History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 14

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 14

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Robert Oliver to Griffin Greene.

CHILLICOTHE, 29th Dec. 1801.

DEAR SIR: *

We have passed a law declaring the assent of the Territory to an alteration of the original boundary lines for States which I dare say you have had a par- tienlar account of. This has offended the counties of Ross. Adams and part of Fairfield and we had like to have brought an old house over our heads. The grand jurors of the county of Adams have presented the Gov. and Council as nuisances in the Territory (a copy of which I am intornied by Cutler he forwarded to you) ; however, that is not all. for on Christmas Eve, Mr. Baldwin was purposing to burn a barrel of tar before the house of Capt. Gireggs where the Governor and a large number of the members of both Houses who gave their voice in favor of the above bill lodged. and to burn the Goyr. in effigy and if any opposition was made to whip those that made it. However, by Col. Worthington and some other- ( they) were pre- vented. but on Saturday night ( which you may recol lect was the night after ) a number of men being half drunk were, as we believe, determined to abuse some of the members down at their quarters, but three of then! a little drunker than was necessary came down before the others (as we believe) were ready. Mr. Schieffelin, a member from Wayne, being some irri- tated from what had been licard, gave them some warm words so that one collared him but Schieffehn drew his dirk and. I have reason to believe, if it had not been for Capt. Gregg, he would have put it into him up to the hilt. They were immediately separated but all the arms in the house were sion loaded and we were determined to defend the house. It being a brick house we think we should have made a good de- fense. However, nothing further happened, but we hear they heave out now and then threats, but I think there is no danger except at the close of the session, when we are separated, the devil and whiskey may en- ter into them, but we shall keep a good lookout. I know not what will be the end of these thing, but am persuaded that the Assembly will never sit at this place again. The members from the county of Wash ington ( William Rufus Putnam and Ephraim Cut- ler) have done themselves honor this session. When they speak (they) are always listened to, You who put them into office need not be ashamed of your choice.

Expect the session will close n about two weeks, therefore will not trouble you with any more of this matter,

But am with respect and esteem, your friend. R. OLIVER.

James Burnet to Paul Fearing.

CHILLICOTHE, Jany 19th. 1802. DEAR SIR:

Saturday next is proposed as the day for closing the most turbulent session of the Legislature that we have yet had. It appears to me that popularity is the governing motive of many of the members of the House and that they calculate that the most effectual way of gaining their point is to make as much noise as possible, and to condemn everything that is at- tempted. *

I rejoice that the hour is at hand, when I am to retire from this scene of confusion to the serene pleasure of my own family. Your friends here who have written you often are apprehensive that their letters have been suppressed, as they have not hear I of your receiving them.

On account of this insult to its members. the Legislature resolved to hold the second session in Cincinnati. Although this session was never held, since a State Legislature took its place, the remembrance of the riot probably had much to do with the choice of another place for the seat of government. Even while waiting for permanent quarters at Columbus, the majority of the Legislature chose to meet for a time at Zanesville rather than in Chilli- cothe. The following extract from a letter of Gen. Rufus Putnam to "Paul Fearing, Es- quire, Member of Congress, City of Wash- ington," casts some light on the subject :

"One thing I will venture to suggest- Lancaster ought to be the place appointed for the meeting of the convention not only from its central position but because of the aversion which a great portion of the inhabitants have to Chillicothe on account of the treatment the Legislature met with there the last session. If we are to form a Constitution, let every ob- stacle to union and harmony be removed as far as possible. I think it not impossible to bring Col. Worthington into this meaure- he owns the falls of the Hockhocking and is largely interested at Lancaster-he must be convinced that Chillicothe will not be agreed

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY.

to by the great body of the people-that fix- ing upon Chillicothe will appear to be an act of power and revenge without any regard to justice."

This "aversion" to Chillicothe and to the group of leaders who favored it had an in- fluence upon the politics of Washington Coun- ty for many years.

As late as October, 1811, the Western Spectator, a Federalist paper of Marietta, dis- cussed the question of a State capital and very strongly favored Zanesville. The editor said, -"Let it remain at Zanesville until the pro- gress of population and so forth shall render us able to judge more accurately on the subject. We think no place at present has better claims -nor do we think these claims will appear diminished after a lapse of several years." In January, 1812, it has these significant words to say about its pet enemies, the Chillicothe clique: "The Senate ( of Ohio) have notified the House that they are ready to receive pro- posals respecting the seat of government-in other words to sell it to the highest bidder."

The accession of Thomas Jefferson to the Presidency gave the Republicans a new point from which to attack Governor St. Clair. They would secure his removal and if they could not succeed in this they would form a State and thus get rid of "Arthur the First," as they called him. 1

The Federalists retaliated by dubbing Col- onel Worthington "Sir Thomas" and tried to postpone the change from Territory to State. The letters passing to and from Washington tell of plots and counterplots.

James Burnet to "Houble. Paul Fearing, in Congress Washington City."

CHILLICOTHE, Jan. 12. 1802.

I am not surprise ] that the President has expressed his dicapprobation of the Governor's communication to both Houses as his dislike of the man and of his principles would naturaily be followed by such a consequence. The collection of persons of a particu- lar sort from different parts of the Territory now in the Federal City induces me to think that various ex- ertions are making to supplant the Old Gentleman. * *

Your friends in this place have too much reason to fear that their letters are all suppressed by the post- master before they leave this place.

John Cleves Symmes to Griffin Greene.

WASHINGTON Crry. 2Ist of January, 1802.

DEAR SIR :- There is much business at present before the President and before Congress respecting our N. W. Territory, for the reason of our own paltry squabbles and partie, among ourselves in the Territory we make ourselves cheap and even ridiculous in the eyes of the general government. In my opinion the Gov- ernor may fairly be charged with all the blame. If he has not in a direct manner, like Samson, spread the Hames of discontent and wrangling by means of his 300 mischievious animals sent through the Territory, yet he has never acted like a father to and friend of the Territory generally.

I believe the Governor will soon have his own hand- full of contention and vexation. He pretends :@ be wise enough to dictate to others-let him see whether he be wise enough to acquit himself of crimes and malpractices in his office, of which he is now charged by Col. Worthington and Mr. Baldwin. The complaint is now before the President. *

* *

I think our territory will not be divided by Con- gress. a majority of whom are wishing us to become a free State, as they presume. If Governor St. Clair, the old aristocratic sinner, was once out of the way, we should all be honest and wise enough to make good Republicans, Nothing has presented since I came to this city whereby I could serve you, sir, but in rec- ommending you to the Postmaster-general as a proper person to fill the office of postmaster at Marietta. In this I succeeded and Judge Meigs informs me you have received the appointment. I wish it may be of use to you. Mr. Granger asked of me whether your politics were Federal or Republican. I answered that I could not define your politics, but even suppos- ing that you might have been Federal in times past, vet I had such an opinion of your honor and integrity that I would pledge myself to him for the faithful performance of every duty required from a post- master.

Governor St. Clair to Paul Fearing.

"CHILLICOTHEY," 15th Jan., 1802. SIR :

Whether any of those letters have got to your hands is not known, and whether they ever will, or any that may be sent to you thro' this postoffice is very uncer- tain. Many of us have long thought that many im- proper practices prevailed in it during the last session ut the Legislature, for the communications between the delegates and me came to the hands of each very ir- regularly, as well as those of Mr. Burnet with them, and some of them were even suppressed. * * * *

Mr. Worthington and Mr. Baldwin must have been at Washington for some time. Mr. Miller will not set out to meet them till the 25th; and it seems to be uncertain whether Mr. Tod will go or not. ** *

I have good reason to think that new efforts will be made by the agents from this place to secure my re-

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

novak came from their boulot on the way to Wash- Higton Con I have heard of them from several places on the way) no falscheod or calumny that mal e . can ment will be spared. 1 trust in the integrity of my conduct, and to the good offices of these few who know me, to counteract them; and yours. I trust, Will not be refused.

Your bbe lient servant. 1. ST. CLAIR.

In the letter he gives an ace mint of the mob at Chillicothe which does not differ ma- terially from that found in the letter of Colo- nel Oliver. The Governor also gives credit to Colonel Worthington for earnest efforts to repress all violence.

Benjamin Ives Gilman to Paul Fearing.

MARIETTA, Jany. 141h. 1802. * *

* %

I should not be the least surprised if the person You mentioned should be appointed Governor. He will be at Washington before this reaches you. ready to pay dlulation at the Shrine of the Democratic Idol. You 1:now that I was ever moderate in politics and wishe | to see Mr. Jefferson unite all candid Republicans and Federalists throughout the United States. His in- augural . peech promised it but since that time what a sad falling off. Some of the late measures of the present administration have destroyed all my confidence and hopes. Of the late alteration of postmaster at this place, I will only say, that it is the most pitiful, dirty meanre that ever was undertaken and reflects dis- grace in all concerned in the removal.

You will doubtless receive from Chillicothe ample details of the proceedings of our Legislature. In to-day's paper you will find two angry notes of Gov. St. Clair to Col. Findley. I fear the Gove, has shown too much temper.

I am very anxious to have an office for the clear- ance of vessels at this place by the middle of March. .A petition will be forwarded by next mail.

The person referred to as the probable suc- cessor of Governor St. Clair was Return Joy. athan Meigs, Jr., whose defection was greatly resented by the Federalists.

Mr. Gilman grew more indignant against the new administration, as is evident from a letter written the next month.

Ronjamm Ives Gilman to Paul Fearing.

MARIETTA, Febv. 4th. 1802.

Mi. Jefferson certainly had it in his power to have mited the moderate and best men of the United States. but instead of pursuing that dignified line of con lui -t. we see him the head of a party and the patron of men

who are despised by all goool open. Noting wanting in my humble & pini o to complete the alex mutfamy but the return of Paww the apostate Bar- low, to our comuniry under exec ofre patronage.

You will know that I thought favorably of Mr. Jefferson before he came into office. But when I see foreign aimons, who deserve the gallows, enjoying post- of profit and Revolutionary characters neglected, nis soul abhors the man who is instrumental in bringing stich disgrace on the American character

David Putman is as well cal-dated for paval offi- cer a. any mar in town-but other questions than "Is he capalle ? Is he honest." are vel to be asked in filling even the most trifling offices.

Mr. Silliman is married to Mass Debby Cons.

With sentiments ci e-teem. I am, dear sir. Your sincere friend and humble Servt. BENJAMIN INGS GILMAN.

In justice to Mr. Gilman, it must be com- fessed that for some excuse or other Mr. Jef- ferson made a general removal of federal of- fices in Washington County, and in subse- quent appointments the current of presiden- tial favor flowed only on Republican lines and to those "persons of a particular sort" men- tioned by Mr. Burnet. The change which especially disgusted the Federalists of Wash- ington County was the removal of Rufus Put- nam from the office of surveyor general.

No thorough-going Federalist of that day could be made to believe that the cause for this removal was anything else than Jefferson's bitter hatred of one who had been a friend to Washington. But the man whom Jefferson appointed to succeed Putnam-Jared Mans- field-was not a politician but a scholar, an instructor in the West Point AAcademy. His son. E. D. Mansfield, who spent part of his boyhood in Marietta, a political writer not likely to be unduly prejudiced in favor of Jefferson, says in his memoirs that Putnam had not sufficient scientifie training to establish meridian lines and that for this reason Jeffer- son sought a specialist who neither sought nor desired the office.

J. Darlington, a representative from Adams County, in a letter dated Manchester. 20th of March, 1802. writes this letter to Paul Fearing :

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY.

"I have the pleasure to inform you that I have this day rec'd your letter of 9th inst .. in reply to which I observe that the county of Clairmont I believe is bounded on the east by the west line of the county of Adams, there- fore I believe that none of the inhabitants in the census taken were included in the county of Clairmont. So far as I can collect the sense of this county on the report of the commit- tee on the subject of an admission into the union, they are unanimous in favor of it, and ·congratulate themselves in the prospect of hav- ing it soon in their power to shale off the fet- ters of aristocracy, and in the downfall of the Tory party in this Territory, and hope the day may soon approach when they shall be gov- erned by a constitution founded by true Re- publicans chosen by the people free from the .control of an arbitrary chief."

When the Jeffersonian Republican of that time was speaking of his political opponents, "Tory" and "Aristocrat" were his favorite epithets ; when the Federalist retaliated with names, "Democrat," "Jacobin" and "Robes- pierreian" were in his speech synonymous terms.

William Jackson lo Griffin Greene.

CHILLICOTHE, Jan. 13th, 1802.

I am also sorry that he (Judge Meigs) could not have the appointment of Major-general which was in- tonded for him by a large majority of members until a constitutional objection took place. Then Colonel Oli- ver was proposed but could not be taken up by as many as would carry him in opposition to Colonel Sproat, whom the Federal party was using every in- fluence to support. Others were mentioned but it was found that none was as likely to succeed as Major Buell. who is elected by a respectable majority. From what I have yet discovered, Mr. Backus seems to be in open and decided Republican. Party spirit prevails so manch, chiefly by the influence of two or three mem- Ders, that business progresses very slow. Please to favor me by next mail who you would wish might be appointed Associate Judge in place of Major Buell and whether you would wish Judge Wood continued and if not who you would recommend in his place.

A STATE CONSTITUTION.

In August, 1802, the two political parties had become so well defined that two tickets for delegates to the Constitutional Convention

were presented to the electors. The friends of Jefferson, or Republicans as they called themselves at that time, nominated Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr., Griffin Greene, William Skinner and William Wells. The Federal- ists nominated Gen. Rufus Putnam, Benjamin Ives Gilman, Ephraim Cutler, and John Mc- Intire. The Federalist ticket was elected by a large majority.

It is suggestive of the estimate of the dis- tribution of population in the county that three candidates on each ticket were from the south- ern part and one ( Mr. Wells for the Republi- cans and Mr. McIntire for the Federalists) from the upper Muskingum.

SLAVERY.

At this time the question of slavery in the proposed State was discussed with a great deal of earnestness. It was claimed that even Jef- ferson was in favor of permitting slavery for a limited period in the hope of thus hastening its ultimate extinction in Virginia as well as Ohio. In the convention the clause prohib- iting slavery was adopted by a majority of one. Even that majority was gained through the labors of Mr. Cutler, who convinced some who favored a limited slavery that such a pol- icy was a violation of the compact made in the Ordinance of 1787. At this time there were slaves held in the Territory ; two had that year been reported by the "lister" among the per- sonal property held in Belpre township, and a few years later Blennerhassett sent a slave to Marietta to be hired out by the year.

Although "Arthur the First" had been re- moved from his position as governor, the Re- publicans in the convention were in such haste to be rid of his friends that they would not wait to have the State Constitution ratified by a popular vote. It is an example of political paradox that the Constitution which began with "We, the people" was not referred to the people at all. That which was the fundamen- tal law of our State for half a century was adopted by the vote of 27 men. Against this form of adoption were the votes of Putnam,

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Cutler, Gilman, and Updegraff of Jefferson, and Jolin Reily of Hamilton.

Lerin Belt to "Paul Fcaring, Esquire, Federal City."

CHILLICOTHE, (sic. ) 3rd Dec .. 1802. The Constitution was signed on Mon- day last. *

It begins with we the people and if we may judge from the judiciary article few constitutions were ever so bepeopled as it is throughout. * * *

We are to have a Supreme Court of Appeals to consist of three Judges, and instead of making them as respectable and independent as the situation of the State would admit of, they have not only confined the Legislature to a parsimonious pittance, but the Judges are to travel like peddlers, once a year at least. into every county of the State. *

* I think it will be well for us lawyers. It will be well for clients if they get their causes through in seven years unless they pay well.

Mr. Belt's prediction concerning the Su- preme Court has hardly proved true. As the increase of the State in population made it necessary for the Supreme Court of Ohio to hold all its sessions at the capital, the people have found it expedient to create nine Circuit courts each consisting of three judges. These judges travel from county to county in their circuit and thus save great expense to litigants. The duties of the Circuit judges of today are therefore similar to those prescribed for the Supreme Court in the days when the population of the whole State was much less than that of a single circuit of the present time. This plan ridiculed by Mr. Belt was devised by Ephraim Cutler and by his influence carried in the con- vention.

DESPAIR OF THE FEDERALISTS AND EXULT.A- TION OF THE REPUBLICANS.

terly despondent. They think the country has gone a long way on the road to destruc- tion.

The spirit of the stout Federalists is vigor- ously expressed a little later than this time by Stephen Jones in a letter to Rufus Putnam :

"I noticed in the public prints, a few years since, that T. Jefferson had honored you, by removing you from an office (surveyor gen- eral ) bestowed upon you by the great and vir- tuous Washington, the real Father of his country.

"The numerous removals of honest, ca- pable men from office, and, in many instances, the vacancies so made by T. Jefferson filled again by him with d-d rascals, has excited my warmest indignation."

Benjamin Ives Gilman to Paul Fearing.

MARIETTA, Feby. 14th. 1803.

* You have undoubtedly had an ac- count of the issue of our clection-the result is enough to disgust me with a Republican government. If the people will believe lies in preference to truth, if hon- est men are neglected and rogues promoted, what will be the issue? Despotism, I fear.

Could you have believed that Wyllys Silliman and William Jackson would be elected Representatives- and Bowen, Coroner ? Greater disgrace never fell on a people.

No opposition is made to Tiffen for Governor, and I am well satisfied that he became the cipher rather than to hold a six years' seat in the Senate, as was first contemplated by the Democrats. %

I am completely disgusted with the politics of the times ; and confess that I have little expectation of any alteration for the better.

You saw Backus' attack on your character. It was answered by one of your friends, since which the mighty censor has been silent. This man's conduct has been mean in the extreme and he appears to be unpopular with all. Nevertheless so uncertain is the sovereign will, that he may be one of our Senators next October.

Silliman has given up the paper and Backus become; sole editor.

With the adoption of a State Constitution. the leadership in Ohio passed from the pio- neers of the Muskingum to those of the Scioto What i, Mathews after? Is it possible that he will become a pliant Democrat for the sake of office? 1 am told that he discovered some symptoms of chang- before he left this place. and the Miami. The memory of Governor Yesterday Capt. Barker launched Mr. Woodbridge's brig and Ned Tupper's schooner. We have had a very severe winter. We have not yet heard anything respecting the proposals made by our convention to Congress. St. Clair's vetoes caused the convention to fear the executive, and thus it happens that in Ohio the governor even yet does not have the veto power. As we read the letters of those days we find the Republicans hopeful and exiltant The Wyllys Silliman here mentioned had might be expected. The Federalists are ut- been associated since 1801 with Elijah Back-

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us in publishing the Ohio Gasette and the Ter- ritorial and Virginia Herald. When Mr. Sil- liman withdrew from the partnership, he re- moved to Zanesville and President Jefferson appointed him register of the land office. In 1824 he was a candidate for United States Senator, and for this position he received hearty recommendations from Colonel Con- verse and John Mathews. Mr. Mathews had married Miss Sally Woodbridge and removed to Springfield, opposite Zanesville, afterward named Putnam in honor of Gen. Rufus Put- nam and now a part of Zanesville. He after- ward represented Muskingum County in the House in 1807 to 1808 and his district in the State Senate in 1820.

That he had not deserted his old political faith is evident from the following letter which he wrote in 1824 to Ephraim Cutler :-

"I take the liberty, as an old Federalist writing to an old Federalist, to electioneer a little for a renegade Federalist, Wyllys Silli- man, who will be a candidate for the Senate of the United States.

"I have long ago forgiven him and feel some zeal in adding my mite to promote his election. Silliman has never been a sneaking Demo- crat. Horn-blower, or anything of the kind : in point of talents. I think (he ) will not be be- hind any other candidate."

William Henry Harrison was elected and in the whirligig of politics, he soon afterward became the successful leader of the very party that had formerly opposed him.

Thomas Dwight ( a member of Congress ) wrote in this dolorous fashion to Gen. Rufus Putnam, from Washington, D. C., on Febru- ary 2. 1805 :

"Of politics I am mest heartily weary, and the more so as I foresee the Robespierreian system fast approaching. At the end of this Congress I retire from public life to a private station which I consider in these days as the only post of honor.

"We might possibly get into a war with France by our trade to St. Domingo, if certain great men did not prefer creeping and crawl- ing with peace to war on any terms and for any

cause. What Bonaparte commands respecting our concerns will I believe be most scrupulous- ly obeyed. We shall pass an act to restrain the trade."

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 14

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490