USA > Ohio > Ohio in the time of the Confederation > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15
Thirteen Chains further than the last mentioned distance there is level Land, the Line to this place had a gradual descent along the side of the Ridge, over a thin Soil, with yellow Clay, fit for Bricks, a few Inches below its surface, through a thicket of scrubby Dogwood, Oak, Chesnut, Aspen and Hick- ory saplins and bushes, almost without a single Tree, the whole of this distance was cut through for the Chain carriers to pass. The Soil is nearly similar
135
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation
with that last described with the addition of a good deal of Sand stone.
At the End of five Chains and sixty three Links further over level Land capable of producing Indian Corn, Wheat & covered with White Oaks, some very large, also with sugar Tree and free from brush or underwood, reached the termination of another Mile, which completes two Miles from the Meridian.
For the distance of four Chains and Seventy five links further than the completion of the above two Miles, the Land is level and free from underwood, Timbered with Black and White Oaks, Sugar Tree, Ash, Maple, Hickory, and Dogwood, and would abundantly yield Indian Corn Wheat &c.
At Seventeen Chains and seventy links further there is a Spring of wholesome Water, it directs its Course through good Wheat Land shaded with sev- eral kinds of useful Timber.
At Ten Chains and thirty five links further are a number of Grey coloured Rocks so very large that they resemble small Houses at a distance, here the Land would produce Wheat and other Grain tho it is much incommoded with Rocks; it is covered with large black and white Oaks, Hickory & also with a Thicket composed of Dogwood, Sassarfrax Shoe- mack and Locust Bushes, through which a Way was Cut for the Chain carriers.
At the distance of five Chains and twenty, links further the Line crossed a Spring, running through good Wheat Land, but very Stoney, and in many places Rocky.
At Nine Chains and thirty Links further the Line reached the top of the South End of a Ridge, the
136
Marietta College Historical Collections
perpendicular heighth about 100 feet; This distance is good for the growth of almost every kind of Grain, the greater part of which was so much incommoded with underwood that a Way was Cut along it for the Chair carriers.
Seven Chains and twenty links further over a de- scent of rich Land, well Timbered with Oaks, large Chesnut and Hickory Trees, free from brush, reached a Spring; the Soil here is favourable for the growth of Indian Corn, Wheat and Tobacco.
Eight Chains and twenty seven links further to the summit of a Ridge; the sides of this Ridge are easy in their ascent, the Soil is good for the raising of Wheat and Timbered with large Hickory and Oaks.
From hence to Stoney Brook between two very steep and high Ridges; it is eight yards wide, its bottom is of Slate and Sand Stone, and in many parts of it are large pieces of excellent Coal washed by the Rains from the Neighbouring Hills; it is bordered by low rich Meadow ground, producing Sycamore, White-Walnut, Oaks &e and on it are several good Seats for Mills. The perpendicular heighth of the Easternmost [Ridge] is nearly 180 feet, very steep, of poor blue Slate Land, tho well Timbered and would produce Wheat; the Western Ridge is also steep and 280 feet high, its East side is very fertile, and covered with large Oaks, Hickory, Black Wal- nut, Dogwood &ª and in some parts Rocky, but such is the fertility of the Soil that it would grow Hemp, Indian Corn &c.
New York Decem" 27th 1785
[Indorsed:] Remarks on that part of the W. Territory thro
137
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation
which the E & W Line has been surveyed Thomas Hutchins Esq" Dec 1785
XXXIII
PETITION OF KENTUCKIANS FOR LANDS NORTH OF OHIO RIVER 75
To the Honourable Continental Congress The Petition of a Number of the true and Loyal Sub- jects of the United States of America at large most humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioners having heretofore been In- habiters of the different States of America; Since the Commencement of the Contest with Great Brit- ain for the Common cause of Liberty; Have ven- tured their lives in a Wild uncultivated part of the
75 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 48, 235, 247. The story of the petitioning element in Kentucky has been told by Professor J. A. Robertson, Petitions of the Early Inhabitants of Ken- tucky (Filson Club Pub. no. 27). That collection does not include petitions to the general government, of which this is one. On read- ing this petition Professor Robertson is inclined to think that the list of signers "does not represent the better element, as there do not seem to be many of the prominent family names such as are to be found on my lists." The Squire Boon mentioned was Daniel Boone's brother. The engrossing of lands protested against is mentioned in Petition No. 8 in Professor Robertson's volume wherein the signers complain that many of them are deprived of securing "so much as one hundred acres of land" because of the "private gentlemen who have men employed at this junction in this country at one hundred pounds per thousand for, running round the land, which is too rough a medicine ever to be digested by any act of people that have suf- fered as we have. . . "-Id. 46.
138
Marietta College Historical Collections
Continent on the Western Waters of Ohio called by General Name of Kentuckey- Where they have made Improvements; on what they allowed was Kings Unappropriated Lands before the Commence- m' of the said Contest; and that in the face of a sav- age Enemy with the utmost hardships and in daily Geopardy of being inhumanly murdered-Your Petitioners further allowed that the Honorable Con- gress would allow them a Reasonable in Lands for the Services your Petitioner did, in defending and Settleing, on their own expence, the Country afore- said, to the weakening of the Enemy, and the Strengthening of the United States, whenever the common contest with Britain should be desided in favour of America -
In the full Assurance of which your Petitioners Sold all their livings in the Settled parts of the Continent, and have removed with their Wives Families and all their Effects to the Country aforesaid, in order to take possession of their improvements aforesaid - But when they came found almost all their Improve- ments granted away by a Set of men which Acted or pretened to Act under the late Act of Virginia ; which Act, also Allows large grants without any re- serve of Settling and improving the same. By which means almost the whole of the lands in the Country aforesaid are Engrossed into the hands of a few In- terestª men, the greater part of which live at ease in the internal parts of Virginia; while your Peti- tioners are here with their Wives and Children daily Exposed to the Murders of the Savages to whom Sundry of their Acquaintance have fell a Sacrifice since their Arrival though as yet but a Short time;
139
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation
Again the late Acts of Virginia require your Peti- tioners to take a New Oath of Allegience to that State; renouncing all other Kings princes and States; and be true to the State of Virginia only ; and the prospect of Military Government taking place shortly in this place; give your Petitioners the greatest apprehension of the most Severe usage un- less they comply with their mandates
Your Petitioners considering all those grievances would gladly return into the Settled parts of the Continent again; But having come Seven hundred Miles down the River Ohio, with the expence of the greater part of their fortunes find it Impracticable to return back against the Stream with their Wives and Children, were they to suffer the most cruel death -
Your Petitioners being drove to the Extremity aforesaid, have but three things to chooese; One is to Tarry in this place take the Oath of Allegience to Virginia, and be true to that State only, and also be- come Slaves to those Engrossers of Lands and to the Court of Virginia; The other is to Remove down the River Ohio, and land on some part of Mexico and become Subjects to the King of Spain; And the third to Remove themselves over the River Ohio; with their Wives Children and their small Effects remain- ing; which is now in possession of the Savage En- emy, to whome they are daily Exposed to murders; The Two former appearing to your Petitioner to have a Tendancy to weaken the United States; and as it were Banish the Common Cause of Liberty ; Humbly pray the Honorable Continental Congress to grant them Liberty of Taking the latter Choise;
140
Marietta College Historical Collections
and removing with their Wives Families and Effects to the Indian side of the Ohio, and take possession of the same in the name of the United States of America at large ; where your Petitioners suppose to Support themselves in an Enemies Country on their own risque and expence; which they humbly Conceive will have a Tendancy to Weaken the power of the enemy, Strengthen the United States at large, and Advance the Common caus of Liberty - Your Pe- tioners further pray the Honorable Congress, to grant them liberty of making such Regulations amongst themselves as they shall find necessary to Govern themselves by, being subject to the United States at Large, and no other State or power what- soever-Your Petitioners Humbly Pray the Hon- orable Continental Congress to Consider their Case and Grievances in its true light, and grant them such Relief, as You, in your great Wisdom shall see Meet as such meashures which are at this time adopted by Designing men are Likely to Lessen the Exertion of a Great number of people which otherwise are Well attached to the General Cause-And your Petitioners in duty Bound shall ever pray -
Thos: Hargis
John Williamson
Edward Tyle
John Moore
Charles Masterson
Benjm: Lin
James Dunbar
Joseph Borth
John Turner
William isdal John Light
John Redley
Robt: Holmes
Willm: Little
Joseph Green
John Johnston
Jonathan Harned
John Green
Jeremiah Johston
Samuell Wells
Adam Grounds
John Thikston Peter Newkirk
John Felty
Jonathan Thickston
Tobias Newkirk
Sam1: Kelly
William Sutherland
Jas: Qurtermus
Moses Cane
Edward Welch
Peter Pohene John Nelson
Willm: Armstrong
John Capp
Thos: Banfield
David Loughead
Elisha Qurtermus
Thos: Patten
141
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation
Arthur Park
John McCam
Willm: Welch Niclas Shirly
George Cuavenston William Mitchell
teni Swell o Newkirk
Frederick Fore
Willm: Galoway
Nathan Sellar
Joseph Mcclintock
John Baley Frederick Dunfield Joseph Oldem Willm Winter
Willm. Mitchell
John Swingle Jas: Anderson
George Somers
Joseph Kirkpatrick
John Beson
Willm: Cumins
Mathew Jaferes
Charles Crump
Albert Banta
John Kenedy
Jacob Dosson
Peter Demaree
John Miller
Josiah Walis
John Banta
Adam Wall
John Little
Willm: Drennan John Shaw
John Sumet
Charles Davis
Jacob Banta
Thos Boyd
Robt: Insworth
James McElharton
John Seller
James Purse
Cornelius Banto
Nathan Sellers
John Johnson
Anthony Jenkins
David Brinten
Aaron Rawlings
John Galoway James Galoway Abraham Banta
Henry Brenten
Thos: Hamilton
Cornelius Voorhes
Reuben Blackford
David Hamilton
John Brookil
John Finn
Willm: Greathouse John Greathouse
Hardy Hill
Chrisr: Schults
Herman Greathouse
Fredericd Bowfd
George Reading
Joseph Tumblestone
David Johnson
Honkerson Ashby
John Tumlinson
John Dorland
Andrew Gradry
Jesse Tumlinson
Jass: Theaig
Jacob Vonmatar
Jas: Delany
Benjamn: Tumlinson
Thos: Kennedy
Bazil Stocker
Willm: Logsdon
Willm : Hougland
Edward Rewalens
Martin Stull
John Hougland
George Neal
John Martin
Squier Boon John Miller
Isaac Imer
Jacob Westervel
Michal Woods
Willm: Clenwell
Gerardis Rekir
Andrew Dodds Mikel Kenedy Thos: Collings
Peter Young
Michal paull
Thos: Putnam
Henry Hoos
Willm Irwin
George Rays
Henry Wason
Jas: Steward
Francis Reach
John Cadlett
George Steward
David Kirkwood
Joseph Borth John Light
Charles Bilderbok
Jacob Bilderbok
Willm: Mitchell
George Hinch
Seneca McRakin
John Keath
Jas: Adams
John Huewes
Robt: Gilmore
James Huard
John Cline Thos: Applegab
Moses Williamson
George Black
David Davis
John mitchell
Jas: Miller
142
Marietta College Historical Collections
Adam Row
Abram: Rommer
Willm Weedwood
John Wm: Privunce
Jas: Johnson
Jas: Cilmore
Adin Harten
Sam1: Watkins
[Gilmore ?]
Evan Wilson
Jacob Barkman
Sam1: Gilmore
Jeremiah Fresar
Edward Irwin
Jas: Logan
Joseph Wm Province
John Irwin
John Logan
Benjamin Hook
Jas: Boys
John McGee
John Toil
Elijah Hart
Mathew Logan
Henry Wade
Thos Spencer
Sam1: Felin
Willm South
Paul Humble
Sam1: Gordon
Jesse Crank
Thos: Dillen
John Wilkeson
Joseph Grifinwalt
Jacob Huffman
Dinis Davis
Aust: Miller
Christr: Hufman
Thos: Pownser
Sam1: Mason
Conrad Carito
Jacob Spears
Lewis Hickman
Sa. Light
Abram: Powell
Philip Mason
Sam1: Lee
John Moires Daniel Spears
Edward Soomes
Ulunik Hernbank
Benjamin Doslie
[Toomes?]
Martin Curts
Mical Thomas
Peter Buzzard
Peter Bordmess
Mich1: Little
Ezekiel Hickman
James Faye
Rudolph Hufman
Tasyrk Greenwalt
John Overall
Thos: Hargis
John Unsel
Peter Loves
John Moore
Mikel Teatus
Denis Downings
Jas: Dunbar
Willm: Onie
John Williams
Matthias Hook
John James
Spensor Collings
Jacob Funk
Richard James
George Crist
Henry Houglan
Samuel Wadmes
Willm: Collings
Thos: Talbort
Jonathan Cunningham
John Lee
William Look
Benjamin Caselman
George Eward [Coward ?]
David McQuall Willm Lin
Samuel Miller
Francis Daves
Adam Money
Joseph Liston
Jas: McKee
John Jones
Isaac White
John Hose
David Beach
Solomon Resiner
Hectr: Simpson
Thos: Stansbury John Vantreas
Jacob Coseman
John Wager
Jacob Salmon
Isaac Froman
Joseph Inlow Willm: Bennet
John Esery
Joseph Mounts
Martin Colmore
Jas: McCollach
Jas: Hamilton John Hamilton
Banjamin Caselman
Edward Liston
Jacob Doom
James Campbell Heny: Campbell Samuel Dunn
Willm : Ewing Joseph Sulivan
Willm : Burness
Daniel James
Benjamin Cleaver
John Greenlen
John Massey
Jas: Dougherty
143
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation
Samuel Glass
Robt: Brusler
Joseph Sulavan [Jr. ? ]
John White
Gro: Campbell
Jacob Drenning
John Airwin
Robt: Thirkman
Daniel Jones
John Dougen
Sam1: Thirkman
Robt: Hamilton
James Hamilton
Willm Lawrence
John Stuart
Henry Richards
George Clark
J. Cross Charles west
Thos: Dowdall
George Tayler
John West
John Fregas
John Hunt
John Cleer
Joseph Brown
Saml: Mason
Jesey Stuart
Joseph Thompson
Mathias Hooke
Mickel kintner
Thos: Pursel
Jacob Funck
Peter Paul
Reuben Cass
Moore
Isaac Boulder
Judiah Huntington
Thos. Roach
Cumfort Busler
Charles Dunkin
Andrew Corn
Gabl: Melter
Zachariah Hold
George Corn
Theophilus Cox
Burgis White
Henry Prayter John Rice Harry Hougland
Jas: Pursely
Robt Brown
Mashesh Carter
Thos: Hart
Thos Talbort
Hugh Begarstof
Thos Cunningham
William Look
Joseph Johnson
Charles Mason
John Grunter
Charles Secomp
John Write
Willm: Harker
Robt: Sweny
James Brown
David Hawkins
Moses Speed
Willm Brown
Willm: Chraven Zacheria Dye
Jas: Brown
Richard Moore
John Thompson
Joseph Little
Hugh Jackson
John Hunter
Daniel Williams
Jeremy Hardese
John Grundy
John Ligwald
Ephrm: Gilding
Jas: Thompson
Willm: Rice
Gro: Gilmore
Thos: Whithedge Joseph Grundee
James Neavil
Mikel Tedenhaver
David Hockins Wiliam Overall
Dinnes Pursel
Mathew Rogers
Harrison Overall William Hopkins
Benjamin Byard
Patrk. Gordon
Willm Sweden
Willm: Collings
John Townapend Benjamin Petten John Heart Samuel Harris
Joseph Conaway John Glasher Charles Young Alexr: Tutch
Thos Phillips Thos Stone
Stephen Harris
John Mayhue Haris
Jas: Toby
Thos Senderson
Asuenah Harris
Jon: Mathews
Willm: Clove
Jas: Haris
John Ruth
Cornelius Bogard
Thos: Cavet
Jas: Burk
Amasa Frisel
Thos Johnson
Willm: Colings George Grundy
Smith Harsborough
Allen Griffin
John Liston
Michal Kirkham
144 Marietta College Historical Collections
Thos. Welch
James Johnson
Joshua Cleaver
John Williams
Sam1: Criss
Edward Skidmore
John Campbell
Charles Black
John Pook
XXXIV
HUTCHINS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS (1786)76
Sir
I had the honour of writing to your Excellency the 8th of July, when I informed you of my arrival at Pittsburg, and of my intended departure for this place : here I waited for the arrival of the Surveyors untill the 21st of the same Month, when those from the Eastern States, as also from the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland ar- rived : 77 On the same day I conveyed to them my sentiments in a Letter of which the following is a Copy.
"Gentlemen
"In consequence of a Report made by the Indian Commissioners of the friendly disposition of the Indians to Congress, that August Body has been pleased to order you Gentlemen and myself to this part of the Country to execute such parts of their Ordinance as respects the Geographers Depart- ment-I therefore desire your immediate attend-
76 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 249, with enclosures from General Tupper, Colonel Harmer, and Jacob Springer.
77 The surveyors appointed were Benjamin Tupper (Massachu- setts), William Morris (New York), Alexander Parker (Virginia), James Simpson (Maryland), Robert Johnson (Georgia), Isaac Sher- man (Connecticut), Absalom Martin (New Jersey), and Edward Dowse (New Hampshire). - Journals of Congress, iv, 700.
145
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation
ance to assist me in running the East and West Line mentioned in the Ordinance of Congress passed May the 20th 1785; also to carry into effect such further parts of said Ordinance as relate to our duty.
With every sentiment of respect I have the honour to be Gentlemen your most obedient and very hble servant Tho: Hutchins
Camp at the Intersection
of the West bounds of Penn-
sylvania with the Ohio
21st July 1786-
To the Gentlemen Surveyors"
The 22ª I received a Letter from the Gentlemen Surveyors of which the following is a Copy. “Sir
"After carefully perusing your Letter of the 21st "Instant addressed to the Surveyors collectively - "With the greatest regard for the service to which "it relates and particularly that of carrying into "effect, the Ordinance of Congress of the 20th of "May 1785. We announce our disposition of ren- "dering you every assistance, not incompatible with "the principles of safety -Made sensible, of the "general ill temper of the Indians, from a variety "of corroborating circumstances and the partial "mischief which has resulted from that disposition, "We think it our duty to inform you, as well for the "publick good as our present protection, that a body "of Troops will be necessary, to cover us in our "operations-with every sentiment of respect we
146
Marietta College Historical Collections
"submit this to your consideration-In the mean "time we have the honour to be"
"Sir "your most obedient "and very hble servants
"In behalf of the Surveyors-Signed -
"Benj" Tupper"
"To Thomas Hutchins Esquire"
The aforesaid answer occasioned my immediately writing to Lieut Colonel Harmer Commandant of the Troops in the following words
"Sir
The papers which I have the honour to enclose for your perusal contains a request of the Gentlemen Surveyors to assist me in carrying into effect the Ordinance of Congress passed May the 20th 1785; also their answer and reasons for not immediately complying with my requisition; - The truth of the Information on which they have founded their opin- ions, to me, seems not to be doubted; but even if it was, as the Matter now stands, my operations are equally effected, as in either case, I am deprived of their assistance. - The good of the service therefore constrains me humbly to request that you will be pleased to order as soon as possible such a number of Troops to cover the Surveyors as in your opinion will be sufficient for their protection-The exceed- ing great anxiety of Congress to have as much as possible of the Lands in the Western Territory sur- veyed with the utmost dispatch; and conceiving the success of my expedition to be so intimately con- nected with the most important Interests of the fed- eral Government that a second failure would be
147
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation
calamitous indeed. - It therefore becomes my indis- pensible duty to endeavour to persue every method in my power to fulfill the expectations of Congress; and as an application to you, seems to be the only one left me; I am confident from your well known Zeal for the service, and the experience I have al- ready had of your readiness cheerfully to comply with every measure calculated to promote the pub- lick good, that you will be pleased to grant my re- quest.
With every sentiment of regard and Esteem July 22nd 1786 I have the honour to be Sir
To Lieut. Coll. Harmer Commandant
your most obedt and very humble servant Tho : Hutchins"
In consequence of the above Letter Captain Ham- tramck immediately marched with part of three Companies and arrived here the 5th Instant, and on the 8th he was joined by the remainder of his de- tachment amounting in the whole, including officers, to about 150 Men, who are detained for want of pro- visions. - On the same day I applied to Captain Hamtramck (who cheerfully evidences the best dis- position to support every measures calculated to promote the good of the service) for, and immedi- ately obtained, as many Soldiers, as provisions could possibly be collected to support during the time it would take to complete the East and West Line of the first Range, beginning at the place where I ended last year. - The 10th I finished the north side of the Range, and set a Surveyor to run it into Townships which he is now industriously employed in doing.
148
Marietta College Historical Collections
On my return to Captain Hamtramcks Encampment which was on this day, I had the mortification to find, notwithstanding every exertion in his power for the obtaining Provisions, he was still without any, ex- cept, a small precarious supply of fresh Meat: How- ever, he has the strongest assurances that the Con- tractor will furnish a supply by the 15th Instant, when the Troops will immediately proceed with the Surveyors.
The day on which I set out to Survey the afore- mentioned Range, I received a Letter from Lieut. Coll. Harmer, of which the following is a Copy.
"Fort Harmer, at the Mouth of the Muskingum "26th July 1786"
"Sir
"I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt "of your favour of the 22nd Instant enclosing me a "Copy of your Letter to the Gentlemen Surveyors "and their answer thereto, by which I observe you "request me to order such a number of Troops to "cover the Surveyors as in my opinion will be suffi- "cient for their protection-I shall order the three "Companies, which are at present stationed at the "Merigo bottom,78 under Command of Captain Ham- "tramck to remove from thence directly, to your "Encampment for the purpose of covering you as "effectually as lays in his power. - Captain Ham- "tramck's command will consist of about one hun- "dred & fifty Men -I have directed him to converse "with you upon this subject, and as he will be on the "spot, to make the best arrangement he can, for "Escorting and Guarding the Surveyors-If this "force should be found insufficient, upon your re-
78 Mingo Botton near Steubenville, O.
149
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation.
"quest to me, Captain Hamtramck shall be rein- "forced from hence with another company - If any "thing material should transpire, I beg you to send "me early Intelligence thereof - I shall be happy to "hear from you frequently, where you are, and how "the business goes on."
"I have the honour to be "with very great esteem "Sir "Your most obedient Servant"
"Captain Hutchins "Jos. Harmer" Geographer to the United States."
I beg leave to observe that my making a second requisition for Troops will very much depend on the nature of the Intelligence I shall receive by the re- turn of the Messenger sent by me from Pittsburg to the Indian Towns. On the 11th Instant I received a few lines from him, of which the following is a Copy.
"Lower Sundusky 19th July 1786" "Sir
"I arrived at this place the 15th after a tedious "Journey occasioned by my Horse being lame-I "was received very well by the Indians-No Chiefs "at home, only two old Men, who told me that the "other Chiefs belonging to this Town were gone to "Canada, and that it was out of their power to go "with me, but would be willing could they leave "home-Tomorrow I shall set out for the Upper "Towns, where I here there are no Chiefs at home, "but are all out a hunting: I expect I shall be de- "tained there some days to get them together."
"I am Sir with respect" "Jacob Springer"
"To M' Hutchins"
150
Marietta College Historical Collections
Before I conclude this Letter or rather narrative of facts I beg leave only to take up as much of your Excellency's Time as to inform you that the Sur- veyors are arrived, all but those from the States of Delaware, Virginia, and South Carolina, the latter is hourly expected; and from the favourable appear- ance of circumstances, I have great reason not only to hope, but expect, that I shall be able to completely finish the surveying of thirteen Ranges by the first of December next, when I purpose returning to New York. -
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.