USA > Ohio > Seneca County > History of Seneca County, from the close of the revolutionary war to July, 1880 > Part 68
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CHILLICOTHE, March 5, 1803.
GOVERNOR TIFFIN'S SECOND MESSAGE.
To the General Assembly of the State of Ohio:
GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- TIVES : We have met together to consider the situation of our political so- ciety, and midler circumstances the most auspicions, both as it respects our exterior and interior relations, and sufficient to exeite in all our hearts the most sincere effusion of gratitude to that Being in whose hands are the des- tinies of nations and of man.
THE PURCHASE OF LOUISIANA.
At the close of the last session of the general assembly, our fellow citizens were anxiously concerned at the prohibition of an invaluable acquired right which was unjustly withheld by the officers of the Spanish government at the port of New Orleans, and which threatened to annihilate the commerce and becloud the best prospects of this and the' neighboring western states ; yet, anxiously concerned as they were, and conscions of the great injury they belabored under, they sustained it with a fortitude and prudence which has done them honor-wisely confiding in the general government, to whom alone it belonged to have the evil remedied, and to provide against similar
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ยท events in future ; and herein we have an additional inducement for that con- fidence which the legisla ture expressed at their last session in the executive of the United States, and in the measures which were pursuing to accom- plish those objects, and which have succeeded beyond our most sanguine ex- pectations.
The right of depositing the produce of exportation of all that extensive, fertile country, whose waters are tributary to the Mississippi, either at New Orleans or anywhere else on the banks of the river near its month, although a great object, yet, would have been held at best, but a precarious tenure, while both sides were subject to a foreign government, but by a wise and magnanimous policy, war, ever to be deprecated, with all its inconceivable attendant horrors, has been averted, and expenses to support that war, which might have been incalculable, and could not fail to have been heavily felt, are rendered unnecessary, whilst by a friendly negotiation, and in the most just and honorable way, the city and island of New Orleans, with the whole of Louisiana, are added to the American empire, an acquisition incalculable to the United States, whether considered as a territory, rich in natural re- sources, as a means of geenring the uncontrolled and peaceable navigation of the Mississippi, by possessing its key, or as a great and increasing source of national revenue.
In our own state we have this year been favored with abndant crops, less visited by affliction than heretofore, and strengthened with a greatly in- creased and still increasing population. We have exhibited the pleasing spectacle of a free people, assuming the right of self-government, purely elective in all its branches, and conducting those elections and organizing that government with a temper, moderation and caution becoming a people capable of enjoying those political and religious liberties, which are their inherent rights.
The present state of the militia calls aloud for your particular attention. When the government was first organized a return to the militia was required of the then adjutant-general, who was directed by the 12th section of the "act establishing and regulating the militia," to make a return to the com- mander-in-chief annually. His answer to that request showed that the militia law had been neglected, and that not a single regiment in the state was either officered or organized, believing that onr safety and freedom de- pends on this class of our fellow citizens, and finding that the only proper safegnard for protection and defence was in this lamentable situation. it was thought expedient, as the existing militia laws from the change of govern- ment which had taken place, were not applicable to our present situation, to issne general orders, requiring the senior officers who were in commission in such county, to hold elections agrecably to the constitution, to fill the vacan- cies in their regiments and make report to the adjutant-general, that the militia might be placed on as respectable footing as existing eireminstances would permit. These orders were attended to by some of the commandants with a zeal and activity highly honorable to them, and a few regiments have been completely officered and disciplined, with light companies annexed to them. A return of the effective force, a communication from the president of the I'nited States on this subject, a requisition from the general govern- ment to assemble with the least possible delay, and hold in readiness five
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hundred of the militia, including officers, to compose a regiment, to march to take possession of the lately ceded country of Louisiana, should the offi- cers of the Spanish government either refuse or delay to give it up. agreeably to treaty, with the measures taken to raise this force, and other documents relative thereto, is hereunto annexed. See exhibit No. 1, and from which you will discover the necessity of taking into early consideration an institu- tion on which every free state should place its greatest reliance for repelling aggressions from withont, for maintaining order and good government with- in its own borders, and which tends to keep alive that spirit which effected our independence and gave the United States a name amongst the nations of the earth.
The laws laying a tax on lands will, I hope, this session undergo a revisal and the remedies which time and experience have pointed out, be applied , particularly, it is suggested, whether it would not be advisable to have all the lands of resident proprietors listed anew, provision made from the sev- eral officers a list of all lands which have been located or acquired by indivi- duals, and which are subject to, but have never been entered for. taxation. The public weal also requires that a more expeditious and certain way of obliging delinquent collectors to account for and pay into the treasury their respective balances due the state, should be devised ; and it will further be a proper subject for your inquiry, whether it is not necessary that the rev- enue arising from this source should be wholly reserved for state purposes.
The act regulating the public salt works. etc., etc., etc.
EDWARD TIFFIN.
CHILLICOTHE, December 5, 1803.
MESSAGE ON THE BURR-BLENNERHASSET EXPEDITION.
The speaker laid before the senate the following written message from his excellency the governor of this state, viz:
To the General Assembly of the State of Ohio :
I now communicate to the representatives of the people such operations as have taken place, under the act passed this session, to prevent certain acts hostile to the peace and tranquility of the United States, within the jurisdiction of this state, that they may be fully possessed of what has already occurred and is still in transit.
Immediately upon receiving the law, after its passage, I dispatched an express to Marietta, with orders to arrest the flotilla on the Muskingum river and the agents engaged in its preparations, and to make due inquiry after such proof as would lead to their conviction, as also to prevent any armaments proceeding that might be descending the Ohio, if possible.
The execution of the operation at Marietta was entrusted to Judge Meigs and Major-General Buell. I also dispatched orders to Cincinnati to plant one or more pieces of artillery on the banks of the Ohio, to keep patroles up the river at proper distances, in order to give notice, in due time, of the ap- proach of the boats, either singly or in numbers, and to call out a sufficient force to be able to meet 300 men, the number I expected might probably be with Blennerhasset's and Comfort Tyler's flotillas, if they should effect a junction ; and lest they might attempt to pass in detachments of one boat at
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a time, not to suffer a single boat to pass without an arrest and examination The execution of these operations was entrusted to Generals Gano and Findley and Judge Nimms I have also given authority to Jacob Wilson. Esq., of Steubenville, to act if occasion offers for his interposition, in that quarter. and it gives me great pleasure to inform you that I last night re- ceived a communication from Judge Meigs, of Marietta, announcing the complete success of the operations intrusted to him and General Buell, and whose patriotic efforts entitle them both to my warmest thanks.
It is suspected notice was conveyed to Blenerhasset's island of the pas-' sage of the law, and the preparations making here to carry it into immediate effect ; for it appears that on the night of the 9th instant, Comfort Tyler passed Marietta with a number (not yet ascertained) of fast rowing boats. with men armed indiscriminately with muskets, pistols and cutlasses, and anchored at the island, and immediately sent an express after Blennerhas- set, who was hurrying on his flotilla; that upon discovering the move- ments of our militia, they fled full speed to the island, which was guarded at night by sentinels and lighted lanterns at proper distances, and none suf- fered to pass except by countersign or watch-word. Spies were also placed at Marietta to give notice of the movements there. In the meantime, Gen- eral Buell, by direction of Judge Meigs, with a detachment of militia, pro- ceeded up the Muskingum river in the night, and arrested ten of the batteaux as they were descending the river to join Tyler's forces; they were so hurried that four more of the batteaux were not got ready to embark and would also be seized, which is, I believe, the whole of the Muskingum flotil- la. There were near 100 barrels of provisions seized on board, and which, I expect, he also seized with the same remaining batteaux ; these batteaux are rach forty feet long ; wide and covered and calentated to carry one company of men. It is believed notice was immediately given to the island of this seizure, for in about three hours afterwards, on the same night, Blennerhas- set and Tyler made their escape from the island, and have pushed, it is said, through Kentucky. Colonel Phelps, of Virginia, with a few mounted men, is in pursuit of them.
I expect Tyler's boats will descend the Ohio. to meet him and Blenner- hasset at some point low down on that river, and I have no doubt but that General Gano will render a good account of them as they attempt to pass Cincinnati.
I also received last night a communication from the secretary of war of the United States, by direction of the government, requiring me. withont delay, to raise 150 or 200 volunteer militia, to be formed in companies with one field officer, one captain, two subalterns and 70 men, commissioned offi- cers, privates and musicians to each company. in the pay of the United States, and dirret them to march to Marietta, with orders to seize the Mus- kingum flotilla, and prevent it from being removed until further orders from the president. But finding that this service was in part effected. I have ventured, from the necessity of the case, to vary in some degree from these instructions, and which, I hope, will meet the approval of the general gov- ernment and also of yours. I sent on orders last night to Marietta to raise one company of volunteers, to be composed of one major, one captain. two subalterns and sixty men, commissioned officers, privates and musicians,
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which I have thought sufficient to guard and keep safe the flotilla and stores already arrested. I have also dispatched an express to Cincinnati, with orders to raise two companies as above, each, as I thought the most force wanted there, to relieve the militia previously ordered out, and to secure Comfort Tyler's flotilla while descending the Ohio, if it was not already done. I have no doubt that these three companies will be instantly under arms, and that this hitherto mysterious enterprise will be completely frustrated, and the intended evil levelled at the peace and tranquility of the United States will fall with all its weight on its projectors.
EDWARD TIFFIN.
CHILLICOTHE, December 5, 1806.
President Jefferson, in a message to congress, dated January 22, 1807, on this subject, amongst other things, said :
"Our confidential agent, who had been diligently employed in investiga- ting the conspiracy, had acquired sufficient information to open himself to the governor of the state of Ohio and apply for the immediate exertion of the authority and power of the state to crush the combination. Governor Fiffin and the legislature, with a promptitude, an energy and patriotic zeal, which entitle them to a distinguished place in the affections of their sister states, effected the seizure of all the boats, provisions and other preparations within their reach, and thus gave a first blow, materially disabling the enter- prise in its outset."
GOVERNOR TIFFIN ELECTED TO THE UNITED STATES SENATE.
January 1, 1807.
The two houses then proceeded in like manner to the choice of a senator to represent this state in the congress of the United States for the term of six years, from and after the 4th day of March next, in the room of Thomas Worthington, whose term of office then expires, and the ballots being col- lected and counted, showed the following result :
CANDIDATE. VOTES.
Edward Tiffin 25
Philemon Bucher. 12
John Bigger. 2
Return J. Meigs, Jr.
Tom Tuff. 1
Thomas Konkey 1
Edward Tiffin having a majority of the whole number of votes given, was thereupon declared by the speakers of both houses duly elected.
December, 1809.
During the recess. Mr. Tiffin resigned his seat in the senate of the United States.
GOVERNOR TIFFIN IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
The first session of the tenth congress commenced October 26, 1807.
Mr. John Adams presented the credentials of Hon. Edward Tiffin, who took the oath and was seated.
The president communicated to the senate a letter from the governor of the Indian territory, together with certain resolutions of the territorial legis-
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lature, on the expedieney of suspending the sixth article of the compact contained in the ordinance passed July 13, 1787. concerning the admission of slaves ; also a remonstrance against the same from citizens of Clark county. which was read and ordered to be referred to Messrs. Franklin, Kitchill and Tiffin to consider and report thereon. Upon the report of the committee. the senate resolved that it is not expedient to so suspend.
On the 27th of November, 1807, the following resolution was passed in the' senate :
Resolred, That a committee be appointed to inquire whether it be com- patible with the honor and privileges of the house that John Smith, a sen- ator from Ohio, against whom bills of indictment were found in the circuit court of Virginia, held at Richmond in August last, for treason and mis- demeanor, should be permitted any longer to have a seat therein ; and that the committee do inquire into all the facts regarding the conduct of Mr. Smith as an alleged associate of Aaron Burr, and report the same to the senate.
During the discussion, Mr. Tiffin, by permission, read in his place a letter from Mr. Smith, as follows:
" WASHINGTON, November 27, 1507.
" DEAR SIR : Just having heard that a motion is pending in the senate to appoint a committee to inquire into certain charges exhibited against me at Richmond by the late grand jury, I beg you. sir, to assure the senate in my name, that nothing will afford me more pleasure than to have a public in- vestigation of the said charges and an opportunity to vindicate my inno- cence, and I beg you from your seat to make this statement.
" I am, dear sir, respectfully yours, etc.,
" JOHN SMITH.
" HON. MR. TIFFIN."
Smith was not expelled, however.
In a letter to the author on this subject somebody remarked : " In the case of John Smith. I think there were not quite enough votes to insure his ex pulsion and Pa., I believe, voted against him. D. M. T." Amongst the numerous measures that Mr. Tiffin supported with his intlu- ence and his vote were the following, viz :
A bill for the preservation of peace and maintainance of the authority of the United States in the ports, harbors and waters under their jurisdiction.
A bill extending the rights of suffrage in the Mississippi territory.
A bill authorizing the president of the United States, under certain cou- ditions, to suspend the operation of the act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States.
An act making provision for arming and equipping the whole body of the militia of the United States.
An act to authorize the president of the United States to cause to be pre- pared for service the frigates and other armed vessels of the United States.
January 19, 19009.
Mr. Tiflin presented sundry petitions from purchasers of public lands in the state of Ohio, stating, "that from the various incidents to which new settlers are liable, and more especially from the great uncertainty of com-
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manding cash for produce at the present time, they will not be able to make up the final payments for their lands at the time they will respectively be- come due." and praying that congress will so modify the present land laws as will guard them from the embarrassments and ruin they otherwise ap- prehend may fall upon them. The petitions were referred to Messrs. Tiflin, Gregg and Bradley, to consider and report thereon.
February 14, 1809.
The senate resumed the consideration of the motion made on the 8th instant : " That the several laws laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States be repealed on the 4th day of March next, except as to Great Britain and France and their dependencies ; and that provision be made by law for prohibiting all commercial inter- course with those nations and their dependencies and the importation of any article into the United States, the growth, produce, or manufacture of either of said nations, or of the dominions of either of them."
On motion of Mr. Bayard to strike out the following words : " Except as to Great Britain and France and their dependencies," etc., it was deter- mined in the negative. Mr. Tiffin voted no. On the question to agree to the original motion-ayes 22, nays 3, Mr. Tiffin voted aye.
February 28, 1809.
The Senate proceeded to consider the amendments of the house of rep- resentatives entitled : " An act to Miderdiet the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and their depen - dencies, and for other purposes."
On the question to agree to the amendment of section 11, as follows : strike out the words. " and to canse to be issued, under suitable pledges and precautions, letters of marque and reprisal against the nation thereafter continuing in enforcing its unlawful ediets against the commerce of the I'nited States," it was carried.
Mr. Tiffin voted in the affirmative. Ayes 17, Nays 14.
This was in 1809. The war spirit already kindled. broke ont into a flame three years later.
After Mr. Tiffin resigned his seat in the United States senate,he was elected a member of the house of representatives of the Ohio legislature, from Ross county, in 1809.
FIRST BALLOT FOR SPEAKER.
Edward Tiffin. 20
James Richard. 15
Mathias Corwin. 4
Abraham Shepherd. 2
Othneil Looker.
1
George Jackson.
1
Samuel Dunlap. 1 Neither of the persons having a majority of the whole number present. the house proceeded to a second ballot, which resulted as follows : Titlin. 24
Richard 19
Shepherd 1
Looker 1
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Mr. Tiffin having received a majority of all the votes of the members pres- ent, was declared by the clerk to be duly elected speaker.
The general assembly begun and held at the town of Zanesville, on Mon- day the 3d day of December, 1810, being the first session of the ninth general assembly of Ohio.
Members from Ross-Edward Tiffin, Abraham Claypool. James Manary. Henry Brush and William Creighton, Jr.
Mr. Tiffin was again elected speaker.
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APPENDIX.
NO. 3. .
THE END-CENTENNIAL ORATION AND CELEBRATION OF FOURTH OF JULY 1876. IN TIFFIN.
(From the Tillin Tribune of July 6th, 1876.)
ONLY AND ORIGINAL CENTENNIAL! HOW WE CELEBRATED IT!
NOISE, DISPLAY, PATRIOTISM, ETC., ETC. THE FOURTH IN TIFFIN.
O UR PEOPLE certainly acquitted themselves patriotically on the Fourth of July, 1876. Early Monday afternoon the work of decoration began, and by night nearly all the business houses and many private residences were finely decorated. There was a supply of flags large enough to satisfy the most enthusiastic lover of the Stars and Stripes. The decoration of some of our business places was worthy of mention, but our space will not per- mit.
At twelve o'clock Tuesday morning, the Centennial Fourth was inaugur- ated with the ringing of bells, the shrieks of whistles, the firing of guns, pistols, etc. Taking it altogether, it was the most enthusiastic noise ever listened to, and probably fully as patriotic.
The Fourth proper was inaugurated by a National salute by Captain Spier's battery at five o'clock A. M.
The day did not open auspiciously. It was rainy until nearly ten o'clock, which fact delayed carrying out the programme as arranged. Notwithstand- ing the bad weather, the people began to gather at an early hour, and by nine o'clock an immense crowd were present to take part in the grand occa- sion. Every one seemed to feel that he had a part in the celebration, and the greatest good feeling prevailed.
The procession was formed at as early hour as possible. The appearance made by it was very fine and far beyond all expectation. It was formed in the following order :
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FIRST DIVISION-CAPTAIN F. K. SHAWHAN COMMANDING Marshal C. Mutchler, and Tiffin Police. Tiffin Light Guards. Harmonia Band. St. John's Benevolent Society. President, Orator, and Mayor. Reader and Chaplains. Vice-Presidents. Decoration Wagon. Centennial Choir. SECOND DIVISION-MAJOR W. W. MYERS COMMANDING. St. Patrick's T. A. & B. Band and Association. Fort Ball Cadets. Tiffin Fire Department. THIRD DIVISION-CAPTAIN A. W. SNYDER COMMANDING.
Boos' Band. Independent Zouaves. Turners. Bruderbund. Druids of Humbolt Grove. Knights of Pythias. Knights of Hurrah. C. Mueller's Brewery Wagons. Theil & Gassner's Stone-Quarry Wagon. Citizens in Carriages.
The procession paraded through the most important streets, after which the people gathered at the court house yard to listen to the other exercises. Mayor Bachman introduced the president of the day. R. W. Shawhan, who made the following brief and very appropriate remarks :
FELLOW CITIZENS : 'The pleasant duty now devolves upon me of calling this large assemblage to order : and in doing so I may be permitted to state that we have come together to celebrate and commemorate one of the great- est of all historical events. Go back through all the traditional and historic ages of the past, from Adam to Moses, and then down to the ushering in of our Christian era, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six years ago- saving and excepting that mysterious birth at Bethlehem-the birth of our nation by the Declaration of Independence, one hundred years ago to-day . was the grandest event over enacted on the face of the globe. And now with fervent thanks to God for all who have lived to witness and to celebrate this Centennial anniversary, and thanking you all for the honor conferred upon your presiding officer, we will now proceed with the exercises of the day."
Mr. Shawhan's remarks were followed by a patriotic song by the conten- uial choir, which was exeented in a highly creditable manner. Rev. G. A. IInghes then made a most fervent prayer, which was followed by the read- ing of the Declaration of Independence by D. C. Tunison, who delivered it in a elear, strong voice, and in a most impressive manner. At its close the bells of the city were rung, and the bands played a patriotic piece. The
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choir sang again, when Mr. Shawhan said : " I now have the pleasure of in- trodneing to yon our worthy citizen and ripe scholar, Judge Wm. Lang, who will now address you." Judge Lang came forward and spoke as follows :
MR. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN : One hundred years have come and goue ; a century has flown off into the ocean of time, with all its epochs for weal or woe to the linman race, since the old bell at Independence Hall. in Philadelphia, called together a small band of patriots, who had as- sembled to represent the people of thirteen colonies under the government of Great Britain. to consult together as to the best mode for the redress of the grievances the people of the Colonies were then suffering. The result of their deliberations was that declaration of principles just read in your hear- ing: a production that brightens with age and glows with a fire of patriot- ism that shines forth and points ont to the oppressed of all nations the path- way to justice, imlependence and equality. It is like the leaven that leaventh the whole loaf. It has aronsed the pride and patriotism of intelligent men everywhere, and to-day thrones that claimed their power by the grace of God exist simply by the permission of the people. Man has learned to know his rights. and knowing, will maintain them. England. Germany and Italy have removed many oppressions and compelled their governments to rule in con- formity with the will of the people. Spain struggled, but failed for a season. while France enjoys a new life under a republican form of government of their own, having nobody to rule over them by the " Grace of God." Even Herzegovinia, in her might of abject despotism, has canght a ray of the light that burst forth on that day, and she struggles like a hero for independence.
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