USA > Ohio > History of Ohio; the rise and progress of an American state, Volume Three > Part 16
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Floating downward on the Ohio, the traveler: came upon an island fourteen miles below Marietta that at once attracted their curiosity and admiration As they approached it, they could see on its uppe
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portion an estate in high cultivation, and among the trees they observed a white mansion that at once struck them with amazement. It was a wonderful surprise in this wild western country to view such evidences of wealth and culture. Fascinated with the beauty of the place Burr moored his boat and went ashore. The master of the island was absent, but his wife hospitably entertained the former Vice- President with dinner and that evening Burr departed on his journey. But he had made an ill-fated impres- sion that ended tragically.
The owner of this island home was Harman Blenner- hassett, and the hostess on the occasion referred to, was his accomplished and ambitious wife. They both became important factors in Burr's movements, and are worthy of more than mere mention. The orator and novelist have woven around the Blenner- hassetts and their island the enchanting web of romance, and too often tales of splendor and crime have obscured the plain facts of history. They were easily the dupes of Burr, because their own ambitions mingled with his.
Blennerhassett was of gentle Irish ancestry, although he was born in England during a temporary visit of his parents. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and in time became a member of the Irish bar, when that body led its profession in brilliancy and power. On the death of his father he inherited an estate of twenty thousand pounds. He moved to England and married Miss Margaret Agnew, a young woman of high rank and connections. In 1797 they removed to America and in March, 1798,
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Blennerhassett bought one hundred and seventy acres on an island situated in the Ohio River between what is now Wood County, West Virginia, and Wash- ington County, Ohio, its upper or eastern end being almost opposite the pretty little town of Belpre. The island was within the jurisdiction of Virginia at the time of settlement, so that he had the right to hold slaves which he desired to do, and which he could not have done on the opposite shore. The location was a place of beauty; the branches of the willows along the shore coquetted with the fleeting water as it flowed by, and the heavy elms and lofty sycamores gave dignity and charm to the scene. It was a fascinating retreat for any man of fortune who craved retirement and rest.
Here in 1800 this cultured settler in a new world and surroundings commenced the construction of a home that was destined to be the most famous and historic in the Ohio Valley. Dr. Hildreth, of Marietta, has left us in his "Memoirs of the Early Pioneers of Ohio," published sixty years ago, an interesting and accurate description of the Blennerhassett home, which he received from one of its architects. "The island mansion," says he, "was built with great taste and beauty; no expense being spared in its construction, that could add to its usefulness or splendor. It consisted of a main building, fifty-two feet in length, thirty in width, and two stories high. Porticoes forty feet in length, in the form of wings, projected in front, connected with offices, presenting each a face of twenty-six feet, and twenty feet in depth uniting them with the main building, forming the
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half of an ellipse, and making in the whole, a front of one hundred and four feet. The left hand office was occupied for the servants' hall; and the right for the library, philosophical apparatus, study, etc.
"A handsome lawn of several acres occupied the front ground; while an extended opening was made through the forest trees, on the head of the island, affording a view of the river for several miles above, and bringing the mansion under the notice of descend- ing boats. Nicely graveled walks, with a carriage-way, led from the house to the river, passing through an ornamental gateway, with large stone pillars. A fine hedge, of native hawthorn, bordered the right side of the avenue to the house, while back of it lay the flower garden, of about two acres, inclosed with neat palings, to which were traced gooseberry bushes, peaches, and other varieties of fruit-bearing trees, in the manner of wall fruits. The garden was planted with flowering shrubs, both exotic and native; but especially abounding in the latter, which the good taste of the occupants had selected from the adjacent forests, and planted in thick masses, through which wandered serpentine walks, bordered with flowers, imitating a labyrinth. Arbors and grottoes, covered with honeysuckles and eglantines were placed at convenient intervals, giving the whole a very romantic and beautiful appearance. On the opposite side of the house was a large kitchen garden, and back of these, orchards of peach and apple trees of the choicest varieties, procured from abroad as well as from the Belpre nurseries. Lower down on the island was the farm,
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with about one hundred acres under the nicest culti- vation; the luxuriant soil producing the finest crops of grain and grass.
"The mansion and offices were frame buildings, painted with the purest white, contrasting tastefully with the green foliage of the ornamental shade trees, which surrounded them. An abundance of fine stone for building could have been quarried from the ad- jacent Virginia shore, but he preferred a structure of wood, as less liable to be damaged by earthquakes. The finishing and furniture of the apartments were adapted to the use for which they were intended. The hall was a spacious room; its walls painted a sombre color, with a beautiful cornice of plaster, bordered with gilded molding, running round the lofty ceiling; while its furniture was rich, heavy and grand. The furniture of the drawing-room was in strong contrast with the hall, light, airy, and elegant; with splendid mirrors, gay-colored carpets, rich cur- tains, with ornaments to correspond, arranged by his lady with the nicest taste and harmonious effect. A large quantity of massive silver plate ornamented the sideboards and decorated the tables. Yet they had not entirely completed their arrangements, when the destroyer appeared, and frustrated all their designs for comfort and future happiness. The whole establishment was noble, chastened by the purest taste, without that glare of tinsel finery, too common among the wealthy."
This testimony as to the beauty of the island home is verified by the writings of every traveler on the Ohio River in the beginning of the nineteenth century.
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The Blennerhassetts kept open house and their guests were numerous. They all left imbued with the charm of both hosts and home. Thomas Ashe, the English traveler, who wrote abusively and falsely concerning American men and manners, found here an elysium which challenged his pessimism and stilled his criticisms. He was a guest in July, 1806, and he records his impression in his "Travels in America."
The master of Blennerhassett's Island was a man of intellectual mold, but as he was situated, he was no more than an impracticable dreamer. He devoted himself to the study of chemistry, music, philosophy and astronomy. He knew Greek and was well versed in English law. He was a student, self-banished from the world of action. Dudley Woodbridge, who was his partner, and who was a witness in Burr's trial at Richmond, being asked concerning him by William Wirt: "Is he esteemed a man of vigorous talents?" answered thus: "He is, and a man of literature. But it was mentioned among the people in the country, that he had every kind of sense, but common sense; at least he had the reputation of having more of other than common sense."
Margaret Blennerhassett was the opposite of her husband; her temperament in every way was in strong contrast to his. He was timid, while she was strong; he was theoretical, she was practical; he was content with his books and library, she loved life, the woods and the world. She was a good woman, wife and nother. Educated in all the accomplishments which add to female charm, she was also a housewife and housekeeper. A lover of social life, her home was the
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center of gaiety for the young and old folk of Marietta, Belpre and the Virginia shore. She was a perfect horsewoman, and on her spirited steed, with rich trappings, she would ride easily to Marietta, fourteen miles away, in two hours, dashing through the pathless dark and lonesome foliage with no company but her black boy, Moses.
Her mind was as cultivated as her person. She was a finished French and Italian scholar, and her Shakesperian recitals were given with the grace and skill of a polished actress. Well-read in history and English literature, she was often called upon to decide disputed questions between her husband and his distinguished guests. Little wonder is that a woman of these accomplishments should have seen in Aaron Burr's dream of empire a new world worthy of her husband's talents and her own ambitions.
Burr was a speedy traveler, for we find him five days after his visit to Blennerhassett Island at Cin- cinnati on May II, where he visited with United States Senator John Smith and several old army acquaint- ances. Burr remained in Cincinnati but one day, but it was long enough to start suspicions on the patri- otism of Senator Smith, which afterwards proved disastrous to his good name and reputation. Next to the Blennerhassetts, John Smith was the most conspicuous character in the Burr project in the Ohio valley. Later in this narrative it will be seen how innocent his connection was and how unjustly he suffered on account of it.
Resuming his journey, Burr proceeded to Louisville where he met General Adair and from there went to
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Nashville where he was the honored guest of General Jackson, who banquetted and lionized him. He spent a month at New Orleans. Here he was received with great honors. Governor Claiborne gave him a dinner which was attended by distinguished guests. He was everywhere received with the most marked consideration, and it was openly understood that Burr was to invade Mexico in case of the expected war with Spain. He returned to the East, stopping on his way to visit General Jackson at Nashville and Henry Clay at Lexington. Both were in sympathy with his movements. On his journey through Ohio he again visited his friends at Cincinnati, and at Chillicothe he met Governor Tiffin. Again he called at Blenner- hassett's Island, but the master was absent as before.
When Burr reached Washington he was received and dined by the President, and from members of the Cabinet he learned that there would be no war with Spain. One of the strongest incentives for his western adventures was then gone. He had, however, other interests which he expected to exploit, and which would strengthen his plans in the invasion of Mexico. This was the purchase of nearly four hundred thousand acres of land in what was known as the Bastrop purchase, lying on the Washita River in Northern Louisiana. This was a grant of the Spanish govern- ment, made prior to cession, to Baron P. N. Tut Bastrop, amounting to twelve hundred thousand acres. Subsequently a Colonel Charles Lynch acquired a portion of the tract, and of him Burr, in July, 1806, purchased nearly four hundred thousand acres. This
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sale was established at the trial at Richmond, and actual payment by Burr to Lynch of five thousand dollars was proven.
To this purchase Mr. Alston, his son-in-law, as well as relatives in Connecticut, contributed. His friends in New York were to join him in the settlement of this territory. The Swartouts, Marinus Willett, after- ward Mayor of New York, Eric Bollman, and Senator Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey were all enthusiastic participants. In the West, General Wilkinson, com- mander-in-chief of the Army, was his associate. When public sentiment afterwards opened its vials of wrath upon Burr, he cowardly deserted him. All this time Wilkinson was in the pay of the Spanish government. He ranks next to Benedict Arnold as the most con- temptible traitor in the history of the Army. He testified against Burr at Richmond, but the jury refused to believe him. And nothwitstanding this, to use the words of Theodore Roosevelt in "The Winning of the West," "Wilkinson, the double traitor, the bribe taker, the corrupt servant of a foreign government, remained at the head of the American Army." But there were others, of an entirely different character, in the West that approved Burr's plans. General Jackson, a thorough Spanish hater, gave them his unqualified support; Henry Clay and General Adair of Kentucky did likewise. Blennerhassett, fascinated, invested his money and his future in the scheme.
With Burr, the settlement on the Washita was not the prime purpose of his ambitions. It was some- thing he could fall back on in case the government
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of the United States should interfere with his designs on Mexico. At the same time it would serve as a starting point for a daring band of enthusiastic spirits bound to invade the El Dorado of their dreams.
On August 4, 1806, Burr with his daughter Theo- dosia and a few personal friends set out on his second tour to the West, and to prepare for the actual launch- ing of the expedition. The first stop was at Marietta. It was a training day for the militia and the distin- guished visitor, whose military record was well known, exercised the amateur soldiers in evolutions which won their fervent admiration. In the evening a ball was given to Colonel Burr and the queenly Theodosia, and both conquered Marietta by their courtly graces. On this occasion, Burr easily enlisted participants in his venture. Offers of distinction and probabilities of wealth were the baits that soon won the young and adventurous. Dudley Woodbridge of Marietta was given a contract for pork, flour, whiskey and cornmeal for the expedition, the payment of which was guaranteed by Blennerhassett, but afterwards met by Burr. Fifteen boats were also ordered on memorandum and models furnished by Burr. These boats were built up the Muskingum River about seven miles above Marietta and were to be delivered on December 9, 1806.
While these preparations were being carried on, Burr visited Chillicothe. Whether he saw Governor Tiffin on this occasion is not known, but he called at Adena, the home of United States Senator Thomas Worth- ington, and remained several days there, although the Senator was not at home. In the "Private Memoir
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of Thomas Worthington" written by his daughter, this visit is referred to: "I know not why he came. Not having letters to my father, we may fairly suspect that his object was to discover his views respecting the 'conspiracy' in which he is said to have been engaged. Having discovered by some means, it is to be supposed, that he had nothing to gain in that direction, he departed as he came."
From Chillicothe Burr proceeded to Cincinnati and thence to Lexington and Nashville. Everywhere he was busy in gaining adherents, visiting men of influence, and on all occasions he was received as a great man and with honor and dignity becoming a former Vice-President of the United States. On the Cumberland River he gave orders for six boats, and left four thousand dollars with General Jackson to pay for them.
All this time Mrs. Alston was with the Blenner- hassetts, and in October she was joined by her husband. Soon after he and his wife and Blennerhassett left for Lexington which was to be the rendezvous for them and Burr. The energetic Mrs. Blennerhassett was in the meanwhile in charge of affairs at home, and making the necessary preparations for the final departure when her husband should return.
The Ohio Valley, in the summer and fall of 1806, was full of rumors respecting Burr and his intentions. Then the press was active in spreading views favorable or unfavorable according to the political viewpoint. Senator John Smith, who was a real friend of Aaron Burr's, was worried by these reports, and accordingly, on October 23, 1806, he addressed this letter to him
HARMAN BLENNERHASSETT
Associate of Aaron Burr in his western schemes; was arrested with Burr for treason; indicted at Richmond but never tried.
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Having discovered by some means, it i to be supposed, that he had nothing to gain in that direction, he departed as he came."
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All this time Mrs. Alston was with the Blend hawetts, and in October she was joined by her hushan Son after he and his wife and Blennerhassett for Lexington which was to be the rendezvous them, and Barr. The energetic Mrs. Blennerhammer was in the meanwhile in charge of affairs at hon and inaking the necessary preparations for the departure when her husband should return.
The Ohio Valley, in the summer and fall of 1886, was full of rumors respecting Burr and his intentionl. Then the press was active in spreading views favorable or unfavorable according to the political viewpoint. Senator John Smith, who was a real friend of Aaron Bure's, was worried by these reports, and accordingly, on October 23, 1806, he addressed this letter to him
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from Cincinnati: "Dear Sir, Having an opportunity of writing a line by one of Blennerhassett's domes- ticks, I beg leave to inform you that we have in this quarter various reports prejudicial to your character. It is believed by many, that your design is to dis- member the Union. Although, I do not believe that you have any such design, yet I must confess from the mystery and rapidity of your movements, that I have fears, let your object be what it may, that the tranquillity of the country will be interrupted, unless it be candidly disclosed, which I solicit, and to which I presume you will have no objection."
Burr's answer to this letter was at once prompt and positive. Under date of October 26, he wrote to Senator Smith from Lexington, where he was visiting Henry Clay, as follows: "Dear Sir; I was greatly surprised and really hurt by the unusual tenor of your letter of the 23d, and I hasten to reply to it as well for your satisfaction as my own. If there exists any design to separate the western from the eastern states, I am totally ignorant of it. I never harbored or expressed any such intention to any one, nor did any person ever intimate such design to me. Indeed I have no conception of any mode in which such a measure could be promoted, except by operating on the minds of the people, and demonstrating it to be their interest. I have never written or published a line on this subject, nor ever expressed any other sentiments than those which you may have heard from me in public companies, at Washington and elsewhere, and in which I think you concurred. It is a question on which I feel no interest, and certainly
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I never sought a conversation upon it with any one; but even if I had written and talked ever so much of the matter, it could not be deemed criminal.
"But the idea, as I am told, which some malevolent persons circulate is, that a separation is to be effected by force; this appears to me to be as absurd and as unworthy of contradiction, as if I had been charged with a design to change the planetary system. All the armies of France could not effect such a purpose, because they could not get here, and if they could get here, they could not subsist, and if they could subsist, they would certainly be destroyed.
"I have no political views whatever, those which I entertained some months ago, and which were com- municated to you, have been abandoned.
"Having bought of Colonel Lynch, four hundred thousand acres of land on the Washita, I propose to send thither this fall, a number of settlers; as many as will go and labor a certain time, to be paid in land and found in provisions for the time they labor, perhaps one year. Mr. J. Breckinridge, Adair and Fowler, have separately told me that it was the strong desire of the administration that American settlers should go into that quarter, and that I could not do a thing more grateful to the government. I have some other views which are personal merely, and which I shall have no objection to state to you personally, but which I do not deem it necessary to publish; if these projects could any way effect the interests of the U. S. it would be beneficially, yet I acknowledge no public considerations have led me to this speculation, but mere- ly the interest and comfort of myself and my friends.
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"This is the first letter of explanation which I have ever written to any man, and will probably be the last. It was perhaps due to the frankness of your character, and to the friendship you once bore me. I shall regret to see that a friendship I so greatly valued must be sacrificed on the altars of calumny.
"Be assured that no changes on your part can alter any desire of being useful to you, and I pray you to accept my warmest wishes for your happiness. It may be an unnecessary caution, but I never write for publication."
John Smith's relations with Aaron Burr were much misinterpreted, and in his subsequent persecutions he was undoubtedly the victim of partisan intrigue. As the most conspicuous citizen of Ohio, charged with complicity in Burr's plans, an examination into his character and the charges against him will be interest- ing, instructive and only fair to his memory. He was known as Elder John Smith, and was the first per- manent pastor of the first Baptist church in the Northwest Territory. He was a man of vigorous mind, and though without a liberal education, by great industry soon acquired a good degree of general inform- ation, and a respectable knowledge of letters. He was a man of unusually fine appearance, and a natural orator. His voice was remarkable for itspower and compass as well as for its peculiar sweetness. As outdoor preach- ing was common in his day, when there were few meet- ing houses, his voice was admirably adapted for such service, and those who heard him, and have given to us their recollections of that day, say he could be dis- tinctly heard in preaching at the distance of half a mile.
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It was but natural that a man of his pleasing and popular manners should enter public life. Reference has been made to his services in the Territorial Leg- islature and the first Constitutional Convention. Judge Burnet was well acquainted with Mr. Smith, and although he belonged to the opposite party, he writes in his "Notes" freely praising his character and defending him against any treasonable designs in his connection with Burr. The first General As- sembly of Ohio elected John Smith as one of the United States Senators. Aaron Burr was then Vice-President and presiding officer of the Senate, and Smith, being one of the leading Democratic-Republicans in the West, soon became acquainted with the leaders of his party, among them, Burr. President Jefferson saw in Smith one who had strongly advocated his election and the Ohio Senator soon became one of his favorites. The President made him a confidant on the subject of our relations with Spain, out of which war was soon expected to occur. The truth of the whole situation was that Spain owned territory here that we wanted, and Jefferson was willing to have some reason for war.
John Smith was a contractor for supplying the United States Army west of the mountains, and hac occasionally visited the forts on the Mississippi, and had also for the purpose of purchasing supplies for his contracts visited New Orleans and other point to the Southwest in the Spanish Dominions. Jefferson knew this, and had advised with him concerning the sentiment of the Spanish subjects towards the United States. Notwithstanding the Louisiana pur
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chase, there was some dispute as to what it included. Jefferson held that with it came West Florida and Texas. The Spaniards denied this. War was im- minent. Senator Smith made a trip to the Southwest to secure information concerning public feeling in that section. The results of his investigations were reported to Jefferson at the December session of Congress in 1805. Immediately a confidential message breathing war against Spain was sent to Congress. For a year or so, during which time Burr was preparing for such an emergency, there was momentary expec- tation of a conflict. Negotiations and the prudent conduct of Jefferson, settled all disputed points, and peace was maintained.
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