USA > Kentucky > The history of Kentucky : including an account of the discovery, settlement, progressive improvement, political and military events, and present state of the country > Part 18
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These dispositions becoming more obvious before the separation actually took place, were by some men of re- flection seen, felt, and regretted, as serious evils in the state legislature.
The year had been ushered in amidst popular discus- sions on the subject of separation ; nor were they allay- ed by the arrival of the act on that subject ; which we have already given in detail.
By acts passed at the same session, three new coun- ties were to take place in time to be represented in the next convention. In the mean time ----
Considering the acts of congress in relation to Indian affairs, as having an influence more, or less direct, on
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the interests of Kentucky ; and hence proper to be no- ticed in her history ; we shall take occasion at this place to insert a brief sketch of those acts. The tardy delibe- rations, and slow resolves of that honorable body, after 1 preliminaries of peace, will form a striking, if not an a- greeable contrast, with the ardor and promptitude of the Kentucky conventions.
On the first of May 1783, congress resolved that the Secretary at War take the most effectual measures, to inform the several Indian nations on the frontiers of the United States that preliminary articles of peace have been agreed on ; that hostilities have ceased with Great- Britain ; that the British forts within the United States are soon to be given up ; that the United States are dis- posed to enter into friendly treaties with them ; and that unless they cease hostilities, and accede to these friendly offers of peace, congress will take the most de- cided measures to compel a compliance. But what was congress ? Dependent on the states, for power, for effi- eiency-for existance. Prolific in resolves, but barren in execution.
On the 15th of October following, among other things relative to Indians, Congress state that it is re- presented, and believed, " that although the hostile tribes of Indians in the northern and middle depart- ments are seriously disposed to a pacification, yet they are not in a temper to relinquish their territorial claims without a further struggle."
And on the same day they resolve " that a conventi- on be held with the Indians residing in the northern and
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middle departments, who have taken up arms against the . United States, for the purpose of receiving them into the favor, and protection of the United States, and of estab- lishing boundary lines of property, for separating and dividing the 'settlements of the citizens, from the Indian villages, and hunting grounds, and thereby extinguish- ing as far as possible all occasion for future animosities, disquiet, and contention."
On the 30th of October, it is resolved, that the com- missioners for holding the convention with the Indians under the act of the 15th instant, give notice to the su- preme executive of Pennsylvania, who wanted to make a purchase of their land.
March the 3d, 1784, " Congress proceeded to the consideration of Indian affairs ;" and decided that the next day, five commissioners should be elected, to nego- tiate with the Indians. Accordingly George Rogers Clark, Oliver Wolcott, Nathaniel Green, Richard But- ler, and Stephen Higginson, were elected. All former appointments, if any, were revoked.
The president of congress was desired to inform the gentlemen of their election, and that it was the wish of congress they should locse no time in effecting the cb- jects of their mission. The 10th of April was appointed for their meeting, at New- York; and they were enjoin- ed to inform the Indians when and where they might be met, and to invite their attendance.
On the 8th of the month congress dispute, without a- greement, about the compensation to the commissioners ; and on the 12th, agree to the form of a commission for
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them. The 19th, it is agreed that the commissioners shall receive six dollars and fifty cents per day-that 15,000 dollars worth of merchandise be purchased for the disposition of the commissioners ; who were autho- rised to appoint an agent to receive, and account for the goods. The superintendant of finance was ordered to furnish the money. And the commissioners to make and transmit to congress estimates of such other goods as might be necessary.
All this time congress seem not to have thought of providing escorts, or guards for the commissioners.
The 24th of April Benjamin Lincoln, and Arthur Lee, were appointed commissioners, in the place of Mr. Higginson, and Mr. Green, whohad declined accepting their appointments.
May the 18th, it was thought expedient to have an armed force, with the commissioners to treat with the Indians ; and an attempt was made by Mr. Lee, to ob- tain an order to the Secretary of War, for 300 men, which failed.
A proposition was made on the 25th of May, to enlist 450 men, to be employed for the defence of the north- western frontier. This motion was superceded by one to engage as soon as possible, to serve for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged, 896 men, includ- ing non-commissioned officers, for the defence of the north-western frontiers of the United States.
This proposition being lost ; on the 26th, a motion was made, repeating in substance the foregoing, with this expletive, " to give protection to the commission-
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ers appointed to negotiate treaties of peace with the In- dians." And with this further idea, " that the several states furnish their quotas, &c."
Upon this latter subject Mr. Gerry, introduces a learned disquisition to shew that standing armies were dangerous in times of peace, that it was doubtful whether congress could make a requisition on the states for their several quotas-that it was expedient to consult the states on the subject-and that instead of requisition, it be recommended to the states, to raise the troops which might be immediately necessary. And all, this fine pre- paration was lost.
After this result, some other modifications of the sub- ject were attempted ; which also failed ; and for that time the subject fell, as before, through the interference of Mr. Gerry.
The 1st of June, congress was moved that General Knox be instructed to order 350 men, properly officer- ed, to march immediately, to be ready to take possession of the western posts as soon as evacuated by the troops of his Britannic majesty. That 700 men be raised, for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged, for the relief ofthe 300, for the protection ofthe western frontiers, and to guard the public stores. And that the several states furnish their quotas.
'To this proposition, Mr. Gerry moves by way of a- mendment, that New-Hampshire, and Massachusetts, should be exonerated, from its operation. A debate en - qued, which after several attempts at modification, te
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minated in the resolution-" that the commanding of- ficer be directed to discharge the troops, now in the ser- vice of the United States, except 25 privates, to guard the stores at West-Point; and other magazines."
The 3d of the month, a proposition of a new aspect was made, for 700 militia to be raised, from the states of Connecticut, New-York, and Pennsylvania; to serve for twelve months, subject to the orders of the Secretary at War, and of congress : " for the purpose of protecting the north-western frontiers of the United States, and their Indian friends and allies ; and for garrisoning the posts, soon to be evacuated by the troops of his Britannic majesty."
After various debate it was finally resolved, that it be recommended, to the states, most convenient, to furnish forthwith from their militia 700 men; to serve twelve months, unless sooner discharged, in the following pro- portions : Connecticut, 165-New-York, 165-New- Jersey, 110-and Pennsylvania 260. And further it was resolved, that the Secretary in the war office be di- rected tó order 300 men of the militia, to be raised by the foregoing resolution to be in readiness, to march when, and to what place, or places, the commissioners for nego- tiating with the Indians, or any two of them, may require.
It was also resolved on the same day, that stores and rations should be placed at the disposition of the com- missioners, for the purposes of the intended negotid- tion.
On the 10th of July, Congress, resolve to answer a
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letter which they had received from General G. R. Clark ; and that measures be taken to assemble the In- dians at such time and place as the commissioners may appoint. And that the Indians be assured, " the Uni- ted States, will not in the mean time undertake any thing to their disadvantage ; unless provoked thereto by hos- tilities on their part."
July the 26th " on motion ordered that an exemplifi- cation of the commission granted by the United States in Congress assembled, to the commissioners for nego- tiating with the Indians, and of the resolution empow- ering any two of them, being a majority of those present, to do the business of the commission, be made out and delivered to each of the said commissioners, under the seal of the United States."
At Fort Stanwix on the 27th of October 1784, the commissioners of the U. States, Oliver Wolcott, Rich -- and Butler, and Arthur Lee, entered into, and con- cluded a Treaty of peace, and friendship, with the Sa- chems and warriors of the six nations.
And at Fort M'Intosh, the 21st of January 1785, George R. Clark with the two last named commissioners on the part of the United States, concluded a treaty of peace and friendship, with the Sachems and warriors of the Wiandot, Delaware, Chippawa, and Ottawa, na- tions of Indians.
In 1785, March the 15th, congress resolve, that three commissioners with the same pay, as is allowed to the commissioners for treating with the northern Indians, be appointed to treat with the Cherokees, and all other
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Indians southward of them within the limits of the Unit- ed States, or who have been at war with them, for the purpose of making peace with them, receiving them into the favor and protection of the United States, and remo- ving as far as may be, all causes of future contention or quarrels."
" That they be instructed to inform the Indians of the great occurrences of the last war, and of the extent of country relinquished by Great-Britain."
" That the commissioners inform the Executives of Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Geor- gia, &c."
That they apply tothese states for 150 militia, or such part thereof as they may deem necessary, for their pro- tection while concluding the treaty -- and that they be authorised to draw on those states, for 9,000 dollars, to discharge expenses : and that said states have credit for the sum advanced.
March the 21st, Benjamin Hawkins, Daniel Carroll, William Perry, Andrew Pickins, and Joseph Martin, were appointed commissioners, for treating with the southern Indians. On the same day it was resolved " that the secretary in the war-office take order for dis- charging such of the troops, raised in pursuance of the resolution of June the 3d, 1784, as are not in actual ser- vice."
And to give greater security to the frontier settlements. and to establish a boundary line between the United States and the Pottawatamies, the Twightwees, Pean- kashaws, and other western nations, congress resolved
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also, that a treaty be held with the said Indians at Post Vincent, on the Wabash, on the 20th of June 1785, of at such other time, or place, as the commissioners may find more convenient. And at the same time provision is made in the same inex haustible resource of resolve, to furnish rations, and pay, for the proposed treaty.
The 24th of March it was ordered, " that the secreta- ry of congress inform the commissioners who are ap- pointed to negotiate a peace with the southern Indians, that it is the pleasure of congress, that they meet at Charlestown, South-Carolina on the 16th of May, and there fix on the time and place for holding a treaty of treaties, with the southern Indians-take the proper steps for giving due notice thereof to the several nations or tribes concerned, and make the necessary preparations før executing the further duties of the commission with all possible and convenient dispatch."
On June the 14th, Congress again take up the sub- ject of the treaty to be held at Post Vincent, and take sundry measures to facilitate its accomplishment ; and to enlarge the powers of the commissioners in relation to the citizens of the country, at, and about the Post, re- quiring from them an oath of allegiance ; and prohibit- ing the settlement of all persons on the unappropriated land ; which it is announced will be sold, as soon as it can be surveyed.
The commissioners for negotiating with the Indians, are on the 29th of the month, authorised to hold the pro- pesed treaty, at the Falls of Ohio, or at the mouth of thé Great Miami. And troops are ordered for their protec-
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tion. It is recommended to the state of Virginia to fur- nish 150 men from the counties most contiguous, that is Kentucky, to protect all persons attending the treaty.
The 9th of August, Mr. Robert Howe was chosen a commissioner to treat with the Indians, in the place of Arthur Lee, appointed to the treasury.
September the 12th, congress resolve, to guard against any failure on the part of the southern states to furnish the money required for the treaty, that the commission- ers are authorised to draw on the board of Treasury, for such ballance as it may not be in the power of the Exe- cutives of the states to furnish, for the objects of the ne- gotiation.
Samuel Holden Parsons, was elected a commissioner, on the 2 1 st of September, to treat with the western Indi- ans, in the place of Benja nin Lincoln resigned.
The 28th of November in this year the commissioners on the part of the United States, Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, Joseph Martin, and Lachan M Intosh, concluded a treaty of peace and friendsbip, with the head F men and warriors of the Cherokees, at Hopewell, on the Keowee. Treaty, now succeeded treaty, in rapid suc- cession.
The commissioners for the southern department had called the Indians of the different tribes within their ju- risdiction to Hopewell ; nor were they more ready to be- stow, than the Indians to receive their presents, and wampum.
On the 3d of January, 1786, a treaty was concluded, between the commissioners, stiling themselves plenipo-
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centiaries, and the plenipotentiaries of the Chocktaw na- tion of Indians ; for the purpose of peace and friendship.
At the same place, and for the same important objects of peace and friendship, a treaty was concluded on the ioth of January, 1786, between the same commission- ers, and the first ministers and beloved men of the Chickasaws.
And to complete the circle, a treaty of peace and friendship, was signed at the mouth of the Great Miami, the 3 ist of January 1786, between the plenipotentiaries : the United States and the chiefs and warriors of the Chawance nation of Indians. Annexed to this treaty, .re also the signatures of several Wiandot, and Dela- vare warriors.
The particular articles of these treaties are unimpor- ant to this history ; as peace, was the only matter of concern to our country. There is one characteristic of sem, which was disagreeable to the Indians at the time ; And afterwards became the growing cause of uneasiness, and ultimately of remonstrance ; the Indians are not ac- knowledged independent, but treated in the stile of in- Teriors. : An almost invariable article in them is " the United States give peace to the Indians," on conditions.
it would have been fortunate for the U. States, and Ken- jacky particularly, if the Indians would have given them prace on any conditions, stipulated by treaty. It is to : : confessed that there was considerable abatement in their hostility, in the year 1784, and 1785; also in ; 186, for sometime after the conclusion of these treaties.
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Nor is it to be dissembled, that parties of white men tra- versing the country on both sides of the Ohio, seldom permitted a party of Indians to escape them without mo- lestation. And hence it followed that individuals were at war, while the government were at peace. No doubt congress saw in the several treaties made by its agents, the entire success of its pacific policy towards the Indians -nor is it matter of surprise, that complaints against the Indians, or calls for aid, and for defence against their aggressions, should be heard by that body, with impati- ence, or suspicion.
The detail which we have given of the proceedings on Indian affairs, shews but too clearly, the alarming defect of powers; and the difficulty experienced, in effecting objects of national concern, by the confederated states.
An attentive and impartial review of this detail alone, will necessarily induce an abatement, in that temper of restlesness and complaint, which Kentuckians, feeling the effects, without knowing the cause, have often shewn at the apparent insensibility, and tardiness of congress, in relation to the interests of the western country.
We however leave these reflections to be pursued by others, and return to our narrative of those occurrences, and events, of which history is the appropriate reposito- ry. And which, should they 'afford no more amusement than our sketch of congressional proceedings, will by collecting, and bringing into view, a series of facts, af- ford to the inquisitive, and reflecting mind, the means of useful knowledge, which is the great object of his- tory.
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In the month of April in this year, the Indians, as they, had done before, stole horses on Beargrass, with which they crossed the Ohio as usual, thereby expecting to es- eape pursuit. But Colonel William Christian, having raised a party of m'en, crossed the same, on the tenth, determined that the Indians should no longer evade his pursuit by flying to their own forests. About twenty miles from the river, the Indians were overtaken, attack- ed, and totally destroyed ; with the loss to Kentucky, of two men only ; but unfortunately Colonel Christian was one of those, who fell.
" In the death of Colonel Christian, Kentucky experi- anced a most sensible, and important loss.
He had migrated from Virginia the preceding year; and settled his family on Beargrass. He was a man of activity, intelligence, and enterprise.
· From the death of Colonel John Floyd, which took place in 1783, in consequence of a wound from the gun of an Indian, that part of Kentucky had wanted such a man as Colonel Christian .
He had been used to the Indians, from an early period of his life, had distinguished himself as an officer ; had acquired much useful information ; and possessed the manners and accomplishments of a gentleman.
He was a Virginian by birth ; and received his edu- cation in Staunton.
He was appointed a Captain in Colonel Bird's regi- ment, which was ordered in the time of Braddock's wara to the south-western frontier of his parent colony. In this service he obtained the reputation of a brave, active, and
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skilful, partizan. After this he married the sister of Pa- trick Henry, settled in the county of Botetourt; and was made a Colonel in the militia.
In 1714, he raised a party of about 300 men, with whom he joined the army under the command of Colonel Andrew Lewis at the mouth of the great Canhawa, on the night after the battle, at the Point : Having per- formed an extraordinary march to assist in the action, With Colonel Lewis he crossed the Ohio, joined Dun- more, and was at the treaty with the Indians.
He was a member of the general convention in 1775- In 1776 he was appointed Lieutenant-colonel to the first Virginia regiment, and upon the resignation of the Colonel, in the same year he was promoted, to that rank.
The Cherokee Indians, having commenced hostilities in this year, Colonel Christian was ordered by the Exe- cutive, to that frontier, to take the command of an ex- pedition against them. His army was about twelve hundred men; this he conducted with propriety, and singular address. In consequence of which the enemy sent a flag of truce to him, and peace was made without fighting., Colonel Christian now returned to his home ; and soon after, the tories in the mountains, an ignorant and devoted class of people, manifesting an adherance to the British crown, in opposition to the measures of the United States, he found it necessary to suppress them, and resigned his regiment, to head the patriotic militia of his county. Hecontinued a vigilant, and active citizen during the war. By his influence and example, an ex-
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tensive section of the country on New River, was kept in subordination to the state authority ; but not without the exercise of martial law, upon occasions of insurrecti- on. He was repeatedly elected a member to the Legis- latúre from his county.
During this time Colonel Christian had obtained a high reputation for his acquirements, and knowledge, both civil and military.
In 1785, he removed his family to Kentucky, and sot- tled on his own land, in Jefferson county. About for- ty-two years of age, he felt all his former activity of dis- position, all his former attention to the safety of the country-and participated, in the active means of repel- ling the predatory parties of Indians, who infested his neighborhood.
The ideas of separation, and of independent govern- ment, having been familiarised in Kentucky, Colonel Christian was frequently spoken of by the people as the first Governor, of the new commonwealth.
The event of his death in 1786, terminated these ex- pectations, so agreeable to the public, so honorable to himself. If there was any man in Kentucky who did not regret his death, it was General Wilkinson, who already imagined he saw in him a rival in public favor.
All that part of Fayette county, which lay " within a line beginning at the mouth of Upper Howard's Creek on Kentucky River, running up the main fork thereot to the head ; thence with the dividing ridge between Ken- tucky and Licking, until it comes opposite to Eagle- Creek ; from thence a direct line to the nearest part of
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Raven Creek, a branch of Licking, down Raven Creek, ? to the mouth thereof ; thence with Licking to the Ohio ; thence with the Ohio to the mouth of Sandy Creek', up Sandy Creek to the Cumberland Mountain ; thence with : the said mountain to the line of Lincoln county ; thence with that line; and the Kentucky River to the beginning"-was on the first of May in this year, erected into the county of BOURPON.
So much of Lincoln county as was included " within a line Beginning at the confluence of Sugar Creek and Kentucky River, thence a direct line to the mouth of Clark's Run, thence a straight line to Wilson's Station in the fork of Clark's Run ; thence the same course conti- nued to the line of Nelson county ; thence with the said line to the line of Jefferson county ; thence with that line to the Kentucky River ; thence up the said river to the beginning": was on the first day of August in this year set a- part as a new county by the name of MERCER COUNTY.
And such other part of Lincoln county as lay within lines, " beginning at the confluence of Kentuc- ky, and Sugar Creek, thence up said creek to the fork that James Thompson lives on ; thence up the said fork to the head thereof ; thence a straight line to where an east course from John Ellis's will intersect the ridge that divides the waters of Paint Lick, from the waters of Dick's River ; thence along the top of the said ridge southwardly opposite to Hickman's Lick ; thence south forty-five degress east to the main Rockcastle River ; thence up the said river to the head thereof; thence with
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the ridge that divides the waters of Kentucky River, from the waters of Cumberland River to the line of Wash- ington county ; thence along the said line to the main fo.k of Kentucky River, that divides the county of Fay- ette, from the county of Lincoln ; thence down the said river to the beginning :" was on the same first of Au- gust, established the county of MADISON.
- The organization of these counties-discussions of the act of separation-the qualifications of new candi- dates-and rumors about the Indians-occupied the lat- ter part of the vernal, and beginning of the summer, season.
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CHAPTER VII.
CONTENTS OF CHAPTER VII.
The Convention of 1786 composed of five members from each county-General Wilkinson, ad resses the people in . Lexington on the day of election-is opposed-incident s af the debate-electioneering manoeuvres, and result of the election .- Characteristic sketches of General Wil- kinson .- General Clark's expedition, its failure and cause .- Colo. Ben. Logan's expedition against the Sha- wanees .- No convention in September-tbe caus :- in- cidents of Indian hostility .- Convention meet in Janua- ry 1787 -- the act of S.paration revised- and convention dissolved-proceedings on the subject of the Mississippi bistory of the case-proceedings of congress-uns Line- cutive, as to the Ind ans .- A nucky Gaz the pub- Nishe -meeting, and proceedings of the convention of 1781-introductory sketches of job Browtenis up- pointment to congress .- An estimate of the injury by Indians-Close of the year 1737.
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