USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > Wilkes-Barre > A history of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania : from its first beginnings to the present time, including chapters of newly-discovered early Wyoming Valley history, together with many biographical sketches and much genealogical material. Volume III > Part 75
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*See, "Miner's History," p. 415.
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and then went on our way. Having traveled some miles farther, we came to some farmers' houses, where we hired horses, and then continued our journey to Philadelphia.
"On my return to Wilkesbarre, I was informed that the arrangement of the guards to inter- cept me, was precisely as I had conjectured. A subaltern's command marched to the deserted cabin, whence three men were detached to Bear Creek, where they waited till night, when they returned to the cabin; concluding that I had reached the creek before them.
"The insurgents, soon brought to reflection, and deprived of the counsel and direction of their leader, Franklin, began to relent, and sent a petition to the Executive Council, acknowledging their offence, and praying for a pardon. This was readily granted; and Colonel Denison, the Luzerne counsellor, went up with the pardon. It was natural to infer from this, that I might return in safety to my family. I proceeded accordingly; but when within twenty-five miles, I sent by a servant who was with me, a letter to my wife, desiring her to consult some of the discreet neigh- bours, who were my friends, relative to my return. She did so. They were of opinion that I could not return with safety at present. So I went back to Philadelphia."
Having missed their quarry, the followers of Colonel Franklin undoubtedly resorted to the power of dire threats, especially toward Mrs. Pickering, in the hopes of having her disclose the hiding place of her husband. Undoubtedly, also, searching parties were scattered in various directions, enjoined to intercept the fugitive. Colonel Pickering's narrative describes one of these parties as hav- ing left the crossing at Bear Creek prior to the arrival of himself and Mr. Evans at that point.
In the absence of other authentic information as to what transpired follow- ing an unavailing search of the Pickering residence, letters written shortly after the occurence, and now published for the first time, throw considerable light. Enroute to Philadelphia, Colonel Pickering paused to pen a letter to Capt. John Swift, who had been recognized as the leader of Franklin adherents on the night of the 2nd.
The information obtained therein, must have been communicated to the fugitive through the medium of the "German farmer" heretofore mentioned, or brought to him by one of his servants. The letter was dated at Savage's,* Thursday, October 4, 1787, and in part, reads as follows: "Sir:
"I am informed that you commanded the party which surrounded Mr. Hollenback's house last Tuesday night, and that my wife is kept there a prisoner. I am further informed that it has been proposed to send her to Tioga.
"But so cruel a measure I cannot think you will suffer to be carried into execution. I profess myself to be innocent; unless it is a crime to have laboured for near a year past to promote the welfare and interest of the Connecticut Settlers in the County of Luzerne. But whatever mis- representations and lies may have caused any to believe, concerning me, certainly my wife is innocent, and ought not to suffer; and I rely upon you to prevent any insult or abuse being offered to her; and a greater injury perhaps could not be done to her, than to send her to Tioga. She is of a tender frame, and has an infant at her breast about three weeks old, besides four other young children to look after. To compel her to make such a journey, either by land or water, and in such circumstances, and a prisoner, may be fatal to her; and any injury done to her I shall not consider as I should injuries done to myself; for these I can easily forgive. But injuries done to her, I shall not soon forgive or forget.
"I was glad when I heard you had a command, because I think you naturally possess both honor and humanity; though you are sadly misled to engage in your present undertaking.
"I long ago heard that in case Franklin should be taken, the vengeance of his party was to fall on me. But why, if any regard was had to justice, it was not easy to determine. If I have been guilty of any crimes, I am ready and willing to answer for them; and no more will be required of Esquire Franklin. He will not be condemned, unheard. He will have a fair trial by a jury, and the Constitution of Pennsylvania requires that persons accused of crimes, be tried in their * own county. * * What can you and those who joined you, propose to yourselves in taking up arms? Is it possible that you should think Franklin's party able to withstand the power of Pennsylvania? Do you not see how much the present situation of the settlers differs from their situation before the law passed for confirming their lands? Then not only the settlers, but the people of Connecticut and the majority of the people of Pennsylvania might excuse your opposition to government, because they thought the settlers ought to be quieted in their old possessions. * * If you think Pennsylvania will be still as formerly, when her government is trampled on, you will find yourselves mistaken. Now that she has done what justice and your own petition required, she will feel herself justified before God and the world, in sending a sufficient military force to crush at once all opposition-and rest assured that she will do it. * *
* At the same time it is inconceivable what reasons Franklin could give his followers to make them believe his
*Savage's or Savitz's Tavern was on the Sullivan road between Wind Gap and the Tobyhanna.
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project would be successful; for I believe a wilder one never before entered into the head of any man in his senses. Who but a madman, with his handful of associates could imagine that he could successfully oppose a State that is equal in power to one-eighth part of all the United States? Or that because you baffled the handful of troops she sent against you formerly therefore that you can maintain your ground against the whole force of the State, which, for the reason before men- tioned, will be ready to arm against you. All who before were your friends and well-wishers, now that your lands are confirmed, and you still refuse submission to the laws, will be your enemies. The Government and the people of Connecticut are satisfied with the Confirming Law-except I suppose, some members of the Susquehanna Company. Doctor Johnson and Mr. Sherman, two of the Connecticut Delegates in the late Continental Convention, in particular, were satisfied with it. And Dr. Johnson, I understood, sent a message by William Ross to Franklin, to this effect: "That if he did not abandon his measures of opposition, he would bring himself to ruin." But he would obstinately persist in them, and now you see the consequence. This reminds me of what I said to Franklin last April-the Friday evening after the election at Forty Fort was violently broken up. He called to see me at John Hollenback's, where we conversed together two or three hours on the subject then in dispute. At the close of the conversation, when he rose up to go home, I addressed him in words to this effect: "Mr. Franklin, you have heretofore had great respect paid you in this settlement, and taken the lead in its affairs; and notwithstanding all that is past, notwithstanding all your opposition to Government, it is not too late to retreat. If you now change your course of conduct, if you submit, as every good citizen ought, to the Government of the State, your past conduct will be overlooked, you may still be respected-still take the lead in the Settlement." This sentiment I expressed to him in language as serious and affecting as I could frame, hoping it might have the desired effect, and induce him quietly to submit to the laws. * *
* But all my words and arguments were thrown away upon him; for if he had regarded them, he must have given up the daring though ridiculous idea of forming a new and independent State. That this was his plan, is now pretty clearly seen and generally known, and it was to be accomplished by the slaughter and banishment of all the good and faith- ful citizens of Pennsylvania in the County. Government have from various quarters been apprized of his proceedings and wicked designs; and for some time past, proposed to apprehend him. The three Commissioners received a State warrant a month ago for that purpose, but we did not think it expedient to put it into execution. He was taken last Tuesday by another warrant directed to sundry officers, particularly to one of the gentlemen who took him, but of this we knew nothing till they arrived."
Before a reply could be received to the above epistle, reassuring news was addressed to Colonel Pickering, at Philadelphia, by Judge Obadiah Gore, in the following letter:
"Wilkesbarre, Oct. 5, 1787.
"I am this A. M. arrived here and find your family safe. I am induced to believe the idea of removing them is at att end and I have an assurance from Captains Swift and Baldwin that no opposition will be made to either elections of civil or military officers. My present sentiments are that no further opposition will be made and that the Commissioners may as soon as convenient return to execute their trust."
Lord Butler, Sheriff of Luzerne County, likewise sent a communication to the exiled Pickering, which showed, as did Judge Gore's letter, that those of the old Connecticut stock, who had accepted office under Pennsylvania, were not in sympathy with the Franklin cause:
"Wyoming, Oct. 5, 1787.
"I can't express my feelings on the cruel and ungenerous treatment of the people of this county against you. *
* When I found that the authority could not stop the riot, (on October 2nd) I was distressed to see destruction coming upott ns. Your family is well and you may rest assured that they will not be hurt. * *
* I am crazy to think destruction is to come upon the unhappy County. *
* * It is thought best to carry out the elections, which I am determined to do if there is but ten votes.
Swift and some others scem to wish to compromise if they can be forgiven."*
Captain Swift replied promptly to Colonel Pickering's letter. The reply was conciliatory, and even apologetic in tone, but professed a loyalty for Colonel Franklin which seems to have remained in the hearts and minds of many of his followers to the end. The text of the letter follows:
"Wilkesborough, Oct. 6, 1787.
"Sir: "I received your letter dated the 4th inst., in which you express much concern for your family. I expected it. Some of the party had told Mrs. Pickering to prepare to go up the river to be kept as a hostage till Col. Franklin should be restored; But as soon as I heard such orders had been given, I repaired immediately to your family to relieve Mrs. Pickering's anxiety. Your family has not been removed, nor any way injured to my knowledge. Mr. Ebenezar Bowman *See the "Pickering Papers," LVII : 308.
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can inform you the particulars. I write this to inform you that your family and effects shall be safe till you return-that they are not under any kind of confinement-that Col. Franklin's friends are disposed to submit to Government and law in all things-that you will think differently of them from what you have done, and that we wish your return with the rest of the Commissioners. "Upon my honor, the notion of Independency was not in our heads; neither was it (to my knowledge) Franklin's object, at the time he was taken. You may expect me and my influence in favour of Law. One thing for myself and for his (Franklin's) friends, in this County, I ask of you; that is, I wish you to use your influence that Col. Franklin (whom you know I love) should be dealt with fairly and that as much lenity as possible be shown him. This you can do-this will lay us under obligations to you, and will tend greatly to the peace of this County.
"Major Jenkins, Capts. Baldwin & Satterlee, Lts. Slocum and Mattison concur with me. We have spent two days in Wilkes-Barre to convince the authorities of our peaceable disposition. "I hear there is a State warrant out to take off, as Franklin was taken, myself and others for our past conduct. We must not be taken off in that manner. 'Twas too cruel!
"I am sir, Your Humble Servant,
"JOHN SWIFT."
The compromise suggested in the foregoing letter of Sheriff Butler was not long delayed. Realizing that a great majority of the inhabitants of Luzerne County, and especially those who dwelt in the more populous centers, believed that Connecticut either would not or could not interest itself in their behalf, and that their future peace and prosperity lay rather in securing the best recog- nition possible of their land titles under the Pennsylvania jurisdiction, as well as in obtaining the benefit of the laws of that Commonwealth, the Franklin party dwindled in power and influence. Many of its members expressed a willing- ness to become citizens of Pennsylvania, provided some sort of an amnesty act were passed in their behalf. In the breast of others, the embers of discontent and suspicion still smouldered to burst forth in a final but ineffectual effort to throw off the Pennsylvania yoke.
*The Supreme Executive Council, at Philadelphia, was apparently sincere in holding out the olive branch of peace in the direction of Wyoming.
On October 10th, the Council discussed the best method of procedure in regard to those who had taken part in the late troubles at Wilkes-Barré, with the result that Col. Nathan Denison, the Luzerne County member thereof, was instructed by Benjamin Franklin to grant amnesty to all concerned "in the late riot"* provided they "prayed for a pardon."
Colonel Denison returned to Wilkes-Barré at the earliest opportunity. Ebenezer Bowman returned with him, and on October 17th, the latter wrote Colonel Pickering as follows:
"Wilkesborough, Oct. 17, 1787.
"We arrived here Saturday (Oct. 13) and found the settlement nearly in the same situation as when I left. Beach and Mckinstry (two of the "Wild Yankees" who had stormed Col. Pick- ering's house) with a party of half share men were here. Some of them on the night I left this place for Philadelphia, abused Esquire Gore in a shameful manner. * * * On Monday, the 15th, we had a meeting at which time Col. Denison communicated the determination of Council towards them. The offenders seemed much pleased with the lenity of Council towards them and manifested their readiness to submit to Government. Beach and Mckinstry were present, but made no remarks upon the letter of Council nor did they give any advice, publically, to the people. I am told, however, that Beach is still very busy endeavoring to persuade people to sign the Combination, as they call it.
"The idea of troops being sent here is disagreeable to many, particularly to those who have no just claim to any property in this settlement.
"The election of military officers was adjourned until the 20th inst. Had it gone on, Franklin undoubtedly would have been Colonel. The election of civil officers was held peaceably."
Very little excitement and no disquiet prevailed at the fall elections in Luzerne County. Colonel Denison was again returned to the Executive Council and Capt. John Paul Schott was chosen the county's assemblyman in place of Colonel Franklin. Sheriff Lord Butler (against whom considerable criticism had
*See "Pennsylvania Archives," 1V : 17.
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arisen as to his indecision on the night of October 2nd) wrote a short report of this election to Colonel Pickering, on October 15th :
"We have held the election in peace " the letter ran. "Our opposers joined very freely and run with us on the same ticket."
Elsewhere, meanwhile, other important events of the eventful year 1787, were transpiring. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen states had convened at Philadelphia, May 14, 1787, for the purpose of drawing up a Constitution for the United States, to take the place of the loosely drawn and unsatisfactory Articles of Confederation. While a quorum did not reach the convention until May 25th, its efforts were unremitting after the latter date, under the guiding hand of General Washington. Its work was completed September 17th. Under its terms, the document needed the ratification of twelve states to become effec- tive. A copy of the Constitution, probably owing to the distinguished connec- tion of Benjamin Franklin therewith, seems to have reached the Pennsylvania House of Assembly promptly.
Samuel Hodgdon was first to give the news of the momentous event to the people of Wyoming. Writing to Colonel Pickering, then in Wilkes-Barré, under date of September 17th, from Philadelphia, he states:
"This A. M. the new Constitution was read in our House of Assembly to a crowded audience and seems to be generally approved. Indeed, we have been in high glee ever since, bells ringing and congratulations in every street."
A convention of delegates from each state met to consider and pass upon the Constitution. On November 12, 1787, an election was held at Wilkes-Barré, to select the representative from Luzerne County, to this Convention. Colonel Pickering, although still exiled in Philadelphia, received an overwhelining ma- jority. Two letters, posted the same day, from Wyoming, informed him of this fact. Ebenezer Bowman penned a candid and amusing epistle which, while not complimentary to several prominent settlers therein named, has been preserved among the "Pickering Papers," LVII : 332, and is worth a perusal :
"Wilkesborough, Nov. 12, 1787"
"The people have made choice of you (by a great majority) to represent them in Convention. * *
* I deemed it my duty to exert myself to prevent if possible, a person being chosen who would object to the proposed Constitution. Christopher Hurlbutt was the person proposed, and being in favor as well with the opposers as the supporters of Government, it appeared highly probable he would be chosen. As you had informed Hollenback and Doctor Smith, that it would not be convenient for you to attend (if chosen) no proposal of the kind had been made; but at that late period it was necessary that some person should be run in whom the people would be most likely to unite, or the other party would succeed. You was proposed, and it took generally with the people. The only objection was that your attendance would interfere with the business of the Co., and this was removed by assuring them you was not expected under three weeks. * *
* Comptroller, General Nicholson sent four pamphlets into this settlement, each containing the new Constitution, with a number of suitable remarks upon it. Had he known the character of those to whom he sent them, I am sure he would not have taken so much trouble (Col. Butler, Dr. Smith, Esq. Gore and Esq. Hollenbaek). Gore, as he is a person of some enquiry, undoubtedly read his, but the other three, I am convinced, never have. I had the curiosity to enquire of Butler, just before the poll was opened, concerning the pamphlet he had received from Nicholson. It turned out as I expected. He was not able to determine whether it was the Constitution or an almanac! "I was informed by Dr. Smith that an enquiry would be made concerning the conduct of some particular persons in this place, and that Lord Butler (in consequence of his having met with the Commissioners appointed by the Luzerne County, and also for neglecting his duty at the time of the riot, here) would not be commissionated. The lot of these charges, I believe, to be groundless, as I cannot learn that he has ever acted as secretary to that Board since his appointment as Sheriff, and I think it my duty to say that from my first acquaintance he has ever appeared friendly to Government. With respect to his conduct at the time of the riot, as an executive officer, and one whose particular business it is at all times to suppress mobs and riots, he certainly has laid himself open to censure; but I believe his conduct ought to be imputed more to the want of resolution than want of attachment to Government.
"I am sensible that no motives of fear (in general) are sufficient to excuse an officer from attempting to discharge his duty. Yet, considering the intricate situation of the county at that
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time, and the violence of those who were opposed to Government, I do not think him to blame for not attempting to disperse the people. I am sure he would have met with great personal abuse. * * *
"Dr. Smith, I suspect, said more against Lord Butler than he ought to. I believe the Doctor to be a true friend to Government; but he undoubtedly is wanting in that excellence of which he is so often boasting-viz., Courage, and, like others of that character, is very ready to censure any who through fear (although the cause is ever so great) neglect their duty .*
Judge Obadiah Gore wrote on the same date, to much the same import, omitting the personal equation:
"You will doubtless, by Mr. Butler, receive an appointment from this county to attend the Convention. How far you will approve of our policy in the appointment I cannot tell, when you so much wanted to attend the office of Commissioner. As Mr. William Stewart and some others were making an interest among the opposers to Government, put us on a pass of running one person on our ticket, and by that means, you had it by a great majority. But I wish that the other Commissioners might attend, as soon as possible, to the examination of our claims after the arrival of Troops.
Colonel Pickering did attend the Convention, from his temporary residence in Philadelphia, and on December 12, 1787, it ratified the Constitution, being the second state of the new union to subscribe to the document.
A brief description of the Convention, of general interest, was recorded by Colonel Pickering:
* * After a great deal of discussion, the Convention assented to and ratified the Con- stitution. It was engrossed on parchment, and received the signatures of nearly all the Delegates, including the opposers while under discussion, with the exception of some three or four obstinate men, and, to the best of my recollection of their characters, as ignorant as obstinate. The op- posers of its adoption were the extra-republicans or democrats-the same sort of men who after- wards were called anti-federalists, and who uniformly oppose all the leading measures of the federal administration of the General Government."}
At the close of the Convention of Delegates, Colonel Pickering intimated his purpose to return to Wyoming.
His friends in Wilkes-Barré sent frequent assurances that this could now be accomplished in safety. His various official duties in Luzerne County had been neglected, his business affairs, although capably managed by his wife and servant, John Scott, under his direction, were becoming involved, his new home was nearing completion and his every thought was with his family, from a portion of which he had been exiled for several months.}
His wife was opposed to the venture, unless he was furnished an escort of troops. To this Colonel Pickering objected, on the ground that the presence of an escort would tend to revive bitter animosities, the signs of which seemed to be gradually disappearing.
Moreover, no Sessions of the Commission of which he was the head had been held during his absence, and this was evoking criticism and causing anxiety on the part of holders under the Connecticut title, lest the time limit (of eight months) fixed by the Confirming Law, should expire before their claims could be proved. In a postscript to a letter sent to his brother, under date of January 1, 1788, Colonel Pickering leaves no doubt of his intention.
"At the request of the Council," he wrote, "I have delayed my journey until now, to take some orders for Wyoming. * * * I am just going to set off." He went by way of the Wind Gap and stopped at Haller's tavern. That his friends in Philadelphia were concerned over the outcome of the journey, there can be no doubt. Under date of January 12, 1788, his partner, Hodgdon, wrote from that city to Colonel Pickering, at Wilkes-Barré, as follows:
*That the Council took no official notice of Lord Butler's alleged dereliction, is shown by the fact that under date of November 17, 1787, the Secretary of the Council transmitted a Commission to Mr. Butler, as Sheriff, for another term.
¿See the "Pickering Papers," LVII
#Four of his sons had joined him in Philadelphia, and were living with friends there while attending school.
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"By Mr. Haller, who is to be the bearer of this letter, I am informed of the time you left his house to proceed to Wyoming: by which I with pleasure observe that no accounts on the road had operated to prevent your design of going immediately in. I hope all remains quiet, and that, with pleasing prospect, you are enjoying domestic happiness."
Excepting for the sincere congratulations of friends, Colonel Pickering's arrival seems to have been without incident. No demonstrations disturbed what seemed to be a community at peace with itself and the world. "We moved into the new house last Saturday (January 14, 1788) he recorded in a letter, "and while it is not yet finished, yet we have much more comfort than in that of Mr. Hollenback."
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