USA > Mississippi > Mississippi : comprising sketches of towns, events, institutions, and persons, arranged in cyclopedic form Vol. I > Part 87
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Gulf Coast Occupation. (See Gulf Coast Acquisition, Kemper, and Baton Rouge Revolution.) Governor W. C. C. Claiborne was in the east when the secretary of state, James Monroe, received
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from Governor Holmes the declaration of independence made by the Baton Rouge insurgents. His counsel was doubtless of value to the government in this emergency. On Oct. 27, 1810, President Madison issued his proclamation declaring that "the territory south of the Mississippi territory and eastward of the River Mis- sissippi and extending to the River Perdido, of which possession was not delivered to the United States in pursuance of the treaty concluded at Paris on the 30th of April, 1803, has at all times, as is well known, been considered and claimed by them as being within the colony of Louisiana, conveyed by the said treaty in the same extent that it had in the hands of Spain and that it had when France originally possessed it." Spain had been left in temporary possession of Baton Rouge and the coast merely as a conciliatory step, pending the negotiations; but now a crisis had arrived that threatened to subvert the authority of both Spain and the United States, endangered the peace of Mississippi and Louis- iana and gave new facilities to smuggling of goods and slaves. Further forbearance by the United States might be construed into a dereliction of their title to West Florida. "In the hands of the United States it will not cease to be the subject of fair and friendly negotiation and adjustment." Hence, the president "deemed it right and requisite that possession should be taken of the said ter- ritory in the name and behalf of the United States. W. C. C. Clai- borne, governor of the Orleans Territory, of which the said Ter- ritory is to be taken as a part, will accordingly proceed to execute the same, and to exercise over the said Territory the authorities and functions appertaining to his office."
Claiborne was instructed that if troops were needed the com- manding officer on the Mississippi would have order to support him, and for further assistance he should draw upon the militia of Mississippi territory as he and Governor Holmes might deem ad- visable.
The minister of Great Britain expressed his deep regret at this action, and suggested that friendship to a gallant nation at that time "struggling for liberty" would have impelled the United States to suppress the "band of desperadoes known here as land jobbers," and sustain the Spanish government at Baton Rouge.
In view of the revolution Governor Holmes had taken direct command in September of the military readiest for action, the Adams troop of dragoons, under Lieut. Francis Surget, and the Jefferson troop, under Capt. Thomas Hinds. Col. Thomas Cush- ing, of the regular army, was asked to station two companies at Pinckneyville to protect the frontier settlements. Col. Joshua Davis was ordered to establish a militia patrol. The governor par- ticularly feared an insurrection of slaves. In his instructions to Col. Davis the governor said: "It is our duty to avoid taking any part in the present contest. The safety of the persons and prop- erty of our own citizens is the only object we ought to have in view."
Oct. 1, the governor issued general orders. In view of "the im-
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portance of taking immediate measures for the protection of the persons and property of the citizens of this territory, and for the protection of the rights and interests of the United States," he ordered details to be made from the various regiments when they met for muster according to previous orders, to form three bat- talions west of the Pearl river and two battalions in the Mobile region, which should be held in readiness for immediate and active service. Col. Thomas Fitzpatrick was called to command of the western force, of which the battalion commanders were Majors David Neilson, Samuel Stockett and Samuel Montgomery. Felix Hughes was appointed adjutant; Buckner Darden, quartermaster ; Hugh Davis, paymaster; surgeons, Dr. Samuel Brown and Rich- ard Davidson. Col. James Caller and Majors Stephen Neall and Josiah Skinner were the officers of the eastern force. Andrew Marschalk was appointed brigade major of the State militia. Con- cerning this organization, the governor reported to the legislature, "it is with singular satisfaction I can inform you that a spirit of patriotism was evidenced on this occasion which became freemen, the defenders of their own rights and the protectors of their own liberties."
Governor Claiborne arrived at Natchez Dec. 4, 1810. In prep- aration for taking possession of West Florida he sent communica- tions to the commandant at Fort Stoddert, and Governor Holmes instructed Col. Caller to muster his battalion and report to Col. Sparks. There is no mention in Holmes' Journal, of military or- ders in the western counties, but it is stated by J. F. H. Claiborne that the Natchez Rifles and Adams troop of dragoons accom- panied Governor Claiborne to St. Francisville and Baton Rouge. At the latter place, says Fortier (Louisiana, III, 70), "the Amer- ican flag was torn down, and the banner of the new State was raised, and a conflict was avoided only by the arrival of troops and of gunboats which Claiborne had ordered to proceed to Baton Rouge." By proclamation Governor Claiborne declared the in- corporation of West Florida in the Orleans territory, and estab- lished parishes. The ordinance of January 4, 1811, named the Bayou Batrie as the eastern boundary of the parish of Pascagoula. Dr. William Flood, of New Orleans, was directed to proceed, "by the Bay St. Louis and the Bay Viloxy to the mouth of Pasca- goula." At Bay St. Louis he was to raise the American flag and circulate the ordinance establishing the parish of Viloxy, and de- liver commissions as justices to four men, including Simeon Favre, Fortescue Coming, and "an elderly gentleman residing at the pass of Christian." At the mouth of Pascagoula he was to take like steps to establish the parish of Pascagoula. His companion would be "Captain Farragout of the navy."
Early in January everything was tranquil at Baton Rouge, but the inhabitants felt hurt by the action of the United States in authorizing force against them and forbidding the use of it to com- pel the Spaniards to give up Mobile. The governor awaited with impatience an order to take that town.
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On being informed that the Spaniards at Pensacola were being reinforced from Havana, he sent a warning to Governor Folch that he (Claiborne) was governor of the territory east to the Perdido, and that the crossing of that boundary by Spanish troops would be considered an act of war against the United States. But Gov- ernor Folch was not meditating war. About the same time that Claiborne made his pugnacious threat, Folch wrote to the Ameri- can secretary of state that, on account of the "incomprehensible abandonment" of himself by his government, unless he soon re- ceived succor from Havana, or negotiations were revived, he would deliver the entire province, including Pensacola and Mobile, to the United States. No action was taken, however. Mobile was left in the possession of the Spanish government until the war with Eng- land in 1812, when it became necessary to guard against British occupation. (See Mobile, Kemper invasion.)
Captain Flood made a report of his mission, Jan. 25, after which the governor extended the eastern bound of Pascagoula parish to Dog river, three miles from the fort of Mobile, and a garrison of 200 soldiers was posted at the Pass of Christian. The report was as follows: "Sir, in compliance with your instructions to me, dated New Orleans, January 5, 1811, I embarked on board the Felucca "Alligator," and proceeded to Simeon Favre's on the eastern bank of Pearl river and delivered him his commission as justice of the peace in and for the parish of Viloxy, a copy of the civil code of the Territory and the law and different acts of the legislature. From Pearl river I proceeded to the Bay of St. Louis and Pass of Christian, where I hoisted the flag of the United States on 9th January, 1811, at 2 o'clock, a. m., filled up a commission as justice of the peace in and for the parish of Viloxy for Philip Saucier, de- livered him a copy of the civil code of the Territory, with the laws and different acts of the legislature. From the Bay of St. Louis and Pass of Christian I went to the Bay of Viloxy, where I filled up a commission of justice of the peace in and for the par- ish of Viloxy with the name of Jacque L'Adner, who can neither read nor write, nor can an inhabitant of the Bay of Viloxy, giving him at the same time a copy of the civil code of the Territory with the laws and acts of the legislature. From the Bay of Viloxy I proceeded to the mouth of Pascagoula river, where on the morn- ing of the 13th of January I hoisted the flag of the United States. At this place I met with several men who a few days before had left Depra. I overtook Fortescue Coming, who had passed on be- fore me distributing copies of the president's proclamation. From Depra's men I learned that all was quiet on the Pascagoula, that the flag of the United States was hoisted at Depra's on the 2 Jan- uary, 1811, and that Kemper had dismissed his men after telling them that the object of their association was completed, that they were now under the protection of the United States, to which he strongly and impressively advised them to pay due allegiance and respect." [Dr. Flood gave Coming his commission as magistrate in Viloxy parish and sent him up the river to advise Dupra to re-
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store the property he had appropriated.] "Finding no persons able either to read or write residing then at the bay or mouth of the Pascagoula, and the inhabitants expressing great confidence in and attachment to Geo. Farragout (sailing master in the navy of the United States) I persuaded him for the time being to accept of a commission of justice of the peace in and for the parish of Pas- cagoula, which I accordingly filled up and delivered him the neces- sary laws." [Dr. Flood also made out a commission for Benjamin Goodin, residing twenty miles from the mouth of the Pascagoula, and sent a Mr. Morrison to hoist the flag at "the residence of the person at Bayou Batrie and leave it in his care."] "The whole population of the parish of Viloxy, from the best information I could collect, may be estimated at four hundred and twenty ; that of the parish of Pascagoula, three hundred and fifty, principally French and natives of Louisiana, a people more innocent and less offending than any I ever saw. They seem to regard nothing but the immediate necessaries for the support of life and are much pleased at being attached to and protected by the United States. How sensibly have I been impressed with the advantages that part of Louisiana (which has lately been taken possession of) is to the United States, and particularly to the inhabitants of the Missis- sippi. The high sandy soil covered with pine and the beautiful bays and rivers which empty into the sea from Lake Ponchartrain to the bay of Mobile, seem to promise full recompence for the un- healthiness of the climate of New Orleans. It is my opinion, in a military point of view, for the protection of the country and en- suring health to the officer and soldier, the pass of Christian and mouth of Pascagoula cannot be surpassed nor equalled in the Mis- sissippi territory or that of Orleans." (Journal of Gov. Claiborne, 1811, p. 78.)
Farragout, who was the father of Admiral Farragut, was again appointed a magistrate, by Governor Holmes, for Jackson county, in August, 1813.
Gulfport, a thriving city of the Gulf coast and the county seat of Harrison county, is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, 13 miles west of Biloxi. It was named by W. H. Hardy on the suggestion of R. H. Henry and M. A. McLaugherty, because of its situation. It was laid out and platted by W. H. Hardy, who is highly com- mended for this work. It is on the Louisville & Nashville R. R., and is at the southern terminus of the Gulf & Ship Island R. R., 160 miles by rail southeast of Jackson. The city owes much of its present importance and prosperity to the zeal and efficient work of Mr. J. T. Jones, the president of the Gulf & Ship Island R. R. Through his untiring efforts and foresight, a splendid harbor has been excavated at Gulfport, and an expensive dock has been built which will accommodate the largest ocean vessels. It is connected with the natural harbor off Ship Island by a deep water channel 24 feet deep, 310 feet wide and 7 miles in length, which Mr. Jones had dredged at his own expense, and vessels from every foreign country may now load and unload at Gulfport, the only deep water
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harbor in the state. During the month of April, 1906, there were shipped from this port 26,204,000 feet of lumber; 226,841 barrels of rosin and 832,680 gallons of turpentine, besides thousands of tons of iron pyrites, acid phosphate, gypsum and rock phosphate were unloaded here from vessels. During the year 1902 there were shipped from this port 19,035,252 feet of lumber and in 1904 the shipment was 245,213,829 feet, while the shipment for the first three months of 1906 was 71,979,000 feet, which, if sustained throughout the remainder of the year will bring the total to nearly 300,000,000 feet, illustrating the wonderful. growth in lumber shipments at this port. Among its growing industries may be mentioned a large oil mill and fertilizing plant, saw and planing mills, sash and blind fac- tories, a brick plant, etc.
The general and operating offices, and the machine shops of the Gulf & Ship Island R. R. are located here, the general offices in one of the finest equipped buildings for that purpose in the South.
The city's mercantile establishments are up-to-date, many of them occupying handsome brick buildings. The banking interests are in excellent shape and three banks, the First National Bank, established in 1902, with a capital of $100,000, which has since been increased to $250,000; the Bank of Commerce, also established in 1902, capital $10,000, since increased to $90,000, and the State Bank of Gulfport, established in 1905, with a capital of $80,000, are all in a flourishing condition and each occupies an excellently equipped home. Two weekly newspapers, a daily and a monthly, are pub- lished here. The Gulfport Record, a Democratic weekly was estab- lished in 1900, edited by A. G. Osoinach. The Gulfport News, also a Democratic weekly, was established in 1901 and is edited by W. H. Seitzler. The Tribune is a daily publication and the Mississippi Journal is a monthly publication devoted to the development interests of the city. The city is provided with excellent hotels and the Great Southern, erected in 1903 by the Great Southern Hotel Co., of which J. T. Jones is president, cost about $400,000, and a finer or a more conveniently appointed hostelry is seldom found anywhere. The city is supplied with an excellent electric light and water service, and with electric street cars furnished by the Gulf- port & Mississippi Coast Traction Co., which has built a traction line eastward to Biloxi and westward to Pass Christian.
There are many fine churches and no better schools are to be found anywhere in the State. The postal receipts of a town are usually a good index of its growth; the total receipts of the Gulf- port postoffice for the year ending March 31, 1902, were $4,448.64 and for the year ending March 31, 1906, they were $20,225.45. There are no more wide-awake hustling citizens to be found anywhere than at Gulfport, and through their pluck and energy, encouraged by as able a man as J. T. Jones in his substantial investments, a glorious future for the city is assured. It has already become noted as a winter resort and watering place, and ere another decade, its beautiful beach will be lined for miles with handsome cottages. Its increase in population has been phenomenal since the last United
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States census which gave it 1,060, for the lowest estimate of its pop- ulation in 1906 placed it at over 6,000. The climatic conditions of Gulfport are unexcelled, rendering it an excellent winter and summer resort. Its artesian water is not surpassed by any other locality in the South, both for drinking and bathing purposes, and in addition, is said to possess medicinal properties of a high order.
Gumridge, a post-hamlet of Jefferson county on the Mississippi river at the mouth of Coles creek, about 14 miles from Fayette, the county seat. Population in 1900, 29.
Gumwood, a postoffice of Sunflower county.
Gunn, a post-hamlet in the western part of Smith county, about 11 miles west of Raleigh, the capital of the county. Population in 1900, 37.
Gunnison, an incorporated post-town in the northwestern part of Bolivar county, on the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley R. R., 8 miles by rail from Rosedale, the county seat. It lies in a rich cotton pro- ducing district. It has a telegraph and express office, a large saw mill, and a bank, which was organized in 1904. The town is sup- plied with artesian water from an excellent well.
Guntown, an incorporated post-town in the northern part of Lee county, on the Mobile & Ohio R. R., 15 miles north of Tupelo, the county seat, and 6 miles south of Baldwyn. It has express and tele- graph facilities, a bank, two churches, several general stores, and a newspaper office. The Hot Times, a Democratic weekly estab- lished in 1899, is edited and published by George B. Brown. The Masons, Knights of Pythias and Woodmen of the World have lodges here. Population in 1900, 325; in 1906, the population was estimated at 400.
Guy, a postoffice in the east-central part of Amite county, about 14 miles east of Liberty, the county seat.
Guyton, a hamlet in the southern part of Tippah county, and a station on the Mobile, Jackson & Kansas City R. R., about 9 miles south of Ripley, the county seat. Population in 1900, 25.
Gwin, Samuel, was a native of Tennessee, son of James Gwin, a pioneer Methodist preacher, who, with six brothers, were sol- diers of the Revolution. Samuel was a volunteer soldier with Gen. Jackson in the Creek campaign, and at Pensacola and New Orleans, and because of disabilities so incurred, was given a clerkship at Washington. In the recess of Congress between March and De- cember, 1831, a vacancy occurred in the office of register of the land office for the Mount Salus district, and President Jackson appointed Samuel Gwin. In the following session he was regu- larly nominated, and rejected by the senate. "The president hav- ing afterwards received strong testimonials in his favor from the state of Mississippi, and being requested by one of the senators from that state to renominate him," a second nomination was made in June, 1832, which the senate laid on the table, resolving that it would not take any action in that session. Roger B. Taney, attorney-general, whose statement of the case is followed above, advised the president he had the power to appoint in the recess
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which then followed, construing the constitutional authority to "to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess," " to mean all vacancies that may "happen to exist." The opposition was made by Senator Poindexter, who demanded the appointment of a Mississippian. The quarrel was finally settled by transferring Gwin to the new land office at Chocchuma. As a result of the political war between Poindexter and the Gwins, a duel was fought at Clinton, between Samuel Gwin and Isaac Caldwell, the senator's law partner, in which both were mortally wounded.
Gwin, William McKendree, was a native of Tennessee, a younger brother of Samuel Gwin (q. v.). He was born in Sumner county, Tenn., Oct. 9, 1805, was graduated at Transylvania university, Ky., studied and practiced medicine, and made his home at Clinton, Miss. In 1833 President Jackson appointed him marshal of the United States court for Mississippi, but Senator Poindexter, who had also opposed the appointment of Gwin's elder brother, caused its rejection by the senate, whereupon the president nominated Gen. Thomas Hinds. But through the action of Senator Calhoun, the name of Hinds was withdrawn and Gwin confirmed. The two Gwins thereafter were the president's lieutenants in Mississippi. They defeated Poindexter for reelction, and gave Robert J. Walker his opportunity for national prominence. William M. Gwin, while retaining his office as marshal, made large purchases of land in Arkansas and Texas, in a syndicate with Samuel Davis, of Nat- chez, and others. Sam Houston, another intimate friend of Presi- dent Jackson, had, about this time, abandoned his life among the Indians, and settled in Texas, where he was visited by Gwin, in 1834, after the latter had returned from a visit to Washington. Says J. F. H. Claiborne: "Mr. Gwin made that visit to General Houston at the instance of General Jackson, and the great pro- gramme was then planned, which was subsequently followed as closely as events permitted." When Senator Black resigned in 1837, Gwin was a candidate for his place, but was defeated by one vote. He was reappointed marshal by President VanBuren, and when Harrison was inaugurated in 1841, he resigned. He began the reorganization of the demoralized Democratic party in Janu- ary, 1841, persuaded Tucker to run for governor, and Thompson for congress and announced himself as the other candidate. With John D. Freeman as his associate he went upon the stump for the first time, and proved to be an effective speaker. He was elected by a large majority. While in congress he tried in vain to secure Jackson's approval of Calhoun's candidacy for the presi- dency. Gwin became financially embarrassed through the col- lapse of the banks in Mississippi, and declined reelection. In 1844 he was a delegate to the Baltimore convention. In 1845 he desired election as senator, but was a third time disappointed. Soon thereafter he removed to New Orleans, where he was made su- perintendent of construction of the new custom-house. He re- signed under President Taylor, and went to California, where he took part in the organization of the State and was elected one of
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the senators, with Gen. Fremont. Throughout his term he labored for the building of a Pacific railroad, and as this was made a sec- tional issue, it was his office to endeavor to allay sectionalism, in which he was very effective. In his second term, he secured the passage of the Atlantic sub-marine telegraph bill by a majority of one vote. His term expired March 3, 1861. Toward its close he did much confidential work, endeavoring to prevent secession. Afterward he was arrested by the United States government on the charge of disloyalty and imprisoned until 1863, when he went to Europe. His assistance in the attempt to secure recognition by France of Southern independence was futile, but he appears to have been a confidential adviser of Napoleon regarding the con- quest of Mexico, and went to Mexico to work out a scheme for colonizing Sonora, which drew thither a good many Confederate officers and soldiers after the collapse of the Confederacy. He afterward resided in California, and died at New York, Sept. 3, 1885.
Gwinville, a post-hamlet in the northeastern part of Lawrence county, on Silver Creek, about 18 miles northeast of Monticello, the county seat. Hebron station, 5 miles to the west, on the Gulf & Ship Island R. R., is the nearest railroad town. Population in 1900, 27.
Habeas Corpus. On February 15, 1864, the Confederate States congress suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, and authorized President Davis "to confer on military tribunals, hold- ing their appointments at his will, and responsible only to him, power to determine upon the rights and liberties of the citizens." The legislature of Mississippi, disclaiming any intention to charge the president with usurpation, adopted a resolution that the act "is dangerous to the liberty of the citizen, unconstitutional in some of its features, tends to make the civil power subordinate to the military, and establishes a precedent of a doubtful and dan- gerous character," and the congressional delegation of the State was instructed to secure the repeal of the act. The writ contin- ued to be suspended, under the sway of the United States army, for some time after the fall of the Confederate government. See Reconstruction. The constitution of 1890 contains the ordinary provision that "the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it," with the new restriction, "nor ever without the au- thority of the legislature."
Hagan, James, a native of Ireland, educated at the University of Dublin, and a most powerful writer, particularly of satire and ridicule, was one of the most famous characters in Mississippi journalism. About 1830 he made his home at the village of Occo- quan, in Virginia, and engaged in the practice of medicine, but acquired fame as a writer of articles attacking the abuse by some eminent respectabilities of mileage allowances to the capital. Later he was a reporter for the Telegraph at Washington, D. C. He came South as an agent of the Washington monument fund.
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