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 25
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ever bound to acknowledge, we again solicit the friend .. ly interposition of the parent state, with the congress of the U. S. for a speedy admission.of the district into the federal union and also to urge that honorable body, in the most express terms, to take effectual measures for procuring to the inhabitants of this district the free.navi- gation of the river Mississippi, without which the situa- tion of a large part of the community will be wretched and miserable, and may be the source of future evils.
" Ordered that the president sign and the clerk attest the said address, and that the same be enclosed by the president to the speaker of the house of delegates."
The friends of General Wilkinson obtained for him the thanks. of the convention for his essay on the naviga- tion of the Mississippi. His adherents were pleased to stick this new plume in his cap ; while it was conceded on the other side, as an harmless ensign, by which to know "the character of his fidelity, to his own government.
The convention now take measures to renew their meeting if necessary, and adjourn until the first Monday in August, ensuing.
Tranquility appeared to be restored to the public mind ; for the people were strongly disposed by their habits, as well as by a moral conviction of its proprit; , to pursue the regular, legal course of obtaining from government, the independence, they saught.
It is believed that the result of the calculation of Wil- kinson, and his party, was a full persuasion, that the time was not favorable to the accomplishment of their project, and that dissimulation, which with such charae-
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, ters, forms a part of their moral system, was necessary. That they must wait events, and be ready, to avail themselves of circumstances. To renounce a connecti - on with Spain, would have been to forfeit their claims to pensions, from that government. To avow that con- nection, was to defeat their own purposes, among the people.
For it is in vain to dissemble, in this convention, there were two parties, the one loyal, patriotic, and deter- mined to maintain the integrity of the union-desi- rous of separating Kentucky from the residue of the state, with the assent of the legislature, and of con- gress, in order to become a regular member of the fe- :
deral union.
At the head of this party, were Colonel Thomas Marshall, Judge Muter, Colo! Joseph Crockett, and Colo. John Edwards ; supported by a large majority of the gentlemen from the different parts of the country ; and sometimes distinguished, by the appellation of the country party ; in contradistinction to the court party, .an'epithet bestowed on their opponents, on account of the leaders, with the exception of General Wilkinson, being members of the bench, or barr, of the Supreme Court. The most prominent of this party were Wil- Kinson, Brown, Sebastian, and Innes-at the head of these, was Wilkinson.
Their scheme was a declaration of independence, an immediate organization of government ; a treaty with Spain ; and an ultimate connection with the union, or nor, according to circumstances, and contingencies,
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Nor was there any doubt in the minds of those who had attended to their conduct and connected their opini- ons with any practical result, but that they kad adopted their line of policy, and were decidedly in favor, of a connection with Spain, in preference to one with the union.
They were supported by many, who did not see the ultimate object, whose confidence they had acquired, and upon whose credulity and want of information they im- posed, by an ostensible zeal for the public interest, and especially for the attainment of the navigation of the Mississippi ; magnified into an object of the first importance, and necessity.
It is believed, upon the evidence of circumstances ,. that the conspirators, waited with much anxiety, and so -. licitude, to see whether the new federal constitution would be put into operation, or not.
In the first event, they foresaw that they must ne- cessarily forego, their favorite object of connecting the country, with Spain. In the other alternative, the field would still be open to them, with increased prospects of success. For the old confederation was on the verge of the grave, and ready to dissolve itself, from imbecility, and weariness,
The federal constitution lately formed, was viewed by , both its friends, and its enemics, and they were nearly ballanced, on the American scale, as a germ of vigor,, and efficiency, which was to shoot forth its branches, to the protection of every part of the united territory ;. and under the shadow ofwhich, the poisonous, and: deleterious weeds of insurrection, and treason, would receive their blight.
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But if this new system should not be organised; there was nothing for conspiracy to apprehend, but from Virginia alone ; and she it was thought, would in all probability be engaged in adjusting her new conti- rental relations-and otherwise averse to a war with Kentucky, to reduce her to a former dependence, which 1 had long been considered as of a temporary nature.
To those who were disappointed, and to whom the present moment offered no other resource, it was prudent to acquiesce, to dissemble, to wait for changes favorable to their purposes ; and they did so. They retained their places, of power, and by means of these, their infiu- ence, among the people. The judiciary, in all free gov- ernments, is an institution of the most immediate im- portance to the people ; in Kentucky, it has always pos- : sessed an extraordinary share of influence over public o- pinion, by reason of conflicting titles to land, which it was to revise-whence it was always formidable, often despotis, and frequently arbitrary.
These observations will merit further elucidation in the progress of this history.
A party of Indians way-laying the road from Lexing'- ton to. Limestone, fired on some waggonners, near the Blue Licks, killed one of the men, and took the horses, on the day that the last convention met. This circum- stance shews the insecurity of travelling even on the most public road, for which it is recited, more than for any effect which it has been known to produce.
. Ini the last of December, reports reached Kentucky that about six hundred Indians attended the conference
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proposed to be held at the mouth of the Muskingum ; on the ninth of January 1789, a treaty was made with the Sachems and warriors of the Wyandot, Delaware, Otta- wa, Chipawa, Pottawatama and Sac, nations. Thus recommenced, à new circle, of treating, and fighting, with the Indians on the frontiers.
Such had been the effect of the negotiation with the Indians, that as early as the 5th of January 1789, John C Symes announced their pacific dispositions ; and in- , vited the people to survey the land in the Miami pur- chase.
In this month the third act of separation passed by the general assembly arrived in Kentucky, and was the ob- ject of eager enquiry, by all ; of severe criticism by some ; and of entire approbation by none.
This act had passed into a law as early as the 29th of December 1788 ; which shews that the legislature really had no desire to keep the people in suspense, but were willing, that they should separate, and become an inde- pendent member of the union, with all convenient dis- patch,
It contains, however some new conditions, reasona- ble as they might be thought by Virginia, which were highly exceptionable in Kentucky, and perhaps justly so. The one, went to subject the proposed state of Kentucky, to the payment of a proportion of the domestic debt of Vir- ginin, then existing. The reason for this, was, the very great expense incurred, in expeditions, and other milita- ry operations, on account of the district, subsequent to
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the first act, of separation, which had been assumed, by Virginia, and which she stood bound to pay.
The other condition, not of a pecuniary nature mere- ly, was however in its principle, much more exceptiona- ble. It not only proposed to secure to the Virginia cffi- cers and soldiers on the continental and state establish'- ment, their bounties in the lands set apart for them, lying in the proposed state, to be located, and surveyed, with- in a reasonable time, subject to the future controut of · Kentucky ; but it went to continue, the state of Ken- tucky, dependent on Virginia as to the time, for com- pleting the titles to those officers, and soldiers. And which we suppose was rather the effect of over much caution, than any design to abridge the sovereign righe's of the proposed state ; and especially, as upon represen- tation, the arrangement was'altered.
This act authorised the election of another convention to consist of five members from each county , to be elect- ed as formerly, and to meet at Danville on the third Monday in July 1789, with full powers to decide on the question of séparation, and to take measures, for framing a constitution, and organising government.
In all other respests, than upon the points heretofore noticed, this act being essentially the same as those pre - viously inserted, it is thought unnecessary to transcribe this ; and the more particularly so, because there was yet a fourth act, upon which the separation ultimately took place.
About this time, Colonel Thomas Marshall was ap- pointed reseiver of the revenue in the district of Kentus-
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ky, and the ordinary collectors were ordered to settle with, and pay over to him, the amount of their collecti- ons. This office was made the subject of invidious re- flection by the Spanish party ; whose object was to render both the office, and officer, unpopular, as one of the means of their own success. For they had already expe- rienced in Colonel Marshall an opponent who readily penetrated all their midnight plots, or day-light projects -and in whom they saw one of their most steady and in- flexible obstacles to success.
January 1789, the elections were held for choosing, Electors, of president, and vice-president, of the United . States, under the new constitution. No votes were giv- en in Kentucky.
The first Wednesday in February the electors were to meet at the seat of government, and vote for those offi- pers.
The new government was to commence its operation on the first Wednesday in March succeeding
General Washington had already been designated, in public opinion; and it was thought that the Electors would have little difficulty, in consecrating this beloved man, to the office of president.
No doubt this opinion had the happy effect of sup- pressing competition, and of producing its own accom - plishment ; which was effected by an unanimous vote.
Under this impression, Colonel Thomas Marshall, as early as the 8th of February 1789, wrote to the president elect, an account of the state of the district, and of such symptoms offoreign intrigue and internal disaffection as
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had manifested themselves, to him ; and which he con- sidered it his duty to represent to the president, that he might in due time apply the proper corrective.
If this communication has any fault, it is the delicate reserve, which it manifests with respect to all individual character, thereby leaving the president open to decepti- on, and imposition, in his future nominations to office, in Kentucky.
From this communication however we learn, that Kentucky being thought in market, and to be bought by some neighboring nation, the British government had determined to become the competitor of Spain in the purchase. With this view, she had as early as Novem- ber preceding, deputed Doctor Connolly, a man of ta- Jents, and address, from Quebeck, to Kentucky, to sound the disposition of the leading people in the coun- try, and to make preparatory arrangements, for affording British aid in any attempts, that might be made on the provinces of his Catholic majesty. The free navigation of the Mississippi, known to be the " hobby horse" of the day, was held up to view, asone of the first and most certain consequences of the proposed coalition. Four thousand British troops were said to be ready in Canada, to march at a moment's warning. These ideas were dis- tinctly suggested by the Doctor to Colo. Marshall, and Judge Muter, in a short conference, which he saught for that purpose.
Doubts were suggested of British friendship, while they held the posts and encouraged as it was supposed, the hostility of the Indians. The Doctor, promised to make
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§ proper representation to Lord Dorchester on his re- turn ; and invited a correspondence, which was promis- ed, in case he would set the example. Circumstances, were not thought favorable by the Doctor, to a full dis- closure, and he took his leave, after an imperfect com- munication of his views, aud projects.
The sagacity of Doctor Connolly disclosed to him, through the enquiries which were made of him, and the answers returned to his interrogatories, that a corres- pondence, on the topics of his late conference would not by its effects repay the risk, and the trouble of its execu- tion ; and with the first interview, ended the whole ne- gotiation. 5
This conference, had been brought about by Colonel John Campbell, who introduced Connolly, as a gentle- man from Canada, who had cometo the country to look after some land which had been confiscated in the war of the revolution.
From the farm of Colonel Marshall, the Doctor pro- seeded to Lexington, where he had an interview with General Wilkinson, whence a suspicion arose that he was a British spy ; which excited some commotions and exposed him to some danger ; to extricate him from this, he was privately conveyed out of town, under a small escort to Limestone : and thus ended the only Bri- tish intrigue ever attempted in Kentucky. That of Spain, was revived ; suspended by a French intrigue,- and again revived. But of these matters we reserve the details for the proper periods.
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Colonel Marshall, and Judge Muter often spoke of this visit, with some mortification at the implication, that they were to be tampered with ; even in opposition to the Spanish party ; and to which, their preeminence in that opposition, undoubtedly exposed them, in the opinion of Doctor Connally.
The election of General Washington, to the presiden- cy of the United States was now rumored, and the opin- ion seemed to be universal, that the new constitution would be put into operation.
In April, the elections took place, for members to the convention, which was to meet at the usual place on the third monday of July ensuing, once more to decide on the expediency of separation, according to the act of as- sembly.
It is believed that these elections produced less agita- țion, than several of the preceding. Even in Fayette, there was nothing remarkable in the canvass. General Wilkinson, was not a candidate. He was now either engrossed by his domestic and foreign speculations which left him no time for politics, or convinced by the cxpe- rience of the last year that the people were not ripe for revolt from the union, he affected to be disgusted with public life, and confined himself to the management of his own affairs, which were extensive; complicated, and embarrassed.
In May, a party of the Southern Indians, penetrated the neighborhood of the Crab. Orchard, situated on the South Eastern border of the settled country, and stole a number of horses.
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Nathan M'Clure, Ensign, to Captain Whitley raised & few of his warriors, and pursued the trail, of the Indians, out to the ridge between Rock-Castle, and Buck-Creek, where they incidentally fell in with an other party of Indians, a very fierce skirmish immediately ensued, in which M'Clure was mortally wounded, and several of his-men slightly. It was uncertain how much the In- dians suffered, for both parties lefrthe field precipitately. M'Clure was carried by one of his men to a cave at some distance, and there left at his own request ; that night he ded of his wound; and the next day, when a party went to seek for him, his remains were found, much re- duced, and mangled, by wild beasts. This was one of the most brave, active, and useful officers of his rank, in Kentucky.
About the same time John Pointer was killed by the Indians, who were pursued, by the Horines, but escaped.
Reports of Indian hostility were now frequent-early in June they fired on two men, and three boys fishing in Floyd's fork, They killed the men, and took the boys prisoners -- they were not pursued.
About the 20th of the month three Indians came to - Jacob Stuckers on North Elkhorn and stole three horses --- on the next day a lad was killed, near Colo. Johnson's mill. On this occasion Captain Herndon assembled a company, and pursued the savages, when falling upon the horse tract which was easiest followed, he took it, and coming up with the enemy, fired on them, killed two, wounded the third, and then returned,
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In the course of this month, a man neat Drennon's Lick was killed.
Thus it appeared by these different occurrences, that those barbarians in small detached parties were on all sides, perpetrating their murders, without presenting an object for the force of the country toact on ; but rendering every part of the frontier insecure; and filling the minds of the people, exposed to their depredations, with all the horrors incident to Indian warfare; the more terrible, as the stroke was sudden, and often come from a secret, and hidden hand.
Early in July, Isaac Freeman, brought a Speech from the Miames, dated the 7th of the month, expressing a wish for peace, accompanied by several prisoners, taken from Kentucky. These were left with Judge Symes on the Ohio, who made a representation to the officer of the United States.
The middle of the month a letter dated the 21st of June addressed by the Governor of the commonwealth, to the county lieutenants on the western waters, arrived in Kentucky, purporting that a letter from the president of the United States had been received, rendering it un- necessary for Virginia to defend the frontier, as a contin- ental force was stationed on the Ohio for that purpose ; and directing that information should be given, of Indian depredation, tothe officer commanding the federal troops at the nearest post.
Such was the situation of the country, when on the 20th of the month, the convention of July 1789, met at Danville.
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CHAPTER X.
CONTENTS OF CHAPTER X.
1
The convention of 1789 meet in July, reject the terms of separation offered'-offly for an alteration of the law- obtain it-they make a representation of Indian af- fairs- d take steps to obtain a census of the people- enter into a non-importation resolution~proceed inrela- tiontothe defence of thefrontiers , andadjourn. Incidents of Indian hostility-Scott'sexcursion-The convention of 1790meet-agree totheterms of separation-and take measures to ffect theobject. General Harmer'sexpedition. Colo. John Hardin accused, and acquitted. A variety of places manned for defence~Proceedings of congress respecting Kentucky.
ON the 20th of July 1789; the convention met in Danville agreeably to law, and after some discussion of the terms of separation, which had been varied, as before observed, cafne to the following resolution ·-
" Wherea's it is the opinion of, this convention, that the terms now ofered by Virginia for the separation of the district of Kentucky from said state, are materially
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altered from those formerly offered and agreed to on both sides ; and that the said alteration of the terms is injurious to and inadmissible by the people of this district:
" Resolved therefore, That a memorial be presented to the ensuing General Assembly of the state of Virgi- nia, 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 district of Kentucky."
The memorial was accordingly drawn up, agreed to, and transmitted to the general assembly-who made the alterations desired.
To this convention, the following circular was pre- sented, as to a kind of local legislature :
" Copy of a letter from the Governor of Virginia to the county lieutenants of this district. "RICHMOND, JUNE 1, 1789.
" SIR-The enclosed copy of a letter from the Presi- dent of the United States, rendering it unnecessary that this state should any longer, at her own particular charge, support the troops called into service for the defence of the western frontier ; you will immediately discharge all the scouts and rangers employed in your county. In cases of any future incursions of the Indians, you will give as early information of them as possible to the offi- cer commanding the continental post on the Ohio, near- est the point of attack. I have communicated to the Pre- sident the instructions now sent you, and have no doubt but effective measures will be taken to protect all the in- habitants of the frontiers.
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" You will, if possible, furnish me before the meeting of the next assembly, with a statement of the whole ex- pence incurred this year, for the pay and support of the scouts and rangers engaged in the defence of your county.
" Iam sir, your obedient servant, " BEVERLY RANDOLPH."
Upon the subject matter of the foregoing communica- tion, the convention resolved,
" That Mr. Muter, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Logan, Mr. Thomas Kennedy, Mr. Wm. Kennedy, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Leitch, Mr. Irvine, Mr. Machir, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Slaughter, Mr. Lee, Mr. Shelby, Mr. Smith, Mr. Grundy, Mr. Trotter, the President of this convention, or any four of them, be appointed a com- mittee to draw up and transmit to the executive a remon- strance on the subject of discharging the scouts and ran- gers in the different counties of this district, and also to state to his excellency the president of congress, the de- fenceless state of our frontiers, the most probable mode of defence, the depredations committed by the Ind.ans in this district, since the first day of May last, the small number and dispersed situation of the continental troops which renders it impossible they can either assist us, or intercept the enemy ; and report to the next session of this convention copies of their proceedings and letters, and the answers they may receive in consequence there- of."
They also resolved, that the delegates to this conven .. tion meet at their court-houses, on the October court-
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days, and lay off their respective counties into precincts; and that each delegate make out a list of the souls resid- ing within his precinct ; discriminating between males and females, and between those over, and those under twenty-one years of age. And that the president of the convention be, and is authorised, so soon as an act of the legislature containing the alterations desired, shall come to hand, to call the convention.
To these proceedings, were added resolutions, against the use of imported goods, especially of a fine quality. While great emphasis was laid on the distressed and em- barrassed situation ofthe district.
After the experience of revolutionary times on the sub» j ct of non-importation from Great Britain, it is a mat- t ... ot some astonishment, that the same men should have expected relief from their difficulties and embar- rssments, by denying to themselves and families the comforts oflife within their reach, and which essentially depended on their own industrious exertion. But this was unquestionably a lump from the leven of the Spanish intrigue. It was foreseen that such a measure would in- crease the distress of the people, and prepare them for the 'more easy inflamation on the subject of the Mississippi navigation. The exclusion of which, was the ostensible reason for this self-denying ordinance. For under the pretence that the district could not export, as if the Mis- sissippi was the only channel, it was not to import. As if the one would not find its way, where the other was permitted. And as if the effect of prohibition on import, was not to destroy the inducement to raise subjects for
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export, by discouraging industry and enterprise ; and by increasing the present distress
On the 8th of September, George Muter and others wrote to the secretary of war, complaining of Indian hos- tilities-on the 15th of December, an answer was re- turned with assurances from the president, that measures would be taken for the defence of the frontiers.
Nine days afterwards the president laid before con- gress a letter from Governor St Clair, which represent- ed the existance of Indian hostility on the frontiers- that the Kentuckians traversed the territory, of which he was Governor, to get at the enemy, whom he was not able to chastise-and recommending defensive mes- sures. The president recommended to congress, that they should provide for calling o at the militia.
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