characterized the people. War was terrible; but still it had its compensations. It developed noble emotions. "The spirit of the nation which lay dormant, not extinguished, was no sooner roused into action, than it burst upon the heads of our enemies, and struck terror and consternation through their ranks." "No longer is our character obscured by our forbearance, and our love of peace." He would, there- fore, have the state and nation prepared hereafter. He recommended a program for military preparation by the state and suggested that the nation help. Rich in honors and the affections of his fellow citizens, Shelby took this party leave: "I cannot take my leave of the general assembly without expressing to them the grateful sense I shall aways entertain for the favorable light in which my countrymen have viewed my public conduct, and offering to the Divine Disposer of all human affairs, my devout acknowledgement for his many favours extended to our country, and my fervent prayers that his protecting arm, may long preside over its destinies." 7 The legislature replied in a spirit of deep appreciation and respect. Believing it improbable that they shall ever act again in official concert due to the Governor's advanced age, the General Assembly desired to express "their respect and gratitude for the services rendered by their venerable chief magistrate to their common country. Those services will form a part of the history of the nation, and will transmit his name honorably to posterity. They implore the blessings of heaven upon his declining age, and bid a painful, but affectionate adieu." 8
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